Author: M. Pierce

Book: After Dark 

Other Books in Series:

Night Owl (#1) – reviewed here
Last Light (#2) – reviewed here

tl;dr recommendation: A filthy and sweet conclusion to this epic trilogy!

Book Summary:

At twenty-nine, Matt Sky is trying to return to normal, having faked his death and come back to life. He and Hannah move to a simple house in the suburbs, and strive to grow their relationship into something durable and honest. They become more and more entangled, in the best ways possible.

At twenty-eight, Hannah finally has the life she’s always wanted: she’s pursuing her career as a literary agent at Granite Wing Agency, she is writing her first solo novel, and she is living with her hot, passionate lover. For the first time, Matt and Hannah are able to explore intimacy without inhibitions—without lies, secrets, or jealousy—and the results are explosive.

Still life together is not as easy as it seems. Matt is estranged from his brothers in the wake of his cruel stunt; Seth Sky, embittered by his failed pursuit of Hannah, makes a play for Hannah’s sister; and the topic of Hannah’s novel—her relationship with Matt and the Sky family—is driving a wedge between her and Matt. The lovers are devoted to one another, having come through many ordeals, but is their bond strong enough to last a lifetime?

Longer Review:

After Dark is a completely gripping, unnerving and fascinating conclusion to the Night Owl Trilogy. I could not have fallen harder for Matt and Hannah. Even with Matt’s mercurial moods and domineering ways, Hannah rises up like the little bird she is and steadily guides him back to their nest. I loved the raw and explicit writing and the bare need that they have for each other. This need always finds a way to rise up and bubble over – like a boiling pot left on the stove too long: scalding, demanding, desperate to be noticed. It’s filthy and erotic and I LOVED it.

This book is like standing in front of a mirror, holding a mirror. M. Pierce, the author, writes about the characters (M. Pierce aka Matt and Hannah) and then the characters begin writing about themselves. It’s crazy and genius all at the same time. I mean, I knew it was happening in the prior two books, but M. Pierce grabs on to that concept in this book takes it to a new level. It’s used to allow Hannah and Matt to communicate with each other since they have severe problems actually TALKING (well, without it leading to incredible sex) and it’s really helpful to both the reader and the characters. Perfection, M. Pierce.

We left off in book 2 with Matt and Hannah as they were about to go on a talk show – and Hannah proposes. WHAT?! oh fuck. But is it real? Can they really start a life together when Matt has so seriously fucked up his trust points? This book follows what happens after Matt comes back from the dead and questions whether a relationship built partly on lies can have a chance when it’s stripped to the truth.

Hannah’s determination and inner strength is a force to be reckoned with. She doesn’t put up with Matt’s shit and he deserves every night he sleeps in the doghouse. She is awesome. Of course, Hannah doesn’t seem to know what she wants these days either and the bombs that are dropped have her questioning her future. They are completely made for each other.

This book is unbelievable. my mouth gaped open more times than I could count. Matt starts keeping a journal about his dark desires after his psychologist recommends it. I won’t ruin it for you, but holy mother of fuck – it’s amazing. The sex scenes are just as dirty and explicit as you’ve come to expect, but there are actually a few sweet and romantic ones in there too. I know, right?! MATT’S A ROMANTIC. of course we knew that deep down he was. Which is why we love him. SIGH.

Of course everything starts to fall apart before it can come together, but M. Pierce ties everything up before this trilogy is over. I loved loved loved the ending. I could read that last scene a million times over. <3 This series is epic and a must read for any lover of dark romance.

let the major book hangover commence.

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]