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Basic Instincts #4
The Dark Before Dawn
FROM EXCITING AUTHOR OF LGBTQIA ROMANTIC SUSPENSE THOM COLLINS
Book four in the Basic Instincts series
A brutal killer. An unwitting witness. A cop caught in the middle of a deadly pursuit.
Jude Kalvert is glad to be back in his home city and playing gigs around his favourite bars. Blyham is a dangerous place, and things only seem to have got worse in the time he’s been away. It’s not safe to be out alone at night, but when Jude runs into an old school friend after one of his shows, things don’t so seem bad after all.
Danyal Nadir has changed a lot since they knew each other. He’s cop for one thing, newly appointed to act as liaison between the police and the LGBTQ+ community. And he’s come a long way from the shy, bullied kid Jude remembers from school. The adult Danyal is strong, confident and very attractive. Both men jump at the chance to get reacquainted.
But that first night is not a safe as it appears. Jude discovers that he’s one of the last people to have seen a murder victim alive. Soon the killer has Jude and Danyal in their sights. On the run and desperate, there’s no limit as to what he’ll do. As their friendship turns to passion, their new beginning could be the end of them.
Book four in the Basic Instincts series
A brutal killer. An unwitting witness. A cop caught in the middle of a deadly pursuit.
Jude Kalvert is glad to be back in his home city and playing gigs around his favourite bars. Blyham is a dangerous place, and things only seem to have got worse in the time he’s been away. It’s not safe to be out alone at night, but when Jude runs into an old school friend after one of his shows, things don’t so seem bad after all.
Danyal Nadir has changed a lot since they knew each other. He’s cop for one thing, newly appointed to act as liaison between the police and the LGBTQ+ community. And he’s come a long way from the shy, bullied kid Jude remembers from school. The adult Danyal is strong, confident and very attractive. Both men jump at the chance to get reacquainted.
But that first night is not a safe as it appears. Jude discovers that he’s one of the last people to have seen a murder victim alive. Soon the killer has Jude and Danyal in their sights. On the run and desperate, there’s no limit as to what he’ll do. As their friendship turns to passion, their new beginning could be the end of them.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Author
C- / 2.5 stars rounded up.
I’ve enjoyed the two books I’ve read in Thom Collins’ Basic Instincts series, a series of romantic suspense novels set in a fictional town in the north of England. Even though neither of them knocked my socks off, it was clear that author knows how to tell a good yarn and I was able to overlook some of the issues I had because the stories were intriguing and well put together. Unfortunately, however, I can’t say the same for the most recent instalment, The Dark Before Dawn.
The books in the series are loosely interconnected, and although they could probably be read as standalones, I think that by doing so the reader will miss out on some important background information. The fictional town of Blyham has been plagued by a spate of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes over the last couple of years and the local police has been very ineffectual – sometimes by choice. After the apprehension of the serial killer who terrorised the local queer community (Now Comes the Dark), the Blyham force is trying to rehabilitate its image and to do better by the minorities in the community, but they have a long way to go. This book introduces Danyal Nadir, recently appointed as Blyham’s Community Liaison Officer, who is determined to make a difference, and singer/songwriter Jude Kalvert, who spends half each year performing on cruise ships in between writing songs and performing. Jude and Danyal meet late one night after Jude has finished a gig – and realise they actually went to school together. They didn’t know each other at all back then, although they were vaguely aware of one another in the way two boys who were so obviously ‘other’ were – Danyal because of the colour of his skin, Jude because he was gay.
After a bit of reminiscing, they go for something to eat at a local all-night café and talk a bit about what they’re doing now before making plans to see each other again – with the definite understanding they’d like to take things to the nearest flat surface. After they part, Danyal is called to the scene of an attack on a couple of men that happened at a local gay club, The Blue Pearl – where Jude had been on stage earlier. Danyal arrives to see paramedics working on two victims, both gay men – but only one of them makes it. Blyham has notched up yet another brutal hate crime.
Unlike the previous two books in the series, police are able to work out the identity of the killer very quickly, so this story is not so much a whodunnit as it is about catching them. But while there are the bare bones of a decent story here, the author fails to put a lot of meat on them. The inciting incident – the murder at the club – takes place early on, but there’s not much else happening apart from Danyal and Jude having sex, and by the time I reached the halfway mark, I was thinking about throwing in the towel. But I kept going, and things finally started to get interesting at just before two-thirds of the way through, as it becomes clear that the killer is out for more blood, and that he’s set his sights very firmly on Jude and Danyal.
