Dark Past

by L.A. Cataldo, Laurie Cataldo Fuchs

Isabella Lovino moved to New York City to hide from the demons of her past, leaving everyone behind. Her troubled history makes it difficult to get a job, but when an opportunity comes up to work at an architectural firm, she takes it. On her first day of work she bumps into a stranger on the street and her whole world changes. The gorgeous Jason Hart owns his own architectural firm, but that’s not enough. He knows what he wants, and what he wants is the beautiful Isabella Lovino—the same thing he has wanted since college. When he sees her at the restaurant, he knows he can’t let her get away this time. Will she notice him now?

248 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2015

About the author

L. A. Cataldo's books combine romance, thriller, and suspense with a touch of humor. Her approach to writing is fast-paced love, some dark and emotional impact. They're engaged to grab you and keep you wanting.

She is a romantic at heart. She believes that a true romance can become reality. Or maybe in one's dreams.

She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two sons, and a bunch of dogs running around. "wink" She was raised in a large family of Sicilians. Her mother was an avid reader who passed on her love for books to Laurie.

Laurie Cataldo-Fuchs



She would LOVE if you add your reviews on Amazon.

Reviews

[Martha Sweeney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. The story overall was good and would have had a lot more potential if it was developed a little further. Many new writers don't have much of a plot line, but Laurie had something different from the norm which is good.

Not bad for a first-time author (I've seen some stuff that's not so good). If she continues to hone in on writing and structuring, she'll become an author that will draw the attention of many readers for years to come.

[Cora Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great love story.. I mean who wouldn't want a man that's loved you since college, even though you have no clue who he is. Isabella is beaten and bruised and is letting her life go by, while hiding from a very dangerous man. She keeps her head down and she's decided this is her life. But when Jason sees her again, he knows he has to hire her at his company.. He's a very successful architect and runs a huge business. Bella finds herself in a hard place when she's attracted to him and keeps imaging him touching her. Romance ensues, but with a lot of bumps and roller coater rides. A wonderful read. I'd suggest it to all romance fans.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really suspenseful and intriguing book.

I have read lots of books with stalking and crazy ex boyfriends but I do believe David takes the award for the craziest and most evil.

I loved Bella's spirit and determination to go on with her life after everything that she went through. I also felt the author portrayed her mental state in a very realistic way.

I loved how Jason was so in love with Bella that he would do whatever it took to protect her.

I highly recommend this book!

[Clarice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Past is a short but action packed book. Filled with love, lust, and plenty of suspense, it feels like a much longer book packed into a smaller one. Bella is a woman haunted by her past and ex-boyfriend. As she hides out in New York, she meets Jason. She doesn't remember but the two of them have a history. Just as their relationship is gearing up, her ex begins slinkin around again, looking for opportunities. And he's out for blood. I enjoyed reading this book. I especially enjoyed the suspense.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few things drew me into this book. First it was the fact that the heroine is on the run from her past and then it was that the hero is the owner of the company she worked for. Both are huge draw points.

Isabella was trying to move on, and you could see how strong willed she was. She may be scared but I love how feisty she was.

Jason is a white knight in a fancy suit and I love how he was so protective of Bella. He was his own person, smart, sexy, and a dirty mouth that could make your grandma blush!


I can't pin point what I didn't like about it. Maybe it was the pace of the story and how much went on in such a short time, but I was unable to give it 5 stars.

This book was told from her 1st POV and his 3rd POV. I found that it worked well for the story. There wasn't much from Jason's POV so the whole 3rd person worked.

So what you read in the description is pretty much what you get in the book. I really liked the mystery that surrounded Isabella, and the steam that comes from the attraction between the main characters. The romance was fast, but as you read the story you know that's it's kinda of a second chance romance, in a way.

Overall, the suspense aspect of the book is really intriguing and you can't help but wonder what's going to happen. There's a lot that goes on in this book but at the same time the pace was very fast. I wish the ending had been a little more drawn out, but in the end it was an enjoyable read. 4 stars #2OCCJD

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella is trying to escape her past and moves away from everyone. On the way to her new job she notices a handsome man who she later finds out is Jason her new boss.
When her nightmares return she tries to shake them off but continually bumps into Jason Hart. Deciding to head out with her new friend Jen.
Whenever her past triggers her Jason is always there to help her through it, after a steamy kiss, Bella decides she may have reconsider her non-dating policy.
When Bella’s nightmares turn real Jason is there to save her. With the worst happening to Bella – Jason confesses that he knew her in college and she never noticed him.
They go through so much with working through Bella’s past and seeming to be happy until her past again catches up with her. After Jason decides that they won’t be apart again for anything, Bella finally gets her happily ever after. Great read full of suspense and romance.

[Missy Harton · Rating 5 out of 5]

"If I can't have you all to myself, no one else will."

*****5 DANGEROUSLY DARK STARS*****
***WARNING...the contents of this read are at times extremely violent. If you're a victim of physical/sexual abuse; read with caution***

This is my first journey through the intense words of storytelling by L A Cataldo! A 5 STAR experience that had me on the edge of my seat! It wouldn't surprise me to if this author had difficulty writing some of these horrible scenes; however (for me personal) it left a lasting impact. AMAZING and POWERFUL portrayal of an extremely dangerous situation!

Isabella (Bella) Lovino has left her family behind; running and hiding from her "Dark Past."
Jason Hart carries many memories of the woman that never caught his eye. Now he has the opportunity to rectify his previous short comings! Will he be able to save her from her "Dark Past?"

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books is a bit fast paced and jumps right into Isabella's life. Her mysterious past and how she tries to get past it has you hooked. Her chemistry with Jason is great, absolutely love him. It's great how he doesn't give up when it comes to Isabella. All characters are well develop and just wish we got to know some a bit more. Overall this book has a great plot and storyline. This was my first book of this author and I'm looking forward to more.

[Amanda B Gillespie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who wouldn't want to find someone that has loved you forever yet you didn't even realize they existed until that one fateful moment, when you fall on your face in front of him? But it gets better, then you find out he is none other than your new boss!
If only that was the worst of your problems. Add crazy stalker, attempted murder and love that could outlast eternity and you have a recipe for heaven or hell.

For a first time author, Ms Cataldo more than exceeded my expectations and I'm thrilled that there will be a second book out really soon. If you like romance mixed with suspense, this is the go to book for you.

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that for a beginner, LA Cataldo does a great job! I loved the romance with the suspense. I can't wait to read her next book. I read this book in one sitting. It will keep you drawn in from the first page. I have to warn you that this book is heartbreaking reading what Bella had to go through. Jason was great! The writing in this book is great. I can't wait to see how much more Cataldo grows with her next book!

[Lola Donnelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received"Dark Past" by L. A. Cataldo in a Facebook contest. It is a suspenseful, intense, romance that has you sitting on the edge of your seat Follow Isabella and Jason on a nail biting courtship . I started this story in the morning and finished it in the afternoon. I couldn't put it down.

[Ava Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a suspenseful and wild ride. I never knew what was coming at times and often I would get upset at the main characters but grow to love them again. It was definitely a story filled with excitement! You could tell from their first meeting, there was chemistry, me as the reader could feel the tension.

I look forward to reading more L.A. Cataldo books!!! ;)

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable love story that really drew me in from the very start of the story. There was so many moments within the story that i wasn't expecting and was so shocked when they happened. The main characters within he story was so enjoyable. I could not put this story down once I was starting reading it and enjoyed it from start to end.

[kathy Hennig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I could not put it down! The story was realistic and well written. I hope there Will be a sequel.

[Becky 'Simonis' Uhlman]

great book. couldn't put it down. romantic yet thrilling. a must read!!!!!!

[Jessa]

DNF

[R yatsko · Rating 4 out of 5]

A suspenseful, hot, thrilling read...

.....with a sexy suit wearing alpha...

.....with dirty mouth...


Intriguing plot, the characters felt real..
...love this story...

[Brenda K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really good romantic suspense. I really love that there is a past with the characters and the way it wove into the story. It's an edge of your seat kind of read and a few teary eyed scenes. You just have to know what is going to happen next. I really liked these two characters attraction and the romance that comes of it. Jason is just a swoonworthy guy.

I think it's around the halfway mark that something happened and my stomach dropped and I was like "OMG OMG OMG" and just had to keep reading.

All in all an enjoyable read. I found it a little fast paced and would have liked it to slow down just a little. But a good suspense filled romance. I look forward to more from this author.

[Whitney Cannavina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for an honest review

Isabella and Jason are both hiding secrets. Hers are secrets of a dark Past with pain, hurt, and a move for a new start. Jason is hiding what he knows from Isabella hoping she figures it out on her own. But her past is coming back to haunt her and now both their secrets will be unveiled.

The characters meshed well but I felt That at times it was forced. And other times to easy and fast. However the story itself was interesting and kept us wanting to keep going to see what happens next. This was a good read with secrets that keep you waiting, and expectations for a future we’re not sure will happen.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first time in reading anything from this author. The allure of mystery was a big factor it also one of the things that kept me in it also. You will become intwined in Isabella and Jason's lives especially when theirs meet. The air of mystery hangs over them thanks to a dark cover one used for hiding too. Heat slowly seeps in too fusing us more into this then we expected. Carefully you are pulled to the edge by drama but you are already in it until the end.

[Bridgett Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short story not to long. Isabella ran to New York. She needed to hid from her past. But starting over isn’t easy. She finally lands a job. As she goes to her 1st day of work, she sees the most handsome man she has ever seen. Then she falls literally in front of him. She’s such a clumsy person, daydreaming about a guy she seen on the street. Come to find out that man is her new boss. Will she be able to get over her dark past and live again?
Good story, I enjoyed reading it.

[Shakera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bella is being stalked by her crazy ex-boyfriend, so she moves to New York and meets Jason, not realizing she has already met him before. What I loved about this story, you get exactly what the description says. I thought Jason and Bella were great together. I thought Bella was sweet and sincere, Jason was protective and brilliant and flirty. They were really perfect for each other. I would have loved a dual POV for this book. I think that would have made this absolutely perfect.

[Sandra Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is L A Cataldo's first book and it's very well written.
However, I found that too much happened too quickly and the characters lacked depth. I would have given 3 stars for the content but for the writing, it has to be 4.
I'm going to read the next book though.

[Kelly - Words We Love By · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love suspense and mystery add in some romance and a hot guy and you have a combination for a great book and this is that kind of book. You would never know this was L.A. Cataldo's debut book. Can't wait to see all she has to offer.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a new author to me and overall a good story. Bella and Jason's story is suspenseful and romantic. I just felt like the story and conversation between the characters didn't flow well. I feel this author has a lot of potential and her books will only get better.

[Chrissi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was 3.5 star for me. The storyline had so much potential, but it felt super rushed.

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.amazon.com/review/create-...#

[Sahara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great surprise. Didn’t know what to expect but I love it.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn in from the first page. I really enjoyed the characters and the story progression. And the swoon worthy Jason.

[Jo Lawless · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story had a good premise. The execution needs work.