What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Prize
If she had to go down, she’d go down her way. With blood and ferocity.
♥♥♥
Sabine Sinclair’s life as a notorious monster hunter used to be simple. Catch monsters. Kill monsters. Repeat as required. But after an ill-fated assignment ends in disaster, her furious boss gives her one chance to make go undercover to capture the infamous wolf king, the evil monster who destroyed her family and haunts her dreams. All she has to do is pretend to be his helpless captive until back-up arrives.
Kyros is cold, merciless, and ready to break his new human pet. Sabine is not easily broken, but his methods are much more dangerous than she expects. Pain and torture, she can handle. Calculated praise and wickedly delicious heat under his teeth and claws…that is so much harder to resist.
As their mutual hate slowly changes to undeniable attraction, Sabine realises they have more in common than she ever imagined. And when a terrible revelation shatters her world into pieces, her mortal enemy might be the only one she can trust.
This ~40k word monster romance novella features high heat scenes between a human and a monster. Please use the 'Look Inside' feature or visit the author's website for the content guide.
♥♥♥
Sabine Sinclair’s life as a notorious monster hunter used to be simple. Catch monsters. Kill monsters. Repeat as required. But after an ill-fated assignment ends in disaster, her furious boss gives her one chance to make go undercover to capture the infamous wolf king, the evil monster who destroyed her family and haunts her dreams. All she has to do is pretend to be his helpless captive until back-up arrives.
Kyros is cold, merciless, and ready to break his new human pet. Sabine is not easily broken, but his methods are much more dangerous than she expects. Pain and torture, she can handle. Calculated praise and wickedly delicious heat under his teeth and claws…that is so much harder to resist.
As their mutual hate slowly changes to undeniable attraction, Sabine realises they have more in common than she ever imagined. And when a terrible revelation shatters her world into pieces, her mortal enemy might be the only one she can trust.
This ~40k word monster romance novella features high heat scenes between a human and a monster. Please use the 'Look Inside' feature or visit the author's website for the content guide.
- GenresMonster Romance
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2025
6 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Walklate
9 books67 followersVicky Walklate is a romance author from Norfolk, UK. She writes full length novels about dragon gods, and spicy novellas about predator monsters. She loves all things monstrous and magical in romance.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 11, 2025
Wicked Prize is book 5 of the Apex series by @vickywalklatebooks ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book picks up a few months after the events in Demons Waters where Sabine is outcasted by her fellow hunters after the deal she made to save her bosses life.
She’ll do anything to get back into Julian’s good books even when he sets her up as a target for the Wolf king.
Sabine is out for revenge after what the Wolf king did to her family however throughout the events of the story all is not what it seems.
The Wolf king himself comes to capture Sabine, he takes her back to his castle. Kyros finds her interesting for a human for fiery spirit never backing down even with all the demands he gives her. He wants to tame her, bring her to heel, he even collars her. The collar signifies that she is his.
“Be a good little human and heel for your master”
We find out why Sabine hates him so much after a tragedy for her past that connects to Kyros however it all turns out to be lie, she finds out she was betrayed and lied to by her boss, he used her as his weapon against the monsters.
Sabine feels unbearable guilt about this but in Kyros eyes she was not a fault she was manipulated by someone she trusted.
The chemistry between Sabine and Kyros 🥵 even though she couldn’t tolerate him in the beginning, Sabine started to lower her walls around him, she felt comfort from him.
“You’re mine Sabine, all mine forever and always”
If you’re looking for a book that’s a monster romance with enemies to lovers, high heat scenes 🥵, revenge and where the MMC says things like “It would make you my everything” then this for you
This book picks up a few months after the events in Demons Waters where Sabine is outcasted by her fellow hunters after the deal she made to save her bosses life.
She’ll do anything to get back into Julian’s good books even when he sets her up as a target for the Wolf king.
Sabine is out for revenge after what the Wolf king did to her family however throughout the events of the story all is not what it seems.
The Wolf king himself comes to capture Sabine, he takes her back to his castle. Kyros finds her interesting for a human for fiery spirit never backing down even with all the demands he gives her. He wants to tame her, bring her to heel, he even collars her. The collar signifies that she is his.
“Be a good little human and heel for your master”
We find out why Sabine hates him so much after a tragedy for her past that connects to Kyros however it all turns out to be lie, she finds out she was betrayed and lied to by her boss, he used her as his weapon against the monsters.
Sabine feels unbearable guilt about this but in Kyros eyes she was not a fault she was manipulated by someone she trusted.
The chemistry between Sabine and Kyros 🥵 even though she couldn’t tolerate him in the beginning, Sabine started to lower her walls around him, she felt comfort from him.
“You’re mine Sabine, all mine forever and always”
If you’re looking for a book that’s a monster romance with enemies to lovers, high heat scenes 🥵, revenge and where the MMC says things like “It would make you my everything” then this for you
November 20, 2025
ARC Review
Another great book in the Apex Predator series! This one stands out as the most dark, it's a bit more action packed, gritty and has a tough monster hunting heroine and equally vicious wolf king, initially I was slightly worried there wouldn't be enough romance due to these things but it worked out very well and I really enjoyed it. It does have some tropes I was excited for, he takes her captive and he makes her his pet!
I don't think I've ever read a monster book with this particular dynamic, the heroine is the standoffish one who mostly curtly spits curses and says little else and the hero is the talkative one who tells her off for cussing so much! Of course she has good reason for not wanting to say anything to him whatsoever except to express her disgust, but I probably related to her the least of the girls in the series.
The wolf king is dangerous and savage but surprisingly decent really and actually very caring and protective. I really liked him! Especially when she wasn't eating her food and he asked if she was vegetarian or vegan and if he should make her something else, so considerate and sweet!
The spice is great, it's spread throughout in stages of development as she stops fighting her attraction towards him. The pet dynamic gave a lot of spicy tension too!
The story is strong and has some great surprises and an exciting climax. I loved that all the monsters from the other books show up!
I love this series and this is a great new addition, I can't wait for the next one!
Another great book in the Apex Predator series! This one stands out as the most dark, it's a bit more action packed, gritty and has a tough monster hunting heroine and equally vicious wolf king, initially I was slightly worried there wouldn't be enough romance due to these things but it worked out very well and I really enjoyed it. It does have some tropes I was excited for, he takes her captive and he makes her his pet!
I don't think I've ever read a monster book with this particular dynamic, the heroine is the standoffish one who mostly curtly spits curses and says little else and the hero is the talkative one who tells her off for cussing so much! Of course she has good reason for not wanting to say anything to him whatsoever except to express her disgust, but I probably related to her the least of the girls in the series.
The wolf king is dangerous and savage but surprisingly decent really and actually very caring and protective. I really liked him! Especially when she wasn't eating her food and he asked if she was vegetarian or vegan and if he should make her something else, so considerate and sweet!
The spice is great, it's spread throughout in stages of development as she stops fighting her attraction towards him. The pet dynamic gave a lot of spicy tension too!
The story is strong and has some great surprises and an exciting climax. I loved that all the monsters from the other books show up!
I love this series and this is a great new addition, I can't wait for the next one!
November 18, 2025
I love the Apex series, and this is the best one yet. WICKED PRIZE is a spicy, enemies-to-lovers/captor-captive monster romance that anyone who likes these tropes is sure to enjoy.
Notorious monster hunter Sabine is on the outs with her longtime boss and mentor. As punishment for botching the last mission, she’s set up as bait for the infamous wolf king, Kyros. He might be the one monster she fears most (though she’d never show it), and he isn’t satisfied with throwing her in a dungeon cell. He’s determined to make her his pet, leash and all. No way will she suffer that humiliation. She’d rather die.
Except that’s not an option. Despite lewd threats, Kyros doesn’t hurt her, and the collar around her neck means other wolves aren’t allowed to either. He might be a murderous beast, but his gentle touch and well-placed praise make her question whether it’s really her boss’s approval she craves. Maybe these extra-dimensional monsters aren’t so monstrous after all.
The tension and chemistry between these two are fantastic. I love Sabine. She’s all fire, and I’m a sucker for a complex, morally gray character with a redemption arc. Kyros is the perfect blend of menacing, commanding, and protective.
If you’re looking for a captor-captive monster romance with praise k!nk and knotting spice, plus a satisfying plot, this is the novella for you.
Notorious monster hunter Sabine is on the outs with her longtime boss and mentor. As punishment for botching the last mission, she’s set up as bait for the infamous wolf king, Kyros. He might be the one monster she fears most (though she’d never show it), and he isn’t satisfied with throwing her in a dungeon cell. He’s determined to make her his pet, leash and all. No way will she suffer that humiliation. She’d rather die.
Except that’s not an option. Despite lewd threats, Kyros doesn’t hurt her, and the collar around her neck means other wolves aren’t allowed to either. He might be a murderous beast, but his gentle touch and well-placed praise make her question whether it’s really her boss’s approval she craves. Maybe these extra-dimensional monsters aren’t so monstrous after all.
The tension and chemistry between these two are fantastic. I love Sabine. She’s all fire, and I’m a sucker for a complex, morally gray character with a redemption arc. Kyros is the perfect blend of menacing, commanding, and protective.
If you’re looking for a captor-captive monster romance with praise k!nk and knotting spice, plus a satisfying plot, this is the novella for you.
November 9, 2025
ARC REVIEW 📚
I would like to first thank the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. I've been an avid fan and follower of this series and was looking forward to reading Sabine's story.
Overall, this was a fun and spicy read. The story picks up effortlessly from the previous book, with more action and worldbuilding regarding the hunters, the magic portals, and the antagonist's motives. In a way, it evoked Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes, especially with how Sabine is presented as a strong lead who crosses paths with the paranormal.
Speaking of the characters, Sabine was fearless, determined, and adaptable, while Kyros was loyal, passionate, and protective. I loved how Kyros stood by her side and was able to see through and break down Sabine's walls, even when things weren't easy. Moreover, there was plenty of teasing and yearning, which made the 🌶️ scenes super hot and steamy to read.
I WOULD RECOMMEND IF 📒
If you're looking for a short and spicy monster romance novel featuring themes such as "enemies to lovers," "abduction," "touch her and d!e," "dominant MMC," "morally grey characters," "praise k!nk," "kn0tting," "found family," and "HEA," then this is the book for you.
I would like to first thank the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. I've been an avid fan and follower of this series and was looking forward to reading Sabine's story.
Overall, this was a fun and spicy read. The story picks up effortlessly from the previous book, with more action and worldbuilding regarding the hunters, the magic portals, and the antagonist's motives. In a way, it evoked Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes, especially with how Sabine is presented as a strong lead who crosses paths with the paranormal.
Speaking of the characters, Sabine was fearless, determined, and adaptable, while Kyros was loyal, passionate, and protective. I loved how Kyros stood by her side and was able to see through and break down Sabine's walls, even when things weren't easy. Moreover, there was plenty of teasing and yearning, which made the 🌶️ scenes super hot and steamy to read.
I WOULD RECOMMEND IF 📒
If you're looking for a short and spicy monster romance novel featuring themes such as "enemies to lovers," "abduction," "touch her and d!e," "dominant MMC," "morally grey characters," "praise k!nk," "kn0tting," "found family," and "HEA," then this is the book for you.
November 30, 2025
After meeting Sabine, the monster hunter, in the previous book, I didn’t have a very high opinion on her.
Her boss, Julian, is still seething from the failure in the previous book & decides that Sabine is better as bait, to lure out the Wolf King, Kyros, & become his prisoner in order for them to finally get to him.
Sabine has been hunting Kyros for a long time, thinking he had a part to play in the death of her family, but things aren’t always as they seem.
I feel this was the most interesting of the storylines. I loved every single one of these books but this one was so different from the others. It wasn’t even set on Earth for the most part but having that moment in the latter part of the book where everyone came together for one cause, I loved it. It was heartbreaking but a truly satisfying story of redemption & revenge.
I love each & every one of the dedications & I especially love the way Vicky Walklate writes her creatures, it’s definitely one of the reasons I love monster romance, & Vicky Walklate’s monsters are some of the best I’ve read. From what I read in the author’s notes, I’m so excited to see what comes next & I have my suspicions about who the next FMC will be.
Her boss, Julian, is still seething from the failure in the previous book & decides that Sabine is better as bait, to lure out the Wolf King, Kyros, & become his prisoner in order for them to finally get to him.
Sabine has been hunting Kyros for a long time, thinking he had a part to play in the death of her family, but things aren’t always as they seem.
I feel this was the most interesting of the storylines. I loved every single one of these books but this one was so different from the others. It wasn’t even set on Earth for the most part but having that moment in the latter part of the book where everyone came together for one cause, I loved it. It was heartbreaking but a truly satisfying story of redemption & revenge.
I love each & every one of the dedications & I especially love the way Vicky Walklate writes her creatures, it’s definitely one of the reasons I love monster romance, & Vicky Walklate’s monsters are some of the best I’ve read. From what I read in the author’s notes, I’m so excited to see what comes next & I have my suspicions about who the next FMC will be.
November 13, 2025
This novella is female lead POV, well written and edited, and a dark, spicy, emotional, enemies to lovers, contemporary, erotic fantasy romance between Sabine, the female human monster hunter lead, and Kyros, the male wolf shifter king lead who Sabine believes killed her family. I empathised with Sabine’s historical trauma and the choice it has led her to. I enjoyed that she was strong, capable, and willing to continue fighting. I enjoyed Kyros’ respect for her strength as well as his protectiveness when necessary. The spicy intimate scenes aren’t quite my preference but they are fantastically written. I enjoyed the kindness shown by previous lead characters in the series towards Sabine, who was, historically, a threat to them. I enjoyed the playfulness in the bonus content that the author has provided newsletter subscribers.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
December 22, 2025
4 ⭐️
3 🌶️
This is the 5th in a series. Start with “All Yours”.
Sabine knows one thing for sure, she hates monsters. She hates them and has one goal, to take them out. It’s been her job and her life since her family was attacked and killed by an enraged wolf monster when she was just a child. Her boss has finally given her the assignment to find him and make him pay. She has to go undercover though, pretend to be the monster’s captive. Sabine is on the fence about this whole thing until she realizes that maybe the monster isn’t the evil being she thought he was. Until she realizes that maybe her entire life has been based off of a lie.
I love the Apex series! When I finished book 4 I was distraught that I had to wait until November to read book 5 but it’s here and I’m so happy it is! Every book adds a deeper layer to the books and characters that came before it.
Read these is you like spicy, monster romance!
3 🌶️
This is the 5th in a series. Start with “All Yours”.
Sabine knows one thing for sure, she hates monsters. She hates them and has one goal, to take them out. It’s been her job and her life since her family was attacked and killed by an enraged wolf monster when she was just a child. Her boss has finally given her the assignment to find him and make him pay. She has to go undercover though, pretend to be the monster’s captive. Sabine is on the fence about this whole thing until she realizes that maybe the monster isn’t the evil being she thought he was. Until she realizes that maybe her entire life has been based off of a lie.
I love the Apex series! When I finished book 4 I was distraught that I had to wait until November to read book 5 but it’s here and I’m so happy it is! Every book adds a deeper layer to the books and characters that came before it.
Read these is you like spicy, monster romance!
November 18, 2025
Honest ARC Review: This gritty, action packed, steamy monster romance is perfect for those who love enemies to lovers! Sabine has been a monster hunter most of her life and she finally gets to go after the monster who tore her family apart. She finds herself face to face with the wolf and is filled with rage but she can’t help but bask in his praise. Sabine starts to question her boss’s intentions at the same time she starts to feel guilt about all the death she has brought monsters. Kyros is king and he finally has the notorious hunter in his grasp. As he begins to “train” her he can’t help but revel in her fierceness. He may be unsure what he will do to her eventually but for the time being she is his and nobody else’s. Kyros and Sabine both struggle with their past and find they are quite connected with one person behind it all. I really enjoyed reading Sabine and Kyros story. It was filled with so much hostility, tension, and steamy moments. The story was action packed but also carried a lot of emotion. This whole series has been so great and I recommend all the books that are out so far!
October 30, 2025
We already saw Sabine,the Fmc in Demon waters, and how conflicted she was.
Now her evil boss shows his true colors and uses her as bait to hunt the wolf king.
And she starts to understand how brainwashed she was.
While each story is about a couple there's an overarching plot rich, imaginative and complex.
Loved the high tension between Sabine and Kyros ,the banter,the battle of wills is explosive and left me engrossed until the last word.
A special mention to how much I loved to see all the Apex monsters together answering the call of Kyros.(Jax,the eagle shifter made me laugh loud ).
And even Tess and sweet Mocha are there .
Perfect for lovers of dominant shifters and the women that light their primal instints.
Now her evil boss shows his true colors and uses her as bait to hunt the wolf king.
And she starts to understand how brainwashed she was.
While each story is about a couple there's an overarching plot rich, imaginative and complex.
Loved the high tension between Sabine and Kyros ,the banter,the battle of wills is explosive and left me engrossed until the last word.
A special mention to how much I loved to see all the Apex monsters together answering the call of Kyros.(Jax,the eagle shifter made me laugh loud ).
And even Tess and sweet Mocha are there .
Perfect for lovers of dominant shifters and the women that light their primal instints.
November 25, 2025
This book was really good. It kept my attention the whole time, and the story went in a direction I kind of expected but also did not see coming. It definitely felt different from the other books in the series, but in a good way.
The Wolf King was a lot for me. He was very controlling, and even though the praise kink was hitting, my girl was a little too stuck on it to think clearly. I kept wanting her to snap out of it and find a way out sooner. It did not ruin the book, but it made me talk to the page a few times.
There were some grammar errors, but nothing that took away from the overall story. The ending set up something interesting, and now I really want to see where the author goes from here.
A solid 4 stars. Enjoyable, spicy, and it kept me turning pages.
November 8, 2025
Another incredible read from Vicky Walklate!! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book. I already knew I'd enjoy it as I loved all of the other Apex Series reads and had pre-ordered this the first chance I could.
This story might be my favorite! Sabine's character arc and the romance in this were amazing. I can't give many details as I'll spoil it, but I definitely recommend this novella if you like a complicated contrarian FMC and a redemption arc.
This story might be my favorite! Sabine's character arc and the romance in this were amazing. I can't give many details as I'll spoil it, but I definitely recommend this novella if you like a complicated contrarian FMC and a redemption arc.
November 18, 2025
ARC review!
I've ARC read post of this series and I've never been disappointed!! The stories are always amazing and well written!
I loved these two! He lets her be her, but lets her know it's okay to trust some people. He lets her know that life is not always what it seems. He treats her right and she learns how to be a little softer because of it. The happy ending was amazing! I hope to see them in more of the series!
I've ARC read post of this series and I've never been disappointed!! The stories are always amazing and well written!
I loved these two! He lets her be her, but lets her know it's okay to trust some people. He lets her know that life is not always what it seems. He treats her right and she learns how to be a little softer because of it. The happy ending was amazing! I hope to see them in more of the series!
November 20, 2025
Another great installment in the Apex series!
November 23, 2025
The praise kink was unexpected but welcome.
Simple, ngl. These aren't high literature, but they are quick, breezy escapist fantasy.
Simple, ngl. These aren't high literature, but they are quick, breezy escapist fantasy.
December 27, 2025
at this point, i would read vicky's shopping list.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews