Aerin's Reviews > Dark & Dazzling

Darkness, angst and heartbreak are feelings that overwhelm this book; I expected it to an extent because Z was presented to us (in book #1) as dark and moody, an angel who is anything but pure and bright. Z doesn't believe in happily ever afters, rainbows, unicorns or white picket fences. Z is not made for love; his life is driven by a pride so strong and foolish, it leads him to make awful choices that he'll have to live with forever.

Z is a character that DEMANDS attention and will not let you take your focus off him for even a second. Dark & Dazzling is written from dual points of view and it's the best thing that could've happened to this book. I needed to see Z through Connelly's eyes more than anything else! Connelly showed us a different side of Z, one that would've been harder to see without his help because of all the darkness that surrounds Z at all times. Under all the sass, wit and bitter words aimed to keep people at a distance, hides a vulnerable soul who is afraid of becoming dependent of others and is terrified of finding the one person he cannot live without. Z's memories of his mother are painful but also necessary because they allow us to see what shaped Z into the man he is today.

Detective Connelly Reid is the opposite of Z, a knight is shining armor who's innate goodness makes him into a person who's loyal, a "fixer" who needs to help those he loves. I loved seeing Z through his eyes, it made it easier for me to forgive Z for his destructive and reckless behavior that took place at the 65% mark. Z almost ruined the book for me and his selfishness pissed me the fuck off. But Connelly saw him worthy of forgiveness and so did I; there's a definite moment when Z starts over, decides to change and become someone worthy of love. I liked it!

There are a couple of dub-con moments that made me feel uneasy and slightly confused. I can't say they are definite triggers and while non-con and dub-con are usually hard limits for me, I didn't feel the need the give up on this book because of them. They were just so intense, dark and angsty! And there were no warnings about them, although since this is an arc and edits can be made before it is released to the public, I truly hope the publisher will take care of this oversight.

Dark & Dazzling might not end with a definite HEA, but the HFN is pretty strong and full of optimism. Fierce & Fabulous remains my favorite book so far and I'm truly looking forward to the next books! And let me just acknowledge that Varlet can write some seriously steamy sex scenes! Phew!