Hunted

The Four Horsemen #3

by L.J. Swallow

Alternative cover edition for ASIN: B075D22ZDZ

The story of Verity and the Four Horsemen continues in this thrilling and addictive REVERSE HAREM paranormal series.

Who is Vee? Where did she come from? And what is the darkness the fae can see inside her?

Xander's reaction to these questions drives a bigger wedge between the fae and the Horsemen. His move isn't popular with the others because right now they need fae help more than ever.

A bloody message and a series of murders lead to a search for a threat from the past. Instead, the Horsemen encounter something new and dangerous. The race is on to find out what the creatures are and how big a threat they are to an already chaotic world.

Vee discovers using her powers has a strange effect on her relationship with the Horsemen. Although this pulls her closer to the guys, the conflict between Vee and Xander continues. But is the greatest conflict within himself?

And as the Five search for answers, someone watches. What does he know? Can he help? Or does he have an agenda of his own?


Contains sex and strong language. For readers 18+.

The book is written in BRITISH ENGLISH with British spelling, grammar and idiom.

Genres: Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fae, Why Choose

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2017

About the author

LJ Swallow is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who is the alter-ego of bestselling contemporary romance author Lisa Swallow.

Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.

Reviews

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

XANDER 🙌🏻🙌🏻♥️♥️🤤🤤

Okay, this was by far my favorite out of the series. Mostly because of Xander! MY MAN! She finally hooked up with him and it was glorious. I can’t wait for more because it was beautiful and brought tears of joy. Other than that, some mysterious shit is going on. The fae can’t really be trusted at this point. Mundanes think Vee has been kidnapped by these guys and being brainwashed into staying with them. Little do they know it’s actually vaginawashed because of all the smut, sparks, and chemistry floating around them. I love it.

Now I have some theories going into the next book. I have a suspect about who wants to kill her. I also think someone in the fae group can’t be trusted. So many things going on and all I really want is for to sleep with these guys. Expecting a group orgy soon!!

[Avid · Rating 1 out of 5]

The novels are beginning to seriously bother me. The descriptions of where people are, what they're wearing and doing, need work. At the dinner party, there are too many "opposites" and not enough physical space for everyone to be sitting opposite everyone else. At one point, Verity says, "Each time I think I've an understanding of your world, it's ripped away." That statement pretty much sums up how I feel about the action in this novel.

It's also shocking to me how reactive the characters are. There's no "supernatural 101" time when they sit down and describe this new world. Instead she just keeps getting mad about people keeping things from her. smh. she doesn't ask basic questions and so is blindsided. they refuse to give her complete information, and so she's blindsided. Then they do blatantly stupid things like let crucial information leave their sight to be addressed tomorrow, as if any one of them is guaranteed tomorrow!! These characters are not winning any points with me. I'm starting to get irritated with them and their stupidity, but again, I'm reading on Kindle Unlimited. So I'll read on until I want to throw things or I get to the end.

[vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

there’s just so much happening at my nice and anoTHER CLIFFHANGER

[Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine) · Rating 4 out of 5]

No, I won't give Xander more fuel to his accusations I’m a sex-crazed harlot whose one goal in life is to bed every guy in the house. Even though that's exactly what I want to do. - Verity

You two forget I'm an empath, and your energy’s screaming at me exactly what happened here... Besides, dude, you haven't buttoned your jeans. - Joss

I am still really enjoying The Four Horsemen. In Hunted there feels like there has been a ramp-up in the pace. Both in the surrounding plot and the intimacy between Vee and the Pony Boys. Their powers are intriguing Vee's powers especially. Though there is still a feeling of more questions than answers. The demonstration of powers, like Heaths death power are valuable. I can feel the value of some of the demonstrations now, having to do these things now in preparation for the coming final battle. Like the minor fights before a boss battle in a video game. Knowing that physical intimacy is important, that Vee is driven to it. All knowledge needed for their strength.

And thank you L.J. for giving us what we wanted... Xander, Vee, a challenge and a hotel room. Joss quipping away was welcome. FYI the subsequent book Guardians takes up seconds after the conclusion of Hunted.

I have decided this is a fantastic fast read tune out series. Each section is only 170ish pages (try to get them on sale or Kindle Unlimited otherwise it's not the most economical series). The book breaks are on exactly the right place to invite and encourage you to keep reading. The writing is funny, the characters adorable and endearing and the plot the right kind of crazy. The Four Horsemen series is never going to win any literary awards but it will win hearts.

My reading experience in a gif:

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this one was much MUCH better than the first two. I just couldn't get with the first ones. They were so slow and honestly super boring. However, this book it was much better than the first two combined.

The story picks up right where the second one left off. And a lot more happens in this book than the first two. You get more battling demons. You get more fae action. And of course, the smut is my favorite part. AND! You get it with two of the guys not just one! And holy hot damn it was good. So damn good!

I found myself wanting more. Even with the more than we got, I still wanted something else to happen. Maybe I'm stuck on the slowness of the first two books? I don't know. But I hope the next one gets even better.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nah I’m starting to lose a little interest in the plot but the relationships are keeping me going lol

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[MrsJoseph *grouchy* · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Dec 2018 I'm sick as shit read

Liked book 1, not impressed with book 2...

Book three had me skipping to BOOK SEVEN. (which was crime #1. 7 books about the same fuckers and Ms Swallow just wasn't that engaging. I've read better Four Horseman series - that are reverse harem - and I've not even finished that. THIS? I want to say take my review with caution cause this is more a serial than a series. So yeah.

[TrulyDeeplyBookishly_708456 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Four Horsemen reviews:
#1 Legacy ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#2 Bound ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#3 Hunted ❤❤❤❤❤ See below!
#4 Guardians ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#5 Chaos ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#6 Descent ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#7 Reckoning ❤❤❤❤❤ here

Bonus books:
#3.5 Tricked ❤❤❤❤❤ here


This is the third in this amazing book series where the author has managed to breathe new life into this very old biblical legend of the four Horsemen. If you haven't already you need to read Legacy and Bound before reading this.



Hunted starts right where Bound finishes off, with a bloody message for Vee and her Pony Boys:

Heath aka Death
Ewan aka Pestilence
Joss aka Famine
Xander aka War

The message startles and confuses each of the Pony Boys, as it shouldn’t be possible to penetrate the protective magic surrounding their house. When more bodies turn up it becomes clear that the cryptic messages that follow, are focussed directly at Vee.




When the Fae announce, that Vee possesses some kind of darkness and accuse her of being a distraction, that will endanger the Pony Boys and destroy everything they’ve worked so hard for, their alliance is threatened. It becomes clear, that someone is trying to prevent them from doing their job.

Vee is very unsettled; her new life is even more difficult than she coulda ever imagined, and with no prior knowledge of this world and its policies it’s hard to tell friends from foes. That’s why I’m so very glad that even with all the action and new information in this book, there’s still time for Vee and her guys to enjoy each other. She and Joss even manages to go on a normal date!

Full disclosure: the book contains steamy content but I think Lisa manages to walk the line and keep it from being sleazy. The sex scenes are well written and suit the moments, it doesn't seem forced and the words are well chosen.

[Siobhan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am totally addicted to this series now and cannot wait for the next installment. I feel bad for Joss though, he needs some love! Still not convinced about Xander but that scene at the end was smoking hot!

[Missy Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted takes off with a gruesome surprise left for Vee, Xander, Joss, Heath and Ewan. Another fae is murdered, this time left for the Horsemen to find. Vee and her men are more determined to find out who is doing these murders, but they have no clue where to look. With added pressure from Portia, and mind games to work around, the group must work together to figure this puzzle out. But with attractions building and desires taken to the next level. Is Vee an asset to the team or a problem? L.J. keeps the Horsemen series moving at a fast pace that leaves the reader anxiously awaiting the next. With cliffhangers that set up the next installment beautifully, if not impatiently. Hunted is no exception, I cannot wait to find out what happens next. Vee is trying to find her place and her powers, as well as trying to hang on to human Vee while she can. Her relationship with the guys is growing, and going to the next level with a few. Xander is still growing on me, but we get to see him with Vee more in Hunted and I have to say I am even more of a fan now. I love alpha men and he is definitely that. Heath, Jess and Ewan are their sweet selves, But just because they are sweet doesn’t mean they can’t take out demons. They are the Horsemen after all. Overall I really enjoyed the next installment, and can’t wait for more.

[Louise Seraphim Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this series of novellas just continues to surprise me each time I jump in. Hunted starts off straight from the end of Bound where we were left with a huge shocker and lots more questions to ponder over.

Hunted basically continues at this exciting pace, where we are learning more about Vee, and gradually the Four Horsemen too. Being that this book falls into the exciting (new to me) genre Reverse Harem, we get to experience Vee and her growing attraction to each of the Four Horsemen, due to the connection they all share. I actually loved seeing each of the guys with Vee and how they reacted to her and the effect she has on them, meaning the chemistry level is constantly set at full whack.

Alongside all this we have the exciting back story. It's unravelling piece by piece and so crazy exciting, I just never know what to expect next. Basically you have a creepy, exciting and tense supernatural story with gorgeous guys and a VERY lucky lady who gets to have ALL of them, not to mention it's written incredibly. For me, that is everything I basically want in my stories. Not sure anyone could pass that up! Definitely recommend jumping on this series as quick as possible, it will be your new addiction!

5 stars.

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

These are actually short novellas and so slow. I skipped pages of unnessary descriptions of houses, fields, and offices?! Why? I don't care. Too bad. The premise of the plot had potential. Not going to continue.

[Jackie Durning · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was way better than the 1st two books.

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm I felt this was a bit anti climatic as well. You get some info on the people Vee used to 'know' from her message boards but I am still not sure what that has to do with the dead Fae. And Vee is kind of a let down. She does more freaking out and over analyzing things than actually DOING something useful.
The romance certainly takes a step up, but again, I am not sure I like the direction. Its more like a paranormal NEED to sleep with them than actual love.

[Luna Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Repeated review.

First off, eyyy, another author going by LJ; high five! *gives myself the high five*

Good start, I suppose; it could’ve been worse. The characters were decent enough, not that terrible; that may change in the future, though. I could, however, do without all the guys instantly liking the main girl, though; it made me think of Ouran High for a moment.

[Heather Rainwater-Alvarado · Rating 2 out of 5]

After finishing books 1 through 3 in over two weeks (yes it took me, an avid reader who can devour a book in a day that long to read these books), I'm overwhelmingly disappointed. Swallow tries to throw a plot twist between the Horsemen and the Fae, but nothing is even remotely close to being resolved. Vee's relationships have solidified between each of the four men, so I guess that's a positive. It's now more along the lines that she'll sleep with whoever matches her personality at that particular time (ex: anger=Zander). After Joss opens up that he hangs back and doesn't get noticed so he doesn't have a chance at Vee, but she still doesn't make him a priority. It's quite depressing. I' also just irritated that these Horsemen who are immortal and have been doing this for who knows how long are still going in circles by Book 3 and have no clue what to do. It makes me question their abilities. I get that she's trying to capture the moment of their tipping point where the world could fall into chaos if they fail, but as a reader, it gets monotonous. By now, I want to have faced one if not several villains and get the sense of accomplishment. But no. I just feel strung along. Not to mention the Horsemen's lack of resources. How do they acquire their wealth? And what do they do with it besides spend it getting drunk to deal with their pressures to meet the demands of the world? They seem more like college guys with side jobs of trying to save the world. Where is the technology? They do an old fashioned stakeout but give up and end up hacking into cameras around the city to find their target (which seems like a copout author solution). Why not put a tracker on the car? Or as the author, make up your own solution? How have they held off the demons who have a hand in "every major corporation" around the world? Vee is such a deer in the headlights also. She should be able to come to reason if the guys lose it and help diffuse the situation that arises with the Fae. Yes, she's socially awkward and the truth is hard to maintain friendships, but she shows moments where she can tell right from wrong and kinda sorta helps. I want a big moment of development with her outside of a battle scene. I also struggle with the lack of addressing any sort of religion when writing a story about the Horsemen. There is an entire world filling with supernaturals that aren't necessarily out to benefit mankind, but no good to balance it. Four Horsemen is not enough of a balance for me. And the whole "whoever created us" hint feels more like a science project than a Godly vibe. I kept waiting for some clue on divine intervention, but I don't think it'll ever come.

Long story short, I really wanted to like this series, but after reading it, I just feel hollow and have only a tiny sense of curiosity of how long it will take them to get their act together and get things resolved.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pony Boys and Vee return in Hunted! Each book in the Four Horsemen series just gets better. This one picks up with the discovery of the deadly message. This leaves the Horsemen confused and alarmed which only unsettles Vee more. This new world, her new life is even more difficult than she imagined. There are politics with other supernatural groups, alliances failing, more deadly encounters, mysteries from her human life, and her increasing feelings towards the Boys that all must be dealt with. The fae announce that she has a darkness in her; that she is a distraction and a danger to the Horsemen and that she will destroy everything. Her past life resurfaces and tangles itself into her new one. And everywhere the body count, good guys and bad guys, is growing. It's clear that someone powerful is involved.

There is a ton of action in this book; new information, new mysteries. Even so there is plenty of time between Vee and each of the Horsemen. We get one on one time with every single guy; a date with Joss and sexy time with not one, but TWO of the guys. Wow, just W-O-W! They all feel more for each other daily, although not everyone is willing to accept and admit their emotions. It's clear though and can only be denied for so long before it becomes explosive. I love the individual connections. They are all so defined, so different. The vulnerable moments are my favorites. They show the true strength of the bond between Vee and The Horsemen. She's going to need them more than ever, because by the end it all becomes too much. There has been too much change, too much unknown, too much death, too much loss in such a short period. She is beginning to fully grasp that although they can postpone the apocalypse, the risk will never be gone. This is her life now and she can't do it.

I love this book and can't wait for the next book Guardians. This is one of my favorite series and I want more, more more. My birthday is December 7th. Sounds like the perfect release date!

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every day, every minute, is forever.

Hunted is Book Three in the Four Horsemen series, and the first two absolutely HAVE to be read in order first.

For the four immortal Horsemen and their fifth, the heat around, and between them is turning up, tensions grow and shaky alliances between the Horsemen and the Fae are threatened. Someone, some group or some faction are undermining the work that they are doing in trying to prevent the end of the world.

Smoking bodies are showing up with cryptic messages, accusations are rife and pointed directly at Vee as a force there only to undermine the power of the Horsemen, and the Fae have pretty much kicked them to the kerb. Someone in power is not only lying to the Fae Queen, but picking off Verity’s Human fellow conspiracy theorists as well.

I am completely invested in Lisa’s (writing as LJ Swallow) work. I love everything she writes, and this series reminds me how much I used to love Urban Fantasy and Paranormal books. I had also never heard of the Reverse Harem genre, and wondered how I might view this series, but Lisa has written the relationship behind Verity, Heath, Xander, Ewan and Joss as something that progresses as naturally as the investigation into the demonic forces behind the end of the world moves forward.

This is a great series with plenty of action(!) and even if you haven’t tried out the genres of Urban Fantasy, the Paranormal or even RH as I hadn’t, then I’d say, give it a go. Definitely a 5 Star read!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so I was addicted to this story well before the first novella even hit my kindle. The whole four horsemen thing has fascinated me for as long as I can remember.
While LJ Swallow has turned a few things upside down on the myth the legend itself stays fairly true. War , Death, Famine and Pestilence in modern packaging with todays weaponry.
If you haven't read book 1 (Legacy) and book 2 (Bound) you absolutely need to, right now.

The story once again picks up where book 2 left us. That message and the way it was delivered cause some serious tension between War (my personal fave) and Vee.
This novella kind of focuses on the 5 on the hunt for those responsible,as well as still trying to maintain diplomatic relations with Queen Fae Portia and her court.

Our horsemen are in for a rocky ride with murders and unknown paranormals/ beings and even humans jumping in for a shot at the boys and Vee.
Through all this Vee is trying to get a grip on her still mysterious powers and her position within the horsemen ranks.

Being RH of course there is a delicious undercurrent of lust and longing and more than a few sexual sparks fly. Not giving anything away but we do get to see one ,or maybe more of our boys give in to the desire Vee creates in them ...lucky ,lucky girl

Yes the ending is a mild cliffhanger as in each of the previous novellas,but a perfectly acceptable one given how quickly LJ is releasing them.

5 stars for book 3 from me

***arc recieved from author***

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each time I read the next book in this series the story just keeps getting better and better!

Where the last book left you with another issue the Horsemen have to deal with, you spend this book watching them try and figure out what is going on, while still dealing with the other ongoing issues. Of course this brings more questions with not enough answers. The MC learns a bit more about who she is and her powers while struggling to keep a hold of her humanity. Her relationship with the guys continues to grow as they all figure out their roles with each other and let me say it led to some hot scenes! Love it!

Thus far this series has not disappointed me. It has managed to keep each book moving along well and the story never feels like it is dragging. I am definitely looking forward to the next book!

[Jemimah Decker-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The first in the series started off slower for me than I prefer but I was enjoying it and decided to read the next. Well now I'm on to book three and I couldn't put this one down and read it all in one sitting. The story is really starting to pick up pace and garner tension and excitement. Things are really starting to happen and all the relationships are starting to build into something more.

This book is a lot hotter and more explosive than the previous two and I loved it. I'm really enjoying how the author is building everything up, and it's not just us readers who are not sure what's going to happen next.

The end of this book was a shocker and I'm really looking forward to book number four, hopefully it won't be a long wait as I may just need to sic one of the four horsemen on the author if she leaves me hanging too long.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one took me a while to finish because I just... stopped caring. None of them seem to have any idea what they are doing. The guys have been doing this for how many years? Actually, we have no clue how long and I'm not even sure they know? But they seem to just stumble around killing things because they don't seem to know what they are doing. They have no real goal, no one is giving them missions or making sure they are doing whatever they were created for, and they just don't seem to have a purpose. Book 3 of 7 and I still have no idea what the plot is supposed to be. Book 3 of 7 and still none of the men are even bothering trying to help her learn about their world, their mission, her powers, or even some self-defense skills (beyond that bizarre display between her and Xander).

I will most likely not be reading the rest of the series.

[chriss giddins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense!

I love this serial, the characters & their interactions. My favourite fella changes regularly but I love them all.

This episode is darker than the previous books and so much happens that it feels like a full length novel. There are moments of calm in between the drama and trauma and this is a nice balance. You are left wanting the next instalment immediately.

I like the different points of view which helps you understand what's going on in everyone's head. I also like the balance between the action/mystery and the development of Vee's relationships with the horsemen. I know that not everyone likes cliffhangers but I enjoy working towards a resolution slowly rather than it all falling into place unrealistically even in a fantasy setting.

[Shelley Youngblood · Rating 5 out of 5]

LJ Swallow certainly knows how to write a book. Hunted is book three of her Four Horsemen series. It take place where book two left off, so it should be read in order. It is packed with suspense, combustible chemistry and memorable characters.

Now that the Four Horsemen have become five, they face new challenges. There is a unique bond between them, that is unlike anything they have ever experienced. They have enemies coming at them from all sides, and they have no idea who is behind it all or who they can trust. Tensions soar and suspense builds through this installment of this magnificent series. I can't wait to see what happens next to Verity, Joss, Heath, Ewan and Xander. LJ Swallow can not release the next book soon enough. This series is so addictive!

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

**WARNING! CLIFFHANGER!** this book picks up where two left off, and like two ends on a “what next?” style cliffhanger.
Verity (Vee) and her guys have a murder to solve, a victim to identify, and a failing relationship with the Fae. Meanwhile their relationships begin to evolve, and Vee starts to learn a little more about her power.

This fast paced, and action filled, reverse harem romance, continues its serialized tale. There’s a few more spicy encounters in this book, plus some interesting interactions with some other characters. It all comes together to create an interesting section of the Four Horsemen series, and will keep you guessing.
Recommended for RH paranormal and urban fantasy fans.

[Amanda Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me more!

Hunted is the 3rd part of LJ Swallow's The Four Horsemen series. Vee and the guys start out trying to find out who the dead guy is, how they were placed inside the wards with no warning and who is powerful enough to do so. Immediately following this is the dinner party with the Fae Queen.

Tensions run high, both the suspenseful type and the sexual type. A new enemy presents themselves, old alliances are strained and new ones are possible. There is plenty of steam and sexy times in this book and the relationship between the 5 deepens and develops more.

Can't wait for the next book!

[Sairaika · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sexy, alluring read!

Who is Vee?
Where did she come from?
And what is the darkness the fae can see inside her?

Another brilliant add to this supernaturally charged read!

The heat. The sexual tension. The heroine. The powers and energy. The unknown. The mystery. The fear. And the off-the-bloody-roof attractions. All of these elements make a grand, worthwhile read that will blow your mind (and underwear!). Lovin' how the heroine is forming her relationship with the men. Reverse harem romances are the best reads!

Full of fae, the horsemen and woman, supernatural creatures, mystery, suspense, attraction and feelings.

Perfect for readers of paranormal reverse harem romances.

[Dawn O'Neill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, LJ has me on the edge of my seat. I especially love that she's lacing the storyline with more murder-mystery type intrigue (and steamy, steamy Pony Boy moments), and the tension between the Horsemen (and woman) and the rest of the supernatural community (specifically a certain Fae Bitch Queen) is really coming to a head. You can definitely see the plot thickening in this book as the faceless enemy starts stepping up it's evil game. I've got so much anxiety about the guys and Vee that you'd think they were real people! I've definitely got a lot of investment in this series and am just barely holding on while waiting for the fourth book.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Nail Bitter!

Whoa! So much happened in this book! Lots of death, lots of emotion, lots of affection ♡ The cliffhanger was bearable this time, but I'm still dying to read the next book! Vee is really struggling and while the Pony Boys are doing their best to shield her, she's still overwhelmed. This plot held a little more intrigue then the last one, and definitely more romantic action. So didn't think she and one certain hot head would come together so quickly. I'm really rooting for Josh.... he's so laid back but for how much longer? Eesh.... Ms. Swallow sure can pen one romantic, dramatic, action packed and just plain fun series ♡♡♡♡

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh WOW!!! I was pulled in from the beginning! Fabulous paranormal/fantasy world, I absolutely love this series of books, the action starts slowly and builds, The characters are well defined early on and blossom throughout the series, you can feel the tension building between the main characters early in the series which develop wonderfully as each book progresses. Very well written storey. There are no cliff hangers as such but each book always leaves you wanting more so be warned though once you start reading this series you won’t be able to put the books down so be prepared for some binge reading.