Review & Giveaway: Promises in the Dark

Posted November 18, 2010 by Jen in 4 stars, Giveaway, Military or Suspense Romance, Rating A, Reviews Tags: , ,

Promises In The Dark
Release Date: November 23, 2010
Publisher: here
Shadow Force Series Book #2
ISBN: #978-0440245971
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance
Format(s): paperback (416 pages), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the author for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
      On the run, in each other’s arms, with one last chance to survive.
      A rugged Navy SEAL, Zane Scott was part of a failed mission to rescue Dr. Olivia Strohm from abduction by the terrorist group Dead Man’s Hand (DMH)—and her anguished screams have haunted him ever since. So when he gets word that the beautiful physician has escaped from her captors in Africa, he’s got personal reasons to storm the continent and save her.
      Like her would-be liberator, Olivia carries the burden of a dark secret from her past. Ruthless and relentless, the DMH has threatened to hunt her down – and to systematically hurt anyone she’s close to. The last thing she wants is to be rescued—even by someone as shockingly handsome as Zane. Yet the hot-headed special ops hero has come for her, and together she and Zane just might have a shot at not only stopping DMH’s reign of terror, but also saving what’s left of their souls.
What I’m talking about:
      Promises in the Dark picks up about 6 months after the end of Lie With Me, with Dr. Olivia Strohm having escaped her evil captors. She’s on the run and hiding in Africa, hoping that she’ll never be found – by anyone. Meanwhile, Zane has spent all of his free time trying to track down and rescue Olivia. He is drawn to her and cannot get her out of his mind – even though he’s never met her.  Once Zane finds Olivia, sparks fly and it’s up to Zane to convince Olivia she’s better off leaving Africa.  Together they make their way to a small missionary medical treatment clinic on their way to safety.  There they meet Doc J (it’s his place), Tristan, and Rowan.
      Meanwhile, back in the states, Zane’s brother, Cael is on a mission for the Army to determine if computer genius Vivienne Clare knows that her new nuclear plant security program was stolen by the terrorist group DMH, or even worse – if she sold it to them.  But when Vivi’s life is on the line, Cael ensures her safety which intertwines their lives in ways he wasn’t prepared to deal with.  He has to decide if he can trust Vivi with the lives of his brother, Olivia and countless other innocent people, and if he should act on his growing attraction for Vivi.
      I fell in love with Zane and Olivia while reading the first book in this series, Lie With Me (my review HERE)   She was kidnapped and injected with drugs – forcing an addition – so that she would help DMH with their black market organ transplant clinic. Based on the ending of that book, I was expecting a heart-wrenching story of a drawn-out rescue and drug withdrawal issues.  However, this book skips past those issues, and I think it’s a better story for it. By moving forward in time, Ms. Tyler jumps over the expected and spends more time on the heart of the story.
      And what a good story this is! In fact it’s really 3 different stories that all circle and collide with one another. 1) Zane and Olivia’s love story and escape. Can two damaged individuals get past their suffering and learn to trust and love? 2) Rowan and Tristan. Two people with different backgrounds but both dealing with a lot of pain. She had a wonderful love, but lost it tragically. He was betrayed by someone he thought loved him.  3) Cael and Vivi. They are from two different worlds, and she is a character of interest in his investigation. Can he determine the truth in time to save lives and his heart?  In the end, each of these romances and story lines integrates into one fantastic tale!
      I love that all three of these women are strong heroines–even computer geek Vivi who doesn’t feel like she is. She stands up to the Army and Cael like nobody’s business!  They are each self-sufficient and don’t need a man, but are tired and lonely. So when the right man comes along – sparks fly immediately – lust at first sight, instant connections, which is HOT.  I adore these women and understand their desire to have someone take care of them.  Because these ladies have had it tough, and it is hard taking care of yourself and others for SO LONG. However, I do have to say I was a bit annoyed that in two different situations, two of these women (Olivia and then Vivi) threw themselves at their respective mates upon first meeting them, in pretty inappropriate/dangerous situations… they both beg for sex to make them forget. Why is having sex with a hot alpha male STRANGER, when your life is in mortal danger, ideal for making them forget their lives? Okay, forget I asked that question – but it did bother me that these strong women couldn’t find a better time and way to connect with their respective men.
      I truly enjoyed reading how Zane and Olivia – both “damaged” people – learn to trust each other. They realize that even love won’t erase the horrors of the past, but together they can overcome a lot.  In fact, this book is full of flawed men and women that don’t apologize for their mistakes, their pasts, their choices, and they don’t just try to “forget and make it better.” Instead, each person and couple works through their pasts and learns to trust and love. It is extremely emotionally satisfying!
      Beyond the love stories, there are some major things happening with the terrorist group, DMH, which should make for an interesting start to the next book.  In addition, we haven’t read Cael and Vivi’s full story, and based on the epilogue of Promises in the Dark, the next book will be a good one.
      Not only is this book full of wonderful romance and HOT smex, but the action is suspenseful and riveting. Ms. Tyler has created an engrossing world of black ops and special missions, where the good guys are big and sexy and the bad guys are evil. I love it!
My Rating: 
Really enjoyed – strongly recommend (A-)
GIVEAWAY:Stephanie has GENEROUSLY donated one (1) copy of each of the first two Shadow Force Series books – Lie With Me and Promises in the Dark for a giveaway here on my blog. If you would like to enter for a chance to win either of the books, please leave a comment with your email address at the end of this post.  Contest is open internationally!! Contest is open from now until November 23, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST. Winners will be selected using random.org and announced on my blog on November 24, 2010.  First name drawn will get choice of book. Second winner will receive the other book.
Readers: I’ll be showcasing a Sneak Peek of Promises in the Dark for this week’s Sunday Snippets feature. Be sure to check back on Sunday!!

21 responses to “Review & Giveaway: Promises in the Dark”

  1. Michelle Greathouse

    Hi. 🙂

    Romantic Suspense is a genre I’ve recently discovered – and I love it.

    Stephanie Tyler is a new to me author and I would love to read the Shadow Force series.

    Thank you for the opportunity.

    Michelle
    kweenmg @ yahoo dot com

  2. Marq

    I love the book cover! There’s something about it….I think it’s the eyes. I haven’t read a lot of romantic suspense but the ones I have read have been so, so good!

    lovetoreadforfun(at)gmail(dot)com

  4. Janna

    “Why is having sex with a hot alpha male STRANGER, when your life is in mortal danger, ideal for making them forget their lives?”

    Duhuh! 😉 LOL, but I see your point, Jen!

    Are there three books in total? This sounds like a fascinating series!
    Fab review, hon. 🙂

  7. Jane

    Great review. Looking forward to the release of “Promises in the Dark.” I loved her Hold trilogy.

    janie1215 AT excite DOT com

  11. Scorpio M.

    I am a fan of Stephanie’s work. Read her entire HARD series and really enjoyed them. Looking forward to her new ones!

    jenma76 at hotmail dot com

  14. Victoria

    I love Stephanie’s work. Would love to win an autographed copy of either of these books. I’ll be here Sunday for the sneak peak snippet. Thanks.

  15. Jasmine1485

    I’ve never read any of Stephanie’s books before but they sound like my kinda read! 🙂 Thanks for this great giveaway, fingers crossed.

    Kate1485 at hotmail.com

  20. Stella (Ex Libris)

    Ooh thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!! I saw these books just a couple of days ago online and my interest was instantly piqued with these yummy and mysterious covers. Thank you for your review, I ahven’t read anything by Stephanie, but I put her Shadow Force Series books on my wishlist now! 🙂

    Thank you!

    stella.exlibris (at) gmail (dot) com