“Riveting…readers will not be able to put this book down.” – RT Book Reviews on Deadly Secret In the sultry streets of Charleston, one family, ruled by its powerful, take-no-prisoners sons, has risen to the top. But a merciless enemy is out to destroy them…and everyone they hold close… Exclusive bonus content available only in the print edition! SHE THOUGHT SHE’D LOST HIM FOREVER Tilly … edition!
SHE THOUGHT SHE’D LOST HIM FOREVER
Tilly Brock has learned–the hard way–how to take care of herself. Once a pillar of Charleston society, her family lost everything in the wake of a shocking scandal. And then Tilly lost the only boy she ever loved.
BUT NOW THAT HE’S BACK IN HER LIFE
Keaton Benedict is Charleston’s most notorious bachelor. But in spite of all his advantages–the money, the women, the family name–he longs for more: the heart of the young woman he still can’t forget.
THE DANGER HAS JUST BEGUN…
When Keaton re-enters Tilly’s life, after all these years, she is torn between feelings of doubt and desire. Can they put the past behind them and learn to love again? Tilly is willing to try. But Keaton is afraid that a vengeful enemy is watching–and waiting to destroy them. Can the rekindled flame of their love defeat the deadliest rival and light their way forward in the darkest night?
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DARKEST NIGHT
Tara Thomas.
“He had been her ultimate dream and now he was her present reality.”
Whenever Tara has a new book or genre she has written I’m on board to go on a new journey. You never know where she will take you, but you know you will enjoy the ride.
“You’ll never do great things until you believe you can do them.”
This book has so many elements that I loved. There was friendship, betrayal, mystery, jealousy, chemistry, second chances, suspense, family loyalty and romance. This book had me at the edge of my seat and made it difficult not to read in one sitting. I can’t wait to see where this Sons of Broad Series goes next.
“The voice in the back of his head kept whispering that she was in danger. As much as he’d like to ignore it, he couldn’t, because it was usually right.”
A serendipitous meeting leads to a second chance at love
A past that is seeking vengeance has come looking for justice
An engaging and thrilling read
It is a slow build that flows easily -transporting the reader into the story – continually stimulating our quest for answers with little twists and revelations that keep you guessing and on the edge – only to deposit you upon a cliff – yes we are left hanging at the end but, in my opinion, it is worth it
I enjoyed the main characters and found them easy to connect with
I am definitely looking forward to getting some information on the brothers – I am a bit on the fence about them but I think that was the author’s intention
I have a lot of questions that I need answers for – being a series it has left me with that “suspense high” that any good thriller should .. I have heard there are prequels to this book – I was able to read this as a standalone without pause though I am looking to read the previous stories
I read a complimentary copy of this story
So after reading the novellas in this series and enjoying them (for the most part), I was super curious to see how this author tackled the full-length stories. I was not disappointed. This was a pretty decent read. Oh sure the relationship was a little insta, and it had some crazy OW drama, but the mystery aspect was pretty well done. We get a tiny bit more insight into THE GENTLEMAN, and we are introduced to a new character JADE. I have a theory about Jade, and I can’t wait to see if I am right or not. I loved Tilly and Keaton. Both were excellent main characters. In fact, I loved all the brothers. There was some background stuff going on during this book with both Knox and Kipling and their heroines (Bea & Alyssa). So that has me excited for those upcoming books. There was also some good sexy times sprinkled throughout. What more can you ask for? I enjoyed it. Therefore, yours truly is giving this one a solid thumb and a half up.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is the first book in a new series. Meet the Benedict Brothers. The first brother in the series is the youngest, Keaton. He goes to a club one night and runs into a childhood friend, Tilly, who is working there while finishing college. Sparks fly, danger abounds, and after her apartment is broken into and torn apart, she moves into the Brothers’ mansion to be safer and closer to Keaton. In the background is a man named “The Gentleman”, who wants to kill Tilly, and take down the Benedicts. This is one I had a hard time putting down and one I highly recommend!
