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The Dark Room
Straight laced Anna Walker finds herself in a steamy extramarital affair with a noir film photographer Alec Prentice. He's sexy and irresistible, drawing her into his world of sex and seduction. But soon, his bad boy ways and her guilty conscious consume her and push her to end the affair abruptly. Not long after ending the affair, she frighteningly realizes she is being stalked. As she desperately continues her attempt to keep the affair a secret, the stalking escalates. Even when it begins to jeopardize her safety, she refuses to get help for fear of her secret being exposed. Forcing her to take matters into her own hands, leading her down a path of deception and violence. As a hurricane bears down on the coastal city of Wilmington North Carolina, she finds herself alone with a gun clutched to her chest, as she faces her stalker and his terrifying secret. Leaving her fighting for her life and for everything else that ever mattered.
244 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2018
61 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Banks
6 books177 followersNatalie Banks is a best selling & award-winning author, including, Best Indie Book of 2024 and The North Carolina Governor's Writing Award. She weaves characters with relatable humanity and stories that touch the heart and soul. She is currently working on a suspense novel set to release in 2025. When not writing, she spends time on the beach in North Carolina with her husband and dogs.
To find out more about Natalie Banks, visit her website NatalieBanks.net
And be sure to sign up for her newsletter to receive short stories and sneak peeks into her future novels!
To find out more about Natalie Banks, visit her website NatalieBanks.net
And be sure to sign up for her newsletter to receive short stories and sneak peeks into her future novels!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 3, 2018
Natalie Banks once again out did her self with another fantastic book! I’m in love. These characters... LOVE LOVE LOVE. This book was equal parts sexy, thrilling, mysterious, romantic, suspenseful and heart wrenching. It left me with so many emotions. I want to say so much but nothing at all because I refuse to ruin this for anyone... sooooo go read it and then come find me on Instagram (@kayleighlovesbooks) or message me here so we can discuss this book!!
March 2, 2018
Though the path be dark, the light awaits. -Natalie Banks
This book was captivating, suspenseful, romantic, and a whirlwind of chaos! I don’t want to give anything away about the plot because you will want to enjoy the thrill of this read! The author does an amazing job making you feel connected to every character. I felt the souls of all of them and I caught myself thinking about them days after I finished the book. I truly loved the setting and atmosphere where the story took place. Wilmington, NC is such a charming and romantic town. Once the story started to turn dark and the suspense was building, the setting was perfect for that uneasy feeling and anticipation of what was going to happen next. This book is full of secrets, lies and betrayal. I loved everything about this book and could talk about it forever!
This book was captivating, suspenseful, romantic, and a whirlwind of chaos! I don’t want to give anything away about the plot because you will want to enjoy the thrill of this read! The author does an amazing job making you feel connected to every character. I felt the souls of all of them and I caught myself thinking about them days after I finished the book. I truly loved the setting and atmosphere where the story took place. Wilmington, NC is such a charming and romantic town. Once the story started to turn dark and the suspense was building, the setting was perfect for that uneasy feeling and anticipation of what was going to happen next. This book is full of secrets, lies and betrayal. I loved everything about this book and could talk about it forever!
March 6, 2018
Natalie Banks wrote another book that got me to ignore everything I needed to do just so I could read! This book had me on edge! Just when I thought I could relax, and everything was going to be ok, something creepy would happen to Anna and I'd be nervous or scared for her! I had to stay up late reading because I just HAD to see what happened. I felt bad for Anna because she was carrying the guilt of her affair, and then having to always look over her shoulder because of the stalker. I loved her friends Timmy, Daniel, and Theodore! I enjoy a good thriller that doesn't have an obvious bad guy, so it keeps me guessing all the way through the story. This one definitely did that for me!
March 2, 2018
4.5 Stars**
I absolutely loved this book!
This is my second book by Natalie Banks and I could not put this one down!
Right out the gate you are hit with this: “Guilt. It’s like Cancer that eats from the inside out.” Kind of gets you thinking right?
The character development of Anna, Nick and Alec came quick, and I was jumping to conclusions right away, as the plot unfolds you begin to see the complexity of the characters and little did I know that my whole opinion of each would be flipped upside down!
Love, lust, and betrayal can be a vicious cycle. You better buckle up for this one! Natalie Banks takes you on a ride you just might not see coming.
I absolutely loved this book!
This is my second book by Natalie Banks and I could not put this one down!
Right out the gate you are hit with this: “Guilt. It’s like Cancer that eats from the inside out.” Kind of gets you thinking right?
The character development of Anna, Nick and Alec came quick, and I was jumping to conclusions right away, as the plot unfolds you begin to see the complexity of the characters and little did I know that my whole opinion of each would be flipped upside down!
Love, lust, and betrayal can be a vicious cycle. You better buckle up for this one! Natalie Banks takes you on a ride you just might not see coming.
March 5, 2018
Couldn't put it down! Great suspenseful thriller. It was exhilarating to the very end. The characters were well developed. Anna Walker has a sexy,steamy affair. The biggest mistake of her life....or was it? See how her life unveils secrets, deceit and survival. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for her next book!
March 2, 2018
I read this book in 2 days, ill tell you this mystery thriller is a great read!
Anna is married but her marriage its not excatly good as it seems, she finds herself getting into an affair with the very sexual and irresistible Alec Prentice, soon she realizes this affair is no good and she tries to end things with Alec. She starts being followed and stalked by what seems its Alec trying to get revenge for leaving him, little does she know her life is about to get even more sinister and complicated, after the stalking a numerous horrible events come her way, including a hurricane that hits her town.
I was lucky to be an early reader for this exelent book, I read it in 2 days, it kept me interested until the end, I do think the affair between Anna and Alec rushes really fast thru the beginning of the book and that's why the 4 stars, I found myself wanting to hear more from Alec back story and that's why also the 4 stars, other than that I fell inlove with the secondary characters of this book! Janet, Theodore, Daniel, and Timmy I love how Natalie gave us so much from them and helped me love more Anna as a main character, even tho she made a big mistake I cared for her so much, and that's what made me love this book! oh and I did not expect that twist at the end! if you like mystery thrillers this one is a must read!
Anna is married but her marriage its not excatly good as it seems, she finds herself getting into an affair with the very sexual and irresistible Alec Prentice, soon she realizes this affair is no good and she tries to end things with Alec. She starts being followed and stalked by what seems its Alec trying to get revenge for leaving him, little does she know her life is about to get even more sinister and complicated, after the stalking a numerous horrible events come her way, including a hurricane that hits her town.
I was lucky to be an early reader for this exelent book, I read it in 2 days, it kept me interested until the end, I do think the affair between Anna and Alec rushes really fast thru the beginning of the book and that's why the 4 stars, I found myself wanting to hear more from Alec back story and that's why also the 4 stars, other than that I fell inlove with the secondary characters of this book! Janet, Theodore, Daniel, and Timmy I love how Natalie gave us so much from them and helped me love more Anna as a main character, even tho she made a big mistake I cared for her so much, and that's what made me love this book! oh and I did not expect that twist at the end! if you like mystery thrillers this one is a must read!
March 5, 2018
I love a good romance and also enjoy thrillers. This book had both, and I could not have been happier. I read quite a few books, and Natalie Banks has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I love her writing style, and all of her characters are well flushed. As much as I didn’t want to like Anna at the beginning, I quickly became to love her and connected to her and her situation in a way that I thought would be impossible. I read the ebook and am going to purchase the paperback to keep in my own personal library.
A review of this book is difficult without giving away spoilers, and I refuse to do so. All that I can say is hang on for a wild ride! One minute you are emerged in Alec and Anna’s drama, and the next heartbreak. I did not suspect the culprit until approximately three quarters of the way through, which is unusual for me. Normally, I know from the beginning what is going to happen. The twists and turns in the entire book will keep you breathless and wanting for me. I devoured this book in one sitting and did not want it to end. Kudos to Ms. Banks for holding my attention from page one until the end!
