Confused. Still many unanswered questions, unfortunately the author didn’t make me want to need to know the answers enough to continue with the series.

Well written and an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

Darkest Night is the first in a new series that centers on the Benedict Brothers. They are heirs to an empire. Someone seems to have it out for them but who? This one focuses on the youngest of the brother, Keaton and his childhood sweetheart, Tilly.

For the most part, I enjoyed the book. I liked the brothers and their relationship. There is a mysterious man named The Gentleman who is out to destroy the brothers and those close to them. We don't get any answers really as to who he is or why. It seems his story will be an arc over the series of the book.

While I liked Keaton and Tilly together, I thought their relationship went a bit fast for me. Tilly's world was destroyed by the boys' father when they were younger. She doesn't seem to have much animosity toward Keaton when they first meet up again. I would have expected more angst. I also would have liked more resolution to what really happened with her father and the supposed embezzlement. Hopefully that will be resolved later in the series. Still, it was a fun read and I recommend it. The book does end on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

When I started this series, with the novellas, Tara Thomas was a new to me author I hadn't read any of her books under her other pen name Tara Sue Me either, well that is definitely going to change. I am hooked on the Sons of Broad series! Although this is the first official book in the series I would highly suggest reading the three novels, Shattered Fear, Hidden Fate, and Twisted End that started it all, you don't need to in order to read this book but I feel the story that threads through the three novellas will add more dimension to the on going story.

I enjoyed the second-chance-at-love for Tilly and Keaton but if you think it will be smooth sailing for either of them you would be wrong. There is someone after Tilly, we have several murders/attempted murders, and even a Love Triangle! There is so much going on that it will keep you at the edge of your seat wondering whodunit. I cannot wait to start the next book Deadly Secret to see what happens with Knox and Bea.

This is officially book 1 in this new series by Tara Thomas. Though there are 3 novellas before this they don't need to have been read to enjoy this book. Darkest Night was a great beginning to this series. The action and suspense moved along at a great pace. I certainly didn't get bored. The heat between Tilly and Keaton was definitely boiling. This author has no problems with writing sexual tension and sexy scenes. She blended the elements in her book nicely. OH, and can I just say I LOVE Kipling?!

I enjoyed the plot it kept me entertained and wanting to come back for more. My one problem was the beginning of the book when Tilly and Keaton see each other again. It didn't have any kind of build up or anything it was just boom they were a thing. There was a lot going on at the beginning which I didn't mind because for me it was like setting up the chess board, but I felt like I could see too many moves ahead or even see the checkmate way too early. But even still it was enjoyable and I look forward to the next book!

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

*Beware of possible spoilers*

Keaton and Tilly were close friends growing up. They shared their first kiss when they were fourteen years old, but they were torn apart the next day when Tilly’s dad was accused of embezzling from Keaton’s father’s business. When Keaton got home his mom told him that Tilly’s family had moved to Texas, and when he went there to see for himself they were already gone.

It’s been eight years since Keaton lost Tilly. He’s recently graduated from college and his oldest brother is anxious to have him join the ranks of the family business. They are wealthy and there are always women around, but Keaton really doesn’t think one is all that different from another. Until one night at the gentleman’s club with the guys he’s drawn to a waitress. When he gets closer, he discovers that it’s none other than Tilly! He learns that his mother lied to him, they never moved to Texas. And, worse, his brother has kept in touch with Tilly and her mother over the years.

Things quickly heat up between Tilly and Keaton, but when her coworkers start being murdered Keaton fears for her life! He eventually convinces her to come stay with him so he can protect her. A move that greatly displeases his house guest. Elise has plans that include marrying Keaton, no matter how much conniving she has to do to make it happen!

Keaton and Tilly just found each other and now can’t imagine a life apart. However, someone wants her dead and finds Keaton’s inevitable mourning to be a nice bonus! Can they find out who is behind the murders before it’s too late?

I actually really liked this book for the most part. The story kept me interested and it was a quick read! The romance between Keaton and Tilly was sweet. But I do have a few complaints, and those things could just be a result of me reading an uncorrected proof. There were several grammatical errors, missing words in a sentence, etc. There were things that happened that weren’t really said in the book. For instance, Keaton went to talk to Elise, and he left Tilly, who was naked and reading in his room. He came back after his talk and wanted her to take a walk outside with him, she took his hand and left. I sure hope she got dressed first, or his neighbors got quite an eyeful! My biggest complaint though is that often the scene would change and there was nothing to signify this and it got a bit confusing, especially in the beginning of the book. Adding page breaks would be a huge help to the reader! All of these complaints are minor in the grand scheme of things and could be fixed before the final book is released, and I hope they are fixed by then.

The Benedict brothers seemed like all around good guys, which is a bit odd for having the playboy reputations that they have. Kipling is the hard ass of the group, but it was a lot of fun seeing him flirt and tease with the police officer in charge of the murder investigations! I assume this will be a future book, and I imagine Bea and Knox will have a book as well!

I also have a feeling that their sister isn’t dead and that a certain character fits the bill to be her!

Keaton is a loyal guy, but I felt it was a bit crazy that he was even thinking of meeting Elise’s demands or pretending to go along. It was even more amazing that Tilly was going along with it instead of telling him how stupid that would be! I’m glad he eventually came to his senses.

And, boy was Elise a piece of work! Who wants a husband that doesn’t want them?

The ending of this book didn’t really feel like the end, and I’m curious to see what happens in the next book! I will definitely be checking it out!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I just couldn't finish this book so I can't really review it.

In this first novel in the explosive, brand-new romantic suspense Sons of Broad series from Tara Thomas comes a novel of deadly secrets and hidden danger. In the sultry streets of Charleston, one family, ruled by its powerful, take-no-prisoners sons, has risen to the top. But a merciless killer is out to destroy them…and everyone they hold close…

Exclusive bonus content available only in the print edition!

SHE THOUGHT SHE’D LOST HIM FOREVER
Tilly Brock has learned—the hard way—how to take care of herself. Once a pillar of Charleston society, her family lost everything in the wake of a shocking scandal. And then Tilly lost the only boy she ever loved.

BUT NOW THAT HE’S BACK IN HER LIFE
Keaton Benedict is Charleston’s most notorious bachelor. But in spite of all his advantages—the money, the women,the family name—he longs for more: the heart of the young woman he still can’t forget.

THE DANGER HAS JUST BEGUN…
When Keaton re-enters Tilly’s life, after all these years, she is torn between feelings of doubt and desire. Can they put the past behind them and learn to love again? Tilly is willing to try. But Keaton is afraid that a vengeful enemy is watching—and waiting to destroy them. Can the rekindled flame of their love defeat the deadliest rival and light their way forward in the darkest night?

Review:
I very much enjoyed reading this first book in this new series.

A lot of time was spent getting to know the lead characters and their history, but I would expect that in a new series. Tilly and Keaton were super likable and had great chemistry. I liked their back story on how they grew up together and were just exploring taking their connection farther when they were ripped apart. There are a lot of people in this book, which got a little muddled at some points and trying to figure out what everyone's motivations were. If you don't like multiple points of view, this could be an issue for you. I don't want to give away too much of the plot so as not to ruin it for others. I do still have a lot of questions and some items were left open at the end, so I hope they get answered in the later books in the series. There is a lot of action, but there is romance and some good sexy moments too. The romance and these two lovers coming back together was very well-done and I was rooting for them to be together.

I think this is a great first start for this series and will definitely pick up the others when they come out!

3.5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*

Darkest Night by Tara Thomas. A new to me author. I enjoyed this first book in the Sons of Broad series. A storyline with danger, death and romance. This story pulled me in right away with it's characters. A romantic thriller that you wanted to know what came next. I look forward to reading more books in this series and more books by Tara Thomas.

DARKEST NIGHT could be read as a sweet romance Keaton and Tilly if there weren't so many perilous situations at every turn. Their lives are surrounded with mysterious deaths and danger all around them. Keaton and Tilly reconnect by a chance encounter and their lives are thrust together. They weren't sweethearts, but there is a closeness of shared childhood experience that is undeniable.

Like the prequel novella, SHATTERED FEAR, this story has that creepy, freak you out suspense that puts you on edge. But I wanted more of it. A lot more of it. Just as the fear started to grab hold of me, the action would go in another direction not allowing that tension to grow. I needed more of that tension and action and psychological drama. And I needed it early on in the book.

But there is some drama for sure. Family secrets. Family deceptions. And family expectations.

DARKEST NIGHT is full of secrets that have not yet been exposed and I'm looking forward to reading more about this family. Yes, I do wish that, as a reader, I would have been given more earlier on, but it has left me interested enough to find out where this story will continue.

Rating 3.5 out of 5

I love to spend time in Charleston, so I was immediately drawn to DARKEST NIGHT, the first book in Tara Thomas’ new Sons of Broad series. This book has all the Southern Gothic charm as the city it’s based in, with generations of Southern genteelness and wealth, greed and avarice, murder and debauchery.

In this trio of rambunctious Benedict brothers, I like that it’s the youngest, Keaton, who takes the plunge first and falls in love. He’s helpless to guard his heart from his childhood crush, Tilly Brock, whose father once worked for Benedict Industries … but was fired for embezzling. Tilly’s family was cast out of Charleston Society, though Keaton always believed the Brocks had relocated to Texas.

Their reintroduction was a shock to the collective system, to say the least. Fresh off his college graduation, Keaton’s friends convinced him to celebrate at a strip club … where Tilly is working her way through college as a cocktail waitress. Since the club is no place for a substantive conversation, they decide to meet after her shift.

It’s quickly evident that time apart didn’t lessen their easy camaraderie, and the attraction that had been budding when they were teenagers, is back in spades. When women around Tilly begin showing up dead, and she begins getting messages announcing she’s next, Keaton tightens the ranks and takes her back to Benedict House for safety.

Since Tilly’s last interaction with his brothers, Kipling and Knox, was tied to her father’s fall from grace, she’s less than enthusiastic. But the brothers believe a different truth and close the wagons around Tilly, offering her a safe haven and support she hasn’t had since her parents died. Only, the most dangerous threat to Tilly isn’t a stranger, it’s much closer to home.

Darker secrets inhabit the Benedict family. Thomas has woven a sensual tale of suspense and revenge, where desire and family ties ooze as thick and rich as molasses. A dangerous foe is gunning for the Benedicts, and since he wasn’t successful in taking out Keaton, we’ll likely see him Kip and Knox’s stories.

Keaton Benedict is home after recently graduating from college and trying to decide what he plans to do next. He is out celebrating when he spots Tilly. She was the girl who lived next door and were falling for each other when her family was forced to relocate at least that was what he was told. The connection between them is still their but what will happen when murders begin to occur. Someone named the Gentleman is out to get both Tilley and the Benedicts. Lots of drama and intrigue. The story is entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Looking forward to more.

Darkest Night
Sons of Broad #1

Tara Thomas

St. Martin’s Press, Feb 2018

Release February 27, 2018

342 pages, ebook, audiobook, paperback

Romantic Thriller

✮✮✮✮
I received an e-ARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley. This is my honest review for which I receive no compensation of any kind.

The cover does give you a sort of “creepy, someone’s following her” feeling, but it’s not the way I pictured any of the scenes. Yes, she went running, but none of her running scenes were described or a big focus in the book, so this really doesn’t feel like the right scene for the cover to me. The story was very good. It went back in time and came forward to the present, but didn’t make a muddle of things. The characters lacked some personality. I felt they were a bit flat, but that could be the switch of genres for this author. I’m sure it’s very different writing romantic thrillers than it is writing erotica. So, I figure it will take a book or two for her to really get her characters human and quirky like real people. The potential is certainly there with a story like this one to build around. The pace was quick with some really fast spots and the tension almost had me chewing my fingernails, a habit I gave up over 40 years ago.

And here the reveal begins…

I’m not going to reveal as much as I have been since I need to get more reviews done. Having migraines means I’m putting too much pressure on myself to get too much done. So I’ll still try to do the Monday through Friday, but shorten my reviews while still giving a good review.

So here goes!

Tilly Brock’s Dad had supposedly embezzled money from Benedict Industries and was caught and fired. Keaton Benedict was told they moved to Texas when they actually stayed right there in Charleston. Tilly’s Mom and Dad are dead now, as are Mr. and Mrs. Benedict. Tilly’s going to college and waitressing at a local gentlemen’s club just until she gets her degree in a couple months. It’s a very unpleasant place to work and made worse by the fact that it seems management and some of the staff don’t like her, in fact, go out of their way to make things tough for her.

Keaton is the youngest of the three Benedict sons now running Benedict Industries. Each of them handles a different aspect of the business. Elise Germain, the little rich girl, has always gotten what she wanted. Her Daddy wants her to straighten herself out and get herself married to Keaton Benedict “or don’t bother coming home”. Everyone gets the message. Elise is supposedly doing an internship at a law firm, but what she’s really doing is blackmail. She has “proof” of a fourth Benedict child, a half-sister to the boys that none of them know about and she plans to use this information as leverage to get Keaton to marry her. Plans like that typically go awry and Elise’s are typical in that regard. She just has to mouth off first to Tilly, who does her darnedest to cause trouble for Elise and let Keaton know what’s going on. People end up getting shot and other people’s plans fall through the cracks as well. Tilly has had a narrow escape from both the gentlemen’s club and Elise’s clutches, and safe in Keaton’s arms.

Recommended.
The cover photo doesn't seem to fit the story. Use something that is a major part of the story...

I enjoyed this read and it was a page turner for me. I can already figure out the future set up for side characters, which leaves me interested in reading sequels. The main villain of the story is not uncovered and his identity seems to be left a mystery that will be solved in the sequels. I liked our H and h and enjoyed this read.

Keaton Benedict of the Charleston Benedicts has just graduated from college and is home to take his place in the family business. An event at the local strip club brings Keaton face to face with his former best friend and first crush, Tilly Brock. The Brocks and the Benedicts were very good friends until Tilly’s father was accused of embezzlement and fired. The Brocks lost everything and Keaton never saw Tilly again. Keaton is thrilled to see Tilly and vows not to let her leave his life again.

Tilly is currently finishing her degree and works as a waitress to support herself. She was hurt when her father was accused and all her friends abandoned her. She wants to believe her and Keaton have a second chance but the economic and social gulf between them seems so wide. Not to mention Keaton MAY have a fiance. As Keaton and Tilly grow closer, murder trails behind then while both begin to receive threatening messages. As the killer closes in and certain accusations are made, Keaton and Tilly realize that no matter how hard you try, some family secrets can never stay buried.

Darkest Night by Tara Thomas aka Tara Sue Me is the first full-length novel in her debut romantic suspense series-Sons of Broad. Set in Charleston, SC, Thomas introduces readers to the very rich and influential Benedict family and sets up the world and possible romances for each son though this book focuses mainly in a reconnection romance for the youngest Benedict-Keaton. There are three novellas that predate this novel. They introduce this series, the characters, and set up the main villain who continues on in here. You do not have to read the novellas to read this story though I have been told it helps because of character crossover and certain pertinent background information.

While I am a fan of Thomas’ erotic writings under her other nom de plume, I found this story weak across the board. The characters are one dimensional with some used as nothing more than plot devices, the mystery is chaotic with no real direction, and the romance is nothing more than a second chance with lots of sex.

Tilly and Keaton are an amicable couple. Nice but nothing very memorable about them stands out. They reconnect after 8 years, talk each other up a little, go to dinner, and BOOM…they’re in love. That’s it. The relationship is established instantly. A person of interest is introduced early on and at first looked to be the spark this book needed. Instead, they are a ridiculous caricature and are introduced to provide conflict in the relationship and to reveal pertinent information. The romance and suspense aspect don’t blend well; the romance completely overpowers the conflict. Tilly and Keaton spend a majority of their time having sex or talking about having sex while occasionally trying to figure out who is threatening them. We don’t even learn why his family set her family up.

A diverse cast of secondary characters are introduced but underutilized. Thomas plays so much much close to the vest, you really don’t get to know anyone beyond a cursory glance. Kipling Benedict, the oldest, is snarky and has the hots for one of the lead detectives investigating a series of murders surrounding the Benedicts. Knox Benedict, the middle sibling, is very secretive and considered the saint of the brother but why? Again, we aren’t told a word. The villain of the story, along with his personal assassin whose identity is the linchpin of the entire arc, is probably the most interesting person in the book. He is a twisted piece whose hatred of the Benedicts is the fuel behind everything happening.

The ending comes at you fast as the main conflict resolves itself in a confusing fashion with no explanation for the character’s actions. Thomas drops numerous clues everywhere to set the stage for book two while leaving numerous plot holes for readers to fall through. While I’m sure this will be a hit for some, I’m going to pass and stick to her erotic romance.

Grade: D

I’m slightly torn on Darkest Night, but I’m going to lean toward the author on this one for one reason… The Gentleman. I need to know exactly who this person is so I’ll continue the series even though the feel of a Happy For Now ending is strong. I don’t mind threads woven throughout a series, I simply prefer for the main couple of each book to be pretty much devoted to them not a lot of other secondary characters who will have their story told in time. To be clear, secondary characters often “make” the story more realistic – at times, they simply overtake the story and that is what I felt here.

There is a lot going on in Darkest Night. I expect some world building in the first novel (even without prequels) but there were times when I was overpowered by too many people involved in everything… or at least, that’s how it felt to me. Although they hadn’t seen each other in years, Tilly and Keaton’s connection was still powerful enough to have them in an insta-love or lust situation almost immediately. Tilly’s family fell from grace when her father was accused of a serious crime, one that Keaton has never really accepted that he was guilty of. When she disappeared from his life Keaton was left without his best friend and a young girl who might have meant more in their future. Now finding her again he’s not going to let her go again – only others have different plans for them both, plans that include blackmail and murder.

Darkest Night is a solid 3.5 stars for me. It falls between “good book” and “I liked it a lot”. There were aspects of both in that I loved some parts and not so much other parts. I’ll round that up to 4 stars on Goodreads and Amazon, but I’m holding out hope that Deadly Secret will change my mind on this series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Someone is out to destroy one of the “ pillar” family’s of Charleston. A family not used to being challenged in any way. Tilly and her family had been disgraced when her father had been accused of embezzling from the Benedict’s company- Benedict shipping- funds he worked for and destroyed their standing in the community and was shunned as well as their family even though they moved away eight years ago. Tilly and keaton had grown up together had been each other’s first crush as they were always together as they were also neighbors as well as friends and then Tilly’s first kiss. Then Tilly and her family moved away. Keaton is now an eligible bachelor. Tilly had learned to be independant and take care of herself with both parents dead. Tilly is putting herself through college to be a teacher and working at an upscale “ gentlemen's bar “ doing a horrible job as a server. Tilly and her friend Raven get a lot of berating from the twins that dance on stage. Tilly never expects to see Keaton again. Keaton s at the club to celebrate his college graduation and he is expected to take up his place in the family company. Keaton is struggling to accept what is expected of him. Keaton would rather help the less fortunate and would like to set up a charitable division in the company to help those in need. Keaton’s was close to her brothers even though they have differences. After Tilly and keaton decide to start a relationship violence starts to be connected in all aspects of her life. The first death was Tilly’s friend Raven from work. Than two dancers from the club. The Gentleman has been involved with all kinds of crime including human trafficking. The Gentleman had raised/ brainwashed Jade and she was his henchman/victim. There was also a family friend staying with the Benedicts for the summer and she is determined to marry Keaton and is not above using blackmail. The Gentleman lets Tilly and Keaton know he is coming.
I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read although it had a lot of violence. I advise you to read the prequel novellas first so you understand all you need to know going into the series. I felt this was a good mystery. I didn’t want to put this down as I wanted to see what happened next It was fairly easy to figure out who the killer was. There was instalust involved. But I did think there were too many characters, too fast and that took away from the book. I liked the plot and the pace. This book had: betrayal, suspense, murder, romance, deep secrets, revenge, jealousy, danger, and so much more. I liked the characters a lot and loved the many twists and turns of this book and I recommend.

This is the first book I have read by Ms Thomas and I have to admit I don’t think her writing style is my cup of tea. If I am being honest it was kind of torture to read this book. I just felt like either I missed some pertinent information or it wasn’t there to begin with. Just some things seemed to far fetched, for instance. Tilly’s dad was accused of embezzlement by Keaton’s family and it tore her family apart. She went from being wealthy to having to work in a stripper bar as a waitress and lost her best friend Keaton too. Then years later they see each other in a bar and within 10 pages they have forgiven each other and relying on each other while trying to figure out who wants to harm Tilly. I would think that after all Keaton’s family put her through it would of taken a lot longer to forgive him or trust him. I know it’s an uncorrected book but I didn’t like how there would be a conversation with the “gentleman” in the same chapter without a page break. It took me a minute to realize that I was reading a complete different story within a story almost. I know it ended on a cliff hanger to indicate there was more of the story to come. But I just am not interested in reading more of these characters.

This first book in an all new series is gripping and leaves you wanting more. Tilly and Keaton are getting a second chance at romance, but there are obstacles in their path. This read is fast paced, full of suspense, and features an intriguing mystery with another set up for the series with The Gentleman. The highlight of this book is the engaging characters, both the good and the villains. The Gentleman is an excellently written villain that holds the readers interest. I have my suspicions on who this character is and cannot wait to see how it plays out over the course of the next two books. This book was my first introduction to the author and I am a hooked fan who will definitely be reading more of her work.

*3.5* I did read the novellas leading up to this book but I think I could have read those as their own book. Then read this book as another standalone in the series and been just as happy.

Even with reading the novellas I felt that Tilly and Keaton moved way too fast. They hadn't seen each other in years and how they parted was horrible BUT it was super fast for me even with all the danger.

I did like the suspense in the book, I liked trying to figure out what Jade was going to do next for Mr. G. (the man behind the scenes, pulling all the strings). Why are they being surrounded by murders? Why is Tilly the one that they're after?

TIlly and Keaton pretty much just fast forward through the rest of their teenage years and right into the adults they are today with no hesitancy whatsoever. Will Keaton be able to keep Tilly safe? The family needs help that they don't even realize and it comes in a strange and unexpected way.

I did like meeting Kipling and Knox, Keaton's brothers and can't wait to see what's going to happen in their books.