A new romantic suspense series by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author K.M. Scott and Anina Collins! Persephone Gilmore comes from a life of privilege. The oldest daughter of media mogul Marshall Gilmore, she grew up wanting for nothing. But her father taught her more than just how to make billions, and even though she could sit by the pool and eat bon bons every day for the rest of … rest of her life, she chooses to work as an ER nurse and live on her own away from the family estate and her father’s security.
Then one night, those choices come back to haunt her.
Nick Hanson hasn’t been truly happy since he left the FBI. Life as a hired gun for wealthy clients has paid well and made him very much in demand, but it isn’t the same as the life he used to have. When Marshall Gilmore wants to hire him to rescue his daughter after she’s taken by a terrorist group, he agrees, but to save her, he’ll have to go undercover and become one of them. It’s dangerous work, but he knows what to expect and he’s never been one to turn down a challenge.
What starts out as just another case turns into something much more, and Nick finds out just how much he’s willing to do to save Persephone.
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3.25 stars–IN THE DARKNESS is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult PROJECT ARTEMIS series co-authored by KM Scott and Anina Collins. This is heiress Persephone Gilmore, and mercenary for hire/ former FBI agent Nick Hanson’s story line.
NOTE: Due to some of the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Nick and Persephone) IN THE DARKNESS follows former FBI agent Nick Hanson as he is hired to search for kidnapped heiress Persephone Gilmore. When the FBI pulled back in the hunt for Persephone, our heroine’s father reached out to Nick in an effort to secure his daughter’s freedom from a group known as the National Equality Militia. Nick, having no problem infiltrating the wanna-be gang, sets into motion a plan to rescue Persephone but in doing so loses his heart to the woman with whom he would fall in love. To protect Persephone from her pissant captors, Nick must betray our heroine, destroying her trust in the man hired to bring her home.
Nick Hanson’s rescue of Persephone Gilmore comes with the guilt of having to do anything to get the job done. Betraying the woman who had stolen his heart and his soul pushed Nick into a world of self-hatred and loathing for what had to be done. Persephone upon her rescue and return is determined to help women in similar situations by setting up Project Artemis, in the hopes of securing their rescue and freedom from the evil of the world.
The relationship between Nick and Persephone is quick to develop as Nick immediately befriends a broken and battered Persephone in the hopes of gaining her trust. Nick’s attraction to Persephone is immediate, and to protect our heroine from her jailers Nick must stake a claim that will destroy her heart.
The formation of Project Artemis will bring together eight friends with the ability, power and knowledge to protect and recover women in danger. We are introduced to Nick’s fellow mercenaries, all former members of law enforcement or with the ability to get the job done: Roman Gregory (Army Ranger), Hunter McKay (LA Detective), Gideon Roberts (Navy SEAL), Xavier Martin (IT guru), Julian Cain (Jack of all trades), Marius Grisham (former CIA black ops), and Dax Sturgis (FBI forensics). With only three books on the schedule I do not know if all members of the Team will have their story told.
IN THE DARKNESS is a quick read that introduces the background and members of Project Artemis. The language and text are straightforward and uncomplicated; the communication and one-on-one interaction between characters is cut and dry such that I do not recognize it as KM Scott’s otherwise colorful style of writing but perhaps the approach and formulaic writing of Anina Collins. The conflict resolution is quick and easy. The world building leaves out too many details and background information thusly leaving this reader indifferent to an otherwise potentially interesting premise. I am apparently in the minority with my interpretation of the introductory story; perhaps future story lines will push the envelope of suspense, mystery, intrigue and romance with the inclusion of more colorful details and world building concepts.
After reading In The Darkness, I was left speechless and with a lot of thoughts running through my head. K.M. Scott is my go to author when I need something a little dark and a whole lot of sexy. When I say dark, I mean you come out of her book world a little bruised in the soul because of what the characters go through and the sacrifices they make. This is a co-written book by a new to me author Anina Collins. Together, these two authors bring a new series that I was sucked into right away.
Persephone is one of the strongest heroines I have read in a long time. She is independent and completely down to earth. She has a nursing career and the instincts to help those in need regardless of her background. Before she knows it, the unexpected happens and she becomes a prisoner of a militia group that have nothing but hatred and anger. When Nick comes into the story, I knew he was the man Persephone needed to survive. His confidence and alpha attitude meant he was going to do what he had too. Then a heartbreaking event shatters me. Just like the characters, I was conflicted of it being horrible and trying to understand it was to free them at the same time.
The ending was not expected after what these characters went through. Honestly, the way Nick came out of the rescue mission, you felt a piece of him died behind the walls of the captors. I was unsure of Persephone would be able to lead them both out of the dark. The idea Persephone brings is hopeful and bold. Project Artemis is here and ready to fight the bad and ugly out in the world. I was left a little wounded, but I stayed with the feeling that this book is a start to an amazing series!!!
This is the first book in the Project Artemis Series, an amazing Romantic Suspense. The audiobook cover is beautiful! I have read this story a year ago, and loved it. The audiobook version is amazing. This story is well written, suspenseful, intense, and action packed. Persephone, an ER Nurse, is a wonderful and strong woman. Nick, an ex FBI agent, is a handsome man, caring, protective, and supportive. The storyline is captivating! Jason Clarke and Joan Delaware did an outstanding job with the narration. I love their voices together, and they are perfect as Persephone and Nick. Jason Clarke is already one of my favorite narrators. Joan Delaware is a new narrator to me. She has a beautiful voice! I would love to listen to more book read by her. Looking forward to listen to the next book in the Series, After the Storm.
I really don’t think that someone would fall in love with someone who rapes them, even though the story says he does it to protect her from the other men – who watch the rape cheering him on. I also don’t think that a man can “preform “ on cue when he knows it’s rape.
Persephone is kidnapped by a group of men that despises everything her dad is. The men aren’t friendly to her. Persephone’s dad will do anything to save his daughter. When the police gets stuck, her dad hires Nick. Nick was a FBI agent and he has done a lot of undercover work. Nick will save Persephone.
Persephone is a great character! She is strong, determined, passionate, smart and hardworking. Persephone can’t believe what she’s happening to her and she hopes to be rescued soon. She isn’t sure what to think about Nick at the beginning and that’s understandable. She soon realizes that he’s different and she slowly trusts him. Nick is Persephone’s light in this dark time.
Nick is also a great character! He’s strong, protective, smart and a little closed off. He’s also patient with Persephone and tries hard to earn her trust. He would do anything to save Persephone. Nick will become very supportive of Persephone’s dreams after saving her. I really liked Persephone and Nick together. It wasn’t rushed and it felt right.
In The Darkness is a suspenseful romance. It was even a little dark sometimes. But I won’t have minded more suspense. It felt like the suspense was suddenly over and the focus was then on Project Artemis. I love the idea of Project Artemis and it’s a good name for this series. In The Darkness is an amazing start of this series. I can’t wait for the next (standalone) novel. It sounds great and I’m already intrigued by the main male characters who I’ve met in this novel.
A fantastic must read romantic suspense! This book keeps you on the edge of seat and wanting to read more. I really enjoyed reading Nick and Persephone story and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Persephone is a young woman trying to gain independence from family and help others. After a full day at her nursing job, she walks out to parking garage and then her whole world changes. Her father has money and will do anything for his family. He finds Nick and hires him. Will Persephone be able to help people after Nick’s help? I couldn’t put this book down once I started.
WOW! I loved this book! Abduction, murder, and more. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat and this book was a great escape for me. I did not want to think about anything but it! Persephone is abducted after she leaves work and taken to God only knows where. She doesn’t know why, but because of who her father is, she knows that she will be murdered. Nick Hanson is former FBI and hired by Persephone’s father to find and save her. There were times in this book that my heart ached and I wondered just how it would end. Seriously, this book had to have a happy ending right? They both find love through the darkness, but oh it is not easy.
In The Darkness is the first in the Project Artemis series and I cannot wait to read more!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I loved this book! The suspense started from the first page and kept right on through the book! I did not want to put this books down! I have read all of KM Scott’s books and they are all great….she has done it again with this one
So this was my first experience with this author and I am pleased to say I really enjoyed this first book in the “Project Artemis” series.
I found “Into The Darkness” to be really fast paced and you were immersed into the action right from the get-go.
The two main characters here were great, liked them both very much.
Persephone was a strong woman, totally unspoiled by her silver spoon upbringing.
I’m not quite sure how correct that would be in real-life but for the basis of this story, it was something I ultimately adored most about her.
The male lead Nick was also a really relatable individual and I liked him equally as much.
It was really great to see the relationship develop slowly between Persephone and Nick as they each realise they only have each other to rely on in this dangerous situation.
“In the Darkness” set itself up for future books in this series really nicely.
I am so looking forward to seeing how this plays out.
My only slight issues here (which is the main reason I removed a star) was I felt to much time was spent setting the scene for future stories.
I would have prefered the spotlight ultimately to remain more on our two lovers and less on future events.
I do understand why this was needed though.
My second slight peeve was I wasn’t a great fan of a certain scene between Persophone and Nick.
I didn’t think it added anything special to the storyline and was just there ultimately for overall shock value.
And lastly, I’m not sure why everyone was bandying Stockholm syndrome around?
Correct me if I am wrong but Stockholm is all about falling for your captor, well technically Nick was Persphones White Knight/rescuer, not her Jailor so Stockholm should never be in the equation DUH!!!
Unless I’m ultimately missing something there.
So that’s it, folks.
Its been a while since I have read a good romantic suspense and this one ticked all my boxes.
This was a great read that I recommend giving it a go.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of “In The Darkness (Project Artemis #1)” of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Nick is an ex FBI agent for hire for dangerous undercover assignments. When he’s hired to find an media moguls daughter he thought it was going to be an easy job until he see’s Persophone. Afraid an mistreated Persophone is an fighter and wants to escape her captors that’s when she meets Nick. This is an action packed story that keeps you wanting more. Must Read!
Loved this new series. Action packed. With strong characters. Nick is hired by Persephone’s wealthy father to save her from kidnappers. Yes, he’s an alpha male, but she’s a strong female who holds her own. The courage it takes to make it through the situation no matter what. Nick is there to save her but Persephone is right there with him. Her inner strength makes her a string character. Not a damsel waiting for her white knight to save her. Through everything they form a strong bond and a love that can carry them throughout life.
Beautifully written, action, suspense and love…what more could you ask for?
Our heroine, Persephone is a heiress, leading a quiet life as a nurse. Because of who her father is, she is abducted and kept in a horrible situation. Our hero Nick, former FBI, is hired by her father to save her. He is able to infiltrate the abductors and forms a bond with Persephone. Her trust in him is broken when he is forced to do the unthinkable to save her. Will her trust in him return and will he able to ever forgive himself? This is a start to an amazing new emotional series.
This read was Great – fast with feeling of constant suspense That was feeling me on toes.
Persephone is a strong woman That do everything That she can to survive the situation shes in. I Loved Her attitude and sincerity in this book.
Nick, That Guy got his way inside my Heart! Especialy his Inner demons.
I will read this Series till The end.
A strong will woman in Persephone that loves her independence that gets kidnapped. Nick a true alpha male that’s determine to get her back. Never read anything from Anina Collins but from K. M. Scott excellent. This collaboration is hard tell where one begins and the other one end. Can’t wait for the next book.
“In The Darkness” is the first book in the Project Artemis series and all I can say is WOW, this series is starting off with a bang. This book grabbed me from the very first page and kept a hold on me until the last page was turned. The danger and suspense started off right there in chapter one, and had me squirming and holding my breath waiting to see what happened next.
Persephone Gilmore the heroine in this book is far from a spoiled little rich girl, she is a nurse, strong, confident, determined and a fighter. She stands tall and proud for the people and the things that she believes in. Nick Hanson is the hero in this book, former FBI, confident, tough, alpha male and also determined. He will do whatever he has to do to protect Persephone, to get her out of danger and home safely. No matter what it takes he will protect her.
If you love romance with a side of suspense, danger, drama and passion thrown in then you have to read this book. It is absolutely amazing, with all the feels, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. Romantic suspense at it’s best!!
Absolutely fantastic story! KM Scott and Anina Collins collaboration in this book is outstanding!
In The Darkness is the first book in the Project Artemis series. A project that was born after a traumatic experience for Persephone.
Kidnapped, bound and hurting, that’s how Nick finds Persephone. She’s extremely fragile but after so much time in captivity, she shows how strong she truly is.
Nick just need to save her and take her home, but sometimes its easier said than done and after some emotional events the inevitable happens.
Hurt, confused and somehow betrayed, Persephone struggles with her feelings for Nick and after some thought she doesn’t trust anyone but him to make her future plans come true.
Everything since the beginning grabbed me in a way I couldn’t put it down until the last page. The characters are strong, the plot fantastic and in the end you cant help but want more!
If you are a fan of romantic suspense with some action and sexy scenes you cant miss this book!
Two words when it comes to this story. Mind. Blown. I devoured it, honestly wishing there was more! This collaboration between Scott and Collins is utter perfection. You get passion but there is so much more to it. You get raw emotions, that are heartstopping and at times earth shattering as you navigate this journey that Persephone and Nick are thrown into. The one thing I absolutely loved about this story is Persephone. She is a real fighter and she does things in her own way. She doesn’t rely on what her family can do for her but she is in good standing with them. She does the job she wants and doesn’t back down. Then we have Nick who is tough as nails to get the job done but also has an emotional past. These two thrown together, you get a ride of your life. There are moments you may not like but for me, it made this story so much more real. Like this is actually happening or could happen. Nick does everything in his power to keep Persephone safe no matter the cost. The struggle he goes through is heartbreaking but I love how persisting Persephone is with him.
Overall, this is an epic start to an amazing series and I cannot wait for more. There is a slew of emotions plus amazing suspense that keeps you on your toes begging for more! I have been a huge fan of Scott’s work for years, and now Collins has a new one as I go devour more from them!