She’s a take-charge woman. But he’s a master of control.Skye Manning knows what she wants. Her job as assistant and photographer for a major social media influencer isn’t perfect, but it’s a rung on the ladder to bigger and better things. She’s confident she’ll one day take feature photos for National Geographic.Self-made billionaire Braden Black didn’t get where he is by taking no for an answer. … where he is by taking no for an answer. When a chance encounter with the refreshingly innocent and beautiful Skye piques his interest in more ways than one, he’s determined to make her submit.
Dating a billionaire soon has Skye in the middle of a Cinderella story…until the clock strikes midnight and Braden reveals his dark side. Heat sizzles between them, and Skye finds herself falling hard.
But Braden Black is no Prince Charming, and his dark desires are far from his only secret.
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Edgy, tantalizing, and consuming!
Follow Me Darkly is a provocative, dramatic tale that takes you on a journey into the life of Skye Manning, a sweet, intelligent, spirited photographer who finds herself inadvertently swept off her feet by the sexy, confident, billionaire Braden Black whose enigmatic past and dominant tendencies are hard to resist.
The narration is smooth and enticing. The characters are consumed, intense, and secretive. And the plot is a delightfully salacious tale of desire, temptation, mystique, attraction, chemistry, and sizzling romance.
Overall, Follow Me Darkly is an alluring, sultry, intriguing tale by Hardt that certainly has enough seduction, steam, and spice, to have you counting down the days for the release of Follow Me Under in January 2021 so you can find out where this cliffhanger ending will lead to next.
Follow Me Darkly, left me fanning myself and wanting more of all this steamy goodness. I this storyline, the characters and how expressive it was. Braden and Skye will leave you yearning for more. The battle between these two for control was so powerful and as always Helen Hardt took the passion to another level. There were moments that made me go hmmmm but hey that’s what so intriguing about this story. I recommend giving this a read.
Woah… Alright, so where do I start? Follow Me Darkly has been on my radar since it was announced that Helen Hardt was coming out with a new series. The blurb and cover lured me from the beginning and it became one of my most anticipated reads for 2020. I went in not sure what to expect. It’s a bit different from this author’s normal style, but in saying that, she did not disappoint. AT ALL. I think I may have found my new favorite by this author.
In Follow Me Darkly, we have Braden, the self-made billionaire. He’s possessive, dominant, desirable, and sexy as hell. He has worked hard to be where he is and never forgets where he’s come from but he holds secrets, making mysterious and intriguing as hell.
Skye is a country girl from Kansas, she is an assistant to social media influencer Addison Ames. Her job lets her do the thing she loves most, and that’s photography. She struggles to give up control in most things, even in the bedroom.
These two come together after Braden leaves some comments on Addie’s Instagram that Skye manages and that same day they find themselves out for dinner and the moment they are in the same room, the chemistry between them becomes known. The moment Braden met Skye, he knew that he needed her and he makes her a proposition that she can’t refuse. The thing is… These two both crave control in the bedroom… So one of them has to give up the control, which is Skye, but will she be able to?
I won’t dive in much deeper than that, but I will say that this was so much more than what I expected. I knew the author would deliver an amazing start to the series but this had so much more to it than first met my eye. It’s got the dom/sub feel to it, with a nice twist of darkness… and oh how I loved the darkness! It completely consumed me and I’m in love with the mysterious Bredan, I want and need to know more about this man. This was all-consuming, alluring, and addictive and I cannot wait to see what the author has up her sleeve next for these two.
5++++++ Stars!
Whew… what a story indeed. It is sexy, intriguing, and deliciously dark. I was engrossed from page one. This is going to be one heck of a smoldering series by Helen Hardt! Don’t pass this book up!
Stop everything that you are doing and go grab this book immediately!!!! Follow Me Darkly is a mix of mystery and erotica! Braden is a self made billionaire that is extremely mysterious and possessive. He grew up blue collar so he is down to earth and a perfect match for Skye. Skye is the ultimate control freak that needs to learn to relax and let go and who better to help her learn than an extremely sexual possessive billionaire?!?! I love the added mystery to this story where you will not want to put it down until your mind absorbs every last word and that still won’t be enough!!! Perfect in every way!!!
3.5 stars
Skye works for influencer Addison Ames. This job is just a stop over for her. She wants to be a photographer. One afternoon, self-made Billionaire, Braden Black shows up. Addison and Braden seem to have a past that didn’t end on a good note. But Braden is determined to have Skye.
Their story unfolds quickly. We see Skye falling for him more than she should while Braden still is aloof. Lest we mention there is still the past drama of Addison and Braden that neither will explain.
This story moved too quickly for me. I overall liked the direction it was heading and definitely want to see where it goes.
I’m not quite sure how I’ve never picked up a book by this author but that’s all about to change! Braden and Skye’s story was sexy and had me absolutely captivated from the start! Their story is HOT…so much so that I had this book in my hands any chance I got! This steamy read had me on the edge of my seat and wanting more with that cliffhanger!!
If you’re a fan of highly sensual, erotic, captivating stories then this one is definitely for you!
Braden is a billionaire with a blue collar background; he’s got all the control of a businessman and all the roughness that got him where he is now. Skye is an aspiring photographer currently making ends meet working a creatively-deficient job as the photographer for a social media influencer – a far cry from her National Geographic aspirations.
When IG drama with her boss spills over into real life, Skye finds herself ensnared in Braden’s web. He’s highly confident in his sexuality and has no issue making it known what he wants from her. Their encounters are scorching and Skye finds herself learning to let for of the reigns of her life that she holds so tightly a little bit to sate Braden’s hunger for control.
The story was enticing but a bit generic in some ways. I don’t expect stories that this to reinvent the wheel or anything but it was definitely formulaic; it’s a good formula and I don’t mind it too much but keep that in mind when setting your expectations. I also wish the big reveal in the end had been less anti-climactic. It felt like we were constantly being teased (which I don’t mind if the payoff is good) but when we finally got to it, I was less blown away and more exasperated than anything.
Overall a fun read if you’re looking for some erotic fiction to set you ablaze!
*I received an advance copy of this book and chose to review voluntarily*
If you are looking for a story that will set your kindle on fire look no further because FOLLOW ME DARKLY was SCORCHING! This is a Contemporary Romance that has a Dark feel to it, I loved it so much I devoured it in one day.
Braden and Skye have a connection that was instantaneous and nothing was going to get in the way of them being together, not even the fact that they both craved control. Skye Manning is from a small town in Kansas and is now working in Boston for a Social Media Influencer as her personal photographer, it’s not her dream job but it helps pay the bills until that day comes. Braden Black is a self-made billionaire that has a craving for control both in and out of the bedroom.
There was a lot going on in this book but you know I won’t spoil anything for you so I will keep this review short and sweet. I loved this book and I cannot wait for the next in the trilogy, Follow Me Under, to be released in January. This has a Fifty Shades of Grey feel to it but it’s different as well, I will not compare the two because that’s not fair to anyone but I will say that if this trilogy continues on the path set forth in this first book I would love to see it be made into a movie one day. Hey PASSIONFLIX, you need to put this on your list of must do’s!
If you enjoy Billionaire Romances, BDSM Romances, or are looking for something steamy to read over the weekend I would recommend this book to you.
Happy Reading!!!
I love billionaire stories. I love that with in these stories the struggle is that the one thing they can’t get or control is a relationship. It is something that is free to all but these billionaires seems to lack the skill to make it work while most other aspects of their lives seem achievable. No all relationships are a business deal and when a strong character steps up and fights back and demands more from them it creates a power struggle.
This story started typically for a contemporary romance. There are some great characters in the story. Addison Ames, the heiress and Instagram influencer who is the demanding boss of a want to be photographer Skye. Skye comes off as naive, however I don’t know that is the exact word that describes her. She likes control and living in her relatively small social circle. She seems to be ok with being in the background. She has a voice but for a reason we aren’t sure of yet she won’t speak up.
In walks Braden Black. This man is a force who is going after what he wants. His own rags to riches story have some wholes in it. He is extremely guarded and even entering a mutual relationship with Skye we don’t have a lot to go on. Braden is a man who likes control. He wants the power. He seems to slowly pick away at Skye’s control until he owns all the power in their dynamic. There is something about Skye that draws him in.
