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Richard Tiernan è in attesa di esecuzione per l'omicidio della moglie e la scomparsa dei suoi bambini. Ma prima deve portare a termine un ultimo compito, per il quale stringe un patto con lo scrittore Sean O'Rourke: gli svelerà la sua mente di assassino affinché ne scriva un bestseller, in cambio di una cauzione milionaria e di sua figlia Cassidy. Per il suo scopo, Richard ha estremo bisogno di lei, ed è pronto a esercitare tutto il proprio magnetico potere di seduzione per piegarla a sé. La ragazza si rende conto di essere una pedina nelle sue mani, eppure non può resistere all'incontrollabile desiderio che la spinge verso di lui. Ma cosa vuole Richard da lei? È davvero colpevole? E qual è il segreto per cui sembra disposto a morire e a rinunciare all'amore di Cassidy?
212 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 1995
About the author
Anne Stuart
204 books2,037 followersAnne Stuart is a grandmaster of the genre, winner of Romance Writers of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, survivor of more than thirty-five years in the romance business, and still just keeps getting better.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
Her first novel was Barrett's Hill, a gothic romance published by Ballantine in 1974 when Anne had just turned 25. Since then she's written more gothics, regencies, romantic suspense, romantic adventure, series romance, suspense, historical romance, paranormal and mainstream contemporary romance for publishers such as Doubleday, Harlequin, Silhouette, Avon, Zebra, St. Martins Press, Berkley, Dell, Pocket Books and Fawcett.
She’s won numerous awards, appeared on most bestseller lists, and speaks all over the country. Her general outrageousness has gotten her on Entertainment Tonight, as well as in Vogue, People, USA Today, Women’s Day and countless other national newspapers and magazines.
When she’s not traveling, she’s at home in Northern Vermont with her luscious husband of thirty-six years, an empty nest, three cats, four sewing machines, and one Springer Spaniel, and when she’s not working she’s watching movies, listening to rock and roll (preferably Japanese) and spending far too much time quilting.
Anne Stuart also writes as Kristina Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
November 26, 2021
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Romantic suspense is kind of a misleading name, because the "romantic" part makes me think of a cozy cop romance, when the truth is usually anything but. Take NIGHTFALL, a story about a man accused of murdering his wife and children, and a woman who is the daughter of the super-shady author writing his "true crime" story.
Cassidy, like most of the nation, has heard about Richard Tiernan and his trial. A man accused of murdering his beautiful wife and two young children, with all evidence pointing to his guilt. Worse; his trial is being expedited because his late wife was the daughter of a beloved war-hero and notable political figurehead. As far as he's concerned, the writing's on the wall, and it says GUILTY in red, dripping letters.
Richard Tiernan is willing to let his story be told by Cassidy's father, but in return, he wants Cassidy. The reasons aren't clear, but it sounds sketchy as hell. Her father doesn't like it, but Richard's story is important to him for reasons that are also made clear as the story goes on, so he agrees to this Faustian bargain over his conscience, inviting his daughter to the very apartment without telling her that it's actually the lion's den. Obviously, this being a romance novel, she finds him darkly fascinating and finds it difficult to reconcile her attraction to him with his possible guilt.
Anne Stuart's first published novel was actually one of those pulpy Gothic romances, and in NIGHTFALL, she goes back to her roots, with a densely atmospheric story that is absolutely mired in whodunnitry, with a sick, utterly disturbing twist that I'm sure made V.C. Andrews sit up in her grave and break out in applause. It's been a while since I was so disturbed by the grand reveal in a book. And this was published by a mainstream publisher? Man, that's ballsy. Just goes to show how quick people are to write these off as fluffy drivel. That was some Game of Thrones level horror.
NIGHTFALL is not one for the fluffies and I'll be the first to admit it has its flaws. The pretense for the hero and heroine meeting is pretty thin, and a little lame, and as my friend Heather pointed out in her review of A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT, her writing can be very repetitive, as she tends to become overly attached to specific phrases (e.g. "he said, very gently"). The hero in this book is also more unpleasant than some of her other heroes, who were blithe, morally grey men cast in the mold of Jareth, from Labyrinth. This guy is more like the OG James Bond, a broken man with a broken moral compass who doesn't value his own life, sees nothing wrong with hitting women if the situation calls for it (warning: he hits the heroine and also the heroine's adolescent sister), and will basically rationalize any sort of unpleasantness if he thinks it is for "the greater good." I find characters like that fascinating, but other romance readers may not. Consider this a warning, please.
Man, I'm still kind of blown away by the ending, and all that doom and gloom. If you're a fan of dark romances and atmospheric tension, this is a must-read. Just keep in mind that the hero is a jerk, and for about 50% of the book, most of the interaction between the hero and the heroine consists of, "Did you murder your wife?" "Maybe." "Do I frighten you?" "Yes." "Good. Want to screw?" "If we must."
3.5 to 4 stars
July 30, 2018
1.5/5
I’m truly sad to report that Nightfall was a disappointing read for me. This was one of those books that I didn’t enjoy both main characters throughout the entire story.
Cassidy was an annoying heroine. I lost count of how many times she made bad decisions and did stupid things. I don’t understand how could she be that dumb? When it came to her father and Richard, she had no backbone whatsoever. And Richard, the hero, wasn’t any better than her. At first, he struck me as a wicked, cold-hearted, calculating man. His plan seemed superficially clever, but alas, there were apparently too many holes in it. It’s hard for me to believe that a man like him would come up with such absurd crap!
I have to say that Cassidy and Richard shared responsibility in ruining this book!
And another thing that I count as a failure of this one was the plot. It was ridiculous, unbelievable, and unreasonable. The story as a whole made no sense to me at all.
I initially contemplated giving this book 3 stars when I was halfway through it, but by the end, I changed my mind. Everything that happened in the last half drove me crazy, oh, except for the big event and the action near the end of the story which I think was the best part of this one. Moreover, the book ended way too abruptly. Of course, I know how the author’s writing style is, but please, a little sweetness doesn’t hurt!
Well, 2 stars then.
I’m truly sad to report that Nightfall was a disappointing read for me. This was one of those books that I didn’t enjoy both main characters throughout the entire story.
Cassidy was an annoying heroine. I lost count of how many times she made bad decisions and did stupid things. I don’t understand how could she be that dumb? When it came to her father and Richard, she had no backbone whatsoever. And Richard, the hero, wasn’t any better than her. At first, he struck me as a wicked, cold-hearted, calculating man. His plan seemed superficially clever, but alas, there were apparently too many holes in it. It’s hard for me to believe that a man like him would come up with such absurd crap!
I have to say that Cassidy and Richard shared responsibility in ruining this book!
And another thing that I count as a failure of this one was the plot. It was ridiculous, unbelievable, and unreasonable. The story as a whole made no sense to me at all.
I initially contemplated giving this book 3 stars when I was halfway through it, but by the end, I changed my mind. Everything that happened in the last half drove me crazy, oh, except for the big event and the action near the end of the story which I think was the best part of this one. Moreover, the book ended way too abruptly. Of course, I know how the author’s writing style is, but please, a little sweetness doesn’t hurt!
Well, 2 stars then.
March 25, 2015
This is one of the darkest books I've ever read, but I completely and totally loved it! Uber-intense, every minute of it, the main guy is just amazing with his level of ruthlessness <3 Love it!
Some of my fav quotes:
"He was going to use her. Sacrifice her, if need be, for his needs. Not for one moment was he going to consider her future, her well-being. In the darkest time of his life, he had seen her picture and with it had come light. If he had to burn her out, he would do so, and not count the cost. Anything to dispel the blackness."
------------------------------
"And did either of you come up with any theories? Am I a roaming psychopath who finally snapped and slaughtered his family or an innocent victim of a serial killer?"
"I don't know."
He moved closer, so close his clothes brushed hers, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath. His dark eyes had tiny flecks of gold in them, and they seemed to glow in the gloomy light of the entryway. "Do you think I did it, Cassidy?" he whispered, intense, urgent, demanding. His mouth moved closer, hovering over hers, and she was trapped. "Do you?"
------------------------------
"Do I frighten you, Cassidy?" he interrupted her.
"Yes."
He had to give her credit for her honesty. He wanted to frighten her. He wanted to scare her half to death, and he wanted her to want him anyway. Be willing to do anything for him."
------------------------------
He moved his head to kiss her, and she tried to turn her face away.
"Don't," she whispered, a plea that should have broken his heart.
He had no heart. "I can't afford to be merciful," he said. And he kissed her."
August 6, 2020
0.5 Stars.
And because I'm feeling generous today, rounded up to 1 star.
I don't know why I have such a compulsive need to like this author's books. Haven't four books been enough?
This is called romantic suspense? I would understand if this were a thriller or a mystery, but romantic suspense?
The heroine is too stupid to live. She's a disgrace to every woman that has ever lived or will ever live on this planet. I really don't want to go into details, it's not worth my time or effort.
The hero is a bully, an abuser, a woman beater, a malignant narcissist, a sociopath, a manipulator and a liar. Not one likeable trait.
Heroine's father, an egotist, his own daughter's pimp, is a perfect example why some people should be never allowed to have children.
STOP. ROMANTICIZING. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILD ABUSE.
And because I'm feeling generous today, rounded up to 1 star.
I don't know why I have such a compulsive need to like this author's books. Haven't four books been enough?
This is called romantic suspense? I would understand if this were a thriller or a mystery, but romantic suspense?
The heroine is too stupid to live. She's a disgrace to every woman that has ever lived or will ever live on this planet. I really don't want to go into details, it's not worth my time or effort.
The hero is a bully, an abuser, a woman beater, a malignant narcissist, a sociopath, a manipulator and a liar. Not one likeable trait.
Heroine's father, an egotist, his own daughter's pimp, is a perfect example why some people should be never allowed to have children.
STOP. ROMANTICIZING. VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILD ABUSE.
September 22, 2016
"I don't mean a goddamn thing to your father except as the means to an end. You know why he won't let you see the manuscript? He doesn't want you to know the truth. That he's writing my story. How I spent my adult life killing women who were foolish enough to fall in love with me."
