Dare to Play

by Sadie Hunt

Everyone in Blackwell Falls wants me to be a good girl.

Especially my brother, Bram Montgomery.

He did everything he could to keep me away from the Hunt.

But what can I say? I'm ready to play.

And the unhinged Hawks are all too eager to oblige.

Do I consent to be hunted?

Do I consent to be branded?

Do I consent to be chained?

Do I consent to be used?

The answer is yes. I consent to it all.

Except I have no way of knowing what I'm really signing up for.

*This is a reverse harem/why choose dark romance with three heroes, one heroine, and all your favorite triggers. Please check content warning at the beginning of the book before reading."

Genres: Why Choose, Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Spicy, Mystery, Contemporary

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Booktokqutiepie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear, Sadie Hunt outdoes herself every single time. With each new release, her storytelling grows sharper, darker, and utterly more addictive… and Dare to Play is absolutely no exception.

Cassie, our fierce and determined FMC , is many things… but patient isn’t one of them. As the little sister of Bram Montgomery, the man behind Blackwell Falls and one of the infamous Blackwell Butchers, she’s spent her life on the sidelines. Now she wants revenge, and the only way to claim it is to enter the Hunt.

Yes…that Hunt.
The dangerous game once run by her brother and his circle… now controlled by the Blackwell Hawks.

Jagger, Vigo, and Hawk, our deliciously unhinged MMC trio, never expect the quiet little mouse to walk into their world ready to play. Even knowing her presence will eventually lead to a collision course with Bram, they let her stay.

And oh… what a game it becomes.

This story delivers trope heaven:

* Dark romance ✔️
* Why choose ✔️
* Tattooed, morally gray men ✔️
* Forced proximity ✔️
* Primal play ✔️
* Toys… and so many toys ✔️

Every page drips with tension , the dangerous kind that makes your pulse race while your morals quietly pack their bags and leave the room.

The side characters elevate everything. The Butchers make unforgettable appearances (as always, stealing pieces of my soul), and the cameos from the Kings were the perfect treat for longtime readers. Add in a suspense subplot that keeps you guessing and a romance hot enough to fog your Kindle screen, and you’ve got pure chaos in the best possible way.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A flawless start to the series.

And the spice?
Five-alarm fire levels. 🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Honestly… I’m still recovering. Someone fetch the smelling salts because I absolutely caught the vapors ….and I regret nothing.

If you haven’t picked up this book (or any of Sadie’s work), consider this your official wake up call and recommendation:
Step into Blackwell… but don’t expect to leave unchanged.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Reverse Harem
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Morally Grey Men
*Virgin FMC
*Forced Proximity
*Homicide investigation
*Established Harem (3)
*Mid Burn
*High Heat
*Book 1 / 3
Hot Hawks!!
Awww I really felt for Cassie in this book! She just wants to be her own person and recognised/seen for who she is….not just Bram’s baby sister 😳 it’s created a few issues for her namely getting rid of that pesky V-card and so she decides to enter the hunt. Oh boy do things kick of spicy there and it never really drops 🔥🔥🌶️ honestly the toys these guys play with and the heat they build is 👌👌
Not only that but the Hawks are having to come to terms with the fact that they may actually be having full on feelings for Cassie too - especially as she begins to show more of herself as she becomes comfortable and confident 👑
Hawk himself is the more stoic of the three but when he gives that bit he’s all in; Jagger is the softest of them and immediately wants to care for her; and Vigo is the wildcard protective whilst also wanting to push her limits 🥰
There is a sub plot in that Cassie doesn’t believe her parents being ran off the road was an accident and as they dig around more it might just unearth more than they bargained for 🫣 and after that ending it’s find to be a rocky second book….cant wait!!

[Molly Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare to Play is right! The Hawks are now the hunters, and with the introduction of new masked teams, exciting game twists, and a virgin FMC with a terrifying brother, things are about to change forever.

If you’re a fan of spicy vibe play, an FMC discovering her confidence, and a touch of mystery, then Dare to Play is the game for you. But hold on tight because the ending will keep you guessing until the next book.

Devoured: 10/10
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t flirt with danger… it drags you into a candlelit room, locks the door, and dares you to enjoy it.

Dare to Play is pure chaotic temptation wrapped in velvet shadows and sharp edges. From page one, the atmosphere is thick with tension, power, and that intoxicating “this is a bad idea… but I’m doing it anyway” energy. Blackwell Falls feels like a place where rules go to die, and honestly? I was ready to bury them too.

Cassie’s journey from “good girl” expectations to fully embracing her darker desires is addictive to watch. She doesn’t just fall, she chooses to dive, and that agency makes every risky step hit harder.

And the Hawks? Absolute menace material in the best way.

* Vigo is chaos with a grin, the kind of trouble that feels like gasoline on a spark.
* Jagger is obsession personified, intense and unpredictable in a way that keeps you on edge.
* Hawk is the one who truly tests limits, pushing boundaries with a quiet, dangerous pull that lingers long after the scene ends.

The dynamic between them all is electric, layered with tension, control, and a constant push-pull that never lets you settle. The spice is bold and frequent, but it’s the psychological edge that really seals the deal. Every moment feels like a dare… and you’ll keep turning pages just to see how far it goes.

What really hooked me is that underlying question humming beneath it all: how much of yourself are you willing to surrender for desire? The Hunt isn’t just a game, it’s a transformation, and there’s a delicious sense that once you step in, there’s no clean way out.

If you love dark romance with multiple dangerous love interests, morally gray characters, and a heroine who leans into the chaos instead of running from it… this one will absolutely own you.

Consider this your warning: you won’t just read this book. You’ll play along. 🔥

[Elixabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Queen of Cliffhangers
(Plot/Spice/Tears/V¡olence-G¤re-Action)
📚 4/5 - 🌶 4/5 - 💧1/5- 🗡 1/5
I was a sent a complimentary copy with no expectation for a favorable reviewn.

Holysh¡t. Where does Sadie come up with these characters?? The Hawks always seemed like a$$holes in the other books, but when you get to know them more they aren't. Hawk, Vigo, and Jagger live in the moment, even if it creates chaos later and I love it! Cassies story of how she's had to go through everything alone is so heartbreaking. Especially since I'm sure Bram didn't mean for it to happen. Speaking of Bram... the scean when she told him about her and the Hawks was SO hilarious!! Meave really knows how to control him. 🤣


So a Sadie Hunt book wouldn't be complete without a cliffhanger, amd WOW. Just wow. June can't come fast enough!!

[Michele Marrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie Hunt has a way of sucking you into her world. Blackwell Falls has become a kind of second home for me. Getting to see all these characters develop and get their own story is extremely entertaining. Cassie had no idea what she was signing up for but was tired of being the town good girl. She certainly stepped in some sh*# when she joined the hunt and willing consented to a whole lot more than she could’ve imagined. Her relationships with the hawks of course is full of a bunch of steam, super spicy and very tasty. I ate it all up. There’s more to it than that though and Cassie finds herself in drama and chaos.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plot 3.5 ⭐️
Spice 3 🌶️

First of all. The cliffhanger was criminal!!! And I have to wait for June 2 for book 2. I’m annoyed. This was a good book but I feel like it was a setup for book 2 to be better. Love the toy room but didn’t get the full experience. Basically, more please.

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Arc copy for my honest review of this book!

This is the first book in the Hawks series and boy Sadie did not come to play! 😮‍💨 This reverse harem book is about Cassie, Brams' (Butchers) little sister and 3 complex men who are known as the Hawks. Cassie is a sweet, shy, sheltered coffee shop owner and is finally done being hidden behind Bram. Cassie joins The Hunt to win the prize of having a problem handled for her... as it turns out that is not how it goes down for our girl. The Hawks zero in on her and from there they are determined to make her theirs. This book is filled with spice that'll leave you panting and flying through the pages, 3 morally grey men who are not only panty dropping attractive, but love to take care of their girl Cass in alllll the right ways. This book does end on a cliffhanger... iykyk... and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!! Please always read the triggers! ❤️

[Kendra Renae · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️4 🌶️4


I really enjoyed this one and whew that ending I felt in my spirit the moment she took that turn it was for the worst💔

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reintroduces Bram’s sister, Cassie. He bought her a coffee shop after she graduated college and Maeve was jealous when she spotted him visiting her because she'd thought Cassie was the dreaded "other woman."

This book begins with Cassie heading to where Bram had told her never to go - The Hunt. The Hawks are in charge of it now and apparently didn’t know that Bram had a sister. That doesn’t seem logical since they all live in the same town but whatever. Cassie is 24 hoping to kill two birds with one stone - win the Hunt and have someone executed plus lose her virginity. Aim high.

Chapter 13 ...Vigo said, approaching her with something like curiosity. He tore off his mask...
Chapter 14 ...but it only lasted a minute before he pulled at the mask and dropped it onto the floor. A few sentences later - ...to see the last Hawk...kneeling at my feet. ...Then he reached for his mask and tossed it aside.
All three men have discarded their masks.
Cassie - His eyes seemed to glow through his mask.
Yeah, not so much.

I think it was Jagger who showed Cassie around the house. Did it never occur to her that maybe they didn’t want her snooping in the rooms he didn’t show her? That’s egregious enough but to rifle through a cabinet is unforgivable. She gets pissy when they look at her computer FFS but as they’ve reiterated to her time and time again, they’re in charge and can do whatever they want. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself)

It has been established that both Hawk and Jagger had been extremely successful in their chosen professions. I’m not too sure about Vigo since he was a college professor. Anyway, if they were rich why do they rob banks and jewelry stores now? For funsies? Apparently so

Chapter 29 Jagger: “Vigo didn’t let you come the other night. Maybe I should make you wait too.”
Chapter 21 Vigo: “That’s right, come for me, mouse.” I cried out as my body shuddered, my pussy clamping down on his finger as the tremors rolled over me. (And so on and so forth)
Based on the above I would say that Vigo definitely let her come “the other night.”

But then, Chapter 30 “Yeah, but you got to eat her pussy,” Vigo said. “Plus you let her come. I was trying to be a team player and make her wait.”
Not true if Chapter 21 is accurate.

Chapter 20 Cassie: I’d stalked Travis’ socials for the past two years, making a bitter note of the milestones in his life - an engagement, a wedding in Vegas, a baby...
Chapter 30 Travis: “Take it!” Dorsey begged. “Just... take it and go before my girlfriend gets home.”
I thought he was married.

Chapter 35 ...mice find a way to survive when everything else dies.”
So do cockroaches.

Chapter 39 Cassie: I opened the closet and reached for the boxes that had been there ever since I’d moved in and gotten them out of the storage unit Bram rented to hold some of our parents’ furniture, just in case I wanted any of it later.
...in my teens when I’d first discovered the boxes and was trying to make sense of what happened to my parents. I’d hoarded the boxes in my room, looking through the papers in secret, convinced I could find the answer to the way things were - the way Bram was - if only I looked hard enough.
Cassie was ten when the accident happened but is looking at the paperwork as a teen. So how/when did the boxes move from her room to a storage unit? You’d think they would have been stored at the same time as the furniture, especially since Bram avoided reminders of the accident. Actually I’m surprised he kept them at all.

I know this is fiction so everything will work out but the paperwork Cassie and Jagger are going through is 14 years old at the very least. Wouldn't any kind of criminal trail be cold by now?

This ends on a cliffhanger and it’s pretty obvious that Cassie has disturbed a hornet’s nest. I’ll get back to this eventually but other series are calling me.

[Donna reads Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book doesn’t just turn up the heat… it consumes you in it.

From the moment Cassie steps into the world of the Hawks, there’s this intoxicating shift, like crossing a line you know you shouldn’t… but crave anyway. But what makes that step even more explosive? She’s not just chasing desire… she’s chasing revenge.

Because behind every reckless choice, every dangerous yes, there’s him—Bram.

Her brother. Her protector. The one who did everything in his power to keep her away from the Hunt… because he knows exactly what it is. What it does. What it takes.

And Cassie? She walks straight into it anyway.

Not out of ignorance, but out of defiance. Out of pain. Out of a need to take something back after everything they’ve lost.

The weight of their parents’ death lingers over every decision she makes. And Bram’s trauma? You feel it in the tension between them, the control, the fear, the desperation to keep her safe even when it pushes her away. Their relationship is raw, complicated and emotionally charged in a way that hits just as hard as the romance.

So when Cassie chooses the Hunt…
She isn’t just risking herself.

She’s betraying the one person who’s always fought for her.

And that makes every moment sharper. Every choice heavier. Every consequence inevitable.

And then there are the Hawks…

Vigo is chaos wrapped in charm, the kind of reckless energy that dares you to lose control right alongside him.
Jagger is obsession personified, intense, unpredictable and focused in a way that feels both thrilling and terrifying.
And Hawk… Hawk is the edge of the blade. Dark, commanding and utterly unapologetic in how far he’s willing to push limits.

As book boyfriend energy goes?
They don’t just own it…they redefine it. These men are bold, unapologetic and dangerously captivating. You’re not choosing your favorite… you’re getting pulled under by all of them.

The spice level? Absolutely scorching.
Every interaction feels charged, deliberate and loaded with tension that simmers until it snaps. The dynamic here leans into control, power and surrender in a way that’s daring and completely consuming. It’s provocative, yes…but also intriguing in how it explores the psychology behind desire, trust and letting go.

And when it comes to the danger and erotic elements?
They’re bold, varied and woven into the story in a way that keeps you completely hooked. Every scene feels like a push further, deeper into temptation, deeper into risk, deeper into a world where pleasure and danger blur until they’re impossible to separate.

But what truly elevates this story is the emotional depth threaded through all that intensity.

Cassie isn’t just exploring desire…she’s unraveling, rebuilding and reclaiming pieces of herself that were shaped by grief and loss. And the Hawks? Beneath all that dominance and darkness, there are cracks, glimpses of something deeper, more fragile… and far more dangerous because of it.

It’s messy. It’s addictive. It’s impossible to look away from.

And Sadie Hunt? She writes like she has no limits and that’s exactly what makes her unforgettable. Her storytelling is fearless, immersive and completely unapologetic. She creates characters that consume you, worlds that pull you under, and tension so thick you can feel it in every line. Once you read her, you don’t just want more… you need it.

This isn’t just a dark romance.
It’s vengeance wrapped in temptation.
It’s grief twisted into desire.
It’s a choice between safety… and surrender.

And once the Hunt begins?

There’s no turning back. 🖤

[DoubtFire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps this is morbid of me, but I was expecting something far darker than what I read... and I'm a bit disappointed.

First of all, I'm always annoyed going into something, thinking it is a series-first or a standalone, only to realize there's an entire world of characters being referenced that I don't know. This is clearly a saga that I was not privy to, and nowhere in the description does it imply this. In my experience, the author tends to get lazy on their writing, not putting the same time into plot and pacing because, well, that's already been done in previous books, and this is just for fans who will eat it up anyway. Just saying, that trend is holding true.

Which leads me to: this is only okay. It is trying to do a number of things, but does not succeed in any of them:

-clunky plot: a gritty smutty pleasure read, but also have a complicated crime world with characters who are emotionally challenged, traumatized, and oh so bad but also there's no consequences for anything, but also a cozy romance where the guys fawn over the FMC

-Except FMC is a doormat! Her whole personality is rooted in her brother. She can't be independent, bc her brother. She didn't pay for college, bc her brother. She didn't take out a loan for her business, bc her brother. She's a virgin, bc her brother is big bad crime guy who people fear. (And so stupid because she's a virgin at 23 (or 24, the author doesn't know!) and can't stop telling her dates that she's a virgin so they "get weird about it" by being nice? (Literally... the whole plot hinges on she's tired of being a virgin).) But it's okay that she's a doormat because she has friends and a small business - feminism FTW - the guys *like* her because she's *checks notes* soft? Like her literal skin is soft.

-SAME samey guys, to the point where even the other polyculs in the story follow the same tropes of broody, crazy, and sweetheart. Paired with different POV chapters, where all the guys sound exactly the same; you wouldn't know who it is if you weren't told their eye/hair color. Also, why is this entire town based around FMMM?

-bad/no editing: so many typos, especially in the last like 30%. small plot holes and inconsistencies, enough to annoy me because they kept. happening. See age complaint above.

-the smutty isn't even that smutty. It relies on insta-lust and insta-wet so it's insta-over. Don't worry though, it happens all! the! tiiiime! Quantity is obviously better than quality, right?... Also the guys are deeply into BDSM, kinky stuff, yet no one preps her long-term for anyyyything? *cough* anal *cough*

-Also, it's not even that dark. Maybe I misunderstood when picking this, but I lowkey wanted something gritty as a palette changer. The weird tunnel hunt thing only last for a few chapters (while we lament on the FMC woes of being a virgin and how this is her only option to get laid! but it's so rough! the criminals! oooh only bad boys here!), only to turn out VERY normie after. They wait a literally in-story month before someone finally pops her cherry. idk they bust a guy's knee out with a bat, and they rob banks, but noooothing else about this is dark.

I hate to judge an author by something clearly dependent on whole other series, but I am not impressed.

[Ashes And Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with the Blackwell Butchers and have been eagerly awaiting the next installment of Blackwell Falls. Sadie absolutely did not disappoint when it came to the story of Cassie and the Hawks! It is everything I could have asked for and more. A new mystery to unravel, danger around the corner, dynamic characters and relationships and the best spice left me with an almost perfect feeling…until the end that is. The cliffhanger in this book is brutal! I am not sure how I am going to make it to the next book. Another fantastic read from Sadie and Blackwell Falls and I want to go back.

I squealed when I saw that Bram’s little sister Cassie is the main character in this story! I definitely wanted more of her, and her and Bram’s relationship and story after the Butchers series and I got that in spades in this book. Cassie may be sweet but there is so much more to her than meets the eye. She is fed up being Bram’s little sister and jumps on the opportunity to take control of her own path. I love that we see such a caring side of Cassie, especially regarding her brother, while also seeing that she makes her own choices and will stand by them no matter what may come. Her determination is something I admire, while also being able to relate to the sense of loneliness that results from carrying too much weight on your own.

While I love the Butchers, if it couldn’t be them, The Hawks would be the team I would want to win. The dynamic between them and the Butchers in the first series left me wanting to know so much more. The Hawks are more than I dreamed of and there is still so much more to learn about these three men! They may not be “good,” but they are good for Cassie! Attractive, possessive, morally grey and oh so soft for her, I mean what more could a girl ask for?

This is the first book in this new installment, so there are many questions left to be answered. The pace was great and I finished this book quite quickly (even while having to tend to my tiny humans). I could not put it down! The spice in this book is fantastic, and I feel like it complements the story. A great balance between spice and plot made it even more difficult to pull myself out of this world. While this book does tie into the other series that take place in Blackwell it is not necessary to read them to be able to enjoy this book, although it does make for a more well-rounded experience. If you enjoyed the Blackwell Butchers, you should run and add this to your TBR. If you enjoy a good why-choose, dark romance with morally grey men and a woman who knows what she wants I highly recommend picking this up.

[Shelby Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps your heart racing and a romance that sets your pages on fire, Sadie Hunt has delivered yet another masterpiece, her mind is a dark, beautiful labyrinth, and Dare to Play is her most twisted turn yet.

Blackwell Falls is a city built on secrets, run unofficially by Bram and his Butchers, who we met in the Blackwell Butchers trilogy. But when the Butchers take a step back, the reins of their Hunt are handed over to a trio of masked men known as The Hawks.

Cassie, Bram’s younger sister, isn’t completely the innocent little girl we’ve seen in previous books. Tired of living under her brother’s shadow, Cassie enters the Hunt with a win-win mentality that perfectly encapsulates her spicy, rebellious nature: If she wins: She earns a favor to eliminate her greatest enemy. If she loses: She surrenders her v card to the victors that make her their prey.

The Hawks—Vigo, Hawk, and Jagger—have elevated the game, making it darker and more sinful than prior Hunts. When Cassie inevitably loses, she is pulled into their world, moving into their secluded home in the woods.

Beyond the steam and the masked tension, Sadie weaves a compelling story, Cassie is haunted by the accident that claimed her parents’ lives years ago, a car crash off a mountain road that only Bram survived. While the city and police view it as a tragedy, Cassie views it as a crime shes determined to solve. The chemistry between her and the Hawks truly shines when they put their resources toward her cause, proving that they are just as invested in her mind and her past as they are in her body. The revelation that her gut instinct was right all along sets things into motion that they aren't ready for.

Sadie excels at balancing the everyday normalcy of Cassie’s life at her coffee shop, Cassie’s Cuppa with the underground brutality of Blackwell Falls. The dynamic between Vigo, Hawk, and Jagger is distinct; they aren't just a monolith of masked men, but three complex individuals who provide Cassie with the different types of strength she needs to face her demons and her desires.

Be prepared for a cliffhanger that will have you at the edge of your seat. Just as the truth about what happened on the mountain road all those years ago begins to surface, Sadie pulls the rug out from under us. The final scene will have you screaming for the sequel.

[Misty °.•☠︎︎•.° · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jaggers words:
If you wanted to hear about the worst of humanity, all you needed to do was talk to a woman. They bore the brunt of society’s weakest, most cowardly men.

Cassie joins the hunt with two clear goals: to finally claim what she’s always wanted without her overprotective brother standing in the way, and to avenge her brother Bram and their parents.

If you remember the first trio who messed with Maeve in the Blackwell Butcher series—the Hawks, the ones loudly whooping and yelling through the tunnels—and their appearance at the end of Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here… yes, 'those guys'. Hawk, Jagger, and Vigo. They act first and think later, doing whatever they please. So when the question comes up about letting Cassie Montgomery join the hunt—Bram’s sister, no less, and Bram being the man everyone fears—they treat it like a challenge. A dare. Just another way to get under Bram’s skin.

What they don’t consider is the fallout. Claiming Bram’s sister? That’s not a small decision—and whether Bram will let them live after it is a very real question. But by then, it’s already too late. They have to face the consequences of their impulsiveness.

As the story unfolds, a heartfelt connection develops between Cassie and the Hawks. The blend of spice, plot, and character dynamics is perfectly written with Sadie's fantastic imagination! Their chaotic banter had me laughing so much, but also the emotional moments hit just as hard, adding real depth to the story.

Bringing attention to the new guys for a second. The trio that replaces the ghosts that were eliminated in the last series - the Bulls.... calmly meandering through the tunnels in no rush to catch or claim a girl, but also gentlemen to boot! I loved the way they guilt-trip the Hawks during the hunt. 🤣 I won't go into detail because you just need to read this book to get what I mean! I am excited to see if they will get a series!!!

[TarynLA · Rating 5 out of 5]

RH Romance Book 1 of 3

First off that was rude….. how could you throw us off the cliff and leave us free falling?? And now we wait for book 2……

This was a great read! I love the Hawks and Cassie!! There were laughs, tears and spice all mixed with some mystery.
There’s spice throughout but it takes a bit to get to the ‘main event’ considering she’s untouched, and surprisingly, to the MMCs, they actually care….. and they are not quite sure why. They may have taken on more with Cassie than they bargained for, and they are feeling things that they’ve never thought possible….. one being jealously??

There are answers Cassie wants and revenge she seeks but she can’t go to her brother Bram for them… so she takes the only other option she has…… she joins the hunt. Bram isn’t in charge anymore so who’s going to stop her? She also wants to lose the V and she thinks this is the best way.

The Hawks are now in charge of the hunt. And they made a few changes….. once they see Cassie, they know who she is, but that won’t stop them from claiming her.

Honestly, watching the Hawks fall and not know it is quite the treat. Looking forward to more.

So far there’s no cheating and no OWD and as I stated above we were left on a cliff…..

* Virg!in FMC
* Tatted / Morally Grey MMCs
* MMCs with Surprising Previous Careers
* K!nks & Toys
* Forced Proximity
* Strangers to Live in ‘Lovers’

Also there’s dark themes discussed but nothing, imo, dark on page in this book. I’m assuming it’ll get darker as the series progresses.

‘But the truth was, I didn’t feel much of anything. For anybody. It was a flaw in my genetic code, a bug that couldn’t be fixed.’

‘I had no idea what the f*** was wrong with me or why this girl—this virginal, sheltered, lonely girl—had me sweating it out like a dr*g @dd!ct in withdrawal when I’d only ever had one little taste of her in the tunnels.’

[Trish McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fall in love with each set of guys in Blackwell series.

I consented to be hunted.
I consented to be stripped
I consented to be marked.
I consented to be owned.

Cassie is Brams little sister. Cute little green eyed red head that owns
the coffee shop. Being Brams, little sister doesn’t give her freedom
like other girls. Keeps her sheltered. She is ready to be her own
person and get rid of the get rid of the annoying v-card. She joins The
Hunt while Bram is out of town. Not just for pleasure but for
revenge. She loses to the men wearing bird mask, the Hawks.

“You’re prey. If we catch you, we do what we want with you. The end.”

We got a little glimpse of the Hawks in other books, and the biggest
glimpse was in Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here and I just fell in love
with them. Hawk the test your limits, commanding, unapologetic,
always observing, dark eyed with features so striking, slightly bent
nose, and black hair guy. Vigo is chaos who will grin at you as he
enforces it. He’s charming, has dangerous energy with spiky blonde
hair, gray green eyes and freckles. Jagger is obsessive, intense,
piercing in his left brow, blue eyes, brown hair, and a strong nose guy.
All three men are hulking, muscled, and covered in ink.

“Claiming you. You’re our little mouse now.”
“Pain and pleasure, mouse. Can’t have one without the other.”

The care the Hawks show for her through out the book without all
the broody male egos is nice. Then the whole telling Bram was
hilarious. I was spitting my water out when he jumped that fence.
Maeve is a rock star.

