A Shot in the Dark

A Trick of the Light #2

by Addison Cain

Matthew is determined to find his run-away sweetheart.

And then he’s going to marry her. Well, that is, if he can get her to hear him out before rival gangster, Tommy Kennedy, woos her into believing that Chicago power and prestige are better than quiet towns and true love.

And if she won’t listen, then he’ll just have to tie her up and drag her home.

Publisher’s Note: This is book two in A Trick of the Light Duet and may be best enjoyed if read in order.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Crime, Suspense, Historical Fiction, Dark

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2019

About the author

USA TODAY bestselling author and Amazon Top 25 bestselling author, Addison Cain is best known for her dark romances, smoldering paranormal suspense, and twisted alien worlds. Her antiheroes are not always redeemable, her lead females stand fierce, and nothing is ever as it seems.

Deep and sometimes heart wrenching, her books are not for the faint of heart. But they are just right for those who enjoy unapologetic bad boys, aggressive alphas, and a hint of violence in a kiss.

Visit her website: addisoncain.com

Sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/AddisonCainNewsletter

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Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AddisonCain
Bookbub Deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-cain
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/AddisonlCain/
Addison Cain’s Dark Longings Lounge Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/DarkLongingsL...

Don’t miss these exciting titles by Addison Cain!

The Golden Line

The Alpha’s Claim Series:
Born to be Bound
Born To Be Broken
Reborn
Stolen
Corrupted (coming soon)

Wren’s Song Series:
Branded
Silenced

The Irdesi Empire Series:
Sigil
Sovereign
Que (coming soon)

Cradle of Darkness
Catacombs
Cathedral
The Relic

A Trick of the Light Duet:
A Taste of Shine
A Shot in the Dark

Historical Romance:
Dark Side of the Sun

Horror:
The White Queen
Immaculate

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

so this is the second part of this duet: the re-release of an updated version of the original "A Trick of the light" that had been split into two separate parts.
This is a historical read set in the time of Prohibition, Gangsters and moonshine and I was ever so excited to be back in the fold of Monroe County alongside the Emerson Kin and Charlotte.
Before getting stuck in here I did a reread of the first instalment just to get the whole experience in full and it wasn't long before I was right back in the moment: so vivid was the picture painted here.
It was almost like I had stepped back in time and was witnessing this story firsthand rather than as a spectator.
This story manages to grab you by your throat and pull you into it's realistic and detailed landscape.
Matthew and Charlotte's relationship really takes a step up here progressing in intensity as their connection evolves.
I could feel the emotion and heat here in spades despite Matthew's habit of scowling and grunting and lack of talking except absolutely necessary: I actually found this a rather endearing quality of his: no idea why that was I just did.
So as I mentioned before this is one of the lighter offerings from this author but still this went darker than its predecessor in terms of story direction.
This is a fantastic and extremely unique read that I devoured in one sitting.
An excellent conclusion and a huge thumbs up from me.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of A Taste of Shine (A Trick of the Light, #1).
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Meredith is a hot mess]

Update 6/20/2021:

I wanted to update to recognize that this author is currently running a good deal on this entire series. She has put *both* books on sale for 99 cents. Which is very fair for her readers who can't afford or don't wish to spend the exorbitant price of $6.99 for both short books of this duet. This is an example of honest, fair advertising. Since this author is a leader of the author community (/s), that many smaller authors look up to as a role-model, I hope to see this author continue to model this kind of fair, ethical, & honest promotion/advertising of her books in the future. :) I have no idea if this author reads her reviews, but if she did read my review for this book, and took the criticism that it's unfair to lower a price of book 1, while increasing the price of book 2, then I'm very humbled by that. And it's only fair to recognize it. *If both prices of the duet go back to $6.99 that's still overpriced tho

*(/s) indicates sarcasm.

Original review from 2020:


Well, I was excited to read this series, especially since Addison Cain made book 1 free on Amazon.

Then I saw she increased the price of this 160 page story from $4.99 to $6.99.

It's ridiculous. I'm sorry, but I doubt this book is worth $6.99.

This is an easy pass considering all the great books on Amazon that are available on KU or are reasonably priced.

I'm ok spending money on books, but I need to feel assured that the quality is there. Many of AC's books are on the shorter side, and a short, fast read is not worth $6.99 IMhO.

edit: Now book 1, 178 pages long, is $6.99. That means this duet will cost readers around $14 total to read this series. This is overpriced and not competitive with the current market of historical romance. To put it in perspective P&V's award winning translation of The Brother's Karamazov (a 825 page Russian classic) costs $9.99 on Kindle. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (a 642 page story) costs $5.99 on Kindle. The Bronze Horseman (a 912 page story) costs $5.99 on Kindle.

I'm honestly curious as to what the author's reasoning behind this huge price increase is.

[Em (semi-hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gobbled this up in one sitting! Definitely gave Peaky Blinders energy and I had fun reading it. It was a fun, fast-paced read and worth my time.

[Reckless Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shot in The Dark

5 of 5

The Bounty Hunter and an awaited HEA

Not one to give away plots or the spoilers, I will mention depite the information of a dark past and even darker events we witness here there is a happy ending waiting for our happy couple.

This book held more action and inspiration for what a true heroine at any time era should be like, not only was she a strong woman but she found an even stronger hero to hold her thru all the torture our author punished us with, I'd like to also mention the family ties where also beautifully woven however my only question is what happend with her would be father the man who adopted the black bird, I feel a Novella needs to be requested so we may also find the happy ending for the eldest Emmerson.

**Review by Gizel Alvarez**

[Anne in VA · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I was hoping book #2 would focus more on Matthew, but sadly it didn't. I did enjoy this, mostly because Charlie is such an interesting FMC. Scrappy, capable and independent, and written in a way where even her fight scenes are believable---well kinda 😉. Matthew was almost just a one-dimensional prop for her in this book and he's still a mystery to me. I understand why he loves Charlie---she's awesome---but I'm not quite sure why Charlie loves him. He did accept her in all her wildness, maybe that's what she liked about him.

[Maria (Ri) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything this author cannot wite?

One of my favorite things about books is what they make me feel. This author took me into a time period that has always intrigued me and made me feel as if I was a part of it. Through her words, she made this period vivid, vibrant, and realistic. Even though this is fiction, it just increased my appreciation of the prohibition era because of how she wrote it.

This author is one of my favorites for a reason. She is known for writing Dark and by dark I mean DARK. I often call her Satan in my head because I often curse her stories out even though I would not change a thing she writes. Quite the conundrum. #I LovetohateherbutIlovehertoo #Thestruggleisreal However, in this book her writing style is softer (a word that I never thought I would use when describing her) and shows that she has a heart and is not entirely Satan. I will likely rethink that in her next book that is "coming soon" because I know this softness won't last long because she lives to torment her readers.

Regardless, It is a continuation of A Taste of Shine and picks up the story of Charlie, Matthew, Nathaniel, Ruth, and Eli. It is filled with anticipation, steam, and suspense. Yet, it is so much more than that, she stirs up emotions and made me feel for the characters. Even though this is softer than my black and jaded soul usually reads I still loved it. It reinforces that she is a master wordsmith and one of the best in the romance genre.

And off topic, but can I just say how aesthetically sublime this cover is? Truly captures the book perfectly.

[Linda Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew and Charlie continue to navigate their relationship. Neither has a lot of experience and it shows. They both have a genuine love for one another that really is evident in every interaction.

Prohibition and Chicago are a great setting for the story of these two outsiders to general society. Charlie is trying to figure out how to be what she thinks he would want in a woman. She has others pushing their ideas on her. She is physically very strong but takes some emotional hits that really throw her.

This second part of the story has lots of twists and plots they have to face to find their happiness. You definitely need to read the books in order to really enjoy the story. You really get to see the characters change and their relationship become something neither expected.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.

[Ana Oh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good

I am very happy the conclusion of this story is finally out. Charlie is a character who stays in your memory a long time.

Through the months since I read the first book, my mind occasionally went back to her, which is significant considering the number of books I read.

Well worth your time.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I QUITE LIKE YOU BRAND OF TROUBLE

What a different, and yes, in a great way, type of story from the talented Ms. Addison Cain. The story takes place during prohibition and will be an ongoing saga (not necessarily a cliffhanger, but the two books need to be read in order.) The story will have a feisty, foul-mouthed, gun shooting, do-it-my-way female, and a group of moonshiners in Monroe County, West Virginia, and mobster kingpins from Chicago.

I thought book one, A Taste of Shine, was amazing, but book two held me completely spell-bound. From the moment I started reading, I did not stop, no breaks, nothing pulled me away. The story picks up from book one and steams up quickly. The chemistry between Charlie and Matthew escalates and turns erotic. I love how possessive and protective he is over her, and in the end, there aren’t any lengths he isn’t willing to go for her. Charlie is still rough and can hold her own, and she proves it multiple times. Her determination, grit, and ability to fight, even dirty is unmatched by most men.

The story will take on prohibition, gangsters, moonshiners, and bounty hunters. It includes secrets, betrayal, deceit, kidnapping, attempted murder, and murder. Most of the players were found in book one, which needs to be read first, and carried over to book two. It definitely has the good, the bad and the ugly. Best of all, it has several people getting their comeuppance, and several people finding happiness. There are several graphic scenes of violence, along with barroom brawls, and mob type hits.

Unlike in book one, the relationship between Charlie and Matthew will become sexual, and there is even a spanking scene.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

I said this with A Trick of Light and I feel it is worth repeating again
"This is why I enjoy Cain's work - her varied writing style. Her extraordinary ability to easily transport the reader into another time and place is unmatched."
I have been eagerly awaiting A Shot in the Dark and I was not disappointed
To truly get the full effect of the plot line and the necessary attachment to the characters (that is what makes a book a story) I suggest you read the first book A Trick of Light

Charlotte went back to Chicago- back to the man who raised her and the world that crafted her into the woman that she is today. Charlotte is torn between what she feels she "owes" her former mentor and what her heart wants. This is a tough place for any girl but for Charlotte, her decisions could have deadly repercussions.
Matthew is not letting her go and bless his grumpy cigar smoking, never speaking, always grunting arse for that! I truly love him <3

If you enjoy spunky, take no prisoners heroines and broody alphas then this is for you. The characters are fabulous each one is unique and brings a different aspect to the story and their personalities are so vibrant and in your face - I love the brothers' characters something fierce
The story itself is entertaining and pulls on all the right notes I enjoy experiencing as a reader- the little laughs, the raised eyebrow, the deep inhalation when I fear the moment and the warmth that comes when reading a love that stands against the darkest of foes
This is a whole different style of writing for Cain- but as we have come to expect from her, it is practically perfect

[J. C. Red · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I didn’t love this one as much as the first book, I loved the main characters so much that I didn’t really care - just wanted to see more of them.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 fooled me good, this took a dip into the darkness that Ms Cain is known for.

This is the second part of a duet, is definitely 18+ in content, and is an organised crime/romantic suspense set in the US prohibition era. I've really been looking forward to reading the conclusion of A Trick of the Light , so was overjoyed when this landed on my kindle. I don't think I've read anything by this author that I haven't liked, or more accurately loved.

In order to fully enjoy this book you need to read A Taste of Shine first. This story continues straight from where Taste left us, with Charlie missing, Eli in the doghouse and Matthew determined to track her down. Now I thought that perhaps this book would be all about Matthew winning Charlie back, but it was sooooo much more than that.

Whilst Book 1 was slow burn this was anything but, my word Miss Charlie, for such an innocent you sure did go all in! This is a steamy hot read with plenty of suspense and a dash of darkness thrown into the mix. Our heroine really goes through the ringer in this book, putting Matthew, Nathaniel, Ruth and Eli through it alongside her.

I pretty much read the book in one go, including reading late into the night to finish it. It's very much one of those addictive stories that won't let you put it down until every word has been devoured and etched onto your soul. It took me from laughter to total heartache and through swooning to getting hot under the collar and I loved every minute of it.

If your a fan of grittier reads, dark reads or Ms Cain then I really do recommend this book to you.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet final installment to the Trick of the Light series. AC's writing here is more my speed than some of the horror she writes, so perfect for me. We follow Matthew & Charlie in the 1920s, where their relationship grows in intensity & passion (the first book was more of a slow burn compared to this). I LOVE Matthew's character b/c he's so fiercely protective of Charlie/Charlotte, even tho she's an independent woman of that time. And I LOVE our fierce & reckless Charlie! :) She really had to get thru some twists to find their HEA, since someone is determined to kill off her happy ending. Hated to see it end tho…

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical Addison Cain

I have thoroughly enjoyed this duet. Cain is such a versatile writer. She has a knack for historical romance. Matthew is a doting alpha not too unlike Gregory from Dark Side of the Sun (which is my all-time favorite book of Cain’s). I loved our spitfire heroine, Charlie. She is a badass, while simultaneously being humble and vulnerable, and I want to be like her! If you appreciate Cain’s other dark Sci-Fi omegaverse and reverse-harem romances, you’ll be blown away by Cain’s ability to transport you to the Prohibition-era and simpler times. I’m in awe of you, Addison Cain!

[Rebecca Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shot in the Dark is an absolutely wonderful read. A step away from Cain's normally dark atmospheres, this prohibition-era romance is full of twisty turns to keep readers on their toes. Charlie, Matthew, and the other Emersons are phenomenal characters, who carry the story with a light-hearted banter not regularly found in Cain's work.
Steamy, suspenseful, and sure to please A Shot in the Dark stands as a testament to Cain's versatility as a writer and a fantastic ending to her A Trick of the Light duet.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet conclusion to a good story !
Matthew wants to show his love and devotion to the love of his live, and he does is his gruff adorable way.
I love so much black bird, she is a wonderful woman so strong, intelligent and vulnerable at the same time. For me she is the perfect blend.
This book left me with a smile in the face !!!

[Gizel Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bounty Hunter and an awaited HEA

Not one to give away plots or the spoilers, I will mention depite the information of a dark past and even darker events we witness here there is a happy ending waiting for our happy couple.

Want the rest of my review check it out at Reckles Readers Blog Page

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I do recommend reading them in order. Charlie is missing and Matthew plans on finding her. This story has plenty of drama and is off the charts hot. The characters are amazing and the story draws you in from beginning to end. I loved it!

[Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very minor spoilers below (not enough to hide completely, but enough to bear warning):

Suffice to say A Shot in the Dark is everything I wanted and needed as a wrap up to A Taste of Shine. I blazed through it from beginning to end, drinking up every word and living for the strengthening of Charlie and Matthew's relationship. There is action, squabbling, bar fights. We got more Beau and Martha and some background on their relationship with Charlie. Matthew is one big cuddle of sweet, grumpy menace, and Charlie is the consummate spitfire. It perfect and yet having said that I still finished with a nagging feeling of overall disappointment.

It's hard to explain but I'll do my best. I noted my original disappointment at the end of a Taste of Shine, highlighting Cain's decision to split a previously published book into two parts. I cited the fact that it appeared to be nothing more than an attempt to make more money, but I secretly hoped that by splitting it she was going to add to strengthen the tale and make me eat my words. Now I caveat this by saying I never had the chance to read the original as a whole (my fault, not hers), but from my standpoint it doesn't appear that she used her decision wisely and ultimately it distracted me from what could have been (and to a degree, when I get past my annoyance, still is) a fun fast, highly enjoyable ride.

A Shot in the Dark is 156 pages. That's it, and unless you're using Kindle Unlimited costs the same price as the original, complete tale at $4.99. First off, that's a rip off, but I spent it anyway (times 2) for both books because that's how much I love Charlie and Matthew. 156 pages is not even novella length. It's basically a couple of chapters of fanfiction (although the quality is much higher). Because of this part two, in comparison felt rushed. The speed at which we moved through problems seemed jerky in comparison to the steady build in book 1, and would be understandable only if both were joined in one complete novel and she somehow had to accomplish everything in a preconceived page allotment. But she doesn't this time, so instead, the cliffhanger by which Charlie scuttles back to Chicago will her tail between her legs is summed up and subsumed within the first chapter of the book. A cliffhanger I agonized over for 3 months while I waited for this book. I was disappointed, but with their relationship finally consummated I was ready to put it behind me in exchange for some good old fashioned Matthew lovin'. But the next thing I know, people are breaking into the grill after Charlie, we're dealing with planning a mobster wedding, and visiting Charlie's long lost mother in the span of 70 pages and everything feels rushed. Cain has ample space to add to and enhance this story. In a Taste of Shine we spent an entire chapter at a dinner at Drake's, dancing, wining, and dining, where now conversation is shortened to a couple of pages followed by a scene break.

There is a decided lack of detail in comparison to its predecessor. Where once we spent time at the stills packaging moonshine and teasing, going to barn dances, or disappearing on hunting trips, now there is only a forward push to find the man responsible for the grill attack. Don't get me wrong, it's exciting and thrilling. The Emmersons can do no wrong, but I couldn't fully immerse myself because of how cheated I felt. Now with them split, neither book is a complete thought. Book one doesn't have a problem, and book two doesn't have time of stop and smell the roses and to just breathe and enjoy. I unwillingly sped through when all I wanted were more details to languish over. I couldn't savor it because it just moved too quickly.

I even made sure to read a Taste of Shine again before starting this to make sure I both remembered everything and was able to give the story a fair shake. Truthfully, if you read both books one right after the other and you use Kindle Unlimited to avoid paying, none of this going to matter to you and you'll ultimately enjoy the story. I would have probably enjoyed it just fine if I didn't know about a Trick of the Light, I would have probably said the two pieces need editing but that they are ultimately enjoyable. Except this time they've been published, pulled, edited, and republished. Having the two parts in this condition after all of that is inexcusable and a clear money grab. Sadly Cain is still an excellent writer which means even though I'm highly annoyed I'll probably go back and reread my favorite parts from both books, because they're very good in an entertaining way. Just beware that they're ultimately a rip off but that both books are at least a begrudgingly entertaining rip off. *** 4 wounded stars*** (anything less well written would have gotten less. )

[Gaynor Jones]

Gangsters, whisky, danger, death and love!

This second part to A Trick of the Light is a work of art!
Welcome back to Monroe County and Charlie, Matthew, Nathaniel, Ruth, and Eli. Let's add in trips to Chicago and some big time gangsters!
A man of few words but his actions speak volumes, Matthew will do whatever it takes to bring Charlie back home from the Windy City.
Charlie is a strong, dangerous, deadly, scarred young woman, innocent in some ways, darker in many more!.
Their lives are intertwined with prohibition, liquor running, criminals of all levels of society, deadly situations and avoiding the law.
But the electricity, desire and love building between them is a joy to read and witness even though it is fraught with dangers brought on by sacrifice and their own actions.
There are periods of intense danger, violence, deception, terror and death. On the flip side, there are moments of sacrifice, vulnerability, relationship building, growth, sensual sexy scenes and though I never thought that I would use these words regarding a work of Ms. Cain, moments of such sweetness and tenderness, it will make you misty-eyed!
There seems to be no limits to the talent and versatility of this author and her work! Loved, loved, loved it! 10 out of 5!

[Barbie Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The characters and the plot kept me intrigued with this book. Matthew's character stood out much more for me in the second part of this duet. He was still somewhat gruff but more expressive about his feelings for Charlotte. I will admit to smiling at some of the scenes where he was so protective of Charlotte even when she didn't necessarily believe she needed him to be. Charlotte is a heroine that has easily became one of my favorites. No nonsense, extremely capable, and will come out swinging no matter what the adversity. There were some grim events that happened in this second book but this couple prevailed with a satisfying happy ending.

[Terri Leroux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old School Gangster Seeetness

First, Charlie is one of my favourite bad-a$$ women! She was so strong and determined and she stuck to her guns, literally. I love a good heroine who can stand up to big domineering men, and Matthew sure was that. He was strong and silent and in control. He didn’t try to control Charlie he worked with her and that made these books all the more delicious. I was so impressed with the whole story, I felt like I was living in Prohibition era USA. Even the slang and colloquialisms were time period accurate. I loved this so much and it so deserves a five star rating!

[Andie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prohibition Romance

A Shot in the Dark, the sequel to A Taste of Shine, is a Prohibition Era romance. The sequel reveals more of Charlie's past and the things she's had to endure. The violence of the era is more prevalent in the sequel though it's still not as dark as other Addison Cain novels.
I love how capable and kick-ass Charlie is - in ways more skilled than Matthew - but she's also still so kind, loving, and in other ways totally clueless. She feels so real and so does the love that you can see blossoming between her and Matthew.

[Mariah Garell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As gritty, raw love as sweet as Addison Cain gets

The sweet, sweet conclusion to the A Trick of the Light duology. I loved that this was a touch different from what she usually writes, with the gruff antihero male and rough-and-tumble leading lady finding their HEA in a whirlwind and the blessing of a notorious gangster. So I definitely recommend you give it a shot. Settle in, take a sip. Let the flavors of action, steamy romance, and dark grudges touch your tongue, and then let it burn all the way into your belly to keep you cozy warm after you're done. You won't be sorry.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I wish there was an illustration of young Charlie with her smoking tommy gun. Charlie was so badass and stubborn, I thoroughly enjoyed her smart mouth banter. It was tough learning about her tragic childhood and mom, but she eventually opened up to Matthew. Loved the back and forth with Nathaniel. I saw the villian coming a mile away, but was entertained nonetheless. The ending was a tad abrupt. i would've liked to have seen Charlie adjust to the restraints of motherhood.

[Leyns · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I liked it. It was sweet in its own way.
I wasn’t sure about the hero demanding that the heroine give up her life of badassness and bounty hunting - I know it was a demand made from the best of intentions, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, or her reaction. If she hated that life and was relieved to give it up, I would’ve accepted it easily, but that wasn’t quite the impression I got.
Overall a decent read.

[The Half-blood Reader]

Just because of the whole DMCA notice against author Zoey Ellis, it's immediately a no.

You can't own ideas and she didn't even come up with any of the tropes/elements inside Omegaverse or A/B/O or the AU itself. Maybe give compensations to the fans who generated the material in the first place, then?

As the Tines put it "how easily intellectual property law can be weaponized by authors seeking to take down their rivals."

[Candice Barrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addison Cain brings the passion in this beautifully written story.


Addison Cain wraps up the story of Charlie and Matthew brilliantly in this latest book. While one of her tamer books, the story is beautifully written and as a reader you are sucked into their lives and you feel the emotions so vividly. Terrific job Addison Cain. Another great story!!!

[Jillian Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A trip from the normal

A Taste of Shine and A Shot in the Dark were very different from what I normally read from Addison Cain, but still just as satisfying to read. It takes place during the prohibition era and she had the perfect voice for each character. I could picture them and hear them in my head as I read the two books. Simply captivating.

[Riz Careem · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet

Good read with an exciting sorry line. Not to much adult theams like other books in this genre have. Addison has a very good way of telling the story will with out it sounding basic. I've been reading her books for years mainly for the story lines and can't wait for the rest of the stories to be completed. It's like waiting for game of thrones!!!!