In the Grey of Dawn: Welcome to Hidden Valley

by K. Wish

CharlieA reckless night with a handsome stranger was the last thing I expected when attending my best friend's wedding.

Several months and an unexpected phone call later, I'm back in Hidden Valley, sitting in front of the man I haven't been able to stop thinking about. And despite every touch, whisper and brush of his lips… there’s a part of him that remains a mystery. An enigma.

For the first time ever, I want more with someone… I just don't know if he wants that too.Porter

Im broken.

My past is one of destruction.

Violence and love don't mix, so when an unexpected encounter with a beautiful woman kickstarts my cold dead heart. I can't help but worry that my past will catch up with me.

That another woman I crave will be taken.

In the Grey of Dawn is a small town protector romance with dark themes. Please check the trigger warnings in the front matter of the book.

Genres: Small Town Romance, Romantic Suspense

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2024

About the author

A lover of all things romance, K. Wish is a mum by day and a romance writer by night. She enjoys writing small town settings with protector males; but where the female lead ultimately becomes her own hero. Living in majestic New Zealand she has the perfect inspiration for the fictional world she creates and the many characters she wants to share.

Reviews

[Zsa Zsa Silva · Rating 1 out of 5]

Este libro tenía potencial… hasta que decidió convertir la manipulación emocional en “romance”.

El protagonista masculino no es un antihéroe complejo: es un chantajista emocional que miente, controla la información, decide por los demás “por su bien” y luego es perdonado sin consecuencias reales. Fingir meses de coma, hacer creer a la protagonista que está muerto y permitir que ella viva un duelo innecesario no es amor: es crueldad.

Lo más problemático no es solo lo que hace, sino cómo el texto lo justifica. El libro insiste en vendernos la idea de un “amor de vida y muerte” mientras el protagonista nunca elige del todo: mantiene a la muerta como promesa eterna y a la viva como premio paciente. Charlotte no es elegida; es tolerante. Y eso no es romántico.

El final no es trágico ni profundo: es cómodo. Cómodo para el protagonista, cómodo para el autor, e injusto para la protagonista femenina, que merece algo mejor que competir con un fantasma santificado.

Si el mensaje era el amor eterno, el final correcto era la muerte.
Si el mensaje era seguir adelante, faltó soltar el pasado.
Pero intentar quedarse con todo hace que el libro no se quede con nada.

Un cierre que deja más enojo que catarsis, y una historia que confunde intensidad con abuso emocional.

Para terminar pronto, el prota es un HDP!

[Aleshia Chalklen · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: (more to be added closer to release)

This second installment of the Welcome to Hidden Valley series yet again delivers everything I could hope for and more with regards to writing style, plot, the emotional pull on me as the reader and the need for the next MCs story.

Yet again our lovely author blends romance into a relatable tale of overcoming trauma, finding your person and the strength of friendship.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok listen.. these dang books, y’all…. I’m crying, I’m screaming, I’m giving a big ol’ WTF and equally swooning, laughing and in a complete chokehold. I am obsessed!!

When they say I love you but Porter says..
👇🏻
“𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞,” 𝐈 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫, 𝐦𝐨𝐲𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐲𝐞. 🫠
+
“𝐘𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐞, 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐞. 𝐈𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐧, 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝. 𝐔𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐈 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞.” 🫠🤭 I MEAN…. 🙂‍↕️😛

Charlie & Porter’s story is a love letter to grief and learning that loving again doesn’t mean letting go of your past. I love that Charlie is not this damsel in distress but she is strong, nurturing and a grounding point for her friends and Porter. She is THAT GIRL and the hero in this story. 🥰 Also, their chemistry is 😮‍💨 & 🥵!!

Mila & Dante from book one (𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦) have a huge role in this book so I definitely recommend reading their story. I am SOOO excited for more Ace & Nova too!

𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮…
🌄small town
🫠he falls first
💁🏼‍♀️confident FMC
👋🏻touch her and ..
🫶lust to love
🖤ex-mafia
😤protector romance
🫢romantic suspense
😶‍🌫️steamy

[anasladylit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been pestering K Wish for this book since I finished reading Mila and Dante’s story back in January. Hello Charlie and Porter!

“A bourbon and coke, hold the bourbon.”

First of all, that prologue. Hook, line and sinker! As soon as my eyes hit the page I was grinning like an idiot at the banter and then when I turned the page. Fuuuuuck me.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

It was so nice getting to revisit Mila, Dante and the pups from book 1. I’m sure the hyperemesis representation will be one a few readers connect to. I always appreciate books a little more when experiences are different to the norm because I know how meaningful it is to feel seen.

Dimi is one of my most favourite characters in this book. His and Charlie’s friendship 🥹😍

Now I’m counting down to Nova and Ace’s book ⏰

[Kimreviewsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. rounded up.

Charlie and Porter. Porter and Charlie.

I LOVED this!! Probably one of my favorite couples in romance book in a long while. We had some intense feels from both, some background info that makes more sense as the book goes on. Was so quick and easy to follow. I feel like I fell in love with them as they fell in love with each other.

The plot was intense and there was so much happening I loved it. It was hard to do anything other than read this book!!

Ex Mafia, feisty nurse, trauma up the whaazoo. ugh I just was so into it. I honestly cannot wait for Ace and Nova's book.

[The Savage Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a suspense romance following ex-mafia MMC Porter and feisty nurse FMC Charlie as they find themselves living in the same small town a few months after having a fling at their friends wedding.
The tension and chemistry between these two was so good I had no option but to keep turning the pages!

I loved the appearances by our book one couple and the teasing at the relationship between the characters featured in the next book. I enjoyed how well this book stands on its own while being a great follow up on the previous one.
I am looking forward to returning to Hidden Valley

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Grey of Dawn is a suspense romance that was exactly what I didn't know I needed. The story revolves around an ex-mafia man and a nurse, and their chemistry is electric. K Wish blends intense moments with lighter interactions, making it a well-rounded read.

The twists keep you on your toes. I found myself genuinely surprised more than once. If you’re looking for a romance that dives into darker themes while still being entertaining and heartfelt, this book is a great pick.
It’s perfect for anyone wanting a deeper, more complex love story.

[Dahné "anotherbookchick" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 star so round up!

I absolutely loved this book! I am a sucker for a Broken MMC & Porter is just perfect to me! This book has more spice than the first one which I really enjoyed 🤣

K Wish has done a great job having this book stand on its own whist also leaning into the previous story with a lot of interaction with Mila from book one. I am so excited after that bonus epilogue for book 3 - Ace & Nova!!

[Alice Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just hit the spot. The suspense, the emotional connection and the spice between the 2 MCs… just perfection. The characters are beautifully written, but just be ready for tears. The story had me hooked straight after the prologue..
I also loved that we got to follow the couple from book one as a perfect little side quest.
I really enjoyed this second book and highly recommend this series. Can‘t wait for book 3.

I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review. A big thank you to the author.

[Ally · Rating 2 out of 5]

This review/rant will have spoilers so if you don’t want to know anything then skip it. Also, sorry if this ends up being long but I need to vent.

I loved Dante and Mila’s book. Gave it 5 stars. I had high hopes for this book. It wasn’t really bad but it started to really piss me off about 70% of the way through.

I don’t like the widow/widower trope. Porter and Lila weren’t married but I’m still going to characterize it as under that umbrella. He was still in love with Lila. I’ve never been married and I’ve never had a bf die so I have no idea how I would feel and how I would grieve. There’s no right way to grieve and everyone does it differently. I’m not saying he shouldn’t have love for her but it’s different than still being in love with someone. Especially when they aren’t coming back. Charlie is a better person than me because I don’t think I could be with someone like porter. He still gets up every morning to be with Lila while watching the sun rise. I get that he feels guilty for how she died and if she didn’t die they would probably still be together. But I personally feel like it’s disrespectful to Charlie. Don’t be with someone if you can’t move on.

