Cocoons

Evolution of Us #2

by Sydney Taylor

Rebecca never planned on breaking up with Bryce. Never planned on moving into his house a year later, either.

Now, she’s determined to keep her distance from Bryce despite their close quarters—and despite his persistence. After all, getting close to him again could have disastrous impacts to her family’s livelihood—as well as his life.

Bryce is just as determined to win Rebecca back, and to figure out why she ever shut him out to begin with, but winning Rebecca back has its hurdles, especially when she announces she’s going to start dating again. After Bryce finds mysterious searches in her internet history, he’s even more eager to figure out what Rebecca’s hiding.

When a chance opportunity takes them a thousand miles away, back to their home state of Michigan, Rebecca thinks this is her chance to distance herself from the secret that’s been holding her captive for the past year.

But going home means coming closer to danger than she realizes. And her secrets are all too happy about catching up with her there.

At what point do you consider coming clean to the people you love? Especially when moving forward means there’s no going back.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

A psychological thriller lover turned romance fanatic, Sydney Taylor writes books that are a combination of all the dark & dreamy vibes you crave to keep you on the edge of your page.

Sydney is a sugar-obsessed animal lover who thinks pigeons are misunderstood. She’s an avid reader of all things that keep your blood flowing, your thighs clenching, and your mind wondering.

Sydney enjoys reading and writing plot twists, thinks everything is urgent, and feels the most grounded when she's with her almost-husband and their two dogs and two cats.

When she’s not huddled over her laptop or Kindle at four a.m., she can be found knuckles deep in a bag of Sour Patch or in her backyard.

Reviews

[blossomingwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Sydney writes books that have me so on the edge of my seat is crazy!?!

If you haven’t read Caterpillars I suggest reading it first. Not required but it will give you insight to the backbones of this story.

I feel such a familiarity in Rebecca it’s crazy. Some of her thoughts could have been mine had I been in her situation. And Bryce… he’s the sweetest and most infuriating man.

Definitely worth the ‘why’s!’ and reading until 1am!

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cocoons is book 2 of 3 in the Evolution of us series, but can be read as a standalone.
This story follows Rebecca who is living with her current ex-boyfriend Bryce, not that either one of them doesn't want to be with the other. Rebecca has an anonymous stalker. She has no idea who it is, but whoever it is, wants her to stay away from Bryce. Bryce can't know though, so he's left in the dark about why Rebecca separated from him and is trying to win her back. Trying to play the supportive friend, he helps her set up a dating profile in which she meets a guy named Liam that she seems to hit it off pretty well with. Bryce and Rebecca end up having to go back to their home town, but while they're there, the stalker starts taking things up a notch. Because, it seems that this trip back home has rekindled things between Bryce and Rebecca and the stalker is not happy about it. Now, Rebecca's family is being included in the threats. When Bryce admits that he checked her internet history, Rebecca comes clean about what has been going on and now the race against time to figure out who the stalker is before someone seriously gets hurt begins.
The story is pretty suspenseful with the stalker aspect, but also slightly heartbreaking. My heart hurt for Bryce knowing that he loved her so much, that if she really didn't want to be with him and wanted to move on, he would've helped her. He is also a little possessive so once he got her back, there wasn't any doubt about his place in her life, as he started introducing himself as her husband. Bryce is all green flags and I love his character.
I recommend giving this a read if you're looking for romantic suspense with an anonymous stalker!

[Priscilla Herchold · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

At this point in 2025, I don't know why I'm surprised by books that pack an emotional gut punch, but I am. I was super excited for the suspense (and it delivered) that I just wasn't expecting the emotion that laced these pages, yet here I am, in love with this book and needing to read book no. 1.

Bryce and Rebecca were deeply in love when Rebecca suddenly broke it off with Bryce. He was utterly blindsided as she gave no warning or reason. For her part, Rebecca felt she had no choice because breaking up with Bryce meant keeping him safe. One year later, they're back together as roommates and the danger is still present. Secrets are everywhere with a stalker lurking close by. Cue the thrilling suspense that will hook you.

As I said, I was so excited for the suspense here and it really worked for me. I had inklings about what was going to happen, but I stopped myself from trying to solve it. I wanted to enjoy the ride. And the feelings!! Rebecca and Bryce truly do love each other. Even having been broken up with for no reason, Bryce will be by Rebecca's side until the bittersweet end, whatever that may be. Through it all, I was gripped because I really didn't know if their 2nd chance was actually going to work out.

A series to watch so you can pick the next book up!

❤️‍🩹 Exes to Roommates
❤️‍🩹 Second Chance
❤️‍🩹 "Her husband"
❤️‍🩹 Rescue Romance/Romantic Suspense
❤️‍🩹 Hidden secrets
❤️‍🩹 Anonymous stalker
❤️‍🩹 Travel

Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for the gifted copy!

[C_C · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

"Cocoons"

(Evolution of Us # 2)

by Sydney Taylor


Tropes:
🏡small town romance
❤️protective MMC
🤭ex's to roomates to lovers
❤️‍🔥second chances
🤎stalker


Cocoons is an emotional rollercoaster and a treasure chest full of suspense.

Sydney writes with total dedication: it feels that way, chapter after chapter.

The side characters are a wonderful addition to the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It really was a very good surprise.


Thank you to the author and Naughty Nook PR for this ARC.


---

some my favorite quotes:

The warmth radiating from his body bleeds into my skin, demanding my attention.

Not that I'll ever truly know happiness with anyone else but him.

I'll never do anything but wait for her until she's back with me.

His tight grip doesn't hurt. Instead, it sends goosebumps down my neck.

"Nothing will ever make me forget about you! Nothing!"

I can spin her and press my lips to hers and bring her back to me. Absorb her secrets and pain and make everything better.

I'll never stop trying to win her back. There's nobody in the world who is meant for me like she is.

It reminds me of the way Bryce makes me feel: warm and bright and comfortable even on the coldest, darkest nights.

I never even knew what safe felt like until I met Bryce, and then I knew, he was my forever.

[Sara - The One with the TBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if saving the person you love most meant having to lose them?
That’s exactly the heartbreaking dilemma faced by Rebecca, the FMC in this story. She’s forced to break up with the love of her life, Bryce, to protect him from an anonymous stalker threatening his safety. But fate throws them back together, forcing them to become roommates. Rebecca tries desperately to keep her distance and hide the feelings she still has for him, while Bryce is determined to uncover the real reason she walked away.
This novel is charged with tension from the very first page and not just the romantic kind. It’s easy to step into Rebecca’s shoes and feel her emotional turmoil: the fear from the threatening messages, the guilt of keeping secrets, and the magnetic pull she can’t resist whenever Bryce is near.
Told through a dual POV, Sydney Taylor lets us experience both sides of the heartbreak: the push and pull between two people still bound by love despite everything standing in their way. The result is a story that keeps you hooked, guessing, and emotionally invested until the very end. And when the truth finally comes out, it’s as surprising as it is satisfying.
During the whole read you’ll feel like Phoebe stalking her twin’s stalker!

I received an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Amanda 📖 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/🌶️🌶️.5

First, I want to thank the author for allowing me to receive this ARC and for the opportunity to be part of her street team. This was my very first book by her, and it did not disappoint I’m already excited to dive into the rest of the series!

This is Book 2 in the series, and it follows Rebecca (Bec) and Bryce exes turned reluctant roommates. Their breakup wasn’t what it seemed, though. Rebecca was forced to end things when a stalker began threatening Bryce’s life and her family’s safety. But who is behind it, and how far is she willing to go? When the two end up on a trip back home to Michigan with friends for a music festival, secrets unravel and chaos follows.

This story kept me on my toes from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down! It had the perfect balance of spice, suspense, and action to keep me hooked. I absolutely loved Bryce and Rebecca’s chemistry and heartbreak I especially felt for Bryce in the beginning, just wanting answers while Rebecca had to pretend everything was fine. 🥺

If you love second-chance romance with high stakes, tension, and a touch of danger, this one’s for you.

[Veronica Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cocoons by Sydney Taylor is book 2 in her Evolution of Us Series. This is a Romantic Suspense following Rebecca and Bryce. 🚩This is for readers 18 years and/or older as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩

My thoughts 💭
Bryce 🖤 He’s such a golden retriever and I am here for it!! His love for Rebecca is so strong and the way he refuses to believe she no longer wants to be with him is truly remarkable. I love how introverted Rebecca is and the only one to bring her out of her shell is Bryce. She believes she’s saving his life by breaking up with him in hopes that her stalker will leave her alone but that is far from truth, so I kind of felt a little relieved for her when she agreed to take time off and go back home. But the plot twist in this book was so great! I cannot wait for the next one! If you love a romantic suspense with a HEA then you will love this one!

✨I would like to thank the author Sydney Taylor and Naughty Nook Pr, for the opportunity to read and review Cocoons.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca and Bryce aren’t only roommates, they’re exes. The thing is, they are still both madly in love with each other. The catch? Someone is coming in between them, but who, is a mystery. Rebecca has been getting mysterious threats from an unknown number, warning her that if she gets too close to Bryce, her loved ones will get hurt. All goes to hell when they both end up going back to visit Michigan, where they’re both originally from. How far will Rebecca go to keep her loved ones safe? Will Rebecca learn to trust the ones she loves before it’s too late?

I was originally drawn to Cocoons because it has some local connections for me - Ann Arbor, Sterling Heights, and Lake St. Clair. I’m so glad I jumped at the chance to read it. The story is told through Rebecca & Bryce’s POVs. Following the story through both POVs gave me the opportunity to enjoy both of their connections to southeast Michigan. The story was fast paced and hard to put down. Cocoons has thriller vibes, with just the right amount of romance and spice. It pulled my out of my brief reading slump very quickly!

[Felecia Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:

Romantic Suspense
Exes To Roommates
Protective MMC
FMC has a secret
Second Chance

It’s one of those stories that sneaks up on you—quietly heartbreaking and suspenseful in equal measure.

Rebecca and Bryce’s relationship is complicated, to say the least. They share a history filled with love, loss, and unanswered questions. When Rebecca ends up living in Bryce’s house a year after their breakup, the forced closeness reignites all the emotions they’ve tried to bury. What I loved most was how Taylor doesn’t rush their reunion. The tension builds gradually—through subtle moments, tender gestures, and emotional honesty.

There’s also an undercurrent of danger that gives this story a romantic suspense edge. You can feel the weight of Rebecca’s secret on every page, and as Bryce grows more determined to understand what she’s hiding, the stakes rise for both of them. Taylor captures that feeling of being trapped by your own choices while still yearning for redemption and love.

Huge thanks to Sydney Taylor and Naughty Nook PR for this ARC!

[Extraspicybooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m absolutely loving Sydney Taylor’s debut series! Completely devoured both of the books so far!
Bryce and Rebecca are exs living together and still madly in love. Bryce cannot understand why Rebecca left him when he knows for certain that everytime he comes near her there’s a physical reaction from her. He’s determined to figure out what’s wrong. Rebecca loves Bryce and knows he will be the only one she loves for the rest of her life but so many lives are at stake if she lets herself have him. There’s an outside evil forcing them apart and for over a year she’s been running scared. But maybe if she lets herself secret out she wouldn’t feel so alone any more.
Gaaaahhhh I just DEEEEvoured this book! The twists and turns and suspense are perfection! Loved this one! So excited for the next one 🖤💕🖤

[Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. Every page layered with suspense, heartbreak, and the ache of love that refuses to fade. Rebecca and Bryce’s journey is raw and gripping; two people bound by love, torn apart by secrets, and forced back into each other’s orbit when danger resurfaces. Watching them navigate heartbreak, fear, and second chances had me hooked from the first chapter.

I loved the mix of suspense and emotion woven through every scene; the tension of a stalker lurking in the background, the tenderness of moments they can’t resist, and the bittersweet hope that maybe love can win this time. The side characters added warmth and levity, making this a perfect follow-up to the first book. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already counting down to the next in the series. ❤️‍🩹

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so wow. I wasn’t expecting to get hit with that kind of emotional chaos, but here we are. The tension? Off the charts. You can practically feel the history between the two main characters every time they’re in the same room it’s that perfect mix of love, frustration, and “oh no, don’t do that” energy that keeps you glued to the pages.

What really got me was how the story balances the romance with that creeping sense of danger. It’s got all the swoony, slow-burn moments you’d hope for, but there’s also this edge that makes your stomach twist a little (in a good way). And the pacing? So good. Just when you think you know what’s going on bam something drops and you’re like, ohhhh okay, we’re doing this now.

It’s got heart, heat, and just enough mystery.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca and Bryce. broken up because Rebecca stepped away from their relationship. Bryce doesn't understand why. but what he doesn't know is there's an unknown stalker that threatened not only Bryce but her family as well.
Rebecca ends up moving in with Bryce a year after their breakup but it's more than apparent that she still has feelings for him.
this story has twists and turns, and and of course the unknown stalker.
I really loved how this was written. there was tension, and sales over them not being able to be together. it held an intensity that keeps you reading wanting to know what's going to happen next, and who the stalker is.
very well written, the characters were so real and believable. I truly enjoyed this one.

[Everlyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say other than Syd you did it again, this book truly is a sparkling diamond! You made me feel all the feels, from sadness to anger and pure love even when the FMC didn’t necessarily deserve it from the MMC. He just knew in his gut something was off, for her to act the way she was. The story line and the growth the characters went through was perfectly written and you even were able to surprise me a little bit.

There is just one thing I really regret.

And that is that I don’t get to read this book for the first time again. But the more I read it, the more I fall in love with all the characters and I cand wait to read about Tara and James’ story and fall in love all over again!

[Kaitlin Ashwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocoons by Sydney Taylor was a very unexpected book that I really truly enjoyed reading! It is a romance with a heavy amount of suspense because *small spoiler alert* our FMC and MMC Rebecca and Bryce have a stalker trying to keep them apart. Do we find out who? Do we have to fight to keep the relationship we so desperately want? You are taken on a journey through this book and some moments have you hanging on the edge of your seat and others have you hot and bothered! It’s not really a dark romance, it’s a suspense romance and I loved it! I highly recommend this book if you enjoy a little bit of everything such as second chance, exs to roommates, and a super protective MMC!!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I wonder what the cocooning process feels like. You know, once the caterpillar has eaten enough, and wraps itself up in that trusty little shield? Safe, and warm, away from everyone."

Again Sydney got me hook just a few chapter in. Book 1 ( CATTERPILLERS) was exceptional, and Book 2 successfully maintained that high standard.

My sympathies were with Bryce from the outset. The narrative skillfully balanced suspense , action and passion, keeping me thoroughly engaged. I particularly admired Bryce's pragmatic demeanor and Rebecca's compelling character. The chemistry between them were palpable, as was the emotional depth of their story.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca and Bryce are in a complicated situation. They lived together and are both still in love with each other but have broken up. Bryce can’t figure out for the life of him why. Rebecca is hiding a secret. Loved the suspense in this book! Some stories lean too far romance or too far suspense but I felt like this one had an even amount of both. It kept me engaged throughout and I couldn’t wait for all the pieces to fall into place. I didn’t get to read the first book in this series as I didn’t know about the author at the time, but I plan to go back and read it sometime.

Thank you so much to the author for allowing me an ARC!

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cocoons is an emotional, suspense-filled second chance romance that weaves together heartbreak, hidden secrets, and the dangerous comfort of familiarity. Rebecca and Bryce’s story is equal parts tension and tenderness, with the exes-to-roommates setup creating plenty of charged, emotional moments. The romantic suspense element adds a layer of intrigue that keeps you turning pages, even when the pacing slows a bit in places.

Cocoons delivers a solid blend of mystery and emotional depth, making it a satisfying read for fans of second chances, protective heroes, and love that refuses to stay buried.

Thank you for the ARC. This review is only my opinion

[Breanna Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This book was a great read. I love anything that is different than just the normal HEA. You get the flirting and the relationship, but you also get mystery aspects and trying to figure out who is behind what is going on. I loved Bryce as a character because he would stick by Rebecca no matter what and be there for her when she was ready to love him. I was also shocked when I figured out who was working behind the scenes! I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants something different than the cookie cutter romance!

[Eljesa Ahm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to the author for the ARC! This was my first book by her, and it completely hooked me.

Book 2 follows Rebecca and Bryce — exes forced to live together after danger from Rebecca’s past resurfaces. A trip to Michigan for a music festival brings buried secrets and plenty of chaos.

I loved the mix of suspense, emotion, and second-chance romance. Bryce and Rebecca’s chemistry was electric, and the story kept me turning pages nonstop.

If you like tension, spice, and heart, this one’s for you!

[Telle Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️.5

Thank you to Naughty Nook PR for my ARC of Cocoons, Book Two in the Evolution of Us Series by Sydney Taylor!

I enjoyed this book a whole bunch! It was a quick but engaging read and it kept me guessing essentially the entire time which was fun. Bryce and Rebecca are both super lovable characters and you can’t help but root for them the entire time. Cocoons isn’t the spiciest book, but I did appreciate the chemistry and heat between the two MCs and the amount of spice was perfect for such a short read that had a great plot!

Cocoons is available now on KU!

[Isa | bookishandantisocial · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the suspense aspect of this book I think that was really well done. I just couldn't fully get invested into the romance side of things. Rebecca and Bryce had some great moments so it was not a bad read at all. I just feel like I needed more from their backstory. Maybe I needed to read the first book before this one I'm not quite sure. Overall still a good read and it's super fast paced so you can get through it pretty quickly.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie Skiffington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really quick and fantastic read, I loved every minute of it. Bryce and Rebecca have a somewhat rocky relationship, they broke up but she moved in with him as a roommate. There is some suspense, heartache, second chances, and forced proximity. When they go on the trip for the festival, all the tension between them is out in the open. It really starts amping up when her stalker gets more aggressive and I was actually surprised when you find out who it is. There is so much in this short novel and I loved it!

[Serena Buss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cocoons is an emotional, captivating, suspenseful exes to roommates to lovers romance. I love Rebecca and Bryce's story! It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole story! 5⭐2🌶️
Sydney's stories are beautifully written! With all the details, I can feel the emotion in the story as well as feel like I'm a part of the story. I love these books! Can't wait to read Butterflies! Thank you Sydney for including me as an ARC reader!

[FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FMC is trying to put her life back together after an incident that drove her to push away her loved ones. The MMC, unwilling to accept the distance without understanding why, patiently pieces together the truth behind her actions. What once seemed to be tearing them apart becomes the very reason they find their way back, stronger than before. I loved the writing, the plot, the emotional tension, and the unexpected twists throughout the story. Grateful for the ARC opportunity.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW


Bryce and Rebecca are a couple that is meant to be together. It isn't until Rebecca has an admirer that is threatening to harm her mom's business. This leads to Rebecca and Bryce going their separate ways. Funny thing is that Rebecca still lives with Bryce even after their break up. Bryce and Rebecca can never get over each other. Will Rebecca's admirer allow them to be together or will the admirer tear them apart?

[Sarah LaFata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think romantic suspense is by far one of my favorite genres to read! You get the mystery and the romance all in one package! I ate Cocoons up!! It was so good. I enjoyed learning more about Bryce and Rebecca and the crazy stalking that Bec endured so secretively. Of course, just when you think you know who the bad guy is, there’s a turn you never saw coming! I read this book so fast and couldn’t put it down! I’m so excited to get started on butterflies next!

[Emily Arriola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited to get to read Cocoons and find out more about Rebecca and Bryce! The wait was worth it! I was on the edge of my seat, not only from the suspense, but from waiting for Rebecca and Bryce to give in to each other!

❤️ex’s to roommates
❤️second chance
❤️protective mmc
❤️found family
❤️secrets
❤️st@lker

[Stephanie Keijzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interconnected standalone. Fast paced romance story with a thriller edge. It just missed character building for me. I couldn't get invested in the characters and emotions. I missed their background and love and good times. But I loved the thrilling side of the story and that kept me reading.

📚 Ex lovers
📚 Blackmail
📚 Friendship
📚 Thriller vibes
📚 Spice

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She broke up with him even though she did not want too but just a year later she was sharing a house with him. He wants her back and find out why she left him. They go back to her home where her secrets may just reappear when she does not want them to you. See if the secrets ruin her future
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a teary read