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Hunted: The brand new seductive vampire romance featuring a powerful vampire and a soul bond from Zara Cox for 2026
When your lines run dry, the sun shall rise upon your ruin.
The night her father offered her to the world’s most powerful vampire to settle a debt, Lyra Hannigan’s life turned to ash. Knowing he would come to claim her, one thing became certain: Lyra needed to disappear.
Six years later, Don Valentin Moretti, ruler of New York and one of the legendary Five Blood, is bound by an ancient curse. With his immortality at risk, his hunt for his elusive fated mate turns ruthless and deadly.
Eira Cross has built a life as the supernatural underworld’s bounty hunter, stitched together from secrets and sheer will. Careful. Untraceable. Untouchable. Until a summons drags her into Moretti’s Tower—and a vampire whose attention feels like a blade at her throat.
Valentin offers a bargain: help him find Lyra, and he’ll give Eira freedom. But as the hunt deepens, desire ignites, the line between hunter and prey blurs, and the truth surges closer. With the curse tightening its grip, time is running out. When loyalties detonate, the monster Eira feared most may be the only one who can save her…or destroy her.
HUNTED is Book 1 of a duology. CLAIMED delivers the HEA.
Praise for Zara
'Zara Cox is a sizzling new voice' Kitty French, USA Today best-selling author
‘This is what mafia romance is made of' Reader Review
The night her father offered her to the world’s most powerful vampire to settle a debt, Lyra Hannigan’s life turned to ash. Knowing he would come to claim her, one thing became certain: Lyra needed to disappear.
Six years later, Don Valentin Moretti, ruler of New York and one of the legendary Five Blood, is bound by an ancient curse. With his immortality at risk, his hunt for his elusive fated mate turns ruthless and deadly.
Eira Cross has built a life as the supernatural underworld’s bounty hunter, stitched together from secrets and sheer will. Careful. Untraceable. Untouchable. Until a summons drags her into Moretti’s Tower—and a vampire whose attention feels like a blade at her throat.
Valentin offers a bargain: help him find Lyra, and he’ll give Eira freedom. But as the hunt deepens, desire ignites, the line between hunter and prey blurs, and the truth surges closer. With the curse tightening its grip, time is running out. When loyalties detonate, the monster Eira feared most may be the only one who can save her…or destroy her.
HUNTED is Book 1 of a duology. CLAIMED delivers the HEA.
Praise for Zara
'Zara Cox is a sizzling new voice' Kitty French, USA Today best-selling author
‘This is what mafia romance is made of' Reader Review
Audible Audio
Published August 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a quick, addictive read, and I honestly wasn't prepared for how invested I would become in Lyra Hannigan and Valentin Moretti. The story wastes very little time getting things moving, but it never felt like the author was throwing random danger at me just for the sake of keeping the pace fast. There was a clear story underneath all the supernatural chaos, and I really enjoyed watching it unfold.
Lyra's transformation was probably my favorite part.
After her father sells her to the vampire Don Valentin Moretti. Lyra does the only thing she can think of—she runs. She creates a new identity as Eira Cross, uses magic to hide who she really is, and disappears for six years.
When we meet her again, she's no longer the frightened young woman who escaped. Eira has become a highly capable supernatural bounty hunter in New York, and I absolutely loved that contrast. The time jump gave her enough space to become someone completely different while still allowing us to see the pieces of Lyra underneath the tough exterior.
Then fate decides to make things complicated.
Valentin is still searching for his missing fated mate, Lyra, completely unaware that the bounty hunter he hires to find her is the very woman he's been looking for. I loved the irony of that setup. He's essentially paying Eira to track down Eira, and she has to stand directly in front of the vampire she's spent years avoiding without revealing herself.
The resulting cat-and-mouse dynamic was so much fun.
Valentin is very much the brooding, possessive, powerful vampire mafia prince you'd expect him to be. He's intimidating, controlling, and carries himself like someone who is accustomed to getting exactly what he wants. He wasn't necessarily the most surprising character for me, but his interactions with Eira absolutely made up for that.
Their banter was fantastic.
Eira's sharp tongue and sarcastic attitude constantly collide with Valentin's serious, intense personality, and those exchanges were some of my favorite scenes. She doesn't simply become intimidated by him, which makes their chemistry so much stronger. He's used to being feared, while she's perfectly willing to challenge him.
And underneath all that attitude, the attraction between them is impossible to ignore.
I really appreciated that the romance wasn't allowed to completely swallow the actual plot. There's plenty of heat and a very satisfying slow-burn tension, but the supernatural mystery, the missing fated mate situation, the ancient curse, and Eira's hidden identity remain important throughout. I never felt like the story was using spice to fill space.
I also loved watching Eira slowly reconsider Valentin. She begins with every reason to see him as a threat, but the more time they spend together, the more she starts noticing the protective side of him. Meanwhile, Valentin's obsession with finding Lyra becomes even more complicated as his attraction to Eira grows.
That secret hanging between them adds another layer of tension because the reader knows exactly how dangerous the truth could be.
And then there's that ending.
Seriously. I was absolutely not prepared for the cliffhanger, and now I'm sitting here needing Book Two immediately. The story may be a shorter read, but it managed to leave me with plenty of questions and a very strong desire to see what happens next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Hunted was the standout for me because watching her evolve from someone desperate to escape her circumstances into a confident, dangerous bounty hunter was incredibly satisfying. Valentin Moretti brings the dark vampire Don energy, while Eira gives him exactly the kind of challenge he needs.
Fast-paced without feeling chaotic, packed with supernatural intrigue, sharp dialogue, slow-burn attraction, danger, and just the right amount of spice, this was an easy book to devour.
I'm definitely continuing the series because after that cliffhanger, there is absolutely no chance I'm stopping here.
Lyra's transformation was probably my favorite part.
After her father sells her to the vampire Don Valentin Moretti. Lyra does the only thing she can think of—she runs. She creates a new identity as Eira Cross, uses magic to hide who she really is, and disappears for six years.
When we meet her again, she's no longer the frightened young woman who escaped. Eira has become a highly capable supernatural bounty hunter in New York, and I absolutely loved that contrast. The time jump gave her enough space to become someone completely different while still allowing us to see the pieces of Lyra underneath the tough exterior.
Then fate decides to make things complicated.
Valentin is still searching for his missing fated mate, Lyra, completely unaware that the bounty hunter he hires to find her is the very woman he's been looking for. I loved the irony of that setup. He's essentially paying Eira to track down Eira, and she has to stand directly in front of the vampire she's spent years avoiding without revealing herself.
The resulting cat-and-mouse dynamic was so much fun.
Valentin is very much the brooding, possessive, powerful vampire mafia prince you'd expect him to be. He's intimidating, controlling, and carries himself like someone who is accustomed to getting exactly what he wants. He wasn't necessarily the most surprising character for me, but his interactions with Eira absolutely made up for that.
Their banter was fantastic.
Eira's sharp tongue and sarcastic attitude constantly collide with Valentin's serious, intense personality, and those exchanges were some of my favorite scenes. She doesn't simply become intimidated by him, which makes their chemistry so much stronger. He's used to being feared, while she's perfectly willing to challenge him.
And underneath all that attitude, the attraction between them is impossible to ignore.
I really appreciated that the romance wasn't allowed to completely swallow the actual plot. There's plenty of heat and a very satisfying slow-burn tension, but the supernatural mystery, the missing fated mate situation, the ancient curse, and Eira's hidden identity remain important throughout. I never felt like the story was using spice to fill space.
I also loved watching Eira slowly reconsider Valentin. She begins with every reason to see him as a threat, but the more time they spend together, the more she starts noticing the protective side of him. Meanwhile, Valentin's obsession with finding Lyra becomes even more complicated as his attraction to Eira grows.
That secret hanging between them adds another layer of tension because the reader knows exactly how dangerous the truth could be.
And then there's that ending.
Seriously. I was absolutely not prepared for the cliffhanger, and now I'm sitting here needing Book Two immediately. The story may be a shorter read, but it managed to leave me with plenty of questions and a very strong desire to see what happens next.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. Hunted was the standout for me because watching her evolve from someone desperate to escape her circumstances into a confident, dangerous bounty hunter was incredibly satisfying. Valentin Moretti brings the dark vampire Don energy, while Eira gives him exactly the kind of challenge he needs.
Fast-paced without feeling chaotic, packed with supernatural intrigue, sharp dialogue, slow-burn attraction, danger, and just the right amount of spice, this was an easy book to devour.
I'm definitely continuing the series because after that cliffhanger, there is absolutely no chance I'm stopping here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hunted, the first book in the Bloodlines Empire series, throws readers straight into a seriously seductive game of cat and mouse between two powerful protagonists who are both accustomed to getting their own way. Don Valentin Moretti is one of the brothers of the five Blood Thrones with New York his own personal domain. The only person ever to defy him and slip through his fingers is Lyra Hannigan; the teenage girl whose father sold to settle a debt. But Lyra escaped, disappearing into the shadows, evading him for six long years. Now, with time running out and his patience wearing thin, he turns to Eira Cross, an underworld bounty hunter with a reputation for always tracking down her target, anyone, anywhere. He forces her to take the job, never suspecting that Lyra is far closer than he realises.
Hunted hits the ground running and never loosens its grip. As heroines go Eira is an absolute badass, a survivor forged in darkness, a world away from the frightened teenager she once was and her character development is one of this book’s greatest strengths. The only time her fear slips through is when she stands before Valentin, uncertain whether the magic shielding her will withstand his scrutiny. She can alter her appearance, but her blood is harder to hide, and one moment of weakness could expose everything. As her confidence grows, the balance between her and Valentin shifts into something far more intimate and volatile. She pushes him, taunts him and sometimes seems to forget exactly the monster she’s provoking - until he pulls on her leash and reminds her who holds the power. Their chemistry is sharp enough to draw blood, their exchanges charged with danger, and their banter seriously wicked. Alongside the hunt for Lyra runs a darker mystery involving the Crimson Mother, creator of the Blood Brothers, and the curse she placed upon them. I also have plenty of suspicions about Selphine, and I’m desperate to see where that thread leads. Then comes that cliffhanger… What has Eira done? That ending leaves plenty of questions hanging in the air without giving too much away. I know I can’t wait for the next book.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced paranormal/supernatural romantic suspense, sinister plot lines and plenty of quick-fire dialogue, Hunted is worth adding to your TBR.
Hunted hits the ground running and never loosens its grip. As heroines go Eira is an absolute badass, a survivor forged in darkness, a world away from the frightened teenager she once was and her character development is one of this book’s greatest strengths. The only time her fear slips through is when she stands before Valentin, uncertain whether the magic shielding her will withstand his scrutiny. She can alter her appearance, but her blood is harder to hide, and one moment of weakness could expose everything. As her confidence grows, the balance between her and Valentin shifts into something far more intimate and volatile. She pushes him, taunts him and sometimes seems to forget exactly the monster she’s provoking - until he pulls on her leash and reminds her who holds the power. Their chemistry is sharp enough to draw blood, their exchanges charged with danger, and their banter seriously wicked. Alongside the hunt for Lyra runs a darker mystery involving the Crimson Mother, creator of the Blood Brothers, and the curse she placed upon them. I also have plenty of suspicions about Selphine, and I’m desperate to see where that thread leads. Then comes that cliffhanger… What has Eira done? That ending leaves plenty of questions hanging in the air without giving too much away. I know I can’t wait for the next book.
If you’re a fan of fast-paced paranormal/supernatural romantic suspense, sinister plot lines and plenty of quick-fire dialogue, Hunted is worth adding to your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5 ⭐️
DO NOT DNF THIS BOOK WHEN THE LEPRECHAUNS ARE MENTIONED. 😂 I almost did. I genuinely thought, “oh no… where are we going with this?” — but trust me, KEEP READING. You will regret it if you don't!
The story follows Eira, a hunter who is "hired" by Don Valentin Moretti to find his fated mate, Lyra. What Don doesn't know, however, is that Eira has spent the past six years using magic and training to hide the fact that she is Lyra.
What started off as a very unusual story, where I was worried we were heading straight into a fairy/mythical creature kind of world, very quickly turned into a book I found myself itching to keep reading. Once the story really got going, I was completely invested in finding out where it was going to take me.
The humour and banter between Eira and Don Valentin were definitely a highlight for me. Their interactions had me laughing, and I loved the dynamic between them. The storyline was also well structured and kept me interested throughout. There were a few repetitive words, thoughts and feelings that stood out to me at times, but thankfully they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
And honestly, if I'm already pre-ordering book two for October before I've even finished processing this one, that's saying something! 😂
If you like dark romance, mafia-inspired stories, supernatural elements, fated mates and a good old "touch her and die" trope, then this one ticks a LOT of boxes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
DO NOT DNF THIS BOOK WHEN THE LEPRECHAUNS ARE MENTIONED. 😂 I almost did. I genuinely thought, “oh no… where are we going with this?” — but trust me, KEEP READING. You will regret it if you don't!
