Madison thought she knew Kade Wilder. After all, they’d spent countless late nights together working on the school paper, swapping stories, and pretending their chemistry was non-existent. But when Kade catches her having intimate thoughts about him one night, their passion explodes and becomes all-consuming. Her heart races for him, but it’s not just the sparks that have her losing control—it’s the part of Kade that she never saw coming.
Madison realizes too late that getting closer to Kade means losing herself in a world she’s not prepared for. Is she ready to risk it all for a love that might kill her? Or will she walk away before it’s too late?
Kade has always kept things do the jobs, keep his head down, and don’t get attached. His family’s shady business and the dangerous world they live in are all he knows. But when it comes to Madison, the quiet, intelligent girl from school who somehow managed to slip under his skin, all his instincts go out the window. He never planned on wanting her. He never planned on falling for her. But when he messes up a major bust for his father’s gang, it’s Madison who pays the price.
One thing’s for no one can take from Kade Wilder. Not when he wants something. Not when it’s Madison.
***This is an interconnected standalone in the Serpent Pit world. They can be read by themselves, but if you want to read them chronologically then this would be considered Book II and Serpent Darling would be Book I.
Omg this book!!!! It’s sooooo freaking good!!! We’ve got our fav characters from Serpent Darling, joining in for a new story!!! I love the new characters too!!! Like Kade was super cute and sexy!!! And Madison is really, really hot. Putting the two together… phew!!!! The spice is spicing!!!
In addition, I really enjoyed the plot. I hate books that are all smut and nothing more. That is not this book!!! I was on the edge of my seat, dying to know what happens next!!! And seriously, all those 🌶️ scenes!!! I loved them!!! So well written.
So of course I highly recommend this book!!! If you like dark romance with a suspenseful plot, this is for you!!! Just check your triggers!!!
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this for my honest and unbiased review.
This book Had me in a chokehold from the first word! Pandora has an amazing writing style. She is truly a phenomenal writer. I loved reading and watching the story unfold.
I loved Madison and Kade’s dynamic—so much tension and chemistry! Definitely check the trigger warnings before diving in. The spice in book 2 gets even hotter, but this one had me hooked from the start. Couldn’t put it down!
Oh my god. I don’t even have the words to tell you guys how amazing this book was. After reading Serpent Darling and a few of Pandora’s other works, I knew I’d be in for a ride but I had no idea I’d be in this deep.
Masked Darling follows Kade and Maddie as they’re discovering their love for each other. Kade is Jaggers brother from Serpent Darling and he’s involved heavily in the workings of the gang. When Jagger tells Kade of a trafficking gang that plans to use his bar, The Serpent Pit, as a place to conduct their crimes, they come up with an intricate plan to get the girls out. That is, until Madison gets caught up in the plan and everything changes.
The stakes are high, the tension is sizzling, I’m obsessed with this story and these characters! Pandora managed to create an intricate world filled with in-depth characters that I fell so hard into.
Loved this book. In book one we got Jagger and Sadie’s story and followed the struggles they faced to build a relationship with Jagger trying to get out of his dad’s gang. In this story we follow Kade, Jaggers brother, who is also tired of the being in constant turmoil from the things that come from being in the gang. He just wants out and to love away, so he can start fresh and have the life he wants and deserves. He meets and falls in love with Madison, they are in the same class in college and are both graduating soon. They run the school paper together. It’s an almost instant love but with the struggles of college and the issues with the gang, they think it may be impossible to have a relationship. When Madison finds herself in trouble, because a rival gang, who grooms, and sells women after they out their marks on them, kidnap her and they come to the bar to show off the women, will Madison make it out, or is she sucked into this life that cld destroy her? I am so ecstatic we got to have glimpses into Jagger and Sadie’s continued story in this book too. It’s not necessary but I think you shld read Serpent Darling first, so you get the whole dynamic of the gang life and get to fall in love with Jagger and Sadie’s story!
I absolutely loved this book! I loved reading Serpent Darling, and I was hooked from the first chapter of the book!
The spice levels were hot and spicy, so my kind of book! I also think this and the first book's cover art is so gorgeous, I'd have them framed on my wall if I could.
On a final note, the storyline was amazing, and I loved how the author created the characters!
This is the first book I've read by Pandora Cress thanks to the ARC opportunity.
❤️Touch her and Die ❤️Virgin FMC ❤️Good Girl / Bad Boy
Kade and Maddie have a wonderful dynamic, and I will never look at a game of twister the same 🤭 Although this book had some heavy stuff going on, I think the way Pandora made sure that the characters were wonderful people, and making aftercare a necessary topic made it so great.
"Relax, princess, let me build you a castle first" "then I'll see about getting you a dungeon"
PLEASE CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS before reading this book.
Book two in the Serpent Pit world is another short and spicy read with this one being a much bigger step into the dark romance genre. Definitely check your trigger warnings on this one!
Masked Darling follows Jagger’s younger brother Kade and Kade’s best friend Madison, in this dark friends to lovers romance. After becoming fast friends in college, one night at a party these two friends cross the line and things get hot and heavy quickly. But then a little bit of miscommunication rears its ugly head and tensions rise, leading to an unfortunate event that will have you at the edge of your seat hoping that both our main characters will make it out safe and sound.
I enjoyed this book better than the first one for sure, a lot more up my alley in terms of action and spice. This one was also easier to follow in terms of the third person narration, less confusion as to who was fronting in certain scenes. While the big plot event was hard to read (check TW), I did like how it ended up being solved and being able to get a sneak peek into the Wilder brother’s dad’s life. I’m intrigued to know if more books will be set in this world and would definitely love to see more of Camille and her love interest
Overall, I loved Kade and Madison, their connection before and after the events of this book were so well written and I loved both of their character developments. Kade’s attention to Madison’s needs is truly goals.
Thank you to Pandora Cress for allowing me to arc read this 🫶🏼.. this is the second time I arc reading for her and goshhh did I love this book😩.
🎭E-ARC REVIEW:🎭
to be back in the serpent pit was everything.. Kade & Maddie take #1 (sorry jagger & sadie, i still love you guys 🫶🏼). this book does touch on some heavy topics, so i do recommend you reading the trigger warnings, but this was sooo well done and the playlist that went with this book 🤌🏼🤌🏼. I honestly felt like i was living the emotions with kade & maddie, i was really feeling it all. The spice in this book is SPICYYYY! Kade & Maddie are too good for each but they also fit so well and balance each other out. I just loved their instant connection and the way they knew that they were into each other and meant to be. These Wilder boys got me in a CHOKEHOLD!
“whatever comes next,” he murmured. “we are going to get through it. together.” “I can’t help myself when im around you mads.” Kade confessed.
🎭Tropes:🎭 -touch her & d!e -good girl/bad boy -friends to lovers -college parties -BDSM
From the dedication to the end I was in a trance, and had to finish this short fast-paced story by Pandora Cress. This book will pull you in and will not let you go, but you won't want to be let go
This is a very well written storyline with a lot of spice. The relationship she creates with Kade and Madison has all the chemistry you crave and then some. He's a bad boy she's innocent girl (no more 😲)
Madison and Kade went to school together. They were study buddies. One night their relationship went in a different direction. Kade is from a family that has a shady business, he wants Madison so badly he screwed up one night, a deal his father was working on. Now Madison is paying the price! Will he obey his father or save Madison before it's to late.
Thank you Pandora Cress for the opportunity to be one of your Arc Readers. I am all team Pandora.
Quick spicy read, not quite a novella. I enjoyed Sadie and Jaggers book (serpent darling) but I think I enjoyed this more. I liked the dynamic between Kade and Madison. Fingers crossed we get a book 3 of Camille and Jazlyn?! I’m here for it!
This book covers some very difficult topics, but still manages to have a lighthearted brevity to it. I’m always a big fan of Pandora’s work, and this was no exception.
If gangs, trafficking, and other sensitive subjects are triggering for you, this book might be difficult. However, Pandora does an excellent job of incorporating these themes without them being graphically detailed. Read the triggers and read this book if you can handle them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Spicy with a great story. Could not put this down and read all in one day. I hadn’t read the book that came before this but at no point was I lost or confused by what was going on. Highly recommend!
Friends to lovers ✔️ Dark Romance ✔️ BDSM ✔️ Full of triggers ✔️ Perfect for dark romance lovers ✔️
I loved Jagger and Sadie's story in Serpent Darling, I didn't think Kade and Madison's story could top theirs, but to me, it did! I loved every second of this book and read it in one sitting! The spice was beyond hot. The tension and chemistry between the two of them was off the charts! I love how the story touched on trafficking and brought it to light with a happy ending. The situation Kade, Sadie, and Madison were in as Jagger had to stand by doing nothing broke my heart, but they all proved together that they could get through it and come out stronger. If you love dark romance, I highly recommend this! Thank you so much, Pandora Cress, for letting me be an ARC reader!
This book grabbed my attention from the dedication and had me in a chokehold until the last sentence. I thought the first book of this series (Serpent Darling) was spicy and addictive, but Masked Darling really took things to a whole other level. I seriously loved this book. I couldn’t put it down! If you’re wanting a book that has spice from the first chapter & has a great plot, this is the book for you!
OMG this is my first book I've read of Pandora Cress and man oh man didn't disappoint loved loved Maddie & Kade , this is a interconnected standalone 1st book is Serpent darling which ill definitely read 📚 this is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 🌶🌶🌶 definitely check the trigger warnings ⚠️, Thank you so Much @AuthorPandoraCress for choosing me to ARC read Masked Darling
Intense Sexual Situations Public Sexual Activities BDSM Consensual Sexual Violence Non-Consensual Violence Gang Depictions Mentions of Drug Use Non-Consensual Drug Use Miscommunication Excessive Swearing Kidnapping Off-Page Murder Off-Page Rape Trafficking Assault Non-Consensual Piercings Gun Violence
Masked Darling was an amazing story. I was lucky to have been chosen to be an ARC reader for this novel and it did not disappoint. The storyline was truly heart warming. From the beginning to the end, I felt connected to the main characters. There is love, found family, overcoming tragedy and recovery. And in the end, Madison and Kade come on on the other side having healed from that tragedy together. I highly recommend this book.
This book is fast-paced and "action" filled... By action, I do mean spice. Our two main characters, Madison and Kade, have great chemistry. When the underbelly of gang activity spills from Kade's world into Madison. It is up to him to make it right. With the help from Kade's brother and a surprise from a rival gang, the plan is in motion.
I received this book as a member of Pandora Cress's ARC team! I can't wait to read what she has up her sleeve on the next one!
Ps... this is book 2... do yourself a solid and read Serpent Darling first.
Let’s just say WOW!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️I was lucky to be a beta reader and ARC for masked darling and was not disappointed one bit.Pandora has outdone herself on this one. The characters and story is well written. Kade and Maddison chemistry is undeniable. The spice and plot is perfection!!!! Loved this book. Don’t forget to read Serpent Darling as well to know more of the characters background but not necessary. Don’t forget to read the trigger warnings! Releases April 2nd 🗓️ Mark your calendar
Semi fast, with lots of spice. I didn't read the first book first yet but plan on doing so. I was a Beta & ARC for this. It did not disappoint. There is so much I loved about this book but don't want to put in spoilers. Just make sure you read when its out! Loved this book so much that once it's out I'll be going a giveaway for it on my tiktok page. I can't wait to see what Pandora Cress has for us next!
*♡Thank you to to the wonderfully talented Pandora Cress for the ARC of this book♡*
The bar was set pretty high after Serpent Darling, and Pandora does not disappoint with the second book in the Serpent Pit series! A lot of story is packed into the 214 pages, but it doesn't feel rushed or forced. You feel like you are getting swept up in the whirlwind romance between Madison and Kade. This book is an emotional rollercoaster, it is so enjoyable and once again the spice is off the scale!! I highly recommend this book, but check the trigger warnings 🖤
In Masked Darling, we follow Kade and Madison, who instantly fall for each other and see their connection grow. Madison may seem like the perfect good girl, but she enjoys blurring those lines with her man. And yes, I do enjoy having a bad boy who will do all he can to protect his girl! He is quite the alpha type behind closed doors. Yummy! Kade is part of the Serpents but feels suffocated by everything that comes with being involved in the gang. Meanwhile, Jagger (Kade’s brother) is determined to take down a dangerous trafficking operation and convinces Kade to help him. Which Kade is at his wit’s end with all this chaos. Will these two survive the danger that surrounds them? Madison goes through some traumatic experiences (I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings), yet she is determined to be a survivor, not a victim. There are also some exciting character appearances from the previous book, Serpent Darling. (which, btw, you should get that too while you are ordering this one) I loved all the details and character development throughout the story, allowing us to enjoy ourselves and root for Kade and Madison. This standalone is part of an interconnected series, and while it may seem like they won’t make it, rest assured—there will be an HEA. Thank you for such a great read, Pandora Cress
** ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
“Masked Serpent” is the follow-up to “Serpent Darling” as it follows Jagger’s brother, Kade, and the lovely and innocent Madison.
I’ve had a lot of fun with this second book and even though there was nothing that I disliked in the first one, this one felt more whole. The first chapter starts with a bang, and both Kade and Madison are a lovely pair. Kade hasn’t left his father’s business, and he’s not afraid to be dragged into messy stuff to save Maddie. However, Kade’s dark life is a mystery to Maddie, and it pulls her in. Kade fights a lot with his inner demons.
He wants to leave that life and he worries constantly that he will not be good enough for Maddie. When something bad happens to Maddie, he doesn’t hesitate to get her back, even if he makes some really stupid decisions.
Despite “Masked Serpent” exploring the unwanted burden of legacy and high expectations, its pacing is exceptionally good, and its smut scenes are solid. I was glad the hidden room made a comeback because while Maddie is a virgin, she does shy away from exploring what she wants and imposing limits when she feels like she needs to. I know I said she was innocent, but that was because she was clearly clueless about Kade’s business and his family, and his lifestyle. But Maddie is not shy. She actually helps Kade with overcoming his fears and how he should not run away from his problems, but face them.
I have read a lot of Pandora Cress’ books and I love her writing style. I thought after reading The Serpent Pit it would be hard for her to write about another couple that I would fall in love with like I did Sadie and Jagger. Boy was I wrong!!! When I say this book had its literal fangs in me (if a book could have fangs)
I was absolutely feral for our MMC Kade. He is a sexy, broody, bad boy that’s getting ready to graduate. He’s been caught up in the “family business” and wants out. He’s been friends with a girl through a mutual friend for a while and her name is Madison she is our FMC. Madison is a hot, spit fire that seems to have the world at her feet. Or does she?
If you haven’t read The Serpent Pit it’s ok! the Masked Darling is a standalone but it does help if you do because some of the same characters pop in and out of the book and you’ll know the back story a bit but you don’t have to read it first. I loved this story and everything that Pandora writes!
I had the honor of being an arc reader for this amazing book!!! Please do yourself a favor if you love spice and good plot go over to Amazon and KU and get this NOW!!!
Untamed Obsession is an intense, fast-paced romance that explores the dangerous intersection of love and loyalty in a world where trust can mean life or death. Madison and Kade’s story is a whirlwind of forbidden passion, risky choices, and the struggle to reconcile feelings with reality.
The plot moves quickly, blending romance with danger, and keeping you engaged. The stakes escalate when Kade’s mistake in a gang bust puts Madison in the crosshairs, making it impossible to put the book down. The tension builds toward an emotional climax that left me wondering whether love can truly survive in a world built on violence and betrayal.
Untamed Obsession is a gripping, high-stakes romance that pulls the reader into a dangerous world where love and survival collide. With sizzling chemistry, emotional turmoil, and heart-pounding action, this story will appeal to fans of dark romance and anti-hero love interests. The relationship’s pacing was phenomenal, the overall narrative keeps readers hooked and invested in Madison and Kade’s tumultuous journey.
I was given the opportunity to continue as a ARC reader and this is my honest review!
Pandora Cress delivers another thrilling, high-stakes romance with Masked Darling, and I was hooked from the first page. Madison and Kade’s chemistry? Off the charts. Their late nights working on the school paper were full of unspoken tension, but when that finally ignites—whew, it burns.
Kade is the broody bad boy with a conscience, slightly struggling between family loyalty and the future free from the gang —which he desperately wants. Madison is smart, determined, and completely unprepared for the world she’s thrown into. The stakes skyrocket when a rival gang’s dark secret comes to light, leading to an intense, edge-of-your-seat mission to take them down.
I loved seeing Jagger and Sadie again (a perfect touch for fans of Serpent Darling), and the action scene had me flipping pages like crazy. If I had one tiny wish, it would be for a little more world-building. But the emotional depth and tension? Absolutely nailed it.
If you love your romance with danger, loyalty, and a hero who won’t stop fighting for the girl he loves, Masked Darling is a must-read. 💥🔥 Very grateful to be chosen as an ARC reader for this author.
I had the Privilege to Arc read this beautiful book!!
Let’s start with OMG!!!! The intense love and sexual tension between Madison and Kade is unbelievable!! You can almost feel it while reading it. Their love for one another is amazing and real. The fact that even after everything she had been through she still chose him!!!
He tried to protect her. What happened wasn’t his fault and she didn’t blame him. He was sacrificing his heart in order to try and keep her safe from his world and life. But she chose to stay by his side. The loyalty Jagger and Sadie have for their family is unmatched. They stepped up and showed out for those they love and did whatever it took to save the innocent people from the harm they were experiencing!!
I know I want a love as strong as Kade and Madison’s and a family as loyal as Sadie and Jagger by my side always!!
I didn’t forget the spice is absolutely hitting in all the right places but most definitely check your triggers before reading this book!!
Oh my lord! Is there anything Pandora Cress cannot do?! Another brilliant book as expected & this is why she’s one of my favourite authors!
Firstly, I just want to hug Kade & give him all the love & support that exists in the world. Neither him nor Jagger deserved any of that trauma!
Biker Boy meets Nerdy preppy girl, like Riverdale’s Betty & Jughead but sexy & way more interesting. This book is full of action, drama & smut.. just how I like it.
It was lovely to finally get to meet Kade properly & learn about what he’s like behind closed doors. Maddison is adorable & I love her to pieces!! It was great to see more from Sadie & Jagger too & to see how their relationship had gown.
To be honest, it felt like catching up with some good friends. I have become emotionally invested in these characters & I hope this series doesn’t end soon.
This was such an interesting & emotionally intense story line & the writing is absolutely brilliant as always.
I am NEVER disappointed when it comes to a book written by Pandora Cress.
Masked Darling was so addicting. I sat down to read it, and could NOT get up until I finished it. The plot? Kade and Madison? The rollercoaster of emotions? Yes, yes, and yes.
Although this was a shorter book (about 210 pages)…we got to see Kade and Madison grow so much, both together and individually. This book was just written so so well. *But PLEASE read the trigger warnings before diving into this book*
Before reading Masked Darling, I read Serpent Darling (the first book in the interconnected series). That being said, I definitely think that you can read this book without having read Serpent Darling first. But with how Pandora writes, you might as well just get them both😅
Overall, Masked Darling was an amazing read. I highly recommend reading this book, you won’t regret it🫶🏼
P.S. If you read this, Kade Wilder will 100% be your newest book boyfriend.
Picture it: You are alone in the room where you work on the university paper but you can't get your friend out of your head because of how he makes you feel. It's late so no one will be here and you need to be able to think so you decide to get off...well as you happen to be moaning his name he happens to appear as if summoned. Now what? Die of embarrassment? Most definitely.
Kade was utterly shocked by the sight but he wants more so now he has to figure out what's next.
This book has a virgin FMC and a MC gang member MMC who have to accept their feelings for each other while navigating the real dangers present in his life.
This book is super spicy, super risky and all around a good time. Watch for triggers though they mostly happen off page with a brief mentions.
That kitchen scene at the party is absolutely phenomenal. Spicy, dirty and wet.