Cut in Darkness

In Darkness #2

by Heather Sunseri

After dozens of Lexington, Kentucky’s forgotten—mostly prostitutes and the homeless—swamp local hospitals from apparent overdoses over the 4th of July weekend, Kentucky cops soon discover a new synthetic form of heroin is infecting their communities, and that gangs—namely the outlaw motorcycle gang Samael’s Army—are responsible for using a “disposable” population to test the new drug.

Soon after, the deadly new drug claims the daughter of a U.S. senator, and FBI Director Jack Waller assigns Brooke Fairfax to the case. Because the synthetic opioid was created in a lab, the feds turn to the expertise of billionaire chemist Declan O’Roark, who is all too happy to lend a hand if it will bring him closer to Brooke.

As Brooke and Declan are forced to work together, Declan attempts to tear down the barriers around Brooke’s heart. But when Brooke gets drawn into the depths of the outlaw motorcycle gang she’s investigating, she and Declan both fear for her life.

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Audiobook, Suspense, Romance

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 4, 2017

About the author

Heather Sunseri was raised on a tiny farm in the smallest of towns in thoroughbred horse country near Lexington, Kentucky. After high school, she attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and later graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in accounting. Always torn between a passion for fantasy and a mind for the rational, it only made sense to combine her career in accounting with a novel-writing dream.

Heather now lives in a different small town on the other side of Lexington with her two children, and her husband, Mike, the biggest Oregon Duck fan in the universe. When she’s not writing or working as a CPA, she spends her time tormenting her daughter’s cat, Olivia, and loving on her son’s Golden Retriever, Jenny. MINDSPEAK is her first published novel.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another thrilling suspense in the ongoing series about FBI Agent Brooke Fairfax.

Brooke has now been fully reinstated in her job and along with her best friend and partner Tyler James is heading the Lexington FBI branch. She's also still seeing Declan but her fears and grief are preventing her from giving a full commitment.

Lots of craziness going on in this one. The ER's are over run with drug overdoses from an unknown source and mainly from the homeless and prostitutes. The local police are baffled as to what new drug could be causing this. Its not till a daughter of a U.S. Senator overdoses asks Brooke's dad for help that Brooke gets involved after being assigned to look into who provided the drugs to her.

Before getting the case Brooke had been looking into the OMG (outlaw motorcycle gang) Samael's Army. Once she does a little digging into the Senator's daughter case she realizes that the two may be linked.

The plot of this book was like an onion – once Brooke pealed off one layer it revealed another and kept going. Romeo is back and in his “helping” he ends up putting a really large target on Brooke's back that puts her in big danger.

All those layers kept you turning the pages and in the mist of all of that Declan decides he cant just stand by and watch Brooke constantly be in danger and enlist the help of a person from his past to help discover who Romeo really is before he winds up getting Brooke killed. We end up finding out some pretty deep secrets from Declan's past and he hasn't always been the squeaky clean billionaire he is now.

I really liked the first book in this series but I have to say this one exceeded that. The stories just get better with each book.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was addictive and fun. The second about Brooke and Declan, it takes place just a bit after book one. This time Brooke is looking into motorcycle gangs and mysterious drug overdoses. I still enjoy how Declan gets his own chapters now and then and that the minor characters (TY!!!) get more time and backstory. I also enjoy how threads from the first book stay woven into this one, and that we learn more about the mysterious Romeo who seems to both stalk and help Brooke. Though I could have done without Declan's big secret revelation, I still am eagerly looking forward to book 3.
***"I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher."***

[Amber Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brooke Fairfax must take down a drug cartel that's routing drugs to her city, causing a major rise in deaths. The secretive yet devastatingly handsome Declan is by her side to battle both a Motorcyle Club and a secret admirer/stalker along with her partner Tyler. This book is intriguing, has twists and turns that will keep you in the edge of your seat, or keep you up at night, and keep you guessing till the very end. It was sexy, it was funny, it was Heather's best work by far! I am really looking forward to her next book
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[Cindy Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in love with the characters in this series. Brooke is back with the FBI and gets pulled into a new investigation around the death of a Senator's daughter and an MC club. She is joined by her ever present friend and partner Ty and her blossoming relationship with Declan. Of course, it isn't an easy investigation and things unravel quickly placing her in danger. Can she solve the case before the bad people can get to her?

I really enjoyed this story.

[Sandra Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of this authors books, since I read the first book in her young adult series, Mindspeak. She crafts solid great stories. I am a fan of strong and well developed characters. Speaking for myself, the story might be good, but without well created characters, it falls flat.

[Christine Karmelreads2665 W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather has done another great job with the character FBI Agent Brooke Fairfax. She keeps the character fresh while continuing write a intricate tale to keep the reader engrossed.

The characters and the intrigue are well developed and believable.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed the advanced reader copy received from the author.

[Alana Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free for an honest review. Another great book by heather sunseri, once I started reading I didn't want to put it down. Brooke is so stubborn and always finds herself in danger, good thing she has Declan and great friends helping her even when she says she got things handled. And finally Brooke admits she loves Declan and moves in with him, mind you it took her almost burning to death in the fire at her home.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This is a very good book. The action keeps you on the edge of your seat. Brooke may be strong but she have to admit she needs help at times. Declan always to the rescue. So close to finding out who Romero is but still far away. I hope he is caught in the next book. Great job Heather! I would recommend this book. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[Aleta Meeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cut in Darkness Cut in Darkness is the second and latest book from Heather Sunseri. I could not put it down! I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys mystery and intrigue. As a part of Sunseri’s Launch Team, I had the pleasure of reading her book before the official release date. There are so many twists and turns, Sunseri keeps you guessing until the very end. There are some questions without answers that lead the reader to eagerly await the next installment of the in Darkness series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great blend of mystery, light thriller and romance a lot like the Julie Garwood Buchannan series. Revolves around Brooke and FBI agent, her cases and her rich,hot, swoony Irish boyfriend. Brooke can be a hard head and thinks she can take care of herself. Declan loves her and keeps trying to keep her safe as she gets in way over her head in a crime involving a dangerous motorcycle gang.
Liked this book way more than the first one (which was pretty good). Love the side characters, her new work partner/best friend and Brooke's job as an analyst which is very interesting. She continues to find people in high places involved in the crimes.

[Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fantastic!

The characters are quickly becoming my favorites. Not only are the primary characters Brooke & Declan awesome but the surrounding cast really bring the whole story together. I'm so glad a friend recommended this series. And I can't wait for more.

Not only is the mystery intriguing but the story line is original along with character development, you can't put the book down. If you like mystery, romance and a story you can't put down with characters that you will fall in love with. Must READ!

[Sharon Patchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Read

I love this series. Brooke, a former FBI agent has taken over the reopened Homeland Security office in Kentucky as she deepens her relationship with Declan. Declan is a self made billionaire owning a distillery, race horses and organic chemical laboratory. Her first assignment is to find the links to recent deaths of addicts dying from heroin laced with a new chemical worse than fentanyl. That leads her to a motorcycle gang that is trying to replace their lost income from weapons sales. She barely escapes with her life.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of the In Darkness series, Cut in Darkness, is just as good as the first. It strikes just the right balance of crime investigation, romance, and excitement. One whole section had my heart in my throat wondering how it was going to end. I highly recommend this book to people who like thrillers with a little romance. It’s not completely necessary to read the first book first, but it will make more sense if you do.

[Andrea Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Darkness 2

Brooke is investigating an outlaw motorcycle gang and eventually becomes the hunted. Will Declan be able to save Brooke from the gang or will Romeo put her in more danger?

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat suspense that gripped me start to finish!

[Rakeshia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sooooo love Declan and Brooke together.

[Melissa Railsback · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't read the first book, but it was easy to follow and surprisingly good. Plot was good and loved the humor as well.

[Stephanie Shackelford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line. It moves really moves quickly. If you like JD Robb, you'll enjoy this series.

[Lynn Mullan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story. Great tension, a real page turner.

[Kari Shick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things I look for in a book: good storyline (believable/relatable), characters with depth, writing that is descriptive enough to understand and visualize the scene, but does not go on forever describing a room... Cut in Darkness is all that and more. From the first chapter, the storyline grabs the reader's attention and pulls you in. A very well written story that takes you through a number of twists and turns and makes you keep turning the pages and wondering if the main character will make it out of the predicament she finds herself in. She also takes a serious look at a important issue that has hit so many people in the Midwest- drug addiction. The author has obviously done her research into drug issues (and motorcycle gangs) making the story current and believable. The characters are well thought out and likable. I'm ready to learn more about both Brooke and Declan. I'm hoping that the author will give us more insight into the backgrounds of both characters. I am looking forward to the next books in the series and can't wait to read more from this talented author! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing! It's a thrill that keeps you on a ever going roller coaster of ups and downs that you want to just keep purchasing tickets for!

In the first book the the series, you meet the main character Brooke who is a widow after her husband Teddy was murdered on the job. Brooke joins up with the FBI again after years to help solve a case threatening Teddy's brother, Truman. While working for the FBI, Brooke meets the hot as H-E-Double Hockey Stick Declan who is a billionaire and dreamy and swoon worthy. He doesn't give up on Brooke for anything and that's saying something when Brooke is stuck in a rut and Romeo is a creepy stalker who is way overstepping the line of helpfulness.

In the second book, Brooke is trying to enjoy the 4th of July festivities when people start dropping like flys from some sort of drug. Brooke is trying to win back the trust of the organization and is finally given a case. She has to find out what drugs are killing people, where they are coming from, and stop it, which leads to a motorcycle gang known as Samuel's Army. Brooke is also trying to navigate her growing relationship with Declan. It's fun. It's new, but it's also so much more and it scares her. Declan, being the amazing man he is won't give up on her though, even when it's hard. (You get his point of view in this novel too!!!!) Brooke has her secrets being an agent and having a rotten past, but who says Declan's innocent in that matter? Does Declan have a past too? And what is Romeo up to now? Will Brooke identify the man who poisoned her baby the night Teddy died?

This book is amazing, spectacular, romantic, thrilling, descriptive, and many other things that I have no words for! Heather is one of my favorite authors and she hasn't disappointed me yet!

I am not an adult, and all though this novel is classified as a adult novel, I'm here to tell you younger readers that it's fairly clean and well worth it! There is some swearing and sex before marriage, but Heather doesn't go into details that creep readers out. She lets you imagine what you want and keeps it PG13. This book is a bit content heavy though in the sense that you should read it carefully so you don't miss anything... or read it twice like I will!

Brooke is a courageous character who wants justice, peace, and answers. She wants to be loved but to never forget her past love. She makes readers feel confident and that we can do anything we set our minds to... and that a little sass isn't always a bad thing!

Declan is a Irish billionaire who is so swoon worthy, he should be the definition of swoon. Look it up in the dictionary and it should say: Swoon, verb, meaning Declan. He is so kindhearted, always wanting to help and give justice. He's wicked smart and hot (at least in my head). He has a past, but he doesn't let it dictate him and wants to move forward with someone to live and settle down with... no matter how much trouble she gets into (cough, cough, BROOKE!)

Don't be discouraged by the adult genre and pick up this novel by Heather Sunseri. You will not regret it. This series is like Tom Kruse action spy film meets Nicholas Sparks.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[Sioms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Blacklist, the TV series. The In Darkness series gives off a Blacklist-y vibe on me. From the cases down to the annoyingly un-FBI-ish decisions. Yes, some of the characters' actions are annoying and stupid, but you still can't help but get hooked on the story.

I loved how mysterious and suspicious some of the characters are. Cut in Darkness made me feel antsy, happy, sad, pissed, annoyed, basically all sorts of things while reading it.

Although this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone if you don't care much for the romance bit of the story.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with this main character. She's tough, gutsy, and real. This book was hard to put down and I flew through it. Lots of action and suspense and just overall a really great read. Heather Sunseri doesn't disappoint. I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book.

[Gina Cihacz · Rating 5 out of 5]

voluntarily reviewed this free ARC book. I love this series. Move over Sherlock and Savich, you have a new couple joining your ranks. Brooke feels like she is damaged so bad that she does not deserve to find love again. After loosing her husband to a case and her baby to a madman stalker, she is not sure if she can give love another chance. Declan is a man of mystery, but has fallen in love with Brooke from the moment he saw her. Wanting to protect the fragile but gutsy FBI agent he has to balance his need to save her from the job that has become who she is. I love how each book has a separate storyline but a flowing mystery of who is Romeo and what does he want with Brooke. Declan is somewhat decoded when we find out a part of his past and Brooke is slowly letting go of a part of her past. Wonderful series, I hope to see a lot more of Brooke and Declan and also of Marti and Aiden.

[Katie Monaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you start this book you will not put it down. It is captivating from start to finish. It keeps you wondering what's next and keeps you guessing, I loved it and can't wait to see what Heather does next!!!!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable, escape from reality read. I almost read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I love the characters and suspense. It's fast moving, entertaining story. "I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher."

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - what a page turner!. You will love this book, but be forewarned - you'll be sitting on the edge of your seat most of the time. Drama, suspense, passion, sex, illegal drugs, overdoses, biker gangs, a US Senator, prostitutes, the FBI and the list just goes on and one. Passion galore when FBI agent Brooke Fairfax is teamed with expert chemist Declan O'Rourke to get to the bottom of the lab created opioid. Lots of danger entangles Brooke as she confronts the bike gang and is Declan able to protect her. No spoilers here - but this book is great - you'll love it. I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Cut in Darkness is the second book in the In Darkness series. If you have read the first book it helps you understand the setting and the main characters. But this book can be read as a standalone. There isn't a cliffhanger at the end though it is open-ended for the next book in the series. 

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. The main characters in the series are Brooke Fairfax and Declan O'Rourke. You easily get caught up in the emotions of the characters and story. There is plenty of action as well as twists and turns in the book. I really enjoyed this book and storyline. I look forward to reading more of Heather Sunseri's other books as well as future books in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cut in Darkness by Heather Sunseri is the second book in the In Darkness series. It is the weekend of the fourth of July and Midland, Kentucky is gearing up for their parade. Unfortunately, Special Agent Brooke Fairfax is going to miss it. She has been called in to the local hospital by Special Agent Erica Marshall. There have been an unusually large number of overdoses occurring in the area among the homeless and women of ill repute. There seems to be a new designer drug in town that someone is testing on what they must consider the “disposable” populace. But then Senator Westbrook’s daughter, Angela dies of an overdose. FBI Director Jack Waller (Brooke’s father) puts Brooke in charge on the Westbrook case. This leads her into the world of OMGs (outlaw motorcycle gangs) which she has been researching for the last few weeks since starting back to work at the FBI. It seems that Samael’s Army may be behind the new drug, but Brooke needs irrefutable proof to put the leaders away. The FBI needs information about this new drug, and they turn to Declan O’Roark (did I mention he is Brooke’s boyfriend) for answers. Declan’s lab will be able to quickly analyze the drug and provide Brooke with the necessary results (state lab is backed up). Brooke investigation turns dangerous when her stalker, Romeo reveals her identity to Gray Packstone, son of Samael’s leader. Samael’s Army is out to eliminate her, and Declan will do what it takes to keep Brooke safe. Samael’s Army will not go down without a fight and neither will Brooke.

I found Cut in Darkness to be well-written, have a good pace, and a complex mystery. Brooke Fairfax is starting to grow on me. I had trouble liking her in the first book, but Brooke gets better over time (like a fine wine). The drug situation in the book is complex and readers are given many details about illegal drugs and motorcycle gangs (OMGs). I did feel, though, that the romance portion of the book was extremely prevalent. I wish the author would tone it down a notch (bedroom scenes). While Cut in Darkness is the second book in the series, it can be read alone. The author gives the reader all the information needed to read and enjoy Cut in Darkness. I give Cut in Darkness 4 out of 5 stars. I am glad to see Brooke start to overcome her past towards the end of the book. The story is told from Brooke’s and Declan’s point-of-views. Personally, I would have preferred if it had been told from the third person for consistency (instead of wondering is this Brooke or Declan). I am wondering, though, how Brooke makes a good agent when people can tell when she is lying or uncomfortable (especially around a person she does not like). It just seemed a little off to me. At the end of the book, readers are left with two unanswered questions (identity of Romeo and the identity of the police informant). I hope that the stalker storyline picks up the pace in the next book in the series. It would be nice to know his identity or motive. It will be interesting to see what happens next with Brooke as she starts a new job and the relationship between Declan and Brooke deepens.