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Hunter #1
Betrayed
They taught me how to protect myself against any threat… except my own heart.
Endless hours of preparation, of learning everything my family could teach me about defending myself against what lurks in the shadows, has all led up to this one moment.
My first hunt. After twenty-five years of waiting and watching and training, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
There’s just one problem. Nobody prepared me for… him.
He says he’s a fellow hunter, but every instinct I possess is telling me he’s more dangerous than anything I’ll find in these woods. No mere human could make me burn with need or drive me to the brink of insanity the way he does with a single touch.
As it turns out, my instincts were right. Now, I have to figure out which one is the real Joshua Burns. The man who conquered me, body and soul in the moonlight…
Or the monster who betrayed me.
Endless hours of preparation, of learning everything my family could teach me about defending myself against what lurks in the shadows, has all led up to this one moment.
My first hunt. After twenty-five years of waiting and watching and training, I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.
There’s just one problem. Nobody prepared me for… him.
He says he’s a fellow hunter, but every instinct I possess is telling me he’s more dangerous than anything I’ll find in these woods. No mere human could make me burn with need or drive me to the brink of insanity the way he does with a single touch.
As it turns out, my instincts were right. Now, I have to figure out which one is the real Joshua Burns. The man who conquered me, body and soul in the moonlight…
Or the monster who betrayed me.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2023
56 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 23, 2023
4.75 Betrayed by this cover in the best way stars!
What was my obsession in 2011?
You guessed it. Teen Wolf. This story? It felt like Teen Wolf - smut style and I devoured it. IN ONE SITTING.
Alpha male shifter that wants to worship his mate? ✔
Primal kink ✔
Knotting ✔
Alpha/Omega ✔
Strong, badass heroine ✔
HOT mating ✔
Shifted mating ✔
The cover of Betrayed doesn't quite match the story. The cover screams quick and dirty with no plot and while there is plenty of filth to set your Kindle on fire, there's an impressive plot to go with it and I really appreciated that.
Eva Helsing is a new Hunter. She has spent her entire life believing that monsters roam their lands and must be executed when they step out of line. As a new Hunter graduate, she takes a mission tracking a werewolf slaughtering kids.
Josh, an Alpha, is also tracking the rogue wolf and when he sees Eva...well she's it for him. But how can he convince a Hunter that they're meant to be? Josh is about to turn her world upside down and fracture everything she was taught.
Eva and Josh are tied in more ways than one and it's a delicious push/pull. There is so much against them but can love win out?
Eva is such a strong and emotional character. There is so much at stake for her but yet she never fails to listen to her inner voice. I loved that about her. She has this beautiful femininity with a soul of grit that I really fell in love with.
Josh is everything I love about alpha male shifters. Strong and dominating but soft and caring for their mate. He was the perfect combination of beast and man.
I seriously loved this story so hard. It was erotica, sure! But it also had an engaging plot to go with it. And while we are left with a great ending, there is also a cliffhanger for the next book that I'm so excited to get my hands on.
Josh and Eva had such a wonderful connection and amazing chemistry and for a shorter story, I applaud Ella for pulling that off.
Overall, if you're a fan of paranormal romance that leans toward erotica with a strong alpha male and a tenacious heroine then definitely give this a try. I don't think you'll regret it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What was my obsession in 2011?
You guessed it. Teen Wolf. This story? It felt like Teen Wolf - smut style and I devoured it. IN ONE SITTING.
Alpha male shifter that wants to worship his mate? ✔
Primal kink ✔
Knotting ✔
Alpha/Omega ✔
Strong, badass heroine ✔
HOT mating ✔
Shifted mating ✔
The cover of Betrayed doesn't quite match the story. The cover screams quick and dirty with no plot and while there is plenty of filth to set your Kindle on fire, there's an impressive plot to go with it and I really appreciated that.
Eva Helsing is a new Hunter. She has spent her entire life believing that monsters roam their lands and must be executed when they step out of line. As a new Hunter graduate, she takes a mission tracking a werewolf slaughtering kids.
Josh, an Alpha, is also tracking the rogue wolf and when he sees Eva...well she's it for him. But how can he convince a Hunter that they're meant to be? Josh is about to turn her world upside down and fracture everything she was taught.
"Why are you here? I lower my weapon, slamming it into the tree beside us so it sticks into the bark, leaving my hand free.
"Why else, Red? I needed to see you."
What the fuck is wrong with this man? "You have a death wish coming here, old man." I chuckle.
"Perhaps I do. But it's worth it."
Eva and Josh are tied in more ways than one and it's a delicious push/pull. There is so much against them but can love win out?
