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Hurting Hunter

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Inside the walls of Thorns & Roses is the only place Hunter Maddox can truly be himself.

The only place he can get on his knees for another man, the only place he can surrender himself to the likes of Ethan Stephenson. In the club, they are a perfect match, one needing pain as much as the other needs to give it.

Outside the club, it’s a different story. As the president of Overdrive MC, Hunter is used to operating on the opposite side of the law from Detective Stephenson. They have nothing in common—and everything keeping them apart.

Until they’re faced with an unimaginable horror plaguing their town. Now, they’ll have to wade into each other’s worlds if they have any hope of saving the people they care for the most.

And of finally letting the love they’ve kept in the dark for so long out into the light.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2024

11 people are currently reading
18 people want to read

About the author

Karen Nappa

81 books285 followers
Karen Nappa is an Amazon bestselling author of Seasoned BDSM romance with HEA. Her books are available at the popular retailers and include series such as the Club Indigo series and The Quinn Quartet.

Immersed in the D/s lifestyle herself, she writes realistic albeit romantic stories. When not dominated by her cats or her Master (in that order—even if it earns her a spanking!), she loves going places to discover the stories waiting to be written.

She resides in the Netherlands with her dominant husband, two adult-ish sons—and whoever they might drag home with them—and, of course, her two Chausie cats. If she isn’t writing or texting with friends, she’s probably reading, running, or listening to heavy metal.

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5 stars
39 (59%)
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15 (22%)
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7 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Cécile Smits .
1,468 reviews286 followers
August 7, 2024
Karen Nappa’s Doms in Uniforms focuses on Ethan this time,the very intriguing police detective.
Ever since i met him,i wanted to hear more about him,and who would be the one that could make him happy.
Knowing Karen,i was sure she’d introduce the perfect partner,and she was spot on….again!

Even though Ethan and Hunter lived different lives,they had one very important thing in common….kink.
They’d met before,and never expected to see eachother at Thorns & Roses of all places.
But once they did,the chemistry between them was off the scales.
Hunter longed to let go,and Ethan wanted to take control.
And Ethan turned out to be the man that Hunter wanted to be dominated by.

At Thorns & Roses they stopped being the biker and the detective.
There,they became the Dom and the sub that had an instant connection that only grew with each encounter.
There,the trust between them grew,and it spread into their daily lives.
And as it turned out,they needed that trust,badly!

Because Ethan was working on a case that had Hunter’s interest.
He was gathering information for his MC, the ECO,on the same trafficking ring that Ethan was investigating.
Working on the case together,helping eachother from different angles,was the logical thing to do.
And when they were getting too close,those bastards fought dirty,really dirty.
Guess who threatened to be the casualties of war……
Would they be able to solve the case,and stop the enemy before it was too late??

Ethan and Hunter’s connection was instant once they gave into temptation.
From that first moment,when they locked eyes at Thorns & Roses,right until the end,their relationship was solid,and the chemistry between them was off the charts.

It was the enemy that was the main threat,and had me biting my nails.
The challenges Ethan and Hunter had to face,and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat.
The twists and turns kept me guessing throughout,wondering who the enemy was,and how they could beat them.
Hoping that both men would come out of it unscathed…….



Karen gave me everything i wanted,and more with this story!
I can safely say she left me satisfied in every way i can think of……
Profile Image for Arin Baur.
587 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2024
Interesting I was really impressed with this book and happy I personally loved that it shows a lot of things besides sexual between the characters. One of the many things I have noticed about this author that I enjoy about the story telling is that we learn a lot of the journey the characters go through both by themselves and together. Like finding inner strength to be comfortable with one self not letting others put you down for who you are/ what you want. We see a lot of amazing things in this book like that alongside learning to let other people help you I really am inspired by the strength, patience, courage, compassion and lots more in this book! It’s definitely worth reading and will keep you on your toes with the mystery, crime, intense emotions, action packed, page turner, among other things. It kinda reminds me of law and order SVU vibes I am so happy with the outcome I couldn’t put this book down once I got started. Other thing I loved about this book/ the whole series so far is how close the friendships are they are so loving, caring, understanding willing to do anything for each other and there are plenty of funny moments too!
Profile Image for Stormy Lamb.
420 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2024
Hunter and Ethan

This story follows Hunter and Ethan. Two men who feel like they are completely opposite ends but slowly start to learn they are more similar then they realize. Falling in love while trying to navigate betrayal in every direction they fight together to bring peace to those who need it. Such a great read!
Profile Image for Reading by Deb.
1,181 reviews33 followers
August 10, 2024
Hunter 'Crosscut' Maddox stepped into the Thorns & Roses BDSM club with both nervousness and anticipation. Anticipation that he would find what he was he was looking for and nervous that he would be recognized as the touch VP of the Emerald City Overdrive MC.

His eyes were drawn to the scene taking place on the stage of a man and woman, who obviously cared deeply for each other, and another tall powerful man welding a whip. Both men frequently checking on the woman on the St. Andrew's Cross.

He was mesmerized by the power and control of the man welding the whip and knew he had found what he was looking for. He stopped his approach in shock as he drew closer to the stage and he met the eyes of his fantasy.

It was none other than Ethan Stephenson a man he knew only too well as his MC club had had several run-ins with the Seattle Detective. But when he crooked his finger Hunter couldn't stop himself and approached the Dom.

MM is not my normal genre but I really enjoyed Ethan and Hunter's story. Two men from opposing sides of the law who are brought together not only by their own desire but merging resources to take down a trafficking ring.

This book is action-packed and full of danger. Although this book can be read as a standalone and has its own HEA, the characters are recurring so you might want to start from the beginning of this series. If you like MM romance you will love this book.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
August 10, 2024
I adored this pair. Their story felt like a modern retelling of a male-male version of Romeo and Juliet – just with a bit less dying. I’m blown away by how the author showed us the combination of strong and vulnerable both Ethan and Hunter needed to be in order to navigate their relationship and their lives. The overlapping cases they were working kept me just as glued to the page as the amazing chemistry between these two. And now I’m a little desperate to find out how the events of this book will shape the stories to come.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author through StoryOrigin.
377 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2024
Beautifully and sensitively written

A story of courage, trust, truth, and exploration. Hunter finds himself drawn to Ethan. One a biker grey hat hacker, the other a detective. Together they are stronger.

This book features drama, suspense, steam, and a wonderful story not to be missed.
Profile Image for Kaye Robinson.
937 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2024
I have been anticipating Ethan’s story for a while and for the stern and direct police detective Dom to find Hunter an MC biker and white hat hacker who operates in the grey as submissive has been well worth the wait with both characters are on the far ends of the spectrum but with kink in common they build their relationship around this…the threat of an evil cause that entwines betrayal, suspense, drama, heartache with camaraderie, trust, joy, and the thrill of teamwork made this a joy to read…
93 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2024
Loved Hurting Hunter! Definitely loved the “meet cute“ at the club. Super steamy BDSM scenes. We then get into suspense of both of their jobs, I love how it was all brought down. I typically don’t go for the MC genre but this was good. Full length, BDSM, standalone, m/m. Highly recommend! Morning, buddy.
2,049 reviews3 followers
Read
September 1, 2024
3.5*

I don’t normally read MM romance, but I enjoy this author so it was an easy decision.

I liked the conflict that came from two strong men, important in their own fields, forging a Dom/sub relationship. Unfortunately, though, the outing to their professional and social relationships isn’t covered at all, which left me really disappointed.

Overall, this is a well written, enjoyable story, but it missed a major step for me
Profile Image for Lora Cimino.
820 reviews14 followers
January 2, 2025
Engaging story!!

This is the first book of Karen Nap pass that I have read but it won't be the last. I expected to get a romance story but was surprised by the other parts of the story that were full of action, danger and betrayal. Ethan and Hunter work together to bring down a human trafficking ring and the crooked cops who work with them. So while this is definitely a hot passionate book it is also has an element of suspense. I loved this story, Ethan and Hunter are well developed characters with layers to their personalities. This well written book will not disappoint!
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,385 reviews58 followers
September 15, 2024
Hunter is the VP of his MC. Ethan is a cop. They meet at a BDSM club and are instantly attracted. Hunter likes pain. Ethan likes to inflict it. While on different sides of the law, both are working on a human trafficking case and provide aid to one another on the case. Can they overlook being on different sides of the law? Will they break the trafficking ring? Will they survive?

I enjoyed this. I liked that they were on different sides of the law. I also enjoyed watching each work the trafficking case from the different sides. Hunter could do things that Ethan could not. I enjoyed watching Ethan have to take on a new partner as he was getting close to solving the case. I liked that she had his back. When the story comes out, it is good to see good win over evil. I liked that Hunter and Ethan get their happy ever after, and no one is judging.

I plan on getting the rest of the series.
983 reviews9 followers
September 8, 2024
This story is about two entirely different people. One is a detective while the other the other is a MC at a biker club. The one thing they have in common is Thorns and Roses a bdsm club.
There Ethan loves to dish out pain and Hunter loves to receive it. At the club is the only place where they can be themselves. That is until they get together. Ethan and his partner are working on a case when he next goes to work it’s to find someone clearing his partner desk. Ethan is told that he had leave due and has retired now he is given a new partner who turns out too be a clumsy young woman. They are working on kidnapping and selling young women and girls but the captain wants them working on the biker club. I’m not going to spoil the rest only to say I enjoyed it even though it is not my usual read.
16 reviews
October 21, 2024
The first MM novel I liked. Karen's description of hot MM scenes sounds real because she draws on firsthand observation. (I asked her.)
The two men have a visceral connection that develops into friendship and love. The background story connects them professionally with both of them hunting the same criminal group. I wonder whether Karen will draw on this plot to write a second novel with the same characters. Maybe with Ethan's assistant?
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,226 reviews34 followers
September 15, 2024
Hurting Hunter is the book of Karen Nappa's I've read. I have to say I found thoroughly entertaining with a good mix of danger, suspense, fast paced action and spicy sizzle. Ethan and Hunter come from opposite end of the spectrum so they must straddle the line of laws and outlaws. Hunter is drawn to Ethan like a moth to a flame. Ethan is completely intrigued by this biker. Their relationship solidifies as they both ind themselves working on taking down a trafficking organization but not before some some bogus accusations are made via a corrupt official causing them to be pulled apart. While the outcome is positive it's not without tragedy. But do not fear these two begin a happy life when all is said and done.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,702 reviews9 followers
August 11, 2024
I loved the idea of two strong men, on opposite sides of the law, coming together in a secret relationship that goes against everything expected of them. Hurting Hunter had all the elements needed for a fantastic story. Hunter may be a tough MC brother and Club VP, but his kinky side calls for him to submit and Ethan was perfect for him. The book also grabbed your interest as they find they are both trying to put an end to corruption and trafficking. However, there are two issues that seemed to have been completely skipped. There's a fantastic build up to Hunter almost getting caught and then, wait, did I miss something? The same with when their relationship is out in the open. I can only assume the MC was okay with every facet of Hunter and Ethan.
Profile Image for Fiona.
2,762 reviews32 followers
August 7, 2024
This was a really good story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Ethan and Hunter started their relationship with what they perceive as obstacles in their way, but little did they realise how much their love for each other would help them to weather the battles they had ahead and to a final acceptance from those around them. I loved the way the characters developed in their relationship and accepted their roles in each other’s lives, and eventually to a happily ever after.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to read and I am reviewing with my honest and fair opinion.
Profile Image for Rogue London.
Author 38 books725 followers
August 12, 2024
OOOOOH! What an awesome new release from Karen Nappa.This is her book 4 in Doms in Uniform and it is spicy hot. I'm not a reader of MM usually but as it's a Karen Nappa book, who never disappoints I took a chance and wasn't disappointed.
No spoiler alerts but this book had some of my favortie aspects, like suspense, all wrapped into one articualtely written, creativerly descriptive story of two men who are opposites in every waym but manage to put aside differences without crossing thier own boundaries, for the greater good, and for their personal desires. It is a must read!
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,770 reviews63 followers
August 17, 2024
I'm fairly new to Karen Nappa's stories but I've enjoyed each one I have read. This one was so good. Ethan and Hunter, at first glance, seem to be totally opposite of each other in all ways. But are they really. They meet at Thorns and Roses because they both have "kink" in common but when danger comes, they are going to be forced to work together. Will they survive? No spoilers but if you need a really awesome MM story, definitely check this one out! It will draw you in from the first page and won't let go until it's finished!
Profile Image for Samantha Morgan.
Author 35 books40 followers
October 18, 2024
I don’t normally read MM but the blurb pulled me in and I’m so glad I read it. This book is one of those that grips on and doesn’t let go and stays with you long after you read it.

Make no mistake, it’s HOT as hell and I’d love this in an audio book because of all the dirty talk but it’s also so much more.

"Life's unpredictable. But I can be here, with you, through every storm."

Ethan and Hunter are just… chefs kiss. The love and emotion that this story has is heart warming and I’ll admit I cried. Love this book so much. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Princess TJ.
249 reviews4 followers
August 7, 2024
Every once in a while I encounter a book that makes it ohh so hard to put my thoughts to words. Ethan and Hunter's story does just that! These two men live a life and have a love for each other that moves mountains. I'm typically drawn into a story's dialogue but for this one it's the crook of a finger, the twinkle in his eye, and the steady fall of footsteps as one man leads the other. I'm a goner ... Ethan is perfection and Hunter hmm I love how he is tough yet soft in his submission.
1,602 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2024
Hurting Hunter is the 4th book in the Doms in Uniform series, but can easily be read as a standalone. Ethan's and Hunter's story is a wonderful tale of two downright good and honorable men falling in love and committing to each other despite their circumstances, which at first glance should make a relationship unlikely - think straight-laced cop and grey-hat vigilante. Yet they fit - in more ways than one and it's heartwarming to see how it all comes together for them in the end. Throw in a bit of suspense and drama and you've got a very entertaining and enjoyable read.
I was fortunate to have received an advanced copy from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.
809 reviews5 followers
August 12, 2024
Karen Nappa has written a very intense and dark love story that will educate you as you read it. The ECO’s MC is working to take care of some very nasty people in the Seattle area. Hunter is the computer guru of the MC but he also has a secret life. Thorns and Roses is a club that he visits but on one particular night he gets blindsided by the electricity arcing across the room from Sir Ethan. Little do they know that they are both working on the same issues plaguing the city. Will these two find happiness? Will they be instrumental in taking evil out of the city? There is heartache, evil and good in this story that does end on a positive note.
Profile Image for Kacey.
6 reviews
January 10, 2026
My first time reading this author as well as this type of book. I was nervous cause I am pretty strictly a suspense, crime and horror genre reader only but wanted to give this a try.

The author really did a great job with balancing sex and suspense! I was entertained and curious when Hunter and Ethan were together exploring each other but I was also very into the crime part of the book as well. Definitely will dive into another one soon!
61 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2024
Such a touching story. Opposites do attract and this story shows us how two people from different lives can come together, love each other and find their HEA. First denying an attraction, then embracing it, Ethan and Hunter learn to care for each other while learning that they can work together for the safety of their shared community. A detective and a VP of a MC work to take down a trafficking ring while figuring out who the mole is. Great read.
Profile Image for Lisa.
662 reviews
August 11, 2024
One of my favorite romance genres -- enemies to friends (and then some). Ethan and Hunter are on opposite sides of the law but that doesn't stop the sparks from flying when they unexpectedly meet up at Thorns & Roses.

What ensues is an engrossing story of love, honor and an HEA. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book -- Karen Nappa's new books are no brainers for me to read and enjoy. Definitely check this one out.
Profile Image for ander.
24 reviews
August 20, 2024
im sure if I was actually invested it would have been a great read… im just caught in a horrible slump
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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