Prey For Me

by Lydia Harbinger

Cara is a young college graduate who recently moved back home. When she is given the opportunity to assist the devastatingly handsome minister visiting her parent's church, a man who performs faith healings, she jumps at the chance. She's hardly a believer, but from the moment she laid eyes on Jason, she knew she wanted him.

As their travels take them through the Northeastern United States, their mutual attraction builds to an erotic romance in which Cara risks losing herself. However, when their tour of faith leaves a trail of bodies, she begins to suspect that Jason's powers are far from heaven-sent.

Soon she will be forced to face the dark truth of the man she has lusted after, and decide just how much she is willing to sacrifice in the name of love. Content

this story includes very dark themes. Reader discretion is advised.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 8, 2026

Reviews

[Laurie Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book and am leaving a voluntary review.

Prey for Me, by Lydia Harbinger, is a dark erotic novella about a young woman named Cara who meets Jason, a “healer” with the ability to perform miracles people attribute to Christ himself. Curious and with no other prospects, Cara agrees to work as his assistant. The first time she sees him, she is instantly overcome with lust. Understanding her interest, Jason wastes no time showcasing his talents, drawing in the attention of many congregants. However, when she discovers a darkness behind Jason’s ability, suddenly, she’s put in a position where she uncovers just how much she’s willing to sacrifice for Jason.

To be honest, I’m not surprised at the ending. Based on Cara’s introduction, she’s already set up to fall for and to be completely enveloped in Jason’s desires. It’s almost as though her character revolves around his, so much so that there isn’t really much room for any character development. True, she is by no means stupid, and she makes decisions herself. However, all those decisions revolve around Jason; half the time, I’m not sure she has any agency. Even the inner turmoil she goes through when it comes to Jason’s gift is hindered by her lust for him.

I also feel that there were some plot points that could be fleshed out. I would’ve loved to read more about the depths of Jason’s obsession for her. Is he willing to sacrifice just as much to be with her? What about old friends and family? What are the details behind that? What were Cara’s dreams before she met Jason? The questions are swimming in my head, and I can’t help but feel a little disappointed that I wasn’t given more. So for now, I would give this book a 3.0 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to fans of Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer.

[Asheley · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC Review Incoming**

A short read that packed a punch but I wish it has been longer.

I enjoyed this novella, the authors style of writing is fast paced, easy and addictive. She keeps you guessing, teasing the reader with nuggets of information that makes your brain fire and your inner Agatha Christie appear!

The character building was fine, in that you get enough to believe the mystery and get the ‘feels’ but I wanted more. I needed more!!
The FMC, although coming across as rebellious is not quite as she seems as her infatuation with the MMC takes over her ability to think reasonably. Reading between the lines is HE engineering this? And if so….how? More miracles? I wish there had been more exploration of this and his gifts.

The MMC again, has substance and mystery in abundance but I wanted more. Given his history and experiences why did he pick the FMC? What made her special? I wanted intensity and internal struggles when the twist is delivered.

Don’t get me wrong this was a great read, packed full for a novella with good characters, well written with a sprinkling of spice - I just wanted more. A second book to come maybe?…… Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

Thank you to Booksprout and Lydia Harbinger for my free copy of this book and giving me the chance to leave a voluntarily review.

[Kristen Moran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cara becomes almost lost in her ways, not really knowing what she whats to do or where she wants to go. Then her parents get her an assistant job with a faith healer Jason. Her skepticism of what he does doesnt stop her feelings for him from growing, but will the truth around them steer her away.

This book while feeling a bit rushed in the relationship especially since Jason is a 'man of God' the chemistry between the two is undeniable. While I enjoyed their little road trip. I almost wanted more from them, the chemistry was there yes. but they jumped right into each others pants without knowing each other.

The ending while Cara claims it was one thing felt as if Jason did it to play with her emotions knowing Cara would find out. that she would come to stop him, ultimately bringing them back together.

[blueberrygal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book hooked me immediately, and pulled me in more and more as the events occurring around Jason and his ability to heal seemed to get more sinister. His and Cara’s relationship developed much faster than I thought it would (and ended up being much spicier than I’d expected when I started the book, not that I’m complaining), but it was certainly exciting to see how they each spiraled into further obsession with one another. The only reasons I didn’t rate it higher were because parts of the story grew repetitive, and the ending felt a little rushed. That being said, I’m still grateful I had the chance to read this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miche Delport · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book had me hooked from the start. Cara’s journey into the world of a faith-healing ministry feels innocent at first, but quickly turns dark, intense, and addictive. The chemistry is dangerous, the tension is unreal, and the mystery keeps pulling you deeper with every chapter. It’s the kind of dark romance that makes you uncomfortable in the best way obsessed, questioning everything, and needing more. I just really want Jason's point of view what his thinking what demons his battling him hopefully that could be a second book???

If you love twisted attraction, slow-burn obsession, and a story that blurs the line between faith and darkness… this one is a MUST read

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jason (40ish) is a faith healer and his new assistant Cara (21), is a non believer. They are on a road trip traveling to different churches to perform miracles. What Cara doesn't know is that Jason harbors a dark secret. Will she stand by him when all is revealed?

First, I will say that the author is a wonderful writer and her writing style is amazing. Unfortunately, this book just did not hit the mark. It was lacking depth and emotion.

Prey For Me is marketed as an erotic horror, but I didn't really get either of those. Maybe a religious romance? It was not as dark or graphic as I expected.

While the dark secret Jason reveals to Cara is a big deal, it wasn't exactly a surprise. Cara's reaction was very neutral to the situation and forgave him because of her lust for him.

[Baansheeh · Rating 2 out of 5]

In all honesty, I do not know what to say about this book.

It was good and it was nice following the relationship that they built but it was not what I was expecting when picking up a book marked as horror.

By no means does that mean it's not a good book, it was definitely a fun read and I recommend it!

I rate it 2,5/5 stars, like I said I would recommend it but I won't be giving it a higher rating as my expectations wasn't entirely met.
I am leaving this review voluntary as I got this arc copy via booksirens.

A huge thank you to the author and booksirens for giving me this chance.

[Jessica Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the characters and the premise of the book. As a mostly spicy reader, I really enjoyed the amount of tension and lust! The author has a great writing style. For that 5th star, I really wish it had ended differently. I feel like it was a little rushed. The story could’ve kept going.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Onyx Reads Smut · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even the biggest skeptics can be believers. And Cara is definitely a skeptic of Jason's abilities. But damn do they have amazing chemistry from the get go! But once some mysterious stuff starts happening every stop they make, and the closer they get, the more the authors gets you wondering what's actually happening here?

[Danielle Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW, this was a read. I was hooked and finished it in one day. I enjoyed it. It was different from my normal reads. Age gap and taboo love, I am here for it. I guess it makes it so much more interesting when you shouldn't want it. If you thinking of reading it, do it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book was going in one direction with the paranormal aspect and it went pleasantly in another direction. He really does have powers to heal but with a sinister twist. Cara becomes Jason’s assistant as he is a traveling minister who seemingly possesses healing powers from God.

After just a few visits, people suddenly are dying and Cara quickly picks up that is has something to do with Jason, if not Jason himself doing the killings. She slowly learns his power is not what it seems.

The tension build was quick but believable (I never mind a quick chemistry) but when they finally consummated it was very quick and dry. He just sticks it in and that’s it? No foreplay, no build-up?

I appreciated that Cara accepted his sinister gift and was willing to support him. So often one character is appalled at the gift and it’s a reluctant acceptance. Cara thought about it and said yes.

I’ve taken on reading indie author’s ARC and this is truly my favorite one thus far!

[Kelli Bilderback · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic read!