River Caldwell has hunted fugitives ever since he joined the Tracers, the elite military unit that serves the werewolf council. As a powerful neural manipulator capable of reading minds and rewriting memories, he’s taken down some of the most dangerous threats in the paranormal community. Now he’s been tasked with apprehending Matteo Rossi, a violent and unstable projectionist who has targeted a research group led by Ellie Crowe, the human girl whose memories River was once forced to erase in order to protect the existence of werewolves… and to whom he’s now irrevocably linked.
Scientist and researcher Ellie Crowe is determined to find a cure for the neurodegenerative disease ravaging the vampire community. River is a complication. Bodyguard. Childhood friend… and now maybe the only person ruthless enough to keep her alive with someone out there hunting her.
As attacks against the research team increase, Ellie and River will have to work together in order to prevent Rossi from derailing the project that may be the last hope for the vampire community—and shifters as well.
HUNTED is part of the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series. Sizzling hot romance. Guaranteed HEA.
Author Kat Kinney writes spicy paranormal romance and heartwarming cozy fantasy. Her books have found family, adorable pets, strong female characters, and happy endings!
She lives with her family and three extremely pampered guinea pigs who do not like werewolves, vampires, or dragons and wonder why their human insists on writing about things that like to eat them. When she isn’t writing about things that bite and howl, Kat can be found knitting crazy socks, puttering about her garden, baking entirely too many pies, and plotting out future books!
I was so excited to read Hunted, the fifth book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series because I knew it was focusing on River and Ellie. I’ve been so curious about River throughout the series. He’s been such an aloof and enigmatic character, and his affiliations with some secretive missions were really intriguing. His connection to Ellie was also unique, and I couldn’t wait to see if they’d end up together.
A human scientist on the cusp of a major discovery that could benefit the supernatural world, Ellie becomes the target of a dangerous enemy. She’s a strong, fiercely loyal, and intelligent woman, and she has an amazing relationship with her sister, which I love. Hayden is the protagonist in Dark, the first book in the series, and I liked that she had a prominent role in this one, too. In many ways, she’s the opposite of Ellie, but they complement each other well and are so protective of each other. The sibling relationships, both Ellie and Hayden’s as well as River’s and his brothers, are one of my favorite parts of the story.
River is wonderful, too, and I felt for him as he struggled with his guilt and with the effect his ability has had on his relationships. As a neural manipulator who can erase memories, River was forced to erase Ellie’s memories even though she is his mate, and he’s felt tremendous guilt for his actions. On top of that, because he can read other people, his relationships have suffered. His abilities also led to fronting some dangerous and secret missions, so his character has always been a little elusive. It’s interesting to see how he uses his gifts for the greater good, which contrasts with a lot of his guilt and regret.
Of course, the romance between Ellie and River is electric. My word, do they have chemistry, and their sexy times are steamy. Their love story is engrossing, and they are both so deeply in love with each other that it’s impossible not to root for their happily ever after. With a target on her back, River becomes her protector, and he’s determined to keep her safe. Their story is dangerous and intriguing, and their romance is swoon-worthy.
As for the overarching plot, I was so surprised by the direction it took. There were a couple of twists that I totally didn’t see coming, and these revelations will change not only the Caldwell family but the shifter community as a whole. I can’t wait to see what happens next in August and Rowan’s story!
Special thanks to Kat Kinney for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
I am not a paranormal romance fan. I never cared about vampires – or werewolves, for that matter. I don’t think I’ve even seen the iconic “Interview with the Vampire”. I did have a connection of sorts with the Twilight books – stop throwing those tomatoes at me; I admit the weakness when I have one – despite realising all the faults in the plotline and the characters. I guess the thing that spoke to me in Bella and Edward’s (both absolutely unbearable) is the “until death shall us part” bit. I believe in all-life-long commitment and love that can’t be explained, so the story of two people who have grown into each other and stayed faithful to their love no matter what touched some hidden strings in my soul. I also loved the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Garriger. I bought the first book by accident, not looking for a vampiric-themed read, but immediately fell in love with gloriously magnificent Alexa and read all five books. Apart from that, paranormal stories seldom stirred my bookish soul.
Until I read “Dark”, the first book of the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series by Kat Kinney.
The Caldwells have irrevocably stolen my heart. And I anticipate with dread the moment when all seven brothers’ stories will be written, and I’ll be left with nothing to wait for.
“The Caldwells argued, even brawled in the backyard, but when it counted, they were there for each other without question”. That’s what I like about them, the loud, gifted, stand-from-the-crowd family of shapeshifters from Blood Moon, Texas. They remind me of my parental family, our jolly gatherings in my aunt’s summer house with outrageous amounts of delicious food and yes, an occasional argument or misunderstanding. Still, as long as they lived, they were always there to support each other, and not in just “do you want to talk about it” capacity.
“Hunted” is the fifth book of the series, and it tells the story of the most complicated relationship any of the Caldwell brothers had – and each of them had to go through a number of seemingly unsurmountable difficulties to be with their fated mates.
River and Ellie are also the most unlikely people to become romantically involved with each other. He erased her memories, making her life, already marred by anxiety born from earlier trauma, even more complicated. "Memory was a fragile thing, spun of twisted threads of hopes and dreams. It was the scent of the air just before a thunderstorm. The taste of a first kiss." With this fragility crushed and distorted, Ellie isn’t sure what’s real and what’s not anymore. But she has to be strong. Not only for her own and her sister Hayden’s sake – who is River’s brother’s wife and hates River with all her ferocious soul – but for the whole paranormal world to have a chance to lead a happier life.
Ellie is a scientist, and, in her hands, is the future of vampires and werewolves. Will she be able to find a cure for the disease that destroys the chances of vampires from the lower castes to have normal lives? She knows that too much is at stake. If she fails, so many will have to continue to die young, leaving their loved ones behind.
“The world can still hold joy, even in the face of great loss”. The Caldwells prove this simple truth again and again. Every one of them had to face their demons at some point. Every one of them had to go through something they would be glad not to experience. People they trusted betrayed them. Unexpected news all the time threatens to knock them off their feet. And still, they don’t plan to give up anytime soon.
Packed with political intrigues of the paranormal world, family secrets, heart-warming moments, and steamy scenes – yes, be prepared that River and Ellie are very VERY hot in all possible senses – “Hunted” is a treat for the reader who wants to get immersed in the story completely.
P.S. Yes, and Matteo Rossi is a perfect villain – the one you have no sympathy for whatsoever.
Hunter (Blood Moon, Texas Shifters Book Five) by Kat Kinney
I’ve loved every book in this series and at the end of each one, I declare it my favourite. This time, I think River and Ellie really are my favourite. The mixture of their complicated background, undeniable sexual attraction, and general goofiness is perfect. I love both of their characters and watching their relationship progress and their feelings for each other grow was a delight.
If I can stop myself from cooing over the couple for long enough, I can also tell you about the amazing plot! The progression of the overarching plot kept me flicking through the pages, needing to know what happened next, and whether our favourite characters would all be safe. With many twists and turns, this book kept me on the edge of my seat!
I’m already excited for book six with August and Rowan and to see where the plot will take us next!
I counted down the days until I could read River and Ellie's story and it was worth every bit of the wait. It jumps straight back into the action as Ellie is working on creating a special treatment that allows Vampires to drink from shifters. Past events put her in the center of the action and the danger as Rossi targets her and her lab associates. River's decision to mess with her memory continues to haunt him but also allows them to have a connection unlike any of his brothers with their mates.
His belief that he could never deserve her and her anxiety about stepping fully into his world make this full of that aching emotion that kept me turning the pages. When the scenes moved from mind projection to reality my heart couldn't have been more ecstatic. I had my suspicions from the past books that under his aloofness was a wolf who would do absolutely everything for his mate. Being able to read minds meant that not much came as a surprise for him, but when she asked him to share something that no one else knew. Ugh. Just beautiful.
I think this has the most spice out of the series I've read so far. In Kat Kinney's typical fashion, she highlights some of the best of Texas culture from Kerbey Lane to the BBQ hype. This family continues to grow as does the loveable side pet companions with the addition of some adorable bunnies in this book. The writing is inclusive to the large cast that you have already come to love without taking the spotlight from the two that you are following. Love, family, action, and adventure make this a book series you don't want to sleep on.
In this 5th book of the "Blood Moon, Texas Shifters" series, the story follows Raven - the youngest of the seven Caldwell brothers - and Ellie - the human woman he has a connection to. Danger lurks around them, as the vampire-shifter-human conflict intensifies, with trust something hard to come by and factions even within those groups working at cross purposes. Scary outside forces are arrayed against River and Ellie and their allies, making for a thrilling story as Ellie and River find themselves in a fight for their very survival.
As with the other books in the series, the story's not all intense intrigue and action. There are many amusing pop-culture references, as well as other fun moments too, like River's various names for Ellie's pet rabbits, the description of Ellie's hair ("a dark mane of curls that usually ate at least two hair ties before noon"), and a "note to self: look into canine beauty products if my wolf survived the night". And there are certainly the great sizzling moments between Raven and Ellie. The interactions with their families and allies feel very real, with their conflicts and concern for one another. Ellie's anxiety was well depicted, along with her struggles with it, as well as River's feeling of being an outcast.
This paranormal romance with its steamy scenes and plenty of thriller elements is a wonderful, engaging read. Some deep secrets come to light and some mysteries are cleared up, while others develop and set the stage for the next book - another installment to look forward to!
Ellie caught my eye from when I read the first book in this series! One of the many delights of Blood Moon, Texas Shifters Series is the way Kat Kinney builds to each book from the previous books in the series. I've been really looking forward to this book and Hunted not only lives up to the anticipation, but surpasses it!
Hunted is about star-crossed, forbidden and fated lovers against a background of political intrigue mixed with phenomenal world building that's been getting deeper with each book and each new perspective.
Once more, there are incredible descriptions and distinct character voices that simultaneously pulls readers into the story and puts us in the character's heads. Even side characters feel real, with back stories and personalities that make readers immediately care about them.
River and Ellie's banter was greatly enjoyable, Ellie's anxiety was relatable, and I appreciated the thoughts on mental health.
Highly recommend this entire series and am greatly looking forward to Rowan and August's story in Eclipse!!!
Another fantastic installment of the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series! River has always been a favorite character of mine and I was really, really looking forward to his story with Ellie. As a Tracer - the elite military unit that serves the werewolf council, werewolf River is used to danger, but every day he lives with guilt over being forced to erase the memory of the woman he loves the most. Ellie Crowe is an intrepid scientist working to find a cure for the neurodegenerative disease ravaging the vampire community; a cure could bring long-desired peace between werewolves and vampires - but not everyone wants her to succeed. When River is assigned to protect Ellie from unknown attackers, the two have to really struggle to put their mission ahead of their burning desires for each other. Kinney gives us another steamy, intense mystery in this latest book - and, of course, leaves us wanting more! If you're not already into this series, you really need to add it to your TBR!
Ellie and River—FINALLY! I’ve been waiting for this pairing to come up in Kinney’s Blood Moon Texas Shifters series since book one. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. There’s action, high stakes research, heated moments (and hotter ones, too), and of course, the Caldwells and their always enjoyable family banter. Getting to see these fun and engaging characters come back book after book, be it in a reference or a scene (or more often than not in danger:P) is a delight and one of my favorite features of this gritty PNR series. That and the ever-present animal friends. This time it was bunnies. What’s not to like about bunnies?
Ok this is book five in this Shifter Romance Series that I have been reading. Each book is somewhat stand alone because each book has different main characters, but the series is best enjoyed by reading book one first and then book two, etc. The is somewhat spicy, but it is not particularly smutty in my opinion. I am really enjoying this series and I have read all of the books up to book five so far. If you like shifter Romance like I do, I am sure you will enjoy it.
I’ve been hooked on this series for a couple of years, so I was eagerly awaiting this release. It most certainly did not disappoint. Spicy romance, tons of action, a little espionage, werewolves, and vampires set against the beautiful, modern backdrop of central Texas! What’s not to love? I can’t wait for the next one.
This was a great book!’ Even though I had not read the previous book in the series I had no issue with keeping up with the story and characters. I loved the depth of the story and all the characters. Will definitely be going and reading the 1st book and anxiously awaiting the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
🌶️ Dang it if I didn’t say in my last review I’d probably eat my words at how River and Ellie’s story was the one I least wanted to read… yes, once again, the latest couple becomes my new favorite.
Heads up though, because it’s also the spiciest of the series so far… a few have been somewhat tame but not this one.
Let’s just get the cons out of the way, shall we, because we all know I have them with this author. Hire an editor for the love of literature. Stupid inconsistencies, often within paragraphs of the other. Is Luna’s favorite bedtime song Prancy Fancy or Fancy Prancy? Just pick one and stick with it already.
