Review ~ Meet Me In The Dark ~ JA Huss

Meet Me In The Dark
Release Date: April 15, 2015
Genre: Adult, Dark Romantic Suspense
Source: I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Goodreads

Synopsis
He's empty, inhuman, dishonest, and cruel. She's never wanted anyone more.

Sydney has lived in fear for eight years after freelance assassin, Merc, failed to rescue her from a cult-like militia group. Left in the hands of a sadistic man, she did whatever it took to survive. But Merc's last words gave her hope. Hope he'd be back to finish the job.

Merc knows just what to do with a fearful girl like Sydney after he was betrayed by her father that night. He wields sex, drugs, lies, and love like weapons--and Sydney is his target.

He's in control. He's always in control. But Sydney Channing is not what she appears. And Merc's only redeeming act, the very one that made Sydney's life a living hell, might just be his worst mistake yet.

WARNING: Meet Me In The Dark is non-traditional DARK CAPTIVE ROMANTIC SUSPENSE. It is not intended for sensitive readers.

I want to mention first that although some characters from Huss' Dirty, Dark, & Deadly series are mentioned here, Meet Me In The Dark can be read standalone.

As for this story - one I've been anxious for - I'm rather at a loss for words. Meet Me In The Dark is something a little different for Huss. Oh, she is a lover of suspense and all her novels include that element, but this was primarily suspense. Dark suspense. And it held me captive.

Sydney Channing was born into a world where there really are monsters - not only in the dark but most likely living next door. Her world is made of violence, deception, and she never knows who she can trust. But when she met Merric Case, aka Merc, she put her trust in him.

Merc is a killer, straight up. He doesn't make apologies or try to justify his job. He just does it - and does it well. He described himself as a psychopath. But 8 years ago, he proved himself redeemable even if the choice he made ended up causing a hugely negative impact on Sydney.

Meet Me In The Dark brings Merc and Sydney back together to "finish the job." But what the hell is that job? Sydney things it's one thing. Merc thinks it's another. Neither seem to really know - they're both in the dark about so many things. And I was right there with them. 

This story was a mind f#ck. Huss is a master at suspense and kept me guessing throughout. Literally. That she made me feel so many different emotions towards both Sydney and Merc, but particularly Merc, is incredible. He's done terrible things...continues to do despicable things. Yet the soft side he exposes on occasion had me melting. Honestly, at times I felt guilty for loving the guy. Sydney had me pitying her one moment and cheering her on the next. And I never really quite knew what was going on. Just when I'd think I knew something, Huss would throw in a twist to show me I knew nothing. It was just so, so good.

Sydney and Merc might eventually figure out who they can trust. I know I can trust Huss to always deliver a well-written, suspenseful story with characters I can hate to love and love to hate.

So it seems I found some words after all. :) If you haven't yet read Huss, get to one-clicking!