A Wild Darkness

Into the Night #2

by M.J. Huxley

Cruel Intentions meets You in this romantic thriller --"She agrees to fake date the vigilante billionaire she can't stand so they can infiltrate a secret society of killers. The problem? He's already obsessed with making their relationship real."

A fast paced romantic thriller with a dark edge, blending obsessive romance, vigilante justice, fake dating, and high stakes suspense. Expect morally gray choices, dangerous devotion, killers, banter, spice, and a love story at the heart of it all.

What to expect---fake dating, black cat/ golden retriever, dislike to obsession, morally gray mmc, mortician fmc, protective stalking, secret society infiltration, serial killers, high stakes suspense, sharp banter and sexual tension, he falls first, one bed, romance at the heart of the story, dual pov, HEA

Sebastian-
I hunt monsters in the dark. A billionaire vigilante, my next project has me obsessed with taking down a secret society of serial killers. There’s just one problem. The society will only let me join if I have a girlfriend. Unfortunately, the only woman I trust enough to ask to go undercover is the one who can’t stand me.

Stevie-
Being cold and disconnected feels like a part of my job. As a mortician, I spend my days honoring the dead, treating each body with dignity and respect. But when bodies arrive in ways that haunt me, I can’t look away. So when Sebastian Thompson proposes a deal–to pretend to be his girlfriend so he can destroy the killers responsible–I should say no. Instead, I agree.

Because when you hunt monsters … you risk falling in love with one.

🚩Please review content warnings before reading.

Genres: Dark Romance, Spicy

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2026

About the author

M.J. Huxley writes romantic thrillers for readers who like their love stories dangerous and their heroes morally gray.

Her books are high stakes suspense, with obsessive romance, morally complicated characters, sharp banter and plenty of heat.

If you like your suspense sexy, your romance a little dangerous, and your heroes on the wrong side of morally acceptable, you're in the right place.

Newsletter/ Website: https://www.authormjhuxley.com/

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Reviews

[RomReader]

Thank you MJ and her team for an advanced copy of a wild darkness.

I could not put it down! I know there were only a limited number of ARCs and I’m so grateful to have received one. Stevie and Sebastian stole my heart. I ate up all the banter, and the dark elements. I’m such a sucker for a dark romance where the spice hits and the suspense is the right amount. I honestly loved it. If you enjoy vigilante books with banter and spice and medium dark romance vibes, then pick this one up for sure. Thanks again!

[Claudia]

If you're a dexter, true crime and the mind f series girlie like me then you'll love this, especially if you want WAY more romance and spice! It's basically if they had a baby and then you add spice and banter! I melted for it.

I enjoyed this book so damn much! There was a good blend of spice and murder. Loved Stevie and Sebastian! They are vigilante couple goals. And obviously I love a cinnamon roll serial killer who adopts a kitten *crying*

This isn't a super dark romance, but it is a romantic thriller so just know there are dark themes you'd typically find in a thriller book (light to medium darkness imo) 🔪

Check your triggers before diving in this one!

[Lacey]

Thank you Twisted Chaos PR for this opportunity to read this ARC.

Review -

A serial killer killing members of a secret society of serial killers was not on my bingo card, but here we are. Loved Sebastian and Stevie, they just fit together. You know how you read something that is so well written you can see and feel what's happening. This was one of those times, M.J. Huxley is a fabulous writer and this being the first of her work I have read; I will definitely read more of what she writes.

[Brita Mackay]

Sebastian hunts monsters in the dark. A billionaire vigilante, his next project has him obsessed with taking down a secret society of serial killers. There’s just one problem. The society will only let him join if he has a girlfriend. Unfortunately, the only woman Sebastian trusts enough to ask to go undercover is the one who can’t stand him.


Being cold and disconnected feels like a part of Stevie’s job. As a mortician, she spends her days honoring the dead, treating each body with dignity and respect. But when bodies arrive in ways that haunt her, Stevie can’t look away. So, when Sebastian Thompson proposes a deal–to pretend to be his girlfriend so he can destroy the killers responsible–Stevie should say no. Instead, she agrees. But when the hatred between them ignites into a dangerous obsession, it puts their lives and the success of the entire operation in jeopardy.

Because when you hunt monsters … you risk falling in love with one.

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. Some content and scenes may not suit all readers and could be triggering for others. Remember, your mental health comes first. Reader discretion is advised. Intended for readers 18+.

Tropes: Black Cat/Golden Retriever, Hate-to-Love, Fake Dating, Dark Obsession, Secret Society of Serial Unalivers, One Bed, Forced Proximity, “Let’s Give Them a Show”, Fake Dating, Secret Society, Mortician FMC, Dislike-to-Obsession, Protective Stalking, Vigilante Justice, Morally Grey Billionaire, Psychological Suspense, Dual POV, Undercover Couple, Hate-to-Love, Dangerous Attraction, Morally Gray MMC, Touch Her and Die/Protective MMC, Possessive/Obsessive MMC, He Falls Hard, Fast-Burn Romance, Love in the Midst of Danger, Only Person I Trust, Monster Falls in Love, Billionaire Vigilante, Vigilante Justice, Secret Society, Serial-Killer, Society/Organized Killers, Infiltrating the Enemy, Going Undercover, Couple in Peril, Psychological Suspense, Cat-and-Mouse Thriller, Hunting the Hunters, Who Is the Real Monster?, Moral Ambiguity, Dangerous Mission, Dead Bodies/Mortician FMC, Death-Adjacent FMC, Amateur Investigator/Civilian Drawn into an Investigation, Dark Secrets and Hidden Organizations, Undercover Couple, Forced Proximity, Billionaire Vigilante, Obsessive/Possessive MMC, Protective MMC, Secret Society, Serial Unalivers, Vigilante Justice, Psychological Suspense, Dangerous Attraction, Fast-Burn Dark Romance, Enemies-to-Lovers, Undercover Infiltration, Fake Dating, Secret Society of Serial Killers

A Wild Darkness is the 2nd book in the Into the Night series by M.J. Husley. What to expect: fake dating, secret society, mortician heroine, dislike-to-obsession, protective stalking, vigilante justice, morally grey billionaire, psychological suspense and dual POV,

If you've been reading this story since the very first page or if you are a newcomer who is only just entering this world for the first time, Wild Darkness will give you a quiet and gentle sense of excitement. Whenever you sit down and open the book, there's no need for you to rush into the plot; should you wish to experience the mild anticipation that is concealed in the text, you will, as you go through the pages, become aware in a vague way that an important truth is contained at the beginning of the following paragraph.

A person reading it for the first time will not at all feel uncertain or out of place; he or she will quickly become accustomed to the narrative and be able to move smoothly into this fictional world, as if a spot had always been reserved for them from the beginning, as if they had always intended to be there. Even those who are long-time fans will discover new details in scenes which they have reread until they know them by heart, and will come across surprising things in well-familiar locations where they have memorised every line of dialogue. It's similar to returning to a hometown where one had lived for years and only then realising that the glass marbles that you buried as a child are still lying at the bottom of the courtyard wall.

The effects of the last book, After Midnight Romance, have not yet faded, so that story still lingers in your mind much as a vague dream does—the kind that occurs between sleep and waking. From time to time, it will rise from the depths of your thoughts, bringing back the people and events, even years after you have finished reading. This time, when you go into this new story world, it all seems familiar and pleasant. The whole plot has a reflective atmosphere filled with memories of the past, just as if you were meeting an old friend you haven't seen for years, and as soon as you open your mouth, there would be an endless number of old stories to tell.

In the previous book, the plot took all kinds of unexpected twists and turns, keeping you in a constant state of suspense about what would happen next. Even in the calmest of scenes, joy and tears were always combined; and while you might in one moment be laughing at the protagonist’s clever trick the next moment you could end up with a pan in your heart the very next moment.
I loved the closeness between our MCs and how it was portrayed in the way they looked at one another and the accidental touches of their hands. These clear and straightforward details have an immediate effect on you and, even after you've finished reading the book, these fleeting images will keep returning to you from time to time and remain with you for a long time.

Stevie is strong in a quiet, dependable way. Even though she is completely absorbed in her own affairs and gives her full attention to what she is doing, people can't help but notice her and end up looking at her longer because of the light in her. She is very attentive to other people, never interrupting them or ignoring anyone. She is quick-thinking and has a playful charm which encourages people to spend time with her, since being with her is comfortable and easy.

There's always a touch of gentle naughtiness about the way she makes a joke, nothing extreme or offensive, just the right sort of cuteness to get your humour going. When difficulties come her way, she doesn't try to avoid them or blame others; instead, she bites her lip and endures them alone. She is bold enough to move forward, take risks, and never stay behind. Every time she appears in a scene, she brings a burst of lively energy, and as you read, your spirits are raised too.

The other principal character, Sebastian, was a man who didn't talk much. He was rather like a shadow and spoke very rarely. No one could tell what was going on in his mind; he kept all his secrets to himself and never told anyone. It was like an old house with its doors shut, and no one knew what'was inside. Yet now readers can finally see him in full: he has the remarkable ability to take on everyone's pressure when things get difficult, but he also has a kind, vulnerable side he rarely shows anyone else. He is not made of iron and doesn't always have to force himself to be strong. With Stevie, he is like this. They share that same bright and lively energy which Stevie always has; warm and full of life, never dull. She is always able to make him laugh and elicit from him a helpless, fondly exasperated reaction, like a little child whose secret has been discovered. His feelings for Stevie show in small, subtle ways; he lowers his guard around her, lets down his cold and dome, and his speech softens; he has never been so at ease with anyone else. To outsiders, the couple might appear stubborn and difficult to approach, like a stone that can never be warmed. Still, in Steve's presence, he feels confident; he is only to her, and he does everything he can to protect her, showing his softness only to her.

Sebastian endures the difficulties he encounters almost entirely on his own and never reveals the genuine emotions beneath his composed exterior. Over time, he comes to rely on sorting out problems on his own, even though the course he chooses would not be one anyone else would have chosen.

As the story progresses, he undergoes change because of the small things he has to go through; although he is first presented as a minor character in the background, it becomes clear that his change had already taken place before that point. He is a fully developed and utterly memorable anti-hero, possessing such complex characteristics that they cannot be confined to a single category.

To infiltrate the dangerous cult, Stevie and Sebastian have to pretend to be a couple. So, when the initial idea of this risky plan is put forward, one tells the other, "I want you to act as my girlfriend so that we can get into that killing cult. You dare to take on something like this. Although pretending to be in a romantic relationship as a cover has been used many times before, this story offers a new take on the trope. It avoids outdated stereotypes that have made similar tales feel mediocre. The author's writing ensures each decision is grounded in something real and practical, even though the situation is unlike ordinary life. The story holds the reader's interest from the first page to the end and never lets it wane.

Initially, they are merely working partners; in this situation, no one can afford to relax at any time because they must stay alert to survive. However, as the threat draws near the risks, they take go beyond what either of them had expected and the emotional barriers which they have built up over time start to break down.

Their love begins in the cracks between the crises; rather than making a grand or dramatic declaration of affection, they show their love in little ways. When nobody else is present they exchange a few kind words and carry out small actions which are known only to the two of them. The relationship becomes stronger bit by bit because of the glances they exchange, glances which say more than words, because of the promise they gave to stay by each other's side, and because of their strong belief that no matter what happens they will be able to endure whatever comes next together.

What moves us most about their relationship are the small instances that occur every day, such as when their arms happen to touch while walking down the road and when they lean against the sofa after a long day's work, remaining silent yet never feeling uncomfortable. It is in these ordinary and typical moments that their relationship becomes most clear. Their love is based on simple, real-life details and from the first moment it appears in the story it seems familiar, even though the entire story is set in a magical fantasy world. The relationship never has that light and ethereal quality which some other fictional couples possess; it lingers with you for days after you have finished reading and you recall those soft, warm details as you cook or walk.

Stevie and Sebastian have set a high standard for couples in novels of a romantic nature, simply because the way their interactions have been portrayed makes them seem so genuine. Their experiences aren't actually very dramatic. Each time I read the scenes in which they are involved, I always find myself pausing to look at every small detail and clue that hints at the unique character of their relationship, a pattern which can never be confused with that of any other couple. I don't want to hurry through and thus miss anything.

The story here resumes precisely at the point where Midnight Romance left off. The characters who had already been introduced, namely River and Lux, make a comeback. It's as if an old friend whom you haven't seen for a long time suddenly turns up and knocks on your door before walking in, casually takes up the soda lying on your table and pops the bottle, without the need for any further greetings. You immediately feel a sense of comfort. There is a calm ease about them, like a blanket around you, showing that some relationships grow over time and don't simply vanish, even after a whole book's worth of plot has passed in between. Christian and Hayden are also back, and their new storyline is clear: they are a couple whose next chapter has long been written, with plenty more to be said about them later.

Ben and Aunt Mae are the team's strong heart. They are kind, thoughtful, and ready to show their care at the right moment, unlike certain other people who display their concern blatantly. Instead, they go out of their way to sort out your problems or bring you a warm drink when you're under pressure, and they always make sure no one feels uncomfortable. As soon as they enter the room the tension that everyone had been holding on to simply vanishes. The group, who had been frowning at the difficult situation, relaxes right away and once again the room is filled with natural, easy laughter.

Ben and Aunt Mae are in charge, so the group isn't just a collection of people gathered together for a specific reason; it seems as though you're reading about a real family filled with a great deal of love. They show their care for each other in quiet, little ways, for example by one person setting aside some of the hot food for the other and another making sure their friend doesn't get into unnecessary trouble. There's no need to state this care, and even the reader, as they turn the pages, can sense how abundant it is. It's clear that these people are not merely there to advance the plot, since they actually do care for one another.

There is also a small cat called Poe. Poe always has a quiet, confident air about him. He walks over the papers on the desk, rubs against the protagonist's pant leg, jumps onto someone's lap and then rolls into a ball, as if he is entirely certain that he is the most beloved creature in the entire book and so has no need to be on the lookout for any danger.

The plot includes several hectic scenes in which everyone rushes to hide from their pursuers, search for clues, and has very little time to breathe. However, when you have the small, friendly cat on your lap, the fast pace of the story settles down. The book shows both the characters and us readers that simple, ordinary things can offer soothing relief; you needn't achieve something amazing, for a warm meal and a soft place to rest are enough to get you through the most difficult moments.

'Wild Darkness' combines the dangers of the natural world, the gradual development of a romance, and the inevitable bittersweetness of growing up to create a narrative with no solution. The supernatural danger never dominates the romantic plot, and the quiet, everyday moments that occur as the two characters grow closer never diminish the significance of the coming-of-age process. Each part of the plot remains firmly within its own area, never encroaching on the domain of the other elements, and slowly draws the reader deeper into the story until all the parts come together to form a complete and unified whole.

You get so immersed in this world that you forget to check your phone notifications, and it isn't until the very end that you remember to look at the time, amazed that three or four hours have passed so quickly.

M.J. Huxley's writing is always of a high standard. The language isn't elaborate or flashy, and it is clear from the opening chapters that great care has gone into every statement. The book is so moving because of its well-constructed, consistent plot; its realistic, lively dialogue; and its highly detailed yet unforced world-building.

There is no necessity to pour a large amount of background information into explaining the setting; the world-building is woven into the everyday lives of the characters, and each word they speak, and each action they take conforms to the logic of this world. If any one of these elements were missing, the story would lose the subtle strength which remains with you long after you have finished reading and would instead become merely a superficial book that is forgotten as soon as you have put it down.

[Lisa]

I am absolutely obsessed with this world and characters. I loved “A Midnight Romance” and being back is absolutely amazing.

Stevie, our sweet and sassy mortician, is a breath of fresh air and I adore her personality. She has no problem chasing after her hobbies and dreams and refuses to stop at all costs. Even if her life is in danger. She has the best witty comments towards a certain broody and insufferable man, but we all know there has been tension from the start.

Sebastian, usually a man of few words, until you get him around Stevie. And all she does is push his buttons. I didn’t think I could love Sebastian anymore than I did from book 1, but this showed me a completely different side of him and I’m obsessed now. His dark side is obviously a red flag (maybe? Kind of—ehh. Not to me I guess), but using it to rid the world of evil, we can easily accept that. What I wasn’t expecting was to see him become a loving, tender, caring and supportive man to Stevie. It took them some time to get to that point after the start of their fake dating relationship—which was officially the first and only “I need you to be my girlfriend to infiltrate an unaliving group—but you’re also an unaliver” reason I have ever read. 😆 but I AM HERE FOR IT. It was different and not something you typically expect from a fake dating trope.

The banter and the chemistry Stevie and Sebastian had—YES PLEASE. The trust they put into each other through this story was absolutely heartwarming. The communication together was perfection. Their relationship growing stronger with each and every “mission”—loveee. Their spicy moments—sweltering. 🥵 Stevie and Sebastian are couple goals. Go ahead and fight me on it. But I love them.

I love that this picked up not long after “A Midnight Romance”—and we still got to see our other favorite characters throughout as well. River and Lux of course, but we got to see more of Christian and Hayden and I’m so curious about both of their stories. Ben and Aunt Mae, wonderful and supportive as always. But we also got a cute little kitten side character named Poe and I absolutely love when we get a little animal in the family.

This was a perfect serial unaliver justice driven, romance brewing story and everything about it was wonderful. The plot, the characters, the dialogue—absolutely recommend.

[Dani (dtieds_allbookedup)]

Thanks to @authormjhuxley for the #gifted copy of this book. 🫶

My Thoughts: Oh my goodness, MJ is determined to make me a dark romance reader with this series. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I read A Wild Darkness, holding my breath with each page turn. Sebastian and Stevie were perfect for each other because they understood one another in a way that most others didn't.

I loved watching Stevie's journey throughout this book. She went from feeling like she didn't belong to realizing she has a place with Sebastian and his found family.

Sebastian was such a mysterious and guarded character in the first book of the series, so I couldn’t wait to dive into his story and uncover what was really beneath that guarded exterior. As they worked together to unravel the Black Veil Society, Seb realized that he not only trusted Stevie but was becoming obsessed with her. When these Thompson boys fall, they fall hard, and I've loved every minute of it.

I loved the way Sebastian and Stevie went about dismantling the Black Veil Society. It was a diabolical plan that had me turning pages faster than I could read.

Finally, I love the side characters in this series. Christian and Hayden are more like brothers than associates for River and Sebastian, but I love the humor they bring into the darkness. Aunt Mae and Ben are two of my favorites because they are always there with a hug, a few words of encouragement, and the reminder the boys need that they don’t have to face the darkness alone.

If you are a dark romance reader, you should most certainly check this series out. And if dark romance isn’t normally your thing, like me, trust me—you’re still going to want to pick this one up!

What You'll Find:
🪦Black cat/ golden retriever
🖤Hate to love
🪦Fake dating
🖤Dark obsession
🪦Secret society of serial k!llers 
🖤One bed
🪦Forced proximity
🖤 “let’s give them a show”

[Heather Palmer]

4/5 ⭐
3.5/5 🌶

TW's: violence, murder, manipulation, deception, mention of necrophilia (not in detail), toxic obsession, explicit sexual content, dub-con, forced voyeurism (FMC/MMC had to have sex in front of people), light stalking (this TW always cracks me up), kidnapping (not the FMC or MMC), drugging, vigilante justice, & torture (I'd label it as 'light' torture😂). There may be more, but these are the ones that are listed in the book.

The book basically starts off where the 1st book ended, which I appreciate. MY FAVORITE FREAKIN PART IS WHEN SEBASTIAN 'RESCUED' A KITTEN!! So freakin adorable!!. I loved how the banter between Sebastian & Stevie, well all of the characters, transferred over into the 2nd book without losing any of the humor aspect or feeling forced. I love some good banter between characters (side characters included). I liked the character development that happened to the MC's in this book when they really couldn't even stand each other in the first book (that sexual tension dude).

Overall I liked the plot, but it wasn't the best in my opinion. I did like the idea of Stevie & Seb infiltrating the society group, but I feel like it was anticlimactic. This is supposedly a whole society of serial killers & the most exciting thing that happened was the MC's had to be a part of forced voyeurism? That's seems a little 'tame' for lack of a better word, considering the first book was about women being kidnapped, raped, & murdered. I understand that this book is about a different couple, but I was expecting at least the same level of darkness if not more dark. There were also a few typos/grammatical errors, but nothing too ridiculous.

I also really like the author's writing style, it was very 'flowy' & the book as a whole was very well put together.

This is my honest review & I am leaving it voluntarily. Thank you to the Twisted Chaos PA Team & the author for the opportunity to ARC.

[Ashley]

Thank you to Twisted Chaos PR for the ARC

A fun follow-up to the first book and I found myself enjoying the characters much more. I connected with both Stevie and Sebastian, and I found their relationship much more believable. Stevie was also a more likable FMC for me, which made it much easier to get invested in their story. (Sorry, but Lux still giggles WAY too much for an adult, even in her limited appearances here.)

The story follows Stevie and Sebastian as circumstances bring them together and lead to a fake relationship that becomes increasingly complicated. With fake dating, forced proximity, and the inevitable one-bed trope, they actually get the chance to spend time together and learn who the other person really is. I enjoyed watching their relationship develop rather than feeling like they were instantly thrown together without much reason behind the connection. They worked well together. Their personalities and circumstances made the romance feel more natural, and I enjoyed watching them slowly figure each other out while dealing with everything happening around them.

☕ Final Verdict
A fun follow-up that worked much better for me than the first book. Stevie and Sebastian's dynamic felt natural, and the tropes used let their relationship develop. While the serial killer element adds some darker moments and danger, the romance is definitely the main event here. For me, this lands much more in billionaire romance with dark elements than true dark romance, but the concept made for an entertaining read.

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94)]

First, I want to thank MJ Huxley and Twisted Chaos PR for the gifted eARC of A Wild Darkness to read and provide my honest, spoiler free review.

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Thoughts:
A Wild Darkness was such a fun read! As I was reading, I realized it was a follow up to another book in the series that I haven’t read yet but honestly I felt like I was able to read this book without having to have read the first one.

This book follows Stevie and Sebastian. Stevie works as a mortician and Sebastian is a billionaire vigilante. When a job arises that requires Sebastian to bring his girlfriend…he gains the help of Stevie who agrees to be his fake girlfriend during this time. I absolutely love the fake dating trope and this one was done really well as these two characters had so much banter, tension and chemistry between each other that I found myself enjoying every moment they were together.

With the high stakes of this mission, these two characters were a great team but when feelings start to form, it just made everything that much more difficult considering they couldn’t sabotage this mission. With everything on the line, it made me stay on my toes and was a really good blend of dark romance and thriller that captured my attention.

[Rhiannon Grenier]

Thank you to M.J Huxley for the ARC of "A Wild Darkness"

Wow wow wow! I'll be honest here, I didn't read the first book and was worried I'd have to to understand this one. That is not the case-we love a standalone in an interconnected world! Sebastian and Stevie are very real feeling characters who I wish we could have learned much more about-hopefully in future books we see some more of them. Their relationship from hate to love was beautiful to see. The dynamic between them was very familiar feeling and brought an almost softer and protective side to the world of dark romance.

The overall serial killer game was a plot that was interesting to see unfold, but made me wanting more. I wanted to hate the group that they joined more and was hoping for all the gory details.
I really enjoyed Stevie's job and would have loved to learn more about her experiences and interactions with her co-workers, since what we got of them I loved!

Overall, this was an easy read to sit back and enjoy with a glass of wine after a long day at work (Which is exactly what I did) Now that I've read "A Wild Darkness" I do plan on going back and reading the first book to learn more about Lux and her story. What was alluded to in this book about her has me very very interested.

[Ashley O]

5⭐️ 2.5-3🌶️ ARC REVIEW: 📖 A Wild Darkness 📖 by MJ Huxley ✨

I was beyond intrigued by the premise of a serial killer killing other serial killers who are part of a secret society but this book exceeded my expectations. It’s all the things you want in a dark romance book with action, suspense, spice, obsession and great banter.
I loved Stevie and Sebastian. There banter was fantastic and how they learned to trust each other. The spice was delicious and 🔥The side characters were great too.
This was my first book from MJ Huxley but I will definitely check out the others. I really enjoyed this.

Fav quotes:
“Like I’ve been standing outside a conversation everyone else understood.”

“And the fire burning within me, what drives me to do what I do, is the same flame I see in yours.”

“I am who you are inside.”
“I’m so grateful to have you, and anytime you feel inadequate or you have to prove something, you look to me, because I will always remind you of how perfect you are for just being you.”

“You have a wild darkness in you that I will never stop exploring.”

♥️ Morally gray MMC
🖤Banter
♥️Fake Dating
🖤Black cat/ golden retriever
♥️Hate to love
🖤Dark obsession
☠️Secret society of serial k!llers
🖤Forced proximity

[Shalaya]

Looking at the other reviews on Goodreads, I realise I'm in the minority with my thoughts about this book.

First, the story was interesting: hunting other killers and monsters, infiltrating and taking down a secret society of serial killers. The premise was good. Stevie is someone accustomed to death, with a deep respect for the departed. Her reactions to all she has to endure and live through, even with Sebastian's support, are good to see because, at least to me, it's realistic.

She keeps it together while utterly screaming inside.

Sebastian is your usual obsessive, possessive, but down-bad guy for his woman.

So why didn't I love this story more? Why was it just an "alright" one in my mind? I think it's the writing style. I thought about it for a while: the writing style is probably why I didn't enjoy it as much as I wished I did.

It's not bad at all; it's not overly flowery, blue prose or complicated. The author wrote and wove the story well.

It's simply not for me.

[Landon]

ARC Reader
Think Dexter meets Lights Out with a small little dose of Haunting Adeline.
I was so in love with the concept of this book. Dark romance with secret societies. Yes, please.
The book revolves around Stevie, a mortician, and Sebastian, a serial killer for justice. They first came together when they had to work along with River, Sebastian's cousin, to save Stevie's sister , Lux. They sort of have known each other ever since, one problem--- they didn't exactly get along. Though for this new mission, they have to fake date each other to infiltrate a secret society of serial killers.
When Sebastian isn't exactly like Zane (Haunting Adeline) you get a small mixture of it with Lux and River's story , although not shown in detail. Sebastian works with a team Hayden and Christian (an FBI agent) to provide full coverage during their nightly activities.
Everything about this book is beautiful-- from the plot, characters-- everything.

[Liz]

ARC REVIEW

Another great book from a great author! This is series really hits the dark romance itch along side a Dexter/True Crime vibe. Sebastian and Stevie are such a great couple. I mean...who doesn't love hate to love trope when it's obvious they like each other. The banter was so good between them. I also really liked the plot of this book with this secret society. Very much a dark romance thriller vibe. The whole vigilante vibe behind Sebastian was poetic with them infiltrating this secret society. I really liked how Stevie is perceived as a semi outcast for having such an odd job and also semi odd hobbies. I really like her transformation from nervous fake serial killer girlfriend to show who can stand up for herself and do the hard things. I'm very interested to see what comes next in this series.

[Kirsten]

Serial killers taking out serial killers? I really love the sound of that. It’s exactly what Sebastian and his cousin do for a living. Well, not exactly for a living, as they’re filthy rich and can do whatever they want while their Aunt May takes care of their actual business.

A Wild Darkness is the second book in the series, after A Midnight Romance came out a year ago. We follow Sebastian and Stevie’s story now, and it’s everything you’d want if you’re into:

🪦 Fake dating
🪦 Primal play
🪦 Only one bed
🪦 Forced proximity
🪦 Black cat/homicidal golden retriever

M.J. Huxley has a really easygoing and clear writing style. There is a lot of (🌶️) tension building between the characters, and I’m all here for it.

If you’re looking for a cute, exhilarating story that’s not too chunky, you should definitely add this book to your TBR.

[Chantelle TS]

I liked this book, would recommend it and read it again.

The premise seemed really intriguing I just felt a little flat with the plot and connection between the MCs.

The infiltration into the secret society seemed very easy despite their history. Once in there didn’t seem to be much of a point of this secret society outside its members just meeting up together. The society didn’t seem that much of a threat (when compared to how they were described). It would have also been good to have gone into the secret society leader’s background.

I liked both the MMC and FMC but I didn’t quite feel the sexual tension turned lovers vibe the story tried to invite.

Overall it was an average read for me.

Caveat: I didn’t read Book 1 and just went straight into this.

[Shylou Totaram]

Thank you to the author M.J Huxley and Twisted Chaos PR for gifting me an early copy in exchange for a review.

I couldn't get enough of the tension, the chemistry between Stevie and Sebastian. I love a good serial unaliver dark romance and A Wild Darkness did not disappoint. While I haven't read the previous book in the series "A Midnight romance" I felt like this read perfectly fine as a standalone. But after reading this one I will be without a doubt picking up all of M.J Huxley's books.

Let me tell you though the spicy scenes were scorching, I promise you won't be able to get enough of the banter between these two. It was such an easy fun read!

[Shawna Morrison]

Loved this book!! The vigilante, multiple deleter who adopts a stray kitten in chapter one only got better throughout this story. Our stubborn, mortician who’s always felt on the outside finds exactly where she belongs. I loved everything in this book! Banter, twists, fake-dating (with benefits!), secret societies, Dexter-like behaviors, great cast of characters, finding the ones who understand you. It was a fantastic read despite at a disadvantage. I haven’t read the first book… I was able to understand everything easy enough and while it “can” be read as a stand alone, I don’t recommend it. It would just deprive you of Sebastian and Stevie’s first interactions along with their histories.

[Ruhaanika ☆]

Thankyou to twisted chaos pr and the author for the arc of this book.

I enjoyed the banter, the possessiveness, the protectiveness, and the obsession of a man who was supposed to keep it fake.

Sebastian and Stevie were perfect. And i loved how protective he was over Stevie. Secret societies are a delight, and this one was the same. Sebastian is supposed to be the cold blooded killer, but is soft for a cat and his girl. I loved to see that softness sprinkled in, also the chemistry? Wow. I did not expect that and it was great surprise. Though it was not a five star read for me, but that could be because i’m sick, other than that. The author did a wonderful job writing this book!

[K Tickle]

Received as an ARC in exchange for my review thanks to M.J. Huxley and Twisted Chaos PR. Sorry for being a couple of days late.

This was one of the most amazing reads I've had the pleasure of enjoying this year. The chemistry is on point from page one between the two main characters. There is so much angst, action and drama yet the story is paced well, building up to a major crescendo at the perfect time. Plenty of trigger warnings though... please be cautious. I hope you all enjoy this story as much as I did. Sebastian and Stevie are just beautiful, dark, tormented creatures who deserve everything and so much more. They are perfect.

[Stephanie Skiffington]

I ate this right up and Huxley killed it with this one (pun intended). I was obsessed with this one from the first page to the last. Sebastian is trying to get into a serial killer secret society, but he needs to have a girlfriend. He then asks Stevie (she despises him) and she reluctantly says yes. The banter and love/hate relationship was honestly the best part, you can tell they really wanted to rip each other's clothes off. Sebastian and Stevie worked so well together, it's like they were in tune with each other the whole time. Stevie is an absolute bad*** and I am here for it! This was one of my favorite reads of 2026 and I can't wait for Huxley's next amazing read!

[Zandri Vorster]

Review of Advanced Readers Copy from Author

Judge all you want but I loved this!!

Stevie accepting Sebastian just as he is, darkness and all.
Sebastian accepting Stevie just as she is, with the weird hobbies, is pure love.

They dont judge each other for who they are and just have fun and joke about it. Being able to find that kind of comfort and home with someone is everything a girl could want.

There is times where I cried (even with serial killers) and times where I was giggling like a lunatic but this was an amazing story and a definite add to the TBR.

[Amanda M]

I am obsessed with this book. It is an incredible story that's very well written. The characters are amazing. And the plot was perfection. The banter, the spice and the chemistry was so good between Stevie and Sebastian. I liked how everything built up in the narrative. The pacing was on point and the words just flowed from one page to the next. I could not put this one down. Loved the dark elements in this too. It is such a great read. I highly recommend grabbing a copy of this because you don't want to miss out on this amazing story.

[gena]

A Wild Darkness was such a fun read! I really enjoyed Stevie and Sebastian’s story. Their banter, tension, and chemistry were definitely a highlight for me.

I enjoy fake dating, and watching these two go from not being able to stand each other to catching feelings was so much fun.

The high-stakes mission, secret society, and serial-killer elements added the perfect amount of suspense and kept me turning the pages. I loved the balance of dark romance and thriller.

Stevie and Sebastian definitely kept things interesting! 🖤

[judith vaughan]

Sebastian and Stevie have a very unconventional relationship. What starts as a way for Sebastian to infiltrate a society of killers turns into real feelings. Stevie has become so jaded with the world that she feels very little. When she signs up for Sebastians crazy plan feelings actually start to develop. So now they have to navigate new feelings and taking down these killers. Will Sebastian and Stevie survive to confess those feelings. What I loved about this book was that the author gave you light with the dark. Reading about their dynamic and hiw they met is so them.

[Heather]

Couldn't put this book down! I loved every page of it. I really enjoyed Lux and Rivers book, but did I think I'd like Stevie and Sebastain even more? Absolutely not. But I did!

A wild darkness had the perfect mix of banter and spice and thriller themes. I really loved it. I'm a sucker for fake dating and a downbad morally gray mmc and Sebastian was it. Check your tiggers before jumping into this one. Can't wait to see who's next!! Hayden or CHristain would be killer (haha) If you like spooky vibes and Dexter then this book might be for you. Thank you MJ Huxley and her team!

[CookesBooks]

Sebastian and Stevie kept me up way into the night with their You x Cruel Intentions dark romance. If you read book 1, A Midnight Romance, you were probably foaming at the mouth for this book just like me.
MJ Huxley once again delivered all the darkness and thrills with the perfect blend of obsessive that I love. Red flags? They’re freely waving and I am hunting them down. What do the billionaire vigilante and sassy mortician have in common you ask? Justice.
I am absolutely obsessed with this world and characters and am preparing to be anxiously awaiting more.

[Crystal]

Book Review!

What a pair these two were! Stevie and Sebastian were annoyed with each other at first but after he needs help with a project of his to infiltrate the serial killers group they start developing feelings. It’s a dark romance so please check triggers. She’s all dark and moody and he doesn’t trust a lot of people. I loved the friendship dynamics of the group. We get spice, action, suspense, murder and romance. 4 stars!

[Andrea Freeland]

Absolutely loved this book. Stevie is a mortician and Sebastian is a serial killer with morals. They both hate each other in the beginning but we all know how this works out eventually (well most of the time anyways). I loved all the characters..the story was so well written and I almost cried at one point..I will be looking forward to reading more books by this author.
I recieved an advance reader copy of this book for an honest voluntary review.

[Liz Ranne]

I loved this! She's a new to me author & this is Stevie & Sebastion's story. They've known each other for a while & neither can stand the other. However, the chemistry between them was undeniable. He & his family have secrets, which she mostly knows about. But in order for them to do their other job he has to have a fake girlfriend; & who does he ask? Stevie. There's so much that happens here, I loved the banter, the danger & the spice was fantastic! Recommend this book & author!