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Hated
At twelve years old, I killed my mother and found my father dead in the bathtub.
I didn’t mean to; at least, that’s what I tell myself. Years of neglect, cruelty, and being told I wasn’t really her daughter pushed something inside me past the point of return. When she stood over me with a shattered wine glass, I snapped. Sometimes I think I regret it. Other times, I wonder if she was right—if I was never meant to be human at all.
That was a lifetime ago.
I’ve spent years learning how to hide the monster that came out that night.
But monsters recognize their own.
When my violence resurfaces and blood stains my hands once again, someone notices. Someone who saw me back then too, only he hadn’t found me yet.
Larkin never pretended to be anything but a monster. For years, he’s carved a path through the Pacific Northwest, hunting the girl who unknowingly stole his first kill. Instead of ending me, he draws me into a deadly game—one I shouldn’t enjoy, no matter how intoxicating it feels to let go with him, to beg for my hands to be soaked in more blood.
As the bodies pile up and Larkin makes it clear he has no intention of leaving, and one truth becomes impossible to ignore.
If he brings the monster in me back to life, I may never be able to cage her again.
And the most terrifying part?
I’m not sure I want to.
I didn’t mean to; at least, that’s what I tell myself. Years of neglect, cruelty, and being told I wasn’t really her daughter pushed something inside me past the point of return. When she stood over me with a shattered wine glass, I snapped. Sometimes I think I regret it. Other times, I wonder if she was right—if I was never meant to be human at all.
That was a lifetime ago.
I’ve spent years learning how to hide the monster that came out that night.
But monsters recognize their own.
When my violence resurfaces and blood stains my hands once again, someone notices. Someone who saw me back then too, only he hadn’t found me yet.
Larkin never pretended to be anything but a monster. For years, he’s carved a path through the Pacific Northwest, hunting the girl who unknowingly stole his first kill. Instead of ending me, he draws me into a deadly game—one I shouldn’t enjoy, no matter how intoxicating it feels to let go with him, to beg for my hands to be soaked in more blood.
As the bodies pile up and Larkin makes it clear he has no intention of leaving, and one truth becomes impossible to ignore.
If he brings the monster in me back to life, I may never be able to cage her again.
And the most terrifying part?
I’m not sure I want to.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2026
115 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Merlin
37 books2,098 followersAJ Merlin would rather write epic love stories than live them. I mean, who wants to limit themselves to only falling in love once? She is obsessed with dark fantasy, true crime, and also dogs. From serial killers to voyeurs all the way down to the devil himself, AJ's specialty is in writing irredeemable heroes who somehow still manage to captivate their heroines (and her readers).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 29, 2026
Feels overall rushed.
I felt like there was an odd disconnect in her writing this time around. Love all her other books in this series but this one missed the mark a bit.
I felt like there was an odd disconnect in her writing this time around. Love all her other books in this series but this one missed the mark a bit.
January 30, 2026
“You bloomed into what you were always meant to be; a depraved, fucked-up little thing who takes what doesn’t belong to her and causes other monsters to fall in love.”
^ Page 179.
I loved this one but I just didn't fully love it enough to give it anything higher than 4 stars.
I loved that Larkin and Sierra have some sort of agreement that they'll be together until they either die or until one of them kills the other. It wasn't anything fake or entirely sweet like "normal" people, it just seemed like the perfect thing for the two of them to have between them.
On the other hand, there were a few things potentially missing?
- What's Larkin's full name?
- How old is he?
- Is Sierra 24 or is my maths wrong?
Also I know that it was covered in the epilogue that Larkin would get to meet Cassian and the rest of the characters from the first five books, but I think it would've been nice to see Cassian appear for even a chapter just to show that he is a friend for Sierra. He was clearly worried about her but other than being on the other side of the phone, I feel like it was kinda like "Don't worry I got your back girl!... From right here."
^ Therefore, I politely ask for another book. Maybe we see the first 5 couples meet Sierra and Larkin. There could be another couple in the area who somehow connects them all something so we get to see their interactions? (Just an idea, I don't actually mind as I'll read almost everything by this author)
“I’m not a silly girl.”
“No, you aren’t,” Larkin agrees, his words surprising me enough that I open my eyes again after I’ve closed them. “You’re my silly girl.”
^ Page 167.
^ Page 179.
I loved this one but I just didn't fully love it enough to give it anything higher than 4 stars.
I loved that Larkin and Sierra have some sort of agreement that they'll be together until they either die or until one of them kills the other. It wasn't anything fake or entirely sweet like "normal" people, it just seemed like the perfect thing for the two of them to have between them.
On the other hand, there were a few things potentially missing?
- What's Larkin's full name?
- How old is he?
- Is Sierra 24 or is my maths wrong?
Also I know that it was covered in the epilogue that Larkin would get to meet Cassian and the rest of the characters from the first five books, but I think it would've been nice to see Cassian appear for even a chapter just to show that he is a friend for Sierra. He was clearly worried about her but other than being on the other side of the phone, I feel like it was kinda like "Don't worry I got your back girl!... From right here."
^ Therefore, I politely ask for another book. Maybe we see the first 5 couples meet Sierra and Larkin. There could be another couple in the area who somehow connects them all something so we get to see their interactions? (Just an idea, I don't actually mind as I'll read almost everything by this author)
“I’m not a silly girl.”
“No, you aren’t,” Larkin agrees, his words surprising me enough that I open my eyes again after I’ve closed them. “You’re my silly girl.”
^ Page 167.
January 30, 2026
It was alright
I really wanted to like this. I do enjoy dark romances but for some reason it didn’t connect with me like I hoped. I didn’t really enjoy them together at all. It just felt antagonistic the whole time and I didn’t really care about either of them. I guess it just wasn’t for me. I do like the whole premise.
I really wanted to like this. I do enjoy dark romances but for some reason it didn’t connect with me like I hoped. I didn’t really enjoy them together at all. It just felt antagonistic the whole time and I didn’t really care about either of them. I guess it just wasn’t for me. I do like the whole premise.