“Bram could have killed you, dismembered you, hung you from a
telephone pole as a warning to other.”

I love the buildup, the dominating men, sex toys and spicy scenes. I
knew there was going to be a cliffhanger, but I still yelled no when it
came. I was not ready for the end.

[Shaunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adventure traversing the dark side of Blackwell Falls. The Hunt is on, the Hawks are ready but they are in for quite the surprise. A surprise in the form of Cassie Montgomery and the Hawks are looking forward to this hunt. The Hawks want Cassie and they are prepared to bear the consequences of that decision. That consequence is facing Bram Montgomery. Cassie is terrified for various reasons but she is determined to see this hunt through. I was intrigued to see what’s behind the Hawks mask and I was truly surprised. There were surprises after surprises and what I thought I knew about Cassie is far from her actual reality. The Hawks are not your typical Blackwell Falls bad boys but they own the choice and lifestyle that they’ve chosen. Cassie is conflicted but she’s not backing out.

This is another dangerous journey down the rabbit hole of Blackwell Falls underbelly with Cassie now trying to unravel her parents death. The Hawks find Cassie irresistible and down the rabbit hole they go right along with her.

The Hawks are ready to jump right in with Cassie and they are prepared to give her pleasure that she’s only ever dreamed of. They loooove to play and Cassie’s b*dy will be their instrument of choice. I’m in love with Hawk and he was another surprise that I didn’t see coming. They’re all delicious but Hawk stole my heart.

I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the next book because the mystery and secrets of Blackwell Falls seem to overlap. That cliffhanger had my heart racing and I’m afraid for Cassie.

Sadie I’m so addicted to this Blackwell Falls universe and I just want more. Thank you for another hot, spicy, thrilling and suspenseful adventure!

[Kristy Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting to get a story on Cassie - sweet, innocent, coffee shop owner and Bram’s little sister. & I have been intrigued with the Hawks since we saw them in The Butchers … and NBEHH.

Cassie is tired of being sheltered and is wanting to own her life and her body without interference just bc she is Bram’s little sister. While also hoping for some help with the person who was responsible for running her parents off the road. The Hawks - Vigo, Jagger and Hawk - have taken over the Hunt and are ready to play! What they didn’t expect was a red headed bombshell to flip their world upside down. The Hunt is darker, the heat was cranked up and things definitely got wet. Cassie was not prepared for the obstacles in her way or the pull she had towards the Hawks. I was literally kicking my feet like a maniac the whole time she was making her way through the tunnels. Think darker, unhinged masked men, who love to play with their toys.

We are still following the trail of the missing - trafficked - women. I’m so anxious to see where this leads. We have been on this since the Kings and I’m ready for all to be exposed. Cassie has took it upon herself to dig into the missing women while also figuring out what truly happened to her parents, and the Hawks are all too eager to help out. Is all of this connected? Were her parents close to exposing the underbelly of Blackwell Falls?!

I loved everything about this! I think the Hawks have taken top spot in the Blackwell Falls world. 🖤

“You’re our little mouse now.”

[Caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love your villains dark and unhinged but total golden retrievers for the girl that they love, you will devour this book in no time!

You get The Hunt and all the depravity that comes with it. The run through darkness, the excitement of being caught and lost, the want to survive and win just to get closure on the things that have haunted Cassie for most of her life.

Cassie, Bram's little sister from Blackwell Butchers, has been sheltered and protected by her brother ever since her parents died. But things aren't always perfect even when others want them to be. She has her own demons she's dealing with about her brother and the loss of her parents, and she wants justice that was never truly given.

The Hawks are now running The Hunt and allow Cassie in just to screw with her brother Bram. Or so they think. Until they each, in their own way, come to know her and what's behind the surface of her.

Hawk, whose past will surprise you with his tats and hard exterior and want to give her everything, even the things she doesn't know she wants.
Jagger, who gave up on a life that was pulling him under to finally feel free and in doing so is able to be there for Cassie.
Vigo, our unhinged, Oreo eating maniac that would burn the world down for her. Who could ask for more???

There are twists and turns and spice galore and just a hint of mystery... or maybe so much more.

You will love this book, and I can't wait for the next one. Sadie does not play around when it comes to our men of Blackwell Falls! Enjoy!!

[Mrs C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Sadie Hunt will already be familiar with the darkness that surrounds Blackwell Falls, and this trilogy dives straight back into it. The story follows Cassie, the sheltered sister of Bram (one of the MMCs from the Butchers trilogy).

Cassie makes the decision to take part in the Hunt — an adult game of hide and seek where the women hide and groups of three to five men seek. If a woman survives for twenty‑four hours, she earns the right to ask for a kill. If she loses, she belongs to the men for ninety days.

We’ve seen this concept before in the Butchers books, and given the family connection, you might expect something very similar — but you’d be wrong. Cassie is hunted by the Hawks: Vigo, Jagger, and Hawk. They’re familiar faces from the Butchers story and Blackwell Hollow, and honestly, I thought I’d hate them… I absolutely do not.

Without giving too much away, Cassie is driven by her past and determined to face it head‑on. Whatever the outcome of the Hunt, she’s prepared to accept it.

The men are slightly unhinged, unapologetically criminal, and completely unprepared for the feelings they start developing for a Hunt girl. Cassie, meanwhile, finds herself drawn to them in ways none of them expect.

As usual, Sadie Hunt leaves us on a brutal cliff‑hanger — literally. Will Cassie survive? How will the Hawks react? And what about Bram? I’m gripping the edge of my seat waiting for the next book.

Packed with drama, tension, spice, and suspense, this was everything I expect from this author. I absolutely loved it.

[Celeste Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I just finished Dare to Play by Sadie Hunt and listen…

This is not a book to curl up with your tea and blanket on the sofa.
This is a book that will leave you wanting to rush to the next chapter while you consider whether you need therapy.

It’s dark - dark like it’s not supposed to be.
The men are all morally charcoal - there’s no moral in their actions.

And somehow… I was like:
Yep. This is acceptable.

The heroine is supposed to behave, but instead charges straight into the mayhem like:
“Let’s see what happens.”

There are multiple men involved in this crazy adventure - who better ruin my life 😏 - but every man seems to have a reason why this is a terrible idea.

Spoiler:
It is a bad idea.
But we proceed anyway.

What I loved about this book:

🔥 The tension was ridiculous.
🔥 The heroine has a backbone - yes, even if all of her choices are questionable.
🔥 The whole thing feels addictive - like you fall into the story and don’t remember to perform your other responsibilities.

What to know before reading:

⚠️ This is not a soft romance book.
⚠️ This is not about healthy relationships.
⚠️ This is about jumping into a dangerous situation - knowing that it may be chaotic - and proceeding anyway.

At times, this type of book is what one needs to release the stress in their life.

Final thoughts:

Was it unhinged? Yes.
Did it make me question life choices? Yes.
Will I continue the series? Obviously.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a cliff hanger?😜 Oh Lordy I am here for these Blackwell Hawks! I think I’ve said that each different series in the Blackwell Falls world has been my fav so far and I’m saying it again… These guys are now my new favourites!

Sadie Hunt writes great books! Her attention to detail is spot on. I have never lost interest in any one of Sadies books as she writes interesting & unique stories that touch the heart as well as well as set it on fire! The Blackwell Falls universe is a web of intrigue & wonderful characters & this instalment is brilliant!

The Hawks are a unique trio of men who are unapologetically living their best lives! Cassie, our beautiful heroine, is ready to step into hers. Go Cassie I say! I love the way Sadie has written the characters with a deep understanding of the “moral” world & yet has managed to allow them the freedom to cut loose at the same time.

I am here for the newest adventure into Blackwell Falls dark side & I love the way I get to catch up on the lives of our other fav’s from the BF universe. The underworld intrigue & of course the (very) hot spice has me hanging out for the next book. I am looking forward to seeing how far the 4 MC’s will go - in bed & out! 😜 - seriously… the locked room! ??

So 5 stars for this book, another brilliant read!
Ticks all my boxes. ✔️ 5⭐️🌶️ ✔️well written. ✔️flowing timelines ✔️ awesome characters. ✔️. alt POV

Enjoy!

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. This book was similar to the Blackwell Butchers but also SO entirely different. The changes to the game, new obstacles, different levels of unhingedness, darker themes, more pushing the envelope. It was gritty, raw, and SCORCHING. This book became its own breathing, writhing entity that I could NOT look away from, I just had to keep turning the pages.

Cassie and the Hawks have the kind of on page chemistry that makes you blush, flushes your skin, and leaves you incredibly hot and bothered. Sadie's search history is probably hysterical because so many things happened with things that I have literally NEVER heard of, but hot damn you bet your butt I'll be doing some research of my own...👀

I love how crafty Sadie's story telling is. She has managed to so intricately weave this mysterious web starting with the Kings of Aventine all the way through to the Hawks regarding the missing women, the trafficking ring, and the manosphere incels to show the ROT that lives inside Blackwell Falls. There are so many pieces left to the puzzle here, and I am so intrigued and invested in how she will eventually conclude this.

A favorite moment for me was when Bram finds out Cassie joined the Hunt and lost to the Hawks. That may go down in Blackwell Falls history as one of THE funniest moments in all of the books. Maeve is Mother, hear her roar 😅

Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

[Amber Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Advanced copy from author**

I have always loved all of Sadie's work, but Dare to Play? Oh man, I devoured everything about this book. I wasn't sure how I would feel at first because the introduction to them from Butchers when they wanted to claim Maeve first, and in Nothing Bad Ever Happens Here when they were immediately told to get out, didn't quite leave the best taste in my mouth....I am all for chaos within reason (and Vigo definitely going embodied that...think toddler energy always doing what he wants and touching things...he keeps a tennis ball nearby to bounce) but I am not OK with being a d**k just to be a d**k. But the more you get to know them the more you love them and you quickly find out that yeah they do what they want when they want because they can but they still have limits and lines they won't cross. I also loved getting a more in depth look at Cassie and I loved her!! She joins the Hunt to get of her v card and to get justice for her family, either way she wins then right 😉 Cassie brings the calm to Vigo, Hawk, and Jagger's special brand if chaos and they help her explore all the things she's never had a chance to given who her brother is...what's going to happen as Cassie discovers more information, will we find out more about the missing women?? Only the other two books can tell us that.

