Dark Time

The Dark #4

by Summer Cooper

I long for the day he says my name — my real name.
But that wish won’t come without some punishment...

I long for that day.
The day he finally lays his hands on Emily.
The day he makes sweet love to Emily.
I long for that day, but I’m scared to death too.

He’s going to be angry.
He’s going to be disappointed.
He’s going to resent me.
As long as he stays with me, I don’t care!

I’ll make it up to him.
I’ll show him how much he really means to me.
I’ll give him anything he wants.
Even if it’s a new contract.
Even if he needs to punish me...

Genres: Romance, Dark, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Contemporary

236 pages, Paperback

First published May 7, 2019

About the author

Besides her love of chocolate, dogs and music… reading and writing is Summer’s number one route to escape from crazy friends, family and the in-laws!

She found her own happily ever after with a martial arts fighter who also happens to be an adorable IT geek! Now, she loves to write about hot alpha males that come with a pretty face and covered in tough-as-nails muscle... who are secretly looking for their true soul mate (shhh…)!

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READING ORDER

Screaming Demons MC Series
1. Rough Start
2. Rough Ride
3. Rough Choice
4. Rough Return
5. Rough Patch
6. Rough Road
7. Rough Trip
8. Rough Night
9. Rough Love

Dark Desires Series
1. Dark Desire
2. Dark Rules
3. Dark Secret
4. Dark Time
5. Dark Truth

New Earth Series
1. His To Take
2. His To Mate
3. His To Save

Box Sets
Too Much To Love (A Ten-Book Romance Box Set)
Filthy Rich (A Five-Book Billionaire Romance Box Set)
Big Bad Shifters (A Ten-Book Paranormal Romance Box Set)
Down Right Dirty (A Ten-Book Romance Box Set)

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 4 out of 5]

4❤️❤️❤️❤️🌟🌟🌟🌟s

Love is in the air!!!! 🎶🎶🎶

[Coco.V]

🎁Part of Dark Desires: Complete Series Box Set which is FREE on Amazon today (12/22/2021)! 🎁

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series

This book delved more into the lives Dylan and Emily are making together. I love how real they are together and they are slowly letting each other in, Dylan is a little slower acting in this instance.

I really love the characters and I enjoy reading about this couple and their private world.

I did think this book was a little long winded though but that might just be Summer giving us more hints of what's to come in these characters future - hopefully together! I do love a happy ending, so if this series is coming to an end, I hope Emily and Dylan get theirs!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick yet highly entertaining read that is both emotionally thrilling and darkly sexy... this story gets better with every new installment and I for one look forward to what will happen next in this heart pounding journey.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Summer Cooper, I just wanted to say thank you for creating such a realistically written romance.   Seriously, how easily can you envision choosing love, over a Family that only calls when they need something?   They didn't even realize when her birthday was or why she'd be upset that they only call when they need something.  Oh no, Emily should just accept it (as well as the fact that they forgot about her on her birthday).  Absolutely not.  Little Miss Emily Thompson surely deserves herself a partner, someone that will love and cherish her, for all her life.  Other than the Charity she is a volunteer for and Roxie, this incredible woman has been so alone... That is until Dylan came and enriched her life in some of the best ways possible.  Dylan has had so much heart-wrenching pain, as well as disappointment, in his life.  Other than his biological Father, and his adoptive parents, who tried to give him everything they thought he needed; he has never known love or what it is like to be cared for.    


Emily is beautiful inside and out, and it seems the only person that has no trouble seeing that, or even wants to, is Dylan.  Who happens to be the one person her Family doesn't want her to associate with.  As their journey progresses, it is quite clear how much these two actually do need each other.  Not only to heal from the past, but to begin again and have a future together.  In this installment, Dark Time, it is clear there is something medically wrong with Dylan, however, he is not ready to share what that might be with Emily.  As this book sees them coming together, closer than ever, Trent, Emily's oldest Brother is determined to ruin what they have.  Will he win?  Will Dylan share his medical issues with the one and only woman he finds himself falling in love with?   


I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of Dark Time in exchange for my honest & voluntarily given opinion.   I can not recommend this book/series more.  I am now impatiently awaiting the next installment from this unbelievably talented Author.  

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this third installment we find Emily and Dylan are faced with the truth. Who is Stephanie really?

In our last book, Dylan found out that Stephanie is really Emily, his enemies sister. At first he is angry and says some really hurtful things and so Emily walks away. But will Dylan let her go this time?

Dylan still refuses to call what he has with Emily a relationship. So Dylan bears his soul the best way he knew how….another contract. But a different contract of sorts. But how many more contracts will she have to sign to prove to Dylan she is different from than what his damaged soul thinks. With so many things going on in his world, he still thinks in the back of his mind “Is she a spy?”

Dylan and Emily work on their screwed up relationship in this book. And just when things seem to be going well for them, another wrench in thrown in the mix to tear them down again. What will happen to our dark and erotic couple?

I really enjoy each book as it tells Emily and Dylan’s story. We learn a little more each time about what makes them tick. They are very intriguing and interesting characters. Each with flaws, yet beautiful and kind. What some perceive about them is not always the correct perception.

Overall this book does not have quite as much drama as the previous two books, but the fire these two put off in this book will keep you reading. Their chemistry is off the charts.

Summer Cooper has really created a different world for these two characters. She writes the dark world of BDSM in such an exhilarating way that it will peek anyone’s curiosity. A world most think about and few ever enter. But with her writing it really draws you into that world and makes you think, wow! Is that really how it’s done? I wonder…..

I can’t wait to see where these books end. Each book leaves us with “I wonder what will happen next” scenario. Definitely an addicting read.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Life Development

Dylan and Emily seem to have finally reached the stage in their relationship where lust begins to truly turn to love and, if it's right, the more mundane everyday lifestyle doesn't diminish what's been developing. And it appears to be working for them, especially while they work together to ready the new hotel Dylan bought and one of its penthouse suites, which they will be moving into.

Dylan still refuses to reveal his illness to anyone (including us, the readers) and, although he often appears to feel guilty about withholding this information, he's not feeling guilty enough or showing his symptoms sufficiently to push him into revealing it. Emily is aware Dylan is holding something back from her but, although it's concerning to her, she knows Dylan is trying to work it out and she is unwilling to invade his privacy to the degree that would be required to try to discover the issue. In the meanwhile, Emily has also been having some physical/health issues of her own that have been impairing her, as well.

This book continues to develop the storyline and the relationship between Dylan and Emily, but due to the lack of any truly troublesome problems arising, it did drag a bit. Yet, I think I understand the need for it and am no less interested in learning what will occur next. I believe the next book is the final one for Dylan and Emily's saga and I am looking forward to a hopefully HEA rather than a HFN, although the health issues are bothersome. Onward and forward...

[B. Koe · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUTSTANDINGLY sensual next step in an AWESOME romance series! A MUST-READ!
For those who have been as captivated as I have by Summer Cooper’s MUST-READ “DARK” series, “DARK TIME” is the CAN’T MISS segment of the story! Written in the eloquent, descriptive prose for which Summer Cooper is well known, “DARK TIME” will titillate the readers senses in new ways as the relationship between Emily and Dylan changes with her revelation at the end of “DARK SECRET.” So many changes, so much to understand, so much romance, TRUE romance between the main characters that makes “DARK TIME” the episode that will both quiet your heart and make you wonder. The quiet heart is for the readers who love to bask in the sensual passion of a new and loving relationship. The wondering heart is questioning why Dylan is keeping secrets from the woman he can not live without. So much happens, but my unwillingness to reveal specifics has me stating only the obvious since I don’t want to ruin any of the revelations. And there are many of them. Now, I wait rather impatiently for the fifth and final episode. . . “DARK TRUTH,” and hoping with all my heart that despite everything they have already gone through, and everything they must still face, that Emily and Dylan can find a true happily ever after . . . Purchase your copy of “DARK TIME” today as the next and last episode releases in a week! Happy pages! 😉

[Jackie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dark Time, dark times indeed, woah boy!
Here we go~ emotional turmoil full speed ahead ~ the fourth installment in the topsy turvy, heartwrenching sensually pleasure filled overload between Dylan and Emily!

Picking up right where Dark Secrets cliffhanger left off, Dylan must decide whether he can come to terms with Emily's "betrayal" or if he must let her go.
Understanding her reasoning, and layers of guilt weighing him down, along with his desperate need to be near her- they work through the issue the only way he knows how.
Terms are met life becomes a binding contract of love, happiness, and everything in between- sort of.. all the feelings are there, but it's never said out loud.
With secrets, strange behaviors, and broken family ties still looming over the seemingly happy duo what will happen next is anyone's guess!
GAH!
For the love of everything right in the fictional world... Am I the only one who thinks Dylan should get a taste of his own working it out ways? A secret is a secret - just saying!!
Phew! A page-turning rollercoaster that had me hugging pillows, on the emotional edge and wanting to smack a fictional character! I loved it!
This installment was a fantastically written labyrinth of broken pasts, sizzling heat, smiles, and love winding its way into the worlds of two people who need it most! I need the last book like right now!
#wellworththeread

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I now know how Emily feels when Dylan delays her orgasm by drawing out her pleasure before allowing her any satisfaction. All four of the Dark Series have been a roller coaster ride of emotions for me as I turn each page and see Emily and Dylan's story unfold only to be left "unsatisfied" at the end. I normally get mad at even my favorite authors when I read a book that ends in a cliffhanger and for Ms. Summer to do this in four books, well it should be enough for me to remove her "favorite author" status but instead, it has just engrained her into a better category of one of my FAVORITE, favorite authors. You MUST read each of the books in the Dark Series but make sure you have already purchased all the books so you can read them one after the other IMMEDIATELY after finishing the last page of each book.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest and totally voluntary review.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

SMOOTH FLOWING HOT READ!!!
OMG! Talk about totally rocking it. A whirlwind of unexpected events and surprising mishaps keep you flipping page after page. One rollercoaster with all the trials and tribulations that propels those swirling emotions bursting into play front and center. Summer totally nailed this bad boy 100% on point with one dramatic storyline and gripping plot bring this bad boy catapulting to life beautifully. The chemistry between the two main characters is sizzling, smoldering and sexy. The characters are authentic, consistent and realistic with depth and qualities that make it easy to relate. Sparks fly as confusion, mayhem and suspense ensues in epic proportions. Drama, heart pounding, pulse racing, hard hitting wonder that force all the pieces together brilliantly. The scenes were so vividly detailed and descriptive it gives the illusion you were right there in the middle of ground zero with them. Remarkable job Summer, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan knows who Emily really is now and wants to know if she has been playing him all along. Emily convinces him to let her explain and after a long talk he gets a real feel for what her life before him was like. All he wants to do is keep her in his arms. However now that Emily's secrets have been reveals its Dylan's turn to have some of his own. While he was away he has been seeing doctors about a illness he has and hasn't mentioned anything to her about. He worries how she will react when she learns about it. When Dylan runs into Trent after a business meeting he lets him knows how he really feels about how their family has treated Emily. Will he tell Emily about the run in? Will she learn of his illness?

This is another installment to this amazing story. I can't wait for the next one to find out what will happen next. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dylan and Emily continue their relationship with a new contract, but this time it is not being used to keep them from connecting in a real way. They grow closer, though Dylan is still keeping a secret. Emily starts having migraines and Dylan takes care of her. He asked her to work with him and they move in together for real. At the end of the book she receives another letter from her brother Trent, we will not find out what that is about until the next book though.

I felt this book moved the relationship along, but not really the story. I am hoping the next book will tell us more about Dylan's illness and what it might mean to him and to his relationship with Emily. I am not looking for a reconciliation with Emily's family, she is living with the competition after all. Hopefully the next one will be available soon.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so much more....

Dylan now knows Stephanie's secret. She is really his enemy's sister!! But does that mean she is a spy? Does it mean that Emily can't have a life with Dylan outside of who she is? Will Dylan believe her story? Deep down he knows the truth, but can he trust himself to get over it and get out of his own way?

Emily goes through her life being in the background to her brothers, then their families. So she deserves her own happiness. She is a wonderful person and wants love and respect as well. Dylan gives her that and so much more. But will it last now that he knows she is Emily? Will Emily accept Dylan's new contract?

