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Natural Predator
Karina Jäger has spent twenty years running from her father’s legacy. As the daughter of a notorious serial killer, she’s built a quiet life far from the headlines. Even Aubrey Peterson, the tenacious true-crime author writing her father’s biography, can’t ruin what Karina has made for herself.
But when fresh bodies appear in Karina’s sleepy Wisconsin hometown, suspicion turns toward her. With a copycat killer at large, Karina must confront a darker she may not be so different from her father after all. And Aubrey might just be too tempting to resist.
But when fresh bodies appear in Karina’s sleepy Wisconsin hometown, suspicion turns toward her. With a copycat killer at large, Karina must confront a darker she may not be so different from her father after all. And Aubrey might just be too tempting to resist.
- GenresRomanceLGBTContemporary
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2026
About the author
Rae D. Magdon
29 books287 followersRae D. Magdon is an author of queer lesbian fiction. Her stories celebrate lesbian, bisexual, queer, and trans women falling in love, and she cares deeply about including characters of color in her work. In addition to publishing novels about all kinds of women and their adventures, she has an extensive fanfiction collection available for free online.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first time receiving an ARC from an Author and I'm honored to have it be from Rae. She's been a favorite author for years now and an icon of my bookshelf.
Natural Predator deals with some heavy topics, but does so well. Please be aware of content warnings before engaging.
True Crime is a topic often fixated upon by the modern audience, but it's never been one that called to me. Yet this book does a fantastic job of portraying and hooking me in with its take on the concept, while showing how difficult it can be for the victims as well as the writers and investigators.
What fascinated me most about Natural Predator is it's discussion on Impulse, intrusive thoughts and Compulsions. It's a topic that's always interested me and this portrays a healthier way to interpret such feelings. That our thoughts don't make us monsters, but rather our actions and choices that shape us.
The characters felt genuine grounded. From the traumatized but earnest Karina to the stubborn and curious Audrey their relationship felt natural from start to finish. Even through their struggles with intimacy and trust they still found each other.
Natural Predator deals with some heavy topics, but does so well. Please be aware of content warnings before engaging.
True Crime is a topic often fixated upon by the modern audience, but it's never been one that called to me. Yet this book does a fantastic job of portraying and hooking me in with its take on the concept, while showing how difficult it can be for the victims as well as the writers and investigators.
What fascinated me most about Natural Predator is it's discussion on Impulse, intrusive thoughts and Compulsions. It's a topic that's always interested me and this portrays a healthier way to interpret such feelings. That our thoughts don't make us monsters, but rather our actions and choices that shape us.
The characters felt genuine grounded. From the traumatized but earnest Karina to the stubborn and curious Audrey their relationship felt natural from start to finish. Even through their struggles with intimacy and trust they still found each other.
August 8, 2026
5 stars. I think this is now my new favorite from book from this author. The plot was great and intense. Karina is the daughter of a serial killer who has been long dead. She’s a teacher in a small town that doesn’t trust her as they feel like she’s exactly like her father. Karina does struggle with dark urges but not in the way that the town folks think. Aubrey is in town to do research for her new true crime book about Karina’s father and while the two get off on the wrong foot at first, the chemistry couldn’t be denied. Aubrey is so awkward and charming and persistent. Karina is very closed off as she just wants to live her life but it was so easy to see why she fell for Aubrey so hard. Their romance was so good and while we only get one spice scene it was damn hot with a bit of kink to it.
I loved both characters so much and I especially loved the depth and deep look into Karina’s psyche. She tried to keep everything together but of course she had some trauma of being raised by a serial killer and I think the way Magdon handled all of that was really great. I loved seeing her struggle and fear of hurting Aubrey and becoming like her father. All the while Aubrey just wanted to love her through all of that darkness.
The mystery of the new killer in town had me hooked and the reveal had my jaw on the damn floor. Can honestly say that I didn’t see that coming at all. This book had me absolutely glued to my kindle. It was a wild ride and I would highly recommend it if you’re in the mood for a good romantic suspense.
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
I loved both characters so much and I especially loved the depth and deep look into Karina’s psyche. She tried to keep everything together but of course she had some trauma of being raised by a serial killer and I think the way Magdon handled all of that was really great. I loved seeing her struggle and fear of hurting Aubrey and becoming like her father. All the while Aubrey just wanted to love her through all of that darkness.
The mystery of the new killer in town had me hooked and the reveal had my jaw on the damn floor. Can honestly say that I didn’t see that coming at all. This book had me absolutely glued to my kindle. It was a wild ride and I would highly recommend it if you’re in the mood for a good romantic suspense.
Spice: ❤️🔥❤️🔥/❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Content Warning:
July 10, 2026
The Darkness We Inherit vs. the Choices We Make
Natural Predator is a dark, atmospheric thriller that never loses sight of the people trapped in the shadows of violence instead of the violence itself. It understands that the worst monsters aren't always the ones lurking in the dark. They're the expectations we place on ourselves and each other, and the fear that we might become exactly what the world already believes us to be.
I really appreciate how Magdon explores our often complicated fascination with true crime and the darker corners of human nature. The story confronts the uncomfortable spaces where desire, impulse, and control intersect, offering a sinister examination of what draws us toward darkness and what keeps us from becoming consumed by it. This depth elevates both the mystery and the romance, giving the story an unexpected emotional weight while threading the thin line between curiosity and obsession.
Rather than glorifying violence, the story focuses on the people forced to live in its wake. We meet Karina Jäger, who has spent her entire life trying to outrun a reputation she never chose and is terrified of the legacy that makes others question her before they ever know her. Watching her fight to define herself beyond her family's history while constantly questioning the darkness within herself made for such a compelling emotional journey. Aubrey Peterson is the perfect counterpart. Curious, determined, and hiding desires she fully understand, she sees Karina with a compassion that never asks her to be anything other than honest.
Their relationship becomes so much more than just a romance; it's an exploration of vulnerability, trust, and what it means to let someone witness the parts of yourself you've worked hardest to hide. They never try to fix one another; instead they create the space to confront the parts of themselves they fear most without judgment. Their romance explores what it means to be truly known, to let someone into the darkest corners of yourself and trust they won't turn away. The intimacy never feels separate from the story; instead, it becomes another way for them to confront their fears, build trust, and redefine themselves on their own terms.
The fear and suspense is equally effective. The copycat killer's interludes weave an eerie sense of being watched throughout the novel, while Aubrey's investigative article clips provide fascinating insights into both the infamous murders and the complicated legacy left behind. Both elements add depth to the mystery without disrupting the pacing, making the story feel layered and immersive.
Dark, unsettling, and deeply intimate, Natural Predator is equal parts psychological thriller, exploration on human nature, and a darkly satisfying sapphic romance. It examines the shadows we carry, choices that define us, and how to fight against the versions of ourselves the world expects us to become. Suspenseful and devastating without losing sight of hope, it's a powerful reminder that our past and our desires may shape us, but they never have the final say in who we are.
Huge thank you to the author and Desert Palm Press for the opportunity to read this ARC - I truly could NOT put it down!
Favorite Quotes:
“Throats had always been her weakness. They held breath, blood, life. Beautiful vulnerability.”
“Trusting me is a mistake, kätzchen. It will only bring us both pain.”
“I get it. I know exactly how it feels to be drawn to the wrong things. Wondering if that makes you wrong too.”
“Kindness and understanding? Instead of running away, [she] had stared into the shadows of her soul without flinching.”
“Maybe two broken people really could fit together. Maybe they could fill each other’s missing pieces.”
“But I will not be trapped in his den with him. He will be trapped in there with me. He’d made a fatal mistake, preying on another wolf’s mate. The hunt was on.”
“We make our own choices. Only we can decide who we are and who we want to be. Our past informs us, but it only defines us if we let it.”