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re heading back to Blackwell Falls, and this time the spotlight is finally on Cassie and the Hawks! As the little sister to Bram (Blackwell Butchers) and Daisy (Blackwell Beasts), Cassie has always been a fan-favorite secondary character, but in this book, she completely sheds her "good girl" persona.

Tired of living in the shadows, Cassie enters The Hunt with a singular, gritty mission: to find the person responsible for the fatal accident that took her parents. Instead, she finds herself entangled with the Hawks—Hawk, Jagger, and Vigo.

Why You Need to Read This:
The Men: These aren’t your typical "copy-paste" heroes. Hawk, Jagger, and Vigo are complex, deeply layered, and unapologetically morally gray. Seeing their layers peel back throughout the story is incredibly satisfying.

The Plot: Sadie masterfully weaves a high-stakes overarching theme of missing women and sex trafficking throughout the series, giving the romance a grounded, intense edge.

The Heat: The chemistry is electric, and the spice? Absolutely top-tier. 🌶️🔥

⚠️ Fair Warning: The story is gripping from start to finish, but it does end on a major cliffhanger. Prepare your heart!

I’m obsessed with where this series is going and I’m already counting down the days until the next installment. If you love dark, layered romances with a side of mystery, I highly recommend picking this up!

[Lil Bit Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome Back to Blackwell Hollow where the men are passionate, possessive, and love to share!
Daisy is a seemingly innocent coffee shop owner who lives a fairly quiet life. Her brother happens to be Bram, who is a character we met in another series, Blackwell Butchers. Bram has a pretty powerful influence over their town and is protective of his sister. This has caused her to be sheltered from the more dangerous areas and happenings in their town. When he goes out of the country, Daisy decides she wants more excitement in her life and joins the hunt. She also has a deadly agenda in mind. The Hawks are just the men to help her with it and so much more. She just has to make sure her brother doesn’t kill them before her mission is complete.
I was thrilled when I heard Sadie Hunt was planning to create another trilogy set in Blackwell Hollow. I thoroughly love this town she has created and all of its characters. Ms Hunt has a talent for world building and character development.
On a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate this novel at a 5 for plot and 5 for spice. The scenes in this story were explosive and Dare I Say…. Inventive. The Hawks have extensive knowledge with accessories.
I would recommend this novel for mature audiences only due to sexual content and violence.
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Chrystie S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to dive back into Blackwell Falls with Cassie and the Hawks, and Sadie absolutely delivered. Seeing Cassie’s life unfold from her own perspective added a deeper emotional layer, giving insight into everything she’s endured and the pieces she’s been trying to put together on her own. That personal journey blends seamlessly into the unfolding mystery—one that you just know is going to take a darker, more violent turn.
As more is revealed about Cassie’s past and the Hawks’ histories, it becomes clear that nothing is quite as it seems. The Hawks, in particular, are far more complex than they let on, and watching Cassie begin to step into a life that feels real—one not built on forced smiles and surface-level interactions—was especially satisfying.
The cliffhanger ending wasn’t surprising, but it still stung. Mostly because now comes the hardest part: waiting for the next book. And I am not patient.
As always, Sadie weaves an engaging, layered story, deepening both the central mystery and the characters themselves. I also loved revisiting characters from previous books—it’s always rewarding to see where they are now and how their lives have evolved. I’ll be (impatiently) waiting to see where the story goes next.

[Liz Bumpous · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Hawks! I have been so excited to read their books and Dare to Play did not disappoint. Anytime we get to come back to Balckwell Falls I know we are in for a good time. This book brings all of the dark and forbidden spice, but still gives us humor. I could not put it down and cannot wait for the next books

The Hawks new updates to the hunt were really interesting and gave a new twist. Seeing them react to Cassie and the instant draw that they had to her was amazing. They are definitely all adrenalin junkies and I cannot wait to find out more about their back stories.

I did not expect our FMC to be Cassie, but I love her. She is bold, brave and strong. She is not willing to accept the place her brother has made for her and is willing to fight for her beliefs. I love that she is determined to find out the truth about what happened to her parents and Bram. I can't wait to see how her relationship with the Hawks continues to develop and am eager to read the next book.

If you are looking for a dark romance with plenty of spice, that you will not be able to put down then this is the book for you. But be warned it does end on a cliff hanger, so if that makes you nuts hold off for a few weeks until the other two books are released.

[Michelle Kehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok Book Besties- I have been holding off on a full review until I finish the series, but this book was a great start!! Something is going down in Blackwell…Girls have gone missing, and no one seems to care. Cassie’s parents have done some digging, but a tragic “accident” has taken their lives.
Cassie wants to figure out what really happened to her parents, and her brother Bram wants to keep her hidden and protected from the world. Enter the Blackwell Hawks- a trio of men who have connections that could help Cassie get the answers she needs. Along the way, Cassie is falling for the Blackwell Hawks - Vigo, Jagger, and Hawk - they are falling for her, Bram is trying to keep them apart, and they are all learning about some pretty shady Blackwell happenings. A car accident that mirrors her parents leaves Cassie broken, bruised , and blind at the end- and everyone wondering if there is a connection to the questions she has been asking
Now- I checked the release date of the last book before I started this series, and it’s only a couple weeks out. BUT I didn’t check to see that EACH BOOK ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!! I finished this one and dove right into the next- Tempt the Madness - to see what happens next!!