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Sawyers Cove #1
You Found Me in the Dark
Wren Callahan has always been the bright cheerful girl who lights up every room and finds the good in almost anything. But lately, the light she’s known for has started to dim. She pulls away from friends, avoids her art, and finds herself unraveling in silence. No one seems to notice the change. No one, except him.
Reed Whitmore isn’t supposed to care. He’s her older brother’s best friend. He is a quiet, brooding tattoo artist with ink-stained hands, a locked-up heart, and a reputation for keeping his distance. But when he finds Wren crying alone on the bleachers behind their old high school, he doesn’t walk away. He sits beside her in the dark, and something between them shifts. That night leads to stolen moments, late-night drives, and a slow-burning connection neither of them can ignore.
As Wren begins to heal and Reed begins to feel, the line between them blurs. What started in shadows threatens to surface in the light, and in a town like Sawyer’s Cove, secrets don’t stay buried for long. He’s no longer just her brother’s best friend. She’s no longer the girl he promised not to want. Neither of them is ready for what happens when the truth comes out.
You Found Me in the Dark is a spicy small town romance involving brothers best friend, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, late night drives and more!
This book contains mature themes intended for adult audiences only (18+). Reader discretion is strongly advised.
- Parental abandonment
- Alcoholism and substance abuse
- Emotional abuse and neglect
- Mental health struggles
- Grief and loss
- Toxic/Abusive relationships
- Emotional repression
- Tattooing (needles/blood)
- Verbal and emotional conflict
- Very explicit content (consensual)
- Strong language
- Family dysfunction
Reed Whitmore isn’t supposed to care. He’s her older brother’s best friend. He is a quiet, brooding tattoo artist with ink-stained hands, a locked-up heart, and a reputation for keeping his distance. But when he finds Wren crying alone on the bleachers behind their old high school, he doesn’t walk away. He sits beside her in the dark, and something between them shifts. That night leads to stolen moments, late-night drives, and a slow-burning connection neither of them can ignore.
As Wren begins to heal and Reed begins to feel, the line between them blurs. What started in shadows threatens to surface in the light, and in a town like Sawyer’s Cove, secrets don’t stay buried for long. He’s no longer just her brother’s best friend. She’s no longer the girl he promised not to want. Neither of them is ready for what happens when the truth comes out.
You Found Me in the Dark is a spicy small town romance involving brothers best friend, grumpy x sunshine, slow burn, late night drives and more!
This book contains mature themes intended for adult audiences only (18+). Reader discretion is strongly advised.
- Parental abandonment
- Alcoholism and substance abuse
- Emotional abuse and neglect
- Mental health struggles
- Grief and loss
- Toxic/Abusive relationships
- Emotional repression
- Tattooing (needles/blood)
- Verbal and emotional conflict
- Very explicit content (consensual)
- Strong language
- Family dysfunction
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
13 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Talia Everhart
3 books10 followersTalia Everhart is an author from Michigan with a lifelong love for storytelling. Whether it was scribbling scenes in the margins of her school notebooks or daydreaming up characters while doing everyday errands, writing has always been her creative outlet and escape.
When she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, Talia enjoys crocheting, reading everything from romance to horror, and spending time with her husband, their two children, and the family’s cat. She’s happiest when surrounded by the people she loves, out exploring nature, or curled up under a handmade blanket with a book in hand.
Her novel, You Found Me in the Dark, marks the beginning of her publishing journey—an adventure that’s been years in the making. With warmth, imagination, and a touch of wit, Talia invites readers into the world she’s crafted and hopes they find as much joy in reading it as she did in writing it.
When she’s not immersed in fictional worlds, Talia enjoys crocheting, reading everything from romance to horror, and spending time with her husband, their two children, and the family’s cat. She’s happiest when surrounded by the people she loves, out exploring nature, or curled up under a handmade blanket with a book in hand.
Her novel, You Found Me in the Dark, marks the beginning of her publishing journey—an adventure that’s been years in the making. With warmth, imagination, and a touch of wit, Talia invites readers into the world she’s crafted and hopes they find as much joy in reading it as she did in writing it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 18, 2025
"I found you in the dark," I admitted, voice dropping to almost a whisper. "Not just that night. All the nights I didn't even realize I was looking for you. And now I want to bring you to the light."
🌙 🎨 🛻
This book is such an easy cozy read with the right amount of spice! It features some of my favorite tropes like; small town, found family, childhood friends to lovers and brothers best friend. I fell in love with both of the main characters quickly. Wren is such a beautiful soul and her back story was just so heartbreaking, I saw a little bit of myself in her pain and her story, which I think is beautiful when you can connect with a character. Reed has the best energy, he gives off those 'touch her and die' vibes while also being the sweetest soul. I loved how sure he was of his love for Wren and never changed that. There's no third act break up in this and I really appreciated that! I also think Talia did a perfect job and setting up what future love stories are going to look like in this series because the tension between Cam and Harper was palpable! I can't wait to see more from Talia and this series! Thank you for the ARC!
🌙 🎨 🛻
This book is such an easy cozy read with the right amount of spice! It features some of my favorite tropes like; small town, found family, childhood friends to lovers and brothers best friend. I fell in love with both of the main characters quickly. Wren is such a beautiful soul and her back story was just so heartbreaking, I saw a little bit of myself in her pain and her story, which I think is beautiful when you can connect with a character. Reed has the best energy, he gives off those 'touch her and die' vibes while also being the sweetest soul. I loved how sure he was of his love for Wren and never changed that. There's no third act break up in this and I really appreciated that! I also think Talia did a perfect job and setting up what future love stories are going to look like in this series because the tension between Cam and Harper was palpable! I can't wait to see more from Talia and this series! Thank you for the ARC!
November 27, 2025
First I’d like to thank the author, Talia Everhart, for the gifted eARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
This story follows Wren and Reed. Two people who have been having a hard time fighting their own battles when it comes to having feelings for one another. It’s a classic brothers best friend trope that kind of just throws you right into it. We learn that Wren is trying to work through her own traumatic past and Reed is the one that is protective and trying to just be there for her the best that he can. Watching the two of them work around each other and trying to come to terms with the feelings they both have for one another but also try to be careful when it comes to crossing that line in order to not upset anyone or make things awkward just made this book a sweet little romance story.
If you are looking for a sweet, deep little love story than Wren and Reed will be for you.
This story follows Wren and Reed. Two people who have been having a hard time fighting their own battles when it comes to having feelings for one another. It’s a classic brothers best friend trope that kind of just throws you right into it. We learn that Wren is trying to work through her own traumatic past and Reed is the one that is protective and trying to just be there for her the best that he can. Watching the two of them work around each other and trying to come to terms with the feelings they both have for one another but also try to be careful when it comes to crossing that line in order to not upset anyone or make things awkward just made this book a sweet little romance story.
If you are looking for a sweet, deep little love story than Wren and Reed will be for you.
December 2, 2025
"I found you in the dark," I admitted, voice dropping to almsot a whisper. "Not just that night. All the nights I didn't even realize I was looking for you. And now I want to bring you to the light."
GENRE: Romance
RATING: 4.5/5
FORMAT: eBook Arc
Tropes:
🍄Brother's Best Friend/Best Friend's Brother
🍄Grumpy x sunshine
🍄Found Family
🍄Late Night Drive
Overall Impression: What a wholesome book that covers emotional themes and has a beautiful dynamic between the MCs as they find themselves again
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Review:
AHHHH this is Talia's debut and I really enjoyed it. This is dual POV book between Wren and Reed. What a beautiful dynamic between two people who lost their way in life and found themselves again WHILE having been in each other's lives and now fully being in each other's lives (yes, I'm aware this sentence probably makes no sense BUT I did love the dynamic and I'm just excited to convey this to you all lol)
Essentially, both the MCs go through a lot in life and when they meet, they connect and build a relationship on how they see through each other and their connection is a strong one. I truly loved the connection between Wren and Reed, the way they both took the time to get to know one another and support one another.
And we truly have a beautiful found family trope in here, in which all the MCs and the side characters (who we are probably going to see in the next few books if this book is any indication AND AHHH) come together and support one another
I cannot wait for the second book guys because like the writing was lovely, the characters? lovely, the themes? BEAUTIFUL
Thank you to the author for a copy of this eArc in exchange for my honest opinion
dnf
November 20, 2025This is not a review. This is a DNF note. The writing was rather thoughtful, poignant, but this book was not for me. There are some spoilers in my notes.
If you like thoughtful prose, but very much stuck in the past, and being 26 and acting like you've wasted your youth, this book might be for you. I don't think I can call it a second chance or the boy next-door or fated/destined to fall in love with a childhood friend or a forbidden because he's my brother's best friend romance, but it's kind of close to that I think. I'm assuming the resolution is a romance. I'm not quite sure.
Although the characters were 26 and older it very much read like a emo teenage book. I mean the book starts with the FMC and MMC running into each other at night at the ballfield bleachers. I really thought they were teenagers until she said how old she was and that kind of weirded me out. She also acted like she hadn't seen the guy in years, but he was her brother's best friend and he was over at her house a few days later, so it was super disorienting.
It felt like the FMC was stuck in her teenage years. She dated the same boy from age 15 to 21, and she acted like the breakup was recent. Even though she was 26. I get depression and isolation can warp time. I had to keep going back and looking at the timeline and I only got to page 45 out of a 285 page book because I kept getting confused about how long it had been since she broke up with her boyfriend, how old she was, etc. Her older brother played video games all the time like he was still a teenager, she didn't appear to work in the portion that I read.
Maybe the time disorientation for me and how the woman thought was intentional or maybe it was written as teenage characters and the author aged it up for some reason. I feel there perhaps there's a really thoughtful book in there, but it needs developmental editing and simply just wasn't for me.
If you like thoughtful prose, but very much stuck in the past, and being 26 and acting like you've wasted your youth, this book might be for you. I don't think I can call it a second chance or the boy next-door or fated/destined to fall in love with a childhood friend or a forbidden because he's my brother's best friend romance, but it's kind of close to that I think. I'm assuming the resolution is a romance. I'm not quite sure.
Although the characters were 26 and older it very much read like a emo teenage book. I mean the book starts with the FMC and MMC running into each other at night at the ballfield bleachers. I really thought they were teenagers until she said how old she was and that kind of weirded me out. She also acted like she hadn't seen the guy in years, but he was her brother's best friend and he was over at her house a few days later, so it was super disorienting.
It felt like the FMC was stuck in her teenage years. She dated the same boy from age 15 to 21, and she acted like the breakup was recent. Even though she was 26. I get depression and isolation can warp time. I had to keep going back and looking at the timeline and I only got to page 45 out of a 285 page book because I kept getting confused about how long it had been since she broke up with her boyfriend, how old she was, etc. Her older brother played video games all the time like he was still a teenager, she didn't appear to work in the portion that I read.
Maybe the time disorientation for me and how the woman thought was intentional or maybe it was written as teenage characters and the author aged it up for some reason. I feel there perhaps there's a really thoughtful book in there, but it needs developmental editing and simply just wasn't for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2025
This story was reading about two characters who are finding home in one another after so long of finally realizing they were each other’s person. Wren and Reed were such idiots when it came to realizing they had feelings for each other. Classic🤪 my brother’s best friend, my best friend’s little sister but also she’s best-friends with HIS little sister as well (yes lowkey messy) trying to ignore feelings for one another until they become the elephant in the room. The best part? Is how their siblings both knew they had something for each other since their “stolen glances” were never all that stolen. Even though Wren isn’t a little kid, the feelings she had for Reed gave “first love” vibes because she had them puppy love feelings from the beginning for him. 🤭 They were down bad for each other, but Reed?! He’s the type of man to get to a party faster than gps eta to get to her because she’s talking to some loser, down bad. Wren and Reed remind me of the song Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (iykyk). I really enjoyed reading this arc, something in it gave me a sense of nostalgia, maybe it’s how well written the chemistry between the mc’s was and it reminds you of when you first fell in love with your person.🥰
December 9, 2025
Tropes:
Brother's best friend/Best friend's brother
Small town
Found family
Grumpy/Sunshine
I love a dual POV book so that you get the thoughts of each person because sometimes it’s the thoughts more than the words. Wren and Reed got a little off track in life before reconnecting and beginning a relationship. Wreen is best friend's with Reed's sister and same for Reed with her brother.
Wren seemed to have a lot of young love or first love emotions going on as she was completely into Reed from the beginning. Wren is in the lull of life where she has no will or energy to move forward, until Reed. He understands her on a level no one else seems to see or understand.
Reed is complex emotionally, and a bit of a grey MMC, as he is damaged from his own past and has some obsessive tendencies. However, the author was also able to capture the tenderness behavior that Reed showed to Wren, which made him much more relatable.
The story has a little darkness to it so please check your triggers and be prepared for some sensitive topics. You do get so much emotions though. I love the side characters and cannot wait to see if they get their own stories as well.
Thank you Talia Everhart for allowing me to read this early. All of my opinions are my own.
Brother's best friend/Best friend's brother
Small town
Found family
Grumpy/Sunshine
I love a dual POV book so that you get the thoughts of each person because sometimes it’s the thoughts more than the words. Wren and Reed got a little off track in life before reconnecting and beginning a relationship. Wreen is best friend's with Reed's sister and same for Reed with her brother.
Wren seemed to have a lot of young love or first love emotions going on as she was completely into Reed from the beginning. Wren is in the lull of life where she has no will or energy to move forward, until Reed. He understands her on a level no one else seems to see or understand.
Reed is complex emotionally, and a bit of a grey MMC, as he is damaged from his own past and has some obsessive tendencies. However, the author was also able to capture the tenderness behavior that Reed showed to Wren, which made him much more relatable.
The story has a little darkness to it so please check your triggers and be prepared for some sensitive topics. You do get so much emotions though. I love the side characters and cannot wait to see if they get their own stories as well.
Thank you Talia Everhart for allowing me to read this early. All of my opinions are my own.
November 28, 2025
You Found Me in the Dark is a beautifully crafted dark romance that explores trauma, healing, and the rawest forms of human connection. Talia Everhart’s writing is lyrical and immersive, creating a world thick with emotion and tension.
The MMC is deeply damaged, shaped by his past in ways that make him guarded, obsessive, and emotionally volatile. Yet Everhart manages to make him sympathetic and compelling, a character who both terrifies and captivates. The FMC is his opposite—gentle but strong, vulnerable yet resilient—and the dynamic between them is electric.
The romance is slow but powerful, built through tension, quiet moments, and the painful unraveling of their emotional wounds. It’s not a light story—there are themes that linger heavy—but the payoff is deeply rewarding.
Everhart handles dark topics with sensitivity and depth, leaning into realism rather than shock value. The character development is exceptional, and the ending delivers emotional closure while staying true to the tone of the story.
If you enjoy dark romance with flawed characters, emotional complexity, and a strong focus on healing, this book is an absolute must-read.
The MMC is deeply damaged, shaped by his past in ways that make him guarded, obsessive, and emotionally volatile. Yet Everhart manages to make him sympathetic and compelling, a character who both terrifies and captivates. The FMC is his opposite—gentle but strong, vulnerable yet resilient—and the dynamic between them is electric.
The romance is slow but powerful, built through tension, quiet moments, and the painful unraveling of their emotional wounds. It’s not a light story—there are themes that linger heavy—but the payoff is deeply rewarding.
Everhart handles dark topics with sensitivity and depth, leaning into realism rather than shock value. The character development is exceptional, and the ending delivers emotional closure while staying true to the tone of the story.
If you enjoy dark romance with flawed characters, emotional complexity, and a strong focus on healing, this book is an absolute must-read.
November 17, 2025
Arc reader review.
First and foremost I would like to say, again, that the cover is one of the prettiest I have seen. The art is beautiful.
Second, I didn't know how much I needed this book until I read it. I saw a bit of myself in both Reed and Wren. I love them so much. (I also adore the other characters, they are incredible. I do have a softer spot for Lena because it's my best friends name and she is my everything)
I have a moth tattooed, and it didn't mean anything other than I had money during a convention but the book made me see it in another light.
The writing was so smooth and so nice, I hated when I had to stop reading to do adult things ugh. I had such a good time reading. It was everything and more.
Thank you for letting me be part of this and I cannot wait to read more. 🖤
First and foremost I would like to say, again, that the cover is one of the prettiest I have seen. The art is beautiful.
Second, I didn't know how much I needed this book until I read it. I saw a bit of myself in both Reed and Wren. I love them so much. (I also adore the other characters, they are incredible. I do have a softer spot for Lena because it's my best friends name and she is my everything)
I have a moth tattooed, and it didn't mean anything other than I had money during a convention but the book made me see it in another light.
The writing was so smooth and so nice, I hated when I had to stop reading to do adult things ugh. I had such a good time reading. It was everything and more.
Thank you for letting me be part of this and I cannot wait to read more. 🖤
November 17, 2025
Hot off the press! 🔥
Talia Everhart really said “here, take these feelings and GOOD LUCK” with this spicy romance. Reed and Wren’s story had me fully invested. Two broken people healing together? My heart didn’t stand a chance. Reed gives golden-retriever energy mixed with “touch her and you die,” which is honestly the most elite combo. I was swooning like it was my full time job.
This book serves up found family, insta-love, and a he falls first and faster than gravity situation. It’s adorable, it’s sweet, and I devoured it like it was my emotional support snack.
If I had one tiny wish, it would’ve been for just a little more buildup. Some extra banter or slow-burn yearning never hurt anybody, but it didn’t stop me from having a great time. Also the setup for future books? Chef’s kiss. I’m already impatient for book two.
Talia Everhart really said “here, take these feelings and GOOD LUCK” with this spicy romance. Reed and Wren’s story had me fully invested. Two broken people healing together? My heart didn’t stand a chance. Reed gives golden-retriever energy mixed with “touch her and you die,” which is honestly the most elite combo. I was swooning like it was my full time job.
This book serves up found family, insta-love, and a he falls first and faster than gravity situation. It’s adorable, it’s sweet, and I devoured it like it was my emotional support snack.
If I had one tiny wish, it would’ve been for just a little more buildup. Some extra banter or slow-burn yearning never hurt anybody, but it didn’t stop me from having a great time. Also the setup for future books? Chef’s kiss. I’m already impatient for book two.
December 11, 2025
I genuinely enjoyed this book. The writing was done so well. It touched parts of me that have long since healed but will always be there. To be seen, it’s everything.
Wren and Reed were perfect! Their connection, their chemistry; the trust between them. Perfect!!!
What happens when someone finally sees you when you don’t feel seen, when you’re so broken you feel like you aren’t enough, you get through day to day but aren’t fully living? But what happens when that someone is your best friends older brother and your older brothers best friend?
This book is what happens.
The writing is great, the plot is gripping and has you hooked. The characters, side and main are great and written so well.
Check your triggers and grab a copy today!
Wren and Reed were perfect! Their connection, their chemistry; the trust between them. Perfect!!!
What happens when someone finally sees you when you don’t feel seen, when you’re so broken you feel like you aren’t enough, you get through day to day but aren’t fully living? But what happens when that someone is your best friends older brother and your older brothers best friend?
This book is what happens.
The writing is great, the plot is gripping and has you hooked. The characters, side and main are great and written so well.
Check your triggers and grab a copy today!
December 2, 2025
I am absolutely obsessed with everything about this story! The plot, the characters, and every little detail. Not only do I love the main characters Wren and Reed, but every side character as amazing as well. They are all part of just the best found family and they all love each other.
Wren and Reed’s story is absolutely beautiful. Full of emotion, healing, and love. This book is full of finding the person you feel safe and comfortable with and telling them how you feel. Finding love even when you may be a dark place, finding the person who brings the light. This book has the perfect amount of sweet and spicy moments, and I am so grateful to have read it.
Wren and Reed’s story is absolutely beautiful. Full of emotion, healing, and love. This book is full of finding the person you feel safe and comfortable with and telling them how you feel. Finding love even when you may be a dark place, finding the person who brings the light. This book has the perfect amount of sweet and spicy moments, and I am so grateful to have read it.
August 11, 2025
What an incredible debut from this new author! Talia Everhart did an unbelievable job of giving us trauma healing and smut, it was freaking awesome!
I had the immense honor of being one of her beta readers! Talia you have created an emotion and thought-provoking story that readers who want a good cry or are looking for their next book boyfriend are going to love. Congratulations, you did it, the book is amazing!
I highly recommend this if you love found family, he sees her, he tattoos her, brother's best friend, and trauma healing. Please check your triggers first!
I had the immense honor of being one of her beta readers! Talia you have created an emotion and thought-provoking story that readers who want a good cry or are looking for their next book boyfriend are going to love. Congratulations, you did it, the book is amazing!
I highly recommend this if you love found family, he sees her, he tattoos her, brother's best friend, and trauma healing. Please check your triggers first!
November 23, 2025
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
It jumps right into the story, you don’t get a build up. It’s a little sappy at times, like a bit too much over the top. I do love a man who admits how he feels though. It’s a really deep story. She’s suffering from trauma and trying to heal but also starting this new relationship which is also not supposed to be happening. It’s a lot to handle and read but poetic in a way.
Overall, it’s alright, it lagged a bit for me, a little long but it’s a cute story.
It jumps right into the story, you don’t get a build up. It’s a little sappy at times, like a bit too much over the top. I do love a man who admits how he feels though. It’s a really deep story. She’s suffering from trauma and trying to heal but also starting this new relationship which is also not supposed to be happening. It’s a lot to handle and read but poetic in a way.
Overall, it’s alright, it lagged a bit for me, a little long but it’s a cute story.
December 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I have been waiting months to receive my ARC copy and it did not disappoint!
This is one of those books where the couple has known each other for most of their lives. They share a moment when they are teenagers, however, it never progresses into something more. Until 6 years later.
There's no slow burn in this book. Which is refreshing at times! So if you are looking for a fast paced, spicy, fun romance, then this book is perfect for you!
Tropes:
Brother's best friend/ best friend's sister
open door spice
This is one of those books where the couple has known each other for most of their lives. They share a moment when they are teenagers, however, it never progresses into something more. Until 6 years later.
There's no slow burn in this book. Which is refreshing at times! So if you are looking for a fast paced, spicy, fun romance, then this book is perfect for you!
Tropes:
Brother's best friend/ best friend's sister
open door spice
November 15, 2025
ARC review, all thoughts are my own. This book was everything! I got the ARC copy earlier today and I’m already finished, I don’t remember the last time I finished a book that quickly. I’m already waiting on book two. The characters’ relationships were so very special. Had me nearly crying then smiling moments later. The fact that this is a debut is insane, it was THAT good! Beautifully written scenes. Some darker themes. Super spicy. I can’t wait for more
November 23, 2025
If this app allowed .5s on the stars I'd give this book at 4.5/5 stars. For her debut novel Talia did an amazing job of building a relatable world with characters that have sad back stories and great banter! I'm honored to have been an ARC reader for her and hope that i can continue to be one in the future for her if/when she writes more! Sawyers Cove is a cozy small town with Wren, Reed, and their great group of friends that will worm their way into your heart from chapter 1!
Read
November 20, 2025i'm sorry but i had to DNF why does this feel like it's two teenagers instead of grown as adults! i literally only made it to page 45 and couldn't do it anymore. it literally felt like every chapter kept repeating itself over and over again. the FMC got broken up with and is acting like the world is ending. i get it she was with the dude from age 15-21 but she's 26.
December 2, 2025
This story is about Wren and Reed and how after growing up together (he's her brother's best friend) they finally acknowledge that the other is their person. They everything and each other's "home". This story is about healing and opening each up to finding their own way forward. Reed has delicious touch her and die vibes while Wren is gentle and strong. This HEA is so worth the read.
December 7, 2025
ARC REVIEW!!!
This was a super cute romance and was definitely what I needed to read right now! The characters are relatable, and Talia’s writing really makes you connect with the characters.
Also the spicy scenes?? Definitely hot!!!!!
I for sure recommend this to anyone as a little palate cleanser read that you are sure to enjoy!!!
This was a super cute romance and was definitely what I needed to read right now! The characters are relatable, and Talia’s writing really makes you connect with the characters.
Also the spicy scenes?? Definitely hot!!!!!
I for sure recommend this to anyone as a little palate cleanser read that you are sure to enjoy!!!
December 10, 2025
Wren’s emotional unraveling and Reed’s guarded, introspective nature create a compelling contrast. Their late-night conversations and the small moments of understanding between them felt beautifully authentic. The book doesn’t shy away from mental health, family issues, or the long-lasting effects of neglect, but it does so thoughtfully. A truly engaging small-town story.
November 22, 2025
[Received this as an arc from the author]
Cute little small town, best friend’s older brother romance. It was very much insta-love for me, but it played out very nicely. Was a pretty quick read with short chapters. Overall really enjoyed it.
Thank you Talia for letting me read it early.
Cute little small town, best friend’s older brother romance. It was very much insta-love for me, but it played out very nicely. Was a pretty quick read with short chapters. Overall really enjoyed it.
Thank you Talia for letting me read it early.
December 7, 2025
A classic, brothers-best-friend trope that, once started, I couldnt put down. Talia's writing was beautiful and the way she wrote Reed's feelings for Wren was gorgeous as hell and I couldn't get enough of the two. The build up and tension had me SCREAMING for them to kiss but when they finally did? I was gigglingggggg.
the character development between the two, individually and together, was wonderful and I couldnt help but root for both characters as their own and with their complicated love. It wasnt just Wren and Reed who I was rooting for, the side characters I was just as captivated by and I absolutely cant wait to read their stories.
the character development between the two, individually and together, was wonderful and I couldnt help but root for both characters as their own and with their complicated love. It wasnt just Wren and Reed who I was rooting for, the side characters I was just as captivated by and I absolutely cant wait to read their stories.
December 4, 2025
I loved it. It really hits on real life things. Ever met a person that could be the happiest and then functional depression hits??! You’re in a slump and can’t get out of it. But then you find the person that changes everything and that light slowly comes back..
Here you go…
You should read
Here you go…
You should read
December 4, 2025
so good
Oooh this is so good! The tension, the angst! This whole story was so enjoyable to read, from start to finish I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.
Oooh this is so good! The tension, the angst! This whole story was so enjoyable to read, from start to finish I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next.
December 14, 2025
A cute debut indy novel! Quick read for me. Wasn’t the biggest fan of the term “daddy” during sex but to each their own.
December 17, 2025
Reed is such a fucking babe 😩😩😩
If you love best friends brother or brothers best friend, trauma bonding and spice you’re gonna love this book
If you love best friends brother or brothers best friend, trauma bonding and spice you’re gonna love this book
August 23, 2025
Thank you to the author for letting me beta read this book!
3.5 stars
“She had that quiet kind of beauty. The kind that knocked the air out of your lungs when you didn’t look away. And God help me, I was always looking”.
I love an MMC who falls hard & falls first. Wren & Reed’s relationship felt so genuine that you can’t help hoping they work out in the end. They both had their own traumatic pasts but they were able to bond over them & not let it get in the way of their lives. This was a solid debut & I feel honored to have been part of the beta reader team!
3.5 stars
“She had that quiet kind of beauty. The kind that knocked the air out of your lungs when you didn’t look away. And God help me, I was always looking”.
I love an MMC who falls hard & falls first. Wren & Reed’s relationship felt so genuine that you can’t help hoping they work out in the end. They both had their own traumatic pasts but they were able to bond over them & not let it get in the way of their lives. This was a solid debut & I feel honored to have been part of the beta reader team!
December 8, 2025
4 Stars
2 Star Spice (very tame to me)
Brothers Best Friend
Both MC's have trauma
No 3rd Act Breakup
This romance was ALL angst and I loved every damn second of it!! These two couldn't be more perfect for each other!! Reed is a total romantic for Wren only. It is so freaking cute! Wren is stronger and more capable than she gives herself credit for.
The writing was very detailed but not in a way that made it feel like it was dragging along. It was pretty natural as far as conversations went. The MC's were pretty relatable TO ME.
The only things I didn't like were 100% due to MY own personal preferences. I sometimes have the maturity of a teenager so seeing "my softening penis" just made me chuckle, the few times it was said. And the Daddy thing. I personally find it cringe AF, but thats for ME. I wont yuck someone else's yum. you know?
Otherwise, I loved this. I recommend to anyone that enjoys smut and cute, brother's best friend romances that makes you blush and kick your feet.
2 Star Spice (very tame to me)
Brothers Best Friend
Both MC's have trauma
No 3rd Act Breakup
This romance was ALL angst and I loved every damn second of it!! These two couldn't be more perfect for each other!! Reed is a total romantic for Wren only. It is so freaking cute! Wren is stronger and more capable than she gives herself credit for.
The writing was very detailed but not in a way that made it feel like it was dragging along. It was pretty natural as far as conversations went. The MC's were pretty relatable TO ME.
The only things I didn't like were 100% due to MY own personal preferences. I sometimes have the maturity of a teenager so seeing "my softening penis" just made me chuckle, the few times it was said. And the Daddy thing. I personally find it cringe AF, but thats for ME. I wont yuck someone else's yum. you know?
Otherwise, I loved this. I recommend to anyone that enjoys smut and cute, brother's best friend romances that makes you blush and kick your feet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
You Found Me in the Dark by Talia Everhart is easily my top read of 2025. I have yet to find a book that made me giggle, kick my feet, and scream as much as I have. I love to talk about books on social media and give the best books one, maybe two posts if they’re exceptional. YFMITD is at three and counting.
Wren Callahan is a girl down on her luck and in her blue period, as they say in the art world. She has no sense of purpose, no direction, and no source of joy. Reed Whitmore is the one to notice. He’s the one to see her, truly see her, and provides her a safe space to land as she spirals. Reed and Wren navigate learning each other in a sort of second-chance situation and it is very heartwarming.
The spice is intimate, full of affirmations and enthusiasm with a focus on consent. I’m asexual but it was easy to forget that while reading!
The ending is satisfying, creating a focus on found family and establishing a clear path for the rest of the series.
Side characters really stand out and help make Sawyers Cove feel real.
I really need you to buy this book. It’s pretty short but you will not be the same after you read it. I would have devoured it in one sitting if my brain worked that way.
Wren Callahan is a girl down on her luck and in her blue period, as they say in the art world. She has no sense of purpose, no direction, and no source of joy. Reed Whitmore is the one to notice. He’s the one to see her, truly see her, and provides her a safe space to land as she spirals. Reed and Wren navigate learning each other in a sort of second-chance situation and it is very heartwarming.
The spice is intimate, full of affirmations and enthusiasm with a focus on consent. I’m asexual but it was easy to forget that while reading!
The ending is satisfying, creating a focus on found family and establishing a clear path for the rest of the series.
Side characters really stand out and help make Sawyers Cove feel real.
I really need you to buy this book. It’s pretty short but you will not be the same after you read it. I would have devoured it in one sitting if my brain worked that way.
December 6, 2025
Absolutely loved and devoured this book! Talia Everhart is the reason I fell in love with contemporary romance.
Right off the bat, we get introduced to the main characters Wren and Reed, and we are immediately drawn to their emotional connection. You can immediately tell that there was tension and longing between them.
What I loved was how we delved into Wren's history and past, and how much that has affected her. We slowly see her transform and become the person she was always meant to be. I loved how supportive Reed was, and how he always showed up for her no matter what.
Okay and the SPICE. Talia absolutely delivered, and I ate every single crumb from her. I loved all the spice, and it definitely made me sweat. It was incredible.
These characters were so much fun to read, and I loved the emotional depth that we saw from them. It was so rewarding seeing their relationship development, and the slow burn definitely burned.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK AND CANT WAIT FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES!
Right off the bat, we get introduced to the main characters Wren and Reed, and we are immediately drawn to their emotional connection. You can immediately tell that there was tension and longing between them.
What I loved was how we delved into Wren's history and past, and how much that has affected her. We slowly see her transform and become the person she was always meant to be. I loved how supportive Reed was, and how he always showed up for her no matter what.
Okay and the SPICE. Talia absolutely delivered, and I ate every single crumb from her. I loved all the spice, and it definitely made me sweat. It was incredible.
These characters were so much fun to read, and I loved the emotional depth that we saw from them. It was so rewarding seeing their relationship development, and the slow burn definitely burned.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK AND CANT WAIT FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES!
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