Smoky Darling

Darling Series, Book 1

By: S.J. Tilly

Narrated by: Gomez Pugh, Callie Dalton

Elouise

I fell in love with Beckett when I was 7. He broke my heart when I was 15. When I was 18, I promised myself I'd forget about him. And I did. For a dozen years.

But now he's back home. Here. In Darling Lake. And I don't know if I should give in to the temptation swirling between us or run the other way.

Beckett

She had a crush on me when she was a kid. But she was my brother's best friend's little sister. I didn't see her like that. And even if I had, she was too young. Our age difference was too great.

But now I'm back home. And she's here. And she's all the way grown up.

It wouldn't have worked back then. But I'll be damned if I won't get a taste of her now.

©2022 S.J. Tilly LLC (P)2023 Podium Audio

Good Story

I love that the story began with a game of kickball when Eloise was 7 years old, continuing through her teens when she almost gave herself away. I adored her friendship with Maddie, from giggling little girls to laughing adults. You have to love Eloise from the very first chapter.
Some listeners may also love Beckett from the moment we see him. I did. I was glad to see how he took charge when he saw a scraped and bruised little Eloise sprawled on the pavement. But Beckett remains a bit brutish and punishing throughout the book. I see his pushing her other potential suitors around as over the top. And, no matter how much he loves Eloise and how satisfying it is to see her life long love answered, there is some behavior that goes beyond "take charge" that is not my idea of romantic.
IMHO, just because a woman willingly becomes your lover, that doesn't mean that everything you want to do is okay. So, just because I loved this story, doesn't mean it didn't make me squirm a few times and I haven't decided if I will listen to any more books by this author.
Excellent narrators!

SJ Tilly, Enough Said!

I am in LOVE with SJ Tilly's books! I usually read REALLY dark books, but this one was spectacular. It was cozy and sweet and a little tiny bit dark, but man... I hope she makes a thousand more books because I CANNOT get enough! (the novella at the end was adorable too)

I’m in love with SJ writing

The first book in the Darling duet and I’m in love with the writing style !! The over all performance was amazing and I’m on to book 2.
I would say this was somewhat of a slow Burn but once the burn start it’s no stopping it !!! Love it

Loved it as usual S J Tilly

I loved all of it. As I usually do! Funny and a couple steamy parts. The only thing that I would add is more steam. Ready for the next book.

it was good but there could have been more.

this book is hot, but it went too fast. the main character's fell for each other way to fast, spoiler, it took only weeks not months and there was not really a back story for the stalker. there needed to be more detail on that side, also it jumped around with out letting the listener know who was talking so when it is the Besties POV I was lost big time.