Author Susan Horsnell has left me as one hot mess of emotions and I have no idea how to put my thoughts into any kind of order. She put Max Sterling through the wringer!!! Written in the triple POV of Max, Jake and Ray, it endeared me to these three strong men even more, and as I’m writing this review the next day, I’m still crying over their story.

And then for me to also learn this book was part of Samantha Cole’s Trident Security series, and gave Ms Horsnell’s version of the background to Jake Donovan’s scars means that I’ll be off to check his story out.

Max is gorgeous. He’s a beautiful character inside and out, and has the best in parents and friends around him who will be there for him when he needs them most. For those who knew of Max in Jake’s book, they’ll also know of the bigotry and hatred they dealt with, that gay people face on the daily. Hell, my favourite song from Rise Against; September’s Children tells us this. If like me you haven’t read it, no worries, your heart will break just the same.

When Max finally met the man I’d been waiting for, the tension between him and Ray on that first day, as Ray continued to stand near him, touch and guide him, was strong enough to chew on!! It was smoking! And I couldn’t WAIT to be reading Ray’s chapter. He was perfect for Max in every way.

In the end, all I can say is that Ms Horsnell outdid herself with this story that absolutely killed me dead. Holy crap on a cracker, it was an amazing and heart-breaking book! I am dead and heartbroken, and relieved and so in love with Max and Ray, and their friends Ryan and Gavin. Author Susan Horsnell’s From Darkness into Light also tells of the strength and resilience of the human spirit and the importance of unconditional love and understanding for the parents and friends of those with same sex relationships. These guys were all beautiful men. Kudos to her for this amazing book.

Love is Love. 5 Stars 🖤

Wow, what a truly powerful story this is and I defy anyone not to be affected by it. This is the story of Max Sterling and his dream to become a lawyer, his love for a slightly partner and his fight for survival in the end. I really don’t want to give anything more away, there is so much in this book I just suggest you read it.

The characters are all so fantastic, well the good ones of course, the descriptions of both the good and bad ones are detailed and you can easily visualise them. Just like you can clearly see each scene in your mind from the vivid descriptions and at times quite graphic, when needed.

I won’t lie, the book does take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions but it is so worth it, you are literally there with Max-at times ready to shake him too 😆 but you feel everything with him and his parents especially. Oh my, they get a special mention, they’re terrific characters-so understanding and supportive in every way.

I found it hard to put this book down, the romance element is loving but not the most important and that shines through. Overcoming problems and how we tackle issues is up there and makes you think hard about your own life.

A very thought provoking book that I totally recommend to everyone whether they enjoy MM romance or not.

This book, oh this book! Fans of Samantha’s know about Jake’s past and his first Dom, Max but we didn’t know the whole story until now. Susan Horsnell has taken what we know and expanded on
it….and I loved it!!! The emotions are real and yes, I ended up getting out my crying towel. The story between Ray and Max is beautiful. It was just what needed to happen so that Max and Jake could end up where we know them now. I love how Ray just loved Max. Both of them had to deal with emotional baggage from the past and at times, I didn’t know if they were going to make it!! And towards the end………….well I won’t spoil it but it wrapped up the story of all 3 of these guys and filled my heart with peace. As far as I’m concerned, this book deserves way more than 5 stars!!