When Darkness Falls

by Ana Gutierrez

At twenty-seven, Isabella Lopez never imagined becoming a widow.

When the love of her life dies suddenly, her world shatters. Grief consumes her every waking moment-until the dreams begin.

They're vivid. Haunting. Too real to ignore. Each one pulls her deeper into a realm that shouldn't exist, yet feels familiar. As the boundaries between worlds begin to shift, Elle realizes she's not just dreaming-she's crossing realms. And she's not there by accident.

With unseen forces rising and a strange new power awakening inside her, Elle is thrust into a struggle far greater than her own heartbreak.

The clock is ticking.

318 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2025

About the author

Ana Gutierrez’s fascination for the paranormal began at a young age, sparked by Goosebumps, Halloween movies, and chilling Mexican stories of witches that were definitely not for kids. Add in a childhood obsession with Scooby-Doo, and it’s clear why she now writes supernatural romances laced with heart, humor, and a touch of mystery. When Ana isn’t lost in fictional worlds, you’ll find her binging K-dramas, laughing at rom-coms, or diving into a true crime rabbit hole. When Darkness Falls is her debut novel, with more adventures on the way.

Reviews

[Marina Lujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. It was far more than the melancholy tale of loss I had initially thought it would be. I was totally engrossed in the blend of mystery, drama, and fantasy. Elle's dreams are so realistic that you start to question what's real, and I experienced every feeling she did as though it were my own.
I thought her switching between realms was unique and masterfully done. It's one of those books that makes you feel and think. My curiosity in this parallel reality and its future was piqued. If you enjoy fantasy with a healthy dose of emotion, When Darkness Falls is definitely highly recommended.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow. Ana Gutierrez’s writing style had me drawn in immediately. The way she writes about grief—raw, real, and so deeply personal—had me in my feelings from the jump. And don’t even get me started on that ending 😭🙌. I literally didn’t want to put this book down. It was THAT good.

This is one of those reads that stays with you. I’m already counting down the days until part two drops because that cliffhanger?? RUDE. 😩📖🔥

📚✨ Highly recommend if you love emotional tension, layered characters, and a story that grips your heart.

[Lupe Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the 2nd book!! The author does such a great job of capturing the pain in losing a loved one and this book truly brought tears to my eyes in a good way. Amazing book and I can't wait to see more! I will be buying a physical copy!