The scene at the dam… Brody must be in three different places at the same time while Ellie moves across to where River is. I’ve no idea how or where or why he manages to be everywhere all at once, but somehow he does it.
For werewolves to heal with no scarring, I’m amazed at how often there are scars on everyone- River’s jaw, okay, the knife was probably silver (I can’t remember if that was given or not) but Dallas’s scar wasn’t from silver… unless we’re missing Ben having not only broken his teen son’s ribs but also used silver on him during that beating? We know Ben hasn’t hesitated to justify the use of silver in discipline before, but that’s really lower than I already thought he’d gone if that’s the case.
Ellie had dropped college for awhile and yet we seem to only hear about how important she is to the ALDD research rather than even her aunt (who has a doctorate)… I’d be peeved if I was her “colleague” too… while Ellie may be incredibly smart, I’m surprised she didn’t graduate early from high school or have already gotten some college credit while in high school. Yet it’s not mentioned at all.
Did West have a sudden wuss gene mutation? He’s a bit of a mess in this one, and Cal’s “agreement” with his uncle is fairly unbelievable… it’s not like Uncle G can conscript West (or any of the boys for that matter) into his wolfy opps corp. Yes, he could have outed what West’s ability is, but it’s not like West has tried keeping it hidden during family arguments with their uncle around. And we all know Sofia would dump her brother’s body in a convenient arroyo if he tried going through with any threats.
Also, I hate how this female President is only trotted out as a way to heighten tensions… first we heard of her it’s “we are all citizens and let’s get a treaty worked out” and how she had compassion and integrity greater than her previous male counterparts and now she just sends goons in at the end to deliver questionably illegal threats if the wolves and vamps don’t clean up HER MISTAKES? Aren’t the stakes high enough with Rossi as it is without resorting to make your President into just another bully?
And again we read the werewolves became a thing during the Gold Rush days… yet European werewolves have been around for thousands of years?
I could go on, but you get the point. Some things may need clarification, others just needed five minutes to flip back to previous books (or pages) to see what was previously stated as fact still holds true.
Ellie… liked her much more than I thought, though she and her sister’s timelines seem off from what we’ve previously been told. Still, she isn’t spending all her time furiously mad, so it’s nice knowing she has a personality that’s quite enjoyable.
River… wow, combo of wanting to smack him upside the head for being a cocky jerk, but then he’s sweet enough (to Ellie anyway) to give you whiplash. But still, I know August is going to have daddy issues to deal with, and we know Cal’s going to have them as well…. seven for seven kids he’s been a horrible parent to. Mom isn’t winning a bunch of awards either, but still. Glad I wasn’t raised in that lousy environment where no one walked away unscathed. Back to the cons but Ben has some serious soul searching to do in calling out the boys’ uncle for his crap knowing full well that stepping forward to “protect his sons” is very much pot calling the kettle black.
All-in-all I am glad I stuck with this one to the end as the love story portion was rewarding.
excellent book, horrible narration Story: 4 Stars, Narration: 1 Star, Overall average: 2.5 Stars (Rounded Up to 3)
'Hunted', the fifth book in the 'Blood Moon, Texas Shifters' series features River Caldwell and Ellie Crowe. I say this having only listened to the first 6 books on audio thus far (book 7 is not yet out on audio) but I think Books 5 and 6 are easily the best of this series. Things start to get dark and disturbing here, and I was down for it. We really get an appreciation for just how truly horrific some of these werewolf powers are. Manipulators like River and Sofia are potentially very dangerous. I don't trust The Tracers. I think any organization with that kind of power is inherently evil. I think Guillermo is evil and that his family excuses his actions too easily time and time again. I guess that's a big plot point for these next 2 books at least, but I have serious doubts I'll be satisfied with any final outcomes. I worry River is too much like him despite how much he seems to secretly despise him.
It's been interesting across several books to see different characters reference River's mental assault of Ellie at the end of the first book as a significant moment in their lives, where they all stood by and did nothing, said nothing, except for Hayden. They were all cowards in that moment, especially River. Especially when we see more details of it from his perspective. He saw seconds before he did it that she was his mate and he did it anyway. He recognized that Guillermo likely realized this too, asked him to do it anyway, probably just to toy with him, and he still did it anyway. What makes this all the more monstrous are the details that we learn over the following books of the consequences and side effects of having your memories messed with. It's not a clean process. Ellie has been suffering from it. River really did cruel things to her mind by using her mental health history against her. He really is kind of an awful person. I'm not sure why Ellie so easily forgave him. She's kind of stupid. Or just horny. He's also just as big of a liar as Guillermo. Having said all of that, I have grown to like River. I root for him to not become Guillermo. I root for him to shoot Guillermo between the eyes, but alas....
There's so much to talk about with this book. We learn so much about the two main vampire factions, the conflict with the human government, and more about how much of a lying liar Guillermo is. Unfortunately, this audiobook suffers from the same horrible narration that book 4 'Alpha' did. This particular narrator is easily the worst audiobook narrator I have encountered, and I listen to hundreds of audiobooks annually. Many of her characters sounded like chipmunks as her voice was especially grating.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
River and Ellie's story is pretty much perfect with all the hurt and heartache of wanting something you feel you'll never deserve and all the forgiveness of finding that someone who really gets you. River is a Tracer for the werewolves and he has to do things on a daily basis that might be for the greater good but haunt him every night, none more so than the day he erased Ellie Crowe's memories and had to look into her eyes and know he was going to break himself. Ellie, for her part actually gets why he had to and now that her memories are back, mostly anyway, she's torn between her fear of having those memories stripped and feeling like she was going crazy and her soul deep knowledge that River is her person. As the war between different factions of werewolves and vampires. heats up with a fairly psychotic werewolf master minding horrific attacks, Ellie has become a target and River is willing to risk everything to keep her safe. This whole book was perfectly spicy, intense, full of trademark Caldwell family zany antics and texts, and a really deep love story. The kind where there's history, there's heartbreak and hurt, and there's so much depth in how River and Ellie understand each other that it leaves that gooey feeling of bliss when you see a perfect couple. I really love River, he's had a lot of responsibility and guilt on him since he was twelve and his powers manifested and it's great to see how he copes with that and the separation it's made him feel from pretty much everyone. Ellie is a wonderful character because she's tougher than she looks and her anxiety issues and how she views them are insightful. Wholeheartedly recommend grabbing this book from the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot thickens, the romance heats, the danger levels have risen. This is the fifth title in the Blood Moon Texas series and this is River and Ellie's story. As Ellie and her research team continue to be threatened by a powerful shifter currently on the run, River and his uncle meet with the leader of the Vampire Nation and her son to discuss options. They swear the attacks are not their doing and are prepared to come to an agreement to help with the hunt and with the protection duties. Of course this is going to put River at odds with members of his family, many of whom have their own, strong opinions and aren't prepared to listen to reason. Add in the complication of the growing feelings River and Ellie have for one another and there is quite a high level of angst, there are many arguments and all the while the threat is coming closer.
Prepare for a thrilling ride, for threads from the previous four books to weave into this story, thickening the plot and at the same time creating some resolutions. It will make a lot more sense if you've read/listened to the previous books but the author does a good job of dropping in past storylines to bring you up to speed. The only slight downside for me was the narrator. She is great, gets emotions across incredibly well, paces the story nicely but when she voices some of the other males, primarily from River's family, she goes perhaps a little too far to make a differentiation. That aside this is a fabulous audio and has certainly helped me keep my pace on my morning runs!
HUNTED is the fifth book in the Blood Moon, Texas Shifters series and we have River and Ellie's story. I would recommend you read this in order as it does have an overall story arc that might be confusing if you don't know how it got to this stage.
River and Ellie have a history together, and it's not always a good one! River had to take Ellie's memories, even though she was his mate, leaving her with crippling anxiety. It's for this reason that Hayden refuses to speak to River and threatens him at every opportunity.
River and Ellie have moved past that - although I'm not exactly sure when. Maybe it was in the past books, but it's been a while since I read those, so I'm not sure. Their relationship did throw me a little in the beginning. Especially the 'projection' sex, when it wasn't always clear that's that what it was.
The overall story arc moves along at a fast pace, with new and old characters helping it along the way. It will be interesting to see what happens in August and Rowan's story, which is up next.
A great addition to the series but definitely recommended to read as a series. ** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. * Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! Sep 29, 2023
There are so many things to love about this book. Ellie finding true love with a werewolf named River was so unexpected, but so fulfilling because of the previous books.
When we first meet the two of them in Dark, you can already see there is a connection between them. But he wiped her memory of him and the werewolfs. Slowly but surely, she regains her memories. And now those are causing her to have nightmares that are unbearable. River comes to her in her dreams to protect her. And do a few other things. Who knew astral-projection sex would be so steamy?
Ellie is trying to create a formula to help Vampires from doing what they did to Topher (drain his blood over and over again - see Bound for another amazing story). A few people don't like what she's doing. Thus, the title Hunted.
Kat has an incredible story and her way of speaking through her characters is a beauty to read. You will enjoy this book for the funny moments (the bunnies), the loving moments, and the family moments. Because what this story really comes down to is a family. With lots of ups and downs. And a few Vampire friends to boot!
The book "Hunted" is the fifth book in the "Blood Moon, Texas Shifters" series. It tells the story of River and Ellie, where River, a werewolf, visits Ellie in her dreams to protect her and creates an intense romantic connection between them. The book is a sizzling hot romance with many exciting elements. Ellie Crowe is a dedicated and resilient scientist who is unrelenting in her pursuit to discover a cure for the neurodegenerative disease that is ravaging the vampire community. However, her mission is impeded by the sudden appearance of a dangerous hunter on her trail, making her life even more complicated. Luckily, her childhood friend and bodyguard, River, steps up to protect her. River and Ellie have a shared history. River took Ellie’s memories, leaving her with anxiety. As the attacks increase, Ellie and River must work together to stop Rossi from sabotaging their vampire-shifter research. As they navigate this treacherous journey together, their bond deepens, fueled by their shared desire to end this nightmare once and for all. If you are a fan of Paranormal Shifter Romance you need to start this series, each book just gets better and better!
This is the fifth in a great series by Kat Kinney and a lovely dark wolf shifter romance. It's full of action, drama, trauma, shifters, vampires, kidnapping, passion, love and steam, with plenty of twists and a HEA; River and Ellie are so cute together, and I loved her rabbits, Butternut and Waffles.
River has worked with the Tracers under his uncle for years as a neural manipulator, but was torn when his uncle ordered him to wipe the memory of werewolves from Ellie, his brother's mate; particularly when he realised his childhood friend is his mate.
Now she has her memories back and she's working with them to find a cure for ALDD, but she and her team are being targeted and attacked by Matteo Rossi. River and his team are her bodyguards but their complicated past makes them both wary of their attraction for each other.
I really enjoyed this audiobook, with Amber Goode bringing the characters to life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Please note that I am reviewing the ebook version and not the audiobook as I personally disliked the narration.
I've been waiting for this story since book one. Fated mates forced to be apart due to impending war and cultural circumstances. With each of the couples in the series Kat Kinney gives us a further intricate and nuanced view into the lives and characters of Blood Moon. The good writing and character development continue to be interwoven.
I truly felt for River and Ellie's situation and how they coped. I found the blend of paranormal shifter romance with the intensity of drama sprinkled throughout the story quite enjoyable. The spicy "freaky projection s*x" scenes were also pretty good. Even though I've liked all of the Caldwell brothers, I think the youngest River may be a favourite. Who doesn't love "a man who walks into danger instead of away from it" and has a selfless heart?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked this - the whole plot is edge-of-your-seat action, with unpredictable turns and lovable characters. We met the Caldwell family and a lot of them before, but the spotlight is now on two MCs who are the opposite of each other, each strong in their own way, with a history rife with regrets , torn between love and self-doubt and ready for sacrifice.
The author has the talent to make you see the point of view of all the characters, most of them neither completely good nor entirely bad, and understand their reasoning and their struggle. There are minute details softening the hard edges, and I liked the dialogue at family gatherings, each character in turns comfortable and uncomfortable in his own skin. It's no small feat to determine the reader to also feel empathy for the bad girls and boys - so a I bow to that.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
River will never forget the day he erased Ellie's memories and discovered that she was meant to be his mate - and nor will he ever forgive himself for what he did to her. Now she remembers everything. Ellie is doing research that will change the paranormal world forever - and this makes her a target. River wants to protect her, but his guilt and her desire to remain human might keep them apart forever.
Such is my love for this series that when I started this book, I actually slowcooked brisket which I happily ate once I'd hit the 50% mark in my Kindle. I am firmly Team Texan Werewolf Fam. I am also Team Delightfully Steamy Dream Sequences. Oh yes. You will find many of those inside these pages, along with a fiercely protective hero and a heroine who is much braver than she thinks (and I also appreciate her struggles with her anxiety). I'm probably going to my jinx myself again - as I always do when I write these particular words - but this is my favourite book in the series so far.
I'd been highly anticipating finally getting to read this ongoing story line from River's point of view! He's the most controversial of all of the Caldwell brothers in my opinion, so I knew his story would be juicy and full of twists and turns. Author Kat Kinney did not disappoint! River and Ellie's love is pure and true, their banter and affection for each other as well as their families such FUN to read, and it was so wonderful to watch their relationship unfold.
Kat Kinney is an awe-inspiring writer! Hunted is another EXCELLENT addition to this Blood Moon: Texas Shifters series! I love the way Kat seems to effortlessly continue the political intrigue as the plot thickens! I can't wait to find out where this is all going and how it's all going to work out in the end! I've grown to adore these characters more and more with each book in the series. I'm so excited for the next one!
'Hunted' is the fifth book in the Texas Shifters series and I recommend reading them in order, even though this one was great on its own. River can erase memories, as well as read them. In the past, he was forced to erase Ellie's memories and that left her with severe anxiety. Ellie is a human scientist and is working on a cure for a virus impacting vampires. She and River must work together to discover who is trying to sabotage her research and killing people close to the project. They have their suspicions and are determined to deal with him.
It's a fast-paced story filled with interesting characters. River and Ellie have their happily ever after, which is particularly meaningful given that he had erased her memories that caused emotional problems for her.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I have to say that Hunted was probably my favorite of the series so far. I really enjoyed it. I was really excited to read River's book. I was quite interested to see how it would unfold, given what happened to Ellie at the beginning of the series. I couldn't put it down. I am excited to see how the rest of the series unfolds and look forward to reading more. I do recommend reading the series in order; if nothing else, read the first book before this one. Even though it says in this one what happened, reading the first one will help it make more sense why Haydan is the way she is with River. Each book follows its own couple, but the plot evolves more in each book. This is more for 18+ readers as there may be some content that ins't suitable for some readers. I highly recommend reading Hunted.
Since I have read the previous books, this one dropped me right back into the world without any trouble. Kat Kinney is consistent. I always enjoy the mix of creativity, chemistry, and those little moments of humor that break the tension in the right places.
This story leans more on suspense and emotional history than some of the earlier books. River and Ellie have that complicated past that makes every scene charged, even when nothing physical is happening yet. The paranormal mechanics are clever without becoming confusing, and the stakes for the research team add a real sense of urgency. The romance is steamy but grounded in loyalty and danger, which keeps it from feeling shallow.
It was another engaging ride in a series that keeps its momentum, and it reminded me once again why reading one of Kat’s books is always an enjoyable experience.
I was provided an advanced review copy free for an honest review. 4.5 Stars.
I went into this book having not read books 1-4. Normally I would read everything in order, but I decided to give this a try because I enjoyed the blurb. I wouldn't say that I would have given more stars having read the other books first.
I enjoyed the plot of the story and there was some spice. I won't rate that just know it's not behind closed doors - so if you don't like reading it...just skip through it :)
I felt that even though coming to this in the 5th book, there was enough explanation throughout the story that gave me a good sense of the world and wasn't left confused. I have zero complaints regarding the writing and plan to go ahead and read the books that I haven't by this author.
I’ve been eagerly waiting for this book - I love the whole Texas Blood Moon series, and this one is SO good!. Kat Kinney is a super writer, managing to sensitively convey her characters’ inner feelings, their strengths, their failings and their psychological turmoil, but with appropriate, leavening amounts of humour (and steam!) and love… family love (and conflict), and the best kind of ‘forever mates’ love.
Over the books so far, I feel as if I have grown to know all the characters (and their pets)… to worry with them, hold my breath when they are in danger, and celebrate when good things happen for them. Looking forward to the next in the series, much happier now that I know River and Ellie have their HEA!!
“Hunted” is the latest book in the fantastic Blood Moon, Texas Shifters Series, and it does not disappoint! It contains all of the intrigue and spicy romantic scenes readers have come to expect from the series. Ellie and River fight in vain to suppress their mutual attraction. Their situation is complicated by River’s guilt for having erased Ellie’s memories, which has caused her continued distress. In addition, Ellie, one would think, could not be River’s mate unless she consented to become a werewolf, and her humanity is not something she is ready to give up. The taut plot is elevated by Kinney’s wonderful writing skills, which had me deeply immersed in the story, and there is not a dull moment in this book. Very well done!