The Ultimate Reading Paths for the Follow Me Series
Helen Hardt’s bestselling Follow Me series is a high-heat, contemporary erotic romance that explores the complex dynamics of control, vulnerability, and intense chemistry. The series centers on Skye Manning, a talented Boston photographer trying to establish her career, and Braden Black, a enigmatic billionaire with a commanding presence and a passion for control. Because the story is told across two different points of view—with three main novels from Skye's perspective and three companion novels retelling the events from Braden's perspective—readers often wonder how to dive in. There are two primary reading paths you can take to experience their passionate journey.
Option 1: The Direct Storyline Path (Skye's Point of View First)
For most readers, starting with Skye's trilogy is the most natural way to experience the narrative. By following her perspective first, you uncover Braden's secrets at the same rate she does, preserving the mystery and tension of his character. After finishing the core trilogy, you can read the three companion books to see how Braden was reacting behind the scenes. Under this path, the order is:
- Follow Me Darkly (2020) — Skye's perspective (Book 1)
- Follow Me Under (2021) — Skye's perspective (Book 2)
- Follow Me Always (2021) — Skye's perspective (Book 3)
- Darkly (2021) — Braden's perspective (Book 4)
- Under (2022) — Braden's perspective (Book 5)
- Always (2025) — Braden's perspective (Book 6)
Option 2: The Double-Perspective Pair Path
If you prefer to understand both characters' minds simultaneously and don't mind reading the same events back-to-back, you can pair the books by timeline. This approach highlights the stark contrast between Skye's initial caution and Braden's internal obsession. Note that reading them this way can feel slightly repetitive since the plot events are identical, but it offers immediate insight into the psychological layers of their BDSM dynamic. Under this path, the order is:
- Follow Me Darkly immediately followed by Darkly
- Follow Me Under immediately followed by Under
- Follow Me Always immediately followed by Always
Deconstructing the Core Skye Manning Trilogy
Skye's trilogy forms the narrative spine of the relationship. It is set in Boston's high-stakes urban environment, contrasting Skye's modest Kansas roots with Braden's luxurious, elite lifestyle.
Follow Me Darkly (2020): Skye Manning is hired to photograph Braden Black for a high-profile feature. Their attraction is immediate and overwhelming. Braden offers her a deal: a contract of submission that promises to satisfy her deep-seated desires if she yields control. Skye must decide if she can trust him enough to surrender her boundaries.
Follow Me Under (2021): As their relationship deepens, Skye starts to fall in love, but Braden's boundaries remain strictly guarded. The book explores the challenges of emotional vulnerability within a BDSM relationship, as Skye pushes to uncover the childhood trauma and dark secrets that shape Braden’s need for absolute control.
Follow Me Always (2021): The final book in the main trilogy brings Skye and Braden's story to a head. Skye demands complete honesty, forcing Braden to confront the demons of his past or risk losing the only woman who has ever truly reached his heart.
Unlocking the Braden Black Companion Books
Rather than simple sequels, the companion novels are parallel narratives told from Braden Black's point of view. They are essential for readers who want to understand the motivations behind Braden's cold, calculating demeanor.
Darkly (2021): This book retells the events of Follow Me Darkly. It reveals Braden's immediate, consuming interest in Skye and explains how he orchestrated their meetings. It also details his internal struggle as he feels his carefully constructed emotional walls begin to crumble.
Under (2022): Corresponding with the events of Follow Me Under, this book focuses on Braden's internal panic as Skye demands more than physical submission. It shows his fear of vulnerability and the lengths he goes to keep his past hidden.
Always (2025): The long-awaited sixth book in the series retells the events of Follow Me Always from Braden's perspective. It documents his ultimate surrender to love, detailing how he finally lets go of his grip on the past to build a future with Skye.
The Black Rose Spin-Off Series: Stepping Inside the Club
In the Follow Me series, Braden Black owns and operates an exclusive, secret BDSM club called the Black Rose Underground. This venue serves as the setting for Helen Hardt’s spin-off series, the Black Rose series. While Braden Black is the proprietor of the club and makes occasional appearances to tie the worlds together, the spin-off focuses on entirely new couples. You do not need to read the Follow Me books to enjoy these, but doing so gives you a deeper appreciation for the club's environment and rules.
The Black Rose series should be read in publication order:
ol>What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Helen Hardt’s provocative series, there are several key elements to keep in mind. First, the series deals heavily with light-to-moderate BDSM, power dynamics, and contracts of submission. While it is accessible to newcomers to the genre, it features explicit sexual content and emotional intensity. Second, be careful when purchasing the books; because the title of the third book (Follow Me Always) is so similar to the title of the sixth book (Always), many readers accidentally buy them out of order. Always double-check the author's note or the perspective indicator before reading. Finally, the series emphasizes self-discovery and healing, showing that submission and control are often ways the characters process past emotional pain and learn to trust again.