Book Review: Darkest Before Dawn by Stevie J.Cole

Sixty-four days in captivity. Sixty-four days to lose yourself—or find yourself.

I’m Ava Donovan. I was abducted at the age of nineteen. I’m told I’m a survivor, but the truth is, I only survived because he saved me. Even when he kept me locked in that room—he saved me.

Constantly wondering when and how you will die, that does something to you. To your mind. But what do you do when it does something to your heart? What do you do when the man holding you captive seems just as broken as you are, when his mere presence becomes a comfort you crave—when you love him even though you shouldn’t?

You smile and tell yourself it’s okay because love has no morals.

Sixty-four days in captivity gave me a love most people will never have and my freedom took it all away.

 

Darkest before Dawn was not what I expected. It's a daring twist on a love story born from the dark. Fate has intervened by bringing two people together who have a past connection unbeknownst to them. Their love is born from the darkest parts of their soul. I will warn you this is not a love story to be taken lightly. It delves deep into a dark place that isn't for everyone. This is dark, gritty and raw. 

Max Carter has a dark past. He has tried to leave his past behind and move forward. However when his sister had gone missing, he delved back into the dark to find her. He's taken on the role as a trainer, he breaks woman who will be sold as sex slaves. He's gained entrance into the ring that took his sister and is searching for the master mind.

Ava Donovan has been abducted and held captive in order to be broken and sold. It's Max's job to break Ava and prepare her for her new life. Ava isn't his usual captive, she's not a prostitute or drug user. She had a life, friends and she's Frank Donovan's daughter, a violent, ruthless hitman. She will not break that easily, when she's already broken.

Max and Ava have been tied together for a long time as their pasts are intertwined and their darkness is shared. The story moves quickly and there is plenty of heartache and raw emotions. It's hard to put down but well worth the late night. 4 Stars.