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Armen's Prey: A Dark Reverse Harem Romance

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303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2026

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Charli Townes

5 books5 followers

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5 stars
23 (29%)
4 stars
37 (47%)
3 stars
14 (17%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for ♥︎Obsidian°Scorpio°Reads♥︎.
369 reviews8 followers
April 21, 2026
Charli Townes has me hooked!!

HOLD👏THE👏FRONT👏DOOR👏
The Hunt in this book had my heart beating so fast I couldn't hear!. The cat-mouse to this was so well put together I didnt know where I began an ended. I loved Vi so much, and the boys oh HOT DAMD!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
🫦🫦🫦.75/5
Profile Image for Maddy.
64 reviews15 followers
April 5, 2026
I received this book as an ARC. It was a very quick an intriguing read!

Personally, my favourite part was the Rot hunt for the first half of the book. I loved the dual perspective, descriptions, choices, dialogue etc which certainly hooks you in and makes it easy to imagine in your head.

The tension and developing relationships between the FMC and 3 x MMC’s are enjoyable.
The smut gets bonus points (of course)!

Please note though that this book does not give answers. (What was that ending?!?!) Rather, it places you as a reader like a Runt, with more questions and intrigue.

Keen for book 2 at the end of April 🤭

Plot: 4/5⭐️
Smut: 3.5/5🌶️

Overall: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Caitlin de Smit.
17 reviews1 follower
Read
April 17, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and volunteer my honest review.

This novel immediately engaged me with its compelling opening. The depiction of the hunt was particularly vivid, immersing the reader in the experience. Chapter One begins directly within the action, which may feel somewhat chaotic at first; however, as the narrative progresses, the storyline becomes increasingly coherent and well-explained. While some scenes appeared repetitive, they contributed effectively to the overall storytelling. As the plot unfolded, details about the characters and their backgrounds were gradually revealed, adding intrigue and depth.

Explanations are provided throughout the book, often pausing the current scene to supply relevant context or motivation, thereby enhancing understanding of pivotal moments. The emotional content is well-rendered and, at times, relatable, with certain scenes described in considerable detail, including several that are notably intense. The book concludes with a cliffhanger—an ending that, though somewhat frustrating, is thoughtfully executed and appropriate for the story.

It should be noted that this work contains mature themes and is intended for readers who prefer darker, more provocative narratives featuring multiple love interests. I recommend reviewing the author's trigger warnings prior to reading. Overall, I found the book amazing and look forward to the sequel, "Sting’s Catch."
Profile Image for The Bibliophilic Lycan.
26 reviews
April 4, 2026
I received this as an ARC for my honest review.

I'd give the book 4.5 stars but that's not an option so I rounded up.

Why not 5 stars? I understand that mystery and teasers keep you hooked. But there are somethings I'd like an explanation to. I have a lot of questions and not a lot of answers. I feel like Vi. What's up with the mall? Is it supernatural alive or just feels alive because of the people? Why are they called runts and rotters?

I wasn't a fan of the sex scenes. A little too rough with no affection. Rough can be fine but then the guys act like they're dismissing her. I don't like that used feeling. The exhibitionism seemed odd. Like it was thrown in for fun. But who knows, maybe it's significant... or not.

I liked the writing style. I didn't find is slow. It has enough little excitements inbetween the action to keep me reading. (I read it in less than three days.) It ends on a cliff.

I'm intrigued enough to want to keep reading the series. I hope the author tells us more about the Rot and gives us some background and information. Filling in the blanks instead of making us only know what Vi knows.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Laura R.
1,295 reviews20 followers
April 10, 2026
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Vi is determined to run in the hunt – a man-hunt/chase through the Rot where the winner gets a favor, but the losers are never heard from again. Determined to win, she throws herself into the hunt, knowing that at the end she’ll use her favor to find out the truth about her father. But there’s someone watching her from the shadows, and he’s determined to keep her.

I have to say, I really enjoyed the hunt and the descriptions of her surviving as she made her way through the Rot. Those were some of the best scenes in the book, in my opinion. I think what I could have used was a map of everything because there were times I couldn’t figure out how large things were. I also really wish we got more worldbuilding as I couldn’t figure out if this was post-apocalyptic/dystopian or if this was just one city? I’d be curious to see where things go from here as there’s a few questions I’d like answers to. Overall, this was a dark reverse harem with masked men, so if that’s your thing, then this is probably right up your alley.
2,029 reviews10 followers
March 23, 2026
An interesting beginning!

I really enjoyed this book. The first in a new series, Charli introduces the reader to the world of the Rot. Things have changed and not for the better. Vi enters herself into The Hunt for the chance to find the truth about her father. The Hunt is a challenge that takes place in what was once a thriving mall in a city that has found itself in ruin. The goal is to be the last female standing in order to win The Favor. But there are men watching her and leading her where they want her. Armen, Sting and Rogue are a group of men called Rotters, and they seem to run things. They will catch her and end up keeping her as they find she’s not what she seems. Things are a little rough in the beginning but soon Vi accepts what her life is now and that she belongs to the three men. She will get the chance to look for more answers about her father and I am eager to find out what happens next!

I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
Profile Image for Nightwalker.
212 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2026
Slow

Vi just wants the truth and revenge. She thinks she will win the hunt and then she will get everything she wants. Unfortunately for her things dont work out that way. Suddenly she finds herself at the mercy of three men who want to own her. She has to decide if she is going to adapt and survive or risk her life in search of the truth and revenge. A truth that might not be all that she hopes.
I found this book to move at a slow pace. The plot was hard to determine. The FMC came across as ungrateful, self-centered, nieve, and difficult. I understand wanting to achieve your goals but she refused to adapt when the circumstances changed. It made it hard to like her. The guys are working so hard to keep her alive and she does nothing to help. If anything she makes things more difficult. Also for this to be a dystopian novel there is no clear explanation about what happened. You don't really start seeing any developments either until maybe the last 10-15 chapters, out of 70 chapters. I honestly can't say if I will be continuing the series.
60 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2026
I’d give this about a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
The main thing I liked was the setting. The whole “being hunted in an abandoned shopping mall” idea was really creepy in a good way, and it was easy to picture everything. The first half of the book was definitely the strongest — it felt tense, fast, and kept me hooked.
The dynamic between the main character and the three masked guys was interesting too. There’s that mix of fear and attraction going on, which worked well most of the time. If you like darker romance with a bit of a twisted edge, you’ll probably enjoy that part.
That said, it’s not perfect. The story doesn’t really give you many answers, and it definitely feels like it’s just setting things up for the next book. The ending was a bit frustrating because of that. Also, the second half slowed down a bit and focused more on the relationships, which took away from the intensity of the “hunt” part.
Overall, it’s a quick, dark read with a cool concept and some good tension, but it leaves you hanging a bit. I’m curiousto see where the series goes next, book 2 please.
Profile Image for Jo Venison.
211 reviews
April 23, 2026
This completely surprised me, in the best way.

Going in, I expected a dark, high-stakes survival story, and that element absolutely delivers. The abandoned shopping mall setting is eerie and claustrophobic, with constant tension running through every scene. The sense of being watched, hunted, and trapped is done so well.

But what really hooked me was the dynamic between Vi and Armen, Sting, and Rouge.

From the start, they’ve already chosen her and the subtle manipulation throughout the story, where they guide her movements while she believes she’s making her own choices, adds such a compelling psychological layer. That “illusion of control” element made this feel darker and more complex than I expected.

The romance leans heavily into possessive, obsessive energy, and while the spice builds, it’s the tension and power dynamics that really stand out.

If you enjoy dark romance with survival elements, morally grey characters, and a strong psychological edge, this is definitely worth picking up.

I’ll be continuing the series, because I need to see where this goes next.
3,225 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 18, 2026
This story is dual POV, well written and edited, and a dark, dystopian, reverse harem, almost romantic suspense trilogy beginning between Vi, the female lead searching for answers regarding her father’s murder, and three senior figures in the area she goes to ask, Armen, and his brothers of choice, Rogue and Sting. I admit I found huge chunks of this story frustrating as so much of it was a mystery that didn’t get explained to Vi. I empathised with Vi’s frustration and understood why she’d made the choices she did. I enjoyed her resilience and perseverance. I admit I’m not sure I like any of the three male leads, though I appreciate their possessive protectiveness. The story ended on a cliffhanger, as advertised, with set up for the next story well presented and ready to roll. I’m hoping to like the next story better and to have a few more answers forthcoming.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Dani Ross.
77 reviews
April 23, 2026
I received this book as an arc read. Immediately you jump into a little real world dystopian scenario situation. There’s an intriguing race, a possible Favor - yes with a capital F - and some not nice people to boot.
Our FMC is a determined badass with a mission and a chip on her shoulder, probably deservedly so… she’s caught the attention of several groups in this race, and not all of them are good. I do wish that some of the background was a little more explained, how did this mall become a location called the Rot? How is it removed from society enough that nobody knows what’s happening there? But I digress…
I relate enough to the FMC that I get how hard it is for her to let go of the need for answers, the inner strength she needed to get this far is exactly what makes becoming property of the Rot difficult for her to swallow.
Definitely need to keep reading! There’s more to know and Sting is the one who will keep it going for us next…
Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
939 reviews21 followers
March 20, 2026
4 1/2 Star Review. Charli keeps you turning the pages, with the game being played in this dystopian world of the Rot. Vi signs up to join the chase in The Rot, where the Runts (females) are being chased by the Rotters (males). Vi is unaware she is being played, and she is taking the path Armen, Sting, and Rogue want her to take so they can claim her. Vi makes enemies when her men claim her as theirs. This makes her unavailable to the other Rotters, and others want to bring Vi down. People aren't happy and are trying everything possible to get Vi to snap.
I recieved an arc for my voluntary honest review for NN Book Blog. If you love a dystopian RH romance, then you will enjoy this book. It does end on a slight cliffhanger, and I can't wait for the next book in the series to see what other mysteries they can uncover in the Rot.
Profile Image for Tedra.
534 reviews3 followers
March 20, 2026
Dnf

Look I love this type of book with a RH.
What i dont love is zero trigger warnings about exhibitionism, I mean hardcore exhibitionism. Not the type of exhibitionism from like watched during the hunt/chase either.
Literally set up on a stage, with a glass wall & a room full of total strangers watching everything, up close and personal. Strangers (a female watcher) getting up close to the glass wall for a better view while your guys fuq you, legit watching d'ck in the vag and why is there no tw's?
I need my possessive heros to be justctgat- possessive and jealous, not setting my girl with legs spread for all to see.

Writing was fine but the zero tw's had me skim because I was suspicious. Not my cup of tea and I would've completely avoided this book and this review if author had been more open & honest.

Again, ZERO triggers
15 reviews
April 9, 2026
Hooked from the beginning

This was a new to me author so going into this book I wasnt sure what to expect. All I had was the synopsis and the hope that the story would live up to that synopsis. And it did.

These guys were everything I needed to have in my morally gray mmc's. They were unapologetic about their actions were made their dedicated focus on Vi all the more enticing. Seeing Vi grow into her own throughout the book was also nice. I was worried there would be too much wishiwashiness with her feeling but it was a continuous growth.

I didn't care for the ending. That is my only drawback. If your are going to have a cliffhanger then I want to see a cliffhanger. I felt that the ending was just too soft heading into the next book. Overall though I am looking chard to the next book.
Profile Image for Jade Godfrey.
70 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2026
Wow… what a book. I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader and honestly? It exceeded every expectation.

From the very first page, I was hooked. This is one of those reads where you physically cannot put it down, you just have to keep going to see what happens next. The intensity hits immediately, and it doesn’t let up.

The FMC is everything you want—strong, resilient, and absolutely not someone who backs down without a fight. Watching her stand her ground made the story even more gripping. And then… the three MMCs 👀 each bringing their own energy, their own edge—it’s impossible not to get pulled into their dynamic. The tension, the chemistry, the way their relationships evolve… it’s addictive.

