Huntress of Sherwood

by K.C. Kingmaker

Sherwood Forest is more ruthless than ever, and I have to fight to stay ahead of the hunt.

Little John is missing. With the leader of the Merry Men gone, morale is dying. Someone has to fill his huge shoes.

I’ve been elected as boss, but leading is not as easy as I hoped it would be. Many of the men won’t follow a woman. At least Will, Alan, and Tuck always have my back. But we need Little John back. Our group has a gaping hole in it without him.

Which means finding him. I’ll do whatever I need to get him scheming, extorting, and yes, killing.

While hunting for clues of Little John’s whereabouts, something else is going on in the forest around us. Younglings are being shipped around. Rebellion is afoot, and it’s not us.

I want to turn our gang of bandits into a community of revolutionaries. But we not only need more people to join us, we need the right people to join us. Because like it or not, a fight with Sir Guy of Gisborne, Sheriff George of Nottingham, and even Prince John himself is coming.

If we aren’t ready for it, we’re dead.

Author’s Huntress of Sherwood is book two in my dark romantasy, genderbent retelling of Robin Hood, where Robin is a fiery heroine, and the Merry Men are her obsessed, ruthless champions. With graphic scenes of violence and sex, I urge you to read the trigger warnings.

Genres: Retellings, Fantasy, Historical

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2024

About the author

KC Kingmaker lives in San Diego and has been writing and reading fantasy and romance for years.

"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!

"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!

"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.

"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.

"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.

Reviews

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

KC...you can expect my therapy bills in the mail. I survived chapter 29 (barely), I survived chapter 44 (somehow), but then you had to go and break my heart in chapter 47...HOW COULD YOU???? I'm just a shell of a person nobody talk to me.

Huntress of Sherwood is darker than the first installment, so heed the warnings going into this!!! Mainly those 2/3 chapters I mentioned, the third one is more attachment based, so if you like or love a certain character you won't be okay when you're reading that chapter. But don't worry, I got you, we can cry together.

I'm not done with the sad, but let's talk about something else for a sec, so this starts off with Robin & the Merry Men looking for Little John, and let me tell you, they searched high and low and even though I hated to see him suffer, I like that it wasn't easily resolved.

There are inter-group issues, Robin dealing with being the leader, some of the Merry Men thinking she's not fit for the role, especially with her taking the band in a different direction (with some new recruits), figuring out the great Robert mystery, bonding with her men and last but by no means least, discovering a very nefarious plot that I was not ready for.

I'm not at all surprised that something like that was afoot, but reading about it...anyway, it's a very busy book! There's so much plot to go around, and some extremely tense moments that, I'm pretty sure, gave me even more white hairs. That last third was just PURE STRESS. I survived though, unlike SOMEBODY. Cue sobbing.

PLEASE I MISS THAT CHARACTER ALREADY IT'S NOT FAIRRRRRRR. AAAAH.

While I try to pick myself up from the floor, can we focus on Alan's nickname for Will? Little badger is a) adorable and b) I mentioned I saw Friar Tuck as a badger because of the cartoon, this is a good way to distract me from that. Now I see two badgers!!! Kidding kidding, Tuck is now morphed into a human-ish creature, there's hope yet.

I liked that Alan & Will bonded also, maybe it's "just physical" for now, but I trust they'll love each other by the end of the series. Mhm.

Little John...tears 2.0. I'm so glad he's back, but what he endured will forever stick with me. Safe to say I do NOT like the Sheriff of Nottingham whatsoever, really I hate him. I need him to suffer in the next book so bad.

Marian...YOU ARE NOT A GIRLS GIRL, I HATE YOU TOO!!! Fingers crossed I can say good riddance next time.

And poor Robin, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she still somehow manages to save the day. That's my girl. A GIRLS girl. Take that Marian, hmph. I kinda wanna see some Merry Women action, now that there's more of them in the group. I loooooved how the girls got their justice at the end.

If you thought I was gonna end this without mentioning Guy of Gisborne you were wrong. Because...okay, he did do wrong in this one, I'll admit. And yet...he's still hot. I'm sorry. And he's not all bad either, you'll see, you'll join me on the dark side. He's my problematic fave.

Ok ok now the actual ending of this review, written with ink made from my tears ahem ahem, I am so excited for book three, less excited to part with these characters I've grown to love so much. But I really need to know what's going to happen next. Hopefully my heart won't get stomped on again.

*Thank you to the amazing author who provided me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Huntress of Sherwood" is the second book in the story of Robin Hood and her Merry Men, and I am so happy I decided to stick with this series even though I had a hard time connecting with the characters in the first book. This second book was great: it had everything I loved in book one and on top of that it did what the first book didn't manage and that is making me like and understand the characters. As a result, this book was a definite five star read for me.

This second book has the same interesting plot development with a lot of twists and turns I loved so much in book one, but even better. Perhaps it's because the story is darker, or because I finally felt a connection with the characters, but everything that happened hit me a little harder this time. Unfortunately, forming a connection with (side) characters is always dangerous with an author who seems to like eliminating a few of them along the way...

Please make sure to check the trigger warnings if you have any before starting, because there are a lot of things happening in this book. For me, they really enhanced the story and were exactly what I needed to start rooting for Robin and her merry men. So yeah, they are an integral part of the story and the world and character building for me, and that is when I truly love a dark romance: when the darkness isn't something that feels added on but a truly integral part of the storyline.

So yeah, I absolutely loved "Huntress of Sherwood", and I can't wait to see what's next for these characters! If there is anyone having doubts after reading the first book, like me, I can honestly say it's worth it to continue the series.

[Addison Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review:
4.5⭐️
I was thoroughly shocked at some moments of this book!

It has a lot of twists and turns and keeps you on your toes during the Merry Men’s story. Seeing Robin come into more of who she is meant to be was great to see! I love watching characters develop in a book and I was not disappointed with Robin’s journey!! It was also nice to see more of Will Scarlett and see a different side to him that I didn’t see much or really at all in book 1. Little John broke my heart with all he went through but I know he will come out even stronger than before! I’m so excited to see what comes next with the guys and Robin!!!

[Anais (atrailofpages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh soooo good!!! This takes place pretty quickly after the first book, and I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll just say we get to learn even more about Robin and her Merry Men.

Robin goes through a lot in this one, especially self doubt, and so by the end of this book, I think maybe she’ll finally see she’s worthy of being a leader!

I loved learning more about the boys. Some interactions 👀 between some were interesting and also wonderful. I feel like they all grew closer together in this book!

And then the spicy romance is delectable as always! KC Kingmaker just knows how to write these spicy smexy times between everyone and I always wonder how it will happen next 🤣

Aside from the spiciness, I love how much plot there is in this series! I mean there’s still a story with action, thievery and just a that happens besides the romance, which I always love when there’s a good balance between the two!

I also look forward to seeing this found family grow bigger in the next book with additional recruits 👀

I really look forward to the next book because that last chapter I think is answering a theory I’ve had from the start of this series and I wonder how it will play out in the next book 👀

If you enjoy unique fantasy retellings, RH romances, and spicy romance, then check this series out! Please do read the trigger warnings prior to starting though 🥰

I received a free digital copy to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am giving this 4.25. I really enjoy the installment in the series. I loved how we got to see real character development with Robin and the Merry Men. You see them trying to work together, encourage one another and push each other to be better. You see real grow especially in Robin. I really enjoyed her in this book as she is really starting to grow up and having to realize how the world really is and the work it's going to take to lead the Merry Men and to see the changes she wants to happen. You see a lot of success and failures in this book for which kept things really interesting. I will say there are some darker elements in this book so check your triggers, but I will say the author handled them without glorifying them and I would say they added to the story.
Along with there being growth as Indvidual's and as the group especially towards the end you see Robin with her men and them coming together and how these men just want to uplift and support robin. There was also lots of spicy sexy times with separately and together and some MM action as well and it was all really well done and spicy.
Overall, I could not put this book down and I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the spice and I am really interested in seeing what happens in the final installment.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I patiently (not exactly 🤣) waited for this book to get released and once I got it, I screamed and had to devour it and it was well worth the wait!!!
But now, I have to wait for book 3 and it's killing me because this one ended on a cliffhanger and I'm dying on the inside a little bit 😫😫

The action we got in this one was 😚 *chef's kiss*. I loved every second!

Robin and her merry men are 😚😚 *double chef's kiss*. These characters are so well written, so fun to read and the chemistry 😉😉

The spice 😘😘😘 *triple chef's kiss* 🥵🥵 yes, I want more and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

The plotline and the character developments throughout this book are so well written. This world is something that I think about quite often and I don't even picture the OG Robin Hood story anymore because this one instantly comes to mind when I do!
Bring on book 3 and the rest of the story for Robin Hood and her Merciless Merry Men!!!

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓇𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓈𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓃, 𝑔𝒾𝓇𝓁.”
“𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝐼’𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓈𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒾𝒻 𝒾𝓉 𝓂𝑒𝒶𝓃𝓈 𝒷𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝒶𝓁𝑜𝓃𝑔𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑀𝑒𝓇𝓇𝓎 𝑀𝑒𝓃, 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓇𝓁𝑒𝓉.”
“𝒲𝑒’𝓁𝓁 𝒷𝓊𝓇𝓃 𝓉𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇, 𝑅𝑜𝒷𝒾𝓃 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝒹.”

✨⭐️✨

This dark twisted Robin Hood retelling continues as Robin and her Merry Men hunt for their missing man, while continuously being hunted themselves. It has multi POV, dark themes, outlaw bands, executions, battles, abduction, rescues, secrets, surprises, a game of cat and mouse, and an emerging REVOLUTION!

Robin struggles to find her strength and respect as a leader but her men make sure to support her— heart, body and soul— because her vision is a dream worth attempting. Their relationship deepens but their missing member is a constant missing piece and their highest priority.
Their why choose still heats up with more depravity and debauchery —including chase scenes, group stuff, breath play and so much more. Corrupting your mind in the BEST way!

The story gets darker and more twisted— while remaining just as adventurous and sexually satisfying as the last. Can’t wait to see Robin turn her dream into reality and tackle the monarchy.
#
✨⭐️✨

“𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓃’𝓉 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓊𝓈 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽, 𝓁𝒾𝓉𝓉𝓁𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃. 𝒴𝑜𝓊’𝓋𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎 𝓂𝒶𝓃 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒.”

[Jurnee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional! Plot heavy! Suspenseful!

Wow! I just love the author’s writing style. Pulled me right in every time I opened this book. The characters feel so authentic and realistic. There are a lot of comments about the life of women at this time and it doesn’t ever feel over exaggerated, it feels right. So much corruption and hate and pure evil exists in the world… and this shines a big light on it.

Robin’s struggles always felt appropriate, and a win was always well earned. Finding Little John took time and a lot of effort and failures to trudge through, making that moment feel so satisfying.

Smut was delicious! I loved every moment Robin had with her men, but especially the group scene. That was powerful for more than just the sexiness of it. Also the bit of MM going on was wonderful and felt so accurate to their characters.

I’ll definitely be reading more!

[Linda Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for “Huntress of Sherwood” after reading its predecessor was very difficult. It’s so much more than a smutty retelling of a classic tale we all know. K.C. Kingmaker so expertly retold and recreated Robin, Little John, Will Scarlet and the rest of the Merry Men that I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to think of the classic the same. These books will forever we what I compare retelling and re-imaginations against🥵💙❤️ this was an excellent extension of the first book and I honestly didn’t know what to expect as the story progressed. While there is somewhat of a “happy ending”, this does not come without loss and you’re still left wanting more at the cliffhanger type ending. Cannot wait to read more of this author’s works 💛

[Rania Laham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin and her Merry Men just can’t seem to catch a break, well, at least it seems that way. In actual fact, book two in Kingmaker’s Robin Hood retelling shows the FMC’s growth as she had been forced into leadership, and has a tentative yet also secure hold – I know, contradictory – read it and you will see what I mean. Multiple POVs, spice level is high (as it should be), but oh how my heart breaks for the suffering – not saying who’s or how many character’s, just know there is a strand of darkness woven in the plot. Just know, you have to read it!! Very much a sequel to Daughter of Sherwood, so start there and trust me, you will not regret it. Another 5 stars for smooth writing that immerses you in the world that was built, great character building, and one hell of a ride!

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling continuation of the Sherwood series!

There is so much going on in this, the second story of K.C. Kingmaker’s version of Robin Hood and the Merry Men. This story is more filled with emotion than the first installment. The first one was bad enough with everything Robin had endured, just to find Little John missing and her so-called “dead” brother at the end of it. Our tale here picks up there and makes the first one look like a fairy tale. Yes, the story is dark, but oh so wonderfully written and emotionally charged. I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried while reading this, more than once. After reading this, I just can’t wait to read where K.C. Kingmaker takes us next. I cannot recommend this story highly enough.

[Chai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loveee. Went here after reading Book 1. It didn’t disappoint! I thought this would be the last book but there’s still one.
What I liked about this book is it really has an interesting story. Gave me emotional roller coaster.

What I really like was the characters aren’t perfect. They are flawed like every person and that makes them human. The situations/scenes/circumstances DOESN’t go always as planned as they want it to be and that makes it real. They’re fighting for something other than for themselves. They have a dream and for them to be able to achieve it, they must go through hardships, trauma, death, emotional baggage. I like how it has been tackled. It’s really a journey. And it doesn’t end here.


Arc read. Honest review left voluntarily

[☽｡⋆ Shells (jlreads_) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2nd instalment is much better, I did enjoy this. Most especially because the plot plotting also somehow and the characters are developing, especially the relationship in some sense.

Robin is now more likeable, I would say that she is now becoming endearing, I'm excited to see more of her in the next instalment.

I would also like to mention GURL, which I forgot the name of. I hate her. And this guy named Guy, I don't know, but something significant might happen to him and to Robin, and it's not good, for now I hate him.

Overall, this was good. There is just something that I felt like that was missed. 3.5⭐️

* thank you to the author for the e-arc *

[Meisa Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Daughter of Sherwood. It did not disappoint and I was immersed in this terrific story.

The plot and the characters were wonderful and the writing and language used to describe encounters and relationships between the characters was fantastic with the descriptions.

This book is truly a page turner that keeps the reader entertained and anxiously awaiting the final book in this trilogy.

[Courtney Hurd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the second book in this series!! We get more of Robin and her Merry Men, and there’s so much action. Also has all the spice you could want. Make sure to check the trigger warnings, and if you’re like me and don’t have any, dive into this action-packed book.

It does end on a cliffhanger and will continue in book 3.

[Amy Laudick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huntress of Sherwood is the second book in the Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men series and it did not disappoint! This book is full of spice and action as Robin and her merry men search for Little John. The author introduces us to some new characters as the storyline continues with a few twists and turns, ending with a cliffhanger. Can't wait for book #3!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book I needed! I LOVED the character building and learning more about Robin and her Merry Men helped me connect with them. I'm all for Robin's glow up into a strong leader she will become. The spice do be spicing so nice 🫠 but we don't lose any of the delicious plot. Prefect book to follow the first ❤️

[Kat ☠️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️s. As always Kingmaker kills it. Robin and The Merry Men are just a dream. This 2nd book was definitely darker than the first one. But it was like watching an action, romance, and mystery movie all in one. I loved it and will definitely continue to read this series!! Please read the trigger warnings before reading this book!

[Danielle Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible second installment of this Robin hood retelling.. the heat 🥵 is definitely fire.. the character development and plot line really leaves you wanting more.. and the ending.. Well... that it all there is to say really lol 😆

[Jasdda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this second book in the retelling of Robin Hood and her Merry Men. Wonderful storytelling and plot kept me hooked and unable to put this book down! Spice level o good!!! S excited to find this it there will be a 3rd book to complete the story!!!!

[Sara Persman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well...what can I can say except that I was shocked, moved and awed by this book! This is the second book in this series and it was a roller-coaster of emotions. As always I do love the dynamics between Robin and her men, the heartbreak I felt for little John still hits when I think about it. There are new characters that are introduced, more drama, plenty of yummy spice, and the ending.... well that definitely left me wanting more!

[Tamara Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so good! I cannot wait for the next book. I love Robin. She’s feisty and fun. The Merry Men are wonderful because of their differences. The story is full of action and twists and turns. It’s a fun and exciting read from start to finish. I definitely recommend this series!

[Lisa Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues but with Robin in charge! They are trying to find Little John. But they always get into battles! You need to get this book! I couldn't put it down!!

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was nonstop angst and tension. Robin and her merry men had a lot of obstacles to overcome and the hits just keep on coming. I'm totally invested in this series and looking forward to book 3.

[Jane Who Reads]

Dnf unfortunately

Lost my interest and couldn’t get back into it

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

slay!!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!!

A saucy, sexy follow-up to the first installment!
Fans of the legend will love all the little Easter eggs! (Much the Miller's Son!) Also, KC Kingmaker knows the history surrounding the legends and creates a fantastic backdrop for this red-blooded group of characters!
While her Camelot Untold trilogy is still my favorite, this is definitely one of my fav Robin Hood retelling!