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Hunting Cupid: A Valentine Novella
He's the monster who matches soulmates. I'm the slayer sent to kill him. For years, Cupid has been murdering supernatural couples on Valentine's Day, giving them one perfect year of love before ending them with arrows through their hearts. Forty-nine deaths. No survivors. No mercy.
I've tracked him to his warehouse. I have silver daggers and years of training. I should kill him on sight.
But the monster in the shadows is the same vampire who saved my life two weeks ago. The one who's been watching me. Waiting for me.
And when his red eyes meet mine, I feel it. A pull so strong it makes me want to drop my weapons and surrender.
MAXIMUS
I've waited three hundred years for her.
My soulmate. My Emily. The slayer trained to destroy me.
But I cursed myself centuries ago, and now the magic makes her hate me. Makes her want to drive silver through my heart the moment we meet.
So I do the only thing I can. I take her. Seven days to prove the bond is real. Seven days to show her what we could be together.
Seven days before she decides whether to stay with the monster... or kill him.
She's mine. She just doesn't know it yet.
READER This is a complete standalone novella. A bite-sized dark romance perfect for Valentine's Day reading. Short, steamy, and satisfyingly dark from start to finish. No cliffhanger. No series. Just one dangerous night that changes everything.
I've tracked him to his warehouse. I have silver daggers and years of training. I should kill him on sight.
But the monster in the shadows is the same vampire who saved my life two weeks ago. The one who's been watching me. Waiting for me.
And when his red eyes meet mine, I feel it. A pull so strong it makes me want to drop my weapons and surrender.
MAXIMUS
I've waited three hundred years for her.
My soulmate. My Emily. The slayer trained to destroy me.
But I cursed myself centuries ago, and now the magic makes her hate me. Makes her want to drive silver through my heart the moment we meet.
So I do the only thing I can. I take her. Seven days to prove the bond is real. Seven days to show her what we could be together.
Seven days before she decides whether to stay with the monster... or kill him.
She's mine. She just doesn't know it yet.
READER This is a complete standalone novella. A bite-sized dark romance perfect for Valentine's Day reading. Short, steamy, and satisfyingly dark from start to finish. No cliffhanger. No series. Just one dangerous night that changes everything.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 14, 2026
I really enjoyed this spicy novella about Cupid! I loved how she tied in the paranormal aspect into it. (Like making him a vampire and him falling in love with a vampire type hunter???!!) so so good.
I appreciate that the author states that it’s a short story, that it will be fast paced and spicy. It was a perfect short read especially with Valentine’s Day coming up.
The characters are emotional, have a great connection, and with how the storyline is and the arrows being a part of their story is such a fun way of tying in the whole meaning of Cupid and what he does.
There are so many detailed moments and quotes from the book that I highlighted that’s drew me in even more so I would definitely re read this one again. 💋🖤
I appreciate that the author states that it’s a short story, that it will be fast paced and spicy. It was a perfect short read especially with Valentine’s Day coming up.
The characters are emotional, have a great connection, and with how the storyline is and the arrows being a part of their story is such a fun way of tying in the whole meaning of Cupid and what he does.
There are so many detailed moments and quotes from the book that I highlighted that’s drew me in even more so I would definitely re read this one again. 💋🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2026
Not the worst nor the best slayer / vamp story
This story took itself rather seriously and so I ended up having issues with a lot of the story including the writing. But first all of the good!
As others mentioned the characters are adults despite being like 2k and 24yo. He is a very old man and wants to be better with time. He wants to keep up w the times. She is 24 and wants to have a 2025 relationship w rules and protections for her emotional wellbeing. She does not want a stalker, a Stockholm Syndrome relationship nor a possessive boyfriend.
I found their conversations to be refreshing. They communicated openly and honestly and when Max was caught lying he begged for forgiveness while admitting he is a certain way and is trying to change.
