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The Hunt

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I don’t know what scares me more—the man behind the skeleton mask, or how he makes me feel…

I never wanted to be part of the Hunt—a deadly game where rich secret society members hide behind masks and the desperate become their prey. Someone dragged me into it to see me suffer, and now survival is my only goal.

But Rhett Sinclair doesn’t just hunt. He devours.

He’s the society’s deadliest predator, a man who thrives on the thrill of the chase. He wears his mask like a second skin, and behind it hides a darkness I can’t even begin to understand.

He doesn’t just want to catch me. He wants to break me.

With every step I take, I feel him closing in. His depraved games and whispered threats are taking over my mind, and my fear of him is twisting into something darker. Something I can barely admit to myself.

I shouldn’t crave his cruel touch or the way his savage eyes burn when they meet mine. I should run faster, hide better, fight harder… but the more I resist, the more he enjoys the chase.

When the game is over, Rhett won’t just claim his prize.

He’ll claim me.


The Hunt is a standalone 135k-word MF dark romance that contains dark topics/situations that may be triggering to some.
TWs - please check inside the book for a full list


***


* Secret society
* Enemies-to-lovers
* Obsessive, possessive, OTT, morally-gray hero
* Forced proximity
* Dangerous play

456 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2025

572 people are currently reading
2055 people want to read

About the author

Kristin Buoni

12 books93 followers
Kristin Buoni is the shared pen name of dark romance author Stella Hart and her romance-loving sister-in-law, K, who has always had a passion for writing and finally decided to give it a proper try.

S and K both love coming up with new ideas and gut-wrenching twists, so it was only a matter of time before they decided to team up and write books together! When they aren’t plotting, reading, or writing, they’re hanging out with their cats and bingeing their favorite TV shows.

Find them on Facebook here --->

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...

Never miss a release by signing up to their newsletter here --->

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...

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Community Reviews

5 stars
455 (37%)
4 stars
401 (33%)
3 stars
274 (22%)
2 stars
64 (5%)
1 star
21 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
Profile Image for Kris-Posey.
129 reviews17 followers
February 23, 2025
TWISTY DELICIOUSNESS!

Well— that happened, & I’d do it all again.

I really enjoyed this! LOVED that Ev wasn’t the usual knuckle headed FMC that I seem to be reading of late. I actually loved her, & Rhett… well, he was off his trolley— LOVED him as a MMC!

There are a bunch of trigger warnings, so check them out & probably pay attention if you have triggers and things— or alternatively just use them like a shopping list like I do.

Loved the premise.
Loved the Hunt.
Sucked up the suspense like it was oxygen.

I do love a book that keeps you guessing, and Jakes character had me fully invested— even if I thought he was a bit of a fucker!

I liked this so much, I just downloaded MINE, & WICKID GAMES!

I received an ARC for this title in the hopes of my voluntarily leaving an honest review… and ^^^ there it is!
Profile Image for Kristy.
337 reviews35 followers
May 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! While it may not be for everyone I was hooked from the start. I’d recommend reading for sure.
Profile Image for Chris.
1,316 reviews38 followers
April 3, 2025
3.5 "Battle Royale" Stars

This book was a mash-up. I picked it up because the cover reminded me of Shantel Tessier's L.O.R.D.s series, which I enjoyed. The story was a mixture of several books, enjoyable, don't get me wrong but I had a feeling of déjà vu while reading it....
Profile Image for Kaylee’s Library.
206 reviews7 followers
January 10, 2026
This was a 4.25 star read for me. I had a really fun time whilst reading this, the plot twists were insane and the enemies to lovers vibe between our main characters was one of my favourite aspects of the book.

I do feel like this book was just missing something for me though which is why I couldn’t give it five stars. This is a college romance, mixed with a deadly secret society and then also a human hunting game so when I say I was invested I literally mean it.

Our FMC Ev transfers to a new college which just so happens to be the one a deadly secret society operates from. Whilst she originally transferred to be closer to her long distance boyfriend that does end up backfiring as they split up on really bad terms. Ev’s ex boyfriend hates her after she discovered his incredibly messed up sexual fantasy and makes it his mission to mess up her college experience. With no choice but to stay at this new college she tries to make new friends and also attracts the attention of Rhett Sinclair who is the devil incarnate.