Thank you to Natalie Banks for supplying to me this book in exchange for an honest review.
A review of this book is difficult without giving away spoilers, and I refuse to do so. All that I can say is hang on for a wild ride! One minute you are emerged in Alec and Anna’s drama, and the next heartbreak. I did not suspect the culprit until approximately three quarters of the way through, which is unusual for me. Normally, I know from the beginning what is going to happen. The twists and turns in the entire book will keep you breathless and wanting for me. I devoured this book in one sitting and did not want it to end. Kudos to Ms. Banks for holding my attention from page one until the end!
Thank you to Natalie Banks for supplying to me this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2018
I really adore this book.. it's totally a grip.. wonderful writing..
February 27, 2018
As the name suggests, this book is a bit darker than her first novel, The Water is Wide, but equally as good. The characters are just as relatable, lovable (or hateable), and interesting. If you think that this book will be another predictable romance/thriller, you will be pleasantly disappointed! The Dark Room had me guessing until the end, and I couldn't put it down until I found out what happened. The perfect summer read!
March 3, 2018
Loved the book! Great writing style and captured me from the very first page! Looking forward to novel #3 from Natalie Banks!
February 20, 2018
3.5 out of 5 Stars
“Guilt. It’s like a cancer that eats you from the inside out. Destroying everything in its path.”
Anna Walker has a great life with her husband Nick who loves her and who she loves in return. So, why is it that when she meets bartender and photographer bad boy Alec Prentice she can’t stop thinking about him? But, when thinking leads to doing, and passion turns to obsession she knows that she has to get out. For the sake of her marriage and her sanity.
But, is it really that easy to walk away? Is it that easy to cover the lies and deceit so that loving, doting Nick will never find out? As things begin to take a strange and dark turn and spiral out of control, Anna begins to realise that you can’t ignore that scarlet letter stamped on you. It will always come back to haunt you
““I don’t know how to make it any plainer to you Alec. It is over! You are making things harder on both of us.” I was trying to keep from yelling and drawing attention to us.
“Anna, I need you…”
He stepped toward me and put his hand on my arm. I instantly jerked it away.
“Don’t you dare touch me! You shouldn’t be here. I want you to leave. Do you understand? I want you to leave!!” My words were choked on tears as I shrieked at him.
He recoiled in anger.
“Who the hell do you think you are anyway? You fucking bitch!”
“Get out of my way Alec. Let me leave! I wish I would never see you again! You are nobody to me. I regret the day I ever met you. Do you understand me? I want you to go away!” I was remorseful for being so harsh. I regretted the words, as soon as they came out of my mouth. I could see the hurt in his eyes. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I did want him to disappear from my life, from my memory. From any existence that had to do with me.”
“You think you can get away from me Anna? You can’t. You can run away and pretend that you don’t want me, but I know you still do. You’re mine, Anna. You hear me? You are mine!””
A wonderfully written psychological thriller that was NOT what I was expecting! The story does start off a little slow and I feel that the whole affair between Anna and Alec was a little rushed through. I really did enjoy the thrill when it did take off and the supporting characters were FANTASTIC! I really enjoyed Anna’s boss Janice (the strong ex-New Yorker who gave up her life there to take care of her ailing mother and stayed to open an art galley in Wilmington), the old high school sweetheart, Timmy (the small town farmer with the heart of gold), the artist Daniel and his partner Theordore (who are just too lovely for words) and of course, the adorable little bundle of fur, the kitty Chase. She makes you love them all and wish they were a part of your life.
The suspense is wonderful and it all has an air of “Fatal Attraction” to it. I read the whole book in one quick sitting and was disappointed when it was over! It’s a great ride from start to finish as, even though it starts off slowly it does a great job of building up the characters. Although, sometimes I did find that Natalie did SUCH a good job at building up her supporting characters that I almost wanted to hear more about them than Anna and her cheating ways! I also wish that there was a little bit more about Alec. I know that the air of mystery surrounding him lends to the story… but, I wanted to peel that onion open just A COUPLE more layers!
