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Darkness #2
Evanesce
If your soul has been plunged into the dark depths of despair, how hard would you fight to claw your way back to the surface? Can the life you lost be restored, or is it destined to be forever phased out of existence? Fated to dissolve into a distant memory.
The Black Market—a ferocious, starving beast. An endless sinkhole of precious valuables; the playground for blood-thirsty power seekers. Only one thing feeds its hunger like no other…human life.
A sinister criminal ring has descended on the small town of Norton Springs, instilling fear in the residents. A vicious wave of disappearances coupled with the gut-wrenching horror of infants being ripped from the arms of their helpless mothers has the town quaking in terror.
When Gabe Thornton strolls back into his hometown, his main goal is to claim the one woman that has always denied her feelings for him—Nora Jacobs. The last thing he expects is to be thrust into a storm of devastation and chaos. Will his strength be enough to save them from the dark souls that threaten to destroy their chance at happiness?
Broken futures. Shattered dreams. Mind-numbing loss. When your heart has been ripped away from you—how do you find the will to go on?
No one is safe. Everything you thought you knew is about to change in this second installment in The Darkness Series.
Warning: Due to adult content and graphic situations, this book is intended for readers 18 and up.
The Black Market—a ferocious, starving beast. An endless sinkhole of precious valuables; the playground for blood-thirsty power seekers. Only one thing feeds its hunger like no other…human life.
A sinister criminal ring has descended on the small town of Norton Springs, instilling fear in the residents. A vicious wave of disappearances coupled with the gut-wrenching horror of infants being ripped from the arms of their helpless mothers has the town quaking in terror.
When Gabe Thornton strolls back into his hometown, his main goal is to claim the one woman that has always denied her feelings for him—Nora Jacobs. The last thing he expects is to be thrust into a storm of devastation and chaos. Will his strength be enough to save them from the dark souls that threaten to destroy their chance at happiness?
Broken futures. Shattered dreams. Mind-numbing loss. When your heart has been ripped away from you—how do you find the will to go on?
No one is safe. Everything you thought you knew is about to change in this second installment in The Darkness Series.
Warning: Due to adult content and graphic situations, this book is intended for readers 18 and up.
ebook
First published June 29, 2015
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461 people want to read
About the author
Cassia Brightmore
22 books497 followersCassia Brightmore is a Canadian dark romance author. She loves writing dark stories with twisted characters that she hopes will thrill the reader as well as make them fall in love.
She loves hockey, video games and online shopping. If she's not writing or editing, you can usually find her doing one of these things. Writing is her passion and publishing her first book as an indie author was truly a dream come true.
Her titles include:
The Darkness Series
Book One: Malevolent
Book Two: Evanesce
Book Three: Denouement
Book Four: Repentance
The Darkness Series: The Complete Saga (Books 1-4)
The Trauma Series
Book One: Lincoln Hospital
Book Two: Flatline
Book Three: Resuscitation
Standalones
Unworthy
The Book Splash Horror Story
Deviant
Misdirection
COMING SOON
Laird
You Better Watch Out
CONNECT WITH CASSIA
TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - FACEBOOK - WEBSITE
cassiabrightmore@gmail.com
JOIN CASSIA'S READER GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cassi...
She loves hockey, video games and online shopping. If she's not writing or editing, you can usually find her doing one of these things. Writing is her passion and publishing her first book as an indie author was truly a dream come true.
Her titles include:
The Darkness Series
Book One: Malevolent
Book Two: Evanesce
Book Three: Denouement
Book Four: Repentance
The Darkness Series: The Complete Saga (Books 1-4)
The Trauma Series
Book One: Lincoln Hospital
Book Two: Flatline
Book Three: Resuscitation
Standalones
Unworthy
The Book Splash Horror Story
Deviant
Misdirection
COMING SOON
Laird
You Better Watch Out
CONNECT WITH CASSIA
TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - FACEBOOK - WEBSITE
cassiabrightmore@gmail.com
JOIN CASSIA'S READER GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cassi...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
March 18, 2016
What a ride!
I am loving this authors work! My heart was racing, but super glad babies was alright. I would recommend this series to all dark read lovers.
I am loving this authors work! My heart was racing, but super glad babies was alright. I would recommend this series to all dark read lovers.
June 29, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
The second installment in the series, author Cassia Brightmore goes in a more darker direction and doesn’t fail to bring things up the notch.
As I, like other reviewers, were asked not to share the plot as it could ensue spoilers, all I can say is that Evanesce brings in old and reoccurring demented themes and characters while also bringing up controversial twists and turns that will make you sit at the edge of your seats with suspense.
I really did not know what to expect through on through, but, Cassia Brightmore managed to grip my attention from start to finish with her amazing writing style!
And what of that ending?! Sheesh. Talk about speechless!
I will definitely be reading the next book in this series when it comes out!
The second installment in the series, author Cassia Brightmore goes in a more darker direction and doesn’t fail to bring things up the notch.
As I, like other reviewers, were asked not to share the plot as it could ensue spoilers, all I can say is that Evanesce brings in old and reoccurring demented themes and characters while also bringing up controversial twists and turns that will make you sit at the edge of your seats with suspense.
I really did not know what to expect through on through, but, Cassia Brightmore managed to grip my attention from start to finish with her amazing writing style!
And what of that ending?! Sheesh. Talk about speechless!
I will definitely be reading the next book in this series when it comes out!
July 20, 2015
3.5 What the fuck just happened stars.
Cassia Brightmore knows how to twist a story that will leave you wanting more. The mystery and intrigue she weaves in will leave you saying… WTF? I went into this book thinking that it would pick up from where book 1 left us so I was a little surprised to be introduced to new characters. I was a little lost whether I was reading a separate book or a book that would be combined with one in book three. Don’t get me wrong I liked Gabe and Nora, but would have loved to see the story set more around them.
Ms. Brightmore knows how to make the twists and turns work in her favor when writing a book. She has you on the edge of your seat anticipating the next move before its even made. There is nothing more I love than a mystery intertwined with some romance so even though I didn’t know any of the characters I was still cheering on Gabe and Nora.
I hope book three pulls them all together and leaves me with the closure I so desperately need. I want it all to wrap up in a pretty little picture that ends with the bad guys dead and my couples all dancing off into the darkness of the night.
Cassia Brightmore knows how to twist a story that will leave you wanting more. The mystery and intrigue she weaves in will leave you saying… WTF? I went into this book thinking that it would pick up from where book 1 left us so I was a little surprised to be introduced to new characters. I was a little lost whether I was reading a separate book or a book that would be combined with one in book three. Don’t get me wrong I liked Gabe and Nora, but would have loved to see the story set more around them.
Ms. Brightmore knows how to make the twists and turns work in her favor when writing a book. She has you on the edge of your seat anticipating the next move before its even made. There is nothing more I love than a mystery intertwined with some romance so even though I didn’t know any of the characters I was still cheering on Gabe and Nora.
I hope book three pulls them all together and leaves me with the closure I so desperately need. I want it all to wrap up in a pretty little picture that ends with the bad guys dead and my couples all dancing off into the darkness of the night.
June 29, 2015
**5 Dark Stars**
-Evil is real, it feeds on fear; will decimate even the strongest of wills. When faced with a choice, will you succumb into submission or will you fight to survive; fight for the lives of those you love?-
Evanesce is the second book in the Darkness series by the talented Cassia Brightmore and it will blow your f*cking mind with one twist after another, after another, after another.... I don't know how many times I cursed Cassia while reading this amazing book. Evanesce is definitely more darker than Malevolent and I loved every raw, brutal, intense minute of it.
Gabe Thornton has return to his home town of Norton Springs to claim back the woman he loves. Nora Jacobs is not the same girl he left all those years ago. First loves are hard to forget and Gabe will remind Nora just how good they really are together. Their passion is freaking HOT! Cassia writes their chemistry with such intensity and magnetism, she will leave you begging for more.
There is evil lurking in Norton Springs, and the whole town is scared. Women are disappearing, babies are being snatched and the cops have no suspects.. It's up the Gabe and his team to help before it's too late. You will love Theo Barrington. I hope he gets his own book. Sexy Brady James (from Malevolent) is there as well to help out with the case. There another side character who deserve a mention, and that's Brooke. Brooke was the breakout character in my mind. I really connected with her character and her fighting spirit. You will love her as much as you do Nora.
“And then they take the most precious thing we women have. They take the tiny lives.”
This is a dark and twisted read and there are scenes that some may find sensitive. Be prepared for one epic book hangover! I'm still trying to get over the shock. Cassia is one talented, evil mastermind and none of her characters are ever truly safe...
-Love. Comfort. Hope. All vanished in the blink of an eye.-
Cassia, you did a brilliant job and can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Jerz -xo
-Evil is real, it feeds on fear; will decimate even the strongest of wills. When faced with a choice, will you succumb into submission or will you fight to survive; fight for the lives of those you love?-
Evanesce is the second book in the Darkness series by the talented Cassia Brightmore and it will blow your f*cking mind with one twist after another, after another, after another.... I don't know how many times I cursed Cassia while reading this amazing book. Evanesce is definitely more darker than Malevolent and I loved every raw, brutal, intense minute of it.
Gabe Thornton has return to his home town of Norton Springs to claim back the woman he loves. Nora Jacobs is not the same girl he left all those years ago. First loves are hard to forget and Gabe will remind Nora just how good they really are together. Their passion is freaking HOT! Cassia writes their chemistry with such intensity and magnetism, she will leave you begging for more.
There is evil lurking in Norton Springs, and the whole town is scared. Women are disappearing, babies are being snatched and the cops have no suspects.. It's up the Gabe and his team to help before it's too late. You will love Theo Barrington. I hope he gets his own book. Sexy Brady James (from Malevolent) is there as well to help out with the case. There another side character who deserve a mention, and that's Brooke. Brooke was the breakout character in my mind. I really connected with her character and her fighting spirit. You will love her as much as you do Nora.
“And then they take the most precious thing we women have. They take the tiny lives.”
This is a dark and twisted read and there are scenes that some may find sensitive. Be prepared for one epic book hangover! I'm still trying to get over the shock. Cassia is one talented, evil mastermind and none of her characters are ever truly safe...
-Love. Comfort. Hope. All vanished in the blink of an eye.-
Cassia, you did a brilliant job and can't wait to see what you come up with next.
Jerz -xo
November 1, 2015
A huge thank you to Cassia Brightmore for advancing me a free copy of her novel in exchange for my honest review.
After reading book one, "Malevolent," the author had contacted me to thank me for my honest review of "Malevolent," and asked that I not write her off. So respectful of my review, I was honored to read her latest novel, "Evanesce" in the "Darkness" series. As such, a huge thank you to Cassia Brightmore for advancing me a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
"Evanesce," the story about women being kidnapped and their children taken from them was a much better and more intriguing story than what I read in book one. Well-written and fully developed with a very likeable heroine. I consider Brooke to be one of the protagonists of the story as she had such a huge presence throughout the novel. I loved everything about her, especially how strong she was, never giving up and fighting every chance she got. She had such determination that you can’t help but root for her to escape. I was really disappointed that she didn’t escape because I felt she had gone thru so much and deserved a HEA with her baby. I also thought the Marcus was a great evil character, as was Milo.
The story of Nora and Gabe reuniting after Gabe disappeared for two years is front and center here. So let me begin with Gabe. His excuse for disappearing for two years was ridiculous and pathetic and it didn’t make sense. At one point he says that “he couldn’t bear the thought of tying her down to him, if he was having doubts coupled with a desire to travel and see the world.” Next he says that “Nora was, without a doubt, the love of his life.” If he thought she was the love of his life, why leave the way he did? Without a word? Yes, cowardly and he admits it. As for the reason, to refine his expertise as a marksman, it only makes his excuse to leave without telling her even more ridiculous. By the way, I don’t understand how being a marksman ties in with him ranching. I say this because there’s nothing mentioned as to what he plans on doing job-wise. Doesn’t help I didn’t like Gabe at all. Being alpha male is one thing, but when you’re also very cocky and arrogant as Gabe was, those are qualities I can do without.
Then there’s Nora. I’m sorry but I couldn’t stand her. She was weak and pathetic. I have never been a fan of the type of heroine Nora is. You know the ones. Heroines who can’t stick to their guns when it comes to falling in love with the hero, especially after said hero has hurt them so bad. I say make him beg for it. But no, she’s having sex with him in public; then tells herself to be strong only to turn around and join him the shower. Give me a break!
I didn’t feel that both characters (Gabe, Nora) were fully developed. There was no mention of how they looked. Yes, they’re both gorgeous and she has blue-black hair, but there’s not much else in terms of height, body type, scars, eyes, mouth, etc.
Except for Brooke, Mary (the baker who died), Macy (diner) and clerk (pharmacist), there is no mention of anyone else in town who the H/h might know, who their best friends or closest friends may be (not including family and Theo). There’s no feel as to the kind of town they live in, how big it is, the buildings, the people, etc. I found all of this a little odd.
As for the story, with the chapters going back and forth with Brooke, Nora and sometimes Gabe, I found it a tad confusing, and hard to recognize that time had lapsed from one chapter to the next. Example, one moment Nora goes to the pharmacy to take the pregnancy test, the next Gabe is proposing, and then we read that Nora hadn’t told Gabe about the pregnancy she found about a month before. I thought Gabe proposing was around the same time as the pregnancy test. There’s no mention of how far along she was either. Perhaps marking the chapters with dates, or something else to let the reader know how much time has passed. Remember, my opinion.
I found it hard to believe that not one person in town didn’t notice Marcus’ return. I would’ve thought the police or FBI agents would’ve gone to every home, retail store to inquire about whether they’ve seen any strange or new people showing up. It is a small town. They could’ve talked to those who love to gossip as they usually have all the info. By the way, I would think with the number of women missing from a small town, plus babies being taken that the FBI would’ve been called in sooner. Yes? No??
Speaking of police, I find it so unrealistic that any officer would let Gabe and Theo join their hunt in any official capacity, and this includes the FBI. There’s mention of Theo of having special skills and Gabe being a marksman. So? So what?! Being a volunteer and being a part of the police investigation are two different things. Sheriff Brady taking both Gabe and Theo with him to meet the undercover cop of unrealistic. Later, the FBI tells Sheriff Brady to find out more about Marcus, in which he replies that he has some contacts in NY. If anything, wouldn’t the FBI do the background check as they have offices in every major city? Not to mention, Sheriff Brady doesn’t even bother calling his contacts, instead takes Theo and Gabe to Marcus’ home to investigate.
By the way, there was nothing more about baby Sophie who went missing. Would’ve been nice to know if she’d been found or what happened to the other babies that might’ve been in the house.
At one point Nora questions if Marcus had spilled the beans about her pregnancy. How would he have known? The tests were in a plastic bag. Did she tell him, and if so, why? Also, the fact that she never mentions Marcus until the very end is somewhat far-fetched, but that’s me.
As for how the story ended, it kind of worked and didn’t work at the same time. I’m assuming there’s a third novel coming out, but will Marcus and/or escaped woman from the first novel reprise their roles? Or will it be a whole new story? To become Gabe, are we to assume that Marcus watched Gabe for a very long time to learn his mannerisms, the way Gabe talks, walks, etc.? Are they both the same height? Same eye-color? I only ask because Gabe had only recently returned so when would Marcus have watched Gabe? I guess what I’m trying to get at is more info would be great.
I still stand by my three stars. It was a story that was evil that included a very evil character, and was much better than book one. I actually wish there was more about Marcus written. Plus, as mentioned earlier, Brooke was a terrific character and with everything she went thru, how she fought, you could feel her pain and despair. Her story was terrific. So will I read book three? Most definitely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2015
Evanesce by Cassia Brightmore
**5 freaking amazing stars**
Evanesce is book 2 in the Darkness series by Cassia Brightmore.
“Kidnapped, well yes I guess you could look at it that way, I suppose. I prefer to describe it as a new employment opportunity. You see, I’m your new boss...And you, my beautiful girl, have a job to perform for me.”
This book will consume you, enthral you and own you from start to finish. It gave me freaking chills, and I still couldn't put it down. I was glued to my kindle until the wee hours of the morning (and yes I had to read it with all the lights on...lol). I loved every minute of it. It is definitely darker than Malevolent and it makes me even more excited for what book 3 will bring to the table.
Nora Jacobs runs her family's farm in the small town of Norton Springs. Gabe Thornton has come back to town to reclaim his woman he left years ago. One word to describe Gabe and Nora is sizzling. Yes, Cassia can dish out dark-creepy as easily as she does sexy passion. Hot damn woman!
The once, boring predictable town is turn on its axis with a rash of kidnappings and baby snatchings. With no suspect in sight, Gabe with his special set of skills, and with the help from his friends, decide to take action and hunt the Hunter. I was so excited to see Brady James from Book 1 there to help out with the case.
I don't want to give too much away but the end! It's one I never saw coming! So be prepared for the shock of your life time! I'm still trying to come to terms with it.
This can be read as a standalone but it's is recommended to read Malevolent first. Trust me, Brady James is sooo worth it...lol.
Fear. Terror. Dread. All were her new companions. Skittering down her spine and seeping into her skin ever since those fateful words were spoken. “They’ve taken your baby.”
Come join this new phenomenon with all its twists and turns with the second installment in the darkness series with Evanesce.
Sass
**5 freaking amazing stars**
Evanesce is book 2 in the Darkness series by Cassia Brightmore.
