Darkness Falls

by Jamie Lynn Miller

Matthew Tucker is a successful actor on a hit television show, his career on the rise. Life is good. What more could he want? Daniel Westman, that’s what – his co-star and close friend.

Matthew’s attraction to Daniel grows day by day, feeling there’s something between them, just under the surface. But months go by, with Matthew afraid to tell Daniel he was falling in love with him. Because if he was wrong and Matthew was looking too deeply into it…he’d lose his best friend. So instead Matthew longs for Daniel in silence, until an accident on set may leave Daniel permanently blind. With his friend hurt, scared and confused, his life possibly forever altered, Matthew never wavers from Daniel’s side, no matter how difficult it gets.

His dedication brings them closer than ever before, but is it possible to find happiness, and love, in the wake of a tragedy? Or has Matthew’s hesitation cost him that chance and he’ll lose Daniel to the darkness instead?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Disability, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, M M Contemporary

117 pages, ebook

First published June 20, 2008

About the author

Jamie Lynn Miller has been writing male/male fanfiction stories for nearly fifteen years and decided to take the plunge and go pro in 2008. She's a romantic at heart, and her stories reflect the desire we all have to find "the one", persevering through trials and heartache for that happy ending.

Jamie has a degree in Fine Arts and has spent the last thirteen years working as a Graphic Designer. She was born in Chicago and still lives there today, with her husband and their furry, four-footed "children".

Besides writing, Jamie enjoys traveling, softball, reading, science fiction, hanging out with friends, and just being creative.

She is eternally thankful for all of the love and support her husband has given her over the years with her writing and other endeavors.

Reviews

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and incredibly sappy, it was a perfect healing/comfort/friends-to-lovers read that I was particularly in the mood for at the time. If that catches your fancy, you will not be disappointed with this one. Recommended!

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading this story, I couldn't help thinking about J2, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment at all. Very tender and heartwarming story and I'm happy Daniel got his sight back at the end.
Very sweet book!

[Love Bytes Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 star review by Marieke

Matthew is my favorite character in this novella. He’s sweet, caring and obviously in love with Daniel. Daniel is a nice person until something happens to him, then he turns into a bit of a grouch. Daniel is in an accident and damages his eyes. The doctors can’t tell him if it’s permanent or not and Daniel doesn’t deal well with that news.

During the whole story you read how much Matthew loves his best friend and how scared he is of losing him. You also see in a lot of little things that the feeling is mutual, but for me Daniel never shows the same amount of dedication as Matthew.

Daniel refuses help, professional or otherwise. Only Matthew can help him, even if it’s with great reluctance that Daniel accepts that. He explodes at every setback, he shuts Matthew out and yells.

For me, Daniel wasn’t as great a character as Matthew was. He won’t go to a shrink, won’t get out of the house and he doesn’t want to ‘see’ anyone. But what bothered me the most about him, was that he didn’t even tell Matthew that his sight was starting to get better, even when he knew how much it hurt his boyfriend. Daniel isn’t going to a doctor either and he could’ve damaged his healing process, which annoyed me.

The story itself was a nice one, just a bit short for my taste. I think the author could’ve made a full-length novel out of this easily. The fact that I want that is a clear indication that it wasn’t a bad read at all, just not as great as it could’ve been

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!

[T.M. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew and Daniel are best friends and co-stars on the hit TV show Darkness Falls. But somewhere along the way, Matthew started to feel something more for Daniel, something stronger. He broke off his long term relationship but still didn’t admit to his best friend that he was in love with him. Matthew worries not just about being rejected, but about losing the friendship as well.

When Daniel is injured in an explosion on the set, Matthew moves in with him to help him while he’s healing. Daniel is angry and confused over the possibility of being permanently blind, but Matthew is there to help him pick up the pieces. And then one night, everything changes. Best friends become lovers and learn that they have both been hiding their feelings for way too long.

What a fun read. Miller took the best friends to lovers angle and twisted it to fit her own story of longing and passion between these two men. I loved the mystery of how and why the accident happened. How it brings the two men closer together. And the intrigue, will Daniel get his sight back? And then the way Matthew was determined to feel exactly as Daniel was their first time together, and kept his eyes closed. It’s was just beautiful.

You have to grab this book! I will stay on my kindle permanently so I can read it again, and again...

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet and easy story ( despite the story line, I was never really worried ).
I had to suspend disbelief for a lot of the goings on...
ok they are in their second season...with a popular show, and no press coverage or interviews to this situation, no Matthew has to call and inform friends and Daniel's parents aren't informed till far later...still no talk to agents or press...then Daniel is not invited to negotiations for the next season..ok., that works, but he found out from Matthew, not from his agent or the producer...really? Is there no contract ?
Then of course after his miraculous healing....they will just both be right back on the show, of course the producers will forget about all Matthew bailing on them...and all is well! And I'm not even going to comment on the total lack of thought to them now being 'together' and on a show..
So all in all a nice friends to lovers story but nothing really memorable.
ETA I counted 25 'older man' or some variation thereof for this short...which got to be really annoying.

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
This is one of the early story from Jamie Lynn Miller (checked the publishing and it's 2008) -- that is why I find it just a tad less satisfying that the last two of hers I read. Don't get me wrong, I love both Matthew and Daniel. I think how Matthew takes care of Daniel is very sweet. However, I sort of want a stretch of details how Daniel coping with his temporary blindness. Him getting the sight back is just too convenient and well, too quick in my point of view. While her current stories, Jamie Lynn likes to write details on procedurals like cops and firefighters. It's still a wonderful story between two best friends ... but I guess I want a bit more :)

[Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt and Danny are in the stars of a very popular TV show. An accident in the shooting location left Danny blinds. Matt steps up and takes care of his co-star. He finally even confesses his feeling toward Danny. But what should he do when the producer signals that Danny's character in the show would be replaced by another character? More importantly, can he be a life-time partner with a blind man?

This is a very sweet novella. Seeing how the two grow even closer after the accident is really heart-warming. I'm happy that they take time to develop the relationship. It's also good to see how they deal with Danny's blindness.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a sweet story about Matt and Danny who are friends and co-workers when an accident happens. It was really heartwarming to see Matt take care of Danny even though he really wanted more from him, but he put his feelings aside because his friend needed him. Despite Danny's injury and the obstacles that it presents, their friendship and their feelings grow deeper for one another.

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO TOUCHING

This is beautiful touching Book about love after tragedy. Daniel and Matthew are prominent actors on a number one hit drama. Both men are at the height of their careers. When Daniel is injured on set by a scene gone wrong, Matthew is there for him. Their friendship has always been strong. Matthew is determined to hide his feelings and see Daniel through the hardest time of his life. This is a beautiful Book written by the talented JAMIE LYNN MILLER. It has all the feelings and heat this Author is known for. This is a wonderful, beautiful story. I HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!!!

[Jojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked what this story had going for it. I was all into hurt/comfort, blindness and famous actors. I was sold on the blurb. And there were parts of this that I really did enjoy. I liked the progression of the relationship, from best friends facing a crisis to lovers. I liked a lot of things about this book, but all of it I wanted MORE. More depth, more emotion, more exploration of the situation and how their fame impacted it. I liked what was there, I just wanted more of everything in this story, for it all to go further.

[James Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming love story. Mathew is an actor on a very popular television show. Daniel is his costar and a very good friend. Mathew is in love with Daniel but he does not want to tell him in case Daniel does not feel the same way. Mathew would rather have Daniel in his life as a friend than not at all. An accident on set causes Daniel to become blind, maybe even permanently. Mathew steps up to take care of him. Mathew vows to Daniel to be there as long as he needs him. But will that be enough?

[Anu Vaarama · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short love story, it was an okay read, not much tension and no big emotions either - and I feel like I had now lived through a bit boring Monday. Anyway, I could read some other book from this author because I liked the writing itself.
Lyhyt romanttinen kirja aika vähin jännityksin, ei jätä suuria tunteita, hippusen tylsyyden ennemmin. Koska kirjailija kirjoittaa hyvää ja sujuvaa kieltä ja kirja oli ihan luettava, voisin kyllä lukea häneltä jotain muutakin.

[Jeanine Beaulieu St Pierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

love you can’t see

Great book,I really enjoyed it,the way these two come together when there’s a accident is wonderful and each finally telling each other there feeling to each other and than the added bonus on the end was great

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love will come

I loved this story, the characters Matthew, and Daniel were made for each other. I loved the storyline, and this story was well written.

[M.J. Calabrese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written

This story was a quick and enjoyable read. The characters were wonderful with a happily ever after ending. So good.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable novella with a gentle but sad storyline about two sweet men who struggle to get through disaster. One is devastated and the other painful longs for love.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

🔹friends to lovers

🔹coworkers

🔹mutual crushes/pining

🔹on-page injury (loss of vision), caretaker MC

🔹”can I shave your face for you?”

🔹3rd person POV

🔥/🔥

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Matthew & Daniel

Rating: 3.3 ⭐

This is a short and sweet read about two friends and how an filming accident brings them together as lovers. There is healing, understanding, presumed unrequited love and some steamy bits. I definitely wanted more about the couple and how their relationship has continued to grow, but it’s a short read so you get time jumps and few holes in the story.

[Lena Grey · Rating 3 out of 5]

“After all, the true seeing is within.” ~ George Eliot, Middlemarch

Matthew, of ‘Darkness Falls’ by Jamie Lynn Miller, has been in love with his costar and best friend, Daniel, for years. Matthew has seen some signs that Daniel may feel the same way, but he has never been brave enough to express his feelings for fear of losing Daniel’s friendship. Matthew would rather have Daniel as a good friend than not at all. So Matthew suffers in silence, taking affection whenever he can get it. After Daniel has an accident that leaves him blind, Matthew jumps in to help him with whatever it takes to see that his friend is as comfortable as he can be.

Even in normal circumstances, Daniel has trouble asking for help. He appreciates Matthew’s support but doesn’t want him to put his life on hold to be with him. Daniel tries to tell him he is okay by himself. Matthew knows that isn’t true. He tries to tell Daniel that he could never be a burden. Matthew tries to find less invasive ways to do what needs to do for Daniel without him being aware of it. For example, instead of asking if Daniel wants Matthew to read to him, Matthew reads out loud. While watching sports on TV, Matthew comments on the game.

As time goes by, Daniel resigns himself to his blindness. Daniel knows he won’t be able to act any longer but isn’t sure what he will do. He refuses to take the steps that will enable him to be more independent. Matthew decides that now is the time to tell Daniel how he feels. Matthew hopes it will explain why Matthew wants to stay with him so much. He can only hope Daniel feels the same way.

‘Darkness Falls’ is an endearing friends-to-lovers story with some hurt/comfort thrown in. Daniel was stubborn and understandably difficult, but Matthew’s love and patience helped him move beyond it. Thanks, Jamie, for helping Matthew and Daniel find their happy ending.

[Elisa Rolle]

Matthew and Daniel are fellow actor in the same tv fiction and also close friends. Matthew openly gay and with a past long term relationship and Daniel an hesitant bisexual; actually for how much things they have shared during their friendship, the matter of Daniel's sexuality was never faced, and Matthew is not sure of his friend's preferences.

Matthew broke up with his last boyfriend after having finally admitted that he is sexually attracted by his friend Daniel, but in the last four months he has never affronted the argument with Daniel. He is still pondering if he wants to risk his friendship when Daniel has an accident and becomes temporarily blind. Since the doctors are not sure if Daniel will ever regain his sight, Matthew decides to move on with his friend and helps him to be acquainted with this new reality. Being so near to the object of his lust will soon lead them both to a point where they can't no more hide their feelings.

The story moves pretty quickly and all the events happen one after the other leaving the reader a bit disoriented. I always like the story where friends become lovers, since there is always a deeply intimacy between them, they know each other well and they can face more arguments than normal lovers. In this case it's also quite right since Daniel now depends on Matthew for more things than a normal lover does. Actually if not for Daniel's inability, Matthew and Daniel are very similar characters, with same strenght and independence.

The story is good and flows smoothly, but again, it seems too short. I'd like to read more, since both story than characters were interesting. It would be interested if the author wrote more about the setting and the supporting characters: there are a lot of interesting things, the show business environment, all the friends and co-workers around the main characters, the argument of two actors, public figures, being in love...

http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/32...

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew and Daniel are best friends and co-workers, but their lives are shadowed by darkness. Matthew is in love with his best friend, but afraid to reveal his feelings and lose their friendship. When Daniel is injured on-set and loses his eyesight, he no longer feels that his life has purpose.

When the proximity of caring for Daniel finally brings Matthew's true feelings for his friend to light, Daniel is overwhelmed by Matthew's love, and returns it wholeheartedly. Unfortunately, the darkness is still there, clouding their relationship, as Daniel's inability to adjust to his blindness threatens their new bond.

An emotionally engaging love story, DARKNESS FALLS is well written, with flawed yet honest characters. When life changes unexpectedly, rolling with the punches and maintaining a positive attitude is a hard thing to do. Love is at the foundation of this character driven romance, but just like in real life, love isn't the band-aid that makes their troubles disappear. Filled with intrigue, sensuality, raw emotionalism and truth; darkness mixes with light and despair is challenged by joy in this touching story.

My OFFICIAL REVIEW written for Carly's Book Reviews

[Helgaleena Healingline · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to expect from DARKNESS FALLS:

Chronology-- set in the present (Contemporary)

Romantic pairing-- MM

Supernatural content-- no

kink level-- low

Suspense level-- low

In this story Jamie Lynn does what Jamie Lynn does best-- show us sweet and entirely realistic romance complicated entirely by the simple fact that the lovers are both male. It's a hurt comfort that begins as the two stars of a TV series nearly lose their lives in a stunt shot gone horribly wrong. One recovers fast, and the other? permanent darkness.

How can the leading man gracefully accept his co-star's offers to become the leader now, in every little detail of daily life? How can a best friend keep from taking advantage of the feelings he's been holding back on, now that the object of those feelings is at his mercy?

I take it back. There is suspense here after all. This story deserves every star I gave it, and the award it won at P& E Polls in 2009.

[Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars: I really enjoyed this first book (for me) by Jamie Lynn Miller---clear concise writing and two likeable characters who are actors in Hollywood, until tragedy strikes one and forces them to rely on one another for healing and survival. That being said, the reason why it's not 4 clear stars is because one of the characters, I felt, could have developed into even more of a mature individual if he would have tried to accept his handicap, learn from it, and move forward with life. But then again, maybe that IS real life---an inability to truly accept a physical challenge when there was none before, and the ability to adapt and move forward as a changed individual because of it (IMHO).

I await to read more books from this individual :)

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Darkness Falls" is a simple story that begins with a catastrophic event that changes the lives of two men forever. An erotic romance that contains an air of mystery, DF is a good read on a rainy afternoon. Its steamy scenes will heat you up!

For a debut novella, the author did well. Because I also read her second book, "Out of the Shadows", I can say with confidence that her writing has "grown". Both books have their own merits, as they are two different stories. The storyline in "Darkness Falls" is simplistic yet satisfying. Her second book contains well-developed subplots, more action, and sex scenes that are even more exciting! I'd easily recommend both books, and am looking forward to "Memory's Prisoner" - coming soon!

[Brandilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Brandilyn for Prism Book Alliance. Short and sweet. That is my assessment of Darkness Falls by Jamie Lynn Miller. Matthew and Daniel are good friends, such good friends that Matthew wants more... but he is scared. Then one day an accident on set changes the direction of both of their lives.

[Tailtiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,6*

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darkness Falls

Short and sweet and we'll worth the read. Matt is such a good friend to help Danny in his time of need.

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just ok but miraculous recovery which I don’t like