All in all a wonderful read for those who are fans of suspense!! (No. I will not mention “Girl on a Train”, “Gone Girl”, etc. that description would have had me running for the hills) This novel has more of an old school mystery feel with a grittier, more modern feel!
“Guilt. It’s like a cancer that eats you from the inside out. Destroying everything in its path.”
Anna Walker has a great life with her husband Nick who loves her and who she loves in return. So, why is it that when she meets bartender and photographer bad boy Alec Prentice she can’t stop thinking about him? But, when thinking leads to doing, and passion turns to obsession she knows that she has to get out. For the sake of her marriage and her sanity.
But, is it really that easy to walk away? Is it that easy to cover the lies and deceit so that loving, doting Nick will never find out? As things begin to take a strange and dark turn and spiral out of control, Anna begins to realise that you can’t ignore that scarlet letter stamped on you. It will always come back to haunt you
““I don’t know how to make it any plainer to you Alec. It is over! You are making things harder on both of us.” I was trying to keep from yelling and drawing attention to us.
“Anna, I need you…”
He stepped toward me and put his hand on my arm. I instantly jerked it away.
“Don’t you dare touch me! You shouldn’t be here. I want you to leave. Do you understand? I want you to leave!!” My words were choked on tears as I shrieked at him.
He recoiled in anger.
“Who the hell do you think you are anyway? You fucking bitch!”
“Get out of my way Alec. Let me leave! I wish I would never see you again! You are nobody to me. I regret the day I ever met you. Do you understand me? I want you to go away!” I was remorseful for being so harsh. I regretted the words, as soon as they came out of my mouth. I could see the hurt in his eyes. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I did want him to disappear from my life, from my memory. From any existence that had to do with me.”
“You think you can get away from me Anna? You can’t. You can run away and pretend that you don’t want me, but I know you still do. You’re mine, Anna. You hear me? You are mine!””
A wonderfully written psychological thriller that was NOT what I was expecting! The story does start off a little slow and I feel that the whole affair between Anna and Alec was a little rushed through. I really did enjoy the thrill when it did take off and the supporting characters were FANTASTIC! I really enjoyed Anna’s boss Janice (the strong ex-New Yorker who gave up her life there to take care of her ailing mother and stayed to open an art galley in Wilmington), the old high school sweetheart, Timmy (the small town farmer with the heart of gold), the artist Daniel and his partner Theordore (who are just too lovely for words) and of course, the adorable little bundle of fur, the kitty Chase. She makes you love them all and wish they were a part of your life.
The suspense is wonderful and it all has an air of “Fatal Attraction” to it. I read the whole book in one quick sitting and was disappointed when it was over! It’s a great ride from start to finish as, even though it starts off slowly it does a great job of building up the characters. Although, sometimes I did find that Natalie did SUCH a good job at building up her supporting characters that I almost wanted to hear more about them than Anna and her cheating ways! I also wish that there was a little bit more about Alec. I know that the air of mystery surrounding him lends to the story… but, I wanted to peel that onion open just A COUPLE more layers!
All in all a wonderful read for those who are fans of suspense!! (No. I will not mention “Girl on a Train”, “Gone Girl”, etc. that description would have had me running for the hills) This novel has more of an old school mystery feel with a grittier, more modern feel!
March 4, 2018
I received this book by the author to read and post a review for. I found this book to be an enjoyable read. I knew nothing of this book before I started reading it. It is a different genre of book then I normally read, and I liked it. The author gives you lots of information and detail on the characters in the book and keeps you on your toes. It kept me coming back for more because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next. I didn’t know how the book was going to end. The book gives you love, hate, lust, guilt and other dark sins.
June 11, 2023
Plot was ok, but the writing style (lots of choppy sentence fragments) and editorial mistakes (so many typos!!) really distracted me from the plot.
April 15, 2018
"Though the path be dark, the light awaits...."
How does she do it? Who who have ever imagined a tingling plot like this (not my typical genre)- would end in forgiveness and LIFE; but not how you'd imagine. Once again, like in her first book- Natalie Banks hits a home run with power-house, gripping, surprise ending!
How does she do it? Who who have ever imagined a tingling plot like this (not my typical genre)- would end in forgiveness and LIFE; but not how you'd imagine. Once again, like in her first book- Natalie Banks hits a home run with power-house, gripping, surprise ending!
March 19, 2018
This was another amazing work from Natalie Banks. This book is fascinating!! The story has love, seduction, friendship, regret, and a lot of suspense. I was a great read that I did not want to put down. Please check out this book. Natalie Banks is a great writer!!! Both of her books are great. I can't wait until the third one!!.
March 6, 2018
This was my first Natalie Banks novel, and I SO enjoyed this book!
Main character Anna finds herself in an extramarital affair, very far removed from her otherwise conservative life. After ending the affair, she is consumed with guilt and desperately tries to keep the affair a secret, even when she realizes she is being stalked (or is she?!)
From start to finish, I was incredibly engaged in this story, and thought I had figured out the ending about five times. Worth the read, I consumed this in three days on the beach in the same city where this story actually takes place! Fast-paced and addictive, now I have to get my hands on more Natalie Banks novels!
Main character Anna finds herself in an extramarital affair, very far removed from her otherwise conservative life. After ending the affair, she is consumed with guilt and desperately tries to keep the affair a secret, even when she realizes she is being stalked (or is she?!)
From start to finish, I was incredibly engaged in this story, and thought I had figured out the ending about five times. Worth the read, I consumed this in three days on the beach in the same city where this story actually takes place! Fast-paced and addictive, now I have to get my hands on more Natalie Banks novels!
April 17, 2020
So I want to take a second to thank Natalie Banks for sending me a copy of her book. She couldn’t be any nicer and even wrote a nice inscription ❤️.
Anyway I love love loved this book. Obviously. I rarely finish a book this fast...it took me like 2 days to finish.
There was definitely some 🔥 in the beginning. I fell right into this one.
The formatting of the book (I know I’m a weirdo for caring about that) was aesthetically pleasing. I really liked how each chapter started and was broken down into sections.
The pacing was on point.
There were clues throughout that prepared you for the unfolding of the plot. So it was fun to guess what would happen next BUT Natalie did it in such a way that the story wasn’t overly predictable. It was just perfect.
Loved all of the characters and how it ended too. The epilogue was very satisfying and provided perfect closure.
I definitely recommend this book. My favorite by Natalie Banks so far. Excited to see what else she comes up with.
Anyway I love love loved this book. Obviously. I rarely finish a book this fast...it took me like 2 days to finish.
There was definitely some 🔥 in the beginning. I fell right into this one.
The formatting of the book (I know I’m a weirdo for caring about that) was aesthetically pleasing. I really liked how each chapter started and was broken down into sections.
The pacing was on point.
There were clues throughout that prepared you for the unfolding of the plot. So it was fun to guess what would happen next BUT Natalie did it in such a way that the story wasn’t overly predictable. It was just perfect.
Loved all of the characters and how it ended too. The epilogue was very satisfying and provided perfect closure.
I definitely recommend this book. My favorite by Natalie Banks so far. Excited to see what else she comes up with.
March 6, 2018
This book was to say the least, spectacular! It had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish that I found it really hard to put it down as I turned the page. Natalie does a great job making you feel connected to the characters; love, hate, betrayal, deceit, you name it.. Just when I thought I knew, she took me in a completely different direction and I was thrown off. This book is the definition of romance with a side of psycho! I absolutely loved it and definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to read something different.
March 6, 2018
Natalie Banks debut had me sneaking in chapters on my coffee breaks and reading right into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well written thriller and would gladly recommend.
April 6, 2018
HOLY COW! This was an amazing thriller. It had me on edge throughout the book. Very well written. It reminded me of a Ruth Ware style thriller. The plot twist at the end was epic. If you haven't read this book, you must put it on your reading list! I can't wait to read Natalie Banks' next book when it comes out this summer!
March 5, 2018
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from Natalie. I’m stunned by how complex her characters her, and how radically my opinions of them changed. This is a book I’ll remember for a long time!😍
September 28, 2019
This was my first time reading a book by Natalie Banks. All I have to say is wow!! This book held my attention from the very start. This well written novel, had me in suspense for what was going to happen. The characters were fantastic, The ending blew my mind, I was not expecting any of that.
March 15, 2018
The Dark Room was my first novel by Natalie Banks and I absolutely LOVED it. I definitely pick books by cover and book description and The Dark Room captured my interest for both!
The book starts off introducing us to Anna Walker. Anna is married to Nick, but she is having a steamy affair with bad boy photographer Alec Prentice. She loves her husband though, and feels guilty about the affair. For a while she wants to call it off, but something about Alec always pulls her back in. But soon Anna begins to see a dark and creepy side of Alec that scares her. And next thing she knows she is being stalked by someone. She ends the affair having no idea that decision is putting her life at risk. When a bad storm hits North Carolina and Anna’s husband Nick is away, Anna is left home alone afraid for her life. She waits with a gun clutched to her chest determined to protect herself against whoever is trying to kill her. I can’t say any more without giving too much away, but believe me there is more and oh boy is it GOOD!
The first half of the book was mostly romance with some suspense. The thrills pick up though by the second half of the book, and boy do the thrills, suspense and plot twists come flying at you all at once! I typically read books only in the mystery and thriller genre. I wasn’t exactly sure how I would feel about a Romance book that was also a psychological thriller. But while I do wish there was more suspense and thrills in the first half of the book, I REALLY enjoyed how different this book was! It goes from steamy sex scenes, to suspense that makes your pulse quicken, to dark, deep and emotional in a blink! I absolutely LOVED and really connected to Anna’s character. I was completely invested in the story wondering what was going to happen! There were some moments throughout the book that were difficult for me to read, but the emotion that they elicited in me made the book even better!
The second half of the book the suspense continues to build until a crazy climatic ending! You will think you have it figured out, but gasp out loud when you realize you NEVER saw that final plot twist coming! I devoured the pages of this book and absolutely love Natalie Banks writing style. I definitely recommend reading this one!
The book starts off introducing us to Anna Walker. Anna is married to Nick, but she is having a steamy affair with bad boy photographer Alec Prentice. She loves her husband though, and feels guilty about the affair. For a while she wants to call it off, but something about Alec always pulls her back in. But soon Anna begins to see a dark and creepy side of Alec that scares her. And next thing she knows she is being stalked by someone. She ends the affair having no idea that decision is putting her life at risk. When a bad storm hits North Carolina and Anna’s husband Nick is away, Anna is left home alone afraid for her life. She waits with a gun clutched to her chest determined to protect herself against whoever is trying to kill her. I can’t say any more without giving too much away, but believe me there is more and oh boy is it GOOD!
The first half of the book was mostly romance with some suspense. The thrills pick up though by the second half of the book, and boy do the thrills, suspense and plot twists come flying at you all at once! I typically read books only in the mystery and thriller genre. I wasn’t exactly sure how I would feel about a Romance book that was also a psychological thriller. But while I do wish there was more suspense and thrills in the first half of the book, I REALLY enjoyed how different this book was! It goes from steamy sex scenes, to suspense that makes your pulse quicken, to dark, deep and emotional in a blink! I absolutely LOVED and really connected to Anna’s character. I was completely invested in the story wondering what was going to happen! There were some moments throughout the book that were difficult for me to read, but the emotion that they elicited in me made the book even better!
The second half of the book the suspense continues to build until a crazy climatic ending! You will think you have it figured out, but gasp out loud when you realize you NEVER saw that final plot twist coming! I devoured the pages of this book and absolutely love Natalie Banks writing style. I definitely recommend reading this one!
January 22, 2020
I would firstly like to thank Natalie Banks for providing me with a copy of your book. Although I enjoyed The Water is Wide a bit more, this book was definitely a brilliant read!
This book follows straight laced Anna Walker, who finds herself in a steamy extramarital affair with a noir film photographer Alec Prentice. He's irresistible, drawing her into his world of sex and seduction. But soon, his bad boy ways and her guilty conscious consume her and push her to end the affair abruptly. Not long after ending the affair, she frighteningly realizes she is being stalked. As she desperately continues her attempt to keep the affair a secret, the stalking escalates. Even when it begins to jeopardize her safety, she refuses to get help for fear of her secret being exposed. Forcing her to take matters into her own hands, leading her down a path of deception and violence. As a hurricane bears down on the coastal city, she finds herself alone with a gun clutched to her chest, as she faces her stalker and his terrifying secret. Leaving her fighting for her life and for everything that mattered.
Even though I had guessed the identity of the stalker very early on, this book was still very enjoyable. Natalie Banks, again, has delivered a book full of suspense, mystery and just fantastic writing! Every page had me gripped and had my heart racing!
Really looking forward to this author's next book!
This book follows straight laced Anna Walker, who finds herself in a steamy extramarital affair with a noir film photographer Alec Prentice. He's irresistible, drawing her into his world of sex and seduction. But soon, his bad boy ways and her guilty conscious consume her and push her to end the affair abruptly. Not long after ending the affair, she frighteningly realizes she is being stalked. As she desperately continues her attempt to keep the affair a secret, the stalking escalates. Even when it begins to jeopardize her safety, she refuses to get help for fear of her secret being exposed. Forcing her to take matters into her own hands, leading her down a path of deception and violence. As a hurricane bears down on the coastal city, she finds herself alone with a gun clutched to her chest, as she faces her stalker and his terrifying secret. Leaving her fighting for her life and for everything that mattered.
Even though I had guessed the identity of the stalker very early on, this book was still very enjoyable. Natalie Banks, again, has delivered a book full of suspense, mystery and just fantastic writing! Every page had me gripped and had my heart racing!
Really looking forward to this author's next book!
March 8, 2018
The Dark Room is an amazing book about, romance, love, betrayal, fear, and mystery. I loved this book inside and out. I couldn’t put it down. If you’re looking for an incredible and edgy thriller this is the book for you! I look forward to more by Natalie Banks!
March 7, 2018
This was one of those random, whim kind of reads. The author was looking for early readers, and I said yes without even knowing what the book was about. It was one of those reaching out of your comfort zone kind of things that fell at the right time in my reading plan. So I dove right in without reading the summary or having read anything by this author before.
That being said, the book wasn't in my wheelhouse of what I would normally read. Anna, a supposedly happily married woman, gets caught up in this steamy affair with a bartender/photographer named Alec, who gets very possive. She feels incredibly guilty and goes to great lengths to keep her secret, and he goes to great lengths to let her know he is obsessive. I am not much for any of the steaminess, which is warrented for the book, and I would have know had I read the summary.
Anna finds herself being stalked throughout the book, and I actually figured out who it was rather quickly, which is very abnormal for me. So I don't know if that is good or bad. Some of the side characters ended up being my favorite in the book. Anna meets Daniel, an artist at the gallery she works for, and his partner Theo. They end up being great friends, and I just love them in the book. I also love the gallery owner, Janet. She had such an overwhelming perssonality that gave a flair to the novel.
Overall I am not sure if the book was right for me, but I can see many of my friends picking this up. The author has another book published that sounds like a better fit for me that I would certainly like to read.
That being said, the book wasn't in my wheelhouse of what I would normally read. Anna, a supposedly happily married woman, gets caught up in this steamy affair with a bartender/photographer named Alec, who gets very possive. She feels incredibly guilty and goes to great lengths to keep her secret, and he goes to great lengths to let her know he is obsessive. I am not much for any of the steaminess, which is warrented for the book, and I would have know had I read the summary.
Anna finds herself being stalked throughout the book, and I actually figured out who it was rather quickly, which is very abnormal for me. So I don't know if that is good or bad. Some of the side characters ended up being my favorite in the book. Anna meets Daniel, an artist at the gallery she works for, and his partner Theo. They end up being great friends, and I just love them in the book. I also love the gallery owner, Janet. She had such an overwhelming perssonality that gave a flair to the novel.
Overall I am not sure if the book was right for me, but I can see many of my friends picking this up. The author has another book published that sounds like a better fit for me that I would certainly like to read.
March 19, 2018
Honestly, this book was really challenging to read. The book is littered with grammatical errors (as you might guess from the sentence fragments in the official description) that really prevent you from getting into the story at all. Even when the grammar is technically fine, it can get a little ridiculous - there is never a good reason to use literally four exclamation points at the end of a sentence. The dialogue is all very forced, such as when Anna asks a neighbor something vague like "How are you?" and the neighbor launches into a two page tirade, completely unprompted, of all the sketchy things she saw the other night that was rather heavy handed on plot clues. I was able to guess who the stalker was about a quarter of the way into the book, so no thrilling twists there. Some of the romance itself in the book can also get problematic - one of the characters blames her boyfriend's "passion" for why he hits her... and everyone else just takes that as an acceptable explanation for domestic abuse? Perhaps the author meant for readers to notice the flimsy excuse, but her lack of commentary made me feel pretty gross.
I'm glad that other reviewers seemed to enjoy this book, but I would suggest you wait for a second edition to come out that has gone through another round of editing and corrections.
I'm glad that other reviewers seemed to enjoy this book, but I would suggest you wait for a second edition to come out that has gone through another round of editing and corrections.
May 24, 2018
☕️ Big thank you to @nataliebanksnovels for sending me a free copy of THE DARK ROOM in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own lovelies! ☕️-
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5 stars for me! 🙃
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First of all, my favorite thing about this book is the well-developed characters & atmosphere! I love the reference of Dublin Winery (mostly because I’ve been there before 🍷) but on the real— this book is mysterious, captivating, & chaotic in such a fabulous way! The protagonist, Anna, is so REAL. Her believable story forces the audience to feel empathetic towards her, regardless of her obvious flaws 🤷🏼♀️. THE DARK ROOM is emotionally charged & highly relatable— adding to the thrill that @nataliebanksnovels has cultivated! 🙃
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5 stars for me! 🙃
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First of all, my favorite thing about this book is the well-developed characters & atmosphere! I love the reference of Dublin Winery (mostly because I’ve been there before 🍷) but on the real— this book is mysterious, captivating, & chaotic in such a fabulous way! The protagonist, Anna, is so REAL. Her believable story forces the audience to feel empathetic towards her, regardless of her obvious flaws 🤷🏼♀️. THE DARK ROOM is emotionally charged & highly relatable— adding to the thrill that @nataliebanksnovels has cultivated! 🙃
March 4, 2018
This book should come with a trigger warning for rape and relationship abuse. There are also troubling themes dealing with women blaming themselves for miscarriage and tropes of people brought up in the foster care system as damaged.
If you can get past rape being justified by the victim as love and passion, then you may enjoy this book. There is a good use of suspense throughout the book. There are many well crafted twists and turns throughout the book.
Banks is a promising author, but I hope to see a better approach to these important issues in future work.
If you can get past rape being justified by the victim as love and passion, then you may enjoy this book. There is a good use of suspense throughout the book. There are many well crafted twists and turns throughout the book.
Banks is a promising author, but I hope to see a better approach to these important issues in future work.
April 5, 2021
I was so honored to finally get my grips on this book. From the first few pages it's an easy read but quickly puts its clutches on you and you're hooked until the last page. I finished this book in about 4 days and couldn't put it down. This was a bit out of my comfort zone read but I'm glad I wondered because it's changed what I'd like to read more of in the future. Absolutely loved the writing style very easy to follow all around amazing 5 stars can't wait to read more of her books.
Also... Chance😭
Also... Chance😭
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