USA Today bestselling author Megan Erickson turns up the heat in her sexy and thrilling Wired & Dangerous romantic suspense series. Bodyguard Jock Bosh has one job: keep Fiona Madden safe. Safe from the men who’ve been hunting her. Safe from the bastard responsible for ruining her life. And with the attraction sizzling white-hot between them, that means keeping Fiona safe from him too. … Fiona safe from him too.
Fiona has spent the past decade on the run. Her survival is the single greatest weapon she’s had against the men out to destroy her. Until Jock. Now, with him by her side, she finally has a chance to bring them down. But when her enemies make their next move and Jock puts himself in the line of fire, Fiona realizes that there’s more at stake than just her life – she’s also risking her heart.
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I NEED a man like Jock in my life!!
Fiona has been on the run for 10 years. After being kidnapped and held as a sexual captive, force-fed drugs for her compliance, she can’t help but continue to live her life on edge since she escaped. Ten years of being alone, making no lasting connections, and trusting no one. Lucky for her, she had one true friend that has always had her back, even if she didn’t know it. Through this friend, she meets her new protector, Jock, and for the first time in 10 years she’s able to breathe easier.
Honestly there wasn’t anything NOT to like about this story. The characters were endearing and had depth to them, the plot was fast-paced and intense, and there was even an okay ending. I did feel like I was dropped into the middle of a story and had to play catch up, but that only means that I need to pick up the first book to get the full picture. Darkest Night was definitely suspenseful, but it was also sexy and had a lot of heart.
3.5 stars–DARKEST NIGHT is the second instalment in Megan Erickson’s contemporary, adult WIRED AND DANGEROUS romantic suspense series focusing on a group of computer hackers and coders. This is thirty-eight year old, former US soldier and bodyguard Jamison ‘Jock’ Bosh, and thirty-year old Fiona Madden’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.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Jock and Fiona) DARKEST NIGHT follows the building relationship between thirty-eight year old, former US soldier and bodyguard Jamison ‘Jock’ Bosh, and thirty-year old Fiona Madden. More than ten years earlier Fiona Madden survived a horrific ordeal- kidnapped, abused and tortured as a sex slave for a human trafficking ring. On the run trying to stay one step ahead of the men who destroyed her life, Fiona will soon discover that what little semblance of peace she had managed to obtain is about to be destroyed once again. Enter bodyguard Jamison ‘Jock’ Bosh, the man with whom Fiona will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Fiona and Jock, and the potential fall-out as Fiona continues to be targeted by the men from her past.
Jamison ‘Jock’ Bosh volunteered to covertly watch over and protect Fiona Madden, a woman unaware of how close the threats to her life had come full circle. Undercover and alone Jock would soon come face to face with his future when his ‘hiding’ spot is revealed to an all-too alert Fiona Madden. Fiona knows her time may be limited especially with the all too familiar images and photos that constantly appear in the mail whenever she moves. Meeting Jamison ‘Jock’ Bosh finds our heroine thinking about a possible future with the remote, quiet and brooding man, a man whose own demons continues to ride hard.
The relationship between Jock and Fiona begins as a working assignment when Jock volunteers to protect the woman with whom he will fall in love. Fiona is one-time best friends with computer hacker Wren Lee, Roarke Brennan’s girlfriend (Zero Hour #1) but friends that have not seen one another in over ten years. As a favour to Roarke and Wren, Jock offers up his services to protect the young woman that will call to his heart. The $ex scenes are passionate and intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including Roarke and Wren, Marisol Rosa, Erick Lee, and the mysterious Tarr, a man who will do anything for Jock including placing himself in the line of fire.
DARKEST NIGHT is a story friendship and family; mystery and suspense; romance and love. The premise is exciting; the romance is sensual; the characters are dynamic and spirited but I wish the author revealed some of the background history and friendship between Wren and Fiona, as well as the trauma surrounding the kidnapping and violation of our story line heroine; the ‘hacking’ and computer elements of which Roarke’s team specializes are limited such that the reader is told what happened not shown the process of the how or why.
*A copy of this book was gifted to me from the author and I freely give my honest review*
I love Jock and his protectiveness towards Fiona and the connection between them is visible from the first moment.
* The storyline continues from the previous book but it still can be read as a standalone. Nice progression and some action.
* I feel like I know all the characters and I would love to know their stories. The characters are described with emotions and made realistic with their flaws and insecurities like we all have.
* There’s no unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and the dialogues makes the story even more intriguing.
* The love scenes are sweet, intense and tastefully described
* I love how careful Jock was in their coming together and made sure it was all as Fiona would have it.
A great 5 stars read. (
Fiona was kidnapped and raped ten years ago. Every little bit she gets photos, videos and notes saying if she tells, they’ll release everything. Each time she receive one, she moves. Jock was in the Army, a hitman, and now works with his friends to take down human trafficking. He’s a cold man but Fiona heats his blood like no other. He has been watching her and keeping her safe until she catches him and shots him in the ear. When she finds her he knows her friend Wren, she relaxes a little. She’s almost taken in the park and Jock barely saves her in time, they move to a townhouse with good security. They are still hunting the man who had her kidnapped and they find out he plans to get her again. She offers herself as bait but Jock goes ballistic. They put a tracking device under her hair so they can locate her. Once she’s taken, they are other women there so she has one of them to take the device out so the guys can find the women. Fiona is moved somewhere else. Can Jock find her in time to save her?
Great story. Action, sex, and suspense. I loved all the characters and can’t wait to see what happens to the rest of them.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for Netgalley *
Original review: https://myshelfbooks.wordpress.com/2018/12/09/darkest-night-megan-erickson/
When I finished Zero Hour I was disappointed with the romance part, but very happy with the suspense side of the story. With this second book, the feeling is the opposite. Nice romance, but the rest… kind of meh, actually.
In the last book, Jock volunteered to keep an eye on Fiona due to the threads of Maximus. Fiona was the friend of Wren who was kidnapped 10 years ago to be used as a sex toy by rich men. A throwback party by those same guys put Fiona again in danger, so Jock has to take a more hands on approach for her protection. Both of them are not precisely good at getting close to another person, so their romance is a bit tricky. Add that to inminent threats of kidnap and murder and the plot of the book is presented.
Before diving in the story and characters, I need to point out that these so-called hackers don’t hack shit. Sometimes they look more like hitmen or conmen than hackers. Jock would be the perfect example of the former. I know about his hacking skills thanks to the previous book, because in this one… he is a bodyguard most of the book and a hitman the rest. He is rarely seen in front of a computer… It’s not something bad per se, but I started reading these books due to the hope of reading Romantic Suspense with characters far from the military or law-enforcement lifestyle. I guess I will have to keep looking for something like that. Maybe Jock’s hacking skills are what explain his weird superpower of knowing the genre of the book Fiona was reading in the park. I mean, how could he know if he was spying on her from a fifth floor without using equipment?? (Yes, that is bugging me).
At first the suspense part looked promising. Fiona was again in danger, Jock had to protect her and Maximus’ shadow was getting bigger and bigger. The problem is that it takes too long to develop. And when it does… well… it’s a bit boring and uneventful. In general terms I liked it, but there were enough meat for something with a bigger punch. No surprises, except at the end fo the book. Too late if you ask me. Now a war between the crew and Maximus has started, so I expect more action in the future books.
Luckily, the romance is much better than expected. It’s no secret that I didn’t like at all the romance between Roarke and Wren, so I was a bit reluctant at first. But Jock was there to save the day, the girl and my faith in love. Under his reinforced armor of pure steel (a very, very good-looking, mouth-watering armor…) lays a turmoil of feelings that make the reader sympathize with him pretty easy. Yes, he sometimes behaves like an ox with his monosyllabyc language and his larger than life frame, but deep down you know he is a sensitive guy who is in sore need of a good cuddling. Fiona is the perfect match, because she doesn’t take any of his usual bullshit. Good characters for a nice slow-paced romance that leaves us with a nice aftertaste.
It doesn’t hurt that Jock is a Viking god, detail that the author reminds the reader more often that maybe necessary; but, oh boy, no complaints there. My naughty imaginatiuon was already overworking after taking a long look at the cover. I’m so glad there are not weird photo manipulations to add any kind of tattoo in “Jock’s” skin… The ones in the cover of Zero Hour were a bit… lame.
Next one is a shorter book. If I’m not mistaken, it’s going to be Erick’s book. There is a glimpse of it at the end of this one, so I guess Tarr is going to be the love interest. It could be very fun if handle right, so… fingers crossed!!
Darkest Night Megan Erickson is book Two in the Wired & Dangerous series. This is the story of Jock Bosh and Fiona Madden. I haven’t yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Jock is a former military man who now is a mercenary, hacker and now body guard to Fiona. Fiona had a tragic past that seems to keep coming back to her…so she is good a surviving. But she having a hard time surviving the attraction she has for Jock. Jock to is out to do a job to protect and help his friend find answers for a death but his growing feelings for Fiona are nothing he can fight.
Very exciting read!
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader –
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller Romance
Triggers: Rape, Human Trafficking, Murder
Jock is very good at his job. He’s good at it because he can detach himself, and he has no personal attachments himself. When he takes on the job of protecting Fiona, he doesn’t expect to feel so protective or attracted to her. It makes his job more difficult because he can’t decide if a relationship with him is a good or bad idea. He knows that he’s damaged, but he can’t help but want more with Fiona.
Fiona has been on the run since she escaped a human trafficking ring. She knew they would find her – they kept finding her and forcing her to move on. When she finally is able to confront some of her past, she will gain her friend back and a whole force of protection. She is wary of Jock at first, but once she sees him and what is underneath his stern exterior, she can’t help but fall for him.
This is a fast-paced story with a lot going on. There are characters who make second appearances, so I suggest that you read the previous book. I really enjoyed the way that Fiona is able to come out of her shell – she is a well-developed character and you get to see her flaws and insecurities. The growth that happens for both characters is well played out and I thought that it was a great story. I can’t wait to see who gets the next book.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Darkest Night (Wired & Dangerous #2) by Megan Erickson to read and review.
I absolutely adore romantic suspense! I love to read and feel my heart pounding along with my imagination of what the characters are going through. Feeling a little breathless just waiting for the story to wrap up and know just what happens in the end. And that’s just how I felt reading Darkest Night!
Mind you, it did take me a few minutes for my brain to remember Jock and the other characters and their general relationship from the first book Zero Hour, but once I made the connections, I was all in on Jock and Fiona’s relationship, how the rest of the team worked together with keeping Fiona safe while trying to figure out all the players and stop them at their game.
I loved Jock and all his growly, gruffness. Loved how he spoke when needed—because what he had to say was powerful and meaningful and so important in making Fiona feel safe, and comforted, and loved. And I loved how he took his role as protector so damn seriously. He was a force to be reckoned with, and he was also smart enough to know when to call for reinforcements! He wasn’t going to let anything happen to Fiona on his watch.
Let’s talk about the amazing Fiona while we’re here. I adored her. Her inner strength and fortitude were amazing. There was nothing weak about this woman. Her ability to live and make a life while fighting to survive every day was astounding. And I loved how she allowed herself to fall in love with Jock.
I couldn’t read Darkest Night fast enough—yes, my face may have come in contact more than once with my Kindle screen as I read late through the night! But the sleep loss was worth it, and I can’t wait for Final Day and Erick’s story next!
Give me a moment for my pulse to stop racing.
Yeesh.
I don’t know why I didn’t expect this going in. I think I felt a little bit nervous because I couldn’t exactly remember how the first book in this series unfolded, and I was afraid I might not connect with the second book. That was just silly. Where there is a surly, damaged hero – there you will find my heart. And my heart wrapped its sappy self tightly around Jock and Fiona – no hesitation.
I loved this story of two broken people finding safe harbor in each other. There was so much sweetness there. But also? So much suspense, action, drama. And I felt like it was balanced pretty perfectly. There were moments where I felt my mind wander. There was a time where I was pretty sure I had figured out exactly the way this was going to go. Then came twists and turns I didn’t see coming and my pulse started racing and my heart seized and holy moly, y’all, that was awesome!
I don’t know that I would recommend this as a standalone. I suppose that technically it works, but it’s going to mean a lot more to you if you read the first book. For instance, I loved catching up with the whole crew, and the introduction of new secondary characters who I hope to see a lot more of (I never could resist a mysterious ginger).
In all, Darkest Night was so good! It kept me on my toes, and it made my heart happy. This is a completely solid second book in the series, and I absolutely cannot wait for more!
As a bodyguard, Jock Bosh has only one job, keep Fiona Madden safe from the bastard responsible for ruining her life. Having spent the past decade on the run, Fiona’s greatest weapon against the men out to destroy her is her survival, but when Jock puts himself in the line of fire, Fiona realizes that there is more at stake than just her life.
Darkest Night is full of strong, compelling characters and Fiona and Jock grab reader’s attention and keep them glued to the book as their story unfolds. The romance between these two is a bit unorthodox because of their issues which adds depth to the characters and ensures that readers want to know how everything works out for them as they cheer them on. There is lots of burning chemistry and emotional turbulence throughout and both of these characters capture reader’s hearts from the very beginning.
The enemies that face the characters in the second book of the Wired & Dangerous series were introduced in the first book, but if readers haven’t read it, that’s okay because they will be eagerly anticipating their demise in no time. Darkest Night is fast paced and smoothly flows through the pages with lots of thrilling suspense, dangerous enemies and excitement as Jock and his crew get closer to taking out those bad guys and discovering just who that mastermind is.
I love the characters of the Wired & Dangerous series as they are part geek and part sexy tough guys that project a vulnerability that can’t be ignored as it makes me feel that they are people I could really get to know. I was completely caught up in Darkest Night from beginning to end and I have to say that I found Amy to be a survivor to be admired and I can’t wait to find out what happens next in this thrilling series.