“Kidnapped, well yes I guess you could look at it that way, I suppose. I prefer to describe it as a new employment opportunity. You see, I’m your new boss...And you, my beautiful girl, have a job to perform for me.”
This book will consume you, enthral you and own you from start to finish. It gave me freaking chills, and I still couldn't put it down. I was glued to my kindle until the wee hours of the morning (and yes I had to read it with all the lights on...lol). I loved every minute of it. It is definitely darker than Malevolent and it makes me even more excited for what book 3 will bring to the table.
Nora Jacobs runs her family's farm in the small town of Norton Springs. Gabe Thornton has come back to town to reclaim his woman he left years ago. One word to describe Gabe and Nora is sizzling. Yes, Cassia can dish out dark-creepy as easily as she does sexy passion. Hot damn woman!
The once, boring predictable town is turn on its axis with a rash of kidnappings and baby snatchings. With no suspect in sight, Gabe with his special set of skills, and with the help from his friends, decide to take action and hunt the Hunter. I was so excited to see Brady James from Book 1 there to help out with the case.
I don't want to give too much away but the end! It's one I never saw coming! So be prepared for the shock of your life time! I'm still trying to come to terms with it.
This can be read as a standalone but it's is recommended to read Malevolent first. Trust me, Brady James is sooo worth it...lol.
Fear. Terror. Dread. All were her new companions. Skittering down her spine and seeping into her skin ever since those fateful words were spoken. “They’ve taken your baby.”
Come join this new phenomenon with all its twists and turns with the second installment in the darkness series with Evanesce.
Sass
June 29, 2015
Where can I even start to write about the rollercoaster of a book I just had the amazing opportunity to read. Evanesce is the second book in the Darkness series written by the phenomenally talented author Cassia Brightmore. This book definitely lives up the to title of the series with the darkness touching the lives of everyone you meet. No one is safe, no matter how much you beg and plead with your kindle. Cassia proves yet again that once you enter her dark and twisty mind anything goes and leave your assumptions at the door because she will blow you away again and again. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and my eyes glued to the screen until the very end and once I was done I still couldn't take my eyes from the screen wondering holy hell did I seriously just read that?!? There are twists and there are turns and then there is Cassia Brightmore, who needs a genre all her own for the way she takes everything you think you know and flips your world upside down and inside out. Cassia's mind f*cking dark and scary genre comes to mind.
There was no broken windows, no open doors. Where the f*ck is she? He heard his wife's voice float down from up the stairs,
"Help. Please help us. My baby..... They've taken my baby."
The town of Norton Springs, Texas finds itself thrown head first into a nightmare. Women and infants being snatched from their beds never to be seen again. Who is doing this? Why are they doing this? Where do they go? These are the frantic questions being asked by the scared and distraught community trying to come to terms with the horrors plaguing their usually peaceful community.
Getting out of here ain't an option. You don't know anything."
These new ones coming in here with their hope and their promises. Hope was a dangerous thing, it breathed life into fantasies that would never come true. They had no idea such notions had no place in this hell hole.- Red
Nora Jacobs has spent her entire life in Norton Springs. When Gabe Thornton re-enters her life after leaving without a word years before and taking the pieces of her shattered heart with him, Nora is forced to deal with thoughts and feelings she had tried to tell herself were dead and buried. No matter how hard Nora tried to fight herself and her self betraying lady bits. The chemistry between these two was palpable and intense! Holy hell Miss Brightmore knows how to give the readers one hell of a dose of sexy time, panty dropping action! You will fall in love with Gabe and Nora and their love story spanning from childhood into their adult lives.
I have to say as much as I loved Gabe and Nora. It was Theo that stole the show for me! I wanted to climb into my kindle and ride away into the sunset with the hot, sexy and incredibly funny cowboy with the heart of gold. I seriously need more of Theo and his inner bad boy Cassia let peek out just to torture me to want more! Of course getting to see more of my Malevolent book boyfriend Brady didn't hurt either.
"Shall I close my eyes and you two can just jump each other? I don't want to see but I'm not opposed to hearing a little early morning sexy time."- Theo
This book ran the gamut of emotions for me and took me on a rollercoaster ride I am not likely to recover from for a long time. This book definitely lived up to its dark descriptor. I can't wait for the final installment of the darkness series to see what other mind blowing secrets Cassia has cooked up in her deliciously wicked brain.
*****5 stars********
There was no broken windows, no open doors. Where the f*ck is she? He heard his wife's voice float down from up the stairs,
"Help. Please help us. My baby..... They've taken my baby."
The town of Norton Springs, Texas finds itself thrown head first into a nightmare. Women and infants being snatched from their beds never to be seen again. Who is doing this? Why are they doing this? Where do they go? These are the frantic questions being asked by the scared and distraught community trying to come to terms with the horrors plaguing their usually peaceful community.
Getting out of here ain't an option. You don't know anything."
These new ones coming in here with their hope and their promises. Hope was a dangerous thing, it breathed life into fantasies that would never come true. They had no idea such notions had no place in this hell hole.- Red
Nora Jacobs has spent her entire life in Norton Springs. When Gabe Thornton re-enters her life after leaving without a word years before and taking the pieces of her shattered heart with him, Nora is forced to deal with thoughts and feelings she had tried to tell herself were dead and buried. No matter how hard Nora tried to fight herself and her self betraying lady bits. The chemistry between these two was palpable and intense! Holy hell Miss Brightmore knows how to give the readers one hell of a dose of sexy time, panty dropping action! You will fall in love with Gabe and Nora and their love story spanning from childhood into their adult lives.
I have to say as much as I loved Gabe and Nora. It was Theo that stole the show for me! I wanted to climb into my kindle and ride away into the sunset with the hot, sexy and incredibly funny cowboy with the heart of gold. I seriously need more of Theo and his inner bad boy Cassia let peek out just to torture me to want more! Of course getting to see more of my Malevolent book boyfriend Brady didn't hurt either.
"Shall I close my eyes and you two can just jump each other? I don't want to see but I'm not opposed to hearing a little early morning sexy time."- Theo
This book ran the gamut of emotions for me and took me on a rollercoaster ride I am not likely to recover from for a long time. This book definitely lived up to its dark descriptor. I can't wait for the final installment of the darkness series to see what other mind blowing secrets Cassia has cooked up in her deliciously wicked brain.
*****5 stars********
June 29, 2015
The town of Norton Springs Texas finds itself hurtled head first into a world of terror, despair and horror when women and infants start going missing from their homes and their seemingly safe and sheltered cribs. The local law enforcement are at a loss with no suspects or evidence. Locked doors, security systems still armed and happy, loving parents sleeping peacefully near their beautiful babies until suddenly they are ripped screaming from their happy existence and thrown down into the pit of anguish and disbelief.
Covering her mouth, Brooke suppressed a scream of disgust. Children. Helpless Infants all lined up ready to be sold by the indescribable monster, Marcus. An auction straight from a mother's worst nightmare.
Gabe Thornton returns home to Norton Springs with one thing on his mind, winning back the heart of Nora Jacobs whose heart he destroyed when he left without a word years before. His plan of redemption and reclaiming the woman he knows to be his doesn't quite go as planned when he returns home in the middle of the horrors plaguing their town. The chemistry between Gabe and Nora is undeniable and immediately present from the first interaction between these two electric and obviously still in love characters.
"Better lose those shorts quick, baby, if you wanna keep 'em. Cuz I'm taking what's mine."-- Gabe
I loved the character of Brooke. No matter what horrors and depravity are thrown at her by the deliciously nefarious Marcus or his team she remains such a strong, kick butt female who I instantly connected with. I found myself cheering or yelling out loud along with her and the new life she is forced to endure. Her character was so vibrant and well written I couldn't take my eyes from the screen no matter what.
Gasping she stared at her own reflection. The woman who stared back at her was unrecognizable. The vacant look in her eyes was unfamiliar to her; she was a stranger in her own skin. Gingerly prodding the raised skin on her face, she hissed between her teeth at the tender flesh. Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up.
--Brooke
I haven't read a lot of dark reads in the past but I absolutely adored Cassia Brightmore's debut novel Malevolent and couldn't wait to get my hands on this next installment of her Darkness series. This book was darker than her debut but it instantly sucked me in and wouldn't let go. I couldn't stop until every word was read and every secret was revealed and let me say HOLY HELL!!! This book has so many twists and turns your head will spin as your pulse is pounding and your mind races to keep up with the intricate world Miss Brightmore has woven. I am eagerly waiting, no I am begging for the final installment of the darkness series. Cassia Brightmore has blown me away yet again and has taken me down a dark and twisted path where anything goes and not everything is what it seems. I loved every terrifying and intense minute of it
*****5 stars*****
Covering her mouth, Brooke suppressed a scream of disgust. Children. Helpless Infants all lined up ready to be sold by the indescribable monster, Marcus. An auction straight from a mother's worst nightmare.
Gabe Thornton returns home to Norton Springs with one thing on his mind, winning back the heart of Nora Jacobs whose heart he destroyed when he left without a word years before. His plan of redemption and reclaiming the woman he knows to be his doesn't quite go as planned when he returns home in the middle of the horrors plaguing their town. The chemistry between Gabe and Nora is undeniable and immediately present from the first interaction between these two electric and obviously still in love characters.
"Better lose those shorts quick, baby, if you wanna keep 'em. Cuz I'm taking what's mine."-- Gabe
I loved the character of Brooke. No matter what horrors and depravity are thrown at her by the deliciously nefarious Marcus or his team she remains such a strong, kick butt female who I instantly connected with. I found myself cheering or yelling out loud along with her and the new life she is forced to endure. Her character was so vibrant and well written I couldn't take my eyes from the screen no matter what.
Gasping she stared at her own reflection. The woman who stared back at her was unrecognizable. The vacant look in her eyes was unfamiliar to her; she was a stranger in her own skin. Gingerly prodding the raised skin on her face, she hissed between her teeth at the tender flesh. Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up.
--Brooke
I haven't read a lot of dark reads in the past but I absolutely adored Cassia Brightmore's debut novel Malevolent and couldn't wait to get my hands on this next installment of her Darkness series. This book was darker than her debut but it instantly sucked me in and wouldn't let go. I couldn't stop until every word was read and every secret was revealed and let me say HOLY HELL!!! This book has so many twists and turns your head will spin as your pulse is pounding and your mind races to keep up with the intricate world Miss Brightmore has woven. I am eagerly waiting, no I am begging for the final installment of the darkness series. Cassia Brightmore has blown me away yet again and has taken me down a dark and twisted path where anything goes and not everything is what it seems. I loved every terrifying and intense minute of it
*****5 stars*****
July 5, 2015
**copy received from author via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review and new drink recipes from us girls at http://www.twounrulygirls.com **
HOLY MOTHER OF MUTHA F-N CRAP STICKS..I think I need therapy and possibly a map to make sure I got what I just read...Ms. Brightmore can write a fucked up tale. More to come when I catch my breath and draw some damn diagrams
HOLY MOTHER OF MUTHA F-N CRAP STICKS..I think I need therapy and possibly a map to make sure I got what I just read...Ms. Brightmore can write a fucked up tale. More to come when I catch my breath and draw some damn diagrams
July 2, 2015
~*~ Obsessed by books copy given in exchange for an honest review ~*~
"Depression was settling in and with it came it's twin sister despair. Hope had abandoned her."
This is a tale of two women, lives running parallel with so much in common without the other knowing. Brooke is torn away from everything she holds dear and fights to retain the essence of herself whilst languishing in the bowels of hell. Finding herself an employee of the self declared king of the black market the horrors of her new role in life is unfathomable. Uniquely strong and brazen in her attempts to become free Brooke's story is equally horrifying as it is inspiring. Brooke never gives in, never loses herself to the devil that has taken her from her previous life. The things she experiences pushing her to the limit of her sanity and over the edge into desperation.
Woven into the tale of human horror is Nora and Gabe who are reconnecting after time apart. Childhood sweethearts Gabe left the area before he got in too deep with Nora shattering her heart. Returning after his time away to explore his career he has set his sights on reclaiming his woman and making up for lost time. The passion and sexual chemistry between the two is off the charts. Set on a cattle farm they make a gorgeous couple that you long for everything to work out for them. Their best friend Theo is an intriuging character and I hope we see him again soon. Gabe and Theo are appalled by the dark happenings in their town and call in Sherriff Brady to help with the issue. It was great to catch up with our favourite law enforcer.
It's hard to say any more without giving the game away but this is a breathless slide into the dark underbelly of humanity. The lengths men will go to for money, power and notoriety are exposed in this hard hitting dark read. The evilness mankind perpatrates on one another just simply because it can...it's a fascinating mind twister of a story.
A four star didn't see that coming read!
"Depression was settling in and with it came it's twin sister despair. Hope had abandoned her."
This is a tale of two women, lives running parallel with so much in common without the other knowing. Brooke is torn away from everything she holds dear and fights to retain the essence of herself whilst languishing in the bowels of hell. Finding herself an employee of the self declared king of the black market the horrors of her new role in life is unfathomable. Uniquely strong and brazen in her attempts to become free Brooke's story is equally horrifying as it is inspiring. Brooke never gives in, never loses herself to the devil that has taken her from her previous life. The things she experiences pushing her to the limit of her sanity and over the edge into desperation.
Woven into the tale of human horror is Nora and Gabe who are reconnecting after time apart. Childhood sweethearts Gabe left the area before he got in too deep with Nora shattering her heart. Returning after his time away to explore his career he has set his sights on reclaiming his woman and making up for lost time. The passion and sexual chemistry between the two is off the charts. Set on a cattle farm they make a gorgeous couple that you long for everything to work out for them. Their best friend Theo is an intriuging character and I hope we see him again soon. Gabe and Theo are appalled by the dark happenings in their town and call in Sherriff Brady to help with the issue. It was great to catch up with our favourite law enforcer.
It's hard to say any more without giving the game away but this is a breathless slide into the dark underbelly of humanity. The lengths men will go to for money, power and notoriety are exposed in this hard hitting dark read. The evilness mankind perpatrates on one another just simply because it can...it's a fascinating mind twister of a story.
A four star didn't see that coming read!
July 7, 2015
Evanesce • Cassia Brightmore
How do you write a review when the ending leaves you shocked and mouth hanging open ... And wanting to think of ways to murder and torture one of the characters in the book ... I had to take a couple days after finishing Evanesce to get my mind back on track before I could do this.
For Cassia's 2nd book she did not disappoint! You are instantly pulled into the story and the way her dark mind works (but still question how someone that looks like an angel thinks like that). You could easily finish this in one sitting because you won't want to stop turning the page on your kindle to find out what happens next. You will fall in love with Nora and her great personality; you will fall into lust with Gabe just because he is sexy, tattooed and a cowboy. Then you get the extra bonus of meeting Quinn and Theo who help make this story with the parts they have. Throughout the entire story you will wish you could help Brooke and comfort her in any way you can then turn around and want to slash Marcus's throat.
★Rage can be fuelled by many things, it has the power to give strength to the weak. Evil is real, it feeds on fear; will decimate even the strongest of wills. When faced with a choice, will you succumb into submission or will you fight to survive; fight for the lives of those you love?★
I look forward to reading the 3rd and final installment in this Darkness series by Cassia to see how it all pulls together since Brady and Gwyn from Malevolent (Book #1) also made an appearance in Evanesce. Cassia is a wonderful writer and she knows how to tell a story that pulls you in and make it seem real.
- Read Review Repeat
How do you write a review when the ending leaves you shocked and mouth hanging open ... And wanting to think of ways to murder and torture one of the characters in the book ... I had to take a couple days after finishing Evanesce to get my mind back on track before I could do this.
For Cassia's 2nd book she did not disappoint! You are instantly pulled into the story and the way her dark mind works (but still question how someone that looks like an angel thinks like that). You could easily finish this in one sitting because you won't want to stop turning the page on your kindle to find out what happens next. You will fall in love with Nora and her great personality; you will fall into lust with Gabe just because he is sexy, tattooed and a cowboy. Then you get the extra bonus of meeting Quinn and Theo who help make this story with the parts they have. Throughout the entire story you will wish you could help Brooke and comfort her in any way you can then turn around and want to slash Marcus's throat.
★Rage can be fuelled by many things, it has the power to give strength to the weak. Evil is real, it feeds on fear; will decimate even the strongest of wills. When faced with a choice, will you succumb into submission or will you fight to survive; fight for the lives of those you love?★
I look forward to reading the 3rd and final installment in this Darkness series by Cassia to see how it all pulls together since Brady and Gwyn from Malevolent (Book #1) also made an appearance in Evanesce. Cassia is a wonderful writer and she knows how to tell a story that pulls you in and make it seem real.
- Read Review Repeat
June 29, 2015
OMFG I'm so book hungover this book has left me at a loss for words it's that good. if you like a book that is intense gritty and dark then look no further than this outstanding book. It has some sensitive issues through out the book so be prepared. It also has some really hot scenes between the main characters Gabe and Nora. If you've read Malevolent then you have some idea of cassia style of writing and know that cassia is an extremely gifted and evil twisted genius. You will fall in love with the characters and be taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride and just when you think you have everything worked out you will be totally side swiped. I don't know whether I want to hug cassia for her brilliance or scream at her because oh my God the ending has completely knocked me for six I totally did not see it coming but holy hell what an ending. I can not wait to see to where this series is going to go next .
