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Guarding Light: Book 1 of the Dark Series trilogy
This book does NOT end with a cliffhanger.
Jack Gard and Catlyn Lyte’s budding romance begins in high school. Although Jack cares for Catlyn, he refuses to get into a relationship with Catlyn because of her age. Then Catlyn is assaulted, and her world is torn apart when Jack sides with his best friend, giving him an alibi. Devastated, Catlyn flees Newburgh, NY.
Twenty-five years later, someone is assaulting and killing young, African-American women in Chief of Detectives Jack Gard’s hometown. Working against an escalating killer, Jack requests help from a special division of the FBI.
Enter Supervisory Special Agent Catlyn Lyte. She has always done her job well but is wary of working with someone she doesn't trust. Nevertheless, Sparks fly between the two officials as Catlyn puts herself in the path of their quarry.
Can two ex-friends try to bury their differences to solve, not only the mystery of the Newburgh Slasher, but also the mystery that ruined their budding romance twenty-five years ago?
Jack Gard and Catlyn Lyte’s budding romance begins in high school. Although Jack cares for Catlyn, he refuses to get into a relationship with Catlyn because of her age. Then Catlyn is assaulted, and her world is torn apart when Jack sides with his best friend, giving him an alibi. Devastated, Catlyn flees Newburgh, NY.
Twenty-five years later, someone is assaulting and killing young, African-American women in Chief of Detectives Jack Gard’s hometown. Working against an escalating killer, Jack requests help from a special division of the FBI.
Enter Supervisory Special Agent Catlyn Lyte. She has always done her job well but is wary of working with someone she doesn't trust. Nevertheless, Sparks fly between the two officials as Catlyn puts herself in the path of their quarry.
Can two ex-friends try to bury their differences to solve, not only the mystery of the Newburgh Slasher, but also the mystery that ruined their budding romance twenty-five years ago?
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2013
186 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
January 27, 2019
DNF
Who keeps giving these 5 star reviews. This book had so much potential only to turn out to be crap. First, how can Catlyn be bestfriends with Sara yet making out with a guy she knows her bestfriend has the hots for? Second, how are all of these people over the age of 35 and acting and speaking like children? Tasha, as a grown up, is very annoying. Third, I don't care how much a man turns me on, there is no way I could easily forgive and make out with a man I believe gave an alibi to my rapist. Catlyn is an idiot. Jack is extremely lame for begging Catlyn to go out with him. And why is he calling her Kitten? It's a dumb nick name. Smh. I think a third grader wrote this book. I take that back, my son is in third grade and I am sure he can write a better book than this.
I do not recommend this book.
Who keeps giving these 5 star reviews. This book had so much potential only to turn out to be crap. First, how can Catlyn be bestfriends with Sara yet making out with a guy she knows her bestfriend has the hots for? Second, how are all of these people over the age of 35 and acting and speaking like children? Tasha, as a grown up, is very annoying. Third, I don't care how much a man turns me on, there is no way I could easily forgive and make out with a man I believe gave an alibi to my rapist. Catlyn is an idiot. Jack is extremely lame for begging Catlyn to go out with him. And why is he calling her Kitten? It's a dumb nick name. Smh. I think a third grader wrote this book. I take that back, my son is in third grade and I am sure he can write a better book than this.
I do not recommend this book.
December 9, 2018
Highly disappointed
I struggled in determining the rating for this book. The synopsis drew me in, but the execution of the story was poorly done. I didn't like the female and male leads. The dialogue of the adult characters were juvenile at best. So many loose ends and unbelievable scenarios. The J.T. saga was just plain ludicrous.
I struggled in determining the rating for this book. The synopsis drew me in, but the execution of the story was poorly done. I didn't like the female and male leads. The dialogue of the adult characters were juvenile at best. So many loose ends and unbelievable scenarios. The J.T. saga was just plain ludicrous.
December 26, 2018
Great read
The suspense was on point. Although I sort of guessed who the culprit was the redirect was a good addition. Three things which are stopping me giving this a 5 star. First, with her instincts it’s a shame she didn’t guess who it was before it was too late. While Mack was more thorough. I guess she was distracted. clearly as her love was sexist I would have preferred if she saved herself as opposed to having a damsel in distress scenario (same thing, her friend is kickass but got overwhelmed too?). Two I’m getting fed up with books where the heroine has to give up a job they live for their partner. Ie after this appalling display of him having her put in cuffs(she’s an FBI agent for god sake with over 20 years experience), she becomes a professor so he doesn’t have to worry. Really? How come he didn’t give up his job? Three the thing with JT was left unresolved.
The suspense was on point. Although I sort of guessed who the culprit was the redirect was a good addition. Three things which are stopping me giving this a 5 star. First, with her instincts it’s a shame she didn’t guess who it was before it was too late. While Mack was more thorough. I guess she was distracted. clearly as her love was sexist I would have preferred if she saved herself as opposed to having a damsel in distress scenario (same thing, her friend is kickass but got overwhelmed too?). Two I’m getting fed up with books where the heroine has to give up a job they live for their partner. Ie after this appalling display of him having her put in cuffs(she’s an FBI agent for god sake with over 20 years experience), she becomes a professor so he doesn’t have to worry. Really? How come he didn’t give up his job? Three the thing with JT was left unresolved.
February 15, 2018
I liked how this book started out when the characters were still in high school. There were some shocking events that occurred, which left many unhealed scars. The story then picks up when the characters see one another again years later. I love a strong woman, so it was pretty awesome that she had become a big shot in the FBI world. The serial killer element kept me turning the pages to see who was behind all of the murders.
I admit, the sex was a bit too much for me, but still, like I said, this story kept me interested. My favorite character was actually a secondary character, Mackenzie. She was also a FBI agent, but I loved how tough she was. All of the characters are nicely developed and the story is definitely interesting.
I admit, the sex was a bit too much for me, but still, like I said, this story kept me interested. My favorite character was actually a secondary character, Mackenzie. She was also a FBI agent, but I loved how tough she was. All of the characters are nicely developed and the story is definitely interesting.
March 16, 2020
I wanted to like this book but it just made no sense from beginning to end. I still cannot understand how people who were supposed to be the heroine's friends are mad at her, 25 YEARS LATER, because of her decisions after she was brutally raped, sodomized, and almost killed at 15 years old. The hero was a grade A asshole. She was a genius FBI agent with a PhD in psychology and the hero was constantly dismissing every opinion she had and overstepping his authority. He was constantly saying and doing the wrong things to the heroine and then believing he could fuck her into forgiving him, sadly most of the times it worked. I really kind of hated this book and all the characters except Mack.
October 20, 2017
A very straight forward book. A real suspenseful book, but I would prefer less graphic description – of rape, of body parts.
Still – the twist is unbelievable, it takes a while until the reader realizes it too.
I gave it four stars for the good writing, for the twist, and for the wonderful idea.
Still – the twist is unbelievable, it takes a while until the reader realizes it too.
I gave it four stars for the good writing, for the twist, and for the wonderful idea.
May 16, 2017
Guarding Light, the first book in a proposed trilogy, The Dark Series by Cate McKoy was a good, solid, serial-killer thriller with some nice little twists, a fascinating relationship and plenty of good, honest, steamy sex scenes. I enjoyed the read.
Jack Gard is your typical high-school All-American Boy. Captain of the football team, incredibly handsome and well-liked by all, he is also rumoured to be exceptionally well endowed. Catlyn Lyte, is a young black girl who is three years younger than her classmates due to her high IQ and accelerated programme. There is an almost instant chemistry between the High School Quarterback and the young genius, but Jack (being the perfect young man) chooses not to act any further on his infatuation with Catlyn, due to her young age and secondarily due to the racial issue. They remain good friends, however, until the day Catlyn is brutally raped by Jack's best friend, JT. When Jack has to provide JT with an alibi for when the rape occurred, their love, their trust, and their young lives fall apart.
Fast forward 25 years and Jack is now the Chief of Detectives for the City of Newburgh, NY. When a serial killer stalks the streets, the FBI is called in to help. Leading the FBI team is none other than Supervisory Special Agent Catlyn Lyte.
Can the couple rekindle their teenage love and regain the lost trust? Can they even work together to try to capture the killer terrorising young black women in Newburgh?
There is a ton of tension in this story and some clever twists. The sex scenes are stimulating, hot, steamy and very well written. Despite the character appearing at times to be the extremes almost to the point of caricature (especially Jack) this story was one I read quickly and with enjoyment.
I can definitely recommend this to readers of suspenseful thrillers and as the first book in a planned trilogy, I will be looking forward to the sequels. A good solid four-star review from me.
Jack Gard is your typical high-school All-American Boy. Captain of the football team, incredibly handsome and well-liked by all, he is also rumoured to be exceptionally well endowed. Catlyn Lyte, is a young black girl who is three years younger than her classmates due to her high IQ and accelerated programme. There is an almost instant chemistry between the High School Quarterback and the young genius, but Jack (being the perfect young man) chooses not to act any further on his infatuation with Catlyn, due to her young age and secondarily due to the racial issue. They remain good friends, however, until the day Catlyn is brutally raped by Jack's best friend, JT. When Jack has to provide JT with an alibi for when the rape occurred, their love, their trust, and their young lives fall apart.
Fast forward 25 years and Jack is now the Chief of Detectives for the City of Newburgh, NY. When a serial killer stalks the streets, the FBI is called in to help. Leading the FBI team is none other than Supervisory Special Agent Catlyn Lyte.
Can the couple rekindle their teenage love and regain the lost trust? Can they even work together to try to capture the killer terrorising young black women in Newburgh?
There is a ton of tension in this story and some clever twists. The sex scenes are stimulating, hot, steamy and very well written. Despite the character appearing at times to be the extremes almost to the point of caricature (especially Jack) this story was one I read quickly and with enjoyment.
I can definitely recommend this to readers of suspenseful thrillers and as the first book in a planned trilogy, I will be looking forward to the sequels. A good solid four-star review from me.
December 15, 2018
(found the right cover, there are several, different from the one i did read on Amazon, i prefer the book cover so so much, cool cover!) love these characters. enjoyable read. 2nd chance romance. mystery and suspense too. adult thriller. Cate McKoy is a newbie author to me ...such a new fan. look forward to more from Cate soon enough! well written. held my interesting. couldn't put it down. ( :
June 1, 2017
Adult romance interlaced with criminal suspense
This is an adult story of romance interlaced with a strong layer of thrilling criminal suspense. Athletic All American Jack, and smart cookie Catlyn were high school friends until an incident breaks trust and sends them their separate ways. Shoot forward 25 years and Jack is Chief of Detectives working on a serial killer case. When the FBI become involved, he is reunited with Catlyn. Can they forget their past and solve the crime before them? The story is well conceived with good twists and turns. The author's writing style is easy to follow. There are a number of sex scenes and although they are well written, a few less would have allowed the story to move on more quickly. After the first one or two you get a picture of Jack and Catlyn as lovers. The plot kept me turning the pages and I'm happy to recommend.
This is an adult story of romance interlaced with a strong layer of thrilling criminal suspense. Athletic All American Jack, and smart cookie Catlyn were high school friends until an incident breaks trust and sends them their separate ways. Shoot forward 25 years and Jack is Chief of Detectives working on a serial killer case. When the FBI become involved, he is reunited with Catlyn. Can they forget their past and solve the crime before them? The story is well conceived with good twists and turns. The author's writing style is easy to follow. There are a number of sex scenes and although they are well written, a few less would have allowed the story to move on more quickly. After the first one or two you get a picture of Jack and Catlyn as lovers. The plot kept me turning the pages and I'm happy to recommend.
July 5, 2017
Jack Gard and Catlyn Lyte could have had the perfect high school relationship were it not for a devastating event that left Catlyn's life in tatters. Would I ever trust a man who stuck up for his best friend by giving him an alibi for the night a girl was raped? No - And this was how Catlyn felt when professional circumstances brought her and Jack together 25 years later.
Can that trust and feelings resurface as both go on the trail of a serial rapist? Well, read the book. It is entertaining, hot beneath the collar with steamy sex scenes, and constantly engaging in style.
I enjoyed this very much. Good story, good characters...perhaps a little too much sex, but overall a very enjoyable read. Will look forward to other books by this very talented author
Can that trust and feelings resurface as both go on the trail of a serial rapist? Well, read the book. It is entertaining, hot beneath the collar with steamy sex scenes, and constantly engaging in style.
I enjoyed this very much. Good story, good characters...perhaps a little too much sex, but overall a very enjoyable read. Will look forward to other books by this very talented author
June 15, 2017
This book is a little difficult to categorize in terms of genre, which made it even more appealing. What started out as almost a YA read, quickly became a serious crime story and then a very adult romance. As I like crime stories and prefer romances to include hot sex rather than be prudish, this was a great mixture. There are various plot twists and turns leading to a great climax. Actually, there are numerous great climaxes in the book! A fun holiday read and the start of a three book series so I look forward to the next book.
December 22, 2017
High school sweethearts torn apart in the worst way...
This book started off very strong. I was hooked right from the first page. The characters as high schoolers were very relatable and the situations quite relevant.
As adults they still read like young kids, in both their words and actions. But the story had plenty of tension, action and drama to keep me reading... and I read it almost in just one sitting. I very much enjoyed it.
This book started off very strong. I was hooked right from the first page. The characters as high schoolers were very relatable and the situations quite relevant.
As adults they still read like young kids, in both their words and actions. But the story had plenty of tension, action and drama to keep me reading... and I read it almost in just one sitting. I very much enjoyed it.
May 18, 2017
The thriller, Guarding Light, with so many twists and turns keeps the reader guessing and turning the pages.
A budding high school affair turns into terror when Catelyn was brutally raped.
Her boyfriend provided an alibi for the alleged rapist and Catelyn disappeared from her hometown. Twenty-five years later, because of their professions, fate brings them together to hunt down a serial killer and their romance blossoms.
Cate Mc Koy is a talented writer.
The plot for the storyline was intriguing.
Perhaps a few of the erotic sex scenes could have been omitted to capture a broader reader base.
This book is clearly for adults only.
A budding high school affair turns into terror when Catelyn was brutally raped.
Her boyfriend provided an alibi for the alleged rapist and Catelyn disappeared from her hometown. Twenty-five years later, because of their professions, fate brings them together to hunt down a serial killer and their romance blossoms.
Cate Mc Koy is a talented writer.
The plot for the storyline was intriguing.
Perhaps a few of the erotic sex scenes could have been omitted to capture a broader reader base.
This book is clearly for adults only.
January 28, 2019
I loved this book, some harrowing moments in this story....
but it was so gripping it made me nervous, anxious and the love making scenes were fantastic.
Warning to those of a sensitive nature, there are graphic written scenes which if you haven't the stomach for it you should be forewarned. This does not take anything away from the excellent story, the characters development and build up is exceptional. I am really looking forward to reading the next instalment to this trilogy, I recommend this to all IR romance readers who love a bit of bite to their stories.
but it was so gripping it made me nervous, anxious and the love making scenes were fantastic.
Warning to those of a sensitive nature, there are graphic written scenes which if you haven't the stomach for it you should be forewarned. This does not take anything away from the excellent story, the characters development and build up is exceptional. I am really looking forward to reading the next instalment to this trilogy, I recommend this to all IR romance readers who love a bit of bite to their stories.
January 22, 2019
I enjoyed this book throughly. The writing is phenomenal. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I enjoyed the characters especially Tasha. She is a hoot. I was not expecting the J.T thing. I suppose we will be seeing him again since that story line is unresolved. I like the description of places and events. It allows me to see everything going on in living color. It is hard to find a really good full length well written IR suspense/romance. This book is full of depth and intrigue. I am moving on to book 2 for more thrill ride.
January 19, 2019
A real page turner!!!
This story was filled with passion, mystery, murder and mayhem. The author did such a good job of keeping the reader guessing. Every character was well thought out and open to a point. I have to say this is one of the best good I've read this year. Kudos to the Cats Mckoy. On to the next one.
This story was filled with passion, mystery, murder and mayhem. The author did such a good job of keeping the reader guessing. Every character was well thought out and open to a point. I have to say this is one of the best good I've read this year. Kudos to the Cats Mckoy. On to the next one.
January 16, 2019
Good writing
The story that involved the serial murders was excellent and riveting. Whereas the love story was a little sick. Jack basically molested Catlyn when they met again 25years later. That was off putting considering that he knew she was a rape survivor. He was dismissive of her job as an FBI agent and she succumbed to him time and time again. While the other agents worked, Catlyn appeared to be having sex with Jack.
The story that involved the serial murders was excellent and riveting. Whereas the love story was a little sick. Jack basically molested Catlyn when they met again 25years later. That was off putting considering that he knew she was a rape survivor. He was dismissive of her job as an FBI agent and she succumbed to him time and time again. While the other agents worked, Catlyn appeared to be having sex with Jack.
January 15, 2019
Glad I tried a new author
Now that’s how you write a book suspense and sex hasn’t been written this well since ever in my opinion. Loved them together he played no games and she wasn’t a weak undecided damsel. Brava. Brava
Now that’s how you write a book suspense and sex hasn’t been written this well since ever in my opinion. Loved them together he played no games and she wasn’t a weak undecided damsel. Brava. Brava
January 14, 2019
Good read
It was a good book alpha male trying to control a alpha female when loving an protecting her at the same time..glad catlyn got her stuff together an took jack back he really loved her
It was a good book alpha male trying to control a alpha female when loving an protecting her at the same time..glad catlyn got her stuff together an took jack back he really loved her
January 12, 2019
Really good book! An action pack thriller with romance and a happily ever after. More proofreading needed.
January 6, 2019
I really wanted to like this story, it started out really good, but after they met up again I found myself really disappointed in how unprofessional they both were. How do you go from hating someone to almost having sex with them on a conference table in the police station about 10 minutes after you meet up again.
January 7, 2019
Good
Jack and Caitlyn had a tragic story. Jack was overprotective and weirdly in love with Caitlyn. Caitlyn was untrusting and weirdly in love with Jack. A murder and twist in the story made for a good read.
Jack and Caitlyn had a tragic story. Jack was overprotective and weirdly in love with Caitlyn. Caitlyn was untrusting and weirdly in love with Jack. A murder and twist in the story made for a good read.
January 9, 2019
Awesome
A W E S O M E ! ! ! ! !
This story has you hooked from the 1st page to the last! It's not drawn out with boring details. It's worth a 1-click!!!!!
A W E S O M E ! ! ! ! !
This story has you hooked from the 1st page to the last! It's not drawn out with boring details. It's worth a 1-click!!!!!
January 1, 2019
Wow
I enjoyed this story. Jack and Cat were made for each other. I love Tasha and Mack they are a mess. I would like to read their stories.
I enjoyed this story. Jack and Cat were made for each other. I love Tasha and Mack they are a mess. I would like to read their stories.
December 23, 2018
Great Plot and Character Development
I always judge a book I'm reading by determining if it'd make an awesome movie. This story would definitely be screen worthy. Catelyn and Jack's story began when they were in high school. Just as the affection is building between the two teens, they are torn apart and separated by Catelyn's violent rape at the hands of Jack's friend who's alibi Jack is able to corroborate.
Twenty five years later, as an FBI agent, Catelyn is back to help Chief of Detectives Jack catch a serial killer who is raping and murdering young, black women. They are able to put aside past differences and love each other wholly while dealing with their own insecurities and misunderstandings. Thankfully, because both and mature and fully grown ass adults, there's not much immaturity you'll find in a lot of others romance novels when both characters are just too stupid to talk to each other like the adults they profess to be.
Together, they are able to catch the killer and conclude the truth about how Catelyn's rapist was in two places at one time.
I always judge a book I'm reading by determining if it'd make an awesome movie. This story would definitely be screen worthy. Catelyn and Jack's story began when they were in high school. Just as the affection is building between the two teens, they are torn apart and separated by Catelyn's violent rape at the hands of Jack's friend who's alibi Jack is able to corroborate.
Twenty five years later, as an FBI agent, Catelyn is back to help Chief of Detectives Jack catch a serial killer who is raping and murdering young, black women. They are able to put aside past differences and love each other wholly while dealing with their own insecurities and misunderstandings. Thankfully, because both and mature and fully grown ass adults, there's not much immaturity you'll find in a lot of others romance novels when both characters are just too stupid to talk to each other like the adults they profess to be.
Together, they are able to catch the killer and conclude the truth about how Catelyn's rapist was in two places at one time.
December 31, 2018
Love it
Very good read down to the last chapter. I was glad that her love for Jack got her to recover from rape.
Very good read down to the last chapter. I was glad that her love for Jack got her to recover from rape.
December 23, 2018
A great read !!!
This was a true page turner. I truly enjoyed the story line and I am looking forward to the 2nd installment. I really would like to know if the characters were able to have children together and if they will ever apprehended the man who attacked Catlyn when she was in High School.
This was a true page turner. I truly enjoyed the story line and I am looking forward to the 2nd installment. I really would like to know if the characters were able to have children together and if they will ever apprehended the man who attacked Catlyn when she was in High School.
December 23, 2018
Good read
Good read from beginning to end. Not quite what I expected. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Good read from beginning to end. Not quite what I expected. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 4, 2017
A lot of powerful emotions on display in this story and a fascinating dynamic between three people that serves to propel the drama forward. The jock, star athlete with a hero complex that protects a girl he loves, but is too young initially to get involved with. His best friend, who he realizes to be an asshole when it comes to women, but who saved his life once, who will later rape the girl the jock swore to protect. And the heroine, violated, in her mind, by both men. She grows up to be a FBI head and he becomes a detective who must work beneath her in a case involving a serial rapist. The chances of them working together effectively are less than zero with all that history between them and unresolved emotional tension. In short, a great setup not just for this novel, but certainly a series too.
The author doesn’t shy away from explicit sex scenes, which aren’t for everybody. But for those who don’t mind them, she handles them well. I thought Act 1 had a bit too much telling and not enough showing, but that goes away by Act 2, and we also get to see a lot of the drama play out in Act 1 as well, so it wasn’t all that off-putting.
Recommended for people who can handle this difficult subject matter, which again, isn’t for everyone.
The author doesn’t shy away from explicit sex scenes, which aren’t for everybody. But for those who don’t mind them, she handles them well. I thought Act 1 had a bit too much telling and not enough showing, but that goes away by Act 2, and we also get to see a lot of the drama play out in Act 1 as well, so it wasn’t all that off-putting.
Recommended for people who can handle this difficult subject matter, which again, isn’t for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews