Recruited by the FBI to profile an elusive serial killer, Doctor Safia Hadid—a brilliant mind in behavioural psychology—is thrust into a game of lethal intrigue and forbidden lust.
Drawn to the cold yet charismatic lead investigator, Agent Theodore Kane, Safia’s black-and-white world fractures as the lines between professionalism and obsession blur—one dangerous, sizzling touch at a time.
She expects to face monsters. She doesn’t expect him.
But with a delusional stalker threatening her safety and the killer’s pattern twisting into something disturbingly familiar, Safia begins to question more than just the case.
Theodore Kane is an enigma—dark, possessive, and irresistible. Safia intends to solve him. But when the truth finally comes to light, will it save her… or destroy her?
Not all monsters are created equal, and the ones lurking in Safia’s shadows are out for blood.
E.L. Lewis has always been a die-hard romantic. Born in Ukraine and raised in Canada, she grew up devouring love stories in every form she could find—and now she writes her own. A multi-genre romance author, she brings readers tales filled with sugar, spice, and heart, ranging from dangerous mafia romances to laugh-out-loud rom-coms. Between the pages of her books, readers will find first loves, last loves, and the epic journeys in between.
Her heroines are complex, confident, and unforgettable—and her love interests? The kind who would walk straight into hell if it meant winning their girl’s heart.
When she isn’t dreaming up new characters and plots, E.L. is living her own happily ever after in Orange County with her husband and their pup. She spends her days listening to Taylor Swift, cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, and showing up to airports far earlier than necessary.
This was so good! I absolutely loved it!!!🥹 I’m in awe of how beautifully written this book is. The author’s writing style was captivating!
The story was incredibly compelling, I was invested 100%. The plot kept me engaged and I never once felt my interest fading.
The characters were fantastic. I loved their personalities and how well-developed they felt throughout the story. Theo was everything I could want in a dark romance MMC - obsessive and intense. His dark personality had me hooked! Safia was equally wonderful. Her sharp mind and strength were such a breath of fresh air. And I loved how she held her own! Together, Theo and Safia had such a great chemistry!
This book deserves a spot on everyone’s TBR - or even better, just read it now! It’s definitely a hidden gem and one I’ll be recommending every chance I get. I know I’ll be raving about this book a lot!🖤
“It's a sick sort of lust, laced in the carnal thirst for unholy water, for unspeakable release. I don't know who I am anymore.”
“I'd rather suffer in your presence,” he rasps, “than feel joy in your absence.”
Thank you to E.L. Lewis and Love Notes PR for providing me with an ARC 🖤 All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the overall atmosphere of the romantic suspense side more than the romantic side. I did enjoy the character of Safia; she's a badass until it comes to our MMC. That's where I get annoyed. For a 'slowish burn', I'm still looking for the slowish side of it because they started lusting at each other right at the beginning of the story. I saw the twist coming even though I didn't know why, but I still enjoyed it. I think I wish the end was a little more explanation and/or hard on the MCs.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and the author E.L. Lewis for the ARC.
Tropes: 🔎 FBI Agent MMC x Profiler FMC 🥰 Romantic Suspense 🔪 Serial Killer 🌶️ Spicy 🙌 He Loves Hand Necklaces 🔥 Slowish Burn 💀 Touch Her and Die 💞 Forced Proximity 🤭 Forbidden Attraction
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posso dire meraviglia??? libro super originale (a tratti vibes della mindfuck, super apprezzati) non sono riuscita a staccarmi!
Parlando seriamente, ho trovato la scrittura molto scorrevole e non ci sono stati momenti di noia, avrei preferito che ci fossero stati più pov maschili e magari un pò di approfondimento in più sulla ship.
Non ho apprezzato di questo libro solamente che il personaggio di Safia, che sin dall'inizio è molto forte a livello caratteriale, cambia nei confronti dell'MMC. Mi spiego meglio, se con gli altri ha molta grinta con lui invece no e lei nella storia lo riconosce pure. Vi lascio scoprirlo nella lettura!
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Can I say, "Amazing"??? A super original book (sometimes with mindfuck vibes, which I really appreciated) I couldn't put it down!
Seriously, I found the writing very flowing and there were no boring moments. I would have preferred more male POVs and perhaps a little more in-depth exploration of the ship.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that Safia, who is very strong from the start, changes when she approaches the MMC. Let me explain: while she's very assertive with others, she isn't with him, and she even recognizes this in the story. I'll let you discover it as you read!
Screaming, crying, throwing up, this is probably the most fun I’ve had reading a non-SAB ARC. I signed up for this book because FBI agents and I got so much more! We have Safia who gets put into a case with someone she doesn’t exactly want to work with, so kind of work place rivals vibes. And that’s really all I want to share because the rest of what unfolds is absolutely AMAZING. I had a field day. If you need a wee bit of a psycho (in the best way) romance that will also make you giggle, this is for you!
↪ ↪ Who doesn’t love a good dark romance thriller with serial killer vibes?! What pulled me into this book the most was honestly the mystery and suspense. From the very beginning, it gave me Dexter and Criminal Minds vibes, and I genuinely could not put it down😭. I also loved how well the author balanced the romance with the thriller plot, because the mystery actually felt important to the story instead of just being there to create tension… and this book did that perfectly.
🕵🏽♀️💗⤿Profiler/Professor: Safia Hadid Safia was such an interesting FMC to follow because she’s emotionally vulnerable, stubbornly independent, and honestly kind of grumpy. She doesn’t immediately fall at Theo’s feet, and I loved that about her. Even when she’s struggling, she still pushes herself to stay strong and figure things out on her own.
🖤👮♂️⤿ FBI agent: Theodore Kane Theo was INSANE in the best way possible 💀. He was possessive, protective, intimidating, and completely obsessed with Safia….😭The mouth on this man is actually insane!!🥵 He comes off as cold and dangerous, but once Safia gets close to him, you start seeing how deeply devoted he actually is. And the chemistry between them??? Absolutely EVERYTHING 🫠🥵
🔪 The mystery aspect was honestly one of my favorite parts. I figured out who the killer was pretty early on and suspected it before Safia did💀, but somehow that made the story even more addictive because I was just waiting to see how everything would unfold. And even when the reveal finally happened, I was STILL shocked 🤯. The profiling details, investigation scenes, and psychological tension made everything feel so immersive and suspenseful.
🤍 The side characters!!! Amir was genuinely one of my favorites 😭. He added so much personality and humor to such a heavy story. I also loved his interactions with Gigi — I was giggling and kicking my feet whenever they appeared 🥲. I REALLY hope the author is hinting at their story being next because I would absolutely devour it.
Overall, this was SUCH a good dark romance thriller. Definitely not a soft, fluffy romance at all. But if you love dark romance with mystery, suspense, serial killer investigations, and an obsessed MMC… Nightfall fits this perfectly.
LOVED THIS ARC! I read this in 2 days and absolutely flew through it. The FMC was a psychologist, which I loved, and somehow this author managed to make me fall for a serial killer. I adored both the FMC and MMC, and their dynamic had me hooked from start to finish. My only complaint? He called her “little lamb” a few too many times.
Step right up for a true crime lover's DREAM book!! I always have loved E. L. Lewis' books, as her books are always easy, enjoyable reads, and this was no different!! I was sucked in from the beginning, it started right with action, and I was GASPED at the ending!! E. L. Lewis is an instant buy author for me, hands down!! If you love Criminal Minds or true crime, THIS is the book for you!!
I read this book a while ago and while I did enjoy it, I didn’t feel like posting a review on it right away.
Why, you might ask?
It had everything to do with the ‘plot twist’. Let me be honest, most plot twists in darker romance novels seem to follow the same pattern: the mc 1 (typically male) isn’t what they seem and mc 2 eventually forgives them- usually, without a lot of explanation other than their undeniable love for the other character. While ‘Nightfall’ does kind of fall into said category, I still had a good time reading it.
Granted, you won’t find the slowest of slow-burns know to human history between the pages of this novel. But, I would argue that this is the type of book you’re going to be reading in one sitting. You want to know more. How the characters find their way to one another. How the plot develops. How it is going to end.
So, yes, I did finish this book relatively fast and closed it with a faint smile on my face. :)
Nightfall is part of the Agent of Sins series, and it's a wild psychological ride as Dr. Safia Hadid joins the local FBI branch to profile and search for a serial killer. It's full of action, spice, revenge, and justice!
I enjoyed this book and didn't realize it was the second installment to a series. I'm looking forward to picking up the first book!
Thank you to the author (E. L. Lewis) and Love Notes PR for allowing me the opportunity to read this eARC, and I'm providing my honest review!
Recruited by the FBI to profile an elusive serial killer, Doctor Safia Hadid—a brilliant mind in behavioural psychology—is thrust into a game of lethal intrigue and forbidden lust.
Drawn to the cold yet charismatic lead investigator, Agent Theodore Kane, Safia’s black-and-white world fractures as the lines between professionalism and obsession blur—one dangerous, sizzling touch at a time.
She expects to face monsters. She doesn’t expect him.
But with a delusional stalker threatening her safety and the killer’s pattern twisting into something disturbingly familiar, Safia begins to question more than just the case.
Theodore Kane is an enigma—dark, possessive, and irresistible. Safia intends to solve him. But when the truth finally comes to light, will it save her… or destroy her?
Not all monsters are created equal, and the ones lurking in Safia’s shadows are out for blood.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times. Reader discretion is advised.
Tropes: Mafia, Dark Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Spicy, Forbidden Attraction, Touch Her and Unalive, FMC has a Stalker, FBI Agent MMC x Profiler FMC, He Loves a Hand Necklace, Slow-Burnish, Hate-to-Love, Possessive/Jealous, Serial Killer on the Loose, Fast-Paced, Atmospheric, Twists & Turns, Stalker, Suspenseful, Danger, Mystery, Tension, Obsession, Forced Proximity, “You are Mine”, “I Will Burn the World Down for You”, Intensity, Connection, Blend of Thriller and Romance, Dark/Possessive Romance, Procedural Thriller, Serial Killer on the Loose, FMC has a Stalker, Romantic Suspense, MMC is Very Possessive, Intriguing, Fascinating, Dexter/Criminal Minds Vibes, Forbidden Love, Murder Mystery/Crime Solving, “Good Girl turned Bad” vibes,
Nightfall is the 2nd book in the Agents of Sin Series by E.L. Lewis.
If you are a fan of either Criminal Minds or Dexter and romantic suspense, then I am going to recommend you don’t hesitate another moment and pick up this series, you are going to eat these books up.
Professor and profiler Dr. Safia Hadid has been recruited by the FBI in order to assist them to find and catch a serial killer. Safia is rather reluctant to help at first due to another case that she had helped the FBI with, but after Theo, the head FBI agent on the case, hands her the case file to read and review, Safia finds herself unable to be intrigued by the bread crumbs that had been laid out in the file in front of her, and she realizes that this leaves her no choice but to help the FBI once again.
Honestly, I really loved reading about Safia and Theo. The profiler/FBI agent on the search for a serial killer together trope is one that I really love and I honestly don’t read enough. From the first chapter of “Nightfall” I was totally engrossed in this story. There’s just something about E.L. Lewis’s writing that’s just so much fun and flows perfectly making it so easy to read, and yet at the same time, E.L. gives her writing this personality that’s distinct and unique and this really helped me to connect with Safia.
I have to mention one side character. Amir, he just added so much personality and humor to a story that is so heavy on it’s own. And his interactions with Gigi and so, and I mean SO good. When ever these two made an appearance on page I knew I was going to be laughing and kicking up my feet. I truly hope that the next book is all about Amir and Gigi. I love these two and I think they would be perfect together.
I found the mystery donning my own detective hat and working to try and solve the mystery right along side Safia and Theo. I was able to put a few things together, but it was more fun watching the characters slowly put all the clues together and slowly figure out what was actually going on, so there were still things that were able to surprise me. (Something that I really enjoyed! I hate when I can put everything together too easily.)
There was this amazing chemistry between Safia and Theo, E.L. did a stunning job writing this chemistry. Theo was both protective and possessive when it came to Safia. There were moments when the pacing would falter, feeling almost off, it was almost like there was something missing from their relationship. I didn’t feel like Safia and Theo had this insta-love connection, I felt like they took some time to naturally build-up their relationship. Yet, at the beginning, there were these moments where you got the feeling that Safia and Theo’s relationship was actually more established than it was. This was a little bit confusing in my mind.
I really don’t want to say too much more about this story as I want you to read this series and enjoy it for yourself.
But, if you are the kind of reader who loves Dexter and Criminal Minds vibes, morally gray, protective, possessive MMCs, intelligent, badass FMCs, a bit of mystery, stalkers, a serial killer then I promise you, “Nightfall” and the entire Agents of Sin Series is going to be right up your ally. This is such a fun, compelling, fast-paced series and you’re going to find yourself losing time as your reading.
I'd rather suffer in your presence than feel joy in your absence.
🔪🖤 If psychological thrillers, criminal profiling, dark romance, and dangerously addictive characters are your thing, then this book deserves a spot at the top of your TBR immediately.
What started as "just one more chapter" quickly turned into an obsession. I went in expecting a romance wrapped in suspense, but what I found was a story that completely consumed me from beginning to end. The murder investigation was gripping, the clues kept me second-guessing everything, and the connection between Safia Hadid and Theodore Kane had me completely invested. 😮💨✨
Safia was such a refreshing heroine. Intelligent, composed, and incredibly skilled at what she does, she never felt like someone who needed saving. Watching her analyze evidence, build profiles, and work through the investigation was fascinating. She's the kind of character who makes you feel smarter just by following her thought process. At the same time, she carries herself with strength and emotional control, even when everything around her is spiraling into chaos. 🧠🔥
And then there's Theodore Kane...
I honestly don't know how to put him into words. Every time he appeared on the page, my attention immediately shifted to him. There's something unsettling yet irresistible about the way he carries himself. From the start, it was obvious there was more beneath the surface, but I never expected the truth to hit as hard as it did. Learning about his past completely changed the way I viewed him, and my heart genuinely ached for everything he'd been through. 🖤
The dynamic between Theo and Safia was absolutely electric. Their conversations were packed with tension, curiosity, and an undeniable attraction neither of them seemed capable of escaping. Watching Safia attempt to maintain professional boundaries while Theo continued to challenge them at every opportunity was endlessly entertaining. The push and pull between them had me smiling one minute and losing my mind the next. 😩❤️
One of my favorite things was how seamlessly the romance and the mystery worked together. Neither overshadowed the other. While I was desperate to uncover the identity of the killer, I was equally invested in every interaction between Safia and Theo. The story constantly kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another revelation would send my theories crashing down. 😳🔍
And can we talk about Patient X for a second? Because WHAT was that?! Every scene involving that storyline added another layer of intrigue and made me even more desperate for answers.
