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Shadow Force #2
Promises in the Dark
On the run, in each other’s arms, with one last chance to survive
A rugged Navy SEAL, Zane Scott was part of a failed mission to rescue Dr. Olivia Strohm from abduction by the terrorist group Dead Man’s Hand—and her anguished screams have haunted him ever since. So when he gets word that the beautiful physician has escaped from her captors in Africa, he’s got personal reasons to storm the continent and save her.
Like her would-be liberator, Olivia carries the burden of a dark secret from her past. Ruthless and relentless, the DMH has threatened to hunt her down—and to systematically hurt anyone she’s close to. The last thing she wants is to be rescued—even by someone as shockingly handsome as Zane. Yet the hotheaded special ops hero has come for her, and together she and Zane just might have a shot at not only stopping DMH’s reign of terror, but also saving what’s left of their souls.
A rugged Navy SEAL, Zane Scott was part of a failed mission to rescue Dr. Olivia Strohm from abduction by the terrorist group Dead Man’s Hand—and her anguished screams have haunted him ever since. So when he gets word that the beautiful physician has escaped from her captors in Africa, he’s got personal reasons to storm the continent and save her.
Like her would-be liberator, Olivia carries the burden of a dark secret from her past. Ruthless and relentless, the DMH has threatened to hunt her down—and to systematically hurt anyone she’s close to. The last thing she wants is to be rescued—even by someone as shockingly handsome as Zane. Yet the hotheaded special ops hero has come for her, and together she and Zane just might have a shot at not only stopping DMH’s reign of terror, but also saving what’s left of their souls.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
34 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Tyler
80 books1,280 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Stephanie Tyler writes what she loves to read - romantic suspense novels starring military heroes and paranormal romance novels novels starring warrior heroes, all complete with happy endings. She also writes as SE Jakes.
And because she's not busy enough, she also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
For more information on Stephanie, please visit www.stephanietyler.com or email her at stephanie@stephanietyler.com.
For more information on SE Jakes, please visit SEJakes.com.
For more information on Sydney, please visit www.sydneycroft.com or email Sydney at sydney@sydneycroft.com
And because she's not busy enough, she also co-writes as Sydney Croft. She lives in New York with her husband, her kids and her crazy Weimaraner, Gus.
For more information on Stephanie, please visit www.stephanietyler.com or email her at stephanie@stephanietyler.com.
For more information on SE Jakes, please visit SEJakes.com.
For more information on Sydney, please visit www.sydneycroft.com or email Sydney at sydney@sydneycroft.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
December 9, 2010
4 ½ stars – Romantic Suspense
I really enjoyed this steamy, action-packed second installment in Tyler’s intense military romantic suspense Shadow Force series, but not as much as the first book, Lie with Me, mainly because it felt a bit cluttered at times.
Navy SEAL Zane Scott hasn’t forgiven himself for failing to save Dr. Olivia Strohm from the evil clutches of the terrorist organization Dead Man’s Hand (DMH). When he and his brothers receive news of an American female doctor on the run after surviving a clinic bombing in Africa, he finds himself back on African soil, a place that still haunts him ever since he barely survived brutality there as a child of missionary parents. He’s determined to find Olivia and bring her back to the States before DMH takes her hostage again. The last thing he expected was to discover Olivia putting herself in further danger by practicing medicine on village women in risk from the local warlord while in hiding and refusing to be rescued.
I really liked tough, tortured SEAL Zane, and the immediate connection between him and headstrong Olivia, both survivors of traumatic pasts, was emotional and erotically charged. There just wasn’t quite enough time devoted to their relationship since there are two other concurrent romances that develop in this story.
Yep, three romances occur simultaneously, and although I liked all of the characters, it felt a bit congested and distracting at times, especially for primary couple, Zane and Olivia. And I wasn’t really crazy about the unresolved, happy for now endings, especially since I didn’t get the impression that any of the relationships will be advanced further in later books. Still, it’s an explosive, erotic romantic suspense read, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the Shadow Force series, In the Air Tonight.
I really enjoyed this steamy, action-packed second installment in Tyler’s intense military romantic suspense Shadow Force series, but not as much as the first book, Lie with Me, mainly because it felt a bit cluttered at times.
Navy SEAL Zane Scott hasn’t forgiven himself for failing to save Dr. Olivia Strohm from the evil clutches of the terrorist organization Dead Man’s Hand (DMH). When he and his brothers receive news of an American female doctor on the run after surviving a clinic bombing in Africa, he finds himself back on African soil, a place that still haunts him ever since he barely survived brutality there as a child of missionary parents. He’s determined to find Olivia and bring her back to the States before DMH takes her hostage again. The last thing he expected was to discover Olivia putting herself in further danger by practicing medicine on village women in risk from the local warlord while in hiding and refusing to be rescued.
I really liked tough, tortured SEAL Zane, and the immediate connection between him and headstrong Olivia, both survivors of traumatic pasts, was emotional and erotically charged. There just wasn’t quite enough time devoted to their relationship since there are two other concurrent romances that develop in this story.
Yep, three romances occur simultaneously, and although I liked all of the characters, it felt a bit congested and distracting at times, especially for primary couple, Zane and Olivia. And I wasn’t really crazy about the unresolved, happy for now endings, especially since I didn’t get the impression that any of the relationships will be advanced further in later books. Still, it’s an explosive, erotic romantic suspense read, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the Shadow Force series, In the Air Tonight.
August 20, 2011
www.readwatcheat.com
After finishing Stephanie Tyler's first book in the Shadow Force series, I dove right into book 2, Promises in the Dark. I couldn’t even function on any higher level till I was done reading it. This series kind of crept in and held me hostage. My laundry is suffering greatly.
Book two picks up several months where we left off. This story had a pretty nice set up in the previous book. The surprise once again were the secondary characters. Tyler has a way of writing a character that may not get as much page time with just as much depth as her main characters. It kind of amazes me. One of the couples gets maybe 1/3rd of the page time, but you are not one bit less invested in them.
This book has a little bit of everything. You will run through Africa trying to evade warlords and terrorists. You can stay stateside and hack nuclear power plant computer systems. Maybe hanging out in a mercenary ran missionary safe house / medical facility is more your style? This book offers it all.
I love that the men in these books are trained, hardened operatives and after they meet the woman that is going to be the center of their universe they don't drop what they are doing to start knitting. There are no quick purchases of houses with white picket fences and that puppy in the window. The women need to accept that these are warriors and that is not going to change just because they have someone to come home to after a mission.
I already have book 3 in my paws and I am pretty sure it will be devoured shortly. Who needs sleep right?
After finishing Stephanie Tyler's first book in the Shadow Force series, I dove right into book 2, Promises in the Dark. I couldn’t even function on any higher level till I was done reading it. This series kind of crept in and held me hostage. My laundry is suffering greatly.
Book two picks up several months where we left off. This story had a pretty nice set up in the previous book. The surprise once again were the secondary characters. Tyler has a way of writing a character that may not get as much page time with just as much depth as her main characters. It kind of amazes me. One of the couples gets maybe 1/3rd of the page time, but you are not one bit less invested in them.
This book has a little bit of everything. You will run through Africa trying to evade warlords and terrorists. You can stay stateside and hack nuclear power plant computer systems. Maybe hanging out in a mercenary ran missionary safe house / medical facility is more your style? This book offers it all.
I love that the men in these books are trained, hardened operatives and after they meet the woman that is going to be the center of their universe they don't drop what they are doing to start knitting. There are no quick purchases of houses with white picket fences and that puppy in the window. The women need to accept that these are warriors and that is not going to change just because they have someone to come home to after a mission.
I already have book 3 in my paws and I am pretty sure it will be devoured shortly. Who needs sleep right?
February 16, 2014
This book begins six months after the end of Lie With Me. Zane has been haunted by the fact that they weren't able to rescue Olivia from DMH. When he hears that she's escaped and is on the run in Africa, he is determined to rescue her. What he doesn't expect is her refusal to be rescued. She knows the people at DMH want her back and will stop at nothing to get her. She doesn't want anyone else to get hurt because of her.
I liked Zane and Olivia. Both have some serious baggage that keeps them from getting close to other people, but from the beginning they connect with each other. Zane had been a street kid in Africa after his missionary parents were killed. He had been taken and sold, but escaped soon after. Several years later he was found and adopted but has always had trouble trusting anyone but his brothers. Throughout the story we see just how close that relationship is. He's not sure why he is so obsessed with finding Olivia, but he goes with it. Meanwhile, Olivia has managed to escape her captors after having been forced to do black market organ transplants. She feels tremendous guilt over it and would rather stay there and do some good rather than go back to the US. As they work to evade those who are chasing them they also find themselves sharing things they've never talked about with anyone else. The chemistry between them is also strong and they wonder if there's a chance for a future together. I really enjoyed seeing the way that their developing relationship helped both of them deal with some of the traumas of their pasts.
There are two secondary stories also. Zane's brother Caleb has been tasked with capturing Vivienne, a computer guru who is suspected of selling a program to DMH. It doesn't take long for him to figure out that she's innocent of those charges. Now he has to protect her while she figures out a way to safeguard the program and make it useless to the terrorists. I liked Caleb a lot. He has a protective streak a mile wide, as shown in his interactions with his two brothers. That protectiveness adds another layer with Vivi because he is so attracted to her that he just can't fight it. He had some tough choices to make while trying to find out if she was one of the good guys or not. Vivi is one of those supersmart people who has never had good luck with relationships. She's not quite sure whether she can trust Caleb or not but her instincts say yes. She has to decide if she can also trust him with her heart.
There is a third storyline involving a medical mission in Africa. This is one of the places that Zane and Olivia end up during their escape. Rowan is a former military medic who goes there to help and as a way to find some inner peace after years of war. She lost her husband on 9/11 and has felt empty ever since. There she meets Tristan, a man who works closely with the clinic, training people who provide security there and at other clinics. I liked Rowan's strength as she deals with the dangers surrounding the clinic and directly affecting one of her patients. She's also stunned by the immediate attraction she feels for Tristan. Tristan is experiencing the same attraction, stronger than he's felt for anyone else. He's hoping that she can stick it out and give them a chance at a future together.
The suspense part of the story, with DMH's pursuit of both Olivia and Vivi was very good. The action is good as they have to evade capture. We also get periods of having the story told by DMH's point of view and see that everything is not going smoothly there. Internal conflict is shown and it's interesting to see how this conflict affects the pursuit of our two ladies. The conclusion is pretty good, with some things still left unresolved to lead into the next book.
I liked Zane and Olivia. Both have some serious baggage that keeps them from getting close to other people, but from the beginning they connect with each other. Zane had been a street kid in Africa after his missionary parents were killed. He had been taken and sold, but escaped soon after. Several years later he was found and adopted but has always had trouble trusting anyone but his brothers. Throughout the story we see just how close that relationship is. He's not sure why he is so obsessed with finding Olivia, but he goes with it. Meanwhile, Olivia has managed to escape her captors after having been forced to do black market organ transplants. She feels tremendous guilt over it and would rather stay there and do some good rather than go back to the US. As they work to evade those who are chasing them they also find themselves sharing things they've never talked about with anyone else. The chemistry between them is also strong and they wonder if there's a chance for a future together. I really enjoyed seeing the way that their developing relationship helped both of them deal with some of the traumas of their pasts.
There are two secondary stories also. Zane's brother Caleb has been tasked with capturing Vivienne, a computer guru who is suspected of selling a program to DMH. It doesn't take long for him to figure out that she's innocent of those charges. Now he has to protect her while she figures out a way to safeguard the program and make it useless to the terrorists. I liked Caleb a lot. He has a protective streak a mile wide, as shown in his interactions with his two brothers. That protectiveness adds another layer with Vivi because he is so attracted to her that he just can't fight it. He had some tough choices to make while trying to find out if she was one of the good guys or not. Vivi is one of those supersmart people who has never had good luck with relationships. She's not quite sure whether she can trust Caleb or not but her instincts say yes. She has to decide if she can also trust him with her heart.
There is a third storyline involving a medical mission in Africa. This is one of the places that Zane and Olivia end up during their escape. Rowan is a former military medic who goes there to help and as a way to find some inner peace after years of war. She lost her husband on 9/11 and has felt empty ever since. There she meets Tristan, a man who works closely with the clinic, training people who provide security there and at other clinics. I liked Rowan's strength as she deals with the dangers surrounding the clinic and directly affecting one of her patients. She's also stunned by the immediate attraction she feels for Tristan. Tristan is experiencing the same attraction, stronger than he's felt for anyone else. He's hoping that she can stick it out and give them a chance at a future together.
The suspense part of the story, with DMH's pursuit of both Olivia and Vivi was very good. The action is good as they have to evade capture. We also get periods of having the story told by DMH's point of view and see that everything is not going smoothly there. Internal conflict is shown and it's interesting to see how this conflict affects the pursuit of our two ladies. The conclusion is pretty good, with some things still left unresolved to lead into the next book.
September 22, 2014
I am on the fence if I liked this one more than the first one. Thing is that are three story lines going on here. I would have been happier with two. In fact more Olivia and Zane , a little of Caleb and Vivi and call it good. But Rowen and Tristan were good and all, in fact their stories were heartfelt and blended well with the others. But it took away from the main characters (their page time). Overall as usual I enjoyed ST books. I look forward to the next one.
Hope the story in the next one flows as well as the first two. I have no doubts though. Love all the action ST packs in her books.:)
Hope the story in the next one flows as well as the first two. I have no doubts though. Love all the action ST packs in her books.:)
August 9, 2016
3,5 stars
March 24, 2013
I started off this book almost a year after reading it's predecessor, Lie With Me. I loved reading about Cameron and Skylar. So why then didn't I pick up this book sooner? I put aside my "just for fun" reads to read books I was requested to review, and one thing lead to another and here we are, almost a year later, and I FINALLY finished Zane's book!
I honestly don't know what it was, but Zane Scott caught my heart from the moment he made an appearance in Cam's book. His demeanor lured me in and wrung me tight. I have a special place in my heart for the wounded. The savagely beautiful and feral male leads, they make me want to heal them. Every. Single. Time.
In Lie with Me, Olivia Strohm gets kidnapped by DMH--Dead Man's Hand--a terrorist group who harvests organs as well as does other malicious deeds. Zane was part of the mission that was meant to save her from DMH, and it's haunted Zane ever since. Six months later however, and Olivia has escaped from captors in Africa! So, Zane is making it his personal problem to make sure she comes back to the United States where she belongs. But the last thing the doctor needs is the hot headed NAVY SEAL to save her, her past burdens carry a dark secret she is unwilling to share with anyone, including Zane. Can he convince her to come back to the States, stopping DMH's reign of terror and saving each other's souls?
Where to begin? I believe I already mention my love for Zane. He carries a secret from his past with him as well, and he's the type who finds it hard to let anyone in. It took him years to warm up to his family. But it's because so many don't understand the pain that has been inflicted on him since he was a young boy. See, Zane was adopted by the Scott family, taken to the United States and had to learn to trust the family who came to his rescue when he had no one. I loved how resilient he was, and how patient with Olivia. He knew she'd been through something horrible both during her younger years, and recently at the hands of DMH. So bringing her back to the US wasn't going to be easy, he knew that, yet he persisted, and waited for her to come to her senses.
