Book Review — Nocte (Nocte Trilogy #1) by Courtney Cole

“Sometimes the truth is deceptive… sometimes, the truth is so crazy that it doesn’t seem true.”

• Buy NOCTE (Kindle)

Woah.

I could not put this book down!! It hooked me from the first few paragraphs, kept me flipping pages like crazy right through to the end… and now I’m desperate for the next one!! If you’re looking for something totally unique, thrilling, and mysterious, but at the same time romantic and sexy, that’ll keep you guessing until the very last page, then you have to try this book. Just dive in and let the story happen!!

My honest opinion is that it’s best to go into this book completely blind. As in literally, don’t try to find out anything about the plot. The thrill of it is in the discovery along the way. But, in order to reassure those of you who have questions, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know (without spoilers) here. But remember that, just like the book says, some things are better kept secret until the right time…

I will tell you a little though. Just to give you an idea of what you’re getting into.

First, this is a contemporary, modern day, real world, story. It is not paranormal, fantastical, dystopian, or anything else. It takes places in a normal town with normal people (well, there’s a bit of crazy to be sure, but still… real). It’s the plot of the story, the way it is told, and what happens that brings it it’s originality.

Also, it’s a story that makes you wonder, keeps you guessing and second guessing, it teases your mind, but you’re not going to be traumatized by anything you read. It’s more that it makes you question everything. It’s a little dark, but not gruesome in any way. I’d consider it a completely “safe” read.

For those of you who like to know the twist in advance, you guys know how I often give that option in reviews whenever I think it would help, but I’m not going to here because just trust me that this this one is better to just discover as you go. I wouldn’t tell you that unless I really meant it. I promise it’s nothing creepy or twisted or disturbing. I loved the way it all came together and I loved how my mind was going a thousand miles a minute trying to fit all these pieces together in a way that made sense.

“There is nothing quite so terrifying as the descension of the human mind into insanity.”

The writing was amazing! It created this atmosphere, or vibe, of mystery that set the most thrilling tone for the story. I could see the story unfolding in front of me quite vividly — like a movie in my mind. The characters and story just came alive as I read.

The reason I haven’t said anything about the plot here is that it’s one of those books where anything I tell you will actually be misleading because…. well… um… you’ll understand why once you’ve read the book. I don’t want to create an expectation in your mind of something it’s not. Just open yourself to the idea of anything and let the story show you its secrets as you read.

Oh and yes, this is absolutely a romance. I fell in love with Dare and I have no doubt that you will too! He’s this sexy, mysterious guy and… you’ll swoon!

“You’re going to be the death of me,” he says against my neck, his lips brushing my skin.

“Why?” I manage to breathe…

“Because you’re so much better than I deserve.”

The blurb was right though. I was wrong. I did guess part of the secret but not all of it. I didn’t see it all coming and now I desperately am looking forward to the next book. I need it yesterday!!

The cliffhanger leaves you desperate for more but also gives you a certain sense of resolution. The main mystery that was woven throughout this book is resolved by the end and we are given a full explanation… but in the last few pages, another question is brought up that will be answered in the next book. So you do get answers. But you also discover more questions (that you’ll desperately want new answers to).

“Don’t ask, because I can’t tell you right now. Everyone has secrets, Calla, even me.”

This book is alluring, captivating, thrilling, romantic, sexy, mysterious, and more. Life, death, love, family, reality, insanity, all these aspects draw you in with their secrets and keep you entranced until the end. I read it in one sitting, could not put it down and absolutely loved it!!

Rating: 4.5 stars. New Adult contemporary romance. First book of a trilogy.

• Buy NOCTE (Kindle)

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