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After Dark #3

Promises After Dark

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Intensity, sensuality, and seduction awaits in the final part of the provocative romantic AFTER DARK trilogy that has left readers longing for more.

Can a fractured love be salvaged?

Parting with Dominic has left me broken in a way I could never have imagined. We held elation in the palm of our hands, but one misunderstanding brought it crashing down around us. Now the hurt and sadness follows me like a shadow and makes choosing the right path to take impossible.

But one moment with him and the pulsing heat is singing in my blood again; his touch lights a fire that my body refuses to ever forget. I'm hopelessly lost in him. Finding our way back to one another will take trust and a leap of faith - only then we will know whether we have a chance at forever.

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2013

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Sadie Matthews

21 books562 followers

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5 stars
1,600 (32%)
4 stars
1,630 (33%)
3 stars
1,190 (24%)
2 stars
338 (6%)
1 star
107 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
1 review7 followers
March 23, 2013
I really enjoyed all 3 books. What a great story! But I hope, there will be another book as there were so many unanswered questions.

I felt that Beth seemed to care about Dominic too much, but got a little back from him. I could feel that Beth got more attentions from Andrei, he seemed to care more about her well being or whereabouts than Dominic. Andrei sounded like control freak but that because he really wanted Beth, but Dominic didn't seem to care as much....

What would be like if Beth gave Andrei a chance? She definitely has a feeling for him but because of Dominic so she couldn't get involve with Andrei. I wonder if only they kissed, Would it change her feeling for him?

Was Andrei really a crook?
Was Anna lying so that she could destroy Andrei?
Why Dominic didn't question Beth about who she slept with in the cave? Did he really love her that much to let it go???
Did Dominic really love Beth? or Did he use her so that he could revenge Andrei? "He doesn't get the thing he wanted most of all. You."

Come on Sadie, give us another book!
Profile Image for Linz.
91 reviews
March 1, 2013
May contain spoilers!


I couldn't wait for this book, I absolutely loved the other two. But I found myself seriously disliking Dominic's character, he was shady and never forthcoming with info to Beth, even though he demanded she be honest with him. His business dealings were always more important than dealing with his relationship with Beth. I actually felt sorry for andrei, I kind of hoped that she was going to find a corrupt plan with Dominic and andrei would be the hero. Because let's face it he made more effort to be with Beth. Although a little deluded as how to show her he cared.

The way Dominic behaved seemed as if the only reason he wanted Beth was to torture andrei. I thought the ending wasn't an ending...it was almost left with the intention of their being another book. Slightly disappointed with this book :-(
Profile Image for Michelle ♥ The Romance Vault ♥ .
1,166 reviews97 followers
March 1, 2013
Well I just can't help it, I absolutely freakin loved this trilogy and I can't but help think there is more yet to come. There is so much left unanswered that I believe it's easy another book could follow that if it doesn't include Beth and Dominic then Andrei deserves a book all to himself.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my journey with these characters, they have brought me to tears, angered me, shocked me and completely took over my life for the past several days whilst devouring this trilogy. I have walked the streets of London and New York, I've been to Central Park and The Albany and all thanks to Sadie Matthews.

I'll say it again, there is so much more to these books than hot/steamy romance, it suspense filled and very emotional. It's choc full of art as well as places and surroundings that we could only ever read of being part of in books. It's full of the most engaging characters from the monks at the Monastry to Mark and James in the art world.

If I am brutally honest book 3 didn't pack as much punch as 1 and 2, with 2 being an absolute knock out. But that said, it did keep me engaged and immersed in the story and still left me wanting more of them all.

Sigh, I found this an excellent trilogy that I know I will read again and still feel very drawn into Beth's world the second, third and many more times after that.
Profile Image for Louise.
791 reviews
March 7, 2013
Firstly I'm glad a lot of the unanswered questions from the previous books were answered! Parts of this book were brilliant and I thought a certain part of it was handled very sensitively! But to be honest there were parts of this book that didn't sit quite right with me and it saddens me to say that because I've really enjoyed this series. Firstly I didn't get the feeling that Andrei was a big a threat as he was made out to be. Secondly Dominic just seemed to be a little cold and I got sick of him upping and leaving Beth. Now I am British but I felt he was portrayed as some stereotypical 'stuff upper lip' Englishman and I can't warm to someone like that, it seems fake to me. On many occasion he had sex with beth and then was only to eager to send her back to her apartment. Now that doesn't say to me "here is a man completely in love with a woman" Having said that he did have moment where his emotion was trying desperately to break through the pages of this book, but all in all I would have liked a little more from him. To be honest I am left with a feeling of what exactly will become of Beth and Dominic? Does this mean there will be another book? Maybe even a novella!! Now this book did have some good moments but I was really expecting so much more.
Profile Image for Lia.
122 reviews2 followers
March 29, 2013
I loved all three books so that is the reason of my five stars! But as there usually is a but I have a but as well... I feel like it is yet screaming for more! Once because Andrei seemed to be so much smaller than he was introduced at first, secondly because of Dominic... I love him with my everything I swear, and I love his relationship with Beth, too, but he could've given so much more to her, and also I wish I would know more of him... I know there is a risk of ruining the good success with trying a fourth book and complicating the things, but it is worth a try I guess... there are yet questions I would like to get answers to, I don't like such open ending, but I perfectly understand if there won't be more. I love the books, and love you for writing it and whether there will be more or not I'm okay with it.
My love and all thanks for such perfection you have done here, and wishing you lot of power and luck to be able to create more and more and please us with your awesomeness :)
thank you!
2,076 reviews24 followers
June 23, 2020
There is nothing worse than waiting for something with great anticipation and it bombs and boy did this book bomb! I really looked forward to reading the last part of Sadie Mathew's trilogy and after closing the last page I sat there are scratched my head and asked myself "what the hell just happened? I was convinced that she decided to go for book four it ended so abruptly.

This appears to be the problem with trilogies and one of the reasons why I don't like them. Sadie Matthews provided us with a taste in book 1 and 2 of what was to come so I expected something edgier and harder from the two men in this story but the delivery fell flat, the characters were flat and the book didn't deliver.

I thought at times the writing was too stiff and I had to go back and re-read some of the sayings that came out of Dominic's mouth. Remember he was meant to be a dominant and yet he "thanked Beth for a marvellous day" Would you use this type of language to someone you know intimately?

Andrei Dubrovski is portrayed as a ruthless, high flying businessman who does not possess a scintilla of decency as he strives for all he desires. There was so much potential to develop this and also the relationship with Beth and Dominic but what a let down!

The evolution of this final story was stretched out too much. It took too long to develop and I just did not buy into the whole money laundering line. When the end finally came I had lost patience and bored with the plot.

Sadie Matthew's final part in this trilogy failed to connect with me. Overall a major disappointment.
Profile Image for Sarah.
290 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2013
With this the 3rd book in the series about Beth & Dominic's love, I found I fell in love with Dominic all over again. I was left at the end of the 2nd bitterly disappointed with the lack of faith that he had in Beth. I found in the 2nd I actually wanted Beth to explore her emotions for Andrei, even full well knowing that he was dangerous.

Finally we get back to the kinky hot love making between Dominic & Beth. I loved the role playing. In the 2nd book I thought Dominic pulled away too easily from Beth & at their first meeting again I worried that he all too quickly closed his heart to her. Thankyou for reviving the passion for them & showing us all that he was strong enough to have Beth, she deserves that after wearing her heart on her sleeve for him.

In the end I was glad that she didn't fall for Andrei, all though I do believe that he actually does love her. Maybe the only thing he ever really loved other than his power & wealth. Andrei though for all his faults showed us in the end by walking away. But by god the charisma that glowed from him, I'm not sure I would have resisted his advances. Beth descibes him as handsome & craggy, but the passion & heat might have made me dance with the devil at least once, oh my.

But definitely Dominic is the one, glad Beth & Dominic have their HEA & hope to hear more from them if possible, very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Claire.
2,323 reviews737 followers
March 1, 2013
Soooooo disappointed in this book. Nothing really happens, and its all a bit meh, easy ending nothing special. A shame really as book one was excellent, book two started drifting and book three completely lost it.
Saying that I would read anything else Sadie releases as she has talent, but she seemed to run out of steam with this series....
Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,312 reviews1,329 followers
March 2, 2013
♥♥♥♥♥
I loved it - I didn't want the book to end.
I know people don't like Andrei - but I do - I really want him to get his own book. I felt really sad for him.
Profile Image for Alexis .
62 reviews5 followers
March 7, 2013
Well, this definitely picked up where Book 2 left off. I found myself quickly hating Andrei's character! I honestly thought for some time that Beth was going to give in and be with Andrei, but I can say I honestly misjudged her character.

Dominic didn't seem as dominant as he was in the past and he actually seemed like he softened up a bit. At first, he came across as cold when he was only looking for Rosa, and not Beth. I wondered where this would take their relationship and could see how this would almost throw Beth into Andrei's arms. I'm glad that he came to his senses and realized what he stood to lose.

I'd have to say that one of my favorite scenes in the book is when Beth first met Georgie. I sat up and started getting excited,because I had NO clue who she really was. I just saw a way out for Beth. But to my surprise, Dominic was ultimately involved in some way or another, LOL.

Where do I begin with Mark other than the fact that it seemed so real that I was definitely crying on my couch!

Having the book take place between both London and NYC was a nice added touch. I'm not familiar with London at all, but the scenes from NYC were definitely familiar for me!

Overrall, the book was great for me. There didn't seem to be as many sex scenes as before, but the one's written in this book were good. I loved that there was more of a storyline in this book, but I loved the fact that this book ended on a promise, and not the typical HEA that we see in most books. I really see a possibility for a fourth book and if Sadie Matthews chose to write another one, it wouldn't necessarily be cramming too much in!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ♔ Marli ♔.
879 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2013
Dominic and Beth.... I am speechless... *insert WTF moment here*
emotion animation photo: _l-4.gif
I was anxiously waiting for this book to be released because the first two books intrigued me. And what I thought would be a great ending to a Trilogy had me sighing in exasperation numerous times..

Yes, a lot of questions was answered in this book, but it does not change the fact that Beth's character became super childish and irritating. I found myself losing attention to the story line more than once, but kept reading hoping it would get better. No such luck I'm afraid....
sad animation photo: Huh! sad-animated-animation-boy-smiley-e.gif
Beth and Dom's intimate scenes was very kinky, (especially the scissor scene) and that's about all that caught my attention. Dissapointing conclusion to the trilogy..
Profile Image for Melanie Pietrowski.
96 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2013
back & forth... while reading the last of this trilogy, I imagine things going one way and than going another. at one point I thought that maybe Dominic would turn out to be the bad guy that Andrei kept making him out to be and that Beth would end up with him instead. although I must admit I'm happy that it was Dominic that Beth ends up with. Mark's passing is very sad... and I found that he present that he left Beth just so sweet. I'm curious as to why Celia never came about in this book... Beth's father's godmother - she was the reason that Beth ended up in London to begin with. I think it would have been great to have had he join the family for Christmas ... and become closer bonded to Beth. some things were tied up... while others swept under the carpet; stored away like a bubble wrapped painting in a box of a storage room. I don't feel that this story is over. I really want to read more - Dominic & Beth's new life ... living together - getting married - traveling the world on their adventures together - maybe even starting a family. I'm also curious as to what becomes of Laura & Tom... Anna & Giovanni... and how about a love interest for Dominic sister? ohh the possibilities for more to come. can we hope?
Profile Image for Carolina L. .
145 reviews
September 10, 2013
OMG...WHY???? WHY?? SERIOUSLY??

GOSH!!! I'M... BAHHHHHHHHHH!!! What kind of final was that?? Really?? A promise??
From him too?

I wanted that this book was a 5 stars book for me!! I really wanted!! In the beginning... I had the feeling!! Gosh!! Started so well!! And then after 50% of the book... there were things... WOOOWWWW!!

Honestly... the most "empty" epilogue I ever read...

OMG!! I'm still in shock... because only I can think is... IT ENDS JUST LIKE THAT??

I NEEDED MORE!!!! OHH GOD...
Profile Image for Paula Wrangles.
24 reviews2 followers
November 18, 2013
Cannot wait or the end of Feb when this comes out, cannot wait to see what unfolds with Dominic.....well I was really disappointed int his final book as I felt it was just a recap over the last two books.
It seemed really weak in content, I loved the first two books and it just really was very disappointing.
Profile Image for Jen.
3 reviews
March 1, 2013
I really enjoyed the first two books and was looking forward to this next one. After reading it, I felt very let down. The way Secrets after dark ended, it seemed as though there was going to be twist with this book and then nothing happened. It was extremely disappointing! I think the way the book ended, there's an opportunity for another book with a twist. Sure would like to hope so anyway.
4 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2013
After reading book to I couldnt wait to read this one. I have to say I was pretty disappointed.
It was kind of boring with nothing much exciting going on. I would of liked a little more to happen with Beth and Andrei. It was just all a little to simple for Beth and Dom to get back together.
Im hoping we might get a book 4 with a little more excitement and twists.
Profile Image for Sonja.
49 reviews
February 28, 2013
Just read the book and have to say disappointed a little.
Nothing much going on..pretty boring...
All books have beginning middle and the end...this one has and end,but just that,nothing exciting and unexpected happens.
Profile Image for Edna.
14 reviews
March 2, 2013
This book has left me somewhat disappointed. It is lighthearted reading, no new dimensions to the characters and the story ended with no real resolution, even if this was the final part of a trilogy.
Profile Image for J.L..
Author 3 books7 followers
October 10, 2013
In this book Dominic actually becomes more of a hero. Throughout the entire series the guy is somewhat derranged but now he seems cured. Funny how that happens. Andrei the rich billionaire Russian tries to manipulate Beth into his bed - actually I guess into his life as his wife. But Dominic and his sister save her. Even the evil Anna plays a part of the rescue. Anna even converts a monk into becomeing her lover - still have not quite figured that one out.

The writing in the series divine - it is fluid and academic. Many of the words are old english - not nessesarily used in north america - maybe in England. But the writing itself is sexy.

Imagine having two rich guys fighting over you. Sounds sort of fun.I like Dominic's character the best in this book. The funny thing is you never find out what has driven Dominic into becoming the freak he is - self torture. What is he so guily about? I guess hurting Beth. But it just seems too extreme. Far fetched.But as I said in my other reviews this book is definitely more fantasy -- not believable, more so then others I have read. The sex scenes are okay -- I'm not really into someone using scissors to cut off my undies and bra. That was just too out there. I thought it was sort of disgusting.

I liked the series don't get me wrong. I gave the series a good rating because it is written with elegance but I will admit it is not my favourite. I will take Sylvie Day, Abbi Glines, C.C. Gibbs, H.M. Ward, Jasmind Wilder, J.L. Jodoin and many more over this series.
Profile Image for Donah G..
4 reviews22 followers
April 1, 2013
ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?

THE LAST TWO BOOKS WERE QUITE GREAT AND CATCHY, AND WITH ALL OF MY HEART I WAS EXPECTING THAT THE FINAL BOOK WILL GIVE JUSTICE TO THE FIRST ONES BUT IT DIDN'T!!!!!!!

MY REASONS:

1. I was expecting that Dominic will see Beth as the priority! But it didn't, he continued on pursuing his career rather than spending time with Beth!
2. The feelings of Andrei remain vague! I mean he did imply a proposal but come on you can do better than that!
3. What happen to the ending? I love how authors put a quizzical snap to their endings, but in this series it turn out to be another vortex for another story because there are QUESTIONS left an unanswered.

a. Why did Andrei gave up? (He is persistent and powerful, he can slap back the evidences held by Dominic with all his money! Come on!)
b. Does Beth developed feelings for Andrei? (She said that the last gift of Andrei might symbolized a promise, with that she is expecting for something to happen)

PLEASE CONTINUE THIS SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!


Bye, I need to skedaddle! My kite is waiting for me. :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yvonne (the putrid Shelf).
960 reviews376 followers
March 1, 2013
Well I enjoyed this series Immensely but I am sorry it's over.

Dominick

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Beth

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Yes loved all the characters through-out the 3 books. Beth came to London as a very inwardly quiet girl and turned into a fiery sex vixen in book 3, the transformation was a amazing.

Dominick Well he was just sizzling all the time. A very strong Character who fought for his love and wouldn't let the Russian Tycoon Dubrovski take her away from him.

Andrei was a character I absolutely hated in book 2 but towards the end of book 3 I felt sorry for him. I genuinely believed that all he wanted was to find love. In the end he couldn't buy it though.

"Rosa is my playmate - but Beth....you are my love."
Profile Image for Pauline.
271 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2013
Was so excited to finally receive this pre ordered book but had to do a quick read of the last few chapters of book two to remember the storyline.
The story itself was fantastic and all that I expected. My only little criticism was that I found one scene so ridiculous that I was saying so out loud as I read... *SPOILER* - why would anyone leave a restaurant with a complete stranger and then that stranger turns out to be his sister?.. I mean.... What are the chances?Come on!
And I have to agree with a previous reviewer, that the ending seemed a bit rushed.
But, did I sense that it was left a little 'open' for the possibility to continue the story?? I hope so.....
Profile Image for Carla.
750 reviews39 followers
March 5, 2014
I really enjoyed the three books, i fell in love with dominic and beth, their love story was captivating and happy, most of the time, and we get to walk with them trough the path of a dom -submissive relationship, which is hard work, and i totally identify to what she went trough.
The sex scenes were really steamy and hot!
I also laughed a lot, yeah the andrei's stalking parts just crack me up, but i also felt for him! I would totally love him! I get trouble men, just my type!
In this third book we get to see themselves prove their love and trust for each other, and find a grown up beth, a completely different person from the one we met on the first book.
Love to read from you soon.
Profile Image for Raquel.
1,332 reviews39 followers
August 25, 2017
É uma bonita história de amor, daquelas que nos faz querer dizer ao Dominic, não sejas burro senão perdes mesmo a Beth. Andrei tenta sempre interferir na relação entre Dominic e Beth, e devido a um mal entendido, Dominic termina a relação com Beth, ficando completamente destroçada. Pensando sempre que o amor deles era forte, Beth sente que tem que ser teimosa e mostrar o Dominic o que realmente anda a perder e por isso, decidi ir atrás dele até Paris. É o fim desta triologia erótica e que me surpreendeu bastante, não esperava gostar tanto dos livros como passei a gostar.

http://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.pt/...
Profile Image for LT.
194 reviews
April 13, 2013
I did like the series but this definitely was not a filler for 50 Shades of Gray. Is it weird that I actually felt sorry for Andrei, although he was kind of a scum bag??!! Was ticked off at the end of the second book and even more so in this book when Dominic basically had written off their relationship. Seems a little immature. Also, while the Andrei/Dominic/Beth triangle began to unravel (which I thought was a great story line), it was very anticlimactic.
2 reviews5 followers
March 3, 2013
Very very disappointed.... The part we wanted to know most about, was the cave and who it was, it was the biggest let down of all, and very far fetched
There was no consistency, it was all over the place and there really wasn't any ending or u didn't feel content with the ending, big disappointment.
Profile Image for Mandy Salt.
12 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2013
Omg really did enjoy this book twist and turns and the will she won't she will he won't he . Loved the way she had Beth in all kinds of problems and for Dominic sorting things out. The way she has left the end is leaving you wanting me not sure if she will write another book . But really enjoyed all three books .Thank you Sadie Matthews



Profile Image for MT931.
197 reviews
May 17, 2013
This series is not in the same league as 50 Shades of Grey. They should stop printing that pink circle on the cover.

I was very disappointed in the whole series but I must say that the third book was the most interesting out of the three. The ending was disappointing as I thought this was suppose to be a trilogy, yet there was no conclusion and it was left open-ended.
Profile Image for Christine.
537 reviews37 followers
March 3, 2013
Bit of a strange quick ending. Still enjoyed this series though.
9 reviews
Read
February 17, 2013
I noticed that amazon has a release date of feb 28 in paperback
Will the kindle version be released thar day also
Does anyone know
M
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