Rhett is one of the members in this deadly secret society and let’s just say he’s also a little bit of a psychopath as well. When Ev gets his attention he can’t help but be intrigued about her especially since she constantly stands up to him despite the reputation he has garnered for himself. Something about her is familiar however he doesn’t know why. After she makes a comment about one of his fellow secret society brother’s, Rhett does start to hate her and goes out of his way to make her life worse and turn everyone against her.

The best part of this story was when Ev finds herself as a participant in this deadly hunt when she never signed up for it. Of course Rhett also happens to be one of the hunters and things do get hella interesting. Secrets are uncovered, Ev must push herself to her limits to survive, corruption is uncovered and a whole heap of trauma is inflicted.

The hunt itself had me so invested. I struggled to put this book down and was just waiting to see what would happen next. Rhett is also a tad bit possessive and protective even when he shouldn’t be so I loved that.

I do feel like the ending was a little bit rushed though which is a main reason why I couldn’t rate it any higher. Overall, I would definitely recommend this one especially if you are a dark romance lover.
Profile Image for Mollys Lil Library.
154 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2025
Ohhh my I loved this 4.25 stars. It was well written and captivating. Unfortunately it lost marks .75 for being a bit “quick” in terms of what happened in the book, my heart was racing but then what actually happened was a bit anticlimactic. Also the romance was a bit random one second they hated each other the next they were in love, I did love how protective Rhett was though. The ending was also slightly rushed. I did very much enjoy this! Would definitely recommend to anyone that enjoys a good dark romance that puts you on the edge of your seat!
Profile Image for Alina.
702 reviews23 followers
December 10, 2025
BANGER

I could not put it down. The suspense of the game was so intense and it really had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I also thought the romance was woven well together with the hunt rather than feeling silly. My only con is I think the ending felt a bit too rushed. But other than that this was great!!
Profile Image for Candice Mets.
190 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2025
This is like a slightly tamer LORDS book. So good. Kept me hooked the whole time. If it was made into a movie I wouldn’t think twice about watching and rewatching it. Rhett is perfection. Freakin Ev went through it in this book and we love a little badass.
Profile Image for Chelsea Newsome.
267 reviews2 followers
June 3, 2025
Soooo good. I loved it. Definitely going to check out more from this author.
Profile Image for Kate Ellen.
173 reviews
September 8, 2025
Man alive this was a battle. Overly long. Characters over explaining EVERYTHING and miscommunication and faulty memory (very believable) at every point.

Yes it had some good twists don't get me wrong, but at 60% I was struggling because the hunt had gone on for so long. Everly and Rhett are not good characters. Everly is two dimensional and dumb AS FUCK despite what people think, and Rhett gave me the ick.

I'll say this, the smut scenes were great! Good amount of filth and fun. But the plot, nah. Not for me.
424 reviews3 followers
February 5, 2025
A suspenseful, thrilling Hunt

So, if I need to describe this novel in a few words, I would definitely say that it is an enhanced “hunger games” story with a twist – and much, much more psycho-prone people. Bottom line – an awesome grim, twisted, thriller-like, suspenseful romance with a lot of death and gore but also with hotness that will scorch your kindle. The plot was thrilling – I didn’t know what to expect next, turning the pages like a maniac. This is a book that it would be better to dive into blind, so I won’t talk about the plot at all. BUT, I can certainly tell a few things about our main MCs – Rhett and Ev (Everly). The Hunter and the Prey. Rhett undoubtly has psychotic tendencies, disturbing and questionable behavior (stemming from his past and some trauma there), although, in the great scheme of things, he does try to right the wrongs because he is also, in a way, trapped too in a game he doesn’t truly want to participate in, especially after finding out truths behind it. Ev finds herself thrown and trapped into a dangerous, deadly world she wasn’t as prepared to face as she thought. She is smart, brave and with good survival instincts, but is this enough to save her life? Literally and figuratively? Passion, danger, death accompanies her every step – and her disturbing, undeniable attraction to Rhett, even if accompanied with fear, comes into the mix. Can they really find themselves – and each other – in this whirlwind of deadly events? I couldn’t wait to find out! There were also many secondary characters that I liked and prayed for (to survive) but also many villains who I wanted to get what they deserved. 4 well-deserved stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
561 reviews9 followers
February 12, 2025
So we have Hunger Games meets the king of Twists!

We have the perfect hunter—Rhett—and the prey—Ev. They met when they were kids, but life got in the way, and they forgot about each other. Ev has been in a long-term relationship with Jake, but she breaks up with him after discovering he cheated, along with many other things that are revealed throughout the story. However, before that, she transfers to the college where he studies and ends up crossing paths with Rhett again.

They’re drawn to each other from the start, but Rhett’s friendship with Jake complicates things. Ev enters into The Hunt and Rhett manages to protect her. It’s there that we discover Jake isn’t who he seemed to be. At first, I was convinced it was a long-lost twin or a lookalike and I was glad to see how off the mark I was with my guess.

After the big twist in the story:
"Let me get this straight," I said loudly over his cries as I yanked the knife out again. "You attacked a woman who was too frightened to turn you in. Then your girlfriend caught you, and you were afraid that she’d tell the world what a piece of shit you are, so you signed her up to die in the Hunt. Is that about it?"
"Y-yes," he whimpered."

Once the villain is dead, the book shifts its focus to Ev’s survival in The Hunt, and, little by little, things start falling into place, leading to the well-deserved HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ChokeholdByFiction .
152 reviews
October 18, 2025
So,I finally decided to see what all the fuss
was about and picked up this book. Let me tell you, it was a rollercoaster of emotions, some thrilling highs and a few eye-roll-inducing lows.

First off, the premise is intriguing: a deadly
game orchestrated by a secret society where the rich don masks and the desperate become prey. Sounds like a recipe for a gripping thriller, right? Well, buckle up, because it's a bumpy ride.

The initial chapters had me questioning my life choices. The writing felt a bit like a soap opera script,dramatic pauses included and the dialogue? Let's just say it had its moments of unintentional comedy. I found myself mentally editing sentences and wishing the characters would get to the point.

But then, the game began. And oh boy, did things take a turn. The suspense kicked in, and I was hooked. Predictable? Sure, I could see some twists coming from a mile away. But did that stop me from eagerly flipping pages? Absolutely not. It's like watching a horror movie and yelling at the screen, "Don't go in there!" but secretly loving every second.

In summary, The Hunt is like that guilty pleasure reality show you can't stop watching. lt's not perfect, and you'll probably roll your eyes more than once, but it's undeniably entertaining. If you're in the mood for a dark college romance with a side of suspense and don't mind a few
clichés along the way, give it a shot. Just don't get your hopes too high and enjoy the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lauren Brodie.
30 reviews3 followers
January 11, 2026
This book had so much promise and potential but it was over explained at every point and I think there must have been a word count that the author had promised because Jesus Christ, it just went on and on and on.

The FMC was one of the most annoying fmc’s I have ever read about. The mmc was not unhinged but just uninteresting. There was a Jacob’s ladder that was promised but not delivered on and I get where the author was trying to go but it takes a special author to deliver on plot and smut. This book either needed to be all smut (as that was actually written quite well for the two times it made a short appearance) or not classed as a dark romance and be all plot.

There was a couple of plot twists that I wish I could say we didn’t guess or enjoy but that fact that these two had known each other from young children and then when meeting again took them 370 odd pages to work out they actually knew each other was honestly so unbelievable.

Honestly I don’t see how this has such high reviews and really disappointing.
I would like to formally apologise to the tbc girls for inflicting this on them but girls, your notes were the absolute best part of this book so thank you!
Profile Image for F. Freewel.
203 reviews40 followers
February 17, 2025
Mostly disappointed.

The blurb promised far more than it delivered. In the end it's another quintessential Hunger Games/Squid Game 'dark romance' spinoff.

I liked the FL, which is shocking as usually I cannot stand them, but Ev wasn't too bad here. The ML was the main disappointment, though. I can't even put my finger on why... I think it's because they tried to make him look so dangerous, but in the end... Meh. He was just another Hunter.

I was honestly more interested about Axel, and he was only mentioned once, briefly! But his description in that one sentence really piqued my interest. Now that's an actual psycho that deserved being the ML, I'd say 😂

And the spicy scenes were such a flop. Again, the blurb made me expect so much more. But it was just a little rough fucking... The most risqué things were some knife play and his dick sporting some piercings... At no point I felt titillated or fearing for the FL.

