Heathens

Heathens Hollow #1

by Alta Hensley

She invited in the darkness, so she had no one else to blame...when I came for her.
It was a sinister game of submission. The Hunt. 
She'd run. I'd chase. And when I caught her...
Primal. Untamed. Merciless. 
I've been watching her.
Stalking her.
I will become the beast from her darkest fantasies.
Hunting her from behind a stag's mask made of bone.
Preying on her secret need for primal play.
 
I should be protecting her, but I'm not.
Instead... I am a Heathen. 
And she is an innocent who chose this. 
And if she made a mistake?
If she wants to try and escape me? Escape The Hunt?
It's far too late.
She's mine now. Run.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, BDSM, Contemporary, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance

322 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2024

About the author

Alta Hensley is a NYT & USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.

Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.

Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.

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Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A year after the death of her father, Gabriel, Storee Brooks finds herself still adrift, slogging away at jobs she detests to make ends meet.

With guilt eating him for not doing more to save his best friend, Locke Hartwell continues looking after Storee as best he can. But if he’s honest with himself, that sense of obligation has little to do with it. And certainly not when he discovers she’s signed up to participate in the Hunt.

Revisiting Heathens Hollow was as șexually charged as you would expect between a stop at The Vault and the annual Hunt. Add in the forbidden and age gap aspects and your pantìes are goners. When you finish (pun intended), do yourself a favor and read the deleted scene. I read it prior to the ĄRĊ and wish I had read it after so the context was better. Regardless, it was excluded for a reason - it was tongue-on-the-sun hot and could be more triggery than the contents of the main story.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😛😬🥵🥺😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

🗂 Genre: Dark Romance

✨ Tropes: Age Gap, Alphahole, Forbidden, Jealous/Possessive, MINE!, Rich AF, Rich Boy/Poor Girl, Sėx Club, Small Town, Stalker, Tracking/Spying

💋 Kinks: 🐓 Warming, Discipline/Punishment, Domination, Impact Play, Mask Play, Power Exchange, Primal, Spanking

⚠️ Warning: This one-handed read may cause blushing, squirming, combusting panties, and/or self-care. It may also leave you questioning your morals.

🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: Heathens is a standalone set in Heathens Hollow, the same world as the Gods Among Men series. However, no other books need to be read.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One night to experience the unknown. One night to leave behind everything and everyone you ever knew, to feel free, to feel alive."

Storee Brooks hasn't been the same since her father was killed.
She promised herself she would not make the same mistakes he did.
And she has stuck by that promise no matter what.
With her father gone she was left under the guardianship of Locke Hartwell.
Her "uncle". But he doesn't feel like an uncle to her. Never has.
Her father's best friend has always been there. Protecting her.
At least that's what he says.
But now with the Hunt going on, he can't protect her anymore.
But maybe he wants to capture her.

"Always watching. Every night. Every morning. Always."

Locke Hartwell can't stop himself from Storee Brooks.
The girl… woman he swore to protect.
His best friend's daughter. And the woman haunting his every waking and sleeping moment.
He must protect her. He needs to have her.
But he can't. He won't let himself.
So imagine his suprprise when Storee signs up for the Hunt.
He won't let anything happen to her. He won't let anyone touch her.
Anyone but him.
She might run, but he will chase.

"The primal urge was deep inside her. She needed this. And so did I."

I received an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"I knew I shouldn't be thinking about her like this. She was off limits. But the more I tried to push her out of my mind, the more my thoughts kept returning to her."

She just wants to live. He just wants to protect her. No matter what. So when she runs… you can bet he will chase.

"But my attention wasn't on the security anymore. It was on Storee. It was always on Storee."

Ok ok ok. Dark romance rec coming up because OMFG this book was just too good!!
It had a gothic romance vibe which I am always a sucker for. We have a stalker, we have an age gap, we have a forbidden romance, we have primal play people!!!
This was my first Alta Hensley people and the aesthetics were just *chef's kiss* 💋💋

"I needed to watch. From the shadows, I needed to keep her safe."

First we have Storee Brooks (btw I know I know but I love the way the names are in this book it made me even more obsessed not gonna lie. Her father was murdered and she was left to the guardianship of her father's best friend who just happens to be hot as fuck not joking. But she always knew that it's impossible. Nothing can ever happen between them. I loved Storee. She works her ass off to make her own money, not willing to accept the blood money from her dad. And she knows what she wants!! And what she wants might make her a heathen… 😏😏😏

"Heathens Hollow - beauty and darkness woven as one. The sun never shines. It's afraid of this island. Fearful of our ghosts."

And we have Locke Hartwell (again with the names I AM SCREAMING I AM SO OBSESSED). I am telling you right the fuck now new book boyfriend. Trust me trust me. The stalker vibes are there. The touch her and die is there. The filthy rich asshole is RIGHT FUCKING THERE!!! He tries to keep away. He really does. But sometimes the forbidden fruit just tastes too good and she chose to run. He needs to teach her a lesson. And that might just make him snap.

"She was mine. My obsession, my addiction, my everything. And tonight, as I stared at her through the window, I realized just how fucked up I was over her."

This playlist is dark, depraved, and dirty. Just the way we love it. 🥰🥰

(Link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Iv... )

🎵 "Heathens" - Twenty One Pilots
🎵 "RUNRUNRUN" - Dutch Melrose
🎵 "Achilles Come Down" - Gang of Youths
🎵 "older sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "Secret" - MIYAVI
🎵 "Body Talks" - The Struts
🎵 "You Put A Spell On Me" - Austin Giorgio
🎵 "greedy sped up" - Tate McRae
🎵 "Nervous" - The Neighbourhood
🎵 "Money, Money, Money" - ABBA
🎵 "Lose Control" - Teddy Swims
🎵 "Dissolved Girl" - Massive Attack, Sarah Jay Hawley
🎵 "You're Mine" - Phantogram
🎵 "Hurt Me Harder" - Zolita
🎵 "Got It" - Marian Hill
🎵 "Sinner" - Reuben Pearl
🎵 "Closer" - Nine Inch Nails
🎵 "Animal" - Chase Holfelder
🎵 "Apex Predator" - Otep
🎵 "Sick Thoughts" - Lewis Blissett
🎵 "Dirty Thoughts" - Chloe Adams
🎵 "No Mercy"- Austin Giorgio
🎵 "Don't Blame Me" - Taylor Swift
🎵 "Dark in My Imagination" - of Verona
🎵 "Morally Grey" - April Jai, Nation Haven
🎵 "Boyfriend" - Dove Cameron
🎵 "Play With Fire" - Sam Tinnesz, Yacht Money
🎵 "Creepin'" - Metro Boomin', The Weeknd, 21 Savage
🎵 "MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT" - Loveless
🎵 "Love Bites (So Do I)" - Halestorm
🎵 "Beauty" - Layto
🎵 "Don't Make Me" - MALINDA
🎵 "Monster" - Skillet
🎵 "I'm yours sped up" - Isabel LaRosa
🎵 "Hurts So Good" - Astrid S
🎵 "AMERICAN HORROR SHOW" - Snow Wife
🎵 "Alkaline" - Sleep Token
🎵 "You've Created A Monster" - Bohnes
🎵 "Crazy In Love" - Sofia Karlberg
🎵 "I Want To" - Rosenfeld
🎵 "Dirty Mind" - Boy Epic
🎵 "Heartless - Recorded at RAK Studios, London" - Dermot Kennedy
🎵 "Cologne" - SM6
🎵 "engravings"- Ethan Bortnick
🎵 "I Want It All" - Cameron Grey
🎵 "Pain" - Jake Daniels
🎵 "The Summoning" - Sleep Token
🎵 "Like A Villain" - Bad Omens
🎵 "Chokehold" - Sleep Token
🎵 "THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND" - Bad Omens
🎵 "Little Girl Gone" - CHINCHILLA
🎵 "Kill For You" - Skylar Grey, Eminem
🎵 "Somebody's Watching Me" - Rockwell
🎵 "Le Monde" - Richard Carter

And for you girlies who always stay until the end, here's a sneak peek 😘😘

"You like how I fuck you, Storee? You like it when I spank this ass of yours, don't you?"

"Spread your legs. And keep that perfect ass of yours in the air unless you want me to spank it some more."

😈 Tropes 😈

💡Dark Romance
💡Billionair Romance
💡Small Town Romance
💡Age Gap
💡Dad's Best Friend
💡Forbidden Romance
💡Primal Play
💡Stalker Romance


https://www.instagram.com/p/C1J4suTLQ...

[Alta Hensley]

Available now

Grab your copy today!
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3RfzELk
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/HeathensAH

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/49SXfsw

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

It didn’t really feel like this book had a purpose or message - it just felt like it was written to market popular tropes. This one wasn’t for me.

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my kinda dark romance!! Masked men, age gap, dad’s best friend, obsession and possessiveness 🥵 🔥 🌶️

[Neelakshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

“I’m yours,” I said, smiling up at him. “I may just make you chase me through a forest from time to time to get me,”

After her father's death Storee Brooks finds herself in between jobs trying to make ends meet.
Her father's best friend, Locke who always kept the weight of Storee's dad wants Storee to stop working and they meet you occasionally.
Storee and Locke both have feelings for one another but never acted on it.
Storee's friend told her that she can earn some quick money by participating in the hunt.
It was a seasonal, pagan-like ritual that happened on Heathens Hollow after the Harvest Moon where rich assholes dressed up in stag masks of bone and chased women into the woods to fuck them. The Harvest Moon kickstarted the hunts, but then they occurred every weekend after.
After a woman is done with her night of the hunt she wakes up to a basket of luxuries and money.

Locke was a powerful name in Heathens Hollow who also owned the Vault, which was a sex club what he ALSO overlooked was the hunt.
When he saw that his friend's daughter joined the hunt he participated himself and hunted her down once to scare her and the next time because he couldn't let any other man hunt the girl.

Sksksks the smut scenes tho RAWR

[alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

✩‧₊ 2.25 stars ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

･ ｡ﾟ☆:Heathens *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ

☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°｡ 0:32 ──♡───── 3:47 ☾⋆⁺₊🎧✩°｡

🎶 Don't call me "kid". Don't call me "baby. Look at this godforsaken mess that you made me 🎶

Locke has been watching over Storee since his best friend passed, and he wants to ensure she has someone looking after her. It’s difficult to maintain his cool when he’s liked her for a while, but he can’t have her, so he puts some distance between them. That is until she decides to participate in the town hunt, and he doesn’t want anyone else to have her.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: THOUGHTS*.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ───

“I need you to understand that I will always keep you safe. Nothing will happen to you while I’m around, do you understand?”

She nodded, her eyes locked on mine. “I understand.”

I don't mind age gaps or dark romance, but I didn't particularly enjoy this one. I'm not sure whether it's the fact that Locke had a camera watching her from her house (not the darkest element I know), but the fact that this is your best friend's daughter is odd. If they had met later on, then okay, it'd be less weird. However, she liked him when she first saw him and avoided him because she didn't want to make things weird between her and her dad; she was just attracted to him. If she was constantly around and watched her grow up in a sense, then why didn't he consider her family? Instead, he was attracted to her and resisted his feelings once his best friend died. I don't like that he needed to watch over her with the cameras. I understand you promised to look after her and wanted to abide by that, but that's so strange. I'm taking my anger out because he was just weird later on, and I get the biggest ick with Locke, and I am not sorry about it. He is a creep in my heart and by all standards.

“And places like this.” My stare darted to the dance floor. “Acts like this… Are not for girls like you.”

“You act as if I was asking and you’re in a position to give your permission.” He leaned in close, his breath hot against my ear. “There will be consequences for angering me tonight.”

Sir, stop acting like you know her better than anyoneHow does he know what she wants, and why is he acting like her father? She can decide what she wants, and he doesn’t have to be this overbearing figure in her life. I would have rebelled and done everything he was against because why is he telling her that she can’t be salacious and do shit she wants. I am so peeved by characters like this, especially when they think it’s attractive, but the alpha male is too strong in this.

Finally, Locke spoke. “You know, you have a lot of nerve, provoking me like that. I set rules for a reason. The Vault is off limits.”

“I didn’t mean to provoke you. I was just trying to have some fun like everyone else does in this town. I’ve never been part of Heathens before and, well… it seemed like now was as good a time as any.”

PROVOKE HIM. Who cares if he gets mad? It’s insane to me that she wanted to participate in the town tradition, and she put out the red light, and he fucked her in the forest without her knowing it was him. It’s so odd to me because he claimed it was his way of protecting her from men who would have hunted her, but she wanted the experience, and he took that away from her. It’s inherently wrong that she didn’t suspect it was him; he fucked her and left her in the woods because he thought it would deter her. It didn’t, so he did it again, and she still didn’t know until she found the mask in his closet. He is a freak and not the good kind.

Storee was quiet for a few moments before speaking again. “I don’t like feeling like I’m someone’s possession, Locke.”

“I don’t see you as a possession,” I replied. “I see you as mine. Mine to protect, mine to care for, mine to make sure you never have to work as hard as you do. The days of you working multiple jobs are over.” I glanced over at her, but then returned my focus to the road. “If you truly enjoy the jobs, that would be different. Do you?”

He did see her as a possession, though. That’s what it came off as. As soon as they were together, he started telling her what he expected of her and what she couldn’t do. It felt toxic and controlling, and he said it was to protect her and because he wanted her to be happy, but he just wanted to have a claim to her life. I have a negative lens when it comes to this book, so nothing he did in this book is right in my eyes. I can’t stand him, and I might be overly dramatic because he gave me the ick from page one.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: OVERALL *.☽ .*:☆ﾟ. ──

It was not my cup of tea but it’s surprisingly not the worst book I have read in the first month of 2024 so far.

[XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook review. The story was average for me. There wasn’t anything that stood out from many I’ve read except for the type of masks they use. The page space didn’t lead to much character development outside of the baseline mutual want. The intimacy was well done by the narrators Marie Hawkins and Robin Blake. Overall not bad.

Complimentary copy voluntarily reviewed.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

At first while reading this I was a little dissapointed simply because I got the idea it would be more of a stalker romance, just based of the blurb. I would say this is more of a dad's best friend mixed with gothic small town romance.

But once I got over that I was able to enjoy this for the story it was. Locke and Storee were both great characters. They had strong feelings for one another right from the beginning but both tried hard not to give in, especially Locke.

The amount of things Locke did for Storee, some more appreciated than others were incredible. He truly would have gone to the end of the earth for Storee.

The Hunt itself was an interesting premise. I would have liked more focus on that though, just cause I think it would have made the story even better.

[turningthepageswithangela · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Where do I begin?! 🥵 I devoured Heathens in one sitting. This is a very dark romance, so please check trigger warnings before diving in. If masked men/ stalker romances/ cat and mouse are your thing, then here you go!!! This book is definitely the chefs kiss 🤌🏻. I need me a Locke 😉🤤🥵
This was my first Alta Hensley book and I will definitely be going through more of her work. Thank you Alta Hensley and Valentine PR & Literary Management!

[Anke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5! （＾ω＾）
This was a steamy, hot, dark taboo romance, and I actually enjoyed it!

The first half was hot and agh the tension! Second half was good too- however Storee’s character was… interesting to say the least? I’d say she’s a messy character. Storyline was meh too but to be honest- everyone who reads this book is here for the smut, not the storyline.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
If you’re into Primal/CNC, and are cool with little to no plot… look no further! This was a hot, quick read about dad’s best friend/ kink club owner/ yearly primal games.

I enjoyed it but I definitely would have loved if the plot was explored more. I would mark this down as just pure smut (which I love) but I think the plot would have still been so interesting to have gotten more time!

Thank you to NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chaos and mayhem continues in Heathens Hollow but this time it is focused on the most unlikely couple, Storee and Locke.
Storee is a young woman who lives day to day, struggling to make ends meet, and her father’s best friend, Locke, tries desperately to keep her safe.
The Hunt is a ritual and one that Storee has never participated in, but she wants to do it this year as the benefits are lucrative and opulent.
This is probably the darkest book I have read by Alta Hensley and it was wonderful and captivating ❤️

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
She was mine. My obsession, my addiction, my everything.

I loved this book, devouring it in one sitting. It’s a guilty pleasure read, including multiple darker tropes in one place: anti-hero, age gap >20 years, father’s best friend, primal chase scenes, sex with a masked stranger, CNC, OTT J/P MMC, stalking, and more!

Both characters are great. I loved how the FMC, Storee, was strong-willed and stayed that way throughout the story (one of my biggest pet peeves is when the heroine loses her grit or becomes dickmatized). Locke was full of overprotective Daddy vibes, but not the soft ones. No, he was the touch-her-and-die type who gave in to his primal urges. Storee was his and only his. Sure, there was some pining there, but that never changed his feelings of ownership.

This book is fast-burn and ultra-spicy. There is nothing vanilla about Storee and Locke’s relationship. When they come together, there are fireworks!

A standalone with a HEA.

Pro-tip: Download the super spicy, not safe for Amazon bonus chapter. The link is available at the end of the book.

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance
Tropes/Features: small town, forbidden relationship, stalker/stalking, anti-hero, billionaire, age gap >20 years, father’s best friend, primal chase scenes, sex with a masked stranger, CNC, OTT J/P MMC, mutual pining, strong FMC, spanking, punishment, cockwarming
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, fast burn, ultra spicy
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA
TW/CW: None listed in book

[Cody · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a deceptive little synopsis! Serves me right though, trying to explore darker books.

When I went into the book, I was under the impression this was supposed be a story that’s built around the premise of The Hunt. However it turned out to be yet another Alphahole Daddy drama dark romance. The so called Hunt was just dedicated to not more than three chapters of the entire book and it was too short and fell flat. I am all for dark romance books but Heathens didn’t just do it for me.

The BDSM scenes were not what I expected. They almost fell like torture sessions. There were no safe words. No consent in most scenes. That’s not what DBSM is about. Trust me I know! At the end of the book I began to question whether the author actually had any real life BDSM experience at all.

I am actually not into the age gap trope. Therefore it took the rating of this book, down by another notch. I love myself a domineering man but I always question how long this book heroes can carry out “You are mine” trope every second of the day without exhausting themselves. Also I am not really sure whether the author and I agree on the definition of strong and independent woman.

I am sorry but Heathens was a very disappointing book.

[pageswithparis · Rating 4 out of 5]

*thank you Valentinepr & Alta Hensley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!*

The moment that I read the blurb & tropes I knew that this one would be for me. I mean forbidden, possessive, age gap, best friends daughter romance are so many tropes that I love!

A year after Gabriel, Storee’s father passes away, Storee finds herself struggling at jobs that she detests. Though she was alone with no more family left, she wasn’t alone completely. Locke, her dad’s best friend made himself her appointed guardian angel, and did everything in his power to keep her safe. Even if it was at the expense of his own obsession and feelings towards her.

Storee & Locke’s love story sizzled with raw fiery passion that’s seductive in its intensity.

The only reason why I rated this 4 stars was because I loathe miscommunication. Why can’t these two adults just sit down and have a conversation??

Overall, I recommend & love Alta Hensley and her books. You seriously can’t go wrong when it comes to her.

[Katie Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

4.5⭐️

DAMN DAMN DAMN, now this book really brought the heat😮‍💨 If you are a fan of Fathers bestfriend trope then this is definitely a book you need to add to your 2024 TBR✨

This book follows Storee and Locke. After the death of Storees father Locke watches over Storee to ensure that she is safe, as he feels that he owes that to his deceased best friend. But of course there is also alternative motives to this, Lockee has felt something for Storee since the moment he met her but he didn’t want her involved in his live for 3 reasons: his world was dark, she was his best friends daughter, and she was only 18 when they met. On the other side of the coin we have Storee who fell head over heels for her father’s best friend the moment they were introduced, so yes the feelings between the MCs were mutual.

Storee decides to take part in the Hunt which is a tradition of the town of Hollow Heathens in which you sign up to be chased and dominated but a man in a mask in exchange for money and riches. Of course Locke and his business partners/friends are in charge of this event and Locke of course becomes insanely jealous when he sees Storees name among the list of participants. As a result of this Locke takes matters into his own hands and becomes Storees masked man because he cannot bear the thought of her with another man.

I physically couldn’t put this book down, and I in fact read it in one sitting👏🏼 This book also has the perfect amount of spice🤌🏻

Tropes:
- Fathers Best Friends
- Primal Kink
-Age Gap
- Touch her and die

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the audio. The catch was wild, and the way it played with sensual games was crazy but captivating. It was dark, sensual, and had this forbidden romance element that kept me hooked. The age gap dynamic added a layer of complexity that was intriguing, and then there's the murder mystery to unravel. The suspense built up so perfectly, and I can’t wait for the next part to see where it all goes! The whole vibe was just so intense and thrilling.

[momaddictedtobooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was fun and hot. I love primal play and that’s basically what this whole book is. There’s an event that’s called The Hunt and they chase after them and do whatever they want when they are caught. There is more to the story though. I don’t want to say to much. I don’t want to spoil anything. But I’m excited for the next book!

[Lunarbookwyrm aka Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating4.5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐ 💫
Spice Level 5/5 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

🌲 PRIMAL PLAY
🌲 Age Gap
🌲 Dad's bestfriend
🌲 OTT jealous and possessive AF
🌲 SPANKING 🍑
🌲 voyuerism
🌲 St@lking

Holy Primal DADDY.

Oh my god.
I have no words. Except. Daddy? I am sweating... like ... OKAY.

Her dad was 💀 and he dad's bestfriend wants to keep her for himself but didn't touch her till she joined the Hunt. It's where people are chased f*cked like....Primal play ... They were masks and all... but yes... Let me breatheeeeee....SIR.... 🥵🥵🥵🥵

[freyleyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice age gap. Solid book. Kinda simple

[Amanda Reavis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed. This book had the potential to be knock your socks off hot. But Storee was annoying and if we’re being honest it felt like Locke was more bark than bite.

Unfortunately my socks have remained on.

[Paperbackstoriess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I expected more from this book. I love the title and I don't know but I was attracted to the title and wanted to read it. When I read about the chase and ritual about the hunt, I got excited but it was so slow and for a short read it was fine.

I'm rating this book 2.5 stars. Read trigger warning if there is any before you start this book.

Book Review:
When you suddenly gets to know that your father is dead and that you are left all alone to take care of yourself since it was only you and your father. You meet your father best friend on the day of your fathers funeral and exchange a few words. Over the time, you occasionally meet him for lunch and he has always been bossy and behaves like he is your father. Why do you think he is so concerned about you? One day your friend tells you about the hunt that happens every year and it's a ritual and that it's normal to participate in it. Also, if you participate you get a hefty amount of money and gifts. Do you think you'll participate? What if Locke (Your father's best friend) gets to know about this? Do you think it matters to you what he feels about it or not? Is it weird that you feel excited about the hunt? Is it okay to feel excited about the idea of getting chased by a masked person about whom you know nothing about? Is it normal to let a stranger have a night with you because you don't know what type of person he could be? But the hunt is a ritual in town that has been going on for years and people participate in it. Will you let someone chase you?

Tropes:
>> M@sk Play
>> BDSM/ Kink play
>> Whipping / Spanking
>> Age-gap
>> Small town
>> Father's best friend/ Forbidden
>> Bossy af
>> Rich MMC x Poor FMC
>> Owns Sex-club (MMC)
>> Stalker/ Spying/ Tracking
>> Domination
>> Punishment/ Discipline

Read this book if it excites you.

[Naz.reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️

I’m going to start off by saying I expected more from this book based on the description. I for one thought the primal play would be more dominant in their relationship but it’s just used as a set up for Locke deceiving her, I would have loved it if primal play was something they did with her knowing it was Locke hunting her.

The stalker aspect of the story is only present at the beginning when Locke watches her from her window and the camera he had installed on her porch without her knowledge. After she promises not to participate in the hunt anymore he just stops watching her altogether.

I really disliked the continuous back and forth from both characters. There was endless inner dialogue from both about wanting and being with each other but trying to talk themselves out of it.

The plot lacked drama, we had a murder but no suspense build up to who the murderer was, it was kind of just sprinkled in that Locke would start to look into it towards the end. Therefore, when it’s revealed who it was it was lacklustre.

My favourite scene was probably the vault club scene where Locke’s business partners engage in some fun with a redhead at their table. That was hot.

Unfortunately, overall, this book wasn’t for me.

[ThatBookish_deviant · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.75⭐️3.75🌶️

This spicy book runneth over with clichés and cum and both were pretty gross. I mean, the FMC’s name is Storee for fucks sake. It’s your typical cat and mouse, age gap, dom/sub tropes. There are stag masks and a chase in the woods followed by rough sex with dubious consent. That pretty much sums it all up. I read it so you didn’t have to. I have regrets.

[Jennifer Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had already read this previously so I was excited to listen to the audio. The narrators did a really great job bringing the story to life and show the excitement of the hunt!

[Kay Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is Primal Play and Age-Gap your kink? (Because it sure as hell is mine.) Then you’ll be all over this like sweat on a man who’s been chasing his prey through the woods all night.

First off—Stag mask. Hell yes. Finally, something other than a tired, overused 90s slasher mask, you read everywhere now. This is creativity. This is “I’m about to be hunted through the trees, and I’ve never been more turned on.”

Now, let’s talk about what’s inside this wolf pack of yes, please. We’ve got a large age gap—no exact numbers given, but she’s early 20s, and he’s her dead dad’s best friend, which puts him somewhere 40s? 50s? It doesn't matter when the man is built and ready for a hunt. And oh, does he. (I only have one nit pick with the age-gap which will be at the bottom.)

Plot? Minimal. Smut? Overwhelmingly high. It’s a full send into the depths of a primal play sex club where the whole damn town is either knows about it or has at least taken a turn in the woods. Plus, there is a nice pay day at the end of it.

Now, onto the real kicker: anonymous hunters, no names, no faces, all instinct. If they catch you, you’re theirs. Consensually, of course. There are rules. There’s structure. But once you turn on that red light? Oh, sweetheart, the games begin. And I was obsessed.

Only two things made me pause. One: The male lead (a.k.a. Daddy’s bestie) casually mentions he’s had a crush on her for a while. Which… before she was legal? That was the impression I was getting, which, eh, not my cup of tea. Two: The word “Hollow” was used so many times I thought I’d fallen into an echo chamber.

That aside? Absolute fire. If primal play, an age-gap so wide you need a bridge to cross it, and being chased through the woods by a masked man who’s very motivated to claim you is your thing—this book DELIVERS. (Yeah, say all that fast in one breath. Lol)

Audiobook: A+ on the narrators. They did a really good job!


Story: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Audiobook: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Marie Hawkins; Robin Blake

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the cover of this book, I knew I wanted to read it. You know you can just look at a book sometimes and know that it's going to be what you want, that's what happened here.

Now I personally don't always love primal play in romance but the book description alluded to "The Hunt" and I was intrigued. I am so glad I listened to this book because I DEVOURED it!

After his best friend passes away, Locke, feels responsible to make sure his best friend's daughter has someone looking after her. Even if his idea of looking after her is more like stalking.

Storee, refuses to accept help from Locke or anything that has ties to her father as she didn't approve of his lifestyle. As she struggles to get by, her friend convinces her to take part in The Hunt since the day after The Hunt the women that take part are left generous gift baskets to thank them for their participation.

What is The Hunt you ask? The elite rich dress up in stag masks and chase their assigned prey. Once you turn on your porch light signaling you want to take part, you have to follow through and when the hunter catches his prey, he can claim his prize.

Do you see what I mean! I loved that there was a reason for the primal play that made sense in the context of the book. And oh boy, is it spicy!!

The audiobook was released on 03/05/2025 and is narrated by Marie Hawkins and Robin Blake. Both are experienced narrators who you've likely heard before if you're an avid listener. Needless to say, they did an amazing job with the audiobook and I would definitely recommend opting for the audiobook.

I couldn't get enough of this story. So much so that as soon as I finished the audiobook, I downloaded Primal which is the next book in the series. I read about 90% of it that night before having to call it a night because it was 2 a.m.

If you enjoy dark romance, then you definitely need to give this one a read or a listen.

***I receive an audiobook ALC (advance listener copy) via NetGalley but all thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.***

[Sarah Piltz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Blurb:
She invited in the darkness, so she had no one else to blame...when I came for her.
It was a sinister game of submission. The Hunt. 
She'd run. I'd chase. And when I caught her...
Primal. Untamed. Merciless. 
I've been watching her.
Stalking her.
I will become the beast from her darkest fantasies.
Hunting her from behind a stag's mask made of bone.
Preying on her secret need for primal play.
 
I should be protecting her, but I'm not.
Instead... I am a Heathen. 
And she is an innocent who chose this. 
And if she made a mistake?
If she wants to try and escape me? Escape The Hunt?
It's far too late.
She's mine now. Run.

Tropes:
🌹 Stalker romance
💀 Possessive/MINE
🌹 Age gap
💀 Dark Romance
🌹 Billionaire romance
💀 Dads best friend
🌹 Forbidden romance
💀 Primal play
🌹 Small town romance
💀 Spanking
🌹 Punishment

Arc Review:
Locke is a dark romance lovers wet dream. I could read a whole book where it's nothing but him, his punishments and his internal possessive monologues. This was dark, and spicy and now has me wanting to read the Gods Among Men series next! This novella is based on the same world but the main series doesn't need to be read to understand or enjoy.

The story takes place a year after Storee's father is brutally murdered. Locke was her father's best friend and vowed to protect and care for Storee since. Locke is a filthy rich alphahole and Storee works hard for the little money she makes. The Hunt is an annual event (ritual) that Storee decides to partake in. Once the red light is on, she can only run and submit. Locke fights his need for her and she's buried her want for him for so long. Everyone becomes a heathen when the hunt begins.

"You like how I fuck you, Storee? You like it when I spank this ass of yours, don't you?"

"Spread your legs. And keep that perfect ass of yours in the air unless you want me to spank it some more."

"She was mine. My obsession, my addiction, my everything. And tonight, as I stared at her through the window, I realized just how fucked up I was over her."

"I released my hand from her mouth, letting her scream. It was a beautiful sound, a sound that made me harder. I fucking loved it."

[thebeespot72 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heathens Hollow! Olympus Manor!!! The Godwins!! The Vault! What, what?!? I love this universe, and I’m just so giddy it’s not over—yes, I said giddy.

Author Alta Hensley finished “Vipers Are Forbidden” with a teaser that Heathens Hollow may have some “dark and dirty tales lurking beneath the fog of the island.”

Locke owns the schmex clüb at Heathens Hollow called “The Vault,” which we were first introduced to in “Villains are Made” with the Godwins. Locke has been protective and watchful over his best friend’s daughter, Storee, ever since her father unexpectedly passed. The schmex clüb, though, is pretty specialized, and one day, Storee and her friend show up wanting to participate in one of the “hunts.”

The descriptions of the hunts are incredibly graphic and intense. The way Alta writes the scenes brings the reader there. I loved the relationship between Locke and Storee and how that evolved. Their scenes together are fire.

Fans of the Gods Among Men series like me will not be disappointed, and for those who have not read it, do not worry; you’ll be fine. Besides a bit of name-dropping, there should be no confusion.

I received a copy of this book for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.