Bunny Hunting

Holidays & Hijinks #5

by H.N. DeFore

Poor little bunny, caught in a trap...

Monroe Nyx Bevins

Content with her life writing romance books, Moe never really reaches outside her comforts. She has some darker interests that she tries to rope the men into town into partaking in, but they think blood doesn’t become a woman. Too bad Moe doesn’t shy away from a bit of red. When her past turns up before a snowstorm, she has to face the consequences of using an old fling as her inspiration for morally grey men.

Ezekiel Ryder

Doing tech work for a few companies in the city keeps his mind busy, but not his body. When there’s a need to go back home and see the only woman he’s ever obsessed over, Zeke will make it a mission to show her what she’s missed out on, and where things went wrong.

Genres: BDSM, Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Novella, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2024

Reviews

[Alex S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive this holiday (Easter) novella as an ARC copy! Full release is March 15 2024

Monroe (Moe, Roe) is a best selling erotica/romance author, inspired by her former flame from over a decade ago, but lately the inspiration isn’t coming. She’s been dating boring vanilla Derek and she’s desperate for a thrill.

First of all, I didn’t even want to mention Derek because he made me so mad. He slut-shames and kink-shames Monroe and makes fun of her books! What a vanilla cone-head! We don’t like him and it’s obvious we’re not supposed to. They get into a fight during a wicked snow storm, where Derek decides to leak her nude photos to the internet to attempt to ruin her image. Childish

Suddenly, her former flame Zeke (Ezekiel) appears through the Blizzard to help with damage control. He’s been keeping tabs on her, the one that got away. After leaving town to become a successful… computer guy? I think he’s like a hacker type, he has now returned! He is tall, dark and nerdy (totally my type). He gets her kinky ways and they’ve always played the most primal sex games… but could they be more?

It’s a short story so there isn’t a whole lot of development but you get the backstory. Second chance type of thing, but way darker, more primal! It’s not super graphic with spice but it is still pretty kinky.

Apart from thinking how freaking cold they probably were romping around in the snow, it was a fun story!! I like the twist that she’s the billionaire FMC, you don’t see that too often. Blood play, chase me, exhibitionist style kinks are a theme

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a fast read and I enjoyed every second of it. I do not blame Monroe for writing her spicy scenes based off Zeke. He's nerdy, hot, and caring IF I WAS HER?! I would've never let this man go 🧎🏻‍♀️The ending of this book was perfect, Monroe going after who she wants (Zeke).
These 2 are hot asf together, their scenes in the snow? Omfg

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haley is absolutely crushing it with this series and Bunny Hunting is no exception. From masks, to chasing, to face down in the snow, to.... well even more spice, this book has all my favorite things!

Talk about an MFC who is confident in herself, knows what she wants, and will accept no less. Monroe is a bad@ss woman and a spicy romance author!

Our MMC Zeke is a bad boy persona with a soft spot for Roe and the urges she craves.

Such a quick, spicy read and another amazing book in the Holidays and Hijinks series!

[Iskra Dimitrova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snow storms, 🐇 and primal play?
Sign me the F up!


This short story follows our lady Monroe - whose life gets a tad out of hand when her petty ex bulldozes right on..


Meanwhile, a past comes back to chase her, grab her and throw her face first into a..

Zeke is back, with a feral bite and I gobbled that up.

“Baby, you’ve been branded in my soul since the moment you looked my way.”

Over all, I’d say it was 50/50 plot & spice, (to me it felt like that, absolutely enjoyed every page!) though I would have loved for it to be a full novel, rather than novella; because while it wraps up, I see a potential for exploration and I NEED it.
I want more of them.

4,5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
3,5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑

[Ari Loves All The Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole book was a primal vibe!! I loved how it got more into primal play then other books that I have read.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot 3/5
Spice 4/5

I loved the primal play in this book. To be honest I believe the primal play at the end of the book was more up my alley. The one hang up I have with the plot is I wanted more from the Derek story line. I felt like it just kind of fell off there. Monroe and Ezekiel were a fast paced couple with some hangups and that is realistic for some. Id love to see more of them in the future.

[spicybookmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bunny Hunting is a super fun fast paced, second chance, dark kinky romance. Monroe is a fantastic FMC who knows what she wants and how she wants it. She is perfectly imperfect and proud of it. Zeke is our dark brooding bad boy MMC, who cannot escape feelings for his true love. He is a bit of a nerd, but has a naughty side that only Moe seems to match. Primal play is top shelf and written so well. All the snow action gets the heart pumping and the goosebumps popping. Facing exposed truths we are taken on an emotional trip. Moe and Zeke are captivating and I enjoyed reading her having the big emotional revelation. Definitely recommend Bunny Hunting for fans of a fast, kinky, dark romance.

[Destinee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please read all trigger warnings before proceeding with this book.

This book primarily focuses on the primal play BDSM dynamic between the MCs. Would've loved to see more come out of the Derek situation other than it being a reason for Zeke to return. I would also like to note that I loved how confident Roe was about her body we don't often get to see this with FMCs especially when written as a submissive.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gemma Osment · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it.
Monroe is an writer who bases her stories on her life experiences with zeke.she thinks it done subtle but zeke realises and he come back into her life 10 years later and the pick up where they left off,but zeke has decided he wants everything with moe but she only wants bits of him and he can't accept that
H n defore has become one of my go to authors as all her books are amazing and this one definitely didn't disappoint.
If you love
*primal play
*blood play
*kinks
Then you will love this

[Cassandra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Ok so the blurb got me. However the book didn’t go the way I thought it would.

I will admit that one point I almost dnf’d due to feeling lost in the story. But I would say stay the course it wraps up as a very interesting and sweet story.

This was the first time I have read this author and really can’t wait to read more.

[balayageandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheewww Moe and Zeke are HOT! Another incredible couple from the Holidays and Hijinks world. The FMC is a sassy siren and oh she writes smutty novels. The MMC is a dark and broody IT wiz who is OTT and smitten with his little bunny. These two have history and it makes the story even more compelling. This is short and sweet with tons of primal snowy heat!

[Jessica Hawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this one might be one of my favorites from the Holidays & Hijinks series. It’s between the 1st one and this one. But I thought this was cute. The primal play felt a little different compared to this one. Still great to read, just different. I felt like this one also had a little more of an emotional connection since Monroe and Ezekiel had some hidden feelings for each other. Might be why I like this one more. The outdoors scenes were fire! Loved the way Monroe owned her sexuality and I enjoyed her rubbing that in her exes face. Especially after the revenge porn incident. I thought this was great. While not my style or anything I’m interested in, I can appreciate a dark kink story. Would easily recommend!

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a copy.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

* check your triggers*
I’m so happy I got to read this novella early. I always love a a second chance type of story and this one was short but definitely one of my favorites. The kinks in this book might have peaked my curiosity lol

[HeatherAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rush!! Excuse me!!! Fü¢king in the snow!!?? Is there anything this author won’t do with her characters? 🥵🤌🏻
Gorgeous men with filthy mouths, and the women who handle their business…some with bunny ears 😉
Perfect addition to the Holiday and Hijinks family!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy spice! H.N DeFore has once again given another masterpiece. The scenes were 🥵 with this one. I couldn't put it down.

[Jess Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great prïmal play read! Love the chemistry between Monroe and Zeke so much!

[Brandy Wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!! Yes please!

I couldn’t put this book down! I need more from her!
This is a second chance primal book that is wonderful!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a spicy novella.... This is it! 😏 H.N. DeFore is great at writing smut. 🙌🏻🙌🏻

❄️snowed in
🛏️one bed

[Kas Raux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced, spicy AF, kinky read. Primal play, bunny hunting, f***king in the snow? Sign me uppp!!! Loved the dynamic between Monroe and Zeke. HN Defore knocked it out of the park once more. Definitely check the TW because my cup of tea may not be yours. All in all, loved this read and can’t wait to see what else HN Defore has in store!

[Zoey Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

this novella was SPICY 🥵 definitely more darker themes and intense spice but I loved it. Monroe & Zeke were hot and heavy from the beginning and I loved every minute! If you’re looking for a spicy novella to add to your tbr definitely check this one out!

[Candace P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second chance /primal book! It was my first by the author and I definitely want to go back and read through HN Defore's backlist!

Even though this was a shorter story, I felt like building the chemistry and tension was done well. It definitely helped that two main characters knew each other already!

[Dahlena Sampson PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

The books in this series just keep getting better. The second chance trope tied with Primal chases is sooo good and the scenes are spicy hot! I wish we could get follow up books of the characters in the future. The imagery and characters are perfect!

[Tabby Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first book ever from H.D Defore and I loved it. The book was nice and spicy and I just couldn't put it down. I will be reading more of her books ASAP.

[₊⋆ Nyxia ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read! <3
I’m a sucker for a good primal play.

I really really liked Zeke. I’d love to read more about these two. The plot was great and the spice was so hot.

I recommend this author so much!

"ℙ𝕠𝕠𝕣 𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕥𝕝𝕖 𝕓𝕦𝕟𝕟𝕪, 𝕔𝕒𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝕚𝕟 𝕒 𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕡."

[Mailise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a spicy good time! If you love a romance that sways more towards the darker elements (bloodplay, hunting, etc.) then definitely give this book a read. This book is more erotica than smut or dark romance so do keep that in mind. The plot was not really the main focus and I did feel like that story line about Derek and his actions was not really wrapped up at the end. I wanted Moe to really go after him! All in all, this is a good read if you are looking for a short spicy book.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monroe is a smutty romance writer and her smutty stories come from real life experiences with a man she hasn't seen in 10 years. Zeke comes back into her life to show her what she's been missing.

This is a smutty novella that includes primal play, hunting and chasing, blood play, and a HEA.

[Elicia Meairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5

Characters:

In "Bunny Hunting" by H.N. DeFore, readers encounter a cast of complex and intriguing characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways.

Monroe Nyx Bevins, known as Moe, is a fascinating protagonist whose seemingly idyllic life as a romance writer conceals darker interests. Moe's internal conflict between her comfortable existence and her desire for something more sets the stage for a riveting exploration of identity and self-discovery.

Ezekiel Ryder, on the other hand, is a tech worker whose return to his hometown ignites a series of events that challenge his perceptions and desires. Zeke's relentless pursuit of Moe, coupled with his own inner demons, adds depth and tension to the narrative, driving the story forward with intensity and suspense.

Supporting characters, including the men in town who Moe attempts to involve in her darker interests, add layers of complexity to the story, each bringing their own motivations and conflicts to the forefront. As their paths intersect and intertwine, secrets are revealed, alliances are tested, and loyalties are questioned, leading to unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Plot:

"Bunny Hunting" unfolds as a gripping tale of love, obsession, and betrayal against the backdrop of a small town shrouded in secrets. Moe's comfortable existence as a romance writer is disrupted when her past comes back to haunt her in the form of Ezekiel Ryder, a man she once obsessed over.

As Moe grapples with the consequences of using an old flame as inspiration for her morally ambiguous characters, she finds herself drawn back into Zeke's orbit, unable to resist the allure of their shared history. However, beneath the surface lies a web of deception and manipulation, as both Moe and Zeke struggle to confront their pasts and reconcile their desires with reality.

As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, Moe and Zeke's tumultuous relationship takes center stage, driving the narrative forward with its intensity and emotional depth. As the stakes escalate, Moe must confront the truth about herself and her desires, while Zeke grapples with the consequences of his obsession and the lengths he will go to win her back.

With its unpredictable twists and turns, "Bunny Hunting" keeps readers guessing until the very end, culminating in a thrilling conclusion that will leave them eager for more.

Conclusion:

"Bunny Hunting" by H.N. DeFore is a captivating romance thriller that deftly blends suspense, intrigue, and passion. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting, the novel offers a compelling exploration of love, obsession, and the darker aspects of human nature. Whether you're a fan of romance or thrillers, "Bunny Hunting" is sure to keep you hooked from beginning to end.

[Pao Salguero · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


This was my first time reading a work by H.N. DeFore and let me say that it did not disappoint. While I knew I was going to be constantly fanning myself due to the spice, I was not expecting the variety of emotions this novella put me through. I went from being pissed, to hot, to vindictive, to happy, to sad and so on. That’s not even mentioning the repeat of some of these emotions. Bunny Hunting was an amazing read that I will be recommending to whoever asks about it.

The main characters in Bunny Hunting were quite unique if you ask me. I loved getting to know them throughout the novella and seeing their interactions. I loved how independent and feisty Monroe was in this story. She’s a true badass queen who does not take anyone’s crap or criticism. Man it made me wish I was as confident as she is. I’ll definitely be trying to take a page from her book going forward. Also, y’all have no idea how much I wish her books were real. The curiosity that ate at me everything her books were mentioned and read by a certain someone had me dying. Monroe truly won my heart, respect, and admiration throughout this entire work.

Now, let’s talk Ezekiel. This man had me….I don’t even know how or where to begin with what this man put me through. The way he carried himself and treated both himself and Monroe was truly impressive if you ask me. He did an amazing job with helping her, respecting her, and well taking her in all the ways possible. Having said that, i was just about ready to lose it when he had me tearing up when he stood up for himself. I mean not everyone has the nerve to do what he did. It made me fall even more for him. I mean a man who knows not only his partner’s worth but his own as well is hot as all hell and no one will change my mind about that.

I’m a big romance girly especially if it contains spice and trust me when I say that Bunny Hunting contained lots of it. Very good spice too but it also contained kinks and aspects that I’m not quite used to reading. All I want to say on that is that I really loved the way that DeFore went about it. It was really well done and explained without being overwhelming or off putting. All in all, DeFore did an excellent job with this novella and I’m looking for to seeing what else is to come.

[Judie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honored to read the ARC of Bunny Hunting by H.N. Defore. This was a departure for me in terms of the primal/blood play. However, it was well written and the story behind this couple was fantastic. The characters attraction to each other even after 10 years of lost contact was intense.

When an ex-boyfriend causes a scandal in her carefully crafted and secluded life, Zeke comes back to show her what they were and can be again. He has never found someone who meets him with the same passion and base desires as Monroe

As a romance writer, Monroe uses their past experience as inspiration for her books, but he wants more from her than a page or two in her books he wants it all with her. Monroe has had a difficult time finding a partner who understands her base needs and desires. Zeke was that person, and maybe always will be She is better with writing than speaking and uses a book to show him her true feelings.

This was a quick, spicy, and surprising read. The story develops into more than I anticipated and I found myself rooting for Zeke. I will definitely read more of H.N. Deforestation in the future.

What to expect:
🐰Insta-lust
🐰Lover scorned
🐰Possessive MMC
🐰Older FMC
🐰Confident FMC
🐰Primal play
🐰Blood play
🐰Nerdy MMC
🐰Fast burn
🐰Snowed in
🐰One bed
🐰Billionaire fmc

#happilybookedpr #primalplay #possessivemmc #billionaireromance #onebed #snowedin #easterromance #easterbunny #bunnyhunting #authorhndefore #holidaysandhijinks #currentlyreading @hndeforeauthor @happilybookedpr

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monroe is a successful author who uses her own smexual experiences as inspiration for her books. Derek is the guy she is currently getting that inspiration from, however, she is bored of vanilla and wants more excitement. When she brings up the idea of exploring darker k!nks he is not okay with it and Derek ends up leaving. That's when her ex from 10 years ago, Zeke, comes back into her life.

There's a blizzard when Zeke arrives so he ends up being snowed in and is forced to stay in the cabin with her. Their connection from so long ago is still strong and he's willing to engage in the exact spicy times she is looking for. Moe is not a 'weaker' h, she's confident and goes after what she wants. I liked how Zeke would give Moe what she needed.

The story continues to follow both Moe and Zeke, focusing on their relationship, and Derek, who is causing trouble for Moe and her career.

This was a quick read with a mix of plot and darker k!kny spice! I did find a few parts were a little repetitive but it didn't interfere with the story.

Overall: 3.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice/Heat: 3.5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Main Characters: Moe/Roe & Zeke
Nickname: Bunny Girl
Type of book: Standalone Novella in a holiday series, Duel POV
Series: Holidays & Hijinks Series 5th Book
Epilogue: Yes
HEA: Yes

*Primal Play
*🔪🩸 Play
*Cold K!nk
*Long (in the past before the book starts) & Short Separation (less than a month)
*Second Chance
*Dominant H in the smex department

**Please check the TW before reading! 18+

-Received early copy and this is my honest review-