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Darkness Matters
It’s the same old story, really.
Good versus evil.
Heroes versus villains.
Light versus dark.
For two years, college freshman Noah Morgan lived his life somewhere in the middle, fighting darkness and light, always searching for answers to a single
Why, Noah, why?
The same three words keep him up at night, struggling for air while gripping a plastic cylinder containing white pills to match the white label with his name printed in ink as deep and dark as his memories—memories that turned him into a recluse.
A shut-in.
An introvert.
Luckily for him, that’s not how the girl next door sees him.
Good versus evil.
Heroes versus villains.
Light versus dark.
For two years, college freshman Noah Morgan lived his life somewhere in the middle, fighting darkness and light, always searching for answers to a single
Why, Noah, why?
The same three words keep him up at night, struggling for air while gripping a plastic cylinder containing white pills to match the white label with his name printed in ink as deep and dark as his memories—memories that turned him into a recluse.
A shut-in.
An introvert.
Luckily for him, that’s not how the girl next door sees him.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2017
156 people are currently reading
1598 people want to read
About the author
Jay McLean
38 books8,189 followersJay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three little boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
July 5, 2017
5 stars!!
Darkness Matters is Andromeda’s story. Well, Andromeda and Noah’s story. Andie went through something and is now getting back on her feet. A fresh start. She’s living with her twin sister Milky, and Noah is her new neighbor. The story was told from three pov’s and I think that was wise. I loved getting the present and the insight from the past.
I don’t want to talk too much about the story, but it had much to do with personal growth and overcoming obstacles. Andie had been through so much and had much to still overcome. Noah’s story was just as hard to read as Andie’s in a different way. I loved both of these characters, but Noah… he was just an ah-mazing hero!
Jay’s words matter so much to me. There is a reason she is one of my favorite authors. I love the message that is in this story. Her writing leaves me at a loss for words. Her stories always stay with me. Darkness Matters was intense, powerful, twisty, beautiful, and moving. It’s a unique book that needs to be read! The ending felt a little abrupt, but it worked for the story IMO. I give it a full 5 stars!
Sometimes, there is no reason, and there are no answers. There just is.What do you do when one of your top favorite authors releases a new book out of no where? You drop everything and read it. When I saw Darkness Matters was live, I dropped my current read like a hot potato and jumped into this one. Jay McLean’s words are everything. This book was different than her others, but still, it was epic. It made me feel, made me think, and touched my heart.
Darkness Matters is Andromeda’s story. Well, Andromeda and Noah’s story. Andie went through something and is now getting back on her feet. A fresh start. She’s living with her twin sister Milky, and Noah is her new neighbor. The story was told from three pov’s and I think that was wise. I loved getting the present and the insight from the past.
I don’t want to talk too much about the story, but it had much to do with personal growth and overcoming obstacles. Andie had been through so much and had much to still overcome. Noah’s story was just as hard to read as Andie’s in a different way. I loved both of these characters, but Noah… he was just an ah-mazing hero!
“Noah?” she asks, and I lift my gaze.
“Say something beautiful?”
My response is instant. “You.”
Jay’s words matter so much to me. There is a reason she is one of my favorite authors. I love the message that is in this story. Her writing leaves me at a loss for words. Her stories always stay with me. Darkness Matters was intense, powerful, twisty, beautiful, and moving. It’s a unique book that needs to be read! The ending felt a little abrupt, but it worked for the story IMO. I give it a full 5 stars!
“Your darkness matters.”
June 29, 2017
4 STARS
"Say something beautiful."
Will there be more to this story?
I very much enjoyed this book, the damaged characters, and of course Jay Mclean’s writing.
"I was sixteen. Young and dumb."
The story is about a woman who has faced tough consequences for falling in love with a very dangerous man at a young age. Years later, and Andie our heroine and her sister, Milky are trying to rebuild from the wreckage of the past.
The twins move into a place together and get to know the two men living next door, Bradley and Noah. The story has dark undertones as their are many emotional traumas that the characters reveal and are working through. The two love connections are definitely something I would love to explore further. Also would love more on Andie's relationship with her grandparents, and the constellation that was revealed late in the story.
Regardless if the author writes more about these characters the story was well done and ends super hopeful.
"Your darkness matters, Andie.”
"Say something beautiful."
Will there be more to this story?
I very much enjoyed this book, the damaged characters, and of course Jay Mclean’s writing.
"I was sixteen. Young and dumb."
The story is about a woman who has faced tough consequences for falling in love with a very dangerous man at a young age. Years later, and Andie our heroine and her sister, Milky are trying to rebuild from the wreckage of the past.
The twins move into a place together and get to know the two men living next door, Bradley and Noah. The story has dark undertones as their are many emotional traumas that the characters reveal and are working through. The two love connections are definitely something I would love to explore further. Also would love more on Andie's relationship with her grandparents, and the constellation that was revealed late in the story.
Regardless if the author writes more about these characters the story was well done and ends super hopeful.
"Your darkness matters, Andie.”
June 30, 2017
REVIEW ALSO POSTED ON MY BLOG
♕DARKNESS MATTERS ♕ KITTY KATS CRAZY ABOUT BOOKS
DARKNESS MATTERS is a new standalone novel by Jay Mclean. In this we meet Noah & Andromeda’s story and is spoken in triple perspectives.
