His to Hunt

Xaal Hunter #1

by T.K. Tucker

She should have killed him when she had the chance. He's been hunting her ever since.

A wintery Xaal enemies to lovers novella.
Blurb and official release date coming soon!

Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy, Monster Romance, Friends To Lovers, Aliens

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2026

About the author

T.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.

Reviews

[ulmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Bee (slow) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I expected something else with this one, judging by the cover and promos for it, I thought it's gonna be a quick, spicy as hell alien novella. Unfortunately it was mostly just boring, trying a bit too hard for the limited amout of space.
The cover slaps tho lol

[Shelby | Spicy.booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

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: 🔥🔥🔥

[Liv - Livslibrarylabyrinth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Elizabeth Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Kay · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[GoldenEyeOfHorus · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Sevyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[★ ˙ ̟brookthesag🎀 !! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am feen for some alien smut✨

[shelby (shelbyreadssmut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only complaint is that it needed to be longer!! I’m obsessed with them!!!!

[LaTosha Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warriors of love

Ok so I sorta kinda wish we got the story of how they met and got close but like skip the way things went back then. That might be because I’m shifting out of my enemies to lovers era, idk. But I really really enjoyed this too. I was just hoping it was a little closer to the storyline of the film the author referenced on socials. Anyway omg once we got the first kiss and beyond this was so dang swoony. Like ok big alien hunk down real bad for his mate. But content warning or not eff her for them dang spiders bro!! It is so nice to be back in my alien romance space. And with a curvy warrior fmc to go with it like come on now.

The POVs could have been better balanced but if the writing style and level is indicative of the rest of the author’s works I am going to eat them up!

[Silvy (silvylinings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!!!!

[Brave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, and will 100% be reading more from this author. I'm struggling to articulate my thoughts on this one without giving things away but I feel like this is one that will stick with me in a good way.

[Lucina · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I like second chance romances but this story just didn't hook me in. The first half was slow and boring, the second half was better but on a romantic and emotional level I wasn't invested. Overall okay, but nothing more.

[sef · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars.


such delicious delicious groveling ugh i’m starved.

[Bethany Baldwin-Pulcini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it 🤷‍♀️

[Mei Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 ⭐

SO GOOD I DEVOURED IT IN ONE SITTING!!!

The perfect combination of angst and spice. AND THE LONGING?!?! 10/10!!!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 5⭐️ | 🌶🌶 | Dual POV

Alien romance
Second chance
Former comrades
Friends-to-enemies-to-lovers
Masked MMC
Badass FMC
Forced proximity
Snowed in
One cave
Mutual pining
Banter
Caretaking
Skin on Skin warming up
Battle Couple
Knife to throat
Size difference
Angry sex
Knotting
Groveling
HEA

I went into His the Hunt expecting a quick alien romance novella, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much action, history, and emotional weight TK Tucker packed into such a short read.

At its core, this is a second-chance romance between two former comrades and battle partners who spent years fighting side by side before one night of betrayal and heartbreak tore them apart. Seven years later, fate throws them back together on a remote ice planet, forcing them to confront everything they lost, and everything they never allowed themselves to have.

What I loved most about this story was the history between Vessa and Kadar. Their relationship wasn't built on instant attraction. They were friends, trusted partners, and equals long before either of them admitted their feelings. In many ways, these two never actually fell out of love. They simply spent seven years grieving a romantic relationship they never acknowledged they had.

Because of that shared history, every interaction between them felt believable. Their banter came naturally, their chemistry was effortless, and I especially loved watching them slip back into the familiar rhythm of fighting together. Battle couples are an elite trope, and seeing them exchange jokes and seamlessly fall back into synchronized combat made their connection feel lived-in and deeply earned.

Kadar was such a pleasant surprise as a hero. Behind the intimidating mask and deadly warrior exterior was a man who was completely gone for his girl. He spent years convincing himself he was searching for Vessa to reclaim his honor, but his actions constantly revealed the truth. Whether he was making sure she had warm clothes, bringing food and water, refusing to fight her while she was injured, or simply doing everything possible to keep her safe, it was obvious long before he admitted it that he had never stopped loving her. For such a formidable warrior, I loved how easily he slipped into playful teasing and affectionate banter whenever he was with her.

I also appreciated Vessa as a heroine. She was competent, capable, and every bit the warrior Kadar was. I loved that she wasn't sidelined or reduced to someone who simply needed rescuing. They truly felt like equals. And I especially enjoyed seeing an older heroine in her mid-thirties who was still feminine, curvy, and undeniably deadly. Strength and femininity aren't mutually exclusive, and I appreciated seeing that reflected on the page.

The pacing kept things moving with kidnappings, monsters, survival elements, and action sequences balanced alongside the romance. For a novella, it felt surprisingly plot-heavy in the best way. The spice was open door and well-written, though lighter than I expected going in. Personally, I could have happily taken a little more, but what was there fit the emotional progression of the story and felt earned rather than gratuitous.

If I had one minor complaint, it would be that I generally prefer external conflict over internal conflict, so some of Vessa's hesitation toward the end frustrated me a bit. While her fears made sense considering everything they'd endured, there were definitely moments where I wanted to lovingly shake her and remind her that these two had already spent seven years making themselves miserable.

Overall, this was an engaging, fast-paced escape read with a surprising amount of heart. Between the mutual pining, battle couple energy, giant masked alien hero, and two warriors rediscovering not only each other but themselves together, this one delivered a satisfying blend of action, angst, and romance.

Because beneath the snowstorms, honorable duels, and alien dangers, this story was ultimately about two people who never stopped being each other's favorite person, and that always gets my heart thumping.

[Page.foryourthoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow Burn Battle Harden Lovers

This alien romance delivered everything I love about a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story. Both characters were fiercely loyal to their respective clans, carrying the weight of duty, loss, and years of resentment on their shoulders. What made their journey so compelling was how neither of them easily abandoned their beliefs; every step toward each other felt earned.

The tension was absolutely incredible. Their mistrust, sharp exchanges, and undeniable attraction created a delicious push-and-pull that stretched throughout the story. Yet beneath all the hostility was a shared loneliness born from past heartbreak and tragedy. As their walls slowly came down, it became clear that fate had been weaving their paths together long before either of them realized it! It was well well with finally getting to see what happened that cause there rift. I do wish it was talked about much sooner though, but nevertheless.

The drawn-out enemies-to-lovers romance was worth every moment. Watching two people shaped by grief and loyalty find understanding, acceptance, and ultimately love was deeply satisfying. By the end, it felt as though all the pain they had endured had led them exactly where they were meant to be—with each other. I quite enjoyed this very much!

[Lori]

Vibe: 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

[Molly Serra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ace · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 🥰🖤

[Iyabo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[HAL · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short read for the most part. T.K. Tucker is an author that has lots of potential in my opinion. I know this book is designed to be short but it had much potential as a full length novel with flashbacks from Vessa’s and Kedar’s past. I thought it was really annoying that they hadn’t had sex until reconnecting. I’m not sure why authors chose this? Maybe I’m too freaked out.
Speaking of freaked out. I felt the smut is very lacking and the wording is too flowery for my taste. There aren’t enough smut scenes. But I keep picking these up because they’re based on the Predator franchise and it’s not like they’ll ever release anything remotely romantic/sexual as that’s not the focus of the franchise. These books will just have to do. I appreciate the alien love since we don’t get much of that. I hope this will pave the way for more authors to create alien/human relationships in their stories.
I follow the authors Patreon for exclusive art of her characters and let me tell you…the alien design is BORING. They’re just tall blue men with vampire fangs. That’s not alien at all. Bro I said ALIEN. Something different, something unique. There wasn’t ample communication with the artist or maybe that’s just her design choice idk. I’ll just keep picturing them as yautjas though because that’s what they’re supposed to be anyway.

[RattieBrat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don’t know where to start with this one. Vessa was such a powerhouse who didn’t take any shit. She was strong both in physical ability and in her will. Kedar’s shame and obsession was overwhelming and all consuming. At times I wanted to shake him and others, I wanted to comfort him. Their chemistry was intoxicating, and their banter was enjoyable. The fighting scenes were well written and stressful!! At no point in this book was I bored, and I genuinely don’t understand how the author managed to make me FEEL the 13 years worth of history between two people in under 200 pages. I giggled, I gasped, and I cried. One of the best books I’ve read this year! Will be looking at the authors other works!

[Imani Gudger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok. I stayed up all night for this one. There is spice, bit it is at the END of the book; maybe last 15 %. This is 100% plot and worth it.
You have a BAADDD FMC just out here living her life. A snappy AI that understands side eye banter (also loves good soap opera TV for the trash plot).

MMC is obsessed! Think Predator vibes with "I am going to finish what we started" Battle Royle vibes. And he really truly respects her.

Oh there is TRAMA with them and that man had to CRAWL to earn it. Not like she teases him, but he HAD to grow on his own before he could come face to face with his decisions.

This is a great story 👏🏿

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. However I just thought it was entirely TOO short only reason it was 4 stars. I wish we could get a back story on what all happened before the storm, how Vessa was betrayed. They did weave it into the story, but I wanted full visuals because the yearning and how they both described how they were friends but never told each other they loved each other?!? My heart broke. I needed to see the extent of their yearning from beginning to end! This could’ve easily been a 300 pages of build up! The YEARNING!! omg. Also Vessa that’s BEEN your man. When she finally took his mask off..I melted!!! There were so many things I highlighted because whew! I would’ve folded like a lawn chair.

[Moonlit.RomanceReads ✨️ Talia · Rating 3 out of 5]

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?😩🔥🔥🔥