The Hunt

by Emilia Rose

Daphne Laurel has always played by the Redwood Academy keep your head down and grades up to stay out of the drama. But all of that shatters the moment Apollo DeLuca sets his sights on her.

Billionaire heir. Campus king. And utterly obsessed.

Apollo doesn’t believe in boundaries. He doesn’t take no for an answer. Daphne was his the moment he laid his eyes on her, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make her see it—even if he has to hunt her down and tear her world apart piece by piece to have her.

In a school where money rules and secrets can destroy, their battle of wills ignites a fire that neither of them can control. He’s the hunter. She’s the hunted. But in the end, only one of them can come out unscathed.

The Hunt is a fast-paced, steamy dark romance where obsession turns to passion, innocence is a game, and the line between love and destruction blurs. This novella is a standalone in the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy series.

83 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2025

About the author

With over seventy million online story views, Emilia Rose is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy paranormal and contemporary romance. She loves writing about dirty-talking bad boys and alpha-holes. She currently lives in a small town in Connecticut USA with her husband, two cats, and cute little yellow ducklings.

Reviews

[Lammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️

Short and spicy little book. Somehow Emilia got just enough story in this novella to make for a good read 🔥😈.

[Tasma · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is ALWAYS a pleasure diving back into the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy Series and even with this fast-paced novella, Emilia was STILL bringing ALL of the action and spice that we know and love!

Going in headfirst, we meet Apollo who is new at Redwood and of course he’s heard some crazy and WILD shit that has happened on campus. Not only that but we also get introduced to Daphne, who at the time is minding her own business with some explicit content *smirk*. Apollo is stubborn and MY GOD he does not have ANY BOUNDARIES what-so-fucking-ever and as annoying as it would be for Daphne, at the same time Apollo just takes it to another level and makes it D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. His charm, wit, banter and his YEARNING. OH MY GOD THIS MAN’S YEARNING. UGH. Of course, Apollo is also VERY cocky but underneath that persona, I WANT TO HUG HIM and SCOOP HIM UP AND DROWN HIM IN LOVE. I really liked how he showed his true self when he was vulnerable around Daphne. TOO FUCKING CUTE. And the way he takes care of her?! OH MY. Especially with a certain someone, I am glad that he was looking out for her; the other guy, WHAT. A. DICK!

I couldn’t not mention the little cameo from a certain gang which I GOT SO EXCITED AT! I MISSED THEM SO MUCH! With that, I CANNOT WAIT for more adventures to come for the Bad Boys of Redwood and YOU BET I’ll be here when that shit comes out!

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emilia Rose has once again proven her mastery of the spicy romance genre with her latest offering, a captivating addition to the celebrated Bad Boys of Redwood Academy universe.

This particular novel is a masterful blend of all the elements that make a dark romance truly compelling. Emilia expertly weaves a narrative that incorporates themes of intense, almost obsessive stalking, a dramatic kidnapping scenario, the electrifying tension of forced proximity, and, at its heart, a truly captivating Male Main Character (MMC). This MMC is the epitome of the 'obsessed hero,' a man whose singular focus ignores the rest of the world, centring entirely on the seemingly ordinary, nerdy girl he encounters in the quiet solitude of the library. Their dynamic is instantly magnetic, forming the core conflict and romantic draw of the book.

Consistent with my experience with the entire Redwood Academy series, The Hunt maintains the exceptionally high standard set by its predecessors. It is an unequivocal hit. The story wastes no time in grabbing the reader's attention, kicking off with a delightful and unexpected steamy surprise right from the opening pages. Fans will also be thrilled by the welcome and organic appearance of beloved characters from Emilia Rose's previous works, which serves as a rewarding nod to the established readership. The central couple, Apollo and Daphne, are utterly charming. Despite the story being a shorter narrative, Emilia brilliantly manages to make their personalities shine through, ensuring that their individual quirks and mutual chemistry resonate deeply with the reader, resulting in an amazing reading experience. I was immediately and completely hooked by their tale. My only minor critique is a testament to the quality of the writing: I was so invested in Apollo and Daphne’s journey that I sincerely wished for this to have been a full-length novel, allowing us to delve even deeper into the intricacies of their characters and their unfolding romance.

[Keri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I generally like Emilia Rose's engaging stories and distinctive writing style, but The Hunt was only an OK read for me because the book is so short, and so much happens so fast, that I didn't connect with the characters, who are more or less unrelatable to me. Apollo and Daphne make a cute, if strange, couple, and their HEA after all the drama is sweet, but I don't feel like I know them as individuals, including what motivates them. The action, humor, spice, and suspense are all entertaining and well written; I just prefer longer, character-driven books where I get to know the characters well, which is difficult to do with novellas. Also, this is the first book in the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy series I've read, so, to be fair, I may be missing things that other readers love about the series in general and The Hunt in particular. I still look forward to reading more of Emilia's books in the future.

[Michelle K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are again in the world of Redwood Academy with its newest badboy Apollo. Can I just say that he fits right in... In this short and fast paced novella we are introduced to our sweet, but not so innocent FMC Daphne who is a lover of reading smut, kind of like what you are about to do now. Lol! Our MMC Apollo shows up and decides from the moment he sees her that she's his. Poor Daphne does get caught by Apollo reading said smut and that's where our dirty fun begins. 🥵 I will say that after their first encounter Daphne comes to her senses and doesn't make it easy for Apollo. She makes him work for her love and affection. They will have their challenges, and there are a few twists and turns before they get their HEA. In the end for a short and super spicy novella, you will not be disappointed!!!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the first 2 books on my "to be read list" from this series which have just jumped to the very top of that list just as soon as I've finished the Club Radiant book Bound By My Father's Best Friend that I am currently reading before the next book in that great series is released, I only put that down as I was fortunate to receive this book as an ARC copy and I wanted to get it read and reviewed in time.
The hunt is an amazing short story, I wanted to read more about Apollo and Daphne but at the same time this was just enough and didn't leave me feeling disappointed that it was much shorter than Emilia Rose's usual stories. I was gripped from start to finish and loved it and would gladly recommend any of her work.

[Kelly Kirton · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much happening in this fast paced short story!

This book had moments which can be described as funny, shocking, surprising and definitely sexy!

The sparks were flying between the main characters from the beginning. And Apollo definitely fell hard and fast!

Apollo showed his devotion so many times, but Daphne is vulnerable and doesn’t want to trust anyone. Which leads her to believe something on social media and race off into a snowstorm and the drama that then unfolds. Which only leads to Apollo showing how much he cares by racing around redwood doing whatever it takes to rescue her…all because of his own vulnerabilities and not wanting to lose her.

A story to show the nerdy girl sometimes gets the hot guy! And that the hot guy is not always as he seems!

[Rhonda Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emilia Rose does not disappoint when you’re looking for a spicy read and this book is no exception!

Set in the world of the Bad Boys of Redwood Academy. It cameos some characters from previous books (Allie from Stepbrother, and of course the boys from Poison). You don’t have to read the other books to enjoy this one, but I’d recommend them because they’re GREAT!

This has all the makings of a great book: a little stalking, a little kidnapping, some forced proximity (to name a few).. and a hot MMC who everyone wants but he only has eyes for the nerdy girl he met in the library. 💕
Side note: chapter one will have you giggling from the first page.
Enjoy!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunt is a fast-paced spicy novella!

What you get.....
♡Dark Romance
♡Academy Romance
♡New Guy
♡Billionaire Heir
♡Campus King
♡Meet Cute Via a Rogue Audiobook 🤭🤭🤭
♡Instant Attraction
♡Virgin FMC
♡Obsessed MMC
♡Protective MMC
♡Unhinged MMC
♡He Falls Harder
♡A Little Stalking
♡A Little Danger
♡A Little Kidnapping
♡We Get More of Allie and The Boys From Poison!
♡Morally Grey MMC
♡Nickname
♡Delicious Chemistry

Daphne is a sweet shy bookworm. Apollo is the hot new guy who falls hard and fast for the nerdy girl.

Their story is short but packed with drama, tension, and steamy moments. I was hooked from page one and didn’t want it to end!

[Dana Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunt is a fast, addictive read that kept me grinning and gasping the whole way through. Apollo is intense and absolutely fixated on Daphne, and watching her try to keep her world together while he closes in is so much fun. Their chemistry is fire, and the drama at Redwood Academy never lets up.

I also loved the little nod to another Emilia Rose book. It felt like a fun treat for fans and made the story even more entertaining.

And honestly, Daphne listening to spicy audio in the library out loud had me cackling. Girl… check your earbuds. Always.

If you want something steamy, quick, and totally unhinged in the best way, The Hunt hits the spot.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that walks a fine line between being too suspenseful to want to keep reading and being pure erotica. It's also a story that makes you believe in love at first listen?!? At least that's what it was for Apollo in this story when he first hears what Daphne is listening too before he feasts his eyes on her and falls the rest of the way for her. Truly an engaging story that has a heartfelt ending that brought a few tears to my eyes.

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

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunt by Emilia Rose is a brilliant, short-burst addition to the beloved Redwood series that captures all the immediate drama and intense chemistry we crave. While this is a shorter novella, the story moves at a breakneck speed that truly keeps you turning pages like no other.

​The dynamic between Daphne, the quiet, bookish loner, and Apollo, the handsome new student at Redwood Academy, is instantly captivating. Their meet-cute—Apollo finding Daphne due to a rogue audiobook—quickly escalates when a dangerous situation throws them together. This immediate, high-stakes conflict forces Apollo to take charge and sets the stage for a seriously intense romance.

​Just as their bond deepens, a painful misunderstanding and the ever-present Redwood drama drives them violently apart. Daphne's sudden disappearance forces Apollo into a desperate, high-tension search to find the only girl who ever mattered before it's too late.

​Ultimately, The Hunt is a compact, drama-filled ride that doesn't waste a single moment. It delivers on the emotional punch and the ultimate payoff of a powerful, satisfying conclusion. If you’re a fan of the Redwood series, this novella is a must-read that provides another thrilling piece of the puzzle!

[CoCo · Rating 5 out of 5]

***ARC Review ***

HOLY HOT CHILI PEPPERS!!! 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

This is definitely a nice and spicy-fast paced little read. You got an unhinged and lovely gray MMC and a sweet innocent FMC, and they make the sparks fly!!! You have ALLLLL the things all rolled into one quick read. Even though it's only 85 pages, I still feel as though I got a full story that I didn't want to end. And, I'm hoping there will be more! I loved Daphne and Apollo, and I know you will too!!!

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel Trees and Spice

Daphne and Apollo were a little flirty and intensely hot right from the start. This short story was spicy and intriguing. I really enjoyed the small references to Greek mythology and while it was not quite a re-telling, it was still a book I enjoyed reading. I could not put it down as it was a great addition to the Redwood Academy series.

I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redwood Academy is back and coming in hot! Now Emilia's books are always spicy but this one is short, faced paced and so the spicy is on point with the pace of the book. But we aren't talking about insta-love either after all this is Redwood Academy and nothing in Redwood is ever that simply. So the drama, danger, and push, pull we all enjoy is here. Bonus the length of this book is great for this busy time of year which I really liked.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Danielle Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your looking for a fast paced quick read this is the perfect book. It follows Apollo the new popular guy at Redwood Academy and Daphne the quiet girl who tries to stay invisible. Apollo is stuck on Daph from the very beginning and will do anything to get and keep her attention. While Daphne only wants to push Apollo away. When two broken souls meet can they fix one another or drive them deeper into their own personal hells. This book is in my top 3 of Emilia’s!

[Laura Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of my favorites. Even though it’s short it’s still got all your spicy points to satisfy your cravings. The early virgin burn that Daphne has is so hot🥵 and god bless her for taking the risk. I love that even though Apollo is super vulnerable, he’s still super masculine and oh so sexy. Cannot wait for another hit!

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Redwood Academy with this quick read! Typically the books in this series are long with a lot of character and relationship development so I was surprised with how short this book was. I enjoyed the dynamics between Apollo and Daphne. I absolutely loved Apollo because he is genuinely a good guy even though he comes off as a playboy at first. I could definitely use more of him!!!

[Vivien R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely yummy novella about an obsessive possessive alpha, campus "king" named Apollo. When he first sees Daphne, he knows she's going to be his no matter what. This is an opposites attract, fiery romance that consumes them both. I loved it and I can't wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this story.

[Tzippy Sheffi Elgar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immensely enjoyed reading The Hunt. It was steamy, fast paced and hot! Apollo and Daphne are wonderful characters. It is easy to fall in love with them. I loved their meeting, it was so cute! The romance is scorching hot and the plot is dark and stirring. It is a very entertaining read, I was unable to put it down.

[Jennifer Maston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was a 10 pepper spicy book. Apollo & Daphne might be my new favorite couple. From the very first sentence until the last period you keep wanting more! Amazing how much action and dirty deeds Emilia can pack into one book. Here's to hoping we get to see more of these two in the future.

[Earth Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Emilla and I will definitely be reading more of her books.
This novella is so very awesome. It's very well written. I enjoyed all the characters.
Apollo and Daphne's story is priceless. Two broken souls from different worlds finding each other. It's emotional, electric, a whirlwind of action and falling in love.
He killed for me! 🥰
Apollo is totally swoon worthy and Daphne is a precious sweet quiet girl.
I highly recommend this novella. And I am looking forward to reading more about these two precious souls.💜🤗

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hunt by Emilia Rose is the story of Apollo and Daphne. He’s completely taken with Daphne. Now, the game has started!! He will have her!!!

Delightfully decadent story that kept me riveted to the page!! Short, fast, feisty, and so much dark fun!!

[Pernilla Samuelsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want something steamy, fast-paced, and totally unhinged in the best way, The Hunt is the book/novella for you that you simply cannot miss out on.

Daphne is a sweet shy bookworm. Apollo is the hot new guy who falls hard and fast for the nerdy girl.

[Shannon Winings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, spicy, must read if you're a fan of Emilia Rose! Now, if you're looking for a bit more story, know that this book is very short in comparison to some others. Still good, just short. A great addition to Redwood Academy!

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never disappointed when I get to read a book from this awesome author. The Hunt is a quick, spicy novella in my favorite series. Emilia can write an obsessed MMC! Highly recommend this book, and author. I can't ever get enough.

[P.Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and quick read.

Emilia Rose never disappointed. The book was short but well written.

Daphne, our quiet FMC and Apollo, our new popular kid in school. Daphne caught Apollo attention while in the library. One thing led to another.

A must read if your looking for something short.

[Noeli McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a cliff hanger . I loved it and want to see where she goes with this couple .

[Kim Scotter · Rating 5 out of 5]

can't get enough of Emilia's writing.
hands down my favourite author.
fantastic read as always.
fast paced and saucy all the way!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this short story, it's hot and spicy, I look forward to reading the author next books, I will read more books from this author.