The time has come to return to Savage U! Bright Like Midnight is the second installment of the series from Julia Wolf, and it is now available. If you read Soft Like Thunder, then you already know our characters. Bright Like Midnight is the story of Amir and Zadie. These two opposites are definitely attracted.
I had been eagerly anticipating Amir and Zadie's story since their first introduction in Soft Like Thunder. I had to know what happened between them that day, and how it would play into future interactions.
So, what is this story about? Excellent question. I mean besides the obvious of Zadie filling us in on what happened during the time she was held hostage, we also learned about a traumatic experience in her past and how that has influenced her to this day. Not only that, but we also see Zadie do what she needs to do in order to get close to Amir. A deal is struck, and forced proximity enters the story. Bright Like Midnight tells how these two opposites find their way toward each other, attempt to build a relationship, and have that implode due to outside factors. This book is a college romance, but there is also a suspense element mixed in. It is fabulous, and it has you wondering if Amir and Zadie can get their happily ever after.
Going in to the story I had a general idea of what to expect. The reality though is that this book was captivating. Amir and Zadie drew me in, and held me hostage. They were my captor, much like Amir was Zadie's. Their story, from that first interaction, to the meetup at the party, to the deal that was struck, and everything else that happened was so intense. Their connection was strong. There was trust. There was understanding. There was desire.
The moment of conflict hurt. Seeing those two walk through the after effects was heart wrenching. But witnessing Zadie step out of her comfort zone was worth it. Watching these two go through what they did, and fight for their future, just had me loving them all the more.
I will say there were times that Amir drove me a bit bonkers with his possessiveness. But it's also who he is as a character, so it comes with who he is. It's his alpha nature, along with the persona he has built to work in the industry that he does. He needs to be that tough guy who people listen to, and then do what he requires of them.
That storyline of Zadie and Drew...OOFTA! That was a lot. And then with how all of that played out, and the revelations? DAMN! In my gut, I knew what was happening the entire time, but that little bit of uncertainty crept in, and I doubted myself.
Julien's storyline toward the end gutted me. I was feeling all the feelings when that scene played out. It was this storyline though that led to Amir and Zadie being in the same place at the same time. It guided them toward being able to be friendly. After all they had a common concern, and so that was a bonding point.
Fully enjoyed every moment of this book. I am looking forward to Elena and Lock's story whenever that is released. I'm also hoping that Julien and Marco might have little novellas (or full length books work for me too) to tell their stories. I'd read them in a heartbeat.
Going in to the story I had a general idea of what to expect. The reality though is that this book was captivating. Amir and Zadie drew me in, and held me hostage. They were my captor, much like Amir was Zadie's. Their story, from that first interaction, to the meetup at the party, to the deal that was struck, and everything else that happened was so intense. Their connection was strong. There was trust. There was understanding. There was desire.
The moment of conflict hurt. Seeing those two walk through the after effects was heart wrenching. But witnessing Zadie step out of her comfort zone was worth it. Watching these two go through what they did, and fight for their future, just had me loving them all the more.
I will say there were times that Amir drove me a bit bonkers with his possessiveness. But it's also who he is as a character, so it comes with who he is. It's his alpha nature, along with the persona he has built to work in the industry that he does. He needs to be that tough guy who people listen to, and then do what he requires of them.
That storyline of Zadie and Drew...OOFTA! That was a lot. And then with how all of that played out, and the revelations? DAMN! In my gut, I knew what was happening the entire time, but that little bit of uncertainty crept in, and I doubted myself.
Julien's storyline toward the end gutted me. I was feeling all the feelings when that scene played out. It was this storyline though that led to Amir and Zadie being in the same place at the same time. It guided them toward being able to be friendly. After all they had a common concern, and so that was a bonding point.
Fully enjoyed every moment of this book. I am looking forward to Elena and Lock's story whenever that is released. I'm also hoping that Julien and Marco might have little novellas (or full length books work for me too) to tell their stories. I'd read them in a heartbeat.
Rating wise, I opted to give Bright Like Midnight 4 stars. As I sit and reflect more on the book, that rating might go up, but I can tell you that it will not go below a 4.
Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on Bright Like Midnight. This second book in the Savage U series held my attention throughout, and the characters have worked their way into my heart. Cannot wait to return to this setting. I hope that you'll consider picking up the book, and discovering for yourself everything that made Zadie and Amir's story so wonderful.
Laura
Make no mistake, Zadie Night, I am the bad guy here.
The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.
You made me a promise.
I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night. I’m dating now. Making friends. Living my life.
But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.
Are you my pet?
I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.
I should stay far away from him. But you know what they say about the devil you know…
Do I own you?
Amir will protect me, but not without cost.
I’m his, to do with as he pleases.
He thinks it’s a punishment.
But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.
No one’s going to hurt you.
I’m safe from harm if I’m with him because he’s the biggest bad on campus.
Show me your whole universe.
And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.
You should be scared of me.
I can’t believe I’ve fallen for the villain.
(Author's note: Bright Like Midnight is a dark college romance that explores mature themes and dubious situations. If you're looking for a nice guy hero, this story isn't for you!)
The first time I laid eyes on Amir Vasquez, he held me hostage in my dorm.
You made me a promise.
I swore to myself my second year at Savage U would be different from the last. No more hiding from things that go bump in the night. I’m dating now. Making friends. Living my life.
But then someone starts leaving me notes and whispering my name in the dark, scaring me right back into my shell.
Are you my pet?
I’m shy and soft. Amir is dominant and hard. He stole a kiss once, and then he left me.
I should stay far away from him. But you know what they say about the devil you know…
Do I own you?
Amir will protect me, but not without cost.
I’m his, to do with as he pleases.
He thinks it’s a punishment.
But what he doesn’t know is I haven’t stopped thinking about him since he was my captor.
No one’s going to hurt you.
I’m safe from harm if I’m with him because he’s the biggest bad on campus.
Show me your whole universe.
And somewhere along the way, he became my haven, too.
You should be scared of me.
I can’t believe I’ve fallen for the villain.
(Author's note: Bright Like Midnight is a dark college romance that explores mature themes and dubious situations. If you're looking for a nice guy hero, this story isn't for you!)
Meet J. Wolf
Julia lives in Maryland with her husband and three crazy, beautiful children. When she’s not writing romance, she’s reading it. Some of her favorite things are, in no particular order: goats, books, coffee, and Target.
To learn more about J. Wolf and her books, visit here!
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Thank you to Julia Wolf, and Wildfire Marketing Solutions, for providing me with an advance review copy of Bright Like Midnight.
