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The Hunter's Heart
Clara Thatcher knows how to disappear. She’s been doing it since the man she married became something unnatural and left her running for her life with her daughters in the back seat and nothing but escape on her mind.
In the quiet Indiana town of Willow Creek, she meets Eli Fisher, a rough-souled mechanic who doesn’t flinch when she keeps her walls high.
What draws them together is magnetic, unexpected, and impossible to ignore. But Eli’s past is darker than he lets on, shaped by the kind of violence most people never see. And when Clara’s past finds her again, it comes hungry.
This time, Clara isn’t running. She’s ready to fight—for her daughters, her life, and the love she never thought she’d find.
In the quiet Indiana town of Willow Creek, she meets Eli Fisher, a rough-souled mechanic who doesn’t flinch when she keeps her walls high.
What draws them together is magnetic, unexpected, and impossible to ignore. But Eli’s past is darker than he lets on, shaped by the kind of violence most people never see. And when Clara’s past finds her again, it comes hungry.
This time, Clara isn’t running. She’s ready to fight—for her daughters, her life, and the love she never thought she’d find.
488 pages, Paperback
Published January 6, 2026
12 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Neese
3 books13 followersHi, I’m Sarah Neese. I spend my days surrounded by books and my nights writing about small towns, monster hunters, and slow-burn romances. My debut novel, The Hunter’s Heart, is the first in The Fisher Chronicles, a supernatural romance series that mixes “Dean Winchester energy” with a touch of Indiana river town charm.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually behind my camera, corralling my two daughters (my built-in comedy duo), reading every book I can get my hands on, or curled up on the couch with my husband, catching up on our favorite shows. I firmly believe Coke Zero counts as a food group, and porch swings make everything better.
When I’m not writing, I’m usually behind my camera, corralling my two daughters (my built-in comedy duo), reading every book I can get my hands on, or curled up on the couch with my husband, catching up on our favorite shows. I firmly believe Coke Zero counts as a food group, and porch swings make everything better.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 14, 2025
Easily…EASILY my favorite read of 2025.
Absolutely hands down 5 ⭐️
What do we get?
📚 Slow burn small town romance
📚 Protective MMC
📚 Strong FMC (mother on the run)
📚 Found Family (my favorite trope ♥️)
📚 Supernatural Suspense
📚 Monster Hunters
I’ve been in a terrible reading slump and I could not put this book down. From the very first pages I was drawn into Clara and Eli’s world. The way Sarah built their past traumas into the book was absolute perfection. It was detailed enough to give you the picture you needed, but not so long and drawn out that it just drones on. She also did a phenomenal job surprising me with Clara’s past.
I loved the witty banter between Clara and Eli, and how the children in the book were so deeply woven into everything. Eden and Penny remind me so much of my two eldest daughters when they were little.
And like any good book, the action at the end had me gripping my kindle with one hand, kicking my feet, and grabbing the arm rest of my couch with my free hand while screeching.
Will I be ordering a physical copy as a trophy? You betcha!
Absolutely hands down 5 ⭐️
What do we get?
📚 Slow burn small town romance
📚 Protective MMC
📚 Strong FMC (mother on the run)
📚 Found Family (my favorite trope ♥️)
📚 Supernatural Suspense
📚 Monster Hunters
I’ve been in a terrible reading slump and I could not put this book down. From the very first pages I was drawn into Clara and Eli’s world. The way Sarah built their past traumas into the book was absolute perfection. It was detailed enough to give you the picture you needed, but not so long and drawn out that it just drones on. She also did a phenomenal job surprising me with Clara’s past.
I loved the witty banter between Clara and Eli, and how the children in the book were so deeply woven into everything. Eden and Penny remind me so much of my two eldest daughters when they were little.
And like any good book, the action at the end had me gripping my kindle with one hand, kicking my feet, and grabbing the arm rest of my couch with my free hand while screeching.
Will I be ordering a physical copy as a trophy? You betcha!
