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Willing Prey: A Primal Romance Novella
In the woods, anything goes.
I've been fantasizing about hunting Claire Collins since I met her. Obsession is a strong word, but my fixation is dangerously close. When her ex-husband leaves her with a mountain of debt, I propose a solution that will benefit us both.
For thirty days, she's mine to devour, and at the end, she'll leave with enough money to pay her debts and then some.
There's just one issue …
Claire's supposed to be my prey, but she's sinking her teeth deeper into my heart every time I catch her.
***
Thirty days as prey, $30,000 in my bank account. Enough money to pay off my debts and start over post-divorce. All I have to do is give Shane Underwood the hunt of his life.
By day, he's a corporate lawyer, so this should be simple, right?
Wrong.
Shane's different in the woods.
Brutal.
Devastating.
Feral.
That's okay, I am too.
Willing Prey is a dual POV standalone primal romance novella with high heat, a HEA, and no cliffhangers. It features a tall, mid-sized FMC with a hidden dominant streak and an obsessive, aggressive MMC who learns he's willing to—sometimes—be her prey. If you like spicy business arrangements that turn into something sweeter and primal play, you'll enjoy Claire and Shane's story.
Please check author's note for content warning.
I've been fantasizing about hunting Claire Collins since I met her. Obsession is a strong word, but my fixation is dangerously close. When her ex-husband leaves her with a mountain of debt, I propose a solution that will benefit us both.
For thirty days, she's mine to devour, and at the end, she'll leave with enough money to pay her debts and then some.
There's just one issue …
Claire's supposed to be my prey, but she's sinking her teeth deeper into my heart every time I catch her.
***
Thirty days as prey, $30,000 in my bank account. Enough money to pay off my debts and start over post-divorce. All I have to do is give Shane Underwood the hunt of his life.
By day, he's a corporate lawyer, so this should be simple, right?
Wrong.
Shane's different in the woods.
Brutal.
Devastating.
Feral.
That's okay, I am too.
Willing Prey is a dual POV standalone primal romance novella with high heat, a HEA, and no cliffhangers. It features a tall, mid-sized FMC with a hidden dominant streak and an obsessive, aggressive MMC who learns he's willing to—sometimes—be her prey. If you like spicy business arrangements that turn into something sweeter and primal play, you'll enjoy Claire and Shane's story.
Please check author's note for content warning.
164 pages, Paperback
Published January 25, 2024
About the author
Allie Oleander
1 book29 followersAllie loves dogs, flannel, and a good chase scene. Find her in the woods, admiring mushrooms and hoping for a meet-cute with Bigfoot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
February 15, 2024
4 Keep Trying to Run Stars ⭐
There's something about prey kink that really does it for me. The whole scene around being chased, pinned down and devoured. Just yum. That's not to say I wouldn't be crapping myself if this happened in real life! 😏
Truthfully I'm impressed that this is the author's debut novella because it was well written, believable and extremely sexy; it was damn good. Most enjoyable since our hero wasn't a psycho and was besotted by his prey.
Can a pussy purr? Because mine is right now. If she had her way, I’d backflip out of this tree, stick the landing, and ask Shane to finish what he started last night.
Claire Collins is recently divorced from her dickwad husband and drowning in debt. So a $30k sexual proposal is a win. But is it, if she's being hunted for 30 days by her ex husband's boss Shane Underwood? Lawyer by day, thicc predator after hours. She really needs this to work.
She tricked me. I’m hunting her, but she’s toying with me. Lacing up my boots, I follow her footprints back into the woods, so aroused I don’t even care that I’m half naked.
I loved that these two weren't what they seemed. They may have had a taboo arrangement in place, essentially just sex, but you see immediately how this could be more. Claire is whip smart and fully invested in the hunt, while Shane is obsessed since his wet dream has come to life.
Willing Prey worked beautifully because the intimacy was scorching, the kink credible, and the characters self serving, which I mean in a good way. Both Shane and Claire need something and intend to get it. I just loved how perfectly in sync they were about it. 🥵
There's something about prey kink that really does it for me. The whole scene around being chased, pinned down and devoured. Just yum. That's not to say I wouldn't be crapping myself if this happened in real life! 😏
Truthfully I'm impressed that this is the author's debut novella because it was well written, believable and extremely sexy; it was damn good. Most enjoyable since our hero wasn't a psycho and was besotted by his prey.
Can a pussy purr? Because mine is right now. If she had her way, I’d backflip out of this tree, stick the landing, and ask Shane to finish what he started last night.
Claire Collins is recently divorced from her dickwad husband and drowning in debt. So a $30k sexual proposal is a win. But is it, if she's being hunted for 30 days by her ex husband's boss Shane Underwood? Lawyer by day, thicc predator after hours. She really needs this to work.
She tricked me. I’m hunting her, but she’s toying with me. Lacing up my boots, I follow her footprints back into the woods, so aroused I don’t even care that I’m half naked.
I loved that these two weren't what they seemed. They may have had a taboo arrangement in place, essentially just sex, but you see immediately how this could be more. Claire is whip smart and fully invested in the hunt, while Shane is obsessed since his wet dream has come to life.
Willing Prey worked beautifully because the intimacy was scorching, the kink credible, and the characters self serving, which I mean in a good way. Both Shane and Claire need something and intend to get it. I just loved how perfectly in sync they were about it. 🥵
January 10, 2024
Instagram || Threads || Facebook || Amazon || TikTok
WILLING PREY was the primal kink book I've book looking for all my life. Shane, a socially awkward lawyer, pays Claire, a schoolteacher divorcee, $30,000 to hunt her for 30 days. The catch is that she has to make it difficult by putting up a fight. He doesn't like easy hunts.
I liked this book a lot. The sex scenes were great and I loved how sweet Shane was (when he wasn't hunting lol). Where do I find a hot lawyer to make cardio fun? Even though there isn't much in the way of conflict, I thought the X-rated games of tag and hide and seek really added a lot of suspense. I did expect more of a third act conflict than what I got, though. Since Claire is a school teacher and the U.S. is such a dick when it comes to morality clauses, I was expecting someone (maybe her douche ex?) to blackmail her, or something like that that would force them to unite as a couple against a common enemy.
But overall, WILLING PREY was great. I thought it was interesting that the author decided to make Shane a switch. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about that, but since "hunting" was so new to him and he was questioning his sexuality in such an open and thoughtful way, I guess it made sense to his character, after all. And Claire seemed super into it, so I loved that for her.
Definitely can't wait to read more from this author.
4.5 stars
May 30, 2024
Reread hit me right in the heart. Shane is the biggest cinnamon roll. Equal parts cozy and hot, I loved it even more the second time. Recommend recommend recommend.
-----
Summary:
Claire has a shitty ex-husband and a lot of student loan debt. To regain her financial footing after her divorce and get back at her cheating ex, Claire agrees to let a partner at her ex's law firm hunt her for sport--in exchange for $30,000.
Review:
As someone who also has a lot of student loan debt, I found this story very relatable 😂
This was a really fun fantasy. It was satisfyingly feral, but also had some very sweet moments. The few things I did not enjoy about this book are things that I KNOW for a fact that a lot of other people LOVE (pet names, praise, shirtless man cover, etc.).
Overall, I really enjoyed this novella! Top notch primal play✨
4/5⭐️
✅ creative
✅ entertaining
✅ I liked it
❌ subversive
✅ diverse representation--both MCs 35+
4/5 🌶️ (multiple scenes, very descriptive, k!nks, potential triggers)
-----
"Margot’s warning returns. He’s different in the woods. She’s right. He’s terrifying."
Summary:
Claire has a shitty ex-husband and a lot of student loan debt. To regain her financial footing after her divorce and get back at her cheating ex, Claire agrees to let a partner at her ex's law firm hunt her for sport--in exchange for $30,000.
Review:
"It's brutal. Degrading. Obscene.
I fucking love it."
As someone who also has a lot of student loan debt, I found this story very relatable 😂
This was a really fun fantasy. It was satisfyingly feral, but also had some very sweet moments. The few things I did not enjoy about this book are things that I KNOW for a fact that a lot of other people LOVE (pet names, praise, shirtless man cover, etc.).
Overall, I really enjoyed this novella! Top notch primal play✨
4/5⭐️
✅ creative
✅ entertaining
✅ I liked it
❌ subversive
✅ diverse representation--both MCs 35+
4/5 🌶️ (multiple scenes, very descriptive, k!nks, potential triggers)
September 13, 2024
My body tingles with expectation, waiting for the grab, the catch. The moment when the hunt becomes the fight. I don’t feel human anymore. I’m a vibrating swirl of dread. My brain won’t stop screaming.
I went into this expecting a quick primal hunt but, under 200 pages the author managed to add personality to her characters and to write fucking in the woods in a poetic way. Now, that's talent.
I loved Claire, I LOVED Shane. He is just a kinky lawyer that wants a chase with the woman he has a crush on😉
“Sure you aren’t wet?” there’s the slightest bit of amusement in his voice. I don’t get to respond. Pain explodes across my ass, the crack of palm on flesh piercing the stillness of the woods. My gasp is choked. I try to crawl forward, away from the agony. Fisting the back of my shirt, he holds me in place before delivering another excruciating spank. I’m swallowing my yelp when he speaks again. “Don’t you ever lie to me," his reprimand is dominating, primal. I can’t reconcile it with the polite, awkward lawyer who enjoys cat puns. It doesn’t compute.
The hand not feverishly working my clit is knotted in my hair. He yanks my head back, forcing me to stare at the storm clouds. They’re lower than before, as if they’ve moved closer to enjoy the show. Voyeurs eager to see what becomes of me, wanting to watch him consume me.
Hold up, can a man that owns a private forest find me please?
He learns aftercare for her🥺 He was ready to pay her 60 thousand for her not to leave🥺
AND THEY SWITCH TOO OMFGGGG🥵🥵🥵
“I want it,” I groan. “I love it. Love you running me down. Love you fucking me. Love it all. Please, Claire.”
“Mouth or pussy? How do you want me to finish you?” Finish me. There’s never been a better choice of words. “Pussy,” I instruct, hurrying to add, “Please. Please use your pussy.”
I NEED ME A SHANE NEOOOOWWWWWWW.
February 13, 2024
Alright, I thought this review would take longer but typing it up is more important than cooking dinner. The author does a great job of including content warnings at the start of Willing Prey so please be mindful of those. This is a primal play book with a LOT of steamy times that are rough (including tackling, hair pulling, biting, and other physical exertions that could leave bruises/marks). The foundation of the relationship begins as a transaction and eventually shifts into softer feelings (while still being rough between the trees and the sheets, see what I did there). But this is not a representation of a BDSM relationship, one of the content warnings even is that the hero doesn't initially provide aftercare.
Our story begins with Claire (h) already having agreed to a thirty day contract with Shane (H) to stay in his home and be available as "prey" whenever he notifies her. She's a 30-something PE teacher and it's summer time, which meant a side gig anyway. She likes the chase/hunt, but she also needs the big paycheck Shane's offering due to a recent divorce. I didn't love that we didn't get to see this negotiation on page though. Also, for my friends who like when the H does some light stalking, Shane knows Claire needs the money because he follows her around a bit and eavesdrops on her. Shane's right around 40 (I think) and he was focused on work but didn't think that he'd want anything serious once he assuaged his curiosity, thus a time-limited contract. Of course, they're going to want more though y'all. This is erotica but has a romance with a HEA at the end.
The reason Shane's interested in this type of scenario is because he works at the same law firm as Claire's ex, who bragged about their "hunting" trips, and sparked something inside Shane. We know fairly early that he was never curious about chasing a woman down until he learned about what Claire did with her ex. It's also a little awkward at the beginning because Shane's assistant is giving Claire the intro/rundown and the assistant not only knows about his proclivities, but also tried it once herself (she hated it and she's not a threat romantically, she even states she's engaged now). Shane's housekeeper is also aware of the contract and I scratched my head a bit at the employer/employee dynamic of all this. Still, SPICY times hit the ground running (literally) and I was swept away.
Written in first person, dual POV. No real ow drama (as already stated, the H’s assistant tried being prey for him once and hated it; the h does mistake another ow late in the book as her replacement and feels some strong emotions, the ow isn’t though) and no om drama. Neither are virgins (after the H became interested in chasing, he tried it with a couple of others, including paid sex workers, but he figured out it was the h he wanted and she was still married, so neither was celibate since meeting but it didn’t bother me - it's clear the h is different than anyone else).
As expected, Willing Prey is a lot of sex, a lot of explicitly detailed getting down-ness. I enjoyed it, but it won't be every person's cup of tea. Some switching of who's dominant does occur later in the book too and the praise talk goes both ways eventually (I know some folks look for a "good boy" here and there, this offers it). To start though, Shane doles out the "good girl" and also calls Claire "little deer". She's a fighter too and up until he says the word that transitions them from the chase/fight to sex, she's trying to give him the best challenge she can. Shane still works during this time and it's mentioned that Claire also runs errands, but most of the book is them on page chasing. After one particularly intense chase and catch, Shane is more interested in caring for and connecting with Claire and Claire's very open to that as well. I liked the mentions of how they started building that more meaningful relationship.
When the contract is up, they're both idiots who don't use their words so a small amount of angst with kind of a third act breakup happens (they're not officially a couple so it's complicated). It's quickly resolved and they're solidly invested in the beginning of the more "traditional" aspect of their relationship. The epilogue is three years later, they're married, still plenty spicy, and I so appreciated that the author wrote them pursuing a shared interest, highlighting how compatible they were outside of the bedroom down the road too. I was very satisfied with this one.
Our story begins with Claire (h) already having agreed to a thirty day contract with Shane (H) to stay in his home and be available as "prey" whenever he notifies her. She's a 30-something PE teacher and it's summer time, which meant a side gig anyway. She likes the chase/hunt, but she also needs the big paycheck Shane's offering due to a recent divorce. I didn't love that we didn't get to see this negotiation on page though. Also, for my friends who like when the H does some light stalking, Shane knows Claire needs the money because he follows her around a bit and eavesdrops on her. Shane's right around 40 (I think) and he was focused on work but didn't think that he'd want anything serious once he assuaged his curiosity, thus a time-limited contract. Of course, they're going to want more though y'all. This is erotica but has a romance with a HEA at the end.
The reason Shane's interested in this type of scenario is because he works at the same law firm as Claire's ex, who bragged about their "hunting" trips, and sparked something inside Shane. We know fairly early that he was never curious about chasing a woman down until he learned about what Claire did with her ex. It's also a little awkward at the beginning because Shane's assistant is giving Claire the intro/rundown and the assistant not only knows about his proclivities, but also tried it once herself (she hated it and she's not a threat romantically, she even states she's engaged now). Shane's housekeeper is also aware of the contract and I scratched my head a bit at the employer/employee dynamic of all this. Still, SPICY times hit the ground running (literally) and I was swept away.
Written in first person, dual POV. No real ow drama (as already stated, the H’s assistant tried being prey for him once and hated it; the h does mistake another ow late in the book as her replacement and feels some strong emotions, the ow isn’t though) and no om drama. Neither are virgins (after the H became interested in chasing, he tried it with a couple of others, including paid sex workers, but he figured out it was the h he wanted and she was still married, so neither was celibate since meeting but it didn’t bother me - it's clear the h is different than anyone else).
As expected, Willing Prey is a lot of sex, a lot of explicitly detailed getting down-ness. I enjoyed it, but it won't be every person's cup of tea. Some switching of who's dominant does occur later in the book too and the praise talk goes both ways eventually (I know some folks look for a "good boy" here and there, this offers it). To start though, Shane doles out the "good girl" and also calls Claire "little deer". She's a fighter too and up until he says the word that transitions them from the chase/fight to sex, she's trying to give him the best challenge she can. Shane still works during this time and it's mentioned that Claire also runs errands, but most of the book is them on page chasing. After one particularly intense chase and catch, Shane is more interested in caring for and connecting with Claire and Claire's very open to that as well. I liked the mentions of how they started building that more meaningful relationship.
When the contract is up, they're both idiots who don't use their words so a small amount of angst with kind of a third act breakup happens (they're not officially a couple so it's complicated). It's quickly resolved and they're solidly invested in the beginning of the more "traditional" aspect of their relationship. The epilogue is three years later, they're married, still plenty spicy, and I so appreciated that the author wrote them pursuing a shared interest, highlighting how compatible they were outside of the bedroom down the road too. I was very satisfied with this one.
March 28, 2024
Third reread: still five stars
It’s rare to read a debut novel this well written. This was hot, sweet, a tiny bit dark, and hella sexy. The MCs are actual grown ups, and I frickin love how tough and resourceful the FMC is. And the MMC? That combo of powerful, awkward, dominating, but a little bit of a switch. I’m done for.
Great quick read.
Check the foreword for content warnings.
It’s rare to read a debut novel this well written. This was hot, sweet, a tiny bit dark, and hella sexy. The MCs are actual grown ups, and I frickin love how tough and resourceful the FMC is. And the MMC? That combo of powerful, awkward, dominating, but a little bit of a switch. I’m done for.
Great quick read.
Check the foreword for content warnings.
February 25, 2024
4.5🌟!
I enjoyed this so much. It was fun, short, well written and so damn steamy.
Can’t wait to read more from this author.
- Primal play, chasing, Hunting.
- smitten hero.
- contract relationship.
- KU, safe and recommended.
I enjoyed this so much. It was fun, short, well written and so damn steamy.
Can’t wait to read more from this author.
- Primal play, chasing, Hunting.
- smitten hero.
- contract relationship.
- KU, safe and recommended.
July 14, 2024
A fun new take
Loved it. Especially the “scenes” where what could have just been filthy and hot turned into this beautiful dance between the two.
Loved it. Especially the “scenes” where what could have just been filthy and hot turned into this beautiful dance between the two.
June 4, 2024
My song for Willing Prey: You’re Mine (The Chase) by Meiko
’I want her nails on my skin, scratching me the same way. I want to hear her cries echo off the trees, feel her fighting and thrashing underneath me. Anticipation makes my muscles sing. I’ll get everything I want. I just have to catch her.’
This review includes quotes that could be considered spoilers
---
Willing Prey is a beautifully written novel that talks about the primal sort of love as much as what it means to find and be found by the person that truly sees you and what you have to offer. It is heavy in smut, full focus on the primal and chasing kink, but also incredibly sweet so much else to be found underneath the surface.
’Turns out, never rocking the boat doesn’t mean you’re a great sailor. Only means it takes longer to lean who will toss you overboard at the first sign of rough waters.’
Claire has been cheated on. And she’s thick. And, because society is cruel and the voices incredibly loud, she speaks to a fear I share. To insecurities I too struggle with. She knows what she wants, she is strong and handles it, pushes through. But the voices are never gone, always lurking in the background to spur snarky remarks.
My first thought about meeting him was so that’s how Khal Drogo would look shaved and in a suit
That Shane chooses her healed my heart in ways I wasn’t aware I needed. Because Shane is intense and captivating. And he sees her. In all that she is and all she deserves. I love him.
And I love that even amidst their dynamics, Claire empowers herself just as much.
”Don’t fight it. Show me how much you like being hunted. How much you like being my prey.”
The book focuses entirely on the dynamic of these two main characters, learning from each other and unraveling together with just the right amount of drama and anticipation.
There’s angst but it’s manageable with the dual POV, which provides beautiful insights to both sides without taking away on the suspense.
’She’s trying to sound nonchalant, but there’s an ache underneath that makes me want to kiss her, touch her, coax out those hungry little whimpers instead of her sounding so sad.’
The writing style is immaculate, the time frame and pace exactly right, in my opinion. Although I feel like I could have read a lot more about those two, their story has been told and I love it.
Willing Prey is a fast read and one I can only recommend to all smut lovers with a weakness for the primal and intense. And especially to the fellow babes who still can’t quite shut out the voices telling them they don’t deserve to be loved because of their looks.
’Thick thighs I need to put my face between. Wide hips I’m going to dig my fingers into while I take her from behind.’
Bonus points for an encounter in the woods with both, the man and> the bear that’s results in a shredded sports bra.
”I’m not sure what it says about me if you’re surprised I don’t want you roaming around the woods at night with a bear.
’I want her nails on my skin, scratching me the same way. I want to hear her cries echo off the trees, feel her fighting and thrashing underneath me. Anticipation makes my muscles sing. I’ll get everything I want. I just have to catch her.’
This review includes quotes that could be considered spoilers
---
Willing Prey is a beautifully written novel that talks about the primal sort of love as much as what it means to find and be found by the person that truly sees you and what you have to offer. It is heavy in smut, full focus on the primal and chasing kink, but also incredibly sweet so much else to be found underneath the surface.
’Turns out, never rocking the boat doesn’t mean you’re a great sailor. Only means it takes longer to lean who will toss you overboard at the first sign of rough waters.’
Claire has been cheated on. And she’s thick. And, because society is cruel and the voices incredibly loud, she speaks to a fear I share. To insecurities I too struggle with. She knows what she wants, she is strong and handles it, pushes through. But the voices are never gone, always lurking in the background to spur snarky remarks.
My first thought about meeting him was so that’s how Khal Drogo would look shaved and in a suit
That Shane chooses her healed my heart in ways I wasn’t aware I needed. Because Shane is intense and captivating. And he sees her. In all that she is and all she deserves. I love him.
And I love that even amidst their dynamics, Claire empowers herself just as much.
”Don’t fight it. Show me how much you like being hunted. How much you like being my prey.”
The book focuses entirely on the dynamic of these two main characters, learning from each other and unraveling together with just the right amount of drama and anticipation.
There’s angst but it’s manageable with the dual POV, which provides beautiful insights to both sides without taking away on the suspense.
’She’s trying to sound nonchalant, but there’s an ache underneath that makes me want to kiss her, touch her, coax out those hungry little whimpers instead of her sounding so sad.’
The writing style is immaculate, the time frame and pace exactly right, in my opinion. Although I feel like I could have read a lot more about those two, their story has been told and I love it.
Willing Prey is a fast read and one I can only recommend to all smut lovers with a weakness for the primal and intense. And especially to the fellow babes who still can’t quite shut out the voices telling them they don’t deserve to be loved because of their looks.
’Thick thighs I need to put my face between. Wide hips I’m going to dig my fingers into while I take her from behind.’
Bonus points for an encounter in the woods with both, the man and> the bear that’s results in a shredded sports bra.
”I’m not sure what it says about me if you’re surprised I don’t want you roaming around the woods at night with a bear.
February 15, 2024
"Can a pussy purr? Because mine is right now"
This was naughty 🌶🔥
This was naughty 🌶🔥
January 20, 2024
(I received an ARC of this book.)
I've never read a romance novella before, and I wasn't sure there would be enough pages to fully convince me of the characters' story - but Allie Oleander proved me wrong.
Claire is a pragmatic and quick-thinking FMC who I bonded with immediately, and Shane is everything broody and delicious that I want in a love interest. The author perfectly balances scalding heat and sweetness between them, with just a tiny drop of angst (which nourished my drama-loving soul.) I'm not a fan of the darker sides of primal romances, but Willing Prey gives heart-pounding chase scenes and "f*ck you into the dirt" sex scenes without contrived edginess.
Final thoughts: Willing Prey is a hot-as-hell romance novella, with a satisfying HEA.
I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for other works by this debut author.
I've never read a romance novella before, and I wasn't sure there would be enough pages to fully convince me of the characters' story - but Allie Oleander proved me wrong.
Claire is a pragmatic and quick-thinking FMC who I bonded with immediately, and Shane is everything broody and delicious that I want in a love interest. The author perfectly balances scalding heat and sweetness between them, with just a tiny drop of angst (which nourished my drama-loving soul.) I'm not a fan of the darker sides of primal romances, but Willing Prey gives heart-pounding chase scenes and "f*ck you into the dirt" sex scenes without contrived edginess.
Final thoughts: Willing Prey is a hot-as-hell romance novella, with a satisfying HEA.
I will absolutely be keeping an eye out for other works by this debut author.
February 16, 2024
Well this was just a bit of primal kink fun.
Claire is paid by her ex-husband's boss to be 'prey' for 30 days. She already enjoys being hunted (which he knows) and so begins a month of chasing, hair pulling, biting and rough sex.
Pay attention to the TW on this one if rough sex isn't your thing.
The steam was solid and I liked the twist toward the end
Claire is paid by her ex-husband's boss to be 'prey' for 30 days. She already enjoys being hunted (which he knows) and so begins a month of chasing, hair pulling, biting and rough sex.
Pay attention to the TW on this one if rough sex isn't your thing.
The steam was solid and I liked the twist toward the end
January 31, 2024
This had everything I could have wanted from a novella where the hot hero consensually hunts the heroine. Sexy, with likable characters. Definitely following this author.
September 13, 2024
I tend to avoid novellas that are not part of a greater series... but the snippets on social media for this book have been so good, I finally caved.
Aaaand reminded myself exactly why I avoid these types of books.
THIS WAS SO FREAKING GOOD AND IT WAS OVER TO SOON!!!
This book was beautifully written, concise, smooth to the point where I had to use eye drops because I couldn't remember to blink as I was reading and my eyes got all dry. And then it was over! And I don't get any more Shane and Claire! And I'm devastated by it.
That being said, this story was cut off at the right time. The flow, from Claire arriving, to Shane's realizations and into the epilogue, was spot on. If there had been any more of their story after that, I feel like it would have felt out of balance, like it was too much of a good thing.
Still... I wish I could read this book for the first time over and over.
Aaaand reminded myself exactly why I avoid these types of books.
THIS WAS SO FREAKING GOOD AND IT WAS OVER TO SOON!!!
This book was beautifully written, concise, smooth to the point where I had to use eye drops because I couldn't remember to blink as I was reading and my eyes got all dry. And then it was over! And I don't get any more Shane and Claire! And I'm devastated by it.
That being said, this story was cut off at the right time. The flow, from Claire arriving, to Shane's realizations and into the epilogue, was spot on. If there had been any more of their story after that, I feel like it would have felt out of balance, like it was too much of a good thing.
Still... I wish I could read this book for the first time over and over.
January 5, 2024
Wasn’t sure a novella would be enough time to get to know the characters and actually care about what was going on.
Boy was I wrong.
It was hot, it was fast paced and addictive and funny. I laughed out loud at points, I loved Claire’s inner thoughts, Shane was hot AF. The smut, oh the smut 🥵
Awesome debut, can’t wait for more
Boy was I wrong.
It was hot, it was fast paced and addictive and funny. I laughed out loud at points, I loved Claire’s inner thoughts, Shane was hot AF. The smut, oh the smut 🥵
Awesome debut, can’t wait for more
January 11, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
I didn't hate it 😂
I didn't hate it 😂
April 21, 2024
so exciting
Just wow! Beautifully written and absolutely steamy as all can be, that was a perfect blend of plot at spice and so very exciting.
Just wow! Beautifully written and absolutely steamy as all can be, that was a perfect blend of plot at spice and so very exciting.
June 24, 2024
Hot hot hot, perfectly PRIMAL. Great beginner book for hubby. Spice level 5/5.
April 29, 2024
Shane and Claire's story was such a unique one and I was there for it!!
Though it started out with a *d*rty* contract and a lot of hot chases, their relationship grew into being so much more.
From Shane's feelings for Claire from before to her being so strong and awesome even as prey (and the tick!! My goodness that was a sweet moment 😍).
.
This book was just everything I could ask for. Beautifully written and so emotional.
Just perfect 😍
Though it started out with a *d*rty* contract and a lot of hot chases, their relationship grew into being so much more.
From Shane's feelings for Claire from before to her being so strong and awesome even as prey (and the tick!! My goodness that was a sweet moment 😍).
.
This book was just everything I could ask for. Beautifully written and so emotional.
Just perfect 😍
June 25, 2024
I devoured this! 😍 it was pure smut while also having a good plot, spice, sweetness, and a few “dark” moments. I loved how the characters were adults and not like most books where characters are barely legal at just turning 18. Even though this a short novella it still painted an overall good picture of the “hunt” and their relationship!
January 10, 2024
This novella is such a blast and the spicy primal scenes were so much fun! I read so much toxic stuff I feel like when I say I loved something sweet & respectful it should count for twice as many GR stars! :D
January 11, 2024
Very primal prey/predator - and they switch it up!
May 7, 2024
3.5
That was fun!
That was fun!
May 13, 2024
Love a short and spicy novella like this!
September 22, 2024
What a fun read! I loved this book for the great partner dynamic. It has all the things…primal play, fantastic spice, mature characters, no 3AB, and HEA. Loved this
July 6, 2024
Whew! This book was smut smut smut. But it was soooo goood. I couldn’t put it down. It has a story line that lined up to the smut and had the characters were just amazing. I absolutely love it!
May 21, 2024
Would you believe me when I described this novella about a lawyer who pays a woman he has a crush on to hunt her for 30 days, as “cute?”
Well you should because it is
Well you should because it is
September 21, 2024
Ohhh boy howdy, I'm just tickled over this one! This book came up as a childfree romance recommendation, and I grabbed it on KU for that reason alone. I must say I've been voraciously hunting for spicy romance that ditches the need to throw a baby epilogue at me like a spider monkey. In this case, I wound up getting a sexy read with a heaping pile of primal kink, and honey I'm here for it! So here for it that I've already read the dang thing twice and will be grabbing a digital copy for myself!
This is a short, steamy read that's low on angst and high on primal play. I only recently learned that I'm into this sort of kink, and I felt the author portrayed it in a very realistic and respectful way. Our MMC, Shane Underwood, is a lawyer and a socially awkward beast of a man who has secretly been fantasizing about our FMC, Claire Collins. She's a tall, athletically built PE teacher who was previously married to another lawyer Shane works with. I LOVE that they're both over 30 here, and there's a bit of an age gap too with the MMC being in his 40s. As for the childfree aspect, It's simply mentioned once, it's accepted, and we move on with the story. AMEN!
Our big boi Shane learns about primal play at the company Christmas party after Claire's fuckwad of an ex-husband drunkenly admits to practicing this kink with her. This conversation sparks Shane's interest in both primal play and Claire. After the dust of Claire's divorce has settled, she's left with a lot of debt and Shane swoops in with an offer: $30K for 30 days of her time on his expansive private property, where he can act out his fantasy of hunting her down and having his way with her. Claire agrees and signs a contract that gives her clear guidelines of what to expect and a safe word.
Despite what she's been through with her dirtbag ex, Claire is incredibly strong and resourceful. I loved seeing the dual POV with these two and getting an idea of how their minds work while they were engaging in their hunting scenes. The dynamic was refreshing in that Claire was already quite experienced with primal play, but Shane had only tried it a handful of times with hired sex workers but was always left unsatisfied. Their chemistry was HAWT, and it was so steamy watching it unfold. They communicated so well, right up until the end, when Claire mistakenly thinks that Shane is finished with her after the contract is up. Thankfully, Shane pulls his head out of his arse and sets Claire's mind and heart at ease. The epilogue was very sweet, steamy, and definitely refreshing! I did find it a little strange that Shane's assistant and housekeeper seemed to be around all the time, but they knew what Shane and Claire were doing and were professional about it so I tried to ignore the fact that they were so close by while some of the scenes were happening lol.
Overall this was a fantastic primal kink novella that was extremely well written, with no grammatical errors and excellent pacing. The HEA was satisfying and absolutely no baby epilogue, yay! I'm shocked that this is the author's only book as it was just so well done, I thought surely there'd be more. I seriously hope to see some more kinky romance from Allie Oleander!
This is a short, steamy read that's low on angst and high on primal play. I only recently learned that I'm into this sort of kink, and I felt the author portrayed it in a very realistic and respectful way. Our MMC, Shane Underwood, is a lawyer and a socially awkward beast of a man who has secretly been fantasizing about our FMC, Claire Collins. She's a tall, athletically built PE teacher who was previously married to another lawyer Shane works with. I LOVE that they're both over 30 here, and there's a bit of an age gap too with the MMC being in his 40s. As for the childfree aspect, It's simply mentioned once, it's accepted, and we move on with the story. AMEN!
Our big boi Shane learns about primal play at the company Christmas party after Claire's fuckwad of an ex-husband drunkenly admits to practicing this kink with her. This conversation sparks Shane's interest in both primal play and Claire. After the dust of Claire's divorce has settled, she's left with a lot of debt and Shane swoops in with an offer: $30K for 30 days of her time on his expansive private property, where he can act out his fantasy of hunting her down and having his way with her. Claire agrees and signs a contract that gives her clear guidelines of what to expect and a safe word.
Despite what she's been through with her dirtbag ex, Claire is incredibly strong and resourceful. I loved seeing the dual POV with these two and getting an idea of how their minds work while they were engaging in their hunting scenes. The dynamic was refreshing in that Claire was already quite experienced with primal play, but Shane had only tried it a handful of times with hired sex workers but was always left unsatisfied. Their chemistry was HAWT, and it was so steamy watching it unfold. They communicated so well, right up until the end, when Claire mistakenly thinks that Shane is finished with her after the contract is up. Thankfully, Shane pulls his head out of his arse and sets Claire's mind and heart at ease. The epilogue was very sweet, steamy, and definitely refreshing! I did find it a little strange that Shane's assistant and housekeeper seemed to be around all the time, but they knew what Shane and Claire were doing and were professional about it so I tried to ignore the fact that they were so close by while some of the scenes were happening lol.
Overall this was a fantastic primal kink novella that was extremely well written, with no grammatical errors and excellent pacing. The HEA was satisfying and absolutely no baby epilogue, yay! I'm shocked that this is the author's only book as it was just so well done, I thought surely there'd be more. I seriously hope to see some more kinky romance from Allie Oleander!
May 2, 2024
high 2s. close to 3.
spoilery:
remarkably sweet. but ultimately this felt a bit two-dimensional. i can't decide if i like the role reversal in the end or not; certainly curious and a fun authorial gambit.
a lot of the best part of their falling in love happened those evenings in front of the TV, but the author glosses over it, saying, "we talked about everything." THAT'S what we should be seeing. THAT'S what takes this from an erotic tale to a great love story. major missed opportunity. also, since we didn't see the relationship knit together in that way, it felt VERY jarring at the end for him to ask claire to move in. like, continuing to date, sure, i could see that. but they jumped immediately to serious committed relationship. which was too abrupt given the information we were given.
another thing, entirely different: so, a little bit i have a thing about stories with rich men who have kinky sex lives and make their staff deal with it/pretend it's not happening/procure people for him. it just seems . . . i dunno. are there REALLY that many discreet/forebearant housekeepers in these united states?? possibly. also, it increasingly squicks me when staff are expected to call their boss Mr. Thusandsuch and he always uses their first name. and also another thing, would his fourish-bedroom victorian house need a full-time housekepper? i dunno. maybe so. maybe she cooks too. maybe she handles all the many staff who tend his 400 acres.
anyhoo, there seemed to be a lot of billionaire-wishlist stuff in his lifestyle paid for by a millionaire's salary, which felt incongruent.
so this was a very fun idea, the author tried hard to bring it into the realm of a little more believable, but in the end she didn't get us there.
spoilery:
remarkably sweet. but ultimately this felt a bit two-dimensional. i can't decide if i like the role reversal in the end or not; certainly curious and a fun authorial gambit.
a lot of the best part of their falling in love happened those evenings in front of the TV, but the author glosses over it, saying, "we talked about everything." THAT'S what we should be seeing. THAT'S what takes this from an erotic tale to a great love story. major missed opportunity. also, since we didn't see the relationship knit together in that way, it felt VERY jarring at the end for him to ask claire to move in. like, continuing to date, sure, i could see that. but they jumped immediately to serious committed relationship. which was too abrupt given the information we were given.
another thing, entirely different: so, a little bit i have a thing about stories with rich men who have kinky sex lives and make their staff deal with it/pretend it's not happening/procure people for him. it just seems . . . i dunno. are there REALLY that many discreet/forebearant housekeepers in these united states?? possibly. also, it increasingly squicks me when staff are expected to call their boss Mr. Thusandsuch and he always uses their first name. and also another thing, would his fourish-bedroom victorian house need a full-time housekepper? i dunno. maybe so. maybe she cooks too. maybe she handles all the many staff who tend his 400 acres.
anyhoo, there seemed to be a lot of billionaire-wishlist stuff in his lifestyle paid for by a millionaire's salary, which felt incongruent.
so this was a very fun idea, the author tried hard to bring it into the realm of a little more believable, but in the end she didn't get us there.
July 11, 2024
This book checked off all my boxes and was such a great read. It was a sexy fun time that I couldn't stop reading once I started. Claire is in her thirties and recently divorced. Now that she's single she needs more than just a teachers salary to pay off the debt she has. When an unlikely acquaintance makes a risqué proposal she accepts. What she didn't expect was to actually start to like the guy. Shane is a lawyer that has been enamored with his coworkers ex wife. Now that she is single and in need of help he decides to make her an offer. Claire accepts his offer and their predator and prey game starts. Shane thought that this would just be scratching an itch but he was so wrong. I loved Shane’s character. He is awkward, intense, and honestly so clueless. He clearly needs to work on his people skills but it makes him very relatable. Finally chasing Claire through the woods and having her is earth shattering for him. Claire was a great character as well. Experiencing the hunt through her perspective was so thrilling. You could tell that she had so much love for nature and that being prey spoke to something inside her. My favorite part is the switching of roles that happens! I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a book that has many primal scenes, great characters, switch awakening, rough role play, a contract agreement, and lots of spicy time in the forest.
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