3.5 out of 5 Stars

“Guilt. It’s like a cancer that eats you from the inside out. Destroying everything in its path.”

Anna Walker has a great life with her husband Nick who loves her and who she loves in return. So, why is it that when she meets bartender and photographer bad boy Alec Prentice she can’t stop thinking about him? But, when thinking leads to doing, and passion turns to  obsession she knows that she has to get out. For the sake of her marriage and her sanity.

But, is it really that easy to walk away? Is it that easy to cover the lies and deceit so that loving, doting Nick will never find out? As things begin to take a strange and dark turn and spiral out of control, Anna begins to realise that you can’t ignore that scarlet letter stamped on you. It will always come back to haunt you

““I don’t know how to make it any plainer to you Alec. It is over! You are making things harder on both of us.” I was trying to keep from yelling and drawing attention to us.

“Anna, I need you…”

He stepped toward me and put his hand on my arm. I instantly jerked it away.

“Don’t you dare touch me! You shouldn’t be here. I want you to leave. Do you understand? I want you to leave!!” My words were choked on tears as I shrieked at him.

He recoiled in anger.

“Who the hell do you think you are anyway? You fucking bitch!”

“Get out of my way Alec. Let me leave! I wish I would never see you again! You are nobody to me. I regret the day I ever met you. Do you understand me? I want you to go away!” I was remorseful for being so harsh. I regretted the words, as soon as they came out of my mouth. I could see the hurt in his eyes. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I did want him to disappear from my life, from my memory. From any existence that had to do with me.”

“You think you can get away from me Anna? You can’t. You can run away and pretend that you don’t want me, but I know you still do. You’re mine, Anna. You hear me? You are mine!””

A wonderfully written psychological thriller that was NOT what I was expecting! The story does start off a little slow and I feel that the whole affair between Anna and Alec  was a little  rushed through. I really did enjoy the thrill when it did take off and the supporting characters were FANTASTIC! I really enjoyed Anna’s boss Janice (the strong ex-New Yorker who gave up her life there to take care of her ailing mother and stayed to open an art galley in Wilmington), the old high school sweetheart, Timmy (the small town farmer with the heart of gold), the artist Daniel and his partner Theordore (who are just too lovely for words) and of course, the adorable little bundle of fur, the kitty Chase. She makes you love them all and wish they were a part of your life.

The suspense is wonderful and it all has an air of “Fatal Attraction” to it. I read the whole book in one quick sitting and was disappointed when it was over! It’s a great ride from start to finish as, even though it starts off slowly it does a great job of building up the characters. Although, sometimes I did find that Natalie did SUCH a good job at building up her supporting characters that I almost wanted to hear more about them than Anna and her cheating ways! I also wish that there was a little bit more about Alec. I know that the air of mystery surrounding him lends to the story… but, I wanted to peel that onion open just A COUPLE more layers!

All in all a wonderful read for those who are fans of suspense!! (No. I will not mention “Girl on a Train”, “Gone Girl”, etc. that description would have had me running for the hills) This novel has more of an old school mystery feel with a grittier, more modern feel!

If you’d like to check out more about Natalie Banks and her works please seek her out at:

Website:  https://www.nataliebanks.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nataliebanksnovels/

Instagram: @nataliebanksnovels

The Dark Room is Best Served with

A Cosmopolitan (with a cherry)

If you’d like to find out why it needs to be served with a cherry…. well, I guess you should read the book to find out!! Lol!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2oz Vodka
• 1/2oz Cointreau Liqueur
• 1oz Cranberry Juice
• 1/4oz Lime Juice
• A single cherry to garnish

Directions

1. Chill your cocktail glass (the easiest way is to fill it with ice)
2. Put plenty of ice and all of the ingredients into your shaker or stirring glass and shake or stir vigorously for about 20 seconds
3. Strain the mix into a cocktail glass
4. Throw in your cherry
5. CHEERS!!