So yeah, as I said, disappointed. Sorry 😔
Profile Image for Jamie Wright.
133 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2025
Talk about a Secret Socety Dark Romance that had me guessing at all points in the book!!!!

When Everly was young her dad took her to Wildercliff Manor with him for work. There she met a group of kids. Two of the kids were Jake and Rhett. While the kids were all there the stumbled across something they weren't meant to see.

Now, 10-ish years later, Everly just transferred to Hollingsworth University where her ex Jake and Rhett also attend. When Everly crosses paths with Rhett again for the first time since they were kids they do not recognize one another but Rhett knows he needs to know he better. He knows he needs to have her, until he thinks she lied to him about her ex. Her ex that wants her gone and his secrets kept in the dark.

When Rhett finds out the lies Jake has told him and the secrets the society has kept from him where will his loyalties lie? Wil he stand with Everly and by the Wilders? Can he handle all the lies? Will Everly make it in the hunt until he learns the truth?

Def a great read that I highly recommend!!!! As always check the triggers before reading………
Profile Image for Heather Millican.
71 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this read. A secret
society dark romance that had me guessing in several parts of the book!

Rhett and Everlys characters were
great. He was a real badass that was
deep down a sweetheart. And Rhetts back story! 😭😭 It was so sad!

I was very confused about Jake's
character for a long time. I really enjoyed that Everly got the justice
she needed.

There was not as many sex scenes
as I thought there would be. But the
one behind the cabin during the game was 🥵🔥🥵🔥

Would definitely recommend this book!

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Enemies to Lovers
Secret Society
Obsessive and Possessive MMC
Dangerous Play
Sexually Explicit Scenes
Mental and Physical Abuse
Graphic and Violent Death

Quotes:

I don't know what scares me
more—the man behind the skeleton mask, or how he makes me feel

I should run faster, hide better, fight harder… but the more I resist, the more he enjoys the chase
Profile Image for Autumn Marci.
450 reviews2 followers
September 13, 2025
2.5 The premise for this book was so dang good, that I'm a wee bit disappointed. The FMC was such a badass in the first few pages, facing off against a bully with a taser.. and then she completely was this mouse and always afraid. She ended up barely being bad ass. Stuff like that irks me so much.

Also... I was looking for a DARK ROMANCE... this was a dark survival game (*cough*hungergames*cough*). Didn't sign up for reading that at all and sadly skipped a LOT of the island stuff.

Romance. We get MAYBE 4-5 total scenes of the two of the MC's really together/having romance/getting jiggy with it ... and yeah just really disappointing overall. Someone said it was like L.O.R.D.S. and I have to strongly DISAGREE. :/

Also, endings that take so long to get to (inner monologues should never be as long as these books have them) ... and they get all tied up in a neat little bow in 2seconds.. Ugh. Frustrating.
8 reviews
March 28, 2025
Book Review

When I stumbled upon this book on TikTok, I was instantly captivated and brimming with excitement! The promise of a dark romance had me diving in right after finishing my last read, practically buzzing with anticipation. But then came the slow pace, which felt like a heavy anchor, dragging down my enthusiasm. The story eventually picked up, and I found myself turning pages eagerly, but that sluggish start truly tested my patience.

Rhett Sinclair is an absolute gem of a character—I found myself wanting to know more about him than the protagonist, Everly! By the time I finally finished, I felt a mix of relief and disappointment; what could have been a thrilling ride ended up feeling like a bit of a slog. It’s a solid read, but ultimately, I was left wishing for more. Three stars for the highs and lows!
Profile Image for Mindi.
778 reviews3 followers
April 2, 2025
Wanting

I really enjoyed this book, it just left me wanting more at the end. I don't know if you could call this an enemy to lovers or morally grey. How did they not remember each other? I could understand not remembering the woods part, though I would think Rhett should have made the connection faster being that he was in it. Why didn't she just show him the text that Jake sent her? Surely he would have recognized that the number wasn't his Jake. Why didn't he look into her more? What happened with her dad?