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” (Pride and Prejudice)
Natural Predator is a dark, atmospheric thriller that never loses sight of the people trapped in the shadows of violence instead of the violence itself. It understands that the worst monsters aren't always the ones lurking in the dark. They're the expectations we place on ourselves and each other, and the fear that we might become exactly what the world already believes us to be.
I really appreciate how Magdon explores our often complicated fascination with true crime and the darker corners of human nature. The story confronts the uncomfortable spaces where desire, impulse, and control intersect, offering a sinister examination of what draws us toward darkness and what keeps us from becoming consumed by it. This depth elevates both the mystery and the romance, giving the story an unexpected emotional weight while threading the thin line between curiosity and obsession.
Rather than glorifying violence, the story focuses on the people forced to live in its wake. We meet Karina Jäger, who has spent her entire life trying to outrun a reputation she never chose and is terrified of the legacy that makes others question her before they ever know her. Watching her fight to define herself beyond her family's history while constantly questioning the darkness within herself made for such a compelling emotional journey. Aubrey Peterson is the perfect counterpart. Curious, determined, and hiding desires she fully understand, she sees Karina with a compassion that never asks her to be anything other than honest.
Their relationship becomes so much more than just a romance; it's an exploration of vulnerability, trust, and what it means to let someone witness the parts of yourself you've worked hardest to hide. They never try to fix one another; instead they create the space to confront the parts of themselves they fear most without judgment. Their romance explores what it means to be truly known, to let someone into the darkest corners of yourself and trust they won't turn away. The intimacy never feels separate from the story; instead, it becomes another way for them to confront their fears, build trust, and redefine themselves on their own terms.
The fear and suspense is equally effective. The copycat killer's interludes weave an eerie sense of being watched throughout the novel, while Aubrey's investigative article clips provide fascinating insights into both the infamous murders and the complicated legacy left behind. Both elements add depth to the mystery without disrupting the pacing, making the story feel layered and immersive.
Dark, unsettling, and deeply intimate, Natural Predator is equal parts psychological thriller, exploration on human nature, and a darkly satisfying sapphic romance. It examines the shadows we carry, choices that define us, and how to fight against the versions of ourselves the world expects us to become. Suspenseful and devastating without losing sight of hope, it's a powerful reminder that our past and our desires may shape us, but they never have the final say in who we are.
Huge thank you to the author and Desert Palm Press for the opportunity to read this ARC - I truly could NOT put it down!
Favorite Quotes:
“Throats had always been her weakness. They held breath, blood, life. Beautiful vulnerability.”
“Trusting me is a mistake, kätzchen. It will only bring us both pain.”
“I get it. I know exactly how it feels to be drawn to the wrong things. Wondering if that makes you wrong too.”
“Kindness and understanding? Instead of running away, [she] had stared into the shadows of her soul without flinching.”
“Maybe two broken people really could fit together. Maybe they could fill each other’s missing pieces.”
“But I will not be trapped in his den with him. He will be trapped in there with me. He’d made a fatal mistake, preying on another wolf’s mate. The hunt was on.”
“We make our own choices. Only we can decide who we are and who we want to be. Our past informs us, but it only defines us if we let it.”
“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” (Pride and Prejudice)
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐
The story follows Karina Jäger, the daughter of the town's infamous serial killer, and Aubrey, a bestselling true crime author who arrives hoping to interview her. Karina refuses, but when a new series of murders throws the town into chaos and places her under suspicion all over again, the two women unexpectedly find themselves relying on each other while trying to uncover the truth.
Honestly, I rarely pick up thrillers. They've never really been my genre, even though I've always been fascinated by true crime. So the premise immediately caught my attention, and this book reminded me exactly why I enjoy these kinds of stories so much.
I'll admit the beginning is fairly slow, but once the story finds its footing, I genuinely couldn't stop reading. The mystery surrounding the murders kept me turning page after page. I loved how every chapter continued to raise the stakes. With each new clue, the need for answers only grew stronger, and the murders slowly became something much more personal rather than simply incidents happening in the background. I had my own theories about who the killer might be, but not a single one came close to the actual reveal. So when everything finally came together, I was pleasantly surprised. Looking back, I also really appreciated the psychological game Rae builds throughout the novel that ultimately leads to that conclusion.
What I loved most, though, was how Rae goes one step further and really dissects the psychological side of this story. She doesn't just ask who the killer is. She explores the darkest corners of the human mind, what drives someone to kill, why they enjoy it, the obsession, the manipulation, and the sense of power they crave. I think that's exactly why this book resonated with me despite thrillers not usually being my favorite genre. It doesn't just create a dire atmosphere. It commits to building the full picture while also creating a genuine emotional connection with the reader.
The character work was another highlight for me. I deeply empathized with Karina from the very beginning. After all, it's not every day you discover your father is a serial killer, and choosing to stay in the very town that has spent years labeling you a monster because of his crimes takes incredible strength. My heart ached for her because, despite wanting nothing more than to live a normal life, she was constantly forced to carry the weight of her father's legacy. What hurt even more was seeing how much she blamed herself because of the intrusive thoughts and dark fantasies she couldn't control.
She reminded me of a frightened cat, always on edge and constantly looking over her shoulder, terrified of becoming the very thing everyone expected her to be. More than anything, she felt deeply human. A woman shaped by trauma, weighed down by her childhood, and desperately wanting someone to love her for who she truly was, even if she couldn't extend that same kindness to herself. By the end, rooting for her felt effortless.
And then there's Aubrey, who completely won me over as well. She was endlessly curious, impossibly sweet, and carried her own quiet darkness beneath the surface. One of my favorite things about her was that she never judged Karina for her father's crimes. Instead, she constantly reminded Karina that she was her own person. She became the safe place Karina had been searching for all along, gently encouraging her to open up and letting her feel seen for the first time in years. Honestly, she felt like the balm to Karina's bruised and misunderstood soul, and I couldn't help but love her for that.
I also really appreciated how the romance was handled. It never overshadowed the mystery, but at the same time, it never felt pushed to the background either. I thought there was a really nice balance between the two, and I loved that both the romance and the thriller elements were given the space they needed to fully develop.
Karina and Aubrey's relationship unfolds at its own pace, and because of that, every step forward feels natural. I loved watching the chemistry between them build little by little, but what really sold me on their relationship was the emotional intimacy that grew alongside it. Even with all the tension surrounding them, they chose to take things slowly, allowing trust to develop before anything else. That made their physical relationship feel completely earned and perfectly in line with both of their character arcs. It never came across as something that was there just for the sake of it. Instead, it felt like a natural extension of the emotional bond they had spent so much time building.
If I had one small complaint, it would be the ending. While I was genuinely happy with how everything wrapped up, it did feel a little abrupt. More than anything, I found myself wishing for an epilogue. After everything Karina and Aubrey had been through, I would've loved spending a little more time with them as an established couple, simply getting to see what life looked like once all the chaos had settled. I also would've loved more scenes between Karina and her nephew. The few moments they shared brought such a comforting warmth to an otherwise tense and emotionally heavy story that I couldn't help but want more of their relationship. I really think an epilogue would've given the story a smoother emotional landing.
Even so, those are very minor criticisms in the grand scheme of things. This novel completely exceeded my expectations and reminded me why I've always been drawn to true crime, even if thrillers aren't usually my first choice. It delivered a gripping mystery that constantly kept me guessing, fascinating psychological exploration that added so much depth to the story, and two characters whose emotional journeys I became deeply invested in.
More than anything, I loved that this book never reduced Karina to being "the serial killer's daughter." Instead, it became a story about trauma, identity, healing, and learning that you are so much more than the worst thing you've been associated with. That emotional core is what stayed with me long after I finished the last page.
Truly, this was such a great read, and I already can't wait to see what Rae writes next!
So grateful to the author for letting me read this one ahead of time. Thank you!
The story follows Karina Jäger, the daughter of the town's infamous serial killer, and Aubrey, a bestselling true crime author who arrives hoping to interview her. Karina refuses, but when a new series of murders throws the town into chaos and places her under suspicion all over again, the two women unexpectedly find themselves relying on each other while trying to uncover the truth.
Honestly, I rarely pick up thrillers. They've never really been my genre, even though I've always been fascinated by true crime. So the premise immediately caught my attention, and this book reminded me exactly why I enjoy these kinds of stories so much.
I'll admit the beginning is fairly slow, but once the story finds its footing, I genuinely couldn't stop reading. The mystery surrounding the murders kept me turning page after page. I loved how every chapter continued to raise the stakes. With each new clue, the need for answers only grew stronger, and the murders slowly became something much more personal rather than simply incidents happening in the background. I had my own theories about who the killer might be, but not a single one came close to the actual reveal. So when everything finally came together, I was pleasantly surprised. Looking back, I also really appreciated the psychological game Rae builds throughout the novel that ultimately leads to that conclusion.
What I loved most, though, was how Rae goes one step further and really dissects the psychological side of this story. She doesn't just ask who the killer is. She explores the darkest corners of the human mind, what drives someone to kill, why they enjoy it, the obsession, the manipulation, and the sense of power they crave. I think that's exactly why this book resonated with me despite thrillers not usually being my favorite genre. It doesn't just create a dire atmosphere. It commits to building the full picture while also creating a genuine emotional connection with the reader.
The character work was another highlight for me. I deeply empathized with Karina from the very beginning. After all, it's not every day you discover your father is a serial killer, and choosing to stay in the very town that has spent years labeling you a monster because of his crimes takes incredible strength. My heart ached for her because, despite wanting nothing more than to live a normal life, she was constantly forced to carry the weight of her father's legacy. What hurt even more was seeing how much she blamed herself because of the intrusive thoughts and dark fantasies she couldn't control.
She reminded me of a frightened cat, always on edge and constantly looking over her shoulder, terrified of becoming the very thing everyone expected her to be. More than anything, she felt deeply human. A woman shaped by trauma, weighed down by her childhood, and desperately wanting someone to love her for who she truly was, even if she couldn't extend that same kindness to herself. By the end, rooting for her felt effortless.
And then there's Aubrey, who completely won me over as well. She was endlessly curious, impossibly sweet, and carried her own quiet darkness beneath the surface. One of my favorite things about her was that she never judged Karina for her father's crimes. Instead, she constantly reminded Karina that she was her own person. She became the safe place Karina had been searching for all along, gently encouraging her to open up and letting her feel seen for the first time in years. Honestly, she felt like the balm to Karina's bruised and misunderstood soul, and I couldn't help but love her for that.
I also really appreciated how the romance was handled. It never overshadowed the mystery, but at the same time, it never felt pushed to the background either. I thought there was a really nice balance between the two, and I loved that both the romance and the thriller elements were given the space they needed to fully develop.
Karina and Aubrey's relationship unfolds at its own pace, and because of that, every step forward feels natural. I loved watching the chemistry between them build little by little, but what really sold me on their relationship was the emotional intimacy that grew alongside it. Even with all the tension surrounding them, they chose to take things slowly, allowing trust to develop before anything else. That made their physical relationship feel completely earned and perfectly in line with both of their character arcs. It never came across as something that was there just for the sake of it. Instead, it felt like a natural extension of the emotional bond they had spent so much time building.
If I had one small complaint, it would be the ending. While I was genuinely happy with how everything wrapped up, it did feel a little abrupt. More than anything, I found myself wishing for an epilogue. After everything Karina and Aubrey had been through, I would've loved spending a little more time with them as an established couple, simply getting to see what life looked like once all the chaos had settled. I also would've loved more scenes between Karina and her nephew. The few moments they shared brought such a comforting warmth to an otherwise tense and emotionally heavy story that I couldn't help but want more of their relationship. I really think an epilogue would've given the story a smoother emotional landing.
Even so, those are very minor criticisms in the grand scheme of things. This novel completely exceeded my expectations and reminded me why I've always been drawn to true crime, even if thrillers aren't usually my first choice. It delivered a gripping mystery that constantly kept me guessing, fascinating psychological exploration that added so much depth to the story, and two characters whose emotional journeys I became deeply invested in.
More than anything, I loved that this book never reduced Karina to being "the serial killer's daughter." Instead, it became a story about trauma, identity, healing, and learning that you are so much more than the worst thing you've been associated with. That emotional core is what stayed with me long after I finished the last page.
Truly, this was such a great read, and I already can't wait to see what Rae writes next!
So grateful to the author for letting me read this one ahead of time. Thank you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
Duel 3rd Person POV. 4.5🌟 2🌶️. 222 pages
1 Spicy Scene
This was such a fun and thrilling read, that definitely filled the gap in sapphic thriller/crime romances. And I throughly enjoyed it.
As someone who has been fascinated with true crime, serial killers and all those detective dramas like Criminal Minds since my early teens, you can bet that this was an automatic want to read for me and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
This is a slow burn romance and when I say slow burn, I mean a sloth probably moves quicker. But that element of obsession comes into play very early on. The whole mystery surrounding the murders kept me hooked and fully engaged and the plot twist at the end had me reeling. The reveal of who the killer is was defiantly not on my suspect list and honestly through me off completely. Phenomenal job by Rae!
What I really loved about Natural Predator was that Rae delved into the darkest parts of the human psyche. It wasn’t just a matter of Karina’s dad was a monster therefore she must also be one, no, Rae looked at how as human beings we can in fact have dark thoughts without acting on them. Honestly had me enthralled.
I was however slightly confused in parts and that comes down to the description of Karina. In the cover she is depicted as being pretty masc presenting and yet described as wearing lipstick and heels. As a soft masc you’d never catch me dead in either, so that’s confused me slightly. But other than that no complaints whatsoever
Natural Predator will be released July 27th, do yourself a favour and add it to your TBR immediately
Things to LOVE:
📚Thriller Romance
🏡Small Town
🔪Dark Pasts
Murder & Mysteries
😈Obsession
👀Stalking
❤️🔥Slow Burn
Duel 3rd Person POV. 4.5🌟 2🌶️. 222 pages
1 Spicy Scene
This was such a fun and thrilling read, that definitely filled the gap in sapphic thriller/crime romances. And I throughly enjoyed it.
As someone who has been fascinated with true crime, serial killers and all those detective dramas like Criminal Minds since my early teens, you can bet that this was an automatic want to read for me and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
This is a slow burn romance and when I say slow burn, I mean a sloth probably moves quicker. But that element of obsession comes into play very early on. The whole mystery surrounding the murders kept me hooked and fully engaged and the plot twist at the end had me reeling. The reveal of who the killer is was defiantly not on my suspect list and honestly through me off completely. Phenomenal job by Rae!
What I really loved about Natural Predator was that Rae delved into the darkest parts of the human psyche. It wasn’t just a matter of Karina’s dad was a monster therefore she must also be one, no, Rae looked at how as human beings we can in fact have dark thoughts without acting on them. Honestly had me enthralled.
I was however slightly confused in parts and that comes down to the description of Karina. In the cover she is depicted as being pretty masc presenting and yet described as wearing lipstick and heels. As a soft masc you’d never catch me dead in either, so that’s confused me slightly. But other than that no complaints whatsoever
Natural Predator will be released July 27th, do yourself a favour and add it to your TBR immediately
Things to LOVE:
📚Thriller Romance
🏡Small Town
🔪Dark Pasts
Murder & Mysteries
😈Obsession
👀Stalking
❤️🔥Slow Burn
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was given an ARC copy of Natural Predator by author Rae D. Magdon. Thank you Rae the chance to be an ARC reader.
I love Rae's books and this one was very well done. Natural Predator is a sapphic murder mystery/thriller with some spicy scenes mixed in. Rae does an amazing job navigating the story about a daughter of a serial killer, Karina Jäger, who struggles with not only with the past of what her father did but her own fantasies and the noisy true crime writer, Aubrey Peterson, who is driven to write stories about serial killers despite also feeling guilty about it. The interaction and attraction between the two is so real from the way their fears are revealed to how they support eachother through them. The added layer of a copycat killer adds tension to the book as of course Karina is the one being accused just because of who her father was.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and how Rae has expertly addressed the topic of how there is a line between thoughts of one's fantasy and actually carrying out dangerous or even deadly actions based on those compulsions and desires. This book has some heavy topics, but it's written so well and balances the dark romance with some very good spicy scenes.
I love Rae's books and this one was very well done. Natural Predator is a sapphic murder mystery/thriller with some spicy scenes mixed in. Rae does an amazing job navigating the story about a daughter of a serial killer, Karina Jäger, who struggles with not only with the past of what her father did but her own fantasies and the noisy true crime writer, Aubrey Peterson, who is driven to write stories about serial killers despite also feeling guilty about it. The interaction and attraction between the two is so real from the way their fears are revealed to how they support eachother through them. The added layer of a copycat killer adds tension to the book as of course Karina is the one being accused just because of who her father was.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and how Rae has expertly addressed the topic of how there is a line between thoughts of one's fantasy and actually carrying out dangerous or even deadly actions based on those compulsions and desires. This book has some heavy topics, but it's written so well and balances the dark romance with some very good spicy scenes.
July 29, 2026
ARC review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The way this told a story of the daughter of a murderer and how a copycat will do anything to get Karina’s attention. It felt like a mystery that I was part of.
Things got crazy and it was so good! Karina is strong! To be known as the daughter of a murderer has to be hard for her.
I was shocked at all the twists and turns. I was not expecting it, it made the book so interesting. This book made me emotional..
I didn't have a good feeling about the detective. He is persistent on getting her as the killer that he is not paying attention to what is really happening.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The way this told a story of the daughter of a murderer and how a copycat will do anything to get Karina’s attention. It felt like a mystery that I was part of.
Things got crazy and it was so good! Karina is strong! To be known as the daughter of a murderer has to be hard for her.
I was shocked at all the twists and turns. I was not expecting it, it made the book so interesting. This book made me emotional..
I didn't have a good feeling about the detective. He is persistent on getting her as the killer that he is not paying attention to what is really happening.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Solid plot featuring a side of sapphic lust and love. This book was engaging from the first chapter. The story is dark but interesting, the characters are the same! What I especially loved about this book was how the author deals with intrusive thoughts. The tortured minds of the characters were a focus throughout the story and are a real character development point. This book has multiple layers, plenty action, some yearning, some learning… it’s different from a lot of dark romance in that it’s heavily plot driven, rather than spice, though it has that too, and wonderfully so.
August 9, 2026
I read this book from front to back in one sitting, without a single break. Wow, what a fantastic read. As always, Rae has written such a good sapphic romance. I am a little obsessed with Karina, ngl. I really loved the palpable tension from the moment we got to read her POV. It was exquisite. And her chemistry with Aubrey? Bark bark bark. 5/5 read, highly recommend.
August 26, 2026
I had the pleasure of Alpha reading Rae's sapphic thriller and it's everything I wanted in a book! It has all the elements of a popcorn thriller--dark, sharp & witty--with relatable sapphic main characters.
The BDSM elements paired very well with the characters' psychological arcs and gave the entire story a sense of depth.
5 stars--I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a quick read!
The BDSM elements paired very well with the characters' psychological arcs and gave the entire story a sense of depth.
5 stars--I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a quick read!
July 28, 2026
“He’d made a fatal mistake, preying on another wolf’s mate.” Boy am I glad I dabble in German. Seriously though, you can plug the German into a translator. I had to do that for most of it, but it’s only passing phrases, and only really necessary if you want to know some of the side comments. Natural Predator is a great book into the thought process of the child of a Serial Killer. The two main characters have great chemistry, and it shows from the very beginning. I recommend it to fans of the Mindhunter tv series.
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