Andromeda (Galaxy) also known as Messier 31
Andromeda (Mythology) also known as The Woman Changed.
Andie had her whole life mapped out, where she wanted to go, what she wanted to be, until a gorgeous older boy moved in next door to her Grandparents house and she got so wrapped up in the lies and deception he wrapped her in, in an instant her life came tumbling down around her in a abrupt moment of stunning clarity.
➼ “I’m a girl with an infinite amount of regrets. A girl who used to believe in chance and in fate but doesn’t anymore. I'm a girl who sees the world in black and white and different shades of grays, but never in colour.”
Noah blames himself for one night that he'd wished with all his heart he'd answered his phone, one night that threw him into a cloak of darkness with his best friend Bradley always by his side he struggles to find some normalcy in the destruction left behind from that one fateful night that changed his life forever.
➼ “I wasn't afraid of the dark. I was afraid of what happened when the light switched on.”
Noah has just moved into an apartment just off campus, adjoining his apartment is Miles a porn star who is barely at home and the other tenants are twin sisters Andromeda aka Andie and Milky.
Noah knows what everyone thinks of him, he’s seen as a recluse, a shut-in, an introvert but what they don’t know is that Noah may be drop dead gorgeous but he’s also very shy, it takes him a lot to strike up a conversation, Andie seems to be the only one that sees beyond his walls, he's never tongue tied or shy around her, around her he becomes himself.
Twenty-one year old Andromeda has just recently moved in with her twin sister Milky and presently stocks shelves at the local supermarket as found by the programme she attends whilst doing accountancy night classes.
I was super excited to one click this book Jay McLean is one of those authors that know exactly how to zap you with the feels and she did exactly that with this book, reading Noah's story had me spiralling down an emotional rollercoaster and I will admit I even shed a tear or two.
❀ MY THOUGHTS: ❀ This is going to be one jumbled up mess, so I've just finished this, a crazy ride of epic confusion, like an unfinished puzzle piece where pieces are missing from the finished product. No where did this mention that it was BOOK#1 within a series, because it does feel like another book needs to come after this to tie up all those loose ends, or even an epilogue would've worked. So like many other readers before me, I'm also left in limbo hoping that there is another to come after this. This kind of left me deflated because of the unknown.
* Teaser used in my review is off the Authors FB Page *
September 30, 2017
I. AM. SPEECHLESS!
Really.
I don't even know what to say because that was not what I was expecting AT ALL. This book left me like :o !!!!!!!!!!! That was dark and twisty and crazy, y'all! And I have to say, I really dig that ending. And also, Jay McLean is an OUTSTANDING writer. I can't say enough good things about how powerful her word choices were. And actually, while I'm on my review ramble-fest, the more I'm typing and thinking and typing and thinking, the more I am falling in love with the ride I just went on.
WHAT.
A.
CRAZY.
FUCKING.
RIDE.
That was nuts, yo! I can't even think right now. Jesus. Did I tell you it was twisty? Because.... That was twisty. Just when I thought shit was going to be settle down... BOOM. BAM. THANK YOU, MA'AM! Another doozy was added to a plot line that kept me riveted and invested and owned.
I. HAVE. NO. WORDS.
I just need a minute. This review is a mess. But whoa. I needed to say, YOU SHOULD READ THIS. It's INTENSE!!
Oh, and also, there are some slight "sensitive" topics in this... so if you are sensitive reader who has trigger topic issues, just know going into Darkness Matters that there's some pretty heavy, sad things.
Really.
I don't even know what to say because that was not what I was expecting AT ALL. This book left me like :o !!!!!!!!!!! That was dark and twisty and crazy, y'all! And I have to say, I really dig that ending. And also, Jay McLean is an OUTSTANDING writer. I can't say enough good things about how powerful her word choices were. And actually, while I'm on my review ramble-fest, the more I'm typing and thinking and typing and thinking, the more I am falling in love with the ride I just went on.
WHAT.
A.
CRAZY.
FUCKING.
RIDE.
That was nuts, yo! I can't even think right now. Jesus. Did I tell you it was twisty? Because.... That was twisty. Just when I thought shit was going to be settle down... BOOM. BAM. THANK YOU, MA'AM! Another doozy was added to a plot line that kept me riveted and invested and owned.
I. HAVE. NO. WORDS.
I just need a minute. This review is a mess. But whoa. I needed to say, YOU SHOULD READ THIS. It's INTENSE!!
Oh, and also, there are some slight "sensitive" topics in this... so if you are sensitive reader who has trigger topic issues, just know going into Darkness Matters that there's some pretty heavy, sad things.
September 20, 2017
Wait....is this all????
I love Jay...she wrote one of my favorite Ya romance series (More than this series). I love her writing style and everything because she is good at what she does thats why this feels like such a let down.
I felt like i was at the middle of the book when i was at the end...i wanted more...i still have so many questions...why Jay why??? The characters and plot needed to be fleshed out a whole lot more.
Well....not so happy but i will leave u with what i learnt from this book
“I learned that sometimes, there is no reason, and there are no answers. There just is. We exist in this world where we know nothing. Where we feel like we are nothing. But we are. We are, Andie. And everything we feel, the good, the bad, the dark… it matters. And it may not matter to you, but it matters to the people around you…”
I love Jay...she wrote one of my favorite Ya romance series (More than this series). I love her writing style and everything because she is good at what she does thats why this feels like such a let down.
