Some desires are better left untapped… thing on my mind. I’d lose it the minute I got it anyway.
So what’s the point?
But then Grace appears.
A sweet, innocent, virginal librarian with a bend toward romance books, or that’s what I see her holding in her pale fingers all the time.
She’s far more than meets the eye, and from what I can tell, she’s not looking for love either.
Just a dark encounter with a dangerous stranger in a quiet corner of the library.
Good. I’m the right man for the job.
more
Erik Bertinelli is a mob prince destined to become don. His father is a very sick and heartless mafia boss who keeps his son under his thumb. Erik likes his position in the mob and, in fact, enjoys his job as a hit man. The story starts out with a trip through hell as he meets out punishment to an old couple. So far, our minds tell us he is a monster but we haven’t seen the entire picture. Erik hides a soft, cultured side when he hides out in the library reading his books that sooth his soul. He has had his eye on Grace Adams, the librarian who keeps herself covered up in loose-fitting and unorthodox clothing. She doesn’t want to draw any attention to herself because her mother has pounded it into her head that the only thing that can come of it is she’ll find herself pregnant. Her mother got pregnant at 16 and never let her forget the misery it brought her. Erik sees right through her disguise and thinks she’s the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. Grace, too, has seen him every time he comes to the library and slowly begins to fall for this gorgeously dark bad boy. When they do come together for their first conversation, it’s obvious that they fit together. Erik’s afraid for her that his world is too dark and will ruin her goodness and ultimately, her life. Erik tries to stay away from each her but is slowly pulled into her orbit. A slow seduction begins that quickly becomes serious. Erik is willing to give up a lot for her but he can’t give up his place in the family. Grace tries to understand and, for awhile, she does. But life turns grisly and their happiness is threatened by people who should love them. Erik suffers a lot for his love but he won’t give her up now that he has something else to live for. The shocking, bittersweet ending is perfect, but the epilogue leaves me wanting more! I’m a sucker for a happy ending but I want to see more than 2 weeks into their future together! Well-written with multidimensional characters make this an engaging read!
This is book 2 in a series and can be read as a standalone but I have read book 1 by Nicole York [aka Ali and Weston Parker’s name for suspense novels]and it is one that is a real rollercoaster ride! We met Eric in book 1 and he is the son of New York’s most prolific and successful Mafia crime bosses. Eric is a very effective and efficient murderer but it’s not who he wants to be. When he meets Grace, virginal 21 year old librarian, he realises that he wants her more than anything but do they have a chance at love? He really doesn’t think that she could handle his occupation and her life with him would be forever dangerous and changed beyond all recognition. But she loves him and for the first time in her life she is really prepared to ignore her mother’s opinion. Be prepared to have hankies at the ready as I went through all sorts of emotions reading this book which is a real page turner that you won’t want to put down. This is really well written with realistic characters and I was rooting for Eric and Grace – even though I really didn’t see how they could have a future together. But this is Ali and Weston Parker writing so I shouldn’t have been surprised and delighted with the outcome. This is a really terrific story that I thoroughly enjoyed and will undoubtedly re-read in the future as it was just so good! I received a reader’s copy of this and leave my honest opinion of it here. Most definitely recommended.
Grace is a sweet librarian who is also a virgin. Erik is a bad boy and the son of the mafia don. His father is ruthless even to his own son. This is the relaunch of Untapped written by Weston Parker. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This was completely not want I anticipated but it was still good. It’s dark, a bit sadistic, with some bad parental figures, mafia, violence and twists. Definite page turner I could not put down. I like Erik and Grace. There story is unique and they do get some happiness in the end. Some parts were challenge to read though.
This was a fantastic yet dark story (no pun intended) of the son of a mob boss who doesn’t believe he is mean to find the happiness and love he has always wanted and a librarian too afraid to step out of the mold (created by her mother) and live life as a normal twenty year old. The chemistry and passion between Erik and Grace was off the chars intense and Erik’s relationship with his father was disturbing. Dark Encounter was filled with violence, danger, secrets, good friends, grief, healing, death, a show down between father and son, passion, and love. This mafia romance story was an unexpected surprise with its dark and demented twists and violence, it was unlike any mafia romance that I have read thus far, yet I think it painted a pretty accurate picture of what a mafia family really looks like. This is a must read that will have readers captivated from beginning to end. I would have liked to read an Epilogue that captured what their lives were like a couple or even few years down the line but all in all it was an enjoyably, intense read that I couldn’t put down.
“I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.”
Balance and emotion in this dark mafia romance read.
Grace, naïve librarian, has been fantasizing about Erik, hitman and mafia prince, ever since he started coming into the campus library. As the story progresses an internal war rages, danger follows them, and twisted pasts may lead to an even more twisted future. Nicole York’s Dark Encounter brings balance and emotion in this dark mafia romance read. I would love to hear Nate and Jenna’s story and some more about Cole.
I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
The enforcer and the librarian Erik is the son of a Mafia mob boss. He has made him his enforcer. Erik doesn’t want to follow his father’s path but after his mother and sister were killed he feels that he has no choice. He finds peace by going to the library and reading but also he watch Grace the librarian. She dresses like an old lady but he can see that is not her. He wants her but tries to stay away. Grace sees Erik and wants him too but has been told that he’s bad but she doesn’t believe the. They finally get together and it fireworks but he’s trying to keep her a secret to keep her safe from the family’s enemies and his father. What will happen when he does? Will they get a chance to be together? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This was one dark and delicious read, just how I like it!
Eric and Grace had an amazing chemistry and their connection was the only light in this story. There were lots of super hot steamy scenes that will definitely leave you hot and bothered. I also liked that the dealings of a mafia family were described in such great details. This book was full of danger, intrigue and suspense which kept me glued to my reader until the end.
The only reason I removed one star is the ending which didn’t really seemed like HEA. Maybe if there was an epilogue it would feel more like a closure.
Also, there should definitely be a trigger warning at the beginning. I didn’t mind that level of violence but I’m sure lots of people do so better to give them a heads up.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Dark Encounter is the 2nd book in the Secrets Of The Night series and though it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Book 1 before as I think it will help with the overall story (as I have not read Book #1 and I have questions about the backstory of some of the characters in Book #2). This is the story of Grace and Erik – Grace is a quiet, recent college graduate who works in her school’s library where she dresses awkwardly (so as not to attract the “wrong” kind of attention) and goes about her life very unassumingly. Erik was born into the mafia and spends his days/nights as their hit man. He finds his escape from his current life among the books at the library…disappearing into whatever book he chooses on that day. Despite their completely opposite lives and styles and history – there is an underlying current of attraction between Grace and Erik. Grace is a virgin and is saving herself for Erik – Erik has never been in a real relationship and isn’t looking to start one with Grace. His life is too dark and doesn’t want to get Grace involved. Circumstances are such (no spoilers!) that they do become involved, and the sparks fly and they do not stop. It is a dark story with ugly events and if this isn’t the kind of book you like to read, you may not enjoy it. I don’t normally read this type of genre but once I did start, I needed to know what happened – all the way to the end. The characters and story lines will draw you in and won’t let go….there are some unexpected twists and turns that I did not see coming but added to the intrigue. In the end, you want nothing more than for Grace and Erik to find some sort of happy ending…. but will they be able to figure out how to be together??
I am so excited that Erik and Grace got their story!! Erik has been her fantasy for so long. Though Grace has been warned about him, she can’t stay away. Grace is everything Erik wants, but knows he can never have. The drama, danger, intrigue and passion that were in the first book are even better in this one. This is one of those books that you get lost in and look up and hours have passed, and you don’t care!! I loved this one!!
Grace, is the Librarian at the university and has been lusting over Erik since he first walked into the library. What Grace doesn’t realize is that Eric wants her to, but doesn’t want to get close because his life would put her in danger. This book was a dark, intense, emotional roller coaster. It was well written with interesting characters and an engaging storyline. Grace and Eric had an undeniable attraction and their chemistry was amazing. The story had angst, danger, chemistry, lust, passion and love. A fantastic read that kept me turning the pages from beginning to end.
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
ONE WHOPPING HOT ADVENTURE!!!
Deep, Dark and Intense! This is one intriguing multitude of events that leave you breathless, craving more. Combating all the trials and tribulations along with a horde of twists and turns bring this baby together impeccably. A spinning, twisting vortex of inadvertent happenstance and surprising mishaps catapults your swirling emotions into play fluidly. All the drama, angst, danger and suspense blaze through melding this baby together one jagged piece at a time. The characters are authentic and realistic with such traits and qualities that blend with one another in a perfect balance. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions you have no problem picturing each scenario creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Remarkable job Nicole, thanks for sharing.
Dark, intense, fast paced read. storyline is gripping, great characters. Such intense moments with this read.
This was a Mafia book to the nth degree! Eric is the only living relative of the current Boss having lost his mother and younger sister. His father has made him his hitman but he spends half of his time at the campus library reading books that keep him balanced. There he can’t help but notice an employee, a long-skirted, backward dressing virgin, who also dreams of giving her virginity to Eric. The main problem is that his father has gone completely bonkers, cruelly treating Eric to make sure he loves no one except the syndicate he’s rearing him to take over. This murderer coupled with an innocent against the express wishes of his tyrannical and sadistic father makes for sad and thrilling reading.
Just the absolute best story. It had me captivated from the beginning with the hot steamy scenes. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Everything I like to read about and more. Such a great story I will read again and again. A keeper!!
So in this beast of a tale, Erik cannot get over his obsession with the “good girl” librarian Grace. He knows that his life within the Syndicate is deadly for her, but the intense pull between them is something they cannot ignore, no matter how hard they try. Demons of the past and the present are about to intervene. Erik knew this would happen. Grace thought she could handle it; they’re about to test their abilities as humans and hopefully, come out on the other side.
What a devilishly crafted masterpiece! This dark, gritty tale was raw and full of emotional ups and downs; I found myself feeling the emotions right along with these characters. Still, it gave us a funny side- with copious amounts fan my face hotness. I loved every minute of this crazy train ride! It was worth the wait! I know I will be reread this soon!! I wish I could give this more than 5 Stars!
I’m living how his one was kind of a spin-off of another series. It shows us who’s who in the mafia world. In this story we meet Erik and Grace, two unlikely people to fall in love but are denied. His father is a ruthless Bastard to no end but when it finally comes down to love or family it’s a bit of both. This book was so Welll told that you need to read it. I give it 4.5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book as an Advanced Reader’s Copy.
Grace Hides Beneath Her Out of Style And Mismatched Wardrobe, But Mob Hit Man Erik Cannot Stop Fantasizing About The Sexy Librarian – And Their Chemistry Sizzles!
NOTE: Dark Encounter was previously titled Untapped, by Weston and Ali Parker, and is now under their Suspense Romance pen name, Nicole York.
This is the second book in the Secrets Of The Night series. Although it can be read perfectly as a stand-alone, a deeper understanding of some characters and circumstances would be possible if read after the first book.
This mob story starts out dark and violent, grabbing your attention from the first page and keeping it until the end.
Grace Adams, roughly twenty-one years old or so, graduated from NYU early and landed her full time dream job working in the NYU library she worked in as an undergrad. She is a good girl, careful to follow her mother’s advice in order to avoid her mother’s mistake of getting pregnant at sixteen. She has shied away from boyfriends by hiding her beauty under frumpy, out of style, and mismatched clothes. There is one man, however, for whom she would throw all caution to the wind.
Erik Bertinelli, roughly twenty-six or twenty-seven, would one day be the next mob boss in New York. He is set to inherit the syndicate when his father passes away, but in the meantime he is the go-to hit man. He is good at his job and enjoys it. He was raised for it. Having lost his mother and sister to mob violence, he knows he has no business having any kind of relationship. His father would never approve because he didn’t want to see Erik face the loss of another loved one. And what his father said was law.
To get away from it all, Erik spends afternoons reading in the NYU library. It is his secret getaway. The problem is that Erik can’t stop fantasizing about the sexy librarian with the odd wardrobe. And since his best childhood friend Nate had fallen hard for her best friend Jenna one month earlier (see the first book in the series), he can’t stop hoping for a relationship, for someone to go home to at night.
Grace and Erik have intense chemistry. Despite Grace’s complete lack of experience, she stands on her own against Erik’s scary, cold ways. She is unwavering and unafraid (generally speaking), which makes her a great match for Erik.
Obviously, the couple has to work out how they each feel about Erik’s profession and how much they are willing to risk for one another. It helps that Grace’s friend Jenna is outspoken and has her own bad boy boyfriend; Grace thereby has a built in support system.
It seems a little convenient that Grace’s brother Thomas inadvertently crosses paths with the syndicate, given his drastic actions and the fact that New York is such a big city. Although this leads to a pivotal point in the plot, it is only a small part of the book and doesn’t distract much from the story.
If you haven’t read the first book in the series, there might be appear to be some odd coincidences (such as how Grace and Erik’s best friends happen to have just started dating while they themselves have been only admiring one another from afar), but enough from the first book is explained later on to clear up most questions satisfactorily.
I would rate this story 4.5 stars if possible. It was well written with complex characters and a complicated storyline that keeps the reader’s attention throughout the story. Grace and Erik are easy to love and earn their mob-style HEA.
I received a free advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dark Encounters by Nicole York is just….WOW!!
The storyline is gripping, the characters are well developed, it’s on the edge of your seat gritty, suspenseful, drama, angst, hot steamy scenes, betrayal and a great plethora of emotions. Erik Bertinelli and Grace Adams a love so deep it surpasses all things. You definitely need to grab this one because you won’t be disappointed. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced readers copy
Holy Heck! Yes, Oh yes!
Twists that had me wide awake with your blood pumping enjoying the intensity of words radiating off the pages making it impossible to put down and then add the delicious hot chemistry that makes me aroused with a breathy want for more as it takes me to the edge holding on for one heck of a dark intense exciting ride.