The suspense plot and the romance aren’t well intertwined, so we get Jude and Danyal getting together for the first half of the book and then the plot for the second half, which made for a disjointed read. It probably didn’t help that there just isn’t enough plot here to fill a full-length novel, there’s far more telling than showing, and that the writing is often choppy. By which I mean lots of short sentences. One after the other. I’ve mentioned it before. And I find it very distracting. The romance is perfunctory; Jude and Danyal like each other and they have lots of hot sex, but there’s no real chemistry or emotional connection there (which is a complaint I made about the books I’ve read previously); as characters, they’re both pretty bland and there was nothing about either of them that made me want to care about them. The sex scenes are a bit stilted and some of the dialogue is laughable: “the red fabric of the underpants was stretched tight across his mighty cock.” (There’s a fine line to be trod between ‘hot’ and ‘funny’ and I think the phrase “mighty cock” is on the wrong side of it.)
The villain of the piece is a racist, homophobic, misogynistic piece of shit. We do get a few chapters from his PoV (unfortunately), which are, rightly, uncomfortable to read – and the author has hit the nail on the head when it comes to portraying a section of British society that sickens me – the flagshagging, brain-dead gammons who want to ‘Take Are Country Back’ and ‘Protect Are Women’ (and then go home to beat their wives and girlfriends) – who think anyone who isn’t white should ‘go home’ and that queer people shouldn’t exist.
*takes deep breath*
Okay. The Dark Before Dawn didn’t work for me. The plot is thin, it lacks suspense and momentum – although the pacing does pick up in the final chapters – and the romance has no emotional depth. Gotta put this one down in the ‘lose some’ column.
I’ve enjoyed the two books I’ve read in Thom Collins’ Basic Instincts series, a series of romantic suspense novels set in a fictional town in the north of England. Even though neither of them knocked my socks off, it was clear that author knows how to tell a good yarn and I was able to overlook some of the issues I had because the stories were intriguing and well put together. Unfortunately, however, I can’t say the same for the most recent instalment, The Dark Before Dawn.
The books in the series are loosely interconnected, and although they could probably be read as standalones, I think that by doing so the reader will miss out on some important background information. The fictional town of Blyham has been plagued by a spate of anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes over the last couple of years and the local police has been very ineffectual – sometimes by choice. After the apprehension of the serial killer who terrorised the local queer community (Now Comes the Dark), the Blyham force is trying to rehabilitate its image and to do better by the minorities in the community, but they have a long way to go. This book introduces Danyal Nadir, recently appointed as Blyham’s Community Liaison Officer, who is determined to make a difference, and singer/songwriter Jude Kalvert, who spends half each year performing on cruise ships in between writing songs and performing. Jude and Danyal meet late one night after Jude has finished a gig – and realise they actually went to school together. They didn’t know each other at all back then, although they were vaguely aware of one another in the way two boys who were so obviously ‘other’ were – Danyal because of the colour of his skin, Jude because he was gay.
After a bit of reminiscing, they go for something to eat at a local all-night café and talk a bit about what they’re doing now before making plans to see each other again – with the definite understanding they’d like to take things to the nearest flat surface. After they part, Danyal is called to the scene of an attack on a couple of men that happened at a local gay club, The Blue Pearl – where Jude had been on stage earlier. Danyal arrives to see paramedics working on two victims, both gay men – but only one of them makes it. Blyham has notched up yet another brutal hate crime.
Unlike the previous two books in the series, police are able to work out the identity of the killer very quickly, so this story is not so much a whodunnit as it is about catching them. But while there are the bare bones of a decent story here, the author fails to put a lot of meat on them. The inciting incident – the murder at the club – takes place early on, but there’s not much else happening apart from Danyal and Jude having sex, and by the time I reached the halfway mark, I was thinking about throwing in the towel. But I kept going, and things finally started to get interesting at just before two-thirds of the way through, as it becomes clear that the killer is out for more blood, and that he’s set his sights very firmly on Jude and Danyal.
The suspense plot and the romance aren’t well intertwined, so we get Jude and Danyal getting together for the first half of the book and then the plot for the second half, which made for a disjointed read. It probably didn’t help that there just isn’t enough plot here to fill a full-length novel, there’s far more telling than showing, and that the writing is often choppy. By which I mean lots of short sentences. One after the other. I’ve mentioned it before. And I find it very distracting. The romance is perfunctory; Jude and Danyal like each other and they have lots of hot sex, but there’s no real chemistry or emotional connection there (which is a complaint I made about the books I’ve read previously); as characters, they’re both pretty bland and there was nothing about either of them that made me want to care about them. The sex scenes are a bit stilted and some of the dialogue is laughable: “the red fabric of the underpants was stretched tight across his mighty cock.” (There’s a fine line to be trod between ‘hot’ and ‘funny’ and I think the phrase “mighty cock” is on the wrong side of it.)
The villain of the piece is a racist, homophobic, misogynistic piece of shit. We do get a few chapters from his PoV (unfortunately), which are, rightly, uncomfortable to read – and the author has hit the nail on the head when it comes to portraying a section of British society that sickens me – the flagshagging, brain-dead gammons who want to ‘Take Are Country Back’ and ‘Protect Are Women’ (and then go home to beat their wives and girlfriends) – who think anyone who isn’t white should ‘go home’ and that queer people shouldn’t exist.
*takes deep breath*
Okay. The Dark Before Dawn didn’t work for me. The plot is thin, it lacks suspense and momentum – although the pacing does pick up in the final chapters – and the romance has no emotional depth. Gotta put this one down in the ‘lose some’ column.
Review of advance copy
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
This was another fantastic installment in a thrilling series I've been enjoying a lot! I will never get enough of POC rep, and Danyal being Brown and a total babe, who was also a kind and genuine human, had me locked in from the jump! And Jude was just the most precious, musical darling who'd likewise clocked Danyal's deliciousness, and I was happy that their very sexy hot romance grew into love easily enough during some veeeeeeery dangerous times!
Collins' narrative style and tone was as immersive and moody and gritty as ever. I was nervous and scared for everyone from start to finish! Especially because the emotional connections between every single one of the characters (not just the MCs) were heartfelt and had me invested in all their lives remaining ALIVE!!!
Because the murdery unhinged attacks that'd been menacing Blyham's queer population was t e r r i f y i n g to read. The ending action pretty much broke my heart and stg my chest still feels caved in from THE BUILD-UP to everything that went down.
There was an HEA, but I was emotionally rocked by the violence of crazy bigots so I'm still sad and spiralling about a lot of the bad and bloody things. ofc ymmv
***Review portion over and incoming real talk. Feel free to stop reading here because I'm about to bring down the mood.***
This was another fantastic installment in a thrilling series I've been enjoying a lot! I will never get enough of POC rep, and Danyal being Brown and a total babe, who was also a kind and genuine human, had me locked in from the jump! And Jude was just the most precious, musical darling who'd likewise clocked Danyal's deliciousness, and I was happy that their very sexy hot romance grew into love easily enough during some veeeeeeery dangerous times!
Collins' narrative style and tone was as immersive and moody and gritty as ever. I was nervous and scared for everyone from start to finish! Especially because the emotional connections between every single one of the characters (not just the MCs) were heartfelt and had me invested in all their lives remaining ALIVE!!!
Because the murdery unhinged attacks that'd been menacing Blyham's queer population was t e r r i f y i n g to read. The ending action pretty much broke my heart and stg my chest still feels caved in from THE BUILD-UP to everything that went down.
There was an HEA, but I was emotionally rocked by the violence of crazy bigots so I'm still sad and spiralling about a lot of the bad and bloody things. ofc ymmv
***Review portion over and incoming real talk. Feel free to stop reading here because I'm about to bring down the mood.***
July 9, 2026
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 4 in the Basic Instincts series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I do however, personally recommend that you do read them in order. It will give you a better picture of Blyham and what has happened and what is still happening there.
Jude has returned home, after years on the cruise ships. Danyal is an old school friend and the attraction between them still lingers. Then Jude witnesses a murder, Danyal's police colleague is murder and the killer is playing games.
What I loved about this book, was, although the Blyham Strangler was mentioned, the recent spate of attacks on the gay community are someone else. Someone who we get to hear from and I love LOVE hearing from the bad guys! But they have no connection to the strangler. They are twisted and deadly, especially after what happens to Danyal's colleague.
The book is dark and deadly with on page violence that is absolutely needed. It's emotional and heart wrenching. Both Danyal and Jude suffer losses here in the most horrific way and you feel for them. It brings them closer, though and I loved that neither felt the need to push the other away.
I didn't think it was as steamy as the other books. This one concentrates more on the emotional connection, I find, than the smex. There is smex, sure but it's a second to the crime and the bad guy and what happens there.
The bad guy gets his comeuppence, in the most ironic way, considering what happens earlier in the book.
Will there be more? I'm not sure Blyham can handle another bad guy, to be honest! But if there is, I'll read it!
5 dark and deadly stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 4 in the Basic Instincts series, and it can be read as a stand alone. I do however, personally recommend that you do read them in order. It will give you a better picture of Blyham and what has happened and what is still happening there.
Jude has returned home, after years on the cruise ships. Danyal is an old school friend and the attraction between them still lingers. Then Jude witnesses a murder, Danyal's police colleague is murder and the killer is playing games.
What I loved about this book, was, although the Blyham Strangler was mentioned, the recent spate of attacks on the gay community are someone else. Someone who we get to hear from and I love LOVE hearing from the bad guys! But they have no connection to the strangler. They are twisted and deadly, especially after what happens to Danyal's colleague.
The book is dark and deadly with on page violence that is absolutely needed. It's emotional and heart wrenching. Both Danyal and Jude suffer losses here in the most horrific way and you feel for them. It brings them closer, though and I loved that neither felt the need to push the other away.
I didn't think it was as steamy as the other books. This one concentrates more on the emotional connection, I find, than the smex. There is smex, sure but it's a second to the crime and the bad guy and what happens there.
The bad guy gets his comeuppence, in the most ironic way, considering what happens earlier in the book.
Will there be more? I'm not sure Blyham can handle another bad guy, to be honest! But if there is, I'll read it!
5 dark and deadly stars.
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Review of advance copy received from Author
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was also another good addition to the Basic Instinct Series but it can totally be read as a standalone. This brutality of the killing in this book hits hard. Like I really can’t understand how someone can have so much hate in them for others. Danyal & Jude went to school together, they were both bullied but for different things.
Jude for being openly gay & Danyal for be small, geeky, immigrant, even though he was born in Scotland his father is of Indian decent. Jude has recently come back to Blyham and is playing gigs at local bars when he runs into Danyal who he went to school with. Jude doesn’t recognised him since he’s definitely changed a lot but the two catch up for a cuppa while Danyal takes a break walking the beat, he’s now a cop.
The two hit it off and agree to catch up soon. I really liked them together and the way their relationship progressed felt realistic. With everything that they went through their happily ever after was well deserved but also bittersweet considering the loss they both suffered. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Thom Collins in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was also another good addition to the Basic Instinct Series but it can totally be read as a standalone. This brutality of the killing in this book hits hard. Like I really can’t understand how someone can have so much hate in them for others. Danyal & Jude went to school together, they were both bullied but for different things.
Jude for being openly gay & Danyal for be small, geeky, immigrant, even though he was born in Scotland his father is of Indian decent. Jude has recently come back to Blyham and is playing gigs at local bars when he runs into Danyal who he went to school with. Jude doesn’t recognised him since he’s definitely changed a lot but the two catch up for a cuppa while Danyal takes a break walking the beat, he’s now a cop.
The two hit it off and agree to catch up soon. I really liked them together and the way their relationship progressed felt realistic. With everything that they went through their happily ever after was well deserved but also bittersweet considering the loss they both suffered. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Thom Collins in the future. I’d recommend this book, series and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Review for (Basic Instincts-4) The Dark Before Dawn by Thom Collins
This story is a 3 1/2 star story
I went into this story not reading all the past ones. Now I wish I had. Not that you have to, but you get a fuller story i'm sure, if you do. This story is written in a town named Blyham that has been full of hate crimes against LGBTQ people for the last several years. The sad thing is, the police just aren't taking these cases as cases, really. This is quite sad because there might be more going on. A serial killer who has been terrorizing the LGBTQ community in this town. You have Danyal, who has been put into the Blyhame, the people's liaison officer, who wants to help and make a difference. For half of the year, performs on cruise ships as a singer & songwriter. These two men meet after Jude finishes for the night. To find out that they had known each other in the same school in the past. They really didn't know each other; they just heard things about each other. I did love the intrigue and romantic suspense. I do have to say I wish there were more to the story. More of the storyline and relationship being shared would have been fantastic. This story did make me want to go back and read the others sometime when I can. I will be looking for more by this author.
Nicole Harvey
This story is a 3 1/2 star story
I went into this story not reading all the past ones. Now I wish I had. Not that you have to, but you get a fuller story i'm sure, if you do. This story is written in a town named Blyham that has been full of hate crimes against LGBTQ people for the last several years. The sad thing is, the police just aren't taking these cases as cases, really. This is quite sad because there might be more going on. A serial killer who has been terrorizing the LGBTQ community in this town. You have Danyal, who has been put into the Blyhame, the people's liaison officer, who wants to help and make a difference. For half of the year, performs on cruise ships as a singer & songwriter. These two men meet after Jude finishes for the night. To find out that they had known each other in the same school in the past. They really didn't know each other; they just heard things about each other. I did love the intrigue and romantic suspense. I do have to say I wish there were more to the story. More of the storyline and relationship being shared would have been fantastic. This story did make me want to go back and read the others sometime when I can. I will be looking for more by this author.
Nicole Harvey
July 10, 2026
Jude Kalvert returns to Blyham after a stint on a cruise ship. He is busy trying to book gigs at his favorite bars when he runs into Danyal Nadir. They knew each other in school but each has grown and changed. Danyal is a cop now and the newly appointed liaison between the police and the LGBTQ+ in the community. He is no longer that shy, bullied kid. The two jump at the chance for a relationship. Blyham is not safe, though, especially for the LGBTQ+. It turns out Jude was the last person to see a murder victim alive. Now both Danyal and Jude are on the killer’s radar.
The Dark Before dawn is incredibly intense and very emotional. In fact, the whole series, Basic Instincts, is that and more. Jude and Danyal are great together as they find more than friendship. Watching them fall in love as they support and help each other through the bad times they are facing made for great reading. The plot is well done and, unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community is often the blunt of violence. If you enjoy a pulse pounding story, one that will keep you up reading, then this one is for you. I enjoy he stories Thom Collins pens and look forward to more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The Dark Before dawn is incredibly intense and very emotional. In fact, the whole series, Basic Instincts, is that and more. Jude and Danyal are great together as they find more than friendship. Watching them fall in love as they support and help each other through the bad times they are facing made for great reading. The plot is well done and, unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community is often the blunt of violence. If you enjoy a pulse pounding story, one that will keep you up reading, then this one is for you. I enjoy he stories Thom Collins pens and look forward to more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy
Jude returns to Blyham after his latest stint on a cruise ship. Hoping to devote more time to his music and performing. He becomes involved in an investigation when it’s revealed he was the last person to see two men before one of them was murdered. Danyal is a policeman facing an impossible task. Gay, in a town where gay men are targeted with violence and death, he is the face of the force. When he sees Jude, a classmate from years ago, he is instantly smitten. As they renew acquaintances, the violence escalates, putting them both in danger.
This book is different than the rest of the series. It has more violence (and blood) for one thing. The authors books have always been moody, leaning into dark. This book definitely falls into the dark category. The villain is particularly vile, and without giving to much away, meets a fitting end.
It also leans into instalove with Jude and Danyal quickly becoming involved. Though they were together I didn’t really feel the relationship. I thought something was missing but don’t know what it was.
Overall this was a good addition to the series.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
This book is different than the rest of the series. It has more violence (and blood) for one thing. The authors books have always been moody, leaning into dark. This book definitely falls into the dark category. The villain is particularly vile, and without giving to much away, meets a fitting end.
It also leans into instalove with Jude and Danyal quickly becoming involved. Though they were together I didn’t really feel the relationship. I thought something was missing but don’t know what it was.
Overall this was a good addition to the series.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Review of advance copy
Killer looses his rage on gay population: dark MM thriller😵😳
The suspense in this one, like the two previous novels I've read by the author set in the northeast English city of Blyam, was superb. Killer stalking in the gay haunts of the town who then fixated on a specific cop and the people closest to him. Good steam between newly-positioned policeman Danyal meant to reassure the gay community of the police commitment to protect them, and cruise ship entertainer Joel home between jobs. From previous thrillers set in Blyam, it's obvious that law enforcement has an uphill battle gaining trust after their history of turning a blind eye to gay bashing and murder. There's also a strong subplot about Vinny, a man who previously suffered a brutal attack by homophobes and is retraumatized by the killer's attacks.
Suspense 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Romance 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Character development. 🌟🌟🌟
2nd characters 🌟🌟🌟1/2
Ending 🌟🌟🌟1/2
The author has an easy writing style that makes the story flow.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
The suspense in this one, like the two previous novels I've read by the author set in the northeast English city of Blyam, was superb. Killer stalking in the gay haunts of the town who then fixated on a specific cop and the people closest to him. Good steam between newly-positioned policeman Danyal meant to reassure the gay community of the police commitment to protect them, and cruise ship entertainer Joel home between jobs. From previous thrillers set in Blyam, it's obvious that law enforcement has an uphill battle gaining trust after their history of turning a blind eye to gay bashing and murder. There's also a strong subplot about Vinny, a man who previously suffered a brutal attack by homophobes and is retraumatized by the killer's attacks.
Suspense 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Steam 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Romance 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Character development. 🌟🌟🌟
2nd characters 🌟🌟🌟1/2
Ending 🌟🌟🌟1/2
The author has an easy writing style that makes the story flow.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
July 13, 2026
This book has a lot going for it. It's written in multiple POV. Not only do we get to see the main characters, Danyal and Jude's point of view, but also the bad guy. I found it very interesting to know his thoughts and motivations.
The bad guy is truly evil, and sadly I think represents homophobic attitudes and beliefs accurately.
There were some wonderfully hot sex scenes. They enhanced the plot and moved the story forward. This book is on the darker side, with grisly murders and violence. The plotting and storyline were solid.
I do have issue with the cover. I understand the author may not have had a choice, but I do feel the publisher could've done better. Danyal is Asian Indian and Jude is Caucasian, yet the men on the cover both appear to be Caucasian.
The action scenes as well as the sex scenes could do with a bit more editing. Sometimes it was difficult to follow who was doing what. The author does a lot of telling the reader what is going on with the characters' emotions and thoughts instead of showing.
**I was provided a copy of this book by the author for a fair and honest review.**
The bad guy is truly evil, and sadly I think represents homophobic attitudes and beliefs accurately.
There were some wonderfully hot sex scenes. They enhanced the plot and moved the story forward. This book is on the darker side, with grisly murders and violence. The plotting and storyline were solid.
I do have issue with the cover. I understand the author may not have had a choice, but I do feel the publisher could've done better. Danyal is Asian Indian and Jude is Caucasian, yet the men on the cover both appear to be Caucasian.
The action scenes as well as the sex scenes could do with a bit more editing. Sometimes it was difficult to follow who was doing what. The author does a lot of telling the reader what is going on with the characters' emotions and thoughts instead of showing.
**I was provided a copy of this book by the author for a fair and honest review.**
July 16, 2026
Here is the review for the Dark Before Dawn.
Luckily I read last month but cant find the review anywhere and I cleaned out all my sent and stuff because im out of storage.
Cat gives 5 meows
Book four in the Basic Instincts series
A brutal killer. An unwitting witness. A cop caught in the middle of a deadly pursuit.
This is book four in the series. Can be read on its own but you understand things being mentioned if you read in order. This is a different couple and each couple has thier own happy ending.
Jude is home on leave from his job as a cruise performer. He has 6 months off before going back. Hes playing in local night clubs and on accident sees a couple in an alley before they are murdered yet he doesn't know hes actually a witness.
Danyal is a gay police officer brought in to bridge the lgtbq+ committee the police force after the Blytham murders and several gay bashing.
The 2 meet become friends and lovers but will they survive this next serial murderer?
This story is full of passion and twists and suspense.
If you've never read Thom Collins and love a good suspense and serial killer story I highly recommend this series. It has it all.
Luckily I read last month but cant find the review anywhere and I cleaned out all my sent and stuff because im out of storage.
Cat gives 5 meows
Book four in the Basic Instincts series
A brutal killer. An unwitting witness. A cop caught in the middle of a deadly pursuit.
This is book four in the series. Can be read on its own but you understand things being mentioned if you read in order. This is a different couple and each couple has thier own happy ending.
Jude is home on leave from his job as a cruise performer. He has 6 months off before going back. Hes playing in local night clubs and on accident sees a couple in an alley before they are murdered yet he doesn't know hes actually a witness.
Danyal is a gay police officer brought in to bridge the lgtbq+ committee the police force after the Blytham murders and several gay bashing.
The 2 meet become friends and lovers but will they survive this next serial murderer?
This story is full of passion and twists and suspense.
If you've never read Thom Collins and love a good suspense and serial killer story I highly recommend this series. It has it all.
Review of advance copy
★彡 5 STARS 彡★
My reaction after finishing this book: OMG, what a thrilling story. Like the other books in this series, this story grabbed me and didn’t let go. It’s very steamy and gruesome and boy was I holding my breath more than once while reading this. This one is definitely darker than the other books in this series. The writing is very descriptive and the things this killer does are horrible. If you have a weak stomach you might want to skip over some of the more detailed scenes. Unlike the other books, we know who the killer is well before the end of the story. The suspense comes from wondering what he’s going to do next and what the police do to try and find/stop him.
While Danyal and Jude grow closer, the killer hunts them down. I loved that the last chapter takes place five months later and gives as a glimpse of their life together after the drama is over.
My reaction after finishing this book: OMG, what a thrilling story. Like the other books in this series, this story grabbed me and didn’t let go. It’s very steamy and gruesome and boy was I holding my breath more than once while reading this. This one is definitely darker than the other books in this series. The writing is very descriptive and the things this killer does are horrible. If you have a weak stomach you might want to skip over some of the more detailed scenes. Unlike the other books, we know who the killer is well before the end of the story. The suspense comes from wondering what he’s going to do next and what the police do to try and find/stop him.
While Danyal and Jude grow closer, the killer hunts them down. I loved that the last chapter takes place five months later and gives as a glimpse of their life together after the drama is over.
July 9, 2026
What a wonderfully powerful book. This might be one of my favorite books I have read this past year. It has two great main characters, Jude and Danyal, that your heart breaks for but are perfect together. Jude simply wants to live his life and play his music, and one night he reconnects with Danyal. What he remembers about him is that he a shy bullied kid, but now he is a copy and liaison to the LGBT community. This is a violent, dark, emotional book that can trigger many feelings but the pay off is so worth it. These men have chemistry off the chart, and watching them navigate a killer who puts them on his radar makes for a roller coaster book. I have not read the first three books but they now are on on my to read list. A fantastic read.
July 11, 2026
Jude is a musician and is back in his hometown and playing gigs and doing his thing. But the place he once lived is dangerous and he finds that ouy the hard way when he realizes he's the last one to have seen the person involved in something a musician would want no part in. But that also leads him to Danyal, a police liaison for the police and LGBTQ community. They knew each other in high school but Danyal isn't the kid people once thought was weak and bullied him for it. Now he's all man and a spark between them unexpectedly ignites. But they aren't safe by any means and things are about to get worse before they can get better. I liked these two and was very much in need of a romantic suspense/thriller to add a bit of excitement.
July 13, 2026
This is the fourth book in the series and I’d advise reading them in order just for background.
Jude, a musician, returns to Blyham from a cruise ship job. He gets involved as a witness in a murder. When he reconnects with a former schoolmate Danyal, who is now a cop, he finds an attraction to him.
Danyal is a cop whose job is to act as a liaison between the police and the LGBTQ+ community. He gets involved in investigating and his interactions with Jude brings out the mutual attraction.
This works up the relationship development between the guys and the horror of the killing and the focus on the LGBTQ+ community.
I enjoyed this and am waiting to see where this series goes next.
Jude, a musician, returns to Blyham from a cruise ship job. He gets involved as a witness in a murder. When he reconnects with a former schoolmate Danyal, who is now a cop, he finds an attraction to him.
Danyal is a cop whose job is to act as a liaison between the police and the LGBTQ+ community. He gets involved in investigating and his interactions with Jude brings out the mutual attraction.
This works up the relationship development between the guys and the horror of the killing and the focus on the LGBTQ+ community.
I enjoyed this and am waiting to see where this series goes next.
July 17, 2026
An excellent romance/suspense novel from Thom Collins. Jude and Danyal make a great couple as and their scenes together are well written and spicy. I particularly enjoyed getting some chapters from the murderer's POV here. That's been a rarity in the M/M romantic suspense books I've read. The villain felt like a very real depiction of a certain section of society today and their chapters made me as a reader uncomfortable and very much wanting them to get caught and dealt their just deserts. Danyal's position as police liaison to the marginalized community in the area was clearly needed. When Jude and Danyal become the prey the suspense ramps up expertly and I was excited to see how the author would wrap things up.
July 8, 2026
Jude returns to Blyham hoping to finally focus on his music, but instead finds himself pulled into a murder investigation—one made even more complicated by the fact that he was the last person to see the victims alive. Danyal, a policeman trying to survive in a town hostile to men like him, is suddenly confronted with a familiar face from his past. Their reunion sparks something immediate, even tender, but the violence around them escalates quickly, threatening both their safety and their fragile connection. The villain is truly vile, and the story leans heavily into bloodier, more intense moments than previous installments. Still, the mystery is gripping, and the ending is satisfying. A good, if darker, addition to the series.
July 17, 2026
Blyham just can't catch a break. Plagued by homophobic crimes that undermine the security of the gay community, each book in this series makes you wonder if there will ever be an end to the hate. Distrust, concern, and anger are all understandable reactions to the sometimes cruel disregard to the police.
In the fourth book in the series, Collins adds a new perspective on the police by introducing a liaison officer to the queer community, Danyal Nadir. Recent enough to the local force to not be completely tainted by his colleagues’ inaction, Danyal offers a perspective on both the difficulties of the case but also the deficiencies of his department.
It was a great idea to introduce Danyal’s character for the depth he provides, but his relationship with Jude Kalvert, a local musician is the emotional anchor of the book. They were aware of each other in high school, both bullied by for different reasons. This tenuous but meaningful connection helps them connect as adults.
There is plenty of action, tragic deaths, and guilt in this book - and I had a hard time putting it down, but there was also Danyal and Jude, whose attraction turns into something more solid in the crucible of the violent crimes that surround them.
July 16, 2026
OMG! Blyham would have to be the most bigoted city in books! Aren't they all in books. This series seems to have an abundance of super awful, brutal bad guys who feel delight at their brutality towards the Gay Community. The main characters in this book are Jude, a musician and Danyal. They reconnect after their earlier years spent at school aware of each other but not close. Both just trying to get past the bullies and still needing to get past the worst kind of evil bullies there are. There are tragedies and losses but this couple bond so purely through it all. It's a very well written suspenseful story! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Review of advance copy
The Dark Before Dawn is the 4th book in the Basic Instincts series. In my opinion this series is best read in order. This is the story of Jude and Danyal. The blurb gives you a great idea of what to expect in the story. I couldn't put this book down once I started it. I loved the main characters and the chemistry between them. I loved all the characters because they are so well written. There is plenty of action and danger in the story. This book is a good addition to a great series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
July 7, 2026
After a somewhat slower start focusing mostly on the growing relationship between the MCs, this turned into an action-packed story with a particularly scary and rapidly escalating murderer. The romance and suspense didn't really mix until further towards the end which was a little disappointing at times. Most of the characters who didn't make it were particularly interesting, which was somewhat of a shame as they gave more depth. The POV of the murderer were particularly fitting. It seems possible that there will be more books in this series, which I'll be looking forward to.
July 13, 2026
Absolutely exciting! Mysteries always add spice to a relationship. Danyal, used to be bullied as a kid. Now, he's a cop and a liaizon between LE and the LGBTQIA+ Community and quite fit! Jude, is back home playing gigs in the old neighborhood, after being away playing gigs. They enjoy geting reacquainted, then they find out they are the target of a deranged killer. This adds a lot more adraneline to their getting reacquainted, dodging the killer, while identifying them and bringing them to justice. Great story, excellent timeline, hot! Nice cover art, well done!
July 13, 2026
Oh, I loved this! I don’t read thrillers much, but Thom’s books are the ones I order without reading the blurb.
Jude is a musician, an artist at work. He lives life lightly, cruising from one place to another on giant ships. Danyal is a blast from the pasts. He’s a police officer now, and grown into a gorgeous man. They fit together so, so well.
Then things get real. Murder (of course, it’s a thriller) and the push to find the psychopath before he finds them.
This is shorter than his other books, I think, but very good! Highly recommend!
Jude is a musician, an artist at work. He lives life lightly, cruising from one place to another on giant ships. Danyal is a blast from the pasts. He’s a police officer now, and grown into a gorgeous man. They fit together so, so well.
Then things get real. Murder (of course, it’s a thriller) and the push to find the psychopath before he finds them.
This is shorter than his other books, I think, but very good! Highly recommend!
July 7, 2026
Jude is a musician and Danyal a cop back in Blyham. They were in school together and now, all grown up, run into each other and are attracted. Both become involved in an unaliving case with ties to previous assaults on the gay community. There's violence, most gruesome, especially steamy times and danger and loss surrounding them. It's a good thriller that keeps you tense and addicted. I received a copy of this through GRR and this is my voluntary opinion.
Review of advance copy
Collins' writing style is, as always, gripping and raw.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story. Not just the MC's story, but also the other characters.
This installment is once again thrilling and fantastic. Genuinely a very good series.
💞Thank you to the Author and GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
From the very beginning, I was drawn into the story. Not just the MC's story, but also the other characters.
This installment is once again thrilling and fantastic. Genuinely a very good series.
💞Thank you to the Author and GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
July 8, 2026
The Dark Before Dawn is a highly entertaining, gripping blend of gritty crime fiction and deeply heartfelt LGBTQ+ romance. While the plot focuses more on momentum than deep substance, it stands as a strong, action-packed addition to the Basic Instincts universe that romance-thriller fans will easily swallow in one sitting.
July 27, 2026
The Dark Before Dawn is dark, violent, steamy, and might make you cry. I loved it. I just added Thom Collins to my must read author list because this book is sooooo good.
“Thank you, Entwined Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via Gay Book Promotions. All opinions are my own.”
“Thank you, Entwined Publishing, for providing this book for review consideration via Gay Book Promotions. All opinions are my own.”
Review of advance copy
This is a great addition to the series. I couldn't put it down. Great characters and lots of action,violence and suspense. Jude and Danyal are really good together. This is quite dark but a very good read.
July 8, 2026
Interesting Story
This was another good addition to this series. While it wasn't quite on the same level for me as the previous stories, I did find it to be a good thriller and well worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This was another good addition to this series. While it wasn't quite on the same level for me as the previous stories, I did find it to be a good thriller and well worth reading.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
July 10, 2026
Another compelling addition to this series. Great characters and storyline though it does have its emotional triggering moments! Highly recommend this series but do start from the beginning as you will miss out if you jump in half way through!
Review of advance copy
A THRILLING AND GRIPPING READ!
The connection and chemistry between the two main characters is strong. The story is extremely intriguing and held my attention. This is an ARC review.
The connection and chemistry between the two main characters is strong. The story is extremely intriguing and held my attention. This is an ARC review.
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