The suspense never lets up, the twists land perfectly, and the emotional moments hit exactly where they need to. Between the dangerous secrets, psychological mind games, obsessive devotion, and unforgettable chemistry, this book had me completely hooked.
By the final chapter, I was both satisfied and unwilling to let these characters go. The ending surprised me in the best possible way, and Theodore Kane will definitely be living rent-free in my head for a very long time. 🫠✨
📚🔪 If you're a Criminal Minds fan who constantly wishes your crime shows came with a dark, addictive romance, this book is exactly what you've been looking for. Expect serial killers, psychological intrigue, shocking revelations, intense tension, unforgettable characters, and a love story that will keep you thinking long after you've turned the last page.
Nightfall had me in an absolute vice grip from start to finish, and was a great read 💙 I loved the descriptive and immersive writing style which really pulled me into the story. Safia and Theo had such electric chemistry, you could practically feel the tension crackling off the pages! 🔥 The plot did a really good job balancing mystery and thrill, Safia and Theo’s relationship and personal lives, and the delicious spice 💙 And oh my gosh, the twists that get thrown in are wild, and some of the things I would never have guessed! I also enjoyed the dynamic of the team and, how could I not love Amir too??
Safia is fierce, confident, diligent and hardworking, and has a very admirable drive 💙 I like that we get to see how her mind ticks, and watching her piece together and work through bits of the case kept me invested! Her relationship with Amir brought a lightness and a lot of humor, and they had a great brother sister bond, which shows in the way Amir cares deeply for Safia! Her and Theo had so much heated tension, and it had me clutching my pearls, and was just everything 🙌🏼 The heated and tense moments between them, and the moment that lines get crossed is one thing, but the spice between them is even more red hot! 🥵 Her character development was great to see, and even though she goes through something traumatic, she refuses to let that define her or bring her down. Theo was there for her every step of the way, and it was heartwarming seeing her open up and be able to find healing in him 🥹 I absolutely loved who she became by the end of their story and how they ended up 💙
Theo is the definition of a perfect morally grey man, because even though he may have some red flags, those green flags he has are overwhelming in comparison 😌 I was dying to get inside of his head and know what he was thinking and feeling, so when chapter 28 rolled around I was kicking my feet in excitement to finally be in this delicious man’s mind 😈 And I was not disappointed at all—Theo has such a big, caring heart, and a sweet and vulnerable side to him, and I really enjoyed getting to learn more about him and his past. His relationship with his foster mom Penny is so sweet, and I loved learning more about her because what we learned was… wow. Just wow 🫢 And when it comes to Safia, he has a soft spot that will make anyone melt. He is very protective of her, but he also has a deep care for her, and it gave me all the warm fuzzies seeing his walls start to come down, finding healing in Safia just as she did him, and I loved the ending that he got 💙
This was an amazing read that was extremely hard to put down! It has mystery, twists and secrets (that were so shocking to me! 😲), and hot hot spice and perfect crackling, heated, and tense moments between Safia and Theo 💙 The plot was balanced well, with their relationship and each of their character’s developing as they worked through the case, the mystery and secrets unraveling, the spice, and the moments with Amir, Gigi, and Zoella brought a nice layer and lots of humor!! This was a really great read all in all 💙
First Impressions: Behavioral scientist, Safia, and FBI agent, Theo, track down a serial killer.
Pacing: If my notes ate correct, the book takes place over a period of 9 - 12 months. The action moves pretty quickly.
Character development: Safia (FMC) is a no-nonsense professor of behavioral science and an occasional consultant for law enforcement. Theo is an accomplished supervising special agent with the FBI with a bit of a rebellious streak. The identity of the killer is revealed with their combined efforts, but neither character significantly changes over the course of the book, rather recontextualized instead.
World Building: The story takes place in the area surrounding Columbia University, and the author paints a pretty recognizable urban noir background for the characters.
Romance: There is more infatuation, obsession, and lust driving the bond between the MCs than romance, although on par for a dark romance. The MCs do find love through their unique connection.
Spice: There are a few spicy scenes, but they are not pervasive. The spice drives the intense emotional tension between the MCs over the course of the investigation.
Errors and Consistency: I have to be honest, this book is a mess. The science is bad, there are inaccurate (and easily searchable) facts peppered throughout the story, there are major errors in the criminal investigation process, and so on. Variations of the phrase "cocks his head" appears 34 times throughout text and became distracting afyer awhile. The suspects name is spelled inconsistently despite there being tip-in showing his initials. Some of these issues could be resolved with a good editor, but the structural issues seriously damage the book.
Overall experience: My experience? This was painful. There's an interesting dark romance buried somewhere under the critical issues to the major substance of the book. There are actual guidebooks that provide excellent resources for crime writers for accurate prose, but they clearly were not utilized for this book. Sorry. I hope the next one is better researched.
