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The Hunters #1

Moments of Malevolence

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Alaska
I lie to one of the city's most ruthless men. And it feels so good. Deception is a drug, and I'm quickly becoming an addict. Each time we speak, Zuko has no idea it's me. The lie tastes sweet leaving my mouth. I couldn't stop now, even if I wanted to-which I don't. He thinks our conversations are more than just sex. He's wrong. The intimacy he feels is all a facade. Until the day an embodiment of my darkest fantasies walks into my bar, and his unmistakable voice sends a shiver down my spine. It turns out I'm not the one in control. But when he calls tonight, and he will, I'll be ready... ... with a lie.
Zuko My job is to hunt. Dispose of problems like they never existed. And I'm incredibly good at my job. It's brutal and violent. But, then again, so I am. I crave destruction. Death is merely a consequence of my dark pursuits. And I won't lose a wink of sleep over it, either. Nothing bothers me. No one affects me. Except the vixen with the lilac hair. When I reveal my true self to her, she laughs it off, enticed by the game we play. She's keeping secrets. And I know all about prying information out of people. She won't like my methods. But I'll keep playing her little game until I decide what to do about her. I can't tell if she is destined to be my wife... ... or my next victim.

324 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2023

704 people are currently reading
31030 people want to read

About the author

T.L. Smith

84 books6,621 followers
USA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark that you can’t turn away from. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don’t find her in her home town of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling around the world to sitting on a beach in Bali, to exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.



Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authortlsmith/
Instagram - tlsmith1313
Twitter - @LsmithT
Tiktok - tlsmith.13

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5 stars
1,711 (24%)
4 stars
2,015 (28%)
3 stars
2,047 (29%)
2 stars
846 (12%)
1 star
421 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 943 reviews
Profile Image for Krysta ꕤ.
1,011 reviews844 followers
December 20, 2023
the writing was not good but somehow I finished this in one sitting?? If you’re confused.. trust me, so am i 😭 idk I just liked Zuko and his brothers cause they’re so damn funny, even when it’s unintentional. the fmc Alaska was ok— she’s a bit ‘not like other girls’ though. credit to her for not backing down when it comes to Zuko cause that man is definitely insane. but all those moments when he tended to her wounds, cooked, and gave off LITERAL “touch her and die” vibes?! he was down so bad and I was living for it. I’m more harsh towards dark romances so I easily noticed all the plot holes and corny dialogue, but maybe that’s just me being picky.. and yes, i will still be reading the next books 🤡

just make sure your expectations are 500 ft underground going into this and it can be kinda fun 🥴
Profile Image for siu.
223 reviews1,460 followers
December 16, 2023
this is the worst book i have ever read in my life. not even 13-year-old me would've eaten this up on wattpad.
Profile Image for thevampireslibrary.
560 reviews374 followers
June 19, 2023
Dark romance besties your new fav book is here! this was SO good! Alaska and Zuko are a match made in heaven, the chemistry between the two was electric, I enjoy dual POVS and in this case it really adds to the excitement of the storyline, our MFC is a phone sex worker who strikes up an unusual relationship with the MMC, only ever speaking on the phone, they end up meeting one night at the bar she works in, she recognises his voice but he doesn't know its her I'M SCREAMINGGG! if you're a fan of touch her and die then this is the one for you, it also has mafia-esque/forced proximity vibes, the spice is 🤌 and the banter between characters is witty and felt authentic, I can't wait for more books in this universe, Thankyou so much to the author for an arc!
Profile Image for Iqra.
706 reviews6,192 followers
December 17, 2024
Trashy but so entertaining
Profile Image for Sho.
169 reviews
July 6, 2023
Written with the skill of a 3-year-old with their first crayon.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,063 reviews125 followers
June 26, 2023
I have a hard time rating this book. Because on the one hand I enjoyed reading it and read it in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. On the other hand I have so many problems with it, that I can't count them all.

So I guess I go for solid three stars.

The first part of the book got me hooked. I loved the dynamic, connection and banter between Alaska and Zuko. And then, I don't know exactly when it went wrong for me, but TL Smith somehow lost me. That hasn't happened in the past, which really surprised me.

Some of my problems are:
- Why did Zuko did not recognize her voice? Did she use some kind of voice filter that I missed?
- The drama with Sarah just felt forced to me.
- What the heck happened at the masked party? How did this add to the storyline and what was this party exactly for, that it was so important but ended in a mess?
- I expected more out of the fact that Alaska hid her second identity from Zuko and him finding out. It was inserted into the story like "oh, I almost forgot there was something to be lifted".

... I could go on like this with more questions I have, but I'll stop here.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the characters Alaska and Zuko and I'm definitely intrigued by Zuko's brothers Kyson and Kenzo so that I'll come back to the Hunter brothers, wanting more of this world.
Profile Image for Melodylovesbooks .
212 reviews88 followers
June 22, 2023
Loved this spicy dark romance so much! I could not stop reading it! If you love enemies to lovers, you will enjoy this book!

Alaska is working two jobs to make ends meet so she can be on her own. One job is at a bar where she has to dress like a cowgirl and the other is as a phone sex worker. She has one customer who is obsessed with her and calls her all the time, but what happens when he is sitting at one of the tables she is working?

When a rowdy customer gets handsy with her Zuko takes care of him in the only way he knows how, by unaliving him. Because that is what he is, a hunter, and he has his sights set on Alaska now!

If you love:
💜Enemies to lovers
💜Touch her and 💀 vibes
💜Dark romances
💜Strong MFC
💜Very spicy scenes
💜HEA
You need to check out this book!
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,408 reviews261 followers
June 14, 2023
Zuko is a “Hunter.” His one vice that makes him relax is when he calls to someone named Sage. She is his salvation even if he only knows her sexy voice. Sage aka Alaska works at a bar with a side huddle as an adult phone call girl. When a certain someone with a voice she could never forget turns up at her job what will become of this little flirty game between Sage aka Alaska and the ruthless Zuko? He doesn’t know it’s her and she never believed the stories he told “Sage” of his job. Finding out it was the truth might be too much for her…or it might be just what she needed. Can this vixen be the one to tame the ruthless beast? Woah! If you love those drop dead gorgeous villains that make you melt, then definitely grab this one! Zuko is a dark romance lovers dream and Alaska is the perfect match for him. A perfect mix of spicy and dark! Told in dual POV
Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,298 reviews2,392 followers
June 26, 2023
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

It probably says more about me than the book, but I thought this could have been a little crazier and darker? For what the promo's I saw promised it just didn't live up to expectations, which is my fault I guess. I did like the story overall, but I would have liked the characters fleshed out a little more, especially Zuko and his brothers.
Profile Image for Scarlett.
143 reviews
November 5, 2024
Don’t ever pay money for this book it’s just a wattpad
Profile Image for Roza.
215 reviews203 followers
May 20, 2024
It’s been a hot minute since I read dark romance and this was actually good and I had fun reading it 💜 Since Grayson’s book I was really excited for the Hunter brothers books! As expected this was dark, twisted and kinky. It was also a short book, with that being said it had plot and didn’t feel rushed! I loved Alaska, she had such good humor, was a badass and bold character! Even tho she and Zuko were different, she still matched his craziness 😆 They were such a hot and cute couple (yes cute, you will see once you read). Zuko is a hunter and killer and very unhinged! You will see it all in the book! He was a twisted man with twisted kinks but I liked that he said he wouldn’t do anything kinky if that’s what she wanted! Also the way he fell for her voice and then for her was so sweet. The way he would take care of Alaska, worried and cared for her was cute 🫂 I loved his twin brothers Kyson and Kenzo moments! I’m looking forward to their books next 🤭

Book Tropes 📝

— he falls first
— dark romance
— anti hero/villain
— touch her and die
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,474 reviews53 followers
June 17, 2023
Love this series
Love the brothers
Zuko and Alaska twisted broken dark emotional heartstopping insta love story
All the feels
Ready for Kyson in moments of madness
Profile Image for HayleyGeek.
183 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2023
Rating: 5⭐ | 4🌶

~ Zuko's eyes lock on mine at the man's taunt. Some of the others laugh, agreeing with him, before he smiles at me and says, "Cover your ears, Trouble." ~

Book: Moments of Malevolence
Author: T.L Smith
Series: The Hunters
Genres/Subgenres: •Dark Romance
Tropes: •Secret Identity •Villain MMC •Who Hurt You?
PoV: Dual

⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
Many. Please be mindful. •Murder •Violence •Blood and Gore •Torture and Amputation •Drug abuse (mentioned) •Alcohol •Explicit Sex •Extreme Kinks •Breathplay •Suffocation •Choking •Knifeplay •Guns and Knives •Stabbing •Violence to Women

Who is it for?:
If you like dark romances you will definitely like this shorter story. Think Mafia bad boy feel combined with Haunting Adeline.

Thoughts:
This was a complete surprise. It is very short at around 220 pages. I loved this completely. It is how a dark romance should be and gave me all the the same feels that H.D Carlton or Shantel Tessier would give me, just on a much shorter scale.

This is about a strong independent FMC who works in a bar and has a secret identity as a phone sex worker. One of her regulars to call, unbeknownst to her is one of the Hunter brothers, a known family of very wealthy hitmen. They hunt and kill without remorse wiping out competition of their clients in exchange for very good coin. The MMC, her regular caller, arrives at the bar where she works. He is immediately intrigued by her. Yet he doesn't know her secret identity, but she knows who he is.

This book has excellent spicy scenes, I really like the set up and story around these brothers. She has her own Trauma too. All the characters are great. For such a short story, the author really did an amazing job at writing it and getting the characters individual personalities down. The back story is intriguing as is the hitman underworld world building. Their relationship is super interesting. He becomes super protective of her but she still manages to keep her independence. Zuko our MMC is so so hot fyi.

I loved it. Definitely recommend.

❤️ Happy Reading ❤
Profile Image for Irena.
146 reviews
March 9, 2024
Взагалі я почала цю книжку, бо мені хотілось чогось дуже збоченого, я тут дивилась на тригери, а не на анотацію чи тропи, але як виявилось, це було навіть в якійсь мірі мило. Знаєте, цей чоловік, який вбиває, тому що хтось доторкнувся до його дівчини, а наодинці з нею чисто бусінка? Оце тут воно. І + сильна і незалежна головна героїня, яка спалила його будинок🤭 Було приколдесно, мені дуже сподобалось) Я очікувала набагато більше сексуальних сцен і набагато більш збочених, але й так цілком непогано)
Profile Image for Megan.
459 reviews10 followers
June 17, 2023
5/5⭐️

Zuko is my new favourite book boyfriend. He is utterly unhinged and I am completely obsessed with him.

He and Alaska were the perfect match as she is just as crazy as him and I loved it. Their chemistry was electric and I loved every second of their story.

I devoured this book in one sitting and I already want to reread it!

If you love dark romance, sexy serial killers and hot as hell smut, this book is for you!

I’m so excited for the other books in the series!
Profile Image for Cee.
3,242 reviews164 followers
October 26, 2023
Dnf @ 25% / 10 chapters

I like the tropes. I like that Alaska is upfront about being materialistic and wanting money.
I disliked pretty much everything else. I wanted to like this so much! The writing was off, the dialogue didn’t always feel natural, and their personalities just couldn’t be nailed down. Idk it felt all over the place.
Profile Image for L.
163 reviews
November 5, 2025
Apparently I read this book at some point and just… forgot. Until I decided to listen to the audiobook. It has a strong start with the black credit card tip but then…. Idk. I had to hate finish this book. Overall, not that great. Not terrible. But not great.
Profile Image for Tuba Özkat.
Author 72 books208 followers
November 18, 2023
1,5

O da hızlı okuttuğu için. Kitapta bazı yerler öyle bir eksikti ki, yani ben mi atladım diyorsun. Bir yerden bir yere geçiyor direkt. Kitaptaki en önemli olay bile öyle üstünkörü anlatılmış ki şoka girdim.
Profile Image for Tami czenkus.
1,551 reviews24 followers
June 25, 2023
Alaska and Zuko totally had me head over heals in love!!
Zuko, one of the Hunters, knows what he wants and he isn't afraid to do whatever he needs to do to get exactly that. Alaska is used to being on her own and taking care of herself but when Zuko enters her life in more ways than just one she's not sure how to navigate the secrets she's keeping.
T.L Smith truly is a mastermind of the anti-hero in her stories and Moments of Malevolence is no different. You really want to smack Zuko but in the same breath you want to hug and kiss him as well.
What a great spin off series and I love seeing previous characters as well.
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,765 reviews174 followers
June 21, 2023
This book was so freaking good it’s everything I love about this authors writing! It’s dark it’s gritty and it’s super hot Zuko and Alaska are perfect for each other their chemistry is scorching and the touch her and die vibes is delicious! This is a must read and I can’t wait to get more in this universe!
Profile Image for momaddictedtobooks.
671 reviews53 followers
June 21, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the storyline. The spice was good. And I even laughed a few times. I’m sad I finished it already 😅 I definitely want to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,831 reviews117 followers
June 21, 2023
Well new kink unlocked!! Holy hotness Zuko is a man who takes but gives Alaska passion in every way he can, even when it borders on the dark side!!

I love the way that Zuko and Alaska meet. It was unconventional but so them! These two are both fire! They don’t like to be jerked around and I love how Alaska challenges him in EVERY WAY!! They test each others patience but when the other needs them they are right there lighting the match to bring down whoever crossed them!

I love the huntsman and was so happy to see that TL was writing them because I know these boys are going to open up so many kinky doors. Zuko’s book was a beautiful way to start it all off!!
Profile Image for Gina Burney.
186 reviews9 followers
June 17, 2023
ARC review:

Oh my word!! Another cover to cover read within 6 hours!! I could NOT put this down! The entire story line was astonishing and so put together so well! Getting a dual POV from both the FMC & MMC made it that much better.

Zuko is the dark villain most would run scared shitless away from, while Alaska is the independent sassy spit-fire and his perfect match.

If I could give more than 5 stars I absolutely would. The combination of dark and spice is *chefs kiss*!!!
Profile Image for lyn ♡.
181 reviews154 followers
June 19, 2023
☆ 5/5 & 4/5 spice

Please check TW/CW before reading!

“If I were a smart woman, I would look away. But I live on the edge, and he seems like a man it would be fun to annoy, and despite all the warnings I have received I just can’t help myself with him.”

“I’m not a religious man, but I feel like getting on my knees and worshipping her right here and right now.”

I went into this book not knowing what I was getting myself into and I freaking loved every moment of it. This is the perfect dark romance, with serial k!llers, grumpy x grumpy characters, and hot as hell spice. The sexual tension between Zuko and Alaska were through the freaking roof. I was invested from the first page and could not put this down.

My girl Alaska was such a freaking bada$$ FMC. She has no filter, is fierce, independent, and so funny! She cracks me up especially when she had Zuko tip her his unlimited black card while she was working at the club. She has a huge secret of hiding her secret identity. Alaska has Zuko wrapped around her finger. She’s completely fearless and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.

Zuko is a ruthless, dangerous hunter and k!ller. He is completely unhinged and does the craziest things. I don’t want to spoil anything, but there’s a scene that will literally shock you and make you fan yourself at the same time. My jaw hit the floor reading that freaking scene. Okay.. Zuko has been calling a s3x hotline to hear Sage’s voice, not knowing that she’s Alaska with her double identity. Both Zuko and Alaska were meant for each other and matched each other’s craziness perfectly.

I also really love the grumpy x sunshine friendship between Alaska and Louise. The most supportive work bestie ever.

I cannot wait for the next book. So glad I have discovered TL Smith because I enjoyed this book immensely and need more.

Tropes:
❥ Dark romance
❥ Grumpy x grumpy
❥ Opposites attract
❥ Unhinged crazy MMC
❥ Bada$$ FMC
731 reviews6 followers
June 20, 2023
If I could give this book 10 stars I would!
This book is the first one in this trilogy and it hooks you right in from the beginning with all the hate, drama, betrayal, hurt, lies, family, friends and love. Definitely not for the faint hearted!
Profile Image for Serialbookstarter:Marla.
1,198 reviews85 followers
February 20, 2025
Maybe I’ve just been reading too much dark romance lately but this book just didn’t reach its full potential.
The H is supposedly the #1 hunter and unaliver walking the planet and his brothers are #2 and #3….They all came off as cuddly teddy bears. The h is sassy and takes no shiz from the hit man H but gets stabbed and beat up by the floozy waitress. The H can’t figure out his phone sex hook up and the woman he’s obsessed with are the same person. The h escapes from his badass brother several times… seriously I think the author has been reading Charlotte McGinlay MC books for plot Devices because the 3 hit men are as easy to fool and one up as her MC guys. Meanwhile the Fmc and her female nemesis outsmart them right and left. The book did start
Out good but by mid point I was skimming waiting for the big reveal or something exciting to happen but nah it just slowly fizzled out to the hea which even managed to be boring.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 943 reviews

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