The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
sophierae's review
5.0
I have read so many 5 star books lately & of course this one is too. We follow 911 dispatcher Ellie and Sam as they both coincidentally meet on the hardest night of the year for both of them. But, in the end is Ellie’s life worth the risk for Sam’s love? With a huge target on Sam’s back we’re left hanging and when it becomes a life or death situation, they need each other to get out of it. This book had numerous twists, turns, steamy scenes and at the end of the day just makes you want to fall in love. But at the same time. The cliffhanger at the end?!?
littlemissmaudlin's review
4.0
I've read several of India Kells' books and I love their romantic suspense, especially in this Dark Sparrow series. In this novel, Sam and Ellie are drawn to each other by a connection where sparks fly immediately, but they both have dark pasts that they have to overcome to be with each other. I felt like I wanted more depth, as this was quite a short read and the resolution seemed too easy. I also wanted to know more about the characters, rather than the plot. I would also mention trigger warnings for childhood sexual abuse and suicidal thoughts. Overall, a quick romance read.
jade_smashes_books's review
5.0
Y’all. I’ve been waiting on Sams book and I. Was. Not. Disappointed. I have always enjoyed his interactions in the other books and Im so happy to read his! Ellie was interesting to read and she tugged at my heart. The prologue was what REALLY sucked me in. India Kells is able to deliver amazing storylines and characters that make you (the reader) so invested! Read the damn series y’all! Onto the next!
awesomelyamber's review
4.0
Oh my heart
This book is the 5th book in the Dark Sparrow series by India Kells. I have inhaled this series. The story is intriguing and causes me to need to know what happens next. The story continues with Sam and the special lady named Ellie. Their story held me captive. I loved the way they were together. Even if they have a need to be the hero. But that only reinforced the fact that they belonged together. I need November to be here like yesterday.
This book is the 5th book in the Dark Sparrow series by India Kells. I have inhaled this series. The story is intriguing and causes me to need to know what happens next. The story continues with Sam and the special lady named Ellie. Their story held me captive. I loved the way they were together. Even if they have a need to be the hero. But that only reinforced the fact that they belonged together. I need November to be here like yesterday.
a_devine_read's review
4.0
While trying to call his brother, Sam misdials and calls a stranger instead. While on the short call, he feels she is a kindred spirit. Both are in despair and Sam sets out to find this woman to offer help, which in turn is helping him. When Sam find Ellie, things in his own life explode and she is unfortunately pulled into the mix.
Opinion
First off, this is definitely a dark romance. If you like clean romance, you will not enjoy this book. For those of you who do like dark romances, this is a good ride.
This is the 5th book in the series and I have not read any of the others. I had no problems reading this book as a stand alone. It does mention he has 5 brothers so I am guessing that each book is about a different brother.
This story is intriguing. I find the dark side of Sam's family a compelling read. Everyone's family has some dark side/black sheep and looking in on someone else's family always piques my interest.
Opinion
First off, this is definitely a dark romance. If you like clean romance, you will not enjoy this book. For those of you who do like dark romances, this is a good ride.
This is the 5th book in the series and I have not read any of the others. I had no problems reading this book as a stand alone. It does mention he has 5 brothers so I am guessing that each book is about a different brother.
This story is intriguing. I find the dark side of Sam's family a compelling read. Everyone's family has some dark side/black sheep and looking in on someone else's family always piques my interest.
arthistorygirl's review
4.0
Dark Bastard: A Dark Sparrow Novel by India Kells is the fifth book in the series. This story follows Sam and Ellie. Both of them are going through a really rough time in life but can they help each other see the light? This book is about the depths of the human soul and how some handle it. There are some sensitive sections of sexual abuse and suicide. I believe the author handles them well and uses them to develop the characters. I liked the characters and it was interesting to finally get to more of Sam in this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series and reading more from this author in the future.
shellyk51's review
5.0
A cold New Year’s eve brought two sad and lonely people together through a wrong number. Sam and Ellie are two souls that were thinking the same thing. Sam picked up on the despondency in her voice and his desire to end it was gone. He had to find Ellie. Using his brother, Lazarus, skill, he finds her and their adventure begins. His father decides to wreak havoc and cause trouble. Sam and Ellie get themselves through this and prove love overcomes all. I love how the author ties together the two characters overcoming their issues to find the relationship they should be in. Though a bit dark, it’s also heartwarming and a bit of a tearjerker. I highly recommend
packarda's review
5.0
The fifth installment of the Dark Sparrow series did not disappoint. I am in love with these bastard brothers. This is Sam and Ellie’s story. Sam was a soldier, trained for danger. Ellie is a 911 operator. They had both made individual decisions to end their lives when Sam makes a call to Ellie by mistake. Hearing the sadness in her voice, he has to find out who she is and how to help her. Finding a way to be close to her also puts her in the most danger she has ever been in.
Sam and Ellie both end up in the clutches of Sam’s disgusting father. Finding that they both come from childhoods that are far from even nice, can that bond them together to fight their way out of the situation they find themselves in?
India Kells has a wonderful way with words that draws you in and keeps you intrigued to the last page. The epilogue for one book, is the prologue for the next, leaving you hungering for you next bastard brother fix. The women are strong, independent, and are not damsels in distress. Not only can they help save themselves; they kick ass doing it. Am absolutely in love with this author. Thank you, India Kells!
Sam and Ellie both end up in the clutches of Sam’s disgusting father. Finding that they both come from childhoods that are far from even nice, can that bond them together to fight their way out of the situation they find themselves in?
India Kells has a wonderful way with words that draws you in and keeps you intrigued to the last page. The epilogue for one book, is the prologue for the next, leaving you hungering for you next bastard brother fix. The women are strong, independent, and are not damsels in distress. Not only can they help save themselves; they kick ass doing it. Am absolutely in love with this author. Thank you, India Kells!
roxsannel's review
5.0
Sam Sarkhan is a man shrouded in darkness, his past and his present are dragging him down and all he wants is to end the constant tiredness and the void of despair he is being sucked into, but it is New Years Eve and he wants to leave his brother one last message before he takes the plunge, but instead he misdials and calls a unknown woman instead. Ellie is a woman who is at her breaking point, all her life she has tried to save others, but now she is about to lose herself, she is numb to life and all she can think about is ending it all as well, until a mysterious male caller pulls her back from the edge.
As Sam is talking to the woman on the other end of the phone, he can tell that she is a kindred spirit and is suffering as well, so when he asks for help finding her, he gets the information he needs and goes to look for her hoping that he is not too late, however, when a stroke of luck enables him to get closer to her while still being anonymous, he jumps at the chance. Meanwhile, Ellie is still in her state of not caring and the only thing she has to pull her through day to day life is taken away from her, until she feels that again, there is nothing left, but she receives another well timed phone call which again, leads her away from the edge, it is not until the next day when she hears a bang and swearing coming from the apartment next door that she goes round to check on them and this is where it is revealed that her mystery neighbour is the man from the phone.
As this information soaks in, she realises that she has inadvertently placed herself in danger going round at a very inopportune moment, however, Sam is all guilt that he has led trouble straight to Ellie’s doorstep and that he is determined to keep her safe at all costs, so when they escape their apartments and head to one of safety, Ellie is determined to find out why and after a tense conversation on a rooftop, an attraction appears which will not be denied, leading to a fiery burst of passion. However, when they return downstairs and safety is being discussed again, what she hears and the reaction Sam has all but pushes her out of the door, however, when she goes out, all she sees is a bright flash and hears ringing in her ears before everything goes black.
As Sam chases after Ellie once he realises what has happened, he is determined to rescue her and keep her safe, however, the kidnapper has other ideas and instead brokers a deal, Sam will stay with him and learn what he wants to teach him and bonding with him, while Ellie will stay as his entertainment. Will Sam and Ellie be able to escape the gilded cage they are trapped in, or will this deal with the devil end up bringing them down among their demons for the last time? This is a romantic suspense with a twist where past, present and future blur together as a race against time to save their sanity ensues, it is an emotional rollercoaster where you feel all the ups and downs along with them as the conclusion plays out.
As Sam is talking to the woman on the other end of the phone, he can tell that she is a kindred spirit and is suffering as well, so when he asks for help finding her, he gets the information he needs and goes to look for her hoping that he is not too late, however, when a stroke of luck enables him to get closer to her while still being anonymous, he jumps at the chance. Meanwhile, Ellie is still in her state of not caring and the only thing she has to pull her through day to day life is taken away from her, until she feels that again, there is nothing left, but she receives another well timed phone call which again, leads her away from the edge, it is not until the next day when she hears a bang and swearing coming from the apartment next door that she goes round to check on them and this is where it is revealed that her mystery neighbour is the man from the phone.
As this information soaks in, she realises that she has inadvertently placed herself in danger going round at a very inopportune moment, however, Sam is all guilt that he has led trouble straight to Ellie’s doorstep and that he is determined to keep her safe at all costs, so when they escape their apartments and head to one of safety, Ellie is determined to find out why and after a tense conversation on a rooftop, an attraction appears which will not be denied, leading to a fiery burst of passion. However, when they return downstairs and safety is being discussed again, what she hears and the reaction Sam has all but pushes her out of the door, however, when she goes out, all she sees is a bright flash and hears ringing in her ears before everything goes black.
As Sam chases after Ellie once he realises what has happened, he is determined to rescue her and keep her safe, however, the kidnapper has other ideas and instead brokers a deal, Sam will stay with him and learn what he wants to teach him and bonding with him, while Ellie will stay as his entertainment. Will Sam and Ellie be able to escape the gilded cage they are trapped in, or will this deal with the devil end up bringing them down among their demons for the last time? This is a romantic suspense with a twist where past, present and future blur together as a race against time to save their sanity ensues, it is an emotional rollercoaster where you feel all the ups and downs along with them as the conclusion plays out.
msmarissa's review
4.0
Dark Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 5) by India Kells
4 out of 5
Once again India Kells takes you on a heart-pounding ride with these bastard brothers. The action and steam could light-up a small town. I was hooked from the first page and held on with both hands until the last. I can’t wait until the final chapter in this series!
Sam Sarkhan had his tribe until he was ripped away from everything he knew and loved by Jamieson Finch, the man that fathered him. Sam escaped him, once. Sam had found another family in the men that all carried the same paternal lineage, but none of the scars. Sam’s couldn’t battle the demons anymore. On New Year’s Eve, Sam decided he had fought long enough. Sam calls his oldest brother to say goodbye, but gets a woman’s voice instead.
Ellie McLaren answered Sam’s call. She had been on the verge of making the same decision that led Sam to place the call. After hearing Sam’s voice, Ellie decided that she still had things for which she wanted to live. Sam hoped to find a way to make things better for Ellie but instead dragged her into his world and his fight with Finch. Now keeping Ellie safe is all that matters to Sam, even when that means walking back into his nightmare. Can Sam escape Finch a second time? Will Ellie’s need to save Sam be enough to actually do it? Will Finch finally find the justice he deserves?
The story will have you hanging on the end of your chair to find the answers to those questions and so much more. Another amazing chapter in this series!
4 out of 5
Once again India Kells takes you on a heart-pounding ride with these bastard brothers. The action and steam could light-up a small town. I was hooked from the first page and held on with both hands until the last. I can’t wait until the final chapter in this series!
Sam Sarkhan had his tribe until he was ripped away from everything he knew and loved by Jamieson Finch, the man that fathered him. Sam escaped him, once. Sam had found another family in the men that all carried the same paternal lineage, but none of the scars. Sam’s couldn’t battle the demons anymore. On New Year’s Eve, Sam decided he had fought long enough. Sam calls his oldest brother to say goodbye, but gets a woman’s voice instead.
Ellie McLaren answered Sam’s call. She had been on the verge of making the same decision that led Sam to place the call. After hearing Sam’s voice, Ellie decided that she still had things for which she wanted to live. Sam hoped to find a way to make things better for Ellie but instead dragged her into his world and his fight with Finch. Now keeping Ellie safe is all that matters to Sam, even when that means walking back into his nightmare. Can Sam escape Finch a second time? Will Ellie’s need to save Sam be enough to actually do it? Will Finch finally find the justice he deserves?
The story will have you hanging on the end of your chair to find the answers to those questions and so much more. Another amazing chapter in this series!