Everything in Piper Barrett’s life is clean-cut. Mafia princess, smile, say yes, follow orders. There’s a good girl. This year, at the Barrett Manor where the whole Empire congregates for the summer, she needs to find a suitor, so she can become a wife and follow in the footsteps of every woman in the business. But this summer, someone in the Empire has some very different plans on how they want her summer to go. Hunter Cadell. Fresh out of prison, psycho, liability to the business. Arrogant, possessive, unpredictable. He’s everything she never dreamed of wanting. But he’s also everything she’s going to need to get through this summer when things start to go awry in the Manor. People are acting weird, rumours are spreading like wildfire, but above all, no one seems to want Piper with Hunter. What do they all know that she doesn’t?
Hunter came to the Manor this summer with his own plans. After being put away by the people he thought he could trust, he lost years of his youth. Now he’s free and he’s about to be reunited with the enemies. Hunter has plans to destroy anyone who’s wronged him. But when he meets Piper, his priorities get hazy.. He may have missed his initiation into the business when he was younger, but this year he's to go through the five trials to be officially welcomed into the Empire. It's the perfect opportunity to put his plans into action. But can he keep a level head and get the revenge he’s wanted for a decade, or will he throw everything away to protect Piper from the people who had ruined his life, before they ruin hers?
HUNTER’S GAME is a dark romance with themes that may be upsetting. Trigger Warnings Pain kink Dub-con Non-con Mention of childhood sexual and physical trauma Morally black characters Morally grey characters Breath play Physical abuse Soft somnophilia (waking up by sexual contact) Cliffhanger ending
This book... I honestly am lost for words... From the very first chapter.. it wasn't even a chapter it was the damn prologue the spice is definitely spicing 🥵🫠 I have never fallen in love with, then hated, then fallen in love with again and then hated with my whole being but frustrated with understanding than I did with Hunter Cadell!! He truly brings the bad boy psycho with all the trauma image to life...
Piper.. bless sweet little innocent Piper... falls right into the trap with no prior knowledge.. but she did so well... I feel for her and everything she went through as a Mafia princess and Hunter teach her to be who she is meant to be only to have her heart utterly obliterated.
But Jasmine has written an amazing dark romance book, especially for a debut even if I have been on a wild emotional rollercoaster including but not limited to being filled with anxiety and crying lol... I am absolutely fuming with her for the disgusting cliffhanger!!
Now to vent all my frustrations at her so she feels my pain lol.
This book is dark so please read the triggers first, especially for a scene towards the end...
Thank you, Emma, for the e-ARC of your debut dark romance novel!
I’m always drawn to a good mafia story, so when I saw the tropes in this one, I was immediately intrigued.
First and foremost, this is a dark romance with very intense themes, including some on-page content that may be triggering for some readers. The atmosphere is undeniably unsettling at times, particularly whenever Matthew appeared, which honestly, lol, I couldn’t have thrown up, sleazy sick man he was.
The story follows Piper, a young woman expected to secure a suitor, following in the footsteps of the women before her. The beginning is a bit slow-paced, as it sets the stage by introducing the different families, their roles in the mafia world, and the significance of Barrett Manor.
Then comes Hunter Cadell—an ex-convict with an unpredictable nature who is clearly dangerous. Piper is warned to stay away from him, but she finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. Their chemistry is intense and develops quickly, yet they also bring out sides of each other that no one else does.
I’ll admit, there were moments I found difficult to get through, particularly due to the darker elements of the story. Some scenes were really intense, and I honestly wasn’t expecting for it to affect me so much. At times, I found myself a little confused trying to piece everything together, but the plot twist at the end, wow, I was able to piece some bits together; but it nonetheless completely caught me off guard! I wasn’t expecting it at all, and the book ends on a cliffhanger, so I’m curious to see what happens next.
Overall, this was a gripping, dark read with some unexpected turns. If you enjoy mafia romance with intense themes and a fast-paced connection between the leads, this one might be worth checking out! Check out the triggers, first!
Oh my this book, that ending. I need a moment to process. So let's start with Hunter, I fell in love with him as soon as he appeared. He's big, bad, muscular, tattooed and part of the mafia (well they all are). Now the spice. My lord the spice in this book is top tier, I havent had a book give me belly flips in years and this book did it time and time again. Massive round of applause, can't wait to see what you do with this story next
MT • HOOKED FROM CHAPTER ONE!!! This whole book had me completely locked in and I can’t believe it’s over but not for long.. Hunter and piper’s story was just absolutely incredible beautifully heartbreaking. I immediately need book 2. My god do I wish I could have swapped place with piper through out this book LOL one lucky girl. This will have you up all night just to keep yourself rooted in this crazy but wonderful world 🖤. @elhickswrites YOUR ARE JUST OUTSTANDING!!l
i freakin love this book! hunter and pipers story was so gripping and intriguing. i was honestly hooked from the very beginning. loved every moment, every quote and every spicy scene. it’s very well written and is becoming one of my most favourite dark mafia romances ever.
5 star 4.5 spice
i was laughing my guts out during some of the scenes, there’s so much love and humour written inside this book. i can’t recommend it enough.
I was gifted a copy as an ARC reader for my true and honest review. These views are my own and in no way influenced by outside sources.
I loved this book! A few spelling/grammar errors but I think some of those may have just been my Canadian preferences. The story flows beautifully and I'm obsessed with Hunter. A little weirded out that the big tough dude fresh out of prison seems to do a fair bit of crying, but otherwise he was incredible. Will definitely be recommending this book to everyone who loves a dark romance.
Title: Hunters Game Author: Jasmine Rae Release date: April 19th 2025 A Dark Romance
Hunter’s game is A Darker, Spicier and Meaner Romance Novel then other books Jasmine has written! Please check trigger warnings
I was gifted an e-ARC of Hunter’s Game, in exchange for my honest Review. My review is my own and is therefore true and honest!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
⬇️My Review⬇️
How can I explain this book honestly? how about………Phenomenal !
Ok then Let me start by saying , make sure you have no commitments and free your weekend because, you ain’t gonna want to put this down!
This had me laughing in parts, on the edge of my seat in others, also making me excited kicking my feet. I could not get enough. With the spice, spicing it was god tier and it legit made me forget about the trials coming up!
This is all a mafia empire, it Had me questioning things all while trying to figure Hunter out. That man is a 6 foot, full of tattoos, Pure muscle and Possessive mystery! Piper is the Mafia Princess who’s been the best daughter for the empire with her main goal in life to find a man worthy of husband material, to take care of her and who will also be good for the business.
These two characters are awesome! I love the banter they have, the playfulness and the dominance he pushes out! They are two opposites and I loved it !
“You’re such a stuck-up bastard.”“And you’re a spoilt brat.”I gasp at the insult. “How dare you!”“You dared first.” He shrugs.”
Oh my that sunscreen moment ha ha pure gold! With the subplots of lies, secrets and betrayal and the way this is written, it did not disappoint!
This does end on a Cliffhanger! And oh my that is something! I am keen to read whats coming next with book 2 and you best believe I will be buying both !!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 This book had me hooked from the very start. Piper and Hunter’s story is intoxicating, with spice that’s not just steamy but intense and unforgettable. The author paints such vivid scenes that everything is easy to picture—from the heart-racing tension to the darker family moments that are genuinely chilling.
What stood out most to me is how authentically British the writing feels. The dialogue flows so naturally it’s like you’re overhearing real conversations, which makes the world and characters all the more alive. Speaking of characters—the cast is massive, yet each one is distinct and memorable. I usually struggle to keep track of names, but here even the side characters are vivid and clear.
The emotional pull is strong throughout: heart-wrenching twists, terrifying family dynamics, and trauma that’s painful to uncover yet powerfully handled. Hunter, especially, is written with such depth. He’s sharp and commanding with everyone else, but soft only for Piper—a contrast that makes their dynamic impossible to look away from. Finally getting inside his head when the POV shifts was such an exciting payoff, and one particular scene (let’s just say it involves The Teddy Bears’ Picnic) is going to live in my mind rent-free.
The ending left me reeling—tough to read in parts, jaw-dropping in others—and desperate for the next book. This debut is bold, vivid, and brimming with heat and heart. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 This book had me hooked from the very start. Piper and Hunter’s story is intoxicating, with spice that’s not just steamy but intense and unforgettable. The author paints such vivid scenes that everything is easy to picture—from the heart-racing tension to the darker family moments that are genuinely chilling.
What stood out most to me is how authentically British the writing feels. The dialogue flows so naturally it’s like you’re overhearing real conversations, which makes the world and characters all the more alive. Speaking of characters—the cast is massive, yet each one is distinct and memorable. I usually struggle to keep track of names, but here even the side characters are vivid and clear.
The emotional pull is strong throughout: heart-wrenching twists, terrifying family dynamics, and trauma that’s painful to uncover yet powerfully handled. Hunter, especially, is written with such depth. He’s sharp and commanding with everyone else, but soft only for Piper—a contrast that makes their dynamic impossible to look away from. Finally getting inside his head when the POV shifts was such an exciting payoff, and one particular scene (let’s just say it involves The Teddy Bears’ Picnic) is going to live in my mind rent-free.
The ending left me reeling—tough to read in parts, jaw-dropping in others—and desperate for the next book. This debut is bold, vivid, and brimming with heat and heart. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
I think the mafia trope has peaked folks. This was a wild, wild ride, and I am just GAGGED.
This book has it ALL. Plot, spice, banter, emotions, complexity, twists; I could freaking go on. I was hooked from the first page, I could have easily finished this in one sitting if the demands of real life didn't drag me away kicking and screaming.
I am in deep for these characters. The devotion of the author to these MCs is astounding. The depth of complexity, the history; building on the trauma and the motivation combined with the growth of both the MMC and FMC over the course of the story was impeccable. Masterful chemistry.
The spice was HOT. Sizzling, steamy, and a full on wildfire. It was ALL in here, ladies. Passion, raw emotion and devotion that threatens to scorch the earth. I was LIVING.
The plot was addictive. Pure insanity and the ending slapped me HARD with a cliffhanger so cruel I need to lie down for I am UNWELL.
20/10, will definitely be rereading this and will personally be petitioning for Book 2 to be released ASAP.
If you like dark romance and a mafia manifesto that will keep you on the edge, you will not want to sleep on this one.
First of all, I'm starting by saying this book was 5/5 stars. I just need that to be said and known.
@elhickswrites did not lie when she said CLIFFHANGER. This book is about 500 pages and I was still not mentally prepared. It was so good! I want more, need the second book.
Let's break it down.
The SPICE is *Chefs Kiss* on page one. PAGE ONE, you will be drawn in... it's not even chapter one, it's a prologue.
(The spice was written so well... over clutching my nonexistent pearls like 🥵🥵🥵🫣🫣)
Get ready for a wild ride with this one. You're going to fall in love, fall out of love, fall back in love, and question your life when it comes to Hunter.
This really is his game and we're just here to watch.
Now, Piper, you have to love a Bad Boy/Good Girl trope. She is the definition of a good girl.
Hunter Cadell lives in my dreams (and nightmares) 🫠
ARC review: I loved this book so much. Piper is the classic mafia princess until she meets the monster of the manor, Hunter Cadell. This book SERVED dark romance to me on a silver spoon with a glass of fine whiskey... It burned, soothed, and burned again... After I finished, I found myself daydreaming about what the characters were doing now and what the heck is going to happen next!!!
The dual POV was one of my favorite parts of this book. Sometimes dual POV takes away from the tension building between characters.... NOT HERE. Somehow we got more build-up reading both POVs!
If you love dark mafia romance (and are cool with the warnings), what are you waiting for?!??!
Enjoy a summer as a mafia princess watching the next generation of mafia men undergo a “rite of passage” in a secluded manor. This year, there might be one man more daring than the rest.
The book started out really bold and interesting. I like the challenges, the side characters and the mafia side of it all.Some scenes really peaked my interest (more please).The last bit had me LOCKED IN. Definitely did not see a plot twist like that, which make me wonder where it will lead to next.
If mafia, a tortured hero and challenges are your things, and checking your triggers first, then you will enjoy this debut.
Wow! It has a bit of a slow start, but boy does it surprise you. Hunter and Piper, a tug of war with a twist. Stranded at the mansion with the other mafia-families, you can’t trust anyone. It keeps you on your toes, completely second guessing everything. Will you be betrayed or will you be the one who betrays. Who will be at your team?
Waiting for the next book! Kept swiping on my kindle with frustration! I can’t wait to see what happens next. Will the mansion burn? Or will Hunter and Piper crumble?
One of my first ARC reads and absolutely loved it! I was really surprised by how much I did not want to put this book down.
Hunter... what can I say?.. It's impossible to not love Hunter! As his character developed throughout the book, I couldn't help but route for him. I loved watching the relationship build between Hunter and Piper.
The book does end on a cliffhanger. I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens in future books!
Smut with ALL the plot!!! Hunter's game is a dark Mafia meets secret society, enemies-to-lovers The families that make up the Empire spend their summers at the Manor, where they prepare the next generation of members through a series of trials. Piper Barrett wants nothing more than to fulfill her role in the Empire, but after bumping into Hunter Caddell, all mystery and challenge, she is now part of his game. You must check trigger ⚠️ warnings before reading!
Oh my god - I’ve literally never read a book like this in my entire life. It was INSANE in the best & worst ways??? I cannot even process the ending.
I LOVE Piper and cannot wait for more of her character development. I’ve never loved and hated a character more than Hunter. Their relationship… sick and twisted but so addicting.
Hunter -wow!!! Very well thought out book, and the way it is written is fantastic! As for the spice .......so hot it singes you! If you are looking for a book that has plenty of anst and something dark, this is a great book for you.
I loved everything about this book from fighting their feelings to becoming what and who they are. The spice level was phenomenal. I can't wait for more reads from Jasmine.
I'm so overwhelmed with the feeling I went through while reading this book! I enjoyed, hated, cried, and loved all of it lol. That's how it was for me, a wild emotional rollercoaster! Read the tw.
Hunter’s game is Jasmine’s debut dark romance and ohmygod I need more because I am simply addicted!!
I love how I was addicted from the start because of the spicy prologue. That really was a great start to the book 🤭
I really liked the setup of everyone is at the manor. I’ve read a couple of series like that before and I enjoy it. It also meant that we got a lot more time of just hunter and piper together 🤩
This book had me feeling so many different emotions, hate, love, sadness, empathy. And the cliffhanger really shocked me, so I know that book two is going to be explosive!