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Darkness #2
Darkness Follows
Emily McPhee is in the clutches of a monster…
Despite the protection of her boyfriend Seth Connors and his colleagues with the Orange Police Department, Emily is imprisoned in a basement by her psychopathic stalker Jimmy Lasko. His bizarre behavior adds to her terror, and a video link forces Seth to witness her captivity, leaving him feeling helpless as he, the OPD, and the FBI search for her.
Freedom isn’t free, and safety is just an illusion…
Though Emily escapes the basement, the threat is far from eliminated. In fact, things she learned while being held by Lasko lead her to believe he isn’t working alone. Lasko is still out there, determined to get her back, and crazier than ever. If he does have a partner, Emily has no idea where the threat might lie or who she can trust.
It’s impossible to live a normal life when family ties become tangled.
Emily is deeply hurt when Seth is reminded that their relationship might endanger her further and he pulls away again. She’s even more frustrated when her globe-trotting mother returns and is charming to everybody…except her own daughter.
When Emily meets Seth’s family, she loves his mom and little sister, isn’t sure what to make of his flirtatious brother—who is also a cop—and finds herself very uneasy around his father, who is a powerful attorney.
Sometimes things seem very clear…until you look more closely.
Despite the protection of her boyfriend Seth Connors and his colleagues with the Orange Police Department, Emily is imprisoned in a basement by her psychopathic stalker Jimmy Lasko. His bizarre behavior adds to her terror, and a video link forces Seth to witness her captivity, leaving him feeling helpless as he, the OPD, and the FBI search for her.
Freedom isn’t free, and safety is just an illusion…
Though Emily escapes the basement, the threat is far from eliminated. In fact, things she learned while being held by Lasko lead her to believe he isn’t working alone. Lasko is still out there, determined to get her back, and crazier than ever. If he does have a partner, Emily has no idea where the threat might lie or who she can trust.
It’s impossible to live a normal life when family ties become tangled.
Emily is deeply hurt when Seth is reminded that their relationship might endanger her further and he pulls away again. She’s even more frustrated when her globe-trotting mother returns and is charming to everybody…except her own daughter.
When Emily meets Seth’s family, she loves his mom and little sister, isn’t sure what to make of his flirtatious brother—who is also a cop—and finds herself very uneasy around his father, who is a powerful attorney.
Sometimes things seem very clear…until you look more closely.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
346 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Drake
43 books2,840 followersInternational best selling author J. L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she lives with her husband and two children.
Be sure to check out her bestselling trilogy, Broken!
All of her books link in someway, here is her
"Suggested Reading Order."
BROKEN
SHATTERED
MENDED
HONOR
ESCAPE
TRIGGER
DEMONS
UNLEASHED
FREEDOM
OMERTA - Short story (Mafia)
COURAGE
DARKNESS LURKS
DARKNESS FOLLOWS
DARKNESS FALLS
BEHIND MY WORDS
CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN - Short Story
ALL IN
QUIET WEALTH
QUIET SECRETS
QUIET POWER
QUIET EMPIRE
SHADOWS
WHISKEY
ALPHA
TANGO
GRIM
HAVOC
SINS
EXTRACTION
EMBEDDED
BREACHED
Other places to find her:,
Facebook ⭐️ https://bit.ly/3bRG7Vp
Instagram ⭐️ https://bit.ly/341eEh8
TikTok⭐️ https://bit.ly/3wZGSck
Reader Group ⭐️https://bit.ly/3TOBIJ0
Email ⭐️ JLDrake@AuthorJLDrake.com
Newsletter ⭐️ http://bit.ly/2QZZEut
Website ⭐️ https://bit.ly/34b4OcN
Be sure to check out her bestselling trilogy, Broken!
All of her books link in someway, here is her
"Suggested Reading Order."
BROKEN
SHATTERED
MENDED
HONOR
ESCAPE
TRIGGER
DEMONS
UNLEASHED
FREEDOM
OMERTA - Short story (Mafia)
COURAGE
DARKNESS LURKS
DARKNESS FOLLOWS
DARKNESS FALLS
BEHIND MY WORDS
CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN - Short Story
ALL IN
QUIET WEALTH
QUIET SECRETS
QUIET POWER
QUIET EMPIRE
SHADOWS
WHISKEY
ALPHA
TANGO
GRIM
HAVOC
SINS
EXTRACTION
EMBEDDED
BREACHED
Other places to find her:,
Facebook ⭐️ https://bit.ly/3bRG7Vp
Instagram ⭐️ https://bit.ly/341eEh8
TikTok⭐️ https://bit.ly/3wZGSck
Reader Group ⭐️https://bit.ly/3TOBIJ0
Email ⭐️ JLDrake@AuthorJLDrake.com
Newsletter ⭐️ http://bit.ly/2QZZEut
Website ⭐️ https://bit.ly/34b4OcN
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
October 1, 2017
The follow-up book to 'Darkness Lurks', 'Darkness Follows' provides answers to all of the lingering questions that readers were left with at the end of the first book. Surprisingly, I didn't see some of the twists that occurred. The truth was a bit more complicated than I had anticipated.
Unfortunately, it was too little too late for me. While parts of this story intrigued me and even kept me guessing, the story still lacked that special something that draws me in. I still felt detached from the storyline and the characters. I never felt any type of emotional connection...and that is crucial.
'Darkness Follows' provides more insight into Seth's family-life, which was interesting. However, I couldn't help but feel like this story was really over very early-on and the remaining majority of the book just dragged on pointlessly. I wonder if this book was used to provide an introduction into another book, more than to close out the story of Emily and Seth. Despite having answers, I was left feeling like it wasn't over yet.
Then again, maybe that feeling was the result of things wrapping up too easily. After all of the build-up, I felt like Emily's escape and subsequent rescue was just too easy and unbelievable. For me, it was anti-climactic.
Overall, this is a 3-star read for me. It wasn't great, but I've read far worse. I just wasn't feeling this one. I don't know if there is another book in the series, but either way, I don't find this series compelling enough to continue.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
Unfortunately, it was too little too late for me. While parts of this story intrigued me and even kept me guessing, the story still lacked that special something that draws me in. I still felt detached from the storyline and the characters. I never felt any type of emotional connection...and that is crucial.
'Darkness Follows' provides more insight into Seth's family-life, which was interesting. However, I couldn't help but feel like this story was really over very early-on and the remaining majority of the book just dragged on pointlessly. I wonder if this book was used to provide an introduction into another book, more than to close out the story of Emily and Seth. Despite having answers, I was left feeling like it wasn't over yet.
Then again, maybe that feeling was the result of things wrapping up too easily. After all of the build-up, I felt like Emily's escape and subsequent rescue was just too easy and unbelievable. For me, it was anti-climactic.
Overall, this is a 3-star read for me. It wasn't great, but I've read far worse. I just wasn't feeling this one. I don't know if there is another book in the series, but either way, I don't find this series compelling enough to continue.
Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
March 11, 2016
I read on to book two out of curiosity for the suspense elements of this book. As I read the last word, I just feel a deep sense of ...
Again, With The Blood From Turnips Plot
This book is better in that the turnip isn't always mundane bullshit like cookouts and bar-hops. But, a turnip is a turnip ... Is still a mfing turnip.
Here's an example...
She's kidnapped and held hostage in a basement. << That should be a point of climax with lots of blood leaking from the turnip, right? Well, no.
Chapter after chapter of her captivity is a cycle of 1) him drugging her 2) him baiting her police buddies with the sight of her tied up 3) her passing out 4) him leaving her alone to sleep 5) waking her up 6) more drugs 7) the occasional "light" grope and baiting her friends 8) her passing out. .... On and on it goes FOR OVER A WEEK until she escapes.
Anticlimactic? Yes! Unbelievable that a sexual predator psycho didn't sexually assault or do any real harm to her in a week? Yes! Boring and repetitive? Yes!
And then it moves to sleeping, nightmares, eating, and parties. Cat chasing its' tail~
Relationship
The MCs high school'ish push and pull, odd, & totally awkward ass relationship was like a broken record.
First, that 'I must push her away to protect her' bullshit may work for one book, but having over 600 pages of the same flat story arc? No. Just no!
Second, it's nonsensical that people that loved each other would be as indifferent as these two are toward each other concerning OM, emotional distress, etc.
The family dinner thing - weird, but what was the point?
Secondary Characters
Just as in book two, a parade of secondary characters both old and new are shuffled in and out of this book. It's hard to keep up with who is who, and even more frustrating that 90% are disposable, meaningless fluff.
The mom plot line - The point? The relevance? The importance? The entertainment? Nada all around!
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
Who the fuck goes to galas and spas and shit after being held captive by a stalker STILL AFTER YOU? Who takes off without telling anyone where they are multiple times when a stalker is after them?
What victim has an entire police station rotating as personal bodyguards?
Just sayin~
And It Continues
One bad guy down, but the plot continues on with more bad guys in a third book.
Bottom Line
The romance has only gone further downhill.
IDGAF about any of the characters.
The mystery of the bad guys and why the male MC is so secretive is becoming more and more convoluted by the minute.
There is sooooo much plot and character fluff that I just don't think I can wade through it to get to the resolution. If I took the actual substance from both books, I might have 100 pages. Too muchshit err sugar for a penny.
IF I go to book three, it will be because it's free and I've already invested this much time toward an end... Again, IF! I can't say if recommend this series as I wish I would've never started it:/
Again, With The Blood From Turnips Plot
This book is better in that the turnip isn't always mundane bullshit like cookouts and bar-hops. But, a turnip is a turnip ... Is still a mfing turnip.
Here's an example...
She's kidnapped and held hostage in a basement. << That should be a point of climax with lots of blood leaking from the turnip, right? Well, no.
Chapter after chapter of her captivity is a cycle of 1) him drugging her 2) him baiting her police buddies with the sight of her tied up 3) her passing out 4) him leaving her alone to sleep 5) waking her up 6) more drugs 7) the occasional "light" grope and baiting her friends 8) her passing out. .... On and on it goes FOR OVER A WEEK until she escapes.
Anticlimactic? Yes! Unbelievable that a sexual predator psycho didn't sexually assault or do any real harm to her in a week? Yes! Boring and repetitive? Yes!
And then it moves to sleeping, nightmares, eating, and parties. Cat chasing its' tail~
Relationship
The MCs high school'ish push and pull, odd, & totally awkward ass relationship was like a broken record.
First, that 'I must push her away to protect her' bullshit may work for one book, but having over 600 pages of the same flat story arc? No. Just no!
Second, it's nonsensical that people that loved each other would be as indifferent as these two are toward each other concerning OM, emotional distress, etc.
The family dinner thing - weird, but what was the point?
Secondary Characters
Just as in book two, a parade of secondary characters both old and new are shuffled in and out of this book. It's hard to keep up with who is who, and even more frustrating that 90% are disposable, meaningless fluff.
The mom plot line - The point? The relevance? The importance? The entertainment? Nada all around!
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
Who the fuck goes to galas and spas and shit after being held captive by a stalker STILL AFTER YOU? Who takes off without telling anyone where they are multiple times when a stalker is after them?
What victim has an entire police station rotating as personal bodyguards?
Just sayin~
And It Continues
One bad guy down, but the plot continues on with more bad guys in a third book.
Bottom Line
The romance has only gone further downhill.
IDGAF about any of the characters.
The mystery of the bad guys and why the male MC is so secretive is becoming more and more convoluted by the minute.
There is sooooo much plot and character fluff that I just don't think I can wade through it to get to the resolution. If I took the actual substance from both books, I might have 100 pages. Too much
IF I go to book three, it will be because it's free and I've already invested this much time toward an end... Again, IF! I can't say if recommend this series as I wish I would've never started it:/
December 5, 2017
Oh wow. What a story. Make sure you read book one before reading this book as its a continuation of Emily and Seths story.
Book one Darkness Lurks was brilliant. The ending had me in knots. Thankfully I was able to jump right into this and keep reading. The storyline continued at a fast pace. The twists and turns had me gripped. I find it hard to review without spoiling it as you may not have read book one yet. All I want to say is get reading as its brilliant.
Be warned when you start this series that book three is out in October. After the big cliffhanger (grab alcohol kinda cliffhanger) in this book you will need to know that.
Also know it's a one sitting kinda read. Make sure you got the time to read it as you won't want to put it down.
Don't be a plonker like me and put cookies in while reading this and forget about them. Yep that's exactly what I did. This might be a clue to how brilliant these books are. Really looking forward to Darkness Falls. I need it now!
I'm doing a happy dance now as I see the author has more books to sink my teeth in.
Book one Darkness Lurks was brilliant. The ending had me in knots. Thankfully I was able to jump right into this and keep reading. The storyline continued at a fast pace. The twists and turns had me gripped. I find it hard to review without spoiling it as you may not have read book one yet. All I want to say is get reading as its brilliant.
Be warned when you start this series that book three is out in October. After the big cliffhanger (grab alcohol kinda cliffhanger) in this book you will need to know that.
Also know it's a one sitting kinda read. Make sure you got the time to read it as you won't want to put it down.
Don't be a plonker like me and put cookies in while reading this and forget about them. Yep that's exactly what I did. This might be a clue to how brilliant these books are. Really looking forward to Darkness Falls. I need it now!
I'm doing a happy dance now as I see the author has more books to sink my teeth in.
September 2, 2015
3.5 stars
Review by Jen Hagen
In this second installment of the Darkness series, Emily is being held captive by Lasko. A few more details of Lasko become available to us helping us discover why he is such a psychopath. He is a sick, sick person and I still cringe speaking of him. As smart as Lasko thinks he is, Emily is planning her escape for when Lasko makes a mistake, and eventually that will happen. Emily is able to be back in the arms of Seth, hoping for a second chance to tell him that she loves him.
Our dear Seth is broken over Emily’s disappearance. We see Seth grapple with his feelings for Emily. On the one hand he loves her dearly, but on the other he sees how that love hampers his ability to keep her safe and protected. His mind is clouded with his desire for Emily and this will place her in danger once again. He rejoices that she is back in his life, but yet pulls away hurting Emily.
“Emily, you know how much I care for you.”
“Then why do you push me away?” I felt the tears threaten.
“After the cabin, when I thought I lost you…” He swallowed. “Something inside of me changed. I just need to work it out. I need some time.”
Oh the ever-hated give me some space speech. Seth…Seth…Seth. When are you going to learn? You can’t give love space. It didn’t work in the first book and it’s not going to work here. You are going to end up losing Emily if you keep pushing her away!
“You want me to leave?” I had to admit, it stung, but I did deserve it. I told her I wanted space. I kept her at arm’s length as she was going through one of the worst times of her life.
