Really, really good - I took a chance on a new-to-me author and a storyline that's not my usual, and it definitely paid off. I loved how deftly this tension-filled romance navigated between heavier topics like therapy/grief/mental health and sexual dynamics. The push/pull between the characters was absolutely fantastic, with electric tension that bled from the page. They're two people who are used to being in charge, so there's some serious friction as they dance around each other. There's also the forbidden element (she's his therapist!), an exploration into k!nk, and the way one chance encounter forever changed both of their lives. I was smitten with the hero, who undergoes such a transformation throughout the book. He's in a dark place when we meet him, and seeing him slowly come alive again was very fulfilling. The author does such a great job of digging into the psychological side of things, and there were some really insightful and thought-provoking moments. It's also incredibly SPICY, with a slowish burn that catches fire along the way. A memorable, powerful, and blush-inducing read - I loved it!
The story follows Talia, a woman who struggled as a teenager. One conversation with a stranger changed her life at 14, allowing her to find the inner strength that's made her into the strong, confident woman she is today. Now a therapist with a waiting list a mile long, Talia is asked to take on a new high-profile client. She'd say no, except the man is none other than the stranger who helped her years ago - tech mogul Kieran. Burned out, liquored up, and still blaming himself for the loss of his wife, Kieran is in rough shape. Though the man is frustrating to no end and challenges her like none other, Talia feels a duty to help Kieran... even if he doesn't remember her. As Talia begins her therapy sessions with Kieran, things become even more complicated when Kieran discovers that Talia is a k!nk specialist who paid her way through college by being a dominatrix. That knowledge adds tension to a relationship that was already messy enough.
I stumbled upon this book one day and the reviews were so positive that I took notice. I'm not a reader who gravitates towards BDSM in my romance books, but I don't mind it if the storyline is strong enough. And this was definitely great. It only took a few pages to draw me in, and I loved the level of tension throughout. There's so much interwoven into the story that gives it depth, especially when it comes to psychology and relationship dynamics. I loved watching Talia and Kieran try to figure each other out, and the therapy aspect was really interesting. The romance is the star though, with two strong characters fighting for dominance. Kieran adores the fact that Talia is his equal in every way, and it was incredibly compelling to read about a guy who is drawn to his girl because of her intelligence and confidence. He certainly appreciates her skills in the bedroom, but that is not the foundation of their relationship, which was great. Some of the spice pushes boundaries and dials up the heat in a big way, but those moments are also intimate and important to showcasing the level of trust between the characters, which I loved. This had my full attention the whole way through, and ended up being a pretty spectacular read.
OR
$4.99 with 69 percent savings
Print List Price: $15.99 
The Print List Price is the lowest suggested retail price provided by a publisher for a print book format of this title, available on Amazon (e.g. hardcover, paperback, mass market paperback).
Learn more
Learn more
These promotions will be applied to this item:
Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.
Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Audiobook Price: $17.46
Save: $9.97 (57%)
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Unwell Hydration from Alex Cooper
Hydrate & focus with every sip Shop now
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Popular Highlights in this book
“You may be built like a goddess, but lucky for you, I’m built to worship one.”Highlighted by 95 Kindle readers- Tonight is just one more battle, but I’m going to win the war. And when I do, when she surrenders to this, I’ll give her the crown. Everything I have. Everything I am. I’ll lay it all at her feet.Highlighted by 87 Kindle readers
- “I see you,” I whisper. “And you do belong, Birdie. You belong with me.”Highlighted by 84 Kindle readers
- “Because I was wrong. You’re not a bird, after all. You’re a lioness. A queen of the jungle still growing her claws. Hold fast, Birdie. Someday the world will kneel to you.”Highlighted by 83 Kindle readers
- I want her to destroy me. I think it might be my only road to salvation.Highlighted by 72 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
About the author
Exquisite. Breathtaking. Incendiary.
These are only a few words I could use to describe both L.M. Halloran's The Dark Before Light, and the performances of voice actors/narrators Lucy Rivers and Sean Masters in the newly released companion audiobook. Former Domme, now renowned therapist and psychologist Talia Stirling reluctantly agrees to take on a new and equally reluctant client, billionaire tech mogul and widower Kieran Hayes. The twist? This is not their first encounter. In fact, Talia has held a torch for Kieran from their very first meeting as teens. There is also an element of suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The tension? Kieran makes it his mission to erode the boundaries between therapist and client, even as Talia valiantly tries but ultimately fails to resist the pull of her equal in intelligence, dominance, and control. The triumph? Both discover the other worthy of mutual submission as they give in to their desires, becoming vulnerable to one another, all while reframing their systems of belief about themselves, about each other, and about what it means to heal individually AND together. Halloran is a literary linguist, and her words have no more worthy aural storytellers than Lucy Rivers and Sean Masters. I was blown away by the passion and perfection of their depiction of these complex characters. Rivers is an absolute force to be reckoned with. She brought Talia to life in ways that brought me to tears, navigating moments of both strength and vulnerability with sublime skill. The level of her performance alone makes this a must listen. The icing on the already incredible cake is Sean Masters' portrayal of Kieran. "Masters" is an apt description for his rendering of a broken but driven man obsessed with making the heroine his in every way. His was an equally enthralling performance. I rarely hold my breath when reading (it's usually detrimental to health), but I had to remind myself to regularly stop and breathe while listening to this story unfold. Though not a dark romance, the themes of this book are darker, deeper, and richer than many contemporary billionaire/forbidden romances. An element I especially appreciate is that Halloran depicts D/s and switch dynamics and kink in a manner that is intriguing and instructive rather than titillating. As always, your mental health matters. Please heed CWs, but if all is green content-wise, this one is a must.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2024
Top reviews from other countries
- Shubha RayReviewed in India on August 13, 2024
Main characters have amazing chemistry
