Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of What Happens After Dark

What Happens After Dark
virgosun avatar reviewed on + 886 more book reviews


While this tale was certainly on the dark side of erotic romance, it was also a very powerful account of how childhood abuse can influence adult sexual desires. Some of the content was extremely uncomfortable and I really tried to understand why Bree would desperately need verbal abasement to get off. This was not about the BDSM lifestyle (based on my current understanding), and the author did a fabulous job of distinguishing the difference between craving sexual dominance rather than violence. Bree's family dynamic was realistically portrayed, including her mother's bizarre behavior. This would be a sensitive topic for more than a few readers, I'm sure.

But I was fascinated with Bree and Luke's relationship, how scratching an itch became something more. Although Luke's increasingly distasteful behavior almost crossed acceptable limits, I applauded his realization that perhaps what Bree craved wasn't what was best for her after all. Whereas Luke was confident, Bree was a terribly insecure submissive. My heart ached for her. At thirty-five, she was still afraid of life, and used sex to help her cope with any crisis.

Bree and Luke didn't ride off into the sunset in the typical sense, but they did reach a level of healing, understanding and acceptance of their ever-changing relationship. Well done! 4.2 stars