The story follows Eira, a hunter who is "hired" by Don Valentin Moretti to find his fated mate, Lyra. What Don doesn't know, however, is that Eira has spent the past six years using magic and training to hide the fact that she is Lyra.
What started off as a very unusual story, where I was worried we were heading straight into a fairy/mythical creature kind of world, very quickly turned into a book I found myself itching to keep reading. Once the story really got going, I was completely invested in finding out where it was going to take me.
The humour and banter between Eira and Don Valentin were definitely a highlight for me. Their interactions had me laughing, and I loved the dynamic between them. The storyline was also well structured and kept me interested throughout. There were a few repetitive words, thoughts and feelings that stood out to me at times, but thankfully they didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story.
And honestly, if I'm already pre-ordering book two for October before I've even finished processing this one, that's saying something! 😂
If you like dark romance, mafia-inspired stories, supernatural elements, fated mates and a good old "touch her and die" trope, then this one ticks a LOT of boxes.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Zara Cox and Boldwood Books for gifting me this copy. All opinions are my own.
After escaping the vampire her father promised her to, Lyra Hannigan reinvents herself as Eira Cross, a feared supernatural bounty hunter. Six years later, she is pulled back into the orbit of Don Valentin Moretti—the powerful vampire hunting for his missing fated mate. As secrets unravel and an ancient curse closes in, Eira must decide whether Moretti is her greatest threat…or her only chance at survival.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, engaging read. It is fairly short, but the pacing keeps the story moving without making the plot feel rushed or overwhelmed by constant high-stakes action.
I loved the six-year time jump and seeing Lyra’s evolution from a scared, meek young woman into Eira, a capable and badass bounty hunter. It made me immediately invested in her character and her story.
Valentin is the expected broody, controlling mafia-vampire prince, so there were few surprises with his character. However, the banter between him and Lyra/Eira was fantastic. Her sharp, snarky personality was a great contrast to his grumpy, intense demeanor.
The cliffhanger ending absolutely worked on me, and I will definitely be reading Book Two.
After escaping the vampire her father promised her to, Lyra Hannigan reinvents herself as Eira Cross, a feared supernatural bounty hunter. Six years later, she is pulled back into the orbit of Don Valentin Moretti—the powerful vampire hunting for his missing fated mate. As secrets unravel and an ancient curse closes in, Eira must decide whether Moretti is her greatest threat…or her only chance at survival.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced, engaging read. It is fairly short, but the pacing keeps the story moving without making the plot feel rushed or overwhelmed by constant high-stakes action.
I loved the six-year time jump and seeing Lyra’s evolution from a scared, meek young woman into Eira, a capable and badass bounty hunter. It made me immediately invested in her character and her story.
Valentin is the expected broody, controlling mafia-vampire prince, so there were few surprises with his character. However, the banter between him and Lyra/Eira was fantastic. Her sharp, snarky personality was a great contrast to his grumpy, intense demeanor.
The cliffhanger ending absolutely worked on me, and I will definitely be reading Book Two.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am officially in my vampire era, and this book completely delivered! Vampire mafia romance? Obsessive , possessive vampire don ? Smutty smut ? Twists and plots ? Fated mates ? Yes, please. 🧛♂️🩸
When Lyra’s gambling father sells her to a ruthless vampire Don, she flees, changes her name to Eira, and uses magic to mask her identity. Fast forward 6 years, she’s now one of New York’s top bounty hunters. The twist? The exact Don she’s been hiding from hires Eira to track down... herself.
What follows is an addictive game of cat and mouse. He’s obsessed with finding his missing fated mate Lyra for more reasons that he cares to admit, but can’t fight his intense, confusing attraction to Eira. Meanwhile, Eira starts seeing past his ruthless exterior, watching her walls crumble as she realizes just how far he’ll go to keep her safe.
The plot its self is amazing and not overpowered by smut. I loved the style of writing.
The heat, slow burn tension, and sharp banter are off the charts and so worth every single page 🔥 . I was completely invested in the characters and now I need the next book in this series immediately!! THAT ENDINGGGGGG!!!!! 😱😱😱😱😱
When Lyra’s gambling father sells her to a ruthless vampire Don, she flees, changes her name to Eira, and uses magic to mask her identity. Fast forward 6 years, she’s now one of New York’s top bounty hunters. The twist? The exact Don she’s been hiding from hires Eira to track down... herself.
What follows is an addictive game of cat and mouse. He’s obsessed with finding his missing fated mate Lyra for more reasons that he cares to admit, but can’t fight his intense, confusing attraction to Eira. Meanwhile, Eira starts seeing past his ruthless exterior, watching her walls crumble as she realizes just how far he’ll go to keep her safe.
The plot its self is amazing and not overpowered by smut. I loved the style of writing.
The heat, slow burn tension, and sharp banter are off the charts and so worth every single page 🔥 . I was completely invested in the characters and now I need the next book in this series immediately!! THAT ENDINGGGGGG!!!!! 😱😱😱😱😱
August 9, 2026
A cliffhanger!? Book 1 isn’t even out yet and I already need book 2!
This was such a captivating read! I was fortunate enough to snag an arc from NetGalley.
I’m not usually a slow burn gal but 🥵🥵🥵 oh my was this one worth the wait! This might be the only time the payout of the slow burn felt worth it.
If you like a spicy vampire story, fated mates, a baddie bounty hunter FMC & an ancient curse linking vamp daddy & his little hunter then this is the book for you!
There are plenty of fated mate/ancient curse vibes stories out there. Many do a solid job of selling the otherworldly feeling of a bond, sometimes even describing it as more powerful than free will. Zara Cox took that energy and blended it really well with the importance of consent. The MMC describes the fated mate bond as an undeniable urge for himself while also expressing the importance of mutual consent.
As far as action; there isn’t much in this book. There is a lot of build up to a conflict and alluding to the action that will inevitably take place but it’s just foundational at this point.
This was such a captivating read! I was fortunate enough to snag an arc from NetGalley.
I’m not usually a slow burn gal but 🥵🥵🥵 oh my was this one worth the wait! This might be the only time the payout of the slow burn felt worth it.
If you like a spicy vampire story, fated mates, a baddie bounty hunter FMC & an ancient curse linking vamp daddy & his little hunter then this is the book for you!
There are plenty of fated mate/ancient curse vibes stories out there. Many do a solid job of selling the otherworldly feeling of a bond, sometimes even describing it as more powerful than free will. Zara Cox took that energy and blended it really well with the importance of consent. The MMC describes the fated mate bond as an undeniable urge for himself while also expressing the importance of mutual consent.
As far as action; there isn’t much in this book. There is a lot of build up to a conflict and alluding to the action that will inevitably take place but it’s just foundational at this point.
August 21, 2026
At 18, Lyra Hannigan’s dad offered her as a bride to one of the most powerful vampires in New York. He gives her a time when he’s coming to claim her, so she decides to run away and change her identity and create a life for herself .
She becomes Eira Cross . A bounty hunter for the underworld .
Sadly for Eira , her next client is none other than Don Valentin Morelli. The very man she ran from. What’s worse is, he hires her to find Lyra Hannigan, her past self from when she was 18.
🩸🩸🩸
Ok this book was amazing. I was hooked from the first chapter . Lyra/Eira is such a badass FMC . Strong, stubborn and hilarious. I just loved her . Valentin is everything you want in a powerful vampire . He just oozes sex appeal. His mouth. Holy moly !!!
The plot was amazing. I’ve not read anything like this before it was so clever and I was just waiting for Valentin to click !!
Absolutely loved it but it ends on a cliffhanger and I honestly don’t know what to do with myself now 😞
VAMPIRE X HUNTER
FATED MATES
HIDDEN IDENTITY
FORCED PROXIMITY
POSSESSIVE MMC
She becomes Eira Cross . A bounty hunter for the underworld .
Sadly for Eira , her next client is none other than Don Valentin Morelli. The very man she ran from. What’s worse is, he hires her to find Lyra Hannigan, her past self from when she was 18.
🩸🩸🩸
Ok this book was amazing. I was hooked from the first chapter . Lyra/Eira is such a badass FMC . Strong, stubborn and hilarious. I just loved her . Valentin is everything you want in a powerful vampire . He just oozes sex appeal. His mouth. Holy moly !!!
The plot was amazing. I’ve not read anything like this before it was so clever and I was just waiting for Valentin to click !!
Absolutely loved it but it ends on a cliffhanger and I honestly don’t know what to do with myself now 😞
VAMPIRE X HUNTER
FATED MATES
HIDDEN IDENTITY
FORCED PROXIMITY
POSSESSIVE MMC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
Hunted's world blends vampires, witches, and magic into something that feels grounded and easy to sink into, never overwhelmingly dark despite the premise. Eira and Valentin were the real highlight, their slow burn, constant tension, and yearning had me completely hooked. Eira's sarcastic, unbothered attitude was such a delight, and getting Valentin's POV added a great layer, watching him fight his growing feelings while denying the mate bond was so satisfying. I loved how Zara Cox balances the fated mates trope with real emphasis on consent, which felt refreshing. I did wish the hunt for Lyra had more twists and false leads along the way, and there's not a ton of action, mostly build up, but the chemistry and tension more than make up for it. That cliffhanger has me desperate for book two!
Hunted's world blends vampires, witches, and magic into something that feels grounded and easy to sink into, never overwhelmingly dark despite the premise. Eira and Valentin were the real highlight, their slow burn, constant tension, and yearning had me completely hooked. Eira's sarcastic, unbothered attitude was such a delight, and getting Valentin's POV added a great layer, watching him fight his growing feelings while denying the mate bond was so satisfying. I loved how Zara Cox balances the fated mates trope with real emphasis on consent, which felt refreshing. I did wish the hunt for Lyra had more twists and false leads along the way, and there's not a ton of action, mostly build up, but the chemistry and tension more than make up for it. That cliffhanger has me desperate for book two!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Boldwood books and Netgalley for the e-arc!
Vampires, mafia, and dark romance? This book hit the perfect trifecta. It’s so refreshing to find a unique twist on both the vampire and mafia world. I devoured this book in two days and I have no regrets. I came in with no expectations and came out craving for the sequel. What I enjoyed about this story is world that Zara has created. I know that after the story of Valentin and Eira concludes, I am still intrigued to want to read what Zara has in store next for this world.
As for both main characters, their relationship wasn’t insta love or lust. It was a gradual thing that kept growing each chapter. It wasn’t rushed, it was paced well, and it made sense.
Vampires, mafia, and dark romance? This book hit the perfect trifecta. It’s so refreshing to find a unique twist on both the vampire and mafia world. I devoured this book in two days and I have no regrets. I came in with no expectations and came out craving for the sequel. What I enjoyed about this story is world that Zara has created. I know that after the story of Valentin and Eira concludes, I am still intrigued to want to read what Zara has in store next for this world.
As for both main characters, their relationship wasn’t insta love or lust. It was a gradual thing that kept growing each chapter. It wasn’t rushed, it was paced well, and it made sense.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this. Right from the start, the book gripped me and I couldn’t put it down.
I really cannot wait for book 2, Claimed because it ended on such a cliffhanger.
I have my suspicions about a character who our FMC currently thinks is in her corner.
It will be interesting to see how the story progresses.
Our FMC Lyra/Eira (iykyk) has sacrificed so much to keep her agency. However it seems our MMC Valentin is too hard to resist.
He has no clue she’s who he’s been searching for.
Time is ticking , danger is closing in, Can they overcome?
If you are into a Vampire Mafia MMC who is used to getting his way & a Badass Bounty Hunter FMC who refuses to cower, you will enjoy this book!
Overall rating 4.75 ⭐
Spicemeter 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I really cannot wait for book 2, Claimed because it ended on such a cliffhanger.
I have my suspicions about a character who our FMC currently thinks is in her corner.
It will be interesting to see how the story progresses.
Our FMC Lyra/Eira (iykyk) has sacrificed so much to keep her agency. However it seems our MMC Valentin is too hard to resist.
He has no clue she’s who he’s been searching for.
Time is ticking , danger is closing in, Can they overcome?
If you are into a Vampire Mafia MMC who is used to getting his way & a Badass Bounty Hunter FMC who refuses to cower, you will enjoy this book!
Overall rating 4.75 ⭐
Spicemeter 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
August 24, 2026
Lyra was promised to Valentin, a very powerful vampire 6 years ago, but then went missing. Enter Eira, a bounty hunter, who Valentin swears smells wrong, that he hired to track down Lyra. But it’s much more complicated of a situation than either Eira or Valentin knows.
Eira is sarcastic and has an attitude and Valentin can’t stand it. The banter between them is so good! The story is suspenseful, and it hooked me right away and kept me engaged the whole time. The yearning and heat between them is such a great (and painful) slow burn, that totally pays off, you just have to be patient. I loved this book so much and already can’t wait for book 2 in this duology!!
Thank you Net Galley and Boldwood Books for a complimentary copy of this book! All opinions listed are my own.
Eira is sarcastic and has an attitude and Valentin can’t stand it. The banter between them is so good! The story is suspenseful, and it hooked me right away and kept me engaged the whole time. The yearning and heat between them is such a great (and painful) slow burn, that totally pays off, you just have to be patient. I loved this book so much and already can’t wait for book 2 in this duology!!
Thank you Net Galley and Boldwood Books for a complimentary copy of this book! All opinions listed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holy hell!! That was so so so so good!!!
Thank you Netgally and Cox for the ARC!
I loved this so much! Literally devoured it within a morning!!! Once I started the fast pace and the quick witted writing I could not put it down! The spice was mental! The storyline actually good and complex! The characters had good storyline’s and their chemistry was really compelling!! I highly recommend this to all paranormal romantasy lovers!
That ending! I need the next book like right now!!! These are two of the hottest and wittiest FMC and MMC I’ve read this year!!
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Enemies to lovers 5/5
Thank you Netgally and Cox for the ARC!
I loved this so much! Literally devoured it within a morning!!! Once I started the fast pace and the quick witted writing I could not put it down! The spice was mental! The storyline actually good and complex! The characters had good storyline’s and their chemistry was really compelling!! I highly recommend this to all paranormal romantasy lovers!
That ending! I need the next book like right now!!! These are two of the hottest and wittiest FMC and MMC I’ve read this year!!
Spice 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Enemies to lovers 5/5
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
A dark, addictive paranormal romance packed with secrets, danger, and delicious tension. Lyra/Eira is a fierce, complex heroine, and her cat-and-mouse dynamic with Moretti kept me turning the pages. The mystery surrounding the curse and their fated connection added plenty of intrigue, while the twists kept me guessing. A gripping read with great chemistry and a wonderfully dark atmosphere—just a few pacing moments kept it from being a full five stars!
Have I pre order the next book in the series? Yes I have. I need to know how the story continues.
A dark, addictive paranormal romance packed with secrets, danger, and delicious tension. Lyra/Eira is a fierce, complex heroine, and her cat-and-mouse dynamic with Moretti kept me turning the pages. The mystery surrounding the curse and their fated connection added plenty of intrigue, while the twists kept me guessing. A gripping read with great chemistry and a wonderfully dark atmosphere—just a few pacing moments kept it from being a full five stars!
Have I pre order the next book in the series? Yes I have. I need to know how the story continues.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy for my review.
Hunted was a really fun paranormal romance that kept me hooked from the start. The mix of vampires, fated mates, danger, and mystery made it hard to put down, and I was always curious to see what would happen next.
If you enjoy vampire romance with high stakes, hidden secrets, and plenty of tension, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try. I'm looking forward to reading more from Zara Cox.
Hunted was a really fun paranormal romance that kept me hooked from the start. The mix of vampires, fated mates, danger, and mystery made it hard to put down, and I was always curious to see what would happen next.
If you enjoy vampire romance with high stakes, hidden secrets, and plenty of tension, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try. I'm looking forward to reading more from Zara Cox.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a dark, spicy, and addictive paranormal romance! I loved the vampire elements, suspense, secrets, and intense chemistry between Eira and Valentin. The hunter and hunted dynamic kept things interesting, and I really enjoyed the mysterious atmosphere and twists along the way. A few parts left me wanting more world-building, but overall I was hooked and definitely need to know what happens next!
Review of advance copy
This audiobook was phenomenal. You could truly feel what the characters were feeling, making the entire experience incredibly immersive.
The title is spot on. She’s hunting for him but with a twist.
The angst was sublime, the spice was mouthwatering. The ending had me checking my audiobook to make sure I hadn’t accidentally skipped something.
I’m officially invested in this universe and I hope we get lost in it for a looooong time.
The title is spot on. She’s hunting for him but with a twist.
The angst was sublime, the spice was mouthwatering. The ending had me checking my audiobook to make sure I hadn’t accidentally skipped something.
I’m officially invested in this universe and I hope we get lost in it for a looooong time.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No pensé que me iba a enganchar tanto pero me lo he leído en dos días.
Una historia muy adictiva con vibes tipo mafia y además el es vampiro… what!?!?
No sé por qué pensaba que era un standalone y se ve que no, cosa que me parece criminal porque me ha dejado con unas ganas locas del siguiente.
Thank you Boldwood books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Una historia muy adictiva con vibes tipo mafia y además el es vampiro… what!?!?
No sé por qué pensaba que era un standalone y se ve que no, cosa que me parece criminal porque me ha dejado con unas ganas locas del siguiente.
Thank you Boldwood books and Netgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I loved this one so much that I literally finished it in one setting!!! It was a pretty short and fast read about a hunter forced to hunt herself... The MCs were so easy to like and I loved seeing their romance play out.
I NEED the next book now because the ending was definitely a cliffhanger.
Thank you to Zara Cox, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!
I NEED the next book now because the ending was definitely a cliffhanger.
Thank you to Zara Cox, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fans of The Vampire Diaries will surely enjoy this story. I did too!
Although I felt a little detached from the characters, the cliffhanger was worth it, and now all I want to know is how the truth will unravel.
As for the setting, I saw potential in this story, and if executed correctly, it'll be a great Vampire-Mafia series for sure!
Although I felt a little detached from the characters, the cliffhanger was worth it, and now all I want to know is how the truth will unravel.
As for the setting, I saw potential in this story, and if executed correctly, it'll be a great Vampire-Mafia series for sure!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wasn’t sure what to think of this one when I first started it. Felt a little disjointed in the beginning - maybe because the Author is world building for a series. It did seem to find its path as it went on and I’m genuinely looking forward to the next one in the series. Good for people who like enemies to lovers, cat and mouse, vampire and mafia type books with lots of spice.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The beginning really hooked me in! I love vampire romance books so much. We have Eira/Lyra hiding her identity with the help of someone. Although, she and Valentin still crossed paths because he needs her help finding Lyra. I also love the lore behind Moretti’s creation and his brothers. The ending was so good! Can’t wait for the sequel.
Review of advance copy
✨ALC Review✨
She's a supernatural bounty hunter, escaping and hiding from her past.
He's the powerful vampire that's using her to find his fated mate.
I wonder who that could be... 👀🙈
Hot and steamy, a prey and predator chase with a major cliffhanger ending!
She's a supernatural bounty hunter, escaping and hiding from her past.
He's the powerful vampire that's using her to find his fated mate.
I wonder who that could be... 👀🙈
Hot and steamy, a prey and predator chase with a major cliffhanger ending!
August 27, 2026
Holy crap this was so good. I love the hunt that she is sent on. To find herself while also trying to not say it’s herself. This was so good the slow burn between them is hot and when it finally burns it’s very spicy. I can’t wait to see more after that ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an erotic tale of cunning, deceit and fate. The banter is sharp and entertaining. The ending shocked me and I need the next book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
One star because apparently even vampires can't save a bad book. A butchered execution, insufferable characters, a messy plot, and the whole thing felt like supernatural fanfiction.
just.. no.
just.. no.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I will have to come back to this to give a better review, but the ending is wow!
Now I have to wait for the 2nd. So much going on and I feel like we need so much more info!!
Now I have to wait for the 2nd. So much going on and I feel like we need so much more info!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is so much to love about this book – spicy vampires, a bounty hunter and a curse to bind them together!
One thing I thought would be a turn off was when I saw the fated mates aspect. This is something that I struggle with, not matter how pretty the book is. There’s something I always found a bit too forced with this concept – but I loved how much this book leant into the independent female aspect of the fated mates. And how it wasn’t so much of a given as opposed to something that they would grow into.
The characters were as you’d expect with a vampire mafia boss and a sassy bounty hunter. But there was some great depth and little quirks to flush them out more.
The plot was good and the ending was argh I need book 2 now vibes.
I loved how it felt a little bit like beauty and the beast but with vampires and spice!
A complete 5/5 for me!
Loved it.
One thing I thought would be a turn off was when I saw the fated mates aspect. This is something that I struggle with, not matter how pretty the book is. There’s something I always found a bit too forced with this concept – but I loved how much this book leant into the independent female aspect of the fated mates. And how it wasn’t so much of a given as opposed to something that they would grow into.
The characters were as you’d expect with a vampire mafia boss and a sassy bounty hunter. But there was some great depth and little quirks to flush them out more.
The plot was good and the ending was argh I need book 2 now vibes.
I loved how it felt a little bit like beauty and the beast but with vampires and spice!
A complete 5/5 for me!
Loved it.
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