At Dusk

by AshleyNicole, Erin B. (Editor)

There’s a killer on the loose… A monster who hides in plain sight, waiting to make his move when you least expect it. When you’re tired. When you’re alone. When you’re not paying attention. At Dusk. Special Agent Harlan Tate of the FBI knows this particular killer’s work well– too well. The killer took somebody important from him when he was a teenager, then disappeared. Two decades later, he’s resurfaced with an appetite that’s even more voracious than before. Victims are popping up left and right on a path that seems to lead right to Harlan. Torrah Magan is no stranger to the fear this killer invokes. Not after he reached for one of her family members and missed. Now the fear is he’ll try again. Can Harlan keep her safe while racing against the clock to find the killer?

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, African American Romance

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 22, 2020

About the author

I'm just a girl in love with literature. My love affair with romance novels started with I was 13 and has flourished into an obsession. I've always been a writer. Even when I was a little girl, I always had a pen and a notebook poised to let something out. You Make Me Better is my first project that will be published and I am STOKED. My goal is to write stories surrounding positive black love, with a little humor tossed in.

Reviews

[Annette Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honey, you could've bought me for less than a peso because I did not see that coming! Talk about a plot twist! I can't say I knew who the killer was but, once he was reveled, my mind was blown! 🤯🤯🤯 Chiiiiiiile, the secret tea that was spilled in this book had my mouth all the way on the floor. A lot of reviewers are saying they knew who the killer was early on. How Sway?!!! If there were signs, they completely went over my head because I definitely missed them. I'm so happy Harlan was able to find love after everything he endured. He more than deserved it. Torrah and her sense of humor were a breath of fresh air. She was exactly what Harlan needed. At Dusk was packed with page turning goodness. It was heavy on the suspense and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's the perfect mix of romance, suspense, mystery, and humor. Once again, AshleyNicole, proves she's the queen of romantic suspense.

[Rashawnda · Rating 5 out of 5]

AshleyNicole is underrated like a mf as an author and I need everyone to put some respect on her name!! Her range is insane and after reading yet another masterpiece by her, I need to bend the knee and bow to the queen! 🙌🏽👸🏽

My book besties called me out after raiding my TBR list and seeing that I had yet to read “At Dusk” so I read it to get them off my back and was completely and utterly blown away!!

Harlan’s story began at the age of 16 when he suffered a devastating loss! That loss was so great that years later it led him to the path of an FBI Agent! As a profiler, he was deep in case after case to bring families the justice that he never received during his teenage years! After suffering yet another devastating loss, Harlan throws himself even deeper into his work and the perfect case falls in his lap when the Dusk Killer returns to Connecticut and begins to once again wreak havoc on everyone!

I was about 40% in when my spidey senses began to tingle about who the killer was and maybe I’ve seen one too many episodes of Forensic Files or Criminal Minds but the dots were connecting and I knew it could only be one person! The plots were definitely twisting with this one!

AshleyNicole masterfully wrote this story and I literally could not put it down! It had all the elements that makes up a captivating story! It had romance, suspense, spice, thrill and even a little bit of humor! You will not be disappointed with this one!! Add it to your list tuhday!!

[WellReadRuby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew! That was a sick Individual 🥴 4/4.5⭐️!

Harlan lost his high school sweetheart in a brutal killing when he was just 16. She was the first of many killings by the Dusk Killer. After 19yrs and now being an FBI Agent/Detective he's hit with a blast from the past as the Dusk Killer is back and with a vengeance. Torrah is also connected to one of the living victims of the Dusk Killer and it’s how she meets Harlan. I’m not going to lie the cases Harlan was working on were pretty gruesome and the light banter between him and Torrah was appreciated and needed. It brought the romance back to the front in those moments! I will say I guessed the killer at 20%, but I’m not going to lie it was a pure gut feeling and I can’t even tell you what fact pointed me that way. I think it’s from reading so many of her books I thought to the extreme for the killer. This book was good down to the details of the big reveal. There’s also a point where the killer changes the look of who he’s killing and baby I just knew it! Lol, Sooo many secrets and irrational thinking. I was happy that the case was solved but I was nervous they were going to be too late on the last captured victim. Also, why is it that women in these stories pick the worst times to be dumb and I’m strong no one will come after me if I take this quick detour?!? Like that’s the worst and quickest way to being kidnapped and it never fails😭. I wanted to slap her through my Kindle! All in all, this was good and I’m ready for the next one!

[Kameel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew it! Good Story….AshleyNicole never lets me down!!

[LaToya Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Was Good 🍿

Okay, I saw a lot of reviews say they figured things out by like 19% but I think I watch too many crime shows because I knew almost immediately. HOWEVER, the book was still good and I was still shocked that I was right. It kept me interested. Definitely recommend this book if you like a little crime/mystery mixed with romance.

I also really liked Torrah’s character. She was funny and confident. I love how she didn’t mind shooting her shot 🖤

[Jahda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My head is blown away by how evil and twisted this was. The plot was plotting. At 19%, I guessed, but I thought, "nah, that can't be," but based on how they described the first kill, I knew it had to be them. The parents' lack of rationality has me angry with them. Because there was no protection, I'm angry with the sister. After everything Harlan went through, it's such a relief that he was able to find love. Although I'm happy that he found Torrah, I'm frustrated. The killer also alters the appearance of the victim at one point, and I just knew it! The amount of secrets and illogical thinking in the small hints was insane. Idk this could have been avoided if someone said something then they would have all lived in peace, but fear is real I guess. Chile AshleyNicole you quite the mind.

[Eboni Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The killer reveal almost sent me to my grave cause, what?!!! 🤯🤯🤯

[Dahyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torrah x Harlan

What in the world did I just read?? I've said this times and times again, sappy love stories are my cup-o-tea. Never actually been a fan of romantic suspense but my mfkng goodness this was so good. I literally wanted to pull my edges out. Then this little thing happened and I lost my mind, cause WHATTT!?!?! How!? Why!?
Let me tell you how much I LOVED Torrah. She goes so hard for everyone. Sis definitely shot her shot first and Harlan did not disappoint. Their love was beautiful and soo effortlessly. After reading this, I definitely wanna make more of a conscious effort to read more romantic suspense. This goes without saying but READ THIS BOOK!!!

[SheBeC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Just Wow.

The killer being revealed threw me for a loop! Those that guess it ahead of time, how??? I’m definitely looking at a couple of people sideways after Harlan got that letter 👀!

Another great romance thriller from Ashley Nicole. Harlan and Torrah were such a cute couple, it was a sweet touch to see their love grow.

[The_ReadingCorner2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sleeping with the lights on

Chile..... this book was so good and creepy asf!! I don’t read many suspense filled books because I’m scary like that lol but this book was the f.........k goodt!

[Toya Davis-Stokley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! My heart is still pounding, hands shaking and in awe of how damn good this book is!
Miss Ashley, this is definetely your niche in the suspense/mystery lane! I was going crazy trying to figure out who the killer is! Harlan, is bae in so many ways! Your heart breaks for him, with all that he has gone through, but he pushes on. His heart is in the right place, he wants to help people find their closure. Even amongst the seriousness of the story, we have Torrah, who is a breath of fresh air. She has a great sense of humor, fiercely protective of her sister and assertive about what she wants in life. Torrah was just what Harlan needed in his life. She was patient, nurturing, supportive and emotionally available when he needed her the most. When the truth comes out, I am stunned! That joker is a whole pyscho!! I mean, for real for real! Must read! Damn good!! 👍👍👍

[Jordyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

After dusk..

I really loved this book. It was such a romantic suspense ,which I didn’t even think was possible. I’m not going to say to much about the characters because I want you to be shocked like I was, but if you like I.D. T.V. This book is for you. I would definitely recommend this book to everyone.

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew child!

The story was Criminal Minds all through this story. I knew it was the person long before the author revealed the serial killer's identity. Something about the person was always off a little. The love story part with Harlan and Torrah added some light to this suspenseful tale. I like a good mystery, and this one was super good.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

“At Dusk” is a romantic suspense novel by AshleyNicole. Although I have read a few of AshleyNicole’s other books and novellas, this was the first from this particular genre. I was not disappointed. Although I figured out the culprit and their motive early on, that did not take away from the storyline at all. I loved the relationship between Torrah and Harlan. I felt like the pacing was steady and the plot was well-developed.

This book featured the perfect mix of romance, suspense, and mystery. It does deal with some pretty dark, heavy topics which AshleyNicole addresses at the beginning. The twist that was revealed towards the end had me a little bit confused but other than that, I enjoyed it and would love to read more books like this from AshleyNicole in the future.

[martha fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is power in a name

If you are looking for a romantic suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat, this is one for you. I don't want to say more without revealing spoilers. With that said, give this book a try if you want a light taste of thriller.

[Helicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't really know what to expect because I'm used to reading the author's romance books , but not suspense. She did a great job and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The book was only 223 pages, but i still got a great story that didn't seem rushed .

[Kymesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew it!! That sick SOB!! I blame the damn parents.. you knew?! And didn’t try to help?! Smh
I loved this book.. we get everything: romance, mystery , and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat!

[Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I absolutely loved this book! 16 year old Harlan’s girlfriend is a serial killer’s first victim and leaves Harlan devastated. Flash forward almost 20 years and the killer has resurfaced, and FBI agent Harlan is on the case. In his pursuit to catch the killer, he meets Torrah, the sister of a victim who was able to escape the killer during his original reign of terror.

I absolutely loved all the characters, main and supporting. I loved that Torrah and Harlan felt like real people, which doesn’t happen a lot in most stories. They didn’t beat around the bush about how they felt, they were open and honest and didn’t have some forced drama in their relationship. Although I would’ve liked a little more description of how the characters looked just so I could really picture them.

The mystery and suspense were great I was hanging on the edge of my seat the whole time. While I knew who the killer was pretty quickly, it didn’t take away from how engrossed I was. The confrontation with the killer was over a little too quickly but again not a huge deal. When we finally learned all the secrets and the why, made up for the lack of confrontation a little for me.

Definitely check this book out!

[Ronnie Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Oh and when I say I knew, it is absolutely not because the book was predictable. I was just really paying very close attention, trying to figure it out. I mean outside of this being a really good read what more can I say without spoiling it as Ashley asked 🙂. I enjoyed everything about the book, from the authenticity of the characters, to the writing that made it an easy read but also gave depth. I mean the plot had real substance, weight that kept you intrigued. Turning the pages was a given. I fully enjoyed reading the book at no point was I bored. I may have been scared a little every now and then but that's the job of a suspense thriller. The only downfall I can come up with is that it is not in physical form. I would love to have this beautiful blue color book on my shelf.

[Lindaisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very solid mystery/thriller. The story kept me at the edge of my seat the entire time and I had no clue who the culprit was and was completely and utterly SHOCKED when it was revealed. The intensity kind of abruptly declined after the climax and big reveal but it was understandable after having read the entire book being on edge and not really knowing what was going to happen next. I loved the organic progression of Harlan and Torrahs relationship. It never felt forced and didn't eclipse the main plot which was the murder mystery.

Very good read and I hope Ashley Nicole releases more like it.

[Angelia Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot twist for sure!!

This was an plot twist for you. I never would have imagined that in a million reads. When I tell Ashley wrote this book, Whew Chile. I need more books like this, unpredictable at it finest.

[Nikki Figgs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Booooooooy

Booooooooy this book was so so good. As an avid reader, oftentimes, I can figure out the end of books but not this time. Idk what I was expecting, but this book was amazing!

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This needed a stronger editor. The plot was solid. I didn’t care for the twist, and you really had to suspend disbelief in some spots, but overall it kept my interest. The editing is where the entire book fell apart for me, and was so distracting.

[Alvina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yikes

That was...WOW! Not necessarily a book I'd say was my normal go to, yet intriguing nonetheless.

I don't have a lot to say, yet if suspense with a dab of romance is your thing, then this will do it for you. Just...WOW!

Good read.

[Castina · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED

Whewwww! When I tell you this was SO good, please believe me. Even though I guessed the killer early on, the twists Ashley threw in still had my jaw on the floor. People are truly sick! She did such a good job weaving in the romance while still keeping us on our toes.

[Shahtia Gay-hairston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller

Not my usual cup of tea but great authors will have you read any genre. I was quickly caught up in the story from page 1.

[Reese · Rating 3 out of 5]

SOLID 3.7 stars. I wasn't going to read this book but the reviews were half and half on plot twist vs. Knew from the beginning. Sooo I had to test my ID Channel Skills. Its painfully obvious from the beginning who the killer is. Idk how anyone ESPECIALLY the FBI missed it. However, it was still a good book UP UNTIL the killer was revealed. The confessional dialog and everything after it was an eyeroll. Once you know the culprit everything else is predictable (for me at least) . Everything after the last victim was attacked was a bit predictable to be honest. Also Trigger Warning ***The Mother dies, its very early on and not a major part to the story but I almost didnt make it past the first 2 chapters my chest was very tight.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

I love romantic suspense from AshleyNicole. She still manages to impart her humor while yelling a story that has you waiting to see how it will all end. For this one, while I predicted the ending, I didn't predict how deep it would all be. This is definitely a good story who wants to explore the romantic suspense genre.

[L. Boogie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so pissed with Torrah. She just had to jog alone. I kept saying good for her ass even though I was scared out my mind for her.

I guess who it was before the reveal but it wasn’t until the FaceTime with Kane eating and Holli getting mad that the thought occurred to me. With the description of the actions happening as the meal was eaten and the remembrance that it was personal the thought popped in my head. Then I remembered Torrrah saw a stab wound on Harlan that he said happened when he was a kid. Gah. This is an amazing twist

I wonder why Torrah didn’t recognize the voice since she saw him at the gravesite

I get how he got access the first time, but how did he get access the second round of killings almost two decades later? The nurses password wouldn’t e the same

The parents were dead wrong. And in being silent they allowed more deaths to happen.. if the nurse is to blame for being sloppy with her password, then the parents are too. Holli as well .

I would lie to have gotten Torrah’s parents and sister’s response to finding out who the killer was. If it was me I would’ve been uncomfortable with who her boyfriend is. At least for a while.

This book had so many elements to it. Well done.

[Lovie247 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harlan and Torrah...love in the shadow of a serial killer

Harlan Tate loses his girlfriend to a heinous murder at the age of sixteen. Nearly twenty years later he is now an FB agent tracking down murderers and serial killers. And now, the person who killed his beloved girlfriend is back - killing again.

The story was well written, for the most part. There were no real surprises. The killer was obvious. The moment the individual showed up on the page I knew they were the killer. The only actual question was why they were doing it. The reasons get fleshed out near the end of the book, but I still have many questions.

Note that this book includes graphic and gruesome murders. It's not for the faint of heart, or anyone with a weak stomach.

I enjoyed the romance between Torrah and Harlan, it was sweet and their banter was funny. This is not my favorite AshleyNicole mystery/suspense/thriller romance, but I would recommend it.