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Creeping Beautiful #4
Lovely Darkness
Sometimes I wish it was just him and me.
Sometimes I wish there never was an Indie or a Donovan.
That McKay and I just ran away together when we were young.
Sailed around the world. Climbed mountains. Learned to parachute. Did whatever we wanted and never thought about this place, or the Company and our place in it, ever again.
Sometimes I wish we were broke, and uncomfortable, and stressed out about things like rent, and food, and bald tires.
I wish we had done it differently.
I wish I had listened to Gerald.
I wish I wasn’t thirty-seven years old, filled up to my neck and choking on regrets.
Lovely Darkness is about love, and regrets, and accepting the truth—even if it breaks you. It is the last book in the dark romantic thriller series, Creeping Beautiful, and must be read in order.
Sometimes I wish there never was an Indie or a Donovan.
That McKay and I just ran away together when we were young.
Sailed around the world. Climbed mountains. Learned to parachute. Did whatever we wanted and never thought about this place, or the Company and our place in it, ever again.
Sometimes I wish we were broke, and uncomfortable, and stressed out about things like rent, and food, and bald tires.
I wish we had done it differently.
I wish I had listened to Gerald.
I wish I wasn’t thirty-seven years old, filled up to my neck and choking on regrets.
Lovely Darkness is about love, and regrets, and accepting the truth—even if it breaks you. It is the last book in the dark romantic thriller series, Creeping Beautiful, and must be read in order.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2022
99 people are currently reading
314 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Huss
135 books9,046 followersJ.A. Huss never wanted to be a writer and she still dreams of that elusive career as an astronaut. She originally went to school to become an equine veterinarian but soon figured out they keep horrible hours and decided to go to grad school instead. That Ph.D wasn’t all it was cracked up to be (and she really sucked at the whole scientist thing), so she dropped out and got a M.S. in forensic toxicology just to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.
So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.
She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 4, 2022
This is probably going to be the shortest review I’ve ever written, but there’s only so much you can say about this book without accidentally divulging some piece of information that would spoil the storyline for readers.
Without a doubt, Julie is the queen of writing mind bending stories. You can guess all you want about what you think is going to happen, but not once, have I ever managed to figure out where she’s going with her stories. And I’ve been keeping copious amounts of notes all through this series, not to mention the other series books that are inter-related to this group of people.
So, I’m just going to say what my thoughts are. Did Julie answer the questions I’ve been building up over all these years that we’ve been living in the Company world? Yes, she did. She answered questions I didn’t even know I had until I was buried deep in this story. Did I end up with new questions that I hope one day, far down the line, she circles back around and ultimately answers for me? You’re damn right I did. And I love it! I love that I will STILL be thinking about this world, and these people, and the endless scenarios of what I would still like to see happen years from now.
This book came full circle from where we started this series with Creeping Beautiful. These characters really cemented a place in my heart, much like the original Company characters of James, Harper, Sasha and Nick did. And now they’re all kind of mingled in together. Indie, Wendy, Adam, McKay, Donovan, Nathan, Lauren and Maggie. They are just one big, inter-related, dysfunctional family full of assassins and PSYOPS agents, who just want to find love, peace and contentment. Can they, do it? Can they get away from the Company? Do they want to, really? Only one way for y’all to find out, and that’s by reading the books! Strap in tight and enjoy the ride, because it is a wild one!
Without a doubt, Julie is the queen of writing mind bending stories. You can guess all you want about what you think is going to happen, but not once, have I ever managed to figure out where she’s going with her stories. And I’ve been keeping copious amounts of notes all through this series, not to mention the other series books that are inter-related to this group of people.
So, I’m just going to say what my thoughts are. Did Julie answer the questions I’ve been building up over all these years that we’ve been living in the Company world? Yes, she did. She answered questions I didn’t even know I had until I was buried deep in this story. Did I end up with new questions that I hope one day, far down the line, she circles back around and ultimately answers for me? You’re damn right I did. And I love it! I love that I will STILL be thinking about this world, and these people, and the endless scenarios of what I would still like to see happen years from now.
This book came full circle from where we started this series with Creeping Beautiful. These characters really cemented a place in my heart, much like the original Company characters of James, Harper, Sasha and Nick did. And now they’re all kind of mingled in together. Indie, Wendy, Adam, McKay, Donovan, Nathan, Lauren and Maggie. They are just one big, inter-related, dysfunctional family full of assassins and PSYOPS agents, who just want to find love, peace and contentment. Can they, do it? Can they get away from the Company? Do they want to, really? Only one way for y’all to find out, and that’s by reading the books! Strap in tight and enjoy the ride, because it is a wild one!
February 8, 2022
Out of all the scenarios that I could of guessed that would of happened in Lovely Darkness, not even one of them came close to what actually evolved from the storytelling of this fabulous series.
March 29, 2022
Once again, I'd love to crawl inside J.A. Huss's brain to see how her brilliant mind works. With Lovely Darkness, she meticulously draws intricate conclusions to what seems like a million unanswered questions, leaving my own mind in a constant state of shock. Multiple POVs set the stage for what will become an explanation of sorts of what has been going on with our cast of characters for not only the recent present but for many years prior. Each chapter is another piece to this delicate puzzle, with the true antidote to not only what has supposedly been happening to a comatose Donovan but to everyone involved a simple solution. And that bit of realization is truly the key to how Nick, Wendy, Merc, Adam, McKay, Nathan, Indie, Sasha, and even little Maggie can decide to go forth with their lives whether separately or together.