⭐️ 2 🌶 3.5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I initially signed up to receive the ARC Nightfall because of the premise of the Mindf*ck series vibes. MMC, Theo, is a FBI agent hunting down a serial killer who targets men in powerful positions. FMC, Safia, is a behavioral psychologist who had a bad experience when she previously worked with the FBI. Against her instincts she decides to work on the case after meeting with Theo. Both have a mysterious instant chemistry.
Safia is a really unique FMC. Because of her childhood, she has very little normal human emotions or processing of situations. She is a bit cold and is definitely hard to get to know. The plot really advances and characters develop further when a former patient who thinks he is in love with her, resurfaces and thrusts her life into an unknown and dangerous territory.
Theo is also a very mysterious and aloof character at first. Theo continues to be at the right places to save Safia from her stalker and insists she stay at his place for protection. Over the course of her stay with Theo, each character reveals more of themselves to each other and ultimately gives in to their strong attraction.
The main plot with the initial serial killer continues to change and ultimately keeps the reader guessing what is really going on when the M.O. continues to change. This is book two of a series, but I assume they are more interconnected and I was able to understand everything without reading book one.
The book had several plot twists and turns that kept me engaged while reading. The spice was a good amount that worked with the plot and progression of the MCs relationship. I enjoyed E.L.'s writing style and everything flowed at a good pace. This story and these characters were unique for a dark romance and I highly recommend the read if you like that genre. The set up for book three was great allowing the reader to know just enough about those next characters to get the reader excited for their book. I plan to continue this series when book three is released.
Thank you to E.L. Lewis and Love Notes PR for this eARC.
Rating: 4/5 Spice: 2.5/5
"You already own me, body and f*cking soul."
------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Safia Hadid is a renowned behavioral psychologist who enjoys teaching her classes at Columbia, until Agent Theodore Kane comes to her class and rocks her world. The FBI is trying to recruit her to solve a series of on going murders, but her past history makes her wary.
Curiosity wins out and she begins to help on the case, but her stalker shows up to complicate things and Agent Kane seems to be hiding more than just a rocky past. As secrets start to come to light, will Safia stay or will the new monster she uncovered make her run for the hills?
------------------------------------------------------- This was a well paced dark romance that combines all the aspects I love from Criminal Minds but adds in a level of spice and heat you didn't know it needs. The details for the crime portion of the plot were well thought out and you can tell the author researched to make it realistic. The behavioral psychology made sense and didn't leave me asking questions.
The characters were well thought out and developed. Safia is a kick ass independent woman who kneels for no man, until she meets Theo. Theo is a confident man, who can sometimes come across as an asshole. I enjoyed their interactions but sometimes the way he talked to or treated her (like pressuring her to drink) made me mad. Now I understand he's a morally grey MMC, but I prefer the ones who protect their women completely which he eventually does become. The added element of the stalker added some depth to the story for the development of their relationship and character development, but I wish there was a little more background for that.
Overall this was a very well written dark romance with some good plot twists and a fantastic romantic development with an extremely satisfying end.
So we are reviewing our second ARC today 🤭 Title: NightFall by E.L. Lewis Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I devoured this book in TWO DAYS. No, seriously. I picked it up thinking I'd read a few chapters before bed and suddenly it was 2 a.m., I had a busy day the next morning, and Theo Kane had completely taken over my personality. If you love Criminal Minds, serial killer mysteries, dark romance, brilliant FMCs, and tension so sharp it could cut glass, this book is absolutely for you.
Safia Hadid is intelligent, capable, and endlessly fascinating to follow. Watching her profile the killer while simultaneously trying (and failing) to keep her distance from Theodore Kane was everything I wanted and more. And Theo... Theo Kane, the man, the myth, the legend. Every scene he walked into immediately became ten times better. What I loved most was how perfectly the romance and mystery balanced each other out. The investigation kept me guessing, the twists genuinely surprised me, and the chemistry between Safia and Theo had me kicking my feet one moment and screaming into a pillow the next. This was one of those rare books I couldn't put down even for a minute because every chapter ended with me needing to know what happened next. Honestly, these two days of reading were probably the highlight of my entire month. If you're looking for a gripping romantic suspense packed with serial killers, obsession, dangerous secrets, tension, and a hero you'll be thinking about long after you've finished the last page, pick this up immediately. I have no complaints with this one and added bonus points cause @ellewiswrites is such a girl's girl... she is not gonna leave us hanging for a year🤭 excited to read Amir and Gigi's story. ❤️
3.75⭐️ If you like Criminal Minds and romantic suspense, I need you to go read this book!!
Safia is a professor and profiler recruited by the FBI to help catch a serial killer. She’s reluctant at first due to a past case she worked on with the FBI, but once Theo, the head FBI agent on the case, gives her the case file to read, she can’t help but be intrigued by the crumbs laid out in front of her, leaving her no choice but to help.
I truly had a blast reading about Safia and Theo. The profiler/FBI agent searching for a serial killer trope is one of my favorites that I don’t read enough of. I was hooked from the very first page. Something about the writing was really fun and easy to read, but it also has a very distinct personality that really connected me to Safia.
The mystery had me putting on my detective cap and trying to solve it right with Safia and Theo! I will say I did guess quite a few things, but I still had fun seeing the characters slowly figure out what was going on, and there were still a few things that surprised me!
The chemistry and tension between Safia and Theo was soo good!! I loved how possessive and protective Theo was when it came to her. I did feel like the pacing was slightly off, almost like there were missing pieces of their relationship, but it didn't feel insta-love. I actually felt like we took some time to build up their relationship. There were just times, especially at the beginning, when it felt like Safia and Theo were more established than they were.
I don’t want to say too much else, but if you're into morally gray and possessive MMCs, intelligent badass FMCs, and a little bit of mystery with a stalker and a serial killer, then this will be right up your alley! It’s fun, compelling, fast-paced, and will have you losing track of time and staying up way too late when you have work the next morning😅
Thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review!
ℛ𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5⭐️ 𝒮𝓅𝒾𝒸ℯ ℛ𝒶𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5🌶️ ———————— ✨𝒯ℛ𝒪𝒫ℰ𝒮✨ 🌶️ Spicy 🖤 Forbidden attraction 🌶️ Touch her & you die 🖤 She has a stalker 🌶️ FBI agent MMC X profiler FMC 🖤 He lovessss a hand necklace 🌶️ Slow burnish 🖤 Hate to Love 🌶️ possive/ Jealous 🖤 Serial killer on the loose
ℳ𝓎 𝒯𝒽ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈: Wow. Yeah okay. Idk where to begin😂. At first i was confused why all the chapters were in her POV, it didn’t make sense to me at first. But by chapter by chapter it all made sense. It all made sense why it was in her Pov. And its fucking genius. While reading this, while they try to solve the murder, its pretty hard NOT to become a detective urself, as a 3rd person 😂. I loved playing detective, this entire book made me wanna grab a white board & solve the case myself🤭. But gosh, Hadid & Kane are perfect for eachother. They really are. And the ending??? I loved it. All the teasing moments they have with eachother, the moments they wanted to shut eachother up, the first met of theirs were she already wants to kill him. The way he handles & protect her oml. This book is genius, its amazing, its stressfull as hell😂. AND THE STALKER? I dont blame Safia for being scared. I was scared myself, thats how good written this is🤩🤩. But its okay, the spicy moments makes you honestly forget all about being stressed out😂. Overall this book is amazingly good & i cant wait for more!!:) I could talk abt this for hours and days. Thank you for the arc. Im so grateful🩷💋
If you're a fan of the Mindf*ck series, Nightfall needs to go on your list immediately — the vibes are very much in the same neighborhood, and E.L. Lewis delivers an intriguing psychological thriller that kept me turning pages.
What makes this one stand out is the perspective E.L. Lewis chose to tell the story through — following the person who discovers who the serial killer is and experiencing the unraveling of that case through their eyes was a really fresh and interesting angle. And the way the male lead's backstory and motives were revealed? Really well done. It felt layered and intentional rather than dumped on you all at once.
Where I felt the book left something on the table was with the female main character's own past. We get glimpses — the patient situation and the history behind that was a compelling thread — but I found myself wanting more. A deeper look at who she is and what shaped her would have made her feel more fully realized on the page.
One thing I'm keeping an eye on: her brother. There's clearly something brewing there, especially with his love interest being a fellow agent, and I have a feeling his story could carry a whole book on its own. I'm genuinely curious to see where that goes.
Overall, it was a quick, engaging read — the kind that's easy to pick up and hard to put down. If you want a thriller with a unique perspective and a satisfying look into a killer's psychology, Nightfall delivers. And if you haven't read Mindf*ck yet — well, now you have two books/series to add to your TBR.
I think I am falling in love with this genre… romantic suspense to be exact 😝 I forgot what it’s about what I started reading this and you could say I dived into it blindly. lord send help because what is going on in this book???? 🤣
The heat, sexual tension between the FMC and the MMC is just HOT 🥵
I knew something was up with Theo but I didn’t it was that serious!!! I love how mysteriously friendly he is towards Dr. Safia and such a teaser at the beginning. His story that goes back when he’s younger touched my heart and I don’t know what I’d do if I were in his place tbh.
Not gonna lie, I need more of Dr. Safia’s backstory because I want to know more about her!! she is such a strong character in this book and love how she regulates her emotions. not only that, I have to say she is very optimistic too especially when dealing with her patient X because what the heck was that??? (not spoiling it here)
I have to say the interaction between Theo and Dr. Safia is just very explosive, even from the first time they met. Dr. Safia keeps falling for him even when she doesn’t want to and Theo keeps testing the waters is just so good!!! I literally cannot put the book down. The secrecy between them two be at workplace, be it in bed, they just make me want to scream!!! 🤣😝
I’m calling for Criminal Minds fans and dark romance people, please come forward and pick this book right now because this couldn’t be any better. This is the romance what we crave for when we watch Criminal Minds (or at least me) 🤭🔫
Thank you Love Notes PR and author for the ARC! 🫶🏼
Dr Safia Hadid is the youngest tenure professor in Columbia, has helped with a case with the FBI in the past (not a good experience) and they’re now back asking for her help with a new case of a string of murders. (I haven’t had the chance to read the authors previous books, relates to those but I found I could follow and understand it enough without having read them).
In strolls Agent Theodore Kane, being quite a strong independent woman, she finds him insufferable to begin with. Shes very stubborn but he does eventually win her over to help with the case using his cocky and arrogant nature (but charming).
They slowly get to working with each other, spending time together and have some serious sexual tension between them. Falling hard for each other. There’s some very sweet moments between them in this book too, which were beautiful. A man from her past comes back to haunt her and shit hits the fan. Drama drama drama. Tension. Murder. Lots of murder. Lots of tension. I LOVED IT! The END?!
I just wished there was more of a buildup between Theo and Safia - feel like it heated up a bit too quickly but they didn’t actually spend a lot of time together building it up. Still loved it! Plot was kinda predictable but still super enjoyable! Hope there’s a follow up maybe about Amir? 🤔 HEA 🫶🏼🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When I started reading this book, I was expecting a dark romance with some suspense. Instead, I got an all-consuming story where the romance and mystery were perfectly balanced. The serial killer investigation kept me engaged, while Safia and Theo's banter, chemistry, and tension made every interaction impossible to look away from.
Safia is intelligent, independent, and more than capable of holding her own. As a behavioral psychologist, watching her work through the evidence and profile the killer was fascinating. I found myself trying to solve the case right alongside her, constantly questioning my theories as new information came to light.
Then there's Theo Kane - he immediately commands attention. He's protective, intense, possessive, and completely obsessed with Safia. It was more than attraction for him - he cared for her. He was always watching, always protecting, and often recognized what she needed before she did.
The twists never stopped. There were a few things I figured out before the reveal, but there were just as many moments that completely caught me off guard. The mystery kept me guessing, and the ending was not at all what I expected. It was the perfect conclusion for Safia and Theo's story. I received this as an ARC and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I'd rather suffer in your presence than feel joy in your absence.
3.5⭐️ Dr. Safia Hadid reluctantly consults for the FBI after being persuaded by denim and leather clad supervisory senior agent Theodore Kane. While the serial killer they’re tracking remains elusive, tension sets in as she becomes the object of both a stalker and Agent Kane. Forced to get rather quickly acquainted with her new colleague, Safia becomes determined to figure him out—but maybe the truth is more than she bargained for.
I have to start off by saying I was obsessed with the font used for the chapter headers. Nothing to do with the writing but it was important to me to note.
I liked this a lot. Theo is written so well as a morally grey MMC. His intentions are very clear and his motivations are well defined and nuanced. His and Safia’s dynamic is so good. It felt slightly inconsistent at times as she would jump from anger to acceptance so quickly with not much more motivation than lust. But she is related to Amir so maybe she got it earnestly.
While somewhat predictable, the getting there was still so fun. And it definitely had some elements that still took me by surprise.
All of the supporting characters are distinct and well established. And I am soooo excited for Gigi and Amir’s story! They were a joy to read and Gigi is my favorite, hands down.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and the author for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Nightfall completely surprised me. This is my first book of E.L Lewis and I picked it up expecting a romantic suspense, but ended up getting pulled into a story that kept me guessing the entire way through.
Safia was such an easy character to root for. She's intelligent, determined, and thrown into a situation where every new discovery seems to create even more questions. I loved following her thought process throughout the investigation and trying to piece everything together alongside her.
Theo Kane was exactly the kind of MMC I enjoy reading about like the way he is guarded, intense, and impossible to fully figure out. The dynamic between him and Safia had just the right amount of friction, and their connection developed naturally against the backdrop of the case.
What really worked for me was how the mystery remained at the centre of the story. The danger felt real, the suspense kept building, and there were several moments where I genuinely had no idea where things were heading. The stalker storyline added another layer of tension that had me turning pages way faster than I intended.
Fast-paced, atmospheric, and packed with twists, Nightfall kept me hooked from beginning to end. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received an ARC copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is something so unbelievably satisfying about E.L. Lewis books. I dont know what she puts in them but I need her to continue!
This is book 2 in the Agents of Sin Series, in which we meet Dr. Safia Hadid & Agent Theodore Kane. Safia is a well-known behavioral psychologist/Profiler and has worked with the FBI in the past. Theo is, as you guessed, an FBI Agent. But not just any agent on a random team. He is the lead investigator on a case regarding a string of brutal murders that are seemingly connected. His problem? They are at a standstill on the case with no idea how to proceed. This prompts Theo to visit Safia and ask her to assist on said case. She is less than inclined due to the last case she did help with. Kane is quite a profiler himself and knows exactly how to draw her in. Just enough details to make her need more.
This case proves to be a bit more than she bargained for though. Between trying to figure out this killer, her annoying attraction to her lead and the stalker she is suddenly dealing with, Safia ends up finding out some monsters aren't what you expect and things aren't quite as black and white.
If you are a fan of: Criminal Minds, Dexter and/or suspenseful romance/mystery romance, I HIGHLY recommend this book!!
Thank you to the author and Lovenotes.pr team for this arc opportunity
4.5 stars! Thank you to Love Notes PR for the opportunity to ARC read this.
I really enjoyed Nightfall. The dark romance elements worked so well for me because they never felt over the top. Instead, it fit naturally into the story and the characters, which made the whole book incredibly easy to get invested in.
One of my favourite aspects was the serial killer/profiler angle. The psychology behind everything was fascinating, and I loved the tension between Safia and Theo. Even though certain twists were predictable, I still had a great time reading because the journey itself was so entertaininga and well written.
The only reason this isn't a full five stars for me is Safia's reaction to Theo being the killer. It felt a little too tame considering the circumstances. Maybe it's just me, but I would have expected her to wonder whether he'd used her to sabotage the investigation or manipulate her in some way. If that would have been the case, we would have had a bit more groveling on Theo's part which for me, would have made the payoff even stronger.
That being said, I still had a great time with this book. I loved the atmosphere, the suspense, and the characters, and I'm already excited for Gigi and Amir's book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to E.L. Lewis and Love Notes PR for the ARC!
Nightfall gave me major Mindf*ck Series vibes, and I was hooked from the start. The mix of serial killer investigation, psychological profiling, suspense, and romance made this such an addictive read.
Safia is a behavioral psychologist recruited to help the FBI track down a killer, and I loved how intelligent, independent, and unconventional she was. Theo Kane is the kind of morally gray, protective FBI agent I can't resist. Their chemistry was intense from the beginning, and while I would have liked a little more relationship development early on, their connection definitely kept me invested.
The mystery was the standout for me. Every time I thought I had things figured out, another twist appeared. Some reveals I guessed, but there were plenty that caught me completely off guard. The balance between the investigation, the stalker subplot, and the romance kept the pacing moving and made it hard to put down.
If you love Criminal Minds vibes, morally gray heroes, possessive protectors, serial killer mysteries, forced proximity, and romantic suspense with plenty of tension, Nightfall is worth adding to your TBR. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
I stepped outside of my usual reading comfort zone with Nightfall, and I’m so glad I did.
As someone who typically gravitates toward romance-first stories, diving into a book filled with criminal profiling, psychological suspense, and true crime elements was a refreshing change. The mystery kept me engaged from beginning to end, and I found myself constantly wanting to uncover what was really happening.
What I appreciated most was how the story blended its investigation with the characters’ personal journeys. The tension never let up, and every revelation made me even more invested in seeing how everything would unfold.
If you’re a fan of true crime-inspired fiction, psychological suspense, or darker romantic suspense with plenty of twists, this is definitely worth picking up. It proved to me that sometimes stepping outside your usual genre can lead to an incredible reading experience.
Thank you to Love Notes PR and E.L. Lewis for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2⭐️ - thank you to Love Notes PR for sending me a digital ARC of "Nightfall"! 💌
i was intrigued by the premise of this story - a dark romance mystery with a “behavioural psychologist” FMC and FBI MMC. as someone who studied and works in the field of behavioural psychology, i was curious to see how that career would be represented in this book as you don’t really see stories featuring (true) behavioural psychology/science. i was pretty disappointed that this book wasn’t what i thought/hoped it would be, not just in the career representation but also in what i wanted out of a dark romance mystery. i’m not opposed to morally gray, the “touch her and die” trope, or spice, but this book had way too much of all that thrown in that it took my focus away from the actual mystery and romance.
i did, however, appreciate the author’s actual writing - it flowed well and had some enjoyable moments. even though i think this book just wasn’t for me, I’d be interested in giving another one of the author’s books a try (maybe a contemporary romance this time though).
Calling all fans of Criminal Minds and Dexter, Nightfall is 100% the book for you!
Safia Hadid is a brilliant behavioural psychologist that the FBI desperately needs to join their task force. The team is led by the enigmatic, tightly guarded Agent Theo Kane, a man whose walls are as high as his reputation.
As Safia joins the investigation, she’s forced to confront a dangerous stalker of her own while helping Theo and his team hunt down a ruthless serial killer. The deeper they dig, the more the lines blur between staying professional and giving in to their latest obsessions- each other.
Only Safia can unravel the mystery that is Theo Kane, only she can get him open up about the truth he’s buried for years - a truth that could either free her or destroy her completely.
The twists throughout the story are sharp, shocking and perfectly timed, leading to a jaw-dropping finale. I wasn’t just hooked - I was obsessed. Obsessed with uncovering the serial killer, but even more obsessed with Safia and Theo and what their future holds.