If you’re into:
🔥 Masked men
🔥 “Touch her and you die” vibes
🔥 Taboo, dark, and intense romance

Then trust me, this book is exactly what you’re looking for.
3 reviews
April 25, 2026
Armen’s Prey is set in a dystopian world . An event happened that we’re not really told much about but I’m intrigued to find out more. We start with our lead female character trying to survive The Hunt so she can ask one favor. The Hunt is brutal but it works well to show how capable and strong she is. The Hunt part of the book does drag a little to me but not enough to take me out of the world. For me the story really gets going once the hunt is over. We’re introduced to the three men that will control Vi’s life.She belongs to them,There is a lot of spice between Vi and the three men, Armen, Sting and Rogue. I’m always a fan of dual POV and we have that here between Vi and Armen. The story ends on a cliffhanger and I’m excited to see what’s next. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I’m looking forward to the next one,
Edit: I did receive this book as an ARC.
Profile Image for Charly J.M.
Author 20 books22 followers
March 30, 2026
Wasn't the worst book, but didn't get me

Unfortunately this fell a little flat for me, the world building confused me a little, is the mall the only place destroyed like this or the whole town. The mall seems like the Tardis bigger on the inside from descriptions of so many rooms and floors etc.
I think with a little more explanation it would have been a lot better.
I really liked the characters to begin with, but it felt like nothing really happened, it was a bit monotonous and repetitive.
It was a great start and I hope people do read this as one person's ok book is another's amazing.
I read it, I liked some of it but didn't wow me.
Readers, give this book a chance, I'm sure the author will explain more in the sequels!
Profile Image for Cindy Luebke .
33 reviews
April 5, 2026
My first ARC review and boy did i enjoy this book. I did not mind that there was no mention of trigger warnings because honestly I don't have many...lol. My only wish for this book was that there should have been more of a back story on the fall of the city of Rothwell instead of just jumping straight into the deserted mall chase scene from the get go. I also have thoughts about birth control because they just keep not using protection during sex and not pulling out so obviously how is pregnancy being prevented in this type of weird society. Also seems like only Rogue and Armen are the 2 who are mentioned actually having penetrative sex with her while the poor third only gets oral. These are just some of the weird things I noticed. Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is definitely in my trope and I look forward to the second one to see what happens with Maras arriving into the rot
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kim.
2,510 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2026
I was immediately sucked into this book. It literally had me by the throat demanding that I finish it. The writing was very good and thank god, she had a talented editor...so many books lately don't, so I so respect her for that.

Here are my questions that weren't answered....
1) Our "boys" refused to tell her basically ANYTHING, so therefore, we the readers, don't know why some things are going on either. Why? Why force her to work basically in the dark?
2) Who actually won " The FAVOR"? We never hear.

I really liked it though, I am assuming more answers are coming...and obvs...darn you for that cliffhanger.

Thanks to the author for the ARC, my thoughts are my own and are left voluntarily.
Profile Image for Beckreadz25.
136 reviews7 followers
April 10, 2026
Only the desperate enter the Hunt at the Rot. The only rule is be the last one standing. The obe who doesn't get caught earns a Favor.

Vi entered looking for answers about her father. She didn't realize that she had been claimed before the Hunt even began.

Armen, Sting, and Rogue are in charge. What they say goes. What they want they get, and they want Vi. They want her obedient, claimed, theirs. No one touches what belongs to them.

