Reviews

The Darkest of Light by Crystal Daniels, Sandy Alvarez

readwthbee's review

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3.0

3.25/5 ⭐️ 1.5/5

knchlumsky's review

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4.0

Read more than once

Definitely read this book already and ended up reading it again, although the deja vu had me a little confused I enjoyed the 2nd read through. A couple choppy or overly explained parts that would bring me out if reading the story but easy enough to ignore and enjoy. Wished the translations were at the beginning verses right after the written phrase.

Super excited to see the rest of the books in the series, going to double check to make sure I don't reread the others lol.

midnight_pageturner's review

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5.0

I was simply swooned by the characters and the story of The Darkest of Light, the second book of the Kings of Retribution MC. I had been waiting for this book for weeks, and I was not disappointed by the amazing writing of sisters Crystal Daniels and Sandy Alvarez. It focuses on Alba and Gabriel, and it is full of angst, drama, steamy scenes and unexpected twists and turns.

The character development is phenomenal, giving lots of insight into the main characters, who we met in Undaunted. Alba is Bella's 19-year-old sweet and bookworm sister, while Gabriel is a broody, badass biker and tattoo artist. Deep down he is also a huge teddy bear, imperfect but ready to step in and protect the love of his life!

Can't wait to see what's next from this writing duo. I've said it in the past, they have a bright future ahead.

c_gard0821's review

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1.0

Very rough

Alba and Gabriel have one night together before he ruins it in order to push her to go to college. Heartbroken, Alba runs and doesn't come back for 7 months.....until threats to her life have her returning in fear. Gabriel won't make the mistake of letting her go again.

Ok. So I thought this sounded interesting. Protective biker, a hint of danger/intrigue, and some romance? Sign me up! Yeah no. The writing was really rough. It used a lot of repetitive language that made me want to pull my hair out. It was just very jerky story telling and did a lot of telling rather than showing. I think the worst part about this book was the fact that Gabriel and Alba had a relationship before they did the deed, but it never showed us the lead up or how they really formed any type of bond. It felt very vague and didn't back up all the feelings these characters expressed for each other. This was a very unconvincing and kind of cringy story.

b_readsromance's review

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3.0

3.5 stars

scrocker0729's review against another edition

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fast-paced

3.0

casemlord's review against another edition

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3.0

Spicy 3/5

skysher02's review

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2.0

this was a really slow and boring read. i almost dnfed multiple times but somehow i made it to the end. not a fan of the mcs relationship and their story.

undeadplayer's review

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5.0

I had to listen to the audiobook on Scribd as this book isn't on kindle unlimited, shame as I would have read this in one sitting but it did enjoy listening to it while some artwork.

worth the 5 stars, cant wait to read the other ones. I really want to read more about leah as i need someone to save her!

bibliofrenzy's review against another edition

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2.0

Alba was a breath of fresh air in the previous book, a spark of life in the beginning of her own. But the moment someone bought her book covers, she morphed into someone else entirely. 🙄 Why the shift? When Gabriel's gaze fell upon her, she turned into a different creature. I get angst-ridden book but without purpose? Where's the logic in that? It felt hollow. There was no real need for it here…

And what of Sophia? I expected a blossoming friendship, between Sophia and Alba given their closeness in age and proximity. Instead, her absence was a dull thud, a missed opportunity that left me wanting.

The inconsistencies grated on me too. Weeks spent coaxing the guys to paint, she can’t look at another furniture store? And during their first Christmas, they only have a mattress on the floor? Did the Grinch come in the night? 🙄

Alba, was full of flaws. I did not like her character at all! A friend who takes advantage, who’s your “bestie” until something shinier comes along—how exhausting. Her anger “consumes her” a reckless abandon that defies all sense of self-preservation and others get heart, make it make sense. Why are characters written like this? 😫🤬 

Gabriel’s sister and the FBI agent piqued my interest, yet this installment fell flat, not living up to the hype that drew me in. I hope they have a book… fingers crossed.

Sean Crisdne’s narration usually enchants, but the accent felt off—fast and jarring. How does a childhood spent away from Cuba preserve such a strong accent? I mean he was so young when he left! I know folks who left at 18 and you’d never know… and he wasn’t even around a lot of Spanish speaking people… that made 0 sense! And the repetitive translations? ONG!!! “Hermana, sister!"—I mean, who talks like that? After the first 2 times we didn’t need to be reminded, if someone needs it then get google because it was annoying! “Mi amor! My love! Like what?

As for spice? A meager 1/5. I really expected more than a rehashed scene with a brooding giant; it felt like déjà vu of Logan but with an accent.

So, is it worth it? Personally, I’d say no. Yet, against my better judgment, I might venture into the next book featuring a single mom. History tells me to tread carefully; they often start strong, only to crumble under the weight of expectation. I avoid single mom stories… we’ll see…Ugh.