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: Dark Romance, Why Choose

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!!

[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. 🖤

[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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

[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.

[Hana Gs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Dare to Play by Sadie Hunt — this book is everything I want from a dark romance and more.

From the very start, the premise pulls you in: Cassie, Bram’s sister, enters the game and ends up in the hands of the Hawks. What follows is intense, suspenseful, and completely addictive. The tension never lets up, and I found myself constantly thinking “just one more chapter”… until suddenly I was at the end.

The relationship development is so well done. It’s not rushed — you really feel the slow build between Cassie and the guys, with all the emotional complexity, power dynamics, and chemistry that make dark romance so compelling. And yes… there is plenty of spice but it actually adds to the story rather than feeling thrown in.

What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. Cassie is strong in her own way, and the Hawks are exactly the kind of morally grey characters you can’t help but be drawn to.

And that ending… wow. Total cliffhanger (as expected with Sadie Hunt), and now I’m desperate for the next book.

If you love dark romance with suspense, slow-burn relationships, high stakes, and real tension — this is 100% worth reading.

[Serena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare To Play is an excellent start to the new trilogy. Sadie Hunt once again does a fantastic job bringing the characters and story to life! Honestly, I did not care for the Hawks when they were first introduced. Now I love Hawk, Vigo and Jagger and their impulsive, easy-going, unhinged attitude on life. Cassie is adorable, slightly awkward and shy. I love her and Bram’s sibling relationship. I was holding my breath when Cassie was talking to Bram about the hunt aftermath. Then I was laughing at the awkwardness of it all, and Bram’s twitching right eye! There are so many great quotes from this book, but the best has to be by Jagger “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”
I definitely recommend Dare To Play, it’s got mystery, humor, so much spice, and the characters are very fun!
Thank you Sadie Hunt for the opportunity to read and review this book, I can't wait for part two!

[Abby Culp · Rating 5 out of 5]

How does each harem get better than the last? Sadie has a magic brain for RH books with mystery, suspense and unhinged men. I’ve been waiting forever for Cassie’s story. We have known her for a while, and that makes her being “Brams little sister” so understanding. Who is crazy enough to touch Brams baby sister? I mean, if you know their history, he is more than just her brother. He raised her since she was 10! So again I ask…who is crazy enough? The HAWKS!!! That’s who. 3 men who at one time led “normal” lives, but just wanted something more and now that they have taken over the hunts, they are getting it. Did you like the hunt in the last books? Just wait and see how The Hawks stepped up the game. Cassie….shes great. Innocent yet…not. Eager, open and willing. She has some spark too. She’s independent and has people who love her, but she is lonely. She also is hiding a secret from big brother. This book was amazing and that cliffhanger….I always know it’s coming but am still never prepared.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing about Sadie Hunt… she’s gonna EAT every single time. No crumbs. Ever.

*Date to Play*?? Yeah… it’s got EVERYTHING. The angst? Chef’s kiss. The tension? Unreal. The spice? Whew 🥵 And don’t even get me started on the mystery—I was locked in from page one.

Cassie is DONE playing the role of the perfect good girl. She wants answers, she wants justice, and she’s not afraid to get a little reckless to get it. Living as Bram’s sister? Stressful. Complicated. Messy. So naturally… she signs up for the Hunt. Because why not spiral a little harder?

And then—boom—enter Hawk, Jagger, and Vigo. Three tatted, walking red flags (my favorite kind) who KNOW this is a bad idea… and do it anyway. The second they see her? It’s game over. They’re all in, no hesitation, no self-control, just vibes and bad decisions—and honestly, same.

The last chapter had me STRESSED. Like heart racing, holding my breath, and then suddenly crying?? RUDE. June cannot come fast enough because I need answers immediately.

Sadie Hunt, ma’am… you’ve done it again.

[Vanna The Vixen · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, this book pulled me into its shadows and refused to let go. Dark, intoxicating, and impossibly addictive, the story unfolds with a confidence that feels both dangerous and deliberate.

The author’s writing style is effortlessly seductive—rich in vivid detail yet smooth enough to draw you deeper with every turn of the page. The narrative flows like a whispered secret, balancing tension, atmosphere, and emotion in a way that feels carefully crafted and undeniably captivating.

Each chapter builds upon the last with teasing precision, layering intrigue and intensity until you realize you’ve been completely consumed by the world and its characters. The pacing keeps the pulse racing while still allowing moments to linger just long enough to savor.

Overall, this was a deliciously engaging read—dark, playful, and beautifully executed. A story that doesn’t just entertain… it lures you in, marks you, and leaves you wanting more. I give this book 5 stars and 5 chilly peppers!

[Nightwalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie has been the good girl her whole life. She has been Bram's perfect sheltered baby sister, always doing what is expected. Now though, she is doing something for her. She is joining the Hunt, and Bram can just deal with it. That should be simple right? Join the hunt, win the hunt, get the prize. Seems easy enough. Unfortunately Cassie didn't figure the Hawks into her plans. Now things are all out of sorts, with the Hunt, with Bram, with her life. What is she supposed to do now?
Once again Sadie has knocked it out of the park. Each book is better than the last. She keeps building on the mystery that is emerging in Blackwell Falls. We see characters from previous books. The comedy is an added bonus. It was so nice to see Cassie finally get her story told after being a supporting character for everyone else for so long. It is also nice to learn more about Bram and Cassie's tragic past. I am loving the Hawks. They are not at all what they appeared to be in the previous books. Overall this series is off to a fabulous start and I can't wait for the next book.

[Irrevocably Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I start one of these trilogies I fall more and more into the hunt! And I’m sitting here smiling squealing and frustrated I have to wait to see what happens next. And the best one so far is when Brams sweet innocent sister Cassie signs up for the hunt while he’s in Bali and the Hawks have her in their sights. With twists and turns and attraction in full swing you know it’s going to be good. And my favorite part of the hunt is the rules you sign saying

I consent to be hunted
I consent to be stripped
I consent to be marked
I consent to be owned!

There isn’t one thing about this book I didn’t love. Off the charts characters and great world building that pulled me all the way in and touched my soul. Sadie Hunt you absolutely slayed it. And I’m so very glad I received this eARC and gladly give it this honest review. And I can’t wait to read what Cassie and Hawk and Vigo and Jagger do next. Please hurry up June I need more now! Superb masterpiece for sure.

[April Bria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hawks are here and you will not be disappointed!!

In this book we get to know the next group of guys from the hunt, the Hawks. If you've read the Blackwell Butcher trilogy then you might remember them from their battle cries during the hunt and interactions with Maeve.

Hawk, Jagger and Vigo are faced with the decision of whether or not to allow Cassie, Bram's sister, to participate in the hunt. If you know Bram, then you know the issue but Cassie is dead set on entering the hunt for her own reasons.

I flew this book not wanting to put it down and absolutely loved everything about it. The Hawks (you can't choose a favorite!), Cassie knowing exactly what she wants and going for it, the cameo appearances from other series characters (Poe and Remy had me dying laughing!!), and even a new found (and possibly favorite) way to eat Oreos! You'll have to read to find out.

This book is scorching hot and you do not want I miss it. I can't wait for book 2!

[TheBookishK9RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadie Hunt doesn’t ease you into Blackwell Falls—she throws you straight into the fire and lets you decide if you’re going to burn or enjoy it. Cassie is not your typical “good girl,” no matter how much everyone expects her to be. What makes her work so well is that she leans into the pull instead of fighting it, and that shift drives the entire story.

Vigo, Jagger, and Hawk each bring a completely different kind of chaos to her life. Vigo pushes her into her darker impulses, Jagger’s obsession adds this unpredictable tension that keeps you on edge, and Hawk… Hawk is the one who really tests her limits in every way. Their dynamic isn’t soft or safe—it’s intense, messy, and very deliberate.

The strongest part of this book is the atmosphere and character dynamics. It feels dangerous in a way that keeps you turning pages because you need to see how far it’s going to go. The chemistry is there, the stakes feel real, and the tone stays consistent with that dark, unhinged energy.

[Bobbi-Ann Wight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all Sadie Hunts books I swear each book gets more amazing and I'm left not being able to choose a favorite.

This book follows Cassie, if you read the other books you know her as Daisy's best friend and Brams little sister. But Cassie is tired of being known as Brams little sister and uses the opportunity of him being away on vacation to sign up for the Hunt. She gets caught by the Hawks and has to follow the rules of losing the Hunt.

Vigo, Jagger and Hawk are the three friends known as the Hawks. They aren't what Cassie expected and she ends up with a lot of surprises.

This book was full of unhinged humor, heart warming connections, a tense confrontation, TONS of spice, an amazing plot, a feral gremlin (IYKYK), and a heart stopping cliffhanger.

Now I have to sit back and wait for the next book in the series to get answers which I know Sadie will deliver.

[D Sav · Rating 5 out of 5]

The start of the next Blackwell trilogy.
Cassie lost her parents at a young age and was brought up by her brother Bram, one of the Blackwell Beasts
Having been sheltered all her life she decides to enter The Hunt. If she wins she gets to take her revenge on the man who killed her parents but if she loses she will be the plaything for whoever catches her.
The Hawks took over running The Hunt from the Blackwell Butchers. The Hawks: Jagger, Vigo and Hawk, take one look at Cassie and decide she is theirs!
Whilst investigating who murdered her parents they uncover more about the missing girls from Aventine.
The spice will have your glasses steamed up and you blushing redder
than a tomato!! And OMG the cliffhanger utterly devastating! Please don't keeping us hanging for long Sadie!
I love how these books all intertwined with the previous trilogies bringing back some of my favourite characters.