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Light In Chaos

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"I love that you see me and that you've chosen me."

Blood and mayhem calmed me.
Death and destruction were all I knew.
I stayed in the shadows, snuffing out the lives of those who no longer deserved to breathe.
I put my body through hell and did what I could to change my appearance, so I no longer looked like him.
I was on the verge of insanity and vowed to take everyone down with me.
Including her.
Little did I know, there was a madness in Maggie Hoyt that mirrored my own.

Author's Note: This is book one in a duet and ends on a cliffhanger. A list of possible triggers will be included at the beginning of the book. Your mental health matters. 

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About the author

J.M. Walker

111 books1,225 followers
J.M. Walker, a Canadian author, is an Amazon bestseller who also hit USA Today with Wanted: An Outlaw Anthology. She loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.

"Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life..." ~ Nora Ephron

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5 stars
24 (80%)
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5 (16%)
3 stars
1 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Debra.
104 reviews10 followers
July 19, 2026
Cabe & Maggie - O. M. F. G. This book is probably the darkest thing I’ve read and I loved every f’n minute of it! Two broken people finding each other and doing whatever to protect each other was so beautiful but painful to read at times. Can’t wait for book 2 to see how this mess ends!
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,927 reviews77 followers
July 22, 2026
Book 1 in the Within Chaos series is Light In Chaos. Before we get to the good stuff 1) just know that Light In Chaos ends on a cliffhanger and 2) there is huge laundry list of triggers, so make sure you check the trigger warnings before you start reading this book. Now, Cabe and Maggie's journey is dark, intense, very emotional and definitely not for the faint of heart. It doesn't start out all sweet and gradually work up to dark, no, it starts out dark and keeps that same pace so do not go into this story expecting any different. These characters have suffered so much trauma and are so broken. But it's that trauma and brokenness that allows them to really see each other. And because of that they find a light between them they didn't realize existed. This story made me ache for these characters from the very depths of my soul. I want so much for them to find true love and genuine happiness and although I'm not going to hold my breath, I genuinely hope that's what they get in book 2.
Profile Image for Hanan .
2,145 reviews20 followers
August 3, 2026
Light In Chaos is book one of a duet.
The story centers around Cabe and Maggie.
It’s a very emotional and heartbreaking.
Both of them had very ugly and devastating childhoods. Vileness and evil surrounded them.
What they went through and endured has shaped them into the adults they’ve become.
The book is gripping and intense. I was invested and consumed with Maggie and Cabe.
So I was reading and flipping the pages to see what would happen next and what the outcome would be.
It didn’t surprise me that these two had such a strong pull towards one another.
The minute Cabe’s eyes landed on Maggie he was hooked.
And for her it was a sensation she felt throughout her body just being in his vicinity.
Broken finds broken.
Their story is dark and twisted. But I’m hopeful that they will find their peace and joy.
Maybe fate and life will be kinder to them in the future.
So yes I am there for their next book.
Profile Image for Jolene Huber.
879 reviews13 followers
August 5, 2026
Dirty, dark and definitely twisted

Maggie is the owner of a book store. Books are her safe space after an awful childhood and young adult life. Its where she feels safest. Until her only friend Aly who makes a lot of bad life choices, gets her to go to a bar in a shady part of town. Where after some bad things happen she meets Cabe. There is way more to him than meets the eye. He is everything she needs and wants wrapped in a very large broken package. This book may have triggers for some. But I thought it was absolutely amazing. It does mention in a round about way another series by the same author. But, you dont have to read that series to understand it. I cannot wait to get the second half to this set!
Profile Image for Erin.
3,575 reviews82 followers
August 17, 2026
DAMN! Cabe and Maggie took me on a dark and depraved journey filled with loads of twists and turns that kept me intrigued, obsessed and captivated with these two.

Their story is a heavy one filled with trauma, heartbreak, violence, emotional turmoil, danger and passion.

Both Cabe and Maggie have very painful pasts with demons that haunt them continually. But the fact that they can sense the same kind of demons haunting each other and know instinctively how to calm them, made Cabe and Maggie perfect together.

This story was exceptionally well written with suspense, danger and twists and turns you never see coming, especially the cliffhanger of an ending. I loved every second of it and can’t wait to see what’s going to happen now.

Profile Image for Roseanna.
64 reviews
July 21, 2026
I absolutely love when broken people find someone who compliments them so completely. Cabe and Maggie both have had such devastating childhood trauma and hold their darkness inside so much. But they both feel the pull to each other. They deserve to find some solace in this world. I can not wait to see where their story goes next.
This story is not for the faint of heart. The trials these characters have gone through and the things that still haunt them will tear you up inside. And the fact that the world still wants to hurt them even more is devastating. But the determination to care for each other is the only lightness in here.
1,106 reviews16 followers
August 5, 2026
What did I just read? Wow! This has to be the darkest book I have read by J.M. Walker. I will admit it took a few chapters in beginning to get into the book. Just know these characters are not normal but they are perfect for each other. I mean Cabe is a killer and Maggie is very broken too. As the story move along, I could not stop. I wanted to know what happens next. The story is emotional and gripping. The characters are dark people but (I know I said this before) perfect together.

This is the first book in a duet so go in knowing it ends on a cliffhanger. It is a difficult read because of the character history but there are rewards through the story too. I can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for Kerri Lightle.
1,062 reviews22 followers
August 29, 2026
I will almost insist that you read the trigger warnings before going into this duo. this is the first of the duo and let me tell you your gonna go down a rabbit hole so to say.

this is a mma type story so your going to see a bit of that but ultimately its a *ff* bloody story. its dark and touches things that some would find taboo.

cabe and maggie both have very tragic amd hurtful past. though different they Harbour the dark that can come from it


after a chance meeting where cabe rescued her from a bad situation sends them on a a path together. how does it turn out well grab the book but I do say it leaves you on a cliffhanger
2,767 reviews24 followers
July 6, 2026
5*
Maggie has known Aly since they were in foster care together. She didn't have a good upbringing and her mother was a cruel woman as was her stepfather. Having her bookstore and apartment used to be enough but she's restless.
Cabe first spots Maggie in the bar drawn to her he knows she's someone special. She's the only one he can allow to touch him as his past has blocked him wanting physical contact.
Wow what a fantastic story I loved the characters and the storyline and I'm so desperate for book 2.
Profile Image for Laci  Steimel.
823 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2026
Maggie and Cabe have such amazing chemistry, and I love how they are pretty much all in from the get, and are super accepting of each other. They are both uber protective, and this showcases sooo well. Security guard scenes, whew! I love how Cabe gives Maggie every fantasy she wants, and never judges, just gladly fulfills them, and more. The book, iykyk! Tons of dark, spice and action. Ends in a major cliffhanger that had me on the edge of my seat, but I am all in! This was such a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Letti Trejo.
242 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2026
Cabe and Maggie

What a fantastic book and it’s only part one , the cliffhanger damn . I can’t believe what happened at the end. Cabe what an awesome man his past has made him into what he says is a monster. Maggie and her best friend had been through a lot . Friends since they were kids, but Aly her friend is a horrible friend at best . But Maggie doesn’t she it yet ! Man I really hope Cabe and Maggie have a happily ever after, but what Maggie asks is not right especially if Cabe fights for the victims or survivors. I can’t wait for September.
Profile Image for Brenda.
770 reviews23 followers
August 3, 2026
Light In Chaos absolutely consumed me.
Maggie and Cabe are unlike any characters Ive read.
They are absolutely broken, but navigating life in their own ways. Cabe's way of working through things are a little different then Maggie's, but it works. 😏😏
The childhood trauma these two endured, makes me want to burn the world for them.

This book is dark, but beautiful, poetic even.

Review is vague because there is too many possible spoilers.
Just heed the warnings.
Profile Image for Lynne Garlick.
2,695 reviews27 followers
August 8, 2026
Holy Fuck!!

Holy fuck!!! I have literally just finished this book and I am reeling!! And as you can see from the title, it’s a duet so it’s not a spoiler when I say Holy Fucking Cliffhanger!!!
Anywho, this book has ripped me apart but given me every fucking feel that is going!
Am I questioning my moral compass? Abso-fucking-lutely not!!
I cannot wait for book two. This author has knocked it out of the park!
Profile Image for Frances.
521 reviews13 followers
October 5, 2026
I got this book for an honest review but in the middle of reading, I got the book. I love this book, going to start book 2 next.

This book is deliciously dark and have major triggers but it is one hell of a read and the characters are just right. Cabe and Maggie are the perfect couple, they’re both the light in their chaos. The trauma they each go through is hunting at best but they find their way to cope and live with it.
Profile Image for CAW.
40 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2026
Light in Chaos is not a book for the faint of heart, but the feels this book gave me…. OMG!

Cabe and Maggie are two broken people most would say they are beyond repair. Until they find each other and the lengths they go to for each other is beautifully painful but so right.

I can’t wait for book 2….
Profile Image for Stephanie Bird.
196 reviews6 followers
August 1, 2026
This book!
Maggie and Cabe are absolutely perfection together. They both have a dark past but Maggie is the most beautiful soul.
Aly...hmmmm, don't like you. Tony is an Interesting side character, I hope to see more of him in the next book!

Read your trigger warnings and be warned! It's a cliff hanger 😭 but I have had worse ones, so you should be fine!
Profile Image for Angie Petray.
165 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2026
Wow!

JM Walker never disappoints and this book is no exception. This book is everything you want in a dark romance. Both the MMC and FMC are beautifully broken souls who find themselves drawn to one another in the most wonderfully toxic way. Beautifully written, I devoured this book. Please check the trigger warnings and buckle up, it's a rough ride but so worth it.
Profile Image for Christine.
1,777 reviews
August 2, 2026
Cabe is one messed up strong alpha man. Maggie is one strong messed up woman. They both have a ton of messed up baggage.
They both need more than what they think they do. They are able to make each other feel things they never thought they would or could. What a wild ride. Can’t wait to read more.
9 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2026
I absolutely love JMs writing in all other books. But this book was not for me (it’s a me thing) Please read for yourself. My quirks are not yours.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,969 reviews17 followers
July 21, 2026
This is dark, especially for a JM story so do beware of the trigger warnings. Cabe and Maggie's relationship, while consensual, is not for the faint of heart.
Profile Image for Becca Jacks.
13 reviews11 followers
August 11, 2026
Light in chaos

What a riveting story!! How dare you leave it in such a cliffhanger, lol. I can't wait for book 2.
Profile Image for J.M. Walker.
Author 111 books1,225 followers
Read
July 27, 2026
Within Chaos Duet is now available in Kindle Unlimited!!

Aug 4th - Light In Chaos, Book 1 - https://books2read.com/u/3LPBq0

"I love that you see me and that you've chosen me."

🫦 Touch her and die vibes
🫦 MMA
🫦 He's probably a serial killer
🫦 Trauma bonding
🫦 So much spice

Blood and mayhem calmed me.
Death and destruction were all I knew.
I stayed in the shadows, snuffing out the lives of those who no longer deserved to breathe.
I put my body through hell and did what I could to change my appearance, so I no longer looked like him.
I was on the verge of insanity and vowed to take everyone down with me.
Including her.
Little did I know, there was a madness in Maggie Hoyt that mirrored my own.

Author's Note: This is book one in a duet and ends on a cliffhanger. A list of possible triggers will be included at the beginning of the book. Your mental health matters.

Sept 8th - Love In Chaos, Book 2 - https://books2read.com/u/4AqMlJ

Blurb coming soon.

This couple is unlike any I've ever written and I can't wait to share their story with you.
123 reviews8 followers
July 25, 2026
What to expect -
Traumatic pasts
Spice
MMA
Touch her and die vibes

Both Cabe and Maggie have traumatic pasts and cannot deal with touch from anyone; they both feel they are beyond repair. Yet when they meet each other, they learn to trust in each other and begin to heal in ways they never thought possible.

I loved reading this book, it is beautifully written, it is a dark romance story, but it hits you in all the feels. I cannot wait for book 2 after the way it ended.
Profile Image for Tenise.
273 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2025
Damn you, JM! I swear! Here's the deal, I will read anything she writes because she just has a way with storytelling that pulls you in and holds you tight while you ride though the crazy twists and turns that sometimes bring you to the edge of insanity. Theres always a method to the madness so I remind myself to trust her process. I was anticipating something but she went and had to make all the things happen then be like- ope, stay tuned friends, we will return to this later. As if I'm not sitting here on the verge of some sort of a mental break with all these unanswered questions. I may not know what is going to happen next but I do know there are some shady af characters at play here and all I've wanted to do all day is go a couple rounds with one of them in particular. That is all I will say about them but I really needed to put that out there. Also on that subject, #TeamCabe! Okaaaayyyy okay, I'm moving on.

Speaking of Cabe, hot damn, I mean he is just absolute bad boy, book boyfriend perfection. Its just an observation not me trying to touch what is yours, Twinsie Angie. I'm not trying to catch your hands. Haha!
Maggie is a sweetheart with a salty side and I love her. She has been through some crap, they both have, but now they have each other. I really hope that is enough to get them through to the next round because I am almost scared to even guess how this all is going to play out.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews