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Savage U #2
Bright Like Midnight
Make no mistake, Zadie Night, I am the bad guy here.
The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.
You made me a promise.
I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night. I’m dating now. Making friends. Living my life.
But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.
Are you my pet?
I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.
I should stay far away from him. But you know what they say about the devil you know…
Do I own you?
Amir will protect me, but not without cost.
I’m his, to do with as he pleases.
He thinks it’s a punishment.
But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.
No one’s going to hurt you.
I’m safe from harm if I’m with him because he’s the biggest bad on campus.
Show me your whole universe.
And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.
You should be scared of me.
I can’t believe I’ve fallen for the villain.
(Author's note: Bright Like Midnight is a dark college romance that explores mature themes and dubious situations. If you're looking for a nice guy hero, this story isn't for you!)
The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.
You made me a promise.
I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night. I’m dating now. Making friends. Living my life.
But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.
Are you my pet?
I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.
I should stay far away from him. But you know what they say about the devil you know…
Do I own you?
Amir will protect me, but not without cost.
I’m his, to do with as he pleases.
He thinks it’s a punishment.
But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.
No one’s going to hurt you.
I’m safe from harm if I’m with him because he’s the biggest bad on campus.
Show me your whole universe.
And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.
You should be scared of me.
I can’t believe I’ve fallen for the villain.
(Author's note: Bright Like Midnight is a dark college romance that explores mature themes and dubious situations. If you're looking for a nice guy hero, this story isn't for you!)
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2022
610 people are currently reading
4036 people want to read
About the author
Julia Wolf
49 books3,484 followersJulia lives in Maryland with her patient husband and three crazy, beautiful kids!
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April 10, 2022
2.5*
This is my first read from this author and looking at the overall ratings it seems I'm in the minority but this didn't work very well for me.
I'll start with the positives:
-The writing was smooth and easy to read. I would definitely read this author again
-The hero's speech was pretty well crafted and it even made me enjoy the word mama which I'm not very keen on.
-The heroine was nice (although that is also negative since she had no other trait)
-the first 30% was great at setting the stage and character dynamics, but it quickly fell flat due to a lack of a focused plot and strong characterization
-Julien! My favorite character in this entire book
Negatives:
-The most important, I think, is that this book needed another editor run. I found a few mistakes (not typos) and the story could have been cut a little in places.
-The plot was all over the place. I couldn't figure out if there was a central plot or if this was meant to be a character driven book (nothing wrong with that). But if it was the latter, then it didn't really succeed. The characters were pretty flat for the most part, both embodying their respective archetypes. I liked the heroine, but she was very bland. You could have replaced her with any other heroine and it would have been the same. She had no distinctive traits other than being curvy and a good student.
There were too many tropes the author was trying to add in that more or less left me confused. From the stalker to the secret relationship, to the girl gang and the illegal stuff the hero was involved in, none were clearly defined, and they just jumped from one to another without any clear narrative.
-FILLER!!! Because the plot wasn't defined, a lot of scenes came across as filler because they didn't advance the story or show anything new about the characters. A lot could have been cut and it would have made for a more cohesive narrative.
-The steamy scenes. Now this… Since they have a history before the story starts, the first scene where he goes down on her is told in flashbacks. I thought it was pretty clever how it was interwoven in the story, which is why the first 30% for me went great.
I had a problem with the rest because the relationship wasn't advancing. It was pretty stagnant with the same pet/maid dynamic and him being the ott alpha male touch her and you die. It wasn't even push and pull because there was no pull until the very first sex scene. That destroyed all the buildup. Instead of showing some great chemistry, they jumped into sex one second after they kiss for the first time (since the book starts). The scene was, simply put, badly written. Blink and you miss that he takes her virginity. I think because there was no foreplay before this, no kissing or at least sensual touching or SOMETHING, it really destroyed the chemistry. After this they just started fucking one too many times, and the scenes were almost identical (FILLER).
-the big separation at 80% was…pretty dumb. The story was becoming dull so I understand it needed something, but that wasn't it. Zadie was trying very hard to hold on to Amir just a few pages before saying she will do whatever to keep him and then suddenly she's the one who needs time because of his criminal activities (which she was aware from the first). Very weak plot point.
-Amir was supposed to be this super OTT alpha jealous and possessive hero, but he never sought her out after their initial meeting months before. He does say it was a mistake later on, but I just…didn't buy it. He was so ott with her from the first they see each other again that it was hard to sell since he walked so easily from her before.
Safety:
This is my first read from this author and looking at the overall ratings it seems I'm in the minority but this didn't work very well for me.
I'll start with the positives:
-The writing was smooth and easy to read. I would definitely read this author again
-The hero's speech was pretty well crafted and it even made me enjoy the word mama which I'm not very keen on.
-The heroine was nice (although that is also negative since she had no other trait)
-the first 30% was great at setting the stage and character dynamics, but it quickly fell flat due to a lack of a focused plot and strong characterization
-Julien! My favorite character in this entire book
Negatives:
-The most important, I think, is that this book needed another editor run. I found a few mistakes (not typos) and the story could have been cut a little in places.
-The plot was all over the place. I couldn't figure out if there was a central plot or if this was meant to be a character driven book (nothing wrong with that). But if it was the latter, then it didn't really succeed. The characters were pretty flat for the most part, both embodying their respective archetypes. I liked the heroine, but she was very bland. You could have replaced her with any other heroine and it would have been the same. She had no distinctive traits other than being curvy and a good student.
There were too many tropes the author was trying to add in that more or less left me confused. From the stalker to the secret relationship, to the girl gang and the illegal stuff the hero was involved in, none were clearly defined, and they just jumped from one to another without any clear narrative.
-FILLER!!! Because the plot wasn't defined, a lot of scenes came across as filler because they didn't advance the story or show anything new about the characters. A lot could have been cut and it would have made for a more cohesive narrative.
-The steamy scenes. Now this… Since they have a history before the story starts, the first scene where he goes down on her is told in flashbacks. I thought it was pretty clever how it was interwoven in the story, which is why the first 30% for me went great.
I had a problem with the rest because the relationship wasn't advancing. It was pretty stagnant with the same pet/maid dynamic and him being the ott alpha male touch her and you die. It wasn't even push and pull because there was no pull until the very first sex scene. That destroyed all the buildup. Instead of showing some great chemistry, they jumped into sex one second after they kiss for the first time (since the book starts). The scene was, simply put, badly written. Blink and you miss that he takes her virginity. I think because there was no foreplay before this, no kissing or at least sensual touching or SOMETHING, it really destroyed the chemistry. After this they just started fucking one too many times, and the scenes were almost identical (FILLER).
-the big separation at 80% was…pretty dumb. The story was becoming dull so I understand it needed something, but that wasn't it. Zadie was trying very hard to hold on to Amir just a few pages before saying she will do whatever to keep him and then suddenly she's the one who needs time because of his criminal activities (which she was aware from the first). Very weak plot point.
-Amir was supposed to be this super OTT alpha jealous and possessive hero, but he never sought her out after their initial meeting months before. He does say it was a mistake later on, but I just…didn't buy it. He was so ott with her from the first they see each other again that it was hard to sell since he walked so easily from her before.
Safety:
June 1, 2023
Bait and Switch. 🤨 2 stars (reduced from 3 stars because I just remembered that cringy nickname the H uses for the h… “little mamma” 😵💫😵💫🙈 - I wrinkled my nose every time he said it. 🥴)
So, I went into this book, expecting a "villain", as advertised. And at the very beginning, you think that maybe that's what you're going to get, but alas... this entire book is full of unfulfilled promises.
The H has got to be the sweetest gang member to every gang member. Every single time I thought we were getting to something good and a little edgy... the author backs off. Even the slightest hint of caveman behavior is walked back. I found this wildly annoying. The h is supposed to be "owned" by the H... but the only thing he asks her to do is cook and clean and take notes in one of his classes... oh yeah, our super badass dangerous gang member H, is also a stellar student. 🙄 I lost count of the amount of time I eye-rolled in this book.
And the h doesn't really make much sense either. In the prologue, the H is holding the h hostage at gunpoint (but, of course, not really 🙄) in her dorm room, while his brother is roughing up her roommate. As far as the h is concerned, he's a dangerous violent low-life... and YET... she's not really afraid of him. And they end up in a situation where she nearly gives him her v-card, and they've known each other for MAYBE a small handful of hours. This is pretty ridiculous, in my book... it would have made more sense if the H coerced her into a sexual situation, but that would make him an ACTUAL VILLAIN, and we can't have that 🙄... so we are fed this weird scenario that makes ZERO sense.
So, let's put a pin in the fact that she was willing to hand over her body to a complete stranger who she believed to be a dangerous violent criminal.... Later in the book, this same girl, who now knows the H very well, and is well aware he'sa pussy cat not really all that dangerous (despite him repeatedly telling her he’s a super badass she should be scared of 🙄)... she starts clutching her pearls about his underground fighting and his participation in the gang. She even breaks up with him over it. This is very odd considering she had little concerns about it earlier in the book.
Also, the reason the h is the H's "slave" is because she manipulated a situation so that she could use him to protect her from a stalker.... BUT SHE NEVER TELLS HIM ABOUT THE STALKER... What. The. Hell. And then when he finds out... I'm expecting him to go nuts... but no. He assumes she can take care of herself and doesn't even ask to see the letters and gifts her stalker has been sending her. He doesn't insist he walk her up to her room. He doesn't insist she stay with him... he just lets her out of the car with a request for her text him when she gets to her room. 😐 It just seemed very odd and disappointing since he keeps saying all these possessive/protective things to her. And the cherry on top, is that the hero never actually gets to be a hero in the scenario. The stalker isn't really a stalker (of course 🙄), just a nuisance... and the h takes care of it herself. WOMP WOMP
This hero was just a big tease. He talked a big talk, but never backed it up with actions. And if he skated the line, it was always backed way back before any line is ever crossed. I found this wildly frustrating. He ends the book having removed himself from "the life" and living a hippy life with the h in Oregon, spending his days hiking and sh*t. 🙄 Meh.
Bottom Line? This author wants to have her cake and eat it too. She wants a feminist feel-good book with a sweet beta hero, but wants to add edge without ever getting us there. Every time I thought the book was getting good, I was disappointed... maybe someone who is used to sweet books would find this edgy, but I just found it a very frustrating read. It's ok to make a "villain" a little bad. 🤷🏼♀️ The parts where he's all growly and jealous/possessive were good, and I liked the h better than the one in the previous book, and there's a good damsel in distress moment… but overall I was annoyed, so I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- no dubcon - we think for a second there might be a little, but it's pulled back
- OW drama - the H's ex bed buddy hangs around the house (sleeping with his friend) and makes trouble. The H goes to strip clubs regularly to conduct business and comes back smelling like perfume and with glitter on his clothes. He doesn't do anything with the strippers, but they were rubbing on him. The H tells the h, when she's upset about it, that as long as she's putting out he won't touch another woman. 👀
- OM drama - the h has a guy she's dating at the start of the book - the H takes her from him - the h also has TWO stalkers
- condoms used - then not used after he says he never goes bare
- h is a virgin (19?)
- H is not a virgin (19?)
So, I went into this book, expecting a "villain", as advertised. And at the very beginning, you think that maybe that's what you're going to get, but alas... this entire book is full of unfulfilled promises.
The H has got to be the sweetest gang member to every gang member. Every single time I thought we were getting to something good and a little edgy... the author backs off. Even the slightest hint of caveman behavior is walked back. I found this wildly annoying. The h is supposed to be "owned" by the H... but the only thing he asks her to do is cook and clean and take notes in one of his classes... oh yeah, our super badass dangerous gang member H, is also a stellar student. 🙄 I lost count of the amount of time I eye-rolled in this book.
And the h doesn't really make much sense either. In the prologue, the H is holding the h hostage at gunpoint (but, of course, not really 🙄) in her dorm room, while his brother is roughing up her roommate. As far as the h is concerned, he's a dangerous violent low-life... and YET... she's not really afraid of him. And they end up in a situation where she nearly gives him her v-card, and they've known each other for MAYBE a small handful of hours. This is pretty ridiculous, in my book... it would have made more sense if the H coerced her into a sexual situation, but that would make him an ACTUAL VILLAIN, and we can't have that 🙄... so we are fed this weird scenario that makes ZERO sense.
So, let's put a pin in the fact that she was willing to hand over her body to a complete stranger who she believed to be a dangerous violent criminal.... Later in the book, this same girl, who now knows the H very well, and is well aware he's
Also, the reason the h is the H's "slave" is because she manipulated a situation so that she could use him to protect her from a stalker.... BUT SHE NEVER TELLS HIM ABOUT THE STALKER... What. The. Hell. And then when he finds out... I'm expecting him to go nuts... but no. He assumes she can take care of herself and doesn't even ask to see the letters and gifts her stalker has been sending her. He doesn't insist he walk her up to her room. He doesn't insist she stay with him... he just lets her out of the car with a request for her text him when she gets to her room. 😐 It just seemed very odd and disappointing since he keeps saying all these possessive/protective things to her. And the cherry on top, is that the hero never actually gets to be a hero in the scenario. The stalker isn't really a stalker (of course 🙄), just a nuisance... and the h takes care of it herself. WOMP WOMP
This hero was just a big tease. He talked a big talk, but never backed it up with actions. And if he skated the line, it was always backed way back before any line is ever crossed. I found this wildly frustrating. He ends the book having removed himself from "the life" and living a hippy life with the h in Oregon, spending his days hiking and sh*t. 🙄 Meh.
Bottom Line? This author wants to have her cake and eat it too. She wants a feminist feel-good book with a sweet beta hero, but wants to add edge without ever getting us there. Every time I thought the book was getting good, I was disappointed... maybe someone who is used to sweet books would find this edgy, but I just found it a very frustrating read. It's ok to make a "villain" a little bad. 🤷🏼♀️ The parts where he's all growly and jealous/possessive were good, and I liked the h better than the one in the previous book, and there's a good damsel in distress moment… but overall I was annoyed, so I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️
⚠️SAFETY SQUAD SPOILERS⚠️
- no cheating or sharing
- no dubcon - we think for a second there might be a little, but it's pulled back
- OW drama - the H's ex bed buddy hangs around the house (sleeping with his friend) and makes trouble. The H goes to strip clubs regularly to conduct business and comes back smelling like perfume and with glitter on his clothes. He doesn't do anything with the strippers, but they were rubbing on him. The H tells the h, when she's upset about it, that as long as she's putting out he won't touch another woman. 👀
- OM drama - the h has a guy she's dating at the start of the book - the H takes her from him - the h also has TWO stalkers
- condoms used - then not used after he says he never goes bare
- h is a virgin (19?)
- H is not a virgin (19?)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2022
Amir calling his girl little mama has me swooning.
“I swallowed hard. “I might be a terrible dancer. You don’t even know.”
“I know. I’ve had you in my bed, mama. I know how that body moves.”
THEY KISSED IN THE RAIN-I love this trope
His best friends, Julien and Marco are the best side characters especially Julien. Never a dull moment with him.
I hope there will be a book for Julien. And that scene, Julia, I cried.
This was beautifully written and I loved the sense of humor.
And smuttiest smut 🤪
“I swallowed hard. “I might be a terrible dancer. You don’t even know.”
“I know. I’ve had you in my bed, mama. I know how that body moves.”
THEY KISSED IN THE RAIN-I love this trope
His best friends, Julien and Marco are the best side characters especially Julien. Never a dull moment with him.
I hope there will be a book for Julien. And that scene, Julia, I cried.
This was beautifully written and I loved the sense of humor.
And smuttiest smut 🤪
June 25, 2023
4 stars
After reading the first book in this series, I was dying for Amir and Zadie's story. It did not disappoint! This one captivated me from the start and I couldn't stop listening. 13+ hour audiobook in less than 24 hours... seriously I was just listening non-stop. Zadie was sweet and so lovable, and Amir was not at the start, but the more I read the more I warmed up to him. And when he called her mama... sigh. Another fantastic read from Julia Wolf!
After reading the first book in this series, I was dying for Amir and Zadie's story. It did not disappoint! This one captivated me from the start and I couldn't stop listening. 13+ hour audiobook in less than 24 hours... seriously I was just listening non-stop. Zadie was sweet and so lovable, and Amir was not at the start, but the more I read the more I warmed up to him. And when he called her mama... sigh. Another fantastic read from Julia Wolf!
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Lessa Lamb & Javi Wilder
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: New Adult Romance
Length: 13h 36m
October 2, 2022
This was so good! Amir is in the crime world but it had a different take as I wouldn’t consider this book dark really. I liked how Zadie stuck to her good morals throughout the story and didn’t give into his illegal lifestyle just to be with him. I also loved the side characters. In particular Marco and especially Julian. They were funny and sweet… can I just take them home with me?
If I heard the MMC call the FMC “mama” or “little mama” in any other book I would probably hate it but it worked so well in this story! I can’t help it, I loved it so much. I just really liked them together. I’ve been searching for a book recently that shows the slow-burn into their relationship and this book delivered for me. To be clear, I wouldn’t consider this a slow burn book as their attraction for each other is clear fairly quickly but, we actually get to see them slowly develop into something more!
I loved this book just as much as the first one and I can’t wait to jump into Elena’s story. Just the little glimpse into their relationship in this book has me so excited!
If I heard the MMC call the FMC “mama” or “little mama” in any other book I would probably hate it but it worked so well in this story! I can’t help it, I loved it so much. I just really liked them together. I’ve been searching for a book recently that shows the slow-burn into their relationship and this book delivered for me. To be clear, I wouldn’t consider this a slow burn book as their attraction for each other is clear fairly quickly but, we actually get to see them slowly develop into something more!
I loved this book just as much as the first one and I can’t wait to jump into Elena’s story. Just the little glimpse into their relationship in this book has me so excited!
April 6, 2022
*Thank you to Julia Wolf for an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.*
This book was a wild, sexy, unexpected thrill ride. From chapter one I was hooked and I couldn't keep from turning the pages or pull myself away. Amir and Zadie had me riveted and I loved my time with them so much. In a world of violence and questionable situations, their relationship is bright star in a dark night. This book is tied for my favorite J. Wolf novels that I have read to date!
Bright Like Midnight starts about six months after the previous novel, and at first I was really jarred by that at first. I wanted to know what happened between Zadie and Amir the night he took her captive as leverage over Helen, and at first it feels like we won't. But of course the author wouldn't do that to us! It just takes a little time, as it is revealed slowly.
At the beginning of this one Zadie goes to a party with a date named Elliot, a guy who quickly runs afoul of Amir and his crew and one thing leads to another.... Zadie finds herself promising to be at Amir's beck and call for the foreseeable future. I did not expect how this scenario was going to play out. But boy, it sure was a fun time.
Zadie is a shy and quiet, quintessential "good girl" but she can't help but be drawn to Amir. Nor can she forget the night they spent alone together, with him as her captor. He tries to keep her in her place but their chemistry was so undeniable.. it was delicious.
I really loved the journey these two went on together and I wanted them to work it out SO MUCH. Which of course they do, since its an HEA guarantee, but still... the differences between them and their lifestyles are nothing to sneeze at. And I was very interested in if I would believe the solution.
It all came together for me really well. And a few main reasons for that for me is the amazing chemistry between these two. The intimacy they create, not just with their bodies but just by being in proximity for so long... It was palpable and very well written. It made me believe that they would do everything they could to be together.
I had a great time with this read and I enjoyed it so much. So happy to have a grand slam with this next book in the Savage U series.
5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
*Quick note* This book takes place FOUR months after the hostage situation. and the prologue touches on this. I missed the prologue when I read my ARC. Which is my bad. I have since went back and saw it and it was delightful to see their first interactions. :)
This book was a wild, sexy, unexpected thrill ride. From chapter one I was hooked and I couldn't keep from turning the pages or pull myself away. Amir and Zadie had me riveted and I loved my time with them so much. In a world of violence and questionable situations, their relationship is bright star in a dark night. This book is tied for my favorite J. Wolf novels that I have read to date!
Bright Like Midnight starts about six months after the previous novel, and at first I was really jarred by that at first. I wanted to know what happened between Zadie and Amir the night he took her captive as leverage over Helen, and at first it feels like we won't. But of course the author wouldn't do that to us! It just takes a little time, as it is revealed slowly.
At the beginning of this one Zadie goes to a party with a date named Elliot, a guy who quickly runs afoul of Amir and his crew and one thing leads to another.... Zadie finds herself promising to be at Amir's beck and call for the foreseeable future. I did not expect how this scenario was going to play out. But boy, it sure was a fun time.
Zadie is a shy and quiet, quintessential "good girl" but she can't help but be drawn to Amir. Nor can she forget the night they spent alone together, with him as her captor. He tries to keep her in her place but their chemistry was so undeniable.. it was delicious.
I really loved the journey these two went on together and I wanted them to work it out SO MUCH. Which of course they do, since its an HEA guarantee, but still... the differences between them and their lifestyles are nothing to sneeze at. And I was very interested in if I would believe the solution.
It all came together for me really well. And a few main reasons for that for me is the amazing chemistry between these two. The intimacy they create, not just with their bodies but just by being in proximity for so long... It was palpable and very well written. It made me believe that they would do everything they could to be together.
I had a great time with this read and I enjoyed it so much. So happy to have a grand slam with this next book in the Savage U series.
5 stars
3.5 on the spice scale
*Quick note* This book takes place FOUR months after the hostage situation. and the prologue touches on this. I missed the prologue when I read my ARC. Which is my bad. I have since went back and saw it and it was delightful to see their first interactions. :)
April 18, 2022
3.25 stars
“You’re so fucking mine,” he declared in a tone so ferocious, my toes curled. His mouth descended onto mine before he gave me a chance to agree, but the words bounced around in my head. I’m so fucking yours.
This was not like my baby carter :(
...nonetheless, you have a bad boy going soft for a good girl and that's something I can normally get behind. I liked this more than I thought I would, it may have been cheesy in some parts but still a solid read on KU.
If you're on the fence just think of Amir as Rio from Good Girls. That's what I did.
“You’re so fucking mine,” he declared in a tone so ferocious, my toes curled. His mouth descended onto mine before he gave me a chance to agree, but the words bounced around in my head. I’m so fucking yours.
This was not like my baby carter :(
...nonetheless, you have a bad boy going soft for a good girl and that's something I can normally get behind. I liked this more than I thought I would, it may have been cheesy in some parts but still a solid read on KU.
If you're on the fence just think of Amir as Rio from Good Girls. That's what I did.
April 18, 2023
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Spice: 4.5/5
“Let me see you, little mama. Show me your whole universe.”
Bright Like Midnight by Julia Wolf is a dark college romance. Amir is a anti-hero, possessive alpha-hole, bad boy while Zadie is the sweet, sassy good girl. Usually the two don’t mix but they crash together in an explosive chemistry packed journey filled with sarcasm, laughter and sometimes tears. Both so intelligent, with their banter and battles of wills, this made for one hell of an entertaining storyline. I don’t know what sort of magic drug Julia put in this book but I was instantly hooked.
“Stop saying you’re not good enough. You’re insulting me because I chose you.”
This book has an epilogue that’s to die for. It wrapped everything up beautifully, while you do want more of Zadie and Amir because who doesn’t? This doesn’t leaving you dying to know what happens next, it ties everything up in a nice beautiful bow. 💝
“I’m bad, Zadie, but I’ll be your biggest bad when it comes to anything that threatens you.”
Julia Wolf is an exceptional writer; her word choice and dedication to the story, shows and plays out flawlessly. I would say she is timeless with her style and the way she can make a story flow off the pages and capture you. A true artist, who’s words paint pictures in the minds of her readers.
“That means I’ll take care of you. I’ll make sure you have everything you need. Means I’ll bite the head off any motherfucker who tries to touch you.”
Her ability to write supporting characters is phenomenal. You can’t get better friends that Amir and Zadie had. They were exceptionally funny, witty, and had your back.
‘Deacon’s door was cracked. Helen pushed it open with her bat, covering her eyes with her hand. “If your dick is out, I’m going to scream.” Elena peeked over her shoulder. “I think his dick is away. I forgot my magnifying glass to be sure, but if I can’t see it, it’s not there, right?”’ (Everyone needs these two besties 🤣🤣)
I adored this and will be reading a lot more of Julia Wolf’s books, including the rest of this series, that I’ve already started out of order. 🤣 That’s like my signature move now, reading books out of order, sure makes it more interesting, haha…
“Take it, Zadie. The only reason I’m here is for you. You need my arms, my strength, anything I have, it’s yours.”
I hope you all love this as much as I did. Truly happy I read this, I had felt like my luck had been down lately with books but this saved me from going into a reading slump. So thank you Julia!
“Yes, I’ll love you anyway. If you’ll love me for letting you walk into the rain.”
Happy Reading 💃🏼🕺🏻
Spice: 4.5/5
“Let me see you, little mama. Show me your whole universe.”
Bright Like Midnight by Julia Wolf is a dark college romance. Amir is a anti-hero, possessive alpha-hole, bad boy while Zadie is the sweet, sassy good girl. Usually the two don’t mix but they crash together in an explosive chemistry packed journey filled with sarcasm, laughter and sometimes tears. Both so intelligent, with their banter and battles of wills, this made for one hell of an entertaining storyline. I don’t know what sort of magic drug Julia put in this book but I was instantly hooked.
“Stop saying you’re not good enough. You’re insulting me because I chose you.”
This book has an epilogue that’s to die for. It wrapped everything up beautifully, while you do want more of Zadie and Amir because who doesn’t? This doesn’t leaving you dying to know what happens next, it ties everything up in a nice beautiful bow. 💝
“I’m bad, Zadie, but I’ll be your biggest bad when it comes to anything that threatens you.”
Julia Wolf is an exceptional writer; her word choice and dedication to the story, shows and plays out flawlessly. I would say she is timeless with her style and the way she can make a story flow off the pages and capture you. A true artist, who’s words paint pictures in the minds of her readers.
“That means I’ll take care of you. I’ll make sure you have everything you need. Means I’ll bite the head off any motherfucker who tries to touch you.”
Her ability to write supporting characters is phenomenal. You can’t get better friends that Amir and Zadie had. They were exceptionally funny, witty, and had your back.
‘Deacon’s door was cracked. Helen pushed it open with her bat, covering her eyes with her hand. “If your dick is out, I’m going to scream.” Elena peeked over her shoulder. “I think his dick is away. I forgot my magnifying glass to be sure, but if I can’t see it, it’s not there, right?”’ (Everyone needs these two besties 🤣🤣)
I adored this and will be reading a lot more of Julia Wolf’s books, including the rest of this series, that I’ve already started out of order. 🤣 That’s like my signature move now, reading books out of order, sure makes it more interesting, haha…
“Take it, Zadie. The only reason I’m here is for you. You need my arms, my strength, anything I have, it’s yours.”
I hope you all love this as much as I did. Truly happy I read this, I had felt like my luck had been down lately with books but this saved me from going into a reading slump. So thank you Julia!
“Yes, I’ll love you anyway. If you’ll love me for letting you walk into the rain.”
Happy Reading 💃🏼🕺🏻
April 11, 2022
Real Talk: I will readily admit to the world that I am head over heels in love with Amir Vasquez. Good Lord. This story was EVERYTHING! Amir was dark and dangerous but Zadie Night and her good girl ways just brought him down to his knees!!! SWOON!! This book was absolutely one of THE BEST books I've read this year!!!
Full Disclaimer: this is only the second or third book I've read with a curvy heroine where I did not want to throw my kindle out of the window because the heroine was whiny and self conscious about being heavy. Nope. Zadie Night owned everything about herself and still bagged the biggest Baddie of them all!! Sigh. I am SO in love with this book it isn't even funny. This story is a complete standalone but I highly recommend you read the first book in this series as this book piggybacks off a scene from Helen and Theo's story.
Overall, I really loved this book. Amir was protective and adoring of Zadie. He knew she was something different and would do anything to have her as his own. I don't want to give any more of this story away but just know you will be bowled over by Zadie's quiet strength and power and how Amir would move mountains for his girl. I absolutely floved this story so so much! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Full Disclaimer: this is only the second or third book I've read with a curvy heroine where I did not want to throw my kindle out of the window because the heroine was whiny and self conscious about being heavy. Nope. Zadie Night owned everything about herself and still bagged the biggest Baddie of them all!! Sigh. I am SO in love with this book it isn't even funny. This story is a complete standalone but I highly recommend you read the first book in this series as this book piggybacks off a scene from Helen and Theo's story.
Overall, I really loved this book. Amir was protective and adoring of Zadie. He knew she was something different and would do anything to have her as his own. I don't want to give any more of this story away but just know you will be bowled over by Zadie's quiet strength and power and how Amir would move mountains for his girl. I absolutely floved this story so so much! 5 stars! ~Ratula
October 24, 2022
“Still waters run deep” is this heroine.
I was expecting a beautiful blushing boring girlie girl h
She's all of the above and takes so much crap from everyone
Until she doesn't - that was fun to watch
He extorts her into basically being his house cleaner and cook.
He shamelessly treats her without an ounce of respect.
He's her keeper and she's his "pet". Literally.
But even this doormat has her limits and when she puts her foot down it was great to see.
Thank goodness she doesn't suddenly turn into this kickass bad bitch, though.
She's still sweet and caring, just a stronger version.
The H is not a good guy.
He's not vulnerable under a mask of cruelty.
He really is bad and has a low low tolerance for bullshit.
I was expecting an uncouth slimy coarse H.
He's a bit of that and a big bastard as well. 4 Stars for Amir as a hero.
He reminds me of an unpolished Mateo Morelli.
A taller version of Rio of the Good Girls tv series.
Of Travis Maddox except NO other woman is even on his radar.
His sociopathic tendencies can rival Dare's psychopathic nature
He's also hardworking and loyal. Intelligent.
Dedicated to his end goal: getting out of the seedy life he has chosen thus far
He's not a man-ho so that was a bit of a change up from the usual college NA asshole.
The clingy ex ow is around but he can't be bothered
The blurb is basically it:
- The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.
- I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.
- I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night.
- But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.
- Amir will protect me, but not without cost / Make no mistake, Zadie Night, I am the bad guy here / Do I own you? / Are you my pet? / I’m his, to do with as he pleases
- No one’s going to hurt you. / I’m safe from harm if I’m with him because he’s the biggest bad on campus
- He thinks it’s a punishment. / You should be scared of me. / But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.
- And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.
But the book sort of...stalled...
Often it would pick up only to drag again.
Took too long to get to the nitty gritty stuff, or I'd have given it 4 stars.
I need background earlier on, but I suspect this is the author’s way because she secretive, until almost the end, about the H in book 1 as well.
He's always in control and thinks he has her handled until he discovers that SHE orchestrated her entry into his life.
Hah. Blindsided.
He never saw it coming. He gets over himself and works to better himself.
The epilogue was wonderful
I was expecting a beautiful blushing boring girlie girl h
She's all of the above and takes so much crap from everyone
Until she doesn't - that was fun to watch
He extorts her into basically being his house cleaner and cook.
He shamelessly treats her without an ounce of respect.
He's her keeper and she's his "pet". Literally.
But even this doormat has her limits and when she puts her foot down it was great to see.
Thank goodness she doesn't suddenly turn into this kickass bad bitch, though.
She's still sweet and caring, just a stronger version.
The H is not a good guy.
He's not vulnerable under a mask of cruelty.
He really is bad and has a low low tolerance for bullshit.
I was expecting an uncouth slimy coarse H.
He's a bit of that and a big bastard as well. 4 Stars for Amir as a hero.
He reminds me of an unpolished Mateo Morelli.
A taller version of Rio of the Good Girls tv series.
Of Travis Maddox except NO other woman is even on his radar.
His sociopathic tendencies can rival Dare's psychopathic nature
He's also hardworking and loyal. Intelligent.
Dedicated to his end goal: getting out of the seedy life he has chosen thus far
He's not a man-ho so that was a bit of a change up from the usual college NA asshole.
The clingy ex ow is around but he can't be bothered
The blurb is basically it:
- The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.
- I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.
- I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night.
- But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.
- Amir will protect me, but not without cost / Make no mistake, Zadie Night, I am the bad guy here / Do I own you? / Are you my pet? / I’m his, to do with as he pleases
- No one’s going to hurt you. / I’m safe from harm if I’m with him because he’s the biggest bad on campus
- He thinks it’s a punishment. / You should be scared of me. / But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.
- And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.
But the book sort of...stalled...
Often it would pick up only to drag again.
Took too long to get to the nitty gritty stuff, or I'd have given it 4 stars.
I need background earlier on, but I suspect this is the author’s way because she secretive, until almost the end, about the H in book 1 as well.
He's always in control and thinks he has her handled until he discovers that SHE orchestrated her entry into his life.
Hah. Blindsided.
He never saw it coming. He gets over himself and works to better himself.
The epilogue was wonderful
April 9, 2022
I wanted to like this book. I think this is one of the better New Adult series that balances angst and the “enemies to lovers” trope with good characters, and plots that mostly aren’t too OTT. Plus, Start a Fire is my favorite book from this world, but none of the heroes since that one have hit like Sebastian. So, I was very here for the idea of Amir and Zadie having a darker relationship.
Unfortunately, the set-up that they got in Soft Like Thunder maybe made my expectations too high. Amir and Zadie were both more intriguing as side characters in Helen’s book, and they fell flat for me in their own book. They DO have the darkest start to relationship since Sebastian and Grace's book. But, where Bash and Grace drew me in and their relationship felt psychologically complex, in this book, Zadie comes across as weak for putting up with Amir’s treatment (even though she does have a reason for it, and does clap back sometimes). And Amir is mean to her in a way that’s too off-putting. The way that Amir ordered Zadie around, threw out her meal prep, called her “pet” (but not in a fun kinky way) was just very unappealing. It also gave me whiplash when he transitioned to being sweet with her. He didn't have a good balance of being harsh versus soft towards her, it felt awkward.
In general, I don't have a problem with a hero who does fucked up shit to the heroine - bring it on, I like the journey of wondering how a story can make an HEA happen! But the specific things he did to her in this story - and the ways that she reacted - made me lose interest in them. These two left me feeling indifferent. But, I still didn't give it less than 3 stars because the writing is smooth, it had good side characters (it was fun to see Helen again, get the set up for Elena's book, and Amir's friends were intriguing), it was cool to have the casual diversity that's in a lot of these books (Zadie is Jewish, Amir is Latino/ Arabic) and I do like this series. Hopefully, this one was just a random dud.
The best part of this entire book was when Lock tells Elena he's going to spank her if she doesn't stop trying to fight the frat boys on her own, and, Elena froze, cheeks flaming, staring at Lock like he'd both lost his mind and pushed a button she hadn't known existed. He turned his back on her. She continued staring.
So, I'm very here for Elena's book....but it's also very telling that the best part of this story was the set-up for the NEXT one.
Unfortunately, the set-up that they got in Soft Like Thunder maybe made my expectations too high. Amir and Zadie were both more intriguing as side characters in Helen’s book, and they fell flat for me in their own book. They DO have the darkest start to relationship since Sebastian and Grace's book. But, where Bash and Grace drew me in and their relationship felt psychologically complex, in this book, Zadie comes across as weak for putting up with Amir’s treatment (even though she does have a reason for it, and does clap back sometimes). And Amir is mean to her in a way that’s too off-putting. The way that Amir ordered Zadie around, threw out her meal prep, called her “pet” (but not in a fun kinky way) was just very unappealing. It also gave me whiplash when he transitioned to being sweet with her. He didn't have a good balance of being harsh versus soft towards her, it felt awkward.
In general, I don't have a problem with a hero who does fucked up shit to the heroine - bring it on, I like the journey of wondering how a story can make an HEA happen! But the specific things he did to her in this story - and the ways that she reacted - made me lose interest in them. These two left me feeling indifferent. But, I still didn't give it less than 3 stars because the writing is smooth, it had good side characters (it was fun to see Helen again, get the set up for Elena's book, and Amir's friends were intriguing), it was cool to have the casual diversity that's in a lot of these books (Zadie is Jewish, Amir is Latino/ Arabic) and I do like this series. Hopefully, this one was just a random dud.
The best part of this entire book was when Lock tells Elena he's going to spank her if she doesn't stop trying to fight the frat boys on her own, and, Elena froze, cheeks flaming, staring at Lock like he'd both lost his mind and pushed a button she hadn't known existed. He turned his back on her. She continued staring.
So, I'm very here for Elena's book....but it's also very telling that the best part of this story was the set-up for the NEXT one.
March 31, 2022
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: Bully
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Freakin' fantastic read! Quiet, nerdy, and super sweet Zadie Night has not had the best luck lately. Zadie "meets" Amir Vasquez the night he holds her at gunpoint as collateral for the money her roommate owes his boss/brother and she feels a pull and attraction to him despite the circumstances. Knowing that's crazy, she stays away until she gets a mysterious note that makes her afraid her stalker may be back so she intentionally puts herself in Amir's path again hoping he'll protect her.
I was so excited for this one and Julia did NOT disappoint! Bright Like Midnight is a fast paced, emotional rollercoaster ride with a dash of suspense. The character development is phenomenal and the awesome side characters are icing on the cake. I LOVE Zadie and Amir and I love them together. If you're looking for the anti-hero with the secret heart of gold, you're not getting that here. Amir Vasquez is not a good person. Super smart and ruthless, despite attending college, he's his brother's enforcer and morally gray at best, apathetic and cruel on the regular. Any goodness he has is reserved for a handful of people and Zadie is his person. I love how he feels this uncontrollable pull toward her softness and goodness - to the point he wants to punish her because of it. Zadie is his antithesis. A quiet and sweet curvy girl she's had more bad luck than any person should be able to handle. I truly enjoyed her journey to empowerment. Amir makes her stronger, but in the end she finds it within herself and chooses the path best for her. Bright Like Midnight is both heart wrenching and laugh out loud funny, one of my favorite books so far this year - you will not be disappointed!
Bright Like Midnight is the second book in the Savage U series by Julia Wolf and can be read as a complete standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order. It is told in first person, from dual perspective.
Trope: Bully
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Freakin' fantastic read! Quiet, nerdy, and super sweet Zadie Night has not had the best luck lately. Zadie "meets" Amir Vasquez the night he holds her at gunpoint as collateral for the money her roommate owes his boss/brother and she feels a pull and attraction to him despite the circumstances. Knowing that's crazy, she stays away until she gets a mysterious note that makes her afraid her stalker may be back so she intentionally puts herself in Amir's path again hoping he'll protect her.
I was so excited for this one and Julia did NOT disappoint! Bright Like Midnight is a fast paced, emotional rollercoaster ride with a dash of suspense. The character development is phenomenal and the awesome side characters are icing on the cake. I LOVE Zadie and Amir and I love them together. If you're looking for the anti-hero with the secret heart of gold, you're not getting that here. Amir Vasquez is not a good person. Super smart and ruthless, despite attending college, he's his brother's enforcer and morally gray at best, apathetic and cruel on the regular. Any goodness he has is reserved for a handful of people and Zadie is his person. I love how he feels this uncontrollable pull toward her softness and goodness - to the point he wants to punish her because of it. Zadie is his antithesis. A quiet and sweet curvy girl she's had more bad luck than any person should be able to handle. I truly enjoyed her journey to empowerment. Amir makes her stronger, but in the end she finds it within herself and chooses the path best for her. Bright Like Midnight is both heart wrenching and laugh out loud funny, one of my favorite books so far this year - you will not be disappointed!
Bright Like Midnight is the second book in the Savage U series by Julia Wolf and can be read as a complete standalone, but best enjoyed when read in series order. It is told in first person, from dual perspective.
April 13, 2022
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. The first 50% was a solid 5 star read for me, but I can only give the second half three stars. So, I'm settling on 4 overall. I really enjoyed the premise even without reading the setup in book one. Amir works for his criminal brother Reno and holds good girl Zadie captive while waiting for her roommate Helen. These events happen before the events of this book and we get some flashbacks of what transpired. Now, a few months later, Zadie's past seems to be catching up with her and she seeks out Amir in order to get his protection. But things play out in a way that lands Zadie as Amir's "property" with her cooking him meals and cleaning his house. Despite Amir's sometimes callous and cruel treatment of Zadie, Amir is very possessive and jealous when it comes to his "pet". He is very growly and there are plenty of "get your hands off my girl" moments. I really enjoyed the way Zadie's good girl personality balanced out Amir's bad boy persona. Also, finally I got to see a full figured heroine who isn't constantly in her head about her weight and doesn't define herself solely based on that aspect. There is not unnecessary emphasis on her size, it's just a part of who she is.
Once these two finally got together, it felt like the book stagnated a bit. The whole stalker story had a very anticlimactic resolution and there's a separation forced by Zadie after being faced with harsh reality of Amir's "business". I did find myself skimming quite a bit from this point forward.
Overall, the story was enjoyable and I liked both main characters who got a satisfying HEA and an epilogue.
Once these two finally got together, it felt like the book stagnated a bit. The whole stalker story had a very anticlimactic resolution and there's a separation forced by Zadie after being faced with harsh reality of Amir's "business". I did find myself skimming quite a bit from this point forward.
Overall, the story was enjoyable and I liked both main characters who got a satisfying HEA and an epilogue.
August 14, 2022
I’ve been obsessed with the Savage High and U peeps for what seems like forever. First came Savage High and the bully gods that walked the halls. Then came Theo Whitlock, my girl Helen’s hea!! And now it’s Amir Vazquez that takes centre stage. The violent money collecting dealer who held Zadie as collateral in Soft Like Thunder.
If you’re looking for a good guy, this book is not for you. Amir is not a good guy. He’s bad. He’s moody. But boy is he protective as hell!! And hot. Like hella hot.
Zadie is the sweetest, she’s vulnerable but she knows her own mind and I like that about her. Actually I loved it!! All of Wolf’s FC have minds of their own, and they are strong willed!
The push and pull between the two is just so swoony. Zadie’s sneaky ways to get Amir’s attention and Amir’s developing feelings are addictive to read. The rest is all neatly packaged as a great story with brilliant side characters.
Julia Wolf never disappoints with her books plots, heroes & anti-heroes. Her female characters are always flawed and strong with a vulnerable side to them.
As much as Amir was a swoony, broody bad boy, he didn’t steal Theo’s crown. So bring on Lock… I can’t wait for his & Elena’s story!!
If you’re looking for a good guy, this book is not for you. Amir is not a good guy. He’s bad. He’s moody. But boy is he protective as hell!! And hot. Like hella hot.
Zadie is the sweetest, she’s vulnerable but she knows her own mind and I like that about her. Actually I loved it!! All of Wolf’s FC have minds of their own, and they are strong willed!
The push and pull between the two is just so swoony. Zadie’s sneaky ways to get Amir’s attention and Amir’s developing feelings are addictive to read. The rest is all neatly packaged as a great story with brilliant side characters.
Julia Wolf never disappoints with her books plots, heroes & anti-heroes. Her female characters are always flawed and strong with a vulnerable side to them.
As much as Amir was a swoony, broody bad boy, he didn’t steal Theo’s crown. So bring on Lock… I can’t wait for his & Elena’s story!!
April 8, 2022
Julia Wolf brings another captivating college romance! Bright Like Midnight is the second book in the Savage U series and I was dying to find out Amir and Zadie’s story ever since we got snippets of them in Soft Like Thunder.
Opposites really do attract when it comes to Zadie and Amir. She is the softly spoken, quiet, shy and I loved her so much! Amir is your classic bad boy, in with the wrong crowd and scary as hell but boy when you got to see vulnerable Amir, he was my favourite ever!
With them having so many differences, their love story wasn’t easy but I loved them together so much! With that being said I adore this series, the side characters and everything about it! I need more of the Savage U crew asap!
Opposites really do attract when it comes to Zadie and Amir. She is the softly spoken, quiet, shy and I loved her so much! Amir is your classic bad boy, in with the wrong crowd and scary as hell but boy when you got to see vulnerable Amir, he was my favourite ever!
With them having so many differences, their love story wasn’t easy but I loved them together so much! With that being said I adore this series, the side characters and everything about it! I need more of the Savage U crew asap!
April 10, 2022
New to this author, but I was excited to dive into this new world and her take on bully romance. And, I really enjoyed Zadie and Amir’s story. Even more so than being a bully romance with tons of intensity and steam, Julia also gives us a story full of suspense, dramatic moments, and an interesting cast of characters within this Savage U world. The story starts with a lot of intensity, and these two have quite a path forward. The pacing felt a bit stagnant for me in places, some scenes not quite impactful to our overarching narrative which made parts drag a bit, but overall, the story flowed well, the chemistry was interesting, and I loved watching our (anti) hero fall for our heroine. Defintiely going to check out more from this author.
April 7, 2022
I have a new obsession and that obsession is Zadie and Amir!
I knew something was brewing in book 1 between these two and the second I saw the release info I dropped everything to sign up for an arc! I had to know what took place between these two and I love an opposites attract story and these are polar opposite!! What I got in return was a story that entranced me and even after I have read the last word I sit here wanting more!!
Zadie is a Bada$$!! She’s real and I related to her on so many levels! Her gentle spirit and loving soul. There were times I wanted her to speak up but she her silence wasn’t complacency! She just didn’t waste her energy on things that didn’t matter! When she truly needed to Zadie was loud and made sure she was heard!!
Amir is the Other half of Zadie! He is not quiet but loud and very intimidating but for her he was her safe place! They brought out in each other sides that they didn’t know existed! He made her strong and she softened his hard heart! I just loved them together and I can not wait for more because omg Elena needs her story now!!
I knew something was brewing in book 1 between these two and the second I saw the release info I dropped everything to sign up for an arc! I had to know what took place between these two and I love an opposites attract story and these are polar opposite!! What I got in return was a story that entranced me and even after I have read the last word I sit here wanting more!!
Zadie is a Bada$$!! She’s real and I related to her on so many levels! Her gentle spirit and loving soul. There were times I wanted her to speak up but she her silence wasn’t complacency! She just didn’t waste her energy on things that didn’t matter! When she truly needed to Zadie was loud and made sure she was heard!!
Amir is the Other half of Zadie! He is not quiet but loud and very intimidating but for her he was her safe place! They brought out in each other sides that they didn’t know existed! He made her strong and she softened his hard heart! I just loved them together and I can not wait for more because omg Elena needs her story now!!
January 11, 2024
Another great read by Julia ☺️.
It was hard to root for Amir at times. He had his soft moments with Zadie but his dealer side hustle for his brother showed the harsh side of who he also is.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the reckoning with Julien and Marco. Amir really didn’t see how it was impossible for him to keep his drug dealer life and his relationship with his best friends and Zadie separate. They laid it out for him and the way Julia wrote this was brilliant!
Zadie was sweet and smart and had an amazing huge heart.
Moving right on to Elena’s story.
It was hard to root for Amir at times. He had his soft moments with Zadie but his dealer side hustle for his brother showed the harsh side of who he also is.
One of my favourite parts of this book was the reckoning with Julien and Marco. Amir really didn’t see how it was impossible for him to keep his drug dealer life and his relationship with his best friends and Zadie separate. They laid it out for him and the way Julia wrote this was brilliant!
Zadie was sweet and smart and had an amazing huge heart.
Moving right on to Elena’s story.
April 7, 2022
The captor became the captivated in Julia Wolf's latest book in her diverse Savage U series. Bright Like Midnight continues an unusual story thread that began in Helen's book, Soft Like Thunder and after seeing Amir in action in the previous book, I wanted to know all the things, but wasn't sure he if he really was redeemable. Did I want him to be? Why am I always completely fascinated by the anti- hero, the baddest of the bad, the one with so many secrets? Well, it happens all the time, so Amir, brother Reno, their criminal nature and backstory intrigued me so much.
Zadie's character was introduced in Soft Like Thunder as a sweet, innocent good girl while her college roommates Helen and Elena were confident and totally badass. She could learn a lot from the way they owned every room they walked into. So when Zadie was held hostage by one of the scariest guys around, she was frightened yet somehow very attracted to her captor, but his ever volatile personality confused her, even months after the bizarre way they met. One minute hot and uninhibited, the next icy cold and detached- the walls around him stayed up, no matter how he might have felt inside.
Zadie had some secrets too, some buried deep and others, not freely shared with friends Helen and Elena. Something happened between Zadie and Amir during that time alone, months ago now- a moment, a promise, but in this book, the truth will leak out, one little piece at a time. Will it be surprise, disgust or anger when her friends find out what she's been hiding from them?
This whole dynamic sets up something very different as these complete opposites dance around each other and the blazing heat they feel whenever they're together. Her light and goodness to his darkness and danger make for a romance unlike some of Julia's other stories. Amir and his little Mama surprised the hell out of me as the power games they played evolved into something I never expected.
Though they were young and had much to learn, their story seemed to embrace learning to stand up for yourself and knowing when to leave the battle for another day. Respecting and loving yourself, so you can be loved in return while growing into the person you were meant to be. What a transformation when Zadie developed the backbone I was rooting for her to find. Amir was still as alpha and protective as he ever was but he learned some valuable lessons as the story progressed- believe in yourself, follow your dreams, respect boundries and love will find a way.
I loved and enjoyed many of the secondary characters, because, how could I not? Elena has been hanging around Savage River for a long time now and I would love to see her softer side, if she has one!! Who will be strong enough to love a girl like her? Can't wait to find out.
I was given an early copy to read and review. This is my honest review of Bright Like Midnight.
Zadie's character was introduced in Soft Like Thunder as a sweet, innocent good girl while her college roommates Helen and Elena were confident and totally badass. She could learn a lot from the way they owned every room they walked into. So when Zadie was held hostage by one of the scariest guys around, she was frightened yet somehow very attracted to her captor, but his ever volatile personality confused her, even months after the bizarre way they met. One minute hot and uninhibited, the next icy cold and detached- the walls around him stayed up, no matter how he might have felt inside.
Zadie had some secrets too, some buried deep and others, not freely shared with friends Helen and Elena. Something happened between Zadie and Amir during that time alone, months ago now- a moment, a promise, but in this book, the truth will leak out, one little piece at a time. Will it be surprise, disgust or anger when her friends find out what she's been hiding from them?
This whole dynamic sets up something very different as these complete opposites dance around each other and the blazing heat they feel whenever they're together. Her light and goodness to his darkness and danger make for a romance unlike some of Julia's other stories. Amir and his little Mama surprised the hell out of me as the power games they played evolved into something I never expected.
Though they were young and had much to learn, their story seemed to embrace learning to stand up for yourself and knowing when to leave the battle for another day. Respecting and loving yourself, so you can be loved in return while growing into the person you were meant to be. What a transformation when Zadie developed the backbone I was rooting for her to find. Amir was still as alpha and protective as he ever was but he learned some valuable lessons as the story progressed- believe in yourself, follow your dreams, respect boundries and love will find a way.
I loved and enjoyed many of the secondary characters, because, how could I not? Elena has been hanging around Savage River for a long time now and I would love to see her softer side, if she has one!! Who will be strong enough to love a girl like her? Can't wait to find out.
I was given an early copy to read and review. This is my honest review of Bright Like Midnight.
April 14, 2022
I'll admit that this did take me a little bit longer than usual for me to become really invested with these characters, but once I did, holy hell I could not stop reading. Even though I didn't initially love the way Amir was towards Zadie, I understood why he was the way he was, and even though Zadie wasn't in your face strong, she was still so strong in her own way. She always stood her ground and really brought the softer side out of Amir, and their emotional connection was truly magnificent. Plus the way he called her 'little mama' just like Rio does in "Good Girls" unlocked a whole new kink for me. *winks*
I always knew there was more that happened between her and Amir than she originally led on when he held her captive, and I loved how we got little snippets of their time piece by piece, and from both of their perspectives. On the outside Amir seems to be this morally corrupt mafia dude, but he has one of the softest hearts, and I loved seeing how Zadie truly brought out a side to him that nobody else could see. And maybe it's just the fact that I'm a plus sized woman, but I love how JW's leading ladies are mostly curvy and how much Amir loved the fact that she was all woman. Between this, their banter, and the side characters, this was truly an amazing read!
AAANND, we got even more of Elena and Locke! Look, if you had told me way back in Start A Fire that she would be one of my favorite characters that Julia has ever created, I would have laughed in your face, but my god, I love this woman. I can't wait until all of her hard pieces become gooey thanks to the big and imposing Locke who sees way more than he lets on, and oh my goodness I'm getting even more excited just thinking about it. If you haven't started this series yet, you definitely need to!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
I always knew there was more that happened between her and Amir than she originally led on when he held her captive, and I loved how we got little snippets of their time piece by piece, and from both of their perspectives. On the outside Amir seems to be this morally corrupt mafia dude, but he has one of the softest hearts, and I loved seeing how Zadie truly brought out a side to him that nobody else could see. And maybe it's just the fact that I'm a plus sized woman, but I love how JW's leading ladies are mostly curvy and how much Amir loved the fact that she was all woman. Between this, their banter, and the side characters, this was truly an amazing read!
AAANND, we got even more of Elena and Locke! Look, if you had told me way back in Start A Fire that she would be one of my favorite characters that Julia has ever created, I would have laughed in your face, but my god, I love this woman. I can't wait until all of her hard pieces become gooey thanks to the big and imposing Locke who sees way more than he lets on, and oh my goodness I'm getting even more excited just thinking about it. If you haven't started this series yet, you definitely need to!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions!**
May 19, 2022
Five stars for Amir & Julien (Amir’s best friend) coz I love them but 3.6 stars for Amir & Zadie’s romance.
March 15, 2022
Oh, I adored Zadie. And Amir, oddly enough. She’s soft and sweet to his hard and brash, but they made it work SO well! We finally learn all that went down during their somewhat forced evening together, and even though they have an unconventional start, these two are just perfect…if they can find their way to happiness, that is.
I love how Zadie was so strong, but quiet about it. Like she didn’t want to overshadow anyone or hurt feelings unless it was absolutely necessary. And Amir made the mistake of presuming this was proof that Zadie was weak at first. I mean, he twisted up every want and thought he had about Zadie until he was sure he’d pushed her into a little box, only to find that he couldn’t stand for her to feel inadequate or unwanted. So when he decided to set out to win her forever and not just for now, he did it in a BIG way. But can he hold her when he doesn’t see a way to exit the life he thinks doesn’t touch anyone good in his world? Or will they crash and burn?
Even amid all of Amir and Zadie’s worries and misery, I couldn’t put this book down. Julien and Marco were welcome and proved to be exactly who we all needed to meet, while Elena continued to show just how good she is at her core. Terrifying in her evil genius moments, but so good and possibly the ride or die everyone hopes for in life. Adding Zadie to Elena and Helen’s unstoppable duo-turned-trio was the perfect move here and only made me want more of everyone. More of Marco and Julien and hopefully some good women for them, more of Elena and her twisted heart of gold, and definitely more of her and the guy who ties her up in knots with his seemingly casual dismissal of her. Along the way, Zadie finds herself, Amir finds his truth and the woman who should be his everything, and it feels like nothing can stop this group when they hatch a plan. Any plan. It doesn’t matter what they do, because I love spending time in their world and just know that more angst and humor and intensity is coming on down the line.
I love how Zadie was so strong, but quiet about it. Like she didn’t want to overshadow anyone or hurt feelings unless it was absolutely necessary. And Amir made the mistake of presuming this was proof that Zadie was weak at first. I mean, he twisted up every want and thought he had about Zadie until he was sure he’d pushed her into a little box, only to find that he couldn’t stand for her to feel inadequate or unwanted. So when he decided to set out to win her forever and not just for now, he did it in a BIG way. But can he hold her when he doesn’t see a way to exit the life he thinks doesn’t touch anyone good in his world? Or will they crash and burn?
Even amid all of Amir and Zadie’s worries and misery, I couldn’t put this book down. Julien and Marco were welcome and proved to be exactly who we all needed to meet, while Elena continued to show just how good she is at her core. Terrifying in her evil genius moments, but so good and possibly the ride or die everyone hopes for in life. Adding Zadie to Elena and Helen’s unstoppable duo-turned-trio was the perfect move here and only made me want more of everyone. More of Marco and Julien and hopefully some good women for them, more of Elena and her twisted heart of gold, and definitely more of her and the guy who ties her up in knots with his seemingly casual dismissal of her. Along the way, Zadie finds herself, Amir finds his truth and the woman who should be his everything, and it feels like nothing can stop this group when they hatch a plan. Any plan. It doesn’t matter what they do, because I love spending time in their world and just know that more angst and humor and intensity is coming on down the line.
April 7, 2022
It's truly magical how every book I read by JW gets better and better. This was yet another book that sucked me in and didn't let me up for air until I had finished it. I would recommend highly reading Soft Like Thunder first before this, if for nothing else than context as to how Amir and Zadie first met. (Also it's hella good, so like you should anyway) Amir is on the surface (and quite a bit below it TBF) not the type of hero most people might root for, but even in SLT, I knew there was more to him. He and Zadie had a moment and 6 months later, they are still thinking about it. Zadie is sunshine in human form and exactly the kind of person a villain like Amir needed to know there was more for him than the life Reno had imposed upon him. From start to beautiful finish this was impeccable. There's not other word for it. I volunteered to read and review an early copy of this. All opinions are my own.
May 13, 2022
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I LOVE THEMM
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that's it, that's the review 😁
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that's it, that's the review 😁
April 9, 2022
Bright Like Midnight by J. Wolf is the second book in the Savage U series and it is about a beautiful love story between an innocent heroine and a villainous hero. If you have read the first book in the series, you will remember the main characters Amir and Zadie and how they first meet.
Zadie is the sweetest, softest, most understanding, most emphatic girl you can meet with the biggest golden heart. She is shy and a tad self conscious of her curvy figure but her outlook on life is nothing darker than bright sunshine. Amir, on the other hand, is a smart yet shady character with an immensely possessive and jealous streak when it comes to Zadie. He is very controlling in his life and seems to have a chokehold on everything that is Zadie. Though he is an intense and moody guy, he is surprisingly gentle with Zadie and simply worships her.
“You’ve seen the worst of me, and I am asking for you to love me anyway.”
-Amir
The plot is very well thought out and it kept me engaged till the end which is no easy feat since it is not a short novel. I truly enjoyed the couple’s back and forth and bantering, and I really appreciated their insane chemistry🔥🔥🔥. I could feel the heady desire and raw sensuality between Amir and Zadie. I highly recommend not only this book but the series. It won’t disappoint.
Zadie is the sweetest, softest, most understanding, most emphatic girl you can meet with the biggest golden heart. She is shy and a tad self conscious of her curvy figure but her outlook on life is nothing darker than bright sunshine. Amir, on the other hand, is a smart yet shady character with an immensely possessive and jealous streak when it comes to Zadie. He is very controlling in his life and seems to have a chokehold on everything that is Zadie. Though he is an intense and moody guy, he is surprisingly gentle with Zadie and simply worships her.
“You’ve seen the worst of me, and I am asking for you to love me anyway.”
-Amir
The plot is very well thought out and it kept me engaged till the end which is no easy feat since it is not a short novel. I truly enjoyed the couple’s back and forth and bantering, and I really appreciated their insane chemistry🔥🔥🔥. I could feel the heady desire and raw sensuality between Amir and Zadie. I highly recommend not only this book but the series. It won’t disappoint.
April 1, 2022
I highly enjoy Julia’s writing. I don’t know, there’s always something about it that grips and intrigues me. This one is again a page turner and I was hooked from the very first sentence!
I wish I could write like this...
Bright Like Midnight is a second book in Julia's Savage U Series. You can read it as a standalone, but I think you'll get more out of it if you read Soft Like Thunder first; it's where we meet Zadie and Amir for the first time.
Zadie's in trouble here, she offered herself to Amir to do with her as he pleases, in order to save some boy from getting hurt. And does Amir do as he pleases! But no matter what he trows at her, she takes it with a smile and a gentle thank you. Where she is soft and kind and shy, he's all hard, demanding and ruthless. He thinks he's taking advantage of her, but little does he know that she's taking advantage of him, too.
I enjoyed the ups and downs of Zadie and Amir’s relationship. This author is always able to find that sweet spot for me. The spot where there is just enough angst and trouble to make the story interesting, but not enough to put me off the book.
She has masterfully captured the feelings, the romance, the angst and the passion of this story.
This was so angsty and deliciously steamy!
I wish I could write like this...
Bright Like Midnight is a second book in Julia's Savage U Series. You can read it as a standalone, but I think you'll get more out of it if you read Soft Like Thunder first; it's where we meet Zadie and Amir for the first time.
Zadie's in trouble here, she offered herself to Amir to do with her as he pleases, in order to save some boy from getting hurt. And does Amir do as he pleases! But no matter what he trows at her, she takes it with a smile and a gentle thank you. Where she is soft and kind and shy, he's all hard, demanding and ruthless. He thinks he's taking advantage of her, but little does he know that she's taking advantage of him, too.
I enjoyed the ups and downs of Zadie and Amir’s relationship. This author is always able to find that sweet spot for me. The spot where there is just enough angst and trouble to make the story interesting, but not enough to put me off the book.
She has masterfully captured the feelings, the romance, the angst and the passion of this story.
This was so angsty and deliciously steamy!
March 17, 2022
This writer never disappoints. The groundwork for Zadie and Amir was laid in the previous Savage U book, Soft Like Thunder. Zadie is literally held captive by Amir in that book, and yet the connection they make with one another in apparent from the beginning.
Amir is not the good guy. There is no sugar coating it, he is not a noble character. His dynamic with Zadie is fascinating in that they are opposites in so many ways, but their connection is undeniable. Amir goes out of his way to not be likable, yet this writer still makes you care and invest in his story.
It is great to see Helen and Elena from the previous Savage High and Savage U books. I am very, very excited to read Elena and (hopefully) Lock’s story. And the introduction of Julien and Marco makes me hopeful for even more books in this universe. These books can be read as standalones, but I cannot recommend the previous books enough. Also, her Unrequited series is also amazing!
Amir is not the good guy. There is no sugar coating it, he is not a noble character. His dynamic with Zadie is fascinating in that they are opposites in so many ways, but their connection is undeniable. Amir goes out of his way to not be likable, yet this writer still makes you care and invest in his story.
It is great to see Helen and Elena from the previous Savage High and Savage U books. I am very, very excited to read Elena and (hopefully) Lock’s story. And the introduction of Julien and Marco makes me hopeful for even more books in this universe. These books can be read as standalones, but I cannot recommend the previous books enough. Also, her Unrequited series is also amazing!
March 26, 2022
Zadie has had a rough few months and is hopeful that things are getting better. Then she runs into Amir the guy she had a very strange night with. Just when she thought things between them couldn’t get weirder…they certainly do! Amir works for his brother the job is not legal and not honorable but it pays well. Amir is smart and knows he won’t be doing this forever he wants a business degree and the benefits that come with a degree. I really enjoyed this book. Zadie was a sweet girl with a wicked fun side, I really Liked her. Even though Amir was a tough guy you knew right away what his feelings for Zadie were. I really Liked them as a couple. This was a great quick read with a lot going on. I look forward to reading more books in this series and by this author.
February 17, 2024
☺️
I forgot being in Julia Wolf world would be on the verge of morally Gray contemporary. You always tend at least from me to side with the heroes of the story, then the female main characters.
It happened time and time again, and I definitely felt for Amir! it’s not like he’s misunderstood it’s more alike no one takes the time to get to know him on a deeper level. Besides the people who know him.
This good in the sense that it wasn’t as dark, but you can tell the vibes of the dark romance genre. Also this was a different kind of story story for me at least the plot.
If you find cookie cutter to be a problem,then you’re not gonna like this ending, it’s an ending that everything seamlessly gets resolved!
The spice was good. It wasn’t too graphic, and it wasn’t like a lot of scenes. The plot is what carried the book, but when there was spice, it was just spicy enough.
I forgot being in Julia Wolf world would be on the verge of morally Gray contemporary. You always tend at least from me to side with the heroes of the story, then the female main characters.
It happened time and time again, and I definitely felt for Amir! it’s not like he’s misunderstood it’s more alike no one takes the time to get to know him on a deeper level. Besides the people who know him.
This good in the sense that it wasn’t as dark, but you can tell the vibes of the dark romance genre. Also this was a different kind of story story for me at least the plot.
If you find cookie cutter to be a problem,then you’re not gonna like this ending, it’s an ending that everything seamlessly gets resolved!
The spice was good. It wasn’t too graphic, and it wasn’t like a lot of scenes. The plot is what carried the book, but when there was spice, it was just spicy enough.
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