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Twisted Desires #3
Chasing After You
Josh Antley vanished the night everything went wrong.
At eighteen, with blood on his hands and a promise to never return, he ran from the Halbrooke estate, leaving behind the life he’d built with his adoptive family.
Dorian Halbrooke has never stopped looking for him.
Dorian’s life changed the day Josh was brought into his cold, curated world. He was the only warmth Dorian ever knew. His protector. His person. Eight years after the worst night of his life, Dorian is no longer the fragile child Josh left behind. He’s grown, relentless, and willing to burn down the world to find the only man who’s ever dared to run from him.
And this time, he has no plans on ever letting him go.
Chasing After You is the third book in the Twisted Desires series, a collection of interconnected standalones. It is a dark MM romance between an ex-adoptive brother and the unhinged man he grew up protecting. Please read the content warnings located at the beginning of the book before proceeding.
At eighteen, with blood on his hands and a promise to never return, he ran from the Halbrooke estate, leaving behind the life he’d built with his adoptive family.
Dorian Halbrooke has never stopped looking for him.
Dorian’s life changed the day Josh was brought into his cold, curated world. He was the only warmth Dorian ever knew. His protector. His person. Eight years after the worst night of his life, Dorian is no longer the fragile child Josh left behind. He’s grown, relentless, and willing to burn down the world to find the only man who’s ever dared to run from him.
And this time, he has no plans on ever letting him go.
Chasing After You is the third book in the Twisted Desires series, a collection of interconnected standalones. It is a dark MM romance between an ex-adoptive brother and the unhinged man he grew up protecting. Please read the content warnings located at the beginning of the book before proceeding.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2025
45 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
E. Baileu
11 books75 followersHi!
I’m a new author in the MM romance space. I primarily write dark romance, but like wholesome dark romance? You won’t find any verbal abuse or bullying in my books. I understand some people like that, but some people (me) prefer our morally grey men to dote on us.
My education background is in Criminology and Psychology, but I’ve always had a love for literature. I grew up writing short stories and poetry. As I got older, my creativity seemed to fade away and I became stuck in a monotonous routine. In December 2024, I suddenly decided to write Under Your Care. It felt like I had finally found what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I am so excited to share even more romantic, depraved, and kinky stories with everyone!!
Thank you,
E. (Elizabeth) Baileu
I’m a new author in the MM romance space. I primarily write dark romance, but like wholesome dark romance? You won’t find any verbal abuse or bullying in my books. I understand some people like that, but some people (me) prefer our morally grey men to dote on us.
My education background is in Criminology and Psychology, but I’ve always had a love for literature. I grew up writing short stories and poetry. As I got older, my creativity seemed to fade away and I became stuck in a monotonous routine. In December 2024, I suddenly decided to write Under Your Care. It felt like I had finally found what I was supposed to be doing with my life. I am so excited to share even more romantic, depraved, and kinky stories with everyone!!
Thank you,
E. (Elizabeth) Baileu
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 20, 2025
First things first: this book, and the entire series, is dark romance. The MCs are not your typical knights in white armour, and they really do morally grey (blakish?🤭) stuff, to each other, so please check the tw-list here.
Ahh, I loved this book. I really liked the entire series so far, like a lot, but Dorian and Josh really got under my skin in the best way possible.
They are former adoptive brothers, but not anymore. They have a complicated past, to say the least. Josh is kind of a sweetheart, and he is the best friend of Oliver, who we met in the previous books. Dorian is.. unhinged and definitely a bit of a psycho (or a lot?🫣) but the way he tried so hard and cared for Josh really got me.
They definitely aren't your 'typical' couple but that made everything just more fun 💥
I can’t wait for the next book of this series 🧡
Ahh, I loved this book. I really liked the entire series so far, like a lot, but Dorian and Josh really got under my skin in the best way possible.
They are former adoptive brothers, but not anymore. They have a complicated past, to say the least. Josh is kind of a sweetheart, and he is the best friend of Oliver, who we met in the previous books. Dorian is.. unhinged and definitely a bit of a psycho (or a lot?🫣) but the way he tried so hard and cared for Josh really got me.
They definitely aren't your 'typical' couple but that made everything just more fun 💥
I can’t wait for the next book of this series 🧡
August 24, 2025
So, long story short, I had sex with Dorian last night and it was really great, but then he roofied me and fucked me with a dildo for like 8 hours straight, and that wasn’t cool.If you have dark humor you're going to love this 3rd installment of the series. So many lines caught me off guard and made me literally LOL. Dorian in an absolute unhinged possessive freak and he's my favorite of all times. He loves his big bro so so so so so much 😂 And big bro is a touch scared of him...sometimes. But it's fine, they work it out.
We see a huge dose of the guys from book 2 and a couple unhingedly hilarious scenes with the guys from book 1. This book is spicy, funny (intentionally or unintentionally? idk), check your TW, but try to have fun with it.
No cheating/sex/drama with OM/OW💙
August 20, 2025
Holy. Fuck. This book was so damn good.
Josh and Dorian? They’re not just characters—they’re an obsession. This book had me clutching my Kindle like it was oxygen.
Josh is so broken, paranoid, and convinced he’s unworthy, while Dorian…my gods, Dorian is feral devotion personified. Possessive, obsessive, terrifyingly tender. He doesn’t just want Josh, he needs him. The way he catalogued every detail, every nervous tick, every scar from their childhood? That’s love, obsession, and madness blended into something you can’t look away from.
And the suspense? Unhinged. The flashbacks tore my heart out. The stalking had me sweating, and the push-pull between “I’ll ruin you” and “I’ll protect you” lit me on fire.
This isn’t just a dark romance. It’s a descent into obsession, trauma, and love that claws it's way through the ugliest places and still comes out burning.
If you’re not ready to question your morals, scream into your pillow, and maybe lowkey root for the boy who can’t let go...you’re not ready for this book.
Josh and Dorian? They’re not just characters—they’re an obsession. This book had me clutching my Kindle like it was oxygen.
Josh is so broken, paranoid, and convinced he’s unworthy, while Dorian…my gods, Dorian is feral devotion personified. Possessive, obsessive, terrifyingly tender. He doesn’t just want Josh, he needs him. The way he catalogued every detail, every nervous tick, every scar from their childhood? That’s love, obsession, and madness blended into something you can’t look away from.
And the suspense? Unhinged. The flashbacks tore my heart out. The stalking had me sweating, and the push-pull between “I’ll ruin you” and “I’ll protect you” lit me on fire.
This isn’t just a dark romance. It’s a descent into obsession, trauma, and love that claws it's way through the ugliest places and still comes out burning.
If you’re not ready to question your morals, scream into your pillow, and maybe lowkey root for the boy who can’t let go...you’re not ready for this book.
August 30, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, I liked Josh and Dorian's backstories on how they met and connected, and they had some cute moments in the present day. On the other hand, this book didn't really have a plot, which made it kinda boring to read. It is also the least darkest book in the series, but I didn't mind that. Overall, a decent read.
Now I'm excited for book 4, which will be the darkest one in the series according to the author. Shall be fun 😽
Now I'm excited for book 4, which will be the darkest one in the series according to the author. Shall be fun 😽
August 29, 2025
There is fun stalking and then there is forced assault boarding on Stockholm syndrome. One is fun and sexy and the other is creepy.
This was fun until the main took away every avenue of independence of his step brother until he was forced to live with him and then blackmailed him using the one thing that was his deepest trauma caused by his own family to coherce him into a sexual relationship. Literally I will lock you in your room like my family did for weeks on end or sleep with me..: you have no where else to go… tbh it sick and not in a fun way. Also the writing was like really juvenile without depth. I’m pretty dark, I love CNC or walking the line, this wasn’t hot, it just plain boring and depressing.
This was fun until the main took away every avenue of independence of his step brother until he was forced to live with him and then blackmailed him using the one thing that was his deepest trauma caused by his own family to coherce him into a sexual relationship. Literally I will lock you in your room like my family did for weeks on end or sleep with me..: you have no where else to go… tbh it sick and not in a fun way. Also the writing was like really juvenile without depth. I’m pretty dark, I love CNC or walking the line, this wasn’t hot, it just plain boring and depressing.
November 26, 2025
🖤☕️I became his anchor, and in turn, he became my purpose🖤☕️
"The only thing that I lacked was their affection, but there was something that made up for that. My little brother's love. Dorian Holbrooke was my life. My reason to get out of bed."
"I was the one who kept him whole for as long as I could. And if they thought they could take him from me now, they were sorely mistaken. He was mine. Mine"
"They didn't know how patient I could be, how long I could wait in silence with a smile on my face, letting rot fester under my skin."
"Because his eyes were just as beautiful as I remembered, and I wanted those eyes on me--only me--for the rest of his life."
"I wanted to break every clock in the world and live in a day where we never grew apart."
"Even if I didn't fully understand who he was now, he was mine. My family, my past, my blanket fort builder, my first friend, my heart, my soul. My everything."
"Stop flirting with me."
"I can't help it. You're the only thing I've ever wanted."
"It's cute when you try to act normal."
"I am normal."
"Mm. You're mine. That's not normal at all."
This book was fantastic and so amazing. This series is so dark, spicy, and has great storylines. This one was not as dark as the last two but still had some unhinged dark elements. This story was a slow burn, but when the heat started, boy was it hot af 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I loved how this story started off with Josh's back story and past. This set the whole tone for this book. I loved the forbidden aspect of this story with adoptive brothers 😏. I love how each book explores different kinks 😉.
This story follows Josh and Dorian. They're adoptive brothers and have lived with each other since a young age. Josh was a caretaker to Dorian and they bonded fast and became codependent. Bad things started to happen to Josh while he lived there until it all came to a head and he fled, leaving Dorian behind. Fast forward 8 years later and we're in the present timeline in the books. Josh has been getting messages from Dorian wanting to reconnect. Dorian has been stalking him and creeping Josh out. Will Josh and Dorian reconnect and become a family again? Will their feelings change now that they're older? Can Josh accept how much different Dorian has changed?
I loved both of these characters so much. They fit together perfectly. My heart bled for poor Josh 😭. He had it so rough growing up. Josh always felt out of place and never quite himself. Despite all that, Josh was such a sweetheart golden retriever. I loved him 😍. Dorian was very unhinged and bordered on psychopath. The only thing he wanted was Josh and nothing would stop him. I loved how their relationship has different layers. Brothers, best friends, and lovers. Josh never felt at peace until Dorian came back into his life. I loved how protective and possessive Dori was of Josh. Seeing these two get their HEA was everything.
I loved seeing cameos from the other couples. Their banter was hilarious 😂. This found family is insane but so lovely 🥹. Onto the last book. Ro seems so intriguing and I can't wait for his book.
"Don't worry. All I want is for us to be a family again. Soon."😈
"The only thing that I lacked was their affection, but there was something that made up for that. My little brother's love. Dorian Holbrooke was my life. My reason to get out of bed."
"I was the one who kept him whole for as long as I could. And if they thought they could take him from me now, they were sorely mistaken. He was mine. Mine"
"They didn't know how patient I could be, how long I could wait in silence with a smile on my face, letting rot fester under my skin."
"Because his eyes were just as beautiful as I remembered, and I wanted those eyes on me--only me--for the rest of his life."
"I wanted to break every clock in the world and live in a day where we never grew apart."
"Even if I didn't fully understand who he was now, he was mine. My family, my past, my blanket fort builder, my first friend, my heart, my soul. My everything."
"Stop flirting with me."
"I can't help it. You're the only thing I've ever wanted."
"It's cute when you try to act normal."
"I am normal."
"Mm. You're mine. That's not normal at all."
This book was fantastic and so amazing. This series is so dark, spicy, and has great storylines. This one was not as dark as the last two but still had some unhinged dark elements. This story was a slow burn, but when the heat started, boy was it hot af 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I loved how this story started off with Josh's back story and past. This set the whole tone for this book. I loved the forbidden aspect of this story with adoptive brothers 😏. I love how each book explores different kinks 😉.
This story follows Josh and Dorian. They're adoptive brothers and have lived with each other since a young age. Josh was a caretaker to Dorian and they bonded fast and became codependent. Bad things started to happen to Josh while he lived there until it all came to a head and he fled, leaving Dorian behind. Fast forward 8 years later and we're in the present timeline in the books. Josh has been getting messages from Dorian wanting to reconnect. Dorian has been stalking him and creeping Josh out. Will Josh and Dorian reconnect and become a family again? Will their feelings change now that they're older? Can Josh accept how much different Dorian has changed?
I loved both of these characters so much. They fit together perfectly. My heart bled for poor Josh 😭. He had it so rough growing up. Josh always felt out of place and never quite himself. Despite all that, Josh was such a sweetheart golden retriever. I loved him 😍. Dorian was very unhinged and bordered on psychopath. The only thing he wanted was Josh and nothing would stop him. I loved how their relationship has different layers. Brothers, best friends, and lovers. Josh never felt at peace until Dorian came back into his life. I loved how protective and possessive Dori was of Josh. Seeing these two get their HEA was everything.
I loved seeing cameos from the other couples. Their banter was hilarious 😂. This found family is insane but so lovely 🥹. Onto the last book. Ro seems so intriguing and I can't wait for his book.
"Don't worry. All I want is for us to be a family again. Soon."😈
August 20, 2025
👀😈 Chasing After You by E. Baileu 😈👀
Twisted Desires Series
Dorian and Josh!! What a perfect add to this series. We’ve met Josh in the Twisted Desires series as the sweet, shy friend - adrift and lonely. What we didn’t know, is that his former adoptive brother has been planning…pinning… for Josh to never be lonely again!
Chasing After You starts as obsessive, possesive, sweet st•lkery goodness and I am so here for it! I was hooked from the start and devoured this story in a day! And omg when the shmink starts… it’s absolutely on fire. Smaller younger D•m, bigger older s-b and ALL the dark delicious shmink! 👀
This is the third book in the first series by E, Baileu and the growth and talent in her writing is evident. She is quickly becoming a must read for me. If you tried the other books and loved the vibes but felt the growing pains of a new writer- I highly recommend you read this one. She has kept all her talent and story telling and really stepped up the technical aspects of the writing in this book. E Baileu is becoming a favorite for me! Read this book and thank me later 💋
👀 MM Dark Romance
😈 All The St•lking
🔥 Forbidden - Ex Adopted Brothers
👀 Obsessive, Possessive, Protective
😈Smaller, younger D•m - Bigger, older s-b
🔥High Shmink- D/s
Check the Comments for Shmink Tags!
Official Description: Josh Antley vanished the night everything went wrong.
At eighteen, with blood on his hands and a promise to never return, he ran from the Halbrooke estate, leaving behind the life he’d built with his adoptive family.
Dorian Halbrooke has never stopped looking for him.
Dorian’s life changed the day Josh was brought into his cold, curated world. He was the only warmth Dorian ever knew. His protector. His person. Eight years after the worst night of his life, Dorian is no longer the fragile child Josh left behind. He’s grown, relentless, and willing to burn down the world to find the only man who’s ever dared to run from him.
And this time, he has no plans on ever letting him go.
Link: https://a.co/d/ebgvAba
💋 @read.me.romance
#MMRomance
#darkromance
#MMBookstagram
#SpicyBookRec
#spicybooktok
Shmink Tags! 👇
Strict Top/ Bottom
D•m, s-b
Smaller, younger D•m - Bigger, older s-b
Pierced eggplant
Dub & non!!
S•mn•
Crawl for me
Praise
Dirty talk
Needy bottom, beg , subby!!!!
Light humiliation, deg
Shibari
N!ppl3 play
Pleasure pain
Pain- impact
Toys
Non c marking!
B•nd•ge
C Cage
Public play - semi
Objectification
Sp•nk
Edg ng
C-m ply
Twisted Desires Series
Dorian and Josh!! What a perfect add to this series. We’ve met Josh in the Twisted Desires series as the sweet, shy friend - adrift and lonely. What we didn’t know, is that his former adoptive brother has been planning…pinning… for Josh to never be lonely again!
Chasing After You starts as obsessive, possesive, sweet st•lkery goodness and I am so here for it! I was hooked from the start and devoured this story in a day! And omg when the shmink starts… it’s absolutely on fire. Smaller younger D•m, bigger older s-b and ALL the dark delicious shmink! 👀
This is the third book in the first series by E, Baileu and the growth and talent in her writing is evident. She is quickly becoming a must read for me. If you tried the other books and loved the vibes but felt the growing pains of a new writer- I highly recommend you read this one. She has kept all her talent and story telling and really stepped up the technical aspects of the writing in this book. E Baileu is becoming a favorite for me! Read this book and thank me later 💋
👀 MM Dark Romance
😈 All The St•lking
🔥 Forbidden - Ex Adopted Brothers
👀 Obsessive, Possessive, Protective
😈Smaller, younger D•m - Bigger, older s-b
🔥High Shmink- D/s
Check the Comments for Shmink Tags!
Official Description: Josh Antley vanished the night everything went wrong.
At eighteen, with blood on his hands and a promise to never return, he ran from the Halbrooke estate, leaving behind the life he’d built with his adoptive family.
Dorian Halbrooke has never stopped looking for him.
Dorian’s life changed the day Josh was brought into his cold, curated world. He was the only warmth Dorian ever knew. His protector. His person. Eight years after the worst night of his life, Dorian is no longer the fragile child Josh left behind. He’s grown, relentless, and willing to burn down the world to find the only man who’s ever dared to run from him.
And this time, he has no plans on ever letting him go.
Link: https://a.co/d/ebgvAba
💋 @read.me.romance
#MMRomance
#darkromance
#MMBookstagram
#SpicyBookRec
#spicybooktok
Shmink Tags! 👇
Strict Top/ Bottom
D•m, s-b
Smaller, younger D•m - Bigger, older s-b
Pierced eggplant
Dub & non!!
S•mn•
Crawl for me
Praise
Dirty talk
Needy bottom, beg , subby!!!!
Light humiliation, deg
Shibari
N!ppl3 play
Pleasure pain
Pain- impact
Toys
Non c marking!
B•nd•ge
C Cage
Public play - semi
Objectification
Sp•nk
Edg ng
C-m ply
August 7, 2025
Chasing After You | E. Baileu
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 🌶️💦
ARC Review
Big thanks to the author for the advance copy.
🙌🏻💕
So excited to finally read Josh's story especially since I'm a huge huge fan of this type of trope. Give me anything Step-brothers, ex-adoptive brother or even real brothers and I'll eat them all up. Definitely binged in one sitting and it was worth it.
I loved Dorian.
The amount of patience, dedication and love that he showed Josh was just outstanding.
He has 'his ways' but definitely milder compared to Greyson or the twins.
He definitely sees the real Josh and let him feel himself whenever they're together. And he's hot! 💦
Josh was such a sweetheart.
I understand why he kept his distance. And everything that he actually did as a precaution was valid, very smart actually.
The ending tho!!!
Now my imagination is running wild for the next book hopefully!
E. Baileu's books are always so fun to read bec you get such various characters and plot. I enjoy that we always get a charac that's hot, possessive and obsessive. I mean what more can we ask? 🤍
Spoilery comments. Skip if you haven't read:
Although for Josh, I did wish we saw him pursue Dorian a bit. Bec like Dorian said, Josh was the one who left. When the misunderstanding was cleared, he was wary of Dorian but when he finally accepted his feelings I wish he made more effort to Dorian. Kinda like to make up for loss time as well.
But! Good job to Josh for telling Dorian about his biggest no no.
He didn't want to meet Dorian at the beginning bec he was anxious to see and talk to him but really proud that he was able to say this at this moment. Communication is key.
Another good boy job to Josh for actually telling Ollie to back off a bit at the beginning. He doesn't trust Dorian bec of the stalking and yet the twins did more questionable things 🤣
I loved Ollie in his book but in Lane and Josh's stories, his overprotectiveness can come off a bit different. Like he's saying everything right and yet without comparing to his situation or what might happen when he says it.
I did enjoy seeing him and the twins doing well and that he opened his home and offered hell immediately 🫶🏻
Hearing Lane was so fun tho even tho he literally just said 'Daddyyy' 🤣 ahhh I love him and Greyson 🤍
And lovely advice from Greyson.
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 🌶️💦
ARC Review
Big thanks to the author for the advance copy.
🙌🏻💕
So excited to finally read Josh's story especially since I'm a huge huge fan of this type of trope. Give me anything Step-brothers, ex-adoptive brother or even real brothers and I'll eat them all up. Definitely binged in one sitting and it was worth it.
I loved Dorian.
The amount of patience, dedication and love that he showed Josh was just outstanding.
He has 'his ways' but definitely milder compared to Greyson or the twins.
He definitely sees the real Josh and let him feel himself whenever they're together. And he's hot! 💦
Josh was such a sweetheart.
I understand why he kept his distance. And everything that he actually did as a precaution was valid, very smart actually.
The ending tho!!!
Now my imagination is running wild for the next book hopefully!
E. Baileu's books are always so fun to read bec you get such various characters and plot. I enjoy that we always get a charac that's hot, possessive and obsessive. I mean what more can we ask? 🤍
Spoilery comments. Skip if you haven't read:
Although for Josh, I did wish we saw him pursue Dorian a bit. Bec like Dorian said, Josh was the one who left. When the misunderstanding was cleared, he was wary of Dorian but when he finally accepted his feelings I wish he made more effort to Dorian. Kinda like to make up for loss time as well.
But! Good job to Josh for telling Dorian about his biggest no no.
He didn't want to meet Dorian at the beginning bec he was anxious to see and talk to him but really proud that he was able to say this at this moment. Communication is key.
Another good boy job to Josh for actually telling Ollie to back off a bit at the beginning. He doesn't trust Dorian bec of the stalking and yet the twins did more questionable things 🤣
I loved Ollie in his book but in Lane and Josh's stories, his overprotectiveness can come off a bit different. Like he's saying everything right and yet without comparing to his situation or what might happen when he says it.
I did enjoy seeing him and the twins doing well and that he opened his home and offered hell immediately 🫶🏻
Hearing Lane was so fun tho even tho he literally just said 'Daddyyy' 🤣 ahhh I love him and Greyson 🤍
And lovely advice from Greyson.
November 7, 2025
I was (I really was) going to work on a few ARCs and/or TBRs...but then I saw this book (the first one) was on a Pillow Princess mm list and...well...here we are. This is E. Baileu's "Chasing After You." It's the third novel in their Twisted Desires series.
["Josh Antley vanished the night everything went wrong.
At eighteen, with blood on his hands and a promise to never return, he ran from the Halbrooke estate, leaving behind the life he’d built with his adoptive family.
Dorian Halbrooke has never stopped looking for him.
Dorian’s life changed the day Josh was brought into his cold, curated world. He was the only warmth Dorian ever knew. His protector. His person. Eight years after the worst night of his life, Dorian is no longer the fragile child Josh left behind. He’s grown, relentless, and willing to burn down the world to find the only man who’s ever dared to run from him.
And this time, he has no plans on ever letting him go."]
This was was advertised as "less dark" than the other two. And in most ways, it was. There was less non-con and less unethical/illegal activities that were supposed to be romantic. But it wasn't a rom-com. It was still filled with triggers and kinks and slightly unhinged behavior.
They were both so cute. Looking at the prologue, you wouldn't necessarily see Dorian as he is today. But he was always a good mimic and great at letting people perceive him as they needed to. Knowing they both did so much, sacrificed so much, longed so much for each other. Knowing they thought about each other constantly. Knowing that all of the pain and lies and suffering would eventually lead to a HEA.
Trigger Warnings: child neglect, abuse, and maltreatment of MCs by parental figures; homophobic comments and actions direction at MCs by parental figures; depictions and discussion of how American child welfare system sucks and the unethical adoption of an MC leading to forced labor; stalking of MC by another MC; drugging of MC by another MC; dubcon and one noncon scene; arson; depictions of anxiety, panic attacks, and self-esteem issues; and more.
#underyourcare #yourstobreak #chasingafteryou #atyourmercy #ebaileu #twisteddesires #twisteddesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Josh Antley vanished the night everything went wrong.
At eighteen, with blood on his hands and a promise to never return, he ran from the Halbrooke estate, leaving behind the life he’d built with his adoptive family.
Dorian Halbrooke has never stopped looking for him.
Dorian’s life changed the day Josh was brought into his cold, curated world. He was the only warmth Dorian ever knew. His protector. His person. Eight years after the worst night of his life, Dorian is no longer the fragile child Josh left behind. He’s grown, relentless, and willing to burn down the world to find the only man who’s ever dared to run from him.
And this time, he has no plans on ever letting him go."]
This was was advertised as "less dark" than the other two. And in most ways, it was. There was less non-con and less unethical/illegal activities that were supposed to be romantic. But it wasn't a rom-com. It was still filled with triggers and kinks and slightly unhinged behavior.
They were both so cute. Looking at the prologue, you wouldn't necessarily see Dorian as he is today. But he was always a good mimic and great at letting people perceive him as they needed to. Knowing they both did so much, sacrificed so much, longed so much for each other. Knowing they thought about each other constantly. Knowing that all of the pain and lies and suffering would eventually lead to a HEA.
Trigger Warnings: child neglect, abuse, and maltreatment of MCs by parental figures; homophobic comments and actions direction at MCs by parental figures; depictions and discussion of how American child welfare system sucks and the unethical adoption of an MC leading to forced labor; stalking of MC by another MC; drugging of MC by another MC; dubcon and one noncon scene; arson; depictions of anxiety, panic attacks, and self-esteem issues; and more.
#underyourcare #yourstobreak #chasingafteryou #atyourmercy #ebaileu #twisteddesires #twisteddesiresseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
August 21, 2025
This is a Dark Romance so please check the TWs heading in. You do get a HEA so no worries there. This is also Book 3 in the Twisted Desires Series. They are interconnected stand alones so you don't need to read them all but I recommend it for the flow 🖤
🌶🌶🌶.5
Josh is running from a past he thought he hid well from. When Josh was 11 he was adopted for the sole purpose of raising the family's current son Dorian, to basically act the part of a nanny, without the nasty optics. What the parents didn't think of was the bond that would grow between the 2 boys through the years. Not wanting their prized Heir being "corrupted" after noticing the bond the parents broke the 2 boys up and after certain events Josh went running. Flash forward almost a decade we are here with Josh in his new life and Dorian has found him. Josh is certain the only reason why Dorian is looking for him is for revenge. Dorian though is an obsessed man who wants Josh back where he belongs...by his side....
Um I ate this up...left absolutely no crumbs I could NOT stop reading this I loved it so much. Like I know stalking is bad and not funny in real life but when Dorian does it I was just like "awe he learned his coffee order" 🤣 ...yes...I know... you don't have to tell me....
Josh was really just left alone in the world and when the 2 of them made their own little family my black little heart was just so happy. These 2 really did just deserve their HEA. I do have some warning bells about our new Ro here he better not fuck with our guys 🤣 I do love our little town of Psycho/Sociopaths so he is about to FAFO. I absolutely cannot get enough of this world and I'm so happy we are getting more of it!
🌶🌶🌶.5
Josh is running from a past he thought he hid well from. When Josh was 11 he was adopted for the sole purpose of raising the family's current son Dorian, to basically act the part of a nanny, without the nasty optics. What the parents didn't think of was the bond that would grow between the 2 boys through the years. Not wanting their prized Heir being "corrupted" after noticing the bond the parents broke the 2 boys up and after certain events Josh went running. Flash forward almost a decade we are here with Josh in his new life and Dorian has found him. Josh is certain the only reason why Dorian is looking for him is for revenge. Dorian though is an obsessed man who wants Josh back where he belongs...by his side....
Um I ate this up...left absolutely no crumbs I could NOT stop reading this I loved it so much. Like I know stalking is bad and not funny in real life but when Dorian does it I was just like "awe he learned his coffee order" 🤣 ...yes...I know... you don't have to tell me....
Josh was really just left alone in the world and when the 2 of them made their own little family my black little heart was just so happy. These 2 really did just deserve their HEA. I do have some warning bells about our new Ro here he better not fuck with our guys 🤣 I do love our little town of Psycho/Sociopaths so he is about to FAFO. I absolutely cannot get enough of this world and I'm so happy we are getting more of it!
August 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐
2.5🌶️
Dori and Josh were literally the best. Adoptive estranged brothers turned lovers in the steamiest way.
Dorian is probably my favorite character E. Baileu has created. There is something about him that's dark but so very endearing. You can't help but love him. He literally has no thoughts other than Josh and I love that for him.
Josh was such a sweet man. I felt for him. The loss of his parents and then never truly feeling loved except for Dori. I just wanted to wrap him in a hug and never let go.
There's a cameo of Daddy Grey and Lane from Under Your Care that made me want to re-read Grey and Lane's book. Daddy Grey is the best, most delulu therapist and I love him for it. Although, he gives solid advice.
Super excited to see what else E comes up with next. 💜
WHAT TO EXPECT
💜 Ex-Adoptive Brothers
🖤 Jock x Punk
💜 Forced Proximity
🖤 Stalking
💜 Younger Sub x Slightly Older Dom (4 year age gap)
🖤 Rope/Shibari
💜 HEA
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
2.5🌶️
Dori and Josh were literally the best. Adoptive estranged brothers turned lovers in the steamiest way.
Dorian is probably my favorite character E. Baileu has created. There is something about him that's dark but so very endearing. You can't help but love him. He literally has no thoughts other than Josh and I love that for him.
Josh was such a sweet man. I felt for him. The loss of his parents and then never truly feeling loved except for Dori. I just wanted to wrap him in a hug and never let go.
There's a cameo of Daddy Grey and Lane from Under Your Care that made me want to re-read Grey and Lane's book. Daddy Grey is the best, most delulu therapist and I love him for it. Although, he gives solid advice.
Super excited to see what else E comes up with next. 💜
WHAT TO EXPECT
💜 Ex-Adoptive Brothers
🖤 Jock x Punk
💜 Forced Proximity
🖤 Stalking
💜 Younger Sub x Slightly Older Dom (4 year age gap)
🖤 Rope/Shibari
💜 HEA
Cheating: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: Dual POV (First Person POV)
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
August 9, 2025
Another great installment in this dark and twisted series. I loved Josh & Dorian. Again, somehow, E. Baileu takes a twisted character and makes you fall in love with them. I loved seeing Dorian's obsession from his point of view and loved seeing Josh experience it from his side. Yes, there are things in here that shouldn't work, that should probably upset me. But they did the opposite. :) I loved it, loved ALL of it. Love the introduction of the BDSM elements and how Josh just took to it so sweetly. This one is a dark and twisted romance, but it also manages to be swoony and spicy and a sweet romance. The author also introduces a character right at the end who I just know we're going to see again and I can't wait! Thanks for the intriguing semi-cliffhanger. LOL
August 13, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book! I've really enjoyed every book in the series so far, but this one is probably my favourite.
Josh is such a sweetheart, and I just wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap - it's no wonder Dori is completely obsessed with him. And Dori is unhinged in the best way possible - he had me cracking up! I mean, who wouldn't give their brother a roofie, tattoo them, and strap them to a seggs machine while they're unconscious for hours...seems perfectly reasonable. I have no idea why Josh might be upset about that!
This book had me laughing out loud, squealing with excitement and fanning myself. I was hooked from start to finish and loved every minute of it!
Josh is such a sweetheart, and I just wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap - it's no wonder Dori is completely obsessed with him. And Dori is unhinged in the best way possible - he had me cracking up! I mean, who wouldn't give their brother a roofie, tattoo them, and strap them to a seggs machine while they're unconscious for hours...seems perfectly reasonable. I have no idea why Josh might be upset about that!
This book had me laughing out loud, squealing with excitement and fanning myself. I was hooked from start to finish and loved every minute of it!
August 22, 2025
I just adore this author and the way her mind works. There is not a dull bone in her body and the MCs really reflect this. This is the third book in the series and we have MC six and seven and I am there for them, from their beginnings from asshat
parents, to their separation and their reunion. There is also a fascinating discussion about what makes a psychopath that made sense to me.
I also love Shibari and it is very well depicted here along with some other aspects of BDSM done very well.
There are cameos from the first two books, but you don't need to have read them for this.
All in all fun times!
parents, to their separation and their reunion. There is also a fascinating discussion about what makes a psychopath that made sense to me.
I also love Shibari and it is very well depicted here along with some other aspects of BDSM done very well.
There are cameos from the first two books, but you don't need to have read them for this.
All in all fun times!
September 3, 2025
Dark Romance
Foster Brothers
Obsessive/ Possessive MMC
Stalker MMC
Somnophilia
Dorian is so unhinged I adored him and his possessiveness. From the very beginning you can tell that he is obsessed with his “big bro”. Not sure if to lighten the mood he’s just so laugh out loud funny or if that’s truly how Dorian is. I was laughing a lot. This was the least spicy of the three books, but it also had the most background/ history to tell. Like all the other books in this series it’s morally grey and unhinged, more so than any other. But overall, I enjoyed this book. Loved all the characters in this one too
Foster Brothers
Obsessive/ Possessive MMC
Stalker MMC
Somnophilia
Dorian is so unhinged I adored him and his possessiveness. From the very beginning you can tell that he is obsessed with his “big bro”. Not sure if to lighten the mood he’s just so laugh out loud funny or if that’s truly how Dorian is. I was laughing a lot. This was the least spicy of the three books, but it also had the most background/ history to tell. Like all the other books in this series it’s morally grey and unhinged, more so than any other. But overall, I enjoyed this book. Loved all the characters in this one too
November 24, 2025
Really enjoying this series and E. Baileu’s writing style. I’m enjoying the characters and different couple dynamics. In this particular book it’s one of my favorite dynamics: younger, smaller, Dominant Top with a bigger, muscular, older submissive bottom.
Was this anything new? No. Was there plenty of clichés? Yep. But it was written well and kept me engaged. I’m binge reading this series and gobbling up!
What I like about these books in this series is they’re not overly long or short, just long enough to give a good story but not too long that you get bored. I also enjoy the type of characters written in these books. They’re my guilty pleasure.
Was this anything new? No. Was there plenty of clichés? Yep. But it was written well and kept me engaged. I’m binge reading this series and gobbling up!
What I like about these books in this series is they’re not overly long or short, just long enough to give a good story but not too long that you get bored. I also enjoy the type of characters written in these books. They’re my guilty pleasure.
August 15, 2025
I got an arc copy for Chasing after you by E. Baileu was about josh and dorian who were foster brothers but after an incident josh was sent to seattle and after 8 years they’re finally reunited. this book is a dark romance so check your trigger warnings but i really enjoyed learning more about them both and what really happened that made josh have to disappear from dorian’s life overall i rated this story 4 stars because it had the action, the spice, and the dark aspects i was looking forward to.
August 8, 2025
I'm sorry but get me a Dorian any day and I'll be one happy camper.
Dorian and Joshua's story is indeed lighter in comparison to the two previous book with a dash of ex-stepbrother spice on it.
I absolutely adore Dorian and his twisted way of thinking AND how he liked planting seeds especially knowing how Josh can be.
This was another fun read.
P.S. No full stars bcuz Oliver got on my nerves.
Dorian and Joshua's story is indeed lighter in comparison to the two previous book with a dash of ex-stepbrother spice on it.
I absolutely adore Dorian and his twisted way of thinking AND how he liked planting seeds especially knowing how Josh can be.
This was another fun read.
P.S. No full stars bcuz Oliver got on my nerves.
August 20, 2025
JOSH AND DORIAN MADE MY HEART SOAR FOR THESE TWO!
I really liked Josh when I first saw him, and I was so happy he got a book. What he had to endured when he was young hit me in the feels. Dorian and Josh had a strong connection from when they first met when they were younger. I loved the moments between these two. Their story is strong and emotional. It really hit me in my feels. I devoured their story and is a definite reread for me.
I really liked Josh when I first saw him, and I was so happy he got a book. What he had to endured when he was young hit me in the feels. Dorian and Josh had a strong connection from when they first met when they were younger. I loved the moments between these two. Their story is strong and emotional. It really hit me in my feels. I devoured their story and is a definite reread for me.
August 26, 2025
4⭐️
Yes, I sometimes dive into series out of order: this one can absolutely be read as a standalone (though I’ll probably circle back for the others). Chasing After You was my first read from E. Baileu and definitely not my last. Josh and Dorian, two ex–adoptive brothers with traumatic pasts, pulled me right in. Their relationship is obsessive, possessive, and super spicy…the kind of dynamic I love. I especially enjoyed the role reversal, with Dorian as the younger but more dominant one, and Josh taking on the softer, more submissive role. It’s refreshing when an author breaks away from tired stereotypes. Overall, a deliciously spicy read I’m glad I picked up.
Yes, I sometimes dive into series out of order: this one can absolutely be read as a standalone (though I’ll probably circle back for the others). Chasing After You was my first read from E. Baileu and definitely not my last. Josh and Dorian, two ex–adoptive brothers with traumatic pasts, pulled me right in. Their relationship is obsessive, possessive, and super spicy…the kind of dynamic I love. I especially enjoyed the role reversal, with Dorian as the younger but more dominant one, and Josh taking on the softer, more submissive role. It’s refreshing when an author breaks away from tired stereotypes. Overall, a deliciously spicy read I’m glad I picked up.
September 30, 2025
3 stars. My least favorite in the series thus far. It was just really boring to me and felt like it was too long which is not good because this is less than 300 pages. I never grew to care about either character and the romance fell flat. I also wanted this to be more grittier like the first two and it wasn’t. Looking forward to the fourth book and I hope it has some of the elements from the first two books that made me love this series in the first place.
October 14, 2025
This was my first book by E. Baileu and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author! I love the stepbrothers trope, so this was really up my alley. The spice was great, and I enjoyed the storyline a lot.
October 25, 2025
What a great way to end the series. The banter these the characters have was great. This is the right amount of graveling that I want for each character to realize how they fall for each other. And love getting characters from the other books.
August 7, 2025
Such an amazing read. Love all these books!
August 26, 2025
3.75 ⭐️.
December 4, 2025
got boring after a few chapters
Read
December 8, 2025Dnf @ 79% I hate it here
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