An advance copy for a voluntary review was provided by NetGalley.

Loved this book and can't wait for the next one! The good news is that this one does not end on a cliffhanger but definitely has some unanswered questions that need to be resolved. The two characters in this story, Braden and Skye, were different yet had a connection that was was slowly revealed as the story progressed. We start the story a little differently and Braden and Skye meet at her work when he comes in to see her boss who is a popular influencer. It seems the boss and Braden did date previously years ago and there's some secrets there that kept the pages turning. I don't want to share too much but this was part of the draw of the story.

Meanwhile after meeting, Braden and Skye do connect again and things start to develop. It wasn't insta-love and I enjoyed the author's writing of each of the character's "outside" life that helped make them who they are. Skye is a photographer and takes care of all her boss's social posts but her goal is to become a famous photographer on her own. There is some jealousy which I like in a story and I'm not going to share who it's from or what happens but this added another aspect of angst to the story.

Braden is your typical brooding and controlling male. This is where the story becomes interesting and for those that like some BDSM, there is some in this book. I didn't feel it was heavy or dark but did add another element. Ms. Hardt definitely knows how to write some intense bedroom scenes and there were enough in the book to satisfy those that like these kinds of scenes but it wasn't overwhelming either. I felt like the storyline outside the bedroom was just as important.

I highly recommend this book and again, can't wait for the next one!

Holy crap!! Follow Me Darkly by Helen Hardt is a passionate, dark, and twisted love story that takes you into the world of Braden and Skye.
This book contains fifty-nine chapters of one of the hottest stories I've read this year. I couldn't get enough. I was utterly captivated by the first chapter and cannot wait to continue this story in the second book.

Braden seeks control while Skye desperately tries to hold on to hers. When Skye finally gives Braden control, everything falls into place. Well, until the past creeps up and leaves doubt and hesitation in Skye's mind.

*I received a complimentary copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

This book was HOT! Normally erotic romance isn't really for me because I find the hero's dominance to be unlikeable. That was NOT the case with Follow Me Darkly! I enjoyed the character development of both the hero and the heroine and thought this was an extremely well written story. The dom/sub relationship felt balanced to me-he was not aggressive or callous which has been my issue with most dom/sub stories. I also loved that the heroine was an equal partner in the relationship. I cannot wait for the next book-I need to know!

So I’ve read quite a few of this authors book, and have enjoyed most of them, so I was very excited to have the opportunity to read her new book Follow me Darkly. This story has a lot of Fifty Shades writing to it, which would be okay if the characters were somewhat likable,, I found Braden an arrogant jerk and Skye seemed to be a spineless woman who tried to assert herself but failed miserably in my opinion. Addison was a high maintenance moron that had no right to have any employees which made any interaction just irritating for me. The writing style was classic Helen Hardt, which is amazing, it’s just the storyline that turned me off, which is not normal for me with her books. Unfortunately this book didn’t do it for me. I loved Tessa and for the most part Betsy, but if things would have been a bit different it could have turned out to be a good read. Fifty Shades was its own incredible entity. Time to leave it be and write about something else.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

The opening of the book was great as it introduces our main character and her boss, and the ending was amazing as well, but the middle was so much stop and start. Some of the dialogue during the sex or when they were about to have sex was rather annoying and took me out of the moment. It redeems itself as the book goes on. When the author tries so how Brandon is not like other guys and how Skye isn't like other girls were so annoying. Overall, it was a fun read.

Bonk!! That is me falling to the floor, hitting my head while laid the freak out.

Let me tell you why I had to read this book. I did not care about the blurb - really it was an extra bonus. You know what now that I think about it , I have not read it completely . I skimmed it. sssh do not tell.

It was the cover! Ok, while the cover is not original, I still wanted the book for the shelfie love!!! The title said “Read Me If You Like BDSM” oh yeah, this book nerd wants her romance dark and dirty.

What is the book? I can hear my bestie shouting at me as I keep saying “Oh no he didn’t” For a hot minute, FOLLOW ME DARKLY was reading like a 3-star read for me. The author was using words like “vulva” and “climax”. Who uses the word Climax these days. I want my big Os literally and figuratively. Yeah, I said it. Each time the words appeared I was in a Sex Ed class. Nah not for me.

This book is about Braden Black. a self-made Billionaire from Boston who craves control. He wants control but he is also a ...... (read more on my blog)

selfish and sarcastic lover. Let just say he always get his. Poor Skye, I was feeling her frustration. Selfish AND secretive, once again not for me.

This book is about him meeting Skye a photographer waiting for her big break to work for National Geographic. Until that happens , she is the personal assistant to a Kardashian-like Influencer- Addison Ames.

Yeah, while you scroll through your IG feed did you ever think Ms. Thing with 10 million followers had a personal photographer to take her pictures and get this- they hold their arm out to make it look as if they are taking a selfie !!!!!!

Maybe it just me, but I will never look at Instagram the same way again. Thank you Ms. Hardt for the Ted Read. (Did you get it?)

Anyways, I deviate back to Braden. Braden Black meets Skye and suddenly his mind is a muddle mess. He cannot conduct business. He is doing the MOST like “ dating” to keep Skye in his bed.


But wait a minute, Skye craves control too. Now you have a collision of two people. Well, you know when two things rub together it creates smoke. So, Braden and Skye are smoking up the sheets like it is nobody’s bizzes. There is a little bit of this and a whole lotta that. And I learn the name of a certain object I see often in BDSM photos. Thank you, Ms. Hardt for helping me with my BDSM knowledge. So, of course wherever there is smoke there is fire. And the cauldron of flames is the limo. Yeah, the damn limo was a game changer. Now, we have a 4-star read.

Back to the plot. Braden has a mysterious past filled with secrets. Apparently, some people are aware of them. While everyone refuses to share the details with Skye, she is left doubting her relationship with Braden. Both friends and frenemies are cautioning her to stay away from Braden because he is trouble.

Her: “ ....Braden Black is dangerous.”

Me: Oh, hell yeah, HE is - can I have two of him.


Now let me explain when this book became a 5-star read. Ya’ll it did not have anything to do with SEX! Yes, I forgave Ms. Hardt for every vulva and climax written. Wowzah!!! Braden became THE MAN. When you read what happens, please drop a line, and tell me what you think. I learn another new word, but I do not want to dare spoil this for a new reader. DM if you want to know the details.

BUT SHUT THE FRONT DOOR !!!! ITS A CLIFFHANGER AND I HAVE ONE THING TO SAY:

Can we fast forward through Thanksgiving and Christmas? I need Book Two now. Even though it is a cliffy Ms. Hardt does a great job giving you a landing like butter without greasing the wheels.

What I am trying to say: We still do not know the secret and that is a cliffhanger you can salivate over knowing something but still not knowing. Know what I am saying?

Read Follow Me Darkly today. A smart pace and well-crafted story await you and you can thank me later.

Thank you, Entangled Publishing and Helen Hardt, for the gifted copy. I knew when I saw this book cover it was meant for me to read and enjoy it.

READING WITH LOLA OUT! #readwithlola #milehighkinkbookclub

Follow Me Darkly by Helen Hardt is an intense, raw, erotic, mysterious, complex, suspenseful, intriguing, sexy romance read that takes the reader on quite the ride and leaves them on the edge quite literally with a Cliffhanger ending. Braden is a self made Billionaire who knows what he wants and gets it; Skye is an aspiring photographer and is an assistant and photographer for influencer, Addison Ames who is a hotel heiress. Braden is 35 to Skye's 24. They had a chance meeting when Braden came to meet her boss and Braden met Skye. There was an immediate connection/chemistry between them. The story follows how he made her a proposition that she can't refuse. I won't say anymore because...spoilers. Just know the start of the series is really good. The cliffhanger had me going "OMG". I can't wait for book 2.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *******

When a farm girl from Kansas meets a self-made billionaire from Boston, the attraction is swift and the rules are made to be broken.

Skye Manning is a strong woman in control and lives by her own code. She is biding her time as a social media influencer and personal assistant to a vapid and self-important heiress until she can work full time on her photography. In walks the commanding and seductive Braden Black, self-made billionaire, and Skye’s control starts to crumble along with her heart. But Braden has a secret past and people are warning her to be careful. Will his past destroy her?

Skye and Braden have a very provocative and carnal relationship with lots of erotic sex, but little else. I felt that Skye needs to stick to her guns and not totally lose herself in his demanding broody darkness. He’s hiding something important enough that others have warned her about him. As for Braden, he definitely has some issues, but I see bits of compassion and kindness in him. Though the book ends with hope for their relationship, a lot of things need to get resolved and I get a sinking feeling that they are heading for heartache as the series continues.

Overall, this is an alluring & sensual billionaire erotic romance with angst, lots of hot sex, and dark secrets. If you enjoy the jealous and possessive hero type, with a strong heroine who constantly challenges him in and outside the bedroom, give this book a try. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

Thank you to Ms. Hardt and Entangled Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

FIFTY SHADES…MOVE OVER!
Oh. My. Word. What happens when the enigmatic billionaire appears to fall for a lowly Assistant? Fireworks. That’s what!
Skye Manning is Personal Assistant to hotel heiress, Addison Ames who gets so many opportunities to push products on social media that she needs a photographer to do her “selfies.” Skye is her photographer, gopher and anything else she needs. This is not the job that Skye hoped to have but it pays the bills and she does get to utilize her photography skills…so. After one such “selfie” event, Addison gets an unkind remark on her Instagram account, which Skye immediately deletes but somehow Addie sees it. She knows the unkind remark-maker, Braden Black, from a long time ago. He’s the billionaire aforementioned. Circumstances occur that brings Braden to Addison’s office and he meets Skye. Fireworks!!! He tells her he wants her in his bed. Just like that. Now we wonder, if Braden is so great (he most definitely is a superior hunk of man), why does Addie hate him so? Skye is stunned by Braden’s attraction. Can she really pass up this opportunity? Oh! And, Skye has a sensitive secret she’s been keeping. Will Braden change that? Afterall, he’s on everyone’s to-do list ;-)
This is part one of the trilogy and I’ve bought them all! There is steam, secrets, humor, surprises and so much more. I can already tell this series is going to be off-the-charts in anticipation and expectation. I volunteered to review an ARC through Entangled/NetGalley and it comes highly recommended. Minimum 5 stars…more if I could. Can’t wait to read the next one! Waiting is torture…maybe not BDSM but still…

Follow Me Darkly by Helen Hardt is a great book in the series Follow Me. I read it all in one day as I could not put it down. This is Braden and Skye’s erotic romance story. These two have an instant connection that pulls you along with them. Braden is so dark and commanding that of course you need to obey him. The erotic nature of this book is “Wow”, and very well written. Be warned, it is a cliffhanger and the next book will pick up with more of Braden and Skye. What a unique series. I look forward to reading more about these two.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

It's all about control ...

WOW!!!! Where do I start? FOLLOW ME DARKLY is sexy, sensual and addictive. From the moment I picked this book up I couldn't put it down. Helen Hardt's writing is superb. Braden Black and Skye Manning are delectable. Passion, possession and infatuation run rife throughout this story.

"You're all I think about and it ... perplexes me. Not much perplexes me, Skye. You're like a narcotic. I hunger for you."

Ske Manning is a photographer, working for an Instagram influencer. Even though she enjoys her job, it's not her dream. Her dream is to have one day one of her photographs in National Geographic. Skye's wonderful, she's feisty, independent and occasionally naive, but she has one downfall ... she doesn't like giving up control.

Braden Black is a self-made billionaire, running his own company. This man is HOT!!!! Braden is sexy, possessive and dominant in all aspects of his life. He's also very mysterious - especially when it comes to parts of his past. The moment he sets sight on Skye he wants her ... he wants to control her ... in the bedroom.

"I'm lost without him. Lost without giving all of me to him."

From the moment Skye and Braden meet it becomes a battle of wills. Both needing and wanting total control in the bedroom. Braden has certain tastes in the bedroom, that borders on the darker side, tastes that require control ... but is Skye willing to give in and submit to his control?

"I have more in store for you, now that I control you in the dark. Will you follow me Skye? Trust me to give you all kinds of pleasure?

Helen Hardt has written the perfect introduction to Skye and Braden's story. It's an intriguing one that had me gripped from the beginning. There are a few twists and turns, which adds intrigue and a touch of mystery. I'm dying to find out more about Braden Black and his dark ways.

FOLLOW ME DARKLY is simply irresistible.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS ✨✨✨✨✨

Braden and Skyes story sucked me in from the beginning and this does end on a major cliffhanger and I can’t wait for book two!! Skye is sweet but prefers to not be noticed and even though she seems kinda mousy in a way she needs to keep control, that all changes when she meets Braden who is dark, enigmatic and a mystery but he doesn’t need control, he demands control. This story is the perfect combo of steam, mystery and delicious.

A sensual romance with a little darkness thrown in. The writing and plot create this amazing world filled with chemistry and mystery that keeps you on your toes. The character development is flawless. They are so complex but fit eachother in a way that no one else will. I was so blown away by this book and I can't wait to read the next in the series.

Braden - hmm - he's that damaged, mysterious guy that makes a girl want to save him and makes her feel amazing to be the object of his affection. The fact that he's an enigmatic self-made billionaire and gorgeous don't hurt either.

Skye's the ever suffering personal assistant to a woman who's grown up so rich she's horribly out of touch for from some reason needs the validation of thousands of anonymous internet followers. She's got a history with Braden but no one's talking about what turned them so radically against each other.

I want to like Braden but there's too much unknown to really decide. I do like Skye and hope the big city and it's inhabitants aren't going to end up eating this Kansas girl alive.

It was interesting to watch the progression of Skye and Braden's relationship. It was great to see Skye move out of Addison's shadow. However, few answers were given in this book. The reader must come back for the next to see what happened before and what's going to come of all this.

The book was romantic and sexy in all the right ways. I'm definitely wondering what comes next!

Feels 4
Steam 4
Storyline 5
Overall Rating 5
Kindle eArc provided by Netgalley

Holy smokes this book was amazing! That ending though!! Now what am I going to do?! Gahhhh. It was beautifully written with the perfect amounts of angst, steam and tension to keep me sucked in the entire time. Definitely a must read! Especially if you like your books with a little bit of kink. Okay...a lot of bit of kink. LOL! Sooo good.

Skye Manning is working as a photographer for Addie Ames, an heiress and social media influencer. She helps Addie stages selfies and handles whatever minor office work for her. When a recent post goes viral and garners the attention of billionaire Braden Black everything in Skye’s world shifts upside down.

Starts out a bit 50 Shades of Gray-ish which scared me because I’m not a big fan of those types of stories but I came to like both characters and enjoyed where the story went. Braden is not like most billionaire. He comes across a bit cold but you can see it is just his style to keep people away. He is a self made man and knows exactly what he wants.

Skye is very organized and in control of her life. Being with Braden pushes her control to levels that she is uncomfortable with but can’t help wanting. She has never experienced any sexual experience as intense as she has with Braden. The only problem is that she wants more but a man like him doesn’t do relationships or does he?

I know some my label this BDSM and elements of it does fall into it. It is still a bit more on the tame side. Braden expresses some of his kinkier thoughts but they don’t actually play out just yet. I look forward to seeing how far they both will go. How dark is too dark?

The sex scenes are passionate and intense. I like how Skye held onto her control but knew when to let go.

The mystery around Braden and some of the other characters keeps the story flowing. I just wish that we got a few more answers. The story ends on a cliffhanger and I’m wondering why this story could not have been told in one book.

Despite the rocky start, I became invested. As mentioned, earlier there is a cliffhanger but I want to know what happens next.

~ Samantha

Wow, Wow, WOW! What a read! I hate waiting for the next book in a series. This book sucked me in, chewed me up, and spit me out! The twists and turns in this book left me breathless and wanting more. Readers can feel the lust coming from Braden and Skye. Wow...just WOW!

This book was incredible and I NEED more. Yes, it was left on a cliffhanger but I didn't care; I knew since I have read other series by Helen, and this is just as addicting as that one. Braden Black is giving Christian Grey a run for his money. I can't wait to see where the next two books are going to take Braden and Addison.⁠⠀

I have read all of Helen Hardt's "Steel Brothers" books. I have enjoyed the back stories and tolerated the sex scenes. So, I was anxious to read this story by her. I was slightly disappointed. The whole time I felt like I was reading a 50 Shades of Grey knock-off. So many things were the same....Black (vs Grey), being a dominating billionaire, the riding crop, the fundraiser gala where the girl wore a sex toy under her clothes, the feathered mask, even the word "beguiled" was thrown in there. Nothing came as a surprise or seemed original. I am interested to see how the whole Addison thing plays out, so I will of course, read on when the next book comes out. But, I hope it has more originality.

I'm enamored with this series! Follow Me Darkly will captivate you and keep you entertained from start to finish. This book will leave you breathless and counting down the days until the next release. Skye and Braden both have their secrets, but the journey from acquaintances to more will have you turning the pages as fast as you can read. I enjoyed everything about this book and can't wait until the next installment release. This will definitely be a series I revisit often!