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Dark Justice

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She’s in love with her sister’s killer...
Lauren has loved Luke since first grade. They planned to marry—until he murdered her sister. The moment he was sentenced to prison, Lauren fled with her secret baby and made a new life. Now she’ll do anything to keep their daughter safe. But her hard won peace shatters when Luke is exonerated, and it sets her on a path of mixed emotions to discover the truth. Letting a killer into their tightly knit family is out of the question. Or is it?

She almost destroys her life by threatening his…
Prison stole his future with Lauren and twelve years of Luke’s life, so the last thing he needs from her is a knife in the back or a gun in his face. Lauren believes he killed her sister, and he has no plans to pick up where they left off. Luke can’t afford to trust her, but he wants nothing more than to convince her he’s worth fighting for.

Their daughter is in danger…
Luke is heartbroken when he learns they had a child together. Now his daughter is in danger. Lauren trusted the wrong person for far too long, but he hopes she’ll now trust him. Luke will risk everything to keep them safe. And Lauren will risk everything if she lets him into her heart.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2019

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About the author

Angela Smith

18 books105 followers
Angela Smith is a Texas native who, years ago, was dubbed most likely to write a novel during her senior year in high school. She always had her nose stuck in a book, even hiding them behind her textbooks during school study time. Her dream began at a young age when her sister started reciting 'Brer Rabbit' after their mom read it to them so often. She told her mom she'd write a story one day and never gave up on that dream even though her mom was never able to see it come to fruition. By day, she works as a certified paralegal and office manager at her local District Attorney's office and spends her free time with her husband, their pets, and their many hobbies. Although life in general keeps her very busy, her passion for writing and getting the stories out of her head tends to make her restless if she isn't following what some people call her destiny.

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5 stars
21 (51%)
4 stars
13 (31%)
3 stars
4 (9%)
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3 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Dilushani Jayalath.
1,000 reviews187 followers
September 5, 2019
The story was considerably fast and for some reason I felt detached when reading it. Yes it was cute and it was almost like a second chance romance. Still I felt they slightly managed to touch on the romance and the mystery but really did not dwell on either one of them that much that I felt attached to any characters. Despite that I enjoyed reading the book and loved how mature Lamarie was with the whole situation she was put in. Yes, she sometimes acted out but other than that rare occasion where she actually acted like a 12 year old (which too made me like her character more) she felt as if she was the most grown up in the story, ironically.
Profile Image for Janet.
171 reviews82 followers
September 18, 2019
What an amazing, thrilling ride! You are going to love Dark Justice! Wrongly convicted, Luke goes to prison for the death of Lauren's sister. Luke and Lauren were childhood sweethearts and Lauren has to grapple with the thoughts of the love of her life killing her sister. Years later, Luke is set free but he's still not totally free because Lauren still believes he killed her sister. He soon learns that he and Lauren have a child and now his daughter's life is in danger and he must do all that he can to protect his family and regain Lauren's trust and heart! Truly wonderful, I love a good romance and deep suspense!
Profile Image for Vivi.
421 reviews32 followers
September 22, 2020
2.8 Stars!

***I received a free copy from the Publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.***

I am sorry to say that I didn't enjoy this book much...



It took me TWO ENTIRE WEEKS to finish reading this!



My main issue with the book was that I expected a Lot more from it... I'll break down the reasons to my disappointment:

1. The Murderer Mystery



There is NO Mystery! At no point in the book is the reader wondering if the Male Main Character, Luke, did really kill Elizabeth, Lauren (the Female Main Character)'s 12 year old sister.

We know from the start who the murderer is! There is no mystery! So we're just waiting for the murderer to get caught... And that becomes Boring after a while.

Also, there's No Explanation at all as to the murderer's intent. I read all the book, I did finish it, but I didn't really get why the murderer killed all those 12 year old girls?!

Was the murderer a Pedophile? Did he have a fixation on Elizabeth? Or was he obsessed with Lauren?! Lauren, who he couldn't have so he put all his feelings of Rejection and Frustration into killing her sister?!

And, then, he kept repeating that behavior for years, as a way to cope with the rejection from Lauren?!

I would have liked to see more into his psychological state... It would have been interesting, at least.


2. The emotions

Lauren, an 18 year old girl, finds out the Love of her life is getting arrested for the Murder of her little sister... And she's utterly Devastated, of course!

12 years later this guy is released out in the open; and Lauren has to deal with it.

What does she do? Goes out to confront him!

Okay, I get it. The feelings of Rage, of Hurt, of Grief, of wanting to make him Pay for what he "did".

What she ends up doing? Hooking up with him... 🤔🙄

She truly believes he is the Murderer... So, how can she do it?!

Luke didn't repent... he is Innocent, of course; and was falsely Accused...

So, then, their Love grows back...



I expected this book to be highly Emotional! There's a young girl who died; a family left broken; a young man whose life got interrupted by being accused of an horrible crime he didn't commit; a woman who still has feelings for the man accused of killing her little sister... BUT I really didn't feel much!

I am sorry to say that I didn't connect with the characters and didn't very much care about them. So, I didn't feel the growth of feelings between the MCs. They had loved each other in the past and their reunion just felt like lust and the reviving of lost memories and feelings.




3. The 12 year old daughter

Well, Laramie (cool name btw) is 12 years old... And she is not!

Laramie acts like a teenager! Not like a pre-teen! She acts like an 16/17 year old girl, not a 12 year old child!



And, at times, Laramie is almost more wise and mature than our 30 year old female MC.


Overall, I didn't like this book. I thought of dropping it, but I hoped it would get better in it's development and I wanted to faithfully review it, so I kept reading.

I really hope that if you pick up this book you can enjoy it more than I did... (maybe if you have lower expectations, who knows. There's certainly people out there who liked it).
8,419 reviews113 followers
August 28, 2019
This is a well written romantic suspense story with strong , well developed characters and an intriguing story line. The author does a great job developing the story and pulling you in with her descriptive writing and detailed scenes. The supporting characters help to bring Luke and Lauren's story to life and kept me reading right to the end with all the suspense and romance. The story moves quickly and fluidly and captured me from beginning to end. I would highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews4 followers
Want to read
September 27, 2019
💝 ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝
Profile Image for Deborah Cordes.
Author 11 books53 followers
February 23, 2020
Suspense on steroids. Author Angela Smith certainly knows how to create page-turning tension. I liken her gift with the abilities of the writers/director of one of my favorite movies - Apollo 13. Although we know both works will have the requisite "happy ever after" endings, the plots hurtle onward, the audiences suspending their beliefs in the HEAs and worried that maybe, just maybe, they won't come true. Will the evil Clint get his revenge? Will Laramie be safe? Can her parents ever fully heal and love again? Five fabulous stars for Dark Justice. Angela Smith, thank you!
Profile Image for Born To Read.
721 reviews18 followers
October 5, 2019
I received a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lucas Fuller is found guilty of murder at eighteen. He is accused of murdering Lauren's sister. And Lauren is the love of his life.
Complicated, right?
Wait, because not only does he claim to be innocent. He knows who the real murder is!!! Despite all that, he is sent to prison for twelve years.
But after being released, he finds Lauren hates him, the real murderer is on the run and some more secrets...
I liked this book. Although I would have killed Lauren for the first half of it. Thank God, she evolves throughout the story.
The writer used to work as a prosecutor. That, and the plot makes you wonder how many cases like Luke's there are in the world...
Profile Image for Jeraca.
2,495 reviews26 followers
November 1, 2020
I received this free eARC novel from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

The idea of this book was really great, but from the moment I started reading this, it was a bit rocky. It was really hard to connect with this book and the characters. It's supposed to be an emotional novel, but the characters emotions jump around to much for me to keep up with.

But looking at other readers thoughts, it looks like i might be in the minority on my feelings, so I think other readers have enjoyed this book. It just wasn't for me. I'm glad I got a chance to read this book!
Profile Image for Crystal.
408 reviews52 followers
December 18, 2020
Wow, did this book keep the reader guessing. Then when the author brought out the killer, they built on it which I liked. This book was intriguing, suspenseful, a page turner and so much more. I loved it.
I highly recommend this book and will read again.
September 25, 2019
Luke was jailed twelve year for killing her sister. A crime he did not commit and he wasn’t even given a chance by his so called love of his life Lauren.and Luke knows who committed the crime if he canon,y prove it. Once out of jail his sisters fought for him. I did not like Lauren in this story she too me was ignorant and ignored the true facts and went against a man she knew and believed someone she did not even trust or like in the beginning. And then she had this man around her child I mean who does that.

She is in some much denial she doesn’t really know what to believe and the man whom they think did it has escaped jail but she goes after her ex instead shouldn’t she be somewhere trying to not be found with her daughter from this so called Clint character whom is also he r daughter’s god father and I forgot to mention this secret daughter is for Luke he knows nothing about her. His sisters don’t even know that they have a niece.

And the town their living in almost everyone was corrupt in the unfair trial against Luke. If I was Luke their would be no way in the world would I reconnect with Lauren I know she lost her sister and all and is feeling regret but she docent deserve him. Then to make her even more evil she lied to her own daughter about her father telling her he died in a war, even knowing that her real father was innocent and a good man. This story does go from past to present time.

Lauren’s character did start getting better towards the middle of the book, but she still wasn’t my favorite, her and Luke’s daughter actually acted more grown up than her. The s was a good story a little suspense but you knew who the killer was even in the beginning of the story. For me this was a good read.
Profile Image for Linda Walters.
2,709 reviews23 followers
October 18, 2019
I knew going in that this was going to be a different kind of story. It was one of the things that kind of caught my attention. It was an emotional story of course. And it had good flash-backs between the past and current time for both Luke and Lauren. That's not always well done but here in this book, it was.
I have to say that I was 100% Team Luke pretty quickly. He was written in such a way that you could FEEL his confusion, despair and losses. And the hits of unfairness just seemed to keep coming. For a while at least. But hang on, it's not all depressing when it comes to the story.
I have to admit I had a problem with Lauren. Hey, I got that she was emotional and somewhat confused as well. But she was so hard-headed even when presented with some of the true facts of Luke's case. I just "might" have muttered under my breath a few times. Like, "T.S.T.L., what a brat" as I tossed my kindle down a few times. I just hated how she treated Luke like crud. She certainly did have quite the unique way of greeting Luke when she saw him after his release. Now, that was a surprise! One thing I couldn't fault her on was that she loved her daughter Laramie and she was a good mother.
Lauren's boss Brian Wimberly is a good addition to the story. He kind of keeps the general hysteria down in a good but mostly unemotional way.
A good amount of tension is kept up in the story leading up to a dangerous twist towards the end.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Profile Image for Doctor reads.
132 reviews
October 19, 2019
When Luke was charged guilty for the murder of Lauren little sister 12 years ago, he was imprisoned. Assigning their plan to get married and his bright future to the flame while the actual culprit unrestricted to roam and pose a threat to their daughter that he has learned to have. Luke needs to protect them while assuring Lauren to trust him this time.

Luke and Lauren have known each other since adolescence and the love they had was real. There were definitely angst between them and the scenes that they had upon meeting for the first time after Luke released from prison was steamy. Angela Smith wrote the story between present and year of Luke conviction. The romance is written finely with the addition of an interesting plot.

The difficulty I had in this novel is on how inadequately the mystery about the murdered resolved. I don't mind the plot of knowing who the culprit from the outset and the mission is to stay safe. It just that the motive for the killer was not clarified at all. And I did not favor Lauren character. She has a poor faith toward the love of her life and if someone needs to convince to be trusted it shouldn't be Luke. She and her child keep saying that the suspect is creepy and they don't like him. Why does she even let him be an important person in their life for years?
Profile Image for Kelsey.
141 reviews11 followers
September 2, 2019
When Luke was 18 he was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his fiancée’s little sister, a crime he did not commit. 12 years later he is released after the truth is revealed about what happened on that horrific day. Lauren doesn’t believe the love of her life is innocent of killing her sister, the betrayal of what took place years ago was too strong. While Lauren tries to keep her distance from Luke, it becomes difficult to protect her heart and her biggest secret of all, the daughter they share. As Luke and Lauren try to resolve past and current feelings, they learn their biggest challenge is protecting their daughter from the true killer, a man who already has his eyes set on her.

I absolutely loved this book! A beautiful story of injustice, fighting for what is right, and true love. Having parts of the book told in the past showed the love and heartbreak of Luke and Lauren. A fast read that had me hooked the first page and rooting for the couple from beginning to end. I can’t say enough good things about this book, I want to read it again, I want a sequel, just ahhhhhhh.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this phenomenal book.
Profile Image for Sandra Lopez.
Author 3 books324 followers
September 17, 2019
Twelve years ago, Luke was tried and convicted for murder. If only someone believed that he didn’t do it.

Lauren thought Luke killed her sister. Luke was once the man she loved with all her heart. But now he was nothing more than a killer set free. How could she forge that he killed her sister? But how could she ignore the desire she still felt for him? Even now when she had the pistol aimed at Luke, she couldn’t hide the longing she’d kept for him.

The trust was broken, but the fact remains: the true killer was still out there. Could Lauren know him? And could she protect her daughter—a daughter belonging to her and Luke—from him?

Story was well-written, painting a nice scene of the arid Texas landscapes. Plot often shifts between present and past scenes, depicting the events of the trial and the mystery surrounding the unsolved case. At times, the scenes could be somewhat lagging (like the court scenes, for instance,) but the story was, overall, full of mystery and suspense.

A pretty good read.
488 reviews6 followers
August 13, 2019
This is a great book about a terrible injustice that needed to be corrected. A young man, Luke, was falsely convicted of murdering the young sister (Elizabeth) of the girl he loved (Lauren). He was in prison for 12 years before they discovered the corruption and mistakes that ended up with his false imprisonment. And he never knew that Lauren had his baby (Laramie) while he was incarcerated. There is excellent use of flashbacks to tell the events of 12 years before. The problems become - how can Luke and Lauren possibly have an HEA after all the sadness and mistakes of the past? Where is the real murderer? Is he still a danger to other young girls, including Laramie? It's so sad what happened to Luke, and so suspenseful to wait and see how the book will turn out. But I love romantic suspense so it is right up my alley! I highly recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,969 reviews34 followers
September 17, 2019
Luke Fuller, was eighteen years old, when he was sent to prison for a crime he did not commit. He was charged with the murder of his fiancée’s younger sister, Elizabeth. Although Lauren wanted to believe that Luke was innocent, the evidence against him, at the time, was overwhelming. Twelve years later, Luke has been exonerated when it was discovered that prominent members of the small town had framed Luke in order to protect the real killer. The killer is now on the run and no one is safe. Luke soon learns that while he was in prison Lauren gave birth to their daughter, Laramie. As more young girls become victims, the killer is closing in on Lauren and her daughter. Ms. Smith tells this story by effortlessly moving between the past and present events. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2019
Oh wow! What an emotionally charged uphill battle to a happy ending! Luke and Lauren have been through hell and back. The connection they had as young adults was as strong as ever and reformed again after his prison release. I loved their interactions and talks they had. Throw in both of their conversations with their daughter and all is golden. Laramie knew right away that Luke was someone she could trust. They were a lot alike. The other half of Laramie was all Lauren. Both strong, fierce, and loyal. Although all three were scared during their encounter with Clint, they stood strong for one another and put the other's safety above their own. I admired those traits in these characters.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher through Netgalley.
Profile Image for LianaReads blog.
2,452 reviews218 followers
September 10, 2019
A second chance at life more than a second chance at love.
The story it's heartbreaking and fulfilling at the same time. There are moments when I had to stop reading because the event are pulling my heart strings and had to stay away for a few hours.
I'm always for a second chance love because, once , your heart loved that person and she/he was everything for you. All your dreams and fears were shared and all your future plans were including both of you. Unfortunately, sometimes life throws a lot of obstacles in the happy ever ending and there's a lot to take in in this story.
I felt like sometimes the story was repeating the same moments, or just went a bit too slow for my taste. But it's a good story overall and will be reading more from the author.

6,316 reviews24 followers
September 10, 2019
This is a romantic suspense that will draw you in and keep you engaged until the very last page is turned

Twelve years ago Luke was charged and convicted of killing Lauren's little sister Elizabeth now he has been exonerated and as he always has said he has been proven innocent Now he finds he had a daughter Laramie with Lauren but she isn't ready to believe that he is innocent and neither does she realise that the killer is much closer than she realises Luke doesn't know if they have a future together but he does believe that his straighter and Lauren are in danger and he will do whatever he needs to in an effort to protect them. Do these two have a future together can they get over their past you will have to read to see
4,721 reviews36 followers
August 31, 2019
A romantic suspense at its best.
A romantic suspense at it best Luke is convicted of a crime he did not commit and even when he is released things are not easy. This book is so full of emotion with a very dark underlining story. The last chapter of this book is so powerful so emotional, and so brilliantly written it will take your breath away. I cannot speak more highly of this book then to recommend it with all the praise possible. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,017 reviews30 followers
August 30, 2019
A great romantic suspense story.

This is my first book by Angela Smith and I really enjoyed it. Luke and Lauren are wonderful characters that had their happiness destroyed when he was wrongly convicted of murdering her younger sister. Who really killed Elizabeth? Will Luke and Lauren be able to forget the past and be together again with their daughter?

I would love to read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
17.7k reviews8 followers
August 30, 2019
Luke has been in jail for the last twelve years for a crime he did not do. Lauren never told Luke they had a daughter Laramie. Now it has come out that he did not kill Elizabeth Lauren's sister and he is released. This story has suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, evil closer than they realize, kidnapping, and a second chance. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LaToya (Readingbythebayou).
865 reviews42 followers
September 1, 2019
This was a good romantic suspense read. This isn't my go to genre but I really enjoyed this book. Luke has been wrongfully imprisoned 12 years for murder. My heart went out to Luke and I felt his pain. I also felt bad for Lauren but I thought she was pretty selfish at times. This was a captivating and well written story. Luke and Lauren are great characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,718 reviews12 followers
September 2, 2019
I enjoyed this romantic and suspenseful story! I love Lauren and Luke's story! A great second chance for these two. Luke, at eighteen, was sentenced for the murder of his fiancee's little sister. Lauren, his fiancee, tries to build a life her and her daughter. Twelves years later truths are revealed and Luke is released for a crime he did not commit. Now their daughter is in danger. A wonderful story with some great twists and turns.
Profile Image for Truly Trendy PR.
234 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2019
Dark Justice is a romantic suspense novel written by  Angela Smith that is full of twists, turns, suspenseful surprises, and lots of steamy romance. A well-written fast-paced read that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-written and develop at a steady pace. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a suspenseful romantic read. * I received a complimentary copy from RABT Book Tours and the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.*
Profile Image for Sharon.
4,152 reviews27 followers
September 16, 2019
I really enjoyed the author’s great use of descriptive writing that made the plot jump to life and kept me intrigued throughout. There are wonderful main and supporting characters in this story all of whom have depth to their character. There is heartache, murder, mystery and suspense in this book by a new (to me) author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Athena D..
933 reviews60 followers
October 10, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS

If you enjoy a great romantic suspense, look no further. Angela Smith has written an incredible story with well developed characters in Dark Justice! I love the second chance romance aspect of this book! The author kept me on the edge of my seat...I couldn't put this book down!

Dark Justice by Angela Smith is an EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
Profile Image for Denise.
4,123 reviews12 followers
October 20, 2019
First time in reading this author with the story line luring me in. The story in one that at the start tugs at your heart but raises questions you start looking for the answers. Lauren and Luke have a intricate story that is riddled with intrigue and danger. The chemistry is there along with the suspense you keep turning the pages to see where it leads. I also found I had to have those answers so before I knew it I had them.
Profile Image for Jane.
213 reviews
September 13, 2019
I received a copy of Dark Justice by Angela Smith from Angela Smith and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I give Dark Justice by Angela Smith 5 stars! This romantic suspense will keep you engaged until the very end. With well developed characters and a riveting storyline, I definitely recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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