Book Review: Hunted by Kat Kinney

About the Book:

Title: Hunted

Author: Kat Kinney

Series: Blood Moon, Texas Shifters #5

Page Length: 360

Publication Date: Oct. 3, 2023

Synopsis: 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.

LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

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My Review:

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.