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Gray Tower #1
Dark Prison
Gray Tower, Incorporated: A private military company run by billionaire Miles Bryant. Their gray ops missions are executed by the best of the best, including ex-military, special forces, and the exceptionally talented.
Keira Amherst was groomed from birth to manage her father’s company, Amherst Global. But once she finds out her father’s dark secret, he locks her away from the world. When she finally escapes, she falls into the arms of a handsome stranger who is more than what he seems. He may be the answer to her prayers, and she can’t help but notice the attraction the two of them share.
Logan Slade is one of Gray Tower’s top field agents who has been assigned to investigate Amherst Global. When a beautiful stranger tumbles into his life, it turns out to be the missing heir apparent to the company. With Keira by his side, this may be the break he needs in the case, but as he tries to protect her, he can’t help but fall for her.
Keira Amherst was groomed from birth to manage her father’s company, Amherst Global. But once she finds out her father’s dark secret, he locks her away from the world. When she finally escapes, she falls into the arms of a handsome stranger who is more than what he seems. He may be the answer to her prayers, and she can’t help but notice the attraction the two of them share.
Logan Slade is one of Gray Tower’s top field agents who has been assigned to investigate Amherst Global. When a beautiful stranger tumbles into his life, it turns out to be the missing heir apparent to the company. With Keira by his side, this may be the break he needs in the case, but as he tries to protect her, he can’t help but fall for her.
- GenresContemporaryRomance
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2018
About the author
J.M. Brister
7 books45 followersJ. M. Brister is a romantic suspense author who blends heart-pounding tension with steamy, emotional connections. Her stories feature complex characters, gripping mysteries, and unexpected twists that keep readers on edge. When she’s not crafting page-turners, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and three Siamese cats. A passionate advocate for the disability community, she brings raw, authentic emotion to her writing. You can usually find her balancing the chaos of family life, creativity, and cat cuddles—with plenty of caffeine in hand.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 20, 2019
4 💖💖💖💖🌟🌟🌟🌟s
Such a wonderful suspenseful romance read!!! The writing and the plot were very good and the characters intriguing and kept my interest in high levels. There was a little repetition in some points, however I enjoyed it a lot!
Such a wonderful suspenseful romance read!!! The writing and the plot were very good and the characters intriguing and kept my interest in high levels. There was a little repetition in some points, however I enjoyed it a lot!
November 9, 2022
Dark Prison is the first book in the Gray Tower series and starts off the entire collection of series I've created. You're starting in a good place if you choose to pick up this book today. This is an adults-only book with explicit romance scenes, harsh language, and violence. It has also been re-edited since its initial publication in 2018.
Although this is a fast-paced, romantic suspense story with no cheating and a HEA, I would like to note there are some darker thematic elements. Imprisonment, depression, PTSD, narcissism, and egomania are just a few. Despite the book title and some of the themes, this isn't a dark romance. Its heart will always be a romantic suspense/military romance book with security romance elements.
Although this is a fast-paced, romantic suspense story with no cheating and a HEA, I would like to note there are some darker thematic elements. Imprisonment, depression, PTSD, narcissism, and egomania are just a few. Despite the book title and some of the themes, this isn't a dark romance. Its heart will always be a romantic suspense/military romance book with security romance elements.
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October 31, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/6/2020)! 🎁
January 12, 2019
I don't know what everybody else looks for in romance but for me it's the chemistry of the two main characters, and Keira and Logan had some SERIOUS chemistry. Their scenes were sexy and you could definitely feel the attraction between them, and that they (particularly Logan) were fighting it because of the danger of the situation.
The pacing was nice and quick outside of the sex scenes (and I mean, who wants those to go too fast?) and it had some tense moments and a mystery in terms of who the mole was at Gray Tower. I didn't guess it until it was revealed. It had plenty of action but I liked that it didn't just descend into a move-by-move tactical military description. It does change POV a fair amount but always smoothly. The style is very modern and both the dialogue and the characters' thoughts felt realistic to me. Be warned for those who care about such things that there are a pretty substantial number of swear words, but again they felt realistic for ex-military guys and the situation in general.
This is Book 1 in a series but it ends on a good note. There are still enough loose threads and unattached (hot) characters for me to be curious about the next books in the series but not disappointed that I got dumped on a cliffhanger. I will definitely be interested in reading the second book whenever it comes out!
The pacing was nice and quick outside of the sex scenes (and I mean, who wants those to go too fast?) and it had some tense moments and a mystery in terms of who the mole was at Gray Tower. I didn't guess it until it was revealed. It had plenty of action but I liked that it didn't just descend into a move-by-move tactical military description. It does change POV a fair amount but always smoothly. The style is very modern and both the dialogue and the characters' thoughts felt realistic to me. Be warned for those who care about such things that there are a pretty substantial number of swear words, but again they felt realistic for ex-military guys and the situation in general.
This is Book 1 in a series but it ends on a good note. There are still enough loose threads and unattached (hot) characters for me to be curious about the next books in the series but not disappointed that I got dumped on a cliffhanger. I will definitely be interested in reading the second book whenever it comes out!
November 8, 2022
Romantic Suspense
Yeah I would characterise this book as Romantic Suspense, it has a lot of action and danger and a couple unexpected plot twists as well. The h is sent to the H to get her out of captivity and into safety. Then the H does his best to keep her safe while they are on the run. As they spend time together they realise how much chemistry there is between them and there are some smutty scenes. Finally there is the conclusion and there is an HEA.
Yeah I would characterise this book as Romantic Suspense, it has a lot of action and danger and a couple unexpected plot twists as well. The h is sent to the H to get her out of captivity and into safety. Then the H does his best to keep her safe while they are on the run. As they spend time together they realise how much chemistry there is between them and there are some smutty scenes. Finally there is the conclusion and there is an HEA.
August 24, 2024
Yaaaas! I finally got my romantic suspense book that's the "just right" of the genre: the perfect dash of romance and a great amount of suspense. The story never got boring, and I loved the couple. Even more, I found the story around Blackwater-esque company plausible (some of these security companies/mercenary group plots are bonko). I also appreciated that the story wasn't flooded with bunches of characters right away and that I got to enjoy the couple for a while instead of deal with tons of names of teammates--guys whom I have no prior knowledge of and spend the entire time trying to keep straight (I hate this in romantic suspense books). Sure, there were teammates eventually, but they trickled in slowly. Anyhow, this was such a great start to what is shaping up to be an interesting series.
Keira Amherst has a psycho of a father, Damien. He wanted her in the family business, but after revealing how shady his company actually is, she refused to do be involved with it. For that, she ends up locked up for years until Damien gets the idea that he could marry her off to one of his minions, a cruel sadist of a man. Thankfully, she does escape, but she ends up jumping from the frying pan and into the fire when she winds up stranded in a snowstorm in Montana. When an incredibly sexy man rescues her, Keira's luck may have turned around. Except this guy is more than what he seems, and when he jumps to conclusions on her identity, she ends up in more trouble than she could ever imagine.
Logan Slade works at Gray Tower--a large company that does special ops and mercenary work. He's a top-level operative, but he's kind of done with a capital D with this type of work. In fact, he's trying to have a nice little vacay in Montana when a beautiful woman stumbles into his cabin, half-frozen. When he nurses her back to health, he tells himself that he should get her moving to her intended destination. Except her story isn't adding up, and when he realizes she's connected to Amherst Global, the company he's been investigating, he puts up his walls and attempts to scare the real information out of her. Of course, if Logan knew her true identity, he'd realize exactly how much trouble she just rained down on him.
I loved the relationship between Logan and Keira. There was a little push and pull drama which made it interesting. Both characters were likable. Logan is this hunky, alpha badass, who likes to bottle up his emotions. However, I like how he does share those emotions with the reader. Keira is extremely intelligent which made the damsel in distress trope better. She's definitely a survivor, and I like how she keeps pushing on, despite the bad hand she was dealt with. The parallel narcissistic parent aspect was interesting. Dang, I could relate. Keira's dad was over the top physically and emotionally abusive, but Logan's was more subtlety emotionally abusive to the point that they ran his brother out of the house. Both are terrible examples of parenting, and both end up screwing with their children's emotional well-being. So...f#&k them! The plot moved extremely quickly and kept moving. The suspense aspects were top-notch. There were little surprises everywhere, and the end surprise...wowie. Loved, loved, loved it.
Gray Tower Series
-Review of Dark Prison (Gray Tower #1)
-Review of Troubled Paradise (Gray Tower #2)
-Review of Perilous Games (Gray Tower #3)
Keira Amherst has a psycho of a father, Damien. He wanted her in the family business, but after revealing how shady his company actually is, she refused to do be involved with it. For that, she ends up locked up for years until Damien gets the idea that he could marry her off to one of his minions, a cruel sadist of a man. Thankfully, she does escape, but she ends up jumping from the frying pan and into the fire when she winds up stranded in a snowstorm in Montana. When an incredibly sexy man rescues her, Keira's luck may have turned around. Except this guy is more than what he seems, and when he jumps to conclusions on her identity, she ends up in more trouble than she could ever imagine.
Logan Slade works at Gray Tower--a large company that does special ops and mercenary work. He's a top-level operative, but he's kind of done with a capital D with this type of work. In fact, he's trying to have a nice little vacay in Montana when a beautiful woman stumbles into his cabin, half-frozen. When he nurses her back to health, he tells himself that he should get her moving to her intended destination. Except her story isn't adding up, and when he realizes she's connected to Amherst Global, the company he's been investigating, he puts up his walls and attempts to scare the real information out of her. Of course, if Logan knew her true identity, he'd realize exactly how much trouble she just rained down on him.
I loved the relationship between Logan and Keira. There was a little push and pull drama which made it interesting. Both characters were likable. Logan is this hunky, alpha badass, who likes to bottle up his emotions. However, I like how he does share those emotions with the reader. Keira is extremely intelligent which made the damsel in distress trope better. She's definitely a survivor, and I like how she keeps pushing on, despite the bad hand she was dealt with. The parallel narcissistic parent aspect was interesting. Dang, I could relate. Keira's dad was over the top physically and emotionally abusive, but Logan's was more subtlety emotionally abusive to the point that they ran his brother out of the house. Both are terrible examples of parenting, and both end up screwing with their children's emotional well-being. So...f#&k them! The plot moved extremely quickly and kept moving. The suspense aspects were top-notch. There were little surprises everywhere, and the end surprise...wowie. Loved, loved, loved it.
Gray Tower Series
-Review of Dark Prison (Gray Tower #1)
-Review of Troubled Paradise (Gray Tower #2)
-Review of Perilous Games (Gray Tower #3)
March 22, 2019
This is one Tight Book
I used to work at Amherst Global and Damien treated me like crap. He was a shrewd business man that never really spent time getting to know the employees. His Daughter Keira was a real Peach soft pink and juicy. She always seemed afraid tho like she had a boogie man following her. -Bob the Janitor
I have never read a romance novel before and to be honest this was not what I expected a romance novel to be. While the chemistry and passion where there the guns and suspense really impressed me. And made my first excursion into the erotic romance genre much easier.
Seriously this book was not what I was expecting. It was a wild ride full of twists and turns some hard core fighting mixed in with some hard core f***ing.
The Author did a great job creating an atmospheric world for the Characters to live in. The characters by the way were just that some serious characters. Damien Amherst was the Prick father that you loved to hate . Keira Amherst was the Damsel in distress with a smoking body that you wanted to save and Logan was an Ass kicking Mans man with a heart of gold.
The action and suspense kept me hooked and the erotic sex scenes kept me Hot. Throw in the twists and turns of some seriously messed up people and you got a recipe for a fantastic story.
I read the book in two days because I couldn't put it down. I hear tell that there is another one the way and I can't wait to see it.
I used to work at Amherst Global and Damien treated me like crap. He was a shrewd business man that never really spent time getting to know the employees. His Daughter Keira was a real Peach soft pink and juicy. She always seemed afraid tho like she had a boogie man following her. -Bob the Janitor
I have never read a romance novel before and to be honest this was not what I expected a romance novel to be. While the chemistry and passion where there the guns and suspense really impressed me. And made my first excursion into the erotic romance genre much easier.
Seriously this book was not what I was expecting. It was a wild ride full of twists and turns some hard core fighting mixed in with some hard core f***ing.
The Author did a great job creating an atmospheric world for the Characters to live in. The characters by the way were just that some serious characters. Damien Amherst was the Prick father that you loved to hate . Keira Amherst was the Damsel in distress with a smoking body that you wanted to save and Logan was an Ass kicking Mans man with a heart of gold.
The action and suspense kept me hooked and the erotic sex scenes kept me Hot. Throw in the twists and turns of some seriously messed up people and you got a recipe for a fantastic story.
I read the book in two days because I couldn't put it down. I hear tell that there is another one the way and I can't wait to see it.
June 26, 2021
A gripping romance thriller. Keira's father, Damien, wants her to join the family business. When she discovers discrepancies and has second thoughts he locks her in her own bedroom...for two years, then informs her she is marrying one of his managers, Jason. Her father's righthand man, John, helps her escape. What a start? John sends Keira to meet Logan, a field agent working for the security company, Gray Tower.
The story is full of twists and turns. Gray Tower is investigating Damien's company, Amherst Global, for criminal activities and assigns Logan to protect their new asset.
Keira and Logan feel an intense attraction...is it real or simply circumstance? The road to true love is always bumpy. Damien's resources are assigned to find Keira and bring her back. Throw in a mole inside Gray Tower, and you have plenty of betrayal and action...plus the answer to why John turned his back on Damien and Amherst Global.
I enjoyed the excitement, steamy sex scenes, character development as the plot is gradually revealed. This is one to add to your to-be-read list.
Even though this is number one of a series, it is a standalone story.
The story is full of twists and turns. Gray Tower is investigating Damien's company, Amherst Global, for criminal activities and assigns Logan to protect their new asset.
Keira and Logan feel an intense attraction...is it real or simply circumstance? The road to true love is always bumpy. Damien's resources are assigned to find Keira and bring her back. Throw in a mole inside Gray Tower, and you have plenty of betrayal and action...plus the answer to why John turned his back on Damien and Amherst Global.
I enjoyed the excitement, steamy sex scenes, character development as the plot is gradually revealed. This is one to add to your to-be-read list.
Even though this is number one of a series, it is a standalone story.
October 19, 2019
This book surprised me!
Wow! I absolutely love it when I am taken by surprise by unsuspected twists and turns in a book! And this book did that! It was well written, the storyline was phenomenal and it quickly became harder and harder to put down! It has lots of action and if you like some seriously steamy sex scenes, then you won't be disappointed! Every question was cleverly answered by the end of the book with just a little carrot dangling to make you want to get the next book in the series asap! Well done!
Wow! I absolutely love it when I am taken by surprise by unsuspected twists and turns in a book! And this book did that! It was well written, the storyline was phenomenal and it quickly became harder and harder to put down! It has lots of action and if you like some seriously steamy sex scenes, then you won't be disappointed! Every question was cleverly answered by the end of the book with just a little carrot dangling to make you want to get the next book in the series asap! Well done!
Want to Read
March 1, 2024Prch Amz July 6, 2020
September 21, 2019
J.M. Brister's Dark Prison was definitely not what I expected from a romance novel! Sure, it had every element you would want from a romance novel: it was steamy, sexy, and a big guilty pleasure. But it was also a tightly woven narrative that was action packed and had twists and turns you would never suspect. I did not see that ending coming, which is a sign of a skilled story teller. I highly recommend this book for romance and action lovers alike. This book will appeal to many types of readers and I cannot recommend it enough! I am so excited to see what happens next and can't wait to get into the next one!
February 13, 2020
Bloody brilliant!!
I’m almost lost for words. This story sucked me right in! I’m obsessed. If you like drama, suspense, plot twist and some steamy romance, then this is the book for you! At points my hart fluttered, on others it felt like my heart was ripped out and bleeding in a corner. What an epic emotional ride! Nothing in this book was the slightest bit predictable! Well done J.M!!
I’m almost lost for words. This story sucked me right in! I’m obsessed. If you like drama, suspense, plot twist and some steamy romance, then this is the book for you! At points my hart fluttered, on others it felt like my heart was ripped out and bleeding in a corner. What an epic emotional ride! Nothing in this book was the slightest bit predictable! Well done J.M!!
March 23, 2019
I was utterly blown away by this book, not quite knowing what to expect, I was not disappointed. JM makes the twists and turns so fast your head spins but in such a good way, the characters are good solid and relatable. A job well done by the author.
March 22, 2019
This book grabs your attention immediately. Great plotline with some big twists. Fast paced action with interesting characters.
July 1, 2023
Perfect romantic suspense with tons of twists and turns. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews