Review: Before the Dawn

Before the Dawn by Cynthia Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well written, thought provoking and endearing, Ms. Eden knocks a reader off their feet. This is the second book in the series. Full disclosure, I read this book out of order. This book can be read as a standalone. I have read Ms. Eden's books before. Mostly, I tried her paranormal romance and enjoyed it. I tried her contemporary years ago and it fell flat. Not sure what to expect, I picked this book up. I am so glad I did. The growth in Ms. Eden's writing voice and plot development is impressive. From the very first page of this story, I'm hooked in.

This is a page turner as we learn about a Tucker Frost and his past. Tucker's intimate experience with a serial killer drives him in both his personal and work life. They say there are life changing events in a person's life who defines them. Tucker is lucky enough to have many; unfortunately most were horrifically abusive. Tucker is a complex character with questionable motivations when viewed from an outside perspective. When he is reunited with the one woman he loves, Dawn, it is due to a past he seems not to be able to escape. The chemistry between the two characters is unstable for me. This is because Tucker is a trigger for Dawn in several ways. Yet Dawn loves Tucker and wants to be able to reconnect with him. This conflict is poignant and depressing. I personally do not see how to overcome the trauma. The two of them still try.

There are several twists and turns in this story which make it more interesting. Ms. Eden does a nice job at dropping hints which allowed me to figure out the villain and how he ties into Tucker and Dawn well before the big reveal. This sad history filled with heavy baggage is turned around and gives Tucker and Dawn a second chance. This romantic suspense is recommended to romance lovers who love their happily ever afters.

* Review copy provided via Reading Alley in exchange for an honest review