Olivia as horrifying as her situation was, and no matter how hopeless it might have seemed for her, kept running. She refused to be captured again by DMH, and so, she did what she had to in order to survive in a foreign country. I am in awe of this woman, both for her strength in surviving as a young girl, and the courage it must have taken for her to bomb a clinic of one of the most notorious and ruthless terrorist groups in the world. It wasn't easy for her, but eventually she knew she had to learn to trust someone, and when Zane came along, she found in him the hand she needed to come back to herself.
I loved the chemistry between these two, and the suspense from trying to see what would happen next had me squealing and reacting like I haven't in so long. Then we get to read about Cael, Zane's older brother, and his mission to capture Vivi, conspiracy theorist's daughter, before DMH could get to her. Dylan, their oldest brother also makes a come back in this book, and I loved all their interactions. It has been months since a book made me react to each character this way, and I'm so glad Promises in the Dark did. It's giving me reason to read again, my reading slump is still there, but thanks to Stephanie's Shadow Force, I'm ready to tackle this hobby once more :D
There is an issue I had with this book however, and I mentioned it in my review for Lie with Me as well. The consistent POV change. I seriously don't mind POV changes in books cause it keeps stories interesting, but when you're DYING to figure out what's going to happen between two characters and you all of a sudden get thrust into the second and third pair's troubles, it's disconcerting. I loved the book though, it's definitely an edge of your seat romantic suspense thriller. For all my Black Ops/Military Men lovers, I would definitely recommend this book!
I honestly don't know what it was, but Zane Scott caught my heart from the moment he made an appearance in Cam's book. His demeanor lured me in and wrung me tight. I have a special place in my heart for the wounded. The savagely beautiful and feral male leads, they make me want to heal them. Every. Single. Time.
In Lie with Me, Olivia Strohm gets kidnapped by DMH--Dead Man's Hand--a terrorist group who harvests organs as well as does other malicious deeds. Zane was part of the mission that was meant to save her from DMH, and it's haunted Zane ever since. Six months later however, and Olivia has escaped from captors in Africa! So, Zane is making it his personal problem to make sure she comes back to the United States where she belongs. But the last thing the doctor needs is the hot headed NAVY SEAL to save her, her past burdens carry a dark secret she is unwilling to share with anyone, including Zane. Can he convince her to come back to the States, stopping DMH's reign of terror and saving each other's souls?
Where to begin? I believe I already mention my love for Zane. He carries a secret from his past with him as well, and he's the type who finds it hard to let anyone in. It took him years to warm up to his family. But it's because so many don't understand the pain that has been inflicted on him since he was a young boy. See, Zane was adopted by the Scott family, taken to the United States and had to learn to trust the family who came to his rescue when he had no one. I loved how resilient he was, and how patient with Olivia. He knew she'd been through something horrible both during her younger years, and recently at the hands of DMH. So bringing her back to the US wasn't going to be easy, he knew that, yet he persisted, and waited for her to come to her senses.
Olivia as horrifying as her situation was, and no matter how hopeless it might have seemed for her, kept running. She refused to be captured again by DMH, and so, she did what she had to in order to survive in a foreign country. I am in awe of this woman, both for her strength in surviving as a young girl, and the courage it must have taken for her to bomb a clinic of one of the most notorious and ruthless terrorist groups in the world. It wasn't easy for her, but eventually she knew she had to learn to trust someone, and when Zane came along, she found in him the hand she needed to come back to herself.
I loved the chemistry between these two, and the suspense from trying to see what would happen next had me squealing and reacting like I haven't in so long. Then we get to read about Cael, Zane's older brother, and his mission to capture Vivi, conspiracy theorist's daughter, before DMH could get to her. Dylan, their oldest brother also makes a come back in this book, and I loved all their interactions. It has been months since a book made me react to each character this way, and I'm so glad Promises in the Dark did. It's giving me reason to read again, my reading slump is still there, but thanks to Stephanie's Shadow Force, I'm ready to tackle this hobby once more :D
There is an issue I had with this book however, and I mentioned it in my review for Lie with Me as well. The consistent POV change. I seriously don't mind POV changes in books cause it keeps stories interesting, but when you're DYING to figure out what's going to happen between two characters and you all of a sudden get thrust into the second and third pair's troubles, it's disconcerting. I loved the book though, it's definitely an edge of your seat romantic suspense thriller. For all my Black Ops/Military Men lovers, I would definitely recommend this book!
March 17, 2011
I had been somewhat anticipating reading Promises in the Dark, the story is based around Zane and Olivia (who had been kidnapped in the previous book). Zane has been searching for Olivia for the past 6 months that she's been gone and has now found her. Only to find out that she doesn't want to be rescued. She is avoiding DMH (her kidnappers) while on the run and feels that if she was to go home, it would put everyone around her in danger. While Zane is away, Cael also manages to find love in the form of a computer specialist, who also happens to be suspected of cavorting with DMH on the side. A third side to the story is that of Tristan and Rowan, both of whom are originally with the army and end up in Africa at a merc training / missionary relief camp.
I thought that this book had a lot of potential, and I still enjoyed reading it. However, there were some flaws that just ruined parts of the book for me.
1. There was too much sex in the book. Completely unnecessary, it was as though the author was trying to lengthen the book with as many love scenes as possible. None of the sex scenes, fortunately, were too graphic or erotic.
2. I was actually really enjoying Cael and Vivi's story...up until they had sex. OMG...one second he has her handcuffed to a chair and is interrogating her (she is crying and upset during this whole episode). And then once he FINALLY believes her innocence, they don't even have a conversation about the whole 'distrust and captivity' before he unwraps her towel?!?!? I found it incredibly difficult to relate to Vivi in this scene, in the book, it made it feel more like rape because of the situation that they were in. And yet Vivi doesn't feel the need to make Cael work for her forgiveness or her trust. It even seemed completely outside of Vivi's character to completely forgive Cael on the spot. I found it nearly impossible to be rooting for this couple because of this. The first half of the book they did great, but then my support of their love got trashed by both of their attitudes during the whole kidnapping scenario. Cael's story could've been told MUCH better than it was.
3. Vivi's character seemed to clash with itself. At some points she's brave and shows some real strength. And then other times she has no backbone whatsoever and practically begs at times when she should be standing up for herself.
Aside from these issues, I still enjoyed the book. One the positive side, I really enjoyed Tristan and Rowan's story (aside from the random alpha male scene that first occurs in the tent). The author also did a great job with Zane and Olivia's story, you really bond with those characters. Stephanie Tyler does a great job with world-building and bringing the reader into the situation. I will still read the next book in the series and can only hope that the next book finalizes the story of Vivi and Cael and that both of them will grow some balls and stand up to each other!
I thought that this book had a lot of potential, and I still enjoyed reading it. However, there were some flaws that just ruined parts of the book for me.
1. There was too much sex in the book. Completely unnecessary, it was as though the author was trying to lengthen the book with as many love scenes as possible. None of the sex scenes, fortunately, were too graphic or erotic.
2. I was actually really enjoying Cael and Vivi's story...up until they had sex. OMG...one second he has her handcuffed to a chair and is interrogating her (she is crying and upset during this whole episode). And then once he FINALLY believes her innocence, they don't even have a conversation about the whole 'distrust and captivity' before he unwraps her towel?!?!? I found it incredibly difficult to relate to Vivi in this scene, in the book, it made it feel more like rape because of the situation that they were in. And yet Vivi doesn't feel the need to make Cael work for her forgiveness or her trust. It even seemed completely outside of Vivi's character to completely forgive Cael on the spot. I found it nearly impossible to be rooting for this couple because of this. The first half of the book they did great, but then my support of their love got trashed by both of their attitudes during the whole kidnapping scenario. Cael's story could've been told MUCH better than it was.