"Her body beneath mine as I rut her, my knot ready to fill her. To see her round with my pups. To live with me forever. This is my dream. This is my world."
Eva is such a strong and emotional character. There is so much at stake for her but yet she never fails to listen to her inner voice. I loved that about her. She has this beautiful femininity with a soul of grit that I really fell in love with.
"All my life, I was taught that monsters aren't like normal people. They aren't like us. I see now that this is very wrong. In fact, they are just like us..."
Josh is everything I love about alpha male shifters. Strong and dominating but soft and caring for their mate. He was the perfect combination of beast and man.
"You are mine. Now and forever." I growl.
I seriously loved this story so hard. It was erotica, sure! But it also had an engaging plot to go with it. And while we are left with a great ending, there is also a cliffhanger for the next book that I'm so excited to get my hands on.
Josh and Eva had such a wonderful connection and amazing chemistry and for a shorter story, I applaud Ella for pulling that off.
"...and she's all mine. Meet my mate, Eric, Eva Helsing the omega to my alpha."
Overall, if you're a fan of paranormal romance that leans toward erotica with a strong alpha male and a tenacious heroine then definitely give this a try. I don't think you'll regret it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 22, 2023
3 ⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first from this author and I did enjoy this one but it was just ok. I liked the spice but I wish we got more from the story. I really liked the family are enemies arc.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is my first from this author and I did enjoy this one but it was just ok. I liked the spice but I wish we got more from the story. I really liked the family are enemies arc.
August 20, 2023
An engaging monster tale with spice is always a good time for this girl! Fans of star crossed lovers and/or fated mates will definitely enjoy this one. The chemistry between main characters is pretty hot, as are the spicy scenes within the story. What started as a slightly creepy buildup to exposing and exterminating things that go bump in the night turned into instant attraction between enemies. I was invested - first, in knowing “ will they or won’t they?”; then in knowing “ will they do it again? And when?”, and then in knowing “can they make this work? And, will they even try?” I love how Josh can’t help his physical reaction to Eva, and how she feels so drawn to him. I want to know more about these characters— what is life like for Josh and Eva outside of the bubble of his pack’s land? What’s going on with Caleb and why was he so weird during his last visit to Eva? The ending left me hanging a little abruptly since I was so engrossed. I’m looking forward to reading onward and learning about Zoey and Caleb’s story.
N.B. I received a free advance copy of this book and have left this review of my own volition.
N.B. I received a free advance copy of this book and have left this review of my own volition.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
ARC from author - No Spoilers - Bk 1 Hunter series - HEA but TBC as underlying story arc recommended to read books in order to get the best from this installment. 18+
M/F, Werewolf Hunter, Enemies to lover, Age gap, shifter, Omegaverse, Monster romance, Forbidden love, Fated mates
** CW: sex, profanity, violence and death
Eva Helsing is our newly trained Hunter and fresh on the trail of her first assignment where she will encounter the smouldering, well packaged Joshua Burns. And burns he does, between the sheets, the cheeks and her heart; will she come away unscathed?
This is a fast paced, sizzling hot read. The main characters are both instantly likeable with a Romeo and Juliet vibe about them.
The spice is extremely well written, primal chase scenes so good with the inner dialogue adding piquancy.
Although Eva is on the Hunt, there is little narrative in that respect and I would personally have liked to have had more addition on that score. She is a skilled Tracker, would have liked her to have had her years of Training put to good use, felt a little vague.
Reduce the personal shower time and invest in extending the Hunt or MC's background? I needed a little extra to fully connect from like to love.
Secondary characters are not really focused on too much however we do meet up with Eva's brother and some big teasers which lead us nicely into temptation to book 2.
Yes, I shall have to read that now!
Enjoyed it as an erotic read and will certainly look for the next one in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
M/F, Werewolf Hunter, Enemies to lover, Age gap, shifter, Omegaverse, Monster romance, Forbidden love, Fated mates
** CW: sex, profanity, violence and death
Eva Helsing is our newly trained Hunter and fresh on the trail of her first assignment where she will encounter the smouldering, well packaged Joshua Burns. And burns he does, between the sheets, the cheeks and her heart; will she come away unscathed?
This is a fast paced, sizzling hot read. The main characters are both instantly likeable with a Romeo and Juliet vibe about them.
The spice is extremely well written, primal chase scenes so good with the inner dialogue adding piquancy.
Although Eva is on the Hunt, there is little narrative in that respect and I would personally have liked to have had more addition on that score. She is a skilled Tracker, would have liked her to have had her years of Training put to good use, felt a little vague.
Reduce the personal shower time and invest in extending the Hunt or MC's background? I needed a little extra to fully connect from like to love.
Secondary characters are not really focused on too much however we do meet up with Eva's brother and some big teasers which lead us nicely into temptation to book 2.
Yes, I shall have to read that now!
Enjoyed it as an erotic read and will certainly look for the next one in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2024
I didn’t really like the prose. There’s a tendency to cut off sentences instead of using em dashes or semicolons, e.g.:
“ Sighing heavily, I grudgingly make my way toward the house. Opening the door, every head there turns in my direction. Cheers, clapping, and whistles break out of the silence as everyone comes at me at once. Congratulating me on my new status of Huntress Eva Helsing.”
“Choosing my usual attire, cargo pants, a sports bra, and a crop top. Dressing, I finish my pancake between layers. I head for the bathroom, checking the mirror to make sure my top covers the [spoilers].”
Used sparingly, this writing style can make things a little more choppy and exciting in action scenes, or when a lot of things are going on in a character’s mind very quickly, but used in this way, it’s dull to read. Like the author was too tired to finish a sentence and give us the rest of the story, so they just … blah, you know?
The spice was plentiful and forgettable. Not the best example of ABO dynamics, and the primal kink didn’t really work for me. The breeding kink was fine, but the MMC’s thoughts were pretty repetitive in that regard. I really didn’t enjoy the times when they did it whilst MMC was in his shifted werewolf form (I would call it a half-shift) because of the muzzle. Too weird and nonhuman. I just really need my monsters to have humanoid faces, y’all!
I didn’t like the constant comparison between the sheltered twenty-five-year old (not a virgin but same vibes) and the “nearly twice her age” “old man” thing, either. Daddy kink is hot. Old man is not.
“ Sighing heavily, I grudgingly make my way toward the house. Opening the door, every head there turns in my direction. Cheers, clapping, and whistles break out of the silence as everyone comes at me at once. Congratulating me on my new status of Huntress Eva Helsing.”
“Choosing my usual attire, cargo pants, a sports bra, and a crop top. Dressing, I finish my pancake between layers. I head for the bathroom, checking the mirror to make sure my top covers the [spoilers].”
Used sparingly, this writing style can make things a little more choppy and exciting in action scenes, or when a lot of things are going on in a character’s mind very quickly, but used in this way, it’s dull to read. Like the author was too tired to finish a sentence and give us the rest of the story, so they just … blah, you know?
The spice was plentiful and forgettable. Not the best example of ABO dynamics, and the primal kink didn’t really work for me. The breeding kink was fine, but the MMC’s thoughts were pretty repetitive in that regard. I really didn’t enjoy the times when they did it whilst MMC was in his shifted werewolf form (I would call it a half-shift) because of the muzzle. Too weird and nonhuman. I just really need my monsters to have humanoid faces, y’all!
I didn’t like the constant comparison between the sheltered twenty-five-year old (not a virgin but same vibes) and the “nearly twice her age” “old man” thing, either. Daddy kink is hot. Old man is not.
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April 3, 2023"An Awesome Dark Paranormal Romance series"
This story is so exciting and scorching hot! The characters have amazing personalities.
Eva is a spunky young woman. Who is the descendent of the original Van Helsing. The hunter of paranormals. When a hunters child reaches the age of twenty five. They are sent out to hunt on their own. Not only this, but they get to live on their own.
Eva is given the assignment to hunt a werewolf. That has been killing young men. While looking for the werewolf Eva meets a sexy older man.
Josh is a sexy werewolf Alpha. He had heard of the killer werewolf, and went to investigate. He plans to put a stop to the killings. This is where he meets Eva and they fall madly in love. Only how can a hunter ,and a werewolf have a life together?
You will love this exciting, scorching hot, funny and thrilling paranormal Romance. This is a five star plus story!
This story is so exciting and scorching hot! The characters have amazing personalities.
Eva is a spunky young woman. Who is the descendent of the original Van Helsing. The hunter of paranormals. When a hunters child reaches the age of twenty five. They are sent out to hunt on their own. Not only this, but they get to live on their own.
Eva is given the assignment to hunt a werewolf. That has been killing young men. While looking for the werewolf Eva meets a sexy older man.
Josh is a sexy werewolf Alpha. He had heard of the killer werewolf, and went to investigate. He plans to put a stop to the killings. This is where he meets Eva and they fall madly in love. Only how can a hunter ,and a werewolf have a life together?
You will love this exciting, scorching hot, funny and thrilling paranormal Romance. This is a five star plus story!
September 10, 2023
Eva is twenty-five, a Van Helsing, and a hunter. She has trained her entire life to kill the monsters that live in the world. Her first job is a werewolf killing teens. When she goes out to look, she meets Josh. They are hunting together. There are more kills. When they run afoul of the wolf, what will happen? What secrets will come forth? What will happen between the two of them? What is going on with her brother, Caleb? What secret does he know about the family that she does not? In this story, the forbidden becomes even more compelling for those of the Helsing bloodline! Why is this happening?
October 18, 2023
Betrayed is the first book in the Hunter Series by Ella Black. A typical enemy to lovers paranormal romance between Josh and Ava. I didn’t really enjoy reading this since I don’t like being reminded of something I’ve already watched on tv or read. I think I would’ve given 5 stars had it been a unique story that didn’t put so much focus on the sex and hate. I don’t think I will be reading the next book in the series even though this ending with a cliffhanger. A great read in you like young enemy to lovers paranormal romances.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2023
Read this as an ARC in exchange for a review.
I absolutely loved this book. Delightful characters full of sass and grit.
Eva is a freshly trainer Helsing hunter with no time to get acquainted with her new job before a rogue werewolf is killing children in the neighbouring towns. Little does she realize this mission will change her life when she meets Josh. Can they fight past their backgrounds to given into the pull they both feel.
There’s a good pace to the read and plenty of heat 😉
Definitely want to read the next when it’s out!
I absolutely loved this book. Delightful characters full of sass and grit.
Eva is a freshly trainer Helsing hunter with no time to get acquainted with her new job before a rogue werewolf is killing children in the neighbouring towns. Little does she realize this mission will change her life when she meets Josh. Can they fight past their backgrounds to given into the pull they both feel.
There’s a good pace to the read and plenty of heat 😉
Definitely want to read the next when it’s out!
April 22, 2023
Josh is the alpha of his pack so when a boy is murdered by a werewolf he goes to see if it’s one of his own. Eva has been training all her life to become a hunter and on her 25th birthday she becomes exactly that and gets sent on her first mission where she meets Josh. This story was a whole lot of smut and a story line. I wish there was more pov from Josh and a little less from Eva. I can’t wIt for Caleb’s story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 12, 2023
This was a thrilling and steamy series opener and I have to say I loved Eva. She's a newly graduated monster hunter and has been sent to hunt a werewolf that has been killing young men. What she finds is Josh, an older man checking out the rumours of that same killer and is actually a wolf shifter, himself. As you may imagine, this opens a ton of trouble for Eva when these two fall hard and fast for each other ;P Expect to be fully engaged in this well written and well paced story sprinkled with humour and a ton of steam :D
September 9, 2023
Amazing! 🤩
If you are a fan of Buffy, the vampire slayer and/or love monster hunter type stories with a kickass heroine, and spice: this is the series for you. This story sucked me in from the first chapter, and I couldn't put my Kindle away until I finished it.
My advice would be to read this book with zero spoiler knowledge. It ends on a cliffhanger, but not in a way that's lacking. The way this story is set up, you'll be screaming, "I want more!" - I know I did 🫠
✔️ Shifters
✔️ Age-gap
✔️ Omegaverse
✔️ Instant attraction
✔️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶
If you are a fan of Buffy, the vampire slayer and/or love monster hunter type stories with a kickass heroine, and spice: this is the series for you. This story sucked me in from the first chapter, and I couldn't put my Kindle away until I finished it.
My advice would be to read this book with zero spoiler knowledge. It ends on a cliffhanger, but not in a way that's lacking. The way this story is set up, you'll be screaming, "I want more!" - I know I did 🫠
✔️ Shifters
✔️ Age-gap
✔️ Omegaverse
✔️ Instant attraction
✔️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶
March 21, 2023
I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC, and I absolutely loved everything about it.
We start off with Eva who just turned 25 and she is officially a hunter. Little did she know going on her first mission would end in her falling for what is supposed to be her enemy.
Josh is everything and more that a man can offer, but he is a little different than most men. He is a monster with the biggest heart!
I loved this book and everything that came with it! I can't wait to read book two!
We start off with Eva who just turned 25 and she is officially a hunter. Little did she know going on her first mission would end in her falling for what is supposed to be her enemy.
Josh is everything and more that a man can offer, but he is a little different than most men. He is a monster with the biggest heart!
I loved this book and everything that came with it! I can't wait to read book two!
March 28, 2023
I was lucky enough to get the ARC of this book and when I tell you I was super sad to put this book down to stop reading it was all I could think about. Loved the spin on this book as you can tell it has little red riding good vibes. I was skeptical at first because I wasn’t sure I was going to like it and boy was I wrong. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series! I love all the spice in this book as well!
February 16, 2024
I haven't read from this author before so this is my first introduction to her writing. The book was an okay shifter book. I will say the spice was thereeee and I thought the author wrote the steam well. I just wish there was more to the plot.
The book ends on minor cliff but also some would consider a HEAFN. The next book is about Eva's brother continuing a different issue than what Eva and Josh faced in this book...but again I think the plot suffered and I wish there was more to that part of the story.
The book ends on minor cliff but also some would consider a HEAFN. The next book is about Eva's brother continuing a different issue than what Eva and Josh faced in this book...but again I think the plot suffered and I wish there was more to that part of the story.
March 27, 2023
This was a fun and sexy monster romp. Since I’m a huge fan of Supernatural, anything with hunters and monsters calls to me. Eva is a brand new hunter, just 25, and on her very first hunt when she meet Josh. He’s everything she wants in a man, but a little more. I was completely hooked from the beginning and can’t wait for the next book in the series.
April 9, 2023
Phew…. This is a hot, compelling and entertaining book.
Eva is a hunter in search of a dangerous werewolf. She meets Josh who says he is also hunting for the werewolf. Literally both combust and the story gets heated.
If you like your stories with plenty of angst and spice then this is the series for you.
This book 5*. Excellent!
Eva is a hunter in search of a dangerous werewolf. She meets Josh who says he is also hunting for the werewolf. Literally both combust and the story gets heated.
If you like your stories with plenty of angst and spice then this is the series for you.
This book 5*. Excellent!
June 14, 2023
I know they say not to judge a book by its cover, but that’s the first reason that I picked up this book. I am new to this author, and I’m freaking obsessed! Eva and Josh are the perfect mix. Eva is such a bad@ss and Josh is such a cinnamon roll it’s just perfect!
The spice was so spicy & I can’t wait to see more of them in future books. Can’t wait for book 2 about Caleb!
The spice was so spicy & I can’t wait to see more of them in future books. Can’t wait for book 2 about Caleb!
March 19, 2023
I loved it and can't wait to read more!A sensual retteling of the tale of Litle red riding hood,action packed, good settings, characters captivating and even complex who feel real and an enticing storyline.I recomend!
April 1, 2023
I need me a wolf!😂 Seriously though, this book is so well written! Loved the story, which had an interesting spin on Van Helsing.
The characters are funny and full of sizzle.
Can’t wait for the next book
The characters are funny and full of sizzle.
Can’t wait for the next book
April 3, 2023
Talk about high heat. I absolutely love Josh and Red together. The passion and love is off the charts. At one point I found myself crying because my heart hurt so much. Can't wait to find out what's up with Caleb and Zoey.
April 5, 2023
If you enjoy forbidden shifter romances, then this is the book for you!
Follow Eva on her journey as she unknowingly teams up with the enemy to rid the world of a killer werewolf. The romance is hot, but the steam is even hotter ;)
Follow Eva on her journey as she unknowingly teams up with the enemy to rid the world of a killer werewolf. The romance is hot, but the steam is even hotter ;)
April 17, 2023
A really enjoyable smutty romance with fantastic characters. Josh, a werewolf, and Eva, a hunter, had such a scorching chemistry. Lots of spicy scenes and added mystery made this a fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 24, 2023
This book was so good! I'm not normally a vampire or hunter series person but this book had me hooked from the beginning! I loved meeting these characters and how they ended up together. I loved the action and spice!
September 11, 2023
Plot was decent. Steamy scenes were good until about 70% through, then they just felt repetitive - I scrolled through most of it towards the end. Don't think I'll be continuing the series, though I liked Eva well enough
April 8, 2023
Lots of sexy spiciness! Can't wait to read the next book to find out where these characters go.
April 17, 2023
A hot and spicy fated mates PNR to sink your teeth into.
Can’t wait for the next instalment.
Can’t wait for the next instalment.
September 23, 2023
I would say that I just lost interest in the book. But honestly it never actual had it. Made it up to 32% before giving up.
July 24, 2024
I'm a sucker for a HEA🖤
Spice was good
Story was actually interesting
Spice was good
Story was actually interesting
April 29, 2023
I love this book. I love the characters and how well written this is. I was in the story. I was there for the fear, the love and the love making. The characters were so well done that we could be by their side on every outing. Josh and Eva and so well defined and developed that we know them. Ella I will be reading the rest of this series and will find your others to read and write about. Thank you for such an exquisite reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews