She gave him control in the bedroom. But is she losing control of her identity?Dating Boston’s billionaire bachelor has opened up a new world for Skye Manning. Opportunities are suddenly everywhere, her new career is flourishing, and she experiences luxury she’s only seen in the pages of magazines. So why does she feel like she’s losing herself?Braden Black never meant to fall for Skye, and he … meant to fall for Skye, and he still tries to resist a relationship he knows he’s not wired for. But not only has Skye awoken something inside him—he’s stirring something dark and forbidden inside his Cinderella. Something even he can’t control…
The Follow Me series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 Follow Me Darkly
Book #2 Follow Me Under
more
Before you dive into this one you definitely need to read book one. Book two picks up right where the first left off, diving right into the plot. I am a bit torn on this one with the character development even though I enjoyed the steam and the plot progress. Skye was on the naïve side in the first novel and she seemed to grow into herself a bit by the end. I was hoping it would lead more into her growth and owning her sexual identity and prowess. However, she lost more of herself in this book than I expected. She pushed aside friends and harbored anger, insecurities and drama like a hoarder. Maybe it was the purpose of this novel to break her down to this level. Maybe the author wanted to paint this lopsided agreement of trust and giving one’s self to someone. Just maybe what we all think the ending will be won’t be that at all. Just maybe… and you know what? I really like maybes in my books.
I was truly hoping she would embrace trust and move deeper with Braden into his dark world of pleasure. One out of two isn’t bad though and we can’t have trilogies if everything ran smoothly. My one true frustration lies with the secrecy. Though Braden is no angel in this odd relationship of give and don’t receive unless I allow it; Skye still continues to harp on and drag out the issue of his past relationship with her ex-boss. I’m not even in this relationship and she is driving me a bit nuts with it. Plus, some of the not so brilliant ideas she acted on. However, let’s not forget to mention the secrecy of Braden. He’s closed tighter than a Chick-Fil-A on Sunday. How do two people in the BDSM world hold a relationship together if they can’t trust each other? Well readers, I think that is the million-dollar question and the reason why I am super ready for book three!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this break away from my other reads with book two and I love Hardt’s way with all things hot and bothered. Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read this gifted digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I’m excited to see what happens next and if my theories hold!
True rating 3.5/5, rounded.
I loved book 1. I was so exited to see where their story went but this book was flat for me. There wasn’t much character growth and I felt like it was the same argument over and over. I was disappointed in these characters and tried to love it. I just couldn’t. Thank you Entangled publishing for a chance to read.
Braden and Skye’s love for one another is showing and growing in each step of their relationship, but it is difficult for Braden to admit to himself that love is what he is truly feeling for Skye and not just control. Skye is having a difficult time letting go of her control in the bedroom, especially since she is gaining control in so many other aspects of her life. They have such a need for each other, but need to figure out how to balance their wants, desires and how to dominate on another in a way that will be pleasurable for them both. I can’t wait to read the next book!
After the cliffhanger in book 1 Follow Me Darkly, I couldn’t wait for this installment and indeed I was not disappointed!
Even hotter, darker and more twisted this read surpassed my expectations!
First off this book cannot be read as a standalone. In this installment, Skye and Braden’s story developed even more revealing some secrets and creating some more.
Well paced, intense and simply seductive, this read was a real page turner!
What I loved the most about this book was that there were elements of Braden’s character that were too mysterious and underdeveloped. In this installment, the author took great care in giving more insight about him and we get a sense of why he’s so mysterious. His lack of transparency and his demands for Skye made this story even more intriguing.
Then the author makes a big reveal at the end book that had me anxiously anticipating what book 3 will bring!
4.5 stars!
Book 2 in the Follow Me Darkly Trilogy.
You must read book 1 to fully grasp the characters and the story happening in book 2.
I read Follow Me Darkly and was eagerly anticipating Follow Me Under.
Follow Me Under picks right where Follow Me Darkly ends. No time has passed. The story does have a quick pace to it. However, there are moments where the story feels unoriginal.
However outside of the quick pace and a very good amount of steam (Author can bring the steam and spice for sure.) This story fell a lot of flat for me.
Skye continues to feel immature and stunted. In book one she seemed naïve and hopeful in book two she feels petty and childish in her behaviors. Her response do seem to fall in line with someone constantly seeking approval. She does not have the confidence to truly sell herself as an influencer. Her desire to be “Like” her former boss made her very tepid.
The author knows how to write an alpha hero. But Braden kind of hero rubbed me the wrong way. He pushes for trust but keeps secrets. What little I know of true BDSM relationship openness and communication is imperative. There was zero communication and so many secrets in this relationship none of it fit together. Braden isn’t likeable at all. He has no redeemable qualities. Too demanding, too bossy. I also feel like there was not a big OMG moment in this book and didn’t feel like anything major happened. The story, character development comes off as lukewarm for me. I do however, plan on reading book 3, as I would like some conclusion to the story.
Follow Me Under (Follow Me # 2) by Helen Hardt. Skye and Braden are still working on being a couple. As Braden continues to want trust from Skye as well as control of her, Skye is struggling trying to find herself in all of this. She knows she loves Braden but as she is dealing with what Betsy told her, the loss of her job, the fact it is because of who she is dating that she is now an influencer and the strain on her friendship with Tessa is taking a toll on Skye. She seems to be spiraling. Regardless the sex is frequent and hot but the new things Braden introduces to her has Skye second guessing their relationship. She is a hot mess and I was not liking her at all. Skye is definitely all over the place and by the end of this book Braden knew the wheels had fallen off. Now where will they go from here is the question. I was left dumb founded by the end of this book. Not even sure how I felt about the story once it was over. I am really curious how their story will end. Hopefully I do not have to wait to long. 3.5 stars for me.
OMG!!! Can’t wait for the next book. In this one we get to know a little bit more about out main characters and from the beginning the storyline grabs your attention without doubt, love how this one one continues the story perfectly and how she intertwines the characters with the situations, i can’t see the moment that the next book falls in my hands definitely this series is a must.
Firstly, you need to read Follow Me Darkly (Book 1) before starting this.
Helen Hardt delivered an emotionally gripping, addictive and all-consuming continuous of Skye and Braden story.
Braden and Skye’s relationship deepens, the more they fall for each other, the more intense it gets, the chemistry and passion between these two are on fire. However, Skye is struggling with Braden’s history with her ex-boss Addison. She has a whole lot of self doubt that she needs to work through. As the story unfolds, even more questions about Braden’s past surface and the more mysterious he gets. Will these two be able to make it work? Will Skye move past her self doubt? Or will it ruin her chance at being with the love of her life? What are these secrets that Braden has hidden?
Gah, I need to know more! I need to book 3 now! I NEED ANSWERS!
This story has grabbed hold of me. It has my emotions on overdrive, has me swooning like crazy and has me needing to know more about Braden! The author has created a love story that I can’t get enough of. It’s full of mystery, suspense, passion and heat.. oh so much heat!
5 Stars!
I have been dying to get my hands on this book after finishing the first and oh my stars, Hardt did not disappoint. I think what I am loving about it is the whole what will happen or secret will come out next. Braden is a deep character that is so twisty turvy that he keeps you on your toes the whole time. With Skye, I adored seeing her character grow as a whole. But these two together, holy spicy batman!
Overall, this was a great second installment. If you have not touched the first book, turn around, go read it before you touch this one. They start up back to back to each other and honestly, you NEED it in your life. I can say that this one has left me wanting more so I cannot wait to get my hands on the third book and get all those answers I am wanting!
Good grief this is better than the first book!!! It’s emotional and far more than what you can grasp. I was literally on the edge with this at the end.
“I want to answer. More than I’ve ever wanted anything, I want to open up and give him what he’s asking for.”
These two are back at it again. Skye and Braden are together but yet miles apart in some areas of the relationship.
It’s not so much Braden resistance this time as it is Skye holding back herself.
The intense scenes leave you breathless and have you craving for more!!!
Follow Me Under, more like follow me down the rabbit hole. This is book is as addicting as they come with no chance of stopping once you start reading. The second book in the series, I do highly recommend reading the first book before adventuring into the next. When I finally got my hands on Follow Me Under, I was very excited to see where it picked up with the killer cliffhanger that the first book leaves off on.
Not a disappointment in sight! Follow Me Under picks up right where the first book ends and we get into the nitty gritty of Skye and Braden’s relationship. As the plot progresses, things start to reveal themselves and both Skye and Braden learn new things about each other and their growing relationship. Skye is still coming into herself and her career as well as learning more about the “real” Braden is, not the one he shows the public. Then we still have the mystery of Addison’s and Braden’s past relationship. What isn’t he telling her? Will it matter?
This book is so good! Mystery and intrigue, romance and tension, this book has it all. The main characters growth has to be one of my favorite parts. You can tell how much confidence and courage Skye has now, in the first book she seems more like a doormat, as well as holding tight to her control on the bedroom. Finally, she has come into her own in her career and has truly learned to trust Braden and give him control.
Finally, when things start to settle, Braden seemed to want control on more than just their bedroom activities, and Skye isn’t so sure that’s a good idea. She’s still her own woman, strong and independent, but they love each other. A little control shouldn’t be a problem right?
Then just as you think nothing else can happen another bomb is dropped and the waiting game begins again! Way to go Helen Hardt, you sure know how to keep us coming back for more. Another five star review from this reader!
Decadent, delicious, and dangerously addictive. Once you read the first page you won’t be able to put this down. You’ll be left sleep deprived but oh so satisfied. With pages of Braden and Skye under his every control and command. This was full of steamy, sex and hot, passion as they indulge in all of his secret desires. And Skye goes deeper than even Braden can imagine.
But Skye seems to becoming lost in her relationship with Braden as everything in her life is changing. Worried that what has happened in his past could leave her lost without him, as she starts to lose herself in his world of absolute trust and control. In her need to know the truth – in her need to control – Skye exhibited an utter lack of control. As Braden starts to open up even more to her will his love be able to save her from herself.
Titillation so masterfully woven no reader can resist its pull. Waiting anxiously for the next in this series. A must buy series.
Holy Hotness Batman! This story takes Skye deeper into the world of BDSM which Braden enjoys and Skye finally realizes what she has been missing all this time. The sensuality and deep connection that it evokes from her is something that she craves, but how far is she willing to go to please Braden.
Skye’s career as an social media influencer is taking off but at what cost? She’s feeling as if she is only wanted because she is the girlfriend of Billionaire Braden Black. Is that a bad thing? Is she selling herself short? Only time will tell.
Braden and Skye’s relationship is getting deeper, but while they are in love Braden is still holding himself back. He’s like an onion you have to peel the layers back to get to the center and with Braden you just don’t know how many layers there are or what you will find once you get there. But what I do know is that he has a habit of pushing Skye away whenever things get to close to his past so I am really wondering what skeleton is in his closet. There was one point where I thought I had it figured out but we haven’t been clued in yet so I will have to wait until more layers are peeled away in Follow Me Always which is due out in May.
If you enjoy Dark Romance, BDSM Romances, or are looking for a Hot Steamy Read this is the trilogy for you. but you need to read the books in the order of release because FOLLOW ME UNDER picks up right where Follow Me Darkly ended, so be sure to read that book first.
Happy Reading!!!
This is the 2nd book in this series and Braden and Skye’s story continues straight on from when #1 ended. Braden and Skye love each other, but he is becoming more controlling and demanding over her life, but he is not forthwith in sharing information about himself, which has her insecurities and trust issues increasing. This is a fast- paced story which is dark, intense, and with explosive chemistry, twists, emotions, which all leads to a steamy and all-consuming tale. I look forward to the next book in this series and I recommend this authors’ work for all lovers of a dark and intriguing storyline.
This second book is as good as the first! Skye and Braden still have the sizzling chemistry that can melt your panties off. However, I did find this book much more sensual and sexy as it wasn’t just about the act, but more about the whole experience. Though Skye and Braden were very likeable characters, I found Skye to be a bit annoying this time round. This story was highly entertaining and enjoyable to read. I can’t wait to see what happens in the third book!
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest opinion.
Follow Me Darkly should definitely be read first.
Can Skye move past her ex boss Addison and Braden relationship. I mean she has him now. But she is full of self doubt will that sabotage them. She’s trying to get her influencer job going. Yet she has Braden who wants control of it all. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Follow Me Under picks up right where things left off with Braden and Skye, so Follow Me Darkly must be read first.
The moment I started reading this book I couldn’t put it down. I got completely wrapped up in the story, the characters and well everything Braden Black. I wanted to know more about Braden, his secrets, his limits. While some questions were answered, some more came up!
There is no denying that the chemistry between Braden and Skye is explosive. Seriously, these two will melt your kindles! I loved that we got to see more to Braden and all his fantasies and Skye exploring them and finding her limits with it all. Braden is all about trust and he wants complete trust from Skye, however, there are things he is hiding and I am DYING to know.
Skye is struggling with her identity throughout this story, she is losing who she is as her relationship with Braden continues and she is experiencing a lot of changes in her life. While, people may not be experiencing the exact same issues as Skye, I think many can relate to it all on some level.
I can’t wait to see where Skye and Braden’s relationship goes, what secrets the man is still hiding and I truly hope that Skye is able to find herself and become a stronger woman.
If you’re looking for a steamy, erotic romance this series is one to check out!
Braden and Skye’s story has me hooked! Braden is such a strong alpha, and Skye is trying to learn to trust him, in the bedroom, and our of it. Their chemistry and connection is so powerful, it kept me glued to each page. I can’t wait for the conclusion of this series, to know what happens next!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie’s Book Reports.
Dating Boston’s billionaire bachelor has opened up a new world for Skye Manning. Opportunities are suddenly everywhere, her new career is flourishing, and she experiences luxury she’s only seen in the pages of magazines. So why does she feel like she is losing herself?
Braden Black never mean to fall in love with Skye, and he still tries to resist a relationship he knows he’s not wired for. But not only has Skye awoken something inside him-he’s stirring something dark and forbidden inside his Cinderella. Something even he can’t control.
This is the second book in Helen Hardt’s Follow Me Series. You have to read Follow Me Darkly first or you are going to be lost. This book picks up right where the first one left off. I so couldn’t wait to get this book in my hands. I just had to know what was going to happen to Braden and Skye. I really loved this book but I wasn’t the biggest fan of how Skye questions herself and thinks she is a fraud in this book. However I can see why she was doing it I just didn’t like her questioning herself. However this is a huge reason why I believe what happens at the end of the book happens and I am sure not giving that away. This book is so very very good. You get to spend more time with these two. You learn so much more about both Skye and Braden. I devoured this book and now I can not wait for the third one. I have to know what is going to happen as I closed this book with my heart in my throat. If you haven’t started this series you are going to want to right way. Do not miss this one. It is absolutely amazing.
Skye Manning is a twenty-four year old photographer, whose recently stepped into the limelight as an influencer.
Braden Black is an extremely successful self-made billionaire with deliciously dark, dominant needs. He’s never wanted a relationship but finds himself willing to try after falling in love with Skye.
These two met and fell in love in the previous book ‘Follow Me Darkly.’ This is their continued story as they navigate their new relationship and go deeper into their sexual fantasies. Taking them into bondage and the edgier side of BDSM eroticism.
From the last book I thought Sky was smart, talented and a control freak. I loved that she stood up for herself and her needs even while giving up control in the bedroom to Barden. In this book, I saw less of that and more petty, self sabotaging, immaturity. She lies even after promising not to. There’s a sense of high school drama and cattiness between her and her ex-boss and even some of her friends.
She may trust Braden with her body but her mind is another matter. Skye seems to be spiraling out of control in the light of day and seeking deeper darker adventures at night.
Helen Hardt creates a lush, sensual, decadent world, leaving us hanging on the edge. In saying that I really struggled with portions of the story outside their intimate moments. I found myself not liking Skye very much and flashbacks to elements ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ I’d rather not repeat.
This story includes BDSM scenes that may be difficult for some readers, read at your own discretion.
I received a free copy of this book and I’m voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/