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Out of the Darkness
Darkness breeds strength that blossoms in ruin.
Truie Cochonette was strong, she was capable, and she always had her best friend’s back in the underworld of le Milieu. That is, until she was taken and brought to her breaking point.
Teague Grey is a man with a very specific job, one that makes problems go away. He’s used to cleaning up messes but when he had the opportunity to play Truie’s hero, he did.
An accidental-on purpose kidnapping mixes his patience with a twist on possession and has him falling all over himself to help her heal from her trauma. He’s her strength when no one else can or will.
When the tables are turned and Teague goes missing, Truie will have to decide if she still has the strength to fight for him. And what will happen when he finds out she’s held a dangerous secret that she’s kept since he carried her out of the darkest of dungeons?
What to expect in Out of the
Dark Romance
Mafia
Trauma Healing
Possessive MMC
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Revenge
He Falls First
"A darkly delicious tale of possession...a tense, fast-paced retelling with a mafia twist that will leave you desperate for more of Enders' taut, steamy stories!" - USA Today bestseller Sierra Simone for Into the Woods
Truie Cochonette was strong, she was capable, and she always had her best friend’s back in the underworld of le Milieu. That is, until she was taken and brought to her breaking point.
Teague Grey is a man with a very specific job, one that makes problems go away. He’s used to cleaning up messes but when he had the opportunity to play Truie’s hero, he did.
An accidental-on purpose kidnapping mixes his patience with a twist on possession and has him falling all over himself to help her heal from her trauma. He’s her strength when no one else can or will.
When the tables are turned and Teague goes missing, Truie will have to decide if she still has the strength to fight for him. And what will happen when he finds out she’s held a dangerous secret that she’s kept since he carried her out of the darkest of dungeons?
What to expect in Out of the
Dark Romance
Mafia
Trauma Healing
Possessive MMC
Found Family
Forced Proximity
Revenge
He Falls First
"A darkly delicious tale of possession...a tense, fast-paced retelling with a mafia twist that will leave you desperate for more of Enders' taut, steamy stories!" - USA Today bestseller Sierra Simone for Into the Woods
- GenresDark
328 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 21, 2026
Full review soon. I am UTTERLY OBSESSED.
T + T forever🫶🏼
I’m so ready for Jess & Eddie’s story now😍
T + T forever🫶🏼
I’m so ready for Jess & Eddie’s story now😍
February 23, 2026
I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book. I recently read the first book in this series (Into the Woods) and was so curious how Teague and Truie's story would be told.
I love the thoughtfulness and care Teague has for Tru throughout this book. Her story is heartbreaking, but I truly enjoyed her growth in this storyline.
I love the thoughtfulness and care Teague has for Tru throughout this book. Her story is heartbreaking, but I truly enjoyed her growth in this storyline.
March 4, 2026
5 phenomenal fucking stars!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
10/10 do recommend!
What a banger of a book!
K. C. Enders doesn’t fucking miss with this series, it’s so so good!!!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
10/10 do recommend!
What a banger of a book!
K. C. Enders doesn’t fucking miss with this series, it’s so so good!!!
February 24, 2026
Teague & Truie Did Not Disappoint
When K.C. offered me an ARC of Out of the Darkness, I squealed. After loving Book 1 and this dark reimagining of our Hundred Acre Woods crew, I was so ready for Teague and Truie.
This one dives deeper into the world, which I appreciated. I loved that Winnie and Christophe are still part of the story. It makes everything feel connected and layered instead of separate love stories happening in the same place.
Teague completely won me over.
The way he handles Truie’s trauma is what really stood out. He doesn’t rush her. He doesn’t try to force her into being “okay.” He pays attention. He adjusts. He lets her move at her own pace while still being solid and protective. Watching her slowly step into her strength because she finally feels safe enough to do that? I loved that.
The tension builds the entire time. It’s not rushed. It just keeps tightening in the background until you can’t ignore it anymore. KC writes emotions in a way that makes you sit in them. The hurt, the hesitation, the want. You feel all of it.
I’m even more invested in this trilogy now!
When K.C. offered me an ARC of Out of the Darkness, I squealed. After loving Book 1 and this dark reimagining of our Hundred Acre Woods crew, I was so ready for Teague and Truie.
This one dives deeper into the world, which I appreciated. I loved that Winnie and Christophe are still part of the story. It makes everything feel connected and layered instead of separate love stories happening in the same place.
Teague completely won me over.
The way he handles Truie’s trauma is what really stood out. He doesn’t rush her. He doesn’t try to force her into being “okay.” He pays attention. He adjusts. He lets her move at her own pace while still being solid and protective. Watching her slowly step into her strength because she finally feels safe enough to do that? I loved that.
The tension builds the entire time. It’s not rushed. It just keeps tightening in the background until you can’t ignore it anymore. KC writes emotions in a way that makes you sit in them. The hurt, the hesitation, the want. You feel all of it.
I’m even more invested in this trilogy now!
August 30, 2026
Wow this one really blew me away… 4.5⭐️!
Emotional, patient, healing, traumatic, sexy… this one is hard to pin down exactly what it brings.
Firstly, it says these can be read as interconnected standalones (this being book 2) but the author’s style is slightly chaotic (albeit very well written), and more than once I was confused about what was actually going on. This one feels like you’ve been dropped right in the middle of the plot, and while Enders does connect the dots over the course of the book and you get those answers, it’s a tad disorienting in the beginning. Maybe my review (spoilers) will help someone else if they choose to forgo book 1.
I didn’t read the first book, Christophe and Winnie’s story, because the premise just didn’t call to me. But something about Teague and Truie’s heartfelt emotional journey of healing made me want to dive in.
A super brief synopsis of their connection so you’re maybe not as lost as I was for some of it?
- Truie (Winnie’s best friend) was kidnapped at 17 right before she and Winnie could move away together. She suffered unimaginable trauma and abuse (heavy triggers) for months before she was found. Teague is who rescued her.
- Teague is Christophe’s second, was watching Winnie for Chris until Chris could make her his, and secretly fell for Truie during that time
- For four years, Teague keeps Truie safe from afar, loving her from the shadows. When things go down, she and Winnie are brought to Christophe’s estate for safety. Truie doesn’t really speak to anyone and is severely traumatized from her abduction and abuse 4 years prior. Teague is her only safe space but she doesn’t quite realize it yet.
K. I think we’re pretty up to speed.
This was a rollercoaster of emotions but one stands out among the rest - deep unending devotion. Give me an MMC who yearns with a devotion worthy of a Greek tragedy, and I’m sold. Teague is our man. Holy deliciousness how this man loves Truie. He is so patient, so sweet and gentle and understanding. He never pushes her through her trauma or demands she try harder. He waits. For a character with a Tigger bent, he’s remarkably patient and steady when it comes to Truie. I loved him. No notes. I want one lol.
Truie was a devastating character with incredible growth. What she endured, that we learn about slowly in small pieces, is seriously fvcked up. I’m not sure many could survive that mentally/emotionally. It’s no wonder she doesn’t really speak (her stutter not withstanding). But she finds safety in Teague. Calm and warmth and safety. And it’s enough to crack the achingly high walls she’s fortified herself behind. And when he begins to slip through those cracks, we see Truie’s inner strength begin to come out.
I loved these two. They were a great complement to one another, Truie helped Teague find peace and calm in a world he feels is increasingly chaotic. And he brings safety and the space she needs to process her trauma and find her voice. Ugh. Such a beautiful love story.
The outside world here is dark, and a tad confusing. I’m sure reading book 1 would help, but reviews sort of said the same so maybe we get more pieces every book. Still, the villains are grotesque and earn their demise.
I dropped half a star for the slightly confusing world/chaotic writing that had me confused. I also feel like it could have done with 50 more pages, to really draw out some of the scenes that would have helped set the world. The bulk of this story is Teague and Truie finding passion and safety in each other, and Truie’s healing but there is enough outside plot happening that you need those details and understanding.
This was so beautifully done. A true story of healing, yearning, and a most devoted love. Truie was inspiring in her growth and learning to trust Teague. And Teague is a the kind of book husband other MMCs need to take notes from. I’ll definitely check out more from this author.
Emotional, patient, healing, traumatic, sexy… this one is hard to pin down exactly what it brings.
Firstly, it says these can be read as interconnected standalones (this being book 2) but the author’s style is slightly chaotic (albeit very well written), and more than once I was confused about what was actually going on. This one feels like you’ve been dropped right in the middle of the plot, and while Enders does connect the dots over the course of the book and you get those answers, it’s a tad disorienting in the beginning. Maybe my review (spoilers) will help someone else if they choose to forgo book 1.
I didn’t read the first book, Christophe and Winnie’s story, because the premise just didn’t call to me. But something about Teague and Truie’s heartfelt emotional journey of healing made me want to dive in.
A super brief synopsis of their connection so you’re maybe not as lost as I was for some of it?
- Truie (Winnie’s best friend) was kidnapped at 17 right before she and Winnie could move away together. She suffered unimaginable trauma and abuse (heavy triggers) for months before she was found. Teague is who rescued her.
- Teague is Christophe’s second, was watching Winnie for Chris until Chris could make her his, and secretly fell for Truie during that time
- For four years, Teague keeps Truie safe from afar, loving her from the shadows. When things go down, she and Winnie are brought to Christophe’s estate for safety. Truie doesn’t really speak to anyone and is severely traumatized from her abduction and abuse 4 years prior. Teague is her only safe space but she doesn’t quite realize it yet.
K. I think we’re pretty up to speed.
This was a rollercoaster of emotions but one stands out among the rest - deep unending devotion. Give me an MMC who yearns with a devotion worthy of a Greek tragedy, and I’m sold. Teague is our man. Holy deliciousness how this man loves Truie. He is so patient, so sweet and gentle and understanding. He never pushes her through her trauma or demands she try harder. He waits. For a character with a Tigger bent, he’s remarkably patient and steady when it comes to Truie. I loved him. No notes. I want one lol.
Truie was a devastating character with incredible growth. What she endured, that we learn about slowly in small pieces, is seriously fvcked up. I’m not sure many could survive that mentally/emotionally. It’s no wonder she doesn’t really speak (her stutter not withstanding). But she finds safety in Teague. Calm and warmth and safety. And it’s enough to crack the achingly high walls she’s fortified herself behind. And when he begins to slip through those cracks, we see Truie’s inner strength begin to come out.
I loved these two. They were a great complement to one another, Truie helped Teague find peace and calm in a world he feels is increasingly chaotic. And he brings safety and the space she needs to process her trauma and find her voice. Ugh. Such a beautiful love story.
The outside world here is dark, and a tad confusing. I’m sure reading book 1 would help, but reviews sort of said the same so maybe we get more pieces every book. Still, the villains are grotesque and earn their demise.
I dropped half a star for the slightly confusing world/chaotic writing that had me confused. I also feel like it could have done with 50 more pages, to really draw out some of the scenes that would have helped set the world. The bulk of this story is Teague and Truie finding passion and safety in each other, and Truie’s healing but there is enough outside plot happening that you need those details and understanding.
This was so beautifully done. A true story of healing, yearning, and a most devoted love. Truie was inspiring in her growth and learning to trust Teague. And Teague is a the kind of book husband other MMCs need to take notes from. I’ll definitely check out more from this author.
February 25, 2026
Out of the Darkness is raw, brutal, and unexpectedly tender in all the ways dark romance should be.
Truie and Teague’s story grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go. This book doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of trauma, but it also doesn’t leave you drowning in it—there’s healing here, and it feels earned, messy, and painfully real.
Teague is the kind of morally gray hero you can’t help but fall for—possessive, dangerous, and fiercely loyal in a way that makes your chest ache. Watching him become Truie’s safe place after everything she’s endured was deeply emotional. And Truie? She is strength wrapped in scars. Her journey from broken to fighting back for herself and for him is powerful and cathartic in the best way.
The tension is thick, the chemistry is intense, and the emotional payoff hits hard. When the tables turn and Teague disappears, the story flips into high gear and doesn’t let up. The secret Truie carries adds another layer of heartbreak and suspense that had me glued to these pages - I finished in less than 24 hours.
KC Enders knows how to balance grit, romance, and emotional depth. If you love dark mafia romance with trauma healing, protective heroes, revenge arcs, and couples who fight like hell for each other, this one is going to wreck you in the best possible way. I devoured this and immediately wanted the next book.
Five stars, no hesitation.
Truie and Teague’s story grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go. This book doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of trauma, but it also doesn’t leave you drowning in it—there’s healing here, and it feels earned, messy, and painfully real.
Teague is the kind of morally gray hero you can’t help but fall for—possessive, dangerous, and fiercely loyal in a way that makes your chest ache. Watching him become Truie’s safe place after everything she’s endured was deeply emotional. And Truie? She is strength wrapped in scars. Her journey from broken to fighting back for herself and for him is powerful and cathartic in the best way.
The tension is thick, the chemistry is intense, and the emotional payoff hits hard. When the tables turn and Teague disappears, the story flips into high gear and doesn’t let up. The secret Truie carries adds another layer of heartbreak and suspense that had me glued to these pages - I finished in less than 24 hours.
KC Enders knows how to balance grit, romance, and emotional depth. If you love dark mafia romance with trauma healing, protective heroes, revenge arcs, and couples who fight like hell for each other, this one is going to wreck you in the best possible way. I devoured this and immediately wanted the next book.
Five stars, no hesitation.
February 26, 2026
Out of the Darkness is the second book of the Honey & Ruin series and a stand-alone that is the author’s variation of the Hundred Acre Woods on steroids in this more mature, darker Mafia version.
MFC Truie Cochonette who along with her best friend Winnie had plans to leave the underworld town of
Le Milieu is thwarted in the attempt when she is ambushed, drugged, and shoved into the trunk of her car.
MMC Teague Grey is a man who resolves problems and back when he took possession of Truie, accidentally on purpose? he knew she wouldn’t be going anywhere because that was one honey pot that was going to be his… forever!
This was an interesting storyline which was different but did manage to entertain even though it took me some time to wrap my head around the flow of things.
Action, drama, underworld dynamics, personal vulnerabilities, tension, secrets, and passion combine in a nicely written narrative, whose characters were well crafted and immersed in a fast-paced, wildly exciting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MFC Truie Cochonette who along with her best friend Winnie had plans to leave the underworld town of
Le Milieu is thwarted in the attempt when she is ambushed, drugged, and shoved into the trunk of her car.
MMC Teague Grey is a man who resolves problems and back when he took possession of Truie, accidentally on purpose? he knew she wouldn’t be going anywhere because that was one honey pot that was going to be his… forever!
This was an interesting storyline which was different but did manage to entertain even though it took me some time to wrap my head around the flow of things.
Action, drama, underworld dynamics, personal vulnerabilities, tension, secrets, and passion combine in a nicely written narrative, whose characters were well crafted and immersed in a fast-paced, wildly exciting read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2026
Thank you KC Enders for the gifted eARC.
You know that moment in a series where everything cracks open emotionally? This is that book.
Out of the Darkness takes everything we thought we knew from Book 1 and drags it straight into the light. It’s messy, raw, and aching in the best way. The tension is thicker. The stakes are higher. And the emotional damage feels personal.
K.C. Enders does such a beautiful job balancing vulnerability with intensity. These characters are carrying trauma, secrets, and some very complicated feelings. Watching them fight for something softer in the middle of all that ruin just hurt so good.
There’s longing. There’s regret. There are moments where you want to shake them. And then hug them. And the chemistry is absolutely humming beneath every conversation.
If Book 1 was the spark, this one is the burn. And I am fully invested and ready for whatever comes next in this series.
You know that moment in a series where everything cracks open emotionally? This is that book.
Out of the Darkness takes everything we thought we knew from Book 1 and drags it straight into the light. It’s messy, raw, and aching in the best way. The tension is thicker. The stakes are higher. And the emotional damage feels personal.
K.C. Enders does such a beautiful job balancing vulnerability with intensity. These characters are carrying trauma, secrets, and some very complicated feelings. Watching them fight for something softer in the middle of all that ruin just hurt so good.
There’s longing. There’s regret. There are moments where you want to shake them. And then hug them. And the chemistry is absolutely humming beneath every conversation.
If Book 1 was the spark, this one is the burn. And I am fully invested and ready for whatever comes next in this series.
February 27, 2026
Return to the dark 100 Acre Woods
Teague and Truie's story was...wow! Truie is the definition of a survivor and Teague is a true savior, watching from the wings until she was ready for him to coax her out of the darkness. So that when he needs to be saved, she's strong enough to do what needs to be done! One of my favorite things about their story is that he taught her that no matter what had been done to her she was not broken, bent, but not broken. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see what happens next in The 100 Acre Wood!
Teague and Truie's story was...wow! Truie is the definition of a survivor and Teague is a true savior, watching from the wings until she was ready for him to coax her out of the darkness. So that when he needs to be saved, she's strong enough to do what needs to be done! One of my favorite things about their story is that he taught her that no matter what had been done to her she was not broken, bent, but not broken. I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to see what happens next in The 100 Acre Wood!
February 28, 2026
Book 2 of the Honey & Ruin series.
'Darkness breeds strength that blossoms in ruin.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
'Darkness breeds strength that blossoms in ruin.'
The characters were very complex and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2026
What a great story! Tru has been through so much in her life and feels she is too broken for anyone. Teague is just the person to pull her from the abyss and prove to her that she is a warrior in her own right. And when Teague needs her to be his savior, she will need to find the strength to save him back. I really enjoyed reading their journey to happiness and am looking forward to more from the hundred acre woods.
February 26, 2026
So intense. Teague and Truie were so great in this story. I loved the darkness but the light that came with it in the form of Teague being there for Truie. Both of these characters were absolutely amazing. I had the best time diving into the story with these two. I was completely drawn into this and the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
February 28, 2026
KC Enders has always been a one click author for me.
honestly I’ll read anything she writes.
She blew my mind with this book. The 100 acre Wood of Winnie the Pooh fame reimagined with a nod to a somewhat deliciously dark aspect morally-grey, mafia-tinged retelling that kept me glued from start to finish
honestly I’ll read anything she writes.
She blew my mind with this book. The 100 acre Wood of Winnie the Pooh fame reimagined with a nod to a somewhat deliciously dark aspect morally-grey, mafia-tinged retelling that kept me glued from start to finish
March 5, 2026
Out of the Darkness by K. C. Enders is a great mafia fairytale retelling romance. The story is entertaining, enjoyable, interesting, dark comedy, dark romantic, and more. Out of the Darkness is the second book in Honey & Ruin series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 8, 2026
I am feral for this book. The rawness, the brutality, the love, the compassion. ALL. OF. IT.
I am all here for this dark retelling! The first book was wonderful but dare I say the 2nd is better?
True and Teague were made for each other. The care and compassion he shows her melts my heart.
Dark, twisted, brutal, and perfect!
Definitely a must read!
I am all here for this dark retelling! The first book was wonderful but dare I say the 2nd is better?
True and Teague were made for each other. The care and compassion he shows her melts my heart.
Dark, twisted, brutal, and perfect!
Definitely a must read!
March 5, 2026
I thought this was a wonderful intriguing read that had me turning those pages. It a retelling of 100 acre woods of winnie the pooh In a mafia way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 20, 2026
Another win for this dark hundred acre wood
I don’t know what it is, but I love how dark and twisted this mafia Winnie the Pooh retelling is. I was so excited for piglet and tigger’s story. It was dark but full of beautiful consent and healing a dark trauma. I really did love it.
I don’t know what it is, but I love how dark and twisted this mafia Winnie the Pooh retelling is. I was so excited for piglet and tigger’s story. It was dark but full of beautiful consent and healing a dark trauma. I really did love it.
May 24, 2026
It just didn’t hit the mark like the first one. I was so excited after the teaser left in into the woods but the backstory just wasn’t emphasized enough to get the feeling of him being fully and utterly obsessed and devoted like I know Tig is.
July 25, 2026
A good read but you really need to have read the first book, although it was the next couple there was a lotof overlap and assumption you knew the characters
Truism and Teague
He saves her and she needs him
Truism and Teague
He saves her and she needs him
Did Not Finish
August 18, 2026I thought this was an interconnected standalone, but I got 25% in and was still ridiculously confused about what was happening and the relationship between the MCs. Might try this again sometime but putting it down for now.
March 2, 2026
4.5 🌟
Always love me a KC Enders story. This one is a complicated story full of trauma, healing, love, and spice.
Always love me a KC Enders story. This one is a complicated story full of trauma, healing, love, and spice.
March 17, 2026
YOU NEED TO GO READ THIS BOOK NOW!!!
This is the second book in the Honey and Ruin series and I didn’t think it could get better than the first one and IT SOMEHOW DID!!
KC Enders gave me the privilege of ARC reading Out of the Darkness and I DEVOURED! This is one of my favorite mafia romances ever and this series has a very special place on my shelves and my heart.
Watching Truie go through her journey was powerful and painful but so damned satisfying. And Teague… my god, he’s perfect.
5⭐️s. Hands down. I CANNOT wait for book 3 and the perfect pair we’re getting in it (🫏🐇).
This is the second book in the Honey and Ruin series and I didn’t think it could get better than the first one and IT SOMEHOW DID!!
KC Enders gave me the privilege of ARC reading Out of the Darkness and I DEVOURED! This is one of my favorite mafia romances ever and this series has a very special place on my shelves and my heart.
Watching Truie go through her journey was powerful and painful but so damned satisfying. And Teague… my god, he’s perfect.
5⭐️s. Hands down. I CANNOT wait for book 3 and the perfect pair we’re getting in it (🫏🐇).
February 26, 2026
Who knew that a Tigger and Piglet retelling was exactly what I needed.
This is the second installment of KC’s Hundred Acre Woods dark fantasy retelling, and just like the first, I’m obsessed. Truie has been through absolute hell. After being kidnapped and abused for months, she’s desperately trying to find her way out of the darkness that surrounds her.
Teague is the absolute perfect MMC. From the first page to the last, the undying devotion he has for Truie is quite literally panty melting. He has no problem carrying every single one of Truie’s burdens, has the patience of a saint, and will lay down his life for this woman. Now, tell me, what more could you possibly want?
This is the second installment of KC’s Hundred Acre Woods dark fantasy retelling, and just like the first, I’m obsessed. Truie has been through absolute hell. After being kidnapped and abused for months, she’s desperately trying to find her way out of the darkness that surrounds her.
Teague is the absolute perfect MMC. From the first page to the last, the undying devotion he has for Truie is quite literally panty melting. He has no problem carrying every single one of Truie’s burdens, has the patience of a saint, and will lay down his life for this woman. Now, tell me, what more could you possibly want?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews