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Hunters Hollow #1
Angels and Anarchy
Slinging drinks in New Orleans' French Quarter isn’t the most glamorous job, but Braeden Burke loves the lights, the music, and the excitement. As a long-time believer—even before Otherlings had waltzed out of the paranormal closet—spending his nights flirting with gorgeous werewolves and smooth-talking vampires isn’t exactly a chore. His life is easy, colorful, and for the most part, free of drama.
Until fate throws him a curveball.
It was supposed to be his day off. Instead, Zarrik Cox is called in to investigate the murder of a high-ranking member of the Ministry of Otherling Affairs. Tracking down the only witness to the crime is easy. Discovering the vulnerable human is his mate is a complication he wasn’t expecting.
He might be a nephilim, but he’s no angel, and he’s damn sure no one’s savior. But with a killer on the loose, and Braeden caught in the crosshairs, there's no limit to how far he'll go to keep his new mate safe.
Until fate throws him a curveball.
It was supposed to be his day off. Instead, Zarrik Cox is called in to investigate the murder of a high-ranking member of the Ministry of Otherling Affairs. Tracking down the only witness to the crime is easy. Discovering the vulnerable human is his mate is a complication he wasn’t expecting.
He might be a nephilim, but he’s no angel, and he’s damn sure no one’s savior. But with a killer on the loose, and Braeden caught in the crosshairs, there's no limit to how far he'll go to keep his new mate safe.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2021
117 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 31, 2021
4.25 stars
Enjoyed the spin off. Looking forward to our next couple!!!
Enjoyed the spin off. Looking forward to our next couple!!!
July 15, 2021
Ohhh I love this new Spin Off series!! Can't wait for more!!!
August 25, 2021
It was ok. Started off strong, good premise and interesting world, and then it fizzled. I found myself skimming the back half of it.
June 29, 2021
Nephilim and Otherlings
Wow! This book was so good. It literally sucked me in and I had to devour it in one sitting. I loved the MC's. Braeden is the sweetest, fiestiest guy and I loved how easily he accepted his induction into the paranormal world. He has such a "live and let live" attitude and I love how he truly has no bias or bigotry against any beings. Zarrick is more serious and stoic, until he meets Braeden, and then it's like watching him discover what truly living is for the first time. I love how he takes things slowly and doesn't rush Braeden - letting him make the first move in many ways. It really showed that his concern was for his mate rather than himself. The background characters add so much to the story and the world building was spot on. I'm really looking forward to discovering more books by this author and I highly recommend this one! Really good!
Wow! This book was so good. It literally sucked me in and I had to devour it in one sitting. I loved the MC's. Braeden is the sweetest, fiestiest guy and I loved how easily he accepted his induction into the paranormal world. He has such a "live and let live" attitude and I love how he truly has no bias or bigotry against any beings. Zarrick is more serious and stoic, until he meets Braeden, and then it's like watching him discover what truly living is for the first time. I love how he takes things slowly and doesn't rush Braeden - letting him make the first move in many ways. It really showed that his concern was for his mate rather than himself. The background characters add so much to the story and the world building was spot on. I'm really looking forward to discovering more books by this author and I highly recommend this one! Really good!
July 14, 2021
Wonderful
My first but definitely not my last book by this author. Loved the world building and the host of characters, the mystery was good though maybe wrapped up too easily. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Favorite bit is that there is a whole host of shifters and supernatural beings in this setting.
KU, book in a series, paranormal, supernatural, fated mates, mystery
My first but definitely not my last book by this author. Loved the world building and the host of characters, the mystery was good though maybe wrapped up too easily. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Favorite bit is that there is a whole host of shifters and supernatural beings in this setting.
KU, book in a series, paranormal, supernatural, fated mates, mystery
December 31, 2021
Oh YAY! A Spin-off! I'm enjoying this series.
October 28, 2021
It was really just okay. Started out strong, exciting but started flagging the moment they left the hospital. While I was able to find out who the killer was early on, it wasn't satisfying because of the total lack of investigation. There's no fun mystery solving and I was left disappointed.
I didn't realize this was a spin-off of another series until after I'd finished. I really think it could have stood on it's own had the end not felt so reliant on information that was obviously only explained in the first series.
I didn't realize this was a spin-off of another series until after I'd finished. I really think it could have stood on it's own had the end not felt so reliant on information that was obviously only explained in the first series.
October 11, 2023
an entertaining paranormal mystery and fated mates romance
Rating: 4.25🌈
If you’re a fan of this author and the series, Blackhaven Manor, or if you just enjoy an entertaining paranormal mystery, then this is the book for you.
It’s a terrific otherworldly thriller with a fated mates romance that has characters from that connected universe and references dramatic events that saw the creation of Hunters Hollow.
Now that one of the three Maddock dragon siblings has established a town and new hotel called Hunters Hollow as a sanctuary for the otherworldly community, the author is set to place a new set of fated mates romances inside the warded township and hotel.
It starts with Angels and Anarchy and a serial killer on the loose. A dead vampire Councilman brings together human waiter/bartender Braeden Burke and nephilim Detective Zarrik Cox . One as a witness , the other as an investigator.
Steele does an excellent job in defining the characters, their personalities, the magical bond that makes them gravitate towards each other, and the messy investigation that follows the murder.
I normally have a issue with couples that don’t communicate but, as friends and family point out, on top of an immediate bond, there’s a serial killer racking up the body count that’s taking up most of Zarrik’s time.
I wish that Braeden had been more open to the idea of therapy than he was, considering that as written, he comes across as severely traumatized by his experience. That was dropped as an element and not addressed again, a weak point here in an individual who has a number of great qualities.
In fact, Steele has potentially so many wonderful storylines threaded in here that not all could be fully realized or explored in the length given. I can only hope that the author will pick them up in the books to come.
The relationship ,once the communication ,begins is wonderful, the chemistry is warm and believable. They make a terrific couple.
The mystery, the dramatic finale, is exactly what you want to see and what the author delivers. With a bit of an unexpected twist.
I can’t wait for the next one in the series. Im definitely recommending Angels and Anarchy (Hunters Hollow, #1) by Arden Steele, it’s a winner.
Hunter’s Hollow:
- [x] Angels and Anarchy #1
- [ ] Beauty and Bad Blood #2
Connected To:
Blackhaven Manor series-9 books
Rating: 4.25🌈
If you’re a fan of this author and the series, Blackhaven Manor, or if you just enjoy an entertaining paranormal mystery, then this is the book for you.
It’s a terrific otherworldly thriller with a fated mates romance that has characters from that connected universe and references dramatic events that saw the creation of Hunters Hollow.
Now that one of the three Maddock dragon siblings has established a town and new hotel called Hunters Hollow as a sanctuary for the otherworldly community, the author is set to place a new set of fated mates romances inside the warded township and hotel.
It starts with Angels and Anarchy and a serial killer on the loose. A dead vampire Councilman brings together human waiter/bartender Braeden Burke and nephilim Detective Zarrik Cox . One as a witness , the other as an investigator.
Steele does an excellent job in defining the characters, their personalities, the magical bond that makes them gravitate towards each other, and the messy investigation that follows the murder.
I normally have a issue with couples that don’t communicate but, as friends and family point out, on top of an immediate bond, there’s a serial killer racking up the body count that’s taking up most of Zarrik’s time.
I wish that Braeden had been more open to the idea of therapy than he was, considering that as written, he comes across as severely traumatized by his experience. That was dropped as an element and not addressed again, a weak point here in an individual who has a number of great qualities.
In fact, Steele has potentially so many wonderful storylines threaded in here that not all could be fully realized or explored in the length given. I can only hope that the author will pick them up in the books to come.
The relationship ,once the communication ,begins is wonderful, the chemistry is warm and believable. They make a terrific couple.
The mystery, the dramatic finale, is exactly what you want to see and what the author delivers. With a bit of an unexpected twist.
I can’t wait for the next one in the series. Im definitely recommending Angels and Anarchy (Hunters Hollow, #1) by Arden Steele, it’s a winner.
Hunter’s Hollow:
- [x] Angels and Anarchy #1
- [ ] Beauty and Bad Blood #2
Connected To:
Blackhaven Manor series-9 books
dnf
January 20, 2024DNF @ 35% (pg.70).
This was my work read which explains a bit why it took me about a week to reach the point where I decided to throw in the towel. The other bit is that as much as I love UF this just didn't hold my attention mostly because of the sloooooooow pace. It started with a bang but it quickly fizzled out, I think I worked out who the villain is and Zarrik and Braeden just don't build good UST to keep me coming.
This was my work read which explains a bit why it took me about a week to reach the point where I decided to throw in the towel. The other bit is that as much as I love UF this just didn't hold my attention mostly because of the sloooooooow pace. It started with a bang but it quickly fizzled out, I think I worked out who the villain is and Zarrik and Braeden just don't build good UST to keep me coming.
October 15, 2023
I am actually surprised how much I enjoyed this- only because I am a massive smut slut and this was very, very mild. Only one explicit scene! But the writing was great, third POV was a bit hard to get used to but it flowed well with the story. I liked the characters, especially with all the different kinds of supernatural beings and how they interacted with the public on a daily business. I loved the idea of a supernatural gay bar and wish we had a series dedicated to that setting! As seems to be the trend for me this week, while technically this was #1 in a series, it is a sequel series of the author. However, unlike a DNF from a few days ago, this one didn't really touch upon that until well into the story so it didn't feel overwhelming or like I was missing something.
So, am I going to read the next one? I think so, even without all the delicious smut, it stuck in my head and I really enjoyed the characters. I just hope Dylan has the same amount of spunk as Braeden - I love MCs that have a smart mouth.
So, am I going to read the next one? I think so, even without all the delicious smut, it stuck in my head and I really enjoyed the characters. I just hope Dylan has the same amount of spunk as Braeden - I love MCs that have a smart mouth.
September 13, 2021
3.5, entertaining and engaging read. This book has fated mates in it but still manages not to be extremely, overwhelmingly cheesy as a result. There were some cheesy and cringey moments (particularly some "don't talk about my mate like that" lines) but overall it was minor. There are also some grammatical and editing mistakes that, if cleaned up, would greatly benefit the book, including, for the love of all that is precious, someone telling this author not to use "male" when "man" would fit better.
I particularly enjoyed the mythology in this and the lack of info-dumping, not sure if an intentional choice or as a result of the other books in the universe, which I haven't read. I also liked the relationship development: respectful, lack of stupid misunderstandings, people behaving rationally...
I definitely would be interested in reading more by this author.
I particularly enjoyed the mythology in this and the lack of info-dumping, not sure if an intentional choice or as a result of the other books in the universe, which I haven't read. I also liked the relationship development: respectful, lack of stupid misunderstandings, people behaving rationally...
I definitely would be interested in reading more by this author.
October 22, 2021
I think my enjoyment was hindered by the fact that this is a spin-off book to a series that I have not read and some of the events that happened in the other series are referenced in this book. Of course, it is totally my own stupidity but it just felt that I was reading a book that was had no worldbuilding. I also found the WHO DONE IT aspect very predictable - as soon as the character was introduced i knew that they were the murderer.
I did however like the romance and thought that both of the MC's were likeable and I was enjoying the romance for what it was. It is a little insta love BUT it has the troupe of fated mates so that is only to be expected.
All in all it was a sold read but nothing that blew my mind. I am loving the m/m paranormal genre however and am interested in reading more books like this.
I did however like the romance and thought that both of the MC's were likeable and I was enjoying the romance for what it was. It is a little insta love BUT it has the troupe of fated mates so that is only to be expected.
All in all it was a sold read but nothing that blew my mind. I am loving the m/m paranormal genre however and am interested in reading more books like this.
July 27, 2021
I didn’t realize this was a spin-off of another series until I was about halfway through the book. I finished the book and I enjoyed parts of it, especially Wren even though he didn’t get a ton of page time.
I don’t think I’ll continue with the series or go back and read the earlier books though. The writing style just didn’t work for me. One of my pet peeves is the use of the word “male” interchangeably with “man” or “person.” I’m not sure why it bugs me so much, but it does and it was all over this book (ie: “…he took in the incomprehensible beauty of the male sitting on the edge of his bed.”)
I don’t think I’ll continue with the series or go back and read the earlier books though. The writing style just didn’t work for me. One of my pet peeves is the use of the word “male” interchangeably with “man” or “person.” I’m not sure why it bugs me so much, but it does and it was all over this book (ie: “…he took in the incomprehensible beauty of the male sitting on the edge of his bed.”)
May 29, 2022
This book is really good! I am glad I purchased it. Braeden is happy with his life and his job. While working as a bartender, he gets to flirt with different types of supernaturals. One night all of that changes while walking home from work. Zarrick is a nephilim who gets assigned to investigate the murder of a high ranking supernatural. Imagine his surprise to learn the witness to the crime is human and his mate. So not only do the two men have to work around the intricacies of the mating bond, they have to keep Braeden safe. This story flows very smoothly and kept me interested in one evening.
September 17, 2023
This has everything that the Blackhaven Manor series had but add more. The characters are actually developed and some world-building was done. Relationships were developed and connections made. There was an actual plot that the story built and the ending was satisfying with a denouement. The murder mystery was nicely done, but a bit too easy to figure out.
Overall this was a satisfying read. While some are whimpering about missing the short easy reads of the original series, I find that the added detail is far more satisfying. I would rather the more developed story than the easy bang.
Overall this was a satisfying read. While some are whimpering about missing the short easy reads of the original series, I find that the added detail is far more satisfying. I would rather the more developed story than the easy bang.
January 22, 2024
New Series
Great start to the new Blackhaven Manor spin off series, set in and around New Orleans and Hunters Hollow, the small town where the new Maddock Hotel, Blackhaven Bayou has recently opened. Braeden is witness to a brutal murder and Zarrick is the Nephilim Council investigator, assigned to the case. This is a sweet love story, but with a background of tension, fear and murder. Great characters and with a much longer book than others, plenty of time for plot development.
Great start to the new Blackhaven Manor spin off series, set in and around New Orleans and Hunters Hollow, the small town where the new Maddock Hotel, Blackhaven Bayou has recently opened. Braeden is witness to a brutal murder and Zarrick is the Nephilim Council investigator, assigned to the case. This is a sweet love story, but with a background of tension, fear and murder. Great characters and with a much longer book than others, plenty of time for plot development.
June 30, 2021
This was absolutely a very captivating and sweet romance. The world building was excellent and the explanation about otherlings (paranormals) and their history was well done. I appreciated Braeden's quirky personality and his deep love for Zarrik. There was mystery, danger, passion, friendship, family, unique characters, and most of all, love. I truly hope that there will be much more to this series.
December 30, 2021
ummm
so i like the original series better than the start to the spinoff. not saying it's bad, just not so much my cup of tea. highly recommend the first series... give the second a go just to see if it's your thing. it's like a murder mystery and started out super interesting, but i quickly figured out whodunnit, and the only part i really enjoyed after that was when Braeden met Wren.
so i like the original series better than the start to the spinoff. not saying it's bad, just not so much my cup of tea. highly recommend the first series... give the second a go just to see if it's your thing. it's like a murder mystery and started out super interesting, but i quickly figured out whodunnit, and the only part i really enjoyed after that was when Braeden met Wren.
December 30, 2022
As a first book of a series this story certainly does a job on the reader. it captures you and makes you want more of this world. Zarrick Cox an investigator into a murder of an 'Otherling' is thrown when he tracks down the witness to the crime, a human called Breaden. a human who happens to be his mate. read the story and get caught u0p in teh action and developing relationship between Zarric and Breaden. not my first story from Arden Steel and certainly wont be my last. read it and enjoy
July 12, 2021
This was a fun book with an interesting world of fantasy and paranormal beings who finally revealed themselves to the rest of the world fairly recently.
I've read several MM romance books with this type of story, and this wasn't the best that I've read, but it also wasn't the worst. Overall I did enjoy it, and I will more than likely read the next in the series.
I've read several MM romance books with this type of story, and this wasn't the best that I've read, but it also wasn't the worst. Overall I did enjoy it, and I will more than likely read the next in the series.
September 26, 2021
What a read
Having stumble across this book I have it a go as I have never read this author work and was truly glad that I did. A well written well thought out beginning to what I am sure will be a great series. The story and the characters were engaging and I really can't wait for the next book.
Having stumble across this book I have it a go as I have never read this author work and was truly glad that I did. A well written well thought out beginning to what I am sure will be a great series. The story and the characters were engaging and I really can't wait for the next book.
January 23, 2022
Not really sure why but I was expecting a little more murder mystery from the guy investigating murders. Wasn’t a bad read but it probably could have used a bit more of a focus outside their relationship to give more of a sense (or at least the illusion) that they were whole people before and after they met.
Read
May 8, 2022DNF at 60%
Started of fine, went bad quickly
Characters lost chemistry
Why does author keep telling every single thing, is it romance novel or 18s Russian novel?
Also there is too little dialogue between paragraphs of description
And no action, which is interesting because this is supposed to have mystery and suspense
But MCs PTSD wasn't done too bad
Started of fine, went bad quickly
Characters lost chemistry
Why does author keep telling every single thing, is it romance novel or 18s Russian novel?
Also there is too little dialogue between paragraphs of description
And no action, which is interesting because this is supposed to have mystery and suspense
But MCs PTSD wasn't done too bad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
3.5 Stars
Was this ground breaking in literature? No. It was however exactly what one can except from this world Miss Steele has created. An insane amount of sweetness from the smaller mate and absolute obsession from the big gruff mate. No matter who or what they thought, they all succumb to the pull and fall in love with one another.
Simply sweet and refreshing with some spice.
Was this ground breaking in literature? No. It was however exactly what one can except from this world Miss Steele has created. An insane amount of sweetness from the smaller mate and absolute obsession from the big gruff mate. No matter who or what they thought, they all succumb to the pull and fall in love with one another.
Simply sweet and refreshing with some spice.
July 26, 2021
Super Love
Meeting your mate should be all sparkles and fairy dust but for these two it's head trauma and horrifying crimes. Thankfully they work through their problems, find the bad guy and have their HEA!
Meeting your mate should be all sparkles and fairy dust but for these two it's head trauma and horrifying crimes. Thankfully they work through their problems, find the bad guy and have their HEA!
August 3, 2021
Extrodanatry
I don't usually read reviews but I read a few on this book one was very negative and I just wanted to say, I'm not sure they were talking about the same book I just read it was full of mystery and fun I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
I don't usually read reviews but I read a few on this book one was very negative and I just wanted to say, I'm not sure they were talking about the same book I just read it was full of mystery and fun I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
September 12, 2021
Good story
This story is a bit romance and a bit who-done-it. I enjoyed the characters. The writing was good , so the story flowed well. Being from New Orleans made the story even more enjoyable.
This story is a bit romance and a bit who-done-it. I enjoyed the characters. The writing was good , so the story flowed well. Being from New Orleans made the story even more enjoyable.
December 25, 2021
Fluffy…
Twink witnesses a murder, gets assaulted and meets his fated mate, bringing laughter and love to the cold, sterile home of the detective.
Not much else, except to solve the crime and learn about one another as partners.
Twink witnesses a murder, gets assaulted and meets his fated mate, bringing laughter and love to the cold, sterile home of the detective.
Not much else, except to solve the crime and learn about one another as partners.
June 8, 2025
Found this book to be such a good read that I couldn't stop reading until I finished it. Great world building and the characters were so well described that I could see many of them in my head. Recommend reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews