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His to Hunt
Alien vs. Predator but make it enemies trapped in an ice cave together.
Seven years ago, Vessa’s entire life changed. Everything was taken from her in a single night—faction, family, her home. Who was responsible for it all? Kedar of Clan Will. Her comrade. Her best friend. She had no choice but to challenge him and win.
And she did.
With her plasma dirk to his throat, she gave him something far worse than death—mercy.
Kedar had been hunting her down ever since.
For Xaal, a challenge must end with death, and he’s come to collect.
When he finds her on a hostile ice planet, a deadly blizzard traps them in a cave together. They’re forced to confront their wretched past while fighting horrifying aliens and the impossible cold.
But the twisted emotions they’ve harbored for seven long years are for more dangerous.
Hatred. Obsession. Devotion.
They may survive the planet, but they’ll never survive each other.
His to Hunt is a friends to enemies to lovers alien romance. The Xaal Hunter series books are true standalones. They may be enjoyed in any order. Please check the Author’s Note for content information.
Want more alien romance by T.K. Tucker? Check out her Xaal Regency series that is lovingly referred to as Predator meets Bridgerton, starting with book 1 The Dreamer and the Deep Space Warrior.
Seven years ago, Vessa’s entire life changed. Everything was taken from her in a single night—faction, family, her home. Who was responsible for it all? Kedar of Clan Will. Her comrade. Her best friend. She had no choice but to challenge him and win.
And she did.
With her plasma dirk to his throat, she gave him something far worse than death—mercy.
Kedar had been hunting her down ever since.
For Xaal, a challenge must end with death, and he’s come to collect.
When he finds her on a hostile ice planet, a deadly blizzard traps them in a cave together. They’re forced to confront their wretched past while fighting horrifying aliens and the impossible cold.
But the twisted emotions they’ve harbored for seven long years are for more dangerous.
Hatred. Obsession. Devotion.
They may survive the planet, but they’ll never survive each other.
His to Hunt is a friends to enemies to lovers alien romance. The Xaal Hunter series books are true standalones. They may be enjoyed in any order. Please check the Author’s Note for content information.
Want more alien romance by T.K. Tucker? Check out her Xaal Regency series that is lovingly referred to as Predator meets Bridgerton, starting with book 1 The Dreamer and the Deep Space Warrior.
Unknown Binding
About the author
T.K. Tucker
6 books157 followersT.K. Tucker has been writing since she was a little girl, weaving Rurouni Kenshin and Lord of the Rings fanfiction into one chaotic story. In other words, she’s been unhinged from the start. A few years ago, she quit her career to write full-time—and made that everyone’s problem.
With a vivid and dangerous imagination, a black heart that still feels too deeply, and lived experiences that bleed onto the page, her books reflect the ache to create something beautiful and meaningful—and leave bruises while doing it. From infinite stars to dark, bloodstained kingdoms, one must be wary when reading her work: she wields anguish and angst like daggers and always has more hidden on her person.
When she isn’t emotionally damaging others, she’s getting lost elsewhere through video games, travel, or daydreaming beside her familiars. As a three-time victim of the cat distribution system and bonded to her soul dog, she's always in good company while scheming.
With a vivid and dangerous imagination, a black heart that still feels too deeply, and lived experiences that bleed onto the page, her books reflect the ache to create something beautiful and meaningful—and leave bruises while doing it. From infinite stars to dark, bloodstained kingdoms, one must be wary when reading her work: she wields anguish and angst like daggers and always has more hidden on her person.
When she isn’t emotionally damaging others, she’s getting lost elsewhere through video games, travel, or daydreaming beside her familiars. As a three-time victim of the cat distribution system and bonded to her soul dog, she's always in good company while scheming.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 28, 2026
friends to enemies 😛😛😛 stuck in a cave during a deadly blizzard 😛😛😛 skin to skin for survival 😛😛😛 he’s so obsessed he hallucinates her scent 😛😛😛 hate knotting 😛😛😛 mask stays on 😛😛😛
the cover 😛😛😛
full length novel WHEN
the cover 😛😛😛
full length novel WHEN
April 21, 2026
This was such a fun story to read! Vessa was such a badass, right from the start she is thrown into danger and she shows that she is a fighter. But she does wind up needing a little help and it just happens to comes in the form of her former BFF that she now hates... a lot. Vessa and Kedar have quite the history and there is a lot of bitterness between the two, but also a lot of unresolved feelings. Once they get trapped in an ice cave, they are forced to deal with them. Along with some crazy aliens that just wont leave them alone!
This is a bit of a slow burn with some good groveling, a masked man on his knees for this woman, and some knotting... if that sways you any. This man was just GONE for her.
Sci Fi/Alien MF
Novella
Second Chance
Enemies To Lovers
Burn The World For Her
Strong FMC
Trapped In Ice Cave
Fighting As Foreplay
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
This is a bit of a slow burn with some good groveling, a masked man on his knees for this woman, and some knotting... if that sways you any. This man was just GONE for her.
Sci Fi/Alien MF
Novella
Second Chance
Enemies To Lovers
Burn The World For Her
Strong FMC
Trapped In Ice Cave
Fighting As Foreplay
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
April 3, 2026
Vessa is a stronger woman than I am because as soon as I’m cold and hungry I lose all patience and absolutely would have challenged Kedar to a duel.
I loved this!
I loved this!
April 15, 2026
Vessa was a badass, and a sexy one at that. Getting trapped in an ice cave with her enemy wasn’t on her bingo card, but their vicious banter was hot. Kedar was rigidly fixated on offing her, but only in combat when she was healed. Their past was fraught, but they still had some care for one another buried deep under their hate.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: abduction, threat of SA, threat of being eaten, violence, gore, battle, drowning, hypothermia, spaceship crash (off page), betrayal, hunting, banishment, isolation, stalking, mention of past forced engagement
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: abduction, threat of SA, threat of being eaten, violence, gore, battle, drowning, hypothermia, spaceship crash (off page), betrayal, hunting, banishment, isolation, stalking, mention of past forced engagement
April 10, 2026
riveting unputdownable alien romance!!!
This book is so good! I am obsessed with both characters. The world building is exceptional. I love that we get to travel between worlds. I normally don’t love second chances but this one was epic. Wrongs committed on both warring sides. Peak enemies to lovers plus fated mates which is my favorite trope combo. 11/10 recommend
This book is so good! I am obsessed with both characters. The world building is exceptional. I love that we get to travel between worlds. I normally don’t love second chances but this one was epic. Wrongs committed on both warring sides. Peak enemies to lovers plus fated mates which is my favorite trope combo. 11/10 recommend
March 14, 2026
I have had this preorder on my kindle for months, Finally it came out and honestly i didn't love it.
Which is a complete surprise and a complete bummer. I'm not sure why i didn't love it, it has a sexy masked monster man, a sexy female assassin warrior type with an attitude for days, and of course the love making scenes were delightful if not slightly vanilla.
And yet it was not my favorite especially when compared to the other novel, in this series I've read; The Dreamer and the Deep Space Warrior which i had given 4 stars.
Maybe it was all the backstory of their past or maybe the fighting scenes with the Orc (similar to at least) race. It just kind of dragged on in a few places. I found myself skim reading to get to the actual romance parts. I think i would have liked the short novel more if it learned heavier on the love making scenes then it did the plotline.
Which is a complete surprise and a complete bummer. I'm not sure why i didn't love it, it has a sexy masked monster man, a sexy female assassin warrior type with an attitude for days, and of course the love making scenes were delightful if not slightly vanilla.
And yet it was not my favorite especially when compared to the other novel, in this series I've read; The Dreamer and the Deep Space Warrior which i had given 4 stars.
Maybe it was all the backstory of their past or maybe the fighting scenes with the Orc (similar to at least) race. It just kind of dragged on in a few places. I found myself skim reading to get to the actual romance parts. I think i would have liked the short novel more if it learned heavier on the love making scenes then it did the plotline.
March 15, 2026
This was well written and the angst and yearning were well done.
Once they accepted and forgave each other their dynamic was very sweet. The epilogue was a nice touch, the FMC had missed her parents so much it was nice to see her reunited.
The story did drag at certain parts though. The frequent battle scenes had my attention drifting.
Once they accepted and forgave each other their dynamic was very sweet. The epilogue was a nice touch, the FMC had missed her parents so much it was nice to see her reunited.
The story did drag at certain parts though. The frequent battle scenes had my attention drifting.
March 17, 2026
Nearly as good as the first!
This was like a 4.85 for me only because there’s more battling than romance. And I don’t mean between the two enemies to lovers, I mean with everything else. Honestly though that’s okay I just think it was a lot because THEY were already fighting each other so then fighting the outside world too was just like ok this is an action book with a splash of romance. Either way though, I loved both main characters. The FMC was tough and held her ground but soft when she needed to be. And the MMC was just perfect. He was strong and all about his woman. The pining was A1 the groveling was chefs kiss and the epilogue was adorable. My only complaint is that I wish she described his face a little more. These guys stay masked up for a good part of
the story so when they’re unmasked I’d like a little more detail about their faces. Just a liiiiiitle more. But yeah loved it can’t wait for more from this author!
This was like a 4.85 for me only because there’s more battling than romance. And I don’t mean between the two enemies to lovers, I mean with everything else. Honestly though that’s okay I just think it was a lot because THEY were already fighting each other so then fighting the outside world too was just like ok this is an action book with a splash of romance. Either way though, I loved both main characters. The FMC was tough and held her ground but soft when she needed to be. And the MMC was just perfect. He was strong and all about his woman. The pining was A1 the groveling was chefs kiss and the epilogue was adorable. My only complaint is that I wish she described his face a little more. These guys stay masked up for a good part of
the story so when they’re unmasked I’d like a little more detail about their faces. Just a liiiiiitle more. But yeah loved it can’t wait for more from this author!
May 5, 2026
I am feen for some alien smut✨
April 21, 2026
this is SO ROMANTIC i’m yelling!!!! some of these quotes are god tier yearning. second chance friends to enemies to lovers????? they both want to (GENUINELY) kill each other????? an intergalactic HUNT???? DELICIOUS. exactly what i want in my sci fi romances!!!!!
April 24, 2026
⭐️ 4 stars.
such delicious delicious groveling ugh i’m starved.
such delicious delicious groveling ugh i’m starved.
March 15, 2026
This was not even 200 pages. And yet she somehow told a story so well that I cried? That I felt their pain? That I laughed with them? She’s a witch.
March 13, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐
SO GOOD I DEVOURED IT IN ONE SITTING!!!
The perfect combination of angst and spice. AND THE LONGING?!?! 10/10!!!
SO GOOD I DEVOURED IT IN ONE SITTING!!!
The perfect combination of angst and spice. AND THE LONGING?!?! 10/10!!!
April 27, 2026
My only complaint is that it needed to be longer!! I’m obsessed with them!!!!
Read
March 22, 2026Vibe: Yearners to Enemies to Lovers
Deeply enjoyed every moment of this book. From Vessa's fighting capabilities to the internal wars they each fought. I loved this book down. Will easily be brought back into rotation for a feel good yearn. The spice was spicing just the way it should & you know what, I do love a well seasoned chapter. I would absolutely LIVE to see a sequel to this series over the one with a Bridgerton vibe, but that is just my taste writing wise. They each pull their own weight & more than hold their own. The chemistry for each feels so different & unlike any other pairings. Which it feels wonderful to see some fresh creativity enter stage left. The world building is thrilling & always feel like I'm on a great adventure. Please continue to write these breathtaking works just like this. The yearn was 100/10
Deeply enjoyed every moment of this book. From Vessa's fighting capabilities to the internal wars they each fought. I loved this book down. Will easily be brought back into rotation for a feel good yearn. The spice was spicing just the way it should & you know what, I do love a well seasoned chapter. I would absolutely LIVE to see a sequel to this series over the one with a Bridgerton vibe, but that is just my taste writing wise. They each pull their own weight & more than hold their own. The chemistry for each feels so different & unlike any other pairings. Which it feels wonderful to see some fresh creativity enter stage left. The world building is thrilling & always feel like I'm on a great adventure. Please continue to write these breathtaking works just like this. The yearn was 100/10
April 18, 2026
got me out of a reading slump!
I really enjoyed this book. The FMC Vessa is a bad ass warrior whom I was rooting for the entire time. It took me a little longer to warm up to the MMC Kedar. He was closed off and had growing up to do. But after growing, he had some amazing groveling and grand gestures. T.K. Tucker's writing is excellent- I could feel the characters emotions in their actions, dialogue, and thoughts. The bits and peices shared throughout the story of what happened "that night" were so good and so impactful - I shed a tear when she flew away from that ice planet. The ending was delicious and I ate it up. Ooo- and I love the creativity of alien creatures in this book! So cool. Read this book- you will not be disappointed. I will definitely read more by this author!
I really enjoyed this book. The FMC Vessa is a bad ass warrior whom I was rooting for the entire time. It took me a little longer to warm up to the MMC Kedar. He was closed off and had growing up to do. But after growing, he had some amazing groveling and grand gestures. T.K. Tucker's writing is excellent- I could feel the characters emotions in their actions, dialogue, and thoughts. The bits and peices shared throughout the story of what happened "that night" were so good and so impactful - I shed a tear when she flew away from that ice planet. The ending was delicious and I ate it up. Ooo- and I love the creativity of alien creatures in this book! So cool. Read this book- you will not be disappointed. I will definitely read more by this author!
April 26, 2026
I Loved This
I love A good and brutal survival/romance story. Even better, Vessa and Kedar are both fully capable of surviving and fighting on their own. Even under the worst circumstances. But the 'second chance' of it all. The sweetness of their past and the realistic bitterness of the current situation? Wonderful.
Shame they both had the emotional regulation of a teacup at times. 😂 The bickering/argument would be ridiculous at times. Also, Vessa was amazing, but somehow seemed to have bad luck on this planet. More rescuing by Kedar than I expected. Still, the ferocity of them making sure no one could have the other's death was good fodder for underlining, eventually, that it was more than that.
I had a good ol funky time with this one! The 'unmasking' was a gorgeous scene. 🥰🖤
I love A good and brutal survival/romance story. Even better, Vessa and Kedar are both fully capable of surviving and fighting on their own. Even under the worst circumstances. But the 'second chance' of it all. The sweetness of their past and the realistic bitterness of the current situation? Wonderful.
Shame they both had the emotional regulation of a teacup at times. 😂 The bickering/argument would be ridiculous at times. Also, Vessa was amazing, but somehow seemed to have bad luck on this planet. More rescuing by Kedar than I expected. Still, the ferocity of them making sure no one could have the other's death was good fodder for underlining, eventually, that it was more than that.
I had a good ol funky time with this one! The 'unmasking' was a gorgeous scene. 🥰🖤
May 2, 2026
The only thing better than enemies to lovers is friends to enemies to lovers. What do you mean your best friend betrayed you and now you want to kill her? (Relatable.) I picked this up because Talia Hibbert recommended it in her newsletter. It did not disappoint. This short story set in a Star Trek-esque universe where different planets and species co-exist was even better than I hoped it would be. In terms of plot and pacing, the past and present were weaved together well without too many flashbacks. Keder, our fearless Xaal warrior, was down HORRENDOUS. Then we had Vessa, a true baddie to her core (I mean just look at the cover jeez louise). Their chemistry was insane, the writing was excellent and I cried. T. K. broke my heart and put it back together again in only 200 pages. If you like Sci-fi alien romance you will love this. I can’t wait to read the Regency era one.
March 16, 2026
So much hidden yearning between them, with secrets that tore them apart for many years.
A true enemies to lovers as they try (unsuccessfully several times) to kill each other after finally finding each other, they go through turmoil, fights and arguments they uncover some truths. But the hidden truths and assumptions keep them apart from being fully together.
The epilogue was very cute. I liked the reunion and seeing their bond develop, with the surprises the MMC had for her.
The moment when the helmet came off?😩🔥🔥🔥
A true enemies to lovers as they try (unsuccessfully several times) to kill each other after finally finding each other, they go through turmoil, fights and arguments they uncover some truths. But the hidden truths and assumptions keep them apart from being fully together.
The epilogue was very cute. I liked the reunion and seeing their bond develop, with the surprises the MMC had for her.
The moment when the helmet came off?😩🔥🔥🔥
March 22, 2026
Ruined me (in the best way possible)
Okay I knew when I pre-ordered this months ago that I would love it but I did not expect to devour it like I did. This has been EVERYTHING i’ve been searching for the past few weeks. Enemies, tension, plot, danger and a fierce fmc that stole my heart long before the mmc did.
So i’m gonna go and make my way through everything T.K Tucker has ever written. Already recommending this to friends - if you love monster romance this is a must read!
Okay I knew when I pre-ordered this months ago that I would love it but I did not expect to devour it like I did. This has been EVERYTHING i’ve been searching for the past few weeks. Enemies, tension, plot, danger and a fierce fmc that stole my heart long before the mmc did.
So i’m gonna go and make my way through everything T.K Tucker has ever written. Already recommending this to friends - if you love monster romance this is a must read!
April 7, 2026
this is amazinggggg best MFC ever
Holy crap this is amazing - soooo well done. So so well done. The angst! The heat! The tension! The storyline and plot!
MMC can’t decide on whether to kill MFC or save her or..other things lol she gets herself into a lot of trouble tbh
MFC is truly spectacular in this . Strong woman who does not take any BS
I did want to say that the author would mix up tenses or POV — so sometimes it felt like single person POV and then others it would be Third person POV… it’s very noticeable BUT ultimately it didn’t take away from the story line
Holy crap this is amazing - soooo well done. So so well done. The angst! The heat! The tension! The storyline and plot!
MMC can’t decide on whether to kill MFC or save her or..other things lol she gets herself into a lot of trouble tbh
MFC is truly spectacular in this . Strong woman who does not take any BS
I did want to say that the author would mix up tenses or POV — so sometimes it felt like single person POV and then others it would be Third person POV… it’s very noticeable BUT ultimately it didn’t take away from the story line
May 7, 2026
~3.25 stars🌟
Think ice planet barbarians but if the the mmc was intelligent and the fmc is a woc🙂↕️
I really just wanted a little palette cleanser so I picked up another silly little alien romance but with a fmc who is black so that was kinda cool to read! And another plus, its not super spicy despite the cover being overly freaked out, actually focuses on the plot. (Though the plot is like not a literary masterpiece or nun, just vibes)
Think ice planet barbarians but if the the mmc was intelligent and the fmc is a woc🙂↕️
I really just wanted a little palette cleanser so I picked up another silly little alien romance but with a fmc who is black so that was kinda cool to read! And another plus, its not super spicy despite the cover being overly freaked out, actually focuses on the plot. (Though the plot is like not a literary masterpiece or nun, just vibes)
April 18, 2026
Vessa and Kedar💕 Vessa is HER! Walk him like a dog is her anthem for sure, because Kedar didn't stand a chance.
We all knew there was no way, he was forreal, but he really has tricked himself. Honestly they were both delusional about their relationship.
I enjoyed this short, emotional and action packed story! Excited to read more by this author!
We all knew there was no way, he was forreal, but he really has tricked himself. Honestly they were both delusional about their relationship.
I enjoyed this short, emotional and action packed story! Excited to read more by this author!
May 10, 2026
Warrior Queen
Absolutely bloody brilliant! I would give this book 6 stars if I could, because the FMC Vessa is just a badass warrior Queen! This book is the perfect length, it’s slow burn but no, I’m going to die of old age length slow burn. The dynamic between Vessa and MMC, Kedar, keeps you on tenterhooks, I have not read many enemies to friends to enemies to lovers tropes, but this one definitely works and my goodness the denial mutual pining is just *chefs kiss*. The end had me in tears, happy ones but heavy heavy tears. I would seriously love an extra epilogue for these two and their HEA, maybe with a few happy additions.
Absolutely bloody brilliant! I would give this book 6 stars if I could, because the FMC Vessa is just a badass warrior Queen! This book is the perfect length, it’s slow burn but no, I’m going to die of old age length slow burn. The dynamic between Vessa and MMC, Kedar, keeps you on tenterhooks, I have not read many enemies to friends to enemies to lovers tropes, but this one definitely works and my goodness the denial mutual pining is just *chefs kiss*. The end had me in tears, happy ones but heavy heavy tears. I would seriously love an extra epilogue for these two and their HEA, maybe with a few happy additions.
May 13, 2026
3.50 ⭐️ "When I said I wouldn’t stop hunting you, that wasn’t a threat, my love. It was an oath."
⚜️⚜️⚜️
It was a good read; it definitely felt different compared to "The Dreamer and the Deep Space Warrior," but I enjoyed the tension between Vessa and Kedar. The moment they confessed their feelings was perfect.
⚜️⚜️⚜️
It was a good read; it definitely felt different compared to "The Dreamer and the Deep Space Warrior," but I enjoyed the tension between Vessa and Kedar. The moment they confessed their feelings was perfect.
April 14, 2026
Extremely easy to read in one sitting. I think a lot of people didn't expect the plot to be more story that the smut but i really enjoyed that it was. Really likable main characters. Honestly this is more like 4.5 stars. Probably an underrated find.
April 16, 2026
EASILY, one of my favorite sci-fi romance authors. Good god. I annotated the hell out of this one. The friends to enemies to lovers. The YEARNING, the PINNING, the hate but I really love you sex.
The scene where he’s on his knees begging for forgiveness? Rent free in my mind forever.
The scene where he’s on his knees begging for forgiveness? Rent free in my mind forever.
April 21, 2026
very much enjoyed this one
This follows Vessa and Kedar. The world building was very interesting. I loved all the alien creatures and learning about the different planets and groups. My favorite were the giant spider aliens. I’d love to read more from this author.
This follows Vessa and Kedar. The world building was very interesting. I loved all the alien creatures and learning about the different planets and groups. My favorite were the giant spider aliens. I’d love to read more from this author.
May 11, 2026
first read
This was my first read by T. K. And it will not be the last, i absolutely loved this friends to enemies to lovers. From the description of the ice planet to their shared hatred, such a good story.
This was my first read by T. K. And it will not be the last, i absolutely loved this friends to enemies to lovers. From the description of the ice planet to their shared hatred, such a good story.
May 16, 2026
Wonderful tale of two warriors, both once the best of their people, previously best friends until a betrayal and a terrible grudge against each other. I loved both the characters in this, particularly the fierce FMC. Tucker knocks of the park again. A new author to keep an eye on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews