Blurb:
Ignazio Vitale is not a good man.
I suspect it, the first time I see him, sense the air of danger that surrounds the man. He has a way of commanding attention, of taking control, of knowing what I’m thinking before I even do.
It’s alarming and alluring. It’s dark and deadly. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted but the last thing I truly need. Obsession.
It doesn’t take him long to draw me into his web, charming me into his bed and trapping me in his life, a life I know nothing about until it’s too late. He has secrets, secrets I can’t fathom, secrets that make it so I can’t walk away, no matter how much I beg him to let me go. I see it sometimes in his eyes, a darkness that’s both terrifying and thrilling. He’s a monster, wrapped up in a pretty package, and what I find when I unmask him changes everything.
I want to hate him.
Sometimes, I do.
But it doesn’t stop me from loving him, too.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: This book is intended for a mature audience only, due to some dark and erotic content.
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Monster-His-Eyes-J-M-Darhower-ebook/dp/B00JZCLV4S/
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/monster-in-his-eyes-jm-darhower/1119350428?ean=2940149491698
Review
J.M. Darhower definitely knows how to create a fantastic anti-hero as the male protagonist; one readers know they should not be rooting for, but as the story progresses and J.M. illustrates the multiple facets of this complicated man, we cannot help but be drawn to and revel in the darkness that exists behind his façade.
Monster in His Eyes is a story about revenge, secrets, and lies. It’s about a man whose life is shrouded in mystery; a man who tries to keep the monster inside him at bay, but when the plot slowly unravels, and his control starts to slip, the beast comes out to play, and once it’s freed, anything is likely to happen.
This is the first book in a two part series, and although the ending leaves everything up in the air, the book hangover is completely worth it. The story begins as 18 year old, Karissa Reed, unexpectantly meets 36 year old, Ignazio Vitale (Naz), and is drawn to him in a way that doesn’t make sense to her but also cannot be denied. Soon after they meet, they are consumed by one another; Karissa gives herself freely and fully to him, despite Naz’s warnings and the company and secrets he keeps. But when the truth comes out, and we all know that it will, can Karissa see past the betrayal and stay clear of the danger or will she become another casualty to the monster that is Naz?
Naz is a phenomenal character; there are so many layers to his personality. He’s breathtakingly twisted, and I was just as consumed by him as Karissa is. Readers are well aware that he is not a good man and that the business that takes him away from Karissa and into the black night is dangerous and unlawful. But there is another side to Naz that readers are privy to in his interactions with Karissa. He’s protective of her, and he claims her as his – the one he thought he would never have but now cannot live without. And although things are not what they seem with Naz and the truth could likely destroy everything he’s worked so hard to keep, you cannot help but be drawn to him and want to be the one who soothes the monster within.
Monster in His Eyes is the epitome of what a romantic suspense should be. It’s gritty and dark, and its outcome will keep readers guessing until the very end. The pull that Naz and Karissa have towards one another is both a blessing and a curse, and J.M. Darhower does a fantastic job of building and illustrating the reasons behind Karissa’s adoration and hatred for the man who consumes her. Naz’ monster both captivates and tortures Karissa’s soul; so much so that the struggle to break free almost seems impossible. It will be interesting to see now that the truth is revealed what decisions and actions Karissa will take. One thing’s for sure, it will be one suspense driven ride in Book 2.
A complimentary copy of the text was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 poison apples
Excerpt:
My heart races in my chest, each beat painful, as it seems to reverberate through my body. I’m achy, my head pounding in rhythm with my heartbeat. Panic bubbles in my gut that I try to ignore, to push back, but it’s no use. I have no idea where I am, no idea how I got here, or how long I’ve been in this place. I’m confused, sore, disoriented…
And my bladder feels like it’s about to explode.
Slowly, I sit up in the bed. It’s fit for a king—way bigger than any bed I’ve ever owned. The mattress feels like fluffy clouds and the intoxicating scent clings to the pillows and the sheets. Everything is bright white, crisp and clean, and I’d probably think it was a hotel room, with how impersonal it feels, if it wasn’t for the fact that there’s no goddamn bathroom in the vicinity.
I strain my ears to hear, but it’s dead silent, except for the soft sound of air swishing from the fan. My panic eases a little when I see I’m still fully dressed, wearing the god-awful eighties clothes from last night.
That was last night, right?
As I contemplate what to do, I hear footsteps off in the distance, calculated and exaggerated as they grow near. I hold my breath when the knob across the room turns, the door slowly opening.
Oh shit.
Oh shit.
Oh shit.
What have I gotten myself into?
The moment I see him, memories start to trickle in. The bar, dancing, drinking, stepping outside as I search for Melody but somehow find him there instead. I remember looking at him, talking to him, and then there’s nothing.
I’m drawing a blank.
He’s wearing the exact same thing as last time I saw him, though, having still not changed.
Or maybe black suits are all he owns.
He hesitates in the doorway when he sees me sitting up, his hand still grasping the knob, but after a moment he lets go of it and takes a few steps toward me. Instinctively, I grab the blanket and pull it up, shielding myself, despite the fact that I’m still fully dressed.
The act makes him hesitate a second time. He pauses, and stares, but he doesn’t speak.
I’m not sure what to do, or say, or how I should feel or even what to fucking think, so I just stare back. Awkward.
After a moment the corner of his lip twitches, revealing the deep dimple. “You’re awake.”
“I am.”
Ugh, my voice sounds like sandpaper and feels just as raw.
“I was worried,” he says. “You’ve been out for a while.”
“Where is this?” I glance around the room anxiously. “Where are we?”
“My place.”
Book Trailer:
http://vimeo.com/user27125048/monster
About the Author:
JM Darhower is the author of countless stories and poems, most of which only she has ever read. She lives in a tiny town in rural North Carolina, where she churns out more words than will ever see the light of day. She has a deep passion for politics and speaking out against human trafficking, and when she isn’t writing (or fangirling about books) she’s usually ranting about those things.
Chronic crimper with a vulgar mouth, she admits to having a Twitter addiction. You can usually always find her there.
Author’s links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jmdarhower
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/JM-Darhower/187907981297867?skip_nax_wizard=true
Website: http://www.jmdarhower.com/
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