Hunted

by Kaylessa Black

On the lonely highways of Texas, Anna Leigh Carter is running from secrets that threaten to destroy her. When a dangerous midnight encounter throws her into the path of a man she cannot resist, everything she thought she knew unravels. Desire and danger blur together, and Anna must choose whether to trust the stranger who might be her salvation or her undoing.

Some prey refuse to run forever.

Content
This novel contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, violence, age gap romance, power imbalance, depictions of trauma and recovery, and references to past abuse and grooming. It is intended for mature readers who are comfortable with dark and challenging themes. Please read with care.

Perfect for fans of raw, high-heat, and emotionally intense romance, Hunted will leave you breathless and aching for more.

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

Kaylessa Black spends most of her time in the rich, imaginary worlds inside her head, where she’s a fierce heroine with multiple dashing fantasy boyfriends vying for her affection. In real life, she’s just trying to make it through the day without drifting off into another epic adventure. Balancing reality with her wild imagination, Her life may be ordinary, but fortunately for you, her mind is anything but. She writes to help navigate the chaos of both worlds—one where she’s a queen in another realm, and the other where she’s trying to remember to buy milk.

Reviews

[Wendy Marie (myrisingphoenixera.reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
5🌶️
🔥Age Gap
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥Morally Grey
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🔥One Bed
🔥On the Run
🔥Virgin FMC
🔥Dual First Person POV

Hunted is a dark, raw, and gritty novella. If you’re looking for plot, keep on moving. If you want something fast and filthy with a burn the world mmc and a fierce fmc, this is it. Anna Leigh is on the run. After the last four years being tormented by her professor, she needs to put as much distance between them as possible. She finds herself on a Texas highway, when she’s cut off by a huge truck causing her to crash into it. She demands he fixes her car. Adrian makes her a deal. If he can’t last 5 minutes with her in the back of his truck, he’ll pay for her car. Let’s just say he loses the bet. Since it’s late, he takes her to a motel and he’ll fix her car tomorrow. They just can’t keep their hands off each other. They’re both in for more surprises when he finds out what she’s running from and she finds out why he was really on that highway. WOW, this was something else. There were things I liked and things I didn’t. I like a good smutty novella as much as the next, the plot was simple, but there was so much repetition. The ending felt rushed and fell a little flat for me. The spice was definitely spicing in almost every chapter of this novella.

🚩Be sure to read the author’s note and content warnings before reading.

Plot: 3.5
Engaging: 4
Character: 3.5

Thank you Kaylessa Black and Elaine’s Proofreading and Editing for the ARC.

📚All thoughts and opinions are my own📚
🐦‍🔥Follow me on socials @myrisingphoenixera.reads🐦‍🔥

A Few Favorite Quotes:
“I’m gonna make you come so hard you forget your own f* €k!ng name.”

“You want to feel me ruin you, want me to f* € k you until you’re dripping, until you’re begging, until you forget every other man but me?”

“I want you to be vocal. I want to hear it. Tell me what you feel. Tell me what you want. No hiding, Anna Leigh. I want everything.”

“I want her more than I’ve wanted anyone in my life. I just don’t know how to have her without destroying us both.”

[Coffeebooklibrary Rhea Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What the actual … 🥵 EASIEST 5 starts !

ARC| First of all Adrian Cox ! this man was made for stormy night and toe curling proximity. I fear I may be a little unhinged about Hunted because never in my life has a book dragged every desire out of me, with a plot that wanted to make me unscrew my eyeballs !

[Tiffany Brentwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best fast-burning, thriller romances I have read in a while! I love books that deal with tough topics and healing through love. Adrian and Anna Leigh are definitely kindred spirits. They're both stubborn, but get under each other's skin in the best way. The story flowed beautifully, and from the prologue, I was hooked.

Notable quote:
"Wherever I end up, I'll find a place to stand, to breathe, to rebuild from the ashes he left. And when he comes looking for me, he'll find nothing but the middle finger I've left in my dust."

[Mackenzie Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted is one of those stories that stays with you long after you’ve finished it. Beneath the tension and darkness, there’s a powerful message about survival—especially for women who have been told to stay quiet about their pain. Kaylessa Black tells a story that feels both raw and deeply human, shining a light on the kind of trauma that society so often tries to make women bury or minimize. It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one.

This book handles incredibly heavy topics like grooming and assault with care and honesty. While it could absolutely be triggering for some readers, I think it’s handled with a level of grace and emotional intelligence that makes it impactful rather than gratuitous. The author doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but she also doesn’t glorify it—she shows the resilience it takes to survive it. It’s painful, but there’s a quiet strength running through every page that makes you want to root for the main character’s healing.

