DarkWeb

by Talia Vines

Caught between brothers. Both are handsome, seductive, dangerous. One will love her forever. The other wants her dead.

But which is which?

***

The FBI said it'd be dangerous. If I helped them put Mark Donahue in prison, they'd get my brother out.

Mark is a criminal mastermind, so cagey and brilliant the FBI can't touch him. I'm the one person who could bring him to his knees.

Publicly, he's got everything— good looks, a vast tech empire, and more money than a small country. But he's also a man haunted by his past. Behind closed doors, he wants me to use another woman's soaps, be tied in her straps, answer to her name. It's a twisted game, and I'm scared of how much I want to play.

Get in, get out, save my brother, protect myself.

And I've got to be fast, because Mark’s arrogant, infuriating, totally hot brother, Davis, suspects I'm up to no good… and he’ll go to any lengths to uncover my secrets.

Genres: Mystery, Suspense

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 17, 2018

About the author

I love unreliable narrators, story lines that get a little dark, and twisty twists.

Find me everywhere: https://linktr.ee/taliavines

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

"He knows, I thought, swallowing. He knows you're false."

Wren, a horse instructor, comes from old money...that has long since run out.

Her parents have passed away, her brother is in jail and she lives above a carriage house. A far cry from her grandmother's society life.

Wren is approached by agent Tribecca Jones and is given a deal - she helps the FBI with a cold case and in exchange, her brother's sentence is swept under the rug.

"Something was wrong. The blood drained out of my head, then stomach, shifting my center of gravity to somewhere south..."

Turns out, Wren strikes an eerily accurate resemblance to the dead wife of Mark Donahue. The one he may (or may not) have murdered.

Mark has been the target of the FBI for his alleged involvement in the dark web - where you can buy and sell anything. From drugs to children - you can find it all on the dark web.

Wren doesn't have to do too much, just lure him in and allow Tribecca to do her thing, and so she agrees. She wants to help her brother in any way possible.

Only. There was something neither she nor Tribecca had ever considered.

"In the beat of stillness between us, he ducked close and stole a kiss."

Mark Donahue is something of a romancer and soon, what started off as a mission to save her brother... becomes something so much more.

"I'm bathing. Are you leaving?" Mild curiosity tinged my question.
One shake of his head. No.

The deeper Wren falls, the harder Tribecca pushes back.

"Wren, whatever half-truth story he's spun, don't let it deceive you. Mark Donahue murdered Johanna."

And soon Wren doesn't know what to feel, what to believe, and what to be.

Will she complete her mission? Or will she lose herself in the process?

"Right now, I was still something less than Wren, and taking care of myself was all I could manage."

Overall, the first third or so really gripped me but the last two-thirds didn't have the same spark.

The author definitely has a way with words. She effortlessly drew me into this mystery and I was wholly committed to teasing out the subtle lies and intricate details.

But then, too much was set into motion.

There's many twists and turns - to trust Mark or not? Could Tribecca be evil? What about the brother? Who's following her home?

And it eventually became too much, especially Wren begins to lose herself as she emulates Joanna (Mark's dead wife) turning the story into almost a multi-personality reveal:

"Wren shook with fear, begging me to be quiet."

Ultimately, there were so many twists that they began to feel distracting to the plot.

After we flip-flopped for the third time, I just didn't connect (wasn't committed?) to the further twists.

In addition, there was a lot of sex. And I mean a lot.

Now, I don't mind a scene here and there, when it makes sense, but it got to the point that it was just another sidetrack and began to annoy me.

Many a time, the main characters just couldn't resist a hot-and-steamy moment...only for Wren to find more damning evidence that the guy did XX crime or YY terrible thing.

I don't know about you, but as soon as I find out a main character may be a cold-blooded murder, no amount of hormones could persuade me under his covers.

But...it seems like that just made it spicier...

"That he'd locked me in filed me with dread. He was no normal man. There was an arrogance to him, that he was untethered by laws...he would break me again and again, until I was whatever he wanted me to be."

Ultimately, this one certainly had great elements - I loved Wren's character in the beginning and the way the story was set up...it just didn't live up to the beginning.

I definitely think this author has a promising writing career - the beginning of the story certainly showed that!

I'm excited to see what she writes next!

I was given a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

DarkWeb is about obsession, revenge and love. When the FBI wanted Wren Bower to go undercover to find out more information about Mark Donahue due to her looking like Mark Donahue, late wife. Wren Bower said yes on the condition they keep their promise of getting her brother out of prison. FBI organised Wren Bower to attend a Gala function that Mark Donahue will be there too. However, Wren Bower did not realise what she was going to unleash by working with the FBI. The readers of DarkWeb will continue to follow the twists and turns to see what happens to Wren Bower and Mark Donahue.

DarkWeb is the first book I have read of Talia Vines, and I will read other books by this author. I did enjoy reading DarkWeb, and it keeps me engaged throughout because I never know what was going to happen on the next page. I like Talia Vines portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other. DarkWeb is well written and researched by Talia Vines. Talia Vines did a fantastic job in describing her settings and plot of DarkWeb. The ending of DarkWeb was a big surprise to me. I never guess that DarkWeb was going to end that way.

The readers of DarkWeb will learn the shady side of the World Wide Web. Also, the readers of DarkWeb will see how law enforcement can use your weakness to achieve the aims of getting information of person of interest.

Thank you to the Author for my free ARC for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured the first half or so of this mystery/suspense book - not wanting to put it down. Somewhere after that point the captivating twists and turns got to be a little too much for me and I wasn't quite as enamored but I still enjoyed the book very much overall. Though some may "solve' the main mystery before the end (I did, for the record) there are still surprises to be had even after you do, and the details of how things wrap up are not to be missed. This book is very well-written and I will definitely be interested in any other books this author releases in the future.

I'm trying to be as vague as possible in my review - I went back and read the blurb after I finished the book and I think it is ok to read that (sometimes blurbs give away too much) but I think people should probably try to avoid reviews for this book in case of spoilers as I think the reading experience will be better the less you know going in. Suffice to say if you like mystery/crime novels or shows/movies (with some romance woven in) then you will like this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing the book.

[N · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC provided by the author*
Full review coming on the release date.

I love this book!! It only took me about 5 hours to complete and it was worth it. I love the fact that its mystery and a romantic suspense theme in it. I love the main character Wren she was a bit of protective but also she felt weak once she started having a relationship, Mark. But the main thing I love it that it centers on the death of Johanna because it just made sense to have a character who is dead to help break the case of the dark web. I'm in love with this book and I hope to read more from this author.

[Samantha Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, mind blown. I was expecting a more romancy read but was I do wrong. Though the sex isn't lacking but the romance just seems to be budding towards the end and I really enjoyed this story so much. PAIN DARKNESS LONELINESS! Backstories that are heart-wrenching, and lives that get damaged by each character involved. I loved the mystery, the suspense and the whole journey for Wren was so interesting and still is developing that I cannot wait to read more of this journey which I hope there is more!!

[Debbie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just an exciting story. A wide range of characters that keep you guessing and wanting more. I like Wren, I wish she could relax a bit but all in all she goes with the flow. The story had me guessing till the end as to what and who. This is a fast paced story that has tons of action and excitement.

I don’t want to spoil the story but I love the ending….and the intense hot sex! Worth a read!

[T'aisi2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read. Clear, fresh characters. Updated blend of romance and intrigue without moldy stereotypes. Think the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo meets Fifty Shades of Gray. Highly recommend.

[Janet Harrall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story

This was a really interesting and intriguing story that had me reading page after page to see what happened next

[Anne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

His Medusa

An amazing first read for me by Talia Vines, but OMG 😮 I shall be reading many more! How and why have I missed such a superb writer of this magnitude with this thrilling, gripping page turner, I’ll never know. This read deserves at least 10 stars 🌟 If this book is not an amazing blockbuster movie in the future, I will eat my hat. Simply put it blew me away from the very first page, I loved it. I could not put this book down, eating and sleeping and anything else in my life just passed me by!! It’s everything a reader of suspense and romance needs. Hot smexy scenes that were panty melting! Twists and turns you would never expect in a million years, that never stop. Such a great storyline, beautifully and emotionally written with such empathy for the characters and with so much depth to them. Wren Bower is the only person left in her family, her parents were killed in a car accident when she was 13 and her brother Jason was 19. Jason tried so hard to look after her but she stifled him with her clinginess and he couldn’t cope, he turned to drugs and ended up in prison 15 years for armed robbery, and so the deal ensues with Trebecca Jones an FBI agent offering her a deal to help in a case against Mark Donahue who deals on the Dark Web and is too clever for the FBI to catch. Early release for her brother if she can attain evidence against him! Wren is the image of his dead wife Johanna Bixby Donahue. Something draws her to Mark and his grieving for Johanna. She just got him and saw him! Wren is just numb and as grieving and lonely as Mark, but can she become Johanna for Mark and be a Confidential Informer for the FBI? Why does his hateful brother Davis hate Wren so much? Who can she trust, Mark, Davis or Trebecca Jones? Was Kay Strand her boss also working for the FBI? Who is trying to frame Wren and why? Is Mark the monster Trebecca portrays him as? Will Wren’s desperate ache to be part of a family be her downfall? You will just have to read this highly recommended must read to find out the answers to all the questions!
This is my voluntary and honest review of a copy of this book.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Wren is approached by the FBI, she has to take them up on their proposition if she wants to help her brother, who's currently in prison. She had no idea that in doing so, her life will irrevocably change. All Wren has to do is "run into" Mark and let her eerily similar appearance to his dead wife do the rest. Of course, best laid plans and all that...

DarkWeb is a twisty mystery with a little romance thrown in. It's full of surprises, intrigue and a huge reveal toward the end. I felt for Wren, boy did I. She had no idea when she agreed to help the FBI which would in turn help her brother, that her life would just get so twisted up by Mark, his brother and the secrets Mark was keeping. If you like romantic suspense, mysteries or just plain ol' thrillers, you really should have DarkWeb on your TBR list.

I received an ARC via Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.

[Elise Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horse riding instructor Wren is recruited for an undercover job by the FBI due to her striking similarity to their main target's dead wife, a woman he's still very much obsessed with. It's a simple trade – if she does the agency's bidding, they'll get time knocked off her brother's jail sentence. But it's not as straightforward as Wren first thinks – Mark Donahue's dark and paranoid, his brother keeps sticking his nose in where it isn't wanted, and her FBI contact has her own agenda. Combine that with Wren's unravelling mental state and everyone's a suspect.

The plot's twisted, there are plenty of surprises, and the lines between good and evil are blurred. At first, there's no clear-cut bad guy, and I found myself changing my views of some of the characters as the tale unwound and their motivations and secrets got revealed.

DarkWeb is part romantic suspense, part psychological thriller, and I'd recommend it if you're a fan of those genres.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this book as an approved ARC from the author. The writing style really stands out as unique and I loved it! Some of her descriptions are just laugh out loud funny. It’s hard to compare it. it’s interesting the way Peter beagles writing in the last unicorn is interesting - Talia Vines has that same level of creativity, but a different flavor. She’s got a way of saying things that makes it a pleasure to read. She keeps the storyline interesting with some unexpected twists. She’s not afraid to give her characters some flaws and I like that as it helps them be more 3 dimensional to me. Be advised there are some R rated sex scenes. This is a fav. I’ll definitely read it again.

[Farrah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book you can enjoy a glass of wine with...
You will need to keep your mind focused clearly on the story as there are many twists and characters who continue to keep the story twisting and turning in this story. Definitely a mind F for sure.
It got away from me a bit as it unfolded and the pace slowed down.
I was left with only a couple questions so in this kind of read, the author did a great job of covering the difficult plot lines.
The book was told only from Wren's POV... I sure would have enjoyed multiple POV's but I understand that that may have been very challenging to incorporate into the novel.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Holy crap! I always forget how much I like mystery/suspense until I read them. I had not read Talia Vines before and I'm so glad I got this chance. I could not get enough of this book and didn't want to put it down. This book kept me guessing as to where it would go with the story and the twists and turns in it threw me off almost every time.
The characters were great. The ones I thought I should hate I ended up loving and the ones I thought I would love I ended up hating. This is a really great read!

[dbbooknerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part Romantic Suspense, part Psychological Thriller, this story will propel you into a world that you will not be able to escape until the last page! Planted by the FBI and connected through a shared understanding of life-altering loss, Wren and Mark dance between sanity and unspeakable despair. This one will keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat! Taila Vines was a new author to me and I will definitely be reading more of her work! I voluntarily reviewed a free copy provided by Hidden Gems.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I received an ARC copy of this book."
This book was fantastic. So much mystery and drama. I liked Davis the whole time. Dang I cannot believe how it all ended and what went on. I'm really surprised I liked this book was more of a thriller and normal I don't like them but this book kept me interested. I kept trying to guess what was truly right and had hope for certain things to happen. Great book.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received for an honest review. Pretty intense read. Pretty much a mind f**k. Every time you think you have it figured out, something else gets thrown out there and you just don’t know what to do with yourself. Wren was a very interesting character. The story line was filled with deceit, lies, manipulations and so many emotions it kept me turning those pages to figure out who the true monsters were. Would recommend this.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author but won't be the last. I will definitely be looking to read more. It was really good and, even though I had to at times, I didn't want to put it down. There were many twists and turns that kept me interested and guessing as to what would happen next. I really enjoyed this and would recommend reading it.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review.*

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists, turns and revenge

What’s not to love there? This is first and foremost a psychological wtf was that. Secondly it’s a good character study with just the right amount internal dialogue. And lastly it’s a good old fashioned crazy ride though muck and mud to get to an ending that makes sense even after all the musings on what was happening.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Web (ARC) by Talia Vines: ***** Unexpected and engrossing
This story was a mind twist. It kept me guessing with the mystery, the unexpected turns and surprises, and the betrayals. From the beginning to the HFN ending... I couldn’t put it down!

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great psychological thriller filled with tons of twists and turns. This is a fast paced read but you need to stay focused to keep it all straight. My first read by this author and look forward to more

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap, this book is SO good that I called out of work so I could stay home and finish it. It also prompted me to write my first ever “review“ here. Just read it. It’s a great mystery, intriguing, and sexy.

[Atlanta Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start my review by saying I don't think the synopsis of this book is entirely accurate. It makes the book sound like a dark romance/romantic thriller, but there was little romance in the story.

The book is told from Wren's first person POV. Mark is obsessed with his dead wife, Johanna. He subsequently becomes obsessed with her doppelganger, Wren, who is placed in Mark's path by the FBI. Mark's brother, Davis, on the other hand, doesn't seem to like or trust her. What follows is an engaging story with complex and well developed characters. There are lots of twists and turns, and I spent much of the book on my toes.

My only complaint, and the only reason this story didn't receive 5 stars, is the ending. There were some unanswered questions: How did Johanna escape and have the means to carry out her plan? Why did Johanna want to kill Wren? (In light of what happened between Johanna and Mark, I didn't think that made sense at all.) What did Davis say to Johanna to stop her from killing Wren? Why would Mark want Wren to be Johanna and/or want Johanna back when she fucked him over and as a result he sold her into slavery? How much does Davis know about Mark being the creator of Darkweb and all the crime that goes with it?

I would definitely recommend this book to those who like mystery/thrillers; however, if you like a lot of romance in your stories, this one is probably not be for you.

End note: This developmental editing and proofreading of this book was excellent.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time reading this author's work and I have to say I'm really intrigued by this dark read. It's a good mix of suspense and chemistry. Wren is roped by the FBI to spy on Mark in order to help her brother get an early release from jail. Seems simple but it's anything but. Lots of plot twists. I would definitely read more from Vines.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't realize how much of a psychological thriller this was til I was invested in the story. Not really my favorite genre, but I finished it. I wasn't really satisfied with the ending.