When they say the past always finds a way to catch up to you, they aren't lying.I spent years on the run, trying to hide from my father and our society. I was careful and never stayed in the same place for very long, but when I landed in Braxton Falls, I couldn't leave.I fell in love, made my first real friend in years, and let my guard down. I built the closest thing to a normal life that I could, until it all crumbled. Everything was taken from me in mere moments. One simple decision has me at the whim of three men who manipulate my mind and body but have me craving more. Revenge. The Monroe Brothers aim to use me for revenge against my father, but I want revenge too!I have to find a way to use whatever is at my disposal to convince them that working with me is a better solution than their current plan. My name is Callie Ashford, and the only person I will allow to control my future is myself. Authors Evading Darkness is book one in The Darkness Duet. It is a dark, why choose romance that contains scenes that may be disturbing to some readers. A full trigger warning list is available inside the book.
The relationships seemed rushed and superficial. I didn’t have time to fully love any of the guys, Kyler and Barrett are immediately infatuated by Callie one is the sweet sex God and the other is the dominant who likes pain and pleasure. Seb is the one we see very little and to be honest the one I am actually more interested in it. The whole secret society thing only works when it’s extremely well done, I don’t like it in this book. I knew who Julian was immediately. So for a girl on the run who’s hiding and is suspicious of everyone, she is incredibly stupid and trusting. The whole reason I didn’t like this book is because of her. She has no personality no spunk. And how she doesn’t have a once of fight in her literally kills me. I mean the events in the end and she allows herself to be dragged?!?!? No kicking, screaming, punching, biting, throwing herself on the floor???? WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK? She’s been training kickboxing with Barrett and she couldn’t even throw a punch or even a regular girl fit? I don’t even think I’ll read the second book cause I don’t care about her. I care about the 3 guys but also not enough to read the second one.
These relationships are based on pure delusion and I am so invested. I am rooting for them to succeed, despite being pretty sure that the FMC has Stockholm syndrome.
She is aware of this though, so I appreciate the self-reflection.
In her words - ‘The man just told me that he brutally murdered at least one person, but all I heard was his struggle.’ Relatable 😅
This was released yesterday, so I’m going to try and not include any spoilers, besides triggers (I always think they are important ones to mention).
In all honesty, it definitely took me a while to warm up to this book. I do recognise this may be a ‘me’ problem though, as I prefer action from the offset and I have a difficult relationship with slow burns. I will say I was more engaged after the 30% mark, as the backstory had been laid and from this point, she was interacting with the main harem.
I think Julian definitely played into me not enjoying the first 30%, as every time I hear ‘sweet girl’ I gagged a little (most definitely a compliment to the author, she knew what she was doing).
The harem consists of Seb, Barrett & Kyler. Kyler was my favourite, as he is the most unhinged, a little obsessive and most definitely delusional. In my twisted mind all these red flags registered as him being very committed to her (the woman he kidnapped) 😩👏🏻
The FMC wasn’t my favourite in the first 1/3 of the book, as she was quite meek. However, I think she just needed to get out of the stale situation she was in, before she could transform into a stronger version of herself.
⚠️Triggers ⚠️ I think the big ones in this book are: Sexual abuse of a minor and Child abuse. These are briefly mentioned in flashback scenes.
The author does give a very detailed content warning at the start of the book, which I appreciate. I hate when it’s vague or I’m directed to a website. Just tell me now !!! So props to her for this. Also, she writes some very good plot twists, I didn’t see a lot of them coming.
For me, this is a solid 3.5⭐️. This is mainly due to me having trouble connecting with the first part of the book. Again, probably a ‘me’ problem.
I'm definitely reading the next book, but it comes out in December 2024, so I didn't plan this well 😟😟
waaaaaaiiiit a minute.. THAT CLIFFHANGER! i need book 2 ASAP. I cannot express how much i enjoyed this book, a good Why choose, secret society? ATE it up, left no crumbs. i need to know about KYLER.. like right now. If you know you know. Once again KM baker is making me fall in love with fictional men & this time it was 3 at once! Kyler, Barrett, & Seb. <333
in this story you follow ms. callie ashford who has been running from her father and his secret society; while she is in hiding living her new life with a new fíance (Julian) she finds herself kidnapped by 3 men (the monroe brothers) who are seeking revenge from her father.
as you know, KM never disappoints with the spice she includes in her stories and this by far has had to have been my FAVORITE.
Dnf @ 18% ~ this writing style is not for me at all. It “tells” you instead of “shows” you. The characters didn’t have any depth and all of the conversations felt unnatural ☹️
no info on the guys past yet On page sex scene between FMC and OM Dead ex for the FMC Seems like there will be OM drama since FMC just got engaged to OM
Omg loved it. Loved everything about it. I love all things secretly society/cults and why choose is something I’m slowly becoming a whore for.
Callie is a strong FMC and I’m here for her! She has escaped the secret society her father is the leader of and has been on the run ever since. Her father has been searching for her as she’s next in line, however let’s say he doesn’t exactly like his daughter or woman for that matter and wants to marry her off before hand. “Unfortunately” she is kidnapped by 3 gorgeous brothers (not blood).
I love how all 3 brothers are obsessed with her but they’re also slightly different. Why choose is not my most favourite trope and I only enjoy them when they’re done right. This was done right! It worked and the story was very fast paced but does end on a cliff hanger!!
The book is written from several POVs and is the first book in the Darkness Duet.
The plot is amazing, the spicy is spicing and I can’t wait for the 2nd book.
I personally don’t think this book is too dark but please check trigger warnings before reading.
What a privilege to be a ARC reader, I am not going to lie.. I hated this book,I hated it because it ended . I will be very impatiently waiting for book 2. Callie worked so hard to escape from her unloving father and his secret society. She made a life, made a new best friend and had a loving caring fiancé. Then she’s taken by The Monroe brothers, dark, dangerous, manipulative , and sexy as hell. But the past has a way of always catching up .. Her name is Callie Ashford, and only she can control her future. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ Please check your trigger warnings before reading. It’s so worth the read!!! Chefs kiss K.M. Baker
WOW. This book was fantastic. I binged it in a day I couldn’t put it down. Seriously, I love a good dark secret society book…and add in these hot swoon worthy brothers omggg I was hooked!
Check your triggers this book is dark, I ate all that up.
I love Callie. A strong fmc running from her horrible past. The guys I love them. The dirty talking on them whoo so hot.
I love the plot! And the spice was so good! There’s twists and turns. I can’t wait to read more. I really recommend!! ♡
Tropes: Forced Proximity Why Choose Kidnapped Secret Society Praise/ Degradation And More…
Callie is a strong badass FMC who is just trying to get away from her past.🖤
I couldn’t ask for anything more for an amazing, filthy dark romance book. This book truly has everything! It has the plot, it has the spice, it’s got some character development. If you love a dark romance book with a mile long list of trigger warnings, and the tropes that are listed above, check it out!🖤🫶🏻
K M Baker... a MASSIVE well done to you. If I didn't know that this was your debut, I would not have guessed. You are truly talented, and I can't wait for the second book and to see what else your filthy little mind can come up with 😉
Multiple POV's from Callie, Julian (fiancé), and then Barrett, Kyler, and Sebastian 🥹. Callie is a strong FMC, very likeable and you are just wanting the best for her. The Monroe brothers are delicious. I love each and every one of them, and they are all distinct.
Kyler - gorgeous, most open one, with pure golden retriever energy. All about the praise and pleasure. Loved him 💓
Barrett - probably my favourite to be honest. Cocky, but sexy and probably the most traumatic past. He has a sweet side but is still just as deadly. He brings pain with his pleasure and tests all the limits. I literally want one of him 🤤
Seb - a bit more mysterious than the others, and in some ways, the most protective. I really hope to get more from him in the second book because he is a delight 🙏🏼
Chapters 31 and 34, that is all 👌🏼👌🏼🌶️🌶️
The dynamics worked, and the story was fast paced and enjoyable. It kept you interested and falling in love with the 4 MC's 😍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Star Rating 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷Book Boyfriend Rating 🔥🔥🔥 Spice Rating This book features: 🖤Secret society 🖤Kidnapping 🖤Dark Romance 🖤RH 🖤Praise/Degradation 🖤Stalking So to start off, I absolutely loved this book! I am so ready for the next book. It is important to know that this is book 1 out of 2 so it ends with a cliffhanger and doesn't have a HEA currently. It's a miracle that this was K.M. Baker's first book, it was written that well. Our FMC is a baddie with a tragic backstory. She's running from her father, the leader of a secret society, and her arranged marriage. She falls for a good guy and tries to live a normal life. She eventually gets kidnapped by 3 morally gray (hot) men. Things start heating up from there. All I have to say is the mouth on these men🥵
*SPOILER STARTS* I FRICKEN KNEW THAT JULIAN WAS MESSED UP!!!!!! I was so confident that I had the ending all figured out. My thoughts were she would be taken from Barrett, Kyler, and Sebastian. Which I was right about but once the dad said he had someone who's been waiting to see her I was expecting that it was her first love, not her mom! My jaw literally dropped. *SPOILER ENDS*
Callie is a strong FMC and I'm here for it ! She escaped the secret society her father is the leader of and has been on the run ever since. Moving from town to town. Her father has been searching for her as she's next in line, however let's say he doesn't exactly like his daughter or women for that matter and wants to marry her off to a male before she can take rule. "Unfortunately" she is kidnapped by 3 brothers.
I love how all 3 brothers are obsessed with her but each in their own way Why choose is not my most favourite trope and I only enjoy them when they're done right. This was done right! It worked and the story was very fast paced but does end on a cliff hanger!! The book is written from several POVs and is the first book in the Darkness Duet. The plot is amazing, the spicy is spicing and I can't wait for the 2nd book.💖
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What an awesome debut from KM Baker! Evading Darkness is a dark why choose romance, book 1 of a duet. Escape, revenge, secret society, controlling father, spice, why choose, plot twists and one heck of a cliffhanger………I need book 2! Callie is awesome. Barrett, Kyler and Sebastian are all very dark and yummy. Barrett is my favorite. Julian……..I need book 2……..I must know what happens!!!!! Thank you so much to KM Baker for letting me ARC read Evading Darkness!
This book blew me away!!!! The spice was so HOT. The plot was incredible. And I was hooked in from page 1. Callie is a badass FMC and these three men are 🥵 all the characters dynamics are incredible. I love each of them individually and together. I am a little biased towards Sebastian 🫠
The cliffhanger tho… miss ma’am. I’m going to be gnawing at the bits for book 2!!!!!!
I absolutely loved this story. The plot twists, the characters, the spice... 👀🔥 This was a perfect "Why Choose" moment. Each guy was different in their own ways, and I loved all 3! Kyler has my heart, though. He's such a golden retriever, and I loved it! This has some crazy plot twists that I was not expecting!! And the cliffhanger?!... I need the next book asap!
This book is exactly what I needed. This is the first time in a while I haven’t been able to put a book down. I saw this book on Tik Tok and wanted to change it up a bit, was a little bit apprehensive but wow so glad I gave it a chance. The trigger warning list is good to have but tbh I didn’t feel that triggered by anything. She’s more than consenting LOL
Soooo upset the 2nd book isn’t out yet - and love that the author warns you that it ends on a cliffhanger, that way you aren’t expecting answers by the end. The trio of brothers ….oh man, I’d be falling in love too😂 I know these relationships are so delusional and I’m sooo for it The smut is unmatched. Soooo excited for the next book
K M Baker came for us hard on this one starting right from the dedication and I am SO GLAD SHE DID!! What a book 😍 😍
Absolutely loved every second of reading this book! Equal parts story and spice had me unable to put this down for too long and left me gagging for the next one.
The FMC has some fire to her which I absolutely looove and the Monroe brothers are just *chefs kiss* with equal parts praise and degradation between them to hit all those brain itches (because the only thing better than one drool worthy MMC, is having three of them) 🫠🥵
The book does end on a cliff hanger, and the plot twists had me shocked right through to the end! Super excited to see what is waiting for us in the next book 🫣
Multiple POVs Fav Tropes - why choose / secret society / forced proximity Book - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
📚 ARC Reader review, book is available on January 29th
*if there is content you think you might be triggered by, please check the warnings at the start, I enjoyed the surprise of not knowing what was coming but others may not*
This book had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. It was very well written, and the character development was amazing. The story just flowed so well that I was sucked in in no time at all. I most definitely didn't want this story to end. The cliffhanger at the end, I most definitely never saw coming. I can not wait for book 2 to come out. This book for sure has earned its right of passage on my bookshelf. Tropes: Why Choose, Secret Society, Forced Proximity
OMG… this book… I’m not gonna lie it’s a trick lol.. Ms. Baker, ma’am what did you put within this pages… I could not stop reading, it was an addiction..
First please make sure to check your TW⚠️ for this book as it has a LOT! Thant being said:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book will suck you in and take every emotion from you and leave you in a stay of wanting more and more…. I just can’t explain how addicting this book is from the plot, to the spice, to the surprises within the story so worth it, all of it.
Callie, my princess, I wish i could hug you and tell you how strong and bad @ss you are, your personally is amazing. Barret, Kyler and Seb… Oh my, each one of them have their own trauma and their personalities are unique to each one of them, u would love them just the way they are, specially Kyler ❤️🖤 my sweet, sexy boy!
The entire book was so well written, you will enjoy every single moment of it and just when you thought it was ending… yeah no…the book end of a cliffhanger and u would one more immediately. So mm Ms. Baker Ma’am im waiting….
Thank You for the opportunity to ARC this book, it was an amazing ride…
people this book is fucking great like there is 5 POVs, it’s got the spicy, the story literally everything, even is a quick read as well. I am so pissed the second book is not released yet i literally slammed my book closed at the fucking cliff hanger at the end.
K.M BAKER I NEED the second book, this gal needs to hurry tf up and get this shit in stores cuz IM ABOUT TO DIE
The Monroe brothers are my new favourite obsession and I need to know what happens. This is your classic kidnapping that becomes a love square and the twists and turns had my jaw absolutely dropped. 9.5/10. The only thing I would have loved is more story. I feel like it was quite rushed at parts but it is still a 20/10
Meh. Not a fan. Kyler was creepy af. Julian/Damian being sus from the beginning also makes it too predictable. The only thing I liked were the spicy scenes 🫢 Worst cliffhanger ever (as in im not intrigued at all) Probably won’t be reading the second book.
In "Evading Darkness" by K.M. Baker, readers are thrust into a world where secrets lurk in the shadows, and danger lurks around every corner. This gripping tale follows Callie, a young woman who has spent the last six years on the run from her father, the leader of a sinister secret society. With a past shrouded in mystery and betrayal, Callie's journey takes a dark and dangerous turn when she is kidnapped by the enigmatic Monroe brothers.
From the outset, Baker captivates readers with a narrative that is as suspenseful as it is compelling. As Callie struggles to evade capture and unravel the secrets of her past, she finds herself drawn into a web of intrigue and deceit, where trust is a rare commodity and danger lurks at every turn. Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Callie discovers a glimmer of hope in the form of the Monroe brothers, whose motives remain shrouded in mystery.
What sets "Evading Darkness" apart is its complex and multi-dimensional characters. Callie is a fierce and resilient protagonist whose strength and determination shine through even in the darkest of moments. The Monroe brothers, meanwhile, are compelling and enigmatic figures, each harboring their own secrets and motivations. As their paths intertwine, alliances are tested, and loyalties are questioned, leading to a thrilling and unpredictable climax.
Moreover, "Evading Darkness" is a gripping tale of forbidden romance and intrigue. As Callie navigates the treacherous waters of her relationship with the Monroe brothers, she is forced to confront her own desires and vulnerabilities, while grappling with the ever-present threat of her father's wrath. The chemistry between Callie and the brothers crackles with intensity, adding an extra layer of tension and suspense to the narrative.
Baker's prose is as evocative as it is atmospheric, transporting readers to a world where danger lurks around every corner and secrets abound. From the pulse-pounding action sequences to the poignant moments of introspection, every word is infused with a sense of urgency and intensity that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
In conclusion, "Evading Darkness" is a dark and seductive tale that will captivate readers from beginning to end. K.M. Baker has crafted a masterful blend of romance, suspense, and intrigue, delivering a reading experience that is as addictive as it is unforgettable. If you're a fan of dark romance and thrilling suspense, then "Evading Darkness" is a must-read, although I recommend reading the Trigger Warning's beforehand.
Thank you so much to the author for giving me an ARC copy of Evading Darkness, i loved reading this book so much. Evading Darkness is book one in The Darkness Duet, and I need part two like now.
This book was a shock and a half, I did not expect anything that happened in this book at all, I have to say my mouth was agape for most of the time reading it. I dont know how the author came up with this, but I need more!
The characters in this book are utterly amazing. Callie gets kidnapped by the Monroe brothers and everything spirals from there, Callie has spent most of her life on the run to prevent herself from being back in her father's clutches and during that time she meets Julian who then becomes her fiancée before she is kidnapped.
The Monroe brothers are just seriously hot, though. I loved reading all about them. Sebastian is definitely the leader of the three and very mysterious and then we have Barrett who has a shit tone of trauma and is personally my favourite mmc so far and then we have Kyler, who is literally a golden retriever in human form and couldn't get any better than he already is.
There was a definite case of Stockholm syndrome in this book, and it was very strong! I mean personally I would do the same as Callie, guys who want to bring you pleasure just sign me straight up, did they kidnap her, yes but does that really matter, they are probably the only ones who actually care so much for her.
Now that cliffhanger that the author left us on was just so mean to do, I need to know what happens now, and I definitely need more spicy scenes between the characters desperately!! Overall, Evading Darkness was a beautifully written first part to a duet, which I completely inhaled while reading, and I can't wait to read more.
Every now and then I crave a spicy, dirty dark romance but it absolutely has to have a good plot and Evading Darkness by K.M. Baker satisfied my craving and left me wanting the sequel today!!!
(Don't be jealous but I bought a signed copy off of K.M.'s Etsy shop and the book is so beautiful!)
This book is chock full of sexy, strong, domineering men and now that I am finished with the book I miss them. Our main FMC Callie is a sweet, smart, and strong woman who just happens to be born into the wrong family. I love the way this book was written in multiple POVs so you have the opportunity to get into everyone's head - even the jerk face bad guy.
The spicy scenes were -SPICY like all the chili peppers and since it's a why choose each of our MMC have a unique kink, which is a lot of fun. You have the golden retriever (but he is not a doofus), the maledom, and the broody bad boy. I loved these guys so much. Their relationship with each other was very cool, kind of gave me Four Brothers (movie with Mark Walberg and Tyrese Gibson) vibes.
If you like your Dark Romance with a great plot definitely check out this book, but check the trigger warnings.
Okaaaay, hold the d@mn phone. Please tell me how this is your debut novel, miss?! 👀 this book was absolutely spectacular, and I'm all sorts of messed up over here!
Let's start this off by mentioning that this book is filled with all the triggers...so make sure you check those ahead of time!
Callie...oh girlfriend, can we be friends, please? The sass and bad@ass-ery this woman portrays is incredible! Especially after she meets THE MEN 🥵
Barrett, Kyler, and Sebastian are just wild and crazy and sexy as can be! 🫠 I legit cannot even go into details about them without spoiling something, sooo here's your queue to go read this book, ASAP 😉
Julian... that's all I'm leaving here. Again, I'd spoil something!
You will, without a doubt, ride the crazy train called emotions with this one. Up, down, all around...
.....this book ends on a MAJOR cliffy that'll make you want to instantly message KM Baker like I did! 👀 so just be prepared!
Thank you so freaking much for letting me be a part of your team with this one! And I can't wait for book 2, so you better be prepared for the constant messages telling you to keep moving your dang fingers, lady! 😆
Thank you for the ARC! I’ve been so excited to get my hands on this since Kiley first announced she was writing a book, and she did not disappoint. The biggest congrats for a phenomenal debut book!
Evading Darkness is a dark romance secret society why choose, with so many of the best kinks. The spice hits, but the plot is equally as intriguing. I love that each Monroe brother has his own ~interests~ (also anyone know where I can get a set of them for myself?) and help Callie learn and grow and overcome.
I was SO SURE I had figured out the cliffhanger and I was WRONG! I will be B E G G I N G for a book 2 ARC, because I *NEED TO KNOW*.
Side note- the book playlist? Has some bangers. I was surprised and so delighted to see Dayseeker on there.
As with all dark romances, please check CWs and TWs and take care of your mental health first and foremost.
Dark romance…plot twist… why choose…secret society…stalking…forced proximity…so much spice 🫣🌶️🖤…found family…touch her and die…kidnapping… and such a strong FMC!!! Where do I even begin! I ATE THIS BOOK UP!!! This book hooked me from the very first page. The author wrote this book so well and it read so easily that I couldn’t put it down! I read this book in less than 36 hours…it kept me on my toes constantly and I never saw the plot twist coming! (There was multiple plot twist) I went in blind not knowing much about this book and I must say it wasn’t what I was expecting but in such a good way! This book blew my mind and I need the second book like yesterday since it ended in a cliffhanger😭 the storyline was perfection and that spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ that spice had me blushing and questioning things lol …if you like REALLY detailed spicy books this book is 1000000% for you! There is literally spice in like every other chapter😏🤤😏 This author blew my mind with this being her debut novel and she’s now on my list of books I will always buy no matter what bc it’s written by a certain author 🫶🏻🖤🫶🏻 K.M. Baker you should be so proud of this book! And I’m so thankful and honored that you chose me as an ARC reader and I’m one of the first to be people to be able to read this infatuating book!