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In Darkness #1

Exposed in Darkness

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Just days before the running of the biggest thoroughbred horse race in the world, an act of bioterrorism kills Kentucky’s lieutenant governor, and former FBI Special Agent Brooke Fairfax receives a video of the murder from her long-time anonymous source. When Brooke discovers domestic terrorists are actually after the governor—her late husband’s brother—and that the radicals are eyeing more targets, she heads to Kentucky to stop the threat.

Shortly after the political assassination, the FBI zeroes in on one person: international mogul Declan O’Roark. Though Brooke has been out of the game since her husband was murdered, her former boss thinks she is the perfect candidate to connect Declan to the crime.

Despite the FBI clearly establishing means and opportunity, Declan remains unfazed; his motives have nothing to do with murder, but with getting closer to Brooke Fairfax. And Brooke finds the case becoming even more unclear as she falls for the FBI’s number one suspect.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2017

About the author

Heather Sunseri

25 books382 followers
Heather Sunseri was raised on a tiny farm in the smallest of towns in thoroughbred horse country near Lexington, Kentucky. After high school, she attended Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, and later graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in accounting. Always torn between a passion for fantasy and a mind for the rational, it only made sense to combine her career in accounting with a novel-writing dream.

Heather now lives in a different small town on the other side of Lexington with her two children, and her husband, Mike, the biggest Oregon Duck fan in the universe. When she’s not writing or working as a CPA, she spends her time tormenting her daughter’s cat, Olivia, and loving on her son’s Golden Retriever, Jenny. MINDSPEAK is her first published novel.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
Profile Image for Picky_Book_B1tch.
624 reviews55 followers
July 10, 2020
This was an entertaining read with some awesome characters and a fun story line. Yes, I said fun. This isn't the dark read I thought it would be by the cover and the title. That isn't a detraction, just fact. Now if you're looking for a taughtly written mystery/thriller, this wouldn't be a good choice. I liken it to an a action suspense movie with a heavy entertainment factor but plays fast and loose with the details. There were a number of plot holes and some rather convenient action but surprisingly, I was still entertained.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,314 reviews169 followers
May 21, 2017
Well written suspense with lots of twist and turns that keeps you guessing right till the end.

This series is about and FBI agent currently on leave after the death of her husband who was also an agent who was killed on the job. Brooke Fairfax was devastated after the death of her husband. She shut herself away from the world, her job and family as she tried to heal. It takes her former brother in law – who is the governor of Kentucky – to bring her out of her self imposed exile when his lieutenant governor is murdered and it looks like he was supposed to be the target.

Through out this book Brooke gets clues and warnings from an unknown source. This source has been feeding her information for years – even when her husband was alive. She calls him Romeo and he is one thread that is not wrapped up at the end of the book. This was a very intriguing addition to the story and one that should be interesting to see how is plays out in future books.

The main back drop of this was the Kentucky Derby. In looking for clues as to who may want to harm the Governor, Brooke comes across millionaire and CEO Declan O'Roark. Declan owns may businesses but two are prominent in this story. His thoroughbred horses that he races and his scientific labs. Brooke figures out pretty quick that Declan is innocent but wonders why someone is trying to frame him. She also struggles with her attraction to him as she feels she is betraying her dead husband. I thought the romance was tastefully done considering Brooke's past. Declan never pushed her for more than she was willing to give and was very understanding of her circumstances.

Brooke is a strong female character that is great at analyzing clues. There were lots of twist and surprises through out with a large cast of characters who I am sure we will see in the future books. Now I'm off to read the next in the series..
Profile Image for Alana Pike.
15 reviews
January 10, 2017
I loved this book. As always, Heather creates strong characters that you can fall in love with. So many twists and turns that keep you wondering who the mastermind behind it all is. I can't believe who it turned out to be, I never would have guessed. I can not wait to read more of the series and hopefully find out who Romeo is. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher."
Profile Image for Chris Conley.
998 reviews11 followers
November 15, 2020
Cool mystery. Love the Kentucky setting...not sure why real names of places weren’t used but it was a solid start to a series I am going to enjoy!!
Profile Image for Becky Van Daniker.
329 reviews107 followers
February 7, 2017
Oh my word! Where do I even begin when it comes to this book? Heather Sunseri has stepped out from Young Adult to Adult. Exposed in Darkness is an exciting new mystery thriller with tons of suspense and drama.

It has been over a year since Agent Brooke Fairfax left the FBI. Bioterrorism kills Kentucky’s lieutenant governor, Brooke receives a video of the murder from her long-time anonymous source. When learns that the domestic terrorists are after the governor – her husband’s brother – and that there will be more targets, Brooke finds herself heading to Kentucky to stop the threat.

Immediately after the assassination, the FBI zeroes in on Declan O’Roark. Brooke’s boss thinks that she is the perfect candidate to connect Declan to the crime even though she hasn’t been in the game since her husband was murdered.

While the FBI is looking for any means and opportunity to connect him, Declan remains unfazed. He only wants to prove that his motives have nothing whatsoever to do with murder, but to get closer to Brooke. But what happens when things get unclearer and uncleaner and she begins to fall in love with the FBI’s number one suspect?

This was impossible to put down! The pages just kept flying as I read it. There was so much going on along with tons of twists and turns that I was constantly trying to figure out who the culprit is and who the heck Romeo is.

Have you ever come towards the end of the book only to have many unresolved issues that you’re wondering how the author is going to fix that? This is one of those books! Many issues are resolved, but I still found myself asking tons of questions that only makes me want to read the sequel NOW! I NEED MORE!

The romance was super cute. It’s your typical cheesy romance kinda thing, but I LOVED it! I LOVED Declan O’Roark. He was not only gorgeous, but he genuinely cares about the people around him and he’s just overall amazing. Brooke was also a really cool character because she is independent and confident. She doesn’t need a man to protect her and she will do anything she can do stop the bad guys from terrorizing others.

Before I conclude, I do have to mention that this is not a Christian book. It is in the adult genre, but it is well-done and clean for the most part. The only part I didn’t like was that characters do practice pre-marital sex, but it does not go into any detail at all. It merely just mentions it. There is also alcohol drinking throughout the book, but there is a reason for it.

I highly recommend this one! I look forward to reading more from Heather.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
3,773 reviews71 followers
January 11, 2017
Exposed in Darkness is Heather Sunseri’s first adult suspense novel. Brooke Fairfax has been mourning the death of her husband, Teddy for the last year. Brooke quit her job as an FBI analyst and shut out everyone. Then she receives an email with a video attached from Romeo. Brooke has also not heard from Romeo in the year since Teddy passed away. Romeo is a CHS (confidential human source) that only worked with Brooke. The video shows the murder of Melissa Centers, Kentucky’s lieutenant governor. It is believed that the actual target was Kentucky’s governor, Truman Spencer. Truman happens to be Brooke’s brother-in-law. Special Agent Mike Donaldson contacts Brooke to get her to rejoin them for the case. Brooke refuses their request, but she will not let anything happen to Truman. Brooke packs and heads for Kentucky. The FBI believes that businessman, Declan O’Roark might be behind the crime, and they want Brooke to get close to him. The attraction between Declan and Brooke is instantaneous, but Brooke feels guilty about her feelings (because of Teddy). Then there is a second victim. He died after drinking bourbon from Declan’s Elkhorn Reserve Distilleries (just like Melissa Centers). Someone is trying to set up Declan and Brooke is determined find out who these heinous acts. Will Brooke be able to find the perpetrator before there are more victims?

Exposed in Darkness is well-written and it will capture your attention right away. This is not the type of book that you can skim. There are many necessary details. It does slow down the pace of the book a little bit, but I was still riveted. I found the mystery to be complex with many twists and turns. I had to pay very careful attention so I could gather the clues and figure out who was behind the crimes. At the end of the book, the reader will still be left with one question. Who is Romeo? Unfortunately, readers will have to wait for the next book to get answers (we hope). The good news is that we do not have long to wait. I give Exposed in Darkness 4.5 out of 5 stars. I did find that the romance between Declan and Brooke was predictable and a little soppy. I wish the romance portion had been as sophisticated as the rest of the novel. Otherwise, I just loved Exposed in Darkness and look forward to reading Cut in Darkness. Heather Sunseri did a masterful job with her first adult novel (she has written young adult novels prior to Exposed in Darkness).
583 reviews15 followers
January 12, 2017
Exposed in Darkness is the first book that I have read by this author. This book is a mix of mystery and romance. Well written, it makes you feel as if you are there! Set in Kentucky, we find ourselves in the midst of a terror plot to poison the Lt. Governor. Brooke, is concerned and want to protect the brother of her murdered boyfriend and travels to Kentucky. She meets Declan, whic is a wealthy maker of bourbon and just happens to also be a scientist. Lots of twists and turns and plenty to keep you reading this story!

I received an ARC copy of this book and have voluntarily reviewed this book.
32 reviews
January 15, 2017
I enjoyed the book so much that after receiving a copy from the author, I HAD to buy one. Definitely worth the price for this book. I don't write many reviews, because most of the time I don't feel strongly enough about a book (or an author) to do that. However, I make an exception for Heather Sunseri. I have read and enjoyed all of her books. Her writing style is fun, easy to follow/understand and she provides vivid descriptions of setting and characters. This book is my favorite so far.
I'll admit I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. It is a different genre than what I've seen from her previously. But I expected that the writing would be good- and that was the case. I cared about the main characters in the story and wanted things to turn out well for them. In the beginning of the story there are enough details given about the main character that you sympathize with her, even though you don't know everything about her mysterious past life as an FBI agent. You aren't sure about why she left the FBI in the first place, what happens between her and her former coworkers and there is still more to learn about that.
The plot of the story is interesting and there are a number of different scenes where it is apparent that the author did her research in order to provide believable scenes. The story line moves along with a few twists and turns and always keeps you guessing as to what will happen next. The main character's possible romance is always lurking, but it is never certain what is going on in her head (since we don't fully understand her past). You hope that the possible love interest is one of the good guys and it turns out.... Well, you'll have to read the book for that. You won't be sorry!
7 reviews
January 4, 2017
**I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.**

This was a good page turner for me. I kept guessing and predicting who the mastermind behind the terrorist attacks and Romeo could've been. I thought the romance between Brooke and Declan was a little stereotypical, but it didn't deter me from enjoying the story.

As I was wrapping up the book I was a little disappointed to think that I wouldn't find out who Romeo is. I figured Heather was setting up for a sequel and I really didn't think there was much that could be done with the story.... until the last little bit of information we get about Romeo! I'm intrigued and now certainly looking forward to more.

Merged review:

**I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.**

This was a good page turner for me. I kept guessing and predicting who the mastermind behind the terrorist attacks and Romeo could've been. I thought the romance between Brooke and Declan was a little stereotypical, but it didn't deter me from enjoying the story.

As I was wrapping up the book I was a little disappointed to think that I wouldn't find out who Romeo is. I figured Heather was setting up for a sequel and I really didn't think there was much that could be done with the story.... until the last little bit of information we get about Romeo! I'm intrigued and now certainly looking forward to more.
Profile Image for Laura Henderson.
204 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2017
First off, GORGEOUS cover! The cover and description of this book is what drew me in. I began reading this book immediately and was swept into a fast whirlwind. This being my first book by Heather, I wasn't sure what to expect. I have to say that her writing skills blew me away! Heather writes with such grace and fluidity, that you can't stop reading. This book is action packed and page gripping. Heather certainly knows how to entertain and bring forth a very descriptive picture. I loved the characters she wrote for this novel. Brooke is so strong and my heart just ached for her, for what all she had to overcome emotionally stepping back into being an agent. She is a tough as nails character, confident and brilliant! I particularly loved Declan! He just seems so genuine and to really care for Brooke.While this book does contain some adult material, it is kept very clean and for that reason i liked it. This book at the en shook me to my core and am now left waiting for book two. (Like i need this now Heather, so please start writing quickly) This book is full of action, romance and non stop heart pounding, page turning scenes. 5 stars from me! I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Erin Barker.
10 reviews
February 3, 2017
To begin, I absolutely LOVE Heather Sunseri and was not disappointed with this book!

"Exposed in Darkness" has all of the danger and mystery of the Mindspeak Series, plus the sexiness of an adult novel! It's truly captivating! You won't want to put the book down! I read it in a single sitting because I was so hooked!

Brooke Fairfax is smart and cunning and brave! You'll fall in love with her immediately! And Declan O'Roark has everything a leading man needs - he's attractive, he's got an accent (!), he's kind...and he's a billionaire that wants to sweep Brooke off her feet!

At the same time, a series of murders draw Brooke back into her previous life of FBI and secrets and danger. As a reader you know the two are perfect for each other - but the characters have to realize it! I was flipping the pages as fast as I could to solve the murders and find out what happens in the love story!

There is also a fascinating look inside the world of Kentucky horse racing and bourbon!

You won't be disappointed! It's a fantastic and quick read!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Beth.
25 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2017
I really enjoyed Heather Sunseri's first leap into the adult genre. When I found out she was writing for a more mature reader I was both excited and nervous. I have read all of her previous books and I'm definitely a fan. I was excited because although I like YA fiction I also want to read about characters with some life experience. I was nervous because I've read books from other authors that moved from YA to adult and they went overboard. It was like they had to prove they could write mature and edgy but it turned out trashy. I was very pleased that she didn't go for the shock value.

I felt the story was great and kept me interested. Some of the romance was a tad cheesy but that isn't always a bad thing. I could relate to and feel Brooke's mourning, fear and hesitation. It was also great to see her come alive again. There was action, romance and mystery. I am definitely looking forward to the next book.

**I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.**
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
January 10, 2017
BOURBON, HORSE RACING, AND MURDER. Exposed in Darkness is the first book in the In Darkness series. This book can be read as a standalone. There isn't a cliffhanger at the end though it is open-ended for the next book in the series. 

The book blurb adequately describes the storyline so I'm not going to repeat that info here. The main characters in the story are Brooke Fairfax and Declan O'Rourke. The author managed to richly describe the characters, the setting in the hills of Kentucky, as well as the both the bourbon and horse racing industries. You easily get caught up in the emotions of the characters and story. There is plenty of action as well as twists and turns in the book. I really enjoyed this book and storyline.

I look forward to reading more of Heather Sunseri's other books as well as future books in this series.
Profile Image for Dorian.
121 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2017
This is Heather Sunseri's first adult book. Brooke Fairfax is a former FBI agent that walked away from the Bureau after her husband was killed. Now there is an assassination of the Lieutenant Governor and a possible attempt on the governor. Brooke decides to help her brother-in-law who is the governor of Kentucky. I absolutely loved this story. This was a page turning thrill ride of a story that had me holding my breath until the very end. Lots of plot twists and superbly written. I loved the characters and the way the story crescendoed. I am so excited to find that this is part of a series. I can't wait to see how the budding romance of Brooke and the handsome billionaire Declan O'Roark continues. They are a wonderful pair and I can't get enough of them. I think they are great together and I hope their story continues. Awesome job.
Profile Image for Kelli.
90 reviews
May 13, 2017
***I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book that I received from the publisher***
This book grabs your attention and keeps it! I like Brooke's character and how she interacts with the other characters in the story. Declan, I like, but is a little too eager for Brooke. In my opinion, a multi-billionaire would use at least a little more caution in his (especially new) relationships. However, I'm not saying I disliked any part of the story itself. It's truly a good read!
My only other suggestion to the author would be in her excessive use of descriptions. She tends to repeat herself unnecessarily and it doesn't read well. I do appreciate this opportunity to review her book and look forward to the next installment in this series.
2 reviews
January 10, 2017
Heather Sunseri has already made a name for herself in the YA area writing Unban Fantasy and Romantic Suspense. She has now chosen to move into the Adult arena in the Romantic Suspense/Thriller/Mystery category -- and I think the book world will be the better for it. This is a marvelous first attempt in a new genre (changing genres would be a scary proposition for most people) and I am looking forward to seeing where Sunseri goes from here. As expected from previous experience with her work her characters are well-drawn and developed. The suspense is great and there are even twists thrown in to keep you honest. If you have read any of her books, before, you will enjoy this one! If you haven't, it would be an awesome way to start.
Profile Image for Gina Cihacz.
236 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2017
I received this ARC book free for a voluntary honest review. Wonderful start to a new series, cannot wait to hear from Brooke and Declan again. Through the rolling hills of Kentucky a terror plot begins with the poisoning of the Lt. Governor. Wanting to protect the brother of her slain love, Brooke heads to the land of horses and bourbon. Once there, she meets the mysterious Declan; A scientist and wealthy maker of smooth bourbon. But within these rolling hills and calm meadows a plot is being made, will Brooke break through her walls and let Declan in, or will the twists and turns of terror find her exposed. Heather Sunseri makes a magnificent and suspenseful leap into adult mystery and romance. The twists will leave you guessing on who will be next.
3 reviews
January 13, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. When I heard that Heather Sunseri was switching it up at writing her first adult romance all I could think was why mess with a good thing? She is already great at what she is doing. I'm really happy she stepped out of her box. Exposed in Darkness was a nail biter for me. Through the whole book I had the questions of who did it? Would Brooke ever be able to love again? Who is her mystery helper? Will Declan wait for Brooke to figure her life out? On!y one of those questions were not answered by the end of the book which makes it that much harder to have patience for the next book to come out. I would say that Heather did an amazing job with this book and that it is a must read.
Profile Image for Dawn Cruikshank.
1,012 reviews4 followers
January 1, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher. This is a FANTASTIC book! There was drama in this book. Brooke Fairfax is a tormented woman who lost her husband and blamed herself. When her mysterious informant gives her information on another case, she gets involved and meets Declan - who she doesn't want to get involved with but does. This books takes us through their splintered relationship and Brooke finally gets what she needed. Heather did a FANTASTIC job on this book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes horses and trying to figure out the case along with Brooke.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2017
CI-Elite Stalker

If you love some suspense with your romance then this book truly delivers. I did not read the prologue or the little snippet about this book so when I started reading I did not know what the story was about. I am glad for it as it allowed the story to build up without a preconceived ideas.

The book held my attention from beginning to end. The characters were well developed and the story line was flowing without leaving loose ends... Okay just one but it leaves you open to the possibility of another book.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book gifted from the author with no obligation to do so.
February 6, 2017
**I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher.**

This book had me flipping through the pages and ended in an all-nighter that I do not regret!

If you enjoy mystery and romance, this is a wonderful book for you!

The relationship between Brooke and Declan is definitely a highlight from the book that I cannot wait to continue to see in the next books within the series.
The situation with Romeo and trying to guess who was behind the attacks drove me through the book and kept me guessing who it was.

I honestly cannot wait for book two and recommend the first to anyone who is the least bit interested!
Profile Image for Rickie.
457 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2017
I voluntarily read and now review this Advanced Readers Copy of "Exposed in Darkness". This story held a depth of suspense that I haven't had in some time. While there was also some heat, it never overtook the story, which I found truly refreshing. I don't mind a bit of sexual tension, but sometimes when a book gets to graphic it tends to lose me. Declan may have had a temper, but then he managed it very well when dealing with Brooke. I also have to admit that I didn't see that ending coming until the email was uncovered. Twists upons twists kept the pages turning. Kudos! This deserved a 5 star rating and I would recommend this author any time.
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
1,862 reviews
January 11, 2017
What a great story of intrigue. When Brooke get thrown back into the Agency when she attempts to protect her brother in-law (the Governor of Kentucky), she finds herself riding both sides of the sword. She is drawn to Declan, but doesn't know if she cash trust him or her heart.

Be prepared top enter the Kentucky world of Bourbon and horses. From the sweeping expanse of governor balls to the Thoroughbred stables to dazzling horse sporting events, you too will be right along Agent Fairfax and her brain, trying to solve the case before more people die.
Profile Image for Abby.
1,308 reviews25 followers
December 31, 2016
**I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book that I received from the publisher.**

A romance/mystery that takes place around KY horse racing. I liked the mystery and the romance as OK. I found both main characters better when they were not being romantic- they were a bit stereotypical when they were in romance mode. However, I liked that the story was told from both points of view and the last third was really fast paced and fun.

While not as up my alley as her sci-fi stuff, still a fun read and I look forward to more from her.
Profile Image for Maureen ~Bitch Can Write A Book.
1,349 reviews34 followers
May 30, 2017
This book ROCKED!

I love finding a new to me author. This book was recommended by a friend and I saved for vacation. WOW what a read!

The characters leapt off the page with depth, great back story and heart pounding intrigue. I can't wait to start book 2. And I have pre-ordered book 3.

This author has a clear, fantastic voice in this genre. She writes characters that you love and some you don't. She sucks you into the story and the world she has created.

She is an auto buy for me now! Check her out, you will be knocked out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews

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