The Prey

Dark Obsessions

by Claire Thompson

Lured. Abducted. Trained. Hunted…

False pretenses brought Mara to the island, where she’s held captive. Forced to submit, brutally trained and harshly disciplined, Mara is determined to escape.

Dangerous, high-powered men claim her at their whim. Mara’s trainers demand far more than just her service as a pleasure sub to their guests. But nothing can prepare her to become… the prey.

Previously titled: Hunted

Warning: This Dark Obsessions novel is an edgy, explicit captive tale. Read only if you dare…

Genres: BDSM, Dark, Abuse, Dark Romance, Erotica, Romance

259 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2016

About the author

Claire has been writing for nearly two decades, and has published over 85 novels. She writes BDSM romance and abduction tales, spanning both m/f and m/m genres. She has received numerous awards for her bestselling work, including the NLA-Int’l Pauline Réage Award and the Golden Flogger Award for best BDSM fiction.. Her darker works press the envelope of what is erotic and what can be a sometimes dangerous slide into the world of sadomasochism. Ultimately her work deals with the human condition, and our constant search for love and intensity of experience.
Connect with Claire and get a FREE starter library!
https://clairethompson.net

Reviews

[Vivian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah... what do I say. This book is rapey, non-con, fantasy abduction. The content wasn't the problem for me, I have a diverse reading habit, it was the idiotic characterization of the female in the story which besides being TSTL just never managed to engender any empathy since she seemed incapable of thinking on her feet. Add in the unrealistic ending, she managed to come out of it being lauded as brave and sexy with an HEA, and I'm numb.

The D/s and S&M elements were presented in the most uninvolved way that relayed little eroticism for a reader looking for a taboo read. Plus, it had the crudest brain-washing techniques which anyone halfway put together would not have been influenced by.

(\_/)
(O.o) - Another challenge read fail. I think I need to stop doing challenges.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can a book as dark, twisted and tormented as this is leave me on an incredible high with a sappy smile on my face a glistening tear in my eye?


Mara’s story is not an easy one to read, but her resilience, her strength and emotional fortitude left me with a feeling of empowerment, despite the dark themes that run through the book. I really liked her character and was so happy with how the book ended when she got the future she so very much wanted and deserved. There is a romance in here of sorts, though it isn’t a conventional one and we don’t really get to see much of it. The main focus is on Mara’s suffering and the cruel, erotic treatment she is subjected to.

This is a gird your loins, buckle in and pull up your big girl pants read that is not suitable for those with triggers around non-con situations, including sadism. It’s a somewhat uncomfortable ride at times, pushing boundaries and definitely not relaxing. The situations it describes leaves me on edge, uncomfortable, emotions taut and heart pounding. I love that feeling! Whilst this won’t be for everyone it is Claire Thompson at her darkly erotic best and I do recommend it to all dark erotica fans.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this one. The hero came in way too late in this book. And once he did, the book was practically over. It also felt like it dragged some at times. While there is a HEA, for me it just didn't work. Everything moved so quickly at the end that I couldn't buy into it and it was almost too expected. This was my first book by this author. I'm not opposed to reading another book, but I'm not sure I'll seek one out. This was a BOTM selection which is the only reason I read it.

[Cécile Smits · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Thompson is one of the few authors i know that can make you enjoy a story and at the same time make you feel uncomfortable because you love it.
Dub/non con is something you can expect at times in her stories,and if you don’t like that,i would advise you to stay clear of this one.
For me,it was one of the reasons to buy it…..

Mara needed to find a new job,and a management position at the Pirate Luxury Resort sounded just about perfect to her.
The interview with Hillary,vice president and the owner’s daughter,went very well,but she would have to talk to mr. Wallace,too.
Since he was on the island,the way to do that,was to fly there on their company jet.
Once she got to the island,she was in for a very nasty surprise,though….
There was no job,there was no bright future.
There was however,something else she would be forced to do.
Give her body to whoever wanted to use it,in whatever way they liked.
Add to that,as if it wasn’t enough,she was expected to endure a lot of pain.
Because the island trainer saw a masochist in her,even if she didn’t agree.
He didn’t wait long to show her what he meant,and she was in a LOT of pain,with no way out.

Would he manage to break her?
Would the way the owner,his son,his men,and later the clients,used her break her?
Or was she strong enough to keep her identity?
To keep trying to find a way out of this hell?
Could there be a way to save herself before she succumbed under the vile and torturous treatment she had to endure?

Mara wás strong,and i loved her for her it.
She held on só long,she fought the pressure to give in só hard.
Knowing what she went through,i admire her for trying.
In the end,she may not have been able to save herself,but she had help and it came just in time! Finding a way forward after that may have been tough,but her saviour was there for her.
Picking her up when she faltered,being her rock when she needed it.

This was one of those dark beauties that you feel uncomfortable enjoying.
A story that goes down that rabbithole until you can see no more light,but luckily the author brings a torch just when you’re ready to give up.
The kind of story that will linger for a very long time!

[Joanne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this in exchange for my honest review by Claire..

I can say that I really enjoyed this shockingly dark erotic tale of abduction, BDSM and torture.
I have read a good few books by Claire and this is a new favourite for me, I absolutely love it when she writes something dark and twisted and this did not disappoint in the slightest, there is some shock value in this and at one time I felt like I had to put it down hehe i don't mind needles because I have so many tattoos but in one scene Alex went way too overboard with some needles!!! made me gag!

The writing is flawless and the whole plot was brilliant, Claire run this show so smoothly that it really flowed and apart from that one scene, it's a page turner because I really couldn't put it down and im just glad that I had the opportunity to read this.
There is a warning to this book and please take it seriously because I know people who can sometimes take it lightly and this isn't a fluffy darkish erotica, it's full blown dark, and I mean Mara is abused in some really messed up ways but I am so happy for the ending because if it didn't end that way I think I would of cried lol

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading several books by Claire Thompson recently, I was clearly on a roll. This book had caught my eye when it first came out and I'm very glad I succumbed to the temptation. Hunted is what Slave Island should have been, in fact the two stories had a great deal in common. Hunted feels darker, more terrifying, and held my interest far better that Slave Island did, although many aspects were similar. I think it was the depiction of the baddies, who came off more chilling and dangerous perhaps. What really made this the superior read, in my opinion, was the end which was far more satisfying...

.... although I really would have liked a scene where DJ was trussed up like a pig and carried through the jungle - that would have been delicious. hehehe

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book on Smashwords because originally Amazon banned this book. And, it is now showing on Amazon to buy. I am glad to see that Claire Thompson finally got Hunted put on Amazon to buy. I am one of those people if you say I can't buy it because it is banned that I will go elsewhere to get my books.

I have read several books by Claire Thompson and I love reading her books. I need to put her on my go to authors list so I can read more of her books.

I loved Hunted! Claire Thompson takes you on a journey of really bad things happening to these women and then finalizing it with an HEA for those that need to know there is a Happily Ever After and I am one of those people. This author draws you in with her first words and doesn’t let you go until the end.

There is a warning for this book and don’t read this book if you don’t like this type of book but, here is the warning below.

Warning: Hunted is a dark, erotic romance novel that explores the psychology of power when it’s taken and abused, and, as such, contains disturbing situations.

[Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this read. Not for everyone as there are a lot of touchy subjects.

[Jennifer Veer-Boyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book wasn’t to bad. I wasn’t offended by the context or the storyline. I actually felt the storyline was unique. You can definitely feel a difference when your reading an erotic book based on love and a book like this where love was not part of the equation.

I prefer the love aspect or even respect aspect of a book. Theirs just a connection you feel.

I did like the ending and how everything came to a close.

[Charlotte Gatto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunted was an excellent read. Definitely only recommended for those who really enjoy non-con because it is very non-con. It gets rather brutal at moments and it was almost too much even for me - and I love the rough stuff - but the happy ending made up for the poor protagonist's suffering. The story reminded me a little of Ms. Thompson's Slave Island although I preferred this one.

The main character, a young woman named Mara, is flown to an island thinking she is going to be interviewing for a job. The build up to her learning the truth is very good and gives the reader enough detail to understand who is who while also getting on with the plot quickly enough to take the story along at an exciting pace. I actually prefer novels where information is given out more slowly, and over time, however that didn't spoil my enjoyment of this book. I really liked how little details were added that made everything believable and realistic. It's a fantasy story and so it doesn't have to include details such as how to stop the girls getting pregnant or how to keep the island a secret, but it's great when they are included in a way which enhances the story and makes it more natural and real which is what we see here. I also loved the way that Mara is rescued and the fact that she doesn't end up with the man I thought she might fall in love with. If the happy ending is known in advance, then the way it comes about has to be a surprise.

This book is well worth the read if you enjoy stories with a lot of erotic pain. I would have liked a light paragraph or chapter every now and then to offset the darkness and provide a contrast. For example, a scene that made me laugh or smile would have been welcomed or reading more details about the girl who seemed to embrace and enjoy her life on the island would have given another perspective. But, knowing that Mara was going to get her happy ending made it all okay and very enjoyable because I wasn't worried about her. I knew she'd be fine in the end so I could just lie back and enjoy it! And it's such a wonderful experience to be lost in a world created by an author who knows how to write so well and can publish a book with no typos whatsoever!

[randomperson123 · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I read this with a mixture of horror and repulsion. I've read many dark erotica (perhaps ones on the lighter end of the spectrum) and this has to be the first one I read where the abuser is an abuser in every sense of the word and thank god the heroine did not end up with him. This book is relentless and draws a direct line between an abuser and a decent man - two different characters - and there was little if any Stockholm Syndrome involved, which is refreshing.

Anyway, this might be classed under erotica but I didn't find it erotic at all. To me it felt like a fictional revealing of the systematic dehumanisation and abuse of women unfortunate enough to fall in the hands of depraved human traffickers. Alex was a terrifying, sadistic character capable of taking things to a level that made my stomach turn. I felt truly frightened for Mara and the other girls throughout the book, and I had to flip to the end to make sure it was HEA otherwise I wouldn't have been able to keep reading.

The writing in itself was good, engaging and I gave it four stars because I felt that it ended quite abruptly - lending a lingering sense incompletion and 'what just happened' feel to the story. Perhaps that was the intent - to show how disconcertingly sudden such a terrifying experience can begin and end. Regardless, I'll echo most of the reviewers on here and say it was an eye-opening read not meant for the faint-hearted!

[Life Without Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

My non-con addiction has been fed! If you like your erotica dark and stockholmish you need to read this, you will not be disappointed. Poor, poor, naive Mara, all she wanted was her dream job. Instead she got most women's worst nightmare.



One of the best things about Thompson's writing is her ability to make the characters and the story seem so freaking real. I got goosebumps more than once and I know at one time I literally JUMPED UP from my couch, tablet in hand and yelled "No Mara!".

Thoroughly enjoyable, if non-con is your kink. If it isn't, probably best to skip this one.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a BIG fan of Ms. Thompson, but this book didn't meet her usual level of quality. The first 3/4 of the book was terrific, but suddenly, the entire book shifted once the hunt began. I don't believe Mara could have immediately began thinking for herself during that experience had she really been conditioned. The ending and DEA evolvement all seemed rather rushed and forced. I felt cheated.

[Gem Larkspur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely dark, I didn't find the non-con sex very erotic. Mara's journey through degradation and abuse was well written with Mara's resistance, breaking, and reemergence well-paced and believable. I totally hated her captors and couldn't wait for justice to catch up with them. The eleventh hour hero/rescue was only semi-believable - there was no setup for the reason.

[Nikki ღ Navareus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical Claire Thompson type of story. Good read for people who can stomach extreme non con.

[Jacque RidesAndReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I like non-con stories now. This book is a dark non-con romance and if that is not your type of genre then think twice before getting.

* How did the book make you feel?: I felt anxious while I read this book. I didn’t know what was going to happen next, how Mara was going to be tortured. I think I felt anxious because I was enjoying the story and I felt uncomfortable liking this type of story.

* How do you feel about how the story was told?: I have been reading books that were told from the POV of the main characters. This story only had one real main character and it was told from her perspective. I liked this because it brought more mystery and I was kept on edge the whole book.

* What did you think about the main characters?: I liked Mara. I felt a connection to her and was scared for her safety. I loved the how strong she was and the chances she took.

* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The discipline and torture stood out the most to me. It was interesting how Mara had Stockholm Syndrome and how she delt with that.

* What did you think about the ending?: I felt the ending was rushed. The author did a good job leading up to the rescue but then fell flat. It would have been so much better if the author took more time with the rescue instead of writing about ‘life after capture’.

* What is your impression of the author?: In the first part of the book, I felt the author went into too much detail and it was distracting. I started to skim the pages where she described every detail of the room Mara was in. Although I hate unnecessary detail, I do like this author. This is not the first book I’ve read by this author and won’t be the last.

I was given this book for free to give my honest review.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ignorance isn’t Bliss

Mara’s journey begins when she meets with Hillary for a job interview for Pirate Island Luxury Resort & Spa.

Once she accepts the opportunity to visit the island, Mara’s life changes instantly. Upon her arrival she is thrust into a work of sexual servitude. Forced to live by the mantra I exist to serve, to suffer, to please and obey. I am a cunt, a piece of ass. I am the property of Pirate Island.

It isn’t long before Mara becomes brainwashed and tries to live by the law of the land, engrained into her by Alex (the island resident disciplinarian). In my Alex voice, Be a good girl and know it, live it, be it, it’s your life now and repeat until you believe it (I exist to serve, to suffer, to please and obey. I am a cunt, a piece of ass. I am the property of Pirate Island).

And it isn’t again until the Hunt that Mara finds her sense of self again and finds the determination she needs to fight back. It is during this time that she meets Wes (aka Tom Cartwright) and again Mara’s life takes another dramatic change.

Hunted was an quick, engaging read by Claire Thompson and I am happy I took the time to do so.

By the way, in the end Alex’s cocky, arrogant, self-righteous ass got what he desired.

[Thea™ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Previously titled: 'Hunted'. Published June 1st 2016.
The Prey is a book with a story I probably would have liked 5 years ago (woman gets lured to a private island, captured & trained to be a sex slave for wealthy clients)... but I don't like these kind of stories anymore.... it's just not working for me any longer.
For me, this story wasn't even interesting enough to want to finish it; there are way too many other promising books out there. 😊
The only reason I (tried to) read this book was because it was DE's BotM. It's probably me... and not the book.

[Sassy]

2.5 Rounded to 3 Stars

I love, dark, gritty, raw books, but I'm sorry to say this book was just WAY too raunchy for me. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart.

I enjoy a good BDSM, but I don't like abuse, forced slavery, sadism and the heroine being treated in a demeaning manner, which the majority of this book was about.

I've read a few of Ms. Thompson's books and enjoyed them. Unfortunately, this was not the case with "Enslaved"

**A copy of this book was given to me by the author for an honest review**
..

[Doreen Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first sex slave/human trafficking book by Claire Thompson. I loved her writing style and was really into the first 3/4 of the book, but once Wes, his DEA team and the hunt began it all seemed to fall apart. There was no story leading up to Wes or the DEA and as I was reading the book I kept asking myself okay so when are we going to read about what they know, then they just kinda appeared out of nowhere. I felt like that part of the story was just thrown in there as a way to end the story and bring you a big cheated out of climax.

[Stephanie Furlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why'd this get so much hate?!!

To all of you who are on the fence about grabbing this, fear not. The book is well written, moves along and is uncomfortably dark. Plus it's a standalone with an HEA. I wasn't left wondering what happens next. I don't need anymore story and that's what I love about Ms Thompson's books.

[Cathy Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like a twisted tail. This had a few Oh HELL NO moments. I'm sure this happens more often then realized in america. HEA. Thanks I'll check out more from you.

[Jennie Wurtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic dark erotic read . I never hated a character more Than I did Alex . I wanted to kill him myself . I wanted to hug Mara and the other girls and tell the it will be ok . I love Wes .

[Mary aka scooby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abducted and Hunted. Mara is interviewing for a job on an island , when she gets there she finds not only has she been abducted . She now has to be trained . Then she will service the wealthy that come to the island. If she good she will be rewarded but be bad and you will be punished. She will not like the way they punish her. Now she and Three others are being hunted. The odds are stacked against them. While this book isn't for the faint at heart .I enjoy reading about Mara . She was a strong soul.
I voluntarily read an arc of this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ability of humans to survive the worst that humanity dishes out never ceases to amaze me. The mind is a powerful thing and can shield us from so much just as Mara was able to go to her happy place when things got too much. The sick and depraved minds of those who captured her are unfortunately all too common everywhere in the world. This book does an admirable job of portraying both the evil and the good as represented by Wes. Some of the scenes are difficult to read especially when Mara is in the box, but without them much of the message would be lost.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really intense and harsh, but I could not put it down. It’s definitely not a regular romance novel that focuses on love and sexy romance. While it does end on a happily ever after, the majority of the story is the time she is captured. If you are easily offended by forced scenes, this book is not for you. This is not my normal read, but I enjoyed the writing style and will look for more by this author that’s not as dark.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before you get this book, read the description. Take the warning concerning it being a dark obsession series novel to heart. If you have triggers use your best judgment. If you don't know what non-con means, it's non-consensual. This truly is a dark storyline and fortunately has a happy ending. The pages in between kept me wide-eyed, my heart pounding, and pages flying until the very last word. I'd definitely read it again and recommend it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mara has no family! She can take that position on Pirate's Island, no problem!

Well, everything may not seem as it appeared! Now, it seems she has few options!

This tropical island seems to have a perpetual dark cloud! How will Mara fair?

This book is seriously intense! Definitely not for the faint of heart!

Proceed with Mara at your own risk!

I couldn't put this down! I had to stay with Mara and root her on!

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brutal, sadistic read but with a Hea. It was written awesomely as usual by Claire Thompson but it is a very harsh subject matter so please take note of the warnings in the blurb!!
But if you like your reads on the non-con, dark and twisted side with a strong brave beautiful heroin then this is the book for you!