Always

Follow Me #6

by Helen Hardt

Take his breath away…

Braden and Skye have an electric connection that gets stronger with every boundary and every limit they push. There’s nothing Braden won’t explore with Skye…with one exception. Only now she’s the one who's challenging him. Because what Skye wants is the one thing Braden can’t give her. And the only way he’ll be able to keep the woman he loves is to relinquish the one thing he’s mastered above everything control.

Don’t miss this intensely sexy series with the first books, Darkly (told from Braden’s point of view) and Follow Me Darkly (told from Skye’s). Discover an even spicier experience by reading stories from both perspectives as you enjoy bestselling author Helen Hardt’s daring Follow Me series.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Adult

300 pages, Paperback

Published February 5, 2025

About the author

#1 New York Times, #1 USA Today, and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Helen Hardt's passion for the written word began with the books her mother read to her at bedtime. She wrote her first story at age six and hasn’t stopped since. In addition to being an award winning author of contemporary and historical romance and erotica, she’s a mother, an attorney, a black belt in Taekwondo, a grammar geek, an appreciator of fine red wine, and a lover of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. She writes from her home in Colorado, where she lives with her family.

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Reviews

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is told from Braden’s POV whereas Follow Me Always is Skye’s.
~~~~~
I have to say I was so confused when I was reading the story. I didn’t catch that this was Braden‘s point of view for the rest of the story and series.

Thankfully, I really enjoy the series and Braden is a wonderful character so getting his thoughts, feelings, and emotions on paper and into our brains is awesome.

Throughout the whole series, one of the things that bugged me the most was the fact that Skye had to argue every single point, and frankly, that was exhausting. But that’s also what I love about Braden. He knew how to defuse it and redirect it.

He was kind and loving and had it bad for her through the whole series. It is so refreshing to get his point of view even at his highest level of frustration.

Always is a great story to round out the series and if you enjoyed the Follow Me series, this is definitely one to check out. Hardt puts it all on the line and writes her stories with so much depth, passion, and emotion that you truly get blown away.

~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/always-by-he...

[Keri Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Skye and Braden are going through a journey of self-discovery together in order to continue to have a relationship with each other. Braden has given Skye an ultimatum to do some soul searching to discover the drive behind her want for breath play. As they divulge their deepest secrets to each other, their relationship gets even more inmate and secure. They also must face adversaries both in their personal life from their past and in Braden's business world.

I felt like the plot was very simplistic but was trying too hard. There were a lot of lines that were repeated, mainly Braden saying over and over again that he couldn't be with Skye until she told him why she wanted to do breath play and that was his hard limit. Skye kept saying she was working on it and that she wanted him to tell her about him and Addie.

It was a quick read with some spicy scenes.

[Courtney Shapiro · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I normally love Helen Hardt, this one fell so flat for me. Brayden and Skye kept going in circles, and it felt so primal that I didn't feel like he loved her at all. The spice was good, as I expected, but the book didn't go anywhere. Is it bad to say that I liked Ben and Tessa's story more than this last installment involving Brayden and Skye? I just felt so disconnected from the characters. Nothing felt totally resolved, and it was annoying to see Brayden talk down to her constantly. Overall, this was a quick read, but it wasn't very memorable and wasn't my favorite of Helen's. Thank you to Entangled for the e-ARC to read and review!

[Corinne Akers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always

What I love most about this book, is that it is from Braden‘s point of view. When you read follow me always, it’s from Skye’s point of view, and even though Braden‘s character is dominant throughout, you don’t get the inner monologue that’s going on inside of his head like you do in this book. It makes you feel a little more for the character when you know their self doubts and what they’re thinking about as these interactions are taking place. I really enjoyed reading through this and I recommend this book for other readers who have read the first five books in this series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[buzy_reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

Braden Black and Skye Manning are working through some rough issues. When Skye met Braden she became popular earning millions of followers. Braden owns a fetish club where he explores his dark desires in a safe environment. Braden introduced Skye into his world. When Skye questioned one of Braden’s hard limits he took the cowards way out. he’s been known for resisting relationships. Braden has put more effort and energy into Skye than anyone else. This next step tests his limits putting him at a crossroads where he no longer has control and he needs control.
…
Always is a romance that includes a dominating hero; discussions of adultery, date rape, erotic asphyxiation, and stalking; and traumatic injury, death of a parent, alcoholism, and spousal abuse in characters’ backstories. Helen Hardt introduced Braden Black back in Follow Me Darkly where we learned about his proclivities for dark fetishes. Ive read my fair share of dark fetish romances. I’m struggling with the way Helen Hardt communicates in her writing process. Her writing style doesn’t match up with my reading style because of that there’s a disconnect happening between the way she writes and the way I read.
…
The story moves in circles making very little leeway as these characters try to figure each other out. I found it repetitive with them unable to move past the same situation. The storyline was holding on by a thread with Braden unable to give Skye what she wanted which is interesting considering his lifestyle. It was a flimsy concept meant to drive more sex scenes into the book. For a guy that thrives off of fetishes I’d say he’s pretty vanilla. This wasn’t as dark as dark can go in the fetish world.
…
I felt the story could’ve been better had Tessa’s character not been included. The focus should’ve been on Braden and Skye working through there issues. That long explanation about Addison was way more than necessary.
…
Always is Braden’s point of view. Let me just say as book boyfriends go I’ll pass on this one. His past hang ups were overrated. His need for control was unappealing. I wanted to slap him each time he told Skye, “stop interrupting me and let me finish talking”.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how this author has chosen to tell the story from the hero and heroine’s points of view giving a whole new perspective on things. I initially read the series from Skye’s POV, and I’ll admit my sympathies lay with her. There was always an aura of mystery about the dominant, self-made billionaire Braden so was Always going to be the key to finally understanding this enigmatic man? Until Skye he didn’t do meaningful relationships especially not the boyfriend/girlfriend variety, the closest he’d come to one was an ongoing stalker situation and something he refused to discuss. When it came to talking about anything about his past, he was a vault, but things came to a head when Skye wanted to try the one thing that was his hard limit. When she challenged him about it, he initially turned it back on her but if they were to have a future, both were going to have to confront their pasts head on.

When it comes to steam factor the chemistry between Braden and Skye was a definite ten especially as they explored Skye’s fascination with bondage and things got darker between them. Helen Hardt did a fantastic job developing this side of their relationship. Its just a pity the same can’t be said for the rest of their life together. There was no doubting they loved one another but there didn’t seem to be any trust although if I’m being honest I found it strange that the submissive Skye pushed for something he didn’t want and can’t help wonder how she would’ve felt if it had been the other way around and Braden was pressuring her to do something that was a hard limit for her. I may have started this series routing for Skye but by the end I was team Braden.

[Sarah Slusarczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always by Helen Hardt is Follow Me Always but told from Braden's point of view. If you haven't read the previous books in the series, it is HIGHLY recommended you do.

As always with this author she writes with such depth to her characters. Skye and Btaden’s story is so engaging and interesting to read, so getting to experience a little more of it from a different perspective was so perfect. Braden is a silent enigma of a man, his story with Skye throughout the books dominates the plot so much so that the reader can’t help but want more and more.

Digging into his past from his own point of view was like finding buried treasure, it’s so rare and fragile, but that just makes you want it even more. While Braden buried treasure, Skye was the one to uncover him, she pulled him out from behind a closed heart and brought him into the light. She challenged him more and more, and that was such a strong dynamic in their relationship. Now when the spicy parts hit; of course they were off the charts. Even more so when being viewed from Mr. Bossypants point of view, the man lived for Skye.

While some might consider Always to just be a retelling of the same book, I wholeheartedly disagree. Always adds depth to characters readers already know and love, and a little extra to the plot as well. Skye and Braden’s relationship survived secrets, death and major conflicts that frankly most relationships don’t and because of this readers (like myself) will always want to come back for more from this talented author.

4 ⭐️
3 🌶️

Tropes:

💙 Alpha-hole
🪢 BDSM
💰 Billionaire Romance

[Ria Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always... and forever

The final instalment of Braden Black's POV in the Follow Me series has arrived. ALWAYS is the perfect companion novel to Follow Me Always providing wonderful insight into the thoughts of this enigmatic man. I've enjoyed all six books in this series, but I have especially the ones from Braden's POV.

ALWAYS concentrates on Braden and Skye Manning relationship. Secrets are revealed, promises are made, emotions are on display, and conflicts are sorted. Braden and Skye's chemistry is a continuing constant, as is their need to be with each other. While there is a differing of opinion, leading to Skye needing some time and space, Braden is determined to have her a part of his life. The need to resolve the hurts from their childhood to enable them to move on to a future together became a drive in their relationship.

ALWAYS was a terrific read and conclusion to the series. While this instalment was not as dramatic as the previous two from Braden's POV, it was the undisputed love between them that really shone. A highly recommended book and series.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

FOUR STARS

[Bre Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stars are for the smut scenes and the BDSM depth it would talk about outside of the actual smut scenes.

This book is part of a series but I tend to like the male POV when given the chance unless it’s a good dual narration book.

Braden Black’s POV. The man who went from barely enough food on the table, a house fire when he was a kid, to billionaire extraordinaire.

He digs the BDSM life style, owns a club, has rules, educates about aspects of the lifestyle to his girlfriend/Sub.

Skye, cute influencer intrigued by the BDSM life, head over heels for Braden, and trying to figure herself out.

Again, the smut scenes, and the Addie reveal were the most interesting.

Other than that it just felt like talking in circles, most of the book was one subject/conflict then a semi resolution and then all of a sudden 10 other things were thrown in with a few chapters left and rushed resolve.

I guess I preferred Ben Black’s story but that’s just me.

Whilst this may not be for me it may certainly be for you! If you dig the sweet overly corny at time stories, with some BDSM education, and very descriptive first time (one sided) anal play scene…step right up!

Thank you as always Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for this opportunity in exchange for my honest review.

[Kelly - Words We Love By · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always by Helen Hardt is an enchanting addition to the Follow Me Series, it delves deeper into the passionate relationship between Braden and Skye. From the first page it draws you back into the lives of Braden and Skye and the intense bond they have. They are struggling to find their balance between desire, trust and their vulnerability they feel when together. This is a book you can just pick up and start reading it is part of a collection and you definitely need to understand both of these characters because this book is a continuation of their relationship. Braden, is a man who thrives on control and Skye is the one person who makes him feel out of control and challenges him in ways no one ever has. On the other hand, Skye, is a force of nature, who is determined to push boundaries, she's also strong and goes after what she wants. The chemistry between these two are tense, hot and passionate. This story isn't just about the desires of Braden and Skye but they are both on a journey of self-discovery and the courage it takes to let it all go for the sake of love. If you have loved Braden and Skye from the beginning like I have this is a must read!

[Anita Byars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always is #6 in the Follow Me Series!

Wow, what a thrilling and emotional conclusion to this series! The story takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions, from intense lust and passion to intense frustration and love. As these two characters battle for control and their relationship, we’re left on the edge of our seats, rooting for them to find happiness together.

Skye Manning and Braden Black’s journey to their happily ever after was absolutely captivating! I loved reading it from Braden’s perspective because it gave us a deeper understanding of their relationship. It was simply amazing!

“Skye has become more than just a woman to me. She is a symbol of everything I never thought I wanted but now need desperately. But can’t have.”

These two are head over heels in love and have an unbreakable bond. But when Skye pushes Braden to the limits, will their happiness and love be shattered or will their love be their salvation? You’ll have to read to find out!

I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first time with Braden and Skye
I have read Hardt's work before so I knew this would be well-written, possibly angsty, and might trigger all kinds of emotions in me
It was and it did

I had a little trouble with Braden's reasoning for letting Sky... go(?) for lack of a better word. I felt like he was the one with the actual issue.

The intimate scenes were hades level hot and well-written
Their chemistry bled off the pages leaving no doubt they desired each other
However...
I did not feel like they trusted each other outside of their scenes
I know it sounds weird not to have that trust encompassing their relationship but they kept going in circles
never being truly honest with each other

I can not tell you how many times I screamed at Braden trying to get through that thick head of his
The past is exactly that - the past
We are to learn from it then move forward and use those lessons to enrich our lives
Not sabotage them

I have added the previous books for this couple to my tbr so I can get the full story

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always is the 6th book in the series by Helen Hardt that has captured the love and lifestyle of Braden and Skye. Braden is a self made billionaire and Skye is a small town girl gaining popularity as a social media influencer. This book is told from Braden’s point of view and covers the time period after their relationship had started and they’re trying to navigate the waters of a longer term relationship and really know each other. The story focuses a lot on their conflicts and has really spicy bdsm scenes scattered throughout. While the story itself wasn’t as gripping as earlier books in the series, I felt that this was an important part of the story the reader needed to know to complete their relationship. The author has a gift for writing the spicy scenes that always holds the interest of the reader. *Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[TinaMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always is 'Follow Me Always' from Braden's point of view.

Billionaire Braden Black and photographer/influencer Skye Manning have finally hit a snag in their relationship that will either end it or strengthen it. Both of them have issues from their childhood that are affecting them today and may ultimately prevent them from deepening their relationship.

When I read virtually the same book from another's perspective, I want to develop a deeper connection and understanding than the previous book. I want to fall more deeply for the characters but instead I found myself doing the opposite. While this retelling has all the same heat and kink, it just felt repetitive, and I found myself annoyed with the characters and their behavior. This one didn't work for me.

My initial review for 'Follow Me Always' can be found https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/...


For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Braden Black doesn’t do romance but has thrown that rule out the window after he has fallen in love with Skye Manning. In book 6 of this series about their road to HEA, Braden breaks up with Skye because she wants the one thing he can’t give her. On the journey to find out why she wants this Skye figures out what is the most important thing in her life. When Skye’s life is in danger Braden figures out what is the most important thing in his life.

Always is told from the man’s POV which I love. The story is well written with lots of romantic moments as well as frustrating ones with this couple but it is an enjoyable read. Braden and Skye have tons of hot chemistry and the secondary characters always add interesting fun to the story. I’ve enjoyed the journey to this couple’s HEA and highly recommend this book as well as the entire series.

[Living My Best Book Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always is the perfect counterpart for Helen Hardt's Follow Me Always as it is now told in Braden's POV. For fans of the series, this book will let you see Braden's softer and vulnerable side. This is a great conclusion to Braden and Skye's complex romance.

Braden and Skye are facing a hiccup in their relationship. They have to decide if love is really enough to keep their relationship alive. Braden has his hard limit, and Skye wants to push that limit, but the 'why' is important. In this book, Braden is giving her the space to figure out why she wants certain things and in turn, allows Braden some time to look inside himself and find closure.

I have enjoyed reading this series and wouldn't have ended it any other way. Helen Hardt did her Follow Me series justice and gave readers what they needed!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

This is the sixth book in the Follow Me series and it is not a standalone. Oh, how I missed Braden and Skye and Ms. Hardt has put them through the wringer here. The couple that you thought, or hoped, could make it through is showing cracks but it should have been expected as Braden was never one for relationships. However, when you meet the one, the heart wants what the heart wants but are they both ready to face their respective demons? Overall, this is a well written, enjoyable storyline with a myriad of moments, some frustrating and others romantic that make the pages turn to see what will develop. Braden and Skye have always had serious chemistry and the inclusion of the other characters heighten the storyline. If you enjoy the spicier side of things, then I recommend reading this series.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always is a wonderful conclusion of the Follow Me series. This needs to be read in order and is told through Braden's view. You finally get the big picture of both Skye and Braden's past trauma that shaped them into they are now. Skye finds her footing and learns so much about her childhood. I love how she's still pushing Braden's buttons. Braden is finally owning his feelings and opening up about everything with Skye. You feel there love still growing And shaping itself into forever love. All questions answered and all that stands in their way is cleaned up. I love the dynamics and chemistry between Skye and Braden. They are made for each other and know how far to push those buttons. I could not get enough of this one. I loved this series so much. If you haven't had a chance to read this series binge it now. Go one click this today.

[Setso · Rating 1 out of 5]

I waited with anticipation for the sixth book in the series, but I was very disappointed when I finally started reading it last week.

The book is no different from Follow Me Always, which was written from Skye’s perspective. I usually love Helen Hardt’s work, but this was a letdown.

The book felt rushed, and a lot of the story seemed copied and pasted from Follow Me Always. The only new element was when Brendan went to New York and met a different girl at a club. (Sorry for the spoiler!).

Other than that, the book didn’t offer a fresh perspective. Even the epilogue felt familiar, mirroring what we read in My Heart Still Beats, a book about Brendan’s brother Ben and Skye’s best friend, Tessa.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have watched this couple throughout the series work and fight their way to come together for a shared future! Braden is older and he is rich with a tendency to some darker sexual desires. Skye although younger is his perfect match as she is open to his guidance in both business and their developing sexual relationship. Her strength shines through in this book as she learns when to push and when to follow. Each character must solve conflicts from their childhood to truly move forward as a couple who love each other, without a single doubt, as they learn to trust completely their partner. Helen Hardt masterfully weaves their struggles as they find their path to a happy ever after.

[Jeanne Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the other books in this series. I've enjoyed Skye and Braden. I even liked seeing their romance from Braden's viewpoint in Darkly. This book however failed to engage me. Hardt's writing is again well done. The story has the heat of the previous books. The actual events have already been dealt with in previous books with almost nothing new added in this retelling. I'm also past caring anymore about this couple's dysfunction. It's been dragging on too long now.

I hate having to leave this mediocre review. I'll take the heat for it being my preference not Hardt's story or writing.

Thanks to the author and Entangled:Amara for the ARC.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read the previous books in the series, then you are familiar with both Skye and Braden as well as their pasts. This installment gives us insight into what Braden was thinking and the reasons behind his actions as it is told from his point of view.

He soon realizes that not only are the feelings he has for Skye different than anything he has ever felt before but even though there were missteps he is willing to make changes and test his boundaries if it means having Skye in his life.

The chemistry between them burns hotter than ever but the insight into Brayden’s character is what stands out most about this story.

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true relationship is telling each other anything and everything...

Reading from a MMC's POV has always intrigued me. I felt Braden needed to get his feelings out. He had been holding back trauma he experienced earlier in his life. He wanted to trust his story to Skye so they could move forward.

Skye was patient with him, but also strongly encouraged him to express what he was holding back from her. Their story was very emotional and passionate. Watching their journey towards their deserved HEA was heartfelt.

[Virginia VanSaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful conclusion to this series!

Love reading Braden and Skye’s conclusion from his POV. They have to put themselves through such deep emotional times from the past to go forward to have a future together. It’s heartbreaking but heartfelt at the same time. Their love knows no bounds. There’s also a little side action story included about date rape drugs. It just adds to a great conclusion of their story. Braden and Skye go through so much together, their motto is always. They will be together always, they will love each other always.

[Carol Ann Doveatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glad to see Always written so we could get Braden Black's point of view. He and Skye Manning deserved an ending to their story. It is necessary to read the other five books before reading this final installment in the Follow Me series. This book uncovers secrets from both Skye and Braden. There is emotion, deep love, steamy sexy scenes, caring, and hope for the future. They both fight for the happy ending they so deserve. The writing is easy to read, and flows very nicely. Passion is evident in every part of the story. I adore this series!

[Michelle Treas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled for the arc of this book. Always in book 6 in the Follow Me series. I love reading Helen Hardt books and I absolutely loved this book as well. Always is told from the perspective of Braden. This book gives us Braden's insight of the events that happened in Follow Me Always. Once I started this book, I could not put it down. This book was spicy! If you enjoyed the previous books in this series, you will love this book.

[Anita Salonger · Rating 4 out of 5]

The final chapter. What a terrific ending to the series. It was a little tricky getting used to reading the story from Braden point of view, but once you got into it, it read well. I have not read a Helen Hardt novel that I ave not liked. I am a fan. Read this book, it will not disappoint. Thank you Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is extremely interesting to read multiple points-of-view and Ms. Hardt did an exceptional job with this in "Always!"

It's been a long time since I've visited this world and these characters so this was a really nice escape and return!

Skye and Braden's story is definitely one that I want to find the time to start from the beginning and read the books back to back!

I do recommend reading the "Follow Me" series!

[Judith Reyna Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was so confused reading this story. It has been a while since I read the other books in the series. I felt like I had already read the story, but this one was in Brayen’s point of view.

It’s similar to Skye’s story, but you see some things differently because Brayen is telling the story. The series has a 50 shades of grey vibe. Make sure you check for any triggers.

Over all, I really enjoyed the book and the whole series: I do love how the series ended. It was perfect.

[Amber Archambault · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I haven't read a book from Helen Hardt in a while, and now I want to read all of her books again! I love the relationship with Skye and Brayden. They were both so in love with each other, but their secrets and the past kept keeping them apart. I didn't want the story to end and I will be reading Always again!