Who is The Gentleman?? So I like that there is two different mysteries going on in this book. I also like the second chance romance in this book. This is the start of a new series and it starts off with a bang. I like that we don't find out who The Gentleman is and that the mystery will continue on to the next book. The romance is good as you root for Tilly and Keaton. At the same time you are wondering where the next story is going to go and excited for Knox and Kipling's books.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it sure kept my attention. I received a free copy from Net Galley and this is a voluntary review but it mentioned this is the first book in the series. Okay it’s my own fault for not realizing it is also a cliffhanger which I hate and don’t usually read. That being said this is a good romance/mystery. It mainly deals with Keaton and Tilly. The character development is really good and the background story is well explained. The flow of the story held my interest all the way through. The only problem I have is when I checked out the other books in the series I found a number of books in the Sons of Broad but no explaination of the series order or number of books in the series to find out the mystery solution.

Keaton Benedict may be the youngest son but he's no pushover. He's determined to be his own man even with two older brothers. The Benedicts don't know that their family is being targeted by a deadly enemy who wants to destroy them. Keaton's life changes even more when he reconnects with Tilly. It makes him realizes how much he missed her. Will they survive? I liked these characters. They are wonderfully portrayed. Keaton is a heart stealing hero. He's an honorable man. Tilly is a strong willed heroine with a good heart. These two compliment each other. I liked the sharp dialogue and the interesting secondary characters. This is a suspenseful pulse pounding read. Tara Thomas hooked me with the non stop action and the unexpected twists. I can wait for the next book in the Sons of Broad series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

While I enjoyed the romance of Keaton and Tilly, it did seem pretty rushed to meet then move in together all in the span of a few days.

I had a hard time liking the Benedict boys as they seemed so entitled and used to their playboy lifestyle. As the book progressed, I started to like them a little bit more.

This is the first in a series but I really wanted to be given a small bone of information but all the details with the Gentleman and Jade and why there is such a vendetta against the Benedict family is a mystery.

There is also the allegations that Tilly's father was embezzling which Tilly and the Benedict boys did not believe. It just would have been nice if a small bit was revealed but we get no answers to the ongoing mysteries.

I enjoyed the book enough that I would want to read the next book, and hope that we will get some answers, find out what is going on with Knox and Bea, and who is Jade?

There was a nice HEA along with new threat against Bea, but there really was no sense of Tilly's threat from the Gentleman.

Darkest Night

**received an arc in exchange for an honest review***

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Looking for a new romantic suspense? Tara Thomas’ series takes you to Charleston, South Carolina and has everything you are looking for! This book was great, it moved at a great pace, had good quality characters and will have you excited about what is happening next with the Benedict Brothers. Tilly and Keaton’s chemistry is electric from the start and you are rooting for them to find their way and start their life over again with each other. And the rest of the Benedict clan will keep capturing your attention at different times and even throw you off a little with Kipling’s comments to the police officer and Knox’s secret life. Get ready for a suspense filled series that needs to be added to your TBR list today!

Keaton Benedict has his life made, his family is known for their shipping business, but is hoping he can change what that means for his future. And when Tilly makes her way back in his life he knows nothing will be the same.

Tilly can’t believe Keaton is back in her life and that the connection they had years ago has never gone away. But just when she thinks her life is turning around, people she knows start to show up dead.

As Keaton and Tilly try to figure out what is going on and who is killing innocent people, they soon find out that Tilly is the next target. Will they be able to stop the killer or will Tilly continue to be in danger and endanger those around her?

After reading the trilogy of prequel novellas for this Sons of Broad series, with the scene set, I couldn't wait to jump head first into this first full-length novel. It isn't essential to read the three novellas before beginning Darkest Night so if you begin with this book, you won't be missing any vital information. 

After her family lost everything after a scandal, Tilly Brock can't wait until she finished her degree because it meant she wouldn't have to work at the Charleston's upscale gentleman's club to fund her way through college. She's no longer part of Charleston's elite and Keaton Benedict's life so her focus is to finish her studies and become a teacher. 

To outsiders, Keaton Benedict has it all. As the youngest of three brothers, he's expected to follow his older siblings and take on an active role within Benedict Industries, the legacy of their late father. Only despite his vast wealth, his heart longs to belongs to the young woman who disappeared from his life. 

The intrigue continues as the Benedict family and Tilly are unexpectedly reunited as they're targeted by The Gentleman. Information from the past and new clues are uncovered, raising questions about Tilly's late father's connection to the scandal that ruined the family financially. The former young loves reconnect and discover their mutual feelings for each other are even stronger than before as potential danger is always in the background. 

The narrative kept me engaged the whole time as we get snippets of insight into the Gentleman's world, as we watch Keaton and Tilly's romance develop whilst Charleston PD officer Alyssa Adams continues with her investigation into the abducted women and their murders as well as attention from Kipling Benedict. I wasn't familiar with this writer before this series, but I'm impressed with how effortlessly the narrative flows. 

The ending for the protagonists is a satisfactory happy for now, as threads are left open to be continued in Deadly Secret #2 and Broken Promise #3… can't wait! 

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

Wow, I knew nothing about this book or author when I first started reading, but must say by the time I was midway through, I was so engrossed with all the characters of this book, that I was hoping there was going to be another, and knowing at the last page there is helped. Not that this is not a standalone as it truly is. The Benedict brothers live in Charleston and between people trying to ruin them, dead bodies turning up, and romance, what more could I want. Loved it, and can’t wait for the next one.

Tara Thomas opens the Sons of Broad series with an astounding bang! Darkest Night takes the shape of a romantic thriller as two childhood friends reconnect amid death and danger. Keaton Benedict walks into Tilly Brock's life, years after her father was accused of stealing from the Benedict family business. Things fall back into place as their connection proves to be as strong as ever.

Darkest Night is a fast paced read that has as many surprise twists as it has interesting characters. Told from multiple perspectives with distinct voices, the story gives readers a bird's eye view of the plot. When Tilly's co-workers start showing up dead, and she and Keaton receive threats, the story takes a dark, dangerous turn. As it progresses, a man known as The Gentleman is shown to be the mastermind behind most of the events around the Benedict family. This story gives you just enough information to suspect and not enough to give the full plot away. Throughout the entire story, the attacks seem random and increasingly targeted toward Keaton and his brothers, but it becomes obvious that a large unknown force is looking to take them out.

Though we don't get all the answers raised in Darkest Night, the rest of the Sons of Broad series will no doubt provide them. I can honestly say that not knowing everything makes me even more eager to jump into the next book! It's not the same as being left on a cliff hanger, because a lot of the plot is resolved and just enough left open for further exploration. Romantic suspense fans of Katee Robert and B.J. Daniels will love taking on this new series!
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

Je vous avais précédemment parlé des nouvelles qui sont des prequels à cette saga et que j'avais beaucoup aimé. Je vous rassure en vous affirmant qu'il n'est absolument pas nécessaire de les lire pour comprendre ce premier tome même si la psychologie de The Gentleman y est pourtant très bien présentée. Nous retrouvons donc cette saga palpitante et la menace continue de planer au dessus des personnages.



Keaton Benedict est cette fois ci notre héros et j'ai adoré le découvrir car c'est un personnage attachant qui saura nous séduire par sa gentillesse et son côté protecteur . Bien entendu, il ne sera pas du niveau de Brent mais il est sur la bonne voie. Il est à la tête de Benedict Entreprises avec ses frères Kipling et Knox , que j'aimerais à apprendre à connaître encore plus dans le prochain roman qui sortira au mois de mars. Ils forment tous les trois une famille soudée et ayant chacun leur caractère , ils sont complémentaires tout en étant différents. Ils ont leur vie et leur histoire et chacun leur problématique. Keaton ne semble pas forcément réjoui d'être à la tête d'un empire surtout que sa vie a souvent été planifiée par sa famille sans qu'il ait son mot à dire. On a donc l'impression qu'il va faire sa vie avec Elise Germain, l'héritière d'un autre gros empire. Nous allons découvrir cette dernière dès son arrivée chez les Benedicts et on sent dès les premières minutes qu'elle va semer la zizanie . On épie donc ses gestes, ses actes et on attend qu'elle révèle son plan machiavélique.



Mais Keaton n'est pas dupe surtout qu'il va retrouver l'amour de sa jeunesse, Tillie Brock. Le lien qu'il avait tissé reste aussi intense et l'heure des explications va donc sonner car ils ont en effet un passif qui les a séparé. Les non dits, les années de séparation n'ont pas entacher leur amitié et ils semblent vouloir rattraper le temps perdu . Mais tout ne sera pas rose et simple car une menace plane sur la famille Benedict . A son tour , Keaton reçoit la fameuse rose , annonciatrice de mauvaises nouvelles. Qui peut lui en vouloir? Le lecteur se pose des questions car nous avons une partie des réponses mais pourtant je ne suis pas parvenu à faire complètement le lien avec les autres meurtres. Tara Thomas nous donne de nouveaux indices et nous présente aussi de nouveaux personnages et on se demande ce qu'il adviendra d'eux dans le prochain tome. Jade est au service du gentleman et on découvre donc le lien assez "particulier" qu'il a pu tisser avec elle. Tom est celui qui punit et une de ses victimes sera Bea Jacobs, la soeur de Brent. Quel est donc le lien qui unit tous ces personnages? Keaton parviendra t-il à résoudre les soucis familiaux et regagner l'amour de celle qu'il a toujours aimé?



Tillie Brock est une héroïne que nous avions découvert dès la première nouvelle car elle travaillait au bar avec Janie et nous ne savions que quelques détails la concernant . On la découvre donc plus amplement dans ce roman et j'ai vraiment adoré la combativité et l'envie de réussir de cette jeune femme. Elle doit faire face aux jumelles qui font la loi au bar et pourtant elle le fera avec classe et gentillesse. On sent qu'elle a le potentiel de ses ambitions et qu'elle fera une excellente professeur. Nous en apprenons aussi plus sur son passé familial et ce qui a conduit cette dernière a coupé le contact avec les Benedicts. Enfin couper le contact est un bien grand mot car les retrouvailles ne sauraient tarder. Ce personnage est donc intéressant même si on ne creuse pas assez son passé et qu'on se demande donc pourquoi elle serait la victime potentielle du Gentleman. Une nouvelle pièce de puzzle qu'il va donc falloir intégrer au reste du tableau. Elle sait se défendre et j'ai particulièrement aimé le fait qu'elle ne se laisse pas marcher sur les pieds. Elle était amie avec Elise mais il semblerait que ce ne soit plus le cas actuellement. Malgré le danger, elle ne reculera pas et cherchera même à comprendre qui en veut tellement à cette famille mais aussi à elle même. Etant donné que les meurtres continuent d'affluer, on retrouve également Alyssa et je suis curieuse de savoir si ce qu'on a aperçu entre elle et Kipling pourrait être exploité dans le prochain roman. L'enquête piétine toujours et nous la voyons peu sur le terrain contrairement aux nouvelles. Ne croyez cependant pas qu'elle se repose sur ses lauriers.



Bref, ce premier tome de la saga Sons of Broad tient une nouvelle fois ses promesses, celle de nous faire passer un bon moment de lecture. Même si j'aurais aimé que certains aspects ou personnages soient plus développés, cela ne nous empêche pas de nous creuser les méninges et de faire un lien entre les nouvelles et ce premier tome. Je n'ai toujours pas la moindre idée concernant l'identité du Gentleman ni les raisons qui le poussent à tuer toujours et encore. Tara Thomas a su distiller de la romance et du suspense dans ce thriller et elle réussit à nous rendre accro à cette saga.

Exciting new to me author, Ms. Thomas, transports me away into a world of intrigue, betrayal and brotherhood. Full disclosure, I did not read the blurb. There are two people at St. Martin's who seem to really match me up to new authors I will enjoy. I went into the story cold as Meghan from St. Martin's has yet to steer me wrong. I'm glad she sent this book to me because now I have a new author to add to my collection of must reads.

From the very first page, my attention is captured. Tilly Brock is a hard working girl in a gentleman's club. She waitresses to pay for her education. She wants to be a teacher. Going from a well to do middle class family to barely making ends meet has been a difficult adjustment during her teenage years. Now, months away from earning her degree and starting the life she's work towards, her past slams into her. Specifically, her youthful crush on the rich and charming Keaton Benedict walked into the club during a bachelor party and catches sight of her.

This reunion immediately pulled me in. Is this a white knight theme where the rich boy saves the poor girl? Will this be trite and a long drawn out "why we can't be together" romance? None of the above. Instead, Ms. Thomas brings a refreshing tale of friends reuniting and clearing up past misconceptions. There are no contrived conflicts through miscommunications. Instead, it is a new look into the past and how children take what adults say for granted.

I really liked Tilly. Her character is endearing because even through all the hardship, she is a positive person who gives her best. She may have times of petty thoughts, but overall, she's relate-able and the kind a friend that should be treasured. I also liked Keaton. He is a straight shooter who won't be pushed into a corner. His open and honest communication with Tilly is admirable and made the story so smooth for me. Their budding relationship is sweet and they are adorable together.

This story could be a simple second chance romance. It is so much more. There are dark secrets that come to light. An unknown nemesis is out to destroy Keaton and his family. The little bits of clues here and there keep it suspenseful. I'm still not sure who the villain is and I'm sure I'll be shocked when it is revealed. The plot twists and little turns here and there because of the multiple subplots keeps this story sharp and action packed. The downtime with the sensual romance between Tilly and Keaton help balance the dark.

For readers who are eagerly awaiting the next Nora Roberts book, come read Ms. Thomas's books. This romance suspense is recommended to all romance readers.

Darkest Night by Tara Thomas is the First book in the "Sons of Broad". This story works around Keaton Benedict and Tilly Brock. There were some novel prequels leading up to this book but this can be a standalone book.
Keaton and Tilly were once involved but things happened and they moved away from each other. Now time has brought them back but can they work past the issue they had? There is also allot of action and a killer to try an catch.

Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.

I am a sucker for any romance/romantic-suspense/mystery/cozy with its' setting in the South and Charleston is such a romantic and mysterious setting that I expected a lot more than I got for mood and setting. I love this region and I particularly love it when an author can make it live as another character in their books. So much for what I wish for. This book could have been set anywhere and was ridiculous, and not in a wonderful, funny way. It was ridiculous in a really badly written way. There were a lot of loose ends and I really don't care enough to subject myself to the other two books in this series to see them tied up. Only good thing is that the sex scenes were really hot.

Tilly Brock is working her way through school as a server in a gentlemen's club, aka a strip joint, but high class you see. She is on her own and making it work. Her family was once very well to do in Charleston, but in addition to losing their status, Tilly also lost her best friend, Keaton Benedict.

When Keaton Benedict, one of Charleston’s most notorious bachelor, sees Tilly at the club, he is struck by how much he lost when she left his life 8 years ago. He immediately wants to talk to her, but someone else has other ideas.

The young love these two shared never died for either of them. Now, as adults, they must see if that love is able to stand the bodies that are dropping all around them. And, the reappearance of Elise, who had staked a claim on Keaton long ago and is not about to let go.

Darkest night by Tara Thomas is the second volume in the Sons of Broad series and the first full-length novel officially introducing the three Benedict brothers and their dark past. The previous volume is a serial in three parts titled Shattered fear, Hidden fate and Twisted end, all published in February 2018. The series’ common thread is a bad guy whose real identity we don’t know yet and who’s known as The Gentleman. However we know all his minions and in the book we quickly learn who is charged with getting rid of the troublesome element.

So it’s this book that enticed me to go on reading the serial for a very simple reason: the love story between Tilly Brock and Keaton Benedict. It’s a reunion story. When Tilly’s father used to work for Keaton’s father, a scandal pulled the two families apart and Keaton never had any news from Tilly because of his mother. Back then the two young people were thick as thieves, and the more we go forward in the story, the more we realize the deepness of their feelings already at this time. However, between death prowling around Tilly and a determined rival, our heroes will have obstacles to overcome.
There’s a moment in this book that turned my little romantic heart upside down but I can’t talk about it here. Let’s just say the hero is invaded by an heiress who really wants to marry him and it’s his decision that tips the scales on the positive side for this book. And so convinced me to give a chance to the serial.

On the suspense side, we learn The Gentleman holds a grudge against the whole Benedict family and intends to eliminate them but not before publicly humiliating them. We don’t know more about this revenge at the end. When closing the book, there are a lot of grey areas left but we’re not frustrated for all that, just intrigued by what we will discover.
The suspense in this volume is linked to Tilly, which The Gentleman wants to eliminate at all cost because of what she could know concerning what happened between the two families years ago.
I have an advice for those who wish to read this book: you must read the stories in the order for the understanding of the main story.

In Darkest Night the author focuses especially on the love story. Tilly or Keaton are not investigators so they act according to what happens and to the police intervention. We will have a sudden development near the end of the book and a false suspense concerning one of the secondary characters we discover here and for whom we already guess too many things even if the veil isn’t lifted when we close the book.
The secondary characters present from the start take more and more importance and once Darkest Night finished I had only one wish: to hurl myself on the next volume.

In spite of some negative points, Tara Thomas’ style makes this book and the series addictive. But fans of romantic suspense mustn’t expect a perfect suspense, it’s not one at all.

Tilly and Keaton grew up together, their dad's working together in the same company, their mom's best friends and they feeling the first blush of puppy love. Suddenly, Tilly's father is accused of embezzling, fired and forced to move the family out of state to save face. Tilly came back to Charleston a few years later but, never notified anyone that she was back. Keaton has been gone for the past 8 years and has just returned to take his place in the family business. He runs into Tilly purely by accident and, feels that immediate punch he never thought he would feel again. Tilly, on the other hand, wants to stay as far away as she can from Keaton. The problem is that Tilly's co-workers and friends are being killed off, one at a time and, Keaton is convinced that the real target is Tilly. He brings her to stay in the family estate and, the romance is off the charts. Problem is that, the daughter of the man who took Tilly's father's place when he was fired, is on her way to the estate because she is convinced that her and Keaton WILL MARRY!!!!! Fast-paced with quite a few twists and turns, I DID NOT WANT TO PUT THIS BOOK DOWN 'til the very last word!!! I can't wait for the next installment!!!

Tara Thomas is a new-to-me author of romantic suspense. This author writes erotic romance under the pen name Tara Sue Mae, but I had never read her books. Her new series “Sons of Broad” is off to a great start with this first full-length installment. An emotional and heartwarming story of true love is deftly intertwined with a suspenseful storyline featuring murders of young women. The dark and chilling mystery hooked me and I enjoyed the charming romance between the main characters. That being said, the pacing of the story felt a bit off to me, jumping from high point to high point. The story is told in multiple point of views, and I was sometimes disoriented when the POV shift occurred.

Keaton Benedict and Tilly Brock shared a soul-deep connection, but their worlds were both shattered when Tilly, forced into a heartbreaking decision, unexpectedly leaved town. Tilly’s father lost everything and she was ashamed about the stigma on her family. Fast forward eight years, she is back. She has been working at a gentleman club to pay her way through college. The club has been the target of a serial killer and she lives in fear.

Keaton and Tilly’s reunion is heartwarming and bittersweet. It puts them both in danger but Keaton doesn't care because he loves Tilly and will protect her at all costs. His warmth and strength comfort her. Keaton Benedict is endearing, gentle and determined, a perfectly likeable character. The romantic buildup was well done and sweet.

I really loved the mystery aspect of this book, it was intriguing and even scary at times because I wasn't sure what to expect. The secondary characters add depth to the story. One of them, the Gentleman, stands out as a remarkably evil character, pivotal in the suspense. His aim is the end of the Benedict business empire but his motivations are still unclear.

While some things are answered, there are more questions left open for the next book, featuring the middle Benedict brother, Knox. Overall, despite a few quibbles, Darkest Night was a compelling read. 3.5 Stars

4.25-4.5 STARS

In this first full-length romantic suspense novel in author Tara Thomas’ Sons of Broad series, the reader is transported to the streets of Charleston, where a love rekindled blooms anew. But those very same streets hold deadly secrets, where a looming threat also lurks close at hand.

After eight years of separation on the heels of a scandal, it’s a second-chance at love for Tilly Brock and Keaton Benedict. Their reunion is both welcomed and confusing for the notorious playboy, Keaton, who was intentionally misinformed as to Tilly’s whereabouts for all those many years. Pushing aside any misgivings, both Tilly and Keaton are willing to put the past behind them and risk taking another chance on love.

Tilly Brock was first introduced in this series’ prequel novellas, as was a character named “The Gentleman,” who is clearly, evil incarnate. His identity is still unknown, as is his motivation moving forward. And so, the plot thickens with the introduction of a girl name Jade, as the mysterious “Gentleman” puts his plan of vengeance into play. The Benedicts are his target; Tilly, his unsuspecting prey.

With likeable characters and an evil pursuer out to destroy them, I found myself easily drawn into this couple’s suspenseful story. I’m captivated by the premise of this intriguing new series, and am excited to add a new author to my repertoire. But many mysteries still abound, and hence, the ending only served to leave me craving more. And as such, I’m eager to get my hands on the next installment to this series!

After 8 years apart, childhood friends Tilly Brock and Keaton Benedict are brought back into each others lives unexpectedly. When people around Tilly start being murdered, Keaton refuses to leave her side and their relationship grows. This story is filled with many twists and turns, but there should be a disclaimer that there's no resolution in the story and it ends without giving the reader any answers. I enjoyed the mystery and idea of the storyline, so I'll definitely read the next book to see who's behind everything, but I'm a person that needs closure at the end of a book, so I'm a little disappointed with this one. Still a good read!

After reading and enjoying the prequel novellas, I couldn't wait to dive into the main plot of this series. The novellas did a great job of setting the scene with an anticipation of danger and secrets and I couldn't wait to get some answers to some of my lingering questions.

Compared to the novellas, this novel is more romance than straight thriller. I felt like this was a second chance story for Tilly and Keaton and the thriller aspect was just one of the many obstacles in their way. At times the mystery takes a back seat to their blossoming reunion and because of the danger, everything happens rather quickly between them. There is a lot of baggage between them but it gets glossed over due to the circumstances. For me, that's what makes this very much like your classic romantic suspense. I'm always left wanting more from the romance. However, that being said, they have enough bumps along the way to keep me interested.

That was one of the aspects that impressed me the most about this story: its many layers. There are a lot of things at play here and that kept me hooked. I started coming up with various theories, attempting to solve everything myself only to be thwarted later on by another development. We didn't get too many answers but it has me eager for the sequel.

I'm very much invested in this underbelly of Charleston and seeing what will happen in the next two novels now that we have a little inkling of what's to come.

This romantic suspense tale was certainly loaded with suspense, but the romance side fell short for me. Tilly and Keaton shared one kiss when they were fourteen and due to family drama and accusations, they don't see each other for eight years. Both characters are likable and they share a quick wit that adds some levity to the story. They're also intelligent and wise beyond their years in everything except for their romance. The idea that they fell into each other's arms so quickly with so much past drama between them just wasn't believable for this reader. I will say that their intimate scenes were well done and what I would consider steamy light. If the romance had been a bit more developed, it would've been perfect. That aside, the book has plenty of suspense and intrigue, which did keep me reading to see who would be behind it all. There is one edge of your seat scene toward the end, but I expected that. What I didn't expect was the disappointing lack of information about the Gentleman's identity or about how Jade ties into things. As I got closer and closer to the end of the book, I knew there would have to be a cliffhanger, but this one just stops, leaving a lot more questions than answers. It felt more like the end of a chapter than the end of a book and I can only assume that it will pick up from there in the next addition to the series. As it stands, I'm left with a bit of "meh" feeling about this one and haven't decided yet if I'm intrigued enough to continue with the series.

This story is super sexy but definitely edge of your seat... can't wait for the next one...

Murder, Love, Intrigue.... This series has it all and it is written in my home town!

#cliffy #Charleston #LOVED