Anna Leigh is such a beautifully written heroine—flawed, human, and determined to reclaim what’s hers. After everything she’s endured, her desire to regain her autonomy feels both heartbreaking and empowering. She’s done being controlled, done being told what she can and can’t do. There’s something magnetic about watching her rise up, piece by piece, refusing to let her trauma define her. She knows what she wants, and she’s willing to fight for it, no matter the cost. It’s rare to find a character so self-aware in her pain, yet so unshakably driven to rebuild herself.

And then there’s Anna Leigh and Aiden—the heart of this story. The way they mesh together feels natural and deeply earned. Their connection builds slowly, layered with tenderness and restraint. You don’t mind that they try to stay casual; it makes sense for who they are and what they’ve been through. But when that confession of love finally comes, it feels like the breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding. It’s soft, emotional, and incredibly satisfying.

What stood out to me most was how Hunted balances that heaviness with moments of empowerment. The protagonist’s journey isn’t just about enduring trauma—it’s about reclaiming her autonomy, piece by piece. The writing reflects that perfectly: it’s steady, thoughtful, and unflinching, pulling you through every stage of her emotional recovery without ever feeling forced or overdone.

✨ Would I recommend? Yes, but with a gentle warning. If you’ve experienced or are sensitive to themes of abuse, grooming, or assault, approach this one with care. But if you’re looking for a story that depicts survival with honesty, empathy, and power—and a love story that blooms from the ashes—Hunted is a beautifully told testament to strength and reclamation.

#hunted #kaylessablack #bookreview #darkfiction #survivorstories #healingjourney #triggerwarningsapply #emotionalreads #bookstagramreview #indieauthor

[Tayler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED Hunted by Kaylessa Black! This book grabbed me from the very first chapter and did not let go. It’s fast-paced, steamy, and full of drama definitely not a slow burn. The intimacy was a solid 5/5 and the drama was off the charts. The way the author wrote Anna and the male lead was perfection — their chemistry, tension, and emotional pull were everything.
The story has a darker edge with danger, passion, and trust issues woven in perfectly. And that ending?! I did NOT see it coming. If you love raw, high-heat, emotionally charged romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this one’s a must-read.❤️😝

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! What did I just read??? Adrian and Anna Leigh’s story was a train wreck from the very beginning. I couldn’t put it down! Anna Leigh graduated from college and immediately ran away from her perverted college professor who has been grooming her and assaulting her since her freshman year. She makes it to Texas when she meets Adrian. The chemistry between them is intense!

I loved how strong Anna Leigh was. She didn’t let her experience in college rule her life. She was strong and determined to come out on top and that is exactly what she did. Adrian tried to ruin her but she also ruined him. He quickly became obsessed with her but she also was obsessed with him. I loved every second of this book!! The spice was there right from the beginning and the tension between Adrian and Anna Leigh was off the charts!

This is definitely a must read.

Thank you Kaylessa Black and Elaines Proofreading & Editing for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.

[Steph Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story from a quickly becoming favorite author of mine. I’m so happy to be able to be an ARC reader for her again because this was another chefs kiss.


Anna Leigh is running from her past and trying to free herself from the man who once tried to control her. Will Adrian be able to save her or is he just another man that wants to control her?
Super fast paced, dual pov, slight dark, and extra spicy!!

*I received my copy of this book as an ARC and I am leaving my review voluntarily*

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

“You’re mine, Anna Leigh. No one gets to touch you but me. Not James Donovan. Not anyone. Fucking mine.”


Hunted by Kaylessa Black 


Hunted is a raw, high heat and emotionally intense novel by Kaylessa Black. This has some dark themes so definitely check the TWs before reading.


“Let me take care of you, baby. Let me show you what you do to me.”


This was dark, short and spicy with an accelerated storyline that really went from 0 to 100. You can see why this is intended for a mature reader as there are some dark themes explored in this.


“Let me love you, Anna Leigh. Please.”


I liked Anna Leigh but I loved Adrian. He was gruff, flirty and growly. I was a bit taken back by how quickly Anna Leigh was willing to give up certain things to a complete stranger and the extensive miscommunication between them. But I did enjoy the book overall. 


🔥 Age gap 

🔥 Strangers to lovers 

🔥 Power imbalance 

🔥 Trauma and Recovery 


⭐⭐⭐.25/5

🌶️🌶️/5 

[Ana • Apothecary of Stories · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: Kaylessa Black’s ‘Hunted’

[I want to preface that I received an advanced copy of ‘Hunted’].

THE WHAT: After years of being groomed, abused and manipulated by her professor, Anna-Leigh has finally graduated. Immediately, she is on the run, with no where to go - knowing that he will be coming for her. After an unexpected run in with Adrian, Anna-Leigh embarks on a journey to regain her freedom and unleash the chains of her past.

THE VIBE: Alpha male, female heroine, age-gap, dark, tortured past, on-the-run.

THE HOW: This book is extremely fast-paced and jumps into the storyline very quickly. We learn little about the characters and there is not a ton of character development. The author discusses highly sensitive topics [trigger warning] including SA, grooming, harassment but in a very delicate way which I truly appreciated.

THE HIT: This book is incredibly spicy and dark in the best way possible. I really enjoyed how descriptive the author was in the spicy scenes, taking her time and allowing the reader to experience the burn between the two characters in these moments.

THE MISS: I am all for a fast-paced story with a fast-burn, however, I found the emotional connection between Anna-Leigh and Adrian forced and not organic. This made it difficult for me to connect with the characters and therefore believe that they were both willing to risk everything to be together. I wish that there author gave us more about Donovan and the ‘hunt’ to connect with the title a bit more.

THE REC: This book is perfect for readers that enjoy quick burn and lots of spice intertwined with bits of chaos and thrill - if this sounds like you, then this one is for you!

THE OVERALL: Even taking into account some of the things that I wasn’t a fan of in the book - I enjoyed reading the story. The foundation is definitely here, it just needs some more character and story development for me.

Spice Level: 4/5

Overall, this book gets 3/5 from me.

[Amanda Lipscomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you love fast-paced, high-tension reads with tropes like one bed, age gap, and a pierced MMC… then run—don’t walk—and read this book! If there’s one thing Kaylessa knows how to do, it’s write spice! 🔥

Anna Leigh is on the run, but what she doesn’t expect is what’s waiting for her on the road ahead. After an accident with Adrian, her entire world changes—he rocks her in more ways than one. What starts as a job turns into an obsession, because Adrian can’t shake the pull she has on him. These two are the true definition of hate-f*ing!

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was the chaos peddle to the metal from chapter 1? Yes.
Do we love a toxic MMC? Obviously yes.
Was I along for the ride? Also yes.

Super fast paced (and consumed) read with just enough twist to give you a little veer while you’re drag racing to the finish line. (Too many car references? Probably, but whatever.)

In all seriousness I loved that this touched on a taboo topic that isn’t always talked about. And we LOVE when women take back their power. (YAS Queen!) Were some aspects a little unbelievable/too much too soon? Maybe, but that’s also what we love about fiction.

Give it a read and let me know what you think!

[Megs · Rating 4 out of 5]

🖤🛻ARC Review🛻🖤

Thank you Elaines Proof Reading and Editing and Kaylessa Black for this ARC of Hunted‼️

This was my VERY first book by Keyless Black and WOW‼️
I went into this not knowing what to expect, but from the first chapter my jaw WAS ON THE FLOOR‼️
This book entranced me!
Anna Leigh our FMC is being “hunted” by her professor who was grooming her and anxiously waiting to steal her virginity, so Anna Leigh runs and literally crashes into Aiden our MMC.
Aiden makes her a deal, she accepts and without mentioning that she is a virgin, she gives her virginity up to this stranger.

Let’s face it Aiden was Shocked! But Anna Leigh saw it as one less thing that she had to worry about, and something her professor could control her with.

The fact that Aiden is hiding something that doesn’t come to light until later that completely 🤯 turns the tables, like WHAT?!

The love that these unlikely characters share is lustful and passionate and heartbreakingly beautiful! I adored them separately but together they were bliss!!

I cannot wait to read more books by Kaylessa Black

Tropes:
🖤FMC on the Run
🛻Virgin FMC
🖤Age Gap
🛻Protector MMC
🖤Touch her and Die
🛻SPICY
🖤Half Way Point 🤯
🛻No third Act Breakup
🖤HEA
🛻Pierced MMC

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has Good Potential

Okay Besties... "Hunted" was a VERY fast-burn in every sense—blink and Anna Leigh’s tangled up with Adrian, the dangerously irresistible stranger the runs into her on a Texas highway, late at night. The setup? Total chaos and temptation, dripping with that dark, high-heat energy we love. But real talk—it was just an okay read for me. While the premise had good potential (on-the-run tension, age gap spice, and emotional trauma healing), I couldn’t fully connect with the characters. Something about their relationship felt a little too unrealistic, like it jumped from danger to devotion too fast, for me.

That said, the story had good bones... the writing had heart, the plot had grit, and I can definitely see the author’s potential. If you’re into quick-burn chaos with heavy spice and danger, this might still hit for you.

My Ratings: ⭐ 3/5 ▪︎ 🥵 4/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[Gabrielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝓐ℛ𝓒 ℛ𝓔𝓥𝓘𝓔𝓦

This was a very fast read for me - I read it in 3 days (mostly because motherhood and life) but If I had no responsibilities, I would have finished this in one sitting. 

It was such a fast-paced, spicy, easy read. There were elements of surprise that were well received and I was not expecting, as well as all the spice that you could want. 

I loved how the FMC was so fierce and NEVER backed down to anyone or anything. She was strong, even when she didn’t have to be, because being strong was all she knew. 

The only thing that I was really missing was a true emotional connection between the MCs. The story was so fast paced that the characters didn’t really get a chance to develop or evolve.

[SinfulReadsByV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story, Kaylessa! Every piece fit together like a fantastic book puzzle that I devoured in one sitting.

Characters: Um, yes to Adrian. A man who works with his hands and brings that dominating energy? Sign me up. And the way he was ready to worship at the altar of Anna, chef’s kiss. Their chemistry was on fire from the start, and their meet-cute was definitely something lol.

I’ll admit, I was a little partial to Adrian… but I digress. Point is: I absolutely enjoyed this one and would recommend it to anyone who loves a dark, dirty, fast-burn story.

"Make me your good girl. your fvcktȱy, your everything."

[Mallory Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunted is dark, emotional, and gripping from start to finish. Anna Leigh’s story pulled me in right away—haunted past, dangerous roads, and a man who’s equal parts salvation and destruction. The tension and chemistry were electric, and I couldn’t stop reading.

Kaylessa Black writes with intensity that keeps your heart racing, but when it ended, I couldn’t help wishing for a little more—more depth, more pages, more closure. Still, this story was raw, addictive, and unforgettable. Perfect if you love romance that walks the line between danger and desire.

[Kaylessa Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for diving headfirst into the chaos, heat, and heartbreak of Hunted.
This book is a fever dream of adrenaline and obsession, written for everyone who craves stories that bite and burn.
Please know that Hunted contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, violence, and themes of stalking, trauma, and recovery that may be distressing for some readers. As always, trust your limits and read with care.
For readers who devour tropes, here is what you will find between these pages:
age gap, forced proximity, morally gray hero, enemies-to-lovers tension, and a heroine who refuses to break.
I hope you finish this story breathless, wrecked, and begging for more.
With all my love and mischief,
Kaylessa Black”

[Lauren Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most gripping fast-burn romantic thrillers I’ve devoured in ages. I crave stories that aren’t afraid to confront the darkest traumas and then show love as the force that pieces everything back together and try to heal the damages done. Adrian and Anna Leigh do exactly that. They are soul-deep kindred spirits, colliding with equal parts fire and stubbornness, challenging each other, unraveling each other, healing each other. The prose flows like adrenaline through every page, and from that explosive prologue, I was all in! No turning back, no escape, just pure obsession.

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading Kaylessa and honestly it won’t be last.

When I read description of this book I was eagerly waiting to have my hands on it and start reading. And I’m glad I did. This is so good that I had to finish it in a seating. I couldn’t put it down. I kept reading till very end. This book will keep you on edge with every page you turn. I’ve enjoyed this book to the fullest.

Gentle reminder before starting this book check content warning cause it may bother some of you

[Catherine Linger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced amazing read straight from the beginning! The spice was spicy and I loved it!

The FMC was such a strong character. She did what she needed to do and stood up for herself.

The MMC, damn! We all need an Adrian in our lives! Those blue eyes, tats and piercing! Hell yes!

Great story, great ending!

[Arianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc rewiew : I love this book so much and I am so proud of Anna to have finally said her story about what her professor made her experience when she was in college and angry with Adrian for lying to her at the beginning but happy that he have tell her the true. I'm so happy they are together at the end despite everything she been through

[Cindy Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all of the slow burns that I've been reading lately this was so perfect!!! It's a story told where you're on the front of your seat holding on and loving the ride. Anna Leigh is running from the man who would control her in all ways. Adrian is the man that wants to save her and set her free. Slightly dark story but the spice is extra nice.

[TheReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my heart pumping from the very beginning with the suspense. Add in a hotAF MMC, an age-gap, and tattoos and I’m even more hooked. Kaylessa knows how to write spicy scenes! They are simply perfect. This dark romance had some twists I wasn’t expecting and I loved every minute of it!

[K.M. Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the beginning! Satisfying ending and so spicy.

[Jessica Mathis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrian is my new book boyfriend hands down.

[Jenna Paisley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a romance that is pure, emotionally intense chaos, and off-the-charts spice, this is it. It's a quick, fast-paced read. I was hooked the entire time!

[Christie Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALWAYS check the trigger warnings ‼️
Hunted is dark, emotional, and gripping from the first page to the last.

[ElainesBookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

STOP BECAUSE THE SPICE IN THIS BOOK!!!!!😍😍😍😍
I will rave about Kaylessa ALL day long!!

Xoxo-Elaine

[Amy Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising twists and turns! Sex. Betrayal. Thrilling.

With the heat that was coming off these pages I'm surprised my Kindle didn't go up in flames!

I loved this I'm a fan Kaylessa Black.

[Kiley Ackerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

review to come!