Out of the Dark (Clear Water Creek #1) by Scarlet Blackwell

Scarlet has outdone herself with Out of the Dark. An emotionally draining story of overcoming years of tragedy, only to discover love overcomes all obstacles. I highly suggest you read the trigger warnings prior to reading as this one is packed full of on page struggles and tragedies. 

From the blurb:

“You’re a dead man.”

Sean Keller’s words to Eden Gray nineteen years ago before an unthinkable crime was committed.

Once upon a time Eden had been persecuted by Sean and his friends. They had made his life an absolute misery. Now Eden’s back and he’s here for revenge. Sean is Sheriff in Clear Water Creek, respected and admired, but tormented by his memories for half his life.

“You stood there and watched. You let it happen. If you go to the cops, you go down too.”

Eden is a broken man. The crime has pervaded every area of his life and he’s been unable to move on.

What both men have never been able to accept is their feelings for each other and how they can ever reconcile these with what happened that night.

Tatted_book_freak's Review:

It has taken me a while to figure out how to put my thoughts on this book down, and I am still not convinced that I can do this book any justice. The depth of which Scarlet takes her readers are apprehensively deep, majority of authors won’t even touch on events that transpired after the fact, let alone on page. Emotions were completely invested in the entire story, not exactly sure how to feel or who to feel for. Scarlet does an amazing job of handling the trauma with care, and not showing bias towards either character. 

𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔰𝔬𝔩𝔦𝔡 𝔣𝔢𝔢𝔩 𝔬𝔣 𝔈𝔡𝔢𝔫’𝔰 𝔟𝔬𝔡𝔶 𝔞𝔤𝔞𝔦𝔫𝔰𝔱 𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔪𝔞𝔡𝔢 𝔥𝔦𝔪 𝔣𝔢𝔢𝔩 𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔭𝔩𝔢𝔱𝔢.

Sean and Eden’s relationship was very complex, with a lot of hatred and animosity towards each other  for similar yet different reasons. The traumatic experience forced upon Eden was horrendous, but Sean carried the guilt with him throughout the years that followed. Two men, completely in love, blinded by their differences, but don’t want to let the other go.  This was a story of healing, overcoming, and finally realizing love was right in front of you the entire time. Kudos to Scarlet for taking a chance with these two very broken characters. I loved every minute of the story. 

Rating: 5 Stars

KjnRose's Review:

First, beware of triggers. Second, Scarlet Blackwell has done it again!  Such emotion throughout this book and the storyline just keeps you wanting to read more and more.

Rating: 5 Stars

Out of the Dark is available to buy as an ebook or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.