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Darkness Duet #2
Returned to the Light
The sequel to When Darkness Consumes
✧✦✧
Left behind and stuck in the rubble, Ryder Owens has become a lost soul. He’s lost the only thing that’s ever mattered to him. Haunted by a ghost, he’s become vacant to the world around him. Only one person can bring him back to the light.
After narrowly escaping death, Lydia Benson took her secrets and ran, leaving destruction in her wake. Two years have passed and her story demands to be heard. She finds herself back where it all started.
She’s back.
And she’s coming for him.
✧✦✧
✧✦✧
Left behind and stuck in the rubble, Ryder Owens has become a lost soul. He’s lost the only thing that’s ever mattered to him. Haunted by a ghost, he’s become vacant to the world around him. Only one person can bring him back to the light.
After narrowly escaping death, Lydia Benson took her secrets and ran, leaving destruction in her wake. Two years have passed and her story demands to be heard. She finds herself back where it all started.
She’s back.
And she’s coming for him.
✧✦✧
- GenresRomanceSecond ChanceDark
Unknown Binding
31 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Radcliff
27 books1,015 followersC.M. Radcliff writes dark, toxic romance with a touch of suspense. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two kids. If she isn't reading or writing, she's probably on a little adventure with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 2, 2021
After all that Lydia endured during book one this book has her rising from the ashes even stronger than before. She needed to heal for herself and others very close to her. To do that, she felt the need to literally disappear from most everyone in her life, including Ryder. Especially Ryder.
He can't quite come to terms with why she wants nothing to do with him. So he turns to what can calm and quiet his Ghost, even if it's only for mere minutes at a time. He has lost himself to an addiction that is slowing eating him up from the inside out. He is barely functioning. He goes to work, comes home and drinks his demons away. Rinse and repeat. Rinse and repeat.
Lydia doesn't know just how much Ryder has been suffering since she cut him out of her life. Those still in contact with him have been hush hush when it comes to him. Once she does find out how he is coping she feels immense guilt and that she let him down. She second guesses her rash decision of leaving. Her friends remind her that he is a GROWN man. She wasn't the cause of him to spiral. She doesn't believe it though. They help her to see that her leaving was what was best for HER and that is was matters most.
Once all the secrets and lies are delved into relationships start to mend and heal. It takes a bit because so many were hurt..
The evil in the story was dealt with.
I wish there was more of a HEA for Ryder and Lydia. I feel like it felt a bit rushed. I needed more for my own closure LOL!
Overall, great duet!!
He can't quite come to terms with why she wants nothing to do with him. So he turns to what can calm and quiet his Ghost, even if it's only for mere minutes at a time. He has lost himself to an addiction that is slowing eating him up from the inside out. He is barely functioning. He goes to work, comes home and drinks his demons away. Rinse and repeat. Rinse and repeat.
Lydia doesn't know just how much Ryder has been suffering since she cut him out of her life. Those still in contact with him have been hush hush when it comes to him. Once she does find out how he is coping she feels immense guilt and that she let him down. She second guesses her rash decision of leaving. Her friends remind her that he is a GROWN man. She wasn't the cause of him to spiral. She doesn't believe it though. They help her to see that her leaving was what was best for HER and that is was matters most.
Once all the secrets and lies are delved into relationships start to mend and heal. It takes a bit because so many were hurt..
The evil in the story was dealt with.
I wish there was more of a HEA for Ryder and Lydia. I feel like it felt a bit rushed. I needed more for my own closure LOL!
Overall, great duet!!
February 16, 2019
The sequel to When Darkness Consumes, it was a good ending. Continuing from the first book, Returned to the Light takes us back to Lydia and Ryder's story and we see what happens after the tragic events from book one. There were a few surprises that I didn't see coming and I loved. But I felt like the execution was lacking and much like the first book, I had difficulty at times connecting with the characters. I loved watching the two characters heal and find themselves again, but it was lacking for me. In some parts, there was so much focus on trivial matters, while other parts felt rushed. I was frustrated and confused with Lydia and how she always jumped to conclusions, and with Ryder for being a clueless idiot. But it was otherwise enjoyable and I loved the journey.
