Gansett After Dark

Gansett Island #11

by Marie Force

Owen Lawry is days away from leaving Gansett Island to attend the trial of his father, who is charged with assaulting his mother almost a year ago. He has spent his entire adult life trying to outrun his violent past, but the upcoming showdown with the father he hasn't seen in more than a decade has him spending far more time in the past than in the present. His biggest challenge is convincing his pregnant fiancEe, Laura McCarthy, to sit out the trip. The last thing he wants is to expose the woman he loves to the pain of his past.

Laura is determined to stand by Owen's side throughout the trial and into the life they have planned together. The trial and her final divorce papers are the only things standing between them and the wedding they have looked forward to all year. Can she convince Owen to let her in and allow her to help him through this difficult time? And what will become of the man she loves if his father walks free?

As Owen and Laura prepare for the emotional battle with his father, his mother, Sarah, finally comes clean about her violent marriage with Charlie Grandchamp, the man who has been her friend and companion for months now. How will Charlie react to hearing Sarah's secrets, and will their relationship move forward now that he finally knows the truth about why she can't bear to let him touch her?

Catch up with all your favorite Gansett Island characters from the past ten and a half books and meet several new characters, including some McCarthy cousins on the island for Laura and Owen's wedding, who will be featured in future books.

While Gansett After Dark could be read as a standalone story, readers will enjoy it more if they have read the rest of the Gansett Island Series, particularly book 6, Season for Love.

Gansett Island Reading Order
Maid for Love (Mac & Maddie)
Fool for Love (Joe & Janey)
Ready for Love (Luke & Sydney)
Falling for Love (Grant & Stephanie)
Hoping for Love (Evan & Grace)
Season for Love (Owen & Laura)
Longing for Love (Blaine & Tiffany)
Waiting for Love (Adam & Abby)
Time for Love (Daisy & David)
Meant for Love (Jenny & Alex)
Chance for Love, A Gansett Island Novella (Jared & Lizzie)
Gansett After Dark (Owen & Laura)
Kisses After Dark (Shane & Katie)
Love After Dark (Paul & Hope)
Celebration After Dark (Big Mac & Linda)
Desire After Dark (Slim & Erin)
Light After Dark (Mallory & Quinn)
Victoria & Shannon (Episode 1)
Kevin & Chelsea (Episode 2)
A Gansett Island Christmas Novella
Mine After Dark (Riley & Nikki)
Yours After Dark (Finn & Chloe)
Trouble After Dark (Deacon & Julia)
Rescue After Dark (Mason & Jordan)

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Family, Chick Lit, Fiction, Ebooks

330 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Marie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.

Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.

Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.

Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MarieForceAuthor and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/marieforceauthor/. Contact Marie at marie@marieforce.com.

Reviews

[Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It pains me a little to give this book such a low rating. Realistically is might only be a 2 star read. It was OK but I will give it 3 as I have really loved this author over the years. Not just this series but her Fatal series and her stand alones.


I just felt it was predictable and repetitive. Felt I had read it all before. Yes, we meet up with all the couples again but we have been there, done that.



Yeah, we had the BIG story that was supposed to be a bit of a shock factor.


We had the trial… what trial?


This is book 11. Not sure if I can muster up any encouragement to read any more about the folks on Gansett Island. I started the book a while back and stopped reading as I found it a bit boring. It sort of picked up a bit in the middle but it was a struggle to finish it.

[Anne OK · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wow-Power continues in Marie Force’s Gansett Island Series with the release of the 11th book. This one resembles a round-up of characters with teasing storylines that have untied ends floating in the bay. Owen faces a legal battle that casts a dark cloud over his plans with Laura. Many of our favorites make an appearance and readers will get one shocking whopper of a surprise that is certain to bring lots of fun new material to the series. Wedding bells are ringing and diamonds are a girl’s best friend as well. Romance is certainly in the air with this visit to Gansett Island.

Best of all, the island is full of fun and merriment awaiting your arrival.

[Nicola · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have adored every book in this series, I have devoured, savoured and re-read each one many times, so naturally I was eager for this one. And whilst it was lovely seeing the lives of my favourite residents evolve, this is where I am likely to be lynched as, and it genuinely pains me to say this, I found it repetitive and dare I say it, sickly.

I love my romance. If there is love to be found along the way, I'm there with bells on. But seriously, there are only so many times I can stomach "I love you. I love you too. I'm so lucky. Let's have sex". I actually felt a touch queasy with the saccharine overload. Everyone was at it! And all the engagements? I'm pleased they're finding love, but slow down! Sadly the meaty part of the storyline which could have potentially turned it around and saved it, was dealt with in the same soft zero-angst manner. Those three little words seemingly solve every problem known to man and woman.

I know I sound negative, I admit I am in some respects, but I still maintain it is a favourite series of mine. Perhaps it was a case of too much being wrapped up/introduced to allow future stories. Future stories I will read because, I was pleased with the injection of new characters and when focussing on less characters, it definitely is more. Undoubtedly Marie Force can write a romance and I certainly wouldn't advise against reading (looking at the ratings I am questioning if it's me), but Gansett After Dark just didn't do it for me which is a true shame.

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - Another good addition to the Gansett Island series. Multiple engagements, family parties, and weddings with a few pregnancies sprinkled in. The whole Gansett Island gang is here! The main story involves Owen and Laura, but as is the norm for this series, there are a few side-stories playing out. I've repeatedly called this series "good, solid romance" and that holds true with this one. There is one big shocker revealed that has a huge impact on the lives of the McCarthy family - done more than Mac (the dad) & Linda. Great stuff! Another Must Read for romance fans.

[Melody Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.25 Stars***

This is Owen's and Laura's story. I have been waiting for Owen's father to get his comeuppance for beating his wife and children repeatedly until those children were old enough to leave home. He beat them all their lives, viciously!

After the kids left home his mother continued to stay. She felt she had no choice because he would leave no stone un-turned until he found her and killed her. He was not only vicious but nefarious as well. The most evil man I have ever read about that brutalized every member of his family (a wife and seven children.) The wife knew if she ever told anyone she would be dead and she had to stay around to protect her children as much as possible, but she couldn't and nothing stopped him!

Husband got by with it because he was a general in the military and considered a hero. Everyone sang his praises and the public had no idea he was systematically beating them, some to almost an inch of their lives. The last beating he gave his wife caused her to run as far away from him as she possibly could which was very difficult to do since she could barely move from the beating. She was going to Owe, her first born, who was always the protector of the family and took horrible beatings that were meant for his mom and six siblings. The general almost beat her to death and the police and doctor were called to Owen's and Laura's house because she was so bad she could hardly move and didn't want it to get out that she had been beaten almost to death. She ended up reporting it and took action.

Laura and Owen are expecting twins and want to be married so badly but Laura hasn't received her divorce decree from the man whom she was married to for two months and then found out he was still dating and sleeping with other women he found online. What a start to a marriage. She left him immediately but was pregnant with his child.

I'm removing 3/4 of a star because the huge build up to the court case against the general, in my opinion, just fizzled out.

I would definitely recommend this book!

[SandyL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gansett Island is a pretty frisky place these days!!! It's been awhile since I read the previous book in the series and I enjoyed getting back up to speed with the McCarthy family and all their friends and extended relatives. This book primarily focused on Owen Lawry and Laura McCarthy. But, as the series trudges on, there is a little bit about everyone and new side stories. And it seems like every couple got at least one time in the bedroom in this book. It will be interesting to see how the authors handles it when I get to #25 in the series!!! I do enjoy reading about these sort-of perfect people and guessing which new characters are either going to hook up or get their own story.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good but not fantastic. The culmination of the main story - Owen's appearance at his dad's trial - was very anticlimactic. The wedding details got to be a bit much. Overall it was enjoyable but not my favorite of the series.

[Sarah ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Gansett book so far!!! Loved being able to catch up on all of the past characters. They all seem so real it feels like I truly know them. Fantastic job, Marie!

[Linda Linck · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was another great read. so happy to spend time with all my friends on the island

[E-Reader Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

At this point I’m just reading these books because I’m determined to listen to them all.

But as we get more and more books, I feel like there’s less and less actual story - we get a bit of a catch up on each pair featured in previous books along with a quick synopsis of what their deal was. We’re now 11 books in which is A LOT of backstory to include.

There’s also the issue of how formulaic everything is: a wounded hero or heroine finds themselves on Gansett Island, they reluctantly find love, get married, and now have abundant amounts of great sex. And we’re reminded about all the couples and their sex lived in just about every book. 🙄

Will I keep listening to this series? Sure. But I’m no longer plowing through these books as quickly as when I started out.

[Ela's Welt der Bücher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein Buch, wo man alle möglichen Sichtweisen lesen durfte. Man kann gar nicht sagen, um wem es eigentlich gehen sollte. Jedoch wieder gut zu lesen und ich freue mich auf den nächsten Band.
4 Sterne

[suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I e been reading this one for a couple of weeks, seemed to take forever to get through, partly because it read like one big epilogue and partly because I’ve been busy. I still enjoyed catching up with everyone on Gansett, but this one won’t be my favourite book, probably because we haven’t been introduced to new characters. Still a nice read in the series.

[Jodster's · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. Love it. Felt like going home. This book had me crying like a baby at more than one part.. I feel like they are my family. Would love to live there with all of them.. Sad it is over.

1) Loved Dan and Kara's Story. Would love to see more of her parents especially her mom. A woman who sides with one daughter over the other over something as big as that has a story.She seems as if she is all about the fame and fortune and status. Had to agree with Kara and see her point.. are they interested because she is their daughter or becasue of who she is marrying. Loved how Dan was and is with her.. just love him. The way he stood up to Jim.. Dan is just an all around stand up guy.. what is not to love.

2)Blain and Tiffany... Loved how Tiffany stood up for everyone at the engagement party.. She risked her life to help all of those there.. Love these two... they are just so perfect together. Loved how Blaine was so mad he could not even talk. Tiffany was more than scared.. she had never seen this side of him.. I really hope we get to see more of Jim and the trial.. his goose is cooked.

3)Owen and Laura.. was good to see the way Laura was able to comfort him and make him realize that he needed her and everyone there without being to overbearing. She took care of him and she did not care what was in his past. She loves the Man he has become and knows in her heart that he would never hurt her and become the man his father is. The court case was a little too short for me.. would have like to see it go to trial and see Owen stick it to his dad more.. although the part in the hallway was pretty cool. I was like yes you go Owen.. Loved the wedding the vows the new character introduced... love to see more of them.

4) Mallory. WOW!!! Talk about a curve ball. As usual Marie handled it with grace and class. At first I thought no way.. Mac wouldn't do that to his family... then I though poor Linda.. then I thought she is after something, a cut in the Marina, money she wants something.. then as I read more I realized she just wanted to know her dad. Then I felt bad for her.. not having what Janey had.. big brothers to watch out for her protect her... love her. Her mother made the choice and she missed out on a lot.. Mac may not be the oldest but he is the oldest brother.. so that will not change.

Marie you wrote that scene with such class. Linda was just amazing with the whole situation.. the kids reaction was natural.. even Janey's. She was shocked and hurt and I could see her point. I could also see why her dad made her sweat it out a little. Would have liked to see more of Mallory but I am sure she will return.. she is a nurse I wonder if David is looking for a new nurse? An ER nurse has a lot of skill in emergeny and trauma and could be very benifical to the town. Just sayin.. besides I am sure there are a few men of Gansett that we have not met yet.

5) The surprise weddings, the engagements... the introductions to the rest of the McCarthy Clan.. Loved all of it.

6)Love Grant and Stephanie... loved how she finally was able to tell him the truth and how he just held her..

Love all of my McCarthy men.. Mac is adorable... I am not the oldest..
Evan being there for Owen.. Adam, Mac, Evan, Grant have all learned from Big Mac... Linda and Mac raised them well and they will welcome Mallory with open arms and protect the newest addition to the family, like all brothers do.. older or younger, Would have liked to see more of Evan and Grace, but I am sure we will get more of them at their wedding..

I know there is a lot I am forgeting but I just love this series.

[SL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in less than 24 hours, and I would have been done sooner if my damn job didn't intrude!

The setting continues to be picturesque, the storyline is terrific, and we were reacquainted with some old friends while meeting some new. This series could feel old and worn, but it continues to draw the readers' interest by giving just enough details about our old friends while piquing our interest over new ones.

It's tough to balance so many characters while building a storyline basically around one couple, but MF is the best for a reason. Laura and Owen are just terrific together and experiencing their journey of ups and downs was a joy to read. Catching up with the McCarthy siblings and their friends was like going home for a visit at Christmas. I also can't wait to read more about the new Mac and Linda storyline which I'm sure will blossom and grow over more episodes.

Thanks, Marie, for creating a series which keeps getting better and better. I've been hooked since I read Mac and Maddie's story in "Maid for Love." I devour your books and this series far too quickly and then can't wait for the next. Write faster, PLEASE!

[Stephanie Downey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED every book that has come out of this series and I can’t wait for more to come. I love not only the new romances that come out of every book but the ones that keep going. Mac and Maddie they still make me laugh. I must say though that Owen’s story had me though. He came to the island because of his best friend Evan and their music but when he fell in love with Laura and her soon to be child and then as their love grows and she has Holden and he loves him as his own. When they get the happy news that they are expecting twin’s he had me all over again. Owen has a bit of a rough patch in this book because of his father’s court date. He doesn’t want Laura to go with and hear about everything he had to go through with a father that abusive. Laura is not only there for Owen during his time of need but there are a few other shockers throughout the stories Couple surprise marriages, wedding dates set, engagements… You don’t want to miss out; this is a story that will keep you wanting more. And let me tell you I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK TO COME!!!

[joyceadrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say that I haven't said before about Marie Force? I feel like I'll just keep repeating myself when it comes to her writing.

Gansett After Dark was exactly what we needed. It gave us everyone we loved and introduced us to new people that I look forward to falling in love with. The surprise weddings and new engagements was just amazing. The new twist with the McCarthy family which I love because I feel like it'll make this family stronger was unexpected but not unwelcomed.

Marie Force did such an amazing job with this latest installment and I seriously am so proud of her for being able to give us such beautiful stories every time.

So for the millionth time, I highly recommend this book. I recommend this series. Take a break and visit Gansett and fall in love for the first time.... and second and third. :)

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gansett After Dark has a little bit of everything in it. There are new relationships forming and growing, engagements, weddings, pregnancies, life struggles and surprises. We also get a little bit of everyone that we love from Gansett. Nothing makes me happier than visiting this place and these characters. Marie Force has a way with words that makes us readers a part of the lives of the characters. It's like we know them, and we get emotionally invested in the story. This is one of the few series that I buy and read immediately. The kind that you drop everything for, go into that reading bubble and not come out until you are done. I, as always, am already anxiously awaiting the next Gansett Island book.

[Jamie Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marie Force does it again!!! She never disappoints!! Something magical happens when you turn the first page of a Gansett book. You go to this place where love, friendship, and family thrive. You can just feel it in all of Marie's characters. You laugh with them, cry with them, love with them, and feel with them. This is my favorite series by leaps and bounds. In this book we get to see more of Laura, Owen, Shane, Sarah, Charlie, Janey, and Joe. Of course, the other characters are abound in this book as well. We meet some new faces and reminisce with characters we fell in love with from the other books. I couldn't put this book down. I am anxious to see where Marie takes her characters next. No cliffhanger. Lots of point of views. Just fabulous!!!!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow. That about sums up this wonderful book about our favorite island. Marie hit it out of the ballpark once again. In this book she takes us back to Gansett to catch up on our favorites characters. The main story is about Owen dealing with his fathers upcoming trial and his wedding to Laura. Several more couples get engaged, set dates and a couple of surprise weddings and one HUGE SHOCK for the McCarthy family. We also meet a couple new people. That is all I will tell you since I don't want to give out spoilers.

This is an absolute feel good book and it will leave you wanting more as it always does. Definitely a 5 star read!!

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fav series of mine for sure. Love Marie Force's writing and I love all of her characters. I also love Gansett Island. However, this one lacked something. It was a lovely catch up story. Great seeing old friends and I loved seeing more get settled. I'd been worried about a few of my characters. This would have made two nice novellas at the end of two other stories. There was no meat in this one.

That being said, it's still better than a lot of what's out there in contemporary romance.

[Chessela Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was really touching. We went through the wringer with Owen and Laura's book, but Force isn't done with that arc, and this time we get to see his family and watch his mother make more strides toward healing. I really hope Force continues to explore Owen's family, because they are all interesting and they deserve a new life on a paradise island (even if it is cold as heck in that paradise). Start with 1 to really get the most from this series, but keep reading, because they are all winners.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

Marie Force welcomed back her readers to the Island with this fantastic edition to the series. While the book is centered around Own & Laura, we got to catch up with most of our favorite couples. The book left me in tears for parts of it & cheering for other parts. No other writer can make me feel what Marie does with her writing. The characters come alive before my eyes and leave me wanting more. Awesome story and so worth the read.

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, it's amazing to be able to be a part of the Gansett Island story. Hearing of their lives as they continue to strive and be happy. I love Laura and Owen's story as well as that of Sarah and Charlie. And as always, Marie continues to unfold other stories and bring in new family members that we can look forward to reading about.

Love them all and look forward to more.

[Kay Pflueger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is.... these books end too soon! I love taking trips to Gansett Island where family, friends and love are all important. Marie's books are humorous and sexy but yet deal with real life issues. I have read all the books in the series and each one gives us a glimpse into life in this special place. This book is no exception. I recommend it without any hesitation.

[Jana Hinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How, it was wonderful to mentally go to Gansett island for vacation. It always feels like going home, catching up with family and friends. Of course there was lots of laughs and some tears. I can't wait for Shane' s story, although I don't know who you plan to bring to us next. I will be looking forward to it.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this addition. I would say this is one of my favorite from the series.
I loved that we got Owen and Laura's story, but that we also got bits from all the other Gansett characters.

I was shocked with Big Macs news, but then thought "yea!! More storyline, more books"!
Please don't stop with these books, I love my men from Gansett island!!!

[Michelle Kemp · Rating 5 out of 5]

You have done it again !! I love series and im so glad that every book has everyone in it. It's an amazing series and you are a Amazing Writer. I am so glad we got to read about Ned and Francines wedding it was great'

I can't wait until the next book so many need to find their true love.

[Cynthia Gallaher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This book has everything. Courtroom drama, crashed engagement parties, Lots of weddings, engagements, romance, (former romances), extended family and new unexpected family members. Marie Force knows how to write!

[Brenda Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Owen and Laura's story. It was a very busy book lots happened to every one on the island, kept me enthralled until the very end. Great job once again Marie, you created so many more books with this one.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

It might be time for me to step off this soap opera train... This book is a 250-page epilogue to ten different stories woven together around a scrap of story that, while somewhat interesting, is not compelling enough to make the reading experience at all pleasant. Color me disappointed.