And he kept snapping at her. If I were her I would’ve just went back to my apartment and let him figure out what he wants. And I totally get that he wanted revenge on the people that killed Lila but he killed women and children to get is justice. That didn’t sit right with me. I’ve read a lot of dark romance and mafia books and they aren’t saints but they never hurt women or children.

And when he had his panic attack on the roof after Charlie left he still was thinking about Lila. Even when Charlie went back he thought it was Lila.

When porter was in a coma he saw Lila and basically said see you later. Wait for me. Blah blah. Like even in the afterlife he wants to be with her.

And the fact that he let Charlie live on for what, 6 or 7 months without letting her know he was okay and awake. Letting her think he died was so messed up. Idk if I could forgive him.

I’m sure there’s more I can complain about but this just really pisses me off. I’ll read ace and nova’s book but it better be better than this one.

This gets 2.5 stars from me.

Also, this is dumb to complain about but it bugged me in Dante’s book and this book. I’m sure aces book will be the same but they kept saying “gods”. Like oh my gods instead of oh my god. I’m not religious at all so it’s not like I’m offended but it. It’s a figure of speech and I know there’s a lot of religions and a lot of gods people pray too but it just sounded so weird every time they said it like that.

[Lakinloveslit · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was SO excited to receive an ARC of this after absolutely loving In The Cover of Darkness earlier this year. Man we’ve got some talented authors here in Aotearoa!

This book follows Charlie and Porter. Charlie has recently relocated to Hidden Valley to help nurse her best friend Mila through her pregnancy, as she’s suffering with hyperemesis gravidarum. Charlie was last there for Mila and Dante’s wedding, where she spent some sexy time in the basement with Porter 😏 and she hasn’t stopped thinking about him since. Porter owns the local bar and definitely isn’t mad about seeing Charlie again. But his past haunts him, and although he feels a strong pull towards Charlie, he doesn’t know if he can risk his heart being broken again. Charlie is determined though, and she might prove too much for Porter to resist.

Ummmm ok the smut was really turned up in this one and I was LIVING! I absolutely LOVED Charlie! She’s full of confidence and sass but also has a soft side and is full of understanding and patience with Porter as he tries to figure out his feelings towards her. She doesn’t press him to tell her about his past, but lets him get comfortable enough with her to trust her and open up which I loved. The touch her and die vibes Porter was giving off had me grinning from ear to ear - he was possessive without it being creepy or gross. I also loved Dimi and I hope we see more of him in future books! So nice to still get heaps of scenes with characters from the first book too.

If you haven’t read ITCOD I highly highly recommend you do, and then pick this up straight after! You could read this as a standalone, but I think it’d be a better experience if you’ve read the first one first. Huge thanks to @kwishauthor for letting me read this early - it was EVERYTHING 🤌

[Sarah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the grey of dawn

Arc review 5💫

I had the honor of arc reading this beautiful book and I can hand on heart tell you it's worth every emotion you experience (get the tissues)

Porter and Charlie are not your typical love story. Porters past is dark and full of sorrow and it holds him back from fully embracing what he has with Charlie.
Knowing his past is a part of who he is she waits for his walls to crumble and allow her in and share the pain he so willing carries from it. Charlie openly loves him and his past proving to him she's there to mend his broken pieces whenever he falls apart.
The past creeps in from the shadows darkening his door and taking the light he held so closely. History feels like it's about to repeat itself but porter makes the sacrifice he wishes he'd been able to make years ago to save the ones he loves.
Now the next few chapters will have you crying, shouting, anxiety spiked all while living in hope. But it's worth it I promise!!!
There's always a happily ever after after having your heart broken 💔

Also let me put it out there Porter just (bites knuckles) 🥵 that man and his mouth! Him and Charlie are a match made in heaven and damn does it get hot!!

K.wish you delivered a book not just with spice but with topics that were spoke about beautifully. Thank you for allowing me on this journey with you!

For an emotional rollercoaster of a book which follows the lives of those in hidden valley the grey of dawn is a huge must! Highly recommend ❤️❤️

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I need to find her and let her know that she is loved, that I'm in love with her and she better be ready for me because ours was a love written in the dawn."

I was lucky to receive an ARC of K. Wish's newest book, In the Grey of Dawn (book two in the Welcome to Hidden Valley series). It follows the story of Charlie and Porter.

Charlie and Porter were perfect together!

Charlie is the best kind of friend anyone could ever want in life. She has a heart of gold, and her loyalty knows no bounds. The fact she quit her job and packed up her whole life to help care for Mila during her pregnancy was everything. She was Porter's perfect match in every way. I love she respected his boundaries and allowed him to open up in his own time.

Porter intrigued me, and I enjoyed learning more about him and his past. My heart broke after finding out what happened in his past. He has an interesting past that is for sure! I love how he is possessive but also has this gentle side only Charlie sees.

I love Hidden Valley and its community. It sounded like such a beautiful place.

I also enjoyed seeing characters from K. Wish's first book In the Cover of Darkness. The found family aspect was perfect, and I loved seeing how close they all were. I hope we see more of Dimi in future books!

I cannot wait to read Ace and Nova's story In the Light of Day!

Thank you so much to K. Wish for this ARC 🖤

⚠️ * Please check the trigger warnings before reading! * ⚠️

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the Welcome to Hidden Valley series.
Mila's friend Charlie relocates to Hidden Valley. Porter owns a bar there. The two have an electric connection. But the past tests their budding relationship.

Charlie is strong, witty, fierce, and nurturing. Porter is dominant, protective, broken, and sweet.

I absolutely loved revisiting the characters from book one. I appreciate that the author didn't make the pregnancy all rainbows and butterflies. She made it realistic and even relatable for some.

This book is dark, entertaining, and heartfelt. It has great tension and chemistry. The spice is hot. The love story is more than the spice. It's deep and complex. It has the best "fuck it" moment.

I was on the edge of my seat as I devoured this book.

This story is about overcoming trauma, finding your person, and strength of friendship.

I highly recommend this book, but please read In the Cover of Darkness first.

[Nasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was patiently waiting for "In the Grey of Dawn" and it was worth it.

Porter and Charlie's story is the second book of "Welcome to Hidden Valley" and it brings you everything you want. It has a great plot, a broken MMC, and great characters. The emotional effect of the MMCs to each other is undeniable, so pure (cried at a scene) and the spice was h€lla wild.

K. Wish did a great writing again with their story, you could feel the chemistry the pull to each other from the first page on when they met at Milas wedding. It was refreshing to see Mila and Dante a lot in this story. Charlie and Mila had a lot interaction and it was great. The side characters like Dimi, Noah and Ace brought a fantastic vibe to their story and the friendship between Dimi and Charlie is top-notch.

[bookishescape · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way author broke me only to put me back together within last couple of sentences of this book😭

I remember asking if we can get Porter's book after reading Dante and Mila's story, but guys you are NOT ready for this one. No mater what you tell yourself. This book made me bawl my eyes out... this is utterly beautiful yet such a painful read.

The emotions, tensions, plot, spice, character development, relationship between Charlie and Porter, secrets, plot twists everything was top notch.

I really have nothing bad to say about this book, this is definitely one of my favorites of this year, and if I might say this one is even better than Dante's.

⭐️ 6/5
🌶 3,5/5

** just I case author comes across this review, Can we now get Dimi's book? Pretty please?

[Deanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy heck this book put me through the wringer! It had all the freaking emotions, especially when it hit me the grief of being a motherless daughter. As someone who struggles with nausea and the like on the daily, I could even relate to the hyperemesis diagnosis.

The passion between Charlie and Porter were off the charts. The tension was explosive and the spicy scenes were delicious.

I connected some dots much faster than the characters did and was surprised by some of the decisions they made but I was still intrigued enough that I binged the book in one sitting.