The dynamics of the Old Home have clearly changed since book one, Creeping Beautiful, and I'd like to think this is the way it should be even as control shifts and former Company members find a new path to follow. Lovely Darkness is eye-opening, to say the least, and as usual, I could not put it down. Huss wraps me up in her words, my mind pinging around trying to absorb every sordid and surprising detail, always wanting more. And those last lines clearly become a set-up for what I hope is much more in this fascinating Company world she continues to keep alive even as the Company itself seems to die a slow death.
When looking for the kind of book that will make you think, that will make you gasp, and will also make you wish it was endless, then pick up Lovely Darkness. Not a true standalone, you need to start with Creeping Beautiful to get the full gist of what transpires. Buckle up, you're in for quite the ride but I know it will be worth every single bump and detour you experience.
5++ huge stars!
The dynamics of the Old Home have clearly changed since book one, Creeping Beautiful, and I'd like to think this is the way it should be even as control shifts and former Company members find a new path to follow. Lovely Darkness is eye-opening, to say the least, and as usual, I could not put it down. Huss wraps me up in her words, my mind pinging around trying to absorb every sordid and surprising detail, always wanting more. And those last lines clearly become a set-up for what I hope is much more in this fascinating Company world she continues to keep alive even as the Company itself seems to die a slow death.
When looking for the kind of book that will make you think, that will make you gasp, and will also make you wish it was endless, then pick up Lovely Darkness. Not a true standalone, you need to start with Creeping Beautiful to get the full gist of what transpires. Buckle up, you're in for quite the ride but I know it will be worth every single bump and detour you experience.
5++ huge stars!
September 14, 2024
Soooo many thoughts
March 11, 2022
Lovely Darkness by J.A. Huss is the fourth book in the Creeping Beautiful series, but it takes us right into the weaving storylines between this series and The Company. While this last book reveals more secrets, it reminds us the truth is based on perception. Each chapter is a different POV, and we get to see the story from the eyes of Wendy, Nick, Merc, Sasha, Adam, and Donovan. Mix in the PYSOPS, the Zero program, and hints at directions the reader may have not considered the storyline taking makes this the perfect blend of mystery and intrigue, with love and loyalty, and the steamy scenes Julie excels at creating. Amazing story that had me on the edge right til the end.
Plus, I love how Julie can transcend her stories into the readers real-life with quotes like “No matter how bad things get, there are always blessings. Count your blessings.” and “One day, we might be sick again. But on this day, we are cured.” I believe that it is very easy to get overwhelmed and distracted in life. It is important to me to find beauty and the blessings in even the simplest things every day and to be grateful for what we have because it could always be worse. Life goes by in the blink of an eye. Sometimes we need to remember to slow down and enjoy the present.
Plus, I love how Julie can transcend her stories into the readers real-life with quotes like “No matter how bad things get, there are always blessings. Count your blessings.” and “One day, we might be sick again. But on this day, we are cured.” I believe that it is very easy to get overwhelmed and distracted in life. It is important to me to find beauty and the blessings in even the simplest things every day and to be grateful for what we have because it could always be worse. Life goes by in the blink of an eye. Sometimes we need to remember to slow down and enjoy the present.
January 23, 2022
We have come full circle & are finally getting the conclusion to Indie, Adam, McCay and Donavan’s story along with the rest of the company. We also get more Nick, Wendy and Merc. Who can you really trust when the Company is Involved? So many curveballs your head will spin and you really don’t know what will happen until the very end. What a great ending to this thrilling and twisted world. All your questions will finally be answered! Ready for the red or blue pill? LOL
Told in multiple POV
Told in multiple POV
April 17, 2025
This is a review of this 4 book series. I made the mistake of reading these first four books so the entire time I never understood what was going on. The company is a complex yet essential thing to understand and I wish someone would have mentioned to read the other series first . I kept thinking I’ll find out because one thing about this author is she’s clever and annoying in that you get one questioned answered but have a million more and 20 new characters are talked about and you don’t know if you’re missing something or they will pop up in book 4 like Nick and Wendy. I was indeed missing a lot. NOTHING gets resolved ever because you switch to someone’s else’s POV. I actually love multiple POV’s but add in brain washing and multiple personalities and it’s ALOT.
One complaint I have is for every sentence any characters says there is 3 minutes of inner dialogue ( I listened to them on audiobook). The writing is beautiful however this just gets to be too much especially when they think 20,000 thoughts and end with “but I’m not telling him that “ and then the answer is “nothing “. Literally , this is almost how every conversation goes. It’s very frustrating because everyone has constant secrets and no communication.
****Stop reading here unless you don’t mind spoilers ****
I’m also extremely confused about Indy and the relationship with the guys. They declare their love and devotion ,”I’d die for her”, “she is my life etc” and by the end their contemplating killing her and Adam wishes he never would have bought her? I realize she almost killed him but he said this AFTER their 4 year separation. About that separation , instead of finding out where she was at the very end it would have been awesome to see what her and Nathan were doing. I still have a million questions about Sacha’s mission and the ending felt very rushed . I still have NO IDEA how Donovan was involved in any of that . I thought the groups “ unfuck” the mind session would cure Donovan and then somehow the others could be cured also but nothing even happened . He or his “not Carter” double made them drink the drug then just took off with half the people. How did this have anything to do with Donovan? Why did is “ not Carter alter ego “ want to take Maggie on the first place???
I felt bad for Indy who was my main protagonist at first and then she was just sort of dropped by everyone. The authors notes at the end were also strange to me where she said something like I think Nathan probably loves Indie . WHAT??? I thought they were soulmates ? Why does everyone think she is the craziest one when all of these men bought , sold and killed mini assassins ( then 4 of them had sex with her even though they were her father figures. Why all the sympathy for Wendy but hate for Indy?
Also, Maggie and Adam never having any closure was just strange to me. He was over the top protective of her and then he finds out Sasha took her and he’s like , awesome ! I’m going to travel around the world with my boyfriend ( even though we’re not gay) and this new chick we picked up in a bar and had a threesome with . I didn’t like this storyline AT ALL and it felt out of character for Adam. I still don’t understand the Carter situation. He was a brother that was in his head but then that wasn’t but then was and then shows in surfer dude form at the end . What about “ the other Adam” everyone referenced ? I’m going to read the first books so maybe some of these questions will get resolved for me.
Very beautiful writing but very confusing and so many questions left unanswered.
One complaint I have is for every sentence any characters says there is 3 minutes of inner dialogue ( I listened to them on audiobook). The writing is beautiful however this just gets to be too much especially when they think 20,000 thoughts and end with “but I’m not telling him that “ and then the answer is “nothing “. Literally , this is almost how every conversation goes. It’s very frustrating because everyone has constant secrets and no communication.
****Stop reading here unless you don’t mind spoilers ****
I’m also extremely confused about Indy and the relationship with the guys. They declare their love and devotion ,”I’d die for her”, “she is my life etc” and by the end their contemplating killing her and Adam wishes he never would have bought her? I realize she almost killed him but he said this AFTER their 4 year separation. About that separation , instead of finding out where she was at the very end it would have been awesome to see what her and Nathan were doing. I still have a million questions about Sacha’s mission and the ending felt very rushed . I still have NO IDEA how Donovan was involved in any of that . I thought the groups “ unfuck” the mind session would cure Donovan and then somehow the others could be cured also but nothing even happened . He or his “not Carter” double made them drink the drug then just took off with half the people. How did this have anything to do with Donovan? Why did is “ not Carter alter ego “ want to take Maggie on the first place???
I felt bad for Indy who was my main protagonist at first and then she was just sort of dropped by everyone. The authors notes at the end were also strange to me where she said something like I think Nathan probably loves Indie . WHAT??? I thought they were soulmates ? Why does everyone think she is the craziest one when all of these men bought , sold and killed mini assassins ( then 4 of them had sex with her even though they were her father figures. Why all the sympathy for Wendy but hate for Indy?
Also, Maggie and Adam never having any closure was just strange to me. He was over the top protective of her and then he finds out Sasha took her and he’s like , awesome ! I’m going to travel around the world with my boyfriend ( even though we’re not gay) and this new chick we picked up in a bar and had a threesome with . I didn’t like this storyline AT ALL and it felt out of character for Adam. I still don’t understand the Carter situation. He was a brother that was in his head but then that wasn’t but then was and then shows in surfer dude form at the end . What about “ the other Adam” everyone referenced ? I’m going to read the first books so maybe some of these questions will get resolved for me.
Very beautiful writing but very confusing and so many questions left unanswered.
December 17, 2022
The 1/2-ish+ mental reduction is kinda due to the ending. Cuz… wut?! Felt a lot hanging but in a “this, again?” kinda way.
Please keep in mind in coming off of another series hangover, doing worse crap with their endings, but in a negative way… just so they can get more money from their followers… but I’ve been reading your stuff for a while and you’re certainly not on that realm. I want to find out what happens next, damn you!! But also know I need something a bit different between the tropes… and you provide! 🤘
Apologies for the weirdness… but it’s nearly 4am and I finally finished this book.
Please keep in mind in coming off of another series hangover, doing worse crap with their endings, but in a negative way… just so they can get more money from their followers… but I’ve been reading your stuff for a while and you’re certainly not on that realm. I want to find out what happens next, damn you!! But also know I need something a bit different between the tropes… and you provide! 🤘
Apologies for the weirdness… but it’s nearly 4am and I finally finished this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
What a way to end a series!
I was very curious to see how JA Huss was going to wrap up this series and tie up all the loose ends and I’m happy to say she did it seamlessly. I don’t think I could have predicted the storyline that each character was going to follow and I was amazed as each new leaf was turned over.
Knowing that this is the last time we will see many of these characters is making me want to go back and start with The Company all over again.
I was very curious to see how JA Huss was going to wrap up this series and tie up all the loose ends and I’m happy to say she did it seamlessly. I don’t think I could have predicted the storyline that each character was going to follow and I was amazed as each new leaf was turned over.
Knowing that this is the last time we will see many of these characters is making me want to go back and start with The Company all over again.
March 2, 2022
It's been a long wild ride taking down The Company, and we got the ending we craved. All the questions are answered and the endings are happy. It was a twisty, yet satisfying walk down memory lane, with appearances by old favorites, and the chance to create some new heroic glory days.
Don't be sad that it's over. Be happy that you experienced it. Thanks for the wild ride, JA Huss.
Don't be sad that it's over. Be happy that you experienced it. Thanks for the wild ride, JA Huss.
