LOVED this book!!! It's a thrilling, suspenseful page turner with some romance thrown in too. This book is full of secrets which leave you dying to see what will happen next. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.

Darkest night is the first full-length novel in the Sons of Broad series. As you might know, I was very eager to get my hands on this book because I wanted answers. The unfortunate thing is that I didn't get them and even worse I got more. We get deeper into the gentleman's world by reading a few parts from his point of view and Jade's. I know that is a little far-fetched, but I want Jabe to be the sister the Benedict's didn't know they had. Jade might not be the best person at the moment, but she can be forgiven.

The timeline of this book is a little unclear to me. I think the story begins around the time the first novella began and some point halfway it continues after the time the third novella ended. I hope that will be clearer when I read the second book. It drives me mad thinking that 5 books will be released in two months (the second book is coming on March 27th) and the third will be released in June. I don't know how much longer I can wait to find out what will happen to all the characters. In this book, we have a lot of things going on and I kept turning the pages to find clues and what the author planned for each character. I was happy with the romance and the suspence. We got teased about the upcoming couples and I am already invested in their stories. I would recommend the book and I will say that you don't have to have read the novellas to read this book, but since I enjoyed them I would say to read them too.

Strong, compelling characters draw readers in and refuse to let go in this fast paced romance full of suspense.

Keaton and Tilly have electrifying chemistry and a romance that is hot and sweet. The characters have a past that certainly impacts their present but the dangerous events that unfold throughout the story play a great part in the building of this romance as well. The readers can’t help but feel as if they are part of this exciting story as Keaton and Tilly try to find their way around all the danger to build a future.

The suspense builds throughout the story and the readers get caught up in the anticipation and thrills as things are kept hopping by dangerous enemies and surprising twists keep readers guessing throughout the story. The author brought the story to life with vivid imagery that makes it easy for the readers to picture the world she created and ensures that the readers come back for more.

Overall, I was caught up in the book from beginning to end and I am looking forward to reading Deadly Secrets which is coming soon.

After reading the three novellas that Tara released in the Sons of Broad series, I was excited to start reading the full length books that will release over the next few months. Darkest Night is the first of three and it is about Tilly Brock, a college student working as a cocktail server in a Gentlemen's club. We learned in those novellas that she has been harboring feelings for a certain boy she grew up with but has lost contact with for reasons she's not willing to disclose.

In Darkest Night, we find out why Tilly has lost contact with the boy, now a man, Keaton Benedict. A scandal involving her father and the company he worked for. A company owned by the Benedicts. But a chance meeting one night at the club that Tilly works for, and the dream she always had that Keaton would show up at her club and whisk her away finally comes true.

These two haven't seen each other in eight years, but when they talk again for the first time, it is like no time has passed at all. That connection is still there, the feelings they had for each other are still there, and they can't and don't want to fight them. The only issue is Elise, the girl, now a woman that they were friends with as a child is coming to stay at Keaton's house, and she has her sights set on marrying him!

This book is pretty fast paced, with lots of things happening. The mysterious Gentleman that we were first introduced to in the novellas, has put a plan in motion to exact some type of revenge or vengeance on the Benedicts, starting with the people around Tilly. Very quickly several of her coworkers are killed, with promises that she's going to be next. It's a race against time to try and figure out who is behind these attacks, with Alyssa Adams heading up the investigation. We first met her in the three novellas and her story will be told in book three of this series.

There's a lot of suspense, mystery, that feeling of something building towards a dramatic conclusion. We don't get the overall conclusion yet as we still have two books to go before we find out who The Gentleman is, and why he's doing what he's doing. Some Benedict family secrets are revealed in this book, and we meet a new character, Jade, that I have put a pin in as an integral part of this story.

The other woman drama brought on by Elise was a storyline in and of itself, and it was interesting how things she did overlapped with things done by those working for The Gentleman, so it kept Keaton and Tilly off balance until the end. I am excited to continue with this series to learn more about The Gentleman and Jade. Book two is about Knox Benedict and Bea Jacobs, the half sister to Brent Taylor, whose story is told in the three novellas. There's something going on between Bea and Knox that will be uncovered in Deadly Secret.

I had some trouble connecting to Tilly and Keaton, and I think it is because this series is written in third person, so we're not completely in the heads of the characters, and it's more of a telling us rather than showing us story. I had the same issue when I read the novellas about Brent and Janie. I try to keep that in mind while reading and it's hit or miss whether I end up connecting with the characters on a more personal level. I'm moving on to book two to see what's in store for us next!

NetGalley and St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 

The Gentleman is at it again.  Targeting people who he thinks are a threat to his status in Charleston, SC.  This time the target is Tilly.  We met her in the three novellas that released this earlier by Tara Thomas.  She was a secondary character but now she's been thrust in his lime light.  Not that she knows anything about it, but she's about to find out.

Her childhood best friend, Keaton Benedict is a wealthy man but his family has hurt hers in the past.  They have a series of issues to work through before they can even become friends again.  

Oh my gosh all that's happening in this book!  If you love Romantic Suspense you'll love these new Tara Thomas books.  They are different from her Erotic Romance stories under Tara Sue Me.  The story flows and you may find yourself on the edge of your seat waiting for the shoe to drop!  Very captivating.  Definitely add this one to your collection.

3.5 stars. Don't let my number of stars mislead you. I really enjoyed this book! I am a sucker for drama in my stories, and this one did not disappoint! From the first pages, you can feel the danger lurking in the shadows. Tilly grew up with the daughter of a powerful Charleston businessman, but lost everything when a scandal hit. Fast forward a few years, Tilly is struggling to get by, paying rent and trying to graduate. But someone is after her.
I loved the drama, the suspense, and the push and pull back and forth between the characters.

This book has a little bit of something for everyone! Second-chance romance, friends to lovers, suspense, murder mystery, rich CEO type, and so much more!  Keaton and Tilly has lost contact for a number of years, so their re-connection was bittersweet. The circumstances around this were also bittersweet. I loved watching them fall in love, and the over-protective nature of Keaton was something to swoon over!

I really liked the high drama, high intensity and fast-paced action of this new book, and you can be certain I will be reading the follow-up books!

As much as I liked this story, there were a few parts that seemed a bit far-fetched to me, or unrealistic, which is why I rated down a little. But please don't let that detract you from reading this book, as it was really well written! Everyone reads a different book, and i read this one straight after I beta'd, so my analytical brain was in overdrive. Most readers will not have the same reaction as I did, but I always let my first reactions guide my reviews.

This book was the perfect mix of suspense and romance. I loved Keaton and Tilly’s story. I loved that they reconnected so quickly and immediately wanted to pursue their relationship. It’s so exciting reading a book that keeps you guessing at who is doing what and what on earth could possibly happen next.

This book was made even better because there ended up being two separate types of crimes going on with separate culprits. One you find out about before the ending, the other is still left hanging in the balance as we still don’t know who The Gentleman is.

I can’t wait to get the next book in this series to see what else we find out about.

This was my second read by Tara Thomas after the first of the prequel novellas to the Sons of Broad series. Although I didn’t like the novella, this first novel length book of the series was much better. Just as I thought, romantic suspense, at least for me, reads better when it’s longer.

Tilly Brock and Keaton Benedict had been friends when they were both young and their families were close. Then a scandal about Tilly’s father-that he stole money from the Benedicts- caused the two families and the two friends to drift apart. Until one day, when they met again by chance, and while wanting to try to rekindle their friendship and let go of the past, they also have to battle with an unknown enemy to them both.

I did like both Tilly and Keaton. Coming from a very wealthy and powerful family, Keaton didn’t come off as a self centered prick, which is what scares me the most about such characters. And Tilly, as a struggling waitress and student, was not the crying mess her predecessor was. I liked her practical nature.

Perhaps the romance was a bit rushed for my taste, but I’m willing to let that slide for the sake of Tilly and Keaton’s past friendship and obvious crush. The action though, with a shady character named The Gentleman, was interesting. The whys of his actions, and the ongoing mystery surrounding the Benedict family was what attracted me the most in the story.

I’m adding three spoonfuls of this story into my hodgepodge, and looking forward to returning to Charleston to see how the rest of the brothers fare.

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.