Darkness by Joann I. Martin Sowles

Darkness (Brookhaven Vampires #2)
Joann I. Martin Sowles

Synopsis: Not long ago, Laney Alexander was living a carefree life, that is, until she was thrown into a world full of creatures only the imagination thought possible. Now, after surviving a terrifying night, Laney and Oliver are lying low at Julz's place, relieved to be in each other's arms once again. But fate seems to have other plans...

Julz is not happy to have visitors in her home and emotions run high. Laney is pushed to her limits as she watches Carter fight for his life and her relationship with Oliver becomes strained as she discovers secrets about Julz that could tear them apart.

As she reaches her boiling point, disaster strikes and her life is shattered. Laney must come to terms with what has unfolded. Will she lose her way and let the darkness consume her or will she find her light in Oliver?

Secrets will be revealed. Hearts will be broken. Lives will be lost. Darkness will fall.

Picking up where Laney left off, Oliver and Laney have fled to the fortress that is Julz's house and is forced to just stay there with the crazy-@ss woman who is determined to rip her to shreds. And with Felix's insistence, Carter is also there, recovering from a werewolf bite, nervously awaiting the full moon to see what happens. The entire household is on edge, and it strains all their relationships. One night when left alone for once, Laney finally says screw it and goes out with Carter and gets completely drunk off her butt. Can't say I blame her really. But when you have a jealous boyfriend that can't stand anyone giving you the slightest attention, who always seems to know what you're doing and where you are, you'd better be ready for the repercussions, and the wrath of a seriously overprotective vampire.

As for the plot in Darkness, I'm still trying to figure that out. Don't get me wrong, I liked Darkness, especially the sexual frustration between Laney and Oliver and their impending bonding, but this novel seems to be made up of lots of little things and not really anything big. As I skimmed through the reviews afterwards, trying to see if anyone caught something I missed, I noticed others felt that way too.

I do wish some things would have been answered in this book, cause all I have in the end was lots of unanswered questions. Why does Felix know her grandparents, and what are the odds that he shares the same last name as Laney? How did Laney's illusive dad know something terrible happened in her life, and sent his regards in a freakin' flower arrangement? What's in the hidden room at Laney's Aunt's house, and why didn't Laney go after Carter after he went snooping around in it? Why does Oliver's tattoo seem so familiar? And why won't Oliver explain this whole Brookhaven vampire thing? Cause clearly Laney's family may be involved. Laney doesn't force the issue on any of these things and it's frustrating that she allows herself to stay in the darkness (no pun intended). The only thing I felt Darkness answered was how Carter would react to the werewolf bite come full moon, which was a little weird.

I also kind of wish a little more of the story was focused on Laney, since she's the only point of view we get. So much is going on around her and the novel is basically her dealing with everybody elses' issues, save some grief she has to work through herself. It's Laney having to deal with Oliver because of how he has to deal with Julz, and the secret work he's constantly running off to do for his organization that he can't tell her about. Or Laney watching over Carter as he awaits the upcoming full moon. Or Laney dealing with a frantic Keira cause Carter's shut her out and she doesn't know why (cause she's not in on the vampire/werewolf thing - or is she?...everyone around Laney seems to be some kind of vampire-in-waiting). Hopefully the next story will be more about what's happening directly with Laney cause she's definetly got some hidden family secrets, grandparents and a father she didn't know about, and dare I say a possible brother she never knew existed? And Oliver. I'm impatiently waiting for their bond to happen cause the sexual tension is driving me crazy! (in a good way, of course).

Novel provided by author for honest review.