October 11, 2025
I read this within a day of receiving it, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Brain chemistry? Rewired. I cried. I giggled. literally COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.
This is crack in a book. Heavy supernatural-inspired vibes, setting etc. I loved Eli and Clara and how nuanced their relationship is. Clara's daughters are a delight as well. And Duke????? best boy ever 🥹🥹🥹
Please read this. It's fall. Perfect fall read for the SPN girlies.
This is crack in a book. Heavy supernatural-inspired vibes, setting etc. I loved Eli and Clara and how nuanced their relationship is. Clara's daughters are a delight as well. And Duke????? best boy ever 🥹🥹🥹
Please read this. It's fall. Perfect fall read for the SPN girlies.
November 19, 2025
I consider myself among the elite as an ARC reader for this debut book!
Right from the start I was enamored with Clara, the girls, and the whole Fisher family. The connections between characters was written in such a smooth and genuine manner it was easy to fall into the book and not look up. Sarah had me laughing, gasping, crying, and holding on for dear life on every page. This was a very well written and refreshing paranormal romance with just the right amount of feels! 100% recommend!
Right from the start I was enamored with Clara, the girls, and the whole Fisher family. The connections between characters was written in such a smooth and genuine manner it was easy to fall into the book and not look up. Sarah had me laughing, gasping, crying, and holding on for dear life on every page. This was a very well written and refreshing paranormal romance with just the right amount of feels! 100% recommend!
October 15, 2025
Great story. Couldn't put it down. It was suspenseful and charming. Romantic. Very very very well written.
October 1, 2025
Got my hands on an early copy of this book and I'm so glad I got a chance to read it! I finished it in early September and these characters are still with me on October 1st.
This is a story about family - blood and chosen - more than anything else. But the other elements of the story - supernatural, small town, romance, mystery, a little bit of horror - all come together into a package that creates this world you want to be part of, even with its darkness.
It is well-written and absolutely sucks you in and you never want to leave. I was so happy to see it is the first of a series because I want future stories, past stories, and everything in between!
I'm looking forward to release day so I can recommend it to all my friends, especially those who enjoy a paranormal mystery romance with a little bit of spice and a whole lot of heart.
This is a story about family - blood and chosen - more than anything else. But the other elements of the story - supernatural, small town, romance, mystery, a little bit of horror - all come together into a package that creates this world you want to be part of, even with its darkness.
It is well-written and absolutely sucks you in and you never want to leave. I was so happy to see it is the first of a series because I want future stories, past stories, and everything in between!
I'm looking forward to release day so I can recommend it to all my friends, especially those who enjoy a paranormal mystery romance with a little bit of spice and a whole lot of heart.
September 28, 2025
This is a wonderful story about motherhood, love, and the supernatural. The characters are easy to relate to. As a mother, I can feel what Clara is going through. All the attention to details creates a world that the reader can feel apart of. I can't wait to read more about the Fisher family!
September 19, 2025
This read was engaging, thrilling, romantic, and more! It left me on the edge of my seat, on the verge of tears, and gave me shock. If you like romance with twists and vampires, this is for you. I fell in love with the main characters and each of their stories. The writer does a great job of giving lots of detail. Even the side characters had me hooked. I related to the motherhood of Clara and Eden pulled my heartstrings. I am looking forward to more in a series!
November 21, 2025
I just finished this book and I’m still emotionally overwhelmed. I laughed, I cried, I stressed… I went through everything! Eli, Clara, Eden, Penny, Theo, Jenny, Ben, and Duke are incredibly endearing characters, and I truly felt like I was experiencing their story with them from beginning to end.
This was my first ARC read and also my first time reading such a long novel in a language that isn’t my native one, and I have absolutely no regrets. This book was a real heart-stealer: addictive, moving, full of life. I already want to reread it, and I can’t wait to discover more of the author’s work.
An amazing read that I wholeheartedly recommend!
This was my first ARC read and also my first time reading such a long novel in a language that isn’t my native one, and I have absolutely no regrets. This book was a real heart-stealer: addictive, moving, full of life. I already want to reread it, and I can’t wait to discover more of the author’s work.
An amazing read that I wholeheartedly recommend!
October 21, 2025
The Hunter’s Heart by Sarah Neese completely pulled me in and refused to let go. It’s the kind of story that builds tension layer by layer...emotionally, romantically, and even a bit mysteriously.
The main character's (Clara) strength and vulnerability make her easy to root for. As a mother trying to rebuild her life and protect her daughters, she feels incredibly real. Her connection with Eli Fisher unfolds at a pace that feels natural and deeply satisfying. I actually loved the slower pacing, where the two spend the middle of the book circling each other and internalizing their feelings, it made me want to savor every chapter instead of rushing through. It’s that rare book you don’t want to put down because you want to stay in their world just a little longer.
The romance is beautifully balanced. The intimate scene was perfectly done—tender, passionate, and believable without slipping into risque territory.
Knowing and following Sarah’s personal journey through this book, I could definitely feel the 'Supernatural' show vibes, and I absolutely loved it—especially as a fan of the series myself. The blend of darkness, suspense, and emotional depth gave the story a familiar energy while still feeling completely original.
Overall, The Hunter’s Heart is an emotionally rich and beautifully paced start to The Fisher Chronicles. If you enjoy stories that give you time to connect with the characters and build anticipation—both romantic and suspenseful—this one’s for you. I can’t wait for the next book!
The main character's (Clara) strength and vulnerability make her easy to root for. As a mother trying to rebuild her life and protect her daughters, she feels incredibly real. Her connection with Eli Fisher unfolds at a pace that feels natural and deeply satisfying. I actually loved the slower pacing, where the two spend the middle of the book circling each other and internalizing their feelings, it made me want to savor every chapter instead of rushing through. It’s that rare book you don’t want to put down because you want to stay in their world just a little longer.
The romance is beautifully balanced. The intimate scene was perfectly done—tender, passionate, and believable without slipping into risque territory.
Knowing and following Sarah’s personal journey through this book, I could definitely feel the 'Supernatural' show vibes, and I absolutely loved it—especially as a fan of the series myself. The blend of darkness, suspense, and emotional depth gave the story a familiar energy while still feeling completely original.
Overall, The Hunter’s Heart is an emotionally rich and beautifully paced start to The Fisher Chronicles. If you enjoy stories that give you time to connect with the characters and build anticipation—both romantic and suspenseful—this one’s for you. I can’t wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
I was lucky and received an ARC of this book and the only thing I knew about it going into it was that it was a slow burn which is my catnip.
The book is about a woman, Clara who has been on the run for a year with her kids trying to escape her husband. She ends up in a small Indiana town where she meets local mechanic and her new landlord Eli.
Eli and his family become hers and the romance and friendship that develops between the two feels authentic and in the era of TikTok smut and no plot this was a refreshing read and I look forward to reading more from her
The book is about a woman, Clara who has been on the run for a year with her kids trying to escape her husband. She ends up in a small Indiana town where she meets local mechanic and her new landlord Eli.
Eli and his family become hers and the romance and friendship that develops between the two feels authentic and in the era of TikTok smut and no plot this was a refreshing read and I look forward to reading more from her
October 26, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book . I had a hard time reading it sometimes because it was so well written with Clara's fears and dealing with her emotions of her past life. it brought up my own past and I had to take a breath even though I also wanted to find out what happened next. I loved how reality and the super natural worked together . I fell in love with all the characters and can't wait to find out more of their lives !
October 17, 2025
I got chosen as an ARC reader for this book, and when I tell you I was super nervous for this book, I was. This book literally exceeded my expectations, it had me crying, laughing, smiling and altogether going through all of the emotions. Eli Fisher is what I imagine he would become if he stopped hunting when Sam left for college or a little after. He has my whole heart.
Clara and the girls have my heart too, their story in the beginning is so sad, but I'm so glad they found Eli, Theo, Jenny, and Ben.
I do wish there was a trigger warning list for some of things that happened in the book. I would've have liked to have been warned. Other than that, the romance is fantastic, it's a little steamy, but nothing super explicit is written on the page.
If you even remotely like Supernatural, or if you think Dean should've lived at the end of the show, this is the book for you, just trust me.
Clara and the girls have my heart too, their story in the beginning is so sad, but I'm so glad they found Eli, Theo, Jenny, and Ben.
I do wish there was a trigger warning list for some of things that happened in the book. I would've have liked to have been warned. Other than that, the romance is fantastic, it's a little steamy, but nothing super explicit is written on the page.
If you even remotely like Supernatural, or if you think Dean should've lived at the end of the show, this is the book for you, just trust me.
October 17, 2025
I couldn’t put the book down! I was completely sucked in, Sarah did an amazing job making the reader be on the edge of their seat.
This story has it all..Romance, thriller, supernatural, mystery, humor. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that I was truly this engaged in!
I fell in love with all the main characters, including Duke!
This story has it all..Romance, thriller, supernatural, mystery, humor. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that I was truly this engaged in!
I fell in love with all the main characters, including Duke!
November 17, 2025
Excited to be an ARC reader. This one captured my attention from the beginning. I loved Eli, but sometimes had a hard time separating him from Dean. Same with Theo/Sam. This is the story I would have liked for the boys. Trigger warning would have been appreciated to prepare myself though.
September 19, 2025
I could not put this book down! The storyline is very captivating and you get attached to the characters. I found myself wanting to continue so fast so I could keep finding out what happens. This book had a great suspense factor to it that I could not predict what was going to happen, unlike other suspense books. I can’t wait to uncover more of the back story with these characters in the next books to come!
December 18, 2025
Overall, I really liked this book. The premise of it intrigued me, even though historically I have not read many books with vampires, werewolves, and other “Supernaturalesque” creatures. So admittedly, my knowledge of their lore is limited to the few episodes of Buffy and Angel that I’ve watched. And, just tales from childhood. With that being said, I feel like some of the issues I had with this book, may stem from that lack of knowledge base.
What I really liked: The characters. I loved all of them, excluding Nick, but you’re not supposed to like Nick he’s an evil vampire. I liked that there weren’t a lot of side characters, and that the story could really focus on the main people. The setting was also, charming, and having lived in a couple of small towns myself I could really picture the quaintness. The writing style was awesome. There are several sentences, ideas etc…that really hit me and I thought to myself, “Wow, this is really well written.” It was an easy read, which I loved and appreciated. Also, the love Clara has for her children was palpable. As a mother, I felt her protective nature to my core. The love Eli and she shared was also palpable, and when he was so severely injured I felt that in my core too.
Where I feel like the story was lacking: This is where my lack of knowledge about supernatural creatures may be affecting my opinion. And take this information for just that, it’s my opinion. I may have gone into this book expecting more focus on the hunter aspect. However, I feel like that was really more of a side storyline until the end. For this reason, it took me a long time to read this book. I liked the story, but felt like there was more time than needed to set up the relationship between Eli and Clara. A lot of scenes seemed repetitive, and sort of like beating a dead horse. It wasn’t until the end, with the epic battle between Nick, Eli, Theo, Jenny, and Clara that any focus was really put on the hunting and creature aspect. My heart was pounding during these chapters, and it left me wishing there were aspects of that sprinkled throughout the story. It felt almost like a plot hole, when Eli and Theo figured out Nick was having women killed who looked like Clara. How did he get to that point? In my thought process, he had to become powerful in the vampire realm to be able to force/convince other vampires to do his bidding. And, I would have liked more background on how he became a vampire. I know the old tales of getting bitten and turning, but all that is really mentioned is him going out of town on a business trip, basically disappearing for a couple of days, and then returning home a vampire. I believe that more background, and attention to his hunt for Clara and their daughters would have created a tension that would have made the story more compelling. I was also hoping that Clara would have been the one to kill Nick. A sort of poetic justice so to speak. In all, I feel like his death was somewhat anti-climactic. All that blood spilled, and basically he ends up getting killed because he’s exhausted, and finally Theo gets the better of him. Lastly, Duke dying almost broke me. I was fighting back tears trying to finish the book.
I would recommend this book to people because as I said, I liked it. But I would qualify the recommendation with if you’re looking for something focused on the hunt and the creatures, this isn’t the book for you. As a romance, it’s a solid story.
What I really liked: The characters. I loved all of them, excluding Nick, but you’re not supposed to like Nick he’s an evil vampire. I liked that there weren’t a lot of side characters, and that the story could really focus on the main people. The setting was also, charming, and having lived in a couple of small towns myself I could really picture the quaintness. The writing style was awesome. There are several sentences, ideas etc…that really hit me and I thought to myself, “Wow, this is really well written.” It was an easy read, which I loved and appreciated. Also, the love Clara has for her children was palpable. As a mother, I felt her protective nature to my core. The love Eli and she shared was also palpable, and when he was so severely injured I felt that in my core too.
Where I feel like the story was lacking: This is where my lack of knowledge about supernatural creatures may be affecting my opinion. And take this information for just that, it’s my opinion. I may have gone into this book expecting more focus on the hunter aspect. However, I feel like that was really more of a side storyline until the end. For this reason, it took me a long time to read this book. I liked the story, but felt like there was more time than needed to set up the relationship between Eli and Clara. A lot of scenes seemed repetitive, and sort of like beating a dead horse. It wasn’t until the end, with the epic battle between Nick, Eli, Theo, Jenny, and Clara that any focus was really put on the hunting and creature aspect. My heart was pounding during these chapters, and it left me wishing there were aspects of that sprinkled throughout the story. It felt almost like a plot hole, when Eli and Theo figured out Nick was having women killed who looked like Clara. How did he get to that point? In my thought process, he had to become powerful in the vampire realm to be able to force/convince other vampires to do his bidding. And, I would have liked more background on how he became a vampire. I know the old tales of getting bitten and turning, but all that is really mentioned is him going out of town on a business trip, basically disappearing for a couple of days, and then returning home a vampire. I believe that more background, and attention to his hunt for Clara and their daughters would have created a tension that would have made the story more compelling. I was also hoping that Clara would have been the one to kill Nick. A sort of poetic justice so to speak. In all, I feel like his death was somewhat anti-climactic. All that blood spilled, and basically he ends up getting killed because he’s exhausted, and finally Theo gets the better of him. Lastly, Duke dying almost broke me. I was fighting back tears trying to finish the book.
I would recommend this book to people because as I said, I liked it. But I would qualify the recommendation with if you’re looking for something focused on the hunt and the creatures, this isn’t the book for you. As a romance, it’s a solid story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
Overall this suspenseful, romance novel with a supernatural twist, is a great read. The words jump off the page and the way the author brings the story to life will have you feeling every type of emotion. I am so excited to know that this is just the first in a new series because I was left wanting more. I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.
I knew from the first moment Clara said “ I hate you. I really do” that she was head over heels for Eli Fisher and the way he replies “keep telling yourself that, Darlin” told me that she absolutely has The Hunter’s Heart ❤️
This book is the first in a series by debut author Sarah Neese. I am very excited to see where she takes these characters next!
To learn more visit her website at SarahNeeseAuthor.com or search Sarah Neese Books on socials.
I knew from the first moment Clara said “ I hate you. I really do” that she was head over heels for Eli Fisher and the way he replies “keep telling yourself that, Darlin” told me that she absolutely has The Hunter’s Heart ❤️
This book is the first in a series by debut author Sarah Neese. I am very excited to see where she takes these characters next!
To learn more visit her website at SarahNeeseAuthor.com or search Sarah Neese Books on socials.
October 27, 2025
I was really excited to receive an ARC copy of this book. I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised by the quick connection to the characters. I was gripped by the female lead from the very beginning. I fell in love with the Fisher boys and rooted for the love story to make it.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
I did take away one star because of a plot point that took me completely off guard, not in a good way, and ended with the loss of a pet. Other than that, the storyline was fantastic and I am excited to read more about the Fishers and more from Sarah!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
I did take away one star because of a plot point that took me completely off guard, not in a good way, and ended with the loss of a pet. Other than that, the storyline was fantastic and I am excited to read more about the Fishers and more from Sarah!
November 18, 2025
This book had me hooked from the beginning. Slow burn romance, monsters and supernatural elements, good ole country man, and a fierce mom who would do anything for her children. This book has ups and downs, it had me in tears, it had me on the edge of my seat and chewing my nails. The ending and epilogue were so so good. I can’t recommend this book enough, 10/10 would read again and again and plan to read every future book written!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hallmark Love Story in a Supernatural World
I absolutely devoured this book!
Clara is on the run with her two daughters. Eli Fisher thinks he'll never find love. The two are lucky enough to meet and they enter into a beautiful, slow-burn romance. The tension between the two is amazing and palpable. Both are hiding secrets, and I love how Sarah navigated them in a realistic way.
If you're looking for a Hallmark love story in a Supernatural world, pick this one up!
I absolutely devoured this book!
Clara is on the run with her two daughters. Eli Fisher thinks he'll never find love. The two are lucky enough to meet and they enter into a beautiful, slow-burn romance. The tension between the two is amazing and palpable. Both are hiding secrets, and I love how Sarah navigated them in a realistic way.
If you're looking for a Hallmark love story in a Supernatural world, pick this one up!
October 17, 2025
I was hooked from chapter 1! I could see each character in my mind as I read. The author's descriptions of people, places and things are wonderful. She brings each character to life. The story reads smoothly with each gripping chapter. I was drawn farther and farther in. So in the end, all I wanted was more!
November 10, 2025
A perfect mix of supernatural and small town romance! Eli and Clara’s story is perfect. I love the banter and found family aspect of this book. A very easy quick read. Definitely a must read! The author did an amazing job writing this book and keeping it engaging. I can’t wait to read more of her work!
January 6, 2026
ROMANTASY ALERT!!
This book was such a good read! Characters are written so well and the dialogue is so natural (which is one of the things that bothers me in so many books when it's not).
A slow burn romance is something I love and keeps me coming back for more.
If you love Supernatural, and you love a good romance story, then this is definitely a book worth picking up.
This book was such a good read! Characters are written so well and the dialogue is so natural (which is one of the things that bothers me in so many books when it's not).
A slow burn romance is something I love and keeps me coming back for more.
If you love Supernatural, and you love a good romance story, then this is definitely a book worth picking up.
February 7, 2026
This was definitely my first 6 star read of 2026. Debut norvel for author Sarah Neese exceeded all my expectations. This book is set in a fictional Indiana town that is based on a town close to me so it was fun seeing all the similarities. The FMC, Clara, will do anything to protect her daughters even if that means being on the run trying to make ends meet. That is until she finds Willow Creek and meets the Fisher family. This story is a story of resilience, strength and family. It is beautiful, funny, suspenseful, and magical all wrapped together with the supernatural. Bravo Sarah.
November 1, 2025
I don’t typically read romance or monster books, but this was recommended to me. I really enjoyed this quick easy read. The relationship between the characters was so relatable. I do love series books and am very eager for the continue saga of The Fishers.
November 2, 2025
This book is amazing!! If you love supernatural and a great small town slow burn then this is THE book for you!!!!! I will 100% be buying a physical copy of this book when it releases! You won’t regret this read!
December 26, 2025
Awesome read! Very suspenseful, excellently unfolded plot, amazing slow burn and love story. Highly recommend.
January 6, 2026
Absolutely loved this book! Couldnt put it down and for the brief moments I did it was all I could think of till I picked it back up
January 9, 2026
This story has something for everybody! romance, mystery, fantasy and heart! I truly enjoyed reading this book and getting to know the characters.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews