Tempt the Madness

Blackwell Hawks #2

by Sadie Hunt

Three months ago I dared to play.

Now I have no choice.

This is book two in the Blackwell Hawks series and includes the following

Why Choose/Reverse Harem
Masked men
Primal play
Bedroom toy kink
Forced proximity
Virgin heroine
Suspense sublot
No cheating or OW drama

This book contains other tropes and scenes that may be uncomfortable for some readers. Please check the content warning at the front of the book before reading.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Why Choose, Suspense, Mystery, Dark, Contemporary

368 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie… I am not well. From the start of this book until the end, my heart has been in a chokehold. As gut wrenching as cliffhangers can be I think the way this book played out from beginning to end is the perfect way for the mid series to play out. The emotions… the mystery unfolding more and more. It was just perfect. I knew the hawks would be my fav trio. I’ve loved them since the moment they appeared in the books when they were seemingly bad guys. Can’t wait for the final book to find out how that cliffhanger plays out!

[Booktokqutiepie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am NOT okay… 😭

I never thought a man or men in the Blackwellverse could ever dethrone my favorites, but man, the Hawks are really putting up a fight. And a blonde MMC? Vigo stealing my heart? Nahhh…

Okay… maybe. 😏

FML. Pass the Oreos and strap in, besties.

Tempt the Madness picks up exactly where Dare to Play ended, and my heart was in my throat from the very beginning. Cassie and the Hawks were going THROUGH IT.

Cassie, our FMC, is dealing with the aftermath of the wreck, while the Hawks (Jagger, Vigo, and Hawk, our MMCs ) are struggling with her injuries and recovery in their own ways. And Bram, the big protective lug that he is, is learning to pull back and give his sister some room to spread her wings. I really loved seeing his growth and progression and the way he’s leaning on Maeve allowing himself to be more vulnerable.

I absolutely loved all the cameos and the way the threads of the Blackwellverse are finally starting to weave together. Some questions are answered, while even more are raised, got me going crazy for the next book.

Overall, I give this one a solid 5⭐️ and a whopping 4🌶️.

If you’re a fan of dark why-choose romance with a suspense subplot, masked men, and all the “touch her and 💀” energy, then this is absolutely the series and author for you.

Fair warning: this is Book 2 of a trilogy, so it does end on a cliffy.

Now excuse me while I stare into the void and impatiently wait for Book 3

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Morally Grey Men
*FMC with injuries
*Forced Proximity
*Homicide investigation
*Established Harem (3)
*Mid Burn
*High Heat
*Book 2 / 3
Total page turner!
Oh my gosh this one is action packed from beginning to end! It picks up immediately after that awful cliffhanger and honestly you really feel for a case and what she has to go through 😖 she really has an inner strength that comes through 👑
How the Hawks support her with her injuries is so sweet and they really bring her back to herself 🥰 not only that but they continue to teach her alll the ways her body can experience things 😉😜
There’s a strong development in the overall plot line regarding the investigation into Bram and Cassie’s parents deaths - there’s some shocks along the way! I did like how it link to the overarching Blackwell issues too 😄
This is fast paced but with a great balance between plot and the characters. And yikes that’s going to be a hard ending to come back from 😨😨

[Nightwalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Read

Cassie has survived the traumatic attempt on her life and come to the startling realization that everything she suspected is true. Now she must navigate the treacherous waters of Bram, the past, the present, the future, and the Hawks. Where do you begin when there are so many pieces but none seem to fit together? Who do you turn to when no one wants you looking?
Sadie has done an amazing job bringing all the previous Blackwell worlds back together. She weaves them all together so seamlessly. Cassie is growing into such a strong heroine. I love seeing her grow independent of Bram. It is entertaining watching Bram "adjust". The Hawks have definitely been a pleasant surprise. I wasn't sure if I would like them when they were first introduced in the Butchers series, but I can definitely say now they are one of my favorites. The cliffhanger in this one was definitely up there on Pay the Price trauma level. I am anxiously awaiting the final book. This series has quickly become my second favorite Sadie Hunt series after The Blackwell Beasts. Once again Sadie has proven why she is the best🖤💜🖤

[Ashley Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freaking good!!! I can’t wait to start the next one!

[Erinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book saying wtf!!

There was some stuff in between (spicy, mystery all the jazz)

And

Then I ended the book saying wtf!!

I hope that sums it up for you 😜

Honestly though great read and I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Hawks they are growing on me that’s for sure!!

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

💥 💥 💥 well that was an explosive ending 🫨🫨🫨

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

So who would Bram have taken out his anger on had Cassie still been living in her apartment and was driving to visit Daisy when she was run off the road? It makes no sense for Hawk to accept responsibility (unless they knew she was being stalked - I don’t remember)

Cassie’s necklace was cut off at the hospital. Do they ever get her another?

I’m just not feeling the emotional bonds in this book. They’re horny all the time and have sex at will* but that’s about it. Cassie annoys me with her self righteous vigilantism. It’s not going to bring her parents back and as someone pointed out (maybe not in this book) even if they get rid of the traffickers, someone else will step up. She’s already put herself in danger and now some poor woman in England who has managed to stay under the radar for years is exposed thanks to Cassie.

*These men have a room dedicated to sex toys. Has Cassie ever reflected on how many women they must have been used on before her? I mean a whole roomful doesn’t indicate a spur of the moment whim. Ick.
dnf

[Jodi Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

TEMPT THE MADNESS(Blackwell Hawks Book 2) Reverse harem ADULT ROMANCE💝 by:SADIE HUNT

Reverse harem ADULT ROMANCE💝 by:SADIE HUNT
🃏TEMPT THE MADNESS(Blackwell Hawks Book 2)
❇️❇️❇️
🔆Ratings:🔆
❇️❇️❇️
Stars 5/5 🌟
Action 5/5 🎬
FMC 5/5 💃
MMC 5/5 🤵
Romance 4/5 🖤
Spice 5/5🌶️ NO MM
🔞Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (out of 5 🌶️)
If I could add more spicy peppers🌶️I would. This is an extremely spicy 🥵book📕.
📌Ohhhhh👀 the down right filthy🥵dirty talk‼️holy moly. WOW.😮And the rough and spicy scenes. I think I am in love 🥰. I gave it a 5 rating because I love dirty talk and a man that is aggressive and knows what he wants and takes charge.
❇️❇️❇️
🪢Sexual kinks touched on🪢
🪢 Blood Play, Marking, blindfolds & lite ties, Primal Play, Forced Orgasm Pleasure.
🥰 I loved this book. I did not put this book down unless I needed coffee or to use the restroom. I devoured this book. These are the type of books that I enjoy most. They have the ability to just suck you in and you can’t put it down.
❇️❇️❇️
‼️(Synopsis)‼️
♦️Everyone in Blackwell Falls expects me to be a good girl.Especially my brother, Bram Montgomery.He did everything he could to keep me away from the Hunt.But what can I say? I'm ready to play, and with their vast inventory of spicy toys, the unhinged Hawks are all too eager to oblige.
♦️Unpredictable and wild, blond-haired Vigo brings out all my most dangerous impulses.
♦️Jagger once dumped boxes of money from the rooftops. Now he lives for his compulsions — and I’m his latest obsession.
♦️Hawk, the black sheep with a black heart. He pushes every boundary, leading me to the edge of the cliff in bed and out.
♦️Do I dare to be hunted?
♦️Do I dare to be branded?
♦️Do I dare to be chained?
♦️Do I dare to be used?
♦️The answer is yes. I'll do it all.
♦️But the Hunt — and what comes after — has a life of its own.
♦️And I have no way of knowing what I'm really signing up for.
❇️❇️❇️
🎙️PERSONAL REVIEW🎙️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎙️If '📗Book Hangover' was a medical diagnosis⚕️, I’d be in the ICU right now. This story hit every single emotional note with the precision of a world-class orchestra. It has that rare 'vacation magic' where you forget your own name for 300 pages and then wake up at the end feeling like a brand new person. A true 5-🌟starexperience is supposed to feel like a high-end holiday for your imagination, and this one delivered a first-class ticket. It has that sense of completion that is so hard to find where every thread is tied, every emotion is earned, and you’re left sitting in silence for twenty minutes after the final period just staring at the wall. It’s that 'magical vacation⛱️' vibe where you’re sad it’s over, but you’re so filled with the warmth of the journey that you can’t even be mad at the flight home.🎙️
❇️❇️❇️
🔆Tropes & Triggers🔆
🥋Violence including graphic depictions of physical fights,knife play
💣 Murder, torture, shootings
🧨 Emotional /Psychological Abuse/trauma, kidnapping and sex trafficking.
🪦 Graphic Sex Scenes
🥼 Mental Health Issues/Depression/cognitive impairment/amnesia
🚔 Criminal Activity
⚠️ Enemies to lovers
🤬 Angst
🏜️ Forced proximity
⚖️ Morally gray heroes

[Mythica Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When You Think You're Alone in the Dark, Look For Us"

AHHH! This saga knows how to hit me in my feels and make me blush and laugh all at the same time and I love it!!

We left off on the last book with Cassie having an accident. When the accident leaves her blind, she has a hard time readjusting to being home with the Hawks. They try to skirt the boundary between giving her space and trying to get her to cope and accept her circumstances. In the end, their desire to help her wins and they will push her to come to terms with everything and learn to lean on them. It is in this book that we see a huge development in their relationship. I feel like this series is the only one where they didn’t fight as hard to avoid her or avoid developing feelings for her, but they still were not looking for anything serious. And yet, when the going gets tough, they were right there with her.

Once some normalcy returns to their lives, they continue the hunt for answers. They are in too deep now. Bram wants his little sister safe, the Hawks want to get revenge for what was done to Cassie, and Cassie wants answers to what happened to her parents and if it connects to the ring plaguing Blackwell Falls.

Cassie is becoming a new version of herself. She is blossoming. She is not just Bram’s little sister or the owner of Cassie's Cuppa. She is her own person and she has confidence and a desire to do things other than work. She wants to do things and see things and be with her three men. Along the way, she learns more about Vigo and Jagger, although Hawk remains a mystery but does promise to tell her about himself eventually.

When looking through all of the information they have leads them to travel to speak with an old contact of her parents, not only do they put themselves in danger, but they put the contact in danger. The contact, knowing this, gives Cassie a parting gift which helps Cassie to find some new information. However, Cassie is a wreck. She blames herself for what happened and tries to find a way to keep the men safe. They won’t allow it. So, forced to do this together, despite her fears, they search for new information that leads them to her father’s old workplace.

They find a valuable piece of information, but they are ambushed. When their lives are put in danger, all the men put Cassie first. Hawk shoves Cassie into an elevator and gives her his parting words before chaos begins. Cassie is traumatized. She is running and traumatized. She goes to her brother, needing to get help for her men.

The book leaves off in a pretty sad place. There is a lot we don’t know. Who hunted them? Are the men okay? Will they be able to catch the people responsible? Will Bram be able to protect his little sister from devastation of this magnitude? These cliff hangers leave me on the edge of my seat and hungry for more.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The emotions were all over the place for me and I was flying through the story, eating it up as fast as I could.

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I Wanted, Everything I Feared and One Brutal Cliffhanger!!

I honestly don’t know how Sadie Hunt keeps doing this to us, but somehow she took everything that shattered me in Dare to Play and turned it into something even darker, more emotional, more addictive and infinitely more devastating.

After that devastating cliffhanger, I went into Tempt the Madness desperate for answers.
What I got was a rollercoaster of shocking discoveries , dangerous secrets, emotional healing, explosive chemistry and a connection between Cassie and the Hawks that completely consumed me.

Vigo. Jagger. Hawk.

These men are possessive, protective, damaged, obsessive and utterly unforgettable. Watching their feelings for Cassie deepen was one of my favorite parts of this story.
Beneath all the darkness, there are moments of vulnerability and devotion that hit surprisingly hard.
The emotional bonds forming between them felt just as intense as the danger constantly lurking around every corner.

The power dynamics and the trust being built amid the chaos creates scenes that are both intense and unforgettable.
The creative use of toys throughout some of the spicier moments definitely had me intrigued and added another layer to the characters’ exploration of trust, control and connection.
The heat in this book isn’t just there for shock value…it’s woven into the emotional journey, making every moment feel even more impactful.

And Vigo? That man owns every scene he’s in.
Whether he’s making me laugh, swoon, or completely lose my mind, he has become one of my favorite book boyfriends.
The baseball bat? If you’ve read it, you know. If you haven’t, you’re missing out.

The suspense never lets up.
Every chapter had me questioning everything I thought I knew.
Just when I felt like I was getting answers, Sadie Hunt ripped the rug out from under me again.
The tension builds relentlessly until you’re hanging on by a thread, convinced the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for is finally here…

And then THAT ENDING??

I sat staring at my Kindle in complete shock.
My heart was racing.
My stomach dropped.
My soul practically left my body.

Once again, Sadie Hunt delivers a cliffhanger so spectacularly cruel that it should come with a warning label.

Tempt the Madness is dark, addictive, emotional, suspenseful and impossible to put down.
If you love obsessive antiheroes, dangerous games, found family, emotional depth and stories that completely consume your thoughts long after the final page, you need this book immediately.

Now excuse me while I desperately count down the days until Sadie decides to stop torturing us and gives us the next book👀

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was emotional, from the beginning all the way through till the end there was depression, love, anger and even fear. Cassie’s lack of communication was a huge frustration point for me. It’s understandable because of how she had to suppress her problems to help her brother heal. But at a certain point she suppressed herself through the process. Watching her inability to really stand up for herself to Bram made me sad, and while she’s more true to herself with the guys she still holds back her feelings. The guys are just as bad, falling for her and trying to lie to themselves about it while actively acknowledging they are lying. It made me want to bash their heads together and squeal at all the adorable immaturity at the same time. Well that and they use some really hot scenes to avoid having to talk about their actual feelings, like seriously- even if the rest of the book was awful (which it definitely isn’t) these scenes would be worth it.
Major spoilers ahead for anyone that hasn’t finished “Dare to Play”; After Cassie’s accident she slips into a depression over her lack of sight and pulls away from everyone. The guys have to fight to bring her back and the only thing that really does it, is the thought of stopping the people trying to hurt her. LOVE a good revenge story, and honestly watching her fire come to life is incredibly empowering.
The guys despite wanting to protect her are so devoted to supporting her in her path of recovery they band together which pulls them deeper into the mysteries that have plagued Blackwell Falls for years (ties together with the other series IYKYK). This catapults them through a series of traumatic events that eventually lead to a devastating cliffhanger. I am so excited to continue reading about Cassie and the Hawks and watching them grow. Also the bonus scene is definitely worth subscribing to her newsletter <3.

[TarynLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark RH Romance

“What?” Vigo sounded offended as he looked at the bat in his hand. “It’s my emotional support bat."

Great read!!! So this book started at the bottom of a cliff… literally…..and of course at the end of this book we were left on a new cliff 😭😭🤬🤬

I can honestly say, we the readers, were well and truly shafted by this ending….

It’s dark, dirty, spicy, emotional, some funny moments with a few plot twists.

All is not well at the beginning of this book… trauma and recovery… mental anguish
But the Hawkes are there…. But is that because her time with them isn’t up? Or something else….Something she’s not sure matters anymore…

All the MMCs are feeling things they never thought they would or could and they’re not sure how to go about and express it or if they even should….. could she feel the same? Does Cassie want to go back to her dull mundane life when her time is up?

We are finding more answers into what happened with Cassie’s parents and possibly the missing girls….. but with each answer there’s more questions

No cheating, no OWD….with a huge cliffhanger 😭
Cannot wait for the third and final book.

* Suspense Subplot
* Forced Proximity
* K!nk & Toys
* Good Girl
* Tatted Morally Grey MMCs
* Jeal0us / POssess!ve /Protective & Obsess€d MMCs

‘Two months ago, I’d been a self-confessed asshole, someone who just wanted to have fun, someone without the capacity to take care of anyone, maybe even myself. Two months ago I would have been surprised to feel anything at all. Now all I wanted was to protect Cassie Montgomery.’

“We don’t let the darkness control us, Cass. That only gives it power. Embrace it. Sink into it.”

“When you think you’re alone in the dark, look for us.” His breath was soft on my face. “We’ll be there."

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempt the Madness had me completely hooked from the first page and clutching my Kindle long after I should have gone to sleep. This dark, twisted, and deliciously addictive reverse harem romance cranks up the tension, the danger, and the steam to a whole new level.

Cassie is the kind of FMC I love. She may be thrown into situations far beyond her control, but she never loses her spark. Watching her navigate the chaos surrounding Vigo, Hawk, and Jagger was equal parts heartbreaking and empowering. She’s vulnerable without being weak, and her growth throughout the story was impossible not to root for.

And the men? Absolutely obsessed.

🔥 Vigo brings the intensity and possessiveness that had me swooning one minute and questioning my sanity the next.

🖤 Hawk is layered, protective, and impossible to resist once you start peeling back his walls.

⚡ Jagger adds the perfect amount of unpredictability and heat, keeping every interaction charged with tension.

The chemistry between Cassie and her men practically melts the pages. The forced proximity, masked men, primal energy, and growing emotional connections created a perfect storm of obsession, passion, and suspense. Every scene felt like it was balancing on the edge of a knife, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.

Beyond the romance, the suspense subplot kept me invested throughout. Secrets unravel, danger lurks around every corner, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, another twist landed.

If you love dark romance with possessive MMCs, intense emotional connections, high heat, and a heroine finding her strength while surrounded by chaos, Tempt the Madness is a must-read.

This book didn’t just tempt the madness… it fully dragged me into it, locked the door, and handed me a front-row seat.

[Kristy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

the Hawks may be my favorite Blackwell men

This entire book was an emotional rollercoaster. From the first chapter until the last … I went through every emotion possible.

My sweet, strong, courageous Cassie. Wheeww. My girl was put through it this book. Navigating her accident. Dealing with her overbearing protective brother. Coming to terms with the fact that she is in love with the Hawks. Figuring her way through the mystery of a case her parents left behind. Piecing the clues together to make out this bigger picture.

The Hawks have come to the realization now that there is no letting Cassie go. That they are in it with her for the long haul. That they are willing to do whatever it takes to help her piece this puzzle together and that they will protect her at all cost.

We now have more of the trafficking ring figured out. People. Places. Money transfers. The dots are finally connecting and I’m so happy that Cassie has decided to dig in and not let up on this. We get to see the other men of the Blackwell verse along with some of the women and I love how they are pulling together to help.

Bram is having to come to terms with the fact that he has to loosen the reigns a bit. That Cassie is a grown woman. And she now has 3 strong capable men that have her back. She is his only family. And he was put through something traumatic when they lost their parents. So I can see the struggle he is going through. Having Maeve has helped him so much. And he has grown a lot. I fell more in love with them this book also.

The ending of course has me shook to my core. I can not wait for the final book!

[Misty °.•☠︎︎•.° · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaaaa that brutal cliffhanger!

⚠️ This book picks up right where Dare to Play ends, so spoilers ahead! ⚠️

Cassie's accident mirrors the tragedy that took her parents and nearly took Bram years ago, making her struggle for independence and recovery even more heartbreaking. Her pain, trauma, and depression felt incredibly real, though I sometimes wished she'd direct more of her frustration toward her overprotective brother instead of the Hawks, who consistently supported and respected her.

Hawk, Jagger, and Vigo are fighting their own battles, and I loved seeing their growth. They're protective, attentive, sexy, and exactly what Cassie needs. Hawk's soft side completely melted me, while Vigo's "emotional support bat" had me laughing out loud.

Hawk is an absolute sweetheart beneath all that brooding exterior.
“When you think you’re alone in the dark, look for us.” His breath was soft on my face. “We’ll be there."

Life will never be boring with Vigo!
Hawk scowled when he saw that Vigo had his bat. “Do you really need that thing?” “What?” Vigo sounded offended as he looked at the bat in his hand. “It’s my emotional support bat."

I also loved seeing characters from Sadie's previous series return, especially The Butchers and Bram as he grapples with the reality that his little sister is all grown up.

Overall, this was an emotional continuation filled with healing, growth, family dynamics, humor, and romance. My only frustration? These characters desperately need to communicate instead of burying their feelings! 🫣

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok… there’s nothing better than a well written great book! Book 2 has got it all, the emotion, drama & the evolution of 4 fab characters plus the Spice!🌶️

I love a book that takes me out of my own world & drops me into a sea of emotion, self awareness, knowledge & of course the spice! Seriously, who doesn’t love a little spice to brighten their day? The 4 MC are on a journey of realising their own emotions & strength aren’t at all what they thought they were! I love seeing Cassie grow & develop into a strong woman & totally understanding who she really is in the world.

The plot thickens & the story drops down the rabbit hole & I’m not sure where it will come out! A really good thing though because my brain is trying to connect the dots & it keeps sending me in different directions in the best possible ways! It’s a great story line that is keeping me wondering. Basically, I’m hanging on the edge of my seat after the cliffhanger Sadie leaves us on!

So… def a 5/5 book
✔️ excellent story line
✔️ great main characters
✔️ Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✔️ Alt POV
✔️ Flowing timeline
✔️ mystery/intrigue
✔️ Big world wide storyline

The whole Blackwell Falls drama that has spanned across the 4 series - Aventine, Beasts, Bastards, Butchers & now Hawks has kept me intrigued the whole way through. While each series can be happily read as a standalone, the over arching storyline that crosses each series makes them well worth the read. Don’t miss this series!

[Celeste Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alright, so if Dare to Play was like striking a match, then Tempt the Madness basically dumped a whole can of gas on that fire.

Sadie Hunt takes everything we loved from book one—like all the tension and danger and mystery—and just dials it up way more. Cassie's still growing and finding her own strength in all this madness, while Vigo, Hawk, and Jagger? Somehow they get even more complex and protective—and yeah, addictive too.

Thing is, it's not just spice for spice's sake here. Underneath all that heat is this wild story full of secrets and shifting loyalties. Plus tons of suspense that'll keep you turning pages way past your bedtime. Just when I thought I had it figured out? Boom! Plot twist! Sadie keeps us on our toes big time.

The emotions are off the charts now; relationships go deeper than ever before; seriously left me hanging there needing that next book ASAP.

If you're into:

✨ Why Choose romance

✨ Heroes who'll protect at all costs

✨ Dark suspenseful vibes

✨ Close quarters drama

✨ Tons of tension with some serious steam

✨ Watching characters really grow

...then you totally gotta check out this series!

Verdict: Sadie didn’t just tempt my sanity—she pretty much dragged me right into crazy town—and I followed along happily!

📚 Rating: 5/5 Stars 🌶 Spice Level? Like through-the-roof high 🖤 Emotional Rollercoaster Damage: Yep also super high 📖 Desperate for Book 3 NOW please

[gena · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. I loved this book! I was so invested from the very first chapter and could not put it down.

Tempt the Madness picks up with a bang. Cassie is dealing with the aftermath of a devastating accident that leaves her blind and struggling to remember what happened. As if that isn't enough, it soon becomes clear that someone may be trying to kill her—just like her parents. The suspense kept me glued to the pages the entire time.

One of my favorite things about this book was how beautifully Sadie Hunt handled grief and trauma. It felt raw, emotional, and incredibly realistic. Cassie goes through so much throughout the story, and watching her growth was one of the most rewarding parts of the book. I feel like we get to get a little more of who Cassie is supposed to be!

The Blackwell Hawks continue to prove why they're impossible not to love. They may be flawed, but they make you root for them every step of the way. And Vigo? He has a special place in my heart. ❤️

This story pulled at every emotion possible. I laughed, stressed, hoped, worried, and by the end I was emotionally exhausted in the best way. The tension, the character development, and the twists were all perfectly balanced.

And that ending... WHAT?! The agony! This has to be one of the biggest cliffhangers I've read, and now I desperately need the next book.

If you love dark romance, emotional depth, suspense, and characters that completely consume your thoughts, Tempt the Madness is a must-read.

[Katie Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Favorite in the Blackwellverse!

What a freaking emotional roller coaster!! I felt things that you don’t normally feel with dark romances. I cried, laughed, cried again, fanned myself aplenty, and cried again. Might have been a little bit of rage at the ending (kindle survived, btw. Barely.)
I suspected from book one, Dare to Play, that this series and guys would be my newest favorites, and this book pretty much solidified that. Cassie is just so real and relatable. What she has gone through would knock the best of them on their butts. Her reactions to it all is just so on point to how people in reality would react. It’s great writing on SH’a part to be able to accurately convey that. We got to know more about the guys and their past. How they came to be (or we’re learning more), especially with Vigo in this book. Cassie is also picking up more cues from them that comes with time and feelings towards them. They are solidifying as a group in their relationship dynamic. Jagger is still the more patient one, Vigo is truly a chaos gremlin, and Hawk is still the stoic protector with secrets. All this and more.
That ending was rough, even more so than the cliff in Dare to Play. It’s gonna be a long month and a half, but 1000% worth it!

[Shelby Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind = Blown. Sadie Hunt does it again!


If you thought the cliffhanger at the end of book one was brutal, brace yourselves. Tempt the Madness picks up exactly where we left off, and it hits the ground running with a shocking twist that completely rewired my brain.
This second installment elevates the entire series to a whole new level. Sadie masterfully balances a high-stakes, suspenseful murder investigation with the complex, burning dynamics of a why-choose romance. Just when you think you have a handle on the dark twists, the plot shifts and leaves you breathless.

Amidst the absolute chaos and darkness, there are deeply emotional moments of healing and vulnerability between the characters that broke my heart and pieced it back together. The chemistry is off the charts, and the protective, possessive energy is unmatched.

This book is an incredible, dark, and thrilling ride from the very first page to the last. But fair warning: Sadie loves to play with our emotions. We are left on a massive, emotional cliffhanger that sets up the third and final book perfectly.
I don't know how I'm going to survive the wait for the finale, but I need it immediately!

If you love your romance dark, your mysteries twisty, and your men protective, you need to start this series yesterday.

[Chrystie S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the end of book one through the beginning of book three, the tension in this series is relentless—it keeps you constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. As expected, Tempt the Madness adds another layer to the sex trafficking puzzle, but instead of offering answers, it raises even more questions (not that I expected anything less). The same goes for the Hawks—we see more emotional depth from them in this installment, yet they remain just as enigmatic.
After how Dare to Play ended, I had a sense of what I was walking into with this book—but nothing could have prepared me for that ending. I literally woke up my entire house in the middle of the night yelling.
Cassie’s growth continues to be one of the most compelling parts of the series. She’s come so far from who she was in book one and has uncovered so much about the mystery that has haunted her for most of her life. That said, my heart absolutely aches for her after the way book two ends.
The wait for book three is going to be brutal after that cliffhanger, but as always, I trust the author won’t completely destroy us… at least not beyond repair.

[Hana Gs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! After that ending in the first book, I couldn’t wait to get back to these characters, and it was worth every second. Cassie’s story completely pulled me in. My heart broke for her so many times, but watching her slowly grow stronger and start finding herself was such a rewarding journey.

The multiple POVs worked really well and kept me glued to the pages. Every time I thought I’d stop for the night, I’d get to another chapter and need to know what happened next.

The connection between Cassie, Vigo, Jagger and Hawk was everything I hoped it would be. There were plenty of emotional moments, plenty of spice, and so much character growth throughout. I loved seeing how they helped her find her confidence while also dealing with their own struggles.
Sadie has a way of making you feel every emotion right alongside the characters, and this book had me completely hooked from start to finish.

And that ending?! The book started with resolving one cliffhanger, so let’s have another one!

Another addictive Blackwell Falls book and another five stars from me.

[shelleysreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempt the Madness

I don’t know why I keep doing this to myself… that ending! The cliffhanger and now we have to wait a month for the conclusion?!

This one picks up right where the cliffhanger left us in book 1 and it kept me hooked with my heart in my mouth for much of the story again! And then it gives us another earth shattering ending, I honestly don’t know how this is going to play out in book 3… I mean they have to be ok don’t they?!

I love cassie, the fmc, she’s been sheltered and protected by her older brother Bram, but now she’s finally stepping out and embracing her life and then she experiences this world altering incident and suffers injuries she’s not sure she will recover from (I’m trying not to give any spoilers), my heart was cracking for her and her turnoil. But how hawk, jagger and Vigo all pull together around her and care for her whilst she navigates her recovery was heartwarming. Normally I struggle to pick a favourite out of a collection of guys but Vigo is just pipping the post and stealing my heart!

Another fab instalment of the hawks series, I cannot wait for the conclusion!

[Jessica OBryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodness, where to start. Sadie Hunt has, once again, gifted us entrance into the unbelievably phenomenal Blackwell world she's created. Tempt The Madness is highly addictive, sexy as heck and emotionally charged, centered on the continuation of the journey between the Hawks and Cassie.

Book one had ended on a cliffhanger, with book two picking up right where one left off. Cassie was run off the road, but by who and why? The Hawks and Cassie focus their energy on trying to find out who was responsible for the accident and why, which seems to be affiliated to the missing girls suspected of being sex-trafficked, all while dealing with inner drama caused by the accident and the end of their time together looming large over their heads. Will they all finally acknowledge their feelings before it's too late?

Don't even get me started on the spice, which was absolute chef's kiss, btw. I had to give my iPad a cold shower and a cigarette 34367 times throughout the book. Ahem, hello dressing room. Nuff said. Thank you for that, Ms. Hunt. Lol.

As is her way, Ms. Hunt gave us one doozy of a cliffhanger, so I'm here, biting my nails, not so patiently waiting for book three. 😉 In any case, I'll keep rereading this brilliant series and the equally brilliant interconnected ones to satisfy that itch until book three comes out.

I can't say enough good things about the Blackwell world. It's large, with all the interconnected, but they are some of my absolute faves EVER, and I cannot recommend enough!! Worthy of 50 stars if I could give it!!

[Michelle Kehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey Besties- Cassie and the Hawks are back for round 2, and the mystery is getting deeper- and darker. This book is split into 3 parts ; there is deepening connection between Cassie and the Hawks as she recovers from her accident, new contacts are found in her parents paperwork, and more connections are made within some of the Blackwell elite. As she keeps following the bread crumbs that are found in the papers her parents left behind , Bram is more determined to get her to stop- and get her away from the Hawks. Hawk, Jagger, and Vigo find themselves falling deeper for Cassie - surprising themselves as much as her. And the more people that they find to be connected to the mystery of what is happening to the missing girls, the more danger they all seem to be in. When a tip from someone in the know leads Cassie and her guys to her dad’s old office, someone has noticed, and they are now under attack. This threat has the Hawks sending Cassie out the door to safety while they stay behind, and she leaves not knowing their fate..
I was kicking my feet and screaming at the end of this one!! I NEED the next episode 😂🤣😂

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think the first book can’t be topped… it can.

One thing I sometimes struggle with in a series is losing interest once everything becomes a little too sweet and comfortable. Cassie isn’t afraid of the Hawks anymore, the relationships are developing… and yet somehow this story doesn’t lose its edge at all. The plot stays exciting, there’s plenty of tension and mystery, and I was completely invested until that damn cliffhanger. I NEED book three.

And I think the Hawks may have officially become my favorite trio. The way they’re so completely invested in Cassie’s wellbeing? Yeah… move over, Butchers. The Hawks have entered the chat.

I also absolutely loved getting more of Bram. He’s still one of my favorite characters in the Blackwell universe, so getting more background on him, Cassie and their family was such a bonus. Their family history actually made me want to dig even deeper into the other Blackwell books.

And of course, Sadie Hunt delivers on the spice again. Sexy men, dominant Hawk, toys, threesomes… yes please. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Great plot, great pacing, plenty of spice, and characters I’m getting increasingly attached to.

[Beckreadz25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up right after Dare to Play left off, this whole book was a roller-coaster ride. Bram Montgomery's not so little sister wants to grow up and make her own choices, but extenuating circumstances are making life difficult for poor Cassie.

I absolutely loved how Jagger, Vigo, and Hawk were portrayed throughout the book. Their growth and their devotion to Cassie was incredible. They lay it all out on the table and hold nothing back. Plus the bedroom toys?

Once again the references to sensitive topics were navigated well (I don't want to mention specifics to avoid spoilers). Plus I loved the cameos and nods to other Blackwell characters. The interconnection between all of the Blackwell Falls books and even Blackwell Hollow was awesome. To build a world like that is truly an amazing feat.

The whole book was like a rock ballad. The dramatic, heartfelt lyrics with the rough riffs, and guitar and drum solos then right at the crescendo BOOM- another cliffhanger. I'm dangling on the edge, barely hanging on. Book 3 cannot come fast enough.

[E.J. Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

My heart was in my throat from the moment I opened the book, from the cliffhanger Sadie has kept us all dangling from in book1 Dare to Play.

Cassies story is already heartwrenching, a young sheltered woman seeking revenge for the tragic deaths of her parents. Sheltered by her big brother, Bram, from the outside world, her life is turned upside down wants she meets the Hawks and man, can Sadie make you feel the trauma, the loss with every chapter.

The multiple POV really help to immerse yourself in their world and keeps you gripped with each page.

The way Cassie learns to find her feet, to gain her confidence and the way Vigo, Jagger, and Hawk help her ...blossom, that has you reading one handed and wishing you had a hot tub.

This book ends on yet another cliffhanger, damn you Sadie, DAMN YOU. But I cannot stress how much I NEED the next book in the series...yesterday.

Another beautifully written, tragic, spicy story that has me hooked on another poly relationship within Blackwell Falls

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie Hunt does it again. Tempt the Madness picks up the absolute chaos left behind by that first cliffhanger, and it never lets up. 🤯

Cassie’s recovery and trauma after the accident felt completely real and heavy. Watching her fight to get her spark back—and choosing revenge—was easily one of the best parts of the book. As for her overprotective brother Bram? I definitely felt the frustration with the family dynamics and the lack of communication at times, but it made her growth feel completely earned.

And those Hawks... Vigo, Hawk, and Jagger are possessive, dark, and protective. The chemistry is off the charts and the creative use of toys definitely kept things interesting. 🔥

Vigo is officially my new favorite. His character is just so delightfully quirky, and let’s be real… who doesn't need an emotional support bat? 🖤🦇

The way Sadie weaves in connections to her previous Blackwell series makes the whole world feel so cohesive. But that ending? My jaw dropped. It's a brutal cliffhanger, and I'm already counting down the days for the final book. ⏳