This is such an emotional roller coaster in the fourth installment. It keeps getting better and better, even with cliffhangers, you have to know what happens next!!! This is filled with so much chemistry, denial, love, lust, romance, and much much more!!

[Reva Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan learned my last secret from listening to a music channel! I left his apartment with my head up, hoping to make it home before I fell apart. He knows my real name, Emily Thompson, sister to the man who hates him and is his main competion in this market. He thinks I'm a spy, when I know I'm madly in love with him. This can never be undone. I should have alreay confessed. But when could I have taken that risk? My family has already disowned me; will I be alone forever?

You won't believe it: this fourth book of Dylan and Emily is yet another cliffhanger. If you're waiting until they've all been released until you buy this must read series, you'll have to wait a little longer! I definitely recommend this Dark group of writings by the great author Summer Cooper. I volunteered this review from an ARC.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Edge...Shrieking for MORE!
I'm so swept up in the emotionally gripping storyline that moves alone at a nice pace just enjoying the exciting heat and deeper connection getting stronger with more meaning than Emily or Dylan are willing to verbally acknowledge but you can feel the growing connection they have for each other and not just intimately but through the incredible writing Summer continues to put out throughout this entire series. Looming secrets, health and meddling big brothers still lurk in the shadows stripping the happiness and hopes of a rainbow future that will continue to torment me as the words are ripped away on a WTF cliffhanger that leaves me gasping and demanding for more. So Good! An absolute must read.

[K. Smock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story continues where the last left off. Dylan knows about Stephanie really being Emily and the sister of his nemesis in town. He is not sure why Trent doesn't like him though has an even harder time with him kicking Emily out of the family. They are their own family now if they will give in to the emotion and love one another. Things start going really well when another letter comes in from Trent. Will it throw a wrench in what was becoming a good relationship? Lots of steam and a good deal of romance in this installment of the story. Good character development and a storyline that keeps you reading. Looking forward to seeing what happens.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Crystal ( Meeka) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh!!!😩 What can I say that can convey my feelings of this installment!?!? First off, Summer Cooper is a genius!!!😜 She new once we started this book set that we wouldn’t wanted to put it down!!!! Now here we go again!!! This book had my emotions all over the place!!!😩 Emily secret is out now!!! 😔 Dylan feels betrayed and hurt... This book was well written as usual and left me wanting more!!🥴 This story gets better every installment!!😍 The passion, lust, and love they have for each other is undeniable!!🔥🔥🔥 I cant wait to see what the next installment holds or brings!! Hopefully they will be honest with theirselves and know that they can’t live without each other... Because their love story is unmatched and they belong together!!!🔥🔥🔥Great Book!!

[Misty Goan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This an amazing fourth in the series picking up right where Dark Secrets cliffhanger left off.  It is a well written suspenseful, exciting, emotionally engaging romance with great twists and surprises.  The characters are well developed with explosive intense chemistry, sexual tension, and passion.  Things seems to be going great as they move into the penthouse at his resort.  I am on the edge of my seat as Dylan still harbors his secret of a medical issue and running into her oldest brother. The scenes are detailed and descriptive, but again left hanging as the older brother tries to ruin what they have. On the edge of my seat waiting in the next in the series. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC. 

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read emily finally decides that Dylan needs to know her real name and when he finds out she sure that their arrangement will be over. Dylan wants to make emily sign another contract once he finds out that she come from the family that is trying to make more problems for him then he can count. There is just one problem he is at a denial about does he decied to keep emily or throw her to the wolves like her family has. This book is one that you need to read there is so many secret that the other holds from the other but when they find what the other is holding back there will be a lot fire works on which way to go. I received this book as a arc for a honest review and once you start this book you won't be able to stop its that good .

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this one as an ARC - thanks again Summer!

Another cliff-hanger?!?!?!?!? I'm practically sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what that horrid brother of hers has to disclose now... way to spoil their happiness Trent! URGH! (and yes, I know... I realise I don't even know what the letter will say... but I can't see him changing his ways...)...

I love that Emily and Dylan are still together... but for how long? Notwithstanding the interference of others, they have some serious trust issues, and are sooo incredibly stubborn! They can be so loving one minute, and so volatile the next! Their own admissions of how they feel about each other SURELY has to come out of their actual mouths soon... (hopefully).

Can't WAIT to see what happens next xo

[Coastie Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

No more secrets, or are there still more? Will Dylan be able to forgive Emily for her betrayal? What will it take for Emily to get Dylan to believe that she was going to tell him the truth before he found out himself? Dylan already has a hard time trusting anyone, and the pain and heartache he feels after this secret comes out is almost too much for him.

Emily receives a letter from her brother Trent. Is this another letter fully disowning her, or is her family finally coming around and realizing they were not treating her fairly? With a few more secrets being withheld, will this relationship ever be more than a contract?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan & Emily's Lives Together Continue .....

Dylan finds out the truth about Emily's real name & finds out why she didn't disclose this vital piece of info on her true identity. This story centers more on their deepening feelings for each other, without her outside family interference to stir up trouble for them. They're settling down as a couple having a relationship & making things work. Then a letter arrives for Emily and ........ another cliff-hanger! Ugh! Just like an addiction, I must read the next book to find out what's in that letter!

I volunteered to read this ARC & leave an honest review.

[Silvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone please junk punch Trent!!! PLEASE!!!
He’s treated his half-sister like a tissue...use and discard. He’s said horrible, horrible things to her and kept her from her family. I’m also disgusted with the rest of her “family.” And his actions in this book were the absolute last straw for me!

By now, it’s obvious that Dylan has a serious health issue. I get that. But a part of me is frustrated with him. Secrets are secrets. I feel like he’s being a hypocrite. Please let there be a HEA for them! I’ve been rooting for Dylan and Emily from the very beginning. They seem to be a balm to each other’s soul.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in Cooper's Dark Desires series and really is best read in series order. This book continues the fraught dynamic / relationship between Emily and Dylan. He's realized who Emily is - and while Cooper teases you with the hope that they may work out all their problems as soon as there is a glimpse of a HEA, another twist throws everything back into chaos. These characters have the best chemistry, and I am totally captivated by these characters and the dark and dangerous world Cooper has created in this series. I can't wait to see what will happen next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Happyscribe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, poor Emily is still fighting for Dylan in this, the 4th book in the Dark Desires series. This is a quick read, but one where we see the true transition of their relationship from lust to a deeper, more connected love. More discoveries are made but this time we're not devastated as with earlier books, but rather we get a strong view of what is at stake emotionally and power-wise.
I didn't cry in this book - Yay for me! But was affected by their trust issues and his walls.
Great writing as always.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angel Roo · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fourth installment into the Dylan and Emily saga has us learning whether or not Dylan can accept Emily's actions, or if he breaks the contract.

This is an intense book in the series, i must say! All the feels are there, even if this pair won't actually voice them.

Twisty, turny episode to keep you hanging on, waiting for the grand finale!

I liked this book more than the last, as there was actual conversation between the two, and not just internal musings.

Great read, amd can't wait to see how it all ends!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ellen Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!
I'm loving how Dylan's feelings have grown for Emily but still not ready to fully admit it to himself. After finding out who Emily was I wasn't sure if they had a future together but each have imagined it secretly to themselves.
There is so much emotional in this book when we Dylan revealed his past to Emily which blew her away then when Emily gets ill I was worried that she it was serious & would take her away from him.
I'm still to find out what the illness is that Dylan has that is is still hiding from her, I can't wait for the final book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better! Things are going well for Emily and Dylan after he gets over the shock and anger of finding out who she really is. He is moving closer to opening his new hotel and his relationship with Emily is amazing and rewarding for both of them. A shadow over his shoulder haunts him yet he refuses to tell Emily even as signs start to show. A new start is a bit tainted when she receives a letter from her brother. I can’t wait to read what happens next and find out what the letter says!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Peralta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment dives deeper into Dylan and Emily’s growing relationship as they slowly learn to trust and love each other despite the weight of their pasts. Emily’s strength and kindness shine through, while Dylan’s guarded heart begins to open, even as he hides a painful secret.
Summer Cooper does a wonderful job portraying real, imperfect love — the kind built on healing, vulnerability, and choosing each other over toxic family ties. The story may feel a little long in places, but it’s rich with emotion and heart.
I’m truly rooting for Emily and Dylan to find their happy ending — they’ve both earned it. 💕