Overall this was an enjoyable small town romantic suspense which are some of my favourites. Now I just have to try not to run to K Wish’s DMs and beg her for Nova and Ace next 😂

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Grey Of Dawn by @kwishauthor

Small town romance with PLENTY of spice 🥵

This book is the 2nd in its series and let me tell you, it will definitely clench your thighs together..

Charlie moves to a small secluded town to help her pregnant bestie and is secretly wishing to run in to the ex Bratva hunk she hooked up with at a wedding..

Porter is the ex Bratva hunk mentally reliving THAT night in the cellar with Charlie and craving more.. but will his old life catch up with him? Can the past that haunts him finally let him give in to happiness?

This book is the definition of an emotional rollercoaster!!

GO! RUN! This is a 10/10 read.. you will not be disappointed 😜

[Lara-Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooll man this is so good! Great spice, tension 👌

I'm not one on get emotionally attached but Hidden Valley and it's village have a piece of my heart. The characters and found family, speak to me.

There is so much depth to pain and it's a journey that never truly ends. Porter and Charlie try work and struggle through the worst of this.

Mila, Dante, Nova and Ace are still here too! There was mention of a 'poonami' and I'm like yes, so relatable and down to earth.

I love that these books are so well paced and aren't unnecessarily long.

Only 2 more months until BOOK 3 is released and I can't wait.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

K Wish has done it again! A phenomenal instalment to this heart wrenching series filled with characters you wish you knew because they are all such a hoot.

This book had T E N S I O N for days in a 🌶️ s t e a m y 🌶️ way and boy oh boy did it have my eyebrows raising as I could feel our main characters energy sparking right off the page.

If you love a book with good suspense, romance, spice and probably the best “fuck it” moment I read in 2024 then please for all that is good and holy read this! (Especially if you enjoyed the first one like come on - what are you waiting for at that point?)

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

♥️ Pasha ♥️

That ending made had me bawling, the suspense OMG!

Loved the darker mafia kinda vibes and all the spicy bar scenes 😅 Live for the “fuck it” moments in any book.

And the FMC’s connection between her and Porters world in her prior life before moving to help Mila was such a great way for the author to bring in the new characters for the reader, letting us know we can kinda trust them but also leaving a lil room for - uh no what’s about to happen.

This series keeps getting better and the banter between Ace and Nova has me frothing over their soon to come book.

[Carla Dolmyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Porter are adorable!! She exempts him for who he is and willing to go at his pace. His darkness doesn’t scare her. Charlie is a fighter & knows what she wants. Porter is a growly Rottweiler but so loving with Charlie. The plot was good & the smut was spicy 🥵🌶️🔥
Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader for this!!

[Gemma Pearson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the first book and was so excited by this to be let down by the constant battles in his head about his ex. It just went on too long for me and it was just too much for me. In my personal opinion the pining of the ex ruins the book. I also didn’t like the ending and what he did needed a much better conclusion actually seeing him adore her without holding back.

[Brigitte Najarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

strong badass FMC

Love Charlie and how strong and independent she is. She takes control of situations with ease and doesn’t shy away from her sexuality. Porter is a slave for her but also takes charge. Love their chemistry!

[Lauren Ploughman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the grief representation within this book I fully had tears in my eyes when Porter broke down. I did not really connect with Charlie though she is not my cup of tea and I feel like we didn’t get enough of her story. Keen for the next one in the series

[Becka | Bookishbeck_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

love love loved Porter and Charlie !!
This book gave me all the feels 🥺
I really liked the storyline and the spice was great as well 👌 Can't wait for book 3 !!

[Natasha Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it even more than the first book in the series and now can't wait for the 3rd!

[Victoria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

💜💜💜

You know some times book 1 is amazing an then book 2 comes out an you just can’t compete…. But kwish you’ve done it, book 2 was just as good as #1

Loved it, need book 3 ASAP

[Yenphuong Huynh · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5⭐️

This was ok. I don’t know something about it didn’t really click with me.

[Emily Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars only because some parts were a little cringe, but overall I really liked it!