I felt like i was at the middle of the book when i was at the end...i wanted more...i still have so many questions...why Jay why??? The characters and plot needed to be fleshed out a whole lot more.
Well....not so happy but i will leave u with what i learnt from this book
“I learned that sometimes, there is no reason, and there are no answers. There just is. We exist in this world where we know nothing. Where we feel like we are nothing. But we are. We are, Andie. And everything we feel, the good, the bad, the dark… it matters. And it may not matter to you, but it matters to the people around you…”
June 29, 2017
3.5 stars
A lovely hero and heroine, a real angsty ride.
I loved the dreaminess of their blossoming romance. The cuteness of the hero. The f**ked up ride the heroine went through to tug at my emotions.
I kind of wanted to rearrange the story. Take bits out, add bits in, make parts longer and others shorter. I wanted more H/h time, less past-scenes. Less of her sister and more romance.
I'm glad i read it, for the most part i enjoyed it and Ms McLean always has a good YA/NA story for me. But.............
------------ MINOR SPOILERS ------------
There was that sexual tension that didn't go anywhere.
I kinda hated her sister.
The angst with her ex felt so built up that it ended super abruptly.
That end. Gah. It made me realise, but only at the end, that the book was just a beginning of a story. It didn't feel whole.
A lovely hero and heroine, a real angsty ride.
I loved the dreaminess of their blossoming romance. The cuteness of the hero. The f**ked up ride the heroine went through to tug at my emotions.
I kind of wanted to rearrange the story. Take bits out, add bits in, make parts longer and others shorter. I wanted more H/h time, less past-scenes. Less of her sister and more romance.
I'm glad i read it, for the most part i enjoyed it and Ms McLean always has a good YA/NA story for me. But.............
------------ MINOR SPOILERS ------------
There was that sexual tension that didn't go anywhere.
I kinda hated her sister.
The angst with her ex felt so built up that it ended super abruptly.
That end. Gah. It made me realise, but only at the end, that the book was just a beginning of a story. It didn't feel whole.
August 15, 2017
This is my first book by Jay McLean. I feel ashamed that its taken so long to read one of her stories. Especially, because I know how amazing Darkness Matters is! I needed to know about Andie's past with Matteo. I had to know why Noah was broken. I truly cried when I received both those answers.
I really loved this book! Not only was it perfectly angsty but it was surprisingly funny, at times. Andie was a girl you were rooting for. You know she fell for the wrong person when she was young and vulnerable. As for Noah, you can't get a more wonderful "Hero". I fell in love with him right along with Andie. Milky, Andie's twin sister and Bradley, Noah's best friend were great 'secondary characters'. They're the kind of people we all hope to have in our lives.
The only thing I felt was missing was a lil something about Matteo now, after Andie. If there hadn't been a few chapters from his POV I doubt I would have thought I was missing something. But I really, really, really wanted his feelings/thoughts on HIS "final scene". I realize he is the "bad guy" in this story but I think he actually did have feelings for Andie in his own sick, crazy, obsessive way. This is only a small annoyance. I will definitely be reading more by Jay McLean!
I really loved this book! Not only was it perfectly angsty but it was surprisingly funny, at times. Andie was a girl you were rooting for. You know she fell for the wrong person when she was young and vulnerable. As for Noah, you can't get a more wonderful "Hero". I fell in love with him right along with Andie. Milky, Andie's twin sister and Bradley, Noah's best friend were great 'secondary characters'. They're the kind of people we all hope to have in our lives.
The only thing I felt was missing was a lil something about Matteo now, after Andie. If there hadn't been a few chapters from his POV I doubt I would have thought I was missing something. But I really, really, really wanted his feelings/thoughts on HIS "final scene". I realize he is the "bad guy" in this story but I think he actually did have feelings for Andie in his own sick, crazy, obsessive way. This is only a small annoyance. I will definitely be reading more by Jay McLean!
July 3, 2017
I wish I could give this one more stars. Like the whole universe of stars. Having read every word that this author deems important enough to share I am always over the moon to dive into her next story. But this one...this one holds so much more.
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*photo via depositphoto**
The simple yet complicated lives of these two crash into each other when they need each other the most. The quiet existence they had both been living, shattered with one look. I was addicted from page one and devoured this one in a simple sitting. The words. All of them, evoke so much emotion you simply forget your reading and not living it. This is a powerful story of love, life and how things can go wrong but never forget that right can be as close as next door. Read these words. Savor them.
[image error]
*photo via depositphoto**
The simple yet complicated lives of these two crash into each other when they need each other the most. The quiet existence they had both been living, shattered with one look. I was addicted from page one and devoured this one in a simple sitting. The words. All of them, evoke so much emotion you simply forget your reading and not living it. This is a powerful story of love, life and how things can go wrong but never forget that right can be as close as next door. Read these words. Savor them.
July 12, 2017
This book is so different from Jay's More Than Series, but still an epic story that made me FEEL!
I loved this book, the characters and the absolutely beautiful writing! Must read!!!
I loved this book, the characters and the absolutely beautiful writing! Must read!!!
June 30, 2017
I Cried....i loved this...full review soon!
June 28, 2017
Darkness Matters by Jay McLean
4 stars!!!
So, the sneaky Jay McLean totally side swiped me with this release, not only the fact it went live without warning, but also the content. Jay McLean is infamous for making me cry, delivering angsty romances all while interspersed with her trademark wit. Darkness Matters was different, still that angst, still emotional, but for Jay, this was darker than her norm. No wit, just emotion, more emotion a little intrigue and I loved it.
This book does contain some sensitive topics but they were all dealt with honesty and realism, nothing over the top, nothing there for the shock factor, just a story about two people that have painful back stories that may have the potential to find love and solace with one and other. This was one twisty read, Jay McLean has you teetering on the precipice, desperately wanting to know the low down on Andromeda and once you think you know, you know absolutely nothing at all.
Andromeda was on route to Harvard despite the crap hand that she had been dealt, she was super intelligent, focused, hard-working and honest…until she met the wrong person. Love makes you blind, blind to reality, blind to the truth, blind to the big red warning lights that are constantly flashing and yet seem unimportant when seen through rose tinted glasses. Andromeda made her mistakes and now she was living with the consequences.
Noah was a man who was a prisoner of his own making. One tragic event had turned him from a jock to hermit, a loner, nervous, shy and intimidated by those around him. Self-imposed exile for years has left lasting effects and now, at college, he was slowly learning to come out of his shell, like a tortoise waking up from hibernation…but that light is always a little too bright. Noah still had a way to go and yet he seemed to feel comfortable around the girl next door.
Andie and Noah were very well suited, both intelligent, both shy albeit for different reasons. Two people that wouldn’t say boo to a goose yet seem to have all the words in each other’s company. Even without words their companionable silence was all they needed to settle one and other.
For me personally, I felt this one needed a little more. It was a quick read, fairly short for a Jay McLean book and the trademark depth of her characters was missing. However, the message within the lines was all consuming, powerful, beautiful and important and that is what I have taken away from this book. I also felt that the ending was a little abrupt and I was desperately waiting for the next page, therefore, for me, this one needed an epilogue. When you are so invested in a couple sometimes you just need that little bit extra to make sure all is light in the world. We all have a little darkness, it does matter, but the light is what matters the most.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!!
“I’m a girl with an infinite amount of regrets. A girl who used to believe in chance and in fate but doesn’t anymore.”
So, the sneaky Jay McLean totally side swiped me with this release, not only the fact it went live without warning, but also the content. Jay McLean is infamous for making me cry, delivering angsty romances all while interspersed with her trademark wit. Darkness Matters was different, still that angst, still emotional, but for Jay, this was darker than her norm. No wit, just emotion, more emotion a little intrigue and I loved it.
“I should have done a lot of things I didn’t. And a lot of things I shouldn’t have.”
This book does contain some sensitive topics but they were all dealt with honesty and realism, nothing over the top, nothing there for the shock factor, just a story about two people that have painful back stories that may have the potential to find love and solace with one and other. This was one twisty read, Jay McLean has you teetering on the precipice, desperately wanting to know the low down on Andromeda and once you think you know, you know absolutely nothing at all.
“I’m a girl who sees the world in black and white and different shades of grays, but barely ever in color.”
Andromeda was on route to Harvard despite the crap hand that she had been dealt, she was super intelligent, focused, hard-working and honest…until she met the wrong person. Love makes you blind, blind to reality, blind to the truth, blind to the big red warning lights that are constantly flashing and yet seem unimportant when seen through rose tinted glasses. Andromeda made her mistakes and now she was living with the consequences.
“I step into the shower, lose myself in the warmth of the water raining down on me, and I silently cry three and a half years’ worth of tears over two years’ worth of mistakes.”
Noah was a man who was a prisoner of his own making. One tragic event had turned him from a jock to hermit, a loner, nervous, shy and intimidated by those around him. Self-imposed exile for years has left lasting effects and now, at college, he was slowly learning to come out of his shell, like a tortoise waking up from hibernation…but that light is always a little too bright. Noah still had a way to go and yet he seemed to feel comfortable around the girl next door.
“A recluse. A shut-in. An introvert. All those words run through my mind, but I don’t think I’m any of them. The truth? I’m just extremely fucking shy.”
Andie and Noah were very well suited, both intelligent, both shy albeit for different reasons. Two people that wouldn’t say boo to a goose yet seem to have all the words in each other’s company. Even without words their companionable silence was all they needed to settle one and other.
“Noah Morgan is a gift-giving, soul-sharing, heart-stealing boy next door…And he only had eyes for me.”
For me personally, I felt this one needed a little more. It was a quick read, fairly short for a Jay McLean book and the trademark depth of her characters was missing. However, the message within the lines was all consuming, powerful, beautiful and important and that is what I have taken away from this book. I also felt that the ending was a little abrupt and I was desperately waiting for the next page, therefore, for me, this one needed an epilogue. When you are so invested in a couple sometimes you just need that little bit extra to make sure all is light in the world. We all have a little darkness, it does matter, but the light is what matters the most.
“…Your darkness matters…”
www.theromancecover.com
July 6, 2017
Esse é o primeiro livro que leio dessa autora e a escrita dela me cativou desde a primeira página. Darkness Matters tem um suspense e um mistério muito grande em relação ao passado dos personagens principais, o que me deixou vidrada querendo saber o que aconteceu. E ao decorrer você vai descobrindo e entendendo o comportamento de ambos.
Falar que gostei do Noah é pouco, eu adorei esse personagem e a Andromeda não ficou atrás... os dois passaram por tantas coisas...
Apesar de ter gostado muiiiiito desse livro, de rir em algumas partes e sofrer em outras, e que na minha opinião ele seria sim, digno de uma avaliação com mais estrelas, infelizmente não posso dar.
Não gosto quando o livro acaba em aberto, sem ter um fechamento e deixando várias pontas soltas. Pra mim, onde terminou deixou a impressão que ali seria o começo de algo belo...
Foi um final abrupto e não vi em lugar nenhum sobre uma possível continuação.
Porque, na minha opinião, devido a todo o caminho que os personagens principais percorreram... mereciam mais, muito mais.
Noah conseguiu nos contar toda a sua história, mas a Andie não e isso que me deixou mais frustrada, ficou faltando e muiiiiito!
DECEPCIONADA!!!!!!!!!
Arrrrrrrgh!!!!!
Falar que gostei do Noah é pouco, eu adorei esse personagem e a Andromeda não ficou atrás... os dois passaram por tantas coisas...
Apesar de ter gostado muiiiiito desse livro, de rir em algumas partes e sofrer em outras, e que na minha opinião ele seria sim, digno de uma avaliação com mais estrelas, infelizmente não posso dar.
Não gosto quando o livro acaba em aberto, sem ter um fechamento e deixando várias pontas soltas. Pra mim, onde terminou deixou a impressão que ali seria o começo de algo belo...
Foi um final abrupto e não vi em lugar nenhum sobre uma possível continuação.
Porque, na minha opinião, devido a todo o caminho que os personagens principais percorreram... mereciam mais, muito mais.
Noah conseguiu nos contar toda a sua história, mas a Andie não e isso que me deixou mais frustrada, ficou faltando e muiiiiito!
DECEPCIONADA!!!!!!!!!
Arrrrrrrgh!!!!!
August 16, 2017
So I finished this book yesterday afternoon, but I needed to take the night to reflect and gather my thoughts. The longer I thought, the more p*ssed off I became. You know why, because this feels like half a story, where I barely got any f*ckin' answers! Allow me to re-wind and explain.
First off, Jay mentions that this isn't a full on love story. I am all, okay I can get behind this because I love a good, dark read anyways. Then you learn every little detail about Noah, why he is the way he is, what screwed him up, etc. You get the picture. The problem is, you literally learn nothing about Andie, I truly have no idea who she is.
In addition, there was a major plot twist dropped at 96% and then NO CLOSURE! I have probably 20 questions that I was left with and none of them were answered and it p*ssed me off. It was like Jay hit the word count goal and just ended the damn novel without actually finishing it. What happened to Matt? What exactly happened to Andie? Did Noah return to baseball? Did new renters come in? These are only a few of the questions that I was left with.
It truly felt like half a story. I learned a bunch about Noah with tiny glimpses of Andie's past which does absolutely nothing to satisfy the questions I have. This book could have been so much more. As someone who struggles with depression, Jay could have truly captured how people are affected and instead I felt like this was just a brief half-*ss attempt.
First off, Jay mentions that this isn't a full on love story. I am all, okay I can get behind this because I love a good, dark read anyways. Then you learn every little detail about Noah, why he is the way he is, what screwed him up, etc. You get the picture. The problem is, you literally learn nothing about Andie, I truly have no idea who she is.
In addition, there was a major plot twist dropped at 96% and then NO CLOSURE! I have probably 20 questions that I was left with and none of them were answered and it p*ssed me off. It was like Jay hit the word count goal and just ended the damn novel without actually finishing it. What happened to Matt? What exactly happened to Andie? Did Noah return to baseball? Did new renters come in? These are only a few of the questions that I was left with.
It truly felt like half a story. I learned a bunch about Noah with tiny glimpses of Andie's past which does absolutely nothing to satisfy the questions I have. This book could have been so much more. As someone who struggles with depression, Jay could have truly captured how people are affected and instead I felt like this was just a brief half-*ss attempt.
June 28, 2017
Unless this book will have a sequel, it really needs an epilogue. I am personally not a fan of books that do not have a clear ending or still leave questions unanswered. I loved the concept, but the ending fell a little flat for me.
June 29, 2017
There is a fecking reason I've read all by one of her books and it's because they are fecking fantastic. This bitach here... I mean. Talk about heart strings being pulled.
This was heartbreaking and beautiful.
The only down side for me was, I would've liked to see a epilogue...
This was heartbreaking and beautiful.
The only down side for me was, I would've liked to see a epilogue...
March 30, 2020
3.5 stars
July 15, 2017
Nope. I honestly don't even know what to rate this. I am sitting here writing this review and I am still not even sure how I feel. Okay, I do. And it isn't good. I haven't read anything by this author before and I am left with a very bitter taste in my mouth. Like what the hell was that?
I am an ending kind of girl. If the last 10% of the book is awful then the entire book is just ruined for me. I am not sure if that is entirely fair but don't make me love a book and "end" it like that. Grrrrrrrrrr.
It felt extremely underwhelming. Unless this is gonna be the first of a series or whatever, this book deserves zero stars because in my opinion is is unfinished. Spoiler ... I mean yay to them finally choosing each other or whatever. But what happens to dickhead? Does some incredible form of evidence and appear and she is proven innocent and with that happening does she get her daughter back?
And zero answers and no conclusion. If a sequel is released then maybe I will retract this review. But in the meantime I am one-staring this because nope nope nope.
June 29, 2017
4 STARS
"Noah?" she asks, and I lift my gaze. "Say something beautiful?" My response is instant. "You."
I really enjoyed this one up until the end. I loved the characters and the storyline. I was so engrossed in their stories and wanting to know all about Andie and Noah.
"That's the problem with people. Everyone thinks they know everything until they are proven to know nothing."
Truer words have never been spoken. This was a five star read and then the ending happened. The ending was very abrupt. I'm thumbing along and realize there are no more pages! I'm left with more questions than I had at the beginning. "Why did Matt do what he did?".. " What was the purpose?"..."What $&@?!# happens now?"...This book could've really used an epilogue. I was left wanting more! I love this author but this just kind of pissed me off..
There just is.
"Noah?" she asks, and I lift my gaze. "Say something beautiful?" My response is instant. "You."
I really enjoyed this one up until the end. I loved the characters and the storyline. I was so engrossed in their stories and wanting to know all about Andie and Noah.
"That's the problem with people. Everyone thinks they know everything until they are proven to know nothing."
Truer words have never been spoken. This was a five star read and then the ending happened. The ending was very abrupt. I'm thumbing along and realize there are no more pages! I'm left with more questions than I had at the beginning. "Why did Matt do what he did?".. " What was the purpose?"..."What $&@?!# happens now?"...This book could've really used an epilogue. I was left wanting more! I love this author but this just kind of pissed me off..
There just is.
June 28, 2017
I could not put this book down! I never know how to write a proper book review. My words never do the author's work justice. I wasn't prepared for the dark, somber subject matter in this book but it was so well done in the approach. You get introduced to a different dimension of the story and characters one chapter at at time. Thankfully the chapters are short so you aren't left in the dark with questions of "what is going on?" for too long. I don't want to give anything away but this book was moving and broached very sensitive matter with love and care. This book really spoke to me as it was relatable to events that have occurred in my life and I think it could really change the life of someone who needs to read these words and know that they matter.
July 3, 2017
4.5 - Darkness matters - Stars
http://veronikasreaderfeeder.com/jay-...
When a few days ago Jay McLean surprised us with a brand new book out of the blue, I got so excited I nearly jumped out of my skin. And she is one of the few authors who never ever disappoints, and she was able to create something unique, outstanding and significant again. It was quite different than any other books by the author and although this time you shouldn’t expect great romantic gestures or nail-biting situations, it’s very unique in its own way and the message of the book is breathtakingly beautiful: Besides the light, the darkness within us equally matters...
Andromeda and Noah both want to start a new life. After a few hard years Andie moves in with her twin sister to a tiny studio which was transformed from a two-car garage, while Noah decides that after years of isolation he has to move out from his parents’ house, so he finds a house with his best friend near the campus. Because Andie’s apartment and Noah’s house are in the same yard, they become neighbors. Starting over their lives is not easy for either of them. They both have something dark in their past that holds them back with constant force, but sometimes one offered hand is enough to help to find the path to the light again ...
This book was like someone dumped a huge box of puzzle pieces on the table. You get to experience the way all the pieces of the story slowly come together as you read, although at the end of the book it still felt like a few pieces are missing. It’s a slow-building story, still during my read I always felt like I was reading a novella. I don’t know exactly why I felt this way, but maybe because this book was a little shorter, or maybe because it felt like nor the characters’ nor the plot’s every layer has been peel back completely. There are still loose ends to tie up but I was happy to read that there will be another book where we can hopefully find all the answers for our questions.
Jay McLean amazed me again with her outstanding writing style, and I truly loved the characters too, but the most amazing thing in this book still was the beautiful, meaningful message of the story.
Overall, I am truly glad that I could read this unique, important, and stunning story, and I can’t wait to pick up the next volume.
For more of my reviews please visit my blog:
www.veronikasreaderfeeder.com
https://www.facebook.com/veronikasrea...
https://www.instagram.com/upveronika/
http://veronikasreaderfeeder.com/jay-...
When a few days ago Jay McLean surprised us with a brand new book out of the blue, I got so excited I nearly jumped out of my skin. And she is one of the few authors who never ever disappoints, and she was able to create something unique, outstanding and significant again. It was quite different than any other books by the author and although this time you shouldn’t expect great romantic gestures or nail-biting situations, it’s very unique in its own way and the message of the book is breathtakingly beautiful: Besides the light, the darkness within us equally matters...
Andromeda and Noah both want to start a new life. After a few hard years Andie moves in with her twin sister to a tiny studio which was transformed from a two-car garage, while Noah decides that after years of isolation he has to move out from his parents’ house, so he finds a house with his best friend near the campus. Because Andie’s apartment and Noah’s house are in the same yard, they become neighbors. Starting over their lives is not easy for either of them. They both have something dark in their past that holds them back with constant force, but sometimes one offered hand is enough to help to find the path to the light again ...
This book was like someone dumped a huge box of puzzle pieces on the table. You get to experience the way all the pieces of the story slowly come together as you read, although at the end of the book it still felt like a few pieces are missing. It’s a slow-building story, still during my read I always felt like I was reading a novella. I don’t know exactly why I felt this way, but maybe because this book was a little shorter, or maybe because it felt like nor the characters’ nor the plot’s every layer has been peel back completely. There are still loose ends to tie up but I was happy to read that there will be another book where we can hopefully find all the answers for our questions.
Jay McLean amazed me again with her outstanding writing style, and I truly loved the characters too, but the most amazing thing in this book still was the beautiful, meaningful message of the story.
Overall, I am truly glad that I could read this unique, important, and stunning story, and I can’t wait to pick up the next volume.
For more of my reviews please visit my blog:
www.veronikasreaderfeeder.com
https://www.facebook.com/veronikasrea...
https://www.instagram.com/upveronika/
June 28, 2017
I really really enjoyed this book and the characters but that ending guys! ? The last few chapters threw out so many twists with no explanation and then just ended. I need a book two to give me closure.
March 28, 2021
“And so when I ask you how you’re feeling, you can’t say that it doesn’t matter. You just can’t. It should matter to you, because it matters to me. Your darkness matters, Andie.”
DAMN for such a short book Jay Mclean certainly packed in so much for her main characters Andie and Noah. They are both so complex, each dealing with the aftermath of the darkness of horrific events. Their moments together were so special, they clicked instantly and I loved reading about their chemistry. The book is written in the present with chapters taking us back to Andie’s past. I flew through the chapters wanting to know EVERYTHING!
Andie has moved in with her twin sister and steals the attention from her tall, handsome but very shy neighbour Noah. With stolen glances and fleeting chats, Andie and Noah soon create a bond.
‘And I realize now, in this minuscule of moments, that Noah Morgan isn’t an enigma or a paradox or a complete and utter mystery. Noah Morgan is a gift-giving, soul-sharing, heart-stealing boy next door... And he only has eyes for me.’
Noah is reserved, quiet, changed by past events and has recently moved in with his best friend while at college but soon can’t think about anything else other than his neighbour.
I find myself watching Andie, begging and pleading silently for her to not ask questions, but just to allow me to save her.’
This book was heartbreaking yet addictive to read! Their backstories are definitely something to find out (and I never saw coming). Noah was such a sweet, protective ‘guy next door’ character who had a big heart and refreshing honest attitude and Andie was strong, caring and loveable with lots on her shoulders.
This book would have been a 5 stars if there was a little more romance and I was still left wanting more!!!! It would be amazing if that was only part one to these characters 😩
DAMN for such a short book Jay Mclean certainly packed in so much for her main characters Andie and Noah. They are both so complex, each dealing with the aftermath of the darkness of horrific events. Their moments together were so special, they clicked instantly and I loved reading about their chemistry. The book is written in the present with chapters taking us back to Andie’s past. I flew through the chapters wanting to know EVERYTHING!
Andie has moved in with her twin sister and steals the attention from her tall, handsome but very shy neighbour Noah. With stolen glances and fleeting chats, Andie and Noah soon create a bond.
‘And I realize now, in this minuscule of moments, that Noah Morgan isn’t an enigma or a paradox or a complete and utter mystery. Noah Morgan is a gift-giving, soul-sharing, heart-stealing boy next door... And he only has eyes for me.’
Noah is reserved, quiet, changed by past events and has recently moved in with his best friend while at college but soon can’t think about anything else other than his neighbour.
I find myself watching Andie, begging and pleading silently for her to not ask questions, but just to allow me to save her.’
This book was heartbreaking yet addictive to read! Their backstories are definitely something to find out (and I never saw coming). Noah was such a sweet, protective ‘guy next door’ character who had a big heart and refreshing honest attitude and Andie was strong, caring and loveable with lots on her shoulders.
This book would have been a 5 stars if there was a little more romance and I was still left wanting more!!!! It would be amazing if that was only part one to these characters 😩
July 13, 2017
4.0- 4.5
This book. Did I read the synopsis before I started it? Nope. It’s by Jay McLean. I will read anything written by her. Darkness Matters had a different vibe from Jay's other books. Darkness Matters was a tinge on the dark side. Andie and Noah’s story was layered with regret and sadness. These characters were scarred, and carried the weight of the universe in emotional baggage on their shoulders.
"The conclusion hits me like a shot of caffeine. It stirs me. Jolts me. Annihilates me. Darkness does matter. But so does hope. So does love. So does light."
Is this the end or just the beginning? I want more. Great story Jay!
This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book. Did I read the synopsis before I started it? Nope. It’s by Jay McLean. I will read anything written by her. Darkness Matters had a different vibe from Jay's other books. Darkness Matters was a tinge on the dark side. Andie and Noah’s story was layered with regret and sadness. These characters were scarred, and carried the weight of the universe in emotional baggage on their shoulders.
"The conclusion hits me like a shot of caffeine. It stirs me. Jolts me. Annihilates me. Darkness does matter. But so does hope. So does love. So does light."
Is this the end or just the beginning? I want more. Great story Jay!
This review appears on www.kindlecrack.net, www.facebook.com/kindlecrack, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
You've got to be Fucking kidding me! What in the hell was that??
No character development.
No resolution.
No chemistry.
No closure.
No answers.
No more, Jay McLean. I'm officially breaking up with you!!
No character development.
No resolution.
No chemistry.
No closure.
No answers.
No more, Jay McLean. I'm officially breaking up with you!!
December 1, 2017
Darkness Matters was a good read with characters that you find yourself engaged with.
The two main characters in this book have a past and we are not exactly sure what that is but you do have this feeling that it's not pretty and its full of heartache and pain.
Noah, I wouldn't say he was shy but he definitely closed himself off from others.
Andie's story I think we have an idea early on of what is happening or at least we think we do.
These two clearly have an attraction to one another, their interactions are cute and they dance around each other like you would with a high school crush. Their pasts preventing them from acting upon their feelings.
Jay McLean does such a good job with writing books that have angst and this one is no exception. While it's not an overwhelming angst it is one that definitely makes you feel the story, the emotions, the ups and downs and when things are revealed it hits you even harder because well I just didn't see some of the parts coming and they added to their story and gave me an understanding of the hesitation between them.
I did find myself at the end however tapping my screen because I wanted more, I felt a bit that I needed more of an ending. I will say though that this was a great read. I continue to enjoy her books and will continue to read anything she puts out.
The two main characters in this book have a past and we are not exactly sure what that is but you do have this feeling that it's not pretty and its full of heartache and pain.
Noah, I wouldn't say he was shy but he definitely closed himself off from others.
Andie's story I think we have an idea early on of what is happening or at least we think we do.
These two clearly have an attraction to one another, their interactions are cute and they dance around each other like you would with a high school crush. Their pasts preventing them from acting upon their feelings.
Jay McLean does such a good job with writing books that have angst and this one is no exception. While it's not an overwhelming angst it is one that definitely makes you feel the story, the emotions, the ups and downs and when things are revealed it hits you even harder because well I just didn't see some of the parts coming and they added to their story and gave me an understanding of the hesitation between them.
I did find myself at the end however tapping my screen because I wanted more, I felt a bit that I needed more of an ending. I will say though that this was a great read. I continue to enjoy her books and will continue to read anything she puts out.
June 28, 2017
I devoured this book in one sitting, I just couldn't get enough. Every page hooking me deeper, wrapping me further into the story.
It's really hard to put this book into words without giving anything away.
It was so different to Jay's other books but at the same time it was everything I love about her writing.
I loved every part of this book, every chapter, every word, every character. Even when I probably shouldn't have. But I guess that's the point. Because darkness does matter and a little bit lives in all of us, and sometimes we need to be reminded that it matters.
It's really hard to put this book into words without giving anything away.
It was so different to Jay's other books but at the same time it was everything I love about her writing.
I loved every part of this book, every chapter, every word, every character. Even when I probably shouldn't have. But I guess that's the point. Because darkness does matter and a little bit lives in all of us, and sometimes we need to be reminded that it matters.
September 21, 2017
That's it? No epilogue? No conclusion? Nothing!? This book was great I enjoyed it so much and I would've LOVED to give it 5 big beautiful stars but it just ended and that was it! Noah never really got answers from Andie but he shared everything with her...WE didn't even get all of the answers, andie's past is still a mystery to us as well.
UPDATE: I deleted and extra star because I'm still so very angry at how disappointing this book was....
UPDATE: I deleted and extra star because I'm still so very angry at how disappointing this book was....
July 10, 2017
There were many elements I adored about this book, however, it seemed incomplete - like a rough draft of an amazing future JM novel (one I'd really love to read)! There were many holes, many unanswered questions, and a lot more backstory than present romance. But it was certainly full of hope and had tons of potential! The ending seemed like a cliffy? Maybe there will be more, in which case I will probably up my rating later!
July 17, 2017
Speechless, this book has left me utterly speechless and feeling overwhelmed with emotions. This book is so different from Jay's other stories but just as phenomenal. I wanted so much more, I didn't want this story to end.
July 6, 2017
There are books you read and love, then there are books you read and devour. I'm not gonna lie—when I first saw the teasers Jay McLean started sharing, I was a bit nervous. I means she's the queen of the perfect romance. She's known to create these male heroines that you can't help but fall for, so when she said this would be "different", I wasn't sure what to expect. I tried to avoid some of the teasers because I knew I wanted to go in blind.
And go in blind I did. Jay succeeded to take me on a crazy ride with a tale that had many twists and turns that I never saw coming.
"Say something beautiful?"
You did, Jay, you did.
This isn't a typical Jay read, just like she said it wouldn't be. All I can say was she delivered two beautifully broken characters who captured my heart. From the very first word, I was swallowed whole and I didn't want Darkness Matters to end.
"I'm a girl with an infinite amount of regrets. A girl who used to believe in chance and fate but doesn't anymore."
I'm intentionally being vague—Jay dropped a surprise release on purpose as she didn't want any spoilers to ruin the plot. So you'll get none from me.
This story is darker than her other books, but nothing over the top or unnecessary. Jay McLean told this tale with purpose, opening your eyes and mind to what happens when there is so much darkness, it's almost impossible to find the light.
"I'm a girl who sees the world in black and white and different shades of grays, but barely ever in color."
My only wish was that she included an epilogue, because the book felt unresolved. I finished Darkness Matters in just one sitting and when it ended, I needed more.
"...sometimes, there is no reason, and there are no answers. There just is.We exist in this world where we know nothing. Where we feel like we are nothing. But we are. We are... And everything we feel, the good, the bad, the dark... it matters. And it may not matter to you, but it matters to the people around you."
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