This was a relatively short read but it was a hard one to finish. I didn't like any of these characters except the dogs and possibly Tessa. Braden was an arrogant, presumptuous jerk and Skye was just annoying. The focus on Instagram was just odd, and the idea that a busy billionaire would comment on the post of someone he dated a decade earlier, and then tell her off in person for being rude to his receptionist is beyond belief. The whole secret of what happened between Braden and Addie was built up so much that the big reveal was disappointing, and there's no HEA so if you want to know what happens you better be willing to commit to the series. Aside from a few inconsistencies the writing was good, but if you're not a fan of 50 Shades of Gray this book might be a struggle.

Loved this scintillating and spicy read. Ms. Hardt keeps you guessing until the very end. Had a very hard time putting this book down!!

Let me just start off by saying thank you so much to Netgalley and Helen Hardt for letting me read and review this wonderful book! I really appreciate it!

Synopsis:
I’ve always been a control freak. But he makes me crave submission…
Working for a hotel heiress and social media influencer may not be my dream job, but at least it allows me time to do what I really love—take photographs. Pretty good for a wholesome farm girl from Kansas trying to make it in Boston. Life may not be easy working for a diva, but at least I know what to expect.
Until blue-collar billionaire Braden Black strides into the office. He’s beyond handsome and sexy, but also domineering with a definite hard edge. I’m not sure why he’s interested in me, but within a few weeks, he’s showing me a world I never knew existed.
He’s opened up a side of me I can only face in the dark, and it’s quickly becoming an obsession. How can I give up something this addictive—even if his secrets could ultimately destroy me?

Let me just say that I love a good romance and erotic novel and this definitely delivered on that aspect. The main character works for a high up hotel heiress who is a internet influencer and people pay her to market their stuff so they can make more sales. The main character has a degree in photography and she thinks that working for this heiress and taking her pictures for her blog would help her dreams in working in National Geographic. One day she was at the office when the sexy billionaire enters and turns her life upside down.

He wants her control and she is a control freak!! She has never experienced a certain thing until she meets him and man is she wanting more!! This book has it's up's and it has it's down's. But one thing for sure is that it is a steamy little novel. I love how the billionaire tries her and wants her to let go of her control and give it to him. But she is having some turmoil in doing so! I love how in this book, as a reader you have turmoil with the main character such as: "Should I give in?" " Should I call him back?" "Should I go for it?"


This book reminded me in a lot of ways of 50 shades of Grey with the BDSM and the Billionaire, but it has it's own merits like the Billionaire knows what he wants and doesn't have to much of a secret past. (That we know of yet) And the character is a strong, sexy, smart, and determined woman! And you follow them and their character development throughout this book. I honestly cannot wait for what the author has in store for these characters and her next book! Because I will say that is definitely makes you want more!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was really excited to read this book but sadly it didn't do much for me.

'Follow Me Darkly' was like reading a c grade version of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' There's nothing wrong with dark romance, I thoroughly enjoy it, but for me to get fully immersed, it needs to be original.

It also has to be believable, to some degree.

In this case, Skye is a 24-year-old woman who has never had an orgasm. I found that odd. I guess it could have been possible but the fact that she had a drawer stuffed full of sex toys and couldn't get herself off made the plot point unrealistic.

Not only did I find some of the sex scenes and their descriptions clinical but one, in particular, infuriated me. I absolutely HATE when the male character withholds an orgasm from the female character. It feels demeaning and leaves me with an icky feeling that's hard to shake.

I have no desire to continue on with the series but I would give Helen Hardt another try.

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.

Thankyou Entagled (NetGalley) for giving the opportunity to read Follow Me Darkly ARC; Every si gle opinion in this review is my own and it is what I think about this book. Let. Me just say that this is my first Helen Hardt book I'ver read. I have seen her books, but I never had the chance to buy them. So, when I got the email from NetGalley, where they were promoting this book,the first thing that attracted me from it was the cover; I love the cover because it is basically black and white but it stands out and speaks by itself, it kind of has a touch of elegance. It is not just simple b&w cover.

I won't tell you about the story because I believe that you would rather go straight to the point, which is my opinion. The plot was HOT, really HOT. The story between Skye and Braden is sweet, spicy hot; it got me hook since the first chapter. I couldn't put it down! I did but because I had to go to work, but I was reading it even at lunch or dinner time. Braden is a dominant & alpha man who loves control, while Skye is a control freak, really likesto have it and not to give it which it's her flaw. I love how Braden is, he's sweet and caring and .... Braden. He sometimes was a jerk which I didn't like of me because I know he can be better. Skye was a little bit annoying for me but I understand it was her need to have and keep control. Braden got me, for real. I was sold on this story from the begining. It could be because while reading Follow Me Darkly, it gave me Fifty Shades vibes and I'm a huge fan of this trilogy. The down side about this book, for me, is that I have to wait until Januaary 26th, 2021 tl see Braden again.

Lastly, I really fell in love with the story, it is hot, sweet, keeps you engaged about what is next, and last but least, "You are my Everest, Bradenz."

Wow, I am so captivated by Braden and Skye’s story. It’s such a mystery and just when things are starting to open up I am left on the edge. I must say the emotions are high, their is pain and lots of suspense, loving every moment . This story has definitely peeked my curiosity. I love that Braden is dark and mysterious it truly fits his character and adds charm to him. I also adores Skye, she reminds me of myself love control, honest and very curious. The two of them together are a match made can’t wait to see how their story progress and to finally get the release to questions in my mind.

Follow Me Darkly was a very erotic and sensual story about a young woman surrendering her control to an enigmatic older man. This book is very well written and incredibly addictive, I couldn't put it down! Because it's written from the heroines point of view only, I desperately wanted to know what the hero was thinking, what his many secrets are and why he will not talk about his past. It wasn't until I neared the end of the book that I realized a huge cliffhanger was coming. I can't wait to read the next book! Excellent read! Highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. #FollowMeDarkly #NetGalley #HelenHardt

The first in a new series. Liked it but am honestly a little leery that this will be drawn out into too many books. Unless some shocking mystery comes out this needs to be a 2-3 series max. Liked the book, and the writing is good but the shock factor it seemed to be leading up to was luke warm

I just love these characters in Follow Me Darkly. I've never read a Helen Hardt book before and I'm in love with her writing. But these characters - Skye just pops off the page and makes you want to be that amazing person she inspires to be in life. Braden is just as dark and broody as the next alpha male but he has so many secrets that Ms. Hardt keeps you guess and never divulges the answers. Which leaves you at the cliff ready to jump into book two but you will have to wait. Like all good cliffhangers she leaves you wanting more of her characters and her writing. So glad I didn't pass this one by and I never will again. Helen Hardt has a new fan that just can't get enough.

All I can say is “WOW”! I’m not a big fan of continuing stories, mainly because I don’t have the patience to wait. But, Ms Hardt has the ability to keep the tension, sexual and emotional, going and makes you want to know more. Both Braden and Skye need and crave control but can they give it up for each other? Why is being in control so important to them and what was the cause? How do past relationships affect the present? Will we meet Braden’s brother and father? What happened to his mother? If the next book is as hot and steamy as this one, then I sure can’t wait. Another winner from Ms Hardt!

Fast read. Not happy I have to wait for book 2..Writing is ok. Don’t really like the characters. No reason to like them. Not sure where the story is going.

Mmmm bit by bit give up the control. Yummm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love billionaire stories. I don’t know why. I think it’s just the fact that they get what they want which as a woman we should run from. LOL

There’s also that control aspect and business knowledge. The sales and negotiation acumen comes into play especially when it comes to negotiating terms of their next conquest.

This book started innocently enough with some great characters: the boss you love to hate and the photography major working for an Instagram influencer. Somewhat naïve but old enough to know what she wants. Then there is Braden! Oh my!

Being swept along by Braden has to be a definite ego trip and Hardt hit it perfectly with her step by step walk down the garden path.

He asked for a little control today. A little more control the next day and he keeps coming back because there truly is something special about her that he finds intriguing.

The author showcases her craft with this awesome story and her timing is perfect. A little mystery of who he is. The apprehension, and then complete all in as Skye starts giving him more and more of her.

This is a super-steamy sexy read that includes a little taste of erotica and BDSM. It’s ramping up hotter and hotter leading to some issues along the way. But then we get tossed right into the cliffhanger. Ack!

Hardt certainly grabbed me hard with this heated story and I cannot wait for the sequel!

Compelling, fabulous character development and connection, a plot that keeps you wondering what is coming, and those sexy times that bring a bit of sweat to your brow!

And that cover? Damn! Right out of the book! Yesssssssss

This was an amazing book. Skye was hard working, sexy amd needed control. Brayden was dominate, sexy and rich. When they meet sparks fly and Skye learns what true pleasure is

Such a gorgeous cover. Snagged me immediately, and the story didn’t disappoint.
Braden is the gorgeous, dark and mysterious self-made billionaire, who has a clear understanding of the impact created by avid social media followers online. Skye is the talented young photographer, trying to pay her dues to grow in her chosen field and follow her dream. Working as an assistant to an extremely successful social media influencer is her path to the future. Or so she hopes.
Lots of delicious explicit content, and definitely felt several nods to fifty shades. However, Follow Me Darkly creates its own high energy path with an experienced look at the movers and shakers in the young consumers of today.
Read it once. Then, it isn’t my norm, but I couldn’t resist and went back and read it again. It was just as yummy the second time around. Gnashing my teeth that I have to wait for the next book because I’m beyond ready and will be watching for it!
Highly recommend this delicious page-turner!

Helen Hardt is a new to me author. The main characters are Braden and Skye. Braden is a self-made billionaire and Skye is a personal assistant to a hotel heiress, but her dream is to become a famous photographer.
Follow Me Darkly is an edgy, sexy read with a touch of darkness. It is a story between two adults who crave control, but must learn to give it up, especially in the bedroom. There is a lot of drama from supporting characters and Braden brings an edge of mysteriousness to this story as well.
This fast paced read that had me hooked me from the very beginning. I wish there was a little more build up to Braden and Skye’s relationship, I missed the push and pull that gets your heart racing. Braden meets Skye at her office, after confronting her boss. Which ends in an invite to dinner. However, I feel that there is more to this meeting than meets the eye.
Overall, this is a solid 4 star read. The book does end on a bit of a cliff hanger. Nothing to crazy but it leaves you wanting more. I am eagerly waiting for Follow Me Under which releases in January of 2021.

WOW! What an interesting and fiery story. Good characters and the plot kept me hooked. Excellent writing.

Skye grew up on a farm in Kansas. She‘s an aspiring photographer working for a mega-influencer. Addison Ames is an heiress and media influencer. Braden is a self made billionaire with a ton of followers. His popularity status awards him recognition everywhere he goes. Skye is introduced to Braden’s followers turning Skye into an instant media sensation.

Overall:
Follow Me Darkly is about two characters one with a large social media following and the other a nobody. This nobody has trouble relinquishing control. It a two fold story in which Braden introduces Skye to his fetish desires. The second part is the posts used to gain followers.

I’m a little turned off by Braden’s entire focus on having sex with Skye. He keeps pushing the issue with her by stating how he wants her in his bed. It seems so shallow and disrespectful. Although, Skye is too eager to have sex so she concedes everytime.

It’s a sexually driven story with graphic and vulgar language. The language used to describe the sex scenes was too clinical. It was not sexy dirty talk. I’m not turned on by words like vulva and perineum. Not to mention the story lacks angst build up because they have sex immediately.

The way these two characters connect physically makes it difficult to connect on a deeper level. I’m turned off by the need for sex this soon. I prefer strong willed female characters who play hard to get.

I’m really struggling with the concept of this book. I’m so confused by these two characters. The sex I can understand. The behavior and reactions is what I question from both sides. I need to understand the motives of these characters. It all feels superficial with the physical need driving them together.

Reading a book about a female trying to give up control during sex isn’t a new topic, but the way Helen presents it is. Holding onto control consumed this female character crowding the book with her doubts. Skye’s character overanalyzes her relationship with Braden. She overthinks every move and every word Braden directs at her.

I’m not remotely interested in finishing this series. I couldn’t connect with the characters. I had issues with the writing style and the delivery of this concept. I’m so disappointed because this had the potential to be a great book. The cover is stunning.

First read from this author but now I’m hooked and obsessed! Skye moved to Boston for college from a small town in Kansas and never left, preferring the city life to the farm she grew up on. Working for a social media influencer, she meets Braden Black, a billionaire with a past with her boss, and her world, as she knew it starts to unravel. As her relationship starts to build with Braden, her professional world starts to crack with her new boyfriend being her boss’ ex-boyfriend of sorts, but nobody will tell her what went down. Regarding her relationship, she starts to learn the tastes that Braden has in the bedroom, and while she’s interested in exploring that she also stands her ground at exclusivity. This was my first read from this author and it definitely won’t be my last especially with the cliffhanger in this read! I really enjoyed her style of writing and for the most part the pace of the plot was pretty good. I cannot wait to find out what happens with this couple as well as Skye’s career!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

After having read many of this author’s previous books I knew Follow Me Darkly would be a page-turner and an intriguing story. She has such a way with her plots that takes the reader through many twists and turns with a bit of darkness thrown in for good measure. This story definitely has a 50 Shades feel with several similarities. I overall enjoyed the story and am torn, as I really don’t like cliffhangers that I have to wait 6 months to a year for but that seems to be the trend now. My problem with the story is that there was the same conversation over and over about what Braden and Addie were hiding. There didn’t seem to be any depth to the story except the secrets and sex. There needed to be more development of who Braden and Skye were. However, that could be coming in the next book. I did enjoy the story but wasn’t overly wowed by it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.