New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose returns with a new thriller in her chilling Cincinnati series. Michael Rowland is not your typical teenager. Deaf from birth, he’s always looked out for his five-year-old brother, Joshua. When his stepfather comes after Joshua, Michael takes the child and runs. He’s determined to protect his brother at all costs, even if that means making himself … means making himself vulnerable to a danger he can’t hear coming. And the danger intensifies when Michael witnesses a stranger kill his stepfather.
Desperate and afraid, the boys have nowhere else to go but to Joshua’s soccer coach, journalist and ex-Army ranger Diesel Kennedy. When Diesel sees that Michael is injured, he takes them to see Dr. Dani Novak—not only because she’s fluent in American Sign Language, but because he’s drawn to her and everything she stands for. She never refuses Diesel’s requests—because she, too, feels their connection—but she resists him for reasons she doesn’t want to confess.
When Dani and Diesel learn that Michael saw the face of his stepfather’s killer, they fear for his safety. But they quickly discover that it’s even worse than they feared: They may have a serial killer on their hands—and all signs point to Michael as the next target.
“[A] pedal-to-the-metal thriller with plenty of developed charactersand converging mysteries. . . . To call this book a page-turneris an understatement.”—USA Today on Say You’re Sorry
“Rose writes blistering, high-octane suspense that never lets up.”—New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards
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Into the Dark by Karen Rose is the 5th book in her Cincinnati romance suspense series. I was thrilled when Into the Dark was released, I was so excited to read Diesel and Dani’s story. And once again, Rose gives us a sensational book, which not only keeps us on the edge of our seats with intense and exciting action, but was also an emotional and heartwarming story. With a secondary cast that are all interconnected and making appearances from past stories in this series. For me, Into the Dark starts off with a bang, and ends with a KABOOM!
I loved this book’s storyline. This book’s storyline was heart breaking , sad , & made me cry . Some parts of this story was gruesome. I loved the suspense in this story. I loved Dani’s character. I loved Diesel’s character. I loved Michael & Joshua. I loved the ending. Awesome job Ms. Rose .
I love a good Karen rose novel! She always brings the thriller and this series is a favorite of mine.
You can dive right in with this book and be fine following, but I promise you that you will want to go back and read the other books in the series. Her romantic suspense reads are next level with a nice dose of thrill.
This book brought the tears. It was the darkest of the reads so far and definitely brought emotions like no other but I truly loved this read. You get to see familiar faces form the previous reads and meet some new ones along the way.
This book was edge of your seat a lot more than I saw coming, but it really kept me completely distracted from reality and had just enough romance to sweeten the deal. Another knock out of the park.
I have read many of Karen Rose’s books and I have hated when I came to the end of each one because you feel like you are part of the family. Her books are absolutely phenomenal! I highly recommend Ms. Rose’s books to anyone looking for an exciting, thrilling, fabulous book. Enjoy!
First book for my 20 best books of 2020. Pick this one up and you won’t regret it! The storyline, the characters, the tears, the joy, all the feels in one story! Keep some kleenex nearby as you devour this story!
Yippee!! A new Karen Rose novel. I was beside myself and didn’t stop reading until I finished. I should have waited until the weekend, but I couldn’t! And since it had been awhile since I read about this group of characters, I should have gone back and reread the earlier books in this series. Neither of these kept me from fully enjoying the story. Diesel was a memorable character from the earlier books and I was happy for him to get his story. I’m actually thinking it may be time for some overall Karen Rose rereading. I recently reread a bunch of JD Robb. When you find great storytellers like Rose and Robb rereading is pure pleasure. Rose’s books are love stories surrounded by intriguing mysteries which just add to the enjoyment.
This book went above and beyond the romantic suspense stratosphere. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke, and I held my breath until the last page. Ms. Rose, this was your best book ever.
Into the Dark by Karen Rose is a Suspense Romance Thriller, Book #5 of the Cincinnati Romantic Suspense Series, that moves fast and will keep you on your toes and turning those pages. This is a part of a series that I have not personally have read before, but I enjoyed this just as amazingly as Karen Rose’s fans and dedicated readers. I understand the huge following Rose has, because from the first page, the reader will already be hooked by her writing. I love the action filled scenarios that make for a very suspenseful story line and creative plot that keeps the book moving in a very exciting way.
The characters in this story are amazing and the subject matter will grip you and immerse you into the story. I loved the main character, Dr. Dani Novak, who I understand from the author’s notes has a rare genetic disorder called Waardenburg syndrome, which affects hearing the most, besides the other pigmentation issues in the skin, hair and eyes. It opened my understanding of people and families who have to navigate language and speech using sign language and other ways of communication.
The book begins with a highly emotional scene where Michael Rowland, a deaf child, is rescuing his 5-year-old brother, Joshua from being abused by his step-father – running away as fast as he could, while also witnessing a murder – which puts Michael’s life on the line. Michael’s coach, Diesel Kennedy, brings the injured Michael to Dr. Dani Novak, who will treat Michael. She is also deaf in one ear, and is able communicate with Michael using sign language.
I am in awe of Karen Rose, as her books are so well written with amazing characters, an intense story line, a subplot with romance and of course the murder mystery thriller with the amazing twists that make for a highly entertaining read. I am a fan and will definitely be going back to read the rest of this exciting series that is emotionally charged and highly addicting read.
This well-written, fast paced, engaging romantic suspense novel is a real page turner. It has likable characters, heart warming family interaction and a wonderful romance which make the heart wrenching subject matter easier to bear. I had been looking forward to Dani and Diesel’s story with great anticipation and Ms. Rose did an amazing job with it. Ms. Rose never disappoints her readers! This novel is perfect as a stand alone, but even better when read in order.
Into the Dark by Karen Rose was exactly what I expect from her Cincinnati series and I loved it. First, I must say that her inclusion of deaf characters was amazing. As someone who is mostly deaf in one ear, I love to read about characters who have similar struggles and still maintain active, happy lives. The BAHA that Dani wears was an option offered to me by my ENT a year ago!
Now, I have to say that Into The Dark is pretty much one long trigger. There is child molestation discussed throughout the book as several characters have dealt with it and the plot of the story is focused around it. So it’s difficult to say I loved this book because the content is so heartbreaking. However, Rose writes such wonderful characters and terrifying plots that I was hooked from page one. Dani and Diesel have such awful backstories. These two have had more trauma than any person should have to bear. Diesel’s devotion to Dani for over a year before she gives him a chance was so endearing. You can’t help but adore Diesel! Add in how wonderful he is with Joshua and Michael and you are a goner (and so is Dani)!
If you are able to read stories about horrible human tragedies like child abuse and human trafficking, I encourage you to read Karen Rose’s Cincinnati series! She handles the delicate topics by showing the reader the effects in the immediate aftermath and the long term. The focus is on the people who survive these abhorrent crimes and how they rebuild their lives. In that sense, you get a hopeful look into the possibilities for those who are survivors and that is what I loved about the stories. Into the Dark shows you all sides of the puzzle: the cop looking for a missing sister, the children rescued from an abusive home, and a vigilante who wants to kill the people involved in trafficking.
Into the Dark will take you on a journey that is at times painful, at times endearing, yet always hopeful despite the challenges of each person. Rose’s books will always be “must buys” for me because of her writing style and her gripping characters.
4 1/2 STARS!
Complex, endearing and oh so satisfying! With the fifth book in The Cincinnati Series, Karen Rose brings us Dani and Diesel’s story. If you’re not familiar with this series already, you might be a little overwhelmed with the number of people this cast consists of, but you’ll quickly become accustomed to the group of extended family and friends that help bring this case through ups and downs of evil.
Teenager Michael grabs a readers attention immediately as he tears through danger without thought to try to rescue his little brother from the monster he knows oh too well. As the story unfolds, he becomes a favorite character as he works hard to overcome the trauma he’s been through and learn to trust in this family that helps him take care of his little brother.
Dani won’t let her guard down around Diesel … not because she doesn’t want him but because she thinks he deserves better than she can offer him. He’s an awesome guy, so watching him start to slowly build a connection with her that he’s been dreaming of is super sweet amid a lot of ugly deeds they are uncovering.
I highly recommend this story to anyone wanting a very suspenseful thriller that has an underlying warmth of a close knit group of family and friends.
With Into the Dark Karen Rose delivers a strong addition to her Cincinnati series. I love Diesel och Dani and reading how their relationship developed in a storming mix of romance and thrilling suspense was pure joy. Of course there is the bad guy who has to be caught fast before getting the chance to do more harm. But as always, the story held up to my expectations and is a must read.
This was the first Karen Rose book that I have read. And it will not be the last!Into The Dark was an intense (in a good way!) read. I felt everything while reading this book. I laughed and I cried. The story is about murder, abuse, love and Waardenburg Syndrome. I had no clue about this Syndrome until I read about it in this book. I enjoyed getting the information about it, as it was learning something new! It had me up late at night because I could not put it down! A real page-turner for sure. I whole heartily recommend this book! 5+
I was lucky enough to have received this book from the author For an honest review.
Karen Rose is one of my top 5 authors and I really love her books!!!
The cast of characters in this book are awesome!!!! A couple of new arrivals, a lot of friends turned family, some evil, most good, but all of them will suck you right into their world.
While this can be read as a stand alone and Karen does give you some background into the characters, I recommend you read all the books because they are great.
I never give any details away because what’s the point of reading the book if I tell you everything that happens??? I will say there are characters with disabilities, murder, rape, revenge, trafficing, drug addiction, abuse, and everything in between, but that’s what makes this book so good.
#NetGalley #KarenRose #IntoTheDark #Plus5Stars #Berkley
**Trigger Warning**
**This book contains serious and disturbing situations that may make some readers uncomfortable**
Wow. Karen Rose is diabolical! It is mystifying how she can write an intense suspenseful book and tap into her vulnerability while creating the main characters, but can easily switch to developing the most dastardly villain(s). It just blows my mind!
I am SO happy that Dani and Diesel got their book. They belong together but their happily ever after is put on the back burner as they shove their feelings aside to protect two young boys from an unknown threat. Diesel is a perfect imperfect hero. His childhood was unbearable and he suffered unimaginable horrors. But Diesel fought his way into adulthood and didn’t let his past define his future. And he is head over heels in love with Dani, which will melt the heck out of your heart!
Dani is fighting her own demons. She’s loved Diesel for years but is hung up in her past somewhere and doesn’t want to hurt him. Little does she know that Diesel is more than willing to shoulder anything Dani throws at him, including her HIV status. I just want to hug them both so hard!
I love going back to the Cincinnati wing of the series because I get to see my favorite characters again! Deacon Novak (Dani’s brother), Adam Kimble (Dani and Deacon’s cousin) and so much more!
I would absolutely recommend this book! But, if you have content issues with abuse, this may not be the read for you.
***I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of the book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influences my thoughts or feelings***
INTO THE DARK by Karen Rose is the second book in the Cincinnati Novels I’ve read. It is a page-turner, romantic suspense that opens with a teenage boy, Michael Rowland, witnessing the murder of his stepfather while rescuing his younger brother, Joshua. Michael has been abused by his stepfather and his mother, who is a heroin addict.
Diesel Kennedy is Joshua’s soccer coach and a reporter for the newspaper. He has spent a lot of time reporting on child abuse and was an abused child himself. He recognizes Michael is being abused and takes him to a doctor, Dani Novak, who is partially deaf and signs. She also happens to be a emergency foster care provider and takes the boys in.
Diesel, has been attracted Dani for more than a year, but she keeps him at arms length. She afraid to love again after her fiancé committed suicide and blamed her before he died. She has feelings for Diesel and has since the moment she met him, but she’s afraid of hurting him.
Michael’s stepfather’s body is found, and the killer learns that Michael gave the police his description. Now the killer is out to tie up loose ends, and he is hunting for Michael. But between Dani and Diesel, plus local police and FBI, no one is getting to him.
Diesel and Dani are thrown together and determined to keep the children safe, but spending so much time together, they can’t deny their feelings for each other any longer. They become involved.
INTO THE DARK is a fast-paced read. The whole story is told in three days, which keeps the story moving. I couldn’t put it down and love this author, but the story line is so dark I only read her occasionally. But she delivered a happily ever after that is satisfying and the perfect ending.
This is a great addition to the Cincinnati Series. It Continues the great characters of the earlier books and weaves a cohesive, interesting story line.
When it comes to romantic suspense this author is definitely in my top five so I always know that I’m going to get a well written story with a twisting plot that keeps me holding my breath. This particular book not only has a vigilante killer who is almost like the Angel of death but also the romance that regular readers have been waiting for because it’s Dani and Diesel !
It all begins with a teenage boy struggling to save his brother from their brutal, sadistic stepfather. Michael sees a murder take place but who would believe him ? He’s deaf, he’s a bit of a loner and his mother who should protect him just doesn’t care about anyone but herself. So when Michael meets his brothers football coach Diesel he has no idea that he’s finally found the one person who not only believes him but understands everything Michael has gone through.
Diesel knows the only woman for him is Dani but the hiv positive doctor just keeps pushing him away. Things come crashing to a head though when Diesel needs Dani to help him communicate with the damaged and very scared Michael. Dani cannot conceive how anyone could hurt either of the two adorable brothers and agrees to temporarily foster them whilst the police investigate the murder but none of them have any idea just how many the killer has targeted and in his twisted mind he sees Michael as his newest target !
This series always takes me aback with the sheer horror and depravity that the author imbues it with. The idea of trafficking and paedophilia isn’t new but the twist with not just one murderer but actually two certainly took me on a journey. There is a character briefly introduced at the beginning who actually is much more involved in the conclusion to this story than I realised. I did enjoy that because I was constantly trying to work out connections and then bam just before the end it all made horrible and tragic sense.
Sadly as much as I enjoy catching up with old favourite characters I did occasionally feel there were just too many here to sort out and trying to remember what had happened previously took me out of the story at times. Plus I didn’t actually like Dani as much here as I didn’t completely buy her reasoning. She had so much angst and worry about her brothers in previous stories and yet this time softened completely with Diesel so her no no we can’t quickly became oh ok then and I was just bewildered by her. Still I did enjoy this book and hadn’t completely guessed the reveal about the missing persons so I do recommend reading this as it’s obviously setting up for different characters to get their happy ending.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
OMG Karen, you hit it so far out of the park they will never be able to find the ball! I had such a tough time putting this down so I could get a few hours of sleep LOL! I love reading Karen’s books, they are so loaded with more twists and turns than a mountain road! Please don’t ever stop writing Karen!
Karen Rose’s most personal book to date. The author’s note at the beginning shares the genetic condition that her family has that she incorporated into the characters in this book. Knowing that going in it just felt so much more personable and that along with the other condition she gave Dani Novak it was a very heartfelt read. Her characters are always the type that pull you in but this group in this book had for me a much more emotional connection.
Even then thrilling part of the book – the killer – drew an emotional response from you. His reasons for doing what he was doing felt justified until as with anything that crosses the line he started enjoying the acts of vengeance and then got to the point he would do anything to protect himself including wanting to harm the innocent who he started out protecting.
I really enjoyed this book and you could tell the author really put her heart and soul and personal experiences into the writing.