Mood Readers:
Hunstman by Naima Simone is for the dark romance lovers. Those who love a little pain and slight violence in a safe space before the main delight takes place. The storyline features fierce, independent women and a few unique references to objects you’ll recognize from Snow White.
How did the book make you feel?
Kristin’s Unfiltered Thoughts of “Huntsman”…
It’s a spicy one! Blood play is not my thing, but they made it seem hot. I did read the TW so I knew to expect it on page.
I like the loyalty and strength of all the women in this story. Men were important but secondary.
The reversal of traditional dominance and stalker behavior threw me for a little bit. I’m used to stories where a man stalks a woman. Seeing this flipped, and having the Huntsman be vulnerable kept their interactions interesting to me.
I love a good revenge plot, and enemies to lovers. Although, were they truly enemies? Readers can decide.
The references to mirrors, and apples, and Eshe’s heart were a subtle nod to the whole “Huntsman” line we expected from the title. I thought it was nicely woven into a dark story.
Would you be friends with the main character IRL?
She wouldn’t trust me. Eshe is a fierce queen of a network of baddies. Death and darkness are her close companions, we wouldn’t be compatible.
Huntsman Synopsis:
The Huntsman is after me.
But he will be mine first.
Nine years ago, my aunt took everything from me.
My world. My throne. My mother.
I’ve bided my time since then, serving under her in the Mwuaji crime family, but she’s crossed another line. She put a price on my head, sending the legendary assassin the Huntsman, Malachi Bowden, after me.
The Huntsman’s never failed a contract before, but I know everything there is to know about him. It’s finally time for me to take my revenge and finish the war my aunt started.
The Huntsman might be my death. But Malachi Bowden?
He’s my weakness.
Welcome to The Hunted Kingdom.
Huntsman is a dark mafia romance that explores themes, subjects, and scenes that may not be suitable for everyone. Please see the author’s content note at the beginning of the book.
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Touch her/him and die
Morally grey MMCs
Revenge
Fairytale reimagining
Kristin lives in the PNW with her husband, and three kids. She loves to read YA fiction, fantasy, and romance. She enjoys a few side-hustles, including creating bookreels/booktoks for authors. The only shows she watches are re-runs, and if she’s not reading a book, she’s listening to one.
