A review by fresholivebread
The Cruel Dark by Bea Northwick

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

MCs. A woman with a traumatic past finds a job with a reclusive professor and his mansion of ghosts. The MCs are both complicated - she's strong, intrepid and trying to find her lost memories; he is a broody, mysterious enigma. The book has some slow parts, but the dark atmosphere of the book and the writing is strong overall. It feels like Crimson Peak + Rebecca with a touch of Celtic lore. Their romance is intriguing, and there's a bit of cat and mouse game, with his foreboding yet passionate vibes. 

They're very drawn to each other, and the build up to the intensity and passion in their romance is done well. I liked their darker sides, and how she stood up to him, and he's more than just a bit obsessed with her. Things got a bit dramatic at times, with plenty of twists and turns. I was worried about the HEA but we got there! 
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