Of course it will sting! How do you think Emily felt?? You abandoned her when she needed you and the strength of your arms to make her feel protected when the nightmares came. You deserve to feel a little bit of hurt that she was feeling which was ten times worse. (okay my rant about Seth is over) Finally Seth finds the ability to speak and tell her how much he really loves her.
“I love you so much that when you’re not around, I physically hurt. I need you to be mine, I need you to forgive me. I need you to see I’m lost without you.”
I forgive you Seth. But now that we have taken care of that little matter there is something else we need to focus on…How is it that Lasko seems to always be one step ahead of the police? Remember we cannot trust anybody and the last point of view in this installment gives us a big piece of the puzzle.
I like the author’s style of writing, but I just couldn’t feel my way into the plot of this installment. I felt Emily’s time with Lasko was rushed. I don’t quite understand the mother’s appearance in the book – her cougar prowess made me uncomfortable, but maybe there’s a reason why she was included. There has to be – I have never known Ms. Drake to throw a character into a story without good reason. I will just have to bide my time and see how it plays out.
Review by Jen Hagen
In this second installment of the Darkness series, Emily is being held captive by Lasko. A few more details of Lasko become available to us helping us discover why he is such a psychopath. He is a sick, sick person and I still cringe speaking of him. As smart as Lasko thinks he is, Emily is planning her escape for when Lasko makes a mistake, and eventually that will happen. Emily is able to be back in the arms of Seth, hoping for a second chance to tell him that she loves him.
Our dear Seth is broken over Emily’s disappearance. We see Seth grapple with his feelings for Emily. On the one hand he loves her dearly, but on the other he sees how that love hampers his ability to keep her safe and protected. His mind is clouded with his desire for Emily and this will place her in danger once again. He rejoices that she is back in his life, but yet pulls away hurting Emily.
“Emily, you know how much I care for you.”
“Then why do you push me away?” I felt the tears threaten.
“After the cabin, when I thought I lost you…” He swallowed. “Something inside of me changed. I just need to work it out. I need some time.”
Oh the ever-hated give me some space speech. Seth…Seth…Seth. When are you going to learn? You can’t give love space. It didn’t work in the first book and it’s not going to work here. You are going to end up losing Emily if you keep pushing her away!
“You want me to leave?” I had to admit, it stung, but I did deserve it. I told her I wanted space. I kept her at arm’s length as she was going through one of the worst times of her life.
Of course it will sting! How do you think Emily felt?? You abandoned her when she needed you and the strength of your arms to make her feel protected when the nightmares came. You deserve to feel a little bit of hurt that she was feeling which was ten times worse. (okay my rant about Seth is over) Finally Seth finds the ability to speak and tell her how much he really loves her.
“I love you so much that when you’re not around, I physically hurt. I need you to be mine, I need you to forgive me. I need you to see I’m lost without you.”
I forgive you Seth. But now that we have taken care of that little matter there is something else we need to focus on…How is it that Lasko seems to always be one step ahead of the police? Remember we cannot trust anybody and the last point of view in this installment gives us a big piece of the puzzle.
I like the author’s style of writing, but I just couldn’t feel my way into the plot of this installment. I felt Emily’s time with Lasko was rushed. I don’t quite understand the mother’s appearance in the book – her cougar prowess made me uncomfortable, but maybe there’s a reason why she was included. There has to be – I have never known Ms. Drake to throw a character into a story without good reason. I will just have to bide my time and see how it plays out.
January 11, 2016
I love JL Drakes writing. As a huge fan of the thriller, dark, romance type books, this series is pure heaven.
Emily has been taken, even with all the protection, Lasko has her. Worse he is letting them, Seth and the cops, watch via the computer, how he is abusing her. Between the drugs, the torture, she is barely hanging on, living to get back to Seth is her source of fighting. After a drunken episode and violent beating she awakens to a chance to flee and she takes it. Narrowly escaping him again.
Fighting to recover. Seth is distraught at the damage Lasko inflicted. He is even more so at himself for getting close and in doing so missing his chance to protect her. So once again he starts to pull away. But Emily is being hurt by his actions.
We get more candidates for who is helping Lasko. He seems to have an endless supply of croonies. Also Emily learned things from her captivity that lead to more details of Lasko and his past.
He has plans to take her back and with his mole and the help of others the attempt is real and dangerous to all involved. And WOW the mother of all reveals and cliffhangers is given.
I cant wait for book three. Is it October yet????
Emily has been taken, even with all the protection, Lasko has her. Worse he is letting them, Seth and the cops, watch via the computer, how he is abusing her. Between the drugs, the torture, she is barely hanging on, living to get back to Seth is her source of fighting. After a drunken episode and violent beating she awakens to a chance to flee and she takes it. Narrowly escaping him again.
Fighting to recover. Seth is distraught at the damage Lasko inflicted. He is even more so at himself for getting close and in doing so missing his chance to protect her. So once again he starts to pull away. But Emily is being hurt by his actions.
We get more candidates for who is helping Lasko. He seems to have an endless supply of croonies. Also Emily learned things from her captivity that lead to more details of Lasko and his past.
He has plans to take her back and with his mole and the help of others the attempt is real and dangerous to all involved. And WOW the mother of all reveals and cliffhangers is given.
I cant wait for book three. Is it October yet????
November 17, 2015
4-4.4 stars
It's awesome when you get full body chills while reading the last sentence of a book! Yep, that's what you can expect from this one. Darkness Lurks was decent but this one Is so much better! Darkness Follows is definitely suspenseful but the prolonged waiting and waiting and waiting that happened in book #1 is thankfully absent since this book picks up immediately where book#1 left off (Emily just having been captured by Jimmy). I can't say much more or I'll spoil the book. All I can say is that things get a lot more exciting and that not everything is what it appears to be. This was a sequel worth waiting for and I would have rated it 5 stars if there weren't any typos, if the rare sex scenes were a bit more detailed and if Jimmy acted just a bit more twisted. I hear the third book is really good too and they say third times the charm so hopefully that one will be the 5- star finisher!
It's awesome when you get full body chills while reading the last sentence of a book! Yep, that's what you can expect from this one. Darkness Lurks was decent but this one Is so much better! Darkness Follows is definitely suspenseful but the prolonged waiting and waiting and waiting that happened in book #1 is thankfully absent since this book picks up immediately where book#1 left off (Emily just having been captured by Jimmy). I can't say much more or I'll spoil the book. All I can say is that things get a lot more exciting and that not everything is what it appears to be. This was a sequel worth waiting for and I would have rated it 5 stars if there weren't any typos, if the rare sex scenes were a bit more detailed and if Jimmy acted just a bit more twisted. I hear the third book is really good too and they say third times the charm so hopefully that one will be the 5- star finisher!
November 25, 2016
Excellent
This three book series is great, I am enjoying it a lot. The characters are awesome, storyline excellent intriguing, and interesting. I do wish Seth would stop the mixed messages with Emily she deserves more than that. Well I'm on to book three the last book.
This three book series is great, I am enjoying it a lot. The characters are awesome, storyline excellent intriguing, and interesting. I do wish Seth would stop the mixed messages with Emily she deserves more than that. Well I'm on to book three the last book.
September 17, 2015
amazing book!!!...I mean its so gritty and I loved every minute of it.I cant wait for Book 3..
Full Review: http://booksandcoffeecups77.blogspot....
Full Review: http://booksandcoffeecups77.blogspot....
February 1, 2020
I’m done with this author and this series. Tstl heroine. Poorly written. Give the woman a thesaurus and maybe it could have another star.
March 19, 2018
twisted insane amazing addicting.Love Seth and Em.Gimme more
October 1, 2015
Writing: ★★★★★
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Overall rating: 4.6
First of all I want to mention the cover of this book. It's the perfect rendition of what, in my mind, Emily looks like, and it really helped me to envision her throughout the book. Well done!
Darkness Follows picks up right where Darkness Lurks leaves off. Emily has been taken by Jimmy Lasko and he's got her gagged and ziptied to an old wooden chair. Emily is, naturally, frightened and is trying to calm herself when the door opens and a masked man walks in. But worse than that, there's a computer in the room, and it's broadcasting directly to Seth and the OPD. Seth and his co-workers can see and hear everything that is happening to Emily.
Seth is beside himself, and he blames himself for Emily getting kidnapped. If only he hadn't allowed himself to get to close. If only, if only, if only..
Days and days pass before Emily finally gets the chance to escape, and she takes full advantage of it. All she wants, all she thinks about, is getting back to Seth and his loving and protective arms.
*SCREEEEECH*
Not so fast, Emily. She gets back only to find that once again, Seth has pulled away. He's pulling the, "I need some space" card, and it makes me want to throttle him. He feels that if he hadn't let himself get too close, then he could have protected Emily better by not being distracted.
Emily during this time, kinda goes off the rails. She won't listen to common sense, she won't *use* common sense. Even goes so far as taking a mini-vacay at a spa.
Seriously, Emily? I found her to be very selfish and dangerous, and I worried that that combination was going to cause someone that she cares about to get hurt, or worse, killed.
Jimmy's creep factor is amped up in this book, just when you thought he couldn't get any more creepy, he does.
I can't go into too much about him in this review, there's just no way to do so and not spoil something for others. So i'll just leave it that you should definitely read with the lights on and the doors locked!
This book had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and growling at Emily and Seth in frustration. But I wouldn't change a thing... well except for Emily's "brave side"... that got to be pretty annoying in the book, a bit overused. Other than that tiny little detail this book was over the top brilliant!
Oh, and the ending! I did NOT see that coming! Mind was officially blown!
This book, like book one, ends in a MAJOR cliffhanger. But, book 3, Darkness Falls, comes out on October 13, 2015! I'm hope this will wrap up this series, because...
Story: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★
Overall rating: 4.6
*****5 Creepy Jimmy Stars!
First of all I want to mention the cover of this book. It's the perfect rendition of what, in my mind, Emily looks like, and it really helped me to envision her throughout the book. Well done!
Darkness Follows picks up right where Darkness Lurks leaves off. Emily has been taken by Jimmy Lasko and he's got her gagged and ziptied to an old wooden chair. Emily is, naturally, frightened and is trying to calm herself when the door opens and a masked man walks in. But worse than that, there's a computer in the room, and it's broadcasting directly to Seth and the OPD. Seth and his co-workers can see and hear everything that is happening to Emily.
Seth is beside himself, and he blames himself for Emily getting kidnapped. If only he hadn't allowed himself to get to close. If only, if only, if only..
Days and days pass before Emily finally gets the chance to escape, and she takes full advantage of it. All she wants, all she thinks about, is getting back to Seth and his loving and protective arms.
*SCREEEEECH*
Not so fast, Emily. She gets back only to find that once again, Seth has pulled away. He's pulling the, "I need some space" card, and it makes me want to throttle him. He feels that if he hadn't let himself get too close, then he could have protected Emily better by not being distracted.
Emily during this time, kinda goes off the rails. She won't listen to common sense, she won't *use* common sense. Even goes so far as taking a mini-vacay at a spa.
Seriously, Emily? I found her to be very selfish and dangerous, and I worried that that combination was going to cause someone that she cares about to get hurt, or worse, killed.
Jimmy's creep factor is amped up in this book, just when you thought he couldn't get any more creepy, he does.
I can't go into too much about him in this review, there's just no way to do so and not spoil something for others. So i'll just leave it that you should definitely read with the lights on and the doors locked!
This book had me on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, and growling at Emily and Seth in frustration. But I wouldn't change a thing... well except for Emily's "brave side"... that got to be pretty annoying in the book, a bit overused. Other than that tiny little detail this book was over the top brilliant!
Oh, and the ending! I did NOT see that coming! Mind was officially blown!
This book, like book one, ends in a MAJOR cliffhanger. But, book 3, Darkness Falls, comes out on October 13, 2015! I'm hope this will wrap up this series, because...
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September 19, 2015This book had me from the get go. I'd received a recommendation from a friend to read J.L. Drake & let me tell you I was not disappointed. This series is a masterpiece! I finished the first book at 2am wanting & craving more. Needless to say, the minute I received book 2, I got struck in straight away.
J.L. Drake has a certain writing style that captivates you from the beginning. This book is dark, suspenseful & oozes sexiness. We continue on our story of the beautiful Emily and the headstrong, handsome Seth who will do everything in his power to protect what is his. The emotional connection between these two characters is off the charts and on more than occasion I felt myself looking at the clock saying one more chapter, just one more. I really just couldn't put this book down.
It's nail biting & will keep you on the edge of your seat craving more. I don't want to say too much but Seth ... swoon!!! Who doesn't love a man in uniform. With HANDCUFFS... Need I say more?? I would HIGHLY recommend this book & I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. I'm literally freaking out!!!!!! ~Joanna, ★★★★★ 5 stars
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Oh. My. God. My mind is seriously blown to smithereens. What an ending! I know I look like a deranged lunatic here, not being able to stop freaking out, but even covering my mouth didn't help any. I actually have the goosebumps. That is NOT what I was expecting. Or rather who. This amazing woman—this author—has done it again. My jaw kept dropping on the floor that I'm starting to feel sorry for it. This book is a great sequel to Darkness Lurks. It just keeps getting better and better. It keeps getting so messed up.
This starts off exactly from where Darkness Lurks ended. Emily wakes up at the basement where Jimmy Lasko is keeping her hostage. My heart broke for both Emily and Seth. What they both went through is too much. That is a wound so deep you'll be needing a shit ton of time for it to heal. We also get to know more about Seth's family here, which was such a joy for me. I mean, finally! And Lasko, oh dear Lord, this man is more fucked up than ever. At some point I wanted to feel sorry for him because you will get a glimpse of why he's become who he is. More revelations about him will get your mind and gut so twisted. But then I couldn't. I can't feel sorry for a man who's done so much messed up things. And I still have mixed emotions about everybody. Now everything's starting to unfold and getting clearer, you still have no idea who can be in on it.
That ending definitely blew my mind off. It will make you want to fast forward the time so you can get your hands on Darkness Falls already. I know that's definitely how I'm feeling right now. Aside from all the chills from the shock of the revelations.~Renery, ★★★★★ 5 stars
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HOLY MOLLEY! WOW!?! What a twisted, chilling, full of endless surprises book two will take you! After the cliffhanger ending in Darkness Lurks (Darkness #1) I had anticipated the unexpected but it still had me on the edge of my seat afraid to find out more but the need to know what happens. ~Cristina ★★★★★ 5 stars
J.L. Drake has a certain writing style that captivates you from the beginning. This book is dark, suspenseful & oozes sexiness. We continue on our story of the beautiful Emily and the headstrong, handsome Seth who will do everything in his power to protect what is his. The emotional connection between these two characters is off the charts and on more than occasion I felt myself looking at the clock saying one more chapter, just one more. I really just couldn't put this book down.
It's nail biting & will keep you on the edge of your seat craving more. I don't want to say too much but Seth ... swoon!!! Who doesn't love a man in uniform. With HANDCUFFS... Need I say more?? I would HIGHLY recommend this book & I am eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series. I'm literally freaking out!!!!!! ~Joanna, ★★★★★ 5 stars
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Oh. My. God. My mind is seriously blown to smithereens. What an ending! I know I look like a deranged lunatic here, not being able to stop freaking out, but even covering my mouth didn't help any. I actually have the goosebumps. That is NOT what I was expecting. Or rather who. This amazing woman—this author—has done it again. My jaw kept dropping on the floor that I'm starting to feel sorry for it. This book is a great sequel to Darkness Lurks. It just keeps getting better and better. It keeps getting so messed up.
This starts off exactly from where Darkness Lurks ended. Emily wakes up at the basement where Jimmy Lasko is keeping her hostage. My heart broke for both Emily and Seth. What they both went through is too much. That is a wound so deep you'll be needing a shit ton of time for it to heal. We also get to know more about Seth's family here, which was such a joy for me. I mean, finally! And Lasko, oh dear Lord, this man is more fucked up than ever. At some point I wanted to feel sorry for him because you will get a glimpse of why he's become who he is. More revelations about him will get your mind and gut so twisted. But then I couldn't. I can't feel sorry for a man who's done so much messed up things. And I still have mixed emotions about everybody. Now everything's starting to unfold and getting clearer, you still have no idea who can be in on it.
That ending definitely blew my mind off. It will make you want to fast forward the time so you can get your hands on Darkness Falls already. I know that's definitely how I'm feeling right now. Aside from all the chills from the shock of the revelations.~Renery, ★★★★★ 5 stars
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HOLY MOLLEY! WOW!?! What a twisted, chilling, full of endless surprises book two will take you! After the cliffhanger ending in Darkness Lurks (Darkness #1) I had anticipated the unexpected but it still had me on the edge of my seat afraid to find out more but the need to know what happens. ~Cristina ★★★★★ 5 stars
September 23, 2015
I'm not 100% sure where to start with Darkness Lurks or Darkness Follows. These books were short, quick, page-turning reads that just had me absolutely reeling after reading them. If you are looking for a dark read that has you second guessing the motive of the main character, please do yourself a favor, pick this series up, devour it, and if need be, repeat it.
Emily knows what loneliness is. She doesn't need to be told that she is lonely, or need to hear her mother repeat that she needs to sell the house that she has lived in for years. She doesn't need it, she doesn't want it, and she sure as hell doesn't want to listen to her mother state that her father isn't coming back; can't she just hold onto that last happy memory she has of him in peace? When Emily is brutally attacked at the gas station one night (cue creepy flickering lights, too), it is no shock that her mind goes into overdrive, and she has to take measures into her own hands.
Unfortunately for her, that doesn't bode well for her, or her seemingly unhappy, brooding boyfriend, Seth. Seth holds Emily at arms length at all times. It takes her getting kidnapped, brutally attacked repeatedly all while being broadcast to the Orange County Police Department for him, AND her to finally pull their heads out of the butts, and finally realize that what they have is real, and has potential.
Now, onto this psychopath known as Lasko. This guy is seriously fucked up in the head. Take your average run of the mill kidnapper, and add serial killer to his resume. But he's so much worse than that. He's a silent killer. You don't know what to expect when the point of view shifts to him. You aren't sure which version you're looking at; the innocent Lasko? The crazy Lasko? You won't regret reading his side of the story!
Long review short, this was one hell of a ride. Jumping from THREE points of view (Emily, Seth, and Lasko) was hard to keep up with at one point, but I completely understand how, and why J.L Drake wrote the way she did. There wouldn't have been the suspense that Darkness Follows had if we didn't see the story from three sides. The story was a little choppy; there were times that I didn't understand what was going on, and that would be the only downside that I noticed throughout the book. The suspense is page turning, and will keep you on the edge of your reading seat.
February 26, 2019
I really wanted to like this book. The beginning was really good. Emily is in the hands of Lasko and it was the only interesting part of this book. Her capture ended too quickly and went downhill from there.
I don't like Emily at all. She is such a dumb character. I don't understand how you were just kidnapped and in the hospital and she wants to go back to school to get some normalcy back in her life. Lasko is still after her and she wants to run off by herself. bangs head against wall.
I'm so over Emily and Seth's relationship. She acts like a brat the entire book because Seth isn't fawning all over her. She never considers how everything could be affecting him. Seth is struggling and scared that he won't be able to protect her. He is conflicted and he is in no way objective when it comes to her. Is it fair that he won't talk to her about how he's feeling? No. But I want to slap Emily.
The icing on the I can't take anymore of this book is her running off yet again. The running off is what got her ass kidnapped to begin with. Someone is after you and wants to do terrible things to you. She's doing it all because she is being a big baby over Seth. Riley is dumb enough to help her do it. She deserves to be kidnapped for her stupidity. And while she suffers severe trauma and PTSD in the hospital after he escape, she only has one episode when she's home. Not believable and someone should have suggested some counseling for her.
I cannot finish this series. I understand there's only one book left, but I had to skim through a lot of this book to get through it. I liked the parts from Lasko's pov, but I didn't get that same sense of creepiness as I did in the first book.
I don't like Emily at all. She is such a dumb character. I don't understand how you were just kidnapped and in the hospital and she wants to go back to school to get some normalcy back in her life. Lasko is still after her and she wants to run off by herself. bangs head against wall.
I'm so over Emily and Seth's relationship. She acts like a brat the entire book because Seth isn't fawning all over her. She never considers how everything could be affecting him. Seth is struggling and scared that he won't be able to protect her. He is conflicted and he is in no way objective when it comes to her. Is it fair that he won't talk to her about how he's feeling? No. But I want to slap Emily.
The icing on the I can't take anymore of this book is her running off yet again. The running off is what got her ass kidnapped to begin with. Someone is after you and wants to do terrible things to you. She's doing it all because she is being a big baby over Seth. Riley is dumb enough to help her do it. She deserves to be kidnapped for her stupidity. And while she suffers severe trauma and PTSD in the hospital after he escape, she only has one episode when she's home. Not believable and someone should have suggested some counseling for her.
I cannot finish this series. I understand there's only one book left, but I had to skim through a lot of this book to get through it. I liked the parts from Lasko's pov, but I didn't get that same sense of creepiness as I did in the first book.
November 7, 2019
Loved it! Curious to see how it wraps up
September 16, 2015
Oh. My. God. My mind is seriously blown to smithereens. What an ending! I know I look like a deranged lunatic here, not being able to stop freaking out, but even covering my mouth didn't help any. I actually have the goosebumps. That is NOT what I was expecting. Or rather who. This amazing woman—this author—has done it again. My jaw kept dropping on the floor that I'm starting to feel sorry for it. This book is a great sequel to Darkness Lurks. It just keeps getting better and better. It keeps getting so messed up.
This starts off exactly from where Darkness Lurks ended. Emily wakes up at the basement where Jimmy Lasko is keeping her hostage. My heart broke for both Emily and Seth. What they both went through is too much. That is a wound so deep you'll be needing a shit ton of time for it to heal. We also get to know more about Seth's family here, which was such a joy for me. I mean, finally! And Lasko, oh dear Lord, this man is more fucked up than ever. At some point I wanted to feel sorry for him because you will get a glimpse of why he's become who he is. More revelations about him will get your mind and gut so twisted. But then I couldn't. I can't feel sorry for a man who's done so much messed up things. And I still have mixed emotions about everybody. Now everything's starting to unfold and getting clearer, you still have no idea who can be in on it.
That ending definitely blew my mind off. It will make you want to fast forward the time so you can get your hands on Darkness Falls already. I know that's definitely how I'm feeling right now. Aside from all the chills from the shock of the revelations.
This starts off exactly from where Darkness Lurks ended. Emily wakes up at the basement where Jimmy Lasko is keeping her hostage. My heart broke for both Emily and Seth. What they both went through is too much. That is a wound so deep you'll be needing a shit ton of time for it to heal. We also get to know more about Seth's family here, which was such a joy for me. I mean, finally! And Lasko, oh dear Lord, this man is more fucked up than ever. At some point I wanted to feel sorry for him because you will get a glimpse of why he's become who he is. More revelations about him will get your mind and gut so twisted. But then I couldn't. I can't feel sorry for a man who's done so much messed up things. And I still have mixed emotions about everybody. Now everything's starting to unfold and getting clearer, you still have no idea who can be in on it.
That ending definitely blew my mind off. It will make you want to fast forward the time so you can get your hands on Darkness Falls already. I know that's definitely how I'm feeling right now. Aside from all the chills from the shock of the revelations.
September 12, 2015
Darkness Follows
J. L. Drake
4.0 stars
We are picking up right where we left off. Emily has been taken. This is an extremely intense storyline so if you have triggers I might rethink this book. Emily begins to have flashbacks while she is being held captive by Lasko. He is filling her with drugs to keep her sedated. Emily quickly realizes there is another person with Lasko but who and why.
Seth has more to lose than ever before. Lasko has set up a video feed for the guys to watch his playtime with Emily. Each day Emily is gone he goes a little deeper and darker in his own soul. Emily knows they are able to see her. Agent Patrick has formed a team to help search for Emily. Johnnie, Riggs and Avery have all volunteered to help.
Nothing is as it seems.
This is one jacked up series with a whole lot of psycho going on. My only dislike of this series is the use of a pit bull and the character it portrays. I have them, love them and am a rescuer of them. I have a huge issue with the portrayal of them as evil dogs. Honestly I skipped those parts because it made my blood boil.
However being a reviewer I need to move on from that. The characters here are well written and Im telling you if I ever ran into Lasko I would be freaked the hell out. There is a scene that even I cringed at because I hate the “item” that was used.
There is a huge cliff hanger again .. so be prepared because you might think you are figuring this out but I promise you .. you aren’t.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
J. L. Drake
4.0 stars
We are picking up right where we left off. Emily has been taken. This is an extremely intense storyline so if you have triggers I might rethink this book. Emily begins to have flashbacks while she is being held captive by Lasko. He is filling her with drugs to keep her sedated. Emily quickly realizes there is another person with Lasko but who and why.
Seth has more to lose than ever before. Lasko has set up a video feed for the guys to watch his playtime with Emily. Each day Emily is gone he goes a little deeper and darker in his own soul. Emily knows they are able to see her. Agent Patrick has formed a team to help search for Emily. Johnnie, Riggs and Avery have all volunteered to help.
Nothing is as it seems.
This is one jacked up series with a whole lot of psycho going on. My only dislike of this series is the use of a pit bull and the character it portrays. I have them, love them and am a rescuer of them. I have a huge issue with the portrayal of them as evil dogs. Honestly I skipped those parts because it made my blood boil.
However being a reviewer I need to move on from that. The characters here are well written and Im telling you if I ever ran into Lasko I would be freaked the hell out. There is a scene that even I cringed at because I hate the “item” that was used.
There is a huge cliff hanger again .. so be prepared because you might think you are figuring this out but I promise you .. you aren’t.
I was provided an ARC for an honest review.
September 7, 2015
This story is my favorite from JL Drake
I first read it when it was called "What lurks in the dark"
Such an original story. Drake had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. She had me making sure each widow and door in my house was locked.
She taught me that in these kinds of stories, you don't trust anyone. At all!
I was excited to know that she was releasing this story again.
And I'm glad I was able to watch her grow with her writing.
Reading it this second time around didn't ease my anxiousness and I was even more paranoid sitting at the edge of my seat wondering what bomb Drake was gonna drop on our laps. Well worth the read.
If you're a fan of the Broken Trilogy and Team Blackstone, these OPD men will seriously have you falling in love.
I first read it when it was called "What lurks in the dark"
Such an original story. Drake had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. She had me making sure each widow and door in my house was locked.
She taught me that in these kinds of stories, you don't trust anyone. At all!
I was excited to know that she was releasing this story again.
And I'm glad I was able to watch her grow with her writing.
Reading it this second time around didn't ease my anxiousness and I was even more paranoid sitting at the edge of my seat wondering what bomb Drake was gonna drop on our laps. Well worth the read.
If you're a fan of the Broken Trilogy and Team Blackstone, these OPD men will seriously have you falling in love.
October 4, 2015
3.5 stars
As much as I wanted to give it 4 stars I just could not. It felt too drawn out and the push and pull of Seth and Emily was a bit much.
The book started off good. It picks up after Lasko has Emily and I was excited to see how it would play out. I was disappointed because Lasko want who I thought he was.. The illusion that he's someone very dark and twisted yet he isn't doing much. Then you reading about someone that is on the other phone behind everything yet you have an idea of who they could be. After getting through the book you finally find out who the person is. I gave major points for that because I did not predict this person.
All in all, I would read this book again. I'm actually looking forward to the next book. I'm curious to see how this all ends.
As much as I wanted to give it 4 stars I just could not. It felt too drawn out and the push and pull of Seth and Emily was a bit much.
The book started off good. It picks up after Lasko has Emily and I was excited to see how it would play out. I was disappointed because Lasko want who I thought he was.. The illusion that he's someone very dark and twisted yet he isn't doing much. Then you reading about someone that is on the other phone behind everything yet you have an idea of who they could be. After getting through the book you finally find out who the person is. I gave major points for that because I did not predict this person.
All in all, I would read this book again. I'm actually looking forward to the next book. I'm curious to see how this all ends.
September 21, 2022
2.5 Stars
We pick up where we left off, Emily has been kidnapped by Lasko. I have mixed feelings… I felt some parts were mildly exciting, and I liked getting a bit of backstory of Seth’s past, but then other parts were VERY repetitive… and rather bland for being kidnapped by a psychopath. Then she continues to be TSTL Seriously, did she not learn her lesson with her last alone time runner??!! 🤯
Bottom Line- Another meh read with immature mc’s, too many secondary characters, and too much filler. I think this would’ve worked better as one exciting book rather than stretching the story out with filler. I got this boxset as a freebie years ago... I wouldn't be rounding up if I had to pay for it.
We pick up where we left off, Emily has been kidnapped by Lasko. I have mixed feelings… I felt some parts were mildly exciting, and I liked getting a bit of backstory of Seth’s past, but then other parts were VERY repetitive… and rather bland for being kidnapped by a psychopath. Then she continues to be TSTL Seriously, did she not learn her lesson with her last alone time runner??!! 🤯
Bottom Line- Another meh read with immature mc’s, too many secondary characters, and too much filler. I think this would’ve worked better as one exciting book rather than stretching the story out with filler. I got this boxset as a freebie years ago... I wouldn't be rounding up if I had to pay for it.
February 11, 2016
Another sick and satisfying ride
Is it wrong to say I missed Lasko? He made the story so much more entertaining. Seth and Emily drove me nuts in this book! Hopefully, they can keep it together in the next one. I hated seeing Seth so conflicted with everything. I wanted to smack the crap out of Emily for going off on her own. Ahhhhh!!! My stomach is in knots right now!!! I wonder if I will end up back in the basement in the next book? It's about to go down!! I just know it!!
Is it wrong to say I missed Lasko? He made the story so much more entertaining. Seth and Emily drove me nuts in this book! Hopefully, they can keep it together in the next one. I hated seeing Seth so conflicted with everything. I wanted to smack the crap out of Emily for going off on her own. Ahhhhh!!! My stomach is in knots right now!!! I wonder if I will end up back in the basement in the next book? It's about to go down!! I just know it!!
April 6, 2020
I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not to read the 3rd book in the series. Even though I have the box set. Seth turned out to be annoying as hell and Emily frustrated me to no end. Doesn't that girl have any self worth? I mean the guy practically abandoned her emotionally when she needed him the most not just once but twice and in the end she just fell right back in his arms just because he decided he couldn't live without her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2016
Perfection. That's all I can say. Just complete perfection.
September 13, 2015
This book just fell flat. Really disappointed since the first book held me captive to the end.
June 3, 2016
I enjoyed the story, but both the H and h started to grate on my nerves. I'm starting the final book. I'm still interested enough to find out how it all comes together.
October 14, 2017
Another wild ride
Once again I’m in shock this was just as good as the first book. Well I still can’t stand, Emily’s mother. She just makes me sick. She obviously doesn’t even care about her own daughter. I don’t know maybe I was wrong about her, maybe not, but I still don’t fully trust her. Maybe she’s just a heartless person. Now Seth’s mother she seems very sweet but sadly his father does not so. I feel bad for his mom. She seems so loving and there is obviously something not right with his father. I can really see why Seth wouldn’t want Emily around him.
So just like always all the other characters are great, Seth and Emily are still the same as always.
Wow, who are you, and what have you done with Seth Connors? “I’ll get in touch with the spa’s security team to make sure they know what Lasko looks like.” “Seems fair.” “And, Emily,” there was a small pause, “so help me God, if I find out you left the resort, I will personally come down there and bring you home myself.” Oh, there he is
Of course I still love Garrett, Seth’s partner. Garrett is more like a brother to him than sadly his own. And can’t forget Pete, Emily’s fun loving and wildly silly longtime friend, or Erin her best friend. I really don’t know what Emily would do without them two. Their more loving and like her family more than her own mother is.
“Riley has a fine ass, hey?” Pete suddenly blurted out. I started to laugh silently, but I made the whole bed jiggle, which only made him keep going. “Do you ever picture him shirtless?” “No.” “That’s a shame. I’m doing it right now.” “Pete,” I held my stomach, “please.” He rolled onto his stomach to face me. “Oh shit, I bet he has tattoos.” “Stop!” I closed my eyes. “I don’t want to picture him.” “Why? You wanna talk about how Seth looks?” He batted his eyes. “Go to sleep, perv.” He flopped back over with a heavy sigh. “That’s okay,” he patted my arm, “I can do it without you.” “You’re hopeless.” I rolled onto my side and pulled the covers to my chin. Pete flopped around a little, then I heard him giggle. I didn’t even want to know. I lay there for a few minutes, then snatched my phone off the nightstand. Emily: In bed with the world’s biggest pervert. Hope you had a good day. A few moments passed, and then I felt my phone vibrate. Seth: Good, stay put until morning. I rolled my eyes. Emily: There was a time you would have cared who I slept with. Seth: I care, but after the pic he just sent me I’m not concerned. I rolled over and stared at Pete. He turned the phone around to show me the picture. I laughed when I saw his sad face at my back. “I told him you were ignoring me.” “Oh, Pete.” I took his arm and wrapped it around my waist so he’d cuddle with me. “That’s better.” He stuck the phone in front of me and snapped another photo. A few minutes later I felt my phone buzz. Seth: I’m sending Riley in. Pete laughed over my shoulder. Nothing wrong with giving him a little kick in the ass in the right direction. Emily: Goodnight, Seth. Seth: Text me when you get up. Night, babe.
Well just like before once again your pushed to the edge and left hanging through the whole book. So much mystery and suspense. I still wasn’t sure who else was behind all the craziness with Lasko, but was actually pretty shocked at the last page in the end. I’m still a little confused/lost and speechless on how things fully connect. Of course it was not at all what I was thinking and suspected. For some reason I do feel there’s still a teeny bit more to the story that we fully haven’t got yet and feel there’s more to it that’s to come. I just can’t wait to now start the last book to see it come together. Will some things turn out to be what I suspected or will I fully be shocked at it all. I guess I just have to see.
Again another 5 stars for me and like always this is one series you don’t want to skip, it’s definitely not disappointing at all.
Once again I’m in shock this was just as good as the first book. Well I still can’t stand, Emily’s mother. She just makes me sick. She obviously doesn’t even care about her own daughter. I don’t know maybe I was wrong about her, maybe not, but I still don’t fully trust her. Maybe she’s just a heartless person. Now Seth’s mother she seems very sweet but sadly his father does not so. I feel bad for his mom. She seems so loving and there is obviously something not right with his father. I can really see why Seth wouldn’t want Emily around him.
So just like always all the other characters are great, Seth and Emily are still the same as always.
Wow, who are you, and what have you done with Seth Connors? “I’ll get in touch with the spa’s security team to make sure they know what Lasko looks like.” “Seems fair.” “And, Emily,” there was a small pause, “so help me God, if I find out you left the resort, I will personally come down there and bring you home myself.” Oh, there he is
Of course I still love Garrett, Seth’s partner. Garrett is more like a brother to him than sadly his own. And can’t forget Pete, Emily’s fun loving and wildly silly longtime friend, or Erin her best friend. I really don’t know what Emily would do without them two. Their more loving and like her family more than her own mother is.
“Riley has a fine ass, hey?” Pete suddenly blurted out. I started to laugh silently, but I made the whole bed jiggle, which only made him keep going. “Do you ever picture him shirtless?” “No.” “That’s a shame. I’m doing it right now.” “Pete,” I held my stomach, “please.” He rolled onto his stomach to face me. “Oh shit, I bet he has tattoos.” “Stop!” I closed my eyes. “I don’t want to picture him.” “Why? You wanna talk about how Seth looks?” He batted his eyes. “Go to sleep, perv.” He flopped back over with a heavy sigh. “That’s okay,” he patted my arm, “I can do it without you.” “You’re hopeless.” I rolled onto my side and pulled the covers to my chin. Pete flopped around a little, then I heard him giggle. I didn’t even want to know. I lay there for a few minutes, then snatched my phone off the nightstand. Emily: In bed with the world’s biggest pervert. Hope you had a good day. A few moments passed, and then I felt my phone vibrate. Seth: Good, stay put until morning. I rolled my eyes. Emily: There was a time you would have cared who I slept with. Seth: I care, but after the pic he just sent me I’m not concerned. I rolled over and stared at Pete. He turned the phone around to show me the picture. I laughed when I saw his sad face at my back. “I told him you were ignoring me.” “Oh, Pete.” I took his arm and wrapped it around my waist so he’d cuddle with me. “That’s better.” He stuck the phone in front of me and snapped another photo. A few minutes later I felt my phone buzz. Seth: I’m sending Riley in. Pete laughed over my shoulder. Nothing wrong with giving him a little kick in the ass in the right direction. Emily: Goodnight, Seth. Seth: Text me when you get up. Night, babe.
Well just like before once again your pushed to the edge and left hanging through the whole book. So much mystery and suspense. I still wasn’t sure who else was behind all the craziness with Lasko, but was actually pretty shocked at the last page in the end. I’m still a little confused/lost and speechless on how things fully connect. Of course it was not at all what I was thinking and suspected. For some reason I do feel there’s still a teeny bit more to the story that we fully haven’t got yet and feel there’s more to it that’s to come. I just can’t wait to now start the last book to see it come together. Will some things turn out to be what I suspected or will I fully be shocked at it all. I guess I just have to see.
Again another 5 stars for me and like always this is one series you don’t want to skip, it’s definitely not disappointing at all.
June 14, 2020
Thankfully I was able to dive straight into this book after finishing #1!
Poor Emily 😢 I just want to hug this poor girl!!! But at the same time want to high-five her and adore how she never looses her firecracker fighting strength!!!
I don’t recommend reading this book when you have other responsibilities like work and children to care for because once I started it I seriously struggled to put it down!!!
It’s fast racing and gripping!!!
Gareth makes my heart melt!!! Especially in the 1st chapter of Emily’s days in the basement and how he tries to comfort Seth!!!
Hmmm and Seth...there was a few points in the book I wanted to shake him and make him stop acting like a fool! I get why he wanted to behave the way he did but omgggggg I wanted to scream at the pages!!!
And I am usually a HUGE fan of the animals that J.L Drake has in her stories...Until Adler 🥺 I don’t want to hate a dog so I’ll just add that hate to what I feel for Lasko! Gosh he makes my skin crawl!!! The zip ties conversation in the store with the shop worker shows how incredibly insane he really is!!!
J.L Drake writes a very impressively disgusting bad guy!!!
Can we just stop and think about Cantaloupe and cottage cheese???? 😖 not sure how I feel about that one 🤪
Another AMAZING ending that made me dive straight into book 3!!!!
Poor Emily 😢 I just want to hug this poor girl!!! But at the same time want to high-five her and adore how she never looses her firecracker fighting strength!!!
I don’t recommend reading this book when you have other responsibilities like work and children to care for because once I started it I seriously struggled to put it down!!!
It’s fast racing and gripping!!!
Gareth makes my heart melt!!! Especially in the 1st chapter of Emily’s days in the basement and how he tries to comfort Seth!!!
Hmmm and Seth...there was a few points in the book I wanted to shake him and make him stop acting like a fool! I get why he wanted to behave the way he did but omgggggg I wanted to scream at the pages!!!
And I am usually a HUGE fan of the animals that J.L Drake has in her stories...Until Adler 🥺 I don’t want to hate a dog so I’ll just add that hate to what I feel for Lasko! Gosh he makes my skin crawl!!! The zip ties conversation in the store with the shop worker shows how incredibly insane he really is!!!
J.L Drake writes a very impressively disgusting bad guy!!!
Can we just stop and think about Cantaloupe and cottage cheese???? 😖 not sure how I feel about that one 🤪
Another AMAZING ending that made me dive straight into book 3!!!!
January 2, 2024
Holy smokes! This book kept me on my toes. Each page was action-packed, grabbing my attention and making me want more—white-knuckled reading at its best. Emily is still in danger from the person who has fixated on her. He refuses to let go of her, and his obsession knows no bounds. Seth, her friend, and a police officer does everything in his power, going above and beyond duty to keep her as safe as possible. He is conflicted about protecting her without letting his heart rule his actions. He closes himself off but causes more harm than good. Between the stalker and Seth, Emily's emotions are all over the place, causing her sleepless nights. She is suffering nightmares from PTSD that are entwined with her waking hours. Everyone believes she is strong for all she has survived, but Seth's withdrawal may be what breaks her, not the man obsessed with her. Just when she may finally be getting a break, disaster strikes again.
This book ends on a cliffhanger that came out of nowhere, leaving me holding my breath. I have to know what happens to Emily and Seth. Will they finally get their HEA, or will the mastermind behind Lasko win the game? I'm off to find out in Darkness Falls, the third book of this spellbinding trilogy.
This book ends on a cliffhanger that came out of nowhere, leaving me holding my breath. I have to know what happens to Emily and Seth. Will they finally get their HEA, or will the mastermind behind Lasko win the game? I'm off to find out in Darkness Falls, the third book of this spellbinding trilogy.
January 8, 2018
And it just gets better and better
Book 2 done in a day! This book had me on the edge of my chair...literally. From start to finish I just couldn't put it down, the intensity builds from the start, as you'd expect, and tying to work out who was the voice on the other end of Jimmy's phone was driving me crazy, I was suspicious of everyone.
This book had my emotions all over the place, with the death of 1 character I was upset, I simply refuse to believe he was bad, I think he made some choices that could have lead to a bad place, but after meeting Emily he wanted to help, so that broke my heart a little. Seth drove me a little nuts with his to'ing and fro'ing, I understood his reasoning, but he really should have communicated better with Emily.
The introduction of new characters; Seth's family and Emily's mother and 'Gary' added more layers to this story and has me wondering what more can possibly happen to this couple.
I am going into book 3 hoping and praying for this couple yo finally get a HEA, oh and for some more from Garratt 😍
Book 2 done in a day! This book had me on the edge of my chair...literally. From start to finish I just couldn't put it down, the intensity builds from the start, as you'd expect, and tying to work out who was the voice on the other end of Jimmy's phone was driving me crazy, I was suspicious of everyone.
This book had my emotions all over the place, with the death of 1 character I was upset, I simply refuse to believe he was bad, I think he made some choices that could have lead to a bad place, but after meeting Emily he wanted to help, so that broke my heart a little. Seth drove me a little nuts with his to'ing and fro'ing, I understood his reasoning, but he really should have communicated better with Emily.
The introduction of new characters; Seth's family and Emily's mother and 'Gary' added more layers to this story and has me wondering what more can possibly happen to this couple.
I am going into book 3 hoping and praying for this couple yo finally get a HEA, oh and for some more from Garratt 😍
October 15, 2022
enjoyed
Did enjoy the second book and getting a better insight into what was going on. Still has to be answered why Emily was singled out though.
As much as I like Emily you can see her immaturity shine through and she does act like the heroine that’s “too stupid to live”.
Seth at some points can be similar.
I wish the theme of split personality was explored a bit more and we had a deeper knowledge of Lasko and I also want to know how and why all these other people are involved.
Hopefully I get my answers in the third book
Did enjoy the second book and getting a better insight into what was going on. Still has to be answered why Emily was singled out though.
As much as I like Emily you can see her immaturity shine through and she does act like the heroine that’s “too stupid to live”.
Seth at some points can be similar.
I wish the theme of split personality was explored a bit more and we had a deeper knowledge of Lasko and I also want to know how and why all these other people are involved.
Hopefully I get my answers in the third book
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