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He thought I was just another pawn in his game. But pawns can become queens.

He kidnapped me.
Lied to me.
Betrayed me.

Now Henry Fontaine swears he’s the only man who can keep me alive.

Maybe he’s right.

But survival always comes with a sacrifice.

And trusting the man who once held me captive feels like stepping back into a cage I vowed I’d never return to.

I should walk away.

I should run.

Yet every time I try, something drags me back to him… The monster in the shadows with a touch that feels like damnation and eyes that promise salvation.

He says he wants to protect me. That he’ll burn down the world before he lets anyone hurt me.

But men like Henry always have another lie. Another secret. Another move on the board.

Can I trust him enough to believe he's finally telling me the truth?

Or am I still nothing more than a pawn in his game of revenge?

The Pawn is the second book in a dark captive romance trilogy from USA Today Bestselling Author T.K. Leigh. Grab your copy today.

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 15, 2026

11 people are currently reading
4685 people want to read

About the author

T.K. Leigh

64 books4,502 followers
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T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Beautiful Mess series, in addition to several other works. Originally from New England, she now resides outside of Raleigh with her husband, beautiful daughter, three cats, and special needs rescue dog.

When she’s not writing she can be found training for her next marathon (of which she has run over twenty fulls and far too many halfs to recall), having impromptu dance parties with her daughter, or planning her next trip to parts unknown.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Jill Bridgeman.
494 reviews15 followers
Review of advance copy
January 14, 2026
I devoured The Pawn and couldn't get enough. I wanted more. We learned so much more about Ariana and Henry in this chapter. Some twists and turns I honestly did not see coming. And OMG, that ending 😳😳.. Another huge cliffy. I am so ready for Book 3.
185 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2026
Very slow paced. FMC who was being forced against her will by her husband, or r*ped for 10 years as she likes to claim, suddenly likes to be blindfolded, bound and deaf, as long as it is with the MMC?? How does this make sense?

Writer thinks a person can move faster than a bullet shot from a gun pointed at someone's forehead.

The barrel hovered inches from my forehead.
I wrenched my body sideways at the same second he fired.


I can't with books that don't make sense 🤯.

.
Profile Image for Stephanie Rushlow.
61 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2026
I swear I say this every time T.K. does it—every single time. As much as I hate her cliffhangers, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

First, make sure you’ve read the first book, The Hunter, because The Pawn picks up immediately where it left off. Ariana is still unsure whether she can trust Henry, terrified of repeating her past mistakes. Meanwhile, Henry works to put aside his controlling tendencies, determined to prove to Ariana that he can be trusted and that she’s safe moving forward with him.

Despite Ariana’s trust issues, the pull between them is undeniable—every time they’re in each other’s presence. Henry continues to show her a side of himself he’s never shown anyone else, and Ariana slowly begins to rebuild herself piece by piece.

But like any T.K. book, just when you think the end is in sight, you’re hit with the twist of a lifetime—and a cliffhanger that leaves you on the edge of your seat, desperately waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Mandyloves2read.
1,787 reviews171 followers
February 3, 2026
A dark, intense, and emotionally charged continuation that picks up right where book one left off. The story only gets darker and more suspenseful, pulling me in deeper with every page. T.K. Leigh perfectly balances tension, twists, and scorching chemistry between the main characters. This was a gripping five-star read, and I can’t wait for the third and final book.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,353 reviews25 followers
February 5, 2026
The Pawn is the second book in the Hunter Trilogy. The Trilogy ends with the third and final book The Chosen. A full-length steamy standalone romance which ends with a surprising cliffhanger. This is Henry and Ariana which is told from a dual point of view. In this dark romance, a woman falls for her captor Henry Fontaine, discovering his haunting past and protective obsession while facing dangerous secrets and life-altering choices. A fast paced, thrilling, and gripping story. Dangerous. Decadent. Compelling. Dark. Twisted. Captivating. Dirty. Spicy.
An absorbing addicting and unputdownable read. An exquisitely written story with complex individuals and a twisty storyline that captures the reader attention from the start and keeps the reader transfixed and turning the pages with it's non-stop twists and turns, pulse-pounding suspense, high-octane adventures, heart-stopping emotions and tension. This book demands to be read and screamed escape from the everyday life that you craved and never knew that you needed. Wow! is all that I can say about this book. A great addition to the series.
A contemporary romance, dark mafia romance, romantic suspense story, hades persephone story, romantic proximity romance, aged gap trope romance, polar opposite attracts story, captive romance, captor-captive romance, hate-to-love vibes story, morally-grey antihero romance, enemies-to-lovers romance, touch-her-and-die romance, kidnapped heroine story, forbidden romance, taboo romance, off-limits romance, forbidden romance, crime thriller story, billionaire romance, protective alpha hero romance with mystery, lies, fear, drama, secrets, survival, deception, darkness, spice, madness, obsession, possessiveness, power and control, murder, trauma, danger, attacks, misunderstandings, bloodshed, mistrust, dirty talking, consensual intense rough sex, angst, dominance, submission, captivity, friendship, witty banter, kidnapping and more.
The story picks up where it left off from that mind-blowing cliffhanger in The Hunter. Henry Fontaine is hunting Victor Kane because of the loss of his sister to get his revenge. He decided to use his wife Ariana Kane. But as he gets closer to narrow down his search on Victor. He see that someone had the same idea as him, when he witness Ariana being abducted and decided to take her for himself as a pawn. She and her captor had a push and pull relationship the more time they spend together. And eventually she saw that he was different from Victor. And she decided to help him to get his revenge because with him gone she could get her freedom. Ariana would show Henry that she's not a wallflower and the perfect queen by his side as they go up against Victor. She was equally a warrior as him. Ariana is fierce, strong, resilience, and intelligent. Henry is relentless, dangerous, and protective. This story leaves you on the edge of your seat and gasping for more.
The Pawn gave us a better understanding of these two with the back story that the author provides, plus family members and friends making appearance and contributing to the story as things come undone. Although at times Henry as been Ariana's safe haven she's still in fear and his unsure of who to trust and doesn't feels safe at times. Because of the damage that her husband Victor Kane as done. He's done some horrible and chilling things. And although the author as given the readers a lot of answers but there's still some burning questions remains. Being with Henry as awaken a different woman in Ariana than the one that she was with Victor.
Although the two was in a safe place Ariana would eventually put herself in arms ways and took off and ends up in the cross-hair of the people who was trying to kidnap her in the first place before Henry intervene in the botched kidnapping. Henry will have to yet again come to her rescue. Because he will do anything to protect her and because he had fallen in love with her. And boy did it get more dramatic, action packed, intriguing and unveiling. These two brought out different side of each other. Henry was on the path to get revenge and on that quest he found love. The Pawn left us yet again on a mind-blowing cliffhanger.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.





Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,331 reviews203 followers
January 16, 2026
THE PAWN is the second instalment in TK Leigh’s contemporary, adult HUNTER dark erotic, trilogy focusing on former Navy SEAL and billionaire cyber security expert Henry Fontaine and socialite Ariana Kane. The HUNTER series is a spin off, set in the author SAINT trilogy world. THE PAWN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one THE HUNTER.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers .

Told from dual first person perspectives (Henry and Ariana) THE PAWN focuses on the rescue of our story line heroine in the wake of a misunderstanding and perceived betrayal by the man with whom she will fall in love. Henry is determined to protect Ariana, not only from her abusive husband and hotelier Victor Kane, but the heroine herself. Ariana struggles to trust, and would prefer to take off for places unknown, refuses to believe there is a target on her back but as Henry and his right hand man Blake begin to dig deeper into Victor Kane’s business, a more questionable connection to organized crime begins to surface, connecting them all.

The world building continues to focus on the unwanted protection of our story line heroine, a woman who is defiant in the face of real time threats but Ariana’s arrival in Henry’s life is not without some questionable circumstances, and in this, Ariana struggles to accept Henry’s new direction in life.

The relationship between Ariana and Henry is no longer jailer and captive but one of security and guardian for a woman who is still hunted by the man who calls himself husband. Ariana and Henry will soon discover the depth of betrayal from Victor Kane, a betrayal that kept Ariana under Victor’s control. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, the secondary and supporting characters include Ariana’s hotelier husband Victor Kane, her mother Daphne, as well as Henry’s right hand man Blake, Dr. Wilson Schaffer, and Henry’s best friend Gideon Saint and his wife Imogene (Saint Trilogy).

THE PAWN is another story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The character driven premise is edgy, haunting and twisted; the romance is provocative and seductive; the characters are flawed, tragic and determined. THE PAWN ends on a cliff hanger -you have been warned.



copy supplied for review
Profile Image for SL.
846 reviews
Review of advance copy
January 11, 2026
Let me preface this review by stating that this is the 2nd book of a trilogy and is NOT a standalone. It also ends in a cliffhanger, so if you’re not a fan of those, wait and read all three books in the series once the last has been released. “The Hunter,” which is book 1 leaves off where this starts, and book 3, “The Chosen” completes the trilogy and is due for release in July of ‘26.

Now to the good stuff! Ariana and Henry have a complicated relationship: captor and prey, protector and unwilling damsel, or lovers destined to be together? This couple basically embodies all of the above as you’ll learn as you go deeper into their world.

Henry is older and more knowledgeable of the world, but Ariana is a warrior. They become uneasy cohabitants when he abducts her, but as time passes, he’s sees her as who she is underneath rather than the facade she had to create. Passion simmers, chemistry pulls, and Ariana and Henry become more than either could expect.

As their story continues to unfold, they become partners in seeking justice for his daughter and her stolen years at the hands of her husband, Victor Kane. This book is more about how their chemistry finally draws them completely together as they each let hard-fought barriers drop rather than the actual battle, but it does lead up to a spectacular cliffhanger.

I’m not a fan of spoilers, so I never share any, but I will say that the ending of this book and the lead-in to the next is one that you didn’t see coming! For me, the arrival of “The Chosen” is eagerly awaited!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Donna reads Romance.
1,052 reviews42 followers
January 16, 2026
Betrayal. Obsession. Reckoning.
This sequel is pure adrenaline!!
Henry’s devastating betrayal shatters Ariana’s trust and sends her running, turning every moment between them into a volatile mix of anger, heartbreak and feral longing.
Their chemistry is incendiary—every look smolders, every touch ignites.
Henry’s reverence for Ariana’s strength and scars makes their bond both blisteringly hot and deeply emotional.
As for Henry Fontaine? He is the kind of dark book boyfriend we all crave! He’s commanding, morally gray, dangerously seductive, fiercely protective and utterly obsessed.
As danger closes in, his devotion turns lethal as he hunts Victor and fights to keep Ariana safe.
The twists hit hard and fast.
Discovering Ariana’s mother’s illness was orchestrated was chilling—but having her mother safe and healing adds a beautiful warmth.
Victor Kane makes the fatal mistake of underestimating Ariana, he gets to Ariana and claims he’s gotten rid of Henry.
What follows is jaw-dropping!
Ariana shows no mercy.
She doesn’t break.
She becomes the reckoning.
It’s one of the most empowering fist-clenching scenes I’ve ever read in a dark romance.
The trafficking ring is unraveling and we are left with a devastating, gasp-inducing cliffhanger that makes waiting for the next book pure torture.
And the author? An absolute force. T.K Leigh’s writing is fearless, razor-sharp and intoxicating—balancing brutal tension, scorching intimacy and emotional depth with masterful control.
This isn’t just dark romance done right… it’s dark romance at its best.
Explosive. Sinful. Unputdownable. 🖤🔥
151 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 13, 2026
“The Pawn”is Book Two of The Hunter Trilogy, which is definitely not a standalone and must be read after Book One in this Trilogy (Book One is also named, “The Hunter”) to understand this story fully.

We pick up right where Ariana and Henry left us at the end of Book One. Ariana is desperate to get away from Henry, having found something she believes to be Henry’s, but actually isn’t. Unfortunately, as she’s now running away from Henry, the people Henry is trying to protect Ariana from have now found her. This is just in the first few chapters and it doesn’t slow down from there.

The relationship between Ariana & Henry is complicated after everything that happened in Book One. We see Henry’s other side come out in full force as he’s absolute in his feelings for Ariana. She, on the other hand, has much more healing to do and is not so sure about everything that’s currently happening in her life. I love the way their story continues and their characters develop. Also, a few secondary characters come into the mix, as well as revisiting a few we’ve read about before, which makes it that much more enjoyable

I feel like I read this book in the blink of an eye! The story moves so quickly and so smoothly, I didn’t even realize I was so close to the end until you read the jaw-dropping last 2 chapters and you keep trying to swipe for another page & realize you’re already at the end. Book Three definitely canNOT get here soon enough! I know there’s so much more ahead!!
103 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2026
Boy, was I absolutely HOOKED on this series. Literally, from page one, you got your hooks in me and didn't let go to the end of the last page. You are, without a doubt, a word genius!

This book has EVERYTHING that draws me in and never let's go, living rent free in my head long after I'm finished. By far, one of the best series of books I've read to date. I loved the characters of Ariana and Henry. My heart went out to both. They truly made me feel all the feels. I felt Henry's loss and why he wanted Victor to pay. It was so visceral and real. And the abuse Ariana endured at Victor's hands tore at my heart strings.

After the cliffhanger with The Hunter, I didn't know what to expect in The Pawn. I was sitting on pins and needles, hoping things turned out in Henry and Ariana's favor. Not only were they dealing with Victor but also the Bratva. So, yeah, this girl was waiting on bated breath for truths to be revealed and crimes to be answered for. And, I can't get enough of Ariana and Henry together. Henry is absolutely book-boyfriend material! I was, of course, not disappointed in the least by the end of the book. It was absolute perfection! And goodness, was the spice top tier. My poor tablet needed a cool down.

Without question, I would absolutely recommend this series. I plan to watch, very carefully, for more books by this author. Love her writing style, everything! So beyond good!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
351 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2026
There are times while reading where I ask, "What's she up too?" When T.K. Leigh is the author; I find myself not only asking that question but also delving a little deeper into the story. The Pawn is one of those stories I suggest you do the same. Not only because of the title, but because of all the little things wedged down in the deep corners.

Henry and Ariana continue to discover what makes the other so unique. While their souls wage a battle with each other, they both begin to recognize the war is much larger, and more ominous. T.K. Leigh moves us through layers that blend, bend and curve to hide what should be before our eyes. Our characters are not immune to the smoke screen either.

And as I wondered more about The Pawn, the screen started to clear. But as we all know, sometimes the smoke clearing is just a ruse before the lights go out totally… or the other side of the script is flipped open and more comes into view.

This is Book 2 in the series and if you read the author's thoughts, you will begin to realize she is doing what she does best. BAITING you and me for the big hang! LOL. And TK is a master at it my friends. Yet, she always keeps all of us coming back.! Talk about having me waiting for that next book? Like Yes please! T.K. Leigh, you have done a great job with this book, and it is worth all the stars I can give.
Profile Image for Wendy LeGrand.
1,294 reviews54 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 5, 2026
Another whirlwind ride with Ariana and Henry! Picking up right where book one left off, the story dives straight into the action. After connecting with these two in *The Hunter*, I was completely invested in everything happening. Books like this prove why T.K. is truly the queen of suspense!

This second installment is packed with layers. Henry is not only trying to figure out what Victor is plotting, but also working to solve the mystery of Sarah’s murder and regain Ariana’s trust. Amid the constant suspense, there are touching moments devoted to rebuilding their relationship—quiet scenes where they open up about their pasts in ways they never have before.

As I read, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things were going too smoothly for them, so I knew T.K.’s trademark cliffhanger was coming—and it didn’t disappoint! I was devastated at one point, but I also have a wild theory about what’s coming in book three. Part of me hopes I’m right, and part of me hopes I’m not, because it could mean an entirely different kind of heartbreak. Either way, I can’t wait to see what happens!

It was a delight to see Gideon and Imogene again, along with a few new characters who completely won me over. Now I’ll be counting down the days until the final book in this series!
Profile Image for Maria Angie Mendoza.
3,188 reviews20 followers
January 15, 2026
What a treat for the senses!

This book easily became my most anticipated read of 2026 after that H-U-G-E cliffhanger at the end of The Hunter!
The Pawn is book 2 and it is the continuation of book 1. It begins right where book 1 ends so unless you’ve read the prior book don’t bother reading this installment!

That said, get ready for a totally immersive story that has me hooked from beginning to end.

Henry is on a mission, and I thought I loved his character in book one, well I adore him now! He’s so tough and so serious about completing what he must, yet he’s also so tender and dare I say loving!

Once again nothing is what it appears! Well paced, I learn a development only for it to be followed by another unexpected twist!
The suspense, the intensity and the steamy passion that cannot be avoided between Henry and Ariana was just part of what I enjoyed about this read. This author never disappoints creating stories that are suspenseful, exciting and so passionate. In the midst of all that we continue to learn more about Henry.

The Pawn is such a fitting title because if the player knows the game it can’t checkmate the king!
Except who’s the player?

What happens?…
Another cliffhanger at the end… and I’m not so patiently waiting for book 3!
Profile Image for Renee.
5,240 reviews73 followers
January 19, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

This is the second book in the Hunter Trilogy. I will go ahead and warn you that you are going to devour this book. I absolutely could not put this book down. This is the story of Ariana and Henry. You need to have read the first book before you dive into The Pawn. It picks up right where we left off in The Hunter. Arian is still not sure weather of not she can trust Henry. I mean can you blame the girl? She is not about to do the things she has done in the past and pay for those mistakes. Henry though is working so hard to not be so controlling and prove to Ariana that she can trust him. Now these two have some work to do, sure. But they have this connection that is push and pull and I don't know how they were not destined to be together from the very beginning. I loved that we got to see a side of Henry that he doesn't show to anyone ever!!! There connection is just perfection, If only she would or could trust him. There are twist and turns in this book that I never saw coming from a million miles away. Now I need to have the third book in this series yesterday!!! I can't wait to have it in my hands and see what happens.
Profile Image for Dianna Little.
107 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 12, 2026
No one writes suspense like TK and this book is no exception. This is the second book in the trilogy following the Hunter. It picks up with Arianna thinking Henry betrayed her and is trying her best to get away from him. She thinks he is just like her ex husband. In self preservation mode she does the only thing she know how to and runs. When her life is in danger, will Arianna see Henry for who he really is or will she think he is just a monster? Henry has broken all of his rules where Arianna is concerned. She is not the spoiled trophy wife he though she was. He sees her scars and begins to realize the extent of hell her life was. He vows then and there to do everything in his power to give her her freedom no matter what it costs him. Will Henry standby by Arianna when she takes matter into her own hands or will he be the one to set her free? This book will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to come next and have you rooting these two on to the very end. The Chosen is the final book in this series and if it is anything like these two its going to be an epic conclusion.
Profile Image for Kelly - Words We Love By.
995 reviews12 followers
January 28, 2026
The Pawn picks up right where The Hunter left me emotionally wrecked and fully obsessed. T.K. Leigh proves yet again why she’s a favorite author, this book is darker, deeper, and far more emotionally charged than book one.
Henry Fontaine is still dangerous, still calculating, and still impossible to look away from. The power dynamics shift in fascinating ways here, and watching the balance between control, protection, and manipulation unfold kept me glued to the pages. Nothing is simple...especially trust. Every promise feels loaded, every moment intimate and tense, and every step forward comes with the fear of another betrayal.
What I loved most is how the story leans into the idea that pawns don’t stay powerless forever. The growth, the internal struggle, and the constant question of whether survival means surrender or strength makes this installment incredibly compelling. The chemistry is intense, the stakes are higher, and the emotional push-and-pull is downright addictive.
Dark, seductive, and layered with secrets, The Pawn is a gripping second installment that cements this trilogy as unputdownable. If you started The Hunter, you need this book...no skipping, no stopping.
466 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 12, 2026
This second book of the trilogy had me on the edge of my seat! Romantic suspense at its best! I did re-read the first book just to refresh my memory of how it ended before starting this part of the story. In Book 2, you see Ariana dealing with her fears as well as Henry trying to regain her trust again. You start to see the deviousness of Victor Kane goes far deeper than you thought. The ending just had me cheering for Ariana but also desperately wanting to know what happens next for this couple as well as for Henry’s daughter who is still alive. The foreshadowing at the end of the book has me staking a guess at who the enemy truly is and I will now need to wait to see if I was correct. Both these characters are strong in their own right with the things they have gone through. I love that Henry has thought of everything including restoring Ariana strength and voice as Warrior is the correct term for her as well as looking out for her mom. Great read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
938 reviews15 followers
January 7, 2026
Oh my goodness! I’m not sure what to say except this book is spectacular! This is the second book in the Hunter trilogy. What was supposed to be a vengeful attack on an enemy. Ended up being anything but. Thinking that taking someone would be all the vengeance they needed. When it did the total opposite. Realizing the person was not who they thought they were. Instead a victim themselves.

This book starts with a misunderstanding that started at the end of book one. So the trilogy needs to be read in order. Because the Chosen (book three) will pick up where this one left off. Ariana and Henry learn so much about one another in this book. No secrets left between them. Just the questions as to why. But they are determined to stay a united front. We even get Gideon and Imogene for a bit in this book too.

This author loves to take you on a ride of mystery, thrill, and romance. Her books start with a bang and keep you moving from page to page until the end. I cannot wait for The Chosen.
3,087 reviews18 followers
January 20, 2026
Number 2 in this Trilogy!!

It is key to read The Hunter first. We learn Ariana is treated horribly by her husband Victor Kane. Henry Fontaine lost his sister due to Victor Kane and intends to get retribution through his wife Ariana. He sees Ariana being kidnapped, and intervenes, taking her for himself. When the tables are turned, Ariana helps him, admitting she is safer with him as her captor than with her own husband. This sets the emotional scene for these stories.

Confused, Ariana eventually runs, not realizing she has alerted the original, dangerous people who first kidnapped her. Once again the action is off, and Henry is her saviour. Digging into details reveals additional startling facts.

All about trust, choices, new memories, and additional revelations. This continues to be a spicy, fast-paced, intricate story which has me very eager for the conclusion!

***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Profile Image for Melissa Crump.
631 reviews78 followers
December 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Masterclass in Suspense and Chemistry!

T.K. Leigh’s “The Pawn” had me in an absolute chokehold from page one. No one—and I mean no one—crafts suspense the way she does. She is truly the queen of slow-burn tension, emotional twists, and that delicious sense of dread that keeps you glued to every chapter.

The story is riveting, layered with secrets and stakes that build with perfect precision. And then there’s Henry and Arianna… their chemistry is nothing short of electric. Every interaction crackles. Every moment between them feels charged, dangerous, and impossible to look away from.

Leigh balances heart‑pounding suspense with intoxicating romance in a way that feels effortless. “The Pawn” is the kind of book you cancel plans for, the kind you stay up way too late reading because you have to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Angie.
603 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 7, 2026

This is the second book in the series. I highly recommend reading book one first.
Book two picks up where book one ended. Henry continues to get Ariana to understand what went down in book one. When she finally allows him to be heard.
This installment is full of suspense, action, hot times and all out craziness.
Victor is on the down-low. Hiding out from everyone. Henry and Blake try their best to find him. Ariana is a warrior, overcoming her battles with Victor and everything up to this point. Can she ever be free of him and his darkness? His violence? Can Henry be her savior? Freeing her from her world of pain and madness?
Will Henry finally find out what happened to his daughter? Keep Ariana safe and free?
Grab this book and find out. I'm really looking forward to book three .
4.5 stars.

149 reviews
Review of advance copy
January 11, 2026
When The Pawn dropped into my e-reader my pulse skyrocketed and I might have done a little internal happy dance.

Taking a deep breath and enjoying a last moment of calm before jumping right in.
Down I went into this overwhelming thrill ride by T.K. Leigh.

Picking up where we were left dangling at the end of The Hunter we get a phenomenal start into the second book. Though after a couple of chapters it seemed as if after the high stakes, high intensity of book number one, things were slowing down in The Pawn.

Or so I thought.

Until the last third of the book ... Talk about turning up the heat. On SO MANY DIFFERENT LEVELS. Holy Hades....

I think I was holding my breath and clinging to my e-reader the entire time I was reading those last couple of chapters.

And now? Left dangling AGAIN.

This trilogy is PURE TORTURE!!!
Profile Image for Misty Warner.
1,176 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 9, 2026
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is the 2nd book in the Hunter Trilogy. Each book in this series must be read in order.
Ariana doesn't know who to trust. One minute she feels safe with Henry but the next she remembers every lie he and her husband Victor told her. Henry seems to be telling her the truth but he wasn't before so how can she be sure.
Henry will do anything to get Ariana to trust him again. He knows she feels like a prisoner again since she can't leave his house. He just wants to keep her safe and protect but can he let his guard down and meet her half way without anyone getting to her.
This is a dark romance so get ready for another wild ride. I can't wait for the final book in this trilogy.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,671 reviews182 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 12, 2026
Ariana and Henry’s story continues to be full of twists and turns. This book starts right where things left off at the end of book 1, so you must read that one first.

Some truths are learned, but it also leads to so many questions that I am sure will be resolved in the third book. Definitely some answers I am dying to know about it. I was definitely hooked on this one from start to finish and I couldn’t wait to dive into it.

I love the suspense, the chemistry, the cameos from some other familiar characters. I love the strength of Ariana and seeing her really grow throughout this second book was amazing.

If you’re looking for a dark, romantic suspense book check this one out, but read book 1 first.
2,838 reviews59 followers
January 15, 2026
My nerves are shot. The intensity of The Pawn is off the charts. After reading Hunter, I knew that The Pawn would start off with lots of drama as Henry searches for Ariana. The suspense was extreme from page one. Would he find her? Would she be hurt? Would she be alive?

I was even more shocked after I had my answers. Henry has been busy. He has discovered a lot about Viktor Kane. None of it is good. He wants answers. He won't stop until the last rock has been overturned. The suspense grabbed me and didn't let go. The fear grew with every chapter. The revelations were shocking. The events unexpected and oh so, thrilling.

The ending---Brilliant. I will be obsessing over what will happen next.
1,861 reviews50 followers
January 16, 2026
Another delightful installment in this trilogy. TK’s writing keeps you on the edge of your seat. She builds complex characters in complex situations…you never quite know what’s going to happen next.

More truths are revealed in this story but there are still so many questions. There is action, passion and the banter between these two is amazing.

Ariana and Henry continue with their love/hate relationship but are beginning to trusts…a little more. Although Henry comes across as hard, domineering and wanting to be in control…it’s all for Ariana’s safety. Ariana has some deep, dark trauma she is still having to face and deal with…Henry is right encouraging her and helping her.

Cannot wait for the final book and to see how this ends!
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4,366 reviews73 followers
Review of advance copy
January 7, 2026
HOLY HADES!!!!!!!
The Pawn is book 2 in the Hunter Trilogy and picks up Henry and Ariana's story where The Hunter leaves off. This book is even more intense, more dramatic, more intriguing, more, more, more everything! If you thought The Hunter left you completely breathless, then hold on tight. You're in for it with The Pawn! Ariana is freakin FIERCE and her and Henry are utterly brilliant together. This story, from beginning to end is completely consuming. Once I started this book I couldn't stop until I reached the end. Then this author leaves us with even more to think about while waiting for The Chosen! This trilogy is one heckuva ride!
630 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy
January 8, 2026
Trust Or Lies?
Exceptional suspense! Part 2 continues exactly where part 1 left on a cliffhanger. And I just kept on reading, unable to put it down. A thrilling story not for the faint of heart. Henry had a terrible childhood and his sense of right or wrong is definitely not standard. On the other hand, his sense of honor is beyond question. But Ariana doesn’t know who to trust, the indoctrination by Victor the last ten years are very difficult to lose. What is the connection with the Bratva? By the end of this book you know there is more intrigue to come. Can’t wait!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,807 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 11, 2026
Book 2 picks up seamlessly where the first installment left off, plunging readers back into the tangled, suspense-filled world of Henry and Ariana. The story is packed with twists and long-buried secrets that are revealed at a tantalizing pace. As Henry slowly uncovers the truth behind Victor’s hidden agenda and his possible connection to Sarah’s death, the tension continues to build. Just when it feels like answers are within reach, the novel delivers a shocking curveball ending that turns everything on its head. I’m eagerly awaiting the next instalment to finally learn what really happened to Sarah, how deeply Victor is involved, and what he had planned for Ariana.
Profile Image for Donna ~.
967 reviews
January 11, 2026
Book 2 in the Hunter Trilogy is here and what a ride!!! This book picks up where The Hunter left off. Henry and Ariana continue to evade Victor and the mafia.
Henry doing all he can to keep Ariana safe.

But can she trust the man who kidnapped her?

Chemistry between these two is not lacking and this time together allows them to stop with pretense. The layers between them are peeled back till there are no more secrets between them.

This book weaves page turning suspense, angst, chemistry and intrigue which will have you rooted to your kindle from start to finish. I cannot wait to see how this series ends.
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