Hunted

Santa Catalina University

by Bailey Grayson

I'd been kept a secret my whole life. But no more.

I'm a rare Fae and I've been kept a secret since birth. My parents were murdered when I was younger, leaving my brother and me in the care of our guardian Max. It was just the three of us until the worst thing happened. My brother was murdered. Just like my parents.

Now I've forced my guardian to let me enrol at Santa Catalina University because I want to discover the truth. My brother's death was ruled a suicide, but I know my brother. He would never have left me behind.

Suddenly, I'm thrown into a world I know nothing about. A world of secrets, fae and the mafia. There's something shady going on at the SCU and I have a feeling the Trevino brothers are involved. I don't care how hot they are, they are definitely shady looking. But with the help of my new friends, Fynn and Alena, I might just survive long enough to uncover what really happened to my brother.

I mean, it's university. What's the worst that could happen?

Hunted is a reverse harem romance, meaning our FMC will have more than one love interest and won’t have to choose between them at the end. The SCU series consists of 11 stories all set in the university and shared world, and each can be read independently and in any order. Hunted is the fifth book in the series and is a standalone with a HEA

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fae, College, Why Choose, Paranormal Romance, Magic

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2022

Reviews

[Jennifer Verri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took hold on me, and I couldn't put it! I loved it. The ending left me breathless and wanting more. I loved Indies character, and the way that all the characters played off each other. Amazing read!

[Laerke55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book so much…i really love the Characters.. i really loved the twist and turn…But the ending i hadn’t seen it coming i thought book was i standalone!!! So i’m so exicted for that book!!

This really Kept my intrest the whole Way and i really loves this book!!!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was crazy and hot! Bailey Grayson has done a wonderful job with Hunted, the newest book in the Santa Catalina Universe. The story was shrouded in mystery, has plenty of steam, a confident female lead, and a storyline that captivated.

Hunted is a multiple perspective paranormal reverse harem that centers on Indigo "Indie" Corbinne and the men in her life. Indigo is really complex she has a strong personality, very confident in herself, and is mature except for when it comes to relationships, and she's a freaking genius, she's studying physics at the University. She has lost everyone she's all alone except for Max and she knows nothing of her heritage, she doesn't have a clue about herself but she isn't letting those things stop her from living her life. Yes, she makes mistakes but she is determined to find answers, answers about her family's deaths and about her powers. Indigo also has this wicked side, she is a playful flirty, caring partner, but she's also a seductress, like I said she's complicated and I like her.

Indigo also has the stubbornness of a mule and the patience of a saint because there is seriously something wrong with the men in her harem. I like them but this hot and cold thing they do is highly annoying. They are in their own heads, while also being in deep denial about their feelings and the reality of the situation, and are messing with Indie's emotions. Well all of them except for Blaise, he tried once to stay away but after that, he was hooked. Blaise is a straight-up psychopath who of course had a troubled childhood and therefore has some serious mental health issues but he has a softness when it comes to Indie so of course I love him but warning he did go on the wrong side of psycho boyfriend for a minute. Truthfully they are all protective and eventually get their act together but there are two others that I don't know what's going on with them, pure mystery and I can't wait to see which way the tide turns with them.

The plot for Hunted was good, Grayson brought a lot of different aspects into the story. First, there is the mystery of her parents' death when Indie was younger. How did they die? Why did they die? Then there was the recent death of her brother Graysyn, what were the circumstances around his death? Not to mention some fae history that seems pretty dark and a mysterious entity that may or may not be a threat, all of that with some mafia undertones. I should also mention that not only does this story has the psycho boyfriend trope but also had a guardian/teacher relationship and a little enemies-to-lovers as well.

Bailey Grayson really knows how to tell a story. I loved getting to know Indie and seeing her navigate a world so new to her but doing it like a pro, owning who she is and going after what she wants. I will admit I thought that Indie's story was gonna be told in this single book but I was so wrong. Looks like Indie's story will continue in another book and I can't wait because Hunted had a very dramatic ending. In this book, Indie was Hunted and it looks like in the next she will be Awakened. I can't wait.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

This is a new author for me but since this is the start of Indie's story I figured I could figure it out. I was not wrong since I was able to enjoy what was going on during the world building while also getting to know of main characters at the same time. Indie is quite the mystery for us to unravel though she is fabulous all the way. Add in her men to really heat things up. I cannot wait to see what in store for this group in the next book as they were hunted throughout this one. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this great book set in the Santa Catalina University series. In this we meet Indie a rare fae who has been kept a secret her whole life since her parents were killed and then tragedy strikes again and her brother her last living relative is murdered. Indie decided to play detective to find the answers that she needs, she’s strong, she’s sassy and she totally determined to find out what happened. Each of her men turn out to be unique in their own way and their connection to Indie is awesome. It’s a well written and intriguing paranormal read full of surprises and twists and had me hooked from the start.

[Naurarwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story. Indie has been sheltered her entire life, she's different and those around her want to protect her the best they can. After the death of her brother, Graysyn, she enrolls herself at Santa Catalina University, behind the back of her guardian. She doesn't believe the 'official' cause of death and wants to find answers and she thinks it might be the only place she can find them.

What she doesn't expect to find is a new best friend and two brothers who want to possess her in every way. That along with secret feelings from her guardian means that Indie is building herself quite a harem.

After the cliffhanger ending we got, I can't wait to see what happens in the next book when it comes out.

The author Bailey Grayson is a fairly new author to me, and I've only read one other by her which was a short prequel story to another series she is writing but I've really enjoyed her world and character building so far and I can't wait to see what she brings us in the future.

[Libby Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

Oh my god! That ending! What a great read! Absolutely loved the FMC Indie and her guys are amazing, each one is protective over her! The storyline was epic!
I cannot wait to find out more about the dark fae! And what happens next.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb storyline
What a great read….even more so I was expecting a standalone but this will be at least a duet!! Cannot wait for the next one 😄
Indie is our FMC whose parents were killed when she was young and here brother recently…although ruled as a suicide she knows that’s unlikely and more to it! So she enrols at SCU in an attempt to find out what happened to him 😬
Indie is an empath able to feed and manipulate others emotions, although she tries never to take advantage of this! Although she has a greater darkness inside that keeps rising and suggests there’s something a whole lot more to her than meets the eye….
She encounters the brothers Ryker and Blaize, the sweet knowledgeable brother and the psychotic bad boy but both of them cannot deny this connection with Indie 😍 there’s also here guardian Max who clearly has feelings for her but is hiding behind a multitude of reasons 🙈 and then human Flynn who is definitely hiding something!!
Love having the multi-POV to get their different insights, and great having a villain POV !
As secrets start to become unveiled greater dangers become known putting Indie at risk….can her harem help her??!!
Soo good I read this in one sitting! 😀

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by Bailey Grayson, is the fifth book in the Santa Catalina University series and it was absolutely amazing and utterly intriguing! Grayson is a master at creating phenomenal magical worlds to immerse yourself into with a variety of dynamic characters to fall in love with and this one was no different! Right from the opening pages, this story pulls you into its clutches with suspense, intrigue, betrayal and murder and doesn’t let you go!

Indie, our FMC, has always known she was a tad different—always hidden away by her family and never really told who/what she is. After the murder of her parents, her and her brother are left in the care of her guardian Max, a man she cares for more than she should and one that also happens to be a professor at SCU. When tragedy strikes her family once again, this time taking her brother’s life, Indie doubts the reasons given for his death and decides to enroll at the university herself to find the truth behind his death.

Relationships are quickly made as Indie and her newfound friends work together to find out what’s going on at the school and Santa Catalina Island. After meeting the sexy Trevino brothers, further connections are made, despite her misgivings surrounding their intent. Indie slowly begins to discover things about herself, her powers and why the truth was always hidden away because there’s so much more to her and her dark powers than originally thought.

Then one night, on Indie’s 21st birthday, something happens that will change her world forever…and the darkness that’s growing right along with her attraction to several hot and sexy guys on campus. Some that seem to be hiding their own fair share of secrets. So can she trust them or will it lead her down the same path as her brother?

I loved the connection between Indie and her guys and how their relationships were all unique and how they developed at their own pace. Overall if you love a paranormal academy RH mafia based stories with some spice, action and mystery then this is a definite must read. I can’t wait to see what happens next for our characters!

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by Bailey Grayson is steamy, dark, twisted and absolutely delicious. This book packs a punch in the dark and steamy categories and left me begging for more.
Indie is 20 years old, and in a matter of weeks she’ll be “free” from her guardian whom she wants in more ways than one. She recently lost her brother. They claim he took his own life, but she knows he’d never do something like that. So, she makes a decision to attend Santa Catalina University to find some answers. What she finds is so much more than she was expecting.
When I started this book I had no idea that I wouldn’t put it down until it was finished. Yes, it’s that good and it absolutely left me wanting more. Hate cliffhangers? You’re out of luck because this book packs a punch with this cliffhanger. I may or may not be prowling around impatiently waiting for book two. LOL! Some authors try to go for the dark and twisted and inevitably shrink away from it in the fears of “going too dark.” This author delves into the darkness and hits that perfect amount. I loved every second of it. The guys are dark and twisted and it’s delicious. I even love that though they complain about certain things they don’t get too much of an inch. I did feel that Indie’s bratty attitude throughout the book was a bit excessive in places, but in others, it’s well done. I did want her to have a bit more character growth though. I would have liked a confrontation between the uncle and Blaise after the bathroom scene, but that doesn’t happen which is disappointing as well. The only oddity that really stands out for me in this book is the “best friend” relationship alleged between Indie’s father and Max. If Max is 10 years older than Indie, how exactly was he “best friends” with her father?
All in all, I’m eager for the next book because things get insane at the end and I have to know what’s happening next. I’m rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book is crazy steamy and you’re going to need a long cold shower or a bit of fun when you’re done. LOL!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indigo was sheltered and raised in a secluded place for all her life, because she is different. Even among supernaturals, she seems to be an oddity. But as her 21st birthday approaches, she convinces her guardian Max to attend the university where he is teaching physics - and where her brother committed suicide according to the official reports. Problem? Indie does not believe the story. More problems? Santa Catalina seems to be under the thumb of the Mafia. Not enough problems? Then just wait until you meet the Trevino guys.
This RH story combines the elements of an academy book with all its cliches (mean girls, popular guys, even peppered with the forbidden relationship between student and professor) with the dark undertones of the violent mafia world, made more livid with the presence of various supernaturals. Indie is definitely an interesting character, and so are the men she is attracted to. They have a long way ahead of them to establish any balance in this complicated relationship, especially since a lot of Indie's origins remains wrapped in mystery. However after Lucien enters the story and wreaks havoc, I am fairly sure I will grab the next book as soon as it is released.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie has always known that there was something different about her, but her family kept her hidden away and never told her what she is. Years later she enrolls at a local university where her brother went before committing suicide and tries to find out the real reason for his death. Her guardian Max also happens to be a hot professor at the same university and the tension between Indie and him is palpable. Indie’s roommate becomes her best friend and they get close as the story continues as they eventually have a common interest in finding out what is happening on Santa Catalina Island. The Trevino brothers take an immediate interest in Indie and they both are hiding secrets from Indie. On Indie’s 21st birthday, her world changes. After what had been a wonderful day, she ends up on the dance floor with someone just like her. During an intoxicating kiss, her life changes yet again - although she doesn’t quite know it yet.

Bailey Grayson did an amazing job with this story - we have an academy setting, a wonderful mix of men who are all interested in our main girl and OH THE SPICE!. I am desperately awaiting the next installment to see what happens with our characters!

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by Bailey Grayson was just so so good. It’s a paranormal romance that has so many different elements to it that I couldn’t help but devour it.

💜 possessive alphaholes
💜 new found friends
💜 fae, shifters, mages
💜 mafia
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice

Indigo (aka Indie) is our FMC and we first meet her at a local bar having a few cocktails. She’s grieving the loss of her brother and now all she has left is her guardian, Max. She’s been staying at her families house trying to stay safe, from what? She doesn’t know. Why? She has some clues. But she doesn’t understand. Tired of being kept out of the world her whole life, she decides to apply and is accepted into Santa Catalina University. After some convincing, mainly because Max is professor there, she goes to the school. Her life never be the same. Dangers lurk around every corner and she must figure out who/what she is and whom she can trust.

This ends on a cliffhanger. Ugh! I really wanted to keep reading. I can’t wait for the next book to come out to find out what happens next for everyone.

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Indie has been kept sheltered and away from others her entire life. After the death of her brother, she secretly applies and then attends SCU to try and find out what happened.
I had a bit of a love/not-love relationship with Indie, she came across as a spoilt princess for some parts but was also really likeable strong character for others. I found her relentless pursuit of her guardian Max a little cringe-worthy at times when she insisted on constantly making him uncomfortable.
I loved her relationship with Blaise and Ryker, they were different but also alike due to their family dynamics. I could really see the bond growing with these three.
Indie is not entirely sure what she is and as she starts to uncover the truth, her life becomes a lot more dangerous and a lot more complicated. There is a lot more going on on the island than anyone currently knows.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book After that cliffhanger.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect this book to turn out like it did! I hadn't read anything else in the Santa Catalina Universe but took a chance on this one as I had liked Bailey's writing previously. So happy I dived in!

The book starts off with the murder of our FMC's brother, so we know it's going to be a bit dark and bloody off that bat. Indie has been sheltered all her life and hidden away because she's actually a rare Fae. After her brother's murder, she decides to enrol in the university that he was going to so she can investigate and also start to live a real normal life.

She has a sexy as sin guardian that's only 10 years older than her and also a teacher at school - forbidden romance anyone?! Along the way she meets two fae brothers who are attached to the mafia that runs the island.

It's a great worldbuild and a crazy cliffhanger that has you wanting more

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie's parents were light fae but she has always known she is different.She doesnt really know what she is. As her parents are dead and now her brother has been murdered, although it has been ruled a suicide she decides to go to Santa Catalina University (Where her sexy guardian Max also works) to see if she can find out the truth surrounding his death.
I have read all the books that are available by Bailey Grayson so far as I find that her writing is second to none. Without fail I get so wrapped up in the worlds and characters that she creates and this was no different. At the end I actually had a shiver run down by spine at the way it ended, talk about a shock ending! Luckily there is going to be another book and I can't wait to read what happens next!

[Rosalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunted

Welcome to the world of Indigo, she is a type of Fae that she has zero understanding of, and no one seems to be eager to disclose to her. She does know that her parents and brother all died protecting her, and she is determined to get to the bottom of her brother’s death.

Indie enrolls in her brother’s university to try and discover what happened to him, while also trying to interact with others. Up until this point she has been isolated in her parents mansion and it was depressing and lonely.

Stumble into this great adventure with Indie as she finds out things about herself that both encourage her and scare her, she finds men who are willing to support and love her.

The adventure begins!

[Kerri Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. The book is set in a shared world, but you definitely do not need to read the other books to get drawn in by this one. Indie is a great fmc. she is strong, but also complex. She feels very real. Each of the guys are really unique and their relationship with the Indie is different and develops in their own ways. It is rare in a RH for the Men to be so unique and distinct, but they definitely are in this story. They are well developed and, despite being so different, I was rooting for them all. The story is well written, with several plot twists that I did not see coming. Fair warning, the book does end of a cliffhanger that will leave you reeling, but it is definitely a must read.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Latest story from SCU

This is the latest book in the Santa Cataline University Shared Universe, and feels a little darker than the previous ones. Indie has been kept hidden her whole life, but following the death of her brother, heads to SCU where her guardian is a professor. I sympathised with Indie. She's been kept in the dark all her life and even as she tried to learn about who and what she is, and more about the supernatural world, people are putting up roadblocks to try and keep her in the dark. I felt for her, if they'd answer her questions and empower her, it would make this so much easier. But where would the drama be!? The story ends on a cliffhnager, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that resolves.

[Book-Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where is book two?

Read this amazing book in September 2024. As of now the second book has yet to be published which was supposed to happen in 2022...
The book is amazing, I finished it in a day, fell in love with the characters and needed more. Went to search fro book 2 only to come up empty..
I hope the author is okay and if Bailey is would like to know when we can expect the next book in the series.. I need to know what happens to Indie...
For the reason of no book 2 in 2 years in why I rated this a 3 star. Other wise it would have been a solid 4.5 if not 5..
If you don't mind unfinished works then def give this read otherwise no don't as you'll be left wanting and with a million unanswered questions.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t been reading this author for long, nor am I a huge fan of reverse harem, but her books really get to me. This is the latest book I’ve read by her, and while I wasn’t exactly thrilled with a couple of things in this book (her brother’s murderer?!?), I am so drawn into this book, I can forgive a couple of the things that irritated me. Indie is an intriguing character, both innocent and mature in equal measures. The plot really got interesting towards the end, and I am now frustrated that I have to wait to see what happens next. While not perfect, this was a perfect way to spend a few hours. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Lynn Stifle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read…. I couldn’t put it down! Indie’s parents were killed when she was younger, leaving her and her brother alone and in care of a guardian. Now her brother has been murdered and although it’s been ruled a suicide, she knows it’s not true. She decides to joins Santa Catalina University to play detective and see if she can discover the truth. I absolutely loved Indie, she’s sassy, complex, relatable, determined, and character who knows what she wants. I really enjoyed all the men, each unique, diverse, with flaws, and their own determination. This book ends in a cliffhanger and left me wanting more. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Cheryl Sedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg what a read. This santa Catalina series by all these different authors is amazing. I've loved every book so far and this one was just as epic as the rest

In this book we meet Indie who has been hidden all her life, until her brother dies. From here we see her join the university to find out what happened to him. With her guardian a professor at the University who she's always wanted. We also get to see her meet Blaise and Ryker who are brothers and then Fynn.
This book takes on some crazy twists and turns on this awesome rollercoaster ride to then end the book on a mind blowing cliffhanger ending. I can't wait for more.

[Kira Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book in the Santa Catalina University series that will not be a one and done! Ms. Grayson does a wonderful job of character development, story development and has a way of weaving a story that grabs your interest and doesn't let go. The multiple perspectives and personalities add to the richness of the book. I love that Indy's story, as well as her RH is evolving as it adds details of Indy's family and more men with their flaws, insecurities, strength and determination. Ends on a cliff hanger, so it will be at least a dual book story. Enjoy!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

You never know what's going to happen when the book starts off with a killing and then moves us forward to present day. Indie is a relateable character even though she has this darkness inside her. She's bad and good mixed together, shaken and let out to play. She know what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it but she still has some learning to do. There are so many secrets and mysteries to understand and issues to overcome between all the characters. I can't wait for the next book and to punch Z in the face.

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and it was amazing!! Oh my god..such twists and turns. Plus the characters were great! Loved Indie and her men. The connection between all of them is amazing. I loved the characters and the story line. It makes you want to keep reading for more. Definite page turner! The scenes and events that took place were so descriptive, you could actually visualize what is happening.

So if you love anything and everything paranormal, plus reverse harem books, then definitely read this book! Can't wait for the next one!

[Catherine Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

I love the Santa Catalina University books, seeing the school from different characters point of view is so interesting and intriguing.
This book definitely does not disappoint, it’s well written with a well thought out storyline.
Indie is a fantastic main character, her secret life with no family only a guardian.
I enjoyed the multiple point of view and the twists and secrets.
Indie finds herself some very hot guys, all very different from each other.
Overall a great read, I didn’t put it down until the very last word.

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Indie was left with only her brother and and a guardian after her parents murder, years later her brother now I gone they say suicide but she knows he would never leave her.
She decided to go to SCA to determine what what happened to her brother. Can she survive or will the people who took her parents and brother finally get Indie also. The book does end in a cliffhanger so I can not wait for the next one to see what is in store for Indie and the guys she met at SCU.

[Amy Hannagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a newcomer to this author and not always a fan of mafia books, but I usually enjoy RH and fae stories so I gave this one a try. Indie, the FLC really grew on me as I got into this story. Her quest to find out what really happened to her brother gives her a drive often lacking in romance characters. The supporting cast of her men are great and strong, and her friends are there in the best possible ways. The story is well-plotted, easy to follow, yet not simplified or dumb. I was pleasantly surprised by this book and look forward to more by this author.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved? The great world building Bailey does yet again. She really has a knack for it. She has outdone herself with writing this and I really love the fact it isn't stand alone but at least a second book will come. Can't wait for more SCU books anyways as the stories all are pretty good. I love Indigo, Indie, as she is a type of fae but doesn't understand and know one will tell her. But when she enrolls in SCU to her brothers uni and try and find some answers she'll be in for a ride for sure.