Nightingale

Dark Duet #2

by Emma Cole, Bridget Bordeaux (Narrator), Jake Bordeaux (Narrator)

Lark survived her ordeal– scarred but alive. Now she's in hiding from the trafficking syndicate that wants her back. There's more than just Robert Vitti that's an issue though and it's turned her world upside down yet again.

Find out what happens in the conclusion of the Dark Duet.

18+ Readers discretion advised for content

Genres: Dark, Reverse Harem, Dark Romance, Why Choose, BDSM, Audiobook, Romance

7 pages, Audible Audio

First published July 31, 2022

About the author

Emma Cole is a multi-genre romance author covering everything from dark and light contemporary to paranormal and sci-fi. Almost all of her stories are, or will be, from the reverse harem subcategory, and none of them skimp on the heat.

Reviews

[❤️Court - Villains Do It Better❤️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

Just okay. The writing wasn't bad, but the heroine annoyed the F outta me. I also didn't like the whole pregnancy part and what happened. It was too convenient, and a little awkward. Also not as much sex in this one, this book was a little sweeter, and I think it was meant to develop the relationships more, but I was just bored tbh. Just an okay book and duet.

[Jess | jadecanread · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gah. I really wanted to like this duet but I unfortunately did not.

This sequel was underwhelming. The tension and stakes from the first book completely disappeared in this one.

While the characters' circumstance allows them time to build their non-sexual relationships with each other, they just weren't compelling. Usually I love multiple POVs in books, but I felt like the others' POVs added nothing to the story. At the end of the day, I didn't see why the FMC should be with these men or vice versa. Where was the chemistry and passion? I should add that I didn't care for the heroine, she was infuriatingly immature.

Overall, I found this to be boring and it was a struggle to get through.

[lovelyj22 · Rating 2 out of 5]

blah

The first one was amazing. I don’t know what happened but this one fell waaaayyyy flat.
It was boring and Lark got on my damn nerves. I almost DNF so many times but damn it I kept going hoping it’d get better so I struggled on.

[Lady Lauren Explorer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. I’m not going to ruin it by talking about what happens. But I still found everything that happened to be very unbelievable especially the FBI thing.

It kinda of takes me out of the story when I stuff was happening. Not to mention the Brent situation happening & no one knowing about it before the rendezvous.

Overall it was meh to me!

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

genuinely almost dnf’d this because it put the mental image of sounding a cervix into my head and i did NOT appreciate that 3

[tane'a · Rating 3 out of 5]

this felt so far off from the first book

[Emily Highlander · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a lot harder to get through than the first one. It had a weird pace to it and it would move super fast sometimes and then super slow at other times. I almost didn’t finish it towards the end of it, but i stuck it through.


This book she finds out she is actually pregnant, it was false positive. They lure Robert out using Brent who is working against them. He is caught but then Brent comes and attacks them but then he is killed. Everyone works through their trauma from their experiences in their own way.

▪️told in first person by all the main characters
▪️DAP
▪️MM MFM MMFMM
▪️trauma
▪️ptsd
*my rating system
1 star : DNF
2 stars : finished but didn’t love
3 stars: loved reading but wasn’t memorable
4 stars: good & will remember/will recommend for awhile
5 stars: AMAZING & life changing & will recommend for years to come

[ameliasanthology · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m sorry but this book was just so unnecessary. Also, can the author seriously not come up with anything to call Braeden other than “bestie”? Wish I added this one to my dnf because it just felt like a waste of time.

[Jackles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yay for HEAs

In Nightingale we get Lark’s HEA. This book is a LOT tamer than the first. A lot of will they won’t they and tiptoeing around Lark. After the 1st book ending in them running from Robert, I kind of expected this one to have more action, but they are just cooped up in a cabin the entire time. Just didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first, but I did love that ending. So sweet.

[Shernell Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

That is it!!!

I really enjoyed the first book.There were so many steamy scenes that had interesting sexual body parts moving around.

This one isn't it. I I'm so disappointed that I didn't get any MM scenes.It was just slow and boring, and nothing happened. I feel like the author didn't want to write a second book , so this is what we got.

[Rachel Joi Maples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lark is back! love the continuation of this series 💜

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read! Blisteringly hot!

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book Lark and I was so excited to read the second book but I didn’t find it as exciting and thrilling as the first one but it was still a good story.
Lark and her men have parted ways but find themselves thrust back together in chaos once again.
I enjoyed this series very much ❤️

[Bianca M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much sweeter

This book is like the sweet part of sour patch kids. There’s love, trials, and tribulations. I really liked the character development that you got to experience with the different characters and I really liked how there were sprinklings of multiple POVs.

[Jacquelyn G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice conclusion

I liked this book better than the first, because there was more story and the growth of the relationship than sex. Though there was plenty of that too.

I would've liked for there to have been more action. Everything just cleaned up too simply for me to really be satisfied.

Finally if you're going to read this book, do yourself a favor and skip the author's ridiculous "refresher". She basically spoils the entire book by telling you who the snitch is.

All in all, it was distracting so I will still recommend it.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great finish to Larks story. A bit slow but nice finish!

[Tabbatha · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice wrap up *spoilers*

I love this group and found their awkwardness to be funny. I would definitely recommend this book. I would say it’s not as dark as the first. So we still didn’t learn much about the villain Robert which I was kind of hoping for. Love the characters but I was missing a little bit more of a relationship between all of them, including more scenes all together. In the first book there’s many group scenes while their at the facility but it seems they stop most the group kink at the cabin. Lark spent most of the book fighting what she wanted which was all of them. Would have liked a longer more detailed epilogue but it ended ok. It seems like she had separate relationships between everyone not so much like the group relationship in the first book. First Rex gives Lark a ring, second it’s Marcus and Apollo, third is Brade, and finally Emmett. It’s was all so separate I was left wanting a little more of a group effort. Just seemed a little like she had multiple relationships not really a group relationship. Last thing was I was really hoping for some more of the MM and MMF scenes. We got a couple with Marcus and Apollo but it almost seemed like she didn’t want anyone else together except for with her. I’ll definitely keep reading Emma’s work and will recommend her to all my dark readers!

[Kathy Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well.......

Well it is defienlty something else. I didnt mind all the guys but honestly I expected more from Rex and Lark to be honest. I get everyone wanting to marry but it should of been Rex. Ik alot would want the BF but I don't agree actually. It should be Rex at least the legal way. After they finally have sex. It's like Rex isn't in the equation. I was actually looking forward to Rex Lark and Emmet together that didn't happen either and neither did anymore time with Rex. It was an ok duet although it wouldn't be a return to read book for me. It didn't hold much for me. She went through alot I get that but I also think she was a total Biatch. She blamed Rex for getting what happened to her but in reality it was her own fault. She stuck her nose where it didn't belong. They could of ran. Or went for help or whatever I guess. I feel like she was hardest on Rex and yes he broke up the engagement I would be pissed to. But going through with what they all did. I would of let shit go. But I do understand her as well. Most everything happened in the 1st book the second book was really nothing exciting. And really short. I wouldn't say not to read it as everyone has their own opinion. It's just not for me and wouldn't read it again but I like this author so give it a chance.

[Teslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

This book is not like the first book so if that's what you're looking for you might be disappointed. This is all about the plot that was lacking in the first book and way less of the steam. Don't get me wrong its still hot bit the first book was basically p*rn lol.

I enjoyed this book. I found it to be a good follow up to the first. There was a lot more character and relationship building. The actual plot was a little thin and I felt that the big dramatic moments about "the bad guy" were glossed over. The book didn't really need a bad guy but that scenario was a vehicle to explain some of the situations. This was a story of healing, growth, and love which was plenty of content for my taste.

There was a couple of places, mostly toward the end, where the exposition was a little bit much and I don't like the change in Brent. In the first book he was much different than in this book. I don't want to mention spoilers so I'll leave it at that.

Over all a good book. Much less steamy than the first but well written and entertaining.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

While being held captive as a sex slave in training, the FMC falls for 5 of the 6 guys she's force to be with. The trafficking ring is broken up and the characters rescued only for the big bad to break out and all of them are forced back together into hiding from him. The spice doesn't happen until half way through this one because of the trauma and ptsd but it is well worth the wait. The down side for me is the FMC goes from being strong and almost unbreakable to being unreasonable and idiotic for a short period of time in this book. I'm guessing she hoped the trauma would be perceived as the reason for this behavior. I kind of feel like it goes against character though, because she holds it together when there's a threat but when it comes to the guys she's insecure and doubting even when the guys are showing her and telling her what they want.

[Kay Baird · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mot much going on until well past halfway mark

I was left unfulfilled didnt really get an ending alot of things didn't fit to real life. And compared to book one this was a bust i loved the idea. But given the smut level of book 1 the fact there was no real kink till 65% through sucks. As far as it being dark goes it was a 4 out of 10 at most. I wanted more i wanted her pregnant and more with her Marcus and Apollo something to show her overcoming hell and them learning they deserve love

[Elisaeileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I usually don't read anything dark like that but from page 1 I couldn't put this series down. Then after book one was done I was literally praying to God book 2 was put and I wouldn't have to read it. My prayers were answered and I loved the second one as much of not better then the first. Great job!

[Pagewonderer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steam

What a perfect ending to lark and get men’s stories. It’s been a wild ride journeying through some pretty dark and heavy topics but the fatigue being tested as absolutely perfect.

[Elektra | My Trending Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I loved the second book! I just lived the after effects from the whole debacle. It was raw, real and I felt I could relate to the characters a lot.

[Melissa Richmond · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only finished the first one because of the spicy scenes and I needed to know what happened. The story is so unbelievable that I laughed. This one didn’t do anything for me.

[Destynnee Realta · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tw per the author.
GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING – INCLUDES SPOILERS
Subject matter is not suitable for all readers. Mature (18+) ONLY.
Includes explicit and disturbing content including, but not limited to: Non/dub con, m/m, f/f, group sex, medical settings, double/triple penetration, branding, violence, kidnapping, torture, and a myriad of other activities that may be inappropriate for some readers.
Reader discretion is advised

I will add that in the second book, Nightingale, the triggers are less. There is no f/f, kidnapping, non/dub con.. There is gun violence, murder, menstruation, reverse harem, cream pies, condom use, miscarriage...

I wasn't quite sure what I would get from the second half of this tale. But, what I got, I loved.

I enjoyed seeing how each person handles being out of the facility and how each one comes to terms with their emotions. Some have never really had the chance to have emotions or love lives. The others are dealing with figuring out where they fit into the world and Larks life while dealing each with their own PTSD.

Lark shows the strain the most of the ptsd, and anxiety issues. Especially, when she thinks she is pregnant. When each guy learns of this, you get a taste of how they feel about it. But the book never really goes too much into how each guy feels. I would of liked to of read more about what each guy thought and hoped for with this complication.

I would of also liked to read more about what Apollo and Marcus were up to all the time. I really liked those two, and I was happy that they got a HEA.

I've always believed in more than one true love, and this story shows it could be possible.

And again, fuck Robert and Brent.
Oops. Sorry, more spoilers!

If you read this far, the miscarriage is not a miscarriage. Her medication gave her a false positive on the test.

[Kate Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Ending for the Group

I don’t know what exactly I was expecting from the conclusion of this duet but I have to say I was pretty happy with how this all turned out. There are some rather stark differences from this book compared to the first. First off there is much less time spent on the physical activities between the parties. They are much more focused on where they stand with each other emotionally then what is going on between them physically, especially in the first half of the book. There is also a lot less of an aggressive/violent vibe to this book compared to the other book.
I really appreciated how much time was spent on Lark figuring out where she stands now that he world is completely different. I also really liked that they handled each one of her relationships with the men in her life as separate relationship, they each have their own challenges and dynamics to work through. And then they also have to work out their dynamics as a group, so I thought that was really good.
My biggest complaints with this ending is there were a lot of main elements of the plot from book one were wrapped up too quickly for me. A lot of the suspense scenes took place off page, so I didn’t have that feeling of danger that I did in book one, so it didn’t feel as suspenseful. That was kind of a bummer for me, especially since by the end of book one you really want certain people to get the punishment they so richly deserve, so everything off page felt a bit like a let down.
Overall, I would definitely say I enjoyed the book, I would get a 4, I liked it a little bit more than the first book, and I would be willing to try out more books by this author in the future.

[Irish_I_was_reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping so much more for this book! The first book was absolutely amazing, and this one came short so much.

As I said, this is book 2 of a duet from this author, the first one being Lark. Yes, you must read the first book before this one, because it is a continuation. I highly suggest reading the trigger warnings, considering it is a long list. This book has multiple point of views: Lark, Rex, Emmett, Braedon, Marcus, and Apollo.

They continued to care for Lark, and be gentle, but it was to the point of babying her… it was actually annoying at times. It really does have funny little one liners throughout the book.

What caused it to get 3 stars is a lot:

For starters, I almost DNFed this book bc of how easily the villain was caught. The villain himself never made an appearance, but was talked about here and there… which is weird considering he is suppose be to extremely dangerous and he had an insider in the group! I will say, the first books is 100x better than this one, because of it being such a let down involving the villain… not to mention the relationship build was bad, especially when one of the guys is extremely jealous and he just decides to wake up one day and be okay with her sleeping with the others.

This book had so much potential, and to me it fell flat.

[Carol Rupprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a complete 180 from the previous book. The first book in this duet was incredibly dark and horrific with traumatic scenarios that left Lark and the guys fighting to escape. This second book, although it still had plenty of surprises and tension, is more about healing and dealing with the trauma and PTSD that they are experiencing afterwards. It's incredibly deep and you really get to see the characters open up about their feelings. Were they just feelings that developed because of the situation binding them together or is there something real there? Even though this book wasn't as heated as the first, I really enjoyed how the guys treated Lark and helped her through her issues while experiencing some of their own as well. I feel like that solidified their connections and made the relationship seem more real. Overall, I think Emma Cole did a truly amazing job at taking serious real life situations and bringing them out in the light and in turn showing how they can truly affect a person, how they see themselves afterward, and how they handle dealing with the aftereffects. I'll definitely be reading this duet again.

[Michelle’s · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing. Emma Cole has done it again!! Another fantastic book to add to your collection.

If you’ve read Lark, book 1, you will be familiar with the characters. Book 2 picks up right where book 1 finished.

If you’re expecting it to be dark like book 1, it’s not.

It delves into the issue of PTSD with Lark and how the men support her. There’s still the issue of being on the run, but you get to see more of the emotional intensity in this book with Lark.

While I’ve always been Team Brade, who in Larks words ‘is just the bestest’, lol, I have to say I’ve fallen a bit more in love with Emmett and Rex.

And I love Larks snarky comments to the guys at times! So funny!

There’s also the hot, hot, hot sexual factor that you’ll expect from an Emma Cole book!!

So, what are you waiting for? Delve in and have a read.