A follow-up that surpasses the original in sexy scenes and personal exploration.
In this erotica sequel, a budding influencer falls under a kinky billionaire’s spell.
Twenty-four-year-old Skye Manning, a Kansas transplant living in Boston, should be in heaven. Not only has she gone from being the assistant to spoiled hotel heiress Addison Ames to social media influencer on the rise, she’s also attracted the attention—and much more—of billionaire Braden Black, Addison’s ex. He introduces Skye to the fruits of his BDSM lifestyle. But Skye is aware her newfound career success is largely due to her relationship with Boston’s most eligible bachelor: Without Braden, who is she really? More disturbing, pet store owner and Skye’s new friend Betsy, who grew up with Addison, has recently revealed that a disturbing incident ended Braden and Addison’s relationship years earlier—an event he refuses to discuss. Meanwhile, Skye signs a lucrative contract with a New York–based cosmetics empire as her sexual trysts with Braden intensify. Skye struggles with the idea of being Braden’s submissive in and out of the bedroom even as her body and heart yearn for the dominant yet still mysterious billionaire. As the relationship grows to include glamorous private jet escapades and intricate rope play, Skye wonders if she will ever fully know her new boyfriend and if the constant questions she asks are worth the intense, fulfilling sex. Hardt has crafted another novel reminiscent of Fifty Shades of Grey, only with a much savvier protagonist and sex scenes that are, for the most part, consensually experienced and beautifully written (an early encounter involving a leather bustier is a particular standout). In addition, Skye’s new duties as an influencer are better researched and developed than they were in the series’ first book, and the hero becomes more compelling as she comes into her own. Yet at times both Skye and Braden push each other’s boundaries in ways that feel inappropriate and unhealthy—issues that are never fully addressed but absolutely should be, even in a BDSM relationship.
A follow-up that surpasses the original in sexy scenes and personal exploration.Pub Date: Jan. 26, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-68281-554-0
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Review Posted Online: Jan. 20, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.
A recently dumped librarian finds herself fake dating her polar opposite.
When Daphne Vincent’s fiance, Peter, dumps her, she’s shocked—but the worst part is that he’s leaving her for his gorgeous best friend, Petra, the woman he’d always told Daphne not to worry about. Now Daphne has to move out of Peter’s home and restart her life in the small Michigan town where she’d moved to be with him. Salvation comes in the form of Miles Nowak, Petra’s ex—he has a tiny spare room in his apartment, and he understands what it’s like to wallow in heartbreak. Daphne feels lucky to have her dream job as a children’s librarian, but other than that, she feels adrift and friendless in Waning Bay—and then she and Miles get invitations to Peter and Petra’s wedding. In a momentary lapse of judgment, Daphne not only says she’ll attend the wedding, but tells Peter she’s dating Miles. It would be the perfect way to show Peter and Petra that they’ve moved on…if only it were true. In the grand tradition of fake-dating romances, Daphne and Miles pretend to be in love, getting to know each other while having various adventures and misadventures. Daphne quickly learns that although she’d dismissed Miles as a pothead with a lack of direction, he’s actually a good time—and a loyal friend. But Daphne knows she needs to get out of Waning Bay, so this fake relationship can’t lead anywhere…can it? Reliable bestseller Henry has written another surefire hit that manages to be dramatic, sexy, and fun. Miles and Daphne have chemistry that leaps off the page, and their will-they-or-won’t-they energy propels the story to its satisfying conclusion. Daphne is an immensely likable character, one whose past realistically informs her current relationships. The world of Waning Bay is charmingly quirky, and Daphne’s co-workers at the library are endearing. As always, Henry’s biggest strength is the sharp, often hilarious dialogue that makes the story a joy to read.
Henry fans, rejoice: This is her best yet.Pub Date: April 23, 2024
ISBN: 9780593441282
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Berkley
Review Posted Online: Feb. 17, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2024
PERSPECTIVES
BOOK TO SCREEN
SEEN & HEARD
A deep and moving portrayal of first love.
Two college students rekindle their relationship as they unravel the truth behind their breakup.
On the outside, college senior Bennett Reiner has it all. A goalie for Waterfell University’s hockey team, he lives with a group of friends in a luxurious off-campus house. He and his best friend, Rhys Koteskiy, have fathers who are retired hockey legends. But on the inside, he’s falling apart. Struggling with OCD, a shaky friendship with Rhys, and second thoughts about pursuing a future in hockey, the only thing keeping Bennett afloat is also the one thing breaking his heart: Paloma Blake. All dyed-hair and attitude, Paloma has built a bad reputation on the hockey scene since their relationship ended freshman year—but Bennett knows the real P. Underneath her promiscuous facade lies a scared and lonely girl running from a childhood of abuse. When they were together, it seemed like their romance was perfect, until Paloma broke it off without warning. Since then, Bennett has run to Paloma’s side whenever she needed him, whether she was drunk, lonely, or hurting, and now he’s determined to win her back. For Bennett, Paloma is his antidote, the cure for his compulsions; for Paloma, Bennett is her protector, her safe space. And though Paloma yearns to be with Bennett again, she’s not sure she’s willing to open old wounds and reveal the truth about her painful past. In the third installment of the Undone series, Corinne spotlights familiar characters as they navigate trauma, heartbreak, and first love. Bennett and Paloma’s relationship is raw and vulnerable, and their journey of relinquishing control is both necessary and inevitable. Their romance evolves as they open up to one another, and in return, the reader is rewarded with a love story that’s as lyrical, evocative, and emotional as poetry.
A deep and moving portrayal of first love.Pub Date: April 7, 2026
ISBN: 9781668219423
Page Count: 352
Publisher: Atria
Review Posted Online: Dec. 26, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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