Though I have many questions, it's still really good. I would have liked a little more of an epilogue. Think we could all tell where it was going, so something a little more would have been better. Would recommend, but check the TWs. Some really aren't needed because it barely touches on some. Give it a go, I'm on to the next!
Profile Image for CharmeineC.
93 reviews
March 18, 2025
Please fellow authors, when marketing your books please really consider your genres. For me, I DNF because the book changes from a good dark romance flick to straight up survival horror and this is not what I signed up for as a reader. People on TikTok are marketing this book as sexy, primal hunting through the woods. Here's the catch: primal kinks are consentual. That's what is kinky about it. This is not that.

My low rating is for mis-labeling this book. I honestly feel some of these dark romance books should be labelled as horror or survival games - not my jam. For that, I'm out. And really irked. To those advertising this as "sexy man chasing women through the woods" -- that's not what this is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elise Jordan.
614 reviews4 followers
May 17, 2025
It's a story with a lot of twists and turns!

This is a story that I was taken by surprise with. It's a secret society that is very very evil. The Patriarch's are the leaders of this twisted very rich society. Even those that are brought into it don't realize the depths of their depravity. Now, none are really goof guys but are in the dark about some of the actions. However there's Rhett a member and there's Everly a woman with a horrific ex. Its an enemies to lovers book that eventually leads the reader to a Island where the nightmare begins. Secrets are revealed, truths are discovered and the road to revenge is filled with angst and a lot of nerve racking situations. However, the HEA makes it all worth it!. I'm loving this author and will continue to read her books!
Profile Image for Courtney Brown.
36 reviews
July 15, 2025
The Hunt by Kristin Buoni completely hooked me from page one—I could not put this book down! The secret society theme pulled me in immediately, and just when I thought I had the story figured out, another jaw-dropping twist would hit. The plot was fast-paced, twisty, and perfectly layered with suspense.

The chemistry between Ev and Rhett? Absolute *chef’s kiss.* The spice was on point—intense, emotional, and so well-timed. I loved watching Ev evolve as a character, fighting for her life while navigating this dangerous world, and falling in love along the way. Rhett was the perfect mix of dark, dangerous, protective and swoon-worthy.

The only thing I disliked? That it ended. I wanted more.
Profile Image for april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews.
1,480 reviews2,598 followers
February 21, 2025
2/5

TROPES:
-enemies to lovers
-dark
-college romance

Mehhh. I had a really hard time with this book and I'm not exactly sure why. The heroine was in a long-term relationship with her ex for 6 years, and he turned into a massive creep and stalker. When she meets the hero and finds out they're best friends, she tries to tell the hero about her ex and he just... doesn't believe her.

I skimmed most of the book after that but it didn't really catch my attention.

SAFETY:
Virgin/manwhore/celibate: no virgins here
OM/OW: OM, the ex
Cheating/sharing: no
HEA?: yes!

My bookshelves may contain spoilers.
Profile Image for Alejandra Gaviria.
126 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2025
touch her & die

Rhett & Ev!

Ev just wants justice for things that she has seen. Declaring what’s right for others. But unfortunately others don’t agree with her need for justice. Landing her in a place she didn’t expect. Rhett won’t allow for Ev to come and ruin things for those he cares for. Making Ev’s life harder than it needs to. Thinking someone needs to put her in her place.

When things go south will Rhett’s alpha protection change his feelings for Ev? Will he be able to get to her in time? Or will Ev’s life hang in the balance. Will they make it out to the other side?

I truly enjoyed reading about these two & would have loved to keep reading more.
Profile Image for Brandi-Lynn Weiser.
2,156 reviews77 followers
February 1, 2025
As soon as I got this book I was diving right in. I’ve read and loved, and devoured, every book Kristin has written and I’ve enjoyed them all.
Rhett and Ev’s story was good. I loved the dark mystery and suspense of it. The whole thing involving Jake kept me so intrigued. I was definitely thinking it’d come out that he has an evil twin no one knew about and it was him who Ev was actually dating for all those years. But I never considered the actual truth of it all.
This was another good read from Kristin and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next.
143 reviews
February 19, 2025
Started great then went off the rails....

The premise of this book really caught my attention. I couldn't wait to dive in.
The majority of the book was great! It drew me in and held my attention.
Then at about 70% it started to go off the rails and just got worse. It was so rushed which made it not believable at all.
All the phone calls and messages sent, really?
Like no one monitors the phones, computers, or offices and it's all that easy?! Nope. The beginning was too elaborate for the ending to be so easy.
It was a shame and could have been an awesome book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews

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