This book is intense and thrilling, dark and angsty. There is a lot of violence, hate, blood, but there is also spice. The spicy is delicious. Reverse harem, why choose with 3 masked protectors who would burn the world for her.
I can't recommend this enough and can't wait to read Sting's book next!
Profile Image for Michele Masini.
4 reviews
April 13, 2026
I received this book as an ARC. I was honored to be chosen to read and review. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Set in a dystopian society. Vi finds herself claimed by 3 men, who appear to be very important, and very scary. At the beginning of the story, I was rooting for Vi to get what she came for, to "win". Things don't work out the way she planned. The passage of time is hard to follow, but it doesn't impact the story all that much. The spicy parts were great, and there were plenty of them. They flowed into the story very well. Tho there were times when I felt like a couple of them were a little too similar. It's a great story that unfolded perfectly and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.
147 reviews3 followers
April 17, 2026
Armen's Prey by Charli Townes takes you into a new world and it is dark. Vi wants to earn a Favor by surviving a hunt. She is tracked by Armen, Rogue and Sting. This is her story. Charli Townes is astounding at writing the hunt. She puts you right there with Vi. When the three guys catch up to her, they are so cryptic when they talk to her, rarely explaining anything. I kept rereading to see if I missed some nuance.
This is a fast paced book that is hard to put down. Be aware, it is a dark world you enter. Not much romance there but real possession. I read it in one day. It does not resolve all the issues so be prepared to wait for the next book.
Profile Image for HB1.
27 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2026
This book is the first of three. It starts in a Dystopian future world where the FMC is on the run in an abandoned mall from a group called the Rot. (Rotters) The author describes things in short sentences, like you are Vi, the main character, trying to catch your breath. This book seems to be a set up for the second book. The end left me with questions.
If you like affection/romance, this book is not for you. But if you liked masked men, predator/prey, morally grey men, and dark scenes this book is for you. I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review. I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Manders.
237 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2026
DNF'd at 42% after the exchange of "Don't talk unless you need to." "I need to talk."

This just isn't for me. I can't keep reading despite how hard I'm trying. The plot is moving at a snail's pace and nothing makes any sense. I looked at other reviews out of curiosity and saw that apparently nothing ends up really being explained, either. None of the characters are likable and the dialogue is so... blah. Very repetitive for something that elaborates on nothing.

No spelling, grammar, or formatting issues from what I read, so that was pleasant.
56 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2026
The Hunt is only the beginning. This book was not what I expected, but better. Dystopian, dark, mysterious, and an intriguing story. What happens when the world changes, falls apart, and all you know is gone?

Armen's Prey just dives in from the first chapter. If you enjoy dark romance, mysterious masked men, the chase (and the catch), this book starts with a bang and doesn't stop. Fast-paced, dual POV, and full of mystery and intrigue.

The Rothwell Masked Men series is off to a crazy, and un-put-downable start.
Profile Image for Melanie Brown.
57 reviews7 followers
April 23, 2026
Armen's Prey is somewhat Slow Burn, but keeps you on the edge of your seat, just waiting... antici-pating. The dual narrative is well done and very detailed on the inner monologues of the characters. It creates a brilliant narrative that is filled with suspense, while giving you a detailed insight of life as a Runt and the roles of the Rotters.
Do expect to have more questions than answers.... this is life within The Rot.
Plot works well, characters are well built. Definitely keen to read book 2!
Profile Image for Martha.
557 reviews4 followers
April 25, 2026
Armen's Prey by Charli Townes is a dark, rh/why choose romance. This is Charli's debut story. Please check Triggers and Content Warnings BEFORE reading as this story is not a walk in the park lol. This story was not what I expected but I really enjoyed the story. I will say that with each page turn I couldn't help but wonder. This story will absolutely leave you with so many questions that I hope we get more clarity on in the next book. It was an absolute unique ride throughout. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Profile Image for Kim.
110 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2026
This is my first read from this author. And overall by the end I did enjoy it. It started off pretty slow and it kinda of dropped you in a world without a whole lot of explanation. There are quit a few repetitive scenes which was a bit annoying and there wasn't any back story and a lot of things unexplained. It left me a bit confused at time and feeling a bit lost/empty. By the last 1/4 of the book it did pick up and got a little meaty. It ended on a cliffhanger and I'm very intrigued to read the rest of the story and hopefully get more information.
Profile Image for Tia Rusher.
9 reviews
April 13, 2026
Just finished this one and I have to say the storyline was such a unique ride. It felt fresh and different in a way that really kept me curious to see where things were going next.

There were some really standout moments and creative twists that made it worth the read. A few parts didn’t fully land for me personally, but it didn’t take away from how original and memorable the concept was.

Definitely grateful for the opportunity to read and review this ARC!
7 reviews
April 18, 2026
this was a slow start to a series. first kiss at 57% slow. there was a lot of repetition in this book where is you aren't focus you'll feel like you're reading the same page over and over. if you can push through it does start to pick up. the spice is hot, these men have it bad for the fmc. the ending plot line delevops perfectly to ease right into the next book. overall happy with the book and look forward to Stings Catch
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews