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Hunted
Discover a BRAND NEW dark, obsessive, scorching romance series from Zara Cox Praise for Zara
'Zara Cox is a sizzling new voice' Kitty French, USA Today best-selling author
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘I love a badass dirty talking mafia man’ Reader Review
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘The dirty talk was filthy 🥵' Reader Review
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘This is what mafia romance is made of' Reader Review
'Zara Cox is a sizzling new voice' Kitty French, USA Today best-selling author
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘I love a badass dirty talking mafia man’ Reader Review
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘The dirty talk was filthy 🥵' Reader Review
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘This is what mafia romance is made of' Reader Review
274 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 7, 2026
A story where the hunter becomes the hunted. The chemistry between the main characters was HOT, with plenty of tension, push-and-pull that made you want to tell the characters to stop with the secrets. The story follows one of the most powerful vampires as he searches for his fated mate (NOT SOUL MATE BECAUSE HE SAID HE DOES NOT HAVE A SOUL) a woman who has spent 6 years hiding from him after her father promised her to the vampire when she was younger, forcing her to run away.
I’m a huge fan of vampire stories, so I really enjoyed this one. Just be prepared: it ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving plenty of questions unanswered. You’ll definitely want to pick up the next book to find out what happens next!
~pre-read~ you know I am always looking for something new!! A dark Mafia Romance about obsessive Vampire!! EXCUSE ME??? read the dedication:
For the readers who like their romance dark, their vows dirtier, and their vampire possessive!
I just received this ARC, dropping everything to give you guys the juicy details! RTC
I’m a huge fan of vampire stories, so I really enjoyed this one. Just be prepared: it ends on a major cliffhanger, leaving plenty of questions unanswered. You’ll definitely want to pick up the next book to find out what happens next!
~pre-read~ you know I am always looking for something new!! A dark Mafia Romance about obsessive Vampire!! EXCUSE ME??? read the dedication:
For the readers who like their romance dark, their vows dirtier, and their vampire possessive!
I just received this ARC, dropping everything to give you guys the juicy details! RTC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC received from NetGalley and Boldwood Books in exchange for honest review.
⚡BLURB⚡
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.
⚡REVIEW⚡
Vampire romance? Tick. Mafia romance? Tick. Vampire Mafia romance? Tick! I enjoyed this fusion of two genres, with two MCs who are both complex and fearsome in their own ways. Both are harbouring secrets, and Eira's in particular would be nuclear level if discovered. As a reader, you are very much in the know about Eira's truth, adding an exquisite layer of jeopardy as the story progresses and she grows closer to Valentin. It is much the opposite for Valentin, whose secrets are peeled away slowly, and despite the reveals you see, you are still unsure about how his character will react to Eira's truth. The anticipatory fear is delicious.
Eira has spent the past six years running from Valentin Moretti, after her father bartered her life in exchange for his debts. Delightful, right?! She has trained to become one of the best supernatural bounty hunters her agency has, and in doing so, become incredibly talented at planting false trails and vanishing altogether as Lyra Hannigan. But her reputation precedes her, and she finds her services engaged by the very man she wants to avoid - to look into her own disappearance. She doesn't expect to find herself strongly attracted to this man - nor does she expect to find out she is actually his fated mate, and not just a girl sold to him by her father. Despite all the measures she takes to disguise the scent of her blood, she keeps placing herself in danger of being found out, as things turn heated between them. When he reveals the secret of the mark on his chest, and that only his fated mate can save him, you can see Eira's resolve begin to waver. Her refusal to show any fear in front of the vampires, even when people connected to her investigation turn up dead, earn her grudging respect from some of them - and red hot attraction from Valentin. As someone holding her V card, she knows that losing it to Valentin is incredibly dangerous, as he could scent her truth. A well timed potion delivery sees her risk it all - and a cliffhanger ending that will have you desperate to know exactly what Valentin has found out.
Valentin Moretti oozes danger. Desperate to find Lyra Hannigan, after his own resources have failed, he engages Eira Cross to take up the case - placing so much pressure on the agency that they are unable to do anything but agree. He continually attempts to intimidate Eira, to scare her, but for the most part she remains stoic, which flares his attraction to her. Her scent, which she is masking deliberately, confuses him, only fuelling his interest further. His lust for her is complicated by the fact he is supposed to be looking for his fated mate, yet despite some guilt, he is unable to stay away from Eira. The ever spreading mark on his chest also leads him to feel conflicted, knowing that only Lyra can save his life. I liked that even in his position of power, he values her consent. Willing to show just how far he will go for Eira, his Black Twelve guard come under fire for the slightest signs of disrespect. The finale of the book sees him finally take her, despite knowing that her scent had again changed, and (with her permission) drinking from her. His reaction is explosive, and you are left itching to know whether or not he has discovered her secret - and if not (what a diversion if not!), exactly what he has gleaned from tasting her first blood.
The supporting cast are mainly Valentin's Black Twelve, his blood brothers, Rafael Navarro and Dorian Vale, and Selphine. Selphine is a character, who is seemingly an ally to Eira, having provided her with potions and charms to prevent Valentin discovering her identity, but I do not trust her one bit. Her delivery of the final potion without any request or advising of what is next to come has my Spidey senses a'tingling. I believe she may be malignant in her intentions, and I have a suspicion of who she may be, but I shall keep that to myself and let you know after the completion of the duology whether I was right!
This book is paced well, with a steady development of the plot, studded with peaks of spice, plus moments of shock and of tension, particularly between Valentin and his Black Twelve or brothers. The spice steadily built in intensity, accompanied by the fear of Eira's true identity being discovered, before reaching the crescendo at the end, cutting dead before you can ascertain what comes next. It was the perfect place to end book one, and I commend Zara Cox for how well she constructed this first book in the story of Eira and Valentin.
It is clear that there is much still to come from book two in this story, but Hunted was a very good foundation, providing tension and suspense by the bucketload, with some intense spice throughout. The mafia/vampire crossover worked well. I am gutted (in the best sense!) that book one ended where it did, as I am desperate to know what comes next, which is very much a compliment to Zara Cox. I can't wait for book two!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
⚡BLURB⚡
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.
⚡REVIEW⚡
Vampire romance? Tick. Mafia romance? Tick. Vampire Mafia romance? Tick! I enjoyed this fusion of two genres, with two MCs who are both complex and fearsome in their own ways. Both are harbouring secrets, and Eira's in particular would be nuclear level if discovered. As a reader, you are very much in the know about Eira's truth, adding an exquisite layer of jeopardy as the story progresses and she grows closer to Valentin. It is much the opposite for Valentin, whose secrets are peeled away slowly, and despite the reveals you see, you are still unsure about how his character will react to Eira's truth. The anticipatory fear is delicious.
Eira has spent the past six years running from Valentin Moretti, after her father bartered her life in exchange for his debts. Delightful, right?! She has trained to become one of the best supernatural bounty hunters her agency has, and in doing so, become incredibly talented at planting false trails and vanishing altogether as Lyra Hannigan. But her reputation precedes her, and she finds her services engaged by the very man she wants to avoid - to look into her own disappearance. She doesn't expect to find herself strongly attracted to this man - nor does she expect to find out she is actually his fated mate, and not just a girl sold to him by her father. Despite all the measures she takes to disguise the scent of her blood, she keeps placing herself in danger of being found out, as things turn heated between them. When he reveals the secret of the mark on his chest, and that only his fated mate can save him, you can see Eira's resolve begin to waver. Her refusal to show any fear in front of the vampires, even when people connected to her investigation turn up dead, earn her grudging respect from some of them - and red hot attraction from Valentin. As someone holding her V card, she knows that losing it to Valentin is incredibly dangerous, as he could scent her truth. A well timed potion delivery sees her risk it all - and a cliffhanger ending that will have you desperate to know exactly what Valentin has found out.
Valentin Moretti oozes danger. Desperate to find Lyra Hannigan, after his own resources have failed, he engages Eira Cross to take up the case - placing so much pressure on the agency that they are unable to do anything but agree. He continually attempts to intimidate Eira, to scare her, but for the most part she remains stoic, which flares his attraction to her. Her scent, which she is masking deliberately, confuses him, only fuelling his interest further. His lust for her is complicated by the fact he is supposed to be looking for his fated mate, yet despite some guilt, he is unable to stay away from Eira. The ever spreading mark on his chest also leads him to feel conflicted, knowing that only Lyra can save his life. I liked that even in his position of power, he values her consent. Willing to show just how far he will go for Eira, his Black Twelve guard come under fire for the slightest signs of disrespect. The finale of the book sees him finally take her, despite knowing that her scent had again changed, and (with her permission) drinking from her. His reaction is explosive, and you are left itching to know whether or not he has discovered her secret - and if not (what a diversion if not!), exactly what he has gleaned from tasting her first blood.
The supporting cast are mainly Valentin's Black Twelve, his blood brothers, Rafael Navarro and Dorian Vale, and Selphine. Selphine is a character, who is seemingly an ally to Eira, having provided her with potions and charms to prevent Valentin discovering her identity, but I do not trust her one bit. Her delivery of the final potion without any request or advising of what is next to come has my Spidey senses a'tingling. I believe she may be malignant in her intentions, and I have a suspicion of who she may be, but I shall keep that to myself and let you know after the completion of the duology whether I was right!
This book is paced well, with a steady development of the plot, studded with peaks of spice, plus moments of shock and of tension, particularly between Valentin and his Black Twelve or brothers. The spice steadily built in intensity, accompanied by the fear of Eira's true identity being discovered, before reaching the crescendo at the end, cutting dead before you can ascertain what comes next. It was the perfect place to end book one, and I commend Zara Cox for how well she constructed this first book in the story of Eira and Valentin.
It is clear that there is much still to come from book two in this story, but Hunted was a very good foundation, providing tension and suspense by the bucketload, with some intense spice throughout. The mafia/vampire crossover worked well. I am gutted (in the best sense!) that book one ended where it did, as I am desperate to know what comes next, which is very much a compliment to Zara Cox. I can't wait for book two!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
August 26, 2026
🖤 Dark paranormal romance
🩸 Powerful vampire hero
🔥 Fated mates
👀 Cat-and-mouse tension
🌙 Secrets & hidden identities
⚔️ Morally grey characters
💕 HEA completed in Claimed
It’s Book 1 of a duology, with Claimed delivering the happily-ever-after.
If you love dark paranormal romance, obsessive heroes, fated mates, vampires, dangerous secrets, and intense cat-and-mouse tension, Hunted sounds like a seriously addictive start to Zara Cox’s latest series.
Lyra Hannigan’s life changes forever when her father offers her to Don Valentin Moretti, one of the world’s most powerful vampires, to settle a debt. Knowing that Moretti will eventually come for her, Lyra disappears without a trace, abandoning her name and her past.
Six years later, she’s living under a new identity as Eira Cross—a skilled bounty hunter in the supernatural underworld. She’s careful, independent, and seemingly impossible to find. But staying hidden becomes much harder when she’s summoned to Moretti’s Tower.
Valentin has problems of his own. As one of the legendary Five Blood and ruler of New York’s supernatural underworld, he should be untouchable. Instead, an ancient curse threatens his immortality, and his desperate search for his elusive fated mate is becoming increasingly ruthless.
When Valentin offers Eira her freedom in exchange for helping him find Lyra, she has no choice but to accept. But the closer they get to the truth, the more complicated everything becomes. The hunter and the hunted are suddenly caught in a dangerous game where identities, loyalties, and desires are constantly shifting.
What makes this premise so intriguing is the mystery surrounding Lyra’s disappearance and Eira’s true identity. The tension builds as the past begins colliding with the present, while Valentin’s obsession and Eira’s determination create a volatile dynamic that’s impossible to ignore.
The dark supernatural atmosphere, powerful vampire mythology, fated-mate connection, ancient curse, and morally complicated characters make this feel like a romance where danger is lurking around every corner. And with the story ending on a cliffhanger that continues into Claimed, readers will definitely want the second book close by.
A dark, seductive, and suspenseful paranormal romance filled with vampires, obsession, secrets, forbidden attraction, and a dangerous game of pursuit. Hunted promises to keep you guessing about who is truly hunting whom until the very end.
🩸 Powerful vampire hero
🔥 Fated mates
👀 Cat-and-mouse tension
🌙 Secrets & hidden identities
⚔️ Morally grey characters
💕 HEA completed in Claimed
It’s Book 1 of a duology, with Claimed delivering the happily-ever-after.
If you love dark paranormal romance, obsessive heroes, fated mates, vampires, dangerous secrets, and intense cat-and-mouse tension, Hunted sounds like a seriously addictive start to Zara Cox’s latest series.
Lyra Hannigan’s life changes forever when her father offers her to Don Valentin Moretti, one of the world’s most powerful vampires, to settle a debt. Knowing that Moretti will eventually come for her, Lyra disappears without a trace, abandoning her name and her past.
Six years later, she’s living under a new identity as Eira Cross—a skilled bounty hunter in the supernatural underworld. She’s careful, independent, and seemingly impossible to find. But staying hidden becomes much harder when she’s summoned to Moretti’s Tower.
Valentin has problems of his own. As one of the legendary Five Blood and ruler of New York’s supernatural underworld, he should be untouchable. Instead, an ancient curse threatens his immortality, and his desperate search for his elusive fated mate is becoming increasingly ruthless.
When Valentin offers Eira her freedom in exchange for helping him find Lyra, she has no choice but to accept. But the closer they get to the truth, the more complicated everything becomes. The hunter and the hunted are suddenly caught in a dangerous game where identities, loyalties, and desires are constantly shifting.
What makes this premise so intriguing is the mystery surrounding Lyra’s disappearance and Eira’s true identity. The tension builds as the past begins colliding with the present, while Valentin’s obsession and Eira’s determination create a volatile dynamic that’s impossible to ignore.
The dark supernatural atmosphere, powerful vampire mythology, fated-mate connection, ancient curse, and morally complicated characters make this feel like a romance where danger is lurking around every corner. And with the story ending on a cliffhanger that continues into Claimed, readers will definitely want the second book close by.
A dark, seductive, and suspenseful paranormal romance filled with vampires, obsession, secrets, forbidden attraction, and a dangerous game of pursuit. Hunted promises to keep you guessing about who is truly hunting whom until the very end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC review
4.5⭐|3🌶️|18%🌶️frequency
Oh wow, that's a great book.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but peeps, a vampire who is looking for his fated mate who is hiding from him. Then hire a bounty hunter to look for her. Sounds not too problematic, right? LOL, not if said bounty hunter IS the fated mate 😱 Just Valentin obviously doesn't know it. And that honestly makes it funny🤣 And it's such a brilliant idea.
The chemistry between Valentin and Eira is 💥 It's 🔥 It's, I can't describe it 🙈 It's so incredible. Magnetic isn't even enough. It's definitely the fated mates bond that isn't even "activated" yet.
Also there banter is A+. I so loved how they bicker and everything.
I couldn't stop reading. I was so thrilled to see what would happen when Valentin finds out who Eira is. With every page, I thought, "Guy, wake up, you must feel it, come on, you can't ignore that this connection is just random!!!" 🙈
It's always difficult for me to find good vampire books. I love vampires, and I would love to read more books with them, but I don't know 🤷♀️ It's just difficult.
Whatever, this book is definitely one I loved. So, thank you, Zara, for writing it 😘 BUT I also hate you a tiny bit 🤏 for this cliffhanger 😱
I love cliffhangers, but I hate waiting for the next book 🙈 Luckily, the next book will be published soon, so the wait isn't too long 🩷
And I sooo need it. I just need to know. OMG, it's 😱 I had a feeling till the end something like that could happen; I just was too afraid of it to believe it 🙈
If you love vampire romance, I'm sure you will love this one, too 🩷
Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
4.5⭐|3🌶️|18%🌶️frequency
Oh wow, that's a great book.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but peeps, a vampire who is looking for his fated mate who is hiding from him. Then hire a bounty hunter to look for her. Sounds not too problematic, right? LOL, not if said bounty hunter IS the fated mate 😱 Just Valentin obviously doesn't know it. And that honestly makes it funny🤣 And it's such a brilliant idea.
The chemistry between Valentin and Eira is 💥 It's 🔥 It's, I can't describe it 🙈 It's so incredible. Magnetic isn't even enough. It's definitely the fated mates bond that isn't even "activated" yet.
Also there banter is A+. I so loved how they bicker and everything.
I couldn't stop reading. I was so thrilled to see what would happen when Valentin finds out who Eira is. With every page, I thought, "Guy, wake up, you must feel it, come on, you can't ignore that this connection is just random!!!" 🙈
It's always difficult for me to find good vampire books. I love vampires, and I would love to read more books with them, but I don't know 🤷♀️ It's just difficult.
Whatever, this book is definitely one I loved. So, thank you, Zara, for writing it 😘 BUT I also hate you a tiny bit 🤏 for this cliffhanger 😱
I love cliffhangers, but I hate waiting for the next book 🙈 Luckily, the next book will be published soon, so the wait isn't too long 🩷
And I sooo need it. I just need to know. OMG, it's 😱 I had a feeling till the end something like that could happen; I just was too afraid of it to believe it 🙈
If you love vampire romance, I'm sure you will love this one, too 🩷
Thanks to the author, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for trusting me with an ARC 🩷
Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hunted by Zara Cox was such an addictive read.
Even though it’s a dark vampire romance, it never felt overwhelmingly dark to me. The world feels a lot like our own, but with vampires, witches, magic, and other supernatural beings living alongside humans, making it really easy to get into.
The dynamic between Eira and Valentin was definitely the highlight for me. The slow burn, the constant tension, and the yearning had me completely hooked. Valentin unknowingly hiring Eira, a bounty hunter, to hunt… herself, all while being completely oblivious to who she really was, made for some hilarious moments. Eira’s attitude was an absolute delight. She was sarcastic as hell, never backed down in front of anyone, and I liked her even more because of it all.
Getting chapters from Valentin’s point of view made the story even better. Watching him slowly lose the battle against his feelings while refusing to believe that their connection could be the mate bond was incredibly satisfying.
But, I wish the hunt for Lyra had been pushed somewhat further. It felt like Valentin gave up on finding her rather quickly, and I would have liked more false leads, arguments, and moments where he got closer without realizing his mate was right under his nose.
Overall, the chemistry, humour, and growing tension between them made this such an enjoyable read. The ending definitely left me wanting the next book, and I’ll be picking up Claimed as soon as I can.
A special thank you to Boldwood Books for reaching out and inviting me to read Hunted, and to NetGalley for providing the eARC. I really appreciated the opportunity, and as always, all opinions are my own.
Even though it’s a dark vampire romance, it never felt overwhelmingly dark to me. The world feels a lot like our own, but with vampires, witches, magic, and other supernatural beings living alongside humans, making it really easy to get into.
The dynamic between Eira and Valentin was definitely the highlight for me. The slow burn, the constant tension, and the yearning had me completely hooked. Valentin unknowingly hiring Eira, a bounty hunter, to hunt… herself, all while being completely oblivious to who she really was, made for some hilarious moments. Eira’s attitude was an absolute delight. She was sarcastic as hell, never backed down in front of anyone, and I liked her even more because of it all.
Getting chapters from Valentin’s point of view made the story even better. Watching him slowly lose the battle against his feelings while refusing to believe that their connection could be the mate bond was incredibly satisfying.
But, I wish the hunt for Lyra had been pushed somewhat further. It felt like Valentin gave up on finding her rather quickly, and I would have liked more false leads, arguments, and moments where he got closer without realizing his mate was right under his nose.
Overall, the chemistry, humour, and growing tension between them made this such an enjoyable read. The ending definitely left me wanting the next book, and I’ll be picking up Claimed as soon as I can.
A special thank you to Boldwood Books for reaching out and inviting me to read Hunted, and to NetGalley for providing the eARC. I really appreciated the opportunity, and as always, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me hooked from the first page. The dark vampire mafia has everything I love in a book. Vampires. Check. Mafias. Check. A daring FMC paired with an obsessed MMC. Check. Hunted by Zara Cox invites readers into an enticing world of thrilling action and supernatural shenanigans. The book cover captures the seductive dark atmosphere of the novel.
The characters in this series are the heart of the story. Fully fledged personalities and development, I was invested in the FMC. We are given a peek into her past and how her decision has consequences. The moment the past catches up to her, our MMC Valentin Moretti, invades her and the readers' senses. The tension between the two of them is instant and each scene they had together has me on the edge of my seat. As the plot progresses, their connection is undeniable and I need more. Outside of the couple, the plot builds up with murders, enemies, and curses that i can't wait to see expanded on in book 2.
Overall, if you are looking for a couple with seductive, irresistible tension, an FMC who is recklessly brave and a vampiric MMC with comebacks and obsession, Hunted by Zara Cox is for you.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.
The characters in this series are the heart of the story. Fully fledged personalities and development, I was invested in the FMC. We are given a peek into her past and how her decision has consequences. The moment the past catches up to her, our MMC Valentin Moretti, invades her and the readers' senses. The tension between the two of them is instant and each scene they had together has me on the edge of my seat. As the plot progresses, their connection is undeniable and I need more. Outside of the couple, the plot builds up with murders, enemies, and curses that i can't wait to see expanded on in book 2.
Overall, if you are looking for a couple with seductive, irresistible tension, an FMC who is recklessly brave and a vampiric MMC with comebacks and obsession, Hunted by Zara Cox is for you.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Hunted by Zara Cox was much more than I imagined. A dark vampire romance that gives me a powerful and possessive MMC, plus a baddie FMC that is his fated mate… sign me up every time.
Eira Cross is a supernatural bounty hunter who has spent years building a new life around secrets and staying hidden. She's strong, sarcastic, and definitely not the kind of woman who is going to back down easily. Valentin Moretti is one of the most powerful vampires and is on the hunt for his fated mate while an ancient curse threatens his immortality.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Eira and Valentin. The push and pull between these two was everything. Their chemistry was intense from the moment they met, and I loved watching Valentin slowly lose his battle against an attraction he couldn't explain. Eira gave him plenty of attitude, and their banter had me completely hooked.
Eira was definitely my favorite character. She was smart, capable, and would always fight for herself. Valentin, on the other hand, is the ultimate morally gray obsessive vampire. He's dangerous, powerful, and completely captivated by the woman standing right in front of him, even though he has no idea who she really is.
And that ENDING?????
I was not prepared at all. I NEED answers!
Eira Cross is a supernatural bounty hunter who has spent years building a new life around secrets and staying hidden. She's strong, sarcastic, and definitely not the kind of woman who is going to back down easily. Valentin Moretti is one of the most powerful vampires and is on the hunt for his fated mate while an ancient curse threatens his immortality.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Eira and Valentin. The push and pull between these two was everything. Their chemistry was intense from the moment they met, and I loved watching Valentin slowly lose his battle against an attraction he couldn't explain. Eira gave him plenty of attitude, and their banter had me completely hooked.
Eira was definitely my favorite character. She was smart, capable, and would always fight for herself. Valentin, on the other hand, is the ultimate morally gray obsessive vampire. He's dangerous, powerful, and completely captivated by the woman standing right in front of him, even though he has no idea who she really is.
And that ENDING?????
I was not prepared at all. I NEED answers!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did.
A vampire mafia. I hadn't read that before and it's a fun premise: Valentin hires a bounty hunter to find the woman he's owed, That isn't a twist and the book doesn't pretend it is; the fun is watching him fail to work it out.
My problem is Eira. She's introduced as the supernatural underworld's best tracker and then, from the moment Valentin is on the page, she never uses her skills. The job is a costume. She just exists in the room with him. Both of them also spend the book withholding information that a single conversation would resolve, which stops reading as tension and starts reading as a decision they keep making.
The pull between them is what the book is actually good at, and it carried me.
Then the ending. It's a cliffhanger, and the longer I sat with it the more it read like one book cut in half. I want to know what happens next. I kinda hate wanting to know.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
A vampire mafia. I hadn't read that before and it's a fun premise: Valentin hires a bounty hunter to find the woman he's owed, That isn't a twist and the book doesn't pretend it is; the fun is watching him fail to work it out.
My problem is Eira. She's introduced as the supernatural underworld's best tracker and then, from the moment Valentin is on the page, she never uses her skills. The job is a costume. She just exists in the room with him. Both of them also spend the book withholding information that a single conversation would resolve, which stops reading as tension and starts reading as a decision they keep making.
The pull between them is what the book is actually good at, and it carried me.
Then the ending. It's a cliffhanger, and the longer I sat with it the more it read like one book cut in half. I want to know what happens next. I kinda hate wanting to know.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so intrigued and curious about this book.
What can go wrong with mafia, vampire, witch and fated mates?!Nothing!!!
It was a good read, I really enjoyed it and after that ending, that cliffhanger, I really need to read book 2 right now.
I wanted a litlle bit more informations about this wolrd, how they survive together, about his brothers.
I liked that after that jump of 6 years, we meet a strong and badass FMC. And I liked that, because at first she is a shy and scarred girl.
The MMC, our vampire is under a cursed and he needs his soul mate, which happens to be the hunter. But with the help of a witch she can't be recognised. But he feels a pull towards her and doesn't know why.
It is a slow burn story, but I think it is done well here. And now waiting for the 2nd book to see what happens next.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.
What can go wrong with mafia, vampire, witch and fated mates?!Nothing!!!
It was a good read, I really enjoyed it and after that ending, that cliffhanger, I really need to read book 2 right now.
I wanted a litlle bit more informations about this wolrd, how they survive together, about his brothers.
I liked that after that jump of 6 years, we meet a strong and badass FMC. And I liked that, because at first she is a shy and scarred girl.
The MMC, our vampire is under a cursed and he needs his soul mate, which happens to be the hunter. But with the help of a witch she can't be recognised. But he feels a pull towards her and doesn't know why.
It is a slow burn story, but I think it is done well here. And now waiting for the 2nd book to see what happens next.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read the book in advance. This is my honest and only opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
She’s hiding in plain sight in this forced-proximity, vampire-human, hunt or be hunted FANTASTIC start to a series. A little bit broken, our FMC rebuilds herself after disappearing from a life that was promised away to our dark and broody MMC. After 6 years, she finds herself forced to meet her fate she’s been outrunning but finds herself beginning to fall for the very creature she ran from all those years ago. I believe we’ll follow this couple through the series (which I prefer!) and continue to meet other baddies along the way. There are secrets, curses, witches, vampires, werewolves, bounty hunters, fated mates, major “touch her and die” vibes sprinkled with obsessive “who did this to you” tendencies and of course…spice. Loved it from page 1 and can’t wait for book 2! Spice was good, banter was good, pacing was good - definitely recommend!
I received an aARC from NetGalley for my honest review and honestly, it was a 5 🌟 read for me!
I received an aARC from NetGalley for my honest review and honestly, it was a 5 🌟 read for me!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
NO! I need more now. I need to know. I need answers. I need so much because I have theories and thoughts and curiosities and zero confirmations.
Eira is playing a very dangerous game. She didn’t want to, but when forced onto the board, she proves to be a very formidable player. She’s the one who can resist Valentin. The one who could end or truly start him up again. The one who needs to be honest, but can’t. Not when she’s uncertain of the outcome or anyone’s actual goal. And she’s mad, too. Irrationally? Maybe, but really, I’d say not so maybe. She’s got a right to feel how she does in this deadly game. The question is how this can all possibly end.
And I have no clue how. So I’m mad. I want to know. I need to know. Does Valentin have a clue? Did someone else betray them both? I have to impatiently wait to find out.
Eira is playing a very dangerous game. She didn’t want to, but when forced onto the board, she proves to be a very formidable player. She’s the one who can resist Valentin. The one who could end or truly start him up again. The one who needs to be honest, but can’t. Not when she’s uncertain of the outcome or anyone’s actual goal. And she’s mad, too. Irrationally? Maybe, but really, I’d say not so maybe. She’s got a right to feel how she does in this deadly game. The question is how this can all possibly end.
And I have no clue how. So I’m mad. I want to know. I need to know. Does Valentin have a clue? Did someone else betray them both? I have to impatiently wait to find out.
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
A vampire hunter, an ancient curse and a powerful vampire create a dangerous world of betrayal, dark secrets and passion. It's an atmospheric story with intricate world-building. The Five Blood Thrones societies are mafia-style, and this makes them easier to visualise. It's contemporary, dark and gritty with a powerful supernatural curse woven into the mix. The chemistry between the hunter and the vampire leader is tangible, and there are plenty of dark, spicy moments. The betrayals and secrets are what make this addictive, and the ending is a cliffhanger, but if you've been following the clues, you can guess what you're going to find out in the next book.
I like the characters, the supernatural society and the seductive romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I like the characters, the supernatural society and the seductive romance.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 6, 2026
I had a lot of fun with Hunted! 🗡️
Eira was a strong FMC who never backed down and I loved the chemistry between her and Valentin!🥰
Their constant push and pull mixed with the darker vampire world kept me turning the pages!!
I do wish the ending had a little more room to breathe but overall this was such an entertaining paranormal romance! I'll definitely be reading more from Zara Cox!
Tropes: 🩸 Vampire romance 🗡️ Hunter × hunted ✨ Fated mates 🖤 Morally gray x possessive 🔥 Forced proximity ❤️ Protective MMC
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Pub Date: August 26, 2026
Thank you to the author (Zara Cox) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own!
Eira was a strong FMC who never backed down and I loved the chemistry between her and Valentin!🥰
Their constant push and pull mixed with the darker vampire world kept me turning the pages!!
I do wish the ending had a little more room to breathe but overall this was such an entertaining paranormal romance! I'll definitely be reading more from Zara Cox!
Tropes: 🩸 Vampire romance 🗡️ Hunter × hunted ✨ Fated mates 🖤 Morally gray x possessive 🔥 Forced proximity ❤️ Protective MMC
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Pub Date: August 26, 2026
Thank you to the author (Zara Cox) & Netgalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I haven't read a good vampire book in a little bit and this one hit that sweet spot. It has a great story, there is intrigue and passion, there is humor and spice and all around I had a great time reading this book. I love the way Zara writes her character and makes them real and relatable even if they happen to be a vampire. This book reads very quickly and once I started I couldn't put it down. The cliffhanger ending only left me wanting more.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Valentin is trying to find his fated mate- I volunteer as tribute.
He's one of the most powerful vampires in the world- check. He is a dark and mysterious red flag- check. Obviously has "experience"- double check.
If you are looking for a dark, vampire romance with laugh out loud banter, look no further.
It does end on a cliffhanger and man I am salivating for book 2!!
POV: Dual POV
Standalone: No- ends on a cliffhanger
Tropes/Vibes:
- paranormal
- vampire
- fated mates
- hidden identity
He's one of the most powerful vampires in the world- check. He is a dark and mysterious red flag- check. Obviously has "experience"- double check.
If you are looking for a dark, vampire romance with laugh out loud banter, look no further.
It does end on a cliffhanger and man I am salivating for book 2!!
POV: Dual POV
Standalone: No- ends on a cliffhanger
Tropes/Vibes:
- paranormal
- vampire
- fated mates
- hidden identity
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC of this book. I love a good mafia romance and then mix it with some vampires…yeah sign me up! It also takes place in New Orleans, which is where I’m from so that was an automatic. I need to read it. The hunter and hunted dynamic helped create the perfect tension and then mixing in fated mates, so good. Really enjoyed the story from start to finish and I was hooked!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a dark vampire mafia romance. The plot of this book was definitely interesting and I did like the idea of the Hunter x vampire trope. However I did struggle with this book, as it kind of felt like I was constantly missing information to understand what was happening. And the location seemed to keep changing. I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.
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