June 29, 2015
Let me start by saying I should have read Malevolent first, ONLY because Cassia has a talent unlike no other!!! I’ve always been nervous about dark books, but Evanesce? Holy hell. I was riveted, I couldn’t stop, every time I tried my hands and eyes would inadvertently wander back to my kindle. It was harsh, brutal, sweet, and so damn horrifying!!
Your gripped in mystery and suspense from the start, Gabe and Nora are amazing characters and I loved them from the beginning. Their story is not for the faint of heart. Take warning in the blurb, for it’s not often that you find one that matches the book so spot on. I’m sorry I’m not big on details of this book, but it’s one you need to read to get the full impact. Just know I ran through every emotion you can think of! And I loved it!!!
10 gripping stars from NADBB!!
Reviewed by Krystal.
Your gripped in mystery and suspense from the start, Gabe and Nora are amazing characters and I loved them from the beginning. Their story is not for the faint of heart. Take warning in the blurb, for it’s not often that you find one that matches the book so spot on. I’m sorry I’m not big on details of this book, but it’s one you need to read to get the full impact. Just know I ran through every emotion you can think of! And I loved it!!!
10 gripping stars from NADBB!!
Reviewed by Krystal.
November 27, 2015
From the first word you are dragged into the depths of hell. As you go from hell to heaven between the chapters you never fully regain composure. You are gasping for every breath as you follow the paths the characters take. You go from fear to happiness to Stockholm to the point where there's nothing happy left. Everything surrounding you is hell. Cassia makes you feel every emotion that the characters feel. You are not just there you are that character. What the character is going through you feel to your core. Once you finish you are wrecked in the best way possible. This book was amazing. As you go through every twist and turn you never know which way Cassia is taking you. The ride is an amazing one. Another great work of art by Cassia Brightmore.
July 7, 2015
WTH??????
Well, now that ending was wrong on so many levels I have no words other than when is the next one coming out???? I don't even know if it's going to be a continuation of these characters or new ones with a glimpse here and there. But damn Cassia Brightmore left me with my mouth open and yet at the same time I'm at odds with the fact how can Nora NOT KNOW????? Yet another twisted emotional book. I was hoping beyond anything that there was a HEA with Brooke on some level but the author drowned that idea and killed my dream lol!!!!!! The Darkness will consume you and so well worth it!
Well, now that ending was wrong on so many levels I have no words other than when is the next one coming out???? I don't even know if it's going to be a continuation of these characters or new ones with a glimpse here and there. But damn Cassia Brightmore left me with my mouth open and yet at the same time I'm at odds with the fact how can Nora NOT KNOW????? Yet another twisted emotional book. I was hoping beyond anything that there was a HEA with Brooke on some level but the author drowned that idea and killed my dream lol!!!!!! The Darkness will consume you and so well worth it!
July 28, 2015
I am in awe of this book. I have no words to explain everything that Cassia made me feel. Brightmore is one of the few authors that have managed to make me FEEL. There were times in which I wanted to get inside the book and punch people. My heart is a mess, my brain is a mess. I am truly wrecked after having read this and that ending? Holy cow, I cannot wait for book 3 because this series just keeps getting better and better! I'm looking forward to reading more. Full review to come later. Right now, I can't express myself fully after this huge mindfuck.
July 27, 2015
Evanesce is Cassia's second book in her In The Darkness series, and it's just as messed up as her first. The twists and turns in this book just keep coming and before you go it, your knocked off your feet with an ending you did not see coming.
Cassia should be proud of how well she can pull dark & dirty and I am fully looking forward to the third installment in this series.
Cassia should be proud of how well she can pull dark & dirty and I am fully looking forward to the third installment in this series.
October 12, 2015
Evanesce is book 2 in the Darkness Series, and let me tell you... It fits in the series, perfectly. I thought book 1 was pretty demented but it has nothing on book 2. I absolutely loved it!! I loved the darkness and I loved that good was still able to emerged from it. I am hooked on Cassia's writing and can't wait for the next book.
July 2, 2015
What?!
There are absolutely no words I can say at this moment. To say my heart is about to beat out of it's chest is an understatement.
I cannot believe how this ended and cannot say anything without spoiling it.
Ugh, you got me again. Not even sure what book three will bring.
There are absolutely no words I can say at this moment. To say my heart is about to beat out of it's chest is an understatement.
I cannot believe how this ended and cannot say anything without spoiling it.
Ugh, you got me again. Not even sure what book three will bring.
October 12, 2015
This book was insane. Full of crazy twists that I didn't see coming. I loved this book and I can't wait for book 3, Denouement!!!
December 7, 2015
Wow...talk about a deep dark topic. And that ending...ahhh...so mad, but so need to know what happens!!!
June 27, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
“Knowing where she was going, Brooke hung her head. Milo yanked her arms up behind her back and then the cold shackles locked into place. Dr. Daniels held up a needle, tapping on it with his forefinger. Feeling the prick in her upper arm, she closed her eyes in defeat and let the darkness take her.”
5 insane, crazy, what the heck did I just read stars. All I know is that this book is dark, like grab your blankets, grab your mom, just grab something because it’s dark. But I freaking loved it!!!
If your soul has been plunged into the dark depths of despair, how hard would you fight to claw your way back to the surface? Can the life you lost be restored, or is it destined to be forever phased out of existence? Fated to dissolve into a distant memory.
The Black Market—a ferocious, starving beast. An endless sinkhole of precious valuables; the playground for blood-thirsty power seekers. Only one thing feeds its hunger like no other…human life.
A sinister criminal ring has descended on the small town of Norton Springs, instilling fear in the residents. A vicious wave of disappearances coupled with the gut-wrenching horror of infants being ripped from the arms of their helpless mothers has the town quaking in terror.
When Gabe Thornton strolls back into his hometown, his main goal is to claim the one woman that has always denied her feelings for him—Nora Jacobs. The last thing he expects is to be thrust into a storm of devastation and chaos. Will his strength be enough to save them from the dark souls that threaten to destroy their chance at happiness?
Broken futures. Shattered dreams. Mind-numbing loss. When your heart has been ripped away from you—how do you find the will to go on?
No one is safe. Everything you thought you knew is about to change in this second installment in The Darkness Series.
Warning: Due to adult content and graphic situations, this book is intended for readers 18 and up.
This book is set in a small town in Texas and it starts off with a bang. Theo, Brady and Gabe are investigating missing women in their town and as they continue their search they realize that these women are being used to carry babies, which are then sold off to the black market. When leads run out Brady goes back home to NYC, while back in Texas Gabe is trying to work things out with his long lost love Nora. The end up engaged and Nora ends up being pregnant. Yay for them right?? Ha! This book takes you by the seat of your pants and throws you up against the wall!!! You really need some sort of comfort item with you when you read, be it a blanket, a pillow, your man, your woman or your mom. You’ll need something, this book is quite a journey of ups and downs.
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
“Knowing where she was going, Brooke hung her head. Milo yanked her arms up behind her back and then the cold shackles locked into place. Dr. Daniels held up a needle, tapping on it with his forefinger. Feeling the prick in her upper arm, she closed her eyes in defeat and let the darkness take her.”
5 insane, crazy, what the heck did I just read stars. All I know is that this book is dark, like grab your blankets, grab your mom, just grab something because it’s dark. But I freaking loved it!!!
If your soul has been plunged into the dark depths of despair, how hard would you fight to claw your way back to the surface? Can the life you lost be restored, or is it destined to be forever phased out of existence? Fated to dissolve into a distant memory.
The Black Market—a ferocious, starving beast. An endless sinkhole of precious valuables; the playground for blood-thirsty power seekers. Only one thing feeds its hunger like no other…human life.
A sinister criminal ring has descended on the small town of Norton Springs, instilling fear in the residents. A vicious wave of disappearances coupled with the gut-wrenching horror of infants being ripped from the arms of their helpless mothers has the town quaking in terror.
When Gabe Thornton strolls back into his hometown, his main goal is to claim the one woman that has always denied her feelings for him—Nora Jacobs. The last thing he expects is to be thrust into a storm of devastation and chaos. Will his strength be enough to save them from the dark souls that threaten to destroy their chance at happiness?
Broken futures. Shattered dreams. Mind-numbing loss. When your heart has been ripped away from you—how do you find the will to go on?
No one is safe. Everything you thought you knew is about to change in this second installment in The Darkness Series.
Warning: Due to adult content and graphic situations, this book is intended for readers 18 and up.
This book is set in a small town in Texas and it starts off with a bang. Theo, Brady and Gabe are investigating missing women in their town and as they continue their search they realize that these women are being used to carry babies, which are then sold off to the black market. When leads run out Brady goes back home to NYC, while back in Texas Gabe is trying to work things out with his long lost love Nora. The end up engaged and Nora ends up being pregnant. Yay for them right?? Ha! This book takes you by the seat of your pants and throws you up against the wall!!! You really need some sort of comfort item with you when you read, be it a blanket, a pillow, your man, your woman or your mom. You’ll need something, this book is quite a journey of ups and downs.