June 15, 2018
This book put my broken heart back together. I'm so glad that Radcliff didn't leave Ryder and Lydia where they were in the first book. I'm also glad I didn't have to wait for the second book since I discovered the duet now. This book was so great. There was plenty of drama, hope, love and suspense. Radcliff did such an amazing job of creating fear and suspense in the first book that I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop (luckily it didn't but I just knew it was going to happen lol). I was sad to see that it had been a couple of years since the last book but it worked well. Radcliff did do a great justice by giving us justice for Lydia though!
Lydia--returns back home after two years of being away. After being kidnapped and tortured she had to leave in order to heal. She left behind Ryder which was no easy task. Over the past couple of years her life has changed in a lot of ways. She now has a relationship with Griffin which I found odd at first but then it grew on me. However, she has a reason for returning and it's to tell a secret...a big secret!
Ryder--is a drunken mess without Lydia and for the past two years that's all he's done. He's haunted by her memories and still wanting to get revenge on Jared for what he did to her. When he first finds out that she has returned he goes through a mixture of emotions, all of which you feel with him as the reader. Soon things seem to be on the right track but of course it could never be that easy.
The ending repairs all the damage the first book may have caused to your heart and gives you so much hope and happiness. I hated to see it end because I love Lydia and Ryder but they couldn't have gotten a better ending.
Lydia--returns back home after two years of being away. After being kidnapped and tortured she had to leave in order to heal. She left behind Ryder which was no easy task. Over the past couple of years her life has changed in a lot of ways. She now has a relationship with Griffin which I found odd at first but then it grew on me. However, she has a reason for returning and it's to tell a secret...a big secret!
Ryder--is a drunken mess without Lydia and for the past two years that's all he's done. He's haunted by her memories and still wanting to get revenge on Jared for what he did to her. When he first finds out that she has returned he goes through a mixture of emotions, all of which you feel with him as the reader. Soon things seem to be on the right track but of course it could never be that easy.
The ending repairs all the damage the first book may have caused to your heart and gives you so much hope and happiness. I hated to see it end because I love Lydia and Ryder but they couldn't have gotten a better ending.
December 29, 2018
This is the sequel to When Darkness Consumes, and you MUST read that first, so if you haven’t drop whatever your’e doing and go read it.
Now, about the story.
First, Radcliff left us hanging after WDC with where Ryder and Lydia were relationship wise, and my heart needed their HEA, but like everything with these two, it’s not going to be easy. It’s FULL of the angst and will torture you. (Not like the torture in the first book, thank GOD because my soul could NOT handle watching these beloved characters go through that again). No, it’s our reader torture and angst. This book had me all over the place emotionally. It would take me from happy on one page to heartbroken on the next. At one point I had to put the kindle down and walk away because OMFG Ryder and Lydia were LITERALLY killing me. I wanted to reach through the pages of this novel and shake these two and tell them to stop running from each other. I’m not gonna tell you what happens, I’m just gonna say you need to strap yourself in for the emotional rollercoaster and hold on tight.
Second, I was left in the first book torn on Griffin and how I felt about him. Griffin plays a bigger role in this story, and I definitely warmed up to him. He’s still a bit of an enigma, but I consider him one of the good guys. I have a feeling we’ll be getting more of him in Ghost Girl’s upcoming story…so I’ll wait (not very patiently) for that one.
Lastly, I NEEDED to see Jared served the vengeance he deserved. Well, I’m not going to tell you because SPOILERS. You’ll just have to read for yourself.
Well done.
Now, about the story.
First, Radcliff left us hanging after WDC with where Ryder and Lydia were relationship wise, and my heart needed their HEA, but like everything with these two, it’s not going to be easy. It’s FULL of the angst and will torture you. (Not like the torture in the first book, thank GOD because my soul could NOT handle watching these beloved characters go through that again). No, it’s our reader torture and angst. This book had me all over the place emotionally. It would take me from happy on one page to heartbroken on the next. At one point I had to put the kindle down and walk away because OMFG Ryder and Lydia were LITERALLY killing me. I wanted to reach through the pages of this novel and shake these two and tell them to stop running from each other. I’m not gonna tell you what happens, I’m just gonna say you need to strap yourself in for the emotional rollercoaster and hold on tight.
Second, I was left in the first book torn on Griffin and how I felt about him. Griffin plays a bigger role in this story, and I definitely warmed up to him. He’s still a bit of an enigma, but I consider him one of the good guys. I have a feeling we’ll be getting more of him in Ghost Girl’s upcoming story…so I’ll wait (not very patiently) for that one.
Lastly, I NEEDED to see Jared served the vengeance he deserved. Well, I’m not going to tell you because SPOILERS. You’ll just have to read for yourself.
Well done.
February 11, 2019
Lydia comes out on the other side of her kidnapping after some recovery and therapy, both physical and mental. After being away for two years, she comes home to visit her mom (who is relatively normal after some extensive care herself) and of all people...Griffin! Of all the relationships I didn’t see coming was the one forged between Griffin and Lydia. Even being half siblings, with his part in the participation in the previous book...just wow!!
Jared is still on the loose, and Lydia still has some panic attacks...but she can’t allow that to stop her, she has more than just herself to look out for.
Ryder is a fucking mess. Now he’s living his life inside a bottle, and using a woman (for sex only) who is the exact opposite of Lydia to try to block out his ‘ghost’.
Finally wrapping up some loose ends, and getting misunderstandings outta the way, oh! and Lydia to stop running at the slightest misstep...these two finally get an ending, and a beautiful one at that.
Jared is still on the loose, and Lydia still has some panic attacks...but she can’t allow that to stop her, she has more than just herself to look out for.
Ryder is a fucking mess. Now he’s living his life inside a bottle, and using a woman (for sex only) who is the exact opposite of Lydia to try to block out his ‘ghost’.
Finally wrapping up some loose ends, and getting misunderstandings outta the way, oh! and Lydia to stop running at the slightest misstep...these two finally get an ending, and a beautiful one at that.
August 28, 2018
Two years later we find out what happened between Lydia and Ryder.
I loved everything about this book. Beginning to end it was worth the wait. You see the real raw emotions come out and how loving someone- through the good, bad and ugly no matter what.... never stops! *Be still my beating heart*
This was a super cute fast read and I loved it. I can’t wait for Griffins story!
I loved everything about this book. Beginning to end it was worth the wait. You see the real raw emotions come out and how loving someone- through the good, bad and ugly no matter what.... never stops! *Be still my beating heart*
This was a super cute fast read and I loved it. I can’t wait for Griffins story!
June 19, 2018
This is the sequel to When Darkness Consumes and you must read that first before reading this book. This story takes place two years later and while some may feel that is a long gap, trust me it makes sense as you read this book on why there is a gap. I’ll just say that it took that long for our broken hearts to heal even though we didn’t have to wait two years for this book (haha). I’m so glad that the author decided to write more on Ryder and Lydia cause she probably could have ended it on book one and left it as was even though with all the bad that happened it satisfied you, but we all know they had more of a story to give us. We had a lot of Q & A’s, but we weren’t sure if “the day she came back to me was the same day I lost her” was enough to pacify us as readers and if Ryder and Lydia were ever made to go beyond this factor. Ryder and Lydia’s story is not complete and the secrets are far from over.
Lydia’s darkness consumed you in book one and returning home was just as consuming and you feel the fear of knowing that with all good things must come the bad so what’s going to occur in this story. Oh, you just wait for it cause these lips are sealed! Pure torture, but you will see how far she has grown as well as the horrible events that she endured.
Ryder was never really perfect, but he is more of a mess than ever now with Lydia gone. Lydia’s ghosted memories and revenge on Subway boy doesn’t him heal. You see the mixed emotions he goes through before, during and after the return of Lydia. A lot of changed, but their love never was far even though they were far away. No one is perfect let alone a relationship, but once all the suspense and secrets are prevailed you will see that there is light at the end of a tunnel after all. I will say though that whether it was or wasn’t didn’t matter from the moment Ryder finds out a little something, but my heart is happy and then some with the results. Sorry that it is vague, but this is not a spoiler to be spoken until you read the story. Trust me though it’s worth the wait cause you see a softer side of Ryder.
We saw the Darkness in book one and in this book we see the Light to heal our hearts. Love that it was told from dual POV and we couldn’t ask for a better ending to these two characters. Hopefully we see them down the road!
Lydia’s darkness consumed you in book one and returning home was just as consuming and you feel the fear of knowing that with all good things must come the bad so what’s going to occur in this story. Oh, you just wait for it cause these lips are sealed! Pure torture, but you will see how far she has grown as well as the horrible events that she endured.
Ryder was never really perfect, but he is more of a mess than ever now with Lydia gone. Lydia’s ghosted memories and revenge on Subway boy doesn’t him heal. You see the mixed emotions he goes through before, during and after the return of Lydia. A lot of changed, but their love never was far even though they were far away. No one is perfect let alone a relationship, but once all the suspense and secrets are prevailed you will see that there is light at the end of a tunnel after all. I will say though that whether it was or wasn’t didn’t matter from the moment Ryder finds out a little something, but my heart is happy and then some with the results. Sorry that it is vague, but this is not a spoiler to be spoken until you read the story. Trust me though it’s worth the wait cause you see a softer side of Ryder.
We saw the Darkness in book one and in this book we see the Light to heal our hearts. Love that it was told from dual POV and we couldn’t ask for a better ending to these two characters. Hopefully we see them down the road!
January 16, 2019
Whereas When Darkness Consumes gutted me, Returned to the Light put me back together. I fell in love with Ryder in the first book...and if you've read it, you know how much Lydia was put through. It was horrific to read so I was relieved when this one, while full of angst, didn't have that deep dark feel to it. RTTL picks up two years later - Lydia has returned, with a secret in tow, and Ryder is a complete and utter drunken mess. His pain was palpable and I felt awful for him...but at the same time wanted both him and Lydia to get their heads out of their a$$'s so they could finally have their HEA...and they did, thank the good lord. They both deserved it! Griffin played a much bigger role in this book - he's definitely grown on me, as I wasn't 100% sold on him in the first book. I'm looking forward to learning about his relationship with Rowena (Ghost) and how they came to be in the next duet...and hoping for little pieces of Lydia and Ryder within those books :)
January 17, 2019
Enjoyable read.
Two years have passed since Lydia left, she had to get away after everything that happened. That meant leaving Ryder the Love of her life behind because sometimes things can never be the same.
Time hasn't changed how Lydia feels about Ryder and it's time to go back and face her demons.
Ryder gave me mixed feelings in book 1. I wasn't sure about him, all the secrets he kept hidden made me distrust him a bit.
I warned slightly towards him in this story I could see how broken he was over Lydia leaving.
They don't have the easiest time in this story, but it was clear how much they love each other, so I couldn't help rooting for them to work it out.
There were still some things I feel haven't been cleared up properly for me . The whole Griffin and Lydia situation in this book, I wanted to know how they ended up so close after everything that happened.
I'm looking forward to Griffins story and getting more insight on him and ghost girl.
Two years have passed since Lydia left, she had to get away after everything that happened. That meant leaving Ryder the Love of her life behind because sometimes things can never be the same.
Time hasn't changed how Lydia feels about Ryder and it's time to go back and face her demons.
Ryder gave me mixed feelings in book 1. I wasn't sure about him, all the secrets he kept hidden made me distrust him a bit.
I warned slightly towards him in this story I could see how broken he was over Lydia leaving.
They don't have the easiest time in this story, but it was clear how much they love each other, so I couldn't help rooting for them to work it out.
There were still some things I feel haven't been cleared up properly for me . The whole Griffin and Lydia situation in this book, I wanted to know how they ended up so close after everything that happened.
I'm looking forward to Griffins story and getting more insight on him and ghost girl.
January 20, 2019
It's always darkest before dawn
A fantastic ending to Lydia and Ryder's story. You need to grab book1 and dive in! Both parts have you glued!! Two years after she walked out of the hospital, Lydia is back. Trying to work through what she went through, needing answers and to make apologies. Ryder, on the other hand, is shut off, drunk and using females to forget the one who hurt him. Lydia being back is shocking enough, but there are bigger shocks to come...One being, the monster is back!!
A fantastic ending to Lydia and Ryder's story. You need to grab book1 and dive in! Both parts have you glued!! Two years after she walked out of the hospital, Lydia is back. Trying to work through what she went through, needing answers and to make apologies. Ryder, on the other hand, is shut off, drunk and using females to forget the one who hurt him. Lydia being back is shocking enough, but there are bigger shocks to come...One being, the monster is back!!
July 3, 2018
This story picks up 2 years after the end of when darkness consumes. It was a well written story of Ryder and Lydia picking up the pieces after the devastation of the first book. There definitely wasn't the dark presence like the first book but there is a little suspence and drama. I cant wait to read the next duet about Griffin.
December 31, 2018
What a ending!
This seriously was the perfect ending to a great duet! I absolutely loved that it was dual POV's this time around! Quite a few times in the first book I caught my self wondering what Ryder was thinking so this was great! This book wasn't nearly as dark and graphic as When Darkness Consumes but I was actually glad there wasn't to much dark, I think Lydia had more then enough....Again, there's plenty of reviews so I won't give a run down of the book BUT I will say that C.M Radcliff has perfected a wonderful ending to a awesome duet! I can't wait to read "ghost girl's" story. I have a feeling it's going to be a wild ride for sure.
This seriously was the perfect ending to a great duet! I absolutely loved that it was dual POV's this time around! Quite a few times in the first book I caught my self wondering what Ryder was thinking so this was great! This book wasn't nearly as dark and graphic as When Darkness Consumes but I was actually glad there wasn't to much dark, I think Lydia had more then enough....Again, there's plenty of reviews so I won't give a run down of the book BUT I will say that C.M Radcliff has perfected a wonderful ending to a awesome duet! I can't wait to read "ghost girl's" story. I have a feeling it's going to be a wild ride for sure.
June 27, 2018
So good!!
Such a great ending to Ryder and Lydias story!!! This series kept me on the edge of my seat never knowing what was coming next!! I loved it!!
Such a great ending to Ryder and Lydias story!!! This series kept me on the edge of my seat never knowing what was coming next!! I loved it!!
January 21, 2019
Really amazing finish to this duet. She brought Lydia and Ryder justice. I loved how she still showed went they each went through after the ordeal they both lived through and how they each came to terms with what happened. I'm glad that griffin was there to help and protect Lydia and her baby. And to help them get back to one another. He is a good friend and brother. Again I was anxiously waiting this epic conclusion and was not disappointed.
June 11, 2018
Picking up 2 years after When Darkness Consumes this book is told from both Ryder and Lydia's point of veiw. It is a great story, and the perfect ending for Ryder and Lydia. For me this book held my attention from beginning to end. There isn't as much suspense or violence as in the first book. Such a great book.
June 14, 2018
As with book one, I was instantly drawn in with the characters and storyline. I needed more Lydia and Ryder. It's two years later and ALOT has changed except one thing, their love for each other. When you find your soulmate it's hard to move on, no matter what. Their relationship wasn't always easy, they had to get past all the crap and realize that no matter what, they belong together, forever. I highly recommend this book. It's a definite must read!!❤💜
January 1, 2019
Not bad. I think I found a new author to keep my eye on.
August 6, 2018
Radcliff loves Ripping out our hearts!!
I freaking love it!!! Admittedly, I needed time to read this after When Darkness Consumes! I wasn't emotionally ready for Returned to the light! And now can someone please slap me. I should have just read as soon as I could. However, Radcliff still was able to rip my heart out with Return to the Light, but she also put it back together.
I freaking love it!!! Admittedly, I needed time to read this after When Darkness Consumes! I wasn't emotionally ready for Returned to the light! And now can someone please slap me. I should have just read as soon as I could. However, Radcliff still was able to rip my heart out with Return to the Light, but she also put it back together.
July 14, 2018
Ryder was redeemed! The jury still out on Griffin. Finally the conclusion to the darkness that we were pulled into with WDC. There was light! Yes finally, we got some closure. I loved seeing Lydia and Ryder fall back in love. It was great to also see her relationship with her family, although tumultuous. Now I’m salivating for Griff, will he redeem himself with ghost girl??
July 16, 2018
Loved it great conclusion to the story
February 7, 2019
Beautiful Story!
This book ripped my heart out, but I loved everything about it. I couldn’t put it down. An amazing ending to such a tragic love story.
This book ripped my heart out, but I loved everything about it. I couldn’t put it down. An amazing ending to such a tragic love story.
July 30, 2018
Must read
Loved this book. Absolutely loved Ryder and Lydia and felt everything during their journey. This was a fantastic story and while I was happy, I was also sad it ended. I need more of them and will definitely be reading more by this author.
Loved this book. Absolutely loved Ryder and Lydia and felt everything during their journey. This was a fantastic story and while I was happy, I was also sad it ended. I need more of them and will definitely be reading more by this author.
December 15, 2018
Beautiful conclusion to an epic love story. I cannot wait to see what Mrs. Radcliff has in store for us next.
She is a writer we all need to be watching. Her stories weave together beautifully and tragically. It makes you feel every single feeling possible as you read and you never wanna put it down. You will cry, scream, laugh, and evem squirm. Such a tantalizing read.
She is a writer we all need to be watching. Her stories weave together beautifully and tragically. It makes you feel every single feeling possible as you read and you never wanna put it down. You will cry, scream, laugh, and evem squirm. Such a tantalizing read.
January 28, 2019
Gah! This book has killed me! You can only know true joy after knowing true pain and this book was the perfect example of this! I can't believe I waited so long to read this story. This is the conclusion of Ryder and Lydia's story and I already miss them. Everything about this book was perfect! I loved how all the loose ends were tied up. And I was glad to see how CM Radcliff dealt with Jared. I would have loved to see Scarlet get some of her own medicine, but that's my mean coming out. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author!
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May 7, 2022This book put my shattered heart back together. I love Lydia and Ryder so much and they have suffered way way too much and they deserve each other so much. Two souls made for each other. Soulmates destined to be together in this life, and the next, and for all of eternity.
After all the pain, torture, and suffering Lydia had to endure in the first book, she rose to the top in this book after having hit rock bottom in the first book. She needed to heal for herself in order to be there Ryder, and the rest of her loved ones. In order to do that, she felt the need to have to leave everyone and spend time apart from them, Ryder included. She finally returns home after being away for the past two years. Leaving Ryder was not easy for her but she felt like the she had to do that in order to heal, even though she realizes later on that she probably shouldn't have went about it the way she did. Her life had changed quite significantly the past few years with a surprise.. a secret that nobody was expecting either. She has now has an amazing relationship with her brother Griffin, who has been there for her the whole time trying to heal. Now that she is back, she has to tell her secret to Ryder and hopefully fix their relationship. The only issue is that Jared is still on the lose, and Lydia is constantly watching over her shoulder and having a few panic attacks.. and now she has more than just herself to look out for.
The thing is Ryder didn't quite understand why she wanted nothing to do with him and it broke him apart and turned him into someone unrecognizable the time they spent apart. He is barely hanging in there, and only goes to work and comes home to drink his thoughts and feelings away, sleep, and repeat. He is doing everything he possibly can to block out the ghost of Lydia, including using a woman for just sex, a woman who is the exact opposite of Lydia.. in order to push away the ghost of his Lydia. He is complete drunken mess without Lydia and she has no idea. When she finds out how he's been coping with her being gone, she feels so much guilt and felt as if she let him down.. and reconsidering if what she did was the right choice. Her brother and her friends try to tell her that it isn't her fault and that he is old enough to know right from wrong when it comes to his choices, but that does nothing to calm the guilt and pain in her chest when it comes to Ryder. They help her realize that her leaving was what she needed and was what is best for her despite how it really messed up Ryder by keeping him in the dark. Ryder is constantly thinking of Lydia and all the pain she had to go through and why she left him... his need to get revenge on Jared for what he did to her and him has never left and him and Griffin have have been looking for him this whole time, until they finally find him. Ryder doesn't know how to handle his emotions when he finds out that Lydia is back.. he wants her back but he is so confused on where he went wrong and why she left him.. so many questions are pooling around in his head and he has no clue what is going to happen next.
These two were KILLING me, I just wanted to reach through the pages and push them together to let out all their thoughts going in their head and beg them to just COMMUNICATE their thoughts swirling around in their heads with each other so that they can get through this and be happy together. I wanted to scream at them to stop running from each other and beg them to stop making assumptions in their heads!! I felt all the emotions these two were going through and it completely broke me and made me cry so much seeing them suffer so much without each other. Despite being far from each other, their love was never far away from each other.. always connected by a rope between the two of them. They both made mistakes with how they went about certain things and could have definitely avoided being apart for the past 2 years, but no relationship is perfect and mistakes are bound to happen. Once all the secrets are revealed, they will see that nothing can ever get in the way of their relationship.. even though they both knew this deep down inside but never really believed in it due to their doubts. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. They might not have the easiest time in this story, but their love for each other has been clear from day one, so hope was always there.
Eventually, things go down the path of happiness for both of them, but like all good things, it is never easy. The road to happiness for them is so beautiful and I loved every second of it because GOD KNOWS these two deserve it more than anything. They are both strong enough to get past their demons and be together forever, happily ever after.
I was intrigued by Griffin from book one, so I am so glad I got to see more of him and his ghost girl in this book. He is so protective and loyal to his sister, he truly loves her so much and you can see a lot of that in this book. I knew he was a good guy and cared about his sister, but it becomes so much more obvious here, so if you had any doubts, you won't any longer. I am dying to know more about him and what happened between him and his girl and to see their love story unfold because these two lovebirds are soulmates through that share a past filled with darkness too that I am dying to know! Also.... I really am glad Jared got what he deserved... he deserved every bit of it. I NEEDED to see it all happen and I am pretty happy and relieved he got what was coming for him. I wish he could have been helped, but there was no fixing that...
Love my babies so much, Lydia, Ryder, Trent, Griffin, Rowena... YOU ALL HAVE MY HEART FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!
I am hoping we can get more of Lydia and Ryder though, I am pretty sad it was only two books.. so maybe.. hopefully we can get something of them in the future... along with more of Griffin and Rowena too since there is only one book on them. Ahhh C.M. Radcliff did this to me, I need more!! It definitely feels like there can be more!
Deserves all the stars and more!! Thank you so much for another fantastic masterpiece C.M. !!
After all the pain, torture, and suffering Lydia had to endure in the first book, she rose to the top in this book after having hit rock bottom in the first book. She needed to heal for herself in order to be there Ryder, and the rest of her loved ones. In order to do that, she felt the need to have to leave everyone and spend time apart from them, Ryder included. She finally returns home after being away for the past two years. Leaving Ryder was not easy for her but she felt like the she had to do that in order to heal, even though she realizes later on that she probably shouldn't have went about it the way she did. Her life had changed quite significantly the past few years with a surprise.. a secret that nobody was expecting either. She has now has an amazing relationship with her brother Griffin, who has been there for her the whole time trying to heal. Now that she is back, she has to tell her secret to Ryder and hopefully fix their relationship. The only issue is that Jared is still on the lose, and Lydia is constantly watching over her shoulder and having a few panic attacks.. and now she has more than just herself to look out for.
The thing is Ryder didn't quite understand why she wanted nothing to do with him and it broke him apart and turned him into someone unrecognizable the time they spent apart. He is barely hanging in there, and only goes to work and comes home to drink his thoughts and feelings away, sleep, and repeat. He is doing everything he possibly can to block out the ghost of Lydia, including using a woman for just sex, a woman who is the exact opposite of Lydia.. in order to push away the ghost of his Lydia. He is complete drunken mess without Lydia and she has no idea. When she finds out how he's been coping with her being gone, she feels so much guilt and felt as if she let him down.. and reconsidering if what she did was the right choice. Her brother and her friends try to tell her that it isn't her fault and that he is old enough to know right from wrong when it comes to his choices, but that does nothing to calm the guilt and pain in her chest when it comes to Ryder. They help her realize that her leaving was what she needed and was what is best for her despite how it really messed up Ryder by keeping him in the dark. Ryder is constantly thinking of Lydia and all the pain she had to go through and why she left him... his need to get revenge on Jared for what he did to her and him has never left and him and Griffin have have been looking for him this whole time, until they finally find him. Ryder doesn't know how to handle his emotions when he finds out that Lydia is back.. he wants her back but he is so confused on where he went wrong and why she left him.. so many questions are pooling around in his head and he has no clue what is going to happen next.
These two were KILLING me, I just wanted to reach through the pages and push them together to let out all their thoughts going in their head and beg them to just COMMUNICATE their thoughts swirling around in their heads with each other so that they can get through this and be happy together. I wanted to scream at them to stop running from each other and beg them to stop making assumptions in their heads!! I felt all the emotions these two were going through and it completely broke me and made me cry so much seeing them suffer so much without each other. Despite being far from each other, their love was never far away from each other.. always connected by a rope between the two of them. They both made mistakes with how they went about certain things and could have definitely avoided being apart for the past 2 years, but no relationship is perfect and mistakes are bound to happen. Once all the secrets are revealed, they will see that nothing can ever get in the way of their relationship.. even though they both knew this deep down inside but never really believed in it due to their doubts. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. They might not have the easiest time in this story, but their love for each other has been clear from day one, so hope was always there.
Eventually, things go down the path of happiness for both of them, but like all good things, it is never easy. The road to happiness for them is so beautiful and I loved every second of it because GOD KNOWS these two deserve it more than anything. They are both strong enough to get past their demons and be together forever, happily ever after.
I was intrigued by Griffin from book one, so I am so glad I got to see more of him and his ghost girl in this book. He is so protective and loyal to his sister, he truly loves her so much and you can see a lot of that in this book. I knew he was a good guy and cared about his sister, but it becomes so much more obvious here, so if you had any doubts, you won't any longer. I am dying to know more about him and what happened between him and his girl and to see their love story unfold because these two lovebirds are soulmates through that share a past filled with darkness too that I am dying to know! Also.... I really am glad Jared got what he deserved... he deserved every bit of it. I NEEDED to see it all happen and I am pretty happy and relieved he got what was coming for him. I wish he could have been helped, but there was no fixing that...
Love my babies so much, Lydia, Ryder, Trent, Griffin, Rowena... YOU ALL HAVE MY HEART FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!
I am hoping we can get more of Lydia and Ryder though, I am pretty sad it was only two books.. so maybe.. hopefully we can get something of them in the future... along with more of Griffin and Rowena too since there is only one book on them. Ahhh C.M. Radcliff did this to me, I need more!! It definitely feels like there can be more!
Deserves all the stars and more!! Thank you so much for another fantastic masterpiece C.M. !!
December 29, 2018
I devoured this book in one sitting so I could find out how Ryder and Lydia’s story ended. This book had me on the edge of my seat anticipating what would happen next. Such a great ending. I can’t wait to read more from this author!!
February 17, 2019
The sequel to When Darkness Consumes, we see how Lydia has put her life together following her escape from captivity. She's across the country, and has built a new life with a small twist. Ryder it seems has succumbed to his demons with the lost of Lydia, who seemingly has dropped off his radar after leaving the hospital. With the help of Griffin, Lydia finally decides to face her past and reveal some truths which will change Ryder's life forever. Of course no reunion is complete without remembering that the person who caused all of the chaos is still out there and has his own agenda. I love CM's use of characters in this story. While this is a second chance at love, so is it also a chance for vengeance. My favorite character to hate makes an appearance and lives up to his truly horrid nature. I loved the pacing of this story better than the first one. I of course am enamored with both Lydia and Ryder. One of my favorite series from 2018.
March 6, 2022
I NEEDED this sequel as soon as I was done with Book One. The huge feeling of redemption hung over me as I reconnected with Lydia as she tried to move forward the best she could. Ryder wasn't doing quite as well, but I was hopeful that he would see a need and make a shift. And of course, vengeance was never far from my mind when I thought back to all they had endured in Book One.
About halfway through this one, my anxiety ramped up to HIGH. I was so fearful for Lydia and Trent that I was on edge with every turn of the page.
I loved how Radcliff told this story and kept me on edge until the end. It was brilliant, and I am already planning what I will read next from her.
About halfway through this one, my anxiety ramped up to HIGH. I was so fearful for Lydia and Trent that I was on edge with every turn of the page.
I loved how Radcliff told this story and kept me on edge until the end. It was brilliant, and I am already planning what I will read next from her.
February 28, 2019
4.5 stars
WARNING: This book is not a standalone. This is the continuation of When Darkness Consumes!!!!! It’s also the fabulous conclusion to Lydia and Ryder’s story!!! It’s dark, sexy and exciting but there are still a few gaps in the storyline. For example, we aren’t told Luckily there is more to come when we get to read about Lydia’s abuse through Griffin’s POV in TRACES OF HER!!! Hopefully all will be revealed there!!!
WARNING: This book is not a standalone. This is the continuation of When Darkness Consumes!!!!! It’s also the fabulous conclusion to Lydia and Ryder’s story!!! It’s dark, sexy and exciting but there are still a few gaps in the storyline. For example, we aren’t told Luckily there is more to come when we get to read about Lydia’s abuse through Griffin’s POV in TRACES OF HER!!! Hopefully all will be revealed there!!!
September 29, 2021
Ryder is left broken hearted after Lydia leaves/disappears from her old life. When Lydia returns a couple of years later to face her past she doesn’t return alone. And to top it off, Jared is still in hiding and has everyone paranoid that he’ll be back for Lydia.
This is the conclusion of Ryder and Lydia’s story. I wish I could say they get shit together but It takes them a few tries! Sheesh. I enjoyed this story and happy and glad they got their HEA after all!
This is the conclusion of Ryder and Lydia’s story. I wish I could say they get shit together but It takes them a few tries! Sheesh. I enjoyed this story and happy and glad they got their HEA after all!
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