Read for my "Fall" into a good book Halloween bingo square.
Its way past my bedtime but I wanted to write this up before I crashed so that I can move on from this eerie and disturbing story. You know those experiences you occasionally have with people and there's an almost unspoken "let us never speak of this again"? Yeah, this story is one of those.
Our hero:
"It's easy to kill," he murmured, and the pads of his thumbs stroked the fragile hollow of her neck. "Did you know that, Cassidy? Just a certain amount of pressure, and it would crush your throat. You'd suffocate, fairly quickly. It wouldn't be very messy, at least at first. But then, when someone dies a sudden, violent death, their bladder and bowels empty. Diana stank when I found her."
No one does anti-heroes quite like Anne Stuart do they? I don't want to give anything away (the truth isn't revealed to the reader until around the 86% mark, with another big revelation coming even later) but Richard is out on bail provided by Cassidy's father in exchange for Richard telling his story to him. Richard has been convicted of killing his wife and even though they can't find the bodies, they think he also killed his children. Cassidy's father is a narcissistic a-hole who is basically offering up his daughter to a murderer so that he can write the book of a lifetime. The story presented to the reader is that Richard asked for Cassidy after seeing her picture on the dad's desk and father of the year thinks Richard wants her for sex. It's a distasteful introduction to the characters, to say the least.
Throughout the story, Richard is a creepy threatening dude who loves to play with words about his guilt and innocence. I have no earthly idea why Cassidy was drawn to him but somehow it worked, I kept reading. I mentioned in a reading update that this had a bit of a Gone Girl feel to it, which with Richard's description and the whole is his guilty, not guilty question, it definitely did in the beginning. The middle and ending were different enough to lessen it but I could see those that enjoyed that book liking this one, too.
Those looking for a strict genre romance probably will want to look elsewhere, unless quotes like this make your heart flutter,
He stared at her. At her pale, defiant mouth, her sorrowful eyes. "I'll dream about you in hell," he murmured.
"See that you do."
This was dark, eerie, and disturbing (definitely has some trigger warnings involving
) I need to go watch some Winnie the Pooh or something.
Read for my "Fall" into a good book Halloween bingo square.
Its way past my bedtime but I wanted to write this up before I crashed so that I can move on from this eerie and disturbing story. You know those experiences you occasionally have with people and there's an almost unspoken "let us never speak of this again"? Yeah, this story is one of those.
Our hero:
"It's easy to kill," he murmured, and the pads of his thumbs stroked the fragile hollow of her neck. "Did you know that, Cassidy? Just a certain amount of pressure, and it would crush your throat. You'd suffocate, fairly quickly. It wouldn't be very messy, at least at first. But then, when someone dies a sudden, violent death, their bladder and bowels empty. Diana stank when I found her."
No one does anti-heroes quite like Anne Stuart do they? I don't want to give anything away (the truth isn't revealed to the reader until around the 86% mark, with another big revelation coming even later) but Richard is out on bail provided by Cassidy's father in exchange for Richard telling his story to him. Richard has been convicted of killing his wife and even though they can't find the bodies, they think he also killed his children. Cassidy's father is a narcissistic a-hole who is basically offering up his daughter to a murderer so that he can write the book of a lifetime. The story presented to the reader is that Richard asked for Cassidy after seeing her picture on the dad's desk and father of the year thinks Richard wants her for sex. It's a distasteful introduction to the characters, to say the least.
Throughout the story, Richard is a creepy threatening dude who loves to play with words about his guilt and innocence. I have no earthly idea why Cassidy was drawn to him but somehow it worked, I kept reading. I mentioned in a reading update that this had a bit of a Gone Girl feel to it, which with Richard's description and the whole is his guilty, not guilty question, it definitely did in the beginning. The middle and ending were different enough to lessen it but I could see those that enjoyed that book liking this one, too.
Those looking for a strict genre romance probably will want to look elsewhere, unless quotes like this make your heart flutter,
He stared at her. At her pale, defiant mouth, her sorrowful eyes. "I'll dream about you in hell," he murmured.
"See that you do."
This was dark, eerie, and disturbing (definitely has some trigger warnings involving
) I need to go watch some Winnie the Pooh or something.
May 19, 2010
This is not a book for everyone. It's dark, dangerous, and is borderline unhealthy at times. It defines why Anne Stuart is unique and dares to go "where few will go".
Richard Tiernan is a convicted serial killer, out on bail, awaiting the outcome of an appeal. He is sentenced to die for the murder of his wife, children, and the suspected death of his mistress.
Sean O'Roarke is a nationally reknowned author who has just posted Richard's bail in exchange for his cooperation in a book detailing his crime and also offering readers a glimpse into his mind.
Cassidy Roarke, Sean's daughter, is a part of the deal. Richard wants her involved and Sean agrees to "bring her in". The reader does not understand why, and we are only given bits and pieces of the "why" until the last part of the book.
This is the backdrop for a highly unusual romance. Cassidy is drawn to this dangerous man, and he gives us no reason to believe he is innocent of his crimes. He is pathological, methodical, eerie, cold, and ruthless. We the reader, along with Cassidy go through this book going back and forth (he's innocent, he's guilty!), but regardless, this is NOT a SAFE man. I don't usually like books when the woman is attracted to a man for no good reason, but this is an exception to that rule. She acknowledges how wrong her feelings are, but she struggles between her fear and her desire. The reader also feels this so it is made believable.
Be careful reading reviews as this book will keep you guessing until the very end. The ending is very abrupt. Almost too abrupt for a novel this laced with detail and depth. That truly is my only critique of this hugely gripping psychological thriller.
Richard Tiernan is a convicted serial killer, out on bail, awaiting the outcome of an appeal. He is sentenced to die for the murder of his wife, children, and the suspected death of his mistress.
Sean O'Roarke is a nationally reknowned author who has just posted Richard's bail in exchange for his cooperation in a book detailing his crime and also offering readers a glimpse into his mind.
Cassidy Roarke, Sean's daughter, is a part of the deal. Richard wants her involved and Sean agrees to "bring her in". The reader does not understand why, and we are only given bits and pieces of the "why" until the last part of the book.
This is the backdrop for a highly unusual romance. Cassidy is drawn to this dangerous man, and he gives us no reason to believe he is innocent of his crimes. He is pathological, methodical, eerie, cold, and ruthless. We the reader, along with Cassidy go through this book going back and forth (he's innocent, he's guilty!), but regardless, this is NOT a SAFE man. I don't usually like books when the woman is attracted to a man for no good reason, but this is an exception to that rule. She acknowledges how wrong her feelings are, but she struggles between her fear and her desire. The reader also feels this so it is made believable.
Be careful reading reviews as this book will keep you guessing until the very end. The ending is very abrupt. Almost too abrupt for a novel this laced with detail and depth. That truly is my only critique of this hugely gripping psychological thriller.
October 14, 2016
Anne Stuart is the master at writing dark, sexy, suspenseful romances. No one creates such vivid characters of men like her. Men with dark souls...think Luke Bardell from Ritual Sins, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... , Coltrane from Shadows at Sunset, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3... , Thomas Griffin from Still Lake https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7... , - ruthless, manipulative, who will use women for their own gain. They characters are flawed, vulnerable, dangerous and so very compelling. Her characters are never stereotyped or formulaic.
Nightfall is one of Anne Stuart’s earlier novels, first published back in 1995, when I first read it.
This is a dark and mesmerizing tale that takes you on an emotional and breath-taking rollercoaster from start to finish. A steamy, sensual mystery of betrayal, fear, redemption, dark desire, longing, lies, love. And what you are prepared to do for the love of your child.
From the author's website....
A well-written, intense, fast paced mystery that leaves you guessing until the end.....what exactly does Richard Tiernan want from Cassidy Roarke, is he guilty of what he has been accused of.... I kept asking.
The chemistry between the two was sizzling, sensual, hot - off the charts...as they say...
This is one of those books that you will read over and over again.
Nightfall is one of Anne Stuart’s earlier novels, first published back in 1995, when I first read it.
This is a dark and mesmerizing tale that takes you on an emotional and breath-taking rollercoaster from start to finish. A steamy, sensual mystery of betrayal, fear, redemption, dark desire, longing, lies, love. And what you are prepared to do for the love of your child.
From the author's website....
This is my fate . . . to die for unspeakable crimes. All I ask is that a stranger give herself to me and to my secrets.
Richard Tiernan has been sentenced to death. With an ulterior motive and a heart full of dark truths, he agrees to tell all to an ailing writer whose greed and ambition are so strong that he will even give his own daughter to Richard in return for one last Pulitzer-winning story.
I want Cassidy Roarke. I need her. But she has to prove she's worthy. That she can be trusted.
Cassidy's spent her life struggling to earn her father's respect and love. Now his health is failing, and her feelings for him are even more complex. Loyalty is a sacrifice. Daughters can be broken by their fathers. She has to help when he calls. He's bailed Richard Tiernan out of prison just long enough to coax the shocking facts out of him. What happened that night? What did Tiernan really do to his family?
Her father will sell his soul to the Devil before he dies. So be it.
Richard Tiernan may take them both to Hell.
A well-written, intense, fast paced mystery that leaves you guessing until the end.....what exactly does Richard Tiernan want from Cassidy Roarke, is he guilty of what he has been accused of.... I kept asking.
The chemistry between the two was sizzling, sensual, hot - off the charts...as they say...
This is one of those books that you will read over and over again.
April 1, 2021
Have to say it for Anne Stuart, she’s just unparalleled, Night Fall was first published somewhere around 1995, and to imagine that she wrote a romantic story with a character who is black thru and thru but still gets the readers to go AWW is beyond mind-blowing. I have read quite a few books by the author and have always been impressed by the darkness she embodies in her hero, and if like me you are reading this in 2021, this story is gonna make you so angry and see red.
Cassidy knows her father the famous novelist Sean O’Rourke, nothing and no one holds precedence over his wants and desires, the less said about his 5 wives or 3 children the better. But family is family and despite her inhibitions, Cass walks to her father’s lair which also houses the murderer Richard Tiernan. It is Anne Stuart and so of course, there’s not gonna be anything sweet and sugary about the romance. The push and pull between Richard and Cassidy were simply delicious.
But what was it about the twisted depiction of parenthood in this story, OH GOD, having your own father more or less acting as a pimp for his last walk of fame is ugh, puke-worthy! The twists and turns are definitely engaging but again if you are one of those readers that hates the hero actually using his fists to subdue the heroine, (it does happen in one scene in this) pls stay away from this creepy and disturbing thriller.
I have always loved reading Anne Stuart’s books and this one is no exception. Intense and thrilling, Night Fall is romantic suspense at best.
Cassidy knows her father the famous novelist Sean O’Rourke, nothing and no one holds precedence over his wants and desires, the less said about his 5 wives or 3 children the better. But family is family and despite her inhibitions, Cass walks to her father’s lair which also houses the murderer Richard Tiernan. It is Anne Stuart and so of course, there’s not gonna be anything sweet and sugary about the romance. The push and pull between Richard and Cassidy were simply delicious.
But what was it about the twisted depiction of parenthood in this story, OH GOD, having your own father more or less acting as a pimp for his last walk of fame is ugh, puke-worthy! The twists and turns are definitely engaging but again if you are one of those readers that hates the hero actually using his fists to subdue the heroine, (it does happen in one scene in this) pls stay away from this creepy and disturbing thriller.
I have always loved reading Anne Stuart’s books and this one is no exception. Intense and thrilling, Night Fall is romantic suspense at best.
July 12, 2016
No one does a tortured hero like Anne Stuart. It was dark and at times disturbing, but I absolutely loved it!
May 2, 2014
Anne Stuart writes fantastic RS. She slowly lets things reveal themselves. You think you've figured something out only to be knocked back on your ass. It's like the layers of an onion, transparent, but Falsely so. I liked this book. It had a very dark vibe going for it. The hero, Richard was a tormented man accused of murdering his wife and two young children. He's appealed his ruling while awaiting the death sentence but is currently out on bail to help provide for a book being written about him. The author, Sean O'Roarke is trying to write the book of his career and brings in his daughter, Cassidy to help.
Of course, you never know if Richard is guilty. You question his innocence and think you know whether he did it or not, but then other stuff is revealed and you're back to not knowing anything at all! I kept going between, 'he did it' and 'he didn't do it' till all was revealed. Mind you, as the story unravelled, I started putting the pieces together, so I had a suspicion what went on, but was never sure. The steam between him and Cassidy was intense and had a manipulative edge to it. Richard was a dark and mysterious character and I have to say, I never warmed up to him. Usually with AS's male characters I end up liking them despite their cold and off putting natures. But I never felt like that with Richard. I never really figured him out.
Cassidy was somewhat annoying as well. She was such a doormat sometimes, sad case of doormatitis. She let everyone get the best of her. As a heroine, she's the least favorite by AS. I didn't relate to her or empathize at all, even in her darkest moments. The cast of secondary characters was great, everyone playing a crucial role to slowly bring the story together and heighten the suspense. Richard's father in law was a jackass like no other. The man was a twisted, de-moralized piece of trash.
And like AS's usual endings, this finished off abruptly leaving me stumped and needing some closure. Yes, it ended well, but with no explanation, no peek into the future between Richard and Cassidy. Also the whole mess surrounding Richards trial and appeal was wrapped up too cleanly. It left many unanswered questions and felt rushed. For all the attention a trial like that got it sure was dealt with quickly and efficiently. So the best part of this book? The questioning of guilty or innocent. And don't assume you know what he is from this review, it was very shocking. My fave AS book remains to be Shadowlover. Her Ice series is fantastic as well. I've still yet to try her HR, which I hear is phenomenal also.
Of course, you never know if Richard is guilty. You question his innocence and think you know whether he did it or not, but then other stuff is revealed and you're back to not knowing anything at all! I kept going between, 'he did it' and 'he didn't do it' till all was revealed. Mind you, as the story unravelled, I started putting the pieces together, so I had a suspicion what went on, but was never sure. The steam between him and Cassidy was intense and had a manipulative edge to it. Richard was a dark and mysterious character and I have to say, I never warmed up to him. Usually with AS's male characters I end up liking them despite their cold and off putting natures. But I never felt like that with Richard. I never really figured him out.
Cassidy was somewhat annoying as well. She was such a doormat sometimes, sad case of doormatitis. She let everyone get the best of her. As a heroine, she's the least favorite by AS. I didn't relate to her or empathize at all, even in her darkest moments. The cast of secondary characters was great, everyone playing a crucial role to slowly bring the story together and heighten the suspense. Richard's father in law was a jackass like no other. The man was a twisted, de-moralized piece of trash.
And like AS's usual endings, this finished off abruptly leaving me stumped and needing some closure. Yes, it ended well, but with no explanation, no peek into the future between Richard and Cassidy. Also the whole mess surrounding Richards trial and appeal was wrapped up too cleanly. It left many unanswered questions and felt rushed. For all the attention a trial like that got it sure was dealt with quickly and efficiently. So the best part of this book? The questioning of guilty or innocent. And don't assume you know what he is from this review, it was very shocking. My fave AS book remains to be Shadowlover. Her Ice series is fantastic as well. I've still yet to try her HR, which I hear is phenomenal also.
April 7, 2008
I didn't particularly like this book. It was repetitive, the secrecy was getting on my nerves--it reminded me of "the big misunderstanding" you often find in romance novels that could easily be cleared up if someone would just fess up--the heroine was a moron and the mean sob hero wasn't redeamable for me . The story was perverse and plain stupid at times.
It started out alright--Stuart's heroes are all mean sobs--but then you see the good side. Well Richard had way too many "issues" for me. I had a lot of problems with his character.
The story with Diane being a victim of incest and carrying her father's baby when she died was just too gross for me and it didn't seem like a good story for a romance novel .
The ending was alright--apart from her idiotic crying. The jerk leaves her for 5 weeks when she had some major trauma and then is suddenly in her apartment and she's crying--not freaking or wanting to bash his head in but crying. I didn't buy it. I did like though that he said he came back for her. Some redemption there but not enough to make me like him. He was too bossy and too much of a mean sob for the sake of being one.
I also didn't really feel much for the two of them as a couple. It seemed unbelievable, sudden and cold when they got together.
Not a favourite of mine for Anne Stuart.
It started out alright--Stuart's heroes are all mean sobs--but then you see the good side. Well Richard had way too many "issues" for me. I had a lot of problems with his character.
The story with Diane being a victim of incest and carrying her father's baby when she died was just too gross for me and it didn't seem like a good story for a romance novel .
The ending was alright--apart from her idiotic crying. The jerk leaves her for 5 weeks when she had some major trauma and then is suddenly in her apartment and she's crying--not freaking or wanting to bash his head in but crying. I didn't buy it. I did like though that he said he came back for her. Some redemption there but not enough to make me like him. He was too bossy and too much of a mean sob for the sake of being one.
I also didn't really feel much for the two of them as a couple. It seemed unbelievable, sudden and cold when they got together.
Not a favourite of mine for Anne Stuart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2018
I don't always enjoy Anne Stuart books—in fact, I dislike them more often. But I keep reading them, because when I do enjoy them, DAMN. They are a WILD RIDE.
All throughout this book, I had déjà vu. It was all so familiar and I kept thinking I'd read it before, even though I'm almost positive I hadn't... I think?
So, the hero (gamma hero, to be exact) of this book is a supposed murderer, and he *wants* the heroine for mysterious reasons... the least mysterious of which is sex (duh). The story takes a while to get going, but in the middle there's a whole lotta sex amidst the secrets, and they just go at it. Even in the mud, while it's raining. Hot damn, guys. There are mutual orgasms (the hero always makes sure she comes) and emotional connection and damaged souls and REALLY WHAT MORE HAVE I EVER ASKED OF MY FICTION.
Anyway, this is one of Stuart's better written books, in my opinion. The side characters are solid, and the plot basically made sense. The hero and heroine do get a bit repetitive in their conversations, but it's engaging. And, despite the fact that he maybe is a murderer and likes mind games, he isn't one of her total asshole heroes... except for this one section nearing the climax where he gets FIERCE AF in his desperation to save the day. This is where he spouts off some mean words to the heroine, and even hits her in the chin. So, fair warning.
And that twist. It was dark. It was my jam.
All throughout this book, I had déjà vu. It was all so familiar and I kept thinking I'd read it before, even though I'm almost positive I hadn't... I think?
So, the hero (gamma hero, to be exact) of this book is a supposed murderer, and he *wants* the heroine for mysterious reasons... the least mysterious of which is sex (duh). The story takes a while to get going, but in the middle there's a whole lotta sex amidst the secrets, and they just go at it. Even in the mud, while it's raining. Hot damn, guys. There are mutual orgasms (the hero always makes sure she comes) and emotional connection and damaged souls and REALLY WHAT MORE HAVE I EVER ASKED OF MY FICTION.
Anyway, this is one of Stuart's better written books, in my opinion. The side characters are solid, and the plot basically made sense. The hero and heroine do get a bit repetitive in their conversations, but it's engaging. And, despite the fact that he maybe is a murderer and likes mind games, he isn't one of her total asshole heroes... except for this one section nearing the climax where he gets FIERCE AF in his desperation to save the day. This is where he spouts off some mean words to the heroine, and even hits her in the chin. So, fair warning.
And that twist. It was dark. It was my jam.
June 6, 2016
***4 1/2 stars!***
Stayed up late last night to finish this. I had to. Couldn't stop!
Wow. I see why this book won the RT Award for Best Contemporary Romantic Suspense. It absolutely deserved it. I don't think I've ever been more terrified of a hero, or more unsure of his worthiness to even be called that. Anne Stuart is known for her antiheroes, and this book is a perfect example of why.
She had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing. Was he innocent, or was he guilty? Brilliantly done!
Stayed up late last night to finish this. I had to. Couldn't stop!
Wow. I see why this book won the RT Award for Best Contemporary Romantic Suspense. It absolutely deserved it. I don't think I've ever been more terrified of a hero, or more unsure of his worthiness to even be called that. Anne Stuart is known for her antiheroes, and this book is a perfect example of why.
She had me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing. Was he innocent, or was he guilty? Brilliantly done!
August 13, 2019
Anne Stuart is known for her anti-heroes. Nightfall will squash your bad-boy itch.
~~~~~
Sean O’Rourke -a popular, five-times married author- was given temporary custody of Richard Tiernan after posting a $1,000,000 bail. The businessman was accused of killing his pregnant wife and two children 15 months earlier.
Sean was writing a book. Pressed for time, he summoned his daughter, Cassidy, to his home without explaining his reasons. She sensed his murkiness. After all, she was the product of two very dysfunctional parents.
Richard had a photo of Cassidy. He was immediately attracted to her, it was insta-lust and more.
As I read, words with the letter D kept entering my mind. Nightfall was a story of obsession with derision. The actual suspense was good but various characters were dark and devious. Distorted and daunting. Distant and disconcerting. The underlying theme that pulled everything together was hard to read and decidedly disturbed.
As with some of her other RS stories, Ms. Stuart managed to take me through the wringer. Richard oozed a psychological bond; almost everything between them was sexual, either blatant or an innuendo. Is the man a:
1. killer
2. a seriously unrepentant macho bad-ass
3. innocent
4. or all of the above?
~~~~~
Sean O’Rourke -a popular, five-times married author- was given temporary custody of Richard Tiernan after posting a $1,000,000 bail. The businessman was accused of killing his pregnant wife and two children 15 months earlier.
Sean was writing a book. Pressed for time, he summoned his daughter, Cassidy, to his home without explaining his reasons. She sensed his murkiness. After all, she was the product of two very dysfunctional parents.
Richard had a photo of Cassidy. He was immediately attracted to her, it was insta-lust and more.
As I read, words with the letter D kept entering my mind. Nightfall was a story of obsession with derision. The actual suspense was good but various characters were dark and devious. Distorted and daunting. Distant and disconcerting. The underlying theme that pulled everything together was hard to read and decidedly disturbed.
As with some of her other RS stories, Ms. Stuart managed to take me through the wringer. Richard oozed a psychological bond; almost everything between them was sexual, either blatant or an innuendo. Is the man a:
1. killer
2. a seriously unrepentant macho bad-ass
3. innocent
4. or all of the above?
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1647896333i/31792110._UX200_CR0,96,200,200_.jpg)
March 3, 2020
THIS BOOK HAS MADE ME SO ANGRY I ALMOST COULD HAVE CRIED FROM SHEER RAGE.
I know what Anne Stuart books are like. I've read and enjoyed many. The House of Rohan is one of my favourite series. BUT THIS BOOK OH MY GOD I'M SO FURIOUS SORRY THIS REVIEW WILL BE A BIT INCOHERENT
❌ The 'hero' HITS THE HEROINE IN THE FACE.
❌ He calls her a stupud bitch and lies to her for the whole book.
❌ She falls in love with him almost immediately and repeatedly tells him so. He never says he loves her. He is a rat bastard and I could happily have murdered him myself.
❌ HE ONLY SEDUCED HER TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM BECAUSE HE WANTED SOMEONE TO LOOK AFTER HIS ORPHANED CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!
❌ THE DUMB BITCH HEROINE (I GUESS I CAN'T FAULT HIM FOR CALLING HER THAT AFTER ALL) KNOWS THIS AND STILL FALLS FOR HIM!!
❌ There's a huge OW presence in this book, including AFTER the hero has slept with the heroine, No sex but the presence of an OW he used to love and thinks he still might.
❌ There is no ending resolution what so bloody ever. What a waste of 92,000 words.
There's more but if I spend any more time thinking about this book I might actually explode.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
I know what Anne Stuart books are like. I've read and enjoyed many. The House of Rohan is one of my favourite series. BUT THIS BOOK OH MY GOD I'M SO FURIOUS SORRY THIS REVIEW WILL BE A BIT INCOHERENT
❌ The 'hero' HITS THE HEROINE IN THE FACE.
❌ He calls her a stupud bitch and lies to her for the whole book.
❌ She falls in love with him almost immediately and repeatedly tells him so. He never says he loves her. He is a rat bastard and I could happily have murdered him myself.
❌ HE ONLY SEDUCED HER TO FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM BECAUSE HE WANTED SOMEONE TO LOOK AFTER HIS ORPHANED CHILDREN!!!!!!!!!!!!
❌ THE DUMB BITCH HEROINE (I GUESS I CAN'T FAULT HIM FOR CALLING HER THAT AFTER ALL) KNOWS THIS AND STILL FALLS FOR HIM!!
❌ There's a huge OW presence in this book, including AFTER the hero has slept with the heroine, No sex but the presence of an OW he used to love and thinks he still might.
❌ There is no ending resolution what so bloody ever. What a waste of 92,000 words.
There's more but if I spend any more time thinking about this book I might actually explode.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
December 9, 2015
This was my first romance novel dealing with a convict. Richard Tiernan was found guilty of the murders of his pregnant wife and two young children and sentenced to death. Sean O'Rourke, a famous writer, posts his bail while an appeal is going through. He wants to write Richard's story, whatever that is, and Richard has his own mysterious agenda.
The main character is Cassidy, Sean's daughter. Between her selfish father and alcoholic mother (they've been divorced every since she was a kid and Sean is now married to his fifth wife), she's learned to put herself first, but when she hears her father wants to see her and is ill, she agrees to visit him in New York. Of course, sparks fly when she meets Richard who is unnaturally fixated upon her from the start.
I didn't really like it. It's hard respecting a female lead who lets herself get drawn in and manipulated by a guy like Richard. Maybe if Richard hadn't been such a jerk to her from the start, I could've half-forgiven her for being into him, but he goes out of his way to push her around and intimidate her. And she TOTALLY falls for it. I just don't get it. Even if he hadn't already been convicted of the murders, I can't understand her liking him. Maybe the danger was part of the appeal, but that's beyond idiotic. Also, the scenes between them were kind of over-the-top. Cheesy, way-too-dark dialogue, little real humor. Lots and lots of conversations like: "Did you kill them?" "You couldn't handle the answer" and "Will you tell me the truth if I ask?" "No."
The main character is Cassidy, Sean's daughter. Between her selfish father and alcoholic mother (they've been divorced every since she was a kid and Sean is now married to his fifth wife), she's learned to put herself first, but when she hears her father wants to see her and is ill, she agrees to visit him in New York. Of course, sparks fly when she meets Richard who is unnaturally fixated upon her from the start.
I didn't really like it. It's hard respecting a female lead who lets herself get drawn in and manipulated by a guy like Richard. Maybe if Richard hadn't been such a jerk to her from the start, I could've half-forgiven her for being into him, but he goes out of his way to push her around and intimidate her. And she TOTALLY falls for it. I just don't get it. Even if he hadn't already been convicted of the murders, I can't understand her liking him. Maybe the danger was part of the appeal, but that's beyond idiotic. Also, the scenes between them were kind of over-the-top. Cheesy, way-too-dark dialogue, little real humor. Lots and lots of conversations like: "Did you kill them?" "You couldn't handle the answer" and "Will you tell me the truth if I ask?" "No."
January 19, 2014
I'm a fan of Anne Stuart's writing. It started with the madness of the ICE series and I don't think it will ever stop. While Richard Tiernan (and what a name for a male lead that is!) is most definitely not Bastien Toussaint, he was still your typical Anne Stuart not-exactly-hero and I loved him.
There are three things you need to know about this book.
1. If you're not up for playing a guessing game throughout, the revelations spoon-fed to you, so few crumbs left it will leave you both frustrated and fascinated, you shouldn't read it.
2. You might figure out the plot early on (I did), but it will still keep you guessing as to what, how, why, where, why, why why why?
3. The ending is very, very abrupt, in true Anne Stuart fashion. And it suits the book perfectly.
Obviously, the book was written a long time ago (1995) and some of the things did strike me as outdated. I knew I wasn't reading a... modern contemporary, lol. So that's just a tiny little note if you have qualms about that sort of thing.
The writing is a little atmospheric and it did great things to put you right next to Cass and Richard in the scene and keep you holding your breath--all of that without being flowery and overwhelming.
Richard Tiernan might as well be a ghost because he's living on borrowed time. But he can't die just yet, so he accepts the offer from an eccentric, and I have to say, maybe even mad, author to bail him out for a short time while he's on appeal, and write "his side of the story". You see, Richard Tiernan is a convicted murderer--his pregnant wife, his two children and suspected other women--and is waiting for his execution.
And I'll leave it off at that. Right off the bat I was as fascinated by Richard as Cassie was. A mystery, an enigma just waiting to be deciphered, there's something about him that wants you to believe he was falsely convicted, even if you should know better.
I always liked Anne Stuart's heroines and Cassie is no exception. She's strong, yet vulnerable, she's incredibly sharp, yet naive and gullible. You can't accuse her of being tstl because she wasn't. She knew it's a stupid thing to do, that she shouldn't be drawn to Richard and how insane the whole thing was. But as a reader, you recognize the lure he is to her and I honestly think Cassidy had no chance against him. Especially because he was a man on a mission.
So, Richard needs Cassie for... something. And her father (the mad author) is all too happy to give her away in order to get his story, his one last shot at writing the great novel that will make him immortal. I was really pissed off at her father. He was basically willing to whore out his daughter to a convicted murdered, and all because of his huge, gigantic ego. I was pissed off at Richard for putting him in that position, too. Please, let the man be a good father for once. You learn right at the beginning Cass and Sean have some demons between them and they're not the ones that just disappear on their own.
And I was pissed at the author for not telling me what was going on but ooooooh, it was worth it.
I have to say that some things didn't add up. Richard's plan seemed a bit too shrouded in mystery. Why not just come out and say it. But then I guess I can understand... under these circumstances, why he thought he can't trust anyone.
Would I say it was dark and gritty? It's not. It's really not and I only say it because in the end, after you look at the whole thing... it's not. However, it's definitely a mindfuck sort of read that has your head spinning, and if you are looking for romantic suspense on steroids, this book is it.