This author has a magical way she tells her stories, and this is a great example of that. She clouds her characters in mystery and the reader is left to puzzle things out. The way she crafts the story leaves you wanting more. More answers, more interactions, more everything! This is a super-steamy sexy read that includes a little taste of erotica and BDSM. It is the perfect storm of desire and control. The momentum of this story is compelling but just when you are ready for the intensity and the steam we are tossed right into the cliffhanger. Captivating storyline that will keep you engaged. Character connection that have you wanting more and knowing little. Sexy times that put enough steam of the pages you might be shifting in your seat.
I am perplexed at this story. I enjoyed it overall, but I hate a cliff hanger. I was drawn to Braden but there are moments where I want to shake him. Skye is engaging. I like her. I want so much for her and her character. She is relatable on so many levels. Her back story and issues with pleasure are intriguing but I want to understand her more.
I was engaged from page one. I could not put the story down. I am still trying to puzzle out the characters and am still perplexed by them. I also can’t wait for book 2 (hurry up January) This is a 4/5 read for me. He ticked off a lot of my wants and desires in a story.
Follow Me Darkly is the first book in the brand new Follow Me Series by author Helen Hardt. Follow Me Darkly follows the story of Braden and Skye. Skye wants more from her life, and working for a social media influencer isn’t exactly the path she envisioned for herself. But, Skye is no stranger to hard work and knows that her hard work will one day land her the job she’s been hoping for. All is going well for Skye, that is until Braden Black turns her world upside down. Not only is Braden a sexy billionaire, but he’s got an air of mystery that surrounds him. He’s not afraid to go after what he wants and what he wants is Skye….
Follow Me Darkly was a rather quick read for me. I thought this story had a very promising and intriguing start. I loved the sexiness of the story and the edge of darkness. Braden was quite mysterious and I really wanted to know more about his motivations. He doesn’t do relationships, but can’t seem to drag himself away from Skye. As much as I was intrigued by Braden, I found myself constantly frustrated by him. His desire for control made him play far too many games. I know I wouldn’t have stuck around for him. Skye was the first woman to really challenge him and fight him for his control. Together these two shared a frustrating, yet all-consuming relationship. I found myself rooting for them and hating them at the same time.
Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. This story had more drama and game playing than I would have liked. While I enjoyed the mystery around Braden, I would have liked a little more clues as to what the “big” mystery was. I can say with a 100% certainty that Follow Me Darkly has some serious 50 Shades of Grey vibes going on. All in all, this book wasn’t a 100% hit for me, but it wasn’t necessarily a miss either. I’m invested enough that I would like to know what is in store for our characters next and after the way this story ended, I definitely am going to need some answers….
WOW! Is it HOT in here?
Braden & Skye almost set my kindle on fire. The heat between them was a bright shiny focal point in this story.
Skye really drew me in. That push for her to let go of the safety net and give up that control… I felt that battle in my soul.
But Braden… came into the scene ready to take over and run the world. And I loved that as well.
The only thing that I wanted and didn’t get was a tiny bit more focus on the romantic aspect. The sexy was phenomenal, the character development was fantastic, I just needed a little more oomph from the romance itself.
This is my first read by Hardt, so I don’t know if all of her books are like this, but I intend to find out.
4
I was so excited when I heard Helen Hardt was writing this book. I have read most of her other books and absolutely love them. This one was a little harder for me to get into.
Skye and Braden definitely have hot chemistry between them. Braden is dark and mysterious and in control. Skye is used to being in control of her life. Meeting Braden gives her the chance to see life in a new way. The push and pull is strong, especially when she knows that her boss, Addie, knows alot more about Braden but won’t tell any of it.
By the end of the book I was definitely enjoying it more and am looking for to the next one.
This is a well written book, flows smoothly from start to finish – detailing an erotic, sensual story, that left me disappointed. I could not get invested in the characters specifically Skye – she seemed too young and immature for the games they were playing. Braden Black is a sexy, dominant, self-made millionaire who initially came off as an a$$hole, but did have a caring side under that hard veneer! I wasn’t convinced that there was anything more than pure physical lust in their relationship – there were too many unanswered questions, which made it hard for me to believe that Skye would give up her hard fought control so easily. However, Hardt writes well, she is descriptive and adds a touch of intrigue to keep the reader hooked until you get more Skye and Braden in the next book. If you’re a Hardt fan, I’m sure this will be a book you will enjoy. If she is a new author to you and you like erotic stories then this may be the book for you. Advanced copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. 3.5s
OMG! I’ve always been a big fan of billionaire stories but this one takes the cake. This book is so sensual and sexy. The characters are so well written you are immersed in their world fully. I can’t wait for the next one.
Bravo!!!!
The intensity of this book was on an all time high!!! Oh my goodness, I have not read a good story like Follow Me Darkly in such a long long time. I can’t remember when I last read a book about letting go of control behind closed doors. Wow! I loved it all and then some.
Sadly Braden is still a mystery to me. I could not read that man and Skye…. well I am not sure she has either. Skye also has me a bit perplexed. I liked her character, but I am afraid the fame may get a little over her head. But I have faith. This is why I can’t stop talking about this book! Because its not all insta-love for me with these characters. It has me walking into this story with with caution. I am trying to protect my heart with this one lol.
Follow Me Darkly is what you will be craving and have you begging for more when you reach the end of this story! I need Follow Me Under ASAP!!!! #CantGetEnough #MyGoTo #WeekendRead #GetLostInABook
I have been anxiously awaiting this book since it was announced at the beginning of 2020. And let me tell you it DID NOT disappoint. From the mystery to the chemistry this book had me turning pages. This is definitely one of my favorite reads this year. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Follow Me Darkly is the first in the Follow Me series by Helen Hardt and it is one fantastic of a read.
Follow me Darkly introduces us to the Kansas farm girl, turned hopeful photographer; Skye Manning and Braden Black, the new business mogul and his need for control in all things in life. Skye is the personal assistant to hotel heiress and social media star Addison Ames, now this isn’t of course what Skye wants to do with the rest of her life. She has a dream of taking pictures of things that matter and working for National Geographic. Life is a normal as normal gets for the Kansas sweetheart, until Braden Black comments on her bosses picture, and then poor Skye is sent down a road she isn’t quite prepared for.
Braden Black, business tycoon, social media king and not to mention over the top good looking, comes waltzing into Skye’s work place and the sparks between them are off the charts. Braden is a over the top alpha, and a Dom as well, he needs control from his partner, but when he meets Skye things don’t go the way he thinks they will.
And now he can’t get her out of his mind.
The game for control is on, Braden wants Skye’s control, but she holds onto like it;s going to save her life. Their game of cat and mouse is one of the best reads I have had all year, even better is when things finally come to a head. There are things that slowly start to come to light, things from Braden’s past that he hasn’t shared, but Skye needs to know. The ending! Oh the cliffhanger on this will leave you with the worst book hanger, but also have you craving for more. 5 Star review from me, this book has chemistry, angst, suspense and so much more!
So hot! I loved the chemistry between Skye and Braden! It kept my eyes glued to the pages. I’m sure the next book will be just as hot, if not hotter, and I can’t wait to read it!
This was my first book where I received a paperback arc copy of . The cover is absolutely gorgeous and I’ve read books by this author before so I was pretty sure I was going to like it and wow did I ever !
Braden and Skye’s story is steamy hot I mean burn the pages hot . The chemistry between these two from their very first meeting was intense . There is a lot of secrets going on about Braden that Skye’s determined to find out but that all comes to a hold when Braden shows his softer caring side . Don’t get me wrong this man is controlling and by know means a softie he has a obsession with Skye and I think he is coming to realize that he feels more for her than just hot sex . Skye has a lunch date with a friend and she finds out some things about Braden that she is not happy to hear about and not sure if she should believe. The sex scenes in this book are very intense and steamy. This story is a dark intense steamy sexy passionate read and I’m so here for it ! There is some light bondage /bdsm but it’s consensual and makes this read even sexier if that’s possible.
I need to know more darn it ! I’m anticipating the next release and can’t wait for it ! I hope Braden and Skye get there HEA they both deserve! If you are a fan of this author then you know her books are already steamy but this book is scorching hot and a definite must read of hers !
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book **