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Ashburne Chronicles #1
The Hunter
What do you do when you've had a crush on the local deputy since the moment you walked into town? Gather your courage and invite him to a Halloween party. Easy right? Not really.
The party sucks and plan B falls apart within minutes. He isn’t the man you thought he was. No, he’s a damn monster hiding in plain sight.
But Ashburne isn’t like other towns and nothing is what it seems. Especially on Halloween.
The party sucks and plan B falls apart within minutes. He isn’t the man you thought he was. No, he’s a damn monster hiding in plain sight.
But Ashburne isn’t like other towns and nothing is what it seems. Especially on Halloween.
- GenresDark Romance
59 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2024
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Jade Marshall
91 books421 followersSouth African author of romance with a dark side
Mother, wife, animal lover, alcohol consumer...
English, Afrikaans, and sarcasm are the only languages I understand.
Evernight Publishing Author & Acquiring Editor.
It's official!
Check out the submission requirements here - https://www.evernightpublishing.com/g...
or for Evernight Teen - https://www.evernightteen.com/submiss...
Mother, wife, animal lover, alcohol consumer...
English, Afrikaans, and sarcasm are the only languages I understand.
Evernight Publishing Author & Acquiring Editor.
It's official!
Check out the submission requirements here - https://www.evernightpublishing.com/g...
or for Evernight Teen - https://www.evernightteen.com/submiss...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 10, 2024
The Hunter was a spooky novella about Sage and Burke. Was it a little problematic in terms of the very obvious noncon/dubcon? Yeah, a bit. But I read a lot of dark romance and I also know Jade wouldn’t write a romance without a HEA.
Burke has been crushing on Sage for a while bordering on obsession. When Sage asks him to a Halloween party, things get dirty fast.
Short and smutty, I liked it. I do think this story would have benefited from being longer. Jade writes really well and creates really great characters and I 💯 believe a longer story would be amazing. I loved Burke and his alpha maleness as well as his cinnamon roll side. I liked Sage and I’m glad she gave Burke a shot😂 and didn’t actually shoot him. I hope Jade writes more in this world!
Burke has been crushing on Sage for a while bordering on obsession. When Sage asks him to a Halloween party, things get dirty fast.
“I don’t want you, Sage. I crave you, more than my next fucking breath. I want to pin you to the ground and rip this pretty dress from your body, I want to fuck you until you cry and then I want to pump you full of my seed and get you pregnant so you can never leave me. That’s what I want.”
Short and smutty, I liked it. I do think this story would have benefited from being longer. Jade writes really well and creates really great characters and I 💯 believe a longer story would be amazing. I loved Burke and his alpha maleness as well as his cinnamon roll side. I liked Sage and I’m glad she gave Burke a shot😂 and didn’t actually shoot him. I hope Jade writes more in this world!
December 7, 2024
The Hunter is Book 1 of the Ashburne Chronicles. It's a steamy, friends-to-lovers, opposites-attract, curvy girl gets her hunk paranormal Halloween dark romance. There are definitely triggers in this darker romance, so be warned of some dubcon-noncon scenes. Sage is a curvy waitress with some self-esteem issues. Burke is a hunky deputy obsessed with Sage. When she asks him to a Halloween party, things get freaky, steamy, and a bit dark. This couple did have insane chemistry, and we did get an HEA, but this was darker than some of Jade's other books.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 7, 2025
I enjoyed this read. Started off sweet and turned dark.
October 22, 2024
(Dear Goodreads... Please upgrade your rating system where a reader can also give negative ratings to book .. especially the ones that contain rape and other similar abuses)
Did not even read chapter 9. I do not define Rape as romance never have never will.
What surprises me are the those who are giving it 4 or 5 star when it is not even worth 1 star.
He is taking advantage of her against her will and ... somewhere he is telling himself to stop but he wont because of another voice....
What about her voice, whether she is physically feeling different but she is still saying the words ...NO STOP PLEASE DON'T STOP ...STOP...STOP she is pleading.... She is Crying... Tears Are ROLLING
Rape victims are also yelling screaming , pleading crying to F**** STOP
SO what I am trying to figure out is why even write something like this.. an action against someone's will. Bullying work the same way doesn't it...
Do we find it funny, heroic etc NO We raise our voices that NO this is not right just because someone is different that does not give ANYONE any right to abuse them, suppress them , torment them.
Here what readers that gave this book 4 or 5 stars are apparently finding it romantic when he will just take actions on his will and not LISTEN TO HER PLEADS AND TEARS AND CRIES.
This is not how it is suppose to be , either in fiction or in reality.
This ...Should .... Not ..... Be .... Promoted
where the man (or even woman) is enjoying themselves with this kind of action whereas the other is in pain.
Smell the reality readers. ...even in fiction ..at least let's keep these kind of actions shunned and forbidden.
No excuses
Did not even read chapter 9. I do not define Rape as romance never have never will.
What surprises me are the those who are giving it 4 or 5 star when it is not even worth 1 star.
He is taking advantage of her against her will and ... somewhere he is telling himself to stop but he wont because of another voice....
What about her voice, whether she is physically feeling different but she is still saying the words ...NO STOP PLEASE DON'T STOP ...STOP...STOP she is pleading.... She is Crying... Tears Are ROLLING
Rape victims are also yelling screaming , pleading crying to F**** STOP
SO what I am trying to figure out is why even write something like this.. an action against someone's will. Bullying work the same way doesn't it...
Do we find it funny, heroic etc NO We raise our voices that NO this is not right just because someone is different that does not give ANYONE any right to abuse them, suppress them , torment them.
Here what readers that gave this book 4 or 5 stars are apparently finding it romantic when he will just take actions on his will and not LISTEN TO HER PLEADS AND TEARS AND CRIES.
This is not how it is suppose to be , either in fiction or in reality.
This ...Should .... Not ..... Be .... Promoted
where the man (or even woman) is enjoying themselves with this kind of action whereas the other is in pain.
Smell the reality readers. ...even in fiction ..at least let's keep these kind of actions shunned and forbidden.
No excuses
October 9, 2024
3.5 stars--THE HUNTER is the first instalment in Jade Marshall’s contemporary, adult THE ASHBURN CHRONICLES dark, paranormal series. This is Deputy Burke Davis, and diner waitress Sage Willis’ story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE TRIGGERS for more sensitive readers
Told from dual first person perspectives (Sage and Burke) THE HUNTER follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Sage Willis is a curvy woman with issues of low self esteem but an invite to a Halloween party forces Sage to ask Deputy Burke Davis to go as her plus-one. A scavenger hunt draws the attention of our couple, and what happens next will change their lives forever.
The world building covers but a few hours in the life. The town of Ashburne hides a dark secret, and Sage and Burke are about to become both its’ willing and unwilling victims.
The relationship between Sage and Burke is a friends to lovers but their first night together is filled with questionable actions and consent. As Sage struggles with what is happening and why, Burke is no longer in control of the man inside. The $ex scenes are aggressive and frenzied, and not without dubious eroticized consent.
THE HUNTER is a story of power and control, and the supernatural. The premise is dark and dramatic; the characters are desperate, determined and frantic
**HEED the TRIGGER WARNINGS**
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE TRIGGERS for more sensitive readers
Told from dual first person perspectives (Sage and Burke) THE HUNTER follows the building relationship between our story line couple. Sage Willis is a curvy woman with issues of low self esteem but an invite to a Halloween party forces Sage to ask Deputy Burke Davis to go as her plus-one. A scavenger hunt draws the attention of our couple, and what happens next will change their lives forever.
The world building covers but a few hours in the life. The town of Ashburne hides a dark secret, and Sage and Burke are about to become both its’ willing and unwilling victims.
The relationship between Sage and Burke is a friends to lovers but their first night together is filled with questionable actions and consent. As Sage struggles with what is happening and why, Burke is no longer in control of the man inside. The $ex scenes are aggressive and frenzied, and not without dubious eroticized consent.
THE HUNTER is a story of power and control, and the supernatural. The premise is dark and dramatic; the characters are desperate, determined and frantic
**HEED the TRIGGER WARNINGS**
October 21, 2024
The book starts out all sweet and unrequited love between the Deputy Burke and Sage Willis the waitress that he is obsessed with since he met her. Sage is chubby and people make fun of her and I like her viewpoint regarding happiness and eating what she wants. She has had a crush on Burke since they met and since it is Halloween, she asks him to join her for a party she was invited to. However, having been born and raised in Ashburne for five gens, Burke knows the legends. Well they bit him, and he changes a bit. I like that they get together, I dislike what the legend did, but I understand it. Plus, it Skeeved me and freaked me out. However, since everything does work out because they talk, I’m happy with the ending. I think the legend should’ve been more explained earlier in the book, instead of a quick glossing over. That’s why it didn’t hit my awesome read radar. But, I do want to know more about the town and the people and the legend. Plus, about the earlier instances.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 22, 2024
This dark short story follows a moment in the lives of a waitress and a sheriff whose friendly date doesn't quite go according to plan. While the story is quite well-written, it didn't hold my interest. I didn't like that FMC was presented according to the often repeated pattern of a woman with low self-esteem who cannot believe that such a handsome sheriff could be interested in someone who is fat. In my opinion, even before the main events, the dominant feelings from sheriff were lust and possessiveness, but no deeper interest in FMC. On the plus side, I can count the fact that the main culprit who messed up the characters' lives turned out to be a different Supernatural creature than I initially suspected. If you like dark erotic stories, this short story is for you. However, if you are not familiar with Jade Marshall's work, then definitely check out triggers warning.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2024
Well written, fast paced novella. Please be aware of the triggers the author warns about, may not be for some. Burke is a deputy who shows up at a diner everyday to see Sage. Sage is a curvy woman who is a waitress there, single and crushing on Burke. As she serves him his coffee, she asks him if he would like to go to a Halloween party with her. Once there , both decide that it's not their scene so they leave to go elsewhere to enjoy the night. They go to an Halloween festival for families and yet they head into the woods. Other people are around them yet he dares her to run and he would find her, which he does. Has lots of hot scenes, with a little mystery , some twists and surprises involved. Both get their happily ever after which she repeats the following Halloween. Would recommend to some.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2024
1 ⭐️
Vamos a empezar con que estamos leyendo sobre cómo Violan a una chica cuando en repetidas ocasiones dice que no, que no quiere, y el piensa textualmente “no me importa si quiere o no”
Vamos a seguir con la historia como tal que es una puta mierda, porque no tiene sentido que un fantasma se le meta al chico cuando la viola y así hacer como que el prota es un santo que no quería, porque antes de eso él quería igualmente ella quisiera o no.
Y terminamos con la protagonista diciendo que desde ese día el sexo era aburrido y no tan emocionante como cuando la violaron asique propone recrear la escena?
Y a todo esto que se me había olvidado, no se conocen. Se ven desde hace 6 meses porque ella se muda al pueblo de él y los dos se gustan pero no se hablan. 👍
Me encantaría no haber leído este libro y ni lo recomiendo ni lo volvería a leer ni borracha.
Vamos a empezar con que estamos leyendo sobre cómo Violan a una chica cuando en repetidas ocasiones dice que no, que no quiere, y el piensa textualmente “no me importa si quiere o no”
Vamos a seguir con la historia como tal que es una puta mierda, porque no tiene sentido que un fantasma se le meta al chico cuando la viola y así hacer como que el prota es un santo que no quería, porque antes de eso él quería igualmente ella quisiera o no.
Y terminamos con la protagonista diciendo que desde ese día el sexo era aburrido y no tan emocionante como cuando la violaron asique propone recrear la escena?
Y a todo esto que se me había olvidado, no se conocen. Se ven desde hace 6 meses porque ella se muda al pueblo de él y los dos se gustan pero no se hablan. 👍
Me encantaría no haber leído este libro y ni lo recomiendo ni lo volvería a leer ni borracha.
October 5, 2024
The Date
This quick darkish read starts with a waitress, sheriff, Halloween, and a forest. She is all about the small-town feel and the hot sheriff. He is a bit... different that shows the day of the date. She is a bit down on herself, liking the Sheriff but why would he like her? He with her thinking he's in the friend zone.
So yeah, the story was okay, I've read Jade before and liked it, this one not so much. There is a slight monkey wrench thrown in the story and I was good with that, I even like the story. The characters or me was a bit off. Didn't get that connect vibe from either of them.
the story did check the heat box. Again the story was okay, try it out.
This quick darkish read starts with a waitress, sheriff, Halloween, and a forest. She is all about the small-town feel and the hot sheriff. He is a bit... different that shows the day of the date. She is a bit down on herself, liking the Sheriff but why would he like her? He with her thinking he's in the friend zone.
So yeah, the story was okay, I've read Jade before and liked it, this one not so much. There is a slight monkey wrench thrown in the story and I was good with that, I even like the story. The characters or me was a bit off. Didn't get that connect vibe from either of them.
the story did check the heat box. Again the story was okay, try it out.
October 9, 2024
Sage and Burkes has been flirting with each other since they met, neither of them are sure the other is into dating.
They go out for date and thats when things get serious for them.
Burkes is possessed because it’s Halloween and the veil has thinned so the sprints can see and visit. The spirit makes Burkes revert to his basic cave-man ways.
Sage isn’t into what Burkes is doing, but in the end she enjoys it, even though she’s upset at him.
They are together and then their love grows and they go back to the place it all began for them r their first anniversary .
They go out for date and thats when things get serious for them.
Burkes is possessed because it’s Halloween and the veil has thinned so the sprints can see and visit. The spirit makes Burkes revert to his basic cave-man ways.
Sage isn’t into what Burkes is doing, but in the end she enjoys it, even though she’s upset at him.
They are together and then their love grows and they go back to the place it all began for them r their first anniversary .
October 20, 2024
This was a spooky and edgy Halloween romance that brings together Sage and Burke. He's a deputy that realizes he's obsessed with Sage but really doesn't care enough to do anything about it...other than follow his impulses. This does leave us with dubcon but the author always has my back with a fab HEA and this one was no different. Expect an exciting romance that brings on the primal chase, possession and hot spice as these two figure out that their town really is more than they think, and get their happy ending - with anniversary re-runs ;P Good steamy fun :D
October 21, 2024
Burke is the hot deputy in town and has been drawn to Sage since she moved there.
Sage is a waitress and curvy. She is attracted to Burke and ask him to attend a Halloween party with her. Burke jumps at the opportunity.
The night turns strange as an unseen force takes over Burke. He acts out of character but it’s his deepest darkest desires.
This book was an interesting short read slightly on the erotica side. Burke is a strong alpha character and Sage is the sweet vulnerable character who is out of her element.
It was just in time for the spooky season.
Sage is a waitress and curvy. She is attracted to Burke and ask him to attend a Halloween party with her. Burke jumps at the opportunity.
The night turns strange as an unseen force takes over Burke. He acts out of character but it’s his deepest darkest desires.
This book was an interesting short read slightly on the erotica side. Burke is a strong alpha character and Sage is the sweet vulnerable character who is out of her element.
It was just in time for the spooky season.
October 23, 2024
Halloween Romance
Sage, a waitress at a local diner and Burke the town deputy have been flirting with each other. They finally decide to go on a date to a Halloween party when things go awry. Their little town has a lot of supernatural activity and this causes their date to take a strange turn.
This was an interesting Halloween themed read that was unique to me. Some of the content may be triggering such a dubios/non consent. Some slightly darker elements to this story, but overall entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sage, a waitress at a local diner and Burke the town deputy have been flirting with each other. They finally decide to go on a date to a Halloween party when things go awry. Their little town has a lot of supernatural activity and this causes their date to take a strange turn.
This was an interesting Halloween themed read that was unique to me. Some of the content may be triggering such a dubios/non consent. Some slightly darker elements to this story, but overall entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2024
Sage has had a crush on Deputy Burke since she came to town. Burke comes into the diner daily just to see Sage. She takes a chance and invites him to a Halloween party she was invited to, of course he says yes.
There are stories around the odd things that happen in the town on Halloween, Burke feels an odd feeling come over him just before his date. This is a creepy and steamy Halloween story which may find trigger due to the noncon between the pair. There is a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There are stories around the odd things that happen in the town on Halloween, Burke feels an odd feeling come over him just before his date. This is a creepy and steamy Halloween story which may find trigger due to the noncon between the pair. There is a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 13, 2024
The Hunter is the first book in the Ashburne Chronicles. I do not know what to think of this story. I read it quickly and found it to be a bit disturbing. I understood that Sage and Burke were in lust, but no means no. Regardless, they reconciled all of that in the end. The story has a Halloween or All Hallow's Eve theme that should have been explained a bit better. I will read the next book in the series to see if it resonates better than this one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2024
This was super hot! New in town waitress (Sage) and town deputy (Burke) both have crushes on each other. The night of Halloween, Sage asks if Burke will come to a halloween party with her. Burke is super hot and seems like a great guy...until he's not.... Their night in the woods could definitely be described as noncon. But Sage is confused about why she enjoyed being chased and then taken. HEA too.
October 23, 2024
This is the first book in the Ashburne Chronicles series. This is the story of Burkes and Sage. They have chemistry and attraction and flirt with each other but neither is sure about each other or makes the first move. There is tension and drama, romance and plenty of steam. Good storyline and characters a must read.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review..
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review..
November 4, 2024
Burke and Sage. Hes a Deputy and shes a waitress at the diner where he goes for coffee every morning just to see her. She invites him to a halloween party and they end up at the woods for a scavenger hunt. Thats where his possession takes place. Great ghost story. Loved it has lots of action and passion. Great entertainment.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 6, 2024
This was a great surprise. I was not expecting the sheer delight of the tabooness of the story.
Let me tell you that Burke from the first word is completely unhinged...in a very devious psycholathis loving way (LOL). Sage is sweet and is definietly prey.
Please read the CW cause this crosses lines and for some this may make you very very very eye cringing.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Let me tell you that Burke from the first word is completely unhinged...in a very devious psycholathis loving way (LOL). Sage is sweet and is definietly prey.
Please read the CW cause this crosses lines and for some this may make you very very very eye cringing.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2025
This was book 1 in The Ashburne Chronicles which centres around Ashburne, the most haunted town in the world.
It does contain scenes that may be upsetting to some readers so make sure you check the TW’s.
Burke is a deputy obsessed with the fat girl Sage and they go on a date on Halloween which turns out not as expected.
Short, steamy, disturbing and descriptive - Halloween will never be the same again.
It does contain scenes that may be upsetting to some readers so make sure you check the TW’s.
Burke is a deputy obsessed with the fat girl Sage and they go on a date on Halloween which turns out not as expected.
Short, steamy, disturbing and descriptive - Halloween will never be the same again.
October 4, 2024
Sage and Burke have crushes on each other and when she invtes him to a Halloween party, she soon discovers theres more to Burke and the new town she's in especially on Halloween! Well written steamy fast paced romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2024
This is very much a read for the fall season and Halloween. All is not what it seems on the night of All Hallows eve. This quick read brings a fantasy read to a whole new level - be warned :). Please read the trigger warnings before beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2024
My mind became conflicted while reading the story. It started off nice and sweet, but then took a dark turn into non-consensual themes, which relates to the title. After that, the ghostly elements shifted the tone again, steering it towards a more adventurous and uplifting direction.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2024
This was a short, dark story with primal play, non con and a slight paranormal element, just in time for a Halloween read. It does go from sweet to super dark so definitely be aware of trigger warnings.
Will be interesting to see where other books in this series takes us.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Will be interesting to see where other books in this series takes us.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 4, 2024
I honestly don't know how to feel about this book. It was very short. Sage is a waitress in Ashburn and since she's moved there she's had a crush on Deputy Burke. Unbeknownst to her he's also attracted to her. So when she asked him out to Halloween party things take a serious turn.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 9, 2024
Quick and Spicy!
A first date on Halloween, in a town where it’s rumored people get possessed… This short story was fun, dirty and spicy! If you like men in uniform, being chased, being handled roughly, breeding kink, dub-con, being recorded, ghostly possession… then you’ll love this! FYI… pregnancy towards the end. (For those that aren’t into that)
A first date on Halloween, in a town where it’s rumored people get possessed… This short story was fun, dirty and spicy! If you like men in uniform, being chased, being handled roughly, breeding kink, dub-con, being recorded, ghostly possession… then you’ll love this! FYI… pregnancy towards the end. (For those that aren’t into that)
October 5, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down, Oh my it was perfect. i would have loved it to be longer, it is Spicy. If you like Spicy you will like this book. Sage is a waitress and Burke is a deputy and the unspoken chemistry between the two is fire.
October 6, 2024
Halloween the Hunter Is Lose
From the moment she arrived in town, he was attracted to her not knowing she felt the same way.
A hot intense dark read. He wanted her, he hunted her and he claimed her!.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From the moment she arrived in town, he was attracted to her not knowing she felt the same way.
A hot intense dark read. He wanted her, he hunted her and he claimed her!.
I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2024
This is a short, action packed, seriously steamy story. I had to go back and read a second time. Now I wish it was longer. Jade is an amazing storyteller giving us a seriously fine Halloween story of possession by a spirit. I was so lost in each scene and it was hard to put this book down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews