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Brothers after Dark #1
Before Dark
I thought love was supposed to be easy. Now I know better.
Saying yes to Winston Slade’s proposal was easy.
Keeping the diamond ring on my finger is proving to be complicated.
But it’s too late. Winston gets what he wants. And Winston keeps what he thinks belongs to him.
He’s perfect on the outside. We are perfect on the outside. But sometimes perfect is imperfection wrapped in a pretty package, and this thing we call love is nothing but an illusion.
Winston’s love is the ocean, and I’m drowning in it. When I come up for air, he pulls me back under. Until the darkness that lives inside his heart surfaces and engulfs both of us.
There’s no going back now, not for him, not for me.
I can’t keep myself from falling, but can I catch myself before I hit the ground?
Saying yes to Winston Slade’s proposal was easy.
Keeping the diamond ring on my finger is proving to be complicated.
But it’s too late. Winston gets what he wants. And Winston keeps what he thinks belongs to him.
He’s perfect on the outside. We are perfect on the outside. But sometimes perfect is imperfection wrapped in a pretty package, and this thing we call love is nothing but an illusion.
Winston’s love is the ocean, and I’m drowning in it. When I come up for air, he pulls me back under. Until the darkness that lives inside his heart surfaces and engulfs both of us.
There’s no going back now, not for him, not for me.
I can’t keep myself from falling, but can I catch myself before I hit the ground?
- GenresAbuse
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2018
90 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Dori Lavelle
47 books571 followersDori Lavelle is a mother, wife, and sucker for happy ever afters and mint chocolate. Hand her a great romance novel and a mug of hot chocolate and she'd be one happy woman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 26, 2018
Wow Dori you did it again! I'm thinking to myself this isn't that dark. Then bam! That ending. I was literally biting my nails. I can't wait for book 2. I'm dying to see what is up your sleeve on this series!! You are brilliant Dori!!
September 26, 2018
I was given an advanced readers copy of this book and have decided to leave a voluntary honest review. Ok I love this author and her dark mind. But I have to say I was really surpised by before Dark. It was a lot different and what I thought. First and you can call me crazy but I like winston quite a bit actually. So once you read it you can form your own opinion. Next with Jenna I feel like she wasn't being real with him. I mean first they hid there relationship for 6 months. I don't know what she expected by wanting to marry a billionaire. They do things the way they like, so for her to keep second guessing everything that should of told her maybe I'm not ready for marriage etc. Now Travis where do I begin with him, he's right in some ways some woman get off on pain but that's in bedroom. I don't think they appreciate being slapped best out of it. So ya Travis is twisted. The ending though I was really disappointed again once you read you know why I feel the way I do.
September 24, 2018
OMG I just love this woman. She did it again. She made me lose myself in her book and she played with my brain so good. This book was dark and twisted and I loved it so so much. I can't wait for the second book (yep, there is a cliffhanger) and it better comes out soon coz I will go crazy. I can't stop thinking about it now. And this happens every single time I read her books. The writing is flawless as always and the plot just grabs you from the very first page. You just keep reading and reading till one moment you realize the book comes to an end and you close it and sit there in silence and stare at it for ages thinking "WTF?!?! I NEED MORE" So now you wait till the second book is out 😏
This book tells us the story of Jenna and Winston. He is her boss and they have an affair that they hide from everyone. So when Winston ask Jenna to marry him one day she says Yes. But she start questioning herself if she made the right choice. As they start to spend more time together she sees him in a different way. He is more controling and hide so many secrets... secrets, that bring his dark side out.
Dori gives us once again a fenomenal dark and twisted read filled with some hot scenes. I recommend this book no scratch that I want to shout out to everyone to just READ THAT BOOK!!!
5 star read for me. Brilliant as always. Hands down woman 😘😘
This book tells us the story of Jenna and Winston. He is her boss and they have an affair that they hide from everyone. So when Winston ask Jenna to marry him one day she says Yes. But she start questioning herself if she made the right choice. As they start to spend more time together she sees him in a different way. He is more controling and hide so many secrets... secrets, that bring his dark side out.
Dori gives us once again a fenomenal dark and twisted read filled with some hot scenes. I recommend this book no scratch that I want to shout out to everyone to just READ THAT BOOK!!!
5 star read for me. Brilliant as always. Hands down woman 😘😘
September 26, 2018
When reading a Dori Lavelle book I’m never disappointed.
So with Before Dark again Ms. Lavelle hit a homerun with me.
She’s the Queen of dark twisted stories.
Her dark books start off sweet and sexy and I’m lulled into believing the couple are in for happy times.
Them bam the story and plot twist into an OMG what the hell just happened!
Fantastic start to what is looking like a phenomenal series!
We are introduced to Jenna and Winston.
Winston is a billionaire that owns and runs his fortune 100 business.
He’s an older man that’s sexy and very good looking.
Jenna is in her twenties and works at his company.
When she agrees to become his wife,changes start to happened between them and not for the good.
I really liked that Jenna was conscious and aware of the changes taking place with Winston and didn’t let his money control her decisions and she tries to follow her gut feelings.
Holy amazeballs that ending!
Very excited to read what coming next!
So with Before Dark again Ms. Lavelle hit a homerun with me.
She’s the Queen of dark twisted stories.
Her dark books start off sweet and sexy and I’m lulled into believing the couple are in for happy times.
Them bam the story and plot twist into an OMG what the hell just happened!
Fantastic start to what is looking like a phenomenal series!
We are introduced to Jenna and Winston.
Winston is a billionaire that owns and runs his fortune 100 business.
He’s an older man that’s sexy and very good looking.
Jenna is in her twenties and works at his company.
When she agrees to become his wife,changes start to happened between them and not for the good.
I really liked that Jenna was conscious and aware of the changes taking place with Winston and didn’t let his money control her decisions and she tries to follow her gut feelings.
Holy amazeballs that ending!
Very excited to read what coming next!
September 19, 2018
This is an excellent start to this new series. It was a little slow on the build up, but wow what an explosive cliffhanger ending. I truly love these dark romance books and Dori Lavelle sure knows how to spin a dark tale.
Jenna had been sleeping with her boss, Winston for the last six months. So when she gets told to go to his office she's not sure what is going on. Winston subsequently fires her and then asks her to marry him. Things start to get a bit weird and Jenna feels like Winston is getting more and more controlling every day. When he introduces her to his twin brother, Travis, she is definitely confused because he never even mentioned a brother to her, let alone a twin. She gets bad vibes from Travis and understands why Winston never mentioned him before. As things get more and more out of her control she starts feeling like she made a mistake agreeing to marry Winston. All the warning signs are there and Jenna is struggling to do what's best for her. This absolutely intriguing story comes to a earth shattering cliffhanger and left me begging for the next book.
Definitely recommend this book to all the dark romance lovers out there. Also if you haven't read any of Dori Lavelle's other dark romances you should because they are great books as well. She has a few dark romances which are: Obsession Inc. series, His Agenda series, and her Fatal Hearts series. All of these are definitely great dark romances.
Jenna had been sleeping with her boss, Winston for the last six months. So when she gets told to go to his office she's not sure what is going on. Winston subsequently fires her and then asks her to marry him. Things start to get a bit weird and Jenna feels like Winston is getting more and more controlling every day. When he introduces her to his twin brother, Travis, she is definitely confused because he never even mentioned a brother to her, let alone a twin. She gets bad vibes from Travis and understands why Winston never mentioned him before. As things get more and more out of her control she starts feeling like she made a mistake agreeing to marry Winston. All the warning signs are there and Jenna is struggling to do what's best for her. This absolutely intriguing story comes to a earth shattering cliffhanger and left me begging for the next book.
Definitely recommend this book to all the dark romance lovers out there. Also if you haven't read any of Dori Lavelle's other dark romances you should because they are great books as well. She has a few dark romances which are: Obsession Inc. series, His Agenda series, and her Fatal Hearts series. All of these are definitely great dark romances.
January 16, 2021
I'll give it a 3.5. To be honest with this author I'm used to the abusive side of the men coming out quickly within the first few chapters though I still maintain "His Agenda" was sloppy. But anyway, the slow build-up with this book was actually kind of nice.
Jenna has been having a fling with her boss for six months prior to the start of the book and he then asks her to marry him. From then on they start to have problems because his possessive side over dumb things start to come out such as him not liking her reading romance books or spending extra time with her family.
He also has a twin brother who is a criminal and killer but all he really knows is that his brother is a wife beater. So towards the end where the cliffhanger happens, that's where it gets more interesting and that's all I'm going to say....well the title of the book will make more sense at the end really.
Jenna has been having a fling with her boss for six months prior to the start of the book and he then asks her to marry him. From then on they start to have problems because his possessive side over dumb things start to come out such as him not liking her reading romance books or spending extra time with her family.
He also has a twin brother who is a criminal and killer but all he really knows is that his brother is a wife beater. So towards the end where the cliffhanger happens, that's where it gets more interesting and that's all I'm going to say....well the title of the book will make more sense at the end really.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2020
The first 90% of this book deserves 2 stars because it was sooooo incredibly boring. Not a sign of anything dark anywhere & absolutely no relationship to the prequel. However, things get better and everything comes together in the last 10%!!!
September 19, 2018
Dori Lavelle has done it again.
This story is a slow build up to an explosive ending that will leave you begging for the next book. Great start to this new series.
I am so intrigued as to how this series is going to play out. I can't wait to find out more about This secret Club. I dying to know more about other members of this club and Winston's brother.
I love Jenna's character not sure about the men yet will have to wait and see. But who knows this author has a way of having me go from hating to loving to hating them again. But time will tell.. Well written as always.
I so excited to see where the story goes bring on book two, please :)
This story is a slow build up to an explosive ending that will leave you begging for the next book. Great start to this new series.
I am so intrigued as to how this series is going to play out. I can't wait to find out more about This secret Club. I dying to know more about other members of this club and Winston's brother.
I love Jenna's character not sure about the men yet will have to wait and see. But who knows this author has a way of having me go from hating to loving to hating them again. But time will tell.. Well written as always.
I so excited to see where the story goes bring on book two, please :)
February 1, 2019
It was my first book by this author, but it won't be my last.
Great book!
Great book!
December 30, 2018
I had to reread the prequel, Brothers After Dark, to remind me of the the plot that was set up. I have to say, that crazy prequel did my head in & I had no idea how the author could follow it up but it becomes clearer as you get through this book. At first glance, it seems like a whirlwind romance for Jenna and Winston. Jenna can't shake that something is not quite right. Winston is a weird character. He manages a large company but seems unable to cope with certain aspects of his life. He is obsessive, yet succumbs to suggestions of others. We met his brother, Travis, near the end of the prequel, and Travis makes an appearance in this book too. The story is still unfolding, so I don't want to put any spoilers out there. I will say that this book is dark, the twisty plot is still unfolding, and that I don't see a romance in here. It was a surprise ending for me, and I will certainly be following up with the ending of Jenna's story in the next book.
I am voluntarily leaving my opinion of a review copy of this book.
I am voluntarily leaving my opinion of a review copy of this book.
March 7, 2019
Our heroine is sleeping with her boss, but something is not quite right with him.
This is a dark romance story with more than a bit of a thriller vibe. Our characters have definite chemistry between them, and there is a strong and growing attachment, and yet something is just a bit off. As the story progresses, that feeling of something being wrong increases and, for myself, it starts to get a bit creepy. As much as I like dark romances, creepy is not something I look for so this one was starting to skirt the edges for me.
The story itself is incredibly well written, with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages to find out what is next. Our characters are also well developed with a slow reveal into more of their background as we progress. It was quite gripping.
Fair warning: This book ends on a definite cliffhanger, so you will want to have the next one handy.
Highly recommended, but not for the faint of heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is a dark romance story with more than a bit of a thriller vibe. Our characters have definite chemistry between them, and there is a strong and growing attachment, and yet something is just a bit off. As the story progresses, that feeling of something being wrong increases and, for myself, it starts to get a bit creepy. As much as I like dark romances, creepy is not something I look for so this one was starting to skirt the edges for me.
The story itself is incredibly well written, with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning the pages to find out what is next. Our characters are also well developed with a slow reveal into more of their background as we progress. It was quite gripping.
Fair warning: This book ends on a definite cliffhanger, so you will want to have the next one handy.
Highly recommended, but not for the faint of heart.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
September 26, 2018
This is one twisty, dark book! OMG!! Dori Lavelle is a new author to me and I was delightfully surprised to get this gem as an ARC. Jenna becomes engaged to her billionaire boss after having a secret affair with him for 6 months. However, after they become engaged, he fires her because she can no longer work for him, and then begins to change and control every facet of her life. She finds out about a twin brother he has who is ruthless and cold. There are some twists that I can't tell you about because it would be major spoilers, but it ends in a huge cliffhanger with your jaw hanging on the floor. You won't see that coming! Dori writes with such skill and the dual POV of both Jenna and Winston keep you in their inner thoughts. This is a book that will keep you turning the pages quickly until there are no more. I am giving an honest review and in no way compensated by this author.
February 4, 2019
Dark romance, grabs your attention. Definitely need more.
Dark romance that pulls you in. Jenna had an affair with her boss, Winston. Although she developed feelings for him, 6 months into what she thought was just clandestine meetings he proposes to her. Swept up in the moment she says yes but can't help the second thought after the excitement dies down. Winston's odd character traits begin to show and she wonders if the need to slow down. Then Jenna meets Travis, Winston's twin brother. The men were separated at birth and just found each other a few years ago. Travis has a darkness to him that seems to be showing in Winston more & more each day. Jenna & Winston do have a romance although veiled in darkness. I can see how she could be swept up by it all. A lot unfolds before this story that ends on a dark cliffhanger. I'm definitely reading the next book.
Dark romance that pulls you in. Jenna had an affair with her boss, Winston. Although she developed feelings for him, 6 months into what she thought was just clandestine meetings he proposes to her. Swept up in the moment she says yes but can't help the second thought after the excitement dies down. Winston's odd character traits begin to show and she wonders if the need to slow down. Then Jenna meets Travis, Winston's twin brother. The men were separated at birth and just found each other a few years ago. Travis has a darkness to him that seems to be showing in Winston more & more each day. Jenna & Winston do have a romance although veiled in darkness. I can see how she could be swept up by it all. A lot unfolds before this story that ends on a dark cliffhanger. I'm definitely reading the next book.
January 3, 2019
So first off, there is a prequel to this book called Brothers After Dark, it is not necessary to start there but it is worth the read before getting into this book. WOW! So this Brothers After Dark series is the first of this author for me and I am left speechless. At first I thought the book was okay but as you read along and get closer to the end......the ride you are taken on is just wow. I love the characters - Jenna and Winston are great but the twist of Winston's twin Travis, just sizzling! This book does end on a cliffhanger which I am not a fan of but I cannot wait to read book two.
I read and reviewed this book as an ARC from BookSprout.
I read and reviewed this book as an ARC from BookSprout.
February 2, 2019
Marketing assistant Jenna Mcnally goes from having a secret affair with billionaire CEO Winston Slade to being engaged to him. The handsome Winston is one of the most eligible bachelors in America so Jenna should be over the moon but after the rush wears off Jenna starts to question her decision. It doesn't help that Winston starts lying to Jenna and seems more controlling. Then things spiral out of control in the worst possible way. Note: this story ends on a cliffhanger.
Before Dark is a dark, intriguing and riveting story full of twists and turns that will leave you hanging. I can't wait to read Midnight Dark, Book 2 of the Brothers After Dark series.
Before Dark is a dark, intriguing and riveting story full of twists and turns that will leave you hanging. I can't wait to read Midnight Dark, Book 2 of the Brothers After Dark series.
September 28, 2018
Wow! This is my book by Dori and OMG she's got me book line and sinker! This series is going to be off the charts crazy good and deliciously dark and I can't wait for more. Jenna works for Winston, he's her boss and she's sleeping with him, so what's the bossman to do? Fire his girlfriend and propose. There are so many twists, secrets, things are getting weird and Jenna is starting to regret her decision to marry Winston. You will be sucked in and you won't put this bookdown, no spoilers here. Loved it! Voluntarily reviewed this book.
January 29, 2019
Is Jenna’s engagement everything she needs?
This is my 1st book by the author and she quickly draws you into Jenna’s life. Jenna and Winston meet in an elevator at work at midnight and they fall into a 6 month secret affair. Then Winston wants Jenna for his wife, to which she quickly agrees. Their engagement seems to be perfect, but Jenna keeps hearing warning bells go off. Will Jenna listen to her instincts? You have to read to find out and won’t believe the ending. Thankfully, book 2 is available now.
This is my 1st book by the author and she quickly draws you into Jenna’s life. Jenna and Winston meet in an elevator at work at midnight and they fall into a 6 month secret affair. Then Winston wants Jenna for his wife, to which she quickly agrees. Their engagement seems to be perfect, but Jenna keeps hearing warning bells go off. Will Jenna listen to her instincts? You have to read to find out and won’t believe the ending. Thankfully, book 2 is available now.
September 26, 2018
Omg! What a start to what promises to be an amazing series. Dori knows how spin a dark tale not to turn you off but, the opposite, to keep you coming back for more. An that is exactly what I want. MORE! So dark. So twisted. So crazy of a roller coaster ride. So much yumminess. Hurry up #2. She had been one of my favorite authors from the first dark read & I KNOW reading a Dori Lavelle book, it's going to be just as dark as I love it!
September 27, 2018
My first read of a Dori book! Ok so I'm gonna start out with, I didn't like the beginning of the book, I kind of felt like I missed something, but I committed to this book, so I was going to finish it! And I'm really glad I did! Holy smokes there's some twisted stuff coming out of this girls pen! Winston is one scary dude wrapped into a billionaire Ceo fiancee package, girl don't stand a chance! Look forward to book 2!
September 29, 2018
When I received this ARC, I knew I was going to love this book as Dori never disappoints when it comes to dark, twisted and intense relationships. This book was fire from beginning to end, filled with a whole lot of surprises which you knew was going to lead to even more mind blowing paths to get your heart racing. I know that book 2 is going to be filled with even more unexpected events and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.
October 22, 2018
This is my first book by Dori Lavelle and I am still shaking, both literally and emotionally, after reading it.
I loved the story. I actually felt every bit of doubt and discomfort the female character had to experience during this story.
I still feel like I am in the hidden closet with her. The author has impressed me beyond words with her work and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I loved the story. I actually felt every bit of doubt and discomfort the female character had to experience during this story.
I still feel like I am in the hidden closet with her. The author has impressed me beyond words with her work and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
January 2, 2019
This dark and twisted storyline was well written with a plot that flowed easily from page to page and the characters were written with great detail and depth! I was so riveted to my seat that as I turned each page I couldn't put this book down until I finished reading the very last page! Such a great read by a new favourate author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2019
So many twists and turns in this book, that is a great thing as it kept me reading. The main male character changes a lot once he has married the main female character, the changes are on the dark side. These changes lead the female character to turn and run and we end on a cliffhanger!!! For my sanity I hope the next book comes out soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2019
I found this story to be a very twisted yet captivating read. The characters are intriguing with plenty of little nuances in characteristics that leave the reader wondering what is going on. You can feel her changing emotions - the fear that she has for the weird vibes in her relationship as well as from his unknown twin brother. This is book 1 so be prepared to left wondering. Interesting story.
4 1/2 stars
4 1/2 stars
January 4, 2019
This was a dark and twisted romantic suspense. It was a nail biter from beginning to end, although there were times I wanted to smack some sense into Jenna. Winston held the promise of something good, but was the darkness in him too strong? I wish I knew his background story - I had so many questions. But I need to find out what happens next with this series!
January 12, 2019
It had been easy to say yes to him but staying is even harder. He seems so prefect but he hides darkness inside him. Just how dark is he. How will she deal with it all? Will he stay her even deeper? Will she fall? See what will happen between them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2019
Boring start
I usually don't give bad ratings.
But this book was hard for me to get through. I almost stopped in the middle of the book because I couldn't take how much of a whiner Jenna was. This wasn't a dark romance book. I loved Doris other series. But I am hesitant on giving the next book a try.
I usually don't give bad ratings.
But this book was hard for me to get through. I almost stopped in the middle of the book because I couldn't take how much of a whiner Jenna was. This wasn't a dark romance book. I loved Doris other series. But I am hesitant on giving the next book a try.
September 27, 2018
it was a really great book! i just felt like there were parts missing from this book. she thought she had it all from the man she was sleeping with. that all changed one day. read to find out what happened.
September 28, 2018
Goodness, talk about a swerve from how it starts to where it ends...for now. Definitely a build up to the intrigue of what’s going to happen next. And Dori’s usual swerve that keeps you guessing, and gasping, as to what happens next. Can’t wait to find out!
October 7, 2018
What did I just read, wow!!!
This book was incredible. The characters Jenna, Winston and Travis are all so diverse. The introduction of this group of sadistic men scares me so much but I'm so darn intrigued that I wish the whole series was out now. #doricanwrite #loveherbooks
This book was incredible. The characters Jenna, Winston and Travis are all so diverse. The introduction of this group of sadistic men scares me so much but I'm so darn intrigued that I wish the whole series was out now. #doricanwrite #loveherbooks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews