Kindred Kings

The Hollow’s Hunt #2

by Selena Winters

I thought I'd be the one doing the hunting at the Hollow's Hunt, but now I'm on my knees, captivated by Julian Frost's irresistible dominance.Becoming prey was never on the cards—until Julian Frost walked in and his gaze ignited something forbidden I've spent years denying.

"You can pretend all you want, Elliot," Julian whispers, cornering me. "But we both know what you need. Be a good boy and get on your knees for your king."

Each encounter strips away my resistance, transforming my rival into something far more the first man to make me question everything. The thrill of submission courses through my veins when Julian takes control, leaving me caught between defiance and surrender.

As the Hunt intensifies, Julian is determined to claim what he desires—and I'm beginning to crave the exquisite pleasure of being prey to this beautiful man.

Kindred Kings is the second installment in The Hallow's Hunt Series, a scorching MM romance exploring sexual awakening and the intoxicating power of surrender. No cliffhanger, satisfying HEA.

Genres: Dark Romance, M M Romance, Queer

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2026

Reviews

[Zahra · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You can pretend all you want… but your body already chose me.”

Kindred Kings completely consumed me.

This isn’t just a dark MM romance — it’s an intense psychological unraveling wrapped in power, dominance, and raw vulnerability. The tension between Elliot and Julian is immediate and electric, but what makes this story unforgettable is the emotional depth beneath the heat.

Elliot’s repression feels painfully real. Watching him struggle with identity, control, and years of denial added a layer of emotional weight that made every intimate scene hit harder. His journey isn’t just about desire — it’s about surrendering to truth.

And Julian? Ruthless. Calculated. Completely aware of what Elliot needs before Elliot can admit it to himself. His dominance isn’t chaotic — it’s intentional, precise, and devastatingly effective. The power dynamic is strong and unapologetic, but it never feels empty. Every moment pushes character growth.

The Hunt element adds an edge of danger and intensity that elevates the story beyond a typical romance. The atmosphere is dark, seductive, and immersive from beginning to end.

Elliot is not just repressed — he is architected.
From the opening chapters, we see:
• Carefully curated image (gallery owner, refined, controlled)
• Hyper-awareness of how he is perceived
• Fear rooted in childhood conditioning (mother’s homophobia)
• Compartmentalization of identity
His sexuality isn’t hidden because he doesn’t know it.
It’s hidden because he believes it makes him unsafe.
The most important psychological detail:
His arousal is strongest when paired with validation.
The “good boy” trigger isn’t random. It’s:
• Re-parenting coded as praise
• Conditional love rewired into erotic affirmation
• The relief of approval without rejection
The spice is explicit. The emotional tension is sharp. The chemistry is undeniable. And the HEA makes the journey worth every messy, intoxicating moment.
Stages of his psychological unraveling:
1. Attraction → Panic
2. Arousal → Denial
3. Submission → Euphoria
4. Euphoria → Shame
5. Shame → Attempted Reassertion
6. Repetition → Acceptance
His body knows before his mind does.
That tension between physical truth and psychological repression drives the intensity.
The scene where he climaxes to “good boy”?
That’s not just spice.

That’s:
• Internalized self-hatred cracking
• Validation rewiring identity
• Erotic release tied to emotional recognition

That’s why it hits so hard.
If you love:
• Dark MM romance
• Hunter/prey tension
• Praise kink
• Possessive, commanding MMCs
• Emotional unraveling with payoff

This book delivers on every level.

Absolutely a 5-star read for me.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one, following Elliot and Julian's journey through the Hollow's Hunt.

Julian comes from money; his family has investments in a lot of different businesses. He is openly bisexual, loving both men and women. When it comes to the hunt, anyone is prey.

Elliot has clawed himself up in the art world to become a Gallery owner. He has worked hard to establish his network of buyers and artists. He has always presented himself as straight. But he has struggled with this, as he has known from a young age what he likes. His mother has always been homophobic, citing that it goes against scripture and her spiritual teachings. He suffered from emotional and psychological abuse over the years because of this.

But Julian sees him, knows him, and the carefully constructed walls he has hidden behind. This year, Julian decides the hunter has become his prey instead of hunting one of the women taking part. He'll enjoy devouring this man piece by piece until he bows at the feet of his king.

Elliot knows he needs to run, be as far away from Julian as he can be. But the magnetic draw he has has him fighting a losing battle, one that shows what his body needs even if his mind rebels against it. Brick by brick, his walls come down. Julian shows him what it means to eventually be free and open.

Julian has always had fun in the hunt, then left. But Elliot has him doing a lot of firsts. He becomes enamoured and possessive of Elliot. Elliot is his and only his 'good boy'. But as Elliot opens up to Julian, he realises that Elliot also pushes back as he becomes more comfortable in his body and his wants.

This book faces the dilemma that a lot of people face in their sexuality. Having to hide their true selves from their family and the world because of their homophobic views. But when the right person comes along to help them see and feel what it means to be loved for who they are, not what they project, they eventually find their true home, one surrounded in love.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

Is Selena Winters for real?! *SCREAMING!* I literally could not get enough of Julian & Elliot! Julian is the type of king we all will happily get on our knees and bow down for – he deserves the title, lives up to the title, and uses his power to vehemently protect those he loves.

🖤Sëxuäl Awakening
🖤Spicy Group Scenes
🖤Pr!mal Play
🖤Hunter Becoming Prey
🖤Use of Restraints
🖤Br33ding K!nk
🖤Praise K!nk
🖤“Good Boy” & “Mine”
🖤Dominance & Submission
🖤Vers Dynamic
🖤Burn the World for Him
🖤Frotting, Rimming, DP (w/ toy) & C*m Play

Elliot thought that he would be doing the hunting at the Hollow’s Hunt, but now? Now he’s Julian’s prey, and succumbing to Julian’s irresistible dominance is unlocking desires Elliot’s tried to hide his entire life…

We met Elliot in The Blackwood Brothers series, but it was only surface-level. The depth we get here in getting to know Elliot, his upbringing, and the how and why he’s denied who he is his entire life? MY HEART. Elliot deserved protection at all costs and the perfect person to help him unapologetically own who he is, was Julian. Julian saw through the mask Elliot presented to the world and was determined to help Elliot be free to explore his desires. The connection between these two was electric, you could feel it crackling in the air and the moment it finally snapped during the Hollow’s Hunt?! 🔥🔥🔥 When their passion gets unleashed, Julian wants things from Elliot he’s never desired from another partner, and when Elliot voices what he desires? Julian is happy to fulfill those needs. And beyond their undeniable attraction, when the true feelings surface? Julian’s protective nature is unmatched!

Loved this one!

[Shelby Woodruff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is book 2 in the series, but can be read as a standalone. This is my first MM romance I have ever read before, so I was going in not knowing what to expect. I will say in the very beginning that this book is VERY HEAVY on dark themes! Please read the trigger warnings before starting.

As the introduction to my MM romance experience I thought this book was very intense. Not a bad intense, but just like a BAM it's happening. The first half of the book was very spicy, and then after all of the chemistry there was plot afterwards. I felt for Elliot's pain and his turmoil within himself trying to please the one person that is supposed to love him unconditionally. Julian and Elliot are endgame for sure and their relationship was sweet. He helped Elliot face who he was whereas Elliot helped the ice around Julian's heart to melt.

Overall this book was really good and I'm looking forward to read the rest in the series. :).

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Allicia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 4.75 ⭐
Spice 5 🌶️

Kindred Kings is book 2 of the Hollow's Hunt dark romance series. Kindred Kings features Julian and Elliot's portion of the Hollow's Hunt.

Elliot is still in denial of who he really is and Julian is determined to make sure that Elliot accepts, and will enjoy, being who he really is. While both enter as hunters, Julian has no intention of keeping it that way. Julian's actions before the hunt begin increasing the tension between the characters that is explored further after it begins.

Elliot experiences a lot of internalized thoughts and conflicted feelings when it comes to the hunt, what he wants, and what others will think of him. Julian is a lot more confident and comfortable with who he is, but does experience much smaller conflicting thoughts with what he wants post hunt.

As this is a dark romance, check the triggers before reading.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book......
I had the hardest time putting it down to sleep for work, otherwise I would have finished it in just a matter of hours
The spicy be spicing
Julian and Elliot are end game
I think some people int he LGBTQIA community will be able to relate to Elliot and the absolute bullsh*t he had to deal with from his mom. I know I have had people like that in my life, to see that represented as it was and then dealt with like to was by Julian was wonderful
Elliot overcoming all that hate that was engrained in him his whole life to become his true self and be with Julian was beautiful.
The way Julian figured out what Elliot needed and how to treat him was so amazing to see grow through the book.
I love MM books but this one and their relationship will hold a special spot because of how it was built.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dana Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Selena Winter’s writing. I need her to write many more MM romances!!!! The way she wrote Julian and Elliot’s relationship was sooo chef’s kiss 🤌🏻

My heart broke for Elliot how much he was denied and not allowed to be his true self because of his mother’s prejudice and hatred. He was conditioned to be scared and to always hide that part of him. I love that he got to finally feel and experience what he had missed out on all those years.

Julian saw beneath his mask, accepted him for who he was, just knew what Elliot needed before he did, and gave him what he desired. Julian tries to resist the developing feelings between him and Elliot even though he claimed him after the Hunt. But his possessive, protective nature easily comes out when Elliot needs him the most. So love them together!!!!!

Theres’s so much - delectable spicy 🌶️ moments, passion, acknowledgment, acceptance, and a fabulous found family!!!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hana Gs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of a reluctant self-discovery. Throughout the book, the dynamic between Elliot and Julian is intense. Julian’s commanding presence and Elliot’s internal struggle make the story real. Elliot’s resistance, denial, and gradual surrender are layered with vulnerability, making the power dynamic feel psychological rather than purely physical. The story explores identity, desire, and the fear of wanting something you’ve long suppressed. The chemistry between the two leads is electric. There’s a deliberate push-and-pull that keeps the reader hooked, balancing intensity with moments of introspection.

If you enjoy dominant/submissive dynamics, this book delivers. It’s bold, sensual, and focused on the power of desire.

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kindred Kings is an exploration of the heavy toll of hiding one’s true self—and the courage required to reclaim it. The exhaustion of performing a curated version of yourself to appease the expectations of family or society.

Elliot carries a lifetime of shame and self-loathing, a burden cemented by his mother’s influence. Julian, a true force of nature, finds his greatest power not in dominance, but in his ability to see right through the mask Elliot wears. Watching Elliot navigate his trauma while Julian stands as a fierce defender is more than just beautiful—it is everything.


*PLEASE READ TRIGGER AND CONTENT WARNINGS.*.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nightwalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfying

Elliot has struggled his whole life against his feelings. He has built a carefully curated life. Julian observes how Elliot is never quite himself. How he exists in his life but isn't actually living it. So Julian decides that this Hollows Hunt he will change that. The question is will Elliot embrace change or continue the charade?
After observing Elliot through multiple other books in the Blackwell universe it was nice to read his story. It was emotional, sad, tragic, and hopeful. His story definitely gave more depth to the world Selena has created and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Samantha Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the hunter becomes the hunted.

It got off to a rocky start. It took a while for Elliot to admit to who he was. Julian changed a lot over the book from a cold businessman to a loving partner who would move the world for . Elliott’s mother was a piece of work, and didn’t deserve the title of a mother. These two are perfect for each other in every way and they bought out the best in each other.

I will definitely be rereading this and look forward to more books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you had read the first book in the series, then you will be familiar with how the story focuses more on the character dynamics as they discover their boundaries with one another. This one is no different but with two MMCs. This was full of exploration and of Elliot freeing himself from his mother's expectations. There are Easter eggs of othe characters that hint of what we may expect in future books of the series. I am looking forward to those stories.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BackwardsBookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured Kindred Kings in one sitting. Julian and Theo were not playing with bringing Elliot out to play. I loved that Theo backed off when the dynamic of Elliot and Julian started scorching up the pages.
Julien you possessive, protective beast. His obsession with Elliot was everything, you could feel it through Selena's words. His care and devotion to Elliot bought out the tender moments perfectly.

Theo's book next?? Kindred Kings, another great addition to the Hollow's hunt.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KayCee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot and Julian's story was so incredible. Elliot, hiding from everyone, all the time but knowing who he was. Julian, not afraid to live out loud, but missing something. Both have been hunters in the Hollow's Hunt, but Julian sees something in Elliot and decides to make Elliot his prey. Elliot, wants nothing to do with being hunted. This was an amazing story about becoming who you are, finding love and where you belong. There is passion, acknowledgement, acceptance, challenges, and a found family in this book. A 5 star read!

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the intensity, steam, darkness and raw feelings that flowed so effortlessly throughout Elliott and Julian's story. I could really feel for Elliott and the harsh tangle of desire, denial, guilt, shame, fear and self-hatred that he was so heavily burdened under. My heart simply broke for him, and I was so happy and grateful that Julian could see the true him and overjoyed when unplanned and unexpected deeper feelings took root and blossomed.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author writes fantastic books. I have been on a previous hunt in this series. And I enjoyed this book even more.

The one thing someone should know going in is this is definitely high heat m/m. Like steamy sauna style where you need a towel for sympathetic condensation. There is also going to be tough subject matter on page and past but the MMCs handle it.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THE BOOK!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot signed up to be a hunter bit when Julian entered the hunt he becomes his prey. Elliot had tried to subdue his desires after his past its easy to see why, but Julians the type to come knocking down his walls just to rebuild them stronger, but will Elliot give in? Well written engaging steamy desires drama and more MM romance

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book so was deliciously dark. Once I started this, there was no way I was putting down. Julian and Elliot were so freaking hot. I absolutely loved the hunt, loved the submission, the dominance. This had me in a chokehold. The twists and turns had me turning the pages like my fingers were on fire. I was so engrossed in this. And that spice…🥵🥵🔥. One hell of a hot book.

[Saoirse · Rating 5 out of 5]

read it. read it now.


🥵 🔥 🌶️ 🤤

Just….just read it. Do it. I don’t know what it is about hot guys….you know…but seriously…..

[Yvonne Grohoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I have always loved your stories....don't ever stop! This one, however, seemed to have a log of inconsistencies.... Seems rushed....I love the story but parts are repeated, characters are in the room and then they are walking into the same room.....not what I usually expect from this author. Still, I did really enjoy the story.🙂

[Bam · Rating 5 out of 5]

MM my fav trope from one of my fav writers. Loved the book, took me 4 hours to read so I ate it up!!!
⚠️ Read Trigger List ⚠️ cause it's hot and spicy 🖤🌶️🔥
Enjoy 🥀 📚

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

kindred kings

Beautiful! I don’t normally read mm but I loved every minute of their story bloody brilliant 👌well done Selena another great read

[Sarah☀️ Somerville · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sex was really hot, but this book was just so overboard. There was so much sex. And then when they stopped having so much sex, it went completely off the rails.

[Doussouba · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.50⭐️

[Erin Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ - thoroughly enjoyed this book!