Light Up the Dark Paperback – May 1, 2018

Though the title offers to light up the dark, it offers us SO MUCH darkness to endure before hand. Nicky's story is more than heart breaking. Maybe because he isn't the only one and the horror of everything keeps unfolding and becoming even more terrifying with every detail unraveling. I could feel the darkness swallowing Nicky but as Cai (and also Soph and Loz) started to become a permanent part of Nicky's life things started to shift little by little until they banished the darkness and offered him ever lasting light. His past will always be a part of him, and I'll expect him to be in therapy for YEARS but with them by his side he more than have a chance for true happiness.The story starts with the night that changed Nicky's life from a careless guy who loved dancing to a little mouse living in a house with a strange man who promised to keep him safe. Yet he somehow also kept Nicky inside, afraid to even open the door. Staying in the shadows of this neglected house in the middle of nowhere. After two weeks of being all along after he founds his keeper dead, his only resolve is to make a little bit of the darkness disappear. He won't venture outside but he can pay for someone to take down the over grown vegetation and offer a bit of light into his eternal darkness. He didn't expect Cai - hard working yet knowing nothing about gardening..Cai needs money.. Fresh out of Junior prison for arson, who would offer him a job? and since he has a little 14 years old girl to take care of - Soph - who was left for his care by his step-sister he will do right about anything. Seeing the add in the paper and what was offered he took it with both hands even if the owner of the house won't even greet him and even if everyday he returns home more bruised and aching than the day before.Both men didn't expect to find kindness and friendship in one another. Nicky had enough of "people" in general. He is more or less resigned for the life he have been living for the past 2 years but as he finds himself interacting with Cai more as the days goes by, and moreover when danger seems to follow both of them around they somehow get closer and realize they come to trust one another. There are many secrets between them, more of Nicky's but some unsaid truths by Cai as well, and yet it doesn't matter when their actions seems to show their true feelings. Nicky was prickly and mean at times but his words were his defense mechanism and Cai could see right through it. He was patient. Waiting for Nicky, knowing his actions and time will make Nicky trust him.It was beautiful and heart breaking seeing these two learn to understand and care for one another. Though Nicky seems like a fragile ghost of a guy there is far more to him, and as he becomes more confident in himself and his connection with Cai he shows how strong and brave he can be. How much of a friend he is. The kindness Cai showed him frightened him at first, but little by little it also melted his heart. Yet Cai's past even if not as horrible as Nicky's still had very little love. Being a parent to Soph - the nephew he didn't even know about before his sister showed up to visit him when he was in prison - turned out to be the family he wished he had. they were two lost souls clutching one another in the storm that is life. Yet they managed to make a real family together with Nicky and Loz - Soph's best friend and significant other.This story is mostly told by both MCs, but there's little by Loz as well. It was a nice touch, which added another layer to the story and brought us more details about past horrors which somehow connected to Nicky's ordeal. Loz is gender neutral and is referred to as "they" (instead of "she" or "he"). I liked the way Suki dealt with the issues of gender and sexual orientation. It wasn't about the gender of the person in front of either character it was about the PERSON and how much they meant to them, how they made their heart flutter.There's A LOT going on in this book and it takes us a LONG while to understand just HOW horrible the whole story truly is. I didn't understand or expect most of it. While I was right in little guesses along the book, what I DIDN'T know put everything to shame. I think I can just reassure you that we don't get real graphic horrors in this one but what we are TOLD is enough. I'd say this book isn't for the faint of heart.. But if you're ready for a BEAUTIFUL love story in the most unlikely setting please give this one a go! Like everything else I've read by Suki it's so compelling it's impossible to put down, it's heart crushing and sad but it's SO WORTH IT getting to the end.Tags: Contemporary (MM) RomanceMore @ Ultra Meital Reviews.

Every time I read a Suki Fleet book I'm not really sure what to tell people. Her books are usually pretty dark and a bit weird. (that's the best I've got). Not to say they are bad, they aren't. They are always beautifully written and you are thrown into the story easily every time. They just aren't happy stories. They do tend to end up in a positive light so there is that. :)

Omg what can I say about this book ? I started reading it and couldn’t stop. It kept my full attention consistently throughout. The characters, the plot, the suspense what is left to say ? I cried, laughed , got very angry and was totally shocked many different times. This is a must read by an amazing writer.

I read Suki's first book This Is Not A Love Story back in 2014 and have loved her books ever since. I expected to love Light Up the Dark and I was not disappointed! When I found out about this book and saw that the first and only review was a 1 star, I knew I had to write a review after I finished it because Suki's books never EVER deserve a 1 star!So if you've never read one of Suki's books before you should know you will always get a compelling storyline and complex characters that you will fall in love with and root for until the very end. Most of her books bring me to tears and this one did as well--got quite teary eyed at the end!Nicky is one of my new favorite characters and Cai was just as lovable. The romance had me screaming "just kiss already!" in my head.I wasn't expecting for this book to be so creepy but that made me love it even more! I love books with gothic undertones so this was right up my alley.I loved this book and I will be anxiously awaiting Suki's next realise!

4.5 StarsWoah!!! Suki is a new to me author that grabbed my attention at page one and kept me thoroughly entertained until the last page.Light Up The Dark is a dark, haunting tale of romance and mystery that bordered on the edge of horror. It had me holding my breath and reaching for my blanket on more than occasion. While the story explores some dark and complex themes, it is tempered with gorgeous writing and a beautiful romance.Those who know me, know I adore authors that color outside of the lines and this author certainly delivered a well written and unique story with just the right amouth of romance, mystery and thrills. And the cast of characters were as unique and diverse as the story itself.While I can't call this perfect. I was so intriqued enough, I immediately went clicking through Suki's backlist!

Every book I’ve read written by Suki Fleet has overwhelmed me with emotion. I made it to nearly the end of this what-the-f-is-going-on book and thought “Finally a story where Suki isn’t going to trigger my tears”. I was wrong. I really did wonder what was going on with this story because it was a bit confusing for me. Mark this one down as a mystery/romance. 3.75 for end credits.

This was my first Suki Fleet book, but absolutely not my last. This was an eerie little tale. Lots of secrets and pain. Nicky and Cai were such raw characters. I really loved this twisty and sexy book.

Woah. Did not expect this to unfold the way it did, ramping up the mystery and the horror. But loved the characters and their individual development and developing relationship. Also intrigued by the side characters. It got a bit over-the-top at the end with both the action and the revelations but by then I was completely sucked in, would so love to see more. One I would buy in print if available.

Totally breathtaking, edge of the seat stuff. I loved Nicky from the very start and I felt for him ask the way through. He's beautifully damaged but slowly comes back from the edge with Cai's help. At the end, the shocks came hard and fast and made my head spin in the best way.

Suki's writing doesn't weaves, even if she dives into another romantic theme (romantic mystery) her stories stay true to her characteristic style of providing them with lots of atmosphere, melancholy, and hope we are accustomed to see in her works. Don't miss this book.

Beautifully written. Suspense, fear and desperation slowly dissolve into independence being reclaimed and finding strength. Bonds of friendship and love. A must read.

Light up the dark is the first novel I’ve read by Suki and if her other books are anything like this, it won’t be my last.Light up the dark was beautifully haunting, mysterious and diverse. I was hooked from page one.This book had an eerie gothic feel that captivated me . The setting was written so creepy and I found myself getting shivers reading some paragraphs. Honestly parts of this novel were scarier than some “horrors” I’ve watched. Normally I run from books like this. This time however I was glued to the pages; stuck on the edge of my seat because I need to know what happened.The characters stole my heart. At 20 years old I feel like I went grey with worry for them throughout the book. Cai, Nicky, Loz and Soph. They were just so sweet, genuine and innocent. Even Nicky who went through hell and back had an innocence to him that made me – the person with no maternal instincts- want to wrap him in a blanket just to keep him safe. Keep them all safe. My heart was in my throat.At the beginning and for most of the book I couldn’t make heads or tails of the plot. However as the book went on I got the answers I wanted and everything started to click together. Though near the end I didn’t even want answers just the characters to drive off into the sunset were they stayed safe and happy for all eternity.I went into this book expecting Cai & Nicky’s relationship from the blurb but what I didn’t expect was to also love the cutest relationship between Soph & Loz. Soph who is Cai’s 14 year old niece- it’s never stated but I’m sure she’s pansexual- and Loz who are non- binary. Anytime Loz got chapters they made the book. They’re funny and sweet and they love Soph so much.Overall this book was wonderful. It captured my attention from the beginning and didn’t release me until the last page. The plot was brilliant, the villains bastards and the characters amazing. I defiantly recommend this novel and you should go add it to your TBR right now. I promise you won’t regret it.