Now the part that took me out of the story and made me stop suspending my beliefs: the editing or lack thereof. I am not a fan of first person present tense writing since it drifts, or sometimes sits in a blogger style that to me, is not prose but more factual. Books and blogs just don’t overlap for me. It’s the style of writing where the characters say (in prose): I needed a mate who is X. Who will x. Who will z. It reads like a bulleted list especially when it’s used as much as in the first third of this story.
The next thing that pulled me out was Max cooking for Emily:
Pasta made from scratch. Sauce that had been simmering for hours. […] “Carbonara. I remembered you mentioned it was your favorite.”
Nope. I’m no longer in the story. Carbonara does not simmer. It’s a simple sauce from pecorino mixed w egg yolks and rendered guanciale fat that is whisked into a paste and then thinned w pasta water. What simmering? And editor would have caught that and subbed it for long braising ragú like a short rib ragú w red wine.
Lastly we have the misunderstood boundaries vs rules. And I think millennials are doing to that term what we all did to the term decimated. Boundaries are lines in the sand that when crossed will incur a reaction. Like: next time you raise your hand at me in violence you’re getting your ass handed to you. That’s a boundary. Vs a rule: in this relationship no one raises their hand to each other. One dictates what the other can or cannot do (rules) vs the other dictates repercussions for crossing a line and does not require action from the other (boundary). There is no such thing as crossing a boundary. There IS a thing as breaking a rule. Most psychology websites have definitions but sadly boundary is being used interchangeably w rules just like decimate is now akin to wiping out a lot of x instead of wiping out only 10%
I would still recommend the book bc not everyone has the same hang ups as me. Objectively speaking this book is good, has major Spike/Buffy vibes and is a refreshing take on the kidnapping to love tales we see in dark romance.
I have no issue w Stockholm syndrome stories and would have been fine it used to reinforce their mate bond. My only qualm is the FP perspective and bulleted style of writing and the chars taking themselves so seriously. That’s what made Buffy not come across as dark romance when really that show had some seriously dark themes.
This story took itself rather seriously and so I ended up having issues with a lot of the story including the writing. But first all of the good!
As others mentioned the characters are adults despite being like 2k and 24yo. He is a very old man and wants to be better with time. He wants to keep up w the times. She is 24 and wants to have a 2025 relationship w rules and protections for her emotional wellbeing. She does not want a stalker, a Stockholm Syndrome relationship nor a possessive boyfriend.
I found their conversations to be refreshing. They communicated openly and honestly and when Max was caught lying he begged for forgiveness while admitting he is a certain way and is trying to change.
Now the part that took me out of the story and made me stop suspending my beliefs: the editing or lack thereof. I am not a fan of first person present tense writing since it drifts, or sometimes sits in a blogger style that to me, is not prose but more factual. Books and blogs just don’t overlap for me. It’s the style of writing where the characters say (in prose): I needed a mate who is X. Who will x. Who will z. It reads like a bulleted list especially when it’s used as much as in the first third of this story.
The next thing that pulled me out was Max cooking for Emily:
Pasta made from scratch. Sauce that had been simmering for hours. […] “Carbonara. I remembered you mentioned it was your favorite.”
Nope. I’m no longer in the story. Carbonara does not simmer. It’s a simple sauce from pecorino mixed w egg yolks and rendered guanciale fat that is whisked into a paste and then thinned w pasta water. What simmering? And editor would have caught that and subbed it for long braising ragú like a short rib ragú w red wine.
Lastly we have the misunderstood boundaries vs rules. And I think millennials are doing to that term what we all did to the term decimated. Boundaries are lines in the sand that when crossed will incur a reaction. Like: next time you raise your hand at me in violence you’re getting your ass handed to you. That’s a boundary. Vs a rule: in this relationship no one raises their hand to each other. One dictates what the other can or cannot do (rules) vs the other dictates repercussions for crossing a line and does not require action from the other (boundary). There is no such thing as crossing a boundary. There IS a thing as breaking a rule. Most psychology websites have definitions but sadly boundary is being used interchangeably w rules just like decimate is now akin to wiping out a lot of x instead of wiping out only 10%
I would still recommend the book bc not everyone has the same hang ups as me. Objectively speaking this book is good, has major Spike/Buffy vibes and is a refreshing take on the kidnapping to love tales we see in dark romance.
I have no issue w Stockholm syndrome stories and would have been fine it used to reinforce their mate bond. My only qualm is the FP perspective and bulleted style of writing and the chars taking themselves so seriously. That’s what made Buffy not come across as dark romance when really that show had some seriously dark themes.
March 2, 2026
I wish I could give this book a higher rating . The trigger warnings made me feel like I probably shouldn't read this book, unsure of what I was getting myself into and making me feel like this is a whole new level of dark romance I'm dipping my toes in. In reality, I wasnt too bothered with all what the trigger warnings warned; great its in there for maybe other readers.
Overall this was good. Maybe would recommend for a quick read.
I didn't like the constant repetition of time/age. Really annoying honestly. It really took away from my reading experience. Normally I wouldve finished a book in this length, within a day. I ended up reading a chapter or two a day because I just couldn't deal with some of the repetition, literally every chapter. It seemed like it was thrown in to add page lengths to the book or overly remind you of the age gap and how long Max has been waiting.
I did enjoy reading about both main characters. I liked the open relationship that they have, where Emily essentially opens Max's eyes to things. Think of an old grump stuck in his ways. And here comes Emily putting a new perspective on things. Also the spice was pretty good! So characters and story weren't bad, I just think this book couldve been a lot better. Lots of potential.
Overall this was good. Maybe would recommend for a quick read.
I didn't like the constant repetition of time/age. Really annoying honestly. It really took away from my reading experience. Normally I wouldve finished a book in this length, within a day. I ended up reading a chapter or two a day because I just couldn't deal with some of the repetition, literally every chapter. It seemed like it was thrown in to add page lengths to the book or overly remind you of the age gap and how long Max has been waiting.
I did enjoy reading about both main characters. I liked the open relationship that they have, where Emily essentially opens Max's eyes to things. Think of an old grump stuck in his ways. And here comes Emily putting a new perspective on things. Also the spice was pretty good! So characters and story weren't bad, I just think this book couldve been a lot better. Lots of potential.
April 21, 2026
This was pretty good for a 100 page dark romance. A surprising mix of intense intimate scenes and also tender ones. For the amount of trigger warnings listed at the beginning, I thought this book was going to be much more twisted than it actually turned out to be.
That being said, there was a bit too much going on for me personally. I felt like the story made sense it was just super rushed because it was packed into 7 days. Emily's arc where she goes from vampire slayer to "yes please kill me and turn me into your vampire soulmate" was abrupt to say the least. I feel like her captivity should have gone on much longer for her to have these huge character turning points. We are talking about ending your human life, becoming the thing you've hunted, loving your enemy, and then being bonded to them for eternity. Seven days, people.
Other than that I enjoyed the writing. Some phrases were repetitive (like being reminded constantly of their ages) but other descriptions stood out and were quite beautiful which made up for it.
That being said, there was a bit too much going on for me personally. I felt like the story made sense it was just super rushed because it was packed into 7 days. Emily's arc where she goes from vampire slayer to "yes please kill me and turn me into your vampire soulmate" was abrupt to say the least. I feel like her captivity should have gone on much longer for her to have these huge character turning points. We are talking about ending your human life, becoming the thing you've hunted, loving your enemy, and then being bonded to them for eternity. Seven days, people.
Other than that I enjoyed the writing. Some phrases were repetitive (like being reminded constantly of their ages) but other descriptions stood out and were quite beautiful which made up for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
Love is a dangerous game
Hunting Cupid leans hard into the idea that love is not always soft or safe. Sometimes it is strategic, messy, and a little unhinged.
Wyld delivers a romance that feels playful but purposeful. The tension is baked in early, and I loved how the push and pull never fully lets up. That made the emotional beats hit harder and feel earned.
The pacing works especially well for a shorter read. It moves quickly without feeling rushed, and every interaction feels like it matters. There is chemistry, but also consequence. I appreciated that this story does not pretend love is simple or clean. It is risky. It asks for vulnerability. And sometimes it asks for a little bit of chaos.
Hunting Cupid leans hard into the idea that love is not always soft or safe. Sometimes it is strategic, messy, and a little unhinged.
Wyld delivers a romance that feels playful but purposeful. The tension is baked in early, and I loved how the push and pull never fully lets up. That made the emotional beats hit harder and feel earned.
The pacing works especially well for a shorter read. It moves quickly without feeling rushed, and every interaction feels like it matters. There is chemistry, but also consequence. I appreciated that this story does not pretend love is simple or clean. It is risky. It asks for vulnerability. And sometimes it asks for a little bit of chaos.
February 11, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
"You taste like everything I've been starving for. Three hundred years of hunger and you're the only thing that could satisfy it."
This was such a wild little ride! ❤️🔥
Enemies to lovers, cursed soulmates, vampires, and Valentine chaos all packed into one spicy novella.
It’s dark, dramatic, and over-the-top in the best way, with plenty of tension and heat. With love that isn't simple but risky.
A quick read that is fast-paced with big feelings and hot spice!
Perfect for paranormal romance lovers who like their stories with a little bite. 🫦
🌶🌶🌶🌶
"You taste like everything I've been starving for. Three hundred years of hunger and you're the only thing that could satisfy it."
This was such a wild little ride! ❤️🔥
Enemies to lovers, cursed soulmates, vampires, and Valentine chaos all packed into one spicy novella.
It’s dark, dramatic, and over-the-top in the best way, with plenty of tension and heat. With love that isn't simple but risky.
A quick read that is fast-paced with big feelings and hot spice!
Perfect for paranormal romance lovers who like their stories with a little bite. 🫦
February 11, 2026
Quick, fascinating Valentine's Day read
I really didn't know what to expect going into this.....but THIS was absolutely enthralling. I didn't know how to Maximus. I hated him and loved him at the same time from the start. Emily was perfectly written. Not the little soft girlie girl that turns into a baddy..... She was a baddy from the start! I loved their story and trials so much. How everything meets, yet defies most vampire lore and stories is just great!
I really didn't know what to expect going into this.....but THIS was absolutely enthralling. I didn't know how to Maximus. I hated him and loved him at the same time from the start. Emily was perfectly written. Not the little soft girlie girl that turns into a baddy..... She was a baddy from the start! I loved their story and trials so much. How everything meets, yet defies most vampire lore and stories is just great!
February 20, 2026
Julia ! Omg! What have you done to me ! I absolutely loved this one ! You have given me another book boyfriend that I want to be real!!! How can we make this happen haha…
Maximus and Emily absolutely stunning couple, love the back and forth the spicy scenes, and the details great.
Hunting Cupid is packed with everything you want and more. This spicy and those scene had me squirming in my seat ! Yes give me more please. This also had my emotions yes I did cry great novella. I seriously cannot wait to see what is next!
Maximus and Emily absolutely stunning couple, love the back and forth the spicy scenes, and the details great.
Hunting Cupid is packed with everything you want and more. This spicy and those scene had me squirming in my seat ! Yes give me more please. This also had my emotions yes I did cry great novella. I seriously cannot wait to see what is next!
February 27, 2026
This book had me. I needed to learn more and more about the characters and what would unfold for them in their world.
Whilst it is fast paced, that is the nature of the book! close proximity, forced intimacy and jaw dropping detail!
I loved seeing how someone so against another could become the opposite!
if you want a shorter read that will still captivate you, this is definitely one for you!
Whilst it is fast paced, that is the nature of the book! close proximity, forced intimacy and jaw dropping detail!
I loved seeing how someone so against another could become the opposite!
if you want a shorter read that will still captivate you, this is definitely one for you!
February 12, 2026
Lovely
This hit all the notes: engaging spice, a bit of action, the feels, a strong decisive fmc and a fully developed, well rounded story. Way more than I expected picking a novella from a new author.
This hit all the notes: engaging spice, a bit of action, the feels, a strong decisive fmc and a fully developed, well rounded story. Way more than I expected picking a novella from a new author.
February 15, 2026
This was such a good short read! The characters were good and the storyline was good! Typically im left wanting more with novellas but this one didnt do that! Definitely recommend especially if you need a short book to fill in your reading goal!
February 16, 2026
I liked the authors desciprtiveness in this book. It was a fun play on cupid, something I haven't seen done yet. A monster hunter being the fated mate to cupid. Outstanding plot idea. was it perfect? no. was it a bit ridiculous? yes. but enjoyable and quick.
February 22, 2026
WOW! 5 stars and the spice was everything I wanted and more! Hunting Cupid was addicting, I seriously couldn't stop reading it. It's a short read, packed full of action, emotion, heat, hate, love, thrill and more. It was intoxicating and incredible start to finish with a HEA. The kind of book that will have you thinking about it after you finish. JULIA WE NEED MORE PLEASE!!!
February 12, 2026
Wonderfully creative! Great characters with strong emotions and sexy, dramatic, romantic love.
February 13, 2026
I enjoyed the story. it was a creative take on cupid.
February 16, 2026
it was okay some of the wording felt repetitive but i liked the story line. i also found a few mistakes in the writing. but other than that it was okay for a quick read.
February 18, 2026
I enjoyed this novella!! I loved how both were so connected and in sync 🥹 And then adding the vampire element to it 😏 I want to be a vampire 🤭 lol
March 2, 2026
Intresting spin. My problem was how often entire sentences or sayings were repeated. I dont need to read the same thing over and over. Besides that I found it interesting.
March 17, 2026
I quite liked this little book 🥰 it was a bit different and refreshing… I love that she addressed the Stockholm syndrome aspect 🤣
March 19, 2026
Hunting Cupid by Julia Wyld was definitely a wild ride from start to finish. This story leans into a darker atmosphere, blending intense emotions with a gripping storyline that keeps you hooked. The spice added an extra layer of tension, perfectly matching the edgy and shadowy tone of the book.
It’s a bold, dark romance that isn’t afraid to push boundaries while still keeping you invested in the characters and their journey. If you enjoy stories with darker themes, strong chemistry, and an intense vibe, this one is definitely worth the read.
It’s a bold, dark romance that isn’t afraid to push boundaries while still keeping you invested in the characters and their journey. If you enjoy stories with darker themes, strong chemistry, and an intense vibe, this one is definitely worth the read.
April 22, 2026
Still Growing 🥹
I went into this thinking I was gonna get a quick, dirty Valentine’s Day lark. What I got was so much more 🥹 The revelations on love and what it is, and what it needs were so beautifully written, it made me tear up. Maximus coming to terms with his own failings, and then ACTIVELY WORKING TO FIX THEM?! Hand it over. Emily having the mental clarity to actually genuinely examine her own feelings about situations is the kind of thing I want to be able to achieve one day. The two of them together working through learning to love even if it’s obsessive is *chefs kiss*. I’m so so glad I ended up choosing this for my Valentine’s Day read ❤️
I went into this thinking I was gonna get a quick, dirty Valentine’s Day lark. What I got was so much more 🥹 The revelations on love and what it is, and what it needs were so beautifully written, it made me tear up. Maximus coming to terms with his own failings, and then ACTIVELY WORKING TO FIX THEM?! Hand it over. Emily having the mental clarity to actually genuinely examine her own feelings about situations is the kind of thing I want to be able to achieve one day. The two of them together working through learning to love even if it’s obsessive is *chefs kiss*. I’m so so glad I ended up choosing this for my Valentine’s Day read ❤️
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