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The only way to escape is to die.
For eighteen years I’ve suffered at the hands of the Hunters. For eighteen years they’ve done their best to break me, to tear me open and unleash the terrifying monster that lives within.
Until the day they go too far.
When a desperate escape leads to another brush with death, I’m forced to place my trust in the hands of four formidable strangers. Wild and untamed, their feral natures call to me, their warrior hearts make mine come alive. And when they offer me a place to stay while I heal, I can’t say no.
But the secrets I carry are deadly, and my past is a twisted, evil nightmare better left forgotten.
They may think they want to know me, they may think the secrets they guard behind hard eyes and closed expressions comes close to the ones I keep. But should they ever discover just who they’ve let into their home, just what I really am...their hatred could be the one thing that finally breaks me.
And if I break, the darkness inside me will finally be free.
***Author Note***
Hunted is the first book in the Feral Soul Trilogy. It’s a paranormal romance reverse harem intended for readers 18 and over. It features brooding, overprotective alpha males, a heroine who’s damaged but determined to put the pieces back together, and a slow burn romance packed with raw emotion and delicious tension. Oh, and did I mention the hot wolf shifters?
Pick up Hunted to discover this exciting new trilogy today!
For eighteen years I’ve suffered at the hands of the Hunters. For eighteen years they’ve done their best to break me, to tear me open and unleash the terrifying monster that lives within.
Until the day they go too far.
When a desperate escape leads to another brush with death, I’m forced to place my trust in the hands of four formidable strangers. Wild and untamed, their feral natures call to me, their warrior hearts make mine come alive. And when they offer me a place to stay while I heal, I can’t say no.
But the secrets I carry are deadly, and my past is a twisted, evil nightmare better left forgotten.
They may think they want to know me, they may think the secrets they guard behind hard eyes and closed expressions comes close to the ones I keep. But should they ever discover just who they’ve let into their home, just what I really am...their hatred could be the one thing that finally breaks me.
And if I break, the darkness inside me will finally be free.
***Author Note***
Hunted is the first book in the Feral Soul Trilogy. It’s a paranormal romance reverse harem intended for readers 18 and over. It features brooding, overprotective alpha males, a heroine who’s damaged but determined to put the pieces back together, and a slow burn romance packed with raw emotion and delicious tension. Oh, and did I mention the hot wolf shifters?
Pick up Hunted to discover this exciting new trilogy today!
670 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2019
2706 people are currently reading
7752 people want to read
About the author
Erica Woods
7 books1,291 followersErica Woods is an animal obsessed, romance addicted, lunatic who spends most her time with her nose in a book or typing away at a new story.
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Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/erica...
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She loves hearing from her readers, so feel free to ask her a question here on goodreads or contact her through her website or Facebook
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Erica-Woods/e/...
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/erica...
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ericawoodsau...
She loves hearing from her readers, so feel free to ask her a question here on goodreads or contact her through her website or Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,291 reviews
February 10, 2021
This is a ridiculously self indulgent books, and I mean it in the absolute best way. This book is the chocolate lava cake of books. The 3 dollar a pop chocolate truffle you want 20 of but agonized in front of the display case over, of books.
It's delicious. It's incredible. It's an experience. And it's gone too damn soon.
I'm honestly a little pissed off that I didn't find this book a year down the road, or three, when there would be a sequel to read. That way I wouldn't be left wanting, the way I am. I lie down to rest and the characters are behind my eyes, each taking turns with their feelings. And I am wondering, what will happen next? When will Ash make a move? When will Lucien give in??
I take a shower and the last page of the book assaults me while i'm trying to wash my hair. What's going to happen next?
I brush my cat and the main character is there, gently pressing her soul into my thoughts. I cannot escape.
I want to pick up this book and keep reading, but its GONE.
And how is that even possible, anyways? How does Erica Woods not have ANY OTHER books to read?? How does someone come out the fucking gate writing like this?
Writing with words that make me shiver. Pulling my emotions out of me like a siphon. Absorbing my entire fucking brain until I don't want to go out to dinner, or do chores, or finish that drawing, or do that thing in the video game - or any of the things I normally do or want to do, because no. I want to read. I want to be in the book. Surrounded by Erica Woods' world. Feeling every word so, so keenly.
I have been reading so much trash lately. Candy books. Popcorn books. The kind of books that are worth a read but don't really move you, don't stay with you. I thought this would be one of them. It's not. It's the kind of book that has me sitting down to write a review - which I never do - because i'm so incredibly STIRRED by it. It's following me around like a stray cat that runs from my touch. I want to scoop it up into my lap but it's dashing away again.
Dear Erica Woods:
I love you. Please keep writing. Don't ever stop.
Maybe next week, or next month, i'll stop being absorbed by this world - but for now, the book hangover is so, so real, and I don't know what to do to myself.
Read this book.
It's delicious. It's incredible. It's an experience. And it's gone too damn soon.
I'm honestly a little pissed off that I didn't find this book a year down the road, or three, when there would be a sequel to read. That way I wouldn't be left wanting, the way I am. I lie down to rest and the characters are behind my eyes, each taking turns with their feelings. And I am wondering, what will happen next? When will Ash make a move? When will Lucien give in??
I take a shower and the last page of the book assaults me while i'm trying to wash my hair. What's going to happen next?
I brush my cat and the main character is there, gently pressing her soul into my thoughts. I cannot escape.
I want to pick up this book and keep reading, but its GONE.
And how is that even possible, anyways? How does Erica Woods not have ANY OTHER books to read?? How does someone come out the fucking gate writing like this?
Writing with words that make me shiver. Pulling my emotions out of me like a siphon. Absorbing my entire fucking brain until I don't want to go out to dinner, or do chores, or finish that drawing, or do that thing in the video game - or any of the things I normally do or want to do, because no. I want to read. I want to be in the book. Surrounded by Erica Woods' world. Feeling every word so, so keenly.
I have been reading so much trash lately. Candy books. Popcorn books. The kind of books that are worth a read but don't really move you, don't stay with you. I thought this would be one of them. It's not. It's the kind of book that has me sitting down to write a review - which I never do - because i'm so incredibly STIRRED by it. It's following me around like a stray cat that runs from my touch. I want to scoop it up into my lap but it's dashing away again.
Dear Erica Woods:
I love you. Please keep writing. Don't ever stop.
Maybe next week, or next month, i'll stop being absorbed by this world - but for now, the book hangover is so, so real, and I don't know what to do to myself.
Read this book.
February 4, 2021
This is the millionth time ive read this book and probably only the 2nd review Ive ever done (and literally i thought I had already reviewed it and i feel like the worst fan in the history of the planet because i just now realized i never have).
Where to begin.
I started my little journey into the world of Kindly Unlimited romance books back in November. I had no idea what was awaiting me. Ive read good books. Ive read books that have made me cry. Ive read books that have made me laugh. And I’ve read some really really terrible books.
And all those books...? They were books I read while chasing the high I got from reading THIS book.
I enjoy a strong female that takes no crap and dishes as good as she gets it. But you know what Ive always missed in my stories of strong/witty/takes no shit female MC’s? The journey they took to get there. I’ve missed the story that tells of pains they’ve been through, the hurt they’ve dealt with. The betrayal. The things that I, as a reader and a female, have been through myself. Hope is me. (Minus the whole— being experimented on thing. My past isn’t QUITE that bad.) I have been through some serious shit in my life and I constantly have found myself wondering why I didn’t just bounce back immediately with witty retorts and a sweet right hook. Wanna know why? Because Ive been fooled into thinking that theres no journey to the strong/takes no shit female that a lot of other authors build their stories around. Ive been fooled into thinking that my cowering, stammering and pain aren’t normal. Ive been fooled into thinking that I shouldn’t be dealing with attempting to find myself and get over my abuse. HOPE’S STORY IS THE STORY WE HAVE ALL BEEN DENIED.
You read this story about this beautiful woman who has been LITERALLY thought hell and back and you get such a real taste of what it’s like to be a survivor and actually need some time to process your emotions and process what’s been done to you and to re-learn how to trust- not just others around you but yourself as well. Erica takes us on this beautiful journey of watching Hope grow and learn and while she still cowers in fear, flinches at sudden movements or cries in alarm at violence- AND THATS OK... because Hope is making strides EVERY SINLGE DAY to become a better version of herself. Hope reminds us that the first step is hard- but the steps that come after abuse are even harder.
Wanna know the best part? She doesnt go on this journey alone. She has 4 amazing men who rescue her and take her in and help her discover what its like to be cared for and to be able to trust. They build her up and wrap their care and love around her, and the best part? Hope does the same for them. Just by being herself and taking those first tumultuous steps toward independence (something we take for granted— like being given a choice about what to put on a pizza, and having to make that choice without panicking), she shows these men what its like to be brave in the face of a past so haunting that a normal human probably wouldnt survive it. Each of the men in the book have their own issues- from self-depreciation to building an icy wall up around one’s emotions to keep from getting hurt- slowly those walls start to crumble as they watch Hope come into herself and fall in love with her bravery and her kindness and her ability to see them for who they truly are- and all the good they have inside of them.
And .. this wouldn’t be a good review if I didn’t discuss the guys a bit more- THEY ARE AMAZING. We have Ruarc who is a big (think Jason Mamoa) Scottish “brute” who is surprisingly gentle and kind, we have Ash- the beautiful Native American Alpha of the pack- with his traumatic childhood and need to keep everyone and everything calm and in line, Jason- the cocky, sun-kissed all-smiles-all-the-time (because you can pretend to be happy until you actually ARE, right Jason?) boy next door, and we have my personal favorite- the icy, sculpted from marble Greek-God (who’s actually a Brit like he could BE more perfect) Lucien- with the disdainful looks and distaste for being seen only for his beauty (I mean seriously.. Lucien is my forever book boyfriend. I love him).
The guys (along with Hope) have such amazing personalities-they’re all so different from each other and Erica writes them so distinctly that you would be able to pick a chapter from any random guy’s POV and take away all the names and know exactly who’s POV it’s from. Theres no flat characters here. Only amazing depth that makes you feel like these are people Erica actually knows in real life and is hiding from us (Seriously.. if you’re hiding Lucien, I will pay for him 😉)
So not only do we have a story with well written characters and that’s insanely heart-felt, we also get.. wait for it...
IT HAS FREAKING AMAZING MAGICAL WORLD BUILDING TOO! Every time I read this book I find something new- I walk away with even MORE questions than I had before— I’m not only in this for the hot guys and the heroine I can relate to so well- the actual story itself is freaking fantastic. What is Hope? Who’s her uncle? Who tf is Lily? Where does Matthew tie in? Why is only Jan looking for her? Are there vampires? More supernaturals? What else will I meet? WHO ELSE will I meet? Who’s the Alpha in the North? WHAT IS GONNA HAPPEN AT THE ASSEMBLY?
So.. the TL:DR here is.. this book is amazing.. the characters are amazing.. the work Erica has clearly put into this story is amazing- I would sell my 2nd born child for Lucien.. and you should go read this book. Like..Now. What are you waiting for? It doesn’t matter that its 2am and you’re ass-down in a Goodreads rabbit-hole. Stay up (you’ll have to once you get started because boy oh boy does this book just jump right into it all). Call out of work tomorrow. Take the kids to daycare and tell your husband/boyfriend/wife/girlfriend/partner that youre sick. Grab a cup of coffee. Or tea. Or hell.. get some wine. Buckle up.. and enjoy. You’ll thank me later.
Where to begin.
I started my little journey into the world of Kindly Unlimited romance books back in November. I had no idea what was awaiting me. Ive read good books. Ive read books that have made me cry. Ive read books that have made me laugh. And I’ve read some really really terrible books.
And all those books...? They were books I read while chasing the high I got from reading THIS book.
I enjoy a strong female that takes no crap and dishes as good as she gets it. But you know what Ive always missed in my stories of strong/witty/takes no shit female MC’s? The journey they took to get there. I’ve missed the story that tells of pains they’ve been through, the hurt they’ve dealt with. The betrayal. The things that I, as a reader and a female, have been through myself. Hope is me. (Minus the whole— being experimented on thing. My past isn’t QUITE that bad.) I have been through some serious shit in my life and I constantly have found myself wondering why I didn’t just bounce back immediately with witty retorts and a sweet right hook. Wanna know why? Because Ive been fooled into thinking that theres no journey to the strong/takes no shit female that a lot of other authors build their stories around. Ive been fooled into thinking that my cowering, stammering and pain aren’t normal. Ive been fooled into thinking that I shouldn’t be dealing with attempting to find myself and get over my abuse. HOPE’S STORY IS THE STORY WE HAVE ALL BEEN DENIED.
You read this story about this beautiful woman who has been LITERALLY thought hell and back and you get such a real taste of what it’s like to be a survivor and actually need some time to process your emotions and process what’s been done to you and to re-learn how to trust- not just others around you but yourself as well. Erica takes us on this beautiful journey of watching Hope grow and learn and while she still cowers in fear, flinches at sudden movements or cries in alarm at violence- AND THATS OK... because Hope is making strides EVERY SINLGE DAY to become a better version of herself. Hope reminds us that the first step is hard- but the steps that come after abuse are even harder.
Wanna know the best part? She doesnt go on this journey alone. She has 4 amazing men who rescue her and take her in and help her discover what its like to be cared for and to be able to trust. They build her up and wrap their care and love around her, and the best part? Hope does the same for them. Just by being herself and taking those first tumultuous steps toward independence (something we take for granted— like being given a choice about what to put on a pizza, and having to make that choice without panicking), she shows these men what its like to be brave in the face of a past so haunting that a normal human probably wouldnt survive it. Each of the men in the book have their own issues- from self-depreciation to building an icy wall up around one’s emotions to keep from getting hurt- slowly those walls start to crumble as they watch Hope come into herself and fall in love with her bravery and her kindness and her ability to see them for who they truly are- and all the good they have inside of them.
And .. this wouldn’t be a good review if I didn’t discuss the guys a bit more- THEY ARE AMAZING. We have Ruarc who is a big (think Jason Mamoa) Scottish “brute” who is surprisingly gentle and kind, we have Ash- the beautiful Native American Alpha of the pack- with his traumatic childhood and need to keep everyone and everything calm and in line, Jason- the cocky, sun-kissed all-smiles-all-the-time (because you can pretend to be happy until you actually ARE, right Jason?) boy next door, and we have my personal favorite- the icy, sculpted from marble Greek-God (who’s actually a Brit like he could BE more perfect) Lucien- with the disdainful looks and distaste for being seen only for his beauty (I mean seriously.. Lucien is my forever book boyfriend. I love him).
The guys (along with Hope) have such amazing personalities-they’re all so different from each other and Erica writes them so distinctly that you would be able to pick a chapter from any random guy’s POV and take away all the names and know exactly who’s POV it’s from. Theres no flat characters here. Only amazing depth that makes you feel like these are people Erica actually knows in real life and is hiding from us (Seriously.. if you’re hiding Lucien, I will pay for him 😉)
So not only do we have a story with well written characters and that’s insanely heart-felt, we also get.. wait for it...
IT HAS FREAKING AMAZING MAGICAL WORLD BUILDING TOO! Every time I read this book I find something new- I walk away with even MORE questions than I had before— I’m not only in this for the hot guys and the heroine I can relate to so well- the actual story itself is freaking fantastic. What is Hope? Who’s her uncle? Who tf is Lily? Where does Matthew tie in? Why is only Jan looking for her? Are there vampires? More supernaturals? What else will I meet? WHO ELSE will I meet? Who’s the Alpha in the North? WHAT IS GONNA HAPPEN AT THE ASSEMBLY?
So.. the TL:DR here is.. this book is amazing.. the characters are amazing.. the work Erica has clearly put into this story is amazing- I would sell my 2nd born child for Lucien.. and you should go read this book. Like..Now. What are you waiting for? It doesn’t matter that its 2am and you’re ass-down in a Goodreads rabbit-hole. Stay up (you’ll have to once you get started because boy oh boy does this book just jump right into it all). Call out of work tomorrow. Take the kids to daycare and tell your husband/boyfriend/wife/girlfriend/partner that youre sick. Grab a cup of coffee. Or tea. Or hell.. get some wine. Buckle up.. and enjoy. You’ll thank me later.
February 6, 2020
Watch out!
The Mary Sue is strong with this one.
This is a long book about nothing.
The heroine has been held captive for the past 18 years because she has a monster in her which is experimented on.
The heroine finally escapes.
The heroine runs into in four guys in her harem.
The heroes take her in.
The heroes start getting all gruff and growly around her because they are feeling her vibe. All except one, obviously. Can't have a harem without one of the guys being an asshole.
The heroine is scared to tell the guys about her monster, she's scared of the people after her.
The heroes want her but she's human and it's "kinda" forbidden.
The heroine is always frightened but she doesn't want to leave because they are the only people that have shown her kindness.
The heroes want to know who hurt her.
The heroine doesn't want to tell them.
The heroes want to know who hurt her.
The heroine doesn't want to tell them because she's scared the hunters might hurt her guys.
The heroine find out the guys are not human.
The heroine decides not to tell them about her monster.
The guys want to know who hurt her.
The heroine doesn't want to tell them.
The End.
That's how the book ends. She still didn't tell them. I am curious though so I might read the next book if I remember but if not i'm going to leave it right here.
The Mary Sue is strong with this one.
This is a long book about nothing.
The heroine has been held captive for the past 18 years because she has a monster in her which is experimented on.
The heroine finally escapes.
The heroine runs into in four guys in her harem.
The heroes take her in.
The heroes start getting all gruff and growly around her because they are feeling her vibe. All except one, obviously. Can't have a harem without one of the guys being an asshole.
The heroine is scared to tell the guys about her monster, she's scared of the people after her.
The heroes want her but she's human and it's "kinda" forbidden.
The heroine is always frightened but she doesn't want to leave because they are the only people that have shown her kindness.
The heroes want to know who hurt her.
The heroine doesn't want to tell them.
The heroes want to know who hurt her.
The heroine doesn't want to tell them because she's scared the hunters might hurt her guys.
The heroine find out the guys are not human.
The heroine decides not to tell them about her monster.
The guys want to know who hurt her.
The heroine doesn't want to tell them.
The End.
That's how the book ends. She still didn't tell them. I am curious though so I might read the next book if I remember but if not i'm going to leave it right here.
December 13, 2019
Stunning
Wow. Where do I begin? I am awestruck. My heart has been wrenched in two, reassembled, then torn apart again. It is now approaching 7 a.m and I have been awake all night as the world has slept around me. I have cried more times than I care to admit. I could not put the book down. The anguish, the terror, the heartbreaking loneliness Hope has suffered at the hands of evil is mind boggling. To not only survive, but to be able to overcome, albeit slowly and not without hardship and pain, is truly the mark of a strong soul. The males who surround her on this journey are all completely different in personality but they do have one important commonality. Their fierce and at times, unexplainable need to protect this small, damaged human female. This is the kind of story, so masterfully told, that stays with you. I thank you, Ms. Woods, for a stunning and powerful read and I anxiously await the next book in this series.
Wow. Where do I begin? I am awestruck. My heart has been wrenched in two, reassembled, then torn apart again. It is now approaching 7 a.m and I have been awake all night as the world has slept around me. I have cried more times than I care to admit. I could not put the book down. The anguish, the terror, the heartbreaking loneliness Hope has suffered at the hands of evil is mind boggling. To not only survive, but to be able to overcome, albeit slowly and not without hardship and pain, is truly the mark of a strong soul. The males who surround her on this journey are all completely different in personality but they do have one important commonality. Their fierce and at times, unexplainable need to protect this small, damaged human female. This is the kind of story, so masterfully told, that stays with you. I thank you, Ms. Woods, for a stunning and powerful read and I anxiously await the next book in this series.
October 17, 2019
Consumed
This book is both terrifying and uplifting at the same time.
Hope is a mess! And yet so strong. And I don't mean in a take no shit badass trope way. In an inner strength way. She's had some seriously bad things happen to her and yet she's still surviving.
There just something so real about the characters in this book. They don't just magically 'get fixed' but at the same time they move and develop through the book. The men are broken too and they work together to start to heal each other.
Erica had such an amazing way with words. She's just so emotive and from the very beginning I felt like I was part of the world, living the story alongside them. It's pretty much close to perfection for me and I can't praise this book enough! If I could give it more than 5 stars I certainly would.. so when's the next out??
This book is both terrifying and uplifting at the same time.
Hope is a mess! And yet so strong. And I don't mean in a take no shit badass trope way. In an inner strength way. She's had some seriously bad things happen to her and yet she's still surviving.
There just something so real about the characters in this book. They don't just magically 'get fixed' but at the same time they move and develop through the book. The men are broken too and they work together to start to heal each other.
Erica had such an amazing way with words. She's just so emotive and from the very beginning I felt like I was part of the world, living the story alongside them. It's pretty much close to perfection for me and I can't praise this book enough! If I could give it more than 5 stars I certainly would.. so when's the next out??
October 19, 2019
Foly huck!!!
I ducking LOVED this freaking book, and I soooooooooo can’t wait to see what happens next!!
Bad*ss, hot & growly alpha male shifters, an FMC that does not annoy me, and some serious suspense, intrigue, secrets, and oh yeah let’s definitely not forget the absolute STEAMNESS between the FMC and the growly guys. D*mn even the freaking length of this book was AWESOME. I so could not have asked for anything more.
If you are a fan of the Reverse Harem Shifter Paranormal genre then this book is a DEFINITE MUST READ........
I ducking LOVED this freaking book, and I soooooooooo can’t wait to see what happens next!!
Bad*ss, hot & growly alpha male shifters, an FMC that does not annoy me, and some serious suspense, intrigue, secrets, and oh yeah let’s definitely not forget the absolute STEAMNESS between the FMC and the growly guys. D*mn even the freaking length of this book was AWESOME. I so could not have asked for anything more.
If you are a fan of the Reverse Harem Shifter Paranormal genre then this book is a DEFINITE MUST READ........
December 29, 2019
This book was unexpected. I thought it was going to be another typical shifter story, but woah!!!! I can't wait to read the second one!
November 24, 2022
There are not enough words to describe how epic this book is!!
A perfect blend of evocative writing, character development and raw emotion.
It’s extremely hard to believe that this is Erica’s first book because it reads so beautifully.
The writing is gripping, the kind you never want to put down. (Which I didn’t, I just couldn’t stop reading it)
If you love the idea of reading about a scarred but strong heroine, four drool-worthy, over-protective alphas and so much raw emotion it will leave you desperate for more, then definitely read this.
One of my favourite slow burn reverse harem books of all time and I can’t wait for the next one.
A perfect blend of evocative writing, character development and raw emotion.
It’s extremely hard to believe that this is Erica’s first book because it reads so beautifully.
The writing is gripping, the kind you never want to put down. (Which I didn’t, I just couldn’t stop reading it)
If you love the idea of reading about a scarred but strong heroine, four drool-worthy, over-protective alphas and so much raw emotion it will leave you desperate for more, then definitely read this.
One of my favourite slow burn reverse harem books of all time and I can’t wait for the next one.
October 18, 2019
Too slow
I skimmed most of the book, the relationships can’t really be developed when you are waiting for her to tell the truth to them and herself. At about 50% it became repetitive, her monologue, their monologue....the story line needed to be moved forward and it stagnated. It has good potential going forward... if the author moves things along with her monster.
I skimmed most of the book, the relationships can’t really be developed when you are waiting for her to tell the truth to them and herself. At about 50% it became repetitive, her monologue, their monologue....the story line needed to be moved forward and it stagnated. It has good potential going forward... if the author moves things along with her monster.
November 8, 2019
WOW, OMG
This book was awesome. As soon as I started it, I was hooked on it within the first few sentences. This book has an amazing pace at which it moves which makes it a nice easy read. The characters are amazing and I fell in love with them instantly. They were so real, that I felt as though I knew them personally and was part of their lives and wanted to see them overcome everything that may get in their way. The story will grab you and not let you leave until you finish the last page, and then you are wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next book. Loved it.
This book was awesome. As soon as I started it, I was hooked on it within the first few sentences. This book has an amazing pace at which it moves which makes it a nice easy read. The characters are amazing and I fell in love with them instantly. They were so real, that I felt as though I knew them personally and was part of their lives and wanted to see them overcome everything that may get in their way. The story will grab you and not let you leave until you finish the last page, and then you are wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next book. Loved it.
December 11, 2019
This was almost 3, so I'm going with 2.5
For the positive, it was a hard book to put down. The writing style isn't bad. The men were great - nothing unique really, but the contrast of personalities worked - even if done before, I liked them. I enjoy books where there's mysteries about the heroine waiting to be solved. I enjoyed it wasn't too much about the unrealistic and rushed physical side.
On the negative, the book is simply too repetitive. She dangles the carrot of not telling them who she escaped from the entire book without resolution. We didn't even get resolution about another secret she's keeping - I could have held out for the revelation of the captors in the next book, but to not tell another part didn't make sense. Sure, she was finally going to at the end, but the author nailed us with a meanie-pants cliffhanger that ruined that redemptive note.
It gets tedious for them to ask her, she avoids and stammers, they ask her, she avoids and stammers, repeat, rinse and recycle. The entire book.
Also, are we really supposed to believe she's a big book lover who spends hours in Ash's library reading long non-fiction books? She's not stupid, and of course I'm all about the books, but she makes a point to say she never went to school as a kid and didn't learn much, has no skills, and was put into captivity when she was 6. There is no mention of the compound teaching her to read (why would they?), so her being able to grasp the concept of these large books makes little sense.
I don't mind damaged characters as long as they're not all about the angst and woe, but she was a bit hard to take.
The world-building is a little confusing as I don't get much of what's going on, especially with what the guys are up to, what pack wars they're talking about, and how much they do or don't know about hunters. The way they speak makes it sound like some of them escaped from captivity, but if that's the case how can her story be so disbelieved by some of them? What is a sire, an alpha? They can't be created so the word sire in itself is bizarre, and they seem to all hate their sires.
I will read the next book if it comes out to see what happens next. As I said, hard to put down and I got into the family unit, but the repetitious plot, confusing plot-holes, and cliffhanger didn't help. Let's see if it improves.
For the positive, it was a hard book to put down. The writing style isn't bad. The men were great - nothing unique really, but the contrast of personalities worked - even if done before, I liked them. I enjoy books where there's mysteries about the heroine waiting to be solved. I enjoyed it wasn't too much about the unrealistic and rushed physical side.
On the negative, the book is simply too repetitive. She dangles the carrot of not telling them who she escaped from the entire book without resolution. We didn't even get resolution about another secret she's keeping - I could have held out for the revelation of the captors in the next book, but to not tell another part didn't make sense. Sure, she was finally going to at the end, but the author nailed us with a meanie-pants cliffhanger that ruined that redemptive note.
It gets tedious for them to ask her, she avoids and stammers, they ask her, she avoids and stammers, repeat, rinse and recycle. The entire book.
Also, are we really supposed to believe she's a big book lover who spends hours in Ash's library reading long non-fiction books? She's not stupid, and of course I'm all about the books, but she makes a point to say she never went to school as a kid and didn't learn much, has no skills, and was put into captivity when she was 6. There is no mention of the compound teaching her to read (why would they?), so her being able to grasp the concept of these large books makes little sense.
I don't mind damaged characters as long as they're not all about the angst and woe, but she was a bit hard to take.
The world-building is a little confusing as I don't get much of what's going on, especially with what the guys are up to, what pack wars they're talking about, and how much they do or don't know about hunters. The way they speak makes it sound like some of them escaped from captivity, but if that's the case how can her story be so disbelieved by some of them? What is a sire, an alpha? They can't be created so the word sire in itself is bizarre, and they seem to all hate their sires.
I will read the next book if it comes out to see what happens next. As I said, hard to put down and I got into the family unit, but the repetitious plot, confusing plot-holes, and cliffhanger didn't help. Let's see if it improves.
February 4, 2021
4.5 rounded up
You know how most PNR RH novels follow a fairly simple formula, even if the events and the way to those Signposts differ from book to book? Yeah.... This isn’t one of those books. At all.
It explodes onto the scene with a fairly epic escape, then just... stops. Somehow, in over 600 pages, it goes nowhere. Even more odd? That’s perfect. There is little to no action, the romance is slow burn city, and most of the narrative is spent on reflection and character growth - yet it all melds to craft a book that truly stands apart and begs to be read.
I really enjoyed this novel and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2 - though if events or action do not pick up in that installment, then everything book 1 has accomplished will be for naught.
Let delve a bit deeper here for a moment; this book centers around characters... not the events that surround them. Those seem superfluous, though past, present and future have all given way to where these five are now. Hope's past has made her who she is, and she is dealing with it. Her strength is the quiet kind, the version of steel that most of us dismiss, yet somehow that makes this growth even more compelling. Be aware that this is true PTSD, in all its guttural and ugly pain. She shivers, she shakes, she cringes and hides... and that humanity in the face of this inhumane history makes this novel the type you literally cannot put down.
Pros:
~Very well written.
~Emotional, painful at times. Understandable.
~Alpha males struggling to adjust!
~Lucien... I kinda love that jerk. He earned my eternal devotion with ONE act - not going to spoil it, but you'll know it when you read it.
~Jason... I, too, 'fake it till I make it'.
~Hope. There are no words. I just want to hug her.
~Lyrical quality to the narrative.
~Well edited - though I thought Ruarc's POV's were unedited... but that isn't true. He speaks the same way, dropping words, or clipping his tone. The minor drops in his POV are due to the fact that it's, well, HIS POV.
~Ok.. ok... ALL the characters are in the PRO column here. Hope, Ash, Ruarc, Jason and Lucien... I love them all, for different reasons. I'm keeping them. You can't have them.
Cons:
~I wanted to shake Hope a few times, beg her to just TELL THEM! Not so much a 'con', but a personal affront, lol.
~There is truly little action to be had here. It is far from fast paced, though I promise you'll read it fast.
Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV
Rating
R for Violence, mentions of torture and PTSD. NO RAPE .
Romantic Dynamic
MMMMF
Character Age Range
24+ (yes, she is 24. She was 6 when she was 'given' to the Hunters)
My Final Verdict on Hunted
Get this book. Just get it. TBR it, buy it, whatever... just read it. Honestly. It's wonderful. Slow, methodical and so bloody captivating you truly won't miss the explosions or heart pounding action. This is Erica Woods debut... (DEBUT!) novel and it hits it out of the park. Free on KU!
You know how most PNR RH novels follow a fairly simple formula, even if the events and the way to those Signposts differ from book to book? Yeah.... This isn’t one of those books. At all.
It explodes onto the scene with a fairly epic escape, then just... stops. Somehow, in over 600 pages, it goes nowhere. Even more odd? That’s perfect. There is little to no action, the romance is slow burn city, and most of the narrative is spent on reflection and character growth - yet it all melds to craft a book that truly stands apart and begs to be read.
I really enjoyed this novel and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2 - though if events or action do not pick up in that installment, then everything book 1 has accomplished will be for naught.
Let delve a bit deeper here for a moment; this book centers around characters... not the events that surround them. Those seem superfluous, though past, present and future have all given way to where these five are now. Hope's past has made her who she is, and she is dealing with it. Her strength is the quiet kind, the version of steel that most of us dismiss, yet somehow that makes this growth even more compelling. Be aware that this is true PTSD, in all its guttural and ugly pain. She shivers, she shakes, she cringes and hides... and that humanity in the face of this inhumane history makes this novel the type you literally cannot put down.
Pros:
~Very well written.
~Emotional, painful at times. Understandable.
~Alpha males struggling to adjust!
~Lucien... I kinda love that jerk. He earned my eternal devotion with ONE act - not going to spoil it, but you'll know it when you read it.
~Jason... I, too, 'fake it till I make it'.
~Hope. There are no words. I just want to hug her.
~Lyrical quality to the narrative.
~Well edited - though I thought Ruarc's POV's were unedited... but that isn't true. He speaks the same way, dropping words, or clipping his tone. The minor drops in his POV are due to the fact that it's, well, HIS POV.
~Ok.. ok... ALL the characters are in the PRO column here. Hope, Ash, Ruarc, Jason and Lucien... I love them all, for different reasons. I'm keeping them. You can't have them.
Cons:
~I wanted to shake Hope a few times, beg her to just TELL THEM! Not so much a 'con', but a personal affront, lol.
~There is truly little action to be had here. It is far from fast paced, though I promise you'll read it fast.
Perspective
First Person, Multiple POV
Rating
R for Violence, mentions of torture and PTSD. NO RAPE .
Romantic Dynamic
MMMMF
Character Age Range
24+ (yes, she is 24. She was 6 when she was 'given' to the Hunters)
My Final Verdict on Hunted
Get this book. Just get it. TBR it, buy it, whatever... just read it. Honestly. It's wonderful. Slow, methodical and so bloody captivating you truly won't miss the explosions or heart pounding action. This is Erica Woods debut... (DEBUT!) novel and it hits it out of the park. Free on KU!
October 19, 2019
I stumbled upon this book, and the blurb caught my interest right off the bat. The second I started Hunted, I couldn't stop. The story immediately drags you into the life of Hope. This poor girl has been through so much, and you feel for her. You feel her strength, her determination to live. She drew me into her journey and now I am very much invested into the questions I have. Hunted marks the first book of Erica Woods, and I have to say, excellent freaking job. The story, plot, flow, characters, and attention to detail is what makes this such an amazing read for a first time author. Imagine what will come whenever she has some more titles under her belt.
Hope has spent 18 years as a prisoner to the Hunters. Cruel men who torture and have hurt Hope for years. They want her inner monster to come out, but she refuses. She knows the only way to leave her imprisonment is to give in or death. When her desperate plan to escape works, she is forced to run for her life. On the run she crosses paths with four dangerous men, men who notice that Hope has been to hell and they are determined to help her in any way they can. But there is more to these men, something animalistic. What is Hope hiding? Exactly what does Ruarc, Ash, Jason, and Lucien do for a living? Exactly what are they? And will they be able to protect Hope when the Hunters come looking for the girl who has come to mean something to each one of them?
Seriously guys, this book just blew me away. The book is long, and I freaking loved it. Erica did an excellent job of creating the scene and the flow of the book. She is descriptive without being overly. The characters are unique, you will fall for them so freaking fast. Hope is a wounded woman, who does not give up. Ruarc, is just a big bear, he growls but loves fiercely. Ash, alpha who understands and can comfort her. Jason the fun loving one, never fails to put a smile on her face. And Lucien, yeah he is the jerk of the group and I cannot wait to find out why. There is a lot to these characters that I need, literally need more information on. Also loved the multiple pov.
Overall, absolutely loved this first book in this series and yeah I may have went all fan girl and told her how awesome I think her story was. FYI, she is so freaking nice.
Hope has spent 18 years as a prisoner to the Hunters. Cruel men who torture and have hurt Hope for years. They want her inner monster to come out, but she refuses. She knows the only way to leave her imprisonment is to give in or death. When her desperate plan to escape works, she is forced to run for her life. On the run she crosses paths with four dangerous men, men who notice that Hope has been to hell and they are determined to help her in any way they can. But there is more to these men, something animalistic. What is Hope hiding? Exactly what does Ruarc, Ash, Jason, and Lucien do for a living? Exactly what are they? And will they be able to protect Hope when the Hunters come looking for the girl who has come to mean something to each one of them?
Seriously guys, this book just blew me away. The book is long, and I freaking loved it. Erica did an excellent job of creating the scene and the flow of the book. She is descriptive without being overly. The characters are unique, you will fall for them so freaking fast. Hope is a wounded woman, who does not give up. Ruarc, is just a big bear, he growls but loves fiercely. Ash, alpha who understands and can comfort her. Jason the fun loving one, never fails to put a smile on her face. And Lucien, yeah he is the jerk of the group and I cannot wait to find out why. There is a lot to these characters that I need, literally need more information on. Also loved the multiple pov.
Overall, absolutely loved this first book in this series and yeah I may have went all fan girl and told her how awesome I think her story was. FYI, she is so freaking nice.
Read
April 12, 2020Rating: 2.5 stars
For a book this long, filler was to be expected. What was not to be expected was for the book to be only filler.
Yes, Hunted has no plot. 670 pages of embarrassing slice of life with a pinch on cuteness.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book. It's somewhat fun, hits lots of RH boxes and make the time pass when you're stuck at home with nothing to do. But I would lie if I'd say I wasn't disappointed to be at the exact same point by the end of the first book; with no story and no substance.
For a book this long, filler was to be expected. What was not to be expected was for the book to be only filler.
Yes, Hunted has no plot. 670 pages of embarrassing slice of life with a pinch on cuteness.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book. It's somewhat fun, hits lots of RH boxes and make the time pass when you're stuck at home with nothing to do. But I would lie if I'd say I wasn't disappointed to be at the exact same point by the end of the first book; with no story and no substance.
September 18, 2021
3.9
Okay this is a reverse harem book and I really loved it. This story is about Hope who was captured by hunted when she was 6 and now after 18 years of torture and abuse she finally ran away from the hell hole and meets 4 guys. Ash, Lucien, Rurac and Jason. They are lycans and they think Hope is a human, while on the other hand Hope thinks the 4 guys are humans and to protect them she doesnt tell them about the Hunters that are after her and the monster inside her. They let her stay at their house and help her heal as they fall for her.
I already read it 2 times and I am kinda obsessed with this book! I loved the slow burn and how the guys tried to control their feelings at first because they respected hope and the torture she faced, and they didnt want to rush things with her. All the guys are different from each other. Ash is the leader of their pack, he is calm but yet ppl fear him. Lucien is the silent observer who is heartless, he has a bad past and in this book he hates hope Cuz he doesnt trust her and she also doesnt tell them everything. Rurac from the moment he met hope he wanted to protect her, I love him and his determination to hurt the people who hurt hope. Jason on the other hand is the funny one in their group, he has his own demons but he hides them with his humor and smile. Each one of them has chemistry with hope and bonding, I love each one of them. The story is really slow, 600 pages and its a trilogy and I love slow burn reverse harem. One thing that bothered be was that after knowing that the guys are wolves..Hope still didnt tell them about the hunters. I was waiting for her to tell but she didnt and her excuse was that either they ll hate her or the hunters will hurt them which is justified but it was still annoying. Other than that I love rh stories which go slow, we get to see how Hope learns to trust and love each guy differently. I didnt think Rurac ll be the one to win her heart first Cuz He is the scary one but their relationship is so unique. I seriously cant get over this book and need the second one ASAP!
Okay this is a reverse harem book and I really loved it. This story is about Hope who was captured by hunted when she was 6 and now after 18 years of torture and abuse she finally ran away from the hell hole and meets 4 guys. Ash, Lucien, Rurac and Jason. They are lycans and they think Hope is a human, while on the other hand Hope thinks the 4 guys are humans and to protect them she doesnt tell them about the Hunters that are after her and the monster inside her. They let her stay at their house and help her heal as they fall for her.
I already read it 2 times and I am kinda obsessed with this book! I loved the slow burn and how the guys tried to control their feelings at first because they respected hope and the torture she faced, and they didnt want to rush things with her. All the guys are different from each other. Ash is the leader of their pack, he is calm but yet ppl fear him. Lucien is the silent observer who is heartless, he has a bad past and in this book he hates hope Cuz he doesnt trust her and she also doesnt tell them everything. Rurac from the moment he met hope he wanted to protect her, I love him and his determination to hurt the people who hurt hope. Jason on the other hand is the funny one in their group, he has his own demons but he hides them with his humor and smile. Each one of them has chemistry with hope and bonding, I love each one of them. The story is really slow, 600 pages and its a trilogy and I love slow burn reverse harem. One thing that bothered be was that after knowing that the guys are wolves..Hope still didnt tell them about the hunters. I was waiting for her to tell but she didnt and her excuse was that either they ll hate her or the hunters will hurt them which is justified but it was still annoying. Other than that I love rh stories which go slow, we get to see how Hope learns to trust and love each guy differently. I didnt think Rurac ll be the one to win her heart first Cuz He is the scary one but their relationship is so unique. I seriously cant get over this book and need the second one ASAP!
September 29, 2020
This is the first book Erica Woods has written and what a start! Hope is such a well written character, the emotional toll of this book is quite heavy! The character progression is quite slow but I believe this to mirror what it would be in real life. Sparks of the fire within her begin to show later in the book and by that point I was so invested in her that it was a massive relief to know she wasn’t permanently broken by her traumatic past.
The 4 men in this book who rescue her in more ways than one are all delectable in their own way and I can’t wait to see more of Ash and his inner beast! There is a secret hinted at throughout the book (what lies inside Hope) and it makes me all the more eager for book 2.
There may not be a scheduled release date but I’m certain it will be worth the wait. This book stood out in my mind from the hundreds I read in the last few months of 2019, which I have found to be a rare occurrence.
The 4 men in this book who rescue her in more ways than one are all delectable in their own way and I can’t wait to see more of Ash and his inner beast! There is a secret hinted at throughout the book (what lies inside Hope) and it makes me all the more eager for book 2.
There may not be a scheduled release date but I’m certain it will be worth the wait. This book stood out in my mind from the hundreds I read in the last few months of 2019, which I have found to be a rare occurrence.
May 16, 2020
An absolute must read!!!!!
Been in a book slump for a while....until reading hunted!!! I don't usually leave reviews but had to with this gem!!! You won't be disappointed.... Sad...happy...steamy...funny....got all based covered xxx can't wait for the second x
Been in a book slump for a while....until reading hunted!!! I don't usually leave reviews but had to with this gem!!! You won't be disappointed.... Sad...happy...steamy...funny....got all based covered xxx can't wait for the second x
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November 18, 2019IT'S LIVE AND IN KU!
In the mood for possessive shifters, a heroine who's damaged but refusing to break, and 657 pages of raw and gritty emotion? Then you'll love Hunted!
The only way to escape is to die.
For eighteen years I’ve suffered at the hands of the Hunters. For eighteen years they’ve done their best to break me, to tear me open and unleash the terrifying monster that lives within.
Until the day they go too far.
When a desperate escape leads to another brush with death, I’m forced to place my trust in the hands of four formidable strangers. Wild and untamed, their feral natures call to me, their warrior hearts make mine come alive. And when they offer me a place to stay while I heal, I can’t say no.
But the secrets I carry are deadly, and my past is a twisted, evil nightmare better left forgotten.
They may think they want to know me, they may think the secrets they guard behind hard eyes and closed expressions comes close to the ones I keep. But should they ever discover just who they’ve let into their home, just what I really am...their hatred could be the one thing that finally breaks me.
And if I break, the darkness inside me will finally be free.
Add to Goodreads: Hunted
Read Now: Amazon
In the mood for possessive shifters, a heroine who's damaged but refusing to break, and 657 pages of raw and gritty emotion? Then you'll love Hunted!
The only way to escape is to die.
For eighteen years I’ve suffered at the hands of the Hunters. For eighteen years they’ve done their best to break me, to tear me open and unleash the terrifying monster that lives within.
Until the day they go too far.
When a desperate escape leads to another brush with death, I’m forced to place my trust in the hands of four formidable strangers. Wild and untamed, their feral natures call to me, their warrior hearts make mine come alive. And when they offer me a place to stay while I heal, I can’t say no.
But the secrets I carry are deadly, and my past is a twisted, evil nightmare better left forgotten.
They may think they want to know me, they may think the secrets they guard behind hard eyes and closed expressions comes close to the ones I keep. But should they ever discover just who they’ve let into their home, just what I really am...their hatred could be the one thing that finally breaks me.
And if I break, the darkness inside me will finally be free.
Add to Goodreads: Hunted
Read Now: Amazon
October 31, 2019
When is the next book coming out?
I neeeeeeeeeeeed it! Great story. Long and detailed. I definitely can’t wait for the next book to come out. I totally get why Hope is secretive and doesn’t trust but it seemed a little excessive. Also I don’t understand why she didn’t tell them about her monster when she found out about they guys. A few things don’t add up either - like she didn’t have any schooling and didn’t know certain things like what gambling was but knew other things. Great book though!
I neeeeeeeeeeeed it! Great story. Long and detailed. I definitely can’t wait for the next book to come out. I totally get why Hope is secretive and doesn’t trust but it seemed a little excessive. Also I don’t understand why she didn’t tell them about her monster when she found out about they guys. A few things don’t add up either - like she didn’t have any schooling and didn’t know certain things like what gambling was but knew other things. Great book though!
January 10, 2020
LOVE IT AMAZING NEED MORE STAT 💖
while i usually read books in one setting this one was a long one -not complaining all of it was awesome & yet none was filler thank fuck- and yet i still read it all in one it was so oomph! like its very emotional in good and triggering ways for id imagine any female living in this world but i could read it but oo boy i had to release breaths i didnt knoe i was holding quiet a lot defs on the edge of my seat in anxiety for a lot yet excitment and anticipation a lot too. It was just wow.
The one and only one like mmm whats the word wish id have is that the offer lucien made her was started however if it had been itd be rushed and weird for the story given eveeything so like it shouldnt of happened but i really want to see it hahaha im greedy what can i say this author standing fucking ovation basically well once the bittersweet tears and emotional rollercoaster come down. Like woah dude i need a breather to recover. Be still my beating heart the guys are just wow i mean luc was a real dickhead and frankly still is a fair bit but like hes grown on me - like mould. Hes like blue cheese you either love him or hate him atm im glad hes somewhat working through his shit CAN I JUST SAY THO the character growth development is fucking phenomonal like 👏👏👏 like im honestly thinking they be real and natural af cause honestly how can someone be this good a writer reminds me a bit of the series but atm easier to swallow than the i think its the bl brumner how to libe with the dead series or something anyway its also a darker rh but very different stories that one is on the mercy thompson side of dark and this seems not less bad but less like graphic and full on i mean its still insane dont get me wrong theres abuse of all kinds physical mental neglect sexual i mean the blurb very much eluded to it i dont recall a trigger warning... but there couldve been anyway im a sensitive crybaby and i could stomach this its not easy but i certainly would not want anyway to read this who was sensitive to that content or perhaps shouldnt less they relive or readapt certain survival mechanisms of victims. This is multi pov and theyre all a lil fucked up (arent we all?) But theyre also all really good and healthy in ways that a lot of books especially abuse origin types arent... like its more realistic in the ways you want like the recovery but less full on in the ways yoi dont want it to be like the abuse scenes although the first chapter or so aka the escape and a certain full on af scene around midway i think idk but when new outside characters are introduced at that time yeah those are hard scenes. Necessary. But fucking hard. Like so you could probs read most of this book and just very lightly skim or skip the actual scene of certain abuse if you truly wanted to cause in a lot of ways i think survivors of abuse would get strength out of this nook and maybe those who are in abusive or toxic situations and might not know or be free yet will get the courage and clarity from this they need. I know that this will be a book ill never forget in both good ways as mentioned and in the scary this might be a book but this is a very real situation for people way that will haunt you and as a female always sits in the primal part of your mind constantly checking surroundings wondering am i safe will that man hurt me how can i diffuse or escape an unwanted situation etc and thats fucking tragic but noe that ive read the book i feel more strong through a sort of solidarity in a weird way like ive taken on some of her scars and some of her strength and hope that god forbid if the time ever comes when im in a similar situation or get warning bells beforehand ill be that much better at avoiding them or recognising it and trusting my instincts instead of being polite etc.
while i usually read books in one setting this one was a long one -not complaining all of it was awesome & yet none was filler thank fuck- and yet i still read it all in one it was so oomph! like its very emotional in good and triggering ways for id imagine any female living in this world but i could read it but oo boy i had to release breaths i didnt knoe i was holding quiet a lot defs on the edge of my seat in anxiety for a lot yet excitment and anticipation a lot too. It was just wow.
The one and only one like mmm whats the word wish id have is that the offer lucien made her was started however if it had been itd be rushed and weird for the story given eveeything so like it shouldnt of happened but i really want to see it hahaha im greedy what can i say this author standing fucking ovation basically well once the bittersweet tears and emotional rollercoaster come down. Like woah dude i need a breather to recover. Be still my beating heart the guys are just wow i mean luc was a real dickhead and frankly still is a fair bit but like hes grown on me - like mould. Hes like blue cheese you either love him or hate him atm im glad hes somewhat working through his shit CAN I JUST SAY THO the character growth development is fucking phenomonal like 👏👏👏 like im honestly thinking they be real and natural af cause honestly how can someone be this good a writer reminds me a bit of the series but atm easier to swallow than the i think its the bl brumner how to libe with the dead series or something anyway its also a darker rh but very different stories that one is on the mercy thompson side of dark and this seems not less bad but less like graphic and full on i mean its still insane dont get me wrong theres abuse of all kinds physical mental neglect sexual i mean the blurb very much eluded to it i dont recall a trigger warning... but there couldve been anyway im a sensitive crybaby and i could stomach this its not easy but i certainly would not want anyway to read this who was sensitive to that content or perhaps shouldnt less they relive or readapt certain survival mechanisms of victims. This is multi pov and theyre all a lil fucked up (arent we all?) But theyre also all really good and healthy in ways that a lot of books especially abuse origin types arent... like its more realistic in the ways you want like the recovery but less full on in the ways yoi dont want it to be like the abuse scenes although the first chapter or so aka the escape and a certain full on af scene around midway i think idk but when new outside characters are introduced at that time yeah those are hard scenes. Necessary. But fucking hard. Like so you could probs read most of this book and just very lightly skim or skip the actual scene of certain abuse if you truly wanted to cause in a lot of ways i think survivors of abuse would get strength out of this nook and maybe those who are in abusive or toxic situations and might not know or be free yet will get the courage and clarity from this they need. I know that this will be a book ill never forget in both good ways as mentioned and in the scary this might be a book but this is a very real situation for people way that will haunt you and as a female always sits in the primal part of your mind constantly checking surroundings wondering am i safe will that man hurt me how can i diffuse or escape an unwanted situation etc and thats fucking tragic but noe that ive read the book i feel more strong through a sort of solidarity in a weird way like ive taken on some of her scars and some of her strength and hope that god forbid if the time ever comes when im in a similar situation or get warning bells beforehand ill be that much better at avoiding them or recognising it and trusting my instincts instead of being polite etc.
April 27, 2021
Pages: 670
My rating: 3.5
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
MC: Hope, Ash, Ruarc, Jason, Lucien
SC: Gavril Sânrigla (the uncle)
This is a rh book. Girl runs away from an organisation which jailed her for many years. On the run she bumps into the car of a four guy. They take her in. There are so many secrets on both sides and after one party spills them at the end, the other party still keep the secrets. So I felt like shouting: talk to each other and try to trust.
It was really long but it was also quite slow going because it was very detailed. At the moment I think I will read the next book too.
Summery of the book: for myself to read as reminder before book 2
My rating: 3.5
Read other books by this author in the future: yes
MC: Hope, Ash, Ruarc, Jason, Lucien
SC: Gavril Sânrigla (the uncle)
This is a rh book. Girl runs away from an organisation which jailed her for many years. On the run she bumps into the car of a four guy. They take her in. There are so many secrets on both sides and after one party spills them at the end, the other party still keep the secrets. So I felt like shouting: talk to each other and try to trust.
It was really long but it was also quite slow going because it was very detailed. At the moment I think I will read the next book too.
Summery of the book: for myself to read as reminder before book 2
December 1, 2019
Realistic Slow Burn
One of those rare reverse harems where the relationships are organic and each character feels like a fleshed out person rather than a half idea that is so common with this genre.
The plot moves slow and the main character may fall into being a victim, but after reading so many YA or NA where the heroine just seems to instantly get over massive trauma, or it only rears it’s head when convenient to the plot, this is a refreshing read, and in fact the romance falls secondary to this story of healing from unseen wounds.
Really enjoyed it, and now anticipating the sequel as soon as it’s available.
One of those rare reverse harems where the relationships are organic and each character feels like a fleshed out person rather than a half idea that is so common with this genre.
The plot moves slow and the main character may fall into being a victim, but after reading so many YA or NA where the heroine just seems to instantly get over massive trauma, or it only rears it’s head when convenient to the plot, this is a refreshing read, and in fact the romance falls secondary to this story of healing from unseen wounds.
Really enjoyed it, and now anticipating the sequel as soon as it’s available.
March 30, 2021
This book was amazing I was gripped throughout the whole of it and couldn't put it down it was full of such detail that can picture everything and can't wait for the second book to comeout
December 8, 2019
Good read
It’s sad to say you enjoyed such a intense and sad plot. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Suspense of the ending is killing me😁
It’s sad to say you enjoyed such a intense and sad plot. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Suspense of the ending is killing me😁
January 13, 2020
Frustrating and repetitive
I truly hate giving bad reviews. This book had so much potential. I was genuinely intrigued at the beginning. I don't mind the PTSD of trauma in some books. This one, unfortunately, just dragged on and on without an end in sight. Hope, the FMC, knows way to much modern language, idioms, etc. for someone who had no schooling and been held captive for 18yrs from age 5-6. I get not wanting to talk about stuff, but goodness her issues and scares became repetitive. I found myself skimming all the inner angst and turmoil uttered by Hope. We are given very little to help us understand what she truly went through other than the opening scene and small snippets throughout. It made it hard to relate to her decisions and actions.
The guys were rather 2D, they held potential as well. Their inner musings and POV became repetitive also. Rurarc was irritating in his caveman like mentality. Yeah sweet giant, but he seemed boorish and high handed to me. Lucien had the most personality really. You only got small snippets of Ash and Jason's inner thoughts. I didn't get their attraction or chemistry to Hope at all. And how are they so great when she clearly knows so little and has been abused etc., but after 2 weeks try to mate her? Kid gloves came off rather quick.
Also, what kept her inner monster at bay? And how come she can convince centuries old Lycans that she is human? Really no smell? It's buried that deep? She has moments where she suppresses it, but aside from 1 close call, no one noticed? I was left with so many questions, and just when you think you'll get answers, you're left with a dumb ill-timed cliffhanger. A cliffhanger is supposed to keep you intrigued enough to continue the story. You have to give us something before a cliffhanger can work though... I was left frustrated by hours wasted with this book where nothing truly happens. I will not be continuing this book. For all my curiosity of what will happen, I can't imagine wasting hours to find out a few more details that probably won't be wrapped up in book 2.
I truly hate giving bad reviews. This book had so much potential. I was genuinely intrigued at the beginning. I don't mind the PTSD of trauma in some books. This one, unfortunately, just dragged on and on without an end in sight. Hope, the FMC, knows way to much modern language, idioms, etc. for someone who had no schooling and been held captive for 18yrs from age 5-6. I get not wanting to talk about stuff, but goodness her issues and scares became repetitive. I found myself skimming all the inner angst and turmoil uttered by Hope. We are given very little to help us understand what she truly went through other than the opening scene and small snippets throughout. It made it hard to relate to her decisions and actions.
The guys were rather 2D, they held potential as well. Their inner musings and POV became repetitive also. Rurarc was irritating in his caveman like mentality. Yeah sweet giant, but he seemed boorish and high handed to me. Lucien had the most personality really. You only got small snippets of Ash and Jason's inner thoughts. I didn't get their attraction or chemistry to Hope at all. And how are they so great when she clearly knows so little and has been abused etc., but after 2 weeks try to mate her? Kid gloves came off rather quick.
Also, what kept her inner monster at bay? And how come she can convince centuries old Lycans that she is human? Really no smell? It's buried that deep? She has moments where she suppresses it, but aside from 1 close call, no one noticed? I was left with so many questions, and just when you think you'll get answers, you're left with a dumb ill-timed cliffhanger. A cliffhanger is supposed to keep you intrigued enough to continue the story. You have to give us something before a cliffhanger can work though... I was left frustrated by hours wasted with this book where nothing truly happens. I will not be continuing this book. For all my curiosity of what will happen, I can't imagine wasting hours to find out a few more details that probably won't be wrapped up in book 2.
January 8, 2025
Was a bit on the slow side but I still enjoyed it!
So sad to see this series will forever be unfinished 😢
So sad to see this series will forever be unfinished 😢
November 1, 2019
*Takes deep breath*
***************Spoilers************************
Okay. Ladies of the world. Author. Why? Why do you think a woman who has been in captivity for 18 years and experimented on in utterly horrific ways by MEN, would notice how hot men are the first time she gains her freedom? I just . . . I just don't understand why that makes sense to anyone. I also don't know why I keep reading that in RH, too. Do you really think, after being tortured by M-E-N, the very first thing a woman would first notice is how attractive her rescuers are? REALLY don't understand that. As a woman author, I still don't understand how this was written that way. I know this is a romance but please, there is a time and place for attraction, and when Hope is fleeing for her life, has just almost died to escape, and bleeding from stepping on a bear trap IS NOT IT.
This gets better as the book moves on, its just in this beginning part when Hope is at her most vulnerable physically and mentally that I really had a problem with it.
Also, Jason. I really despised him. He got a little better by the end, but I still had beef with him flirting with Hope so outrageously at inappropriate times. He does it when they first find her. THE WOMAN IS BLEEDING. And he does it again when they suspect she's been RAPED. Jesus, dude. Reign it in please until the woman is comfortable. I honestly found Lucien more appealing than Jason and his inappropriate flirting. I know he was just trying to make her feel appreciated, but it just came off as creepy to me.
All that aside, I still kept reading because I thought the world was really well organized and the plot was intriguing. I am eager to learn what kind of shifter Hope is or if she's a halfling (Kieran encounter made me question).
Very eager for book 2 and excited to discover more about Hope's parentage.
***************Spoilers************************
Okay. Ladies of the world. Author. Why? Why do you think a woman who has been in captivity for 18 years and experimented on in utterly horrific ways by MEN, would notice how hot men are the first time she gains her freedom? I just . . . I just don't understand why that makes sense to anyone. I also don't know why I keep reading that in RH, too. Do you really think, after being tortured by M-E-N, the very first thing a woman would first notice is how attractive her rescuers are? REALLY don't understand that. As a woman author, I still don't understand how this was written that way. I know this is a romance but please, there is a time and place for attraction, and when Hope is fleeing for her life, has just almost died to escape, and bleeding from stepping on a bear trap IS NOT IT.
This gets better as the book moves on, its just in this beginning part when Hope is at her most vulnerable physically and mentally that I really had a problem with it.
Also, Jason. I really despised him. He got a little better by the end, but I still had beef with him flirting with Hope so outrageously at inappropriate times. He does it when they first find her. THE WOMAN IS BLEEDING. And he does it again when they suspect she's been RAPED. Jesus, dude. Reign it in please until the woman is comfortable. I honestly found Lucien more appealing than Jason and his inappropriate flirting. I know he was just trying to make her feel appreciated, but it just came off as creepy to me.
All that aside, I still kept reading because I thought the world was really well organized and the plot was intriguing. I am eager to learn what kind of shifter Hope is or if she's a halfling (Kieran encounter made me question).
Very eager for book 2 and excited to discover more about Hope's parentage.
November 29, 2019
really good
Loved this. Hope is a desperate woman who finds the strength to fool her tormentors long enough to make a bid for freedom. Injured and scared she stumbles into the path of four very different very intense men. Slow burn romance that portrays Hope's struggles to overcome her traumatic past and connect with the men who want to keep her safe. Really really good read, can't wait for the next one!!
Loved this. Hope is a desperate woman who finds the strength to fool her tormentors long enough to make a bid for freedom. Injured and scared she stumbles into the path of four very different very intense men. Slow burn romance that portrays Hope's struggles to overcome her traumatic past and connect with the men who want to keep her safe. Really really good read, can't wait for the next one!!
November 29, 2019
Holy crap.
So freaking good! For a debut novel? For an experienced, published author this would be spectacular. For a first book? It is phenomenal. I love the characters. I love the story. I love how the author teases you with all the information and story, giving you a few details at a time as you get to love the characters. I need book 2. Now please.
So freaking good! For a debut novel? For an experienced, published author this would be spectacular. For a first book? It is phenomenal. I love the characters. I love the story. I love how the author teases you with all the information and story, giving you a few details at a time as you get to love the characters. I need book 2. Now please.
December 2, 2019
😻
Seriously.... that dam cliff hanger! Just when she was going to ... get that is evil! Now I gotta freaking wait to find out what is going on!
Seriously.... that dam cliff hanger! Just when she was going to ... get that is evil! Now I gotta freaking wait to find out what is going on!
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