Review: Nightfall – Penelope Douglas (Devil’s Night #4)

Synopsis

What happens when it’s five against one and nowhere to run?

EMORY

They call it Blackchurch. A secluded mansion in a remote, undisclosed location where the wealthy and powerful send their misbehaving sons to cool off away from prying eyes.

Will Grayson has always been an animal, though. Reckless, wild, and someone who was never bound by a single rule other than to do exactly what he wanted. There was no way his grandfather was going risk him humiliating the family again.

Not that the last time was entirely his fault. He might’ve enjoyed backing me into corners in high school when no one was looking, so they wouldn’t catch on that Mr. Popular actually wanted a piece of that quiet, little nerd he loved to torture so much, but…

He could also be warm. And fierce in keeping me safe.

The truth is… He has a right to hate me.

It’s all my fault. Everything.

Devils Night. The videos. The arrests.

I’m to blame for all of it.

And I regret nothing.

WILL

I never minded being locked up. I learned a long time ago that being treated like an animal gives you permission to act like one. No one has ever looked at me any other way.

Their only mistake is believing anything I do is an accident. I can sit in this house with no Internet, television, liquor, or girls, but I’ll come out of here with something far more frightening to my enemies.

A plan.

And a new pack of wolves.

I just didn’t expect one of my enemies to come to me.

I don’t know who smuggled her in or if they meant to leave her here, but I can smell her hiding in the house. She’s here.

And as the security detail leaves the supplies, the gates close, and the door to my gilded cage opens, giving me free reign of the house and grounds for another unsupervised month, I remember with a smile…

Blackchurch houses five prisoners. I’m only one of her problems.

My Review

Nightfall was a monster of a finale. Not only in the length of book (though it is impressive) but also in the sheer amount of information and events that unfold. It contains both Will and Emory’s story AND wraps up so many loose ends that were previously mentioned in the other books. This series is so well thought out and executed that if Penelope Douglas wasn’t already a favourite author of mine, she sure would be after reading this!

As with the other books in the series, Nightfall continues in the same fashion of alternating between past and present. The past is set 8-9 years ago, during high school, when Will and Emory’s acquaintanceship begins to change. It goes into further detail as to who they were, why they made the choices they did and how they came to be who (and where) they are now. The present time finds both Will and Emory stuck in an isolated mansion/facility known as Blackchurch – but they aren’t alone and they’re certainly not the same people they were in high school.

I loved everything about this book! I loved seeing more of Will, who is one of my fave Horsemen (tied with Kai), and FINALLY getting to understand who Emory is! She’s briefly mentioned a couple of times throughout the series but you really don’t get to know her until Nightfall. Will and Emory have a very push-and-pull relationship that left me on my toes the entire time, trying to work out why they couldn’t just be together. Don’t worry though, there’s definitely a HEA at the end!

I also loved revisiting all of my favourite couples from the other books! Michael and Rika, Kai and Nic, and Damon and Winter. I’m still not a huge fan of Alex but I can definitely appreciate her a little more after reading Nightfall. I think finding out more of her and Ayden’s history helped her grow on me.

Then there was the mystery… Finally we understand why all the craziness that began in book one, Corrupt, occurred and who was behind it all. There was definitely a lot to unload* and understand but again, don’t worry, it all gets explained really well. I won’t give any spoilers away but will say the villains are devious.

Other than the story, the writing itself is always incredible and what you’d typically expect from Penelope Douglas. She’s a fantastic author that really excels in writing dark romance and always adds so many twists and reveals that leave you a) unsure about what’ll happen next and b) dying to find out. She also has two conclusions to this series which is a nice little bonus! There is a tidy ending to wrap up the series, and then there is a bonus epilogue that gives the impression a spin-off series might be in the works (fingers crossed!). I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys romances that are dark, forbidden and full of intrigue!

*Please note: I’d recommend this series be read in order otherwise a lot of it may be very confusing. The author has also advised the same. On that note, however, I haven’t read Conclave (book 3.5) yet. There were a few minor points where I felt a little confused and I’m not sure if it’s because I haven’t read Conclave or if I just forgot pieces of the previous books. Overall though, it was very minor and easy enough to catch up on so I can say that only reading the main books in the series should be fine if you don’t feel like reading Conclave for now.

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