3. Vivi's character seemed to clash with itself. At some points she's brave and shows some real strength. And then other times she has no backbone whatsoever and practically begs at times when she should be standing up for herself.
Aside from these issues, I still enjoyed the book. One the positive side, I really enjoyed Tristan and Rowan's story (aside from the random alpha male scene that first occurs in the tent). The author also did a great job with Zane and Olivia's story, you really bond with those characters. Stephanie Tyler does a great job with world-building and bringing the reader into the situation. I will still read the next book in the series and can only hope that the next book finalizes the story of Vivi and Cael and that both of them will grow some balls and stand up to each other!
January 27, 2011
I've read a lot of reviews on this book that said the first book Lie With Me was better than this one. I actually enjoyed this one a bit more, I think. Though there were still a lot of flashbacks, they seemed more necessary to this story.
There were three different couples in this story, and I've figured out Stephanie Tyler's secret. Instead of writing a full length novel about one couple, her formula is to write two to three novellas that take place at the same time and then break them up, soo I feel like I have to review them separately.
Olivia and Zane were "the main couple", although I think all three of them got a similar amount of time here. They were both tortured souls who had been through some similar situations. I liked their journey very much. They had to deal with some pretty emotional stuff and they learned to trust each other pretty quickly. The resolution to their conflict was suspenseful and it brought them full circle and hoping to find a new normal together.
Tristan and Rowan strangely was the couple I liked the most in the book, although it was so odd the way they came together. Again, as it seems this author's formula, they have been through some similar situations and have great understanding of each other's issues. I like where we left them and hope we might see them again...Doc J's camp would be a good place to visit in future books.
Vivi and Caleb's relationship was just alright, and with no resolution I can only assume we will continue with them in the next book. I would like to see more where the brothers are together and see some camaraderie between them (and not just in flashbacks!!).
Overall issues with the book and this author in general: These couples meet each other, have instant attraction, spill their guts about everything bad that's ever happened to them, and then jump in the sack together.....suddenly they're in love. They're in love now and even though they're being stalked and followed by a terrorist group, they have time to stop and get it on as often as possible and they even make time to have flashbacks and spill more of their dirty secrets. I really have to suspend reality in order to enjoy these books, but that's okay.....I don't read them for reality. Sometimes it makes me pause and scratch my head, though. I typically like books with more than one couple, but the way the author breaks these up feels a little disjointed at times. She pauses in the most awkward places at several points in the book, then moves to another couple.
I will continue with the series because I do enjoy these dangerous men so very much! I'm not put off by the things I mentioned, just slightly irritated by them.
There were three different couples in this story, and I've figured out Stephanie Tyler's secret. Instead of writing a full length novel about one couple, her formula is to write two to three novellas that take place at the same time and then break them up, soo I feel like I have to review them separately.
Olivia and Zane were "the main couple", although I think all three of them got a similar amount of time here. They were both tortured souls who had been through some similar situations. I liked their journey very much. They had to deal with some pretty emotional stuff and they learned to trust each other pretty quickly. The resolution to their conflict was suspenseful and it brought them full circle and hoping to find a new normal together.
Tristan and Rowan strangely was the couple I liked the most in the book, although it was so odd the way they came together. Again, as it seems this author's formula, they have been through some similar situations and have great understanding of each other's issues. I like where we left them and hope we might see them again...Doc J's camp would be a good place to visit in future books.
Vivi and Caleb's relationship was just alright, and with no resolution I can only assume we will continue with them in the next book. I would like to see more where the brothers are together and see some camaraderie between them (and not just in flashbacks!!).
Overall issues with the book and this author in general: These couples meet each other, have instant attraction, spill their guts about everything bad that's ever happened to them, and then jump in the sack together.....suddenly they're in love. They're in love now and even though they're being stalked and followed by a terrorist group, they have time to stop and get it on as often as possible and they even make time to have flashbacks and spill more of their dirty secrets. I really have to suspend reality in order to enjoy these books, but that's okay.....I don't read them for reality. Sometimes it makes me pause and scratch my head, though. I typically like books with more than one couple, but the way the author breaks these up feels a little disjointed at times. She pauses in the most awkward places at several points in the book, then moves to another couple.
I will continue with the series because I do enjoy these dangerous men so very much! I'm not put off by the things I mentioned, just slightly irritated by them.
November 22, 2010
Promises in the Dark picks up about 6 months after the end of Lie With Me, with Dr. Olivia Strohm having escaped her evil captors. She’s on the run and hiding in Africa, hoping that she’ll never be found - by anyone. Meanwhile, Zane has spent all of his free time trying to track down and rescue Olivia. He is drawn to her and cannot get her out of his mind - even though he’s never met her. Once Zane finds Olivia, sparks fly and it’s up to Zane to convince Olivia she’s better off leaving Africa. Together they make their way to a small missionary medical treatment clinic on their way to safety. There they meet Doc J (it’s his place), Tristan, and Rowan.
Meanwhile, back in the states, Zane’s brother, Cael is on a mission for the Army to determine if computer genius Vivienne Clare knows that her new nuclear plant security program was stolen by the terrorist group DMH, or even worse - if she sold it to them. But when Vivi’s life is on the line, Cael ensures her safety which intertwines their lives in ways he wasn’t prepared to deal with. He has to decide if he can trust Vivi with the lives of his brother, Olivia and countless other innocent people, and if he should act on his growing attraction for Vivi.
What a good story this is! In fact it’s really 3 different stories that all circle and collide with one another. 1) Zane and Olivia’s love story and escape. Can two damaged individuals get past their suffering and learn to trust and love? 2) Rowan and Tristan. Two people with different backgrounds but both dealing with a lot of pain. She had a wonderful love, but lost it tragically. He was betrayed by someone he thought loved him. 3) Cael and Vivi. They are from two different worlds, and she is a character of interest in his investigation. Can he determine the truth in time to save lives and his heart? In the end, each of these romances and story lines integrates into one fantastic tale!
Beyond the love stories, there are some major things happening with the terrorist group, DMH, which should make for an interesting start to the next book. In addition, we haven’t read Cael and Vivi’s full story, and based on the epilogue of Promises in the Dark, the next book will be a good one.
Not only is this book full of wonderful romance and HOT smex, but the action is suspenseful and riveting. Ms. Tyler has created an engrossing world of black ops and special missions, where the good guys are big and sexy and the bad guys are evil. I love it!
My Rating: 4 stars. Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
For my full review, please visit my blog at http://twimom227.blogspot.com
Meanwhile, back in the states, Zane’s brother, Cael is on a mission for the Army to determine if computer genius Vivienne Clare knows that her new nuclear plant security program was stolen by the terrorist group DMH, or even worse - if she sold it to them. But when Vivi’s life is on the line, Cael ensures her safety which intertwines their lives in ways he wasn’t prepared to deal with. He has to decide if he can trust Vivi with the lives of his brother, Olivia and countless other innocent people, and if he should act on his growing attraction for Vivi.
What a good story this is! In fact it’s really 3 different stories that all circle and collide with one another. 1) Zane and Olivia’s love story and escape. Can two damaged individuals get past their suffering and learn to trust and love? 2) Rowan and Tristan. Two people with different backgrounds but both dealing with a lot of pain. She had a wonderful love, but lost it tragically. He was betrayed by someone he thought loved him. 3) Cael and Vivi. They are from two different worlds, and she is a character of interest in his investigation. Can he determine the truth in time to save lives and his heart? In the end, each of these romances and story lines integrates into one fantastic tale!
Beyond the love stories, there are some major things happening with the terrorist group, DMH, which should make for an interesting start to the next book. In addition, we haven’t read Cael and Vivi’s full story, and based on the epilogue of Promises in the Dark, the next book will be a good one.
Not only is this book full of wonderful romance and HOT smex, but the action is suspenseful and riveting. Ms. Tyler has created an engrossing world of black ops and special missions, where the good guys are big and sexy and the bad guys are evil. I love it!
My Rating: 4 stars. Really enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
For my full review, please visit my blog at http://twimom227.blogspot.com
May 17, 2016
okay, it was more 3.5 than 4 but well ;)
Both the hero and the heroine were good people (infact this book is overflowing of good people like missionaries, doctor without borders, ex-combat protecting people and so on), they were good people even if they had to face horrible situations in their past.
But, in this second book, I still miss the passion. Both the 1st and the 2nd book are a bit lacking on the loving, in my opinion.
But the author writes very good and I'm already onto the next one (besides I need to know what will happen between two people ;) )
Both the hero and the heroine were good people (infact this book is overflowing of good people like missionaries, doctor without borders, ex-combat protecting people and so on), they were good people even if they had to face horrible situations in their past.
But, in this second book, I still miss the passion. Both the 1st and the 2nd book are a bit lacking on the loving, in my opinion.
But the author writes very good and I'm already onto the next one (besides I need to know what will happen between two people ;) )
May 19, 2012
author went overboard on the parallel relationship hookups in this book. Three relationships in total, which made it hard to follow at times with the multiple pov's.
I usually soak up the multiple pov with relish, but with all three meeting and getting together in the same book made it impossible to keep straight at times.
still giving it 4 stars since I liked the characters so much.
I usually soak up the multiple pov with relish, but with all three meeting and getting together in the same book made it impossible to keep straight at times.
still giving it 4 stars since I liked the characters so much.
September 17, 2016
I ended up baling on this title. She starts out with two characters, then all of a sudden there are two more in a parallel story-line that I know will connect eventually. Then two more characters with a third story-line are added. I lost interest in trying to keep track of which character was doing what and where and with whom.
March 24, 2011
This was definitely better than the first book in the series, I felt more of a connection with the characters and I enjoyed the plot more. I also thought the side relationships were really great and entertaining. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
February 12, 2013
This book was romance novel ADD. Too many couples and not enough depth. I have read some of Tyler's other books and liked them, but this one was too much. I have a suggestion: PICK ONE COUPLE AND STICK WITH THEM. When you spent a short book between plots with three couples, none get developed.
Read
May 22, 2013Way too much going on. There were three separate romances going on which did not add to the plot in any way I could see. It was very distracting and I think the book would have been much better without two of them.
April 4, 2014
Always the same problem with the author's style. This time there are up to 9 points of view, quite a bit of head jumping to follow.
On the bright side, the plots were good and the characters realistic. But I'm not going on with this author.
On the bright side, the plots were good and the characters realistic. But I'm not going on with this author.
July 22, 2013
Not one, not two, but three love stories.
The first one was great and wrapped up. The second we are left hanging. The third was a just ok and a throw away and could have been fine without it.
The first one was great and wrapped up. The second we are left hanging. The third was a just ok and a throw away and could have been fine without it.
May 10, 2011
4,5 stars
First line: Ohmohs... Ohmohs?
How much?
The incessant calls echoed in his ear, a mix of Krio and English he wouldn't soon forget as he ran through the crowded marketplace along the narrow streets by the harbor.
Memorable Scene:
- Zane and Liv's love scene in the rainstorm and the shack > intense and hot
Review:
PROMISES IN THE DARK picks up about several months after we left Zane at the end of LIE WITH ME. Zane was a character that very much intrigued me in that book. Beneath Zane’s aloof, don't-care attitude is a man wanting to belong, to make a difference, but he has a wild, impulsive streak that gets him into situations that other people try to avoid.
Dr. Olivia 'Liv' Strohm is a strong and determined woman. She’s resourceful, has a logical way of thinking and is decisive. I really admired Olivia's character. Already did in LIE WITH ME, and even more so now after reading her own book.
I truly love Stephanie Tyler's male characters and Zane, and his brother Caleb for that matter too, was no exception but even more than the men, I adore her female characters. They all have amazing inner strength and are resilient yet they're never hard or harsh because of the vulnerability she layers them with. Yet they're not picture-perfect, they make mistakes and have flaws and this makes them realistic and likeable. They aren't fearless but don't let their fears dominate their actions or paralyze them.
Once again Ms. Tyler blew me away with the multiple story lines, in the suspense as well as in the romance. There were times I would wonder where it was going but then I'd remember I was reading a Stephanie Tyler book and I'd know it would all click together in due course. The end of PROMISES IN THE DARK definitely packed a punch, after lulling me with what seemed to be coursing toward a smooth ending Ms. Tyler hit me with some exciting twists that had me reading breathlessly and rooting for the good guys.
I loved the "aha!" moments in this book. I praise and admire Ms. Tyler for keeping it fresh and unpredictable. However much I love (and crave/need) to see things coming sometimes, I actually enjoy the surprising revelations even more. I am once more in awe of Stephanie Tyler's imagination and writing skills. With every book from her hand that I read, I'm amazed at how someone can come up with these storylines that are always fresh and original.
Though Zane and Olivia are the main couple of this book, there are more characters who are crucial in the suspense plot and who provide some intense secondary romances. These characters’ back-stories of these characters, that I can't really call secondary anymore, are as extensive, intricate and poignant as Olivia's and Zane's and with all this stuff in addition to the suspense plot and the love stories, you'd think it might become a bit too descriptive or crowded. However, nothing is further from the truth. Tyler delivers well-rounded characters with a complete background that she seamlessly inserts into the rest of the story and I never get the feeling of being overwhelmed. I love that!
Every time I start a Stephanie Tyler military romance I expect a poignant romance, rounded characters with extensive and gritty back-stories and nail biting suspense and she has not once disappointed me. PROMISES IN THE DARK is no exception because from the moment I started it I was immediately sucked into the story as I was dying to know how Zane and Olivia's story would unfold.
Romantic suspense lovers should not miss this author or this series as Stephanie Tyler delivers on both romance and suspense, is never predictable and keeps you reading until way past your bedtime.
Rating: 9/10 - AWESOME
First line: Ohmohs... Ohmohs?
How much?
The incessant calls echoed in his ear, a mix of Krio and English he wouldn't soon forget as he ran through the crowded marketplace along the narrow streets by the harbor.
Memorable Scene:
- Zane and Liv's love scene in the rainstorm and the shack > intense and hot
Review:
PROMISES IN THE DARK picks up about several months after we left Zane at the end of LIE WITH ME. Zane was a character that very much intrigued me in that book. Beneath Zane’s aloof, don't-care attitude is a man wanting to belong, to make a difference, but he has a wild, impulsive streak that gets him into situations that other people try to avoid.
Dr. Olivia 'Liv' Strohm is a strong and determined woman. She’s resourceful, has a logical way of thinking and is decisive. I really admired Olivia's character. Already did in LIE WITH ME, and even more so now after reading her own book.
I truly love Stephanie Tyler's male characters and Zane, and his brother Caleb for that matter too, was no exception but even more than the men, I adore her female characters. They all have amazing inner strength and are resilient yet they're never hard or harsh because of the vulnerability she layers them with. Yet they're not picture-perfect, they make mistakes and have flaws and this makes them realistic and likeable. They aren't fearless but don't let their fears dominate their actions or paralyze them.
Once again Ms. Tyler blew me away with the multiple story lines, in the suspense as well as in the romance. There were times I would wonder where it was going but then I'd remember I was reading a Stephanie Tyler book and I'd know it would all click together in due course. The end of PROMISES IN THE DARK definitely packed a punch, after lulling me with what seemed to be coursing toward a smooth ending Ms. Tyler hit me with some exciting twists that had me reading breathlessly and rooting for the good guys.
I loved the "aha!" moments in this book. I praise and admire Ms. Tyler for keeping it fresh and unpredictable. However much I love (and crave/need) to see things coming sometimes, I actually enjoy the surprising revelations even more. I am once more in awe of Stephanie Tyler's imagination and writing skills. With every book from her hand that I read, I'm amazed at how someone can come up with these storylines that are always fresh and original.
Though Zane and Olivia are the main couple of this book, there are more characters who are crucial in the suspense plot and who provide some intense secondary romances. These characters’ back-stories of these characters, that I can't really call secondary anymore, are as extensive, intricate and poignant as Olivia's and Zane's and with all this stuff in addition to the suspense plot and the love stories, you'd think it might become a bit too descriptive or crowded. However, nothing is further from the truth. Tyler delivers well-rounded characters with a complete background that she seamlessly inserts into the rest of the story and I never get the feeling of being overwhelmed. I love that!
Every time I start a Stephanie Tyler military romance I expect a poignant romance, rounded characters with extensive and gritty back-stories and nail biting suspense and she has not once disappointed me. PROMISES IN THE DARK is no exception because from the moment I started it I was immediately sucked into the story as I was dying to know how Zane and Olivia's story would unfold.
Romantic suspense lovers should not miss this author or this series as Stephanie Tyler delivers on both romance and suspense, is never predictable and keeps you reading until way past your bedtime.
Favorite Quotes:
He murmured in her ear, “Open your eyes, Liv. I want you to know my name. To know me—to watch me when you come and know that I’m the one doing it to you.” His voice sent a visceral reaction, a blast of heat, as if she’d been licked by fire, and she wanted to go back and walk through it again and again.
(Cael) He wondered if she ever truly let go. Then again, he’d been asked the same question, albeit mainly by Zane. For the record, the answer was Hell yes. Especially in bed. Because there was a time and a place, and bed was the
time and the place. Well, so was the floor. The table. The
car . . . Yeah, time to get his mind back in the game.
(Vivi) As much control as she’d fooled herself into thinking she had over numbers—or anything—she now realized she barely had a grip on anything.
And this man . . . he could swallow her whole in one bite . . . and something trilled inside of her, as if to let her know if that was to happen, she would enjoy every second of it.
(Rowan) Her lips curved in pleasure, a small, contented moan escaped and she realized that, as of yet, she hadn’t seen Tristan smile. Then again, she hadn’t smiled all that much in past years, and any laughter had been born out of relief rather than true happiness or humor. But she wanted to see him smile. No, she wanted to make him smile. Wanted to make him murmur her name again, over and over, until she knew he was lost in the pleasure haze.
“You’re so beautiful . . . so beautiful,” she told him, unable to stop herself from calling this broad, strong man such a thing, but it was the only word that fit him right now. She had no idea that’s all it would take, but after a second,
he smiled, brilliantly, the shine reaching his eyes, and she simply melted.
...and then Zane's broad shoulders filled the space. He waited, half in the tent and half out, his hair wrapped in a bandanna, shirt off, feet bare and pants hanging low on his hips. His eyes glowed, a blue like the Caribbean ocean with black- rimmed irises, the knife strapped to his left arm and the rifle slung with a loose band around his chest. He looked wild. Feral. Amazing.
Rating: 9/10 - AWESOME
April 12, 2022
This was long. I made it to only 65% and that was over 250 pages…Which would be no biggie if I was invested. There were too many couples and I couldn’t invest myself in any one of them before the author switched to the next couple/story. I tried to get into it, and I’ll say I actually really liked the sex scenes, but I just couldn’t read the whole thing just for the sex scenes. DNF at the 65% mark.
January 7, 2020
I like the story lines of Stephanie Tyler's books,But what I don't like is the way the book is set out with no breaks between change of characters & their storyline:( I think this would be more of an editing problem & not the authors fault.
July 15, 2025
This book gave me a headache.
It started out strong, then suddenly there were multiple POVs, switching in the most random places of the story, and the instant love tropes were ridiculous.
Trigger warnings: Every possible trigger you can think of.
It started out strong, then suddenly there were multiple POVs, switching in the most random places of the story, and the instant love tropes were ridiculous.
Trigger warnings: Every possible trigger you can think of.
October 23, 2016
This was actually 3 overlapping storylines, full of action and suspense from beginning to end with many questions answered from books 1 & 2 while still leaving room to lead into book 3.
October 23, 2017
Great book but a little confusing to follow sometimes. I hated the ending leaves on a cliff hanger.
January 25, 2019
DNF audio, the story could've been interesting but it was bogged down with wayyyyy to many POV's.
June 19, 2019
Wonderful book with a great setting. Loved these characters right from the start. Plenty of action and sexiness to keep the reader glued to the pages.
July 15, 2019
Another great military covert ops/romance thriller.
October 25, 2019
3.5 STARS. The book was steamy. You had multiple storylines going at one time. Not a fan of the epilogue...but will see if I learn more in the next book of the series.
August 22, 2025
Promises In The Dark
I really enjoyed Zane and Olivia... just loved them. Loved Vivienne and Caleb as well, ready for the rest of their story.. Tristan and Rowan as well.
I really enjoyed Zane and Olivia... just loved them. Loved Vivienne and Caleb as well, ready for the rest of their story.. Tristan and Rowan as well.
October 8, 2012
Promise in the Dark ของสเตฟานี ไทเลอร์
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มสองในชุด เรื่องราวถือว่าต่อเนื่องจากเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดในเล่มแรกเลยค่ะ โดยที่ตัวประกันที่ถูกคนร้ายในเล่มแรก (ซึ่งหนีไปได้ในตอนจบของเล่มแรก) จับตัวไป และเบาะแสได้นำทางเซน สก๊อตต์ไปยังแอฟริกาณ เมืองที่เขาพยายามหลีกเลี่ยงมาตลอดชีวิต
แม้แอฟริกาจะเป็นแผ่นดินเกิด แต่เซน สก๊อตต์ก็หลีกเลี่ยงที่จะกลับไปที่นั่นถ้าไม่จำเป็น แต่เมื่อเบาะแสของโอลิเวียนำทางเขาไปที่นั่น เซนก็ไม่ลังเลเลยที่จะออกไปตามหาเธอให้เจอ
นั่นเพราะเสียงกรี๊ดร้องขอความช่วยเหลือของโอลิเวียยังดังก้องในหูของเขา เมื่อเซน ซึ่งเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของกองกำลังที่บุกเข้าไปในรังของคนร้ายไม่อาจช่วยเหลือเธอออกมาได้สำเร็จ ทำให้หญิงสาวถูกจับ และหายตัวไปนานถึงหกเดือน เบาะแสของเธอเงียบหาย จนกระทั่งข่าวลือว่า มีแพทย์หญิงชาวอเมริกันกำลังถูกตามล่าอยู่ในเซียรา ลีโอน เซนมั่นใจว่า เขาจะได้พบกับเธอในที่สุด
แต่โอลิเวียไม่ใช่ผู้หญิงคนเดิม เธอไม่อาจจะกลับเป็นคนเดิมได้อีก หลังจากถูกจับตัวไปจากโรงพยาบาลในนิวยอร์ค เธอถูกบังคับให้ทำการผ่าตัดเปลี่ยนอวัยวะในคลีนิคเถื่อนที่ผู้บริจาคอวัยวะไม่ได้ทำด้วยความเต็มใจ เธอวางแผนอย่างแยบยลจนทำการหนีได้สำเร็จ นั่นไม่ใช่สิ่งเดียวที่โอลิเวียทำ เพราะนอกจากจะระเบิดทำลายคลีนิคเถื่อน ทำให้บุคลากรในนั้นตายเกลี้ยง ในสมองของเธอก็ยังมีรายชื่อของแพทย์ และโรงพยาบาลที่ร่วมมือในแผนการชั่วร้ายขายอวัยวะนี้อีกด้วย นั่นทำให้เธอถูกตามล่า พร้อมราคาค่าหัวแพงลิบลิ่ว
และโอลิเวียยังไม่พร้อมที่จะกลับบ้าน เธอรู้สึกว่า สิ่งที่ตัวเองถูกบังคับให้ทำ และจำเป็นต้องทำเพื่อเอาชีวิตรอดได้ปนเปื้อนความดีงามทุกอย่างในชีวิตหมดสิ้นแล้ว เธอต้องการจะตายในแอฟริกา และยึดเหนี่ยวสิ่งเดียวที่คุ้นเคยเอาไว้ แม้มันจะไม่ใช่สิ่งที่ดีต่อตัวเองก็ตาม ดังนั้นเมื่อได้พบกับเซน ซึ่งมาเพื่อช่วยเหลือเธอกลับไป โอลิเวียไม่พร้อมที่จะกลับ
ซึ่งเซนก็เข้าใจเป็นอย่างดี เขาก็มีอดีตไม่แตกต่างจากเธอ เด็กชายที่ถูกจับ และขายเป็นสินค้าในแอฟริกา เซนหลบหนีมาได้ แต่เขาใช้ชีวิตรอดอยู่ข้างถนน (ก่อนที่จะถูกครอบครัวสก๊อตต์รับไปอุปการะ) เขาเข้าใจว่า โอลิเวียรู้สึกอย่างไร แต่เวลาเท่านั้นที่จะช่วยรักษาได้ นั่นทำให้เขาไม่เร่งรีบที่จะพาตัวเธอกลับไป แม้จะแวดล้อมด้วยอันตราย แต่เซนก็พร้อมจะเสี่ยง
เรื่องนี้เป็นกึ่ง ๆ แรมโบ้โรแมนซ์ค่ะ เรื่องราวที่พระเอกนางเอกต้องหนีคนร้ายไปด้วยกันตามเส้นทางทุรกันดาน ซึ่งไม่ใช่แนวที่เราชอบเท่าไหรนัก นอกจากนี้เล่มนี้ก็ยังมีความต่อเนื่องจากเล่มแรกค่อนข้างมาก จนเรารู้สึกว่า ถ้าไม่ได้อ่านเล่มแรกมาก่อน อาจจะไม่ได้ความเข้าใจเนื้อเรื่องเล่มนี้ครบถ้วน
และตามแนวของชุดนี้เลยค่ะ ที่มีเรื่องราวความรักของคู่รอง และในเล่มนี้มีถึงสองคู่ด้วยกัน ทำให้เรื่องราวถูกแบ่งเล่าไปมาระหว่างคู่หลัก และคู่รองอีกสองคู่ และถ้านั่นปวดหัวไม่พอ พล็อตเรื่องก็ยังแบ่งแยกกันอีก กล่าวคือ ประเด็นที่พระนางคู่หลักกำลังเผชิญอยู่นั้น ไม่ได้เกี่ยวกับพล็อตที่คู่รองเจอด้วยเลย เพียงแต่คนก่อเรื่องเป็นคนร้ายกลุ่มเดียวกัน แต่เนื้อเรื่องไม่อาจโยงเข้าด้วยกันได้
ในส่วนของคาแร็คเตอร์ ต้องบอกว่า เปิดเรื่องได้น่าสนใจ โดยเฉพาะภูมิหลังของเซน แต่ก็ไม่ได้มีอะไรเพิ่มเติมมากกว่านั้น เราไม่รู้สึกเข้าถึงตัวตนของเขา ทุกอย่างดูเป็นการบอกเล่า มากกว่าแสดงให้เห็น ทำให้เราไม่ค่อยเชื่อเท่าไหรนัก ส่วนโอลิเวียมีความลึกกว่าเล็กน้อย เราชอบตัวตนของเธอภายหลังจากที่หนีอออกมาจากกลุ่มผู้ก่อการร้ายได้แล้ว แต่ก็แค่นั้น เพราะหลังจากได้เจอกับเซน เธอหมดสีสันลงไป
ไม่แน่ใจว่า เพราะเราพอใจไปกับเล่มแรก แต่เมื่อเล่มสองไม่ได้มีพัฒนาการเด่นชัดมากขึ้นมา (จากเล่มแรก) เล่มนี้เลยอยู่ในภาวะที่ไม่น่าสนใจเท่า หรือเป็นเพราะเนื้อเรื่องที่แตกแยกออกจากกันระหว่างคู่หลัก และคู่รอง ไม่ว่าจะด้วยเหตุผลอะไร เรารู้สึกผิดหวังไม่น้อยค่ะ
คะแนนที่ 63
เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มสองในชุด เรื่องราวถือว่าต่อเนื่องจากเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดในเล่มแรกเลยค่ะ โดยที่ตัวประกันที่ถูกคนร้ายในเล่มแรก (ซึ่งหนีไปได้ในตอนจบของเล่มแรก) จับตัวไป และเบาะแสได้นำทางเซน สก๊อตต์ไปยังแอฟริกาณ เมืองที่เขาพยายามหลีกเลี่ยงมาตลอดชีวิต
แม้แอฟริกาจะเป็นแผ่นดินเกิด แต่เซน สก๊อตต์ก็หลีกเลี่ยงที่จะกลับไปที่นั่นถ้าไม่จำเป็น แต่เมื่อเบาะแสของโอลิเวียนำทางเขาไปที่นั่น เซนก็ไม่ลังเลเลยที่จะออกไปตามหาเธอให้เจอ
นั่นเพราะเสียงกรี๊ดร้องขอความช่วยเหลือของโอลิเวียยังดังก้องในหูของเขา เมื่อเซน ซึ่งเป็นส่วนหนึ่งของกองกำลังที่บุกเข้าไปในรังของคนร้ายไม่อาจช่วยเหลือเธอออกมาได้สำเร็จ ทำให้หญิงสาวถูกจับ และหายตัวไปนานถึงหกเดือน เบาะแสของเธอเงียบหาย จนกระทั่งข่าวลือว่า มีแพทย์หญิงชาวอเมริกันกำลังถูกตามล่าอยู่ในเซียรา ลีโอน เซนมั่นใจว่า เขาจะได้พบกับเธอในที่สุด
แต่โอลิเวียไม่ใช่ผู้หญิงคนเดิม เธอไม่อาจจะกลับเป็นคนเดิมได้อีก หลังจากถูกจับตัวไปจากโรงพยาบาลในนิวยอร์ค เธอถูกบังคับให้ทำการผ่าตัดเปลี่ยนอวัยวะในคลีนิคเถื่อนที่ผู้บริจาคอวัยวะไม่ได้ทำด้วยความเต็มใจ เธอวางแผนอย่างแยบยลจนทำการหนีได้สำเร็จ นั่นไม่ใช่สิ่งเดียวที่โอลิเวียทำ เพราะนอกจากจะระเบิดทำลายคลีนิคเถื่อน ทำให้บุคลากรในนั้นตายเกลี้ยง ในสมองของเธอก็ยังมีรายชื่อของแพทย์ และโรงพยาบาลที่ร่วมมือในแผนการชั่วร้ายขายอวัยวะนี้อีกด้วย นั่นทำให้เธอถูกตามล่า พร้อมราคาค่าหัวแพงลิบลิ่ว
และโอลิเวียยังไม่พร้อมที่จะกลับบ้าน เธอรู้สึกว่า สิ่งที่ตัวเองถูกบังคับให้ทำ และจำเป็นต้องทำเพื่อเอาชีวิตรอดได้ปนเปื้อนความดีงามทุกอย่างในชีวิตหมดสิ้นแล้ว เธอต้องการจะตายในแอฟริกา และยึดเหนี่ยวสิ่งเดียวที่คุ้นเคยเอาไว้ แม้มันจะไม่ใช่สิ่งที่ดีต่อตัวเองก็ตาม ดังนั้นเมื่อได้พบกับเซน ซึ่งมาเพื่อช่วยเหลือเธอกลับไป โอลิเวียไม่พร้อมที่จะกลับ
ซึ่งเซนก็เข้าใจเป็นอย่างดี เขาก็มีอดีตไม่แตกต่างจากเธอ เด็กชายที่ถูกจับ และขายเป็นสินค้าในแอฟริกา เซนหลบหนีมาได้ แต่เขาใช้ชีวิตรอดอยู่ข้างถนน (ก่อนที่จะถูกครอบครัวสก๊อตต์รับไปอุปการะ) เขาเข้าใจว่า โอลิเวียรู้สึกอย่างไร แต่เวลาเท่านั้นที่จะช่วยรักษาได้ นั่นทำให้เขาไม่เร่งรีบที่จะพาตัวเธอกลับไป แม้จะแวดล้อมด้วยอันตราย แต่เซนก็พร้อมจะเสี่ยง
เรื่องนี้เป็นกึ่ง ๆ แรมโบ้โรแมนซ์ค่ะ เรื่องราวที่พระเอกนางเอกต้องหนีคนร้ายไปด้วยกันตามเส้นทางทุรกันดาน ซึ่งไม่ใช่แนวที่เราชอบเท่าไหรนัก นอกจากนี้เล่มนี้ก็ยังมีความต่อเนื่องจากเล่มแรกค่อนข้างมาก จนเรารู้สึกว่า ถ้าไม่ได้อ่านเล่มแรกมาก่อน อาจจะไม่ได้ความเข้าใจเนื้อเรื่องเล่มนี้ครบถ้วน
และตามแนวของชุดนี้เลยค่ะ ที่มีเรื่องราวความรักของคู่รอง และในเล่มนี้มีถึงสองคู่ด้วยกัน ทำให้เรื่องราวถูกแบ่งเล่าไปมาระหว่างคู่หลัก และคู่รองอีกสองคู่ และถ้านั่นปวดหัวไม่พอ พล็อตเรื่องก็ยังแบ่งแยกกันอีก กล่าวคือ ประเด็นที่พระนางคู่หลักกำลังเผชิญอยู่นั้น ไม่ได้เกี่ยวกับพล็อตที่คู่รองเจอด้วยเลย เพียงแต่คนก่อเรื่องเป็นคนร้ายกลุ่มเดียวกัน แต่เนื้อเรื่องไม่อาจโยงเข้าด้วยกันได้
ในส่วนของคาแร็คเตอร์ ต้องบอกว่า เปิดเรื่องได้น่าสนใจ โดยเฉพาะภูมิหลังของเซน แต่ก็ไม่ได้มีอะไรเพิ่มเติมมากกว่านั้น เราไม่รู้สึกเข้าถึงตัวตนของเขา ทุกอย่างดูเป็นการบอกเล่า มากกว่าแสดงให้เห็น ทำให้เราไม่ค่อยเชื่อเท่าไหรนัก ส่วนโอลิเวียมีความลึกกว่าเล็กน้อย เราชอบตัวตนของเธอภายหลังจากที่หนีอออกมาจากกลุ่มผู้ก่อการร้ายได้แล้ว แต่ก็แค่นั้น เพราะหลังจากได้เจอกับเซน เธอหมดสีสันลงไป
ไม่แน่ใจว่า เพราะเราพอใจไปกับเล่มแรก แต่เมื่อเล่มสองไม่ได้มีพัฒนาการเด่นชัดมากขึ้นมา (จากเล่มแรก) เล่มนี้เลยอยู่ในภาวะที่ไม่น่าสนใจเท่า หรือเป็นเพราะเนื้อเรื่องที่แตกแยกออกจากกันระหว่างคู่หลัก และคู่รอง ไม่ว่าจะด้วยเหตุผลอะไร เรารู้สึกผิดหวังไม่น้อยค่ะ
คะแนนที่ 63
September 16, 2015
3.5 Stars
This review was posted at Under The Covers
This book really did have potential. The storyline is actually really good. If we remember from book one, Olivia was Skylar's doctor. So now she's in Africa and Zane is taking it upon himself to go get her and bring her safely to the States. Of course right off the bat I loved that they both agree that their situation is not going to be like Dylan and Riley, hehe, when in reality they are very attracted to each other. They have more than just bad guys after them to overcome since Olivia truly wants to do good there and they end up getting involved and helping with other situations there as well.
Like the first novel in this series there's a second couple. Which I liked as well. Caleb and Vivi. Caleb is yet another brother of the Dylan/Zane clan. He's in charge of protecting Vivi, computer genius, while she's working on a software glitch that could mean a breach of security if its not fixed. Although Vivi is a bit of a recluse and not the most social person, Caleb is very attracted to Ms. Smartypants. And how could she not be attracted to him? Yeah, the brothers are all very alpha and drool-worthy.
But here is where it gets complicated and why, even though I really enjoyed the book and Ms. Tyler's writing I couldn't give it more than 3.5 stars. There is a THIRD couple thrown in the mix about 2/3 way through. I found this distracting, the book is already split enough and has so much going on with two couples and each dealing with a different set of issues, to put another couple with their own issues was spreading this too thin for me. Even though I actually liked Rowan and Tristan a lot. I actually would've liked to see more of them.
Nonetheless I find this series very entertaining, full of suspense and I can't wait to get the next book!
This review was posted at Under The Covers
This book really did have potential. The storyline is actually really good. If we remember from book one, Olivia was Skylar's doctor. So now she's in Africa and Zane is taking it upon himself to go get her and bring her safely to the States. Of course right off the bat I loved that they both agree that their situation is not going to be like Dylan and Riley, hehe, when in reality they are very attracted to each other. They have more than just bad guys after them to overcome since Olivia truly wants to do good there and they end up getting involved and helping with other situations there as well.
Like the first novel in this series there's a second couple. Which I liked as well. Caleb and Vivi. Caleb is yet another brother of the Dylan/Zane clan. He's in charge of protecting Vivi, computer genius, while she's working on a software glitch that could mean a breach of security if its not fixed. Although Vivi is a bit of a recluse and not the most social person, Caleb is very attracted to Ms. Smartypants. And how could she not be attracted to him? Yeah, the brothers are all very alpha and drool-worthy.
But here is where it gets complicated and why, even though I really enjoyed the book and Ms. Tyler's writing I couldn't give it more than 3.5 stars. There is a THIRD couple thrown in the mix about 2/3 way through. I found this distracting, the book is already split enough and has so much going on with two couples and each dealing with a different set of issues, to put another couple with their own issues was spreading this too thin for me. Even though I actually liked Rowan and Tristan a lot. I actually would've liked to see more of them.
Nonetheless I find this series very entertaining, full of suspense and I can't wait to get the next book!
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