Luke by Madison Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3 ½ Stars

Luke is the first book in the Dark Water Security Series by Madison Quinn. This is my first read from Ms. Quinn and just by the synopsis alone, I had pretty high expectations. It wasn’t the intensely dark romantic suspense that I had hoped for- but the story did pull me in and did keep me reading, so I wasn’t entirely disappointed. I would definitely read more of Ms. Quinn’s work in the future (and look forward to reading the rest of this series). The story does have a dark ‘theme’ at it’s core, but it’s written in such a way that the ‘darkness’ is alluded to and not fully detailed.
Luke Simpson, along with his friend Alec run a private security company that not only provides specialist security services for their clients- but they also run a ‘side’ business (which I won’t get into here because it may ruin the story for you)- that plays a big part in the overall storyline. He hasn’t had an easy life, and is tormented by his horrific experience of being kidnapped and held captive as a teenager. Ten years have not been long enough to erase it all from his memory- especially the memories of the young girl held captive with him. If it were not for her, he may not have survived his ordeal- but he carries a heavy burden of guilt and responsibility over her suffering. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t think of her- she’s never far from his mind. But, after finally escaping their hell, he’s never heard from her since.
So, what happens when the new computer specialist that Alec hires, reminds him of the past, of his ‘ray of light’ in the darkness, and of everything they suffered through together. What happens when they need to go undercover and pose as a couple? What happens when secrets are revealed? And what happens when danger comes calling? All these answers, and so much more can be found in the pages of this dramatic story.
I really did feel for the characters, and what they’d been through. My heart ached for them and I would have loved to hug them both. They have quite and intense chemistry that did steam up the screen of my kindle. The suspense was really well done, giving the storyline quite a bit of intensity. But, then it all kind of ’fizzled’ and I was a little disappointed by the final ‘revelation’ of the ‘Stalker’- it was a bit of a let down after such a great build up. I felt it needed to be more explosive/powerful to fit in with all the ‘leadup’. I feel that this issue really prevented the story from achieving its true, epic, potential.
I am intrigued by what Ms. Quinn will do in book #2, due out in March this year- so not too long to wait to find out!

Thank you, MS. Quinn!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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