Darkest Night by Tara Thomas is the First book in the "Sons of Broad series. This story focuses around Keaton Benedict and Tilly Brock. In this romantic suspense someone is out to kill the Benedict sons and is prepared to take out anyone else close to them along the way. Keaton and Tilly were once involved years before but things happened and they moved away from each other. Now time has brought them back but is they able to get past the issues that forced them apart or will they overcome the past and come out stronger than before? On top of relationship issues, they are dealing with a killer to try an catch. This was a fantastic start to a new series and I look forward to reading more in this series for it is fantastic and full of action, suspense, mystery, intrigue and red hot romance.

My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."

3.25 stars--DARKEST NIGHT is the first full length instalment in Tara Thomas’ (aka Tara Sue Me) contemporary, adult SONS OF BROAD romantic suspense series. This is Keaton Benedict and Tilly Brock’s story line. DARKEST night can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. There is a three –part novella serial-Shattered Fear, Hidden Fate, Twisted End-that introduces some of the characters and story behind the Sons of Broad series. Tilly Brock was first introduced in the Sons of Broad serial.

Told from several third person points of view including Tilly and Keaton DARKEST NIGHT continues to focus on ‘The Gentleman’s ‘ quest for revenge against a number of citizens in Charleston, and his latest target is our story line heroine, a part time bar-waitress, and university student whose connection to The Gentleman is currently unknown. While working late night at the local watering hole, Tilly will come face to face with her past, a childhood friend whose father destroyed her family and ruined the reputation of a very good man. Enter Keaton Benedict, heir to the Benedict Industries and the man with whom Tilly will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building, rekindling romance between Tilly and Keaton, and the on-going fall-out as a series of brutal murders, all with connections to our story line couple, find Tilly the next intended target.

DARKEST NIGHT follows several paths including the awkward introduction of a potential threat to our story line couple but a threat that reveals a sordid past that may have a close connection to the Benedict family-a connection that may be alive and well.

The relationship between Tilly and Keaton is one of second chances but there was no palpable sexual attraction. The relationship felt impersonal and detached as though the couple were only going through the motions in a dispassionate display of neutral devotion. In this I struggled with the overall relationship.

We are introduced to Keaton’s brothers Kipling and Knox; officer Alyssa Adams, attorney Bea Jacobs; socialite Elise Germain; hired assassin Jade, as well as a large assortment of secondary characters including a pair of exotic dancers in the wrong place at the wrong time; and the story line antagonist- a man known only as The Gentleman.

DARKEST NIGHT is a story of suspense but got lost in the numerous changes in points of view throughout each chapter. The constant jump in perspectives was not delineated or noted, therefore the reader must be observant in order to keep track of the alternating positions. The premise is intriguing; the writing style, language and text are uncomplicated; the romance is stilted and lacked the palpable sexual energy of most romantic suspense story lines.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

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All I can say is wow! I was completely riveted as soon as I started reading with memorable characters, page-turning suspense, action, mystery, twists, turns, heartwarming romance and so much more. I really liked the chemistry and dynamic between Keaton Benedict and Tilly Brock as they meet again after years apart. This romantic thriller kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages faster than ever to see what would happen next. Darkest Night the first book I have read by Tara Thomas and I can't wait to read more by this talented author.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review.

This is the first full length novel in Tara Thomas’ “Sons of Broad” series and I have to say that we are no closer to finding out the identity of the Gentleman or his motives behind all the murders that he has committed and is still committing. I really hope that Tara Thomas will answer some of the many questions that are lingering in my mind as I am really getting confused. We now have the three Benedict brothers on our radar. And the hero of this novel is the youngest brother Keaton. Those who have read the prequels will be familiar with the heroine, Tilly Brock. One of the waitresses who works at the gentleman’s club where Janie used to work undercover. Well the murders are still continuing and it seems the next victim with a target on her back is Tilly.

Tilly Brock used to live a comfortable and happy life until her father was accused of embezzling money. Her family lost everything: their money, house, life and also their friends. Tilly not only lost her best friend, Elise, but also her first love Keaton Benedict. Since she last saw him, she has lost both her parents and is working at a gentleman’s club to be able to pay for school so that she can make her dreams of becoming a teacher come true. The last person she expected to see at her club was the boy she has never been able to forget.

Keaton Benedict never forgot Tilly. But after her father lost his job and they moved to Texas, he never heard from her again. When he sees her serving drinks at the club he is hit once again by all the feelings that he has suppressed after losing her. She is even more beautiful and sexy now and he wants Notting more than to rekindle their once innocent romance and turn it into something hot. But when bodies start turning up left and right and she receives threatening letters, he knows that he will do everything and anything to protect her and find out who is behind these crimes.

I like this series but I really hope that we get more information on the Gentleman in the next book as I am starting to get a little frustrated with the seemingly random slaughter that has been going on in the book. If we understood his motivations, maybe we can immerse ourselves more into the story. I liked the idea of rekindled love and second chances, but I didn’t really feel the heat between Keaton and Tilly. I have to say that I felt more chemistry between Kipling and Alyssa!

Can’t wait for the next book of the series!!!

4 I NEVER Saw that Coming Stars!!!

I think I'm still in shock with how this book ended because not only were there unexpected people holding guns but we're left with I think even more questions about who The Gentleman is! Just when I think I have it figured out the book takes a turn that came out of nowhere!

The basis of this first book in the Sons of Broad series focuses on the youngest Benedict son Keaton and the girl he lost eight years ago Tilly Brock. Their connection was deep and strong and then one day the carpet was pulled out from underneath them all amid scandal and secrets.

When these two reconnect things were put in motion that results in deaths, investigations and many many questions. Ms. Thomas has done a great job at character development setting up the rest of the series and giving us a few hints at what's to come next.

Not only are Tilly and Keaton fighting for their HEA but their lives and those they love are now enmeshed in a situation that they don't even understand and I have a feeling things are going to be heating up even more in Deadly Secret!!

*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from NetGalley*

Wow. That was the first word that came to mind when I finished this thing. I was only expecting a high thriller but as a hopeless romantic, I was pleasantly surprised to have gotten as much romance as I did. I clicked with the writing right away, and it swept me away to a place where three brothers lived, showing me the life of the youngest brother and his lady love. It was very blunt and didn't linger on any one thing too long, which I appreciated. I got enough detail to build the scene in my mind and not get bored. I liked the characters and though one of the antagonists was a bit cliche, it still made things really dramatic, which I liked.

Great writing, clean and cut get-back-together, scary suspense, and an ending that leaves you wanting more.

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*

We met Tilly in the first book of this series, Shattered Fear, where she shares about her lost love, Keaton. She hasn't seen each other in years, and Tilly believes Keaton broke off contact on purpose. A chance meeting brings them back in touch, and it is almost like the years apart just melt away. They fall in love all over. Unfortunately a killer is hunting, and the victims become gifts left for Tilly. The message is that she's next. Keaton (along with his brothers) will not let that happen.

This story had a lot going on from lost love renewed to a serial killer to a possible stalker to family secrets and secret loves. Keaton was definitely my favorite character. He could be playful but was still pretty decisive and also had good chemistry with Tilly. I also loved the relationships he had with his brothers who are likely to get their own stories. Snarky Kipling kept me amused.

Net Galley provided an ARC.

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...