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Lightness In My Dark
A Three-Year Marriage Contract. Financial Freedom. All she has to do is sign on the dotted line.
Finn Trevino’s principal goal is to become CEO of his family’s business at Trevino Holdings. To do so, he needs to change his ways. Finn is like the calm before the storm—magnetic energy—waiting to release its force. He has everything, except a trustworthy wife to devote her time to him and keep his secrets.
Knotted by her clandestine past, Wren Jagger keeps to herself, preferring quiet and appearing reserved to those around. By accident, Wren stumbles her way into Finn’s life after losing her job. She does not know how much she’ll have to weather the storm and prays it will break soon. If she survives Finn’s behavior, she’ll be financially set for life.
For the volatile Finn to crack, and the battered Wren to trust, they must become the lightness in each other’s dark.
Author’s Note: Lightness In My Dark is a standalone, slow burn, steamy, dark contemporary romance sprinkled with humor. My characters are flawed and reckless. They’re tangled and raunchy… and sometimes downright adorable. The story delves into unpleasant but real issues. It contains adult content and triggers. Reader discretion is advised. If you want a list of warnings, please visit the author's website.
Finn Trevino’s principal goal is to become CEO of his family’s business at Trevino Holdings. To do so, he needs to change his ways. Finn is like the calm before the storm—magnetic energy—waiting to release its force. He has everything, except a trustworthy wife to devote her time to him and keep his secrets.
Knotted by her clandestine past, Wren Jagger keeps to herself, preferring quiet and appearing reserved to those around. By accident, Wren stumbles her way into Finn’s life after losing her job. She does not know how much she’ll have to weather the storm and prays it will break soon. If she survives Finn’s behavior, she’ll be financially set for life.
For the volatile Finn to crack, and the battered Wren to trust, they must become the lightness in each other’s dark.
Author’s Note: Lightness In My Dark is a standalone, slow burn, steamy, dark contemporary romance sprinkled with humor. My characters are flawed and reckless. They’re tangled and raunchy… and sometimes downright adorable. The story delves into unpleasant but real issues. It contains adult content and triggers. Reader discretion is advised. If you want a list of warnings, please visit the author's website.
286 pages, Paperback
Published July 20, 2022
19 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 11, 2022
2,5 🤔🤔⭐️s
I am speechless and not in a good way.
This read was (for me) definitely peculiar and beyond complicated.
First of all, I connected with neither characters and I can not describe them as likeable. Their issues may have been as high as Mount Everest.
Finn had to get married in order to take over as CEO in his family’s investment firm. So, he offered Wren a marriage contract where they would be engaged for eight months and remain married for three years.
Wren was an introvert, without a backbone, low-key, frightened and reserved character.
Finn’s behaviour was toxic and cruel. He orchestrated the arranged marriage with Wren, a girl he didn’t give a care at all, and while she moved into his house as was requested by him, he was screwing around - even with their wedding planner!
The contract Wren signed, stated that both of them could have sexual relations with others as long as it was discreet. He was such a gentleman!!!
Both main characters had some traumatic experiences, hence their behaviour, and I had to reach 59% of the story for Finn’s revelations and 77% for Wren’s.
From that point the story’s progress was better, however the sex scenes held a great part.
Finally, emotions were unveiled, the mcs showed their humanity and found their true selves and their hea.
It took so long, more than half of the story, to have me engaged and in the end I wasn’t thrilled nor fascinated.
I am speechless and not in a good way.
This read was (for me) definitely peculiar and beyond complicated.
First of all, I connected with neither characters and I can not describe them as likeable. Their issues may have been as high as Mount Everest.
Finn had to get married in order to take over as CEO in his family’s investment firm. So, he offered Wren a marriage contract where they would be engaged for eight months and remain married for three years.
Wren was an introvert, without a backbone, low-key, frightened and reserved character.
Finn’s behaviour was toxic and cruel. He orchestrated the arranged marriage with Wren, a girl he didn’t give a care at all, and while she moved into his house as was requested by him, he was screwing around - even with their wedding planner!
The contract Wren signed, stated that both of them could have sexual relations with others as long as it was discreet. He was such a gentleman!!!
Both main characters had some traumatic experiences, hence their behaviour, and I had to reach 59% of the story for Finn’s revelations and 77% for Wren’s.
From that point the story’s progress was better, however the sex scenes held a great part.
Finally, emotions were unveiled, the mcs showed their humanity and found their true selves and their hea.
It took so long, more than half of the story, to have me engaged and in the end I wasn’t thrilled nor fascinated.
September 14, 2025
This was such a good book. I 10/10 recommend.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 3, 2022
I loved Wren and Finn so so much! I absolutely admired these two. They both have my heart. They were both indeed the lightness to each other's dark. This book had put me in a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I was squirming, gasping, giggling, crying and throwing hands throughout my reading. I'm going to miss each of the characters in this book (they were so likeable).
If you want your emotions wrecked, pick up this book and you'll not regret it. I liked how Denise planned and wrote the plot, even her writing style made it easy to read. Thanks to the author for providing the ARC to facilitate my voluntary review.
Content warning: addiction, sexual assault, child molestation, rape. Please read with caution.
If you want your emotions wrecked, pick up this book and you'll not regret it. I liked how Denise planned and wrote the plot, even her writing style made it easy to read. Thanks to the author for providing the ARC to facilitate my voluntary review.
Content warning: addiction, sexual assault, child molestation, rape. Please read with caution.
August 9, 2022
DNF @25%
Maybe it gets better. Idk and idc. It’s a super odd story. They have an agreement and I know it technically wasn’t cheating but he was screwing women, including their wedding planner, left and right and there was no mention of condoms. Gross.
“I had her facing the wall. I unzipped my pants and thrusted inside. Tiffany yelped, but soon pushed back into me. When I closed my eyes, I saw Wren in her dress. Her lips. Her smile. I shook my head to rid the image, but Wren continued to invade my fuck, having me cum faster than I could ever recall.”
“A guy like Finn can’t NOT sleep around. When he came home the other night, patchouli wasn’t the only smell clinging to him, sweeping through the hallway. Why does it bother me? Because it’s disrespectful.”
This kind of “romance” doesn’t interest me but to each their own.
Maybe it gets better. Idk and idc. It’s a super odd story. They have an agreement and I know it technically wasn’t cheating but he was screwing women, including their wedding planner, left and right and there was no mention of condoms. Gross.
“I had her facing the wall. I unzipped my pants and thrusted inside. Tiffany yelped, but soon pushed back into me. When I closed my eyes, I saw Wren in her dress. Her lips. Her smile. I shook my head to rid the image, but Wren continued to invade my fuck, having me cum faster than I could ever recall.”
“A guy like Finn can’t NOT sleep around. When he came home the other night, patchouli wasn’t the only smell clinging to him, sweeping through the hallway. Why does it bother me? Because it’s disrespectful.”
This kind of “romance” doesn’t interest me but to each their own.
August 14, 2022
I would recommend that you read this book if you enjoy deep character journeys and seeing them change and redeem themselves.
The book itself is not for everyone with its themes, but the main thing that carried the story are the Characters. Finn and Wren are great to read and their rocky start made their bond incredibly strong. I love the change they went through as the story progressed and we learn their deep tragedy and how they cope with them.
The book itself is not for everyone with its themes, but the main thing that carried the story are the Characters. Finn and Wren are great to read and their rocky start made their bond incredibly strong. I love the change they went through as the story progressed and we learn their deep tragedy and how they cope with them.
December 3, 2022
I loved this author's ability to weave a world around you and really invite you to feel what the characters are feeling. I also loved the fact that she didn't shy away from writing the darker aspects; the world we live in is not a "safe" space, and we don't need to be protected from it. I loved her characters, and I envied her ability to turn a phrase. The story was very engaging, and I really did stay up almost all night to try to finish it!
January 10, 2024
4.5/5 story, 5/5 steam
This book is like that recipe where you look at all the ingredients and wonder how it will ever work. It turns out the recipe is amazing and all the ingredients blend together in a way that is just so satisfying.
This is a DARK romance novel and covers dark topics and challenging subject matter. There may be content and situations that some readers may find troubling. CW/TW listed at the end.
M/F, Dual POV, Enemies to lovers, Alpha-hole MMC, MOC, damaged MCs find HEA, touch-averse FMC, slow-burn, protective & possessive MMC
As the heir-apparent CEO of a million dollar company, Finn needs to project a mature and settled image. When his path crosses with an unemployed compassionate stranger- he seizes an opportunity to propose a contractual engagement/marriage of convenience with a $10M payout. The brashly over-sexed Finn and the shy & modestly reserved Wren are fire and ice. MUCH goes terribly wrong from the beginning.
The definition of a conceited immature alpha-hole, Finn cannot charm Wren. Angst and hurt ensue courtesy of Finn’s words and actions. Before Wren can jettison the contract, Finn makes a last ditch effort to save the agreement and learn more about each other - cue the slow burn. Revelations and developments in the second act are earth shattering.
The author took these two disparate character “puzzle pieces” and found their perfect match. The gritty character growth, redemption and healing arcs are well done, believable and surprisingly satisfying. The MC intimacy journey is respectfully developed and very erotic; one of the best I’ve read considering the serious subject matter. Sexy times are 5-alarm.
Spoilers and CW/TW below:
TW/CW: on-page 3rd party rape/SA, on-page abuse, past rape, past child abuse, past SA, parental abuse, substance abuse & detox, Other woman
This book is like that recipe where you look at all the ingredients and wonder how it will ever work. It turns out the recipe is amazing and all the ingredients blend together in a way that is just so satisfying.
This is a DARK romance novel and covers dark topics and challenging subject matter. There may be content and situations that some readers may find troubling. CW/TW listed at the end.
M/F, Dual POV, Enemies to lovers, Alpha-hole MMC, MOC, damaged MCs find HEA, touch-averse FMC, slow-burn, protective & possessive MMC
As the heir-apparent CEO of a million dollar company, Finn needs to project a mature and settled image. When his path crosses with an unemployed compassionate stranger- he seizes an opportunity to propose a contractual engagement/marriage of convenience with a $10M payout. The brashly over-sexed Finn and the shy & modestly reserved Wren are fire and ice. MUCH goes terribly wrong from the beginning.
The definition of a conceited immature alpha-hole, Finn cannot charm Wren. Angst and hurt ensue courtesy of Finn’s words and actions. Before Wren can jettison the contract, Finn makes a last ditch effort to save the agreement and learn more about each other - cue the slow burn. Revelations and developments in the second act are earth shattering.
The author took these two disparate character “puzzle pieces” and found their perfect match. The gritty character growth, redemption and healing arcs are well done, believable and surprisingly satisfying. The MC intimacy journey is respectfully developed and very erotic; one of the best I’ve read considering the serious subject matter. Sexy times are 5-alarm.
Spoilers and CW/TW below:
TW/CW: on-page 3rd party rape/SA, on-page abuse, past rape, past child abuse, past SA, parental abuse, substance abuse & detox, Other woman
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2022
It took me a while to pick this one up and actually read it. When I read the blurb, it looked promising and I actually had high expectations for it. But I was disappointed. It took me forever to get hooked and to somehow understand the characters.
In my opinion, the first few chapters still needs improvement and some editing here and there. It made me feel like I'm reading a work done by someone who's still a beginner at writing. It just lacks the oomph, if you know what I mean.
Before I started reading, I know for a fact that the characters are going to be problematic. What I didn't expect is how much. So I ended up being somewhat shocked by the revelations of their dark pasts, especially that of Wren's. Honestly, I'm not aware of the trigger warnings so I wasn't able to prepare myself enough when some scenes occurred. (Guys, please read the TWs especially if you're sensitive to some topics).
When I finished, I still haven't connected with the characters and I didn't grow to like Finn since **spoiler** he hit Wren. Even if it only happened once and it was minimal, it's still a 'no-no' for me. No matter the situation or reason behind one's negative behaviors, there will never be an acceptable reason to hit a woman. And I also hate the fact that Wren forgave him just like that.
I understand the direction that the author wanted for this to go, however, the storytelling isn't for me. I think that this kind of plot and storyline will only be enjoyable to some group of people but not for the majority.
Disclaimer: I have received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In my opinion, the first few chapters still needs improvement and some editing here and there. It made me feel like I'm reading a work done by someone who's still a beginner at writing. It just lacks the oomph, if you know what I mean.
Before I started reading, I know for a fact that the characters are going to be problematic. What I didn't expect is how much. So I ended up being somewhat shocked by the revelations of their dark pasts, especially that of Wren's. Honestly, I'm not aware of the trigger warnings so I wasn't able to prepare myself enough when some scenes occurred. (Guys, please read the TWs especially if you're sensitive to some topics).
When I finished, I still haven't connected with the characters and I didn't grow to like Finn since **spoiler** he hit Wren. Even if it only happened once and it was minimal, it's still a 'no-no' for me. No matter the situation or reason behind one's negative behaviors, there will never be an acceptable reason to hit a woman. And I also hate the fact that Wren forgave him just like that.
I understand the direction that the author wanted for this to go, however, the storytelling isn't for me. I think that this kind of plot and storyline will only be enjoyable to some group of people but not for the majority.
Disclaimer: I have received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2024
2.5 stars?
Trigger warning: molestation, sexual abuse(SA), addiction, domestic violence(DV).
I'm always eager to read and support books by new authors, and this seemed perfect. LIMD is marketed as a dark contemporary romance with two characters with traumatic pasts. Trauma is a recurring theme in this book, however I don't feel like it was executed well. Particularly I had issue with the MMC and their treatment of the FMC throughout the entire novel.
Things I liked about this book. I liked Wren, the FMC, inspite of or because of her cookiness. I also liked the premise of getting married to an a*hole for money and to secure their inheritance. Her banter with the MMC was cute when it was light. If the rest of the story wasn't such a mess, I'd give it 5 stars alone for her infamous line, "He doesn't want you or your scabby pussy."
Finn the MMC however is arrogant and a borderline sociopath. While Wren is cooky at worst, Finn has actual real issues because he goes on a self destructive path and enjoys humiliating/abusing Wren. Cheating on her, throwing digs at her, and even putting his hands on her, golly. If it wasn’t for Wren’s charm I would have DNF’ed. She didn’t deserve any of it, and I found his behavior unforgivable, regardless of his trauma. Trauma is no excuse for being an entitled asshole! This is when their banter became unbearable to me, and I started to skim-read. I'm all for slight a*holes but “Love and patience can conquer all" was not the approach Wren should've taken with Finn.
Overall the ending of the story was questionable to me and I felt they never should have continued this sham of a relationship in the first place.
Trigger warning: molestation, sexual abuse(SA), addiction, domestic violence(DV).
I'm always eager to read and support books by new authors, and this seemed perfect. LIMD is marketed as a dark contemporary romance with two characters with traumatic pasts. Trauma is a recurring theme in this book, however I don't feel like it was executed well. Particularly I had issue with the MMC and their treatment of the FMC throughout the entire novel.
Things I liked about this book. I liked Wren, the FMC, inspite of or because of her cookiness. I also liked the premise of getting married to an a*hole for money and to secure their inheritance. Her banter with the MMC was cute when it was light. If the rest of the story wasn't such a mess, I'd give it 5 stars alone for her infamous line, "He doesn't want you or your scabby pussy."
Finn the MMC however is arrogant and a borderline sociopath. While Wren is cooky at worst, Finn has actual real issues because he goes on a self destructive path and enjoys humiliating/abusing Wren. Cheating on her, throwing digs at her, and even putting his hands on her, golly. If it wasn’t for Wren’s charm I would have DNF’ed. She didn’t deserve any of it, and I found his behavior unforgivable, regardless of his trauma. Trauma is no excuse for being an entitled asshole! This is when their banter became unbearable to me, and I started to skim-read. I'm all for slight a*holes but “Love and patience can conquer all" was not the approach Wren should've taken with Finn.
Overall the ending of the story was questionable to me and I felt they never should have continued this sham of a relationship in the first place.
June 11, 2024
Wren helps a drinker named Cole and ends up with cole's boss Finn as he asked her to marry her for 3 years for ten million dollars at first he's a ass. Wren makes friends from Cole to chef Dan. Wren loves to sing and Finn finds out how much he likes her when she ends up drinking to much so he takes care of her afterwards Wren makes Finns favorite food a Shepard's pie and Finn finds out Wren loves horror movies Finn becomes possessive but he gets into trouble when he ends up with another women at the new years party. Wren and Finn make up after he finds out how shitty wrens parents are to her and stood up for her. They went to a friends wedding and went and got drinks Wren x Conner attacks Wren at the bar bathroom and Finn comes to her rescue and he is told what happend to Wren years ago. Wren helps Finn with his addiction before they get married and live happily ever after 🥰....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
SAD Terrified & in LOVE
Definitely has triggers and a full round of emotions that had me high on excitement and sad and not liking the words that brought depth to this amazing story. I felt the pain and fear that sunk a dark yucky cloud on this story that had me on edge feeling the rawness of the pain and suffering but thank goodness for the crazy laughs and chuckles that lighten the darkness and filled me with excitement and romantic stars as the drama shifts and the chemistry gets thrilling and hot and swoon worthy. I read the unlikable reviews on this story but decided to take a chance and am definitely glad I did because I'm eager to say although it's dark with triggers it's A Great read.
Definitely has triggers and a full round of emotions that had me high on excitement and sad and not liking the words that brought depth to this amazing story. I felt the pain and fear that sunk a dark yucky cloud on this story that had me on edge feeling the rawness of the pain and suffering but thank goodness for the crazy laughs and chuckles that lighten the darkness and filled me with excitement and romantic stars as the drama shifts and the chemistry gets thrilling and hot and swoon worthy. I read the unlikable reviews on this story but decided to take a chance and am definitely glad I did because I'm eager to say although it's dark with triggers it's A Great read.
November 22, 2022
* I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only *
I had some mixed feelings about some of the elements in this book, but I believe the idea overall was pleasant.
*SPOILERS*
Wren and Finn had their cute moments, but I’ll admit, I was a little confused at how the story unfolded. Finn was extremely abusive in the beginning, and that made me take a while to warm up to him. Also, both Wren and Finn’s pasts came up so late in the story, and they were very rushed. I enjoyed the loving parts and then the trauma just WHAM, hit me like a truck. I think that Finn and Wren had the potential to be something great, but it’s hard to support them when their relationship was so heavily built on mental abuse, infidelity, and physical abuse.
I had some mixed feelings about some of the elements in this book, but I believe the idea overall was pleasant.
*SPOILERS*
Wren and Finn had their cute moments, but I’ll admit, I was a little confused at how the story unfolded. Finn was extremely abusive in the beginning, and that made me take a while to warm up to him. Also, both Wren and Finn’s pasts came up so late in the story, and they were very rushed. I enjoyed the loving parts and then the trauma just WHAM, hit me like a truck. I think that Finn and Wren had the potential to be something great, but it’s hard to support them when their relationship was so heavily built on mental abuse, infidelity, and physical abuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2025
Amazing
This book was amazing great. I felt in love with the characters and story line. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Top ten of the best books I've read this year. Shirley
This book was amazing great. I felt in love with the characters and story line. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Top ten of the best books I've read this year. Shirley
December 1, 2022
I was hooked in the first few pages. The storyline is fantastic and could make for a great movie. Two people with their own demons in a push and pull between each other who fall for each other. Highly intense and romantic throughout!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2022
overcome
This is a wonderful love story and this story is the story I’m so glad the characters get a happy ending
This is a wonderful love story and this story is the story I’m so glad the characters get a happy ending
August 29, 2025
This was my first time reading this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. I was pleasantly surprised by this book—I loved the writing style. It’s easy, addictive, and had me completely sucked in until the very end.
Wren and Finn’s journey was raw, emotional, and painful at times. My heart broke over the horrendous experiences they had to endure. Watching them slowly begin to trust each other and share their pasts made their bond feel even stronger and unbreakable.
I especially appreciated how their relationship progressed so naturally—beautiful and consuming, even when dealing with highly emotional triggers. The shift from a contract to a deeply connected, trusting, and loving relationship was done so well. Their growth as a couple, rooted in respect and care, made the story even more powerful.
The found family element was another highlight for me. It added depth and warmth to the darker themes. And I have to say—I adored Cole. He was just lovely.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Wren and Finn’s journey was raw, emotional, and painful at times. My heart broke over the horrendous experiences they had to endure. Watching them slowly begin to trust each other and share their pasts made their bond feel even stronger and unbreakable.
I especially appreciated how their relationship progressed so naturally—beautiful and consuming, even when dealing with highly emotional triggers. The shift from a contract to a deeply connected, trusting, and loving relationship was done so well. Their growth as a couple, rooted in respect and care, made the story even more powerful.
The found family element was another highlight for me. It added depth and warmth to the darker themes. And I have to say—I adored Cole. He was just lovely.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.
August 30, 2025
Wren just got let go at her job and helped a man Cole out when she saw he needed a friend, so she called Finn to pick up Cole. A month after Wren loses her job, Finn comes up with a plan to get his parents off his back to marry and asks Wren to be his fake wife, so he be CEO of the family company. Wren was an introvert and kept to herself, but now she has to socialize with her new fiance for the next 3 years. Wren and Finn argue all the time cause Finn is an alpha male, overbearing, possessive personality, and that doesn't clash well with Wren. But when they finally see eye to eye, their flow is amazing. Finn has trauma he is workin throu, and Wren is his light to his dark but she has her own trauma to work throu too. This is a good book, and yes, it is a slow burn, but it is still good it builds u up for their love story.
November 21, 2022
Good story and well written (few grammatical errors). A marriage of convenience story between seemingly opposite people, however, their past traumas help to bridge the divide between them and help them understand each other. It felt a little slow in the beginning, and then felt too fast toward the end. I think breaking it into two books would have given more opportunity for the author to tackle the topics of sexual abuse and addiction and treatment. Plus, a sexual assault that occurs has no criminal resolution for the character. We see the effects initially, but the perpetrator is never brought to justice or mentioned again. I would have also liked an epilogue to see them a few years later and to get closure on some gaps left in the story.
August 20, 2025
Denise Baer does it again with this amazing slow burn, steamy, dark romance, Lightness in my Dark. When Finn a complete stranger to Wren, proposes a 3yr marriage contract what could go wrong? Wren promised to receive financial security after the contract and Finn will receive the keys to his families company. Things of course are never that easy. Especially when drug addiction along with physical/sexual abuse is involved. Will Finn and Wren make it to the alter and live happily ever after? You will have to read Lightness in my Dark.
August 19, 2025
Funny idea for a book, liked the story pretty much. Greatly written, good humor. Finn was kind of horrible at first, I have to admit I did not like him at first and he had horrible friends. But half way through he was just wonderful and you had to feel for his losses. Wren was crying a lot, don’t know why. It took a bit since they come together but it was really good. All in all a winner I would read again.
October 31, 2025
It was just supposed to be a fake marriage contract, but it was definitely more than that. Wren and Finn's relationship definitely grew stronger because of the trauma bonding. They really did not get along at first and he was kind of an a**. They both had some really screwed up lives and I felt for them. The found family aspect was so heartfelt, I think that's all they really needed. It was just a very wholesome story altogether.
August 7, 2024
I personally enjoyed reading this book. I understand that not every book can satisfy everyone's likes but I thought this book was great. Yes, it is a dark book with various triggers but I found it very entertaining. I don't want to go into much detail as I don't want to spoil this book for anyone. However, I would recommend reading it if you enjoy dark novels (watch for triggers of course).
August 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It was realistic in that it was something that could really happen. Well written and entertaining. It kept me interested in seeing what would happen next and who will win. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an enemies to lovers type romance
February 17, 2025
I loved this story and the journey this couple goes through to fall in love!!!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews