The Woman Trapped in the Dark

Blink, Texas #3

by J.D. Mason

The propulsive third novel in a new contemporary trilogy about unforgettable love, scorching desire, and dangerous secrets.

Abby Rhodes and Jordan Gatewood have fought a long battle to be together. People disparaged their relationship. Enemies tried to tear them apart. Now, Abby is looking to settle in to a life of married bliss. But sometimes the greatest threat stems from the person you trust the most…

Now Abby is being hunted. Taken prisoner. Held captive. And Jordan’s dark and murky past holds the key to her escape…

Genres: Thriller, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published September 18, 2018

About the author

Yaaaayyyy! I FINALLY found my login info for Goodreads and can update my site!!!!!! Oh happy joy :)

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman Trapped in the Dark is part of the Blink, Texas series by J.D. Mason. This is only my second book by Ms. Mason. A year ago I read Seducing Abby Rhodes and was captivated with Abby and Jordan’s story. Never did I imagine that this is where their story would go next!

Jordan Gatewood is a billionaire business mogul. He has just entered into a brand new government contract that will take his business and his wealth to new heights. But ever since Abby Rhodes came in to his life, his priorities shifted. She is now the most important thing to him. Who would have thought that at age fifty he would find the love of his life?!



Abby owns a construction business in Blink, Texas, but Jordan wants her to move in with him in the city. At the moment, she is dividing her time between the two. In the short time they have been together, though, Jordan has become her life. She can’t imagine living without him now.



She and Jordan are planning to get away so she has gone back to Blink to pick up some things. It’s a two hour drive so she is spending the night and will return to Jordan in the morning. But on that night, a night she will forever wish she could change, she is kidnapped.



Jordan is given five days. On the fifth day, he will have to fulfill the requirements given him and is told that Abby will be released safely. Jordan can’t lose her. She is his life. He employs a man who has a reputation for being able to find people. They have no leads, have no idea where to start, but he can’t think about that. They have to find her, there is no other option.



The author takes us on a wild ride. We are not only allowed into both Abby’s and Jordan’s heads, but Plato, the man he hires to help him find her, as well. We also are in the kidnapper’s heads so we know what is going on on all sides of this story.

“She was a sweet beauty who didn’t belong in their world, caught up in their deceitful webs and ugly games.”



This book was a crazy ride. It starts right off on the very first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I absolutely loved the ending. I’m telling you that this book gave me high blood pressure. I was glued to my e-reader all the way through. I think I have permanent indentions from my own fingernails! The love Abby and Jordan share is so intense but for him to be so unable to help her was torture. We are given flashbacks throughout the book of their memories together. It was what kept them strong throughout the horrible days they were apart.

If you haven’t read Seducing Abby Rhodes, I highly recommend it because I loved the book. But it isn’t required to enjoy this one. It will just allow you the story of how these two came together and fell in love. I do want to warn you that in this book, there is a sexual assault. It is NOT a rape, but still, if this is a trigger for you, then keep that in mind.

In re-reading this, I’m still not sure I got the message across how crazy intense and amazing this book is! And even though it’s not required, I hope you’ll take a look at Seducing Abby Rhodes so you can watch Jordan and Abby fall in love from the start. Enjoy, and let me know if you end up enjoying this as much as I did. Happy reading!

[Louise Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abby Rhodes and Jordan Gatewood fought hard to be together. Now they are looking forward to a life of marital bliss. But sometimes the greatest threat stems from the person you trust the most.

To anyone looking at Abby and Jordan it's plain for all to see just how much they love each other. But Abby is not used to the risks associated with his wealth. Then Abby gets herself kidnapped. Someone wants Jordan to sign a contract that will completely distory him. Abby is scared that no one will come for her, but Jordan does have someone looking for her, but will he find her in time?

This is the 3rd book in a triology. I have not read the first two books.im sure my star rating would not have been any higher if I had as there are parts of the story that I just could not believe. It's not a bad read it's just not a good read. It would probably been a little better if I had read the books in order as I did feel I has missed out on some of the back story.

I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and the author J. D. Martin for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before starting this book I re-read Seducing Abby Rhodes. I also read The Real Mrs Price plus the three Blink short reads.
Fully caught up I settled down to read this.

Now this could have been the best book yet but.. I’m getting ahead of myself.

Abby and Jordan are a couple, she’s the woman in his life and it’s obvious on sight how much he loves her.
But she’s not used to the risks associated with his wealth and power. Abby travels back to Blink and finds herself kidnapped.

Like the other books this was a slow read at times. Which was surprising considering it was a race to find Abby before it was too late. The problem was the book was padded out with flash backs which really slowed it down.
I know the kidnapping happened early and the flash backs fill in the gaps. But I found myself skimming again and again because I wanted to know what happened moving forward not looking back.

Abby is taken from her bed one night. Then we have a whole day (Day 1) then it’s the next day (Day 2) before Abby needs to use the bathroom.

“I . . . I need to use the bathroom,” she reluctantly said.
It was the truth. Abby had to pee. The woman noticeably tensed.
“In the cup,” she said simply.
“What?” Abby asked stunned.
“You pee in the cup.”

I’m being picky I know but it’s just not remotely realistic that she could wait that long. If so then I want a bladder like hers.

Plato. After reading Mrs Price I commented that I felt he couldn’t find a free toy in a cereal box. I’ve not really changed my mind here. He annoyed me. Abby has 5 days, just 5. He looks around her house and then goes home for tea, her life is on the line here. Even when presented with a huge clue he brushes it off.

This book had a lot of potential but (for me anyway) it didn’t quite live up to expectations.

The example I used is from the arc and may change in the final edition.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a story that will keep you turning the pages and wondering how things can get any crazier than what's already happening, pick up The Woman Trapped In The Dark! J.D. Mason knows how to bring the crazy but still make the story cohesive and engaging. You don't need to have read the other books set in Blink, Texas to enjoy this one, but it would help with some context. Abby and Jordan are characters that you will root for and wish for their happily ever after. There are also antagonists in this story that you will want to throat punch for their despicable ways. I'm leaving it there to avoid revealing spoilers.

If you read this as a stand alone, you'll want to go back to get the background information because the other stories are really good too! I own all but one of Mason's backlist titles and I am planning on making my way through all of them!

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

You can find me at:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @MonlatReader
Instagram: @readermonica
Facebook: Monica Reeds
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm taking off a star because I wanted a vile ending for James, Lars and his daughter. How cruel can you be.

This is the best of the three, hands down. There's suspense, romance, and violence. I was on the edge of my seat, literally. Greed and rivalry are what fuels this story. I felt awful for Abby. Ms. Mason just allows us to suffer with her without relief. 'The Woman Trapped in the Dark' is soooo good! I just had to delete some sentences because I really can't say too much. This is a must read. I would definitely read the first two before this one to get the beauty and history of the characters. I will miss Jordan and Abby.

*Today I purchased the novella to the series, 'Hart Breaker: A Blink Texas story'. I can't wait to get to it!

I won an ARC from First Reads Giveaway and received an eArc from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley

[Micheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by author, J.D. Mason hence I had no idea this novel was part of a trilogy (Blink, Texas series). If I didn't know any better, I would of thought this was a stand alone novel. With that being said, I found this novel was suspenseful, dark, full of twists, revenge, justice and a romantic kind of novel. I enjoyed it very much. The reader (ME) actually roots for the main characters and my heart was racing because of the amount of suspense. The ending was justified and magical. Seriously, this is one of those novels that has the reader on the edge. The author did a great job in writing and keeping the reader (ME) engaged in the story. If you are into reading a suspenseful romance novel then I would recommend this for a quick summer read.

[Vera Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, when you fall in love eedxpect nice stuff. But to be kidnapped, is not to be exepected. True love don't always come easy. Oh my some of the the stuff you go thru author keeps us interested.

Would recommend to others. I had won a copy of this.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining suspense novel with a good amount of edge. Reminded me of a nighttime soap opera.

Read for review for Affaire de Coeur Magazine.

http://affairedecoeur.com.

[Jenee Rager · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book through a goodreads giveaway. I entered not knowing that it was the final book in a trilogy. While the book does stand alone, I think a lot of backstory was missing, and it would have been helpful for me to read the first two books and make this one more enjoyable.

Abby and Jordan are in love, he's a rich, rich man who has a lot of enemies, she's a middle class ingenue. While I don't know why he's so attracted to her based off this book, they are madly in love. When Abby is kidnapped and held hostage Jordan does whatever it takes to get her back. My favorite character in the whole book was Plato, and I wanted more of him in the book.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a GoodReads giveaway win.
When I entered this giveaway I didn't realize this was part of a trilogy. I feel like I have missed a big p set of Abbi and Jordan's story. Jordan is filthy rich, Abbi is nibble class, so how did they meet, how and or why did Jordan the super rich guy fall so hard for the woman so far below his level of people. That being said, I feel this story has been told a thousand times, in a thousand ways, but it always books down to, "rich guy loves poor girl-rich guy enemies does something to girl (in this story the rich enemies kidnaps her)-rich will anything and everything to get back the poor girl he loves desperately.
In my opinion, this storyline is overdone, but c could be interesting. I didn't even find this book interesting. This just wasn't for me.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Kept me on the edge of my seat with all the twists and turns.

[Zani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me feel a lot of emotions. It was so beautifully written and I literally stayed up until 5 am every day just to see what happened in the end. 100% recommend

[Barb Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Woman Trapped in the Dark by J.D. Mason is the 3rd and final book in her Blink, Texas trilogy. I did enjoy the previous book, but had some mixed feelings about this one. I found The Woman Trapped in the Dark to be an intense and dark story, which despite its exciting plot, had me in knots throughout most of the book.

Abby Rhodes, our heroine, is kidnapped right from the start. The kidnappers aim is to use Abby to destroy Jordan Gatewood, our hero & her fiancee, knowing he will do whatever it takes to save Abby. The story flips between Gatewood’s enemies from the past, especially his father’s enemies; as well as the people who have kidnapped Abby, following instructions from an unknown source; since they will make a lot of money. Though for the head honcho behind this plot, it is not about money but sweet revenge.

Jordan brings someone to help him find Abby before the deadline, and at every turn they are running out of time. We get flash backs of Abby and Jordan together, and their love for each other. Most of all, we sit through Abby’s terrifying ordeal, especially one of the kidnappers, who is deranged. The other two kidnappers are determined to finish the job, get their share of the money, and free Abby. But those behind the scenes, as well as the deranged kidnapper have other plans.

Jordan was desperate to find those responsible for Abby’s kidnapping, and we truly felt his desperation. Building his empire made him a lot of enemies, which made his attempt even more difficult. I will say that Mason did an excellent job writing this book, having us on the edge all the way through. I did like Abby, and but it was hard to watch her terror and desperation to find a way to escape. The deranged kidnapper became even crazier as we raced to the climax, even though his partners in crime wanted to finish this up and free Abby.

There were a number of twists, which Plato (the man Jordan hired to help him find Abby) managed to use in hope to find Abby. As much as this was a good story line, the dark moments between Abby, and the kidnapper, made for a scary scenario, which is not what I want when I read a book, no matter how exciting it may be. The Woman Trapped in the Dark was a well written and intense story.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Zoraida Luciano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC FROM A Goodreads giveaway thru St Martin's Press, in exchange for my honest opinion. Read it. Rate it. Review it.

I am not a professional blogger, editor, reviewer of any sort. I'm just your ordinary, every day person who loves to read and ALL things books!! Was very happy yo hsve won this ARC A Woman Trapped In The Dark, by Author J.D. Mason.

This book is the 3rd in a trilogy relating to this series. I had not read the first 2 only because I was not familiar with this author. However, that being said I had no problem keeping up with the story since she does revert to prior acts from previous stories.

Abby Rhodes is girlfriend to Jordan Gatewood. A self made millionaire. Due to some shady dealings with even what her characters rooted from his past, she gets kidnapped and held hostage.

Jordan's love for her is so complete and powerful, he'll stop at nothing to save her.

The secrets and agendas from the multiple shady characters are endless and know no boundaries in their desire for exacting revenge on Jordan, regardless of those cost. They are devious, cunning and ruthless.

The author, J.D. Mason has written a dark, and disturbing tale of fiction, full of twists, revenge, shady characters you love to hate. Characters you want to see get their own form of justice.

A gripping journey that leaves you wanting more. Well Done!! You've got my attention for sure.

Thank you J.D. Mason, St Martin's Press and Goodreads!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't quite remember the prior book. But, Jordan Gatewood is back. As is Abby, the woman he loves.
Jordan has put his love for Abby on display. With him being rich and powerful, it makes her a target.
Abby is kidnapped by brothers DJ and James and a woman named Naomi who has an abusive husband named Thomas.
The money that they're promised to kidnap Abby will free her from him.
DJ wants to support his young family and James is an ex felon who will do anything for money. The book alternates between numerous povs. There were times I wished I could remember the other books more.
The backstory was interesting. It's a fast, good read. Not J.D. Masons best. But good enough to keep me turning the pages wondering if Jordan and Plato would find Abby in time.
3.5 stars

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow .this book is terrifying on so many levels ...I would not want to be Abby Rhodes for sure .The criminals behind the plot will scare you too ...because you feel some of them could be your neighbors and ones you'd NEVER would expect to ever be involved with anything like this ....others are more prone to suspicion. Even the " good "guys have a dark side although one of them I personally think isn't much of a hero in the end but the other is completely justified, but make your own call .Overall it was a engrossing plot with some excellent twists ....so if you enjoy being scared ...read it !😱

[Natasha du Plessis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this novel as a standalone and not part of the series. It can be read as such with no problems or questions. This book tackles issues such as abduction, greed and revenge. How far will you go to get revenge for wrong that you felt was done and how far will you go to protect your loved ones. This story was interesting with lots of different characters. I loved how Jordan falls in love with Abby every time that he sees her, this is something that I'm sure every woman would love. I would love to learn more of Plato and his lady love. Shou-Shou really sounds like a great character that I would love to meet. I would recommend JD Mason and this novel.

[Angela S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew it was only a matter of time that Blink, Texas would be more than a small town in a story. J.D Mason’s way of bringing that city to life to me in North Carolina was as if I were a fly on the wall. I loved the way she handcrafted each and every character, fighting their own demons at every turn but as well knowing they have found their person that truly completes them. Not sure whats’s next from this Wonder Pen Welding Woman, but I imagine all of us will be enthralled with it as this series had me!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abby sure didn't deserve to be kidnapped. BUT, Jordan is determined to get her back! I had not read the earlier books so I might have missed some nuance but the propulsive nature of this thriller made it a quick, entertaining read. Abby and Jordan might seem mismatched but it's love and so it's the power of love that triumphs over the bad guys. There's some revenge too. No spoilers! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jordan and Abby fell in love and are preparing to start their future together. But when Abby is taken captive to get to Jordan, will he be able to save her in time? The longer Abby is held captive the less hope she has of being rescued, will she find a way to escape on her own? This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and suspense. The story takes you on a roller coaster ride from beginning to end and really draws you into the drama. I liked it!

[Meaghan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book a few weeks ago, and I already can't remember most of the plot. I do remember being confused at the beginning as I had not read the previous two books in the series, and then a whole lot of eye-rolling through the middle and the end because the kidnapping plot line was so over-the-top. I didn't really get the chemistry between Abby and Jordan, nor did I really care that much about what happened to them.

[Monique Irwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped in Suspense!

This book was GREAT! I loved every word for word and line for line. I liked and disliked the ending because I sympathize for Nay. How ultimately she was set free but still in her final resting place she has to be connected to that baster husband of hers. But it show you that you can't drive out evil by doing evil deeds. I have read everyone of Ms.Mason books and would recommend this author to anyone looking for a good read!

[Lisa Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately it was predictable. I was hoping for something a bit different. Or it may be that I'm over this particular storyline. What I admire about her style is the ability to move forward in a story and not give too much away. I appreciate that just when I ask myself the question , "what happened to cause this particular action", JD Mason answers it just in time.

Why wasn't Marlowe at the wedding? Would love to have Shou and Plato discuss peaches

[Gigi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pros: the writing was pretty good and the plot line was well done, complex, and interesting.
Cons: “billionaire bachelor desperately in love with independent and gorgeous woman” trope that for me personally always feels completely unrealistic. However a lot of people love that trope (see: fifty shades of grey and JD Robb novels) so who cares what I think!

Overall a good romance/suspense story.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good suspense novel! I have read the other books in this trilogy, and this one was, by far, my favorite. It did keep me up at night (but I am a total lightweight when it comes to suspense/scary), but it was worth it in the end. And, it is a super fast read.

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Michelle Lindo-Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had me on edge. Jordan and Abby are in love but Jordan has associates who want to see him succeed. I loved how the author made sure you understood each character and their actions even if you didn't like what they did. Plato intrigued me the most and I would love to learn more about him. Thank you Netgalley for this intense read.

[Eboné Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book took me for a ride! I would've never guessed this series would go in this direction but it was worth it. I will say this particular book out of the 3 should come with a trigger warning as it touches on different forms of abuse. Just be mindful before picking up. I would honestly read this series over again!

[WANDA HARRISON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best novels I've read lately. Mr. Mason has my praise for this book. He shows how revenge can turn a man bitter to his core, while still feeling respect for his adversary. I highly recommend this book to mature readers.

[Deborah Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED This Story

What a ride this was!!!!! Ms Mason you took Blink, Texas Trilogy to a whole new level I couldn't. Read fast enough!!!!! I was happy as a clam when Jordan took James out, nasty dog even if did show. A little humanity.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through GoodReads! This novel is very suspenseful and addresses topics such as class, wealth, sex, love, business, magic, violence, domestic abuse, etc.