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
July 3, 2015
✯✯5 Dark Twisted Evil Stars!!!✯✯
What in the world did I just read??!! Cassia has one seriously dark and twisted mind I've seen in awhile!! When I first finished Malevolent I sat there with my jaw wide open. But, now with this..My heart was racing and I was screaming NOOOO !!!!! Cassia seriously likes making people yell at her dark and twisted ideas. Now that I'm complaining.
Norton Springs used to be quiet and uneventful. Until recently. Lately, women have been getting kidnapped and babies have been kidnapped from their homes or hospital rooms. The cops have no idea who is behind any of this. Or why.
Nora Jacobs has taken over her families ranch. She plans on getting it back to where it use to before there was some issues. Her best friend and most trusted employee Theo Barrington keeps pressuring her to put added security to the ranch with everything going on. Nora probably wishes she had. Because, in strolls Gabe Thornton. Her first love. The guy she thought she was going to marry. Until one day he disappeared. Without even a goodbye.
Gabe has comeback to win Nora back. He knows she is the love of his life. Luckily for him he doesn't have to work too hard to win her over. But, while they try to get there they continue to get reacquainted. Over and over again. Man, where these two hot as hot can be. Gabe can't believe what is going on in his town since he left. Him and Theo insist on helping. Theo calls his friend Brady James. Yes, THE Brady James from Malevolent he's back and willing to help.
Brooke has been kidnapped.She is in a living nightmare. Nobody has the courage to fight like she does. There is nobody that has any idea where she could be. Nobody there can help or save her. Brooke only does what she knows possible. Fights. She continues to fight. Fingers crossed somebody shows up before its too late.
That's all I am going to give you about the plot and all that. I will tell you that not many authors can totally throw me for such a loop. Just when I knew what was next. Nope! When I was jumping for joy because it was going to end the way I'd hoped. That. Was a HUGE FUCK NO !!! Yes, I just yelled that. Cassia does not like the romance and doesn't like to give you stories that make you all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Instead she writes books that are dark, twisted and will totally fuck with her head on multiple levels!! This is her 2nd book and you would never know it. She's that good. I can't wait to see how this crazy twisted series ends!!
What in the world did I just read??!! Cassia has one seriously dark and twisted mind I've seen in awhile!! When I first finished Malevolent I sat there with my jaw wide open. But, now with this..My heart was racing and I was screaming NOOOO !!!!! Cassia seriously likes making people yell at her dark and twisted ideas. Now that I'm complaining.
Norton Springs used to be quiet and uneventful. Until recently. Lately, women have been getting kidnapped and babies have been kidnapped from their homes or hospital rooms. The cops have no idea who is behind any of this. Or why.
Nora Jacobs has taken over her families ranch. She plans on getting it back to where it use to before there was some issues. Her best friend and most trusted employee Theo Barrington keeps pressuring her to put added security to the ranch with everything going on. Nora probably wishes she had. Because, in strolls Gabe Thornton. Her first love. The guy she thought she was going to marry. Until one day he disappeared. Without even a goodbye.
Gabe has comeback to win Nora back. He knows she is the love of his life. Luckily for him he doesn't have to work too hard to win her over. But, while they try to get there they continue to get reacquainted. Over and over again. Man, where these two hot as hot can be. Gabe can't believe what is going on in his town since he left. Him and Theo insist on helping. Theo calls his friend Brady James. Yes, THE Brady James from Malevolent he's back and willing to help.
Brooke has been kidnapped.She is in a living nightmare. Nobody has the courage to fight like she does. There is nobody that has any idea where she could be. Nobody there can help or save her. Brooke only does what she knows possible. Fights. She continues to fight. Fingers crossed somebody shows up before its too late.
That's all I am going to give you about the plot and all that. I will tell you that not many authors can totally throw me for such a loop. Just when I knew what was next. Nope! When I was jumping for joy because it was going to end the way I'd hoped. That. Was a HUGE FUCK NO !!! Yes, I just yelled that. Cassia does not like the romance and doesn't like to give you stories that make you all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Instead she writes books that are dark, twisted and will totally fuck with her head on multiple levels!! This is her 2nd book and you would never know it. She's that good. I can't wait to see how this crazy twisted series ends!!
June 16, 2017
What the frack lol, the end was crazy and over the top! Its difficult to rate this one because its essentially two books:
1) A 2nd chance romance...Gabe and Nora were former lovers who were reunited at the start. Despite all of her grumbling, she gave up rather quickly and sexy time ensued. While there was nothing wrong with them, I never really cared about either one and wasn't invested in their story or HEA...2 stars for this element.
2) Dark thriller...Brook is a local woman who is kidnapped at the start and finds herself in a black market ring...they abduct women, impregnate them, and sell the babies, doing this over and over again until these women are shells. They are also abducting newborns to sell as well (worst hospital security ever). Brook is a good character, she is a fighter with self-defense training, tries to flee multiple times with no luck but she ends pregnant so you end up rooting for her and her unborn child to escape and bring it all down...4 stars.
I wish Ms. Brightmore would focus on the "darkness" more. The "second half" was done well, I felt chills (seriously, goosebumps) because this baby-farming was a pretty original premise. But the romance was underwhelming and I skimmed through so much of these sections of Nora and Gabe, they served as a crutch to move the story along and maybe help it be not so dark.
Also, this was a fresh start with a whole new town in a whole new state and all new characters. I spent awhile going back and forth trying to find links to "Malevolent" which ended on its own cliffhanger which actually could have been incorporated into the baby premise here. But other than Sheriff Brady popping up here to lead a vigilante investigation and a raid made up of town folk (really??), there was no other tie in to "Malevolent." And reading the premise of the next two books, it sounds like they'll be much the same - a horny couple coming together while small town life shatters around them with a horrific crime.
Stick to the intrigue and darkness, I really do think she could do a psychological thriller well...I would have liked to see more focus on Brook rather than weeks and months flying by to get through her pregnancy. Also, if we can spend time in the head of the maid, Nora's randy ranch hand, and Gabe's kid sister, we should have a much more thorough ride around in the villain's head - his obsessions and motivations, sick and twisted games to mess with her, maybe some Stockholm Syndrome, her continued fight for freedom but struggle with her feelings. If you're gonna go dark, go DARK!!
1) A 2nd chance romance...Gabe and Nora were former lovers who were reunited at the start. Despite all of her grumbling, she gave up rather quickly and sexy time ensued. While there was nothing wrong with them, I never really cared about either one and wasn't invested in their story or HEA...2 stars for this element.
2) Dark thriller...Brook is a local woman who is kidnapped at the start and finds herself in a black market ring...they abduct women, impregnate them, and sell the babies, doing this over and over again until these women are shells. They are also abducting newborns to sell as well (worst hospital security ever). Brook is a good character, she is a fighter with self-defense training, tries to flee multiple times with no luck but she ends pregnant so you end up rooting for her and her unborn child to escape and bring it all down...4 stars.
I wish Ms. Brightmore would focus on the "darkness" more. The "second half" was done well, I felt chills (seriously, goosebumps) because this baby-farming was a pretty original premise. But the romance was underwhelming and I skimmed through so much of these sections of Nora and Gabe, they served as a crutch to move the story along and maybe help it be not so dark.
Also, this was a fresh start with a whole new town in a whole new state and all new characters. I spent awhile going back and forth trying to find links to "Malevolent" which ended on its own cliffhanger which actually could have been incorporated into the baby premise here. But other than Sheriff Brady popping up here to lead a vigilante investigation and a raid made up of town folk (really??), there was no other tie in to "Malevolent." And reading the premise of the next two books, it sounds like they'll be much the same - a horny couple coming together while small town life shatters around them with a horrific crime.
Stick to the intrigue and darkness, I really do think she could do a psychological thriller well...I would have liked to see more focus on Brook rather than weeks and months flying by to get through her pregnancy. Also, if we can spend time in the head of the maid, Nora's randy ranch hand, and Gabe's kid sister, we should have a much more thorough ride around in the villain's head - his obsessions and motivations, sick and twisted games to mess with her, maybe some Stockholm Syndrome, her continued fight for freedom but struggle with her feelings. If you're gonna go dark, go DARK!!
July 7, 2015
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
Malevolent was my first dark read and I was shocked at the twists and turns it took. I had to keep going with Evanesce and I didn't think things could get darker or sinister but wow was I wrong some of the scenes were tough. I was hooked from chapter one..all I can say is you have a murder, kidnapping, and captivity this was all just in the first chapter holy cow.
Nora is now running her family ranch and trying to get over Gabe who left her heartbroken. Gabe has just returned home and has one thing on his mind getting his girl back. Theo is Gabe and Nora’s best friend who helps Nora out on the ranch and keep Gabe up on the goings on in the town while he was gone. We also have Quinn Gabes little sister who I absolutely adored. They are from the small town of Norton Springs where nothing bad happens that is until recently..you see women and babies are going missing. Brooke was kidnapped and fighting to get out in one piece. Gabe, Theo, and the sexy Brady James are now trying to unravel the mystery of the disappearing women and babies.
The emotions I went through while reading this was heart wrenching. I loved seeing Gabe and Nora slowly get back together but to see the things poor Brooke was going through tore my heart out. I so loved Quinn and the hard time she gave Gabe. I also liked that Brooke was a fighter and never gave up always trying to find a way out no matter what. I think I have a thing for Theo he is so mysterious don't quite know what he is good at and how he was trained but man I need to know more about him. I know I'm not giving you much in this review but I just cannot give anything away. I was turning the pages as fast as I could to find out if Brooke got away, and was Gabe, Theo and Brady going to figure out the mystery of the missing babies and women. Then the end I was blown away my reaction was OMG what!!! I have no words. Cassia literally gutted me when I was reading this one, the twists and the mystery of everything was great. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what happens next.
A few of my favorites
“Okay, baby, sure. I won’t fuck you again until you beg me to. And make no mistake, you will be begging me to,”
There he was, this tough, sexy cowboy covered in tattoos holding a bouquet of sunny flowers. He was a walking contradiction and she loved that about him.
Malevolent was my first dark read and I was shocked at the twists and turns it took. I had to keep going with Evanesce and I didn't think things could get darker or sinister but wow was I wrong some of the scenes were tough. I was hooked from chapter one..all I can say is you have a murder, kidnapping, and captivity this was all just in the first chapter holy cow.
Nora is now running her family ranch and trying to get over Gabe who left her heartbroken. Gabe has just returned home and has one thing on his mind getting his girl back. Theo is Gabe and Nora’s best friend who helps Nora out on the ranch and keep Gabe up on the goings on in the town while he was gone. We also have Quinn Gabes little sister who I absolutely adored. They are from the small town of Norton Springs where nothing bad happens that is until recently..you see women and babies are going missing. Brooke was kidnapped and fighting to get out in one piece. Gabe, Theo, and the sexy Brady James are now trying to unravel the mystery of the disappearing women and babies.
The emotions I went through while reading this was heart wrenching. I loved seeing Gabe and Nora slowly get back together but to see the things poor Brooke was going through tore my heart out. I so loved Quinn and the hard time she gave Gabe. I also liked that Brooke was a fighter and never gave up always trying to find a way out no matter what. I think I have a thing for Theo he is so mysterious don't quite know what he is good at and how he was trained but man I need to know more about him. I know I'm not giving you much in this review but I just cannot give anything away. I was turning the pages as fast as I could to find out if Brooke got away, and was Gabe, Theo and Brady going to figure out the mystery of the missing babies and women. Then the end I was blown away my reaction was OMG what!!! I have no words. Cassia literally gutted me when I was reading this one, the twists and the mystery of everything was great. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what happens next.
A few of my favorites
“Okay, baby, sure. I won’t fuck you again until you beg me to. And make no mistake, you will be begging me to,”
There he was, this tough, sexy cowboy covered in tattoos holding a bouquet of sunny flowers. He was a walking contradiction and she loved that about him.
July 5, 2015
EVANESCE (the Darkness series, # 2)
by Cassia Brightmore
June 29, 2015
approx 222 pages
Dark Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Thriller
-- MY THOUGHTS --
** Provided by author via promotion in Exchange for an Honest Review **
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
The cover is very dark in coloration as well as content, although it is rather murky, it sort of sets the mood to the story inside. The synopsis does a fairly good job at depicting the dark and disturbing world that Ms. Brightmore plunges her readers into.
Looking Deeper:
Third-person POV, from various characters' perspectives; not clearly defined therefore you are several sentences in before realizing that the POV has shifted to another person. It makes for some necessary backtracking. WARNING: Ms. Brightmore once again fearlessly immerses her readers into a dark abyss of chaos, depravity, and some psychotically twisted, sick content. It is guaranteed to offend and trigger those sensitive to rape, abduction, sex slavery, human trafficking, trafficking, abuse.
There are two simultaneous story lines happening here.... One of Brooke and her fight to survive her abduction and subsequent horrors, the other of Nora and Gabe. There's really no way to rate *a* lead male or female in that respect. The characters are well-developed and the interaction is fantastic. The dialogue gets a little tiresome when one character addresses the other by name every time they open their mouth to speak, but other than that, the context was great. I have to say, I was rather put off by how "animated" Nora's pussy is.... first referred to as a dog on a leash, then an Olympian vaulter? That's just a little disturbing and comically absurd. While the main conflicts are resolved, Ms. Brightmore throws yet another volley of curveballs at you, leaving you gaping at the final page and wondering.... what the ever-loving f---!?! The conclusion is not quite solid, there is unfinished business and loose ends - it felt abrupt and unfinished. Overall, fans of Malevolent will most likely love this. If they thought book 1 was a brain-screw... just wait. This one is pure insanity.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Level: 5 [X] ~ Score: 4.4 ~ Stars: 4.5
Again; sexual violence or numerous sorts, not
suitable for most audiences.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reviewer:
Tina J @ Happily Ever Chapter
by Cassia Brightmore
June 29, 2015
approx 222 pages
Dark Romance, Mystery/Suspense, Thriller
-- MY THOUGHTS --
** Provided by author via promotion in Exchange for an Honest Review **
Judging a Book by it's Cover:
The cover is very dark in coloration as well as content, although it is rather murky, it sort of sets the mood to the story inside. The synopsis does a fairly good job at depicting the dark and disturbing world that Ms. Brightmore plunges her readers into.
Looking Deeper:
Third-person POV, from various characters' perspectives; not clearly defined therefore you are several sentences in before realizing that the POV has shifted to another person. It makes for some necessary backtracking. WARNING: Ms. Brightmore once again fearlessly immerses her readers into a dark abyss of chaos, depravity, and some psychotically twisted, sick content. It is guaranteed to offend and trigger those sensitive to rape, abduction, sex slavery, human trafficking, trafficking, abuse.
There are two simultaneous story lines happening here.... One of Brooke and her fight to survive her abduction and subsequent horrors, the other of Nora and Gabe. There's really no way to rate *a* lead male or female in that respect. The characters are well-developed and the interaction is fantastic. The dialogue gets a little tiresome when one character addresses the other by name every time they open their mouth to speak, but other than that, the context was great. I have to say, I was rather put off by how "animated" Nora's pussy is.... first referred to as a dog on a leash, then an Olympian vaulter? That's just a little disturbing and comically absurd. While the main conflicts are resolved, Ms. Brightmore throws yet another volley of curveballs at you, leaving you gaping at the final page and wondering.... what the ever-loving f---!?! The conclusion is not quite solid, there is unfinished business and loose ends - it felt abrupt and unfinished. Overall, fans of Malevolent will most likely love this. If they thought book 1 was a brain-screw... just wait. This one is pure insanity.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Level: 5 [X] ~ Score: 4.4 ~ Stars: 4.5
Again; sexual violence or numerous sorts, not
suitable for most audiences.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reviewer:
Tina J @ Happily Ever Chapter
June 29, 2015
I was blown away by Malevolent and wasn’t shy about my adoration of a new author and her stunning entry to the market but with this Evanesce, I have to say that she has simply blown my mind!!
So what can I tell you about this without telling you too much, as there isn’t a hope in hell that I would want you to skip past this little corker – you simply have to pull on your big girl pants, find your inner ninja and buckle up for a trip to the dark side!!!
Because this will drag into its dark magnificence whether you want to go or not and once you are there it will consume you.
The book immense and I quite simply adored every single word!
Norton Springs is living in fear, the whole town reeling from the evil that has descended on them.
Women and children are not safe, disappearing into the ether and the local law enforcement are at a loss to either stop or understand it. The whole town in some respects is living in constant fear and terror.
But I couldn’t help but think just how much of this are they willing to put up with before they are too far down the road to be able to turn back and undo the horror that they have endured?
Gabe Thornton had no idea when he came back to town what exactly he was walking into but it could never have been what he got.
All he wanted was another chance to claim his woman, to find Nora and make her see that no matter how much she denies her feelings, she belongs with him.
But is he too late?
The devastation that is devouring the town from within its own midst is threatening his plan but when faced with fighting for his future, Gabe is up for the challenge. Events soon begin to click into place in his head but they take on a more defined sense of urgency when Nora ends up pregnant!
But can he keep them safe? And more over just how much more will they have to endure?
I could say more but then again, I don’t think I can… this is a story that twists and turns that whip up from nowhere and will leave you blindsided.
I felt as if I could have quite easily hyperventilated at some points and at other points, I think I practically stopped breathing all together!
Cassia took my soul and owned it! She led me down and dark and dangerous path, introducing me to characters that I both cried and cursed at.
This is not a gentle meander into the day to day lives of this fictional town, it is a drop into the depths of despair novel and keep your fingers crossed that you make it out in one piece.
So what can I tell you about this without telling you too much, as there isn’t a hope in hell that I would want you to skip past this little corker – you simply have to pull on your big girl pants, find your inner ninja and buckle up for a trip to the dark side!!!
Because this will drag into its dark magnificence whether you want to go or not and once you are there it will consume you.
The book immense and I quite simply adored every single word!
Norton Springs is living in fear, the whole town reeling from the evil that has descended on them.
Women and children are not safe, disappearing into the ether and the local law enforcement are at a loss to either stop or understand it. The whole town in some respects is living in constant fear and terror.
But I couldn’t help but think just how much of this are they willing to put up with before they are too far down the road to be able to turn back and undo the horror that they have endured?
Gabe Thornton had no idea when he came back to town what exactly he was walking into but it could never have been what he got.
All he wanted was another chance to claim his woman, to find Nora and make her see that no matter how much she denies her feelings, she belongs with him.
But is he too late?
The devastation that is devouring the town from within its own midst is threatening his plan but when faced with fighting for his future, Gabe is up for the challenge. Events soon begin to click into place in his head but they take on a more defined sense of urgency when Nora ends up pregnant!
But can he keep them safe? And more over just how much more will they have to endure?
I could say more but then again, I don’t think I can… this is a story that twists and turns that whip up from nowhere and will leave you blindsided.
I felt as if I could have quite easily hyperventilated at some points and at other points, I think I practically stopped breathing all together!
Cassia took my soul and owned it! She led me down and dark and dangerous path, introducing me to characters that I both cried and cursed at.
This is not a gentle meander into the day to day lives of this fictional town, it is a drop into the depths of despair novel and keep your fingers crossed that you make it out in one piece.
July 4, 2015
This book ended and my mouth dropped open, I screamed NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!, then sat literally stunned for at least thirty minutes. This is a DARK erotic romance. It does NOT have a happy ending, but instead a hellish conclusion that comes at you like a punch to the gut that knocks the wind out of your lungs. It's truly horrible, how the story ends, but it's NOT a horrible book. Cassia Brightmore is proving herself more than adept at fucking with our minds, hearts and souls until we don't have any idea which way is up any longer. Even if you used the most evil imaginative possibilities you could think of for how this book would end you would never think up the horror that is the ending Cassia has written for us. I wanted to call her up and tell her she wasn't allowed to write a book like this. Readers have expectations, right? We want the good guys to win and the gorgeous couple to live happily ever after while being consumed by one another's love. But this author said a big "FUCK YOU" and wrote the story she NEEDED to tell and we NEEDED to read, not what we WANTED with unicorns and rainbows aplenty.
You can read the Amazon blurb for a synopsis of the plot. I'm not giving you more than that. You need to be kept just as in the dark as I was while experiencing this reading. There are babies being stolen and sold on the black market, which is bad enough, but even more vile is the fact that young women are being kidnapped and never seen again. They're being used to impregnate through rape and then give birth to babies that are sold and then disposed of when their 'usefulness' wears out.
These dangerous events are taking place in the same community as our Gabe and Nora. I should've known it was too much to hope they would either remain oblivious and unscathed or that they might even ride in like knights in shining armor and put an end to all of the depravity and save many moms and babies at the same time. No, none of those things happen so don't bother wishing. A positive attitude will get you nowhere in this small town being swept away by violent undercurrents of unadulterated wickedness.
You can read the Amazon blurb for a synopsis of the plot. I'm not giving you more than that. You need to be kept just as in the dark as I was while experiencing this reading. There are babies being stolen and sold on the black market, which is bad enough, but even more vile is the fact that young women are being kidnapped and never seen again. They're being used to impregnate through rape and then give birth to babies that are sold and then disposed of when their 'usefulness' wears out.
These dangerous events are taking place in the same community as our Gabe and Nora. I should've known it was too much to hope they would either remain oblivious and unscathed or that they might even ride in like knights in shining armor and put an end to all of the depravity and save many moms and babies at the same time. No, none of those things happen so don't bother wishing. A positive attitude will get you nowhere in this small town being swept away by violent undercurrents of unadulterated wickedness.
July 21, 2015
Evanesce
(The Darkness Series #2)
Cassia Brightmore
FIVE STAR FABULOUS
Once again Cassia Brightmore has taken us deep inside the darkest part of Hell. Evanesce is the second book in the Darkness Series. Following in the footsteps of the first book in the series, Evanesce totally delivers on it's promise of evil incarnate. I think Evanesce is actually darker than Malevolent was and that's saying a lot. This book brings us in to a world that has no chance of seeing light in it. It was very intense and raw, cutting deeply into my heart and soul. It definitely makes you think.
We know what the "Black Market" is and what goes on in it. Nothing is off limits there, kind of like Craigslist on steroids and crack and then some. In this book we see the most evil and life shattering usage of the black market. We're not talking human organs this time around though. Much much worse. Evanesce broke me apart so many times. I was devastated. My heart broke over and over again for the people affected by this evil.
I was SO not expecting the way the book ended. I think the ending was perfect though. It gives you enough for a sort of closure but still leaves it open enough to have you wanting and needing the next book in the series. I know I needed the next book the second I finished reading Evanesce. I am completely enthralled with this series and everything that has happened so far. I cannot wait for book three to get here so I can, once again, become wrapped up in the darkness that awaits.
✔ Is there a love story as well? Yes there is and it's one that will warm your heart and make you smile.
✔ Love a plot with twists you never saw coming? Evanesce will have you rethinking everything with the bombs it drops.
✔ Looking for some shock and awe? Look no further.
✔ Looking for some hot sex too ヅ? It's got it all and yes it's all worth it.
Evanesce was an awesome read. Cassia Brightmore has successfully brought me over to the dark side and I embrace it willingly and happily ヅ HA-HA.
November 4, 2016
Evanesce is the second book in the Darkness series by Cassia Brightmore. After reading Malevolent, I wasn't sure how much darker this series could get. However, Evanesce delivered a dark and twisted story that had me saying WHAT????????? at the very end.
Brooke, the poor soul, is abducted and forced to be an "employee" at the hands of the deranged black market mastermind, Marcus Drake. Forced into sexual slavery, Brooke must endure unfathomable torture to her mind and body to supply Marcus with his "product". Despite her situation Brooke is a fighter and continues to fight until the very end.
Nora is a ranch owner that is brought back together with the love of her life, Gabe, after a long absence. A rocky start brings these lovers back together, but the dastardly doings in their town interrupts their happy reunion. Especially when tragedy strikes Nora and Gabe. Determined to find out who is behind these crimes and to right the wrong done to Gabe and Nora, Gabe, Theo, and Brady (the sheriff from Malevolent) strike at the heart of the snake to bring the operation down. However, there is a twist you never see coming.
This book had a whole lot of WHAT??????? in it. It is dark, twisted, and gritty. Brooke is a strong character that has you rooting for her right from the beginning. I felt dirty every time I had to read about Marcus and Milo. I liked seeing Brady make an appearance in this book. I think that there is more from his story that needs to be told and I can see where they are beginning to tie together. Nora and Gabe were great characters as well. The author threw us a zinger with this one and I really hope to a good resolution in the next book. I also need more of Theo's back story. He is very intriguing. A good read that makes me need the next book.
Brooke, the poor soul, is abducted and forced to be an "employee" at the hands of the deranged black market mastermind, Marcus Drake. Forced into sexual slavery, Brooke must endure unfathomable torture to her mind and body to supply Marcus with his "product". Despite her situation Brooke is a fighter and continues to fight until the very end.
Nora is a ranch owner that is brought back together with the love of her life, Gabe, after a long absence. A rocky start brings these lovers back together, but the dastardly doings in their town interrupts their happy reunion. Especially when tragedy strikes Nora and Gabe. Determined to find out who is behind these crimes and to right the wrong done to Gabe and Nora, Gabe, Theo, and Brady (the sheriff from Malevolent) strike at the heart of the snake to bring the operation down. However, there is a twist you never see coming.
This book had a whole lot of WHAT??????? in it. It is dark, twisted, and gritty. Brooke is a strong character that has you rooting for her right from the beginning. I felt dirty every time I had to read about Marcus and Milo. I liked seeing Brady make an appearance in this book. I think that there is more from his story that needs to be told and I can see where they are beginning to tie together. Nora and Gabe were great characters as well. The author threw us a zinger with this one and I really hope to a good resolution in the next book. I also need more of Theo's back story. He is very intriguing. A good read that makes me need the next book.
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