February 7, 2026
Siri play "Long Live"
🎶It's the end of an era but the start of an age 🎶
the pleasure and play series is officially over. I found aj through this series, recommend it literally every chance I get and for good reason, its good. I dont watch horror movies, I'm a proud scaredy cat, but this was such a fun way to be in something scary yet im rooting for the people doing the unaliving 🤭
Hated took this premise and said, "why have one when you could have two?" and at first I didn't understand, what do you mean the fmc is involved too? no theres a method to the madness here. shes supposed to be all "oh no Mr. Ghostface" (perhaps I do have a mask kink, who doesn't 🙄) and then try and fight this attraction to the serial unaliver who has popped up. Nope, not here. Larkin said "we're pulling this monster all the way out of you Sierra" and thats exactly what he does. Does he go about it in insane ways? perhaps. but IF HE WANTED TO HE WOULD *siri remind me to make a therapist appointment* anywho this was such a fun game of cat and ... smaller cat? kitten? I wouldnt say my girl was a mouse.... anywho Tova did something i have definitely never thought about because I know what constitutes premeditation, and she protected a friend and then much later got a boyfriend/man who is and always was obsessed with her! what else could a girl want? there was time for giggling, she ended up in a trunk not once but twice. some light and tasteful stalking, some people ended up in the hot place maybe ahead of time maybe on time who knows, everything I could want in a book! the only thing I would want (am begging for) is a family reunion still meet up of all the characters together. perhaps like one last hurrah? maybe someone has someone who gets out of hand and need all hands on deck? I just want to see everyone interact together, and I miss them already... well time to start Depraved again!
🎶It's the end of an era but the start of an age 🎶
the pleasure and play series is officially over. I found aj through this series, recommend it literally every chance I get and for good reason, its good. I dont watch horror movies, I'm a proud scaredy cat, but this was such a fun way to be in something scary yet im rooting for the people doing the unaliving 🤭
Hated took this premise and said, "why have one when you could have two?" and at first I didn't understand, what do you mean the fmc is involved too? no theres a method to the madness here. shes supposed to be all "oh no Mr. Ghostface" (perhaps I do have a mask kink, who doesn't 🙄) and then try and fight this attraction to the serial unaliver who has popped up. Nope, not here. Larkin said "we're pulling this monster all the way out of you Sierra" and thats exactly what he does. Does he go about it in insane ways? perhaps. but IF HE WANTED TO HE WOULD *siri remind me to make a therapist appointment* anywho this was such a fun game of cat and ... smaller cat? kitten? I wouldnt say my girl was a mouse.... anywho Tova did something i have definitely never thought about because I know what constitutes premeditation, and she protected a friend and then much later got a boyfriend/man who is and always was obsessed with her! what else could a girl want? there was time for giggling, she ended up in a trunk not once but twice. some light and tasteful stalking, some people ended up in the hot place maybe ahead of time maybe on time who knows, everything I could want in a book! the only thing I would want (am begging for) is a family reunion still meet up of all the characters together. perhaps like one last hurrah? maybe someone has someone who gets out of hand and need all hands on deck? I just want to see everyone interact together, and I miss them already... well time to start Depraved again!
February 2, 2026
I can't believe this is the last Pleasure and Prey book! I have loved this entire series. While I enjoyed this book, it did feel rushed. It felt like Larkin changed his attitude towards Sienna super fast. Sienna's attitude towards him made more sense to me. She may have been scared of him at first, but she was always curious about him, attracted to him, and at least slightly admired him. He knew what he was, and she was trying to figure out what she wanted. I would love to see something with all the characters from these books together. I think it would be fun and twisted.
February 1, 2026
Tova has been fighting giving in to her urges to k*ll. At the age of 12, she m*rdered her abusive mother and spent time in an asylum where she met Cass. When she defends her roommate from her boyfriend, Tova can no longer fight the urges. Larkin has been angry with Tova since she took his first victim and he integrates himself into Tova's life.
The story wasn't bad, I just didn't really feel the chemistry between Tova and Larkin.
The story wasn't bad, I just didn't really feel the chemistry between Tova and Larkin.
February 5, 2026
This book wasn’t the send off for the pleasure and prey series I was hoping for. The dynamic was strange and I didn’t get the vibe that that really had chemistry. I still love this series & author, just didn’t rock with this final book.
February 1, 2026
i feel like this is a return to form from my gal. humorous, engaging, and well written. i wasn’t exactly a fan of her last P&P installment, but this really made up for it.
January 30, 2026
Not my favorite.
February 2, 2026
A Lukewarm Goodbye to Pleasure and Prey
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance/Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
I’ve been looking forward to Hated ever since Virgil and Sloane kicked off AJ Merlin’s Pleasure and Prey series, so going into the final installment came with a lot of anticipation. One of the things I’ve loved most about this series is how each book feels like an homage to cult classic slashers, with its own distinct flavor and influence. Unfortunately, Hated is where that thread started to unravel for me.
The familiar stalker and murdery elements are still present, but the overall vibe felt noticeably different from the earlier books. Previous entries were easy to mentally “place” in the slasher landscape, which added to the fun. Here, I struggled to assign Tova—also known as Sierra—a clear slasher counterpart. The closest I could come up with was Samara from The Ring. That lack of a defined homage made the story feel slightly untethered, as if it existed adjacent to the series rather than fully within it.
Larkin is certainly interesting, though not always compelling. He comes across less as a calculated psychopathic menace and more like an unhinged schoolyard bully obsessed with the awkward girl in class. Tova’s past is deeply messed up, and it’s easy to feel for her, but her realizations toward the end about who she truly is didn’t land quite right. Something about that emotional turn felt amiss, like it didn’t fully earn its weight.
Romance-wise, this was the weakest pairing for me. While internal dysfunction is a running theme throughout the series, the chemistry between Larkin and Tova never felt organic. Their connection didn’t spark, which made both the romance and the spice feel lukewarm. It wasn’t bad, but AJ Merlin has absolutely written stronger, hotter dynamics elsewhere.
That said, Merlin’s writing is still engaging, and I was invested enough to finish. I really loved that Tova kept in touch with Cass (Heartless). It felt like saying hello to old friends.
While Hated didn’t give me the same giddy excitement as earlier books, it won’t stop me from continuing with AJ Merlin’s work. It just ended up being a softer, less satisfying finale to an otherwise sharp and memorable series.
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Romance/Spice: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Writing: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
I’ve been looking forward to Hated ever since Virgil and Sloane kicked off AJ Merlin’s Pleasure and Prey series, so going into the final installment came with a lot of anticipation. One of the things I’ve loved most about this series is how each book feels like an homage to cult classic slashers, with its own distinct flavor and influence. Unfortunately, Hated is where that thread started to unravel for me.
The familiar stalker and murdery elements are still present, but the overall vibe felt noticeably different from the earlier books. Previous entries were easy to mentally “place” in the slasher landscape, which added to the fun. Here, I struggled to assign Tova—also known as Sierra—a clear slasher counterpart. The closest I could come up with was Samara from The Ring. That lack of a defined homage made the story feel slightly untethered, as if it existed adjacent to the series rather than fully within it.
Larkin is certainly interesting, though not always compelling. He comes across less as a calculated psychopathic menace and more like an unhinged schoolyard bully obsessed with the awkward girl in class. Tova’s past is deeply messed up, and it’s easy to feel for her, but her realizations toward the end about who she truly is didn’t land quite right. Something about that emotional turn felt amiss, like it didn’t fully earn its weight.
Romance-wise, this was the weakest pairing for me. While internal dysfunction is a running theme throughout the series, the chemistry between Larkin and Tova never felt organic. Their connection didn’t spark, which made both the romance and the spice feel lukewarm. It wasn’t bad, but AJ Merlin has absolutely written stronger, hotter dynamics elsewhere.
That said, Merlin’s writing is still engaging, and I was invested enough to finish. I really loved that Tova kept in touch with Cass (Heartless). It felt like saying hello to old friends.
While Hated didn’t give me the same giddy excitement as earlier books, it won’t stop me from continuing with AJ Merlin’s work. It just ended up being a softer, less satisfying finale to an otherwise sharp and memorable series.
February 1, 2026
Hated is the 6th installment for the Pleasure & Prey series, a group os standalone books that are focused around a group of male serial killers who become obsessed with the 'reluctant' girl of their dreams. However, the author decided to switch things up as the MMC is not apart of their 'boys club' as the fmc calls it. There is some brief mentions of some of the other characters but not enough to mean that any reader who just picks this one up will be lost as the story is entirely Tova's.
The fmc 'Tova' is friends with one of the members and is struggling to figure out who she really is. Some people would call her a monster, others a victim, others a traumatised girl just trying to live her life after such a intense and bloody beginning. Tova's character gets the reader to consider the morality of her situation. Is it ok to commit such a devastating bloody crime in self-defense or after years of abuse?
Larkin is our dark, serial killing MMC and he's different to the others in the 'boys club', on his own with no friends and holding a grudge against our FMC being the reason for his infatuation rather than just being curious or having an outright urge to kill them. Larkin keeps Tova guessing constantly, an expert at the poker face leaving her wondering exactly what it is that he is mad about.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book but felt that this one was les on par with the others in the series. There was a little lack of action, and Tova never fully felt like prey as the other fmc's did, and Larkin most certainly isn't the prey. However, I do enjoy how unique the authors characters are in her books, including Larkin and Tova. I wish there could have been a proper scene where the boys meet Larkin, or Cass at least but maybe we'll get a small novella????
That being said if you love dark romance with serial killers then this is the story for you and most definitely make sure to go and read all the other books in the series.
The fmc 'Tova' is friends with one of the members and is struggling to figure out who she really is. Some people would call her a monster, others a victim, others a traumatised girl just trying to live her life after such a intense and bloody beginning. Tova's character gets the reader to consider the morality of her situation. Is it ok to commit such a devastating bloody crime in self-defense or after years of abuse?
Larkin is our dark, serial killing MMC and he's different to the others in the 'boys club', on his own with no friends and holding a grudge against our FMC being the reason for his infatuation rather than just being curious or having an outright urge to kill them. Larkin keeps Tova guessing constantly, an expert at the poker face leaving her wondering exactly what it is that he is mad about.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book but felt that this one was les on par with the others in the series. There was a little lack of action, and Tova never fully felt like prey as the other fmc's did, and Larkin most certainly isn't the prey. However, I do enjoy how unique the authors characters are in her books, including Larkin and Tova. I wish there could have been a proper scene where the boys meet Larkin, or Cass at least but maybe we'll get a small novella????
That being said if you love dark romance with serial killers then this is the story for you and most definitely make sure to go and read all the other books in the series.
February 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I want to start by saying I typically LOVE this author.
This is book #9 for me, and I had very high hopes, especially with this being my first arced book from them.
However, this felt very disconnected from many of the other pieces I’ve read from Merlin.
Tova is a dynamic character who undergoes a lot; however, much of that goes unseen by the reader and isn’t detailed in the novel. For me this leaves so much character development out, as we see her attempting to live a normal life after the night she murders her mother. This to her murdering Allen and realizing she wants to kill for me resulted in the offscreen efforts she has put in falling kind of flat.
Larkin is another killer in the area, angry at Tova for a number of reasons. The main one being that she “stole” his first kill (that his father picked out for him). We never get anymore information about Larkin’s backstory, the family dynamic, or why he kills. The other (and more practical) reason is that she attempted to imitate his method of disposal when she dumped Allen’s body. In my opinion, the latter reason would’ve been more than enough to cause him to be interested in her and spark that initial meeting. The Derek Prescott incident in regard to Larkin is never resolved or answered for the readers and felt unnecessary (I don’t think the serial killer needs an intense and long winded reasoning to do anything, but that’s just me). I wish we got more insight into both characters, especially coming from other novels by Merlin like Dead of Summer where we get such an empathetic backstory for a someone who is a cold blooded killer.
Also (this is solely me) but the mention of protein noodles for the Mac n Cheese he makes Tova completely took me out of the novel for a grip.
All in all this one wasn’t a favorite for me, but one flat book out of almost 10 fabulous reads makes it the outlier.
I look forward to reading other works by Merlin in the future.
I want to start by saying I typically LOVE this author.
This is book #9 for me, and I had very high hopes, especially with this being my first arced book from them.
However, this felt very disconnected from many of the other pieces I’ve read from Merlin.
Tova is a dynamic character who undergoes a lot; however, much of that goes unseen by the reader and isn’t detailed in the novel. For me this leaves so much character development out, as we see her attempting to live a normal life after the night she murders her mother. This to her murdering Allen and realizing she wants to kill for me resulted in the offscreen efforts she has put in falling kind of flat.
Larkin is another killer in the area, angry at Tova for a number of reasons. The main one being that she “stole” his first kill (that his father picked out for him). We never get anymore information about Larkin’s backstory, the family dynamic, or why he kills. The other (and more practical) reason is that she attempted to imitate his method of disposal when she dumped Allen’s body. In my opinion, the latter reason would’ve been more than enough to cause him to be interested in her and spark that initial meeting. The Derek Prescott incident in regard to Larkin is never resolved or answered for the readers and felt unnecessary (I don’t think the serial killer needs an intense and long winded reasoning to do anything, but that’s just me). I wish we got more insight into both characters, especially coming from other novels by Merlin like Dead of Summer where we get such an empathetic backstory for a someone who is a cold blooded killer.
Also (this is solely me) but the mention of protein noodles for the Mac n Cheese he makes Tova completely took me out of the novel for a grip.
All in all this one wasn’t a favorite for me, but one flat book out of almost 10 fabulous reads makes it the outlier.
I look forward to reading other works by Merlin in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
Rating: 5/5⭐️ (Wish I could rate higher)
Spice: 4/5🌶️
Tension: 5/5 🫦 (Wish I could rate higher)
Hated is the 6th book in the Pleasure & Prey series. It is a standalone MF but in an interconnected world with the other 5 books. You do not have to read the others to read this, but the other MMCs and FMCs names do appear in this book.
Ok on to the review:
THIS BOOK had me by the neck, in a vice grip, from chapter one. Once I started reading I could not put it down.
Sierra (Tova) isn't like the other FMCs I've read so far in the P&P series. She is Feral. She is unapologetic. And I love how the story leaned into her decent into darkness rather then trying to soften her.
Larkin is on a whole nother level compared to the other MMCs in the previous P&P books. He is an asian god (with tattoos) that knows he IS a monster and fully embraces that fact. He's very hard to read, and very deranged. Those facts alone keeps you and Tova guessing throughout the story because this man is not predicable.
Larkin brings out the monster that is hidden inside Tova. He allows her to be WHO she wants to be. Allows her to accept herself.
The chemistry between these two are off the charts and downright feral and agressive. There is no softness here. Just pure primal need and lust.
Larken ALMOST knocked Jed off first place. ALMOST.
---
I seriously need a small novella where Larkin meets the other guys...cause that alone would be priceless...
Or just a small novella from all the MMCs POV...
I'm sad to see this series end. T-T
I hope A.J. Merlin comes back to visit this series or gives us some small novellas to keep teasing us, because P&P has sooo much potential still laying in wait.
Spice: 4/5🌶️
Tension: 5/5 🫦 (Wish I could rate higher)
Hated is the 6th book in the Pleasure & Prey series. It is a standalone MF but in an interconnected world with the other 5 books. You do not have to read the others to read this, but the other MMCs and FMCs names do appear in this book.
Ok on to the review:
THIS BOOK had me by the neck, in a vice grip, from chapter one. Once I started reading I could not put it down.
Sierra (Tova) isn't like the other FMCs I've read so far in the P&P series. She is Feral. She is unapologetic. And I love how the story leaned into her decent into darkness rather then trying to soften her.
Larkin is on a whole nother level compared to the other MMCs in the previous P&P books. He is an asian god (with tattoos) that knows he IS a monster and fully embraces that fact. He's very hard to read, and very deranged. Those facts alone keeps you and Tova guessing throughout the story because this man is not predicable.
Larkin brings out the monster that is hidden inside Tova. He allows her to be WHO she wants to be. Allows her to accept herself.
The chemistry between these two are off the charts and downright feral and agressive. There is no softness here. Just pure primal need and lust.
Larken ALMOST knocked Jed off first place. ALMOST.
---
I seriously need a small novella where Larkin meets the other guys...cause that alone would be priceless...
Or just a small novella from all the MMCs POV...
I'm sad to see this series end. T-T
I hope A.J. Merlin comes back to visit this series or gives us some small novellas to keep teasing us, because P&P has sooo much potential still laying in wait.
January 28, 2026
*I received an ARC copy however that did not influence my opinions stated below.
Hated by A.J. Merlin is a dark, unsettling, and deliciously unhinged conclusion to the series—very much a love letter to horror fans, especially anyone who enjoys The Ring-style atmosphere blended with dark romance.
Tova is the standout here. I loved how unapologetically feral she was and how the story leaned fully into her descent rather than trying to soften or redeem her. Watching her stop fighting herself and finally embrace who she is felt powerful and inevitable. You can’t deny yourself forever—and that theme hit hard throughout the book. Her arc was disturbing, cathartic, and honestly kind of empowering in the darkest way.
The romance worked really well for me. Larkin is fascinating—he never pretends to be anything other than a monster, which made his connection with Tova feel honest and dangerous. I enjoyed their dynamic and the way violence, obsession, and desire blurred together. That said, I do wish we’d gotten more of Larkin’s backstory. He feels like a character with a deep, twisted history, and I would have loved to spend more time inside his head and past.
Overall, this was a strong ending to the series. Dark, bloody, and emotionally unhinged in the best way. I really hope A.J. Merlin revisits this universe someday because there’s so much more here that could be explored—and I’d absolutely come back for it.
Hated by A.J. Merlin is a dark, unsettling, and deliciously unhinged conclusion to the series—very much a love letter to horror fans, especially anyone who enjoys The Ring-style atmosphere blended with dark romance.
Tova is the standout here. I loved how unapologetically feral she was and how the story leaned fully into her descent rather than trying to soften or redeem her. Watching her stop fighting herself and finally embrace who she is felt powerful and inevitable. You can’t deny yourself forever—and that theme hit hard throughout the book. Her arc was disturbing, cathartic, and honestly kind of empowering in the darkest way.
The romance worked really well for me. Larkin is fascinating—he never pretends to be anything other than a monster, which made his connection with Tova feel honest and dangerous. I enjoyed their dynamic and the way violence, obsession, and desire blurred together. That said, I do wish we’d gotten more of Larkin’s backstory. He feels like a character with a deep, twisted history, and I would have loved to spend more time inside his head and past.
Overall, this was a strong ending to the series. Dark, bloody, and emotionally unhinged in the best way. I really hope A.J. Merlin revisits this universe someday because there’s so much more here that could be explored—and I’d absolutely come back for it.
January 31, 2026
Hated by AJ Merlin is a brutal, twisted, and deliciously dark finale to the Pleasure and Prey series — a story of monsters who finally find the one person who sees every jagged edge and loves them for it.
Tova (formerly Sierra) has spent her life hiding the monster inside her — the one that “accidentally” killed her parents and others. Abused, neglected, and thrown into a well by the people who were supposed to love her, she’s built her world on hate and survival. But then there’s Larkin — the serial killer who saw her kill and decided she was his.
Their first encounter? At the scene where she dumped a body.
Their first date? A forced dinner where he somehow orders exactly what she wants.
Their connection? Pure chaos, obsession, and blood-soaked desire. He calls her “little monster” and “silly girl,” and every word drips with dangerous affection.
They wrestle — literally — in the dirt, kiss until they bleed, and blur the line between love and violence. The dynamic is intoxicating: two killers circling each other until it’s impossible to tell who’s hunting whom. When he growls “You’ll always be mine, until the day you kill me or the day we die together,” you feel it in your bones.
What makes it work is that beneath all the darkness, there’s healing. Larkin doesn’t want to tame her — he wants her to own her power. Their ending isn’t sweet, but it’s right: monstrous, messy, and strangely beautiful.
Tova (formerly Sierra) has spent her life hiding the monster inside her — the one that “accidentally” killed her parents and others. Abused, neglected, and thrown into a well by the people who were supposed to love her, she’s built her world on hate and survival. But then there’s Larkin — the serial killer who saw her kill and decided she was his.
Their first encounter? At the scene where she dumped a body.
Their first date? A forced dinner where he somehow orders exactly what she wants.
Their connection? Pure chaos, obsession, and blood-soaked desire. He calls her “little monster” and “silly girl,” and every word drips with dangerous affection.
They wrestle — literally — in the dirt, kiss until they bleed, and blur the line between love and violence. The dynamic is intoxicating: two killers circling each other until it’s impossible to tell who’s hunting whom. When he growls “You’ll always be mine, until the day you kill me or the day we die together,” you feel it in your bones.
What makes it work is that beneath all the darkness, there’s healing. Larkin doesn’t want to tame her — he wants her to own her power. Their ending isn’t sweet, but it’s right: monstrous, messy, and strangely beautiful.
February 4, 2026
I love the Pleasure and Prey series and Hated was a fabulous way to end the series for me.
I really enjoyed both Tova and Larkin’s characters. Tova is not as experienced as Larkin when it comes to killing so she’s still working through her feelings about this monster she has inside of her. It makes her a bit impulsive and quick to make rash and emotional decisions sometimes without thinking about the consequences. This pairs well with Larkin who seems to be the exact opposite. Cool, calm, collected and well thought out, Larkin enjoys stalking and studying his prey, and always comes up with a plan in advance. This of course means that he’s always one step ahead of our FMC and is there to save the day when she needs it most, whether the FMC wants it or not. I also enjoyed that Tova did not just roll over and accept Larkin in her life right away. She fought and pushed back and didn’t let her fear of him keep her from trying to escape and get away from him. Of course, our ever-determined Larkin never let her get very far. I was a little sad that we didn’t get more of Larkin’s back story. I enjoyed what we did find out about him, but he was an intriguing character for me, and I would have loved to know more about him. Overall I was giddy reading this! Side note, the FMC’s best friend is fantastic! You know you have a true friend when SPOILER……. They get rid of a dead body with you! Haha! Can’t wait to read more of AJ’s new work!
I really enjoyed both Tova and Larkin’s characters. Tova is not as experienced as Larkin when it comes to killing so she’s still working through her feelings about this monster she has inside of her. It makes her a bit impulsive and quick to make rash and emotional decisions sometimes without thinking about the consequences. This pairs well with Larkin who seems to be the exact opposite. Cool, calm, collected and well thought out, Larkin enjoys stalking and studying his prey, and always comes up with a plan in advance. This of course means that he’s always one step ahead of our FMC and is there to save the day when she needs it most, whether the FMC wants it or not. I also enjoyed that Tova did not just roll over and accept Larkin in her life right away. She fought and pushed back and didn’t let her fear of him keep her from trying to escape and get away from him. Of course, our ever-determined Larkin never let her get very far. I was a little sad that we didn’t get more of Larkin’s back story. I enjoyed what we did find out about him, but he was an intriguing character for me, and I would have loved to know more about him. Overall I was giddy reading this! Side note, the FMC’s best friend is fantastic! You know you have a true friend when SPOILER……. They get rid of a dead body with you! Haha! Can’t wait to read more of AJ’s new work!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So thrilled I got the opportunity to read this early! Hatedt is the 6th book in the Pleasure & Prey series, it is a standalone MF but in an interconnected world. I have been waiting for this book and it surpassed my expectations! I wasn't sure going in if I would connect with Tova... I did and she's probably my favorite FMC in the series. And Larkin!!! Asian god with tattoos and deeply deranged, sorry Jed you just got demoted from my fav! I just want to be able to read this over again as a first time!
A summary:
As a child, she survived years of cruelty that ended in blood and she’s spent her life pretending the monster inside her doesn’t exist. When violence finds her again as an adult, it draws the attention of Larkin, a serial killer who’s been hunting her for years after she unknowingly interfered with his first kill. Instead of killing her, he pulls her into his world, into something dark, dangerous, and disturbingly addictive. As the bodies mount and he refuses to let her go, she’s forced to face the truth she fears most...the monster he’s waking inside her may be exactly who she really is and she’s not sure she wants to stop it.
A summary:
As a child, she survived years of cruelty that ended in blood and she’s spent her life pretending the monster inside her doesn’t exist. When violence finds her again as an adult, it draws the attention of Larkin, a serial killer who’s been hunting her for years after she unknowingly interfered with his first kill. Instead of killing her, he pulls her into his world, into something dark, dangerous, and disturbingly addictive. As the bodies mount and he refuses to let her go, she’s forced to face the truth she fears most...the monster he’s waking inside her may be exactly who she really is and she’s not sure she wants to stop it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As always, AJ Merlin shows us just how much we love dangerous F-up men. I can't imagine how hard it must be to write lovable, broken guys that we want to sneak into our rooms at night. Who unalive people, stalk people, are totally unhinged and we just lap it up and ask for more. She is a genius that way! This book is no exception. This is the last of the Pleasure & Prey series. What is a monster? Can we see it in someone before they do? Are they born or made? And does that make them unlovable? This book, for all it's spice and hotness, is actually pretty deep and makes you wonder if you saw your loved one as a monster, would you still love them? I absolutely love when two broken people come together and find love, letting the broken pieces of each other shine brighter. I loved Sierra and Larkin. They were completely unhinged and yet they brought out the best of each other, which is what we want from our partner, right? It was great fun, and the spice was a spice-in! Great book, 4.75 stars!
January 29, 2026
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✔️ Angsty
✔️ Twists
✔️ A Quick, dark & spicy read
✔️ Revenge
✔️ Fiesty FMC
✔️ Stalking
✔️ Serial K1llers
Hated is a quick dark romance read with angst, serial killers and spice that wraps up the Pleasure & Prey series. If you are a fan of dark romance or have enjoyed any of the other books in the series, then I would highly recommend Hated. I found the story flowed at a good pace, and I was invested in the characters.
Tova killed her mother when she was only twelve years old after years of abuse. Her mother accused Tova of being a monster who replaced her daughter, unaware that she was the one who had scared Tova, creating the monster and setting her on this dark path.
Larkin is a serial killer who has hated Tova for years because she murdered the person whom he was planning to kill—over time, hate blurs the line with obsession and stalking before Tova even knows what’s coming.
I enjoyed all the books in the Pleasure & Prey series and found Hated to be a satisfying series conclusion. I am giving a rating of 4.5/5 stars.
✔️ Angsty
✔️ Twists
✔️ A Quick, dark & spicy read
✔️ Revenge
✔️ Fiesty FMC
✔️ Stalking
✔️ Serial K1llers
Hated is a quick dark romance read with angst, serial killers and spice that wraps up the Pleasure & Prey series. If you are a fan of dark romance or have enjoyed any of the other books in the series, then I would highly recommend Hated. I found the story flowed at a good pace, and I was invested in the characters.
Tova killed her mother when she was only twelve years old after years of abuse. Her mother accused Tova of being a monster who replaced her daughter, unaware that she was the one who had scared Tova, creating the monster and setting her on this dark path.
Larkin is a serial killer who has hated Tova for years because she murdered the person whom he was planning to kill—over time, hate blurs the line with obsession and stalking before Tova even knows what’s coming.
I enjoyed all the books in the Pleasure & Prey series and found Hated to be a satisfying series conclusion. I am giving a rating of 4.5/5 stars.
February 2, 2026
Ugh it kills me that this wasn't one of my favorites in this series. The pleasure and prey series has been such a fun time for me - I love this idea of a horror romance inspired by various horror movie franchises - but this one just didn't work for me. It felt too short and too rushed. I wanted more backstory about Larkin - literally anything about him at all because we got nothing - and I wanted to see more of the tension between Larkin and Tova. I mean, I get it girl... a tall hot man covered in tattoos with eyes only for you is hard to resist BUT when he throws you in a trunk you might want to ask just a few more questions.
This is also definitely one of the tamest installments in the series, which is completely fine, but it is an interesting choice. It just feels like Larkin and Tova went from strangers to accomplices to domestic bliss instantaneously and it is what it is.
Content Warning: child abuse, matricide, suicide, attempted sexual assault, murder, stalking, domestic violence, kidnapping, blood and gore, eye trauma
This is also definitely one of the tamest installments in the series, which is completely fine, but it is an interesting choice. It just feels like Larkin and Tova went from strangers to accomplices to domestic bliss instantaneously and it is what it is.
Content Warning: child abuse, matricide, suicide, attempted sexual assault, murder, stalking, domestic violence, kidnapping, blood and gore, eye trauma
February 6, 2026
I am not sure what I will be doing with my time now that the series is over! I loved this book, but it definitely had a different feel than its predecessors, and not in a bad way to me!
Tova had a rough go of it, aided by her mother and father’s individual mental dysfunctions. She tried to keep her murderous thoughts at bay, even moving away from her friends and their, ahem, activities. But she wasn’t successful when it came to her friend needing her, and from there she started to unravel.
Larkin quite literally saved her from her own self distraction and showed her that she can be kind and caring but also a monster. Who doesn’t need a partner who is comfortable around their ugly sides?
All in all, a lovely end to a series that I have waited on pins and needles for, for years!
This novel did remind me of the Pretty Obsessions series at times, which really wasn’t a bad thing. Tova very much grew into her own with the help of Larkin and they are fabulous together. Another physical book I need to purchase to add to my steadily growing collection of AJ Merlin novels.
Tova had a rough go of it, aided by her mother and father’s individual mental dysfunctions. She tried to keep her murderous thoughts at bay, even moving away from her friends and their, ahem, activities. But she wasn’t successful when it came to her friend needing her, and from there she started to unravel.
Larkin quite literally saved her from her own self distraction and showed her that she can be kind and caring but also a monster. Who doesn’t need a partner who is comfortable around their ugly sides?
All in all, a lovely end to a series that I have waited on pins and needles for, for years!
This novel did remind me of the Pretty Obsessions series at times, which really wasn’t a bad thing. Tova very much grew into her own with the help of Larkin and they are fabulous together. Another physical book I need to purchase to add to my steadily growing collection of AJ Merlin novels.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this twist on the typical set up for the Pleasure & Prey series. This dark romance lays the tension on strongly, and had me questioning for a while just what Larkin's intentions were. We get to learn a lot about Tova, and I really enjoyed getting to see her personal journey through all of this. I also love that the catalyst for the non-romance part of the plot is protecting Tova's roommate. Tova is definitely my favorite FMC in this series.
I think this book has the strongest references back to the other books in this series. While this is the last full novel for this series, I hope we get some more short stories/novellas with these characters. Maybe even Larkin's father's story?
This is a dark romance, and I strongly recommend reading the content warnings at the beginning of the book before diving in. If you enjoyed the other books in this series, this will be another enjoyable quick read.
Thanks to the author for letting me be a part of her ARC team.
I think this book has the strongest references back to the other books in this series. While this is the last full novel for this series, I hope we get some more short stories/novellas with these characters. Maybe even Larkin's father's story?
This is a dark romance, and I strongly recommend reading the content warnings at the beginning of the book before diving in. If you enjoyed the other books in this series, this will be another enjoyable quick read.
Thanks to the author for letting me be a part of her ARC team.
February 3, 2026
5⭐️
3🌶️
✨ARC Review ✨
Wow! This is my first introduction to the Pleasure and Pray series and I know I will be reading all the others! Hated is the 6th book with in that series but can be read as a stand alone as it just mentions other MMC and FMC names from the other books mentioned.
As with most of AJ Merlin’s books it had me in a choke hold by the first chapter.
Sierra/Tova has a traumatic past, she’s dark, feral, and isn’t afraid to be unhinged. She is honestly one of my favorite FMC’s I have ever read about 🖤
Larkin is the perfect deranged monster that you know you shouldn’t love but you do anyways 🖤 oh and did I mention he’s covered in tattoos?
They are both ever intense at times but are clearly perfect for each other. I loved this Tory so much and hated to see it end 😩 Also, as a horror lover I absolutely loved the Ring references 🖤
⚠️ As always please check the trigger warnings ⚠️
3🌶️
✨ARC Review ✨
Wow! This is my first introduction to the Pleasure and Pray series and I know I will be reading all the others! Hated is the 6th book with in that series but can be read as a stand alone as it just mentions other MMC and FMC names from the other books mentioned.
As with most of AJ Merlin’s books it had me in a choke hold by the first chapter.
Sierra/Tova has a traumatic past, she’s dark, feral, and isn’t afraid to be unhinged. She is honestly one of my favorite FMC’s I have ever read about 🖤
Larkin is the perfect deranged monster that you know you shouldn’t love but you do anyways 🖤 oh and did I mention he’s covered in tattoos?
They are both ever intense at times but are clearly perfect for each other. I loved this Tory so much and hated to see it end 😩 Also, as a horror lover I absolutely loved the Ring references 🖤
⚠️ As always please check the trigger warnings ⚠️
January 30, 2026
4⭐️
Absolutely devoured this book! Another wonderful addition to this world… honestly devastated that this is the last one. As with all the other pleasure and prey novels AJ somehow makes me fall for the serial killer 😅
I loved the dynamic between the two MC. Although the FMC is this book maybe the wildest one yet. She’s different from the others since she’s also a killer (for valid reasons). I love the push and pull between the characters. The banter was also wonderful! I acceptance between the 2 was wonderful to see. They both had different reasons and dynamics for killing but they (I know this sounds crazy) supported each other and even helped the other in their respective roles. Also can’t forget the “boys killers club”! Those are some of my favorite parts of these books. It was nice to have returning characters from previous books in the series.
Reading this one has made me go back and reread the series. I’m torn on my favorite couple but this one is definitely a contender for the top spot!
Absolutely devoured this book! Another wonderful addition to this world… honestly devastated that this is the last one. As with all the other pleasure and prey novels AJ somehow makes me fall for the serial killer 😅
I loved the dynamic between the two MC. Although the FMC is this book maybe the wildest one yet. She’s different from the others since she’s also a killer (for valid reasons). I love the push and pull between the characters. The banter was also wonderful! I acceptance between the 2 was wonderful to see. They both had different reasons and dynamics for killing but they (I know this sounds crazy) supported each other and even helped the other in their respective roles. Also can’t forget the “boys killers club”! Those are some of my favorite parts of these books. It was nice to have returning characters from previous books in the series.
Reading this one has made me go back and reread the series. I’m torn on my favorite couple but this one is definitely a contender for the top spot!
February 1, 2026
“If I’m a monster, he’s the devil.”
This series has been a wild ride and I have loved every moment of it. This book was a solid end to the series. Sierra had a traumatic childhood with an abusive mother and a father that didn’t do anything to protect her. It opens on the night she snaps and kills her mother and finds her father dead. She spent years in a mental institution, but is now out on her own, making a life for herself in the Pacific Northwest. After a deadly encounter with her roommate’s boyfriend, she finds herself with her very own serial killing stalker named Larkin. It was a very dark story but it was also about accepting who you are and, like all of these books, finding the person that sees the darkest parts of you and loves you anyway. Larkin embraced Sierra’s madness instead of encouraging her to stifle it, and allowed her to grow into the person she was supposed to be all along. I know it is a little weird to think of serial killers being romantic, but in this morally black story I have a hard time describing it any other way.
“You don’t have to make excuses for what you are.”
This series has been a wild ride and I have loved every moment of it. This book was a solid end to the series. Sierra had a traumatic childhood with an abusive mother and a father that didn’t do anything to protect her. It opens on the night she snaps and kills her mother and finds her father dead. She spent years in a mental institution, but is now out on her own, making a life for herself in the Pacific Northwest. After a deadly encounter with her roommate’s boyfriend, she finds herself with her very own serial killing stalker named Larkin. It was a very dark story but it was also about accepting who you are and, like all of these books, finding the person that sees the darkest parts of you and loves you anyway. Larkin embraced Sierra’s madness instead of encouraging her to stifle it, and allowed her to grow into the person she was supposed to be all along. I know it is a little weird to think of serial killers being romantic, but in this morally black story I have a hard time describing it any other way.
“You don’t have to make excuses for what you are.”
January 29, 2026
I’m so sad to see this series come to an end 😢 I really hope the author considers doing an epilogue novella! (hint hint 😉)
This was the perfect book to end the series with! I love when the fmc is just as unhinged as the mmc 🔪🤪 Tova/Sierra and Larkin are perfectly matched.
Spice level: 5/5 🌶️
Angst level: 4.5/5 😩
Can be read as a standalone ✅ but the book is the 6th and final installment in an interconnected series
Horror inspiration: The Ring 📺
⚠️ Safety warnings from the author: ⚠️
Child endangerment/emotional abandonment
Child abuse (limited to one on-page event in the first chapter)
Matricide
Suicide
Attempted sexual assault of minor & adult (very limited descriptions on page; as a child in ch 6 & 11, adult 15 & 16)
Murder
Stalking
Unprotected sex between consenting adults
Undiscussed but consensual breath play
This was the perfect book to end the series with! I love when the fmc is just as unhinged as the mmc 🔪🤪 Tova/Sierra and Larkin are perfectly matched.
Spice level: 5/5 🌶️
Angst level: 4.5/5 😩
Can be read as a standalone ✅ but the book is the 6th and final installment in an interconnected series
Horror inspiration: The Ring 📺
⚠️ Safety warnings from the author: ⚠️
Child endangerment/emotional abandonment
Child abuse (limited to one on-page event in the first chapter)
Matricide
Suicide
Attempted sexual assault of minor & adult (very limited descriptions on page; as a child in ch 6 & 11, adult 15 & 16)
Murder
Stalking
Unprotected sex between consenting adults
Undiscussed but consensual breath play
February 1, 2026
What a great ending to a great series. I can't believe its over. Sierra was the perfect final girl. I can't believe this series started almost four years ago, its been an awesome ride with some great characters. AJ really captures each of her FMC's perfectly. They aren't these super fantastic over dramatized princess playing crazy or naive. They are realistic women who could be anyone of us. They aren't flashy with the perfect doll life style and looks and the men in the stories live that about them. They see the true beauty of each FMC and each woman can see behind each figurative mask the men wear. They accept each other. These stories are dark and messy and often full of angst but aren't whiny or annoying. Each perfectly written. This book was a perfect cherry on top to finish the series off.
February 6, 2026
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
👀 Stalker
👀 Kill3rs
My thoughts:
AJ Merlin has captivated me completely. Her book Depraved was the reason I started to realize I love masks in my books. This series marked my introduction to her novels, and now I'm utterly hooked. I've devoured every single one of her books with unbridled enthusiasm, unable to resist her compelling storytelling.
I will say I wish there would ave been another epilogue of all fo them getting together one last time (all the characters for this seres).
Summary
Sierra killed her mom as a kid since her mom was abusive and later in life her roommates ex-boyfriend but someone saw her dump the body. And now, Larkin is not happy as with her as she killed someone he was hunting himself. And now he wants to make her pay but as time goes on, he makes her HIS.
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶
👀 Stalker
👀 Kill3rs
My thoughts:
AJ Merlin has captivated me completely. Her book Depraved was the reason I started to realize I love masks in my books. This series marked my introduction to her novels, and now I'm utterly hooked. I've devoured every single one of her books with unbridled enthusiasm, unable to resist her compelling storytelling.
I will say I wish there would ave been another epilogue of all fo them getting together one last time (all the characters for this seres).
Summary
Sierra killed her mom as a kid since her mom was abusive and later in life her roommates ex-boyfriend but someone saw her dump the body. And now, Larkin is not happy as with her as she killed someone he was hunting himself. And now he wants to make her pay but as time goes on, he makes her HIS.
January 31, 2026
Check trigger warnings. I wouldn’t say this is the darkest book I’ve ever read but it did have dark elements that belong in that sub-genre. It actually reminded me of The Butcher and Blackbird. It was a very short book with a really well thought out and detailed plot/ past for the FMC. However the MMC I don’t feel had the same plot or explanation of his past to understand his character better. I really would’ve liked more information about the MMC because his past is only briefly touched on. I would’ve also liked to know more about the FMC’s roommate. While she wasn’t a main character her involvement seemed like it needed more explanation as to who she was. Overall it was a pretty decent book.
February 1, 2026
**ARC Review**
From the first chapter this book had me reeling. I loved the descriptions and the way the flashbacks were written. My favourite part of the book was Sierra. I enjoyed how stubborn her character is, and just how unhinged she could be. So many scenes had me laughing out loud at how absurd her thoughts were. Her and Larkin’s relationship dynamic was fun to read and I like how they interacted, though their relationship did feel rushed toward the end of the book. I wish we had gotten more of a glimpse into Larkin’s back story and his life, without it he doesn’t feel as fleshed out as a character as he could be. Overall, while lacking in some aspects, the book was a fun read and I really enjoyed it.
From the first chapter this book had me reeling. I loved the descriptions and the way the flashbacks were written. My favourite part of the book was Sierra. I enjoyed how stubborn her character is, and just how unhinged she could be. So many scenes had me laughing out loud at how absurd her thoughts were. Her and Larkin’s relationship dynamic was fun to read and I like how they interacted, though their relationship did feel rushed toward the end of the book. I wish we had gotten more of a glimpse into Larkin’s back story and his life, without it he doesn’t feel as fleshed out as a character as he could be. Overall, while lacking in some aspects, the book was a fun read and I really enjoyed it.
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