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!
Yes! To everything you said, keeping her readers in the dark (heh) is definitely one of Huss' specialties, Brandee. And she did so masterfully in Meet Me in the Dark. Great review, my dear.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're having a fantastic week! *BIG HUGS*
Yes, she loves to fuck with her readers' minds ;) I'm not sure I would like it, but it's so tempting I'll probably end up reading it, lol ! Great attractive review :)
ReplyDeleteI think this will be a bit too dark for my tastes, but it sounds like a good book! And like the suspense is well done and keeps you guessing. And I like it when a seemingly bad guy still has a soft side. Great review!
ReplyDeleteHmm. I really like stories that are "mind f#ck"s, but my luck with Huss' books have been all over the place! Although, it doesn't hurt to try her again. :)
ReplyDeleteYes it works as a standalone..I love the darker elements!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Brandee! It sure was one helluva mind f*ck! I wasn't sure where it was going, but I loved being in that world. Some of the elements had my cringing but I knew they would eventually work things out. I ended up really loving Merc and his sweet side! I want him to show me his passionate soft f*ck!! Bwahahahahaha!!
ReplyDeleteNaomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
I loved being in that world too, Naomi. Even if I was never sure what was going on. Yeah, Merc is definitely an antihero - I really did keep wondering how I could like him when he acted so despicably. But like him I did...love him actually. And his passionate soft f#uck...yeah, he could show me too. ;)
ReplyDeleteTotally works without reading any of the other books, Kimba. And the darker elements made for an even stronger mind bend. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to go look at your reviews to see which ones you've read, Angie. I've loved everything she's written but she's not for everyone...no author is. This one is more suspense so it might work...but Merc is definitely an antihero and he can be hard to like. But I ended up loving him. And Sydney seemed weak but was really so strong. Well, enough of my gushing. ;)
ReplyDeleteYes, if you don't like the darker elements, this is certainly not going to be your 'cup of tea', Lola. But it was an incredible read. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteExactly! And Braine, I'm not exaggerating when I say I had no clue what end was up in this story. Total mind fluck!
ReplyDeleteYes she does. If you do read it, I hope you love it too, Iza. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I loved comparing our reviews, Lexxie. :) I swear with each book I have a new favorite. Oh, I'll always love Ford the most (I think) but the stories just keep getting better and better. :) Have a thrilling Thursday, my friend. :) **BIG HUGS**
ReplyDeleteFord is my favorite male character from the Huss books, but Sasha is just so great, I think she's my very favorite character.
ReplyDeleteYay for the suspense, Brandee :) I guess it takes quite a story (and writer) to pull off keeping an experienced reader such as yourself in suspense. Once again, I have confirmation that I need to explore this author for myself. Merc sounds entirely fascinating! Beautiful review...
ReplyDeleteThis one was already on my TBR list (since you got me interested in Huss!) though I'd choose to put it on again for your review! It sounds like you really enjoyed it :-)
ReplyDeleteFord is definitely the guy I love the most, but Sasha is truly something else! I can't wait to read her story :) *BIG HUGS*
ReplyDelete*haha* Huss is really adept at keeping me guessing, Ramona. And I do appreciate that. I began with her Junco series and it's incredible. Even my 16 year old read it (and reviewed it here, actually) and loved it. I hope you'll give Huss a try at some point. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI think this is something you'd like, Laura, but it is a dark read. I'm really excited to hear that I got you interested in an author though. :) That's a treat! I hope you're having a great weekend!
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