She knows she should stay away, but she can't. He knows he's doing the wrong thing, but he's doing it either way. Push and pull, push and pull. I loved it.
The whole time, you're ping-ponging right along with Cass. He did it. He didn't do it. He did some of it? He didn't do it. He definitely did it... And does it matter?
The side characters were awesome, colorful, and played a good part in the story.
There are a couple of graphic sex scenes, for those who like to know these things. I liked them.
Oh, I have to address the ending, because I know people love their epilogues. No epilogue. Very abrupt. I freaking loved it because it's all I needed.
Well, it's been a while since I wrote an essay review! I guess it can either be that I really liked it, or I really disliked it, if I do write one of these. Thankfully, I loved Nightfall and recommend it and I just might binge on her books again.
There are three things you need to know about this book.
1. If you're not up for playing a guessing game throughout, the revelations spoon-fed to you, so few crumbs left it will leave you both frustrated and fascinated, you shouldn't read it.
2. You might figure out the plot early on (I did), but it will still keep you guessing as to what, how, why, where, why, why why why?
3. The ending is very, very abrupt, in true Anne Stuart fashion. And it suits the book perfectly.
Obviously, the book was written a long time ago (1995) and some of the things did strike me as outdated. I knew I wasn't reading a... modern contemporary, lol. So that's just a tiny little note if you have qualms about that sort of thing.
The writing is a little atmospheric and it did great things to put you right next to Cass and Richard in the scene and keep you holding your breath--all of that without being flowery and overwhelming.
Richard Tiernan might as well be a ghost because he's living on borrowed time. But he can't die just yet, so he accepts the offer from an eccentric, and I have to say, maybe even mad, author to bail him out for a short time while he's on appeal, and write "his side of the story". You see, Richard Tiernan is a convicted murderer--his pregnant wife, his two children and suspected other women--and is waiting for his execution.
And I'll leave it off at that. Right off the bat I was as fascinated by Richard as Cassie was. A mystery, an enigma just waiting to be deciphered, there's something about him that wants you to believe he was falsely convicted, even if you should know better.
I always liked Anne Stuart's heroines and Cassie is no exception. She's strong, yet vulnerable, she's incredibly sharp, yet naive and gullible. You can't accuse her of being tstl because she wasn't. She knew it's a stupid thing to do, that she shouldn't be drawn to Richard and how insane the whole thing was. But as a reader, you recognize the lure he is to her and I honestly think Cassidy had no chance against him. Especially because he was a man on a mission.
So, Richard needs Cassie for... something. And her father (the mad author) is all too happy to give her away in order to get his story, his one last shot at writing the great novel that will make him immortal. I was really pissed off at her father. He was basically willing to whore out his daughter to a convicted murdered, and all because of his huge, gigantic ego. I was pissed off at Richard for putting him in that position, too. Please, let the man be a good father for once. You learn right at the beginning Cass and Sean have some demons between them and they're not the ones that just disappear on their own.
And I was pissed at the author for not telling me what was going on but ooooooh, it was worth it.
I have to say that some things didn't add up. Richard's plan seemed a bit too shrouded in mystery. Why not just come out and say it. But then I guess I can understand... under these circumstances, why he thought he can't trust anyone.
Would I say it was dark and gritty? It's not. It's really not and I only say it because in the end, after you look at the whole thing... it's not. However, it's definitely a mindfuck sort of read that has your head spinning, and if you are looking for romantic suspense on steroids, this book is it.
She knows she should stay away, but she can't. He knows he's doing the wrong thing, but he's doing it either way. Push and pull, push and pull. I loved it.
The whole time, you're ping-ponging right along with Cass. He did it. He didn't do it. He did some of it? He didn't do it. He definitely did it... And does it matter?
The side characters were awesome, colorful, and played a good part in the story.
There are a couple of graphic sex scenes, for those who like to know these things. I liked them.
Oh, I have to address the ending, because I know people love their epilogues. No epilogue. Very abrupt. I freaking loved it because it's all I needed.
Well, it's been a while since I wrote an essay review! I guess it can either be that I really liked it, or I really disliked it, if I do write one of these. Thankfully, I loved Nightfall and recommend it and I just might binge on her books again.
December 3, 2010
I Liked:
1- The compelling story telling done by Ms. Stuart on this one. From the prologue itself, this story drew me in, trapping me within the complexity of the story as it unfolded and made me read till late into the night so that I could find out what had really happened that fateful night when Diana Scott Tiernan had been stabbed to death in her own home. Kudos to Ms. Stuart for the amazing story she has told in this one!
2- Richard Tiernan. His character is one that draws the reader right from the very beginning. It’s not only Cassidy that he lures in with his manipulative lies to ruthlessly achieve what he wants but the reader as well since I could not for the world stop thinking about Richard, his death sentence and the aura of danger, mystery and desolateness that surrounds him. My wary fascination with him turned into entirely something else halfway through the novel as his seductive and compelling nature made it hard for me to do anything else but love him for who he is and when the cracks finally begin to show in his well suited armor around his heart and emotions, I felt like holding him and never letting him go. Richard Tiernan is one fine man definitely worth your time! ^_^
3- Cassidy Roarke. Her innocence coupled with her undeniable intelligence and her fierce loyalty towards those whom she loves makes her a very compelling heroine, exactly what someone like Richard who has lost himself in a shroud of darkness from which he sees no light really needs. Cassidy’s finely honed fight or flee nature always comes to light around Richard as he tempts her beyond anything or anyone she has ever known which makes for an interesting read in itself.
4- The hideously creepy villain who comes to light towards the end of the story. The guy just gives me the creeps and the heebie jeebies if you know what I mean! It’s not that I “like” him but I like what his character brings to the story which makes for a very compelling read.
I did not like: Nothing much but *sigh* again, the abruptness of how it ended kinda punched me in the face with this one as well. Though I know better than not to expect long and overdrawn epilogues from Ms. Stuart, it kinda still stings when the story is over long before you want it to be, like cold water up your ass before you have fully woken up in the morning!
Memorable scenes/quotes from the story:
When she slept she dreamed. They would kill him, and they would make her watch, and she cried, reaching out for him. When she awoke she was sprawled across him, the room was still in the complete darkness of early morning, and he was buried deep inside her. She opened her eyes to look down at him, and the orgasm that shook her was powerful, instantaneous, and shared.
He closed his eyes, his strong teeth bared in a grimace, and she watched him. And she knew she owned him, as much as he owned her.
Full in-depth review: http://bit.ly/i8qGmX
1- The compelling story telling done by Ms. Stuart on this one. From the prologue itself, this story drew me in, trapping me within the complexity of the story as it unfolded and made me read till late into the night so that I could find out what had really happened that fateful night when Diana Scott Tiernan had been stabbed to death in her own home. Kudos to Ms. Stuart for the amazing story she has told in this one!
2- Richard Tiernan. His character is one that draws the reader right from the very beginning. It’s not only Cassidy that he lures in with his manipulative lies to ruthlessly achieve what he wants but the reader as well since I could not for the world stop thinking about Richard, his death sentence and the aura of danger, mystery and desolateness that surrounds him. My wary fascination with him turned into entirely something else halfway through the novel as his seductive and compelling nature made it hard for me to do anything else but love him for who he is and when the cracks finally begin to show in his well suited armor around his heart and emotions, I felt like holding him and never letting him go. Richard Tiernan is one fine man definitely worth your time! ^_^
3- Cassidy Roarke. Her innocence coupled with her undeniable intelligence and her fierce loyalty towards those whom she loves makes her a very compelling heroine, exactly what someone like Richard who has lost himself in a shroud of darkness from which he sees no light really needs. Cassidy’s finely honed fight or flee nature always comes to light around Richard as he tempts her beyond anything or anyone she has ever known which makes for an interesting read in itself.
4- The hideously creepy villain who comes to light towards the end of the story. The guy just gives me the creeps and the heebie jeebies if you know what I mean! It’s not that I “like” him but I like what his character brings to the story which makes for a very compelling read.
I did not like: Nothing much but *sigh* again, the abruptness of how it ended kinda punched me in the face with this one as well. Though I know better than not to expect long and overdrawn epilogues from Ms. Stuart, it kinda still stings when the story is over long before you want it to be, like cold water up your ass before you have fully woken up in the morning!
Memorable scenes/quotes from the story:
When she slept she dreamed. They would kill him, and they would make her watch, and she cried, reaching out for him. When she awoke she was sprawled across him, the room was still in the complete darkness of early morning, and he was buried deep inside her. She opened her eyes to look down at him, and the orgasm that shook her was powerful, instantaneous, and shared.
He closed his eyes, his strong teeth bared in a grimace, and she watched him. And she knew she owned him, as much as he owned her.
Full in-depth review: http://bit.ly/i8qGmX
May 26, 2024
Review from 2017
I've given this a B- for narration and a B for content at AudioGals
Nightfall is one of those books I’ve meant to get around to reading for ages. As is often the case, I haven’t been able to manage it, so when the audiobook appeared, I jumped on it straight away. Originally published in 1995, it’s a standalone romantic thriller that goes to some pretty dark and disturbing places; Ms. Stuart is known for writing bad-boy heroes who generally occupy shaky moral ground and walk a thin line between being an alpha hero and an alpha-hole, and in this book especially, that line is very, very blurred. I happen to be a fan of Ms. Stuart’s particular brand of tough, ruthless gamma heroes, because she usually manages to keep them on just the right side of that line, but I can accept they’re not for everyone.
Richard Tiernan has been convicted of murdering his wife and is suspected of killing another women and also his two young children, who have vanished. He is awaiting sentencing and has been bailed temporarily by Sean O’ Rourke, a famous author who is, it is assumed, is going to write Richard’s story, detailing his crimes and offering insight into the mind of a man guilty of such heinous acts. If the book nets Sean a Pulitzer, too, he’s not going to complain.
Cassidy Roarke has resigned herself to being more or less an afterthought in her father’s life, so is surprised when he calls her to ask her to come home for a visit. Suspicious, and maybe just a little concerned (this is so unlike Sean), Cassidy goes – only to find herself confronting a convicted killer in the kitchen. Richard Tiernan is handsome as sin, darkly cynical and utterly compelling – and Cassidy is fascinated even as she is furious with Sean for springing such an unwelcome surprise on her.
She doesn’t know the half of it though. While Sean has, ostensibly, asked Cassidy to help him with the book – she is an editor by profession – it was Richard who insisted on her presence and her egotistical arsehole of a father is prepared to do anything – even throw his daughter into the arms of a convicted killer – to obtain his story.
Ms. Stuart doesn’t make it easy for listeners to like Richard, who is a cold, dispassionate and ruthless man who loves to twist words and tease Cassidy as to the likelihood of his guilt or innocence. Her attraction to him does appear almost out of the blue, and at first, I wasn’t quite sure why she was so drawn to him – although that whole damaged, brooding sexiness he has going on probably has something to do with it! He’s manipulative and cryptic, but somehow, as I began to suspect the truth, it was strangely easy to admire his determination to do what he had to do in order to protect the people he loved. I’m a bit on the fence about Cassidy, who is supposed to be a confident, professional woman, but who has a tendency to be somewhat gullible and naïve. That said, she does show her true colours eventually and is prepared to stand up and fight for what she knows to be right and, like Richard, for those closest to her.
Cassidy knows she should steer well clear of Richard, but she’s drawn to him like a moth to a flame and can’t resist the almost magnetic pull between them. Ms. Stuart plays with the is he?/isn’t he? question brilliantly, and Richard is probably one of her most austere, impenetrable, heroes. He’s a cold ruthless bastard and gives nothing away. He’s a dead man walking, refusing to fight his conviction and focusing instead on something he will stop at nothing to see done before sentence is passed and the death penalty is carried out.
I said at the outset that the main storyline of Nightfall goes to some dark places, and Ms. Stuart pulls no punches when it comes to revealing the truth of what happened to Richard’s wife and children. Some may find that truth difficult to listen to, although we are told things in retrospect and don’t actually witness them. But it’s still quite shocking and forewarned is forearmed.
New-to-me narrator Evan Harris delivers a solid performance, although I do have some issues with certain technical aspects of his narration and with the sound quality. On the positive side, both narrative and dialogue are well-paced, the characters are well differentiated and the female roles are performed without recourse to falsetto. His portrayal of Richard works really well; his voice just drips with sarcasm and he has caught the manipulative essence of the character while also, later in the book, bringing a deeper emotional nuance to his interpretation that serves to allow the listener to glimpse the driven, fiercely protective man beneath the enigmatic exterior. There are times when he veers close to the wrong side of creepy, but for the most part it’s a strong and insightful portrayal.
Now, as to the issues I mentioned. I know that audible breath sounds can be a huge problem for some listeners, although it’s not something that normally bothers me to a huge extent. That said, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to an audiobook in which the narrator takes huge gasps between phrases – that really would drive me nuts! Mr. Harris doesn’t do that, but sometime around the half-way point I started to notice that he has a habit of taking in nasal breaths at the ends of phrases and sentences, which gradually became increasingly intrusive – one of those things that, once noticed, can’t be un-noticed. It’s not horrible, but I suspect it could be irritating for some listeners. The other major quibble I have with the audiobook is the sound quality, which is uneven throughout. In some chapters or parts of chapters, there is an audible background hiss – I made a note that it’s quite pronounced in Chapter 17, for example – whereas in other places (Chapter 18) it’s not there at all. When the hiss is present, you can hear it even with the volume at a reasonable “mid” level, and it seems to come and go at random.
I’m a big fan of Anne Stuart’s; I’ve listened to a number of her novels in audio format and yet it strikes me that with one or two exceptions, she has yet to have a truly outstanding narrator performing her work. In fact, I’ve decided against listening to some recent releases I’ve really enjoyed in print (The Spinster and the Rake and Lady Fortune, to name but two) because I listened to samples and the narrators are sub-par. I know Ms. Stuart is an audiobook fan, and it saddens me that the publishers just don’t seem able to get it right for her. Come on people! This is Anne Stuart for heaven’s sake! Stop using mediocre narrators and find someone who can really do her books justice. If Devil’s Waltz ever comes out and isn’t narrated by Kate Reading, it will be a tragedy of the highest magnitude.
But back to Nightfall, which is a decent listen, although not a great one. Evan Harris seems to be new to the genre (he’s got a dozen titles to his name at Audible) and while he acquits himself well, I couldn’t help wondering what sort of job Michael Pauley would have made of it (his performance in Shadow Lover is terrific). That said, I did enjoy listening to Nightfall in spite of my reservations – the story is gripping and the hero – love him or hate him – is undeniably fascinating. I’m sure Ms. Stuart’s many fans will enjoy it, too.
Just… come on, publishers. Give a great author the great narrators she deserves.
I've given this a B- for narration and a B for content at AudioGals
Nightfall is one of those books I’ve meant to get around to reading for ages. As is often the case, I haven’t been able to manage it, so when the audiobook appeared, I jumped on it straight away. Originally published in 1995, it’s a standalone romantic thriller that goes to some pretty dark and disturbing places; Ms. Stuart is known for writing bad-boy heroes who generally occupy shaky moral ground and walk a thin line between being an alpha hero and an alpha-hole, and in this book especially, that line is very, very blurred. I happen to be a fan of Ms. Stuart’s particular brand of tough, ruthless gamma heroes, because she usually manages to keep them on just the right side of that line, but I can accept they’re not for everyone.
Richard Tiernan has been convicted of murdering his wife and is suspected of killing another women and also his two young children, who have vanished. He is awaiting sentencing and has been bailed temporarily by Sean O’ Rourke, a famous author who is, it is assumed, is going to write Richard’s story, detailing his crimes and offering insight into the mind of a man guilty of such heinous acts. If the book nets Sean a Pulitzer, too, he’s not going to complain.
Cassidy Roarke has resigned herself to being more or less an afterthought in her father’s life, so is surprised when he calls her to ask her to come home for a visit. Suspicious, and maybe just a little concerned (this is so unlike Sean), Cassidy goes – only to find herself confronting a convicted killer in the kitchen. Richard Tiernan is handsome as sin, darkly cynical and utterly compelling – and Cassidy is fascinated even as she is furious with Sean for springing such an unwelcome surprise on her.
She doesn’t know the half of it though. While Sean has, ostensibly, asked Cassidy to help him with the book – she is an editor by profession – it was Richard who insisted on her presence and her egotistical arsehole of a father is prepared to do anything – even throw his daughter into the arms of a convicted killer – to obtain his story.
Ms. Stuart doesn’t make it easy for listeners to like Richard, who is a cold, dispassionate and ruthless man who loves to twist words and tease Cassidy as to the likelihood of his guilt or innocence. Her attraction to him does appear almost out of the blue, and at first, I wasn’t quite sure why she was so drawn to him – although that whole damaged, brooding sexiness he has going on probably has something to do with it! He’s manipulative and cryptic, but somehow, as I began to suspect the truth, it was strangely easy to admire his determination to do what he had to do in order to protect the people he loved. I’m a bit on the fence about Cassidy, who is supposed to be a confident, professional woman, but who has a tendency to be somewhat gullible and naïve. That said, she does show her true colours eventually and is prepared to stand up and fight for what she knows to be right and, like Richard, for those closest to her.
Cassidy knows she should steer well clear of Richard, but she’s drawn to him like a moth to a flame and can’t resist the almost magnetic pull between them. Ms. Stuart plays with the is he?/isn’t he? question brilliantly, and Richard is probably one of her most austere, impenetrable, heroes. He’s a cold ruthless bastard and gives nothing away. He’s a dead man walking, refusing to fight his conviction and focusing instead on something he will stop at nothing to see done before sentence is passed and the death penalty is carried out.
I said at the outset that the main storyline of Nightfall goes to some dark places, and Ms. Stuart pulls no punches when it comes to revealing the truth of what happened to Richard’s wife and children. Some may find that truth difficult to listen to, although we are told things in retrospect and don’t actually witness them. But it’s still quite shocking and forewarned is forearmed.
New-to-me narrator Evan Harris delivers a solid performance, although I do have some issues with certain technical aspects of his narration and with the sound quality. On the positive side, both narrative and dialogue are well-paced, the characters are well differentiated and the female roles are performed without recourse to falsetto. His portrayal of Richard works really well; his voice just drips with sarcasm and he has caught the manipulative essence of the character while also, later in the book, bringing a deeper emotional nuance to his interpretation that serves to allow the listener to glimpse the driven, fiercely protective man beneath the enigmatic exterior. There are times when he veers close to the wrong side of creepy, but for the most part it’s a strong and insightful portrayal.
Now, as to the issues I mentioned. I know that audible breath sounds can be a huge problem for some listeners, although it’s not something that normally bothers me to a huge extent. That said, I don’t think I’ve ever listened to an audiobook in which the narrator takes huge gasps between phrases – that really would drive me nuts! Mr. Harris doesn’t do that, but sometime around the half-way point I started to notice that he has a habit of taking in nasal breaths at the ends of phrases and sentences, which gradually became increasingly intrusive – one of those things that, once noticed, can’t be un-noticed. It’s not horrible, but I suspect it could be irritating for some listeners. The other major quibble I have with the audiobook is the sound quality, which is uneven throughout. In some chapters or parts of chapters, there is an audible background hiss – I made a note that it’s quite pronounced in Chapter 17, for example – whereas in other places (Chapter 18) it’s not there at all. When the hiss is present, you can hear it even with the volume at a reasonable “mid” level, and it seems to come and go at random.
I’m a big fan of Anne Stuart’s; I’ve listened to a number of her novels in audio format and yet it strikes me that with one or two exceptions, she has yet to have a truly outstanding narrator performing her work. In fact, I’ve decided against listening to some recent releases I’ve really enjoyed in print (The Spinster and the Rake and Lady Fortune, to name but two) because I listened to samples and the narrators are sub-par. I know Ms. Stuart is an audiobook fan, and it saddens me that the publishers just don’t seem able to get it right for her. Come on people! This is Anne Stuart for heaven’s sake! Stop using mediocre narrators and find someone who can really do her books justice. If Devil’s Waltz ever comes out and isn’t narrated by Kate Reading, it will be a tragedy of the highest magnitude.
