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Romantic Suspense #17
Dornenkleid
In „Dornenkleid“, dem 2. Buch der Thriller-Reihe nach dem Bestseller „Dornenmädchen“, beschert Karen Rose ihren Lesern einen nervenzerfetzend spannenden Trip in menschliche Abgründe. Ein Thriller, der unter die Haut geht, von der amerikanischen Bestseller-Autorin („Todesstoß“, „Todesspiele“, „Todesherz“)!
Cincinnati, Ohio: Der Journalist Marcus O’Bannion ermittelt mit Detective Scarlett Bishop in dem brutalen Mord an einer jungen Philippinerin, die von einem skrupellosen Menschenhändler-Ring als Sex-Sklavin in die USA gelockt wurde. Um ihr Kartell zu verteidigen, gehen die Verbrecher über Leichen. Marcus und die hübsche Scarlett, die anfangs nicht ahnen, wie tief der Strudel aus Gewalt, Sex und Drogen reicht, müssen bald alle Register ziehen, um die Bande zu stoppen, denn auch für sie beginnt ein Kampf um Leben und Tod.
„Karen Roses „Dornen“-Reihe sind Thriller in Perfektion!“ (Alex Dengler, Denglers-buchkritik.de)
Cincinnati, Ohio: Der Journalist Marcus O’Bannion ermittelt mit Detective Scarlett Bishop in dem brutalen Mord an einer jungen Philippinerin, die von einem skrupellosen Menschenhändler-Ring als Sex-Sklavin in die USA gelockt wurde. Um ihr Kartell zu verteidigen, gehen die Verbrecher über Leichen. Marcus und die hübsche Scarlett, die anfangs nicht ahnen, wie tief der Strudel aus Gewalt, Sex und Drogen reicht, müssen bald alle Register ziehen, um die Bande zu stoppen, denn auch für sie beginnt ein Kampf um Leben und Tod.
„Karen Roses „Dornen“-Reihe sind Thriller in Perfektion!“ (Alex Dengler, Denglers-buchkritik.de)
929 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2015
651 people are currently reading
3643 people want to read
About the author
Karen Rose
61 books5,444 followersOFFICIAL WEBSITE:
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
February 15, 2016
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Evil Villain ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do Stars!
Alone in the Dark Is the second book in this series and let me tell you, it was a long ass book that took me 13 says to read. This was not an easy read either, I had to REALLY pay attention because there were so many characters and so much happening at all times.
I really enjoyed reading this one but I have to say that for a Karen Rose book, it was not as creepy as the others I’ve read. What this book did have was LOADS OF VILOLENCE! This book was about human trafficking, men, women and children being forced into working or sex, it was a very dark subject to read but kept me interested nonetheless.
The hero Marcus O’Bannion was FANTASTIC!! He runs the local newspaper called The Ledger. He uses his resources behind the scenes to help people who are in need. WHY? Because it’s the right thing to do. He’s extremely sexy and protective but also smart and caring. I fell for him right from the start and grew to love him more as I got deeper into the book.
The heroine Scarlett Bishop was also a great character. She is a Homicide Detective whose life mission is to rid the world of bad guy’s. She’s tough as they come and never backs off in the line of duty.
The bad guys? There were so many of them, I could not keep count, some of them were even women. Torture, throat’s being slit, fingers, toes and ears being cut off, being shot and then the bodies being sent through a wood chipper is just a few of the violent acts that occurred during this read. This book is violence in EXTREME, so if this sort of thing disturbs you, DON’T read this book.
Is this a romance? Yes it was. Marcus and Scarlett most definitely were attracted to one another. Once they finally had time away from prying eyes and made love, it was H.O.T. HOT!! This book is not riddled with sex scenes but the few that were added in were wonderfully done with a lot of passion and sensuality.
In the end, the bad guys/bad women were all dealt with leaving me completely happy with the outcome. We also were treated to an epilogue, something I’m always looking for to wrap a book up.
The wait is on for me with the next book in this series to be released in February 2017. It’s a long wait but I know it will be well worth it.
Hero Rating ~ 5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Evil Villain ~ 5 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 3 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 It Seemed Like The Right Thing To Do Stars!
Alone in the Dark Is the second book in this series and let me tell you, it was a long ass book that took me 13 says to read. This was not an easy read either, I had to REALLY pay attention because there were so many characters and so much happening at all times.
I really enjoyed reading this one but I have to say that for a Karen Rose book, it was not as creepy as the others I’ve read. What this book did have was LOADS OF VILOLENCE! This book was about human trafficking, men, women and children being forced into working or sex, it was a very dark subject to read but kept me interested nonetheless.
The hero Marcus O’Bannion was FANTASTIC!! He runs the local newspaper called The Ledger. He uses his resources behind the scenes to help people who are in need. WHY? Because it’s the right thing to do. He’s extremely sexy and protective but also smart and caring. I fell for him right from the start and grew to love him more as I got deeper into the book.
The heroine Scarlett Bishop was also a great character. She is a Homicide Detective whose life mission is to rid the world of bad guy’s. She’s tough as they come and never backs off in the line of duty.
The bad guys? There were so many of them, I could not keep count, some of them were even women. Torture, throat’s being slit, fingers, toes and ears being cut off, being shot and then the bodies being sent through a wood chipper is just a few of the violent acts that occurred during this read. This book is violence in EXTREME, so if this sort of thing disturbs you, DON’T read this book.
Is this a romance? Yes it was. Marcus and Scarlett most definitely were attracted to one another. Once they finally had time away from prying eyes and made love, it was H.O.T. HOT!! This book is not riddled with sex scenes but the few that were added in were wonderfully done with a lot of passion and sensuality.
In the end, the bad guys/bad women were all dealt with leaving me completely happy with the outcome. We also were treated to an epilogue, something I’m always looking for to wrap a book up.
The wait is on for me with the next book in this series to be released in February 2017. It’s a long wait but I know it will be well worth it.
January 31, 2018
Newspaper publisher Marcus O'Bannion has a secret mission of restoring justice to those for whom the system has failed. Detective Scarlett Bishop has a similar vigilante streak but given that she's part of that system, she keeps it in check. That is until she meets up again with Marcus.
The crime this time is insidious as it involves human trafficking, more like bondage or slavery. I liked that we get not only Marcus and Scarlett's points of view but those of several villains. Even though we know the big picture, the fun is in the details and they are complicated. There's lots of mystery despite knowing the bad guys and what they're up to and the tension rises as the story progresses to a rip roaring climax.
Hilary Huber narrated this one and I liked her performance, though I had to increase the speed. I'm still loving my decision to switch to the audio version for the rest of the series.
While the body count was a bit lower in this one, there was still enough that it continues to carry the series signature. I really liked Marcus and Scarlett, individually and as a couple. They worked well together and they didn't waste time worrying about the appropriateness of their relationship. There are a LOT of layers here making for a very good story on every level. And, you'll find quite a few instances of poetic justice to more than satisfy you.
The crime this time is insidious as it involves human trafficking, more like bondage or slavery. I liked that we get not only Marcus and Scarlett's points of view but those of several villains. Even though we know the big picture, the fun is in the details and they are complicated. There's lots of mystery despite knowing the bad guys and what they're up to and the tension rises as the story progresses to a rip roaring climax.
Hilary Huber narrated this one and I liked her performance, though I had to increase the speed. I'm still loving my decision to switch to the audio version for the rest of the series.
While the body count was a bit lower in this one, there was still enough that it continues to carry the series signature. I really liked Marcus and Scarlett, individually and as a couple. They worked well together and they didn't waste time worrying about the appropriateness of their relationship. There are a LOT of layers here making for a very good story on every level. And, you'll find quite a few instances of poetic justice to more than satisfy you.
November 27, 2015
3.75 STARS.
It seemed to drag a bit towards the end. But overall, an enjoyable read. Liked both main characters. Hated his name O'Bannion!! It's the little things for me sometimes.
It was a bit gruesome at time.
It seemed to drag a bit towards the end. But overall, an enjoyable read. Liked both main characters. Hated his name O'Bannion!! It's the little things for me sometimes.
Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop has seen enough bad guys slip through the cracks and too many innocent victims go unavenged to know good doesn't always prevail. So far she’s been able to lock away her rage and her vigilante fantasies. That lock is about to break.
Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion is a fierce champion of victims’ rights. His secret past gives him good reason. He believes he’s seen the depths of human depravity, but then his investigation into the murder of a young girl who once asked for his help lures him and Scarlett down a dark, dark road—and straight into the crosshairs of a dangerous, powerful underground ring that deals in human trade.
It was a bit gruesome at time.
"Facebook?"
"Gotta love it."
"Really most sincerely dead."
September 4, 2016
This is book #2 in the Cincinnati series and although I would recommend reading book #1, Closer Than You Think (it's a really good book); this book stands on its own.
And does it stand on its own. Wow! I loved this book - page after page of awesome writing to devour.
I'm going to get on a soapbox - my value for the money soapbox. I'm so tired of really expensive short books that bring nothing to the table, or 1 book divided into a thousand parts published every month or so, or books that are so cliche that I start wondering if I have read them before, etc.
So I offer up this book: For $7.99 (paperback) you get 721 pages of a well written and edited book, a complicated and well thought out plot, an awesome hero and an equally awesome heroine, a really bad group of villains to hate and great secondary characters. I definitely think this is "bang for your buck" book style. This is the type of book that makes me remember why my favorite hobby is reading. One of my top pics for 2016!!
Back to the review...
Both of the MCs are slightly damaged, but damaged in their own unique ways. Scarlett is a woman who likes to fix and solves things, but not everything can be fixed. Not every case has a happy ending and she is haunted by all the pain that she sees and tries to build walls around herself as protection.
Marcus has lived through some really bad losses that have permanently impacted his life and the lives of his family. He also wants to save people and put the bad guys away.
Even though they have their weaknesses, they are in their essence strong characters. It's the combination of their strengths and weaknesses that make them seem perfect for each other. Their attraction felt real and as a reader I felt vested in them.
They met in a previous case months ago and now their paths have crossed again as they work together on the murder of a young girl who appears to have been "owned" by someone. The more they look into this case and the other events that come up, the more they realize how horrible the people they are looking for are. The plot and the characters that Ms. Rose has woven together are intense, complicated and wonderfully written.
THANK YOU Karen Rose and A Signet Book publishers for delivering a "real" book!!!
And does it stand on its own. Wow! I loved this book - page after page of awesome writing to devour.
I'm going to get on a soapbox - my value for the money soapbox. I'm so tired of really expensive short books that bring nothing to the table, or 1 book divided into a thousand parts published every month or so, or books that are so cliche that I start wondering if I have read them before, etc.
So I offer up this book: For $7.99 (paperback) you get 721 pages of a well written and edited book, a complicated and well thought out plot, an awesome hero and an equally awesome heroine, a really bad group of villains to hate and great secondary characters. I definitely think this is "bang for your buck" book style. This is the type of book that makes me remember why my favorite hobby is reading. One of my top pics for 2016!!
Back to the review...
Both of the MCs are slightly damaged, but damaged in their own unique ways. Scarlett is a woman who likes to fix and solves things, but not everything can be fixed. Not every case has a happy ending and she is haunted by all the pain that she sees and tries to build walls around herself as protection.
Marcus has lived through some really bad losses that have permanently impacted his life and the lives of his family. He also wants to save people and put the bad guys away.
Even though they have their weaknesses, they are in their essence strong characters. It's the combination of their strengths and weaknesses that make them seem perfect for each other. Their attraction felt real and as a reader I felt vested in them.
They met in a previous case months ago and now their paths have crossed again as they work together on the murder of a young girl who appears to have been "owned" by someone. The more they look into this case and the other events that come up, the more they realize how horrible the people they are looking for are. The plot and the characters that Ms. Rose has woven together are intense, complicated and wonderfully written.
THANK YOU Karen Rose and A Signet Book publishers for delivering a "real" book!!!
November 12, 2017
*Trigger warning: Human Trafficking, Violence, Torture*
If you have read any of my reviews on Karen Rose and her books you would know how obsessed i am with this woman and her phenomenal writing. She is a romance/suspense/thriller writer and very quickly became one of my favourite authors. I'm slowly collecting all her books, and was so wrapped when i received confirmation from Net Galley to review her latest book - because i had only read the first book in the Cincinnati series i decided to head down to my local library and pick up the ones i haven't yet read, before i read the arc which is #4 in the series. So needless to say i'll be smashing out a couple Karen Rose reviews in the next week or so.
Former Army Ranger turned owner of a newspaper 'The Ledger' Marcus O'Bannion met homicide cop Scarlett Bishop nine months ago when their paths crossed due to a series of murders that took place. O'Bannions brother Mikhail was one of the victims of this sadistic killer, and his family are still grieving the loss of their youngest brother, there mother medicating herself with prescription pills to cope.
When Scarlett receives a call from Marcus to meet her in a rough part of town known for drugs and prostitution, Scarlett rushes to the scene finding a young Asian women dead and Marcus shot in the back. With all the signs that this women was a victim of human trafficking, the hunt begins for those who 'owned' her and the person who ultimately ended her life. With the victims last words being 'Help Mayala' and referring to a family before she died, fear that there are more people out there who are in danger of meeting the same fate as the victim- Scarlett and Marcus must work together, find the woman's family, bring down the human traffickers and seek justice for the young woman left to die alone in the dark. But was the young Asian woman really the target? or was someone after Marcus? With his paper reporting many crimes and the accused, receiving many treats from people's loved ones, did someone have enough of a grudge to try to kill Marcus? or is there more to what is going on than meets the eye?
Karen Rose has a way with building up her stories; they are quick paced, yet never give too much away, leaving you wondering what the hell is going on right until the very end. I literally can sit for hours reading a Karen Rose book and not even realise because I get so invested in what is going on and the characters- who aren't new to us at all, we see them in other books as a side characters, than eventually they become a main character in another book. There are so many twists and turns along the way, there is no chance you can get bored or want to dnf. There isn't a single book from Rose that i haven't absolutely loved, and that is saying something because that NEVER happens at least not to me. The only thing i would recommend is to read the books in order as you might get spoilt reading them scattered, as character do appear in more than one book, which is ultimately why i rushed to pick up #2 and #3 in the Cincinnati series before i read the Arc.
The romance, now I'm not a huge romance reader. But it works with these books, it breaks up the dark a bit and because its not the main focus it doesn't really bother me. We watch characters get closer and closer, the sexual tension building up. The relationships are never forced, there are reasons why two characters fit together whether it is past trauma , complimenting each others personality , shared experiences , etc.
I always dig the sex scenes, it not only breaks up the darkness and gory murder bits but it adds a little something to look forward too, especially the sex scenes because DAMN they are steamy.
In all, i loved this book. It is a Karen Rose book as i have known her and loved her. Her writing never changes, and by that i mean it never gets shit or slow or boring. I always look forward to jumping into her next book, no matter how big it is, what it is about or who the characters are- as i am never disappointed by this author.
If you are a lover of thrillers, suspenseful novel with a touch of romance and love a good sex scene- Karen Rose is the woman for you.
Recommended : Thriller/Suspense/Romance
"The man. His wife. They.." She averted her eyes, ashamed. "They own us"
If you have read any of my reviews on Karen Rose and her books you would know how obsessed i am with this woman and her phenomenal writing. She is a romance/suspense/thriller writer and very quickly became one of my favourite authors. I'm slowly collecting all her books, and was so wrapped when i received confirmation from Net Galley to review her latest book - because i had only read the first book in the Cincinnati series i decided to head down to my local library and pick up the ones i haven't yet read, before i read the arc which is #4 in the series. So needless to say i'll be smashing out a couple Karen Rose reviews in the next week or so.
Former Army Ranger turned owner of a newspaper 'The Ledger' Marcus O'Bannion met homicide cop Scarlett Bishop nine months ago when their paths crossed due to a series of murders that took place. O'Bannions brother Mikhail was one of the victims of this sadistic killer, and his family are still grieving the loss of their youngest brother, there mother medicating herself with prescription pills to cope.
When Scarlett receives a call from Marcus to meet her in a rough part of town known for drugs and prostitution, Scarlett rushes to the scene finding a young Asian women dead and Marcus shot in the back. With all the signs that this women was a victim of human trafficking, the hunt begins for those who 'owned' her and the person who ultimately ended her life. With the victims last words being 'Help Mayala' and referring to a family before she died, fear that there are more people out there who are in danger of meeting the same fate as the victim- Scarlett and Marcus must work together, find the woman's family, bring down the human traffickers and seek justice for the young woman left to die alone in the dark. But was the young Asian woman really the target? or was someone after Marcus? With his paper reporting many crimes and the accused, receiving many treats from people's loved ones, did someone have enough of a grudge to try to kill Marcus? or is there more to what is going on than meets the eye?
Karen Rose has a way with building up her stories; they are quick paced, yet never give too much away, leaving you wondering what the hell is going on right until the very end. I literally can sit for hours reading a Karen Rose book and not even realise because I get so invested in what is going on and the characters- who aren't new to us at all, we see them in other books as a side characters, than eventually they become a main character in another book. There are so many twists and turns along the way, there is no chance you can get bored or want to dnf. There isn't a single book from Rose that i haven't absolutely loved, and that is saying something because that NEVER happens at least not to me. The only thing i would recommend is to read the books in order as you might get spoilt reading them scattered, as character do appear in more than one book, which is ultimately why i rushed to pick up #2 and #3 in the Cincinnati series before i read the Arc.
The romance, now I'm not a huge romance reader. But it works with these books, it breaks up the dark a bit and because its not the main focus it doesn't really bother me. We watch characters get closer and closer, the sexual tension building up. The relationships are never forced, there are reasons why two characters fit together whether it is past trauma , complimenting each others personality , shared experiences , etc.
I always dig the sex scenes, it not only breaks up the darkness and gory murder bits but it adds a little something to look forward too, especially the sex scenes because DAMN they are steamy.
In all, i loved this book. It is a Karen Rose book as i have known her and loved her. Her writing never changes, and by that i mean it never gets shit or slow or boring. I always look forward to jumping into her next book, no matter how big it is, what it is about or who the characters are- as i am never disappointed by this author.
If you are a lover of thrillers, suspenseful novel with a touch of romance and love a good sex scene- Karen Rose is the woman for you.
Recommended : Thriller/Suspense/Romance
August 8, 2020
I'm hopelessly addicted to this series! Alone In The Dark is another great addition. Meticulous is detail, as always, and well-plotted and delivered. Who could ask for anything more? Highly recommended book & series for fans of romance suspense and thrillers.
February 3, 2016
The story has many twists, incredible revelations, hot romance, and a stunning outcome. The author combines romance with family drama and crime drama, which sounds like an unlikely combination, but it works. This story is not for the faint of heart, as several uncomfortable topics are addressed, and of course it’s a little gritty, which means plenty of violence.
If you like uncompromising crime stories with lots of action and suspense, but also enjoy a human interest element, with a little romance on the side, you can’t do better than Karen Rose.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Re...
If you like uncompromising crime stories with lots of action and suspense, but also enjoy a human interest element, with a little romance on the side, you can’t do better than Karen Rose.
This review is the copyrighted property of Night Owl Reviews. To read the review in full, click this link: https://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Re...
March 20, 2016
This is the second book in the Corcoran/Cincinnati series and I enjoyed it immensely. I will say though that I didn't love it as much as the last one, the first one in the series, which was absolutely the bomb! I liked both the hero and heroine, but didn't love them, and the crime also was a like, but not love. Overall, very enjoyable. Karen Rose is an auto buy for me, and I am very much looking forward to the next book.
January 5, 2021
Newspaper Publisher Marcus O'Bannion uses his contacts to help victims of abuse. When a teenage girl in need of his help asks him to meet her in an alley, he immediately contacts Detective Scarlett Bishop and asks her to meet both of them. But when Scarlett arrives, the girl has been shot and an injured Marcus has recorded the whole thing. After tracking the identity of the victim, Scarlett and Marcus believe they are dealing with a human trafficking ring. As the two of them follow the evidence, someone takes a shot at Marcus. It's clear that they want Marcus dead too.
I usually love Karen Rose's books, but this one was a disappointment. Clocking in at 722 pages, it could have easily been edited down to 400. The first 300+ pages just dragged. I had to keep laying the book down. Thankfully, the pace picked up near the middle of the book and the story became more interesting.
We get the points-of-view of both Scarlett and Marcus, along with a group of villains. Scarlett and Marcus met in the previous book that took place nine months ago. They were both hung up on each other, but neither of them did anything about it. Now that Marcus is a witness in a murder case, they finally admit their attraction. I liked both of the main characters, but really didn't buy into their romance. The whole book spans approximately two days. How much romance can you squeeze into a 48-hour murder case? They didn't waste any time and were calling themselves a couple after the first day. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
I usually love Karen Rose's books, but this one was a disappointment. Clocking in at 722 pages, it could have easily been edited down to 400. The first 300+ pages just dragged. I had to keep laying the book down. Thankfully, the pace picked up near the middle of the book and the story became more interesting.
We get the points-of-view of both Scarlett and Marcus, along with a group of villains. Scarlett and Marcus met in the previous book that took place nine months ago. They were both hung up on each other, but neither of them did anything about it. Now that Marcus is a witness in a murder case, they finally admit their attraction. I liked both of the main characters, but really didn't buy into their romance. The whole book spans approximately two days. How much romance can you squeeze into a 48-hour murder case? They didn't waste any time and were calling themselves a couple after the first day. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
April 7, 2016
Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop and Marcus O'Bannion, owner of the local newspaper meet again over the dead body of a young girl who had asked for his help.
Even though he is a witness, Marcus somehow wheedles his way into a criminal investigation that leads them straight to a human trafficking ring.
Both of them are fierce champions of victims' right and both are ready to do whatever it takes to find all the people involved and shut them down once and for all.
There is plenty of mystery and suspense, with lots of dead bodies sprinkled throughout the book. The author introduces us to new characters, as well as brings in familiar people we've seen in some of her other books.
Bishop and O'Bannion have the hots for each other ....and feelings have deepened over the past 9 months even though they haven't seen or talked to each other in all that time.
I really like all the characters ... they are mostly believable. For a tall, dark and deadly Former Army Ranger, he's really just a marshmallow who is so tender-hearted he's not afraid to let people see him cry .. and he does that a lot. Scarlet is a fierce soul...who has seen so much for so long, she's having fantasies about what she'd like to do to some of the bad guys. And she's on the edge.....
And when the final showdown comes ... there are surprises ... and more dead bodies.
Even though he is a witness, Marcus somehow wheedles his way into a criminal investigation that leads them straight to a human trafficking ring.
Both of them are fierce champions of victims' right and both are ready to do whatever it takes to find all the people involved and shut them down once and for all.
There is plenty of mystery and suspense, with lots of dead bodies sprinkled throughout the book. The author introduces us to new characters, as well as brings in familiar people we've seen in some of her other books.
Bishop and O'Bannion have the hots for each other ....and feelings have deepened over the past 9 months even though they haven't seen or talked to each other in all that time.
I really like all the characters ... they are mostly believable. For a tall, dark and deadly Former Army Ranger, he's really just a marshmallow who is so tender-hearted he's not afraid to let people see him cry .. and he does that a lot. Scarlet is a fierce soul...who has seen so much for so long, she's having fantasies about what she'd like to do to some of the bad guys. And she's on the edge.....
And when the final showdown comes ... there are surprises ... and more dead bodies.
February 8, 2016
Karen Rose does it again, what an amazing storyline this was. A very powerful subject dealing with human trafficking, it amazes me how she gets into the heads of such sick evil people, I felt like crying in some parts, such awful things happening, but at least there was a little humour to help keep my sanity. Truly brilliant.
October 24, 2021
3,5 Sterne
March 11, 2016
I really enjoy Karen Rose's books. They always have interesting, strong characters. I love how peripheral characters in one book become the main protagonists in another book, while she seamlessly introduces new characters who have a connection to the current story...and you just know will turn up in the next book. I also love that she gives you little glimpses of past couples from previous books as a sort of shout out to what happened to them after their story was told.
Alone in the Dark was a great example of all of the above. It had an engrossing mystery, some truly evil villains, and I just loved the dynamic between Scarlett and Marcus.
My ONLY complaint -- which, unfortunately, applies to most of her books -- is that they're just too damn long for romantic suspense stories. For me, the plot suffers a little and my attention wanders at times because there is just too much coverage of every moment in the time line. So while I do love her books, I just wish she'd edit them down a couple hundred pages. I mean, this story in particular was 721 pages. When it's been a busy couple of weeks with not a lot of reading time, it's frustrating that it takes almost 2 weeks for me to finish a book like this.
If you enjoy romantic suspense/thrillers and haven't tried Karen Rose yet, I highly recommend that you do.
Alone in the Dark was a great example of all of the above. It had an engrossing mystery, some truly evil villains, and I just loved the dynamic between Scarlett and Marcus.
My ONLY complaint -- which, unfortunately, applies to most of her books -- is that they're just too damn long for romantic suspense stories. For me, the plot suffers a little and my attention wanders at times because there is just too much coverage of every moment in the time line. So while I do love her books, I just wish she'd edit them down a couple hundred pages. I mean, this story in particular was 721 pages. When it's been a busy couple of weeks with not a lot of reading time, it's frustrating that it takes almost 2 weeks for me to finish a book like this.
If you enjoy romantic suspense/thrillers and haven't tried Karen Rose yet, I highly recommend that you do.
July 30, 2017
SLAVERY
. Human trafficking is slavery. To call slavery human trafficking is nothing short of putting lipstick on a very dirty pig, and that is insulting the pig. Until people start calling this heinous crime what it is it will continue. I get that slavery is not the politically correct term, but then, I'm not a politically correct person. I'm calling out all authors for this. I love Karen Rose that she at least acknowledged that, unlike like many others. Her story in this book is more about want happens when a slavery ring begins to come undone and how the rats toss each other off the sinking ship. Unfortunate, the innocent get tossed too.
Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop is a homicide detective who has seen bad guys slip through the cracks and innocent victims go unavenged. She carries her own personal memory and it is fresh each time she is called to a crime scene to remind her why she stands for the victims. She has been able to control her rage at this injustice but it boil just under her surface.
Marcus O'Bannion is a former Army Ranger and the publisher of the Ledger, his grandfather's newspaper. He stands for the victims too, only sometimes he stands outside the law. He has a personal tragic secret that fuels his passion for the innocent When his contact with a young girl ends with her death he will stop at nothing to investigate, with or without Scarlett.
Scarlett and Marcus met nine months ago and have been each others sexual fantasy since then. When they connect on this investigation the walls tumble quickly and all they have to do is stay alive long enough to see if what they feel for each other can last.
Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop is a homicide detective who has seen bad guys slip through the cracks and innocent victims go unavenged. She carries her own personal memory and it is fresh each time she is called to a crime scene to remind her why she stands for the victims. She has been able to control her rage at this injustice but it boil just under her surface.
Marcus O'Bannion is a former Army Ranger and the publisher of the Ledger, his grandfather's newspaper. He stands for the victims too, only sometimes he stands outside the law. He has a personal tragic secret that fuels his passion for the innocent When his contact with a young girl ends with her death he will stop at nothing to investigate, with or without Scarlett.
Scarlett and Marcus met nine months ago and have been each others sexual fantasy since then. When they connect on this investigation the walls tumble quickly and all they have to do is stay alive long enough to see if what they feel for each other can last.
February 5, 2017
“ I couldn’t leave her alone in the dark ”
Nine months have gone by when Alone in the Dark begins. Both characters were introduced in Closer Than You Think.
Marcus O'Bannion is an ex-army Ranger. He suffered serious injuries while he was trying to protect a woman nine months ago. Now, he suspects another woman is in serious danger. A chance encounter at the park leads him to fear for Tala's life. He convinces her to meet him and to tell him how he can help her. When Tala agrees he calls the woman who has been on his mind since the moment he woke up in the hospital bed and saw her eyes, Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop. Meeting Tala leads to him getting shot and Tala losing her life.
Scarlett Bishop knows that Marcus is hiding things from her. He's the editor of the newspaper the Ledger and due to the pieces he runs, his life has been threatened multiple times. When she goes to meet him, he has been shot once again, but thankfully he was wearing a kevlar this time. She has been thinking about him for the last nine months. She's attracted to him but she had a bad experience with a reporter before. Trusting Marcus is not going to be easy but she must do it before the people who want him dead try again.
Karen Rose is able to build such a formidable story. She gives you many details to get to know her characters inside and out.
Marcus has a threatening exterior but he had a good heart. He was carrying a lot of guilt and sadness over various events that have marked him. His interest for Scarlett was real. He wanted to protect her as much as he could without taking away her job as a cop.
After so much death, Scarlett was questioning everything. She wasn't sure if she was strong enough to be a good cop and remain in her job. Losing her best friend in college changed her forever and pushes her to want justice for victims but after years in the field, she wasn't sure she could continue doing it. She was thankfully for her partner Deacon and for the first time in a long time, she was willing to try a new romantic relationship.
As a bonus, I love that Faith and Deacon were very much part of the investigation and we get a glimpse at the next couple to fall in love.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
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May 1, 2019
I stopped reading at page 15. Usually I will try and get to page 75 or 115 depending on how long the book is, but I couldn't. I can't talk much about the plot or the character development for obvious reasons, so it will just be why I stopped.
I like crime books. Thrillers, mysteries, murders. They're usually quick reads and very interesting if there's the right amount of science written in. I do not like romance books, but I know life always has a bit of romance, and even hardened criminals and life weary detectives need a bit of loving.
"Under normal circumstances, Marcus O'Bannion might have welcomed the openly appreciative stare of a beautiful woman as he lounged, shirtless and sweaty. But... Scarlett Bishop was no ordinary beautiful woman. She was a homicide detective."
But to have a man eying up a woman at a crime scene-where a girl had just been murdered minutes earlier in front of his eyes-and imagining pulling her hair during sex is just disgusting. You keep it professional, you leave it at home or at least in the car on the way home. You don't imagine it in the back of an ambulance in front of the pool of the dead girl's blood.
I'm not squeamish and I like a bit of sex in a book: makes it more real, adds another element and makes the characters a bit more human. But this was just a fucking disgrace. For the love of Belzebub goodreads can you learn what a fucking bad book is for once. 4 stars overall you useless idiots.
I like crime books. Thrillers, mysteries, murders. They're usually quick reads and very interesting if there's the right amount of science written in. I do not like romance books, but I know life always has a bit of romance, and even hardened criminals and life weary detectives need a bit of loving.
"Under normal circumstances, Marcus O'Bannion might have welcomed the openly appreciative stare of a beautiful woman as he lounged, shirtless and sweaty. But... Scarlett Bishop was no ordinary beautiful woman. She was a homicide detective."
But to have a man eying up a woman at a crime scene-where a girl had just been murdered minutes earlier in front of his eyes-and imagining pulling her hair during sex is just disgusting. You keep it professional, you leave it at home or at least in the car on the way home. You don't imagine it in the back of an ambulance in front of the pool of the dead girl's blood.
I'm not squeamish and I like a bit of sex in a book: makes it more real, adds another element and makes the characters a bit more human. But this was just a fucking disgrace. For the love of Belzebub goodreads can you learn what a fucking bad book is for once. 4 stars overall you useless idiots.
February 9, 2016
Karen Rose can weave a story with so many characters and plots flawlessly. Even a simple scene of a group of people sitting around a table talking, bantering back and forth just flows effortlessly. She is for sure a talented author.
My problem is the stories aren't as engaging as they used to be. I miss her serial killer themed books. Of course that's a personal preference and others may like the story arc in this one. As I stated earlier one of her best qualities is having so many characters in each book. In this one I loved all the “good guy” characters and how they all interacted my problem was she has just as many “bad guy” characters which was overload on characters to try and keep up with and I honestly really didn't even care about most of the “bad” characters or their story line. The human trafficking plot has been done so many times now that for me its just not interesting even coming from one of my favorite authors. Again, I will say this is just my opinion as I think I've just read too many suspense books and I need to be wowed with the sick and twisted minds of killers not with men who are just greedy and think they are above the law.
Even though I wasn't impressed with the “bad guy” side of the story I kept reading because I do love how she puts words on a page. Her “good” characters are always interesting and their stories engaging.
My problem is the stories aren't as engaging as they used to be. I miss her serial killer themed books. Of course that's a personal preference and others may like the story arc in this one. As I stated earlier one of her best qualities is having so many characters in each book. In this one I loved all the “good guy” characters and how they all interacted my problem was she has just as many “bad guy” characters which was overload on characters to try and keep up with and I honestly really didn't even care about most of the “bad” characters or their story line. The human trafficking plot has been done so many times now that for me its just not interesting even coming from one of my favorite authors. Again, I will say this is just my opinion as I think I've just read too many suspense books and I need to be wowed with the sick and twisted minds of killers not with men who are just greedy and think they are above the law.
Even though I wasn't impressed with the “bad guy” side of the story I kept reading because I do love how she puts words on a page. Her “good” characters are always interesting and their stories engaging.
February 11, 2016
I first encountered this author's work when I read this books predecessor in the series. It was this huge, chunk of a book, but it was full of all things good for those who enjoy psychological thriller romances or darker romantic suspenses. It gave me the taste for more and particularly more with the team of good guys I encountered in Closer Than You Think so it was not a hard choice to snap up this next book.
It naturally follows the last book and establishes the inter-personal relationships from the last book, but would definitely work out of order or alone.
And I do need to give a trigger warning if human trafficking, rape, and torture are troublesome for you that you might want to check out something different. Some things are referenced to past actions, but some are quite in the moment.
Alright, so this book picks up several months after the big serial killer case involving Faith, her new-found family, other victims, and the newly established law enforcement team between Cincinnati PD and the local FBI. Deacon (hero from previous book)'s partner, CPD Detective Scarlett Bishop gets a call in the wee hours that she is very much needed. This call isn't from her boss, but from the man that she hasn't been able to get off her mind in six months. Marcus O'Bannion (Faith's relation) had been shot while protecting a total stranger from the serial killer. She was fascinated with him and particularly his voice when she sat in his hospital room in the dark and they talked.
Now, he is calling her to help with a situation he encountered. Only when Scarlett arrives, it is too late and now instead of a rescue, they have a homicide on their hands. Marcus owns a newspaper and reporters are an issue for Scarlett. She wants to trust Marcus, but she gave her trust in the past and someone dear to her paid the ultimate price. But he is involved now and his connections and skills might bring justice for their victim.
Marcus runs a newspaper he inherited from his grandfather, but the paper shields and is the outward arm of his secret and more rewarding work- gaining safety and justice for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. His latest, Tala, is now dead. She was a human trafficking victim and sold into slavery. Someone followed her to her secret meeting with Marcus and now she is dead. He feels the frustration of not being able to help her and he will find her murderer and rescue her family.
And so begins the long twisting road as Marcus, Scarlett, and a host of others descend into the murky and dangerous world of human trafficking and the traffickers can see them coming and will stop at nothing to protect their empire even while wrestling amongst themselves for power and position. Marcus is their target and its a race to see who will get to whom first.
But along the way, Marcus and Scarlett are forced to confront the darkness of their own pasts and share their secrets with each other as they come together as an investigation team and a couple.
This will appear as one huginormous book and very intimidating at the start, but like the one before it, I got vested and it went by like it was barely novel-length. This story was big and had a large cast of characters. It is big because this is like two stories in one. There is a duality to it because on one side there is Marcus and Scarlett with their supporting cast working to solve the murder that blasts open into something much bigger and then on the other side is an equally compelling story of the criminals led by people whose sole motivation is greed and power. These are two parts to a whole and eventually come together in the end, but much of the book the reader is getting both sides like watching a chess match only the good guys have to work twice as hard figuring out who is on the other side of the board. This causes the story to go from engaging to riveting which can be a surprise since the reader is getting both sides. And trust me, there are some twists- there is a mole in the ranks (and I knew who it was and what they were doing which was unusually astute of me).
As to the romance side of things, this pair of lovers were not an instant thing. They were attracted and secretly yearned, but they were wary. Marcus had his secrets that he wasn't sure Scarlett could live with and they are some doozys. I was in tears as his backstory finally came out. This man really does get where his victims are coming from. And then there is Scarlett, she was betrayed by a boyfriend who was a reporter and her part in the events of her friend's death has led her to have issues with herself, her family, and especially those in the news industry. But as they come together for Tala's case and experience the danger of being hunted by those they are hunting, they slowly learn to trust as partners even as they slowly build something on a personal level, too. The passion is there, but also the understanding, respect, and strength. This romance didn't stick out as ill-fitting as sometimes can happen in a thriller. No, the blending was seamless and natural.
On a side note, this series began with a different name, Faith Corcorran and is now Cincinnati. The change makes sense. And to add to the rabbit trail, it was great to get to spend lots of time with Deacon and other familiar characters from book one that had a big part in solving this case, too. I'll also throw in the bit that I had a main character as a reporter and loved it (I have the worst luck with reporter/journalist characters).
All in all, this was unputdownable and unforgettable. I can't wait for more in this series. This is for those who like a longer developing twisty dark thriller and romance-blended plot. With gritty, realistic details to the suspense and a strong dose of spice to the romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
It naturally follows the last book and establishes the inter-personal relationships from the last book, but would definitely work out of order or alone.
And I do need to give a trigger warning if human trafficking, rape, and torture are troublesome for you that you might want to check out something different. Some things are referenced to past actions, but some are quite in the moment.
Alright, so this book picks up several months after the big serial killer case involving Faith, her new-found family, other victims, and the newly established law enforcement team between Cincinnati PD and the local FBI. Deacon (hero from previous book)'s partner, CPD Detective Scarlett Bishop gets a call in the wee hours that she is very much needed. This call isn't from her boss, but from the man that she hasn't been able to get off her mind in six months. Marcus O'Bannion (Faith's relation) had been shot while protecting a total stranger from the serial killer. She was fascinated with him and particularly his voice when she sat in his hospital room in the dark and they talked.
Now, he is calling her to help with a situation he encountered. Only when Scarlett arrives, it is too late and now instead of a rescue, they have a homicide on their hands. Marcus owns a newspaper and reporters are an issue for Scarlett. She wants to trust Marcus, but she gave her trust in the past and someone dear to her paid the ultimate price. But he is involved now and his connections and skills might bring justice for their victim.
Marcus runs a newspaper he inherited from his grandfather, but the paper shields and is the outward arm of his secret and more rewarding work- gaining safety and justice for victims and survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. His latest, Tala, is now dead. She was a human trafficking victim and sold into slavery. Someone followed her to her secret meeting with Marcus and now she is dead. He feels the frustration of not being able to help her and he will find her murderer and rescue her family.
And so begins the long twisting road as Marcus, Scarlett, and a host of others descend into the murky and dangerous world of human trafficking and the traffickers can see them coming and will stop at nothing to protect their empire even while wrestling amongst themselves for power and position. Marcus is their target and its a race to see who will get to whom first.
But along the way, Marcus and Scarlett are forced to confront the darkness of their own pasts and share their secrets with each other as they come together as an investigation team and a couple.
This will appear as one huginormous book and very intimidating at the start, but like the one before it, I got vested and it went by like it was barely novel-length. This story was big and had a large cast of characters. It is big because this is like two stories in one. There is a duality to it because on one side there is Marcus and Scarlett with their supporting cast working to solve the murder that blasts open into something much bigger and then on the other side is an equally compelling story of the criminals led by people whose sole motivation is greed and power. These are two parts to a whole and eventually come together in the end, but much of the book the reader is getting both sides like watching a chess match only the good guys have to work twice as hard figuring out who is on the other side of the board. This causes the story to go from engaging to riveting which can be a surprise since the reader is getting both sides. And trust me, there are some twists- there is a mole in the ranks (and I knew who it was and what they were doing which was unusually astute of me).
As to the romance side of things, this pair of lovers were not an instant thing. They were attracted and secretly yearned, but they were wary. Marcus had his secrets that he wasn't sure Scarlett could live with and they are some doozys. I was in tears as his backstory finally came out. This man really does get where his victims are coming from. And then there is Scarlett, she was betrayed by a boyfriend who was a reporter and her part in the events of her friend's death has led her to have issues with herself, her family, and especially those in the news industry. But as they come together for Tala's case and experience the danger of being hunted by those they are hunting, they slowly learn to trust as partners even as they slowly build something on a personal level, too. The passion is there, but also the understanding, respect, and strength. This romance didn't stick out as ill-fitting as sometimes can happen in a thriller. No, the blending was seamless and natural.
On a side note, this series began with a different name, Faith Corcorran and is now Cincinnati. The change makes sense. And to add to the rabbit trail, it was great to get to spend lots of time with Deacon and other familiar characters from book one that had a big part in solving this case, too. I'll also throw in the bit that I had a main character as a reporter and loved it (I have the worst luck with reporter/journalist characters).
All in all, this was unputdownable and unforgettable. I can't wait for more in this series. This is for those who like a longer developing twisty dark thriller and romance-blended plot. With gritty, realistic details to the suspense and a strong dose of spice to the romance.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
Five reasons to grab Alone in the Dark
Trigger Warning: This case deals with human trafficking, torture and there is violence.
Set in Cincinnati the tale picks up a few months after Closer Than You Think and gives us Homicide Detective Scarlet Bishop story as we begin a dark case involving human trafficking. Fans of psychological thrillers and darker romantic suspense will find themselves quickly pulled in. Rose delivers the full story from the case to her depth of characters. Alone in the Dark weighed in at over 700 pages allowing us to see the case, the criminal, the victims and especially the main characters -Scarlet and Marcus O'Bannion.
The characters are complex and allow you form attachments even to secondary characters. Scarlet is Decker's partner, and I knew going into the tale I was going to love this courageous woman. She presents this tough as nails exterior, but we quickly get to learn about some of the baggage she carriers. These issues drive her to excel. Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion runs the local paper called the Ledger, along with his brother Cal, friend Diesel and a crew he considers family. Marcus is driven and events from his past drive him and his team to help victims in ways the law cannot. I loved the reporter angle and the more I got to know him and his crew the more I loved them. Secondary characters from familiar ones to new ones added depth, fellowship, and interest. I loved Cal, Diesel and even Jill with all her attitude. The victims had a voice here, and I appreciated it.
The case was interesting and begins when Scarlet gets a phone call in the wee hours asking her to meet in a shady section of town. She goes because the caller is Marcus O'Bannion a man she met on a previous case. Marcus was meeting a young woman who apparently needed help, but things quickly go south. The young woman ends up dead, but not before saying something that soon has Scarlet and Bishop working side by side.
Rose delivers the full picture as she relates the case to us. We spend time with the FBI and local authorities as well as time with the criminals and victims. I love this attention to detail, and it makes the seven hundred pages read more like a book half that length. The change is perspectives enhanced my reading pleasure even as I squirmed when the criminal elements of this tale had theirs.
The romance was well done and tugged at my heart-strings. Scarlet and Marcus have met previously, so there was chemistry established. Working together forced them to admit the attraction and be brave enough to act. I love when damaged or scared individuals open up and grow. Rose gave us delicious banter, snark, and attitude. These two clicked making their emotions and actions felt genuine. While the romance is threaded throughout and we enjoyed a little heat, it stayed firmly on the sidelines of this thrilling and suspenseful tale.
copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Trigger Warning: This case deals with human trafficking, torture and there is violence.
Set in Cincinnati the tale picks up a few months after Closer Than You Think and gives us Homicide Detective Scarlet Bishop story as we begin a dark case involving human trafficking. Fans of psychological thrillers and darker romantic suspense will find themselves quickly pulled in. Rose delivers the full story from the case to her depth of characters. Alone in the Dark weighed in at over 700 pages allowing us to see the case, the criminal, the victims and especially the main characters -Scarlet and Marcus O'Bannion.
The characters are complex and allow you form attachments even to secondary characters. Scarlet is Decker's partner, and I knew going into the tale I was going to love this courageous woman. She presents this tough as nails exterior, but we quickly get to learn about some of the baggage she carriers. These issues drive her to excel. Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion runs the local paper called the Ledger, along with his brother Cal, friend Diesel and a crew he considers family. Marcus is driven and events from his past drive him and his team to help victims in ways the law cannot. I loved the reporter angle and the more I got to know him and his crew the more I loved them. Secondary characters from familiar ones to new ones added depth, fellowship, and interest. I loved Cal, Diesel and even Jill with all her attitude. The victims had a voice here, and I appreciated it.
The case was interesting and begins when Scarlet gets a phone call in the wee hours asking her to meet in a shady section of town. She goes because the caller is Marcus O'Bannion a man she met on a previous case. Marcus was meeting a young woman who apparently needed help, but things quickly go south. The young woman ends up dead, but not before saying something that soon has Scarlet and Bishop working side by side.
Rose delivers the full picture as she relates the case to us. We spend time with the FBI and local authorities as well as time with the criminals and victims. I love this attention to detail, and it makes the seven hundred pages read more like a book half that length. The change is perspectives enhanced my reading pleasure even as I squirmed when the criminal elements of this tale had theirs.
The romance was well done and tugged at my heart-strings. Scarlet and Marcus have met previously, so there was chemistry established. Working together forced them to admit the attraction and be brave enough to act. I love when damaged or scared individuals open up and grow. Rose gave us delicious banter, snark, and attitude. These two clicked making their emotions and actions felt genuine. While the romance is threaded throughout and we enjoyed a little heat, it stayed firmly on the sidelines of this thrilling and suspenseful tale.
copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
January 13, 2016
Time taken to read - 10 days on and off
Pages - 608
Publisher - Headline
Blurb from Goodreads
Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion and homicide cop Scarlett Bishop have met only briefly but when Scarlett receives a phone call in the middle of the night, she immediately recognises the hauntingly smooth voice asking her to meet him in one of Cincinnati's roughest areas.
On arriving, Scarlett finds the body of a seventeen-year-old Asian girl and Marcus injured. A fierce champion of victims' rights, Marcus claims the young woman was working for an affluent local family and the last time he saw her she was terrified, abused, and clearly in need of help. Having agreed to meet her, both Marcus and the young woman were targeted for death.
As they investigate, Scarlett and Marcus are pulled into the dangerous world of human trafficking where they soon realise they are going to have to become as ruthless as those they are hunting.
Because if they don't, how many other girls may end up alone in the dark?
My review
Firstly, I have to say, if you haven't read the first book in the series I would advise getting it before reading this one. Whilst you could pick this up as your starting point, you get a better understanding of the characters and how they think and behave by knowing what has happened previously, although the book does briefly cover events.
The book kicks off with action from the first chapter, a young girl in trouble reaches out and brings a hail of bullets down on her and her rescuer, Marcus. Marcus O'Bannion is always trying to help people, since his brothers death he can't walk away from someone in trouble. Scarlett Bishop is a tough no nonsense cop but something about Marcus calls to her and she agrees to meet him. Arriving upon the scene, Scarlett is put in difficult position, to investigate ruthlessly as she always does but try and protect Marcus. Professional and personal boundaries will be tested, danger is looming on every corner as Scarlet and Marcus find themselves investigating the seedy world of human trafficking.
This book, as always with Rose, covers many themes. Attraction, death, murder, lust, the dangerous world of human trafficking and ignoring the pull of attraction whilst trying to work the case. Family relationships are a big factor in this book which is why I think knowing Marcus's background is really good to have read before reading this book. There are some sex scenes in the book too, may hap a tad graphic for some readers not used to that sort of thing in their crime books, just a headsup. Other than that, if you are familiar with this author, you have must of the same from previous, fast paced, good story, love interest but denying their feeling whilst trying to stay alive and ahead of the bad guys. I think some of the book could have been trimmed a wee bit as parts did drag for me just a wee bit, otherwise a good read. 3/5 for me this time, thanks to Bookbridgr and Headline for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Pages - 608
Publisher - Headline
Blurb from Goodreads
Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion and homicide cop Scarlett Bishop have met only briefly but when Scarlett receives a phone call in the middle of the night, she immediately recognises the hauntingly smooth voice asking her to meet him in one of Cincinnati's roughest areas.
On arriving, Scarlett finds the body of a seventeen-year-old Asian girl and Marcus injured. A fierce champion of victims' rights, Marcus claims the young woman was working for an affluent local family and the last time he saw her she was terrified, abused, and clearly in need of help. Having agreed to meet her, both Marcus and the young woman were targeted for death.
As they investigate, Scarlett and Marcus are pulled into the dangerous world of human trafficking where they soon realise they are going to have to become as ruthless as those they are hunting.
Because if they don't, how many other girls may end up alone in the dark?
My review
Firstly, I have to say, if you haven't read the first book in the series I would advise getting it before reading this one. Whilst you could pick this up as your starting point, you get a better understanding of the characters and how they think and behave by knowing what has happened previously, although the book does briefly cover events.
The book kicks off with action from the first chapter, a young girl in trouble reaches out and brings a hail of bullets down on her and her rescuer, Marcus. Marcus O'Bannion is always trying to help people, since his brothers death he can't walk away from someone in trouble. Scarlett Bishop is a tough no nonsense cop but something about Marcus calls to her and she agrees to meet him. Arriving upon the scene, Scarlett is put in difficult position, to investigate ruthlessly as she always does but try and protect Marcus. Professional and personal boundaries will be tested, danger is looming on every corner as Scarlet and Marcus find themselves investigating the seedy world of human trafficking.
This book, as always with Rose, covers many themes. Attraction, death, murder, lust, the dangerous world of human trafficking and ignoring the pull of attraction whilst trying to work the case. Family relationships are a big factor in this book which is why I think knowing Marcus's background is really good to have read before reading this book. There are some sex scenes in the book too, may hap a tad graphic for some readers not used to that sort of thing in their crime books, just a headsup. Other than that, if you are familiar with this author, you have must of the same from previous, fast paced, good story, love interest but denying their feeling whilst trying to stay alive and ahead of the bad guys. I think some of the book could have been trimmed a wee bit as parts did drag for me just a wee bit, otherwise a good read. 3/5 for me this time, thanks to Bookbridgr and Headline for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2016
Karen Rose delivers the second installment in her Cincinnati series in a lengthy but first-rate complex and pulse-pounding psychological thriller. The villains are no less dark and twisted and crazed than you would expect. Rose definitely uses the true meaning of evil to the fullest extent in creating each and every one.
Both of our protagonists, who met briefly in the first book of this series, Closer Than You Think, are wonderfully appealing. Marcus O’Bannion owns a newspaper that serves as a cover for his secretive and most important activity. Because of the sadness and tragedies in his past, Marcus is hell-bent on exposing criminals and saving their victims. As a Cincinnati Police Department Homicide Detective, Scarlett Bishop has grown tired of watching criminals get away without being punished for violent crimes. Together their mission is to hunt down and find the bad guys responsible for the death of a young victim of sex trafficking. As the case proceeds, it unveils and anatomizes the violence in the shadowy and sinister underbelly of real life in today’s news and headlines.
It makes for a happy reader to see Rose continuing to ramp up the romance more than she did in earlier books. It is romantic suspense after all, and a nice well-balanced blend of both makes the depravity and violence go down a little easier. It has been six months since these two have seen each other and no there is no insta-love, although both feel an attraction to each other. There’s a timely slow build to what begins with trust between them before passion ignites and finally leads to a soul-stirring sensuality between them. Both are determined and intelligent in their pursuits. They worked extremely well together overcoming past traumas and made a very likeable match.
Readers are in for quite a lengthy read here (700+ pages) and numerous characters. If you’re a fan and have read your fair share of Karen Rose’s nail-biters, you’re sure to spy some repetitive and familiar passages and word groupings that this author shows a fondness in using. There's also the chance that some readers might be a bit peeved to find what they may feel is not a fully resolved closure. But the series builds book by book with a co-mingling of familiar characters in ongoing interrelated twists and turns through dark and skillfully-crafted plots that I find most appealing. Without doubt, all dangling ends will be tied up as the series continues. As a big fan of this author, I’ll be more than ready to continue the journey. And I’m hoping to see more of Stone O’Bannion in a front and center role, too. But a year from now is a long time to wait (hint-hint Ms. Rose!).
Another great romantic suspense that is well-worth your time from Karen Rose.
Both of our protagonists, who met briefly in the first book of this series, Closer Than You Think, are wonderfully appealing. Marcus O’Bannion owns a newspaper that serves as a cover for his secretive and most important activity. Because of the sadness and tragedies in his past, Marcus is hell-bent on exposing criminals and saving their victims. As a Cincinnati Police Department Homicide Detective, Scarlett Bishop has grown tired of watching criminals get away without being punished for violent crimes. Together their mission is to hunt down and find the bad guys responsible for the death of a young victim of sex trafficking. As the case proceeds, it unveils and anatomizes the violence in the shadowy and sinister underbelly of real life in today’s news and headlines.
It makes for a happy reader to see Rose continuing to ramp up the romance more than she did in earlier books. It is romantic suspense after all, and a nice well-balanced blend of both makes the depravity and violence go down a little easier. It has been six months since these two have seen each other and no there is no insta-love, although both feel an attraction to each other. There’s a timely slow build to what begins with trust between them before passion ignites and finally leads to a soul-stirring sensuality between them. Both are determined and intelligent in their pursuits. They worked extremely well together overcoming past traumas and made a very likeable match.
Readers are in for quite a lengthy read here (700+ pages) and numerous characters. If you’re a fan and have read your fair share of Karen Rose’s nail-biters, you’re sure to spy some repetitive and familiar passages and word groupings that this author shows a fondness in using. There's also the chance that some readers might be a bit peeved to find what they may feel is not a fully resolved closure. But the series builds book by book with a co-mingling of familiar characters in ongoing interrelated twists and turns through dark and skillfully-crafted plots that I find most appealing. Without doubt, all dangling ends will be tied up as the series continues. As a big fan of this author, I’ll be more than ready to continue the journey. And I’m hoping to see more of Stone O’Bannion in a front and center role, too. But a year from now is a long time to wait (hint-hint Ms. Rose!).
Another great romantic suspense that is well-worth your time from Karen Rose.
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November 4, 2021The Cincinnati Series, Book 2
Publication date : February 2, 2016
The murder of a young girl lures Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop and Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion down a dark, dark road—and straight into the crosshairs of a dangerous, powerful underground ring that deals in human trade....
I usually like Karen Rose books because they are gripping and fast-paced. This one seemed to drag on and constantly jumped between different characters. Way too much time was spent on following the "bad guys" actions. I really, really do not care to read how they talk about cargos of humans, auctioning off young girls or "taking care" of troublesome people. It was disgusting, frustrating and tiresome! Also lots of mystery and suspense got lost when you constantly have this "inside" information. When the torture scenes started... Sorry but I could not get involved in the story and wanted it to end because I did not want to think what went on in author's head when she wrote those scenes **sigh**
I feel like I need something clean and sweet after this kind of sick and disgusting story!
Publication date : February 2, 2016
The murder of a young girl lures Homicide Detective Scarlett Bishop and Former Army Ranger Marcus O'Bannion down a dark, dark road—and straight into the crosshairs of a dangerous, powerful underground ring that deals in human trade....
I usually like Karen Rose books because they are gripping and fast-paced. This one seemed to drag on and constantly jumped between different characters. Way too much time was spent on following the "bad guys" actions. I really, really do not care to read how they talk about cargos of humans, auctioning off young girls or "taking care" of troublesome people. It was disgusting, frustrating and tiresome! Also lots of mystery and suspense got lost when you constantly have this "inside" information. When the torture scenes started... Sorry but I could not get involved in the story and wanted it to end because I did not want to think what went on in author's head when she wrote those scenes **sigh**
I feel like I need something clean and sweet after this kind of sick and disgusting story!
February 29, 2016
Unbelievable villains, the authors detail orientation turning into TMI, and problems with pacing kept this from being a stellar romantic suspense read for me. See my full review at http://likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/bookRev...
January 26, 2016
****WARNING: This book contains graphic violence and sexual content that is definitely not suitable for readers under the age of 18. Because of the nature of the physical and sexual violence, the content may be uncomfortable for some readers****
ALONE IN THE DARK is a remarkably complex read. I can easily compare it to a dish of lasagna. There are many layers of mystery, intrigue, danger and suspense beautifully and intricately placed. Every layer just as important and vital to the plot as the next.
Marcus and Scarlett were perfect for each other. Both having secret past hurts that continue to affect their daily lives, making them stronger yet vulnerable at the same time. Kindred spirits finding shelter in each other’s arms and lives. Scarlett is a strong heroine and I admired her drive and her spirit. Marcus has been through unspeakable tragedies, but it’s those tragedies that have forged his strength and unbending will. I fell for him right alongside Scarlett.
I loved the introduction of new characters. Each one complex and mysterious in their own rights. I am hoping for some love connections between a few of them and maybe a kick in the pants for others. What Karen Rose is brilliant at is character development. Her plots are always interesting, but the characters are what make the story, for me.
Speaking of characters, Ms. Rose has given us a most evil villain, or should I say villains. Wow. I was amazed and repulsed at the depths of depravity. Many times, it was hard for me to get through the “bad buy” scenes because of the level of pure evil, bordering on insanity.
ALONE IN THE DARK is chilling, engaging and a completely worthwhile read.
***I was gifted a paperback ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
ALONE IN THE DARK is a remarkably complex read. I can easily compare it to a dish of lasagna. There are many layers of mystery, intrigue, danger and suspense beautifully and intricately placed. Every layer just as important and vital to the plot as the next.
Marcus and Scarlett were perfect for each other. Both having secret past hurts that continue to affect their daily lives, making them stronger yet vulnerable at the same time. Kindred spirits finding shelter in each other’s arms and lives. Scarlett is a strong heroine and I admired her drive and her spirit. Marcus has been through unspeakable tragedies, but it’s those tragedies that have forged his strength and unbending will. I fell for him right alongside Scarlett.
I loved the introduction of new characters. Each one complex and mysterious in their own rights. I am hoping for some love connections between a few of them and maybe a kick in the pants for others. What Karen Rose is brilliant at is character development. Her plots are always interesting, but the characters are what make the story, for me.
Speaking of characters, Ms. Rose has given us a most evil villain, or should I say villains. Wow. I was amazed and repulsed at the depths of depravity. Many times, it was hard for me to get through the “bad buy” scenes because of the level of pure evil, bordering on insanity.
ALONE IN THE DARK is chilling, engaging and a completely worthwhile read.
***I was gifted a paperback ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
January 28, 2016
Early review at The Book Nympho:
http://thebooknympho.com/2016/01/alon...
Karen Rose might very well be my favorite romantic suspense author. I never get bored or lose interest and her books are looooong. Her characters are so real to me. They may not be perfectly realistic with some horrible things happening and some characters have unbelievable money or contacts, but they have diversity and dimension. They make me feel.
Marcus and Scarlett, in this book, have faced some horrible things in their pasts and it has made them who they are. But everyone chooses how to react to bad things (or good) and they are strong. They are smart. They care. They have chosen to help others. They are definitely the “good” guys.
Of course, they are a target for the bad guys. As with the other books in the series, this couple is put into a scary situation and they work together to fight the evil. I like this working together. They did meet nine months ago in the previous book, but haven’t really seen each other in the interim. It makes for a fast, intense romance but I like it anyway. The mystery and action parts of the story held my attention.
I reviewed the “first book” in this series, sort of, last year: Closer Than You Think. http://thebooknympho.com/2015/02/clos... That led me to read books 1-14 and I only have #15 left to be up to date. I’m a little out of order but each book is about a new couple, although there are a few references to previous happenings. Faith was only barely in this story; her guy, Deacon was more present. So I think it is more Romantic Suspense #17 or even Cincinnati #2, more than Faith Corcoran #2 but the important thing is Alone in the Dark is a great read. I can’t help wondering if the next book will bring down the bad guy from Scarlett’s past. Or will Stone or Kate be featured?
http://thebooknympho.com/2016/01/alon...
Karen Rose might very well be my favorite romantic suspense author. I never get bored or lose interest and her books are looooong. Her characters are so real to me. They may not be perfectly realistic with some horrible things happening and some characters have unbelievable money or contacts, but they have diversity and dimension. They make me feel.
Marcus and Scarlett, in this book, have faced some horrible things in their pasts and it has made them who they are. But everyone chooses how to react to bad things (or good) and they are strong. They are smart. They care. They have chosen to help others. They are definitely the “good” guys.
Of course, they are a target for the bad guys. As with the other books in the series, this couple is put into a scary situation and they work together to fight the evil. I like this working together. They did meet nine months ago in the previous book, but haven’t really seen each other in the interim. It makes for a fast, intense romance but I like it anyway. The mystery and action parts of the story held my attention.
I reviewed the “first book” in this series, sort of, last year: Closer Than You Think. http://thebooknympho.com/2015/02/clos... That led me to read books 1-14 and I only have #15 left to be up to date. I’m a little out of order but each book is about a new couple, although there are a few references to previous happenings. Faith was only barely in this story; her guy, Deacon was more present. So I think it is more Romantic Suspense #17 or even Cincinnati #2, more than Faith Corcoran #2 but the important thing is Alone in the Dark is a great read. I can’t help wondering if the next book will bring down the bad guy from Scarlett’s past. Or will Stone or Kate be featured?
August 19, 2019
Alone In the Dark is book two in the Cincinnati series by Karen Rose. One night walk with his dog Publisher Marcus O'Bannion came in contact with a young girl in trouble and called Detective Scarlett Bishop for help. However, before Detective Scarlett Bishop got to the scene, the young girl died from a gunshot. The readers of Alone In the Dark will continue to follow the twists and turns in Detective Scarlett Bishop investigation into the death of the young girl.
Alone In the Dark is another fantastic book by Karen Rose that kept me glued to my chair until I finished the book. Karen Rose does an excellent job in the way she adds her twists and turns throughout this book. I love Karen Rose portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. Alone In the Dark is well written and research by Karen Rose.
The readers of Alone In the Dark will learn about how kidnapped children suffer after their ordeal. Also, the readers of Alone In the Dark will start to understand the consequences of saying the wrong things to children how it can affect them in adulthood.
I recommend this book.
Alone In the Dark is another fantastic book by Karen Rose that kept me glued to my chair until I finished the book. Karen Rose does an excellent job in the way she adds her twists and turns throughout this book. I love Karen Rose portrayal of her characters and the way they interact with each other. Alone In the Dark is well written and research by Karen Rose.
The readers of Alone In the Dark will learn about how kidnapped children suffer after their ordeal. Also, the readers of Alone In the Dark will start to understand the consequences of saying the wrong things to children how it can affect them in adulthood.
I recommend this book.
May 29, 2016
I knew by page 85 that this book was going to be an all nighter and I was correct. I saw 4:30 this morning, but dang this book was good. A lot of twist and turns with the usual Karen Rose style. It took me awhile to work my way up to reading it because I knew at times it was going to be heart-wrenching and it was. The theme for this book was human traffic, a tragic and true event for sure. I am curious as to who our next couple will be, she has at least 3 for us to choose from.
March 23, 2016
I enjoyed this romantic suspense but after the beginning excitement it was slow going with all the negative ruminating on anger, guilt, tragedy and evil. I almost gave up but I'm glad I didn't. I started skimming all but dialog then the story really picked up. The second half was definitely worth the read. Newsman Marcus asks detective Scarlet to back him up when he goes to a bad part of town.
September 28, 2025
Riveting Romantic Suspense
Scarlet and Marcus wormed their way into my heart with their big hearts. I love how the various friends, family members, and colleagues are there for each other. As well as how the villains have little compunction about offing or turning over on one of their associates.
This story kept me listening to see what would happen next. Lots of action interspersed with a chuckle here and there to keep the story from getting too heavy.
Scarlet and Marcus wormed their way into my heart with their big hearts. I love how the various friends, family members, and colleagues are there for each other. As well as how the villains have little compunction about offing or turning over on one of their associates.
This story kept me listening to see what would happen next. Lots of action interspersed with a chuckle here and there to keep the story from getting too heavy.
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