Into the Dark by Jessa Hastings
Series: Magnolia Parks Universe #5
Genre: New Adult
Heat Level: 🔥 (closed door)
Release Date: February 13, 2024
Publisher: Dutton
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dutton & audiobook from PRHAudio.
After reading the entire Magnolia Parks Universe series back to back I was so excited to get the opportunity to read Into the Dark. I knew that this would be a heavier book, but I was looking forward to the conclusion of Magnolia + BJ. I loved this book, just as I have loved the previous books. Jessa’s writing is so beautiful and I was often left reeling at my feelings for these characters.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next Daisy books! The little crumbs that Jessa left us were not enough and I need to know what is going on!!!
Loved this entire series and can’t wait to continue. If you’re looking for something unconventional – I’d highly recommend this series.
SYNOPSIS
Book five in the sensational Magnolia Parks Universe series!
How many loves do you actually get in a lifetime? Everyone knows by now that Magnolia and BJ are in the stars, but is that enough?
Magnolia and BJ are reeling from a devastating loss as they try to plan what’s been dubbed “the wedding of the century”. As family tensions mount and their respective pasts begin catching up to them, they finally have to look the truth in the Can they learn to trust and be with one another again, or will they die trying?
REVIEW
From the first moment I started Magnolia Parks I felt the instant connection between BJ and Magnolia. Their relationship was one filled with anger and hurt, but also one with such loving tenderness. Yes, both Magnolia and BJ are deeply flawed and that’s where Into the Dark shined for me. These two had such character growth – both separate and together in this book and witnessing their journey made me so happy (and okay yes also shed some happy tears 🥲).
After reading The Long Way Home I wasn’t sure what to expect with the way that book ended. Bridget has been such a huge part of Magnolia’s life and also for us as the reader. We connected with her no bs attitude and the way she so clearly rooted for BJ and Magnolia. The levels of grief that Magnolia experiences were heartbreakingly beautiful. I had tears in my eyes on more than one occasion 😭
Magnolia and BJ’s journey to finally be together was a long time coming. Yes, they had to take the long way around to get there – but they got there and I couldn’t have been happier 🥹. I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t always a BJ fan. I hated him and loved him throughout this series, but the way this man is so gone for Magnolia made me definitely love him. Their relationship wasn’t easy, but the fact that they are aware of it and are taking the steps to grow together was so profound 🥰
I also had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook for Into the Dark. I was looking forward to the audiobook – as these books have been some of my favorite audiobook narrations. BUT! The male narrator was switched from Benjamin Noble to Adam Hugill. And it was hard for me to reconcile Adam Hugill as BJ because in this series he’s been Christian. And I love him as Christian – it’s just hard for me to have him play multiple characters in the same series. I still love Magnolia’s chapters as she is still narrated by Ella-Rae Smith who I think is the perfect Magnolia! Overall I still liked the audiobook, but I was struggling with the BJ chapters.
I’m so so so happy that BJ and Magnolia got the ending they deserved.
As a Daisy Haites girl, I couldn’t help but love the snippets of Christian/Daisy/Julian and cannot wait for the next Daisy Haites book 🌼
Overall a wonderful conclusion to BJ and Magnolia – can’t wait to reread the entire series from beginning to end. Jessa’s writing is so damn beautiful and I can’t get enough.
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