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Hunter
Two broken men. One court-ordered circle. A love that burns even in the ashes.
Hunter
Therapy isn’t going to fix me. Court-ordered, mandatory, whatever they want to call it—it’s just punishment in a circle of strangers.
Until him.
Golden curls, painted nails, and a voice too soft for a world this cruel. He looks at me like he sees every scar I’ve tried to bury. And I hate that I want him to keep looking.
Charlie
I escaped. The church. The backwoods. The conversion therapy that tried to break me. The city is louder, faster, and sometimes dangerous—but it’s mine.
Here, I can breathe. Here, I’m not the only boy in makeup and chipped nail polish.
I’m ready to move on from it all.
But then there’s Hunter. Six feet of rage.
He terrifies me even as he draws me in. And he’ll either undo me or be my salvation.
Hunter is part of the Toxic Hearts Club shared world. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are crossover characters. There are heavy themes in this book.
Hunter
Therapy isn’t going to fix me. Court-ordered, mandatory, whatever they want to call it—it’s just punishment in a circle of strangers.
Until him.
Golden curls, painted nails, and a voice too soft for a world this cruel. He looks at me like he sees every scar I’ve tried to bury. And I hate that I want him to keep looking.
Charlie
I escaped. The church. The backwoods. The conversion therapy that tried to break me. The city is louder, faster, and sometimes dangerous—but it’s mine.
Here, I can breathe. Here, I’m not the only boy in makeup and chipped nail polish.
I’m ready to move on from it all.
But then there’s Hunter. Six feet of rage.
He terrifies me even as he draws me in. And he’ll either undo me or be my salvation.
Hunter is part of the Toxic Hearts Club shared world. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are crossover characters. There are heavy themes in this book.
- GenresLGBTM M RomanceRomance
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 23, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ .75 🌶️
WOW 🤯 JUST WOW…the emotional rollercoaster that is this story was just GRIPPING! I mean the frustration toward Hunter who is DEEP in his addiction and riddled with grief and guilt that is so complex my therapist brain had a FIELD DAY with him! OH AND CHARLIE 🥹 he was just so precious and WILL BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS!!!
Now here we have TENSION! I was soooo uncomfortable 😬 for the first third of the book and then SO FRUSTRATED 😩 and then PLEADING 🥺 to bring these two back together…and honestly learning what you learn about these two their journey is so representative ❤️🩹 there’s electric chemistry..that transformed to like a reverse slow burn for the rest of the book BUT GODDAMN ITS THE HEALING HERE FOR ME 😭😭😭 ugh sooo good!
ALSO THE WRITING..! OH MY GOD! You can feel the emotions, the trauma, the pain, and the hard fought healing that Kit poured into this book..I loved how I was thrust into this journey alongside Hunter and Charlie and felt such relief and elation for them getting their HEA 🥹
WOW 🤯 JUST WOW…the emotional rollercoaster that is this story was just GRIPPING! I mean the frustration toward Hunter who is DEEP in his addiction and riddled with grief and guilt that is so complex my therapist brain had a FIELD DAY with him! OH AND CHARLIE 🥹 he was just so precious and WILL BE PROTECTED AT ALL COSTS!!!
Now here we have TENSION! I was soooo uncomfortable 😬 for the first third of the book and then SO FRUSTRATED 😩 and then PLEADING 🥺 to bring these two back together…and honestly learning what you learn about these two their journey is so representative ❤️🩹 there’s electric chemistry..that transformed to like a reverse slow burn for the rest of the book BUT GODDAMN ITS THE HEALING HERE FOR ME 😭😭😭 ugh sooo good!
ALSO THE WRITING..! OH MY GOD! You can feel the emotions, the trauma, the pain, and the hard fought healing that Kit poured into this book..I loved how I was thrust into this journey alongside Hunter and Charlie and felt such relief and elation for them getting their HEA 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is another heavy but beautiful story of two broken boys because of trauma finding their way through and finding love
Hunter is a firefighter who lost his boyfriend in the line of duty and he blames himself for it
Charlie is someone who was sent to a conversion camp as a kid and is working his way through it
Hunter ends up making a dangerous call at a job and he ends up in the hospital and he’s forced to attend group therapy where Charlie goes to therapy
Their first meeting isn’t great Hunter is pissed that he has to go and takes it out on Charlie he calls him a twink and can’t imagine someone so carefree had trauma but he’s trying not to let it define him
When Hunter is outside of one of the meetings drunk Charlie takes him home to take care of him see Hunter is exactly the type of person Charlie goes for he’s damaged broken hot but he’s trying to be good!
Hunter becomes obsessed he’s watching him sketch in the park he shows up at the club and they flirt it’s intense and it’s hot they both try to be good because they have the trauma there both working through but one night it lets go and they give in it’s spicy it’s hot and it’s what they both want until the next morning when hunters ex is in his head about how he’s no good for Charlie how Charlie can do better and he tries to tell Charlie that he can’t do it not ruin him too but he can’t walk away from him! I think the moment Charlie fell in love with hunter is after his public panic attack priests on the street were saying things to him because of the way he was dressed and he was back at that camp it triggered him and Hunter was there
Hunters presence calms him down and they go to the park where Charlie sketches and he gets Hunter to admit he’s been stalking him and he likes it! They go to the freaking zoo to see snow leopards and it’s freaking adorable!! Everything is going good for them and they are hot and heavy but they haven’t gone all the way and Hunter gets in his own head and his ex is there too taunting telling him Charlie is getting it somewhere else so when he meets up with Charlie he sort of pins him and tells him they are going to have sex but Charlie is triggered and panics and kicks him out Charlie is triggered because he was raped at the camp
Hunter spirals and starts drinking again and shows up at the meeting and in front of everyone spirals really really bad and he blacks out he’s in the hospital again and the judge orders him to therapy and aa meetings
When he met Charlie at the park he said it was better if they heal apart and it hurt both of them but it was what they needed
Charlie continued to paint Hunter in the various ways he saw him and he leaned on his best friend
Hunter started the therapy and aa therapy made him realize that his boyfriend’s death wasn’t his fault that the grief he carries isn’t his and he needs to let it go! He’s cleared to go back to being a firefighter and he wanted to tell Charlie but when he was walking home he saw the art gallery with Charlie’s paintings of him in it and he couldn’t resist going to the opening they talked and it was good seeing them together but they were still not back together
Hunter took a chance and texted Charlie to go for food they both wanted to see if the spark was still there and it absolutely was! The flirting the banter it’s everything they went to the zoo the very next day and it was the same heat the trust was there they both put in the work to be able to be together without damaging the other person!
I love that Charlie gave himself to Hunter fully and Hunter gave him what he needed the control! The epilogues killed me they went back to the zoo and Hunter proposed! And then we get to see their wedding and domestic bliss! They aren’t perfect but they worked hard for their happiness just the 2 of them and the demon kitty!!
Some Fav moments and quotes
“It’s beautiful,” he says, low and rough, as though the words cost him something. “The way you move… fuck, Charlie. It’s beautiful.”
“You see a lot of things you’re not supposed to, huh?” I mutter, half to myself. Hunter doesn’t answer right away. When he does, his voice is quieter, rougher around the edges. “I notice you.”
The tahini moment when Hunter cleans Charlie’s mouth with his thumb!!! 🔥🔥
Me: Goodnight, Hunter. Thank you for today. I had fun. Hunter: Goodnight, beautiful.
We’re not perfect. But we’re ours. And that’s more than enough.
“Thank you for choosing me. Every single time.” I turn in his arms and kiss him properly, slow and full of love. “Thank you for becoming someone I could choose.”
Hunter is a firefighter who lost his boyfriend in the line of duty and he blames himself for it
Charlie is someone who was sent to a conversion camp as a kid and is working his way through it
Hunter ends up making a dangerous call at a job and he ends up in the hospital and he’s forced to attend group therapy where Charlie goes to therapy
Their first meeting isn’t great Hunter is pissed that he has to go and takes it out on Charlie he calls him a twink and can’t imagine someone so carefree had trauma but he’s trying not to let it define him
When Hunter is outside of one of the meetings drunk Charlie takes him home to take care of him see Hunter is exactly the type of person Charlie goes for he’s damaged broken hot but he’s trying to be good!
Hunter becomes obsessed he’s watching him sketch in the park he shows up at the club and they flirt it’s intense and it’s hot they both try to be good because they have the trauma there both working through but one night it lets go and they give in it’s spicy it’s hot and it’s what they both want until the next morning when hunters ex is in his head about how he’s no good for Charlie how Charlie can do better and he tries to tell Charlie that he can’t do it not ruin him too but he can’t walk away from him! I think the moment Charlie fell in love with hunter is after his public panic attack priests on the street were saying things to him because of the way he was dressed and he was back at that camp it triggered him and Hunter was there
Hunters presence calms him down and they go to the park where Charlie sketches and he gets Hunter to admit he’s been stalking him and he likes it! They go to the freaking zoo to see snow leopards and it’s freaking adorable!! Everything is going good for them and they are hot and heavy but they haven’t gone all the way and Hunter gets in his own head and his ex is there too taunting telling him Charlie is getting it somewhere else so when he meets up with Charlie he sort of pins him and tells him they are going to have sex but Charlie is triggered and panics and kicks him out Charlie is triggered because he was raped at the camp
Hunter spirals and starts drinking again and shows up at the meeting and in front of everyone spirals really really bad and he blacks out he’s in the hospital again and the judge orders him to therapy and aa meetings
When he met Charlie at the park he said it was better if they heal apart and it hurt both of them but it was what they needed
Charlie continued to paint Hunter in the various ways he saw him and he leaned on his best friend
Hunter started the therapy and aa therapy made him realize that his boyfriend’s death wasn’t his fault that the grief he carries isn’t his and he needs to let it go! He’s cleared to go back to being a firefighter and he wanted to tell Charlie but when he was walking home he saw the art gallery with Charlie’s paintings of him in it and he couldn’t resist going to the opening they talked and it was good seeing them together but they were still not back together
Hunter took a chance and texted Charlie to go for food they both wanted to see if the spark was still there and it absolutely was! The flirting the banter it’s everything they went to the zoo the very next day and it was the same heat the trust was there they both put in the work to be able to be together without damaging the other person!
I love that Charlie gave himself to Hunter fully and Hunter gave him what he needed the control! The epilogues killed me they went back to the zoo and Hunter proposed! And then we get to see their wedding and domestic bliss! They aren’t perfect but they worked hard for their happiness just the 2 of them and the demon kitty!!
Some Fav moments and quotes
“It’s beautiful,” he says, low and rough, as though the words cost him something. “The way you move… fuck, Charlie. It’s beautiful.”
“You see a lot of things you’re not supposed to, huh?” I mutter, half to myself. Hunter doesn’t answer right away. When he does, his voice is quieter, rougher around the edges. “I notice you.”
The tahini moment when Hunter cleans Charlie’s mouth with his thumb!!! 🔥🔥
Me: Goodnight, Hunter. Thank you for today. I had fun. Hunter: Goodnight, beautiful.
We’re not perfect. But we’re ours. And that’s more than enough.
“Thank you for choosing me. Every single time.” I turn in his arms and kiss him properly, slow and full of love. “Thank you for becoming someone I could choose.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2026
I recieved an Arc for this book and this is my honest review.
This book was such a ride. It's a beautiful story about two broken souls finding each other.
Hunter is a troubled firefighter dealing with grief, self-loathing, depression, and a drinking problem after losing his boyfriend in a fire. He blames himself. He hates himself. He just wants everything to end.
The book starts painfully, offering a deep look into the sad and lonely way Hunter has been living since his boyfriend died: drunk, alone, and drowning in his own guilt. It hurts.
Then there is Charlie, a bright little sunshine flower who carries heavy trauma from a painful past in conversion therapy. He is utterly soft and kind, but also deeply hurt and broken, just trying to survive every day and make things better one day at a time.
They meet in group therapy, which Hunter is obligated to attend after a dangerous incident on duty. From the moment Hunter sees Charlie, he hates him, craves him, and becomes obsessed with him all at once. And the moment Charlie sees Hunter, he feels the pull too, because Hunter is exactly his type: a broken man who could drag him down with him.
They try to fight that pull, but they can only resist for so long when they want each other so badly.
Hunter becomes darkly obsessed with Charlie, finding in him the comfort he desperately needs, and Charlie finds that same comfort in Hunter. But neither of them can simply let go of their trauma and darkness. Healing is not easy, and their pain continues to follow them even as they grow closer.
Their story was fucking painful and raw. It was hard and angsty and, at times, emotionally exhausting. This is a book about trauma, pain, fear, and emotional demons, but it is also about love, healing, fighting for yourself and for the people you care about, and finding the strength to overcome everything that tries to break you.
I loved the way they found light, comfort, and solace in each other, even when their trauma threatened to win. I loved watching them work to get better, both for themselves and for each other, even when things had to get worse before they could finally start getting better.
Their HEA is so hard-earned that it makes everything they go through feel worth it. I almost teared up when I finally got to see them happy, loved, and safe.
This story was amazing. It wasn't spicy; it was emotional and full of hurt/comfort - so much hurt, but the comfort makes it worth it.
I loved it and totally recommend it!
I love Kit Jade. This is my third book by her, and it definitely won't be my last. She is an angel and deserves all the love.
This book was such a ride. It's a beautiful story about two broken souls finding each other.
Hunter is a troubled firefighter dealing with grief, self-loathing, depression, and a drinking problem after losing his boyfriend in a fire. He blames himself. He hates himself. He just wants everything to end.
The book starts painfully, offering a deep look into the sad and lonely way Hunter has been living since his boyfriend died: drunk, alone, and drowning in his own guilt. It hurts.
Then there is Charlie, a bright little sunshine flower who carries heavy trauma from a painful past in conversion therapy. He is utterly soft and kind, but also deeply hurt and broken, just trying to survive every day and make things better one day at a time.
They meet in group therapy, which Hunter is obligated to attend after a dangerous incident on duty. From the moment Hunter sees Charlie, he hates him, craves him, and becomes obsessed with him all at once. And the moment Charlie sees Hunter, he feels the pull too, because Hunter is exactly his type: a broken man who could drag him down with him.
They try to fight that pull, but they can only resist for so long when they want each other so badly.
Hunter becomes darkly obsessed with Charlie, finding in him the comfort he desperately needs, and Charlie finds that same comfort in Hunter. But neither of them can simply let go of their trauma and darkness. Healing is not easy, and their pain continues to follow them even as they grow closer.
Their story was fucking painful and raw. It was hard and angsty and, at times, emotionally exhausting. This is a book about trauma, pain, fear, and emotional demons, but it is also about love, healing, fighting for yourself and for the people you care about, and finding the strength to overcome everything that tries to break you.
I loved the way they found light, comfort, and solace in each other, even when their trauma threatened to win. I loved watching them work to get better, both for themselves and for each other, even when things had to get worse before they could finally start getting better.
Their HEA is so hard-earned that it makes everything they go through feel worth it. I almost teared up when I finally got to see them happy, loved, and safe.
This story was amazing. It wasn't spicy; it was emotional and full of hurt/comfort - so much hurt, but the comfort makes it worth it.
I loved it and totally recommend it!
I love Kit Jade. This is my third book by her, and it definitely won't be my last. She is an angel and deserves all the love.
August 29, 2026
Two broken souls healing for a chance at love
Wow. This was such a raw story.
Hunter is a firefighter who lost his partner in a fire that left him with pretty bad burns. It also left him with some awful survivors guilt. He now has a significant drinking problem and a court order for the grief group. Angry, grieving, and physically healing Hunter is an absolute 🍑hole.
On the other hand we have Charlie who has been through so much. He was a preachers kid and was sent to conversion camp when he was a teenager. The methods used were absolutely vile. This was way beyond a pray it away situation. Even after everything he went through he is happier and living as he wants to be.
Hunter is so mean to Charlie at that first group. He is so lost in his own stuff that he doesn't care about how anyone else might be hurt when he is an 🍑hole. However, he is definitely interested in the pretty boy who doesn't cower.
This relationship is definitely hard won. The heat and chemistry are there from the beginning. When Charlie takes a very drunk Hunter home one night everything starts to shift. Hunter becomes obsessed but dealing with the vile words from his previous partner threaten everything.
Charlie is also obsessed with the broken man. He finds himself drawing and painting him over and over. He also falls deeper into his nightmares from the past. One intimate moment breaks everything when Charlie is triggered in the worst way.
I'm so glad Charlie knew they each needed to heal before they could become more. Things always seem to get worse before the healing can begin. This is especially true for Hunter.
I absolutely loved the dates these guys went on. They were adorable together. I loved the scene where Charlie asks to draw Hunter by the fountain. The entire series of events really shows us a lot about both characters.
This book is very dark and the pain is so real and raw. Check your triggers because this one gets much worse before it ever gets better. What a beautiful representation of grief and how it can feel okay until it doesn't over and over again.
Wow. This was such a raw story.
Hunter is a firefighter who lost his partner in a fire that left him with pretty bad burns. It also left him with some awful survivors guilt. He now has a significant drinking problem and a court order for the grief group. Angry, grieving, and physically healing Hunter is an absolute 🍑hole.
On the other hand we have Charlie who has been through so much. He was a preachers kid and was sent to conversion camp when he was a teenager. The methods used were absolutely vile. This was way beyond a pray it away situation. Even after everything he went through he is happier and living as he wants to be.
Hunter is so mean to Charlie at that first group. He is so lost in his own stuff that he doesn't care about how anyone else might be hurt when he is an 🍑hole. However, he is definitely interested in the pretty boy who doesn't cower.
This relationship is definitely hard won. The heat and chemistry are there from the beginning. When Charlie takes a very drunk Hunter home one night everything starts to shift. Hunter becomes obsessed but dealing with the vile words from his previous partner threaten everything.
Charlie is also obsessed with the broken man. He finds himself drawing and painting him over and over. He also falls deeper into his nightmares from the past. One intimate moment breaks everything when Charlie is triggered in the worst way.
I'm so glad Charlie knew they each needed to heal before they could become more. Things always seem to get worse before the healing can begin. This is especially true for Hunter.
I absolutely loved the dates these guys went on. They were adorable together. I loved the scene where Charlie asks to draw Hunter by the fountain. The entire series of events really shows us a lot about both characters.
This book is very dark and the pain is so real and raw. Check your triggers because this one gets much worse before it ever gets better. What a beautiful representation of grief and how it can feel okay until it doesn't over and over again.
September 10, 2026
Well, Kit Jade, I hope you’re happy. Because Hunter just emotionally mugged me in a dark alley and left me there clutching my feelings.
This was haunting, gripping, and beautifully painful in that particularly delicious way where you know you should probably protect your heart, but instead you keep turning the pages like an accomplice.
Hunter and Charlie are both carrying ghosts they would very much prefer to leave in the past. Unfortunately for them, ghosts are notoriously terrible at respecting boundaries. What follows is a story about two broken men trying to outrun things that cannot simply be outrun, no matter how fast you run or how desperately you want a clean slate.
And goodness, does it hurt.
There is heartbreak here. Plenty of it. But thankfully, Kit Jade knows that even the darkest stories need moments of warmth, humour and tenderness. Those little flashes of light make the heavier moments hit harder, because you actually get to see what these two are fighting for.
What really worked for me, though, was the healing. There is no convenient waving of the romance wand and suddenly everything is magically fine. Trauma takes time. Trust takes time. Learning to believe that you deserve happiness takes even longer. Hunter and Charlie have to do the work, and watching them slowly find their way through all that emotional wreckage made their eventual happiness feel earned.
Naturally, I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I questioned several life choices, including my own decision to read this without adequate emotional preparation. And then I cried some more because apparently Kit Jade had decided that one round of emotional devastation simply wasn’t enough.
But that ending? Worth it.
Hunter is raw, tender, painful and ultimately hopeful. It is a story about ghosts, healing, second chances and finding the courage to stop letting the past dictate what you are allowed to have.
And yes, Kit Jade, you got me.
Rude. Effective.
This was haunting, gripping, and beautifully painful in that particularly delicious way where you know you should probably protect your heart, but instead you keep turning the pages like an accomplice.
Hunter and Charlie are both carrying ghosts they would very much prefer to leave in the past. Unfortunately for them, ghosts are notoriously terrible at respecting boundaries. What follows is a story about two broken men trying to outrun things that cannot simply be outrun, no matter how fast you run or how desperately you want a clean slate.
And goodness, does it hurt.
There is heartbreak here. Plenty of it. But thankfully, Kit Jade knows that even the darkest stories need moments of warmth, humour and tenderness. Those little flashes of light make the heavier moments hit harder, because you actually get to see what these two are fighting for.
What really worked for me, though, was the healing. There is no convenient waving of the romance wand and suddenly everything is magically fine. Trauma takes time. Trust takes time. Learning to believe that you deserve happiness takes even longer. Hunter and Charlie have to do the work, and watching them slowly find their way through all that emotional wreckage made their eventual happiness feel earned.
Naturally, I laughed. I cried. I got angry. I questioned several life choices, including my own decision to read this without adequate emotional preparation. And then I cried some more because apparently Kit Jade had decided that one round of emotional devastation simply wasn’t enough.
But that ending? Worth it.
Hunter is raw, tender, painful and ultimately hopeful. It is a story about ghosts, healing, second chances and finding the courage to stop letting the past dictate what you are allowed to have.
And yes, Kit Jade, you got me.
Rude. Effective.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the kind of book you finish and think: "Damn, what now?" in the best way possible.
The story is about
Charlie (22) - an artist with blond, curly hair, who doesn't like to be called a twink, also affectionately referred to as "bossy little shit" and
Hunter (32) - a well-built firefighter with dark messy hair, who is "beautiful in the way only broken things can be."
The award for "Best Supporting Role" goes to Sofia - a small black cat with white socks and a poor judgment of human character, also known as the "demonic furball".
Y'all.
This wonderful story touched me deeply.
I went through ALL the feelings you can have when you read a great love story!
It was a very emotional read and I was bawling my eyes out from the 60% mark on!
The MCs both deal with a traumatic past and handle it in very different ways. I love how the author shows that there's not a perfect "right" path for healing and recovery. It's a process they have to go through - where failure is inevitable - and we're being taken along on the journey.
Love is not the solution for Charlie's and Hunter's problems and they go through unhealthy coping mechanisms before they figure it out. But their love is strong, persistent and worth fighting for ❣️
This is my second book by Kit Jade and I have to say, I'm in love!
Her stories aren't just 'trope-y', but unique and refreshing. The characters aren't stereotypes, but genuine and real.
--------------------------------------------
FYI: Spice 🌶️ isn't the main focus here, but when it comes to it: Phew!!
They're first physical encounter? Hot as hell!
--------------------------------------------
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story is about
Charlie (22) - an artist with blond, curly hair, who doesn't like to be called a twink, also affectionately referred to as "bossy little shit" and
Hunter (32) - a well-built firefighter with dark messy hair, who is "beautiful in the way only broken things can be."
The award for "Best Supporting Role" goes to Sofia - a small black cat with white socks and a poor judgment of human character, also known as the "demonic furball".
Y'all.
This wonderful story touched me deeply.
I went through ALL the feelings you can have when you read a great love story!
It was a very emotional read and I was bawling my eyes out from the 60% mark on!
The MCs both deal with a traumatic past and handle it in very different ways. I love how the author shows that there's not a perfect "right" path for healing and recovery. It's a process they have to go through - where failure is inevitable - and we're being taken along on the journey.
Love is not the solution for Charlie's and Hunter's problems and they go through unhealthy coping mechanisms before they figure it out. But their love is strong, persistent and worth fighting for ❣️
This is my second book by Kit Jade and I have to say, I'm in love!
Her stories aren't just 'trope-y', but unique and refreshing. The characters aren't stereotypes, but genuine and real.
--------------------------------------------
FYI: Spice 🌶️ isn't the main focus here, but when it comes to it: Phew!!
They're first physical encounter? Hot as hell!
--------------------------------------------
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
MM Romance • Contemporary
Trigger Warnings: Profanity, Sex, Rape, Violence, Abuse, and Death
Hunter by Kit Jade is book three in the Toxic Hearts Club series. I haven’t read the first two books, but this one can absolutely be enjoyed as a stand‑alone. It’s a contemporary MM romance centered on relationships, healing, and the messy reality of living with trauma.
Hunter is a firefighter whose past trauma follows him, leading the court to order him into therapy. He’s resistant, frustrated, and honestly a bit prickly about the whole thing. In group therapy, he meets Charlie, an artist who uses pole dancing as both expression and escape. Charlie carries his own trauma, and the two of them slowly build a connection that feels grounded, vulnerable, and real. What unfolds is a slow‑burn romance that prioritizes emotional recovery, guilt, loss, and learning how to let someone in again.
I really appreciated the positive messaging around trauma and healing. The emotional beats hit hard and felt authentic. There’s very little spice, but that actually worked for me; the intimacy that is there fits the story and makes sense for where these characters are emotionally.
The writing is strong, and the story itself is compelling. I personally struggled to like Hunter as a character, but that’s more about my own taste than the book. Charlie, on the other hand, I adored. Overall, this was a realistic, emotional read that kept me engaged from start to finish.
MM Romance • Contemporary
Trigger Warnings: Profanity, Sex, Rape, Violence, Abuse, and Death
Hunter by Kit Jade is book three in the Toxic Hearts Club series. I haven’t read the first two books, but this one can absolutely be enjoyed as a stand‑alone. It’s a contemporary MM romance centered on relationships, healing, and the messy reality of living with trauma.
Hunter is a firefighter whose past trauma follows him, leading the court to order him into therapy. He’s resistant, frustrated, and honestly a bit prickly about the whole thing. In group therapy, he meets Charlie, an artist who uses pole dancing as both expression and escape. Charlie carries his own trauma, and the two of them slowly build a connection that feels grounded, vulnerable, and real. What unfolds is a slow‑burn romance that prioritizes emotional recovery, guilt, loss, and learning how to let someone in again.
I really appreciated the positive messaging around trauma and healing. The emotional beats hit hard and felt authentic. There’s very little spice, but that actually worked for me; the intimacy that is there fits the story and makes sense for where these characters are emotionally.
The writing is strong, and the story itself is compelling. I personally struggled to like Hunter as a character, but that’s more about my own taste than the book. Charlie, on the other hand, I adored. Overall, this was a realistic, emotional read that kept me engaged from start to finish.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If there ever was a couple who deserved a HEA, it's Hunter and Charlie.
They are heartbreakingly broken beautiful men, their story really deserved to be told.
The mental health rep, Alcohol addiction and SA was so sincerely spoken about, but with grit, you can't help but fight for them to have their HEA.
Charlie, oh beautiful Charlie....what a gentle stunning man, he went through hell in the literal sense, but he still remained his gentle, kind and bratty self.
Hunter, jeez this gorgeous hunk of a man really really suffered, the horror of his situation when it unfolded throughout the story was so gut renching.
Together they fought not just for their own healing, but to be healed enough to become a couple and boy oh boy they are epic, they really have been through enough sadness and hurt.
Can I just add that Sophia...the kitty, she is the cutest thing ever, everyone knows that cats can be very picky with people (they just know who is good) and the minute she claimed Hunter, that was the start of his healing journey.
This is the 2nd arc I've done for this gorgeous inside and out author and I'm very thankful.
They are heartbreakingly broken beautiful men, their story really deserved to be told.
The mental health rep, Alcohol addiction and SA was so sincerely spoken about, but with grit, you can't help but fight for them to have their HEA.
Charlie, oh beautiful Charlie....what a gentle stunning man, he went through hell in the literal sense, but he still remained his gentle, kind and bratty self.
Hunter, jeez this gorgeous hunk of a man really really suffered, the horror of his situation when it unfolded throughout the story was so gut renching.
Together they fought not just for their own healing, but to be healed enough to become a couple and boy oh boy they are epic, they really have been through enough sadness and hurt.
Can I just add that Sophia...the kitty, she is the cutest thing ever, everyone knows that cats can be very picky with people (they just know who is good) and the minute she claimed Hunter, that was the start of his healing journey.
This is the 2nd arc I've done for this gorgeous inside and out author and I'm very thankful.
Review of advance copy
Hunter: Book 3 of the Toxic Heart Club series by Kit Jade was super enjoyable. Be aware this book goes into some pretty heavy stuff including sexual assault, sexual abuse, emotional, verbal, spiritual abuse, conversion therapy, death of a partner, alcohol addiction, obsessive tendencies, and other trauma I''m sure I am not remembering so please check the official trigger warning list. Take care of your mental health!
That being said I loved Hunter and Charlie, I could see my own journey through trauma and healing in each one of them. The anger, acceptance, bitterness, self loathing and also finding someone who makes you want to be better not just for them but for yourself as well. I loved the rawness and realness of this story and even though there were heavy themes and at times it was overwhelming it makes you thankful for finding the people you are supposed to in life. The power of love and the drive of putting in the hard work and showing up for yourself is a beautiful thing.
I received an advanced reader copy via Book Sirens for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
That being said I loved Hunter and Charlie, I could see my own journey through trauma and healing in each one of them. The anger, acceptance, bitterness, self loathing and also finding someone who makes you want to be better not just for them but for yourself as well. I loved the rawness and realness of this story and even though there were heavy themes and at times it was overwhelming it makes you thankful for finding the people you are supposed to in life. The power of love and the drive of putting in the hard work and showing up for yourself is a beautiful thing.
I received an advanced reader copy via Book Sirens for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2026
I mean, Kit Jade... Whenever I read a book by this author, I know it’s going to be a good one. But this one... wow! It was somehow different, and yet it wasn’t. Familiar and new at the same time—and I loved it!
And of course, I cried at the end.
How can a guy who’s so emotionally broken get his life back on track? Well, it’s not easy. Not easy at all. Emotionally, reading it is a real roller coaster ride. Sometimes I sat there thinking, “Oh, come on, take the plunge,” and then again, “Wait, no. You’re not in a good emotional place, and you’ll drag him into the darkness with you.” It wasn’t easy to read in parts either—I’m not going to sugarcoat it. But that’s what we’re here for, right?
Anyone familiar with Kit Jade’s books knows that it’s never easy and always comes at a cost to get out of a mess. It’s a toll that has to be paid, and no matter how long you believe you can avoid it, in the end, you have to pay it.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book—she’s one of my favorite authors whose books I can buy without even looking and am always happy with. And emotionally shaken… sometimes even in tears, but happy. Sort of. You know what I mean...
And of course, I cried at the end.
How can a guy who’s so emotionally broken get his life back on track? Well, it’s not easy. Not easy at all. Emotionally, reading it is a real roller coaster ride. Sometimes I sat there thinking, “Oh, come on, take the plunge,” and then again, “Wait, no. You’re not in a good emotional place, and you’ll drag him into the darkness with you.” It wasn’t easy to read in parts either—I’m not going to sugarcoat it. But that’s what we’re here for, right?
Anyone familiar with Kit Jade’s books knows that it’s never easy and always comes at a cost to get out of a mess. It’s a toll that has to be paid, and no matter how long you believe you can avoid it, in the end, you have to pay it.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book—she’s one of my favorite authors whose books I can buy without even looking and am always happy with. And emotionally shaken… sometimes even in tears, but happy. Sort of. You know what I mean...
September 1, 2026
This was such an emotional and intense read. Hunter and Charlie both have so much to work through, and watching their relationship develop alongside all that pain and trauma really pulled me in.
Hunter was a difficult character at times, but understanding what was behind his anger, grief and self-destructive behaviour made his journey incredibly compelling. Charlie completely stole my heart, though. After everything he had survived, seeing him finally have the freedom to be himself and begin healing was beautiful.
The chemistry between them was intense, but what I loved most was the emotional connection that developed underneath it. They didn't magically fix each other, but they became a source of support and understanding when they needed it most.
This definitely isn't an easy or fluffy read, and some of the subject matter is heavy, but the emotional payoff made it worthwhile. By the time they reached their HEA, I was genuinely invested in both of them and so happy to see them finally find some peace.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hunter was a difficult character at times, but understanding what was behind his anger, grief and self-destructive behaviour made his journey incredibly compelling. Charlie completely stole my heart, though. After everything he had survived, seeing him finally have the freedom to be himself and begin healing was beautiful.
The chemistry between them was intense, but what I loved most was the emotional connection that developed underneath it. They didn't magically fix each other, but they became a source of support and understanding when they needed it most.
This definitely isn't an easy or fluffy read, and some of the subject matter is heavy, but the emotional payoff made it worthwhile. By the time they reached their HEA, I was genuinely invested in both of them and so happy to see them finally find some peace.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2026
Kit Jade did it again! Without fail, I will automatically read anything this author writes. This one is a lot heavier and darker than some of the other books I've read by this author. This book really hit me right in the deep feels with these characters' tragic background stories. That hurt/comfort really was so emotionally wrecking, but that HEA and healing was just so worth it all.
Charlie, my sweet angel baby, needs to be protected at all costs. He was such an amazing character. Through all the darkness he lived through, his resilience really was remarkable, I just loved him so much. Hunter, on the other hand, really was so much harder to love in the beginning, but he really made up for it as he began to grow and heal from the trauma. I couldn't get enough when he went all ogssesed low-key stalker. The way they both showed up for one another was beautiful.
Tropes:
Firefighter MMC
Grumpy + Sunshine
Hurt/Comfort
Forced proximity
Tortured hero
Slow-burn
Low-key stalking
Obsessed MMC
Trauma healing
Mental health rep
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you, BookSirens and Kit Jade, for the opportunity to read this book.
Charlie, my sweet angel baby, needs to be protected at all costs. He was such an amazing character. Through all the darkness he lived through, his resilience really was remarkable, I just loved him so much. Hunter, on the other hand, really was so much harder to love in the beginning, but he really made up for it as he began to grow and heal from the trauma. I couldn't get enough when he went all ogssesed low-key stalker. The way they both showed up for one another was beautiful.
Tropes:
Firefighter MMC
Grumpy + Sunshine
Hurt/Comfort
Forced proximity
Tortured hero
Slow-burn
Low-key stalking
Obsessed MMC
Trauma healing
Mental health rep
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you, BookSirens and Kit Jade, for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy
Hunter by kit jade is part of the toxic hearts series, its a medium angsty book about 2 haunted men trying to get by.
We are introduced to Hunter in the worst day of his life. Its a funeral for the only person he has ever loved, as the coffin is lowered into the ground he can't help but think its all his fault. Hunter then looses himself in booze and toxic thoughts.
Therapy thats where Charlie is when a big brooding a*shole if a man comes in. And he can't help but be drawn to him.. Charlie can tell hunter is hurting and he knows what its like to suffer. He still has nightmares about small locked spaces and adult voices praying.
But can 2 men who are dealing with there own pain ever come together?
This is a good book spice lvl is 2.5/5 lots of pining for each other though. The only gripe I do have is this.. one of the main characters has an issue that causes them to wait to get busy. I dont think it was addressed well.. it was kinda glossed over.
Still a really good book and i do recommend it.
We are introduced to Hunter in the worst day of his life. Its a funeral for the only person he has ever loved, as the coffin is lowered into the ground he can't help but think its all his fault. Hunter then looses himself in booze and toxic thoughts.
Therapy thats where Charlie is when a big brooding a*shole if a man comes in. And he can't help but be drawn to him.. Charlie can tell hunter is hurting and he knows what its like to suffer. He still has nightmares about small locked spaces and adult voices praying.
But can 2 men who are dealing with there own pain ever come together?
This is a good book spice lvl is 2.5/5 lots of pining for each other though. The only gripe I do have is this.. one of the main characters has an issue that causes them to wait to get busy. I dont think it was addressed well.. it was kinda glossed over.
Still a really good book and i do recommend it.
Review of advance copy
Content warning for religious trauma, alcoholism, stalking.
Dual POV, first person. I would describe this as hurt x hurt honestly, both guys have T R A U M A though Hunter's is more fresh. There was a lot of toxicity at the beginning so if that isn't for you, I would stay away. Hunter is angry, he's resistant to therapy, and he blames himself for the death of his partner. There's some instalust going on. Hunter quickly becomes obsessed with Charlie, but Charlie doesn't seem to mind.
What I liked about this was that it felt honest. There were consequences to actions. The road to recovery was shown, though it seemed a little quick. The way it resolved was satisfying. I loved Charlie's bestie, but I wish Hunter had a better support system. What kept me from 5 stars was it did seem a little rushed towards the end. It was also a bit repetitive. But overall, I enjoyed it and will recommend to friends.
Thanks to BookSirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dual POV, first person. I would describe this as hurt x hurt honestly, both guys have T R A U M A though Hunter's is more fresh. There was a lot of toxicity at the beginning so if that isn't for you, I would stay away. Hunter is angry, he's resistant to therapy, and he blames himself for the death of his partner. There's some instalust going on. Hunter quickly becomes obsessed with Charlie, but Charlie doesn't seem to mind.
What I liked about this was that it felt honest. There were consequences to actions. The road to recovery was shown, though it seemed a little quick. The way it resolved was satisfying. I loved Charlie's bestie, but I wish Hunter had a better support system. What kept me from 5 stars was it did seem a little rushed towards the end. It was also a bit repetitive. But overall, I enjoyed it and will recommend to friends.
Thanks to BookSirens, I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2026
Hunter is part of the Toxic Hearts Club series and is written Kit Jade.
💜 past hurts
💜 healing
💜 light stalking
💜 found family
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice
Here he is again, but now it feels more like hitting rock bottom. Hunter feels like he has nothing left to live for after losing his person, the one he loved, and he’s still here. At this moment? He’s trying to lose himself at the bottom of a bottle. Instead of helping, somehow the memories still seem to slip through. Will he ever be able to stop reliving the memories? Will he ever be able to face himself again? Will he be able to forgive himself and start living his life again?
This was a really good story. The character building was done so well. I love how raw and real these characters were in this book. So often, the topics that came up are just brushed over and not dug into. In this book, they have to face these issues head on with the hard work it takes to face them. Even though the topics were heavier, this was still a great romance. I really enjoyed the journey it took me on.
💜 past hurts
💜 healing
💜 light stalking
💜 found family
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice
Here he is again, but now it feels more like hitting rock bottom. Hunter feels like he has nothing left to live for after losing his person, the one he loved, and he’s still here. At this moment? He’s trying to lose himself at the bottom of a bottle. Instead of helping, somehow the memories still seem to slip through. Will he ever be able to stop reliving the memories? Will he ever be able to face himself again? Will he be able to forgive himself and start living his life again?
This was a really good story. The character building was done so well. I love how raw and real these characters were in this book. So often, the topics that came up are just brushed over and not dug into. In this book, they have to face these issues head on with the hard work it takes to face them. Even though the topics were heavier, this was still a great romance. I really enjoyed the journey it took me on.
August 23, 2026
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
Tropes: Trauma healing, femboy vibes, found family, mental health rep, religious trauma, possessive mmc, age gap and second chance at love.
So, we have our two broken boys Hunter and Charlie. Who have different traumatic incidents that bring them to group therapy. It was a train wreck meant to happen. Watching them come together while still actively hurting was hard.
I had a love/hate relationship with Hunter while reading this but wanted to protect Charlie at all cost.
Their HEA was hard fought but so beautiful.
Now to the reason this didn't end up being a five-star read. There is an incident that breaks are boys apart. But don't worry it's not a third act breakup. We get to see Hunter put in the work yet don't get to see Charlie. And since this is a slow burn romance, I would have loved to see the mmc's communicate more about their past with each other outside of therapy where is was surface level conversation. And to truly discuss why the incident happened. But otherwise, I truly loved this story.
Tropes: Trauma healing, femboy vibes, found family, mental health rep, religious trauma, possessive mmc, age gap and second chance at love.
So, we have our two broken boys Hunter and Charlie. Who have different traumatic incidents that bring them to group therapy. It was a train wreck meant to happen. Watching them come together while still actively hurting was hard.
I had a love/hate relationship with Hunter while reading this but wanted to protect Charlie at all cost.
Their HEA was hard fought but so beautiful.
Now to the reason this didn't end up being a five-star read. There is an incident that breaks are boys apart. But don't worry it's not a third act breakup. We get to see Hunter put in the work yet don't get to see Charlie. And since this is a slow burn romance, I would have loved to see the mmc's communicate more about their past with each other outside of therapy where is was surface level conversation. And to truly discuss why the incident happened. But otherwise, I truly loved this story.
September 4, 2026
Hunter's path to healing
This read was haunting and riveting. Hunter had ghosts from his past and tried to outrun them by chasing danger. It almost cost him his life a second time while fighting a fire and he gets sent to mandatory group sessions where he meets Charlie.
Charlie is on his own healing journey after being thrown into conversion therapy by his parents that did more damage than good. But he has a light in him that Hunter seeks and they're drawn together for all the wrong reasons.
This story is heartbreaking, but it has it's moments of lightness where Hunter and Charlie are getting through tough times together, but Hunter is replacing one obsession/addiction with Charlie. It takes one thing to bring it out and throw it all back in to his other addiction.
This author understands that the ghosts of the past take time and work to heal before you can have that one thing you really want and Kit put it all here in Hunter. You laugh, cry, get angry and finally cry with them as they find their Happily-ever-after.
This read was haunting and riveting. Hunter had ghosts from his past and tried to outrun them by chasing danger. It almost cost him his life a second time while fighting a fire and he gets sent to mandatory group sessions where he meets Charlie.
Charlie is on his own healing journey after being thrown into conversion therapy by his parents that did more damage than good. But he has a light in him that Hunter seeks and they're drawn together for all the wrong reasons.
This story is heartbreaking, but it has it's moments of lightness where Hunter and Charlie are getting through tough times together, but Hunter is replacing one obsession/addiction with Charlie. It takes one thing to bring it out and throw it all back in to his other addiction.
This author understands that the ghosts of the past take time and work to heal before you can have that one thing you really want and Kit put it all here in Hunter. You laugh, cry, get angry and finally cry with them as they find their Happily-ever-after.
September 21, 2026
Oh wow okay what an emotional rollercoaster of emotions. This is the harsh reality of living with trauma and it could be felt through the pages.
You have Hunter who lost the love of his life during a call out as firefighters and went into self destruction mode that landed him in court ordered therapy meetings where he meets Charlie who is fighting his own demons from conversion therapy camp when one was younger
Both men have been through so much and none of it was taken lightly. There was no quick fix, there were mistakes made, but there was also accountability and therapy, lots and lots of therapy.
This is a dark book with real life themes so the TW should be taken seriously but it was also a beautiful love story. There’s still so much to uncover from these men, especially Charlie but I think the not knowing certain parts adds to the story. No one is entitled to every part of you but one day you will find the person you feel safe enough with that you don’t have to open up fully but have the ability to if it’s needed
You have Hunter who lost the love of his life during a call out as firefighters and went into self destruction mode that landed him in court ordered therapy meetings where he meets Charlie who is fighting his own demons from conversion therapy camp when one was younger
Both men have been through so much and none of it was taken lightly. There was no quick fix, there were mistakes made, but there was also accountability and therapy, lots and lots of therapy.
This is a dark book with real life themes so the TW should be taken seriously but it was also a beautiful love story. There’s still so much to uncover from these men, especially Charlie but I think the not knowing certain parts adds to the story. No one is entitled to every part of you but one day you will find the person you feel safe enough with that you don’t have to open up fully but have the ability to if it’s needed
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book deserves many more stars than 5.
Oh my god, what an incredibly good book this is. I was already impressed by Kit Jade's books, but this one is truly excellent.
From point to comma to period and every word in between, I was glued to this story. And oh, how many tears I shed over this story, and I am afraid the lump in my throat will linger for a while.
The raw emotions grip you, and I am convinced that they won't let go of me for a very long time.
This book describes so well how the MCs live with their past, what they have been through, and how difficult it is to let go, to give it a place, and to grant yourself a future you deserve, and how there is then room for someone you can love and who can love you, that I am very impressed.
This book and these MCs will have a place in my heart long after today.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Oh my god, what an incredibly good book this is. I was already impressed by Kit Jade's books, but this one is truly excellent.
From point to comma to period and every word in between, I was glued to this story. And oh, how many tears I shed over this story, and I am afraid the lump in my throat will linger for a while.
The raw emotions grip you, and I am convinced that they won't let go of me for a very long time.
This book describes so well how the MCs live with their past, what they have been through, and how difficult it is to let go, to give it a place, and to grant yourself a future you deserve, and how there is then room for someone you can love and who can love you, that I am very impressed.
This book and these MCs will have a place in my heart long after today.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
1st person POV Dual
MM
Plot 4.5/5
Spice 1/5
Emotions 4.5/5
Addicted/ recovery
Mental health rep
Past trauma
Past emotional abusive relationship
Past conversion therapy trauma
Past SA
The feels are strong with this one!! Hunter and Charlie are both trying to heal from traumatic events and find some peace in each. At least at first, but unfortunately at times broken people tend to break more. What I loved about this book was that it didn't shy away from the ugly parts of healing and there wasn't the whole " love fixes all" theme going on! It was raw and emotional and beautiful in a painful way that only healing can be.
The way they both took a step back to focus on themselves while still holding space for each was so perfect!
While this book is different from anything I have read by Jade before it was so well done!! Jade has become one of my one click authors for sure! ❤️
MM
Plot 4.5/5
Spice 1/5
Emotions 4.5/5
Addicted/ recovery
Mental health rep
Past trauma
Past emotional abusive relationship
Past conversion therapy trauma
Past SA
The feels are strong with this one!! Hunter and Charlie are both trying to heal from traumatic events and find some peace in each. At least at first, but unfortunately at times broken people tend to break more. What I loved about this book was that it didn't shy away from the ugly parts of healing and there wasn't the whole " love fixes all" theme going on! It was raw and emotional and beautiful in a painful way that only healing can be.
The way they both took a step back to focus on themselves while still holding space for each was so perfect!
While this book is different from anything I have read by Jade before it was so well done!! Jade has become one of my one click authors for sure! ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was a wild and emotional ride. I laughed, I cried, I smiled and I raged. Hunter and Charlie fought so incredibly hard for their HEA and it was soooo deserved and had me crying happy tears at the end. Plus there was a sassy and demanding cat which is always a win in my eyes.
Did I want to reach through the book and shake Hunter multiple times? Yes absolutely! But was I also rooting for him through his entire journey? Again, yes! And Charlie… I just wanted to wrap him up and tell him he was perfect in every way and hunt down every single person who hurt him. I was so emotionally invested in this one that it hurt. Did this book absolutely rip my heart out and then put it back together? Yes it sure did. But do I still recommend reading it? ABSOLUTELY!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Did I want to reach through the book and shake Hunter multiple times? Yes absolutely! But was I also rooting for him through his entire journey? Again, yes! And Charlie… I just wanted to wrap him up and tell him he was perfect in every way and hunt down every single person who hurt him. I was so emotionally invested in this one that it hurt. Did this book absolutely rip my heart out and then put it back together? Yes it sure did. But do I still recommend reading it? ABSOLUTELY!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was honestly one of those books that made me cry.
Kit has done a wonderful job on writing such a beautiful story about grief, trauma and healing.
Hunter, a firefighter who lost his boyfriend 6 months prior to the start of the book, uses alcohol to dull the voices in his head and his trauma.
Charlie is a young artist who has had a traumatic time with conversion therapy.
After an event leading to Hunter having court mandated therapy, he meets Charlie at group therapy. They quickly start a heated relationship but things unravel after Charlie has a panic attack.
These events cause Hunter to backtrack on his healing. However, he works on himself to prove that he is the man Charlie deserves.
Its been a while since a book made me cry, but these two absolutely deserved their happy ending.
Thank you to Kit for writing this. It healed something in me. 💕
Kit has done a wonderful job on writing such a beautiful story about grief, trauma and healing.
Hunter, a firefighter who lost his boyfriend 6 months prior to the start of the book, uses alcohol to dull the voices in his head and his trauma.
Charlie is a young artist who has had a traumatic time with conversion therapy.
After an event leading to Hunter having court mandated therapy, he meets Charlie at group therapy. They quickly start a heated relationship but things unravel after Charlie has a panic attack.
These events cause Hunter to backtrack on his healing. However, he works on himself to prove that he is the man Charlie deserves.
Its been a while since a book made me cry, but these two absolutely deserved their happy ending.
Thank you to Kit for writing this. It healed something in me. 💕
August 21, 2026
Hunter by Kit Jade is a raw, emotional, and beautifully messy MM romance about two haunted men trying to heal while finding something worth fighting for. Please check the author’s trigger warnings, as this story tackles some very heavy themes, including abuse, conversion therapy, addiction, grief, and trauma.
I loved Hunter and Charlie and the honesty of their journeys. Their anger, self-loathing, pain, and gradual steps toward healing felt incredibly real, and I loved how their connection gave them both a reason to become better—not just for each other, but for themselves. The romance is angsty and full of pining, with plenty of emotional depth. I did feel one important issue was handled a little too quickly, but overall, this was a powerful and heartfelt story about love, healing, and choosing to show up for yourself. 4.5 stars!
I loved Hunter and Charlie and the honesty of their journeys. Their anger, self-loathing, pain, and gradual steps toward healing felt incredibly real, and I loved how their connection gave them both a reason to become better—not just for each other, but for themselves. The romance is angsty and full of pining, with plenty of emotional depth. I did feel one important issue was handled a little too quickly, but overall, this was a powerful and heartfelt story about love, healing, and choosing to show up for yourself. 4.5 stars!
August 30, 2026
Hunter, a fireman whose partner and lover died on their job is haunted. Charlie, a gorgeous femboy escaped from a conversion camp to start over. Both men messed up, traumatized, broken, in a therapy group that's supposed to help but does give them each other. Hunter has so much rage yet he hungers for Charlie. Charlie and his softness can't resist the hurt, broken man. It's chock full of angst, pain, hostility and self harm but also healing, reassurance and survival. The paintings bother me, how Charlie didn't ask Hunter's permission, just to draw him once, so it seems an invasion of privacy and how Charlie could sell them if he loved him but I guess that's my issues. In the end, there is only love and growth and forgiveness. I received a copy of this through BookSirens and this is my voluntary opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Trigger warnings in this book that I came across:
Alcoholism, death, r*pe/sexual assault & grief
When I say this was the heaviest read in this series I really mean it! Going through the healing journey with both Hunter and Charlie took such a big toll on my heart that I am shocked I didn’t cry!
This is my first read by Kit and oh wow the writing was spectacular if I say so myself!
I think what I’ve been liking about the Toxic Heart Club series and the different authors for each book is to see different type of ways people are struggling and in the end the way they took in the end to go down the healing path is so amazing to read
Thank you so so much to Kit and Booksirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily
Alcoholism, death, r*pe/sexual assault & grief
When I say this was the heaviest read in this series I really mean it! Going through the healing journey with both Hunter and Charlie took such a big toll on my heart that I am shocked I didn’t cry!
This is my first read by Kit and oh wow the writing was spectacular if I say so myself!
I think what I’ve been liking about the Toxic Heart Club series and the different authors for each book is to see different type of ways people are struggling and in the end the way they took in the end to go down the healing path is so amazing to read
Thank you so so much to Kit and Booksirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 2, 2026
First off, I want to tell you that I rarely have similar feelings for the two characters in a romance book, but in this one, I wanted to protect and hug both characters. Even though Hunter was hard to love at first, given where he finds himself, you could still see why and it hurt. (Maybe I can relate a bit too much to some of his trauma?). The chemistry between Hunter and Charlie was there almost immediately and I was so broken over the idea that they might not find a way to get past their well, pasts, in order to find a future together.
I highly recommend this book but make sure that you are mentally strong enough for it. I feel like I'm healed from a lot of things, but I was still shook at times. Take care of yourself first, no one else will.
I highly recommend this book but make sure that you are mentally strong enough for it. I feel like I'm healed from a lot of things, but I was still shook at times. Take care of yourself first, no one else will.
September 3, 2026
Each man is dealing with past trauma. Although they are very different in many ways they have that in common. Hunter is in the therapy circle by court order. He is a fire fighter who needs help that he did not think would work and that he would not have sought. Then there's Charlie whose trauma was inflicted on him in conversion therapy and people trying to take from him who he is. There story is emotional, their journey is not easy. But these two find something to build on and they wind up finding one another across the therapy circle and building a connection as they continue to work on their own repair. This one was tough and brought all the feels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hunter
ARC 📖 review
MC’s: Charlie & Hunter
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️
This is darker than I’d anticipated and definitely had me gripped. Charlie and Hunter are haunted by their past in everyday. Not a great time to fall in love and their spark is instant but they can’t handle themselves, let alone each other. The story felt believable and definitely covered some hard hitting subjects. Despite how messed up Hunter is, I adored him as much as I did sweet Charlie.
Note — the triggers are FOR REAL. It is some of the grittiest on the page I’ve read in a minute. So take care if needed.
Tropes:
❤️ Angsty Dark Romance
🧡 Trauma Bonding
💛 Age Gap
💚 Firefighter & Artist
💙 Tortured Souls
💜 Insta Love
Trigger: Yes. Check if you need to.
Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
ARC 📖 review
MC’s: Charlie & Hunter
Overall: 4/5 ⭐️
This is darker than I’d anticipated and definitely had me gripped. Charlie and Hunter are haunted by their past in everyday. Not a great time to fall in love and their spark is instant but they can’t handle themselves, let alone each other. The story felt believable and definitely covered some hard hitting subjects. Despite how messed up Hunter is, I adored him as much as I did sweet Charlie.
Note — the triggers are FOR REAL. It is some of the grittiest on the page I’ve read in a minute. So take care if needed.
Tropes:
❤️ Angsty Dark Romance
🧡 Trauma Bonding
💛 Age Gap
💚 Firefighter & Artist
💙 Tortured Souls
💜 Insta Love
Trigger: Yes. Check if you need to.
Please note, I did receive this advanced copy ahead of publication; I am writing this honest review voluntarily and appreciate the opportunity provided by the author to review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This was my first book by Kit Jade, and it won't be my last! This book focuses on what happens when two broken people find each other at the wrong time.
Charlie, the sweetest soul, meets Hunter, a troubled, angry man, at a group for trauma survivors. Charlie is there willingly, putting in the work to overcome all he went through at conversion therapy. Hunter is there under court orders, forced to deal with his drinking, the loss of his partner, and his not-so-subtle death wish. This book deals with heavy topics, so mind the trigger warnings.
Both MCs were great and easy to root for as Kit does a great job showing their softness beneath the trauma. Their HEA was very well earned!
Charlie, the sweetest soul, meets Hunter, a troubled, angry man, at a group for trauma survivors. Charlie is there willingly, putting in the work to overcome all he went through at conversion therapy. Hunter is there under court orders, forced to deal with his drinking, the loss of his partner, and his not-so-subtle death wish. This book deals with heavy topics, so mind the trigger warnings.
Both MCs were great and easy to root for as Kit does a great job showing their softness beneath the trauma. Their HEA was very well earned!
August 21, 2026
I am obsessed with Kit Jade's book and this one was no exception.
Hunter and Charlie both have so much pain and sadness inside them that you just want to hold both of them and protect them forever. So many times I had to pause in this book cause my gosh do you get put through the wringer with things, but man does it make the HEA at the end so much better.
There are some dark topics in this but its handled so well. It doesn't shy away from the dark and have a magic fix all.
I adored how Charlie and Hunter chose each other and fought to be better and to pick love over letting themselves be swallowed by their past. It was such an amazing story, made even better by the addition of Sophia.
Hunter and Charlie both have so much pain and sadness inside them that you just want to hold both of them and protect them forever. So many times I had to pause in this book cause my gosh do you get put through the wringer with things, but man does it make the HEA at the end so much better.
There are some dark topics in this but its handled so well. It doesn't shy away from the dark and have a magic fix all.
I adored how Charlie and Hunter chose each other and fought to be better and to pick love over letting themselves be swallowed by their past. It was such an amazing story, made even better by the addition of Sophia.
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