The Darkest Hour

Kelly Group International, Book 1

By: Maya Banks

Narrated by: Harry Berkeley

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

It's been a year since ex-Navy SEAL Ethan Kelly saw his wife Rachel alive. Now he's received an anonymous phone call claiming Rachel is alive. To find her, Ethan will have to doge bullets, cross a jungle, and risk falling captive to a deadly drug cartel that threatens his own demise.

©2010 Maya Banks (P)2012 Recorded Books

The Darkest Hour

Great listen, even better romance and characters that you'll get to love. A story of corruption, second chances, and family bonds. This story was so relatable minus the covert ops and secret missions.

Maya Banks is an author that pulls you in!!

Would you listen to The Darkest Hour again? Why?

yes, great writing. Fabulous Narrating!!

What other book might you compare The Darkest Hour to and why?

I'd say they are close to the Catherine Coulter FBI series!

What does Harry Berkeley bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He ads an extra personal touch. The way he brings the characters to life and allows the characters to be more real and feeling!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I've read this book before, however, when I listened to the part when Rachael was rescued, I literally cried. Harry Berkeley is fantastic at brining the emotions to the surface.

Any additional comments?

Keep the great writing and the character development coming!!

Love This Series

What did you love best about The Darkest Hour?

The storyline is interesting and kept me hooked. I loved the narration. Must admit I have listened to this book twice. If you enjoy this book please check out the remaining books in the series.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. It was very suspenseful to know that Racheal would at some time remember her past relationship with Ethan and wondering how everyone would react.

What about Harry Berkeley’s performance did you like?

FANTASTIC!!!! His voice is very masculine for very macho males and he also does femaile voices well. I was disappointed that they did not use Mr. Berkeley for the lastest in the series.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A husband's redemption.

Sexist

There is a lot of needless sexist language like "screams like a girl," "cries like a girl" etc. I expected more from a female author. I also found part in the middle very repetitious.

The Darkest Hour

Ian was devastated when his wife was killed in a plane crash while on a mission trip but a year later he receives word Rachel is still alive. He goes to his brothers who run KGI and they go in and rescue her. She has been ravaged and drugged and has memory loss. Now they have to learn each other over again. This is a blessing and a curse, especially when she remembers their lives before she left but love overcomes. Now they just have to survive the reason Rachel was targeted to begin with and now someone is after her back home. Definitely going to keep on with this series.

Great book - Great Narrator

Would you listen to The Darkest Hour again? Why?

I would listen to this book over again. I LOVED this book, great story line, great action and the family of characters are very very likable. The narrator is also very wonderful. I only listened one other book w/ a male narrator and was very happy w/ this one. He was very appealing to listen to, he added depth to the characters. Excited for the next one.

Big Loving Family

The love story is alright but the hero's secret makes his behavior unbelievable. However it is the family interaction between brothers, parents and foster teen that gives the story more depth. Lots of future stories here in what happens with all these other strong, caring, interesting people.

Off to a good start for the Kelly group

There are things I really liked about this book. One is the introduction to the Kelly clan. A strong family unit of tough rough and alpha males that remind you that family comes first and family rules. The main story of Ethan and Rachel is troublesome when it starts but is filled with hope at the end. The best thing about this story is it makes you want to find out more about the Kelly brothers. And yes there is mystery danger and romance for all. If you can get this one sale then that’s when I would get this book.

At times hard to believe...

After knowing what she has endured and how things transpire, I found certain parts hard to believe. It just didn't make sense at times. The book is beautifully written but at times defies logic. Other than that, it's a good story.

I was really impressed by the relationship between Rachel and Nathan's brother Sam. So sweet.

I do recommend this book as overall it was good. Having read book 2 and 3, this is definitely becoming a binge worthy series.

Enjoy the ride!

Until next time

This book embodied all the reasons why second chance romances are not at the top of my list. The angst in this story was over the top! I really don't care for it in my entertainment. This much of it . . . Well, if it hadn't been for the suspense part of the story, I think I would have quit listening entirely. Also, this book was a first book. There was the world building and a huge cast of characters to introduce. It was a bit overwhelming. Six brothers, two parents, a daughter-in-law, and an extra "little sister." That was just the family. Add in a deputy, and other team members. Quite a few to keep track of. Put aside the romance that struggled along in this, and the story was interesting. Lots of huh? What? Really? Gasp? OMG! NO! Made it worth hanging in until the end. The narrator . . . I am a bit undecided about him. The voice was pleasant enough. I didn't mind listening to it. I didn't feel he was very consistent with the characters and at times I thought of Walter Cronkite. Not bad really, but didn't quite fit the story. There was enough here to have me wanting to look at the second book in the series.