DARK CORNERS (True Heroes #3) by A.M. Madden-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2016

A real hero can protect and serve, but a true hero knows how to love.

Love is war when shadows play games with the heart. In this thrilling romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Stone Walls and Glass Ceilings, a decorated veteran facing the darkest battlefield finds a guiding light to trust and tenderness.

David Cavello is no longer in uniform, but the memories of combat still haunt his every waking moment. Driven to protect and serve, he accepts an undercover job he has to keep hidden from everyone. But David’s mission goes against orders the second he makes contact with gorgeous and spirited Maygen Whitney. The intense attraction he feels for Maygen drives him crazy—almost as crazy as he feels about hiding information from her.

After growing up with an overprotective father, Maygen feels like she’s finally claiming her independence. Sure, she’s been lonely, but David seems to make all her dreams come deliciously true—until the sting of betrayal sends her world spiraling. Now Maygen’s caught in a tragic web of lies, leaving her more vulnerable than ever to an enemy hidden in the shadows. But when Maygen most needs a hero, David leaps into action—intent on doing whatever it takes to save the woman he loves.

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REVIEW: DARK CORNERS is the third installment in A.M. Madden’s contemporary, adult TRUE HEROES erotic, romantic suspense series. This is former US army Private David Cavello, and fashion designer Maygen Whitney’s story line. DARK CORNERS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Maygen and David) DARK CORNERS follows the building relationship between former US Army Private David Cavello, and fashion designer Maygen Whitney. An accidental meeting wherein David and Maygen ran into one another on the street, finds our hero attempting to make up for sending Maygen on her a$$ in the middle of the sidewalk while spilling her coffee all over herself. What ensues is the developing friendship and love between two people whose lives are about to spiral out of control. David hides a secret that if Maygen finds out will destroy what little trust Maygen has in the man with whom she is falling in love.

David suffers with PTSD and is struggling to get his life back on track. Maygen feels as though she is suffocating with her father’s over-protective nature but when threats against our heroine take a personal turn her father’s protection may not be enough.

The relationship between David and Maygen begins as friendship as our hero stumbles with his attraction to Maygen Whitney. Unwilling to involve Maygen in his nightly PTSD struggles the sexual aspect of their relationship is slow to develop. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Nick Farley and Angelo Cavello (Glass Ceilings #2), Maygen’s over protective father Garrett Whitney, and his business partner Reed Conlon, as well as David and Maygen’s large extended families. Maygen’s boss Dax Storm is the exclusive designer with whom Maygen works, as well as her best friend Betha who is all about getting the details on Maygen’s love life.

The world building follows the preparations for Dax’s upcoming fashion show, as well as David’s struggles with personal demons and PTSD terrors.

DARK CORNERS is a story of emotional heartbreak and healing; betrayal and trust; lies and forgiveness. The premise is intriguing and encouraging; the characters are moving and engaging; the romance is emotional and challenging. DARK CORNERS is an intimate look at one man’s struggles with PTSD, and one woman’s need to save the man with whom she is falling in love.

Reading Order and Previous reviews

Stone Walls
Glass Ceilings
Dark Corners

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy