Cover Image: Under

Under

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Member Reviews

This is book 5 in the Follow Me series. It is in Braden's point of view and companion to Follow Me Under which is in Skye's point of view.
Skye and Braden continue navigating through their new relationship. Skye's influencer job continues to grow as she acquires new contracts. Skye also learns things about Braden that intrigue her but is unfortunately left hanging when he won't answer a particular set of questions.
Opinion
This book, since it is in Braden's point of view, answers so many questions. I was a bit shocked at what had happened. However, it makes a lot of the story make so much sense. What is divulged really does help to define his character.
This book, like the others, has pretty intense scenes that are not for anyone under 18. The scenes are well written (as I've come to expect them to be with Hardt.) For those of you who like closed doors in your romances, you can obviously skip the intimate parts. Fair warning though, each scene may take a few chapters.
It had been a while since I read the last book. I was able to quickly come back to what was going on. While there isn't a lot of recapping the story, I felt like the story was distinct enough that it was an easy recall.
I think this is my favorite series of hers which considering how much I love the Steel Brothers series, that says a lot. Hardt has a way with writing dark romances that just draws the reader in.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book.

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This is a companion novel to “Follow Me Under” and is told from Braden’s POV. Braden is controlling, possessive, and insightful, and he understands what Skye needs and wants before she does. Skye is fiercely independent but is growing increasingly frustrated when Braden does not open up about his past, which he hates to talk about. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable, and there are challenges to overcome along the way off their new relationship. This is a well written story which is an emotional roller coaster, which has intrigue, challenges, trust, and love, which leads to a steamy, intense, and addictive page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Greys Promotions and the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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I enjoyed reading Braden’s POV of one of my favorite series! I love him and Skye together. There were some pretty steamy scenes. No spoilers. Hope we get to read the last book in the series from his POV. I was given advance copy for a voluntary review.

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I really do like dual POV when I read a book, and when the entire book is written from the others POV even the better!

We see Braden's point of view in Under, and it opens your eyes and understanding of the man!

Ms. Hardt captures my mind, heart and libido with her stories, and I'm always happy to see a new release on its way!

Really, read this series! I am loving it!

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If you read Follow Me Under, I think you'll enjoy Under. This book is told from Braden's POV. I really enjoy this because even though I'd read Skye's book, this book did not feel repetitive.
Braden seems so reserved in Skye's books, I love being able to see how she affects him and how he processes his emotions.


Of course, all the things Braden Black doesn't normally do are changed by Skye. They're now in a relationship and in love. Yet, there are still things he'd like to explore with Skye.

But is she ready? Those darker desires require trust. His and hers. But his past mistakes are coming between them. Will they be able to get through this?

Thank you so much to the author, Entangled, and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

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"Being in love is about giving up a little of my control.”

Under continues the Follow Me series with Braden’s POV. We finally learn Braden’s innermost thoughts and feelings about Skye and why he must be in control of everything. This insight into his character was crucial for me in order to feel more connected to both characters.

“Skye Manning will always be a challenge.”

Braden’s love for Skye is obvious throughout the story. He has never felt this way about anyone, but he doesn’t know how to express those feelings and retain his control. He can’t understand why his refusal to talk about his past is an issue and it causes problems in his relationship with Skye. She’s insecure and this makes her even less confident in herself.

No woman has ever gotten under my skin the way you have.”

I loved getting into Braden’s mind and I think I enjoy the story more from his POV. The conflict between his love for Skye and his need for control and secrecy is maddening yet intriguing. Underneath that cold exterior, he feels so much.

Full of secrets, love, and so much steam, Under grips the reader from the first page and will have you eagerly waiting for the final book in Braden’s POV.

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First time reading this author and first book I read in the series. I felt it was a great read and easy to catch on to storyline. If you don't like to start series in the middle I highly recommend reading the previous books before this one (this is book 5). Brayden and Skye's relationship has progressed and they are now working on (at least Skye) understanding and learning more about their partners likes. Most important is their ability to give each other COMPLETE trust. During this book the TRUST challenges are present for Skye. Although Skye says she completely trusts Brayden there are pockets where it is evident she does not 100% trust him. In addition to giving 100% trust in their relationship, Skye is also trying to find her place in the world and manage her personal relationships with friends. Brayden is very much aware of all of the things Skye is working through and is willing to work with her but not having 100% Trust is a non negotiable for him. If they are to work moving forward 100% Trust is a requirement!

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Oh naughty, naughty was this book. Helen has brought Braden and Skye to that pivotal point where they ask, is this real or is this playing. I enjoyed every ounce of this book. I absolutely love Braden! I found his character to be so strong, so masculine and domineering.
The man knows how to take a woman and bend her to the wheel of satisfaction. I give him an A plus on the Richter scale of orgasms. Skye was alright for the book, but I think she like challenging Braden and picking meaningless arguments, almost child like I thought. Braden needs a real woman. This was a fun read.

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Braden’s POV of events from previous books; 3.5 stars for irritation
I wish I could say I enjoyed this book. The last book in Braden’s POV was great. This story overlaps parts of “Follow Me Under” and “Follow Me Always.” However, in this book I can only see Braden and Skye as spoiled and self-centered characters and it ends on a low note which is odd since we already had the HEA in “Follow Me Always.” The intimate scenes are off-the-charts sensuous and numerous. Highly descriptive word pictures.
I was irritated because this is a rehash of a story that I thought already ended beautifully in “Follow Me Always.” Honestly, in the beginning I wasn’t aware that I was going back in time until a few events occurred and I thought I remembered them from past books. Irritated that it strains incredulity that we should accept that Skye has no idea about the BDSM lifestyle when you know her voracious inquisitiveness would have sent her to research at least enough to know what “scene” meant. Irritated that Skye can’t keep herself from badgering Braden and he won’t admit the full extent of his feelings for Skye. The last two irritations were part of the plot in previous books but more believable than this rehash. I’m sorry. This was a well-written and edited romance but this book is superfluous in this series.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Entangled/NetGalley.

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This was more of an erotic book than I expected. Skye and Braden were in a relationship, but Skye seemed to want to control it and Braden was not having it. He didn't want a submissive at all times, but he expected her compliance in bed or at the club. I felt she needed to not poke at him so much. There were things he did not want to tell her about a prevous relationship and she just wouldn't drop it. I'm not sure they will make it as a couple. Love is there, but there needs to be more

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I have such an unhealthy obsession with Helen Hard books for the exact reason that once I start reading them there is no way I can get enough of them. Braden and Skye were easily my favourite pair to ever fall in love with because well let's be honest it's Braden and Skye. Their entire relationship is pushed and tested to limits that only couples strong enough to survive can, and they do survive and then the ending absolutely wracked every possible emotion from my body without any regard for how invested I was in Skye and Braden. This was a book I literally couldn't put down and when I got to the end I was desperate for more in their story because Helen writes characters so well you can't help but desperately need and want more. I'm obsessed with this book, without a doubt, obsessed.

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Under by Helen Hardt is book 5 in the series. This book is from Braden's point of view and I loved seeing it from his perspective since we already read Skye's version. You learn about Braden and Skye's relationship so much more from seeing it now on both sides. Holy smokes the steam and chemistry is undeniable! The passion and desire for each other is what these books are made of! I love everything from Ms. Hardt and look forward to reading more!

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Powerful and enigmatic billionaire Braden Black doesn’t do relationships. He doesn’t fall in love. But ever since meeting Skye Manning, he’s breaking every one of his careful rules. He just can’t get enough of her fierce independence and the white hot sizzle of attraction between them. Of course, there are still lessons Skye has yet to learn…

Only Braden isn’t sure Skye is ready. Falling in love is one thing. Inviting her completely into his world and the reality of his darker, most forbidden appetites is quite another. It’s about trust. His and hers. But his past mistakes are catching up with them both. And Braden is running out of time to show Skye the things she’s never imagined…and have only just begun.
Book 5 of follow me series
Really enjoyable read totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC
I just reviewed Under by Helen Hardt. #Under #NetGalley

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Helen Hardt does steamy masterfully. Braden Black takes the reader on the journey of his fiery relationship with Skye. Go with him on as he rides out his thoughts and emotions. It is steamy open door lovemaking. Their relationship rides the waves and ends on a cliffhanger.

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Under by Helen Hardt continues Braden Black's perspective in the Follow Me series following his own book, Darkly. I would not recommend reading the series out of order because you will be missing out on a chunk of the story, character progression, and romance between the two main characters. I have to admit that I had mixed feelings starting this book because of my last experience with Braden and Skye in Follow Me Always. However, I wanted to know what Braden was thinking because I remember being incredibly frustrated with him in Follow Me Under. He kept asking for Skye's trust but refused to talk about his past and even gave her an ultimatum—let it go or lose him forever. I like that we're given more insight as to why Braden hated talking about his past with Addison and wanted to move on. He was in love with Skye but she was too curious for her own good.

There is no denying the fact that Braden and Skye's relationship has always been explosive and they continue to burn up the pages in this latest installment. Nevertheless, this couple has always been a rollercoaster of emotions for me because of the way they covet and need control. It was like watching two sides fight each other for dominance, which left me frustrated because he expected so much from the woman he loves but was not willing to give parts of himself to her. I thought it was also interesting that even though he wanted to shower her with love and care for her, Braden would often steel himself from doing so because of his own insecurities and wanting to control everything. It did help soften my feelings towards him because I initially thought he was so cruel to Skye in her own book.

In the end, this book was a fascinating revelation behind the mystery and man that is Braden Black. He is certainly more than meets the eye and I liked seeing that he had his own internal struggles to contend with. I initially doubted his love for Skye but it seems like he loved her more than I thought and thought she was so beautiful despite her thinking otherwise. She constantly tested his control and made him so angry but he still wanted to be with her. I am very happy and appreciative of the fact that Helen Hardt has decided to give us Braden's perspective in his story with Skye because I would have always wondered what he was thinking during their tumultuous relationship. I recommend this book to those who like reading the dark billionaire romance trope with a possessive and controlling hero who struggles to love his sweet and curious heroine.

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Thank you NetGalley, Entangled Publishing, and Helen Heart for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

While I love Helen Hardt’s writing, I’m not sure this one did it for me and I really hate to say that. I felt without the spice in this book, not only would the plot have made no sense, but there would be no book. While I understand this genre is heavy on the spice, it just felt like that was the only thing holding this book together.

I understand the purpose of Braden’s point of view and I appreciate it, but it made me really dislike him as a character. He is beyond controlling (even self admitted) and I found it difficult to find any redeeming qualities in him.

For Skye, she is such a sweet and happy girl and the fact that she’s just willing to give Braden literally every part of her even scares him in the end and it just made me feel uncomfortable.

While I’ve read other series by Helen that I’ve loved and adored, I just don’t think this one is for me unfortunately.

Again, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC, but unfortunately I would not recommend it.

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I absolutely loved getting Braden's POV on the events that happened in Follow Me Under. This story lets us know EVERYTHING that was going on in his mind when they unfolded and I will say that things are rather interesting where he's concerned.

Skye and Braden are still navigating their way around their new relationship. There are issues with Braden not wanting to talk about certain events of his past and since part of that past is always popping up, it makes things difficult for Skye. The chemistry is great between the two and it only gets better as they embark on a new journey in their sexual relationship.

This was almost a five star read for me but I felt at times the story was a bit choppy at the beginning, not sure why this happened since Follow Me Under flowed nicely. But overall it was a great read.

This series must be read in the order of release otherwise the story will not make sense to you since this book picks up right where DARKLY left off, this book also leaves you with a cliffhanger.

I would recommend this book and series to those that enjoy Steamy New Adult Contemporary Romances, Age Gap Romances, or BDSM Romances.

Happy Reading!!!

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I love everything that Helen Hardt writes and this is no exception! Under, the 5th book in the Follow Me series is the second book told from Braden's POV. I appreciate the different insight and although many may think it's a retelling of the same story, I would disagree and say that the author does a fantastic job of telling a similar story, but with an entirely different "twist".

I have enjoyed the continuation of Skye and Braden's love story, although I do find Skye to be a bit needy. With that being said, Skye has continued to grow and mature, coming into herself and becoming more trustful and open with Braden. Braden is also growing in opening up to Skye and letting her into his world, which has never been something he has experienced before. The growth and development of both characters has progressed by leaps and bounds. I appreciate the vulnerability that the author allows, even for Braden who is perceived to be tough and hard.

Overall, this book is another scorcher! The heat between these two characters is off the charts. You can't help but wonder how the author can bring them to life the way she does, but all I can say is keep doing it!! I cannot wait for the next in the series and to see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for Under.

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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
WOW...Another scorcher from Helen Hardt. She writes erotica with a storyline which keeps the plot moving along. I have read the first in the series and now this one, Got to read the in between ones ASAP.

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Under is a fantastic read. Skye and Braden are still walking that fine line of their relationship. Skye is growing, changing, and trying to find herself. Braden is still holding back part of himself. I love the pull between Skye and Braden as this series goes on. Braden has his reasons and Skye likes to push for answers. They are read hot together, and I love how you question will they last, or will they just sizzle out when it comes to their own wants and needs. I loved this one so much. I could not put it down. I cannot wait to see what happens to Skye and Braden as limits are really pushed in more Follow Me books.

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