When I started this series, with the novellas, Tara Thomas was a new to me author I hadn’t read any of her books under her other pen name Tara Sue Me either, well that is definitely going to change. I am hooked on the Sons of Broad series! Although this is the first official book in the series I would highly suggest reading the three novels, Shattered Fear, Hidden Fate, and Twisted End that started it all, you don’t need to in order to read this book but I feel the story that threads through the three novellas will add more dimension to the on going story.
I enjoyed the second-chance-at-love for Tilly and Keaton but if you think it will be smooth sailing for either of them you would be wrong. There is someone after Tilly, we have several murders/attempted murders, and even a Love Triangle! There is so much going on that it will keep you at the edge of your seat wondering whodunit. I cannot wait to start the next book Deadly Secret to see what happens with Knox and Bea.
**I voluntarily reviewed and Advanced Readers Copy of this book**
Of the 3 brothers we get to check out baby brother Keaton first. While his older brothers are a colorful duo this time it’s not about them. The summer is about to get interesting with his spunky childhood crush back to tantalize and turn his world upside down and an unwanted suitor. Well it wont be easy and there is a whole lot of action, lies, intrigue and even blackmail going on in this multi twists thrill ride that doesn’t leave out the romance that moves way too fast.
The characters are awesome and so is the story. I love that Tilly was no push over and that Keaton made his intentions clear. Kip was a hoot and can’t wait to get in on that story. This is my first read by this author and it was fantastic and action packed with all the things I so desperately need in a great read.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader –
M/F Thriller, Romance
Triggers: Blackmail, Attempted Murder
This is a story more about power and privilege than a second chance romance that it seems to be. You have a couple who were split apart years ago due to a strange set of circumstances and when they see each other again, there is a plot much deeper than their love.
Keaton is a great guy. He knows what he wants from his life and isn’t afraid to go after it. What he doesn’t want to happen is his wishes and wants to be pushed aside so that he can take his place in the family business. He has some amazing brothers who are supportive and I really hope they each get their own books too.
Tilly is working to put herself through school and knows that she’s so close. Despite working in less than ideal conditions, she knows that if she can just make it through, she’ll never have to sling another beer again or see the horrible boss that she has either. However, what she doesn’t count on is seeing Keaton again.
While they haven’t seen each other since they were kids, it seemed that they were able to start again like no time had passed. I do wish they had taken a little more time in their romance, but they had such a great connection from before, it does make some sense that they would be able to just pick up like no time had passed. They have a great relationship, despite some hiccups.
When the suspense of the story is coming to a head, a lot is going on. I do wish that we were given more answers, but I do have hope that we’ll get more when the next book comes out. Overall, this was an intense thriller with some romance thrown in. But it starts a great series and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Darkest Night (Sons of Broad #1) by Tara Thomas.
3.25 stars–DARKEST NIGHT is the first full length instalment in Tara Thomas’ (aka Tara Sue Me) contemporary, adult SONS OF BROAD romantic suspense series. This is Keaton Benedict and Tilly Brock’s story line. DARKEST night can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is a three –part novella serial-Shattered Fear, Hidden Fate, Twisted End-that introduces some of the characters and story behind the Sons of Broad series. Tilly Brock was first introduced in the Sons of Broad serial.
Told from several third person points of view including Tilly and Keaton DARKEST NIGHT continues to focus on ‘The Gentleman’s ‘ quest for revenge against a number of citizens in Charleston, and his latest target is our story line heroine, a part time bar-waitress, and university student whose connection to The Gentleman is currently unknown. While working late night at the local watering hole, Tilly will come face to face with her past, a childhood friend whose father destroyed her family and ruined the reputation of a very good man. Enter Keaton Benedict, heir to the Benedict Industries and the man with whom Tilly will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building, rekindling romance between Tilly and Keaton, and the on-going fall-out as a series of brutal murders, all with connections to our story line couple, find Tilly the next intended target.
DARKEST NIGHT follows several paths including the awkward introduction of a potential threat to our story line couple but a threat that reveals a sordid past that may have a close connection to the Benedict family-a connection that may be alive and well.
The relationship between Tilly and Keaton is one of second chances but there was no palpable sexual attraction. The relationship felt impersonal and detached as though the couple were only going through the motions in a dispassionate display of neutral devotion. In this I struggled with the overall relationship.
We are introduced to Keaton’s brothers Kipling and Knox; officer Alyssa Adams, attorney Bea Jacobs; socialite Elise Germain; hired assassin Jade, as well as a large assortment of secondary characters including a pair of exotic dancers in the wrong place at the wrong time; and the story line antagonist- a man known only as The Gentleman.
DARKEST NIGHT is a story of suspense but got lost in the numerous changes in points of view throughout each chapter. The constant jump in perspectives was not delineated or noted, therefore the reader must be observant in order to keep track of the alternating positions. The premise is intriguing; the writing style, language and text are uncomplicated; the romance is stilted and lacked the palpable sexual energy of most romantic suspense story lines.
Tilly Brock is working her way through school at a gentleman’s club as a waitress. Her family was wealthy but her father was accused of embezzlement and they lost everything. Keaton Benedict is very rich and has just graduated college. His brothers run Benedict Industries, an export business, and expect him to join them now. He goes out celebrating and finds Tilly, his best friend from when they were younger. It was his family’s company her father was accused of stealing from.
Someone is killing people from Tilly’s work and they make it known she’s next. After her apartment is trashed, Keaton moves her into the Benedict mansion. They also have another guest, Tilly’s best friend from childhood Elise. But Elise is the same girl she grew up with. She wants Keaton and she’ll do anything to get him. With someone trying to take the Benedict’s down, Tilly being in danger, and Keaton being blackmailed, their life is one surprise after another. Can they figure everything out and still be together or will Keaton lose Tilly after he’s just found her again?
Suspense. Sex. Surprises. Cliffhanger. Great story with intriguing characters and mystery.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for netgalley *
After reading the three novellas that Tara released in the Sons of Broad series, I was excited to start reading the full length books that will release over the next few months. Darkest Night is the first of three and it is about Tilly Brock, a college student working as a cocktail server in a Gentlemen’s club. We learned in those novellas that she has been harboring feelings for a certain boy she grew up with but has lost contact with for reasons she’s not willing to disclose.
In Darkest Night, we find out why Tilly has lost contact with the boy, now a man, Keaton Benedict. A scandal involving her father and the company he worked for. A company owned by the Benedicts. But a chance meeting one night at the club that Tilly works for, and the dream she always had that Keaton would show up at her club and whisk her away finally comes true.
These two haven’t seen each other in eight years, but when they talk again for the first time, it is like no time has passed at all. That connection is still there, the feelings they had for each other are still there, and they can’t and don’t want to fight them. The only issue is Elise, the girl, now a woman that they were friends with as a child is coming to stay at Keaton’s house, and she has her sights set on marrying him!
This book is pretty fast paced, with lots of things happening. The mysterious Gentleman that we were first introduced to in the novellas, has put a plan in motion to exact some type of revenge or vengeance on the Benedicts, starting with the people around Tilly. Very quickly several of her coworkers are killed, with promises that she’s going to be next. It’s a race against time to try and figure out who is behind these attacks, with Alyssa Adams heading up the investigation. We first met her in the three novellas and her story will be told in book three of this series.
There’s a lot of suspense, mystery, that feeling of something building towards a dramatic conclusion. We don’t get the overall conclusion yet as we still have two books to go before we find out who The Gentleman is, and why he’s doing what he’s doing. Some Benedict family secrets are revealed in this book, and we meet a new character, Jade, that I have put a pin in as an integral part of this story.
The other woman drama brought on by Elise was a storyline in and of itself, and it was interesting how things she did overlapped with things done by those working for The Gentleman, so it kept Keaton and Tilly off balance until the end. I am excited to continue with this series to learn more about The Gentleman and Jade. Book two is about Knox Benedict and Bea Jacobs, the half sister to Brent Taylor, whose story is told in the three novellas. There’s something going on between Bea and Knox that will be uncovered in Deadly Secret.
I had some trouble connecting to Tilly and Keaton, and I think it is because this series is written in third person, so we’re not completely in the heads of the characters, and it’s more of a telling us rather than showing us story. I had the same issue when I read the novellas about Brent and Janie. I try to keep that in mind while reading and it’s hit or miss whether I end up connecting with the characters on a more personal level. I’m moving on to book two to see what’s in store for us next!
NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Who is The Gentleman?? So I like that there is two different mysteries going on in this book. I also like the second chance romance in this book. This is the start of a new series and it starts off with a bang. I like that we don’t find out who The Gentleman is and that the mystery will continue on to the next book. The romance is good as you root for Tilly and Keaton. At the same time you are wondering where the next story is going to go and excited for Knox and Kipling’s books.
*Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion*
I really enjoyed this one and it was twisty good from the beginning to the end. Keaton Benedict has graduated from college and come home to take his place in the family business, much to his dismay, and on a night out with friends at a gentleman’s club he is intrigued to see someone he thought he would never see again. Tilly Brock was his best friend from childhood and she and her family were embroiled in a scandal and forced to move and he was told they moved to Texas but they didn’t move away. Tilly is two months from graduation from college and will be out from under this job as a waitress and is floored to see Keaton. What starts as a chance meeting turns into several murders, Tilly’s apartment being vandalized, her life being threatened, and a psycho woman turned wanna-be fiance to keep this thriller romance twisting and turning along. There was a three-book prequel you didn’t have to read to make sense of this one but it was good too. I am looking forward to the next one in this series and have it on my kindle already!
This romantic suspense tale was certainly loaded with suspense, but the romance side fell short for me. Tilly and Keaton shared one kiss when they were fourteen and due to family drama and accusations, they don’t see each other for eight years. Both characters are likable and they share a quick wit that adds some levity to the story. They’re also intelligent and wise beyond their years in everything except for their romance. The idea that they fell into each other’s arms so quickly with so much past drama between them just wasn’t believable for this reader. I will say that their intimate scenes were well done and what I would consider steamy light. If the romance had been a bit more developed, it would’ve been perfect. That aside, the book has plenty of suspense and intrigue, which did keep me reading to see who would be behind it all. There is one edge of your seat scene toward the end, but I expected that. What I didn’t expect was the disappointing lack of information about the Gentleman’s identity or about how Jade ties into things. As I got closer and closer to the end of the book, I knew there would have to be a cliffhanger, but this one just stops, leaving a lot more questions than answers. It felt more like the end of a chapter than the end of a book and I can only assume that it will pick up from there in the next addition to the series. As it stands, I’m left with a bit of “meh” feeling about this one and haven’t decided yet if I’m intrigued enough to continue with the series.
Tilly (fellow bartender friend of Janie from book 0.5) is a former rich girl. When her father was accused of embezzlement they lost everything. Her biggest regret was not getting to know Keaton better. But his father’s company was the target of the embezzlement.
She used to fantasise about running into Keaton and being swept away from her life. but she did not expect to run into him, literally, in the club. But real life is not like her fantasy and she can’t believe that he now knows how far she has fallen.
Keaton is amazed to find Tilly again. He had been told she had moved to Texas after her fathers disgrace. But as he soon learns, he has been kept in the dark about a lot of things. But he is happy to have Tilly back in his life. Only a slight wrinkle in his plans is her former best friend and his now clingy-wannabe fiancée! Their families may be keen to merge interests but Keaton wants more than a shared portfolio!
Full of thrills and spills and danger! Great mix of action, danger and passion. Keaton is fab as the rich boy who’d rather be doing good than making more money. Tilly is great as the proud but humbled former rich girl. I cannot wait until the other 2 x K’s get their turn in the sun!
Darkest Night by Tara Thomas
Sons of Broad #1
The blurb made me want to read the book BUT the book did not live up to the blurb. I think this book should be marketed to YA/NA readers who may be more forgiving. As an introduction to a new series the brothers are introduced and we know they will each get their own book BUT for me I don’t think I am really interested in reading the series. That said, I would like to thank SMP and NetGalley for the ARC.
So, Tilly is working in a gentleman’s club and she and Raven are getting a lot of grief from twins that dance on stage. There is a “ruthless” killer out there killing off people that are close to Tilly. Keaton Benedict is the first boy that kissed Tilly and he shows up at the club Tilly works at. When she is threatened he takes her under his wing. Tilly will graduate from college soon and Keaton has just finished college and has an agenda for the family company (that I found rather unusual). There is someone called “The Gentleman” pulling the strings of what sounds like a secret group of some sort and he is the “mastermind” behind the drama of the story. Who is killing people was fairly easy to figure out. There was a lot going on but it didn’t seem to go anywhere…if that makes sense? Anyway, I finished it and do not think I will be reading more of this series.
2-3 Stars
I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF: 21%
Nope. I couldn’t do it. And I tried. I didn’t care about the characters at all. The relationship between Keaton and Tilly seemed way too fast and weird to me. There was no romance, no slow build, nothing. The two of them reconnect and BAM! it’s like the last eight years didn’t happen and nothing has changed. Mind you, the last time they saw each other was when they were fourteen. In my experience, a lot changes between the ages of fourteen and twenty-two.
Also, this is supposed to be a romantic thriller. But there’s nothing thrilling or suspenseful about it. I had to stop because I found the plot comical and I knew it wasn’t meant to be that way.
I’d like to think this would’ve been better had it eased into things a bit. I wasn’t given a chance to be curious about the thrilling part, nor a chance to become emotionally invested in Tilly and Keaton before they were thrown together.
I wouldn’t recommend this book.
Tilly Brock had everything she could ever want, then tragedy struck her perfect world, and she lost everything… including the love of her life. Now she is a shell of the woman she once was, trying to to find her place in an uncertain new world, and is barely scrapping by working as a waitress in a gentlemen’s club. Then something unexpected happens, she runs smack dab into her ex- boyfriend Keaton and from there things start to take an interesting, and oh so sexy, turn!
The moment Keaton runs into Tilley at the club while out celebrating with his brothers he is shell shocked at what he sees, she is no longer the pampered and posh girl he once knew, now she is a waitress working hard to earn tips to barely scrape by. Shortly after they reunite, things in Tilley’s work world start to get a little dangerous and she finds herself right in the middle of it, and she’s next on the hit list. Keaton isn’t about to let anyone harm a hair on her pretty little head so he convinces her to move in with him, for safety purposes only, but soon things start to take a heated turn!!
Darkest Night is a thrilling page turner that is sure mesmerize readers, with it’s suspenseful plot, dramatic exchanges, and erotic steamy moments, it’s sure to score serious points!! This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine, each installment brings excitement, amazing characters, and unforgettable literary moments that leave you craving more… I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!! I highly recommend you make time in your reading schedule to settle down with this one, it is an enthralling tale this is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through!!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
Darkest Night by. Tara Thomas is a romantic thriller that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The characters drew me into their lives. The story had me on the edge of my seat until the end. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Strong, compelling characters draw readers in and refuse to let go in this fast paced romance full of suspense.
Keaton and Tilly have electrifying chemistry and a romance that is hot and sweet. The characters have a past that certainly impacts their present but the dangerous events that unfold throughout the story play a great part in the building of this romance as well. The readers can’t help but feel as if they are part of this exciting story as Keaton and Tilly try to find their way around all the danger to build a future.
The suspense builds throughout the story and the readers get caught up in the anticipation and thrills as things are kept hopping by dangerous enemies and surprising twists keep readers guessing throughout the story. The author brought the story to life with vivid imagery that makes it easy for the readers to picture the world she created and ensures that the readers come back for more.
Overall, I was caught up in the book from beginning to end and I am looking forward to reading Deadly Secrets which is coming soon.
This must be the first in a series. It is my initial reading experience with this author. This story is interesting and fast paced. I enjoyed the character interaction. There is romance and steam along with an intriguing story line. Good read. Am looking forward to the next as this ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. #DarkestNight #NetGalley