But back to Nightfall, which is a decent listen, although not a great one. Evan Harris seems to be new to the genre (he’s got a dozen titles to his name at Audible) and while he acquits himself well, I couldn’t help wondering what sort of job Michael Pauley would have made of it (his performance in Shadow Lover is terrific). That said, I did enjoy listening to Nightfall in spite of my reservations – the story is gripping and the hero – love him or hate him – is undeniably fascinating. I’m sure Ms. Stuart’s many fans will enjoy it, too.
Just… come on, publishers. Give a great author the great narrators she deserves.
June 28, 2018
4.5 Suspenseful Stars!!
I was completely drawn into this story right from the beginning. It was a fantastic. Great storyline, great H&h, and likable secondary characters....well some of them anyway.
Richard is a college professor who has been convicted of murdering his wife and children and has been sentenced to death. Cassidy is an editor and the daughter of a well known novelist, who’s latest book is on Richard’s crime. Sean, her father, begs for Cassie to come to New York for a visit, once there he manipulates Cassie to take leave from her job and help him write a book about the man who has been convicted of murdering his entire family.
Richard is out on appeal & living with Sean and his current wife in their large NY apartment. However, things are not as they seem. Sean seems to have made a deal with Richard, one that makes Cassie the sacrificial lamb....literally to Richard, in exchange, Sean’s getting the rights to his story.
Richard is seemingly cold and ruthless. Cassie is loyal, even to those who don’t deserve her loyalty, she’s strong yet a bit gullible. You feel for her, because she craves to be loved and respected by her father. We get many twists, turns, and finally revelations that will leave you reeling.
Anne Stuart is an amazing writer, her anti-Hero’s are the best!! She’ll draw you into any book she writes! My only issue was that it seemed to end rather abruptly, an epilogue would have been great, but even without it’s an amazing romantic suspense thriller. Another great AS read!!
I was completely drawn into this story right from the beginning. It was a fantastic. Great storyline, great H&h, and likable secondary characters....well some of them anyway.
Richard is a college professor who has been convicted of murdering his wife and children and has been sentenced to death. Cassidy is an editor and the daughter of a well known novelist, who’s latest book is on Richard’s crime. Sean, her father, begs for Cassie to come to New York for a visit, once there he manipulates Cassie to take leave from her job and help him write a book about the man who has been convicted of murdering his entire family.
Richard is out on appeal & living with Sean and his current wife in their large NY apartment. However, things are not as they seem. Sean seems to have made a deal with Richard, one that makes Cassie the sacrificial lamb....literally to Richard, in exchange, Sean’s getting the rights to his story.
Richard is seemingly cold and ruthless. Cassie is loyal, even to those who don’t deserve her loyalty, she’s strong yet a bit gullible. You feel for her, because she craves to be loved and respected by her father. We get many twists, turns, and finally revelations that will leave you reeling.
Anne Stuart is an amazing writer, her anti-Hero’s are the best!! She’ll draw you into any book she writes! My only issue was that it seemed to end rather abruptly, an epilogue would have been great, but even without it’s an amazing romantic suspense thriller. Another great AS read!!
April 16, 2023
I. just. can't. This was so totally awful I feel a public duty to steer people away from it. I know it was written in 1995, a whole generation ago, but I still can't find anything to excuse the appallingly sexist plot. I apologise in advance for my completely over-the-top reaction but this was... just dreadful.
Let's start with the blurb. "I want Cassidy Roarke. I need her. But she has to prove she’s worthy. That she can be trusted." Actually, Richard Tiernan dear—NO, she doesn't. All she has to do is shrug her shoulders in your general direction and walk away.
But does she? This sensible, independent woman, with a career and a circle of friends? Sadly, no. No, she doesn't. She's clear-sighted enough to see her father is pimping her out, but she still rolls over for Richard Tiernan's taunts and sexual allure. Faugh! I don't know whether Anne Stuart herself thinks that falling into bed with someone who insults & belittles you shows sexual attraction. To me, it reeks of not-so low-grade misogyny.
The corollary is that Cassidy's lack of a spine is used to justify in some way Richard's absurd and demeaning demands of her. He's entitled to be unpleasant to her, to treat her this way because she allows it. Did I say 'faugh'?
The plot is...do you know, I can't be bothered with the stupid plot. There wouldn't even be a plot if Richard didn't regard women as so inferior as not to be worth the truth. He's all, "I want this woman to sign her life away for Reasons, so I'm going to imply she's a slut with no value except to serve me." And I'm all, "let's give this man pilonidal cysts, and hang him out to dry."
This is a deeply unpleasant book that is in no way a romance, unless there is a special category for bigoted bullies abusing stupid invertebrates.
(Faugh!)
Let's start with the blurb. "I want Cassidy Roarke. I need her. But she has to prove she’s worthy. That she can be trusted." Actually, Richard Tiernan dear—NO, she doesn't. All she has to do is shrug her shoulders in your general direction and walk away.
But does she? This sensible, independent woman, with a career and a circle of friends? Sadly, no. No, she doesn't. She's clear-sighted enough to see her father is pimping her out, but she still rolls over for Richard Tiernan's taunts and sexual allure. Faugh! I don't know whether Anne Stuart herself thinks that falling into bed with someone who insults & belittles you shows sexual attraction. To me, it reeks of not-so low-grade misogyny.
The corollary is that Cassidy's lack of a spine is used to justify in some way Richard's absurd and demeaning demands of her. He's entitled to be unpleasant to her, to treat her this way because she allows it. Did I say 'faugh'?
The plot is...do you know, I can't be bothered with the stupid plot. There wouldn't even be a plot if Richard didn't regard women as so inferior as not to be worth the truth. He's all, "I want this woman to sign her life away for Reasons, so I'm going to imply she's a slut with no value except to serve me." And I'm all, "let's give this man pilonidal cysts, and hang him out to dry."
This is a deeply unpleasant book that is in no way a romance, unless there is a special category for bigoted bullies abusing stupid invertebrates.
(Faugh!)
December 19, 2014
Nice but not great. Interesting plot that kept me reading without getting bored, but I found the love between the hero and heroine unbelievable. I couldn't feel the attraction between them and when she says she loves him it came completely out of the blue, without conviction. As the hero himself told her later, "Love isn't great sex, and jumping to conclusions, and believing the worst, and running away when things get nasty." Which is exactly what the heroine had done. So, sorry if I did not believe she loved him either.
September 22, 2016
3.5-stars
This book has
-> a heroine who wasn't smart.
-> a hero who confused the heck out of me.
-> an unbelievable storyline that gave me many eye-rolling moments.
-> one disturbing plotline that made me sick to my stomach.
I wasn't sure how I should rate this novel because there were many elements in there I disliked. The first 75% of the book was just okay, but then Ms. Stuart took the story to the darkest side that fully grabbed my attention. I think this is a good pick for fans of Anne Stuart. Not for everyone:/
This book has
-> a heroine who wasn't smart.
-> a hero who confused the heck out of me.
-> an unbelievable storyline that gave me many eye-rolling moments.
-> one disturbing plotline that made me sick to my stomach.
I wasn't sure how I should rate this novel because there were many elements in there I disliked. The first 75% of the book was just okay, but then Ms. Stuart took the story to the darkest side that fully grabbed my attention. I think this is a good pick for fans of Anne Stuart. Not for everyone:/
September 28, 2010
I liked it because it was different, but the author has done better.
This book was published ten years before the Ice series, but had a similar feeling. In the Ice series, government agents are assigned to or plan to kill women whom they end up falling in love with. In Night Fall, a convicted murderer Richard is out on bail during an appeal process. Richard is a guest in Sean’s home. Sean convinces his daughter Cassidy to stay with them for awhile. Cassidy meets Richard and they have several conversations between them about whether or not Richard is a threat to Cassidy or might kill her. Richard’s reasons and actions did not make sense to me, described below. But because there was some interesting and intriguing conversation, I was willing to accept an illogical plot more than I normally would.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
Even after finishing the book, I never understood why Richard did some of the things he did. One of his goals was to make Cassidy fall in love with him. He does this with sexual teasing. He kisses her until she responds, then he breaks away and leaves. Their next encounter has him touching her until she responds, then he leaves. When they eventually do have sex, it is forced and rushed, and then he distances himself. He did this more than once. None of this process made sense to me. Although, she did fall for him and she was willing.
Richard’s ultimate goal was to have Cassidy do something for him after he was executed. I think the best way to accomplish this would be to tell Cassidy the truth about his wife’s murder, his kids and others. Instead, he delayed telling her anything, which ended up causing others to be put in danger. However, if he had told Cassidy everything sooner, there would have been less suspense, because most of the suspense was due to not knowing if he would hurt her.
Why would Cassidy fall in love with a murderer? I don’t know, but I’ve heard about women who fall in love with men in prison. Truth is stranger than fiction.
Also, how Richard’s wife died didn’t make sense to me. I can’t believe that the person holding the knife could cause a death in that way. (I’m trying not to give this away.)
I’d recommend this for readers who loved the Ice series and don’t mind all the illogic described above. For others, I would not recommend it.
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: seven. Setting: current day Baltimore, New York City, England and Vermont. Copyright: 1995. Genre: romantic suspense.
This book was published ten years before the Ice series, but had a similar feeling. In the Ice series, government agents are assigned to or plan to kill women whom they end up falling in love with. In Night Fall, a convicted murderer Richard is out on bail during an appeal process. Richard is a guest in Sean’s home. Sean convinces his daughter Cassidy to stay with them for awhile. Cassidy meets Richard and they have several conversations between them about whether or not Richard is a threat to Cassidy or might kill her. Richard’s reasons and actions did not make sense to me, described below. But because there was some interesting and intriguing conversation, I was willing to accept an illogical plot more than I normally would.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
Even after finishing the book, I never understood why Richard did some of the things he did. One of his goals was to make Cassidy fall in love with him. He does this with sexual teasing. He kisses her until she responds, then he breaks away and leaves. Their next encounter has him touching her until she responds, then he leaves. When they eventually do have sex, it is forced and rushed, and then he distances himself. He did this more than once. None of this process made sense to me. Although, she did fall for him and she was willing.
Richard’s ultimate goal was to have Cassidy do something for him after he was executed. I think the best way to accomplish this would be to tell Cassidy the truth about his wife’s murder, his kids and others. Instead, he delayed telling her anything, which ended up causing others to be put in danger. However, if he had told Cassidy everything sooner, there would have been less suspense, because most of the suspense was due to not knowing if he would hurt her.
Why would Cassidy fall in love with a murderer? I don’t know, but I’ve heard about women who fall in love with men in prison. Truth is stranger than fiction.
Also, how Richard’s wife died didn’t make sense to me. I can’t believe that the person holding the knife could cause a death in that way. (I’m trying not to give this away.)
I’d recommend this for readers who loved the Ice series and don’t mind all the illogic described above. For others, I would not recommend it.
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: seven. Setting: current day Baltimore, New York City, England and Vermont. Copyright: 1995. Genre: romantic suspense.
March 23, 2012
Hum, can't stick to black or white with Anne. Now I see she's writing paranormals under the name Christina Douglas. I think Karla knows what she's talking about when she said, "makes me think that she writes with the assistance of erratic sleep patterns, brightly colored pills, and/or a fridge full of box wine"...
Well I really enjoyed this story of hers in spite of some issues. Would have given it a full 5* rating, but for me, she never fails to fall short with her heroes. For some odd reason I find she misses the boat. Somehow her omission of some necessary secret ingredient to draw a clear picture early on in her plot of her unusual, dark, tormented alpha lead, throws me off kilter. She did it again here in this book.
Through almost 3/4's of it, I had a picture in my mind of a guy who spent the major part of his life as "special", in special ed classes up thru college, reading way too much Stephen King and Alfred Hitchcock. Consequently his mind was a big fat mess.
Never did dawn on me that he was the mental case he was portrayed as by Anne, solely due to the horrific trauma which occurred just prior to the story's beginning. I couldn't put 2 and 2 together here. The light didn't go on bright enough to form an accurate characterization until almost the very end of the story. Then I had to change my whole perspective of this guy. And that pissed me off.
I did like the heroine, and actually, everybody. Some things regarding each book that I do like written by Stuart are; she is consistently off beat, out in left field, and I can reasonably count on her to take me with her each time I pick up one of her stories. I can also count on her to send me all over the place with her convoluted plots...because that seems to be the only formula she knows.
I think I have one more of hers on my tbr shelf...
April 10, 2014
This is definitely one of the more darker books Anne has written. It takes a while to get into and you're bound to have your ups and downs with it (especially if you're like me and believe that infidelity is a huge no-no.. but yeah that wasn't that big of an issue) but the thing is, Anne doesn't make excuses. She just presents it. And somehow, you gobble it up. Of course, I am slightly biased since I am such a huge fan but I wouldn't be such a huge fan if Anne didn't write such wonderful books. The hero in this one, like her other heroes, is not so much a hero as he is an anti-hero but I'll say, he is one of the most vulnerable anti-heroes she has even written. Some of the scenes were just downright heartbreaking.
January 6, 2014
4.5 stars. While I am satisfied with the ending (it said quite a bit), I would love an epilogue. In a couple of ways, this book had me asking, "What would a parent do for the love of a child?"
May 3, 2015
Normally I'm a sucker for Stuarts anti-heroes, but I just can't seem to get into this story right now. So I'm shelving it for now......
October 3, 2014
Ok...
So, I am doing this Dangerous Hero Challenge, and I had a plan to pick books where heroes are really, really dangerous guys- not just alpha, but definitely more edgy heroes. So, I was thinking to myself: I'll go with Ann Stuart who is known to tease the boundary between dangerous hero and unredeemable hero. The choice fell (ha!) on Nighfall because bunch of her books were released in digital form recently and I saw this one got an A review on DA (this is first time happening to me that their recs failed me), so I thought I have winner.
My bullshit-tolerance level is pretty high, but I decided to leave this book at 93%. I was a trooper, I went through a lot of eye-rolling, teeth-grinding moments...but at 93% I had enough. Seriously, reading should be fun, not stressing.
So, here are my issues, and I can't really discus it without spoilering few things, so now is the time to look away if you plan to read it and don't like spoilers:
1) My first huge problem with setting of this novel is a bit personal. I practice criminal law and law facts written so wrong or justice system skewed to a degree it's not even possible in my head to work is a major distraction. But, I'll explain. So, our hero, Richard, is convicted for murder of his pregnant wife and sentenced to death. So, this novel covers the time between verdict and executing this sentence. He was granted a bail pending the outcome of his appeal. Now why do I point this out? Well, somehow Richard is granted a bail. A bail. do you know how rare is to grant a bail after verdict and in cases where that's possible it depends of crime. Crimes punishable by death would really not fit the bill. And to top of it all... he doesn't even have any restrictions- he walks the city freely and at one point even managed to leave country. I know he is a hero and sexy as hell, but he was just sentenced to death. He is considered to be that dangerous to others he is going to be executed. -__- It really didn't make sense at all to me. But, that's not what bugged me to no end... the only reason author adjusted justice system to fit her story is because hero needed to be in situation of imminent death so his plan for heroine would make sense. Frankly, this was like taking bazooka to kill a fly. She could have accomplish that in other way.
2. They kept calling him serial killer. From prosecutor, to heroine and even himself...everybody did it!!! You don't need any special knowledge to know that serial killer = more than one victim. This was so effing strange and it poked my eyes I can't even...
Well, you can say that he is a serial killer because they think he killed his children too...but, again there is a difference between serial killer and multiple murderer. And I don't even want to go into how rare that is and what you need to convict someone for murder when there is no body. It's possible, but circumstances of the case have to be so unquestionable you can say he killed the person whose body is missing. But ok.. I am obviously not supposed to think. -__-
3. Heroine's father pimped her to killer so he can get an insight into killer's mind! This right here, people, this is Jerry Springer material. Wow. But he loves her...everybody kept telling me in novel that Sean loves his daughter.. And he is dying, so that doesn't matter. HE is a father of the year, really. But if you are cool with that, stay tuned for scene where he admires Richard's seduction of his daughter:
"Bullshit. You would have had her panties off in another minute, and she's the most prudish little thing I've ever known. Takes after her mother in matters like that—she'd have the balls off you before you knew what you were doing."
Please, give this man an award.
4. So, our heroine is curvaceous and voluptuous and tall. That sounds like fucking sex-bomb to me. But in this novel it was pointed out so many times like her flaw, I genuinely felt sorry for her.
5. This is the moment I almost gave up: (Richard is dwelling about how crazy his wife was) and thinks:
That was his problem. Since entering puberty he'd been chasing after short, skinny little girl/women.Cassidy was a throwback to Marcy, with her lovely curves and her good-hearted nature.
What a fool he was. What an absolute fucking idiot, to have gone and blown everything, the only hope he had for the future, because he couldn't keep his mind and his body separate.
I went bonkers here. YES, RICHARD, SANITY HAS EVERYTHING TO DO WITH HOW A WOMAN LOOKS LIKE! God, please throw a brick and be precise. -__-
6. And now we are coming to the point where I gave up. Hero hit our heroine. Without any reason at all. "She was distracting him." I am done.
This may very well be one of Me Not You things, but I just grew more and more agitated as I read it. :\
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2014
Nightfall was my introduction to the book world of Anne Stuart, and I'm now a fan. From the very first page through the last page, I lived in this world of dark, psychotic madness, sucked in so deep that I was unable to let go. I had to keep turning pages, desperately trying to find out the truth about Richard Tiernan, convicted (he confessed) of taking a butcher knife and brutally murdering his pregnant wife, and suspected in the deaths of his two young children who have disappeared as well as his former lover. Then we meet insecure, innocent, boring Cassidy Roarke, sacrificed by her own father as he will do anything to write his next bestseller - even make a deal with the devil. His deal is to deliver his daughter to Richard in exchange for the exclusive rights to write his story, but why does the dark, moody, manipulative, dangerous Richard want Cassidy? What is he looking for? Richard is out of jail on appeal and living with Cassidy's father when her father suddenly calls her home. Cassidy returns home, walking into an empty house...empty except for a convicted murderer who is lurking and waiting for her in the shadows. And thus the mind games begin.
Richard has a master plan...Cassidy needs to figure out what it is in order to survive. Along the road to discovering all the horrific truths, she falls in love with a man who will be put to death in three months...a man who refuses to fight his death sentence...a man who both terrifies her and yet draws her to him like a moth to a flame. She knows she will lose everything - her heart, her soul, her sanity and possibly her life if she doesn't run and so she tries...time and time again. But her heart and soul will not allow her to resist the magnetic pull he has on her. Richard has nothing and yet everything to lose. He wants Cassidy like he's never wanted or needed another woman...but for what? What is his mysterious plan for her? This is a book of mind games...and nothing is as it seems. Anne Stuart has crafted a story of murder, lies, deceit and guilt and intertwined it with a story of love, desire, truth, and strong characters who are pushed to their absolute limit. A must read for lovers of romance/suspense. This book goes on my Favorites List!
Richard has a master plan...Cassidy needs to figure out what it is in order to survive. Along the road to discovering all the horrific truths, she falls in love with a man who will be put to death in three months...a man who refuses to fight his death sentence...a man who both terrifies her and yet draws her to him like a moth to a flame. She knows she will lose everything - her heart, her soul, her sanity and possibly her life if she doesn't run and so she tries...time and time again. But her heart and soul will not allow her to resist the magnetic pull he has on her. Richard has nothing and yet everything to lose. He wants Cassidy like he's never wanted or needed another woman...but for what? What is his mysterious plan for her? This is a book of mind games...and nothing is as it seems. Anne Stuart has crafted a story of murder, lies, deceit and guilt and intertwined it with a story of love, desire, truth, and strong characters who are pushed to their absolute limit. A must read for lovers of romance/suspense. This book goes on my Favorites List!
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