Into the Dawn by Reece Barden

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Determined to find out what happened to the man who raised him as his own, Ben is a man obsessed. 
Using his adventure travel business as a cover for continuing his search long after everyone else has given up, he’s not going to rest until he brings John home.
Except when distraction comes in the form of an irresistible tour guest, ready to call him out for pushing them too far and taking unnecessary risks, he’s forced to decide what he really wants.
Does he want to ruin his life over ghosts from the past, or grab the future he never knew he wanted with both hands?

Into the Dawn

Trunk, Trust, and Trouble: A Second-Chance Romance with Bite

The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: ☺️🙁😍🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration

🎧 Audiobook Review: Vanessa & Ben’s Story

A tense second-chance romance wrapped in family betrayal, forest secrets, and a mate bond that refuses to die.

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🧍🏻‍♀️ The Heroine: Vanessa

Vanessa’s reintroduction is anything but gentle—she’s locked in the trunk of Ben’s car, kidnapped by the man who once dreamed of a future with her. Their bond as mates is frayed, tangled in years of estrangement and family enmity. Vanessa lives in a compound ruled by her ruthless father Rusty and violent brother Jed—both sworn enemies of Ben’s family. Though she’s not privy to all their secrets, Vanessa suspects they’re behind the disappearance of John, Ben’s father figure. Her loyalty is torn, her courage tested.

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🧍🏽 The Hero: Ben

Ben works at Devil’s Claw, the bar run by his brother Evan. Abandoned as children, Ben and Evan were raised by John, a forest ranger who vanished while investigating the disappearances of three women. Ben’s mission is clear: uncover the truth and find John—dead or alive. His desperation leads him to Vanessa, the mate he never stopped loving, and the only person who might have access to the answers he needs.

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📖 Plot Snapshot

Vanessa, caught between blood ties and a bond she can’t sever, agrees to a risky plan: she’ll return to her compound with Ben as her “captive,” hoping her family will lead them to John. Once inside, Ben uses his sharp instincts to assess the compound’s weaknesses, setting the stage for a daring escape. The stakes are high—not just for John’s survival, but for Vanessa and Ben’s fractured relationship.

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👍 What Worked

• Emotional Complexity: Ben believes Vanessa chose her family over him, but her silence was rooted in fear—she knew they’d kill him if she defied them. This revelation adds emotional weight and nuance to their dynamic.
• Villain Shift: Jed, previously painted as the villain, is revealed to be a pawn under Rusty’s brutal rule. The shift in power dynamics adds depth to the clan’s internal tension.
• Ben’s Tactical Mind: Ben’s intelligence shines as he quickly evaluates the compound’s geography and security flaws. His strategic thinking adds realism and tension to the escape plot.

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👎 What Fell Short

• Delayed Backstory: The slow reveal of Ben and Vanessa’s past makes it hard to emotionally invest early on. Their mate bond lacks context until midway through.
• Second-Chance Romance Fatigue: For readers who prefer a fully fleshed-out relationship from the start, the second-chance trope may feel frustrating—especially when emotional clarity is delayed.

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🎙️ Narration Highlights

The duet narration format enhances the emotional resonance and tension:

• Michael Rutland (Ben): His deep, velvety tone captures Ben’s intelligence and vulnerability. Rutland’s delivery adds gravitas to Ben’s internal struggle and determination.
• Macie Miller (Vanessa): Miller’s voice balances softness with steel, embodying Vanessa’s fragility and quiet strength. Her performance deepens the listener’s empathy for Vanessa’s impossible choices.
• Duet Synergy: The alternating perspectives create a layered listening experience, amplifying the story’s themes of duality, betrayal, and transformation.

💬 Quotes

“The compound is like some post-apocalyptic hillbilly nightmare.”

“Maybe I should feel guilty for doing that to another male of our species, but I don’t.”

“Easy Nessy, you’re safe now.”

“I’ll be damned if Rusty or anyone else here lays a finger on her ever again.”

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