March 30, 2022
I have been obsessed with this series from the first book, not to mention all of the related series that came before. The Machiavellian nature of this plot and that of the larger story boggles the mind. How JA Huss created, much less kept up with all the twists and turns is beyond me. But I am ever so grateful to her for doing so. There is little I can say about this last book without giving away spoilers but suffice to say your mind will be blown. I am still reeling from the conclusion of this story. It’s a very good thing I live alone because the sheer amount of times I shouted “What the…?” out loud while reading this book would have no doubt had people thinking me insane. And beyond the dark and twisty nature of the series are the very real and true love stories and relationships among these characters. Dark romance to be sure, but romance nonetheless. This book and this entire series grabs your heart and your mind and just never let’s go. I was hanging on the edge of my seat so much, it’s a wonder I didn’t wind up on the floor. I’m sad to see this series end, but the ending was so satisfying that I can’t bring myself to regret it. I truly cannot recommend this book and this series highly enough. Kudos to JA Huss on a job very well done.
* I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All of my opinions are honest and entirely my own.
* I was given an ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review. All of my opinions are honest and entirely my own.
March 3, 2022
This was a great ending to a fantastic series. It still held some twists which added to the excitement of the story. I’m going to miss Nick Tate.
Read
April 4, 2022I'm not going to give a rating since I mostly skipped the middle of the book and went straight to the ending. This has been an interesting, roller coaster ride of a series but I think the constant change in feelings and relationships (although super realistic) wasn't really up for my liking, like McKay's devotion to Indie dwindled out of nowhere in the beginning of the book; Adam's relationship with Indie was always rocky and weird; and that's about the same for the others. Even if I didn't skip around I feel like I would still be confused about wtf was going on. The ending was good for everyone but it also didn't give me that much closure? idk
May 9, 2024
I am so torn on how to feel about this book as the potential end of the series… I really appreciated that it answered so many questions that were previously left unanswered throughout the series, but then I also feel like it left me with a ton of what if’s and questions, and curiosities about where the characters are going to end up, and lots of “now what’s.”
Overall I enjoyed the book, it’s hard not to love and appreciate the worlds that JA Huss create that we get to fully emerge ourselves into.
My only issue is that I don’t think it gave me the closure I wanted after reading 30 books in the series… so here’s to hoping for more in the company series!!
Overall I enjoyed the book, it’s hard not to love and appreciate the worlds that JA Huss create that we get to fully emerge ourselves into.
My only issue is that I don’t think it gave me the closure I wanted after reading 30 books in the series… so here’s to hoping for more in the company series!!
March 30, 2022
Wow….. So “The Company” series has come to an end (or has it)
Lets talk about this final book first. It was not only a great ending to this series but I found it a great ending to “The Company” series. Lots of questions were answered and lots of loose ends tired up, but a few were left dangling, just incase Julie decides to write some more. What I liked is Julie has left it open to the possibilities of more to come if she wants to, but she didnt cut it off and leave us wondering “what happened”
This last book didnt have huge twists like other books, dont get me wrong there were a couple and yes she still F$%ked with our minds a little! (I love that!)
I loved that this series had some old players back in the game, even if they didnt have a star role Julie still managed to mention them in passing (she is great like that and I find she does that with all her books)
For me I am a new fan to Julie's world but others have been here for ages, I would like to think they too would have enjoyed how Julie summed up this whole journey, hell it has been a long one for them. I was lucky enough to have been able to listen back to back, from start to finish with no gaps between books (which I suggest you do if you want to get deep into this world)
I dont have many authors or books, that I add to a re-listen to list, as I love discovering new worlds, new stories and new authors, but I have already re-listened to a couple of Julie's, so YES for sure I will be re-listening to these again.
Julie has this talent where she not only tells a good story, but she tells them all a little different to the others. As a reader (I listen) this keeps us interested and we dont get bored, and hell we crave more!
Julie from me to you, THANK YOU.
Lets talk about this final book first. It was not only a great ending to this series but I found it a great ending to “The Company” series. Lots of questions were answered and lots of loose ends tired up, but a few were left dangling, just incase Julie decides to write some more. What I liked is Julie has left it open to the possibilities of more to come if she wants to, but she didnt cut it off and leave us wondering “what happened”
This last book didnt have huge twists like other books, dont get me wrong there were a couple and yes she still F$%ked with our minds a little! (I love that!)
I loved that this series had some old players back in the game, even if they didnt have a star role Julie still managed to mention them in passing (she is great like that and I find she does that with all her books)
For me I am a new fan to Julie's world but others have been here for ages, I would like to think they too would have enjoyed how Julie summed up this whole journey, hell it has been a long one for them. I was lucky enough to have been able to listen back to back, from start to finish with no gaps between books (which I suggest you do if you want to get deep into this world)
I dont have many authors or books, that I add to a re-listen to list, as I love discovering new worlds, new stories and new authors, but I have already re-listened to a couple of Julie's, so YES for sure I will be re-listening to these again.
Julie has this talent where she not only tells a good story, but she tells them all a little different to the others. As a reader (I listen) this keeps us interested and we dont get bored, and hell we crave more!
Julie from me to you, THANK YOU.
March 12, 2022
“The truth is jarring, and earth-shattering, and life-altering.
And who the fuck wants that?”
O…M…G. I don’t think I’ve ever taken days to write a review but this one was a challenge, trying to get all my feelings and words down was nearly impossible. So keeping it simple it is!
Just wow. JA Huss has a way with words and storytelling that leave you hooked and begging for more. Right from the first page of this series to the very end had me engaged, on the edge of my seat, throwing my kindle and yelling at these characters along with heart stopping, shocking and mind-blowing moments that I fell in love with. And this book just topped it all off, I absolutely loved it and need more from these characters and their world.
At around the 75% mark, I tried to slow down my reading of this book as much as I could just so I could prolong not knowing how the story ended. I was almost scared to know what would happen after that point… but who was I kidding? Julie’s words never truly let you go, so there was more anxiety not knowing what’s going to happen then actually finding out what will happen and that was driving me crazy (in a good way!)… I couldn’t take it anymore and I finished the ending in no time. And W…T…A…F! It was so good but holy heck my heart stopped! I want more!!
This truly deserves way more than 5 stars.
And who the fuck wants that?”
O…M…G. I don’t think I’ve ever taken days to write a review but this one was a challenge, trying to get all my feelings and words down was nearly impossible. So keeping it simple it is!
Just wow. JA Huss has a way with words and storytelling that leave you hooked and begging for more. Right from the first page of this series to the very end had me engaged, on the edge of my seat, throwing my kindle and yelling at these characters along with heart stopping, shocking and mind-blowing moments that I fell in love with. And this book just topped it all off, I absolutely loved it and need more from these characters and their world.
At around the 75% mark, I tried to slow down my reading of this book as much as I could just so I could prolong not knowing how the story ended. I was almost scared to know what would happen after that point… but who was I kidding? Julie’s words never truly let you go, so there was more anxiety not knowing what’s going to happen then actually finding out what will happen and that was driving me crazy (in a good way!)… I couldn’t take it anymore and I finished the ending in no time. And W…T…A…F! It was so good but holy heck my heart stopped! I want more!!
This truly deserves way more than 5 stars.
November 1, 2022
4.5
"No matter how bad things get, there are always blessings. Count your blessings.”
I am always sad when it comes to day goodbye to a world I've been following for years, a world I have felt immersed into for years.
Lovely Darkness beautifully concludes the Creeping Beautiful series and The Company world altogether.
It is time to seek the truth, to get answers, but the journey is as dangerous as ever in J.A. Huss' universe.
I loved to feel both hope and Hopelessness. And as always, I felt I've been manipulated like a puppet, and I loved everything about it.
Although the previous book didn't totally convince me (I got some answers about that in this last installment), Lovely Darkness convinced me. It thrilled me. I couldn't wait to reach the end and at the same time I dreaded it.
Set in the dark atmosphere of the minds of the characters, this story ties everything in a mindblowing plot. Twisted and uncomfortable are the words that come to my mind right now. The author had me wondering and thinking, leaving me smiling, both relieved and weary. The questioning is ever present, Indie, Nathan, Mercedes, Sasha, Nick, Wendy, Adam, McKay, Donovan and of course Maggie playing crazy games, seeking their cure, the graal to happiness.
What to say without spoiling anything?
Read the series, you'll find out what I mean.
"No matter how bad things get, there are always blessings. Count your blessings.”
I am always sad when it comes to day goodbye to a world I've been following for years, a world I have felt immersed into for years.
Lovely Darkness beautifully concludes the Creeping Beautiful series and The Company world altogether.
It is time to seek the truth, to get answers, but the journey is as dangerous as ever in J.A. Huss' universe.
I loved to feel both hope and Hopelessness. And as always, I felt I've been manipulated like a puppet, and I loved everything about it.
Although the previous book didn't totally convince me (I got some answers about that in this last installment), Lovely Darkness convinced me. It thrilled me. I couldn't wait to reach the end and at the same time I dreaded it.
Set in the dark atmosphere of the minds of the characters, this story ties everything in a mindblowing plot. Twisted and uncomfortable are the words that come to my mind right now. The author had me wondering and thinking, leaving me smiling, both relieved and weary. The questioning is ever present, Indie, Nathan, Mercedes, Sasha, Nick, Wendy, Adam, McKay, Donovan and of course Maggie playing crazy games, seeking their cure, the graal to happiness.
What to say without spoiling anything?
Read the series, you'll find out what I mean.
March 30, 2022
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Once again, Julie has written another book that literally blew my mind!!!
This is the last book in the Creeping Beautiful series... but i hope it's not the end for this whole interconnected Company world because dagnabbit, i need more!! But thankfully it kinda seems that there is going to be more with Carter.
So it picks right up after Gorgeous Misery where everyone is at the Old House. And the things that happen there were just mind blowing and completely eye opening. It's hard to write a review on this without giving any spoilers since there is JUST SOOOOOO MUCH THAT HAPPENS!!!!!!
Wow.... just wow. Julie - you are an amazing storyteller. You make every book not only delicious from a steamy standpoint but the mystery, the intrigue, the action.... and it really makes you wonder if anything is real. Lol it made me start wondering if that's how we are all really living... unknowingly part of a much bigger society that is pulling all the strings.
I cannot tell you just how much I recommend not only this book but the entire series and the interconnected stories. Start from the beginning. Let your mind be blown away!!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
Once again, Julie has written another book that literally blew my mind!!!
This is the last book in the Creeping Beautiful series... but i hope it's not the end for this whole interconnected Company world because dagnabbit, i need more!! But thankfully it kinda seems that there is going to be more with Carter.
So it picks right up after Gorgeous Misery where everyone is at the Old House. And the things that happen there were just mind blowing and completely eye opening. It's hard to write a review on this without giving any spoilers since there is JUST SOOOOOO MUCH THAT HAPPENS!!!!!!
Wow.... just wow. Julie - you are an amazing storyteller. You make every book not only delicious from a steamy standpoint but the mystery, the intrigue, the action.... and it really makes you wonder if anything is real. Lol it made me start wondering if that's how we are all really living... unknowingly part of a much bigger society that is pulling all the strings.
I cannot tell you just how much I recommend not only this book but the entire series and the interconnected stories. Start from the beginning. Let your mind be blown away!!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
March 8, 2025
Wow, what a jorney! So many twists and puzzles. I love it, really. But.. Why? How? So many questions where answered, but... I don't know, I don't understand. How so deadly killers, masterminds as Nick, Adam, Merc didn't see Sasha's plot? Ok, ok, they couldn't. But no weapons, no quick reactions, no nothing. And they where afraid of Indie all the time? They've all come so unprepared. Wtf! Remember Merc and Sydney's fight? That I believe, I expected something like this again. But no, they were all in stupor... And to bring Maggie to see it. Buuuh.. Ok, fastest, deadliest, human weapons in the world let all of them drugged without a
fight...ok. I'll maybe rethink it sometime 😊
And of course we didn't get the answers why Indie poisoned those cupcakes.. Who manipulated her back then.. And for what reasons she orchestrated that foursome again? They seemed to never really love each other at all. Only scripts, orders, expectations and regrets. I want to cry.
Everything else was very well explained. Besides, I only was looking for Nick and Harper' happyness. All others.. I DON'T TRUST THEM. ha-ha.
Thank you, Julie. I hope, we find more answers in the future books. I believe in those "clues" in the epilog 🌷
fight...ok. I'll maybe rethink it sometime 😊
And of course we didn't get the answers why Indie poisoned those cupcakes.. Who manipulated her back then.. And for what reasons she orchestrated that foursome again? They seemed to never really love each other at all. Only scripts, orders, expectations and regrets. I want to cry.
Everything else was very well explained. Besides, I only was looking for Nick and Harper' happyness. All others.. I DON'T TRUST THEM. ha-ha.
Thank you, Julie. I hope, we find more answers in the future books. I believe in those "clues" in the epilog 🌷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2022
Where to even start! There is so much that is going on. First let us give a round of applause to our author, JA Huss. She just blows my mind with her books.
This is kind of a wrap-up book, but with a cliffhanger, so I am not sure what is going to happen in the future. I hope we read more of these characters. They have been a part of our lives for years. I am going to be honest. You really need to pay attention to this book. Don't try to watch tv and read or let your family interrupt you a million times. Of course who doesn't want to just devour these books?
We end up back at Old Home. Merc, Sasha, Wendy, Nick all end up there as well. All have their parts to play on this world stage. What parts they think they are playing is not necessarily the part they were assigned.
We find out so many secrets in this book. Things are not as they appear. They all seem to be after the cure. What is in this cure that could make assassins jump through so many hoops just to get their hands on this cure?
I truly can't say much more as I know I will give everything away. There are so many things that are going to have you going WHAT!?
This is kind of a wrap-up book, but with a cliffhanger, so I am not sure what is going to happen in the future. I hope we read more of these characters. They have been a part of our lives for years. I am going to be honest. You really need to pay attention to this book. Don't try to watch tv and read or let your family interrupt you a million times. Of course who doesn't want to just devour these books?
We end up back at Old Home. Merc, Sasha, Wendy, Nick all end up there as well. All have their parts to play on this world stage. What parts they think they are playing is not necessarily the part they were assigned.
We find out so many secrets in this book. Things are not as they appear. They all seem to be after the cure. What is in this cure that could make assassins jump through so many hoops just to get their hands on this cure?
I truly can't say much more as I know I will give everything away. There are so many things that are going to have you going WHAT!?
April 2, 2022
3.5 Stars
*** Lovely Darkness is book four in the Creeping Beautiful series and should be read after books 1-3. This review may contain spoilers if you are not yet caught up in the series. ***
After years of living amongst the shadows, there are only a few true players that are left of the Company. Some may be retired, some may be wishing they were... but they are ALL keeping secrets...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lovely Darkness brought an unexpected ending to another twisted and complex piece of the Company puzzle. In this final installment of the Creeping Beautiful series, the tried and true soldiers from the Company are ready the end it all, once and for all... that is, if they don't get in each others way first...
This book was the true culmination of the stories of so many of the tortured souls who once were entrenched within the evils of the Company. Nick and Wendy, Adam and Core, Indie and Nate, Merc, Sasha, and the royally messed up, Donovan/Carter. Their secrets are ready to be revealed, but will everyone make it out alive?
This book brought along multiple points of view, ultra sexy moments from some previously loved couples, and of course the suspense and mystery that you have come to expect from this series and the Company as a whole. Yes, questions are answered... but I doubt we've seen the last of these fascinating and troubled characters...
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
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*** Lovely Darkness is book four in the Creeping Beautiful series and should be read after books 1-3. This review may contain spoilers if you are not yet caught up in the series. ***
After years of living amongst the shadows, there are only a few true players that are left of the Company. Some may be retired, some may be wishing they were... but they are ALL keeping secrets...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lovely Darkness brought an unexpected ending to another twisted and complex piece of the Company puzzle. In this final installment of the Creeping Beautiful series, the tried and true soldiers from the Company are ready the end it all, once and for all... that is, if they don't get in each others way first...
This book was the true culmination of the stories of so many of the tortured souls who once were entrenched within the evils of the Company. Nick and Wendy, Adam and Core, Indie and Nate, Merc, Sasha, and the royally messed up, Donovan/Carter. Their secrets are ready to be revealed, but will everyone make it out alive?
This book brought along multiple points of view, ultra sexy moments from some previously loved couples, and of course the suspense and mystery that you have come to expect from this series and the Company as a whole. Yes, questions are answered... but I doubt we've seen the last of these fascinating and troubled characters...
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.
Check out the Blog!
http://nightbirdnovels.com/2022/03/29...
Follow Me on Instagram
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Twitter
April 1, 2022
Trying to guess how Julie's books are gonna go is an impossibility, you just have no clue, and if you think you do you'll end up wrong, the woman is an evil genius!! We have come full circle in these books with our host of characters and the Company, but this one book puts the pieces in the puzzle and then makes an additional jigsaw you just didn't know existed (if that makes sense). You have so many questions about what is going on and yes you get your answers, but you also get answers to questions that you didn't know you needed to ask?!
Each of the chapters are told from a different viewpoint from a different character - what a brilliant way to add just bits of the puzzle as the whole thing is coming to an end and the slots are being filled, but then it shoots off in another direction that will leave your head spinning as you hang on to your seat for grim death as you're reading along.
I've loved every minute of the Company with all the characters, it's been an epic journey and I'm glad to have been a part of it.
Each of the chapters are told from a different viewpoint from a different character - what a brilliant way to add just bits of the puzzle as the whole thing is coming to an end and the slots are being filled, but then it shoots off in another direction that will leave your head spinning as you hang on to your seat for grim death as you're reading along.
I've loved every minute of the Company with all the characters, it's been an epic journey and I'm glad to have been a part of it.
November 20, 2023
…I don’t think I have the words..
I have a love/hate relationship with this series. I say this in a positive manner- but it’s a total mind f***. 100% constant assault of SO much info and back/forth between past and present. So many avenues between each character and their place within the MUCH bigger story. Each character had such deep roots and strengths but it bothered me that Indie was always being labeled as problematic or the one everyone should/wanted to leave behind. I felt her character deserved more, the descriptions other characters gave her fit others better and I think it took part in weighing Indie down. She seemed to have the least growth and I hated that for her.
On another note, the only other thing that nagged at me throughout this series was the genre category. It shouldn’t be a dark romance thriller, it should be a psychological mystery/thriller. While romance is found sprinkled lightly here and there, it’s really not a key in the story as a whole.
I have a love/hate relationship with this series. I say this in a positive manner- but it’s a total mind f***. 100% constant assault of SO much info and back/forth between past and present. So many avenues between each character and their place within the MUCH bigger story. Each character had such deep roots and strengths but it bothered me that Indie was always being labeled as problematic or the one everyone should/wanted to leave behind. I felt her character deserved more, the descriptions other characters gave her fit others better and I think it took part in weighing Indie down. She seemed to have the least growth and I hated that for her.
On another note, the only other thing that nagged at me throughout this series was the genre category. It shouldn’t be a dark romance thriller, it should be a psychological mystery/thriller. While romance is found sprinkled lightly here and there, it’s really not a key in the story as a whole.
April 8, 2022
What did I just hear!!! This was not, at all, what I expected!!! When this book started and it got where everyone was in Louisiana…. I expected…. Well, I’m not sure WHAT I expected, but NOT what happened!
I am so engrossed every time I read a JA Huss book, that I don’t take my normal notes while I’m reading or listening. I love her books so much, because I know I’m going to dive in and not come up until I’ve heard it all! This was no different. I adore these characters, even though they are so messed up!
I am so caught up in the absolute horror show that is The Company that I hurry to experience each book, and then I’m sad that I finished!!! Some of these people are so evil! But some…. They are just caught up in something they had no choice in…. That as messed up as they are…. You have to feel bad for them.
No spoilers… so I’m not saying much about the story…. But it will blow you away.. promise.. it’s another JA Huss masterpiece.
I am so engrossed every time I read a JA Huss book, that I don’t take my normal notes while I’m reading or listening. I love her books so much, because I know I’m going to dive in and not come up until I’ve heard it all! This was no different. I adore these characters, even though they are so messed up!
I am so caught up in the absolute horror show that is The Company that I hurry to experience each book, and then I’m sad that I finished!!! Some of these people are so evil! But some…. They are just caught up in something they had no choice in…. That as messed up as they are…. You have to feel bad for them.
No spoilers… so I’m not saying much about the story…. But it will blow you away.. promise.. it’s another JA Huss masterpiece.
March 22, 2022
Here we are, at the conclusion of the Creeping Beautiful series, and we are given a final book that does more than give - it connects. If you are reading this, you know you've got to read the first three books to really appreciate this story. It's not a gratuitous HEA or HFN, it is more like a revelation. There's the nostalgia of meeting up again with the top Company players (brace for domestic bliss!) and the discomfort of anticipating the worst.
For me, the character I've followed from her fictional childhood befriending one Ford Aston to the present storyline, is my hero(ine) Sasha. This girl!! She won my heart in every way. As she told Merc, "...we have two choices in the life, Merc. Just two. How much love do we give and how much support do we offer?...No matter how bad things get, there are always blessings. Count your blessings." I loved this book.
For me, the character I've followed from her fictional childhood befriending one Ford Aston to the present storyline, is my hero(ine) Sasha. This girl!! She won my heart in every way. As she told Merc, "...we have two choices in the life, Merc. Just two. How much love do we give and how much support do we offer?...No matter how bad things get, there are always blessings. Count your blessings." I loved this book.
March 29, 2022
Everything that has happened with The Company over many books and crossovers with so many characters finally comes to some what of an end, as sad as that is. But I'm going to say for now... because with that ending, anything could happen.
As with all her stories, lives connect, secrets get revealed in shocking, unpredictable, omg type fashion. Love and drama happens.
You will get answers but honestly some will be left up to you to conclude. If your a fan of this series that won't be too difficult.
Anytime you get Nick, Merc, Wendy, Sasha, Adam, Donavon and others in a room it's going to be interesting.
The writing is flawless, and written in a way that just sucks the reader in. Makes you feel like all this could definitely be real.
But just remember in this world things may not always appear as they seem.
Loved every 5⭐⭐⭐ word of it!!!
As with all her stories, lives connect, secrets get revealed in shocking, unpredictable, omg type fashion. Love and drama happens.
You will get answers but honestly some will be left up to you to conclude. If your a fan of this series that won't be too difficult.
Anytime you get Nick, Merc, Wendy, Sasha, Adam, Donavon and others in a room it's going to be interesting.
The writing is flawless, and written in a way that just sucks the reader in. Makes you feel like all this could definitely be real.
But just remember in this world things may not always appear as they seem.
Loved every 5⭐⭐⭐ word of it!!!
June 1, 2022
The Company books have been a total mind blowing experience thanks to the devious and brilliant genius that is JA Huss. Her books are sexy, thrilling and full of oh-sh*t moments that keep me on my toes when my mind wasn’t exploding with the latest plot twist. I have grown to love these ruthless killers because underneath the corruption that is The Company they all just want to be accepted and loved and that is universal to humanity. If you love a multilayered story with dubious but fascinating characters and a super twisted alternate world of reality this series is for you! Prepare to have your mind blown on a regular basis. I absolutely loved the narration performances of all of the outstanding narrators involved in this project! They are all fabulous and did an excellent job bringing these characters to life.
January 11, 2023
Phew!! This series is out of control! Julie, what are you doing to me?!?
I am still in a book hangover, and I have no idea where to go after finishing this one. I am going to start the Company books over, from the beginning, per her site. Some I've read, some I haven't. But this series just blew me away. I am pretty stingy with 5 stars, but 3 out of the 4 books earned it in my opinion.
This one brings us ALL.OF.THEM ... We get Indie, Adam, McKay, Donovan (Carter?), not to mention Nick Tate, Wendy, Merc, Sasha, Harper, Maggie, and so many more... phew. But the "ending" blew me away, and leaves me wondering.... just like Merc, will it come back? Hmmm... Only time will tell, right?
I need to take a break before diving into the full Company series, but I WILL be back. I can't get enough!
I am still in a book hangover, and I have no idea where to go after finishing this one. I am going to start the Company books over, from the beginning, per her site. Some I've read, some I haven't. But this series just blew me away. I am pretty stingy with 5 stars, but 3 out of the 4 books earned it in my opinion.
This one brings us ALL.OF.THEM ... We get Indie, Adam, McKay, Donovan (Carter?), not to mention Nick Tate, Wendy, Merc, Sasha, Harper, Maggie, and so many more... phew. But the "ending" blew me away, and leaves me wondering.... just like Merc, will it come back? Hmmm... Only time will tell, right?
I need to take a break before diving into the full Company series, but I WILL be back. I can't get enough!
July 2, 2025
Broken Book Therapist Reviews
I finished this with more questions than answers because of course I didn't realize when I started Creeping Beautiful I was starting at the wrong point. That said... I dont regret it. I dont know that I will read the other 27 books that came before this set of 4, although I do own most if not all of them digitally... because the mind journey this takes you on is wild and living in 2025 US is a mindf♤ck of its own. I love the closure this gave me for most of the people that I learned to love in this series and even the ones that Im not sure Im comfortable with the way it ended for them, it is the same as how some of the characters feel too... how are you ever ok knowing what you know about each other and just being resolved to that ending. But again... it is an epic journey that was worth the journey.
I finished this with more questions than answers because of course I didn't realize when I started Creeping Beautiful I was starting at the wrong point. That said... I dont regret it. I dont know that I will read the other 27 books that came before this set of 4, although I do own most if not all of them digitally... because the mind journey this takes you on is wild and living in 2025 US is a mindf♤ck of its own. I love the closure this gave me for most of the people that I learned to love in this series and even the ones that Im not sure Im comfortable with the way it ended for them, it is the same as how some of the characters feel too... how are you ever ok knowing what you know about each other and just being resolved to that ending. But again... it is an epic journey that was worth the journey.
March 28, 2022
Intense, Intriguing and Absolutely Captivating!!
Lovely Darkness is the twisty, gripping, and jaw-dropping conclusion to than awaited Creeping Beautiful Series.
The story is utterly engrossing, full of suspense, secrets and shocking revelations; with a fabulous cast of intriguing and memorable characters that will make of this read a deliciously page-turning experience in which you need to get ready to expect the unexpected.
We get them all together in one room, Nick, Merc, Wendy, Sasha, Indie, Adam, McCay, Donavan, Nathan, and Maggie. My only complaint is that Merc is supposed to be the best of best on his line of expertise, and that's all I'm saying.
I cannot recommend this fabulous series highly enough. You are going to enjoy every minute of it!
Lovely Darkness is the twisty, gripping, and jaw-dropping conclusion to than awaited Creeping Beautiful Series.
The story is utterly engrossing, full of suspense, secrets and shocking revelations; with a fabulous cast of intriguing and memorable characters that will make of this read a deliciously page-turning experience in which you need to get ready to expect the unexpected.
We get them all together in one room, Nick, Merc, Wendy, Sasha, Indie, Adam, McCay, Donavan, Nathan, and Maggie. My only complaint is that Merc is supposed to be the best of best on his line of expertise, and that's all I'm saying.
I cannot recommend this fabulous series highly enough. You are going to enjoy every minute of it!
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