What do you think?
Rate this book
Hunter & Prey #1
Hunter & Prey
Penelope Thompson loves her life. She has everything she wants. With her beauty, charm, and intelligence, she is at the top of her game and is one of the most sought after escorts at her company. She chooses her clients carefully and provides them with much more than just a great time between the sheets. Yet now at the age of 33, she is questioning just how much longer she has in the business. Life might be great, but sometimes it gets lonely to only ever be what others want to see in her, without true intimacy.
Darren Hunter has made a killing by being one of the best lawyers in Chicago. Renowned for winning any case, he has built up quite the reputation. He has a new beautiful woman attached to his arm every few months and is what every guy desires to be: wealthy, intelligent, successful, and has the looks that kill.
It is now time for Darren to choose his new "flavor of the season" and it seems as if Penelope has caught his eye. As things heat up between them, Penelope starts to feel as if life is turning into a fairy tale—if not for the fact that one by one, evidence is mounting up that the elusive Mr. Hunter has his own skeletons in the closet. Will his past come to catch up with her? And why do all the women in his life suddenly disappear?
Darren Hunter has made a killing by being one of the best lawyers in Chicago. Renowned for winning any case, he has built up quite the reputation. He has a new beautiful woman attached to his arm every few months and is what every guy desires to be: wealthy, intelligent, successful, and has the looks that kill.
It is now time for Darren to choose his new "flavor of the season" and it seems as if Penelope has caught his eye. As things heat up between them, Penelope starts to feel as if life is turning into a fairy tale—if not for the fact that one by one, evidence is mounting up that the elusive Mr. Hunter has his own skeletons in the closet. Will his past come to catch up with her? And why do all the women in his life suddenly disappear?
372 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2014
About the author
Kira Barker
15 books116 followersKira Barker has always enjoyed telling stories. It has kept her sane through high school and college, and has become a true passion since. A geek gamer girl herself, she feels at home reading sci-fi and fantasy as much as writing romance. She likes her plots gritty, her smut realistic, and doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty when it comes to research. When she’s not writing, she loves annoying her cats or cruising country roads on her motorcycle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 3, 2017
“You think that either you’re not right for me because you’re an escort, or that there’s something wrong with you and that’s why we shouldn’t be together, but, again, that’s you, not me. Never me.”
When the most perfect professional escort meets the most perfect customer you would think that would be the most perfect match, and yes it did! Although it did end in the most perfect almost ending, at least for one of them. So ultimately, who will become the hunter and who the prey?
When the masks are off and everything true and beautiful becomes your worst nightmare? Who are the ones you trust?
The story is told from Penelope's POV and starts a bit slow with a lot of undercurrent tension making it a page turner and hard to put down. But in the end it's very, very fast paced with things happening at lightning speed making you let out the breath you hadn’t realized you were holding.
“I love you, and I would have done anything for you, but you had to change your mind on a moment’s whim and try to walk out on me. No one walks out on me, understand!?”
The MCs, Darren & Penelope, are well thought out and developed, as are the secondary ones.
Penelope who is satisfied with her life as a high class whore realizes that she wants more out of life.
Darren who is sweet and too prince charming must have something to hide.
The WTF ending has me craving for craving for book 2 and I’m giving in to that craving. I just need to know what happens next!!
Hopefully it will also clear up the naked phone call on the balcony of the hotel in Paris.
Book 1 of the Hunter & Prey series that has to be read in order:
Want to read
August 15, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/15/2019)! 🎁
November 6, 2017
I found this book through the author's previous online work with a seemingly usual story ending with a surprising twist that I did not see coming. I'm so glad the original story from the author's online work turned into this novel because you get a way more in-depth plot with that same brilliant writing style. This is one of the best romantic thrillers I've ever read because it had me really rooting for the main character and the villain as well as being so pleased with the way the story ended. The twist was exactly the sort of thing I'm always hoping for in books and it's a book I could totally read again and again.
December 29, 2014
If my read list is any indication, its pretty obvious, I enjoy a good suspense story.
And just as I needed a break from the long string of romance series I'd been reading, Hunter and Prey showed up in my inbox and took me on a perversely twisted ride into a deliciously dark new world.
Totally fucked up, and sexy as hell, Hunter and Prey is one of my favorite reads this year, with a plot twist I won't soon forget.
And just as I needed a break from the long string of romance series I'd been reading, Hunter and Prey showed up in my inbox and took me on a perversely twisted ride into a deliciously dark new world.
Totally fucked up, and sexy as hell, Hunter and Prey is one of my favorite reads this year, with a plot twist I won't soon forget.
April 24, 2017
Wow what a book and I did not expect that twist. I gotta say I really liked Darren at the beginning but boy did that change. As for Penelope i liked her but at first she got on my nerves with the constant worry about what other people thought of her. In the end I liked her more. As for Adam love love him. Can't wait to find out what happens next.
March 10, 2015
I was excited by the reviews this book has garnered and was a bit disappointed as it left me feeling a bit flat. For all I know this could be me being jaded (I read a book a day) & expecting something spectacular and nothing to do with this particular story.
Basic premise is a prostitute is contracted by a lawyer , they quickly fall in love and then things go to shit.
I somehow could not believe that an escort who has 14 years of experience, therefore more likely to be privy a lot of human manipulations could insist on not seeing things that were right before her eyes.
None of it made a lot of sense to me personally and the characters that I liked most were Ray (the anal rapist, hehehe) and Bridgette the Madam, of the whole lot these two were the most honest and I actually felt the same exasperation that they felt with Penelope.
The writing style is good and very smooth and I personally did not find any errors that stood out.
Maybe the next book Bait, will be a better read for me.
Basic premise is a prostitute is contracted by a lawyer , they quickly fall in love and then things go to shit.
I somehow could not believe that an escort who has 14 years of experience, therefore more likely to be privy a lot of human manipulations could insist on not seeing things that were right before her eyes.
None of it made a lot of sense to me personally and the characters that I liked most were Ray (the anal rapist, hehehe) and Bridgette the Madam, of the whole lot these two were the most honest and I actually felt the same exasperation that they felt with Penelope.
The writing style is good and very smooth and I personally did not find any errors that stood out.
Maybe the next book Bait, will be a better read for me.
December 7, 2018
Whoa.... well, I don't know what to say. I initially chose to read this book because of its positive rating on Goodreads. I thought I was in for another cute, easy read. This was 1000% not what I was expecting.
It started out very slow for me and was quite hard for me to relate to the characters, however, when the twists started to occur... holy crap. After every chapter after 20 something, the constant words out of my mouth: wtf?!
The author's writing was engaging and articulate and the twists left me in utter shock!
But still, this was a 3.5 for me because it was just too drawn out. The last 7 or so chapters are where it's at
It started out very slow for me and was quite hard for me to relate to the characters, however, when the twists started to occur... holy crap. After every chapter after 20 something, the constant words out of my mouth: wtf?!
The author's writing was engaging and articulate and the twists left me in utter shock!
But still, this was a 3.5 for me because it was just too drawn out. The last 7 or so chapters are where it's at
February 21, 2015
amazingly great book...just not romance
January 2, 2016
Very good.
This book was very good and held my interest for the most part but left me lacking in some respects.
This book was very good and held my interest for the most part but left me lacking in some respects.
Read
March 13, 2020This is an AMAZING book, and I loved the sequel, too. So many twists and turns in the story.
May 25, 2020
I very good read. My second time. I bought part 2. Give it a chance, it will keep you engaged.
January 5, 2015
I finished reading this novel a little over a week ago, but have put off sitting down to put my thoughts on paper … simply because I don’t know where to begin. It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Ms. Barker’s writing style, no matter the genre she tackles, and with Hunter & Prey my opinion has not changed. In fact, my adoration has only grown to borderline fangirl levels. Not exactly pretty for a woman of my age!
Barker writes with such a fluid pen that the reader has no choice except to be swept up and taken along for whatever ride she lays out. You get involved with the characters to the point that their hopes and dreams become yours. When they hurt, you hurt. And when their betrayals are revealed, you feel the world disappear beneath your feet.
Penelope Thompson and Darren Hunter are two such characters. They both have a clear passion for life and don’t regret any of their life choices. When a clear romance begins between them, taking them past the lustful business arrangement that initially brings them together, your heart soars because they are a perfect pair. Or are they?
The plot thickens, the pace picks up, and before long you, the reader, will be wondering who can be trusted out of the expertly crafted ensemble of characters, both supporting and main. Does Penelope’s madame really have her best interests at heart, or is Penelope just a cash cow? The geeky neighbor down the hall is on house arrest, but is it for more than his hacker and technology skills? What about the socialite who seems to be the only one to understand Penelope and not judge her for being a dirty secret to so many of the country club-type males? What of Penelope herself? Or the suave and sexy Mr. Hunter?
This is a tale of hot sex, deep romance, and twisted alternatives. Make no assumptions and be prepared to get caught up in Barker’s web of words.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Barker writes with such a fluid pen that the reader has no choice except to be swept up and taken along for whatever ride she lays out. You get involved with the characters to the point that their hopes and dreams become yours. When they hurt, you hurt. And when their betrayals are revealed, you feel the world disappear beneath your feet.
Penelope Thompson and Darren Hunter are two such characters. They both have a clear passion for life and don’t regret any of their life choices. When a clear romance begins between them, taking them past the lustful business arrangement that initially brings them together, your heart soars because they are a perfect pair. Or are they?
The plot thickens, the pace picks up, and before long you, the reader, will be wondering who can be trusted out of the expertly crafted ensemble of characters, both supporting and main. Does Penelope’s madame really have her best interests at heart, or is Penelope just a cash cow? The geeky neighbor down the hall is on house arrest, but is it for more than his hacker and technology skills? What about the socialite who seems to be the only one to understand Penelope and not judge her for being a dirty secret to so many of the country club-type males? What of Penelope herself? Or the suave and sexy Mr. Hunter?
This is a tale of hot sex, deep romance, and twisted alternatives. Make no assumptions and be prepared to get caught up in Barker’s web of words.
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.*
December 24, 2014
What happens when the ultimate sex professional meets the ultimately perfect customer? Who wins the cat and mouse dance and who becomes ultimately the hunter and who the prey? And whatabout when the fasade of perfection starts to have its first breaks and whatever you thought was true and beautiful turns out to be your worst nightmare? Who can you trust then?
Hunter&Prey has too many twists and turns, so I don't want to spoil the ultimate mindfuck to anyone. All I'm saying is that this is one hell of a ride. First it seems to be like 10.000 meters run in the Olympics with a slow rabbit determing the tempo but in the end it's a very fast paced 100m where Usain Bolt makes a world record, a forever-lasting imprint into our memory, just like Darren Hunter left to his Penelope and vice versa. And you want to get that imprint!
The suspense in this is very well written. There are two characters who you both love and hate at the same time. And did I root for them? Of course I did because these characters begin to grow on you. Their sex is hot and their love passionate. The character development is good, some scenes make you swoon for the characters, in others you can't believe what you are reading. Kira Barker's writing and plot were able to maintain the excitement and the suspense to the grand finale which is just the beginning to this story. I can't wait for the sequel which will tell us how this story continues! This was an absolute joy to read!
Hunter&Prey has too many twists and turns, so I don't want to spoil the ultimate mindfuck to anyone. All I'm saying is that this is one hell of a ride. First it seems to be like 10.000 meters run in the Olympics with a slow rabbit determing the tempo but in the end it's a very fast paced 100m where Usain Bolt makes a world record, a forever-lasting imprint into our memory, just like Darren Hunter left to his Penelope and vice versa. And you want to get that imprint!
The suspense in this is very well written. There are two characters who you both love and hate at the same time. And did I root for them? Of course I did because these characters begin to grow on you. Their sex is hot and their love passionate. The character development is good, some scenes make you swoon for the characters, in others you can't believe what you are reading. Kira Barker's writing and plot were able to maintain the excitement and the suspense to the grand finale which is just the beginning to this story. I can't wait for the sequel which will tell us how this story continues! This was an absolute joy to read!
February 4, 2015
Ehm, yeah... a book seldom leaves me speechless, but this one did. WTF did just happen in there? Seriously?
I don't want to spoil anything about the plot, you need to read it for yourself. Now! After reading the book I had a serious book hangover and for days I couldn't touch another book. Nothing could probably live up to that one hell of a ride.
Kira waves a plot which – at first glance – seems to be the perfect, stereotypical romance fairytale. But then the shit hits the fan and you're left gasping, turning page after page and all the tiny breadcrumbs she left before are starting to make sense.
Don't ever feel safe reading this book, if you know Kira, you know she loved to mindfuck her readers and even if you think you're prepared for it.. you are not!
You gotta love a strong, non-apologizing heroine who isn't afraid to speak up for what she wants. Penelope is a strong, capable heroine and even if you don't agree with her chosen lifestyle, you just gotta admire her and feel with her as the story progresses. Her struggles, the choices she (has to?) make and how she just wants her very own fairytale. As for Darren – read for yourself. The current Prince Charming that is so common in many books (the incredibly rich, good looking alpha hero) comes out to play as well.
The side characters are fleshed out, intriguing and I just loved Adam. I was always happy when he had some book screen time.
One of my best reads in 2014.
I don't want to spoil anything about the plot, you need to read it for yourself. Now! After reading the book I had a serious book hangover and for days I couldn't touch another book. Nothing could probably live up to that one hell of a ride.
Kira waves a plot which – at first glance – seems to be the perfect, stereotypical romance fairytale. But then the shit hits the fan and you're left gasping, turning page after page and all the tiny breadcrumbs she left before are starting to make sense.
Don't ever feel safe reading this book, if you know Kira, you know she loved to mindfuck her readers and even if you think you're prepared for it.. you are not!
You gotta love a strong, non-apologizing heroine who isn't afraid to speak up for what she wants. Penelope is a strong, capable heroine and even if you don't agree with her chosen lifestyle, you just gotta admire her and feel with her as the story progresses. Her struggles, the choices she (has to?) make and how she just wants her very own fairytale. As for Darren – read for yourself. The current Prince Charming that is so common in many books (the incredibly rich, good looking alpha hero) comes out to play as well.
The side characters are fleshed out, intriguing and I just loved Adam. I was always happy when he had some book screen time.
One of my best reads in 2014.
November 27, 2017
13/15-02-'15: Wooow.... what an a-ma-zing book!! Starts as a really hot and wild romance between Darren, a lawyer (with shady clientele) and Penelope, a high class whore. In the beginning it's just work for Penelope, but she falls hard for Darren and vice versa. Before Penelope realizes it, she had quite her 'job' and has moved in with Darren. And than Darren begins to change... and so does the story. It ends like a real horror story... because Darren turns out to be a twisted serial killer and intents to add Penelope to his 'collection'. Although the story isn't over yet! Penelope escapes and the story continues in book #2 Bait. This was a more-than-5-star read for me! The only thing I did not like, was the cover. (Btje nietszeggend!)
22/24-03-'16: re-read. Wooow... blijft een supergoed verhaal! Begint als een heftige romance, maar eindigt als een horrorstory. Alhoewel, het verhaal is nog niet afgelopen. Het eindigt niet echt met een cliffhanger, maar er komt wel een vervolg, waar ik zéker erg benieuwd naar ben. Moet zeggen... ben heel blij dat ik 'm herlezen hebt... wat een fantastisch boek! Nu gelijk door naar #2 Bait!
22/24-03-'16: re-read. Wooow... blijft een supergoed verhaal! Begint als een heftige romance, maar eindigt als een horrorstory. Alhoewel, het verhaal is nog niet afgelopen. Het eindigt niet echt met een cliffhanger, maar er komt wel een vervolg, waar ik zéker erg benieuwd naar ben. Moet zeggen... ben heel blij dat ik 'm herlezen hebt... wat een fantastisch boek! Nu gelijk door naar #2 Bait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2015
HOLY SHIT.
No, seriously.
I mean...
WTF just happened?!
Those were my first reactions. What an AMAZING read. I'm STILL processing my feelings for everyone involved.
Hunter and Prey is a book about so many things.
It introduces us to Penelope, a call girl who has passed 30 and knows her time as a call girl is drawing to a close. Enter Darren Hunter - hottie and hot shot lawyer. This ain't yo mama's happily ever after......
Kira Barker captures Penelope's vulnerability and strengths in such a way that when the end comes, the reader is completely breathless.
Darren Hunter is both delicious and deceptive...the perfect compliment to Penelope. And then there's Ray...and Alison...and Adam....
Pick this book up. Run to one click it. Seriously. It's that freaking good. I'm still in shock several days later and am VERY anxiously awaiting the sequel!
No, seriously.
I mean...
WTF just happened?!
Those were my first reactions. What an AMAZING read. I'm STILL processing my feelings for everyone involved.
Hunter and Prey is a book about so many things.
It introduces us to Penelope, a call girl who has passed 30 and knows her time as a call girl is drawing to a close. Enter Darren Hunter - hottie and hot shot lawyer. This ain't yo mama's happily ever after......
Kira Barker captures Penelope's vulnerability and strengths in such a way that when the end comes, the reader is completely breathless.
Darren Hunter is both delicious and deceptive...the perfect compliment to Penelope. And then there's Ray...and Alison...and Adam....
Pick this book up. Run to one click it. Seriously. It's that freaking good. I'm still in shock several days later and am VERY anxiously awaiting the sequel!
December 19, 2014
This is a dark and twisted love story. Will love prevail or does evil win out? That is the question I was often asking myself. I couldn't stop reading and read straight through the twists and turns! I was on the edge of my seat, holding on yet hoping it was never going to end. I found myself cheering for the bad guy, because in the end, we want love to prevail! I was in complete awe of the characters and honestly can't wait for the next installment!!!!
Kira did a wonderful job with the imagination and details. It felt as if I was right their with them in the action. She will captivate and pull into the world of the Hunter! I personally NEVER want to be in that basement!!!!
Kira did a wonderful job with the imagination and details. It felt as if I was right their with them in the action. She will captivate and pull into the world of the Hunter! I personally NEVER want to be in that basement!!!!
January 18, 2015
Can't wait
Can't wait for Spring get here fast, what a cliffhanger. I read the old version of this and loved it!! Finally had the chance to read the new, different, and still creepy version. I like the strong female lead that the Heroine played and let's not forget prime charming that pulls you in with all that smooth, brooding charm. By the end when you know something is wrong, you have to question yourself to the fact you could almost believe why thing weren't his fault, but hers even after you know better. Can't wait for part two, the only thing missing from the new and improved. I would recommend this book.
Can't wait for Spring get here fast, what a cliffhanger. I read the old version of this and loved it!! Finally had the chance to read the new, different, and still creepy version. I like the strong female lead that the Heroine played and let's not forget prime charming that pulls you in with all that smooth, brooding charm. By the end when you know something is wrong, you have to question yourself to the fact you could almost believe why thing weren't his fault, but hers even after you know better. Can't wait for part two, the only thing missing from the new and improved. I would recommend this book.
January 23, 2015
This book was so incredible and sexy and fun. There was this time when everything was perfect and then little by little you could tell things were getting bad and then it just stopped and became something so dark and twisted and jaw dropping that I was furiously turning the pages. I had to know what happened... and then it was just done...I was hoping that it really wasn't over. I was left with the worst book hangover ever. I feel like the book really started in the last 65% because of how drastically things had changed. I need the second book like now. Please? Read this book!
January 16, 2016
Not At All What I Expected
I got this book believing that this would be a story of a woman who would be hunted down, tortured, and the woman's struggle to survive. While there was a tiny bit of that tale, the majority was basically porn. I have no issues with porn if that is what I intended to read but when someone leans over to see what I'm reading just as it starts getting real gritty, no thanks! If I'd been looking for porn I wouldn't have been looking under horror for books when I came across this one. Well written, but misleading in where it's categorized.
I got this book believing that this would be a story of a woman who would be hunted down, tortured, and the woman's struggle to survive. While there was a tiny bit of that tale, the majority was basically porn. I have no issues with porn if that is what I intended to read but when someone leans over to see what I'm reading just as it starts getting real gritty, no thanks! If I'd been looking for porn I wouldn't have been looking under horror for books when I came across this one. Well written, but misleading in where it's categorized.
February 23, 2015
This is a gripping story, one that I initially hesitated to read because I had some idea of how the story ended. In this latest version, the author has upped the stakes and I find this reworking very much more to my liking. Read at your own risk as this is the kind of story not everyone will like. I wasn't sure I would, but it sucked me in with its seductive allure.
January 17, 2015
Holy S***. This book was like nothing I have ever read before. This is some Criminal Minds messed up. It goes from naughty to fairy tale to really messed up, blow your mind, crazy, creepy and everything in between.
And I have to say I loved the ending. And as creeped out as I was I can't wait for the next one.
And I have to say I loved the ending. And as creeped out as I was I can't wait for the next one.
December 22, 2015
Wow great read
This was very suspenseful. Call girl Penelope who is over 30 has just about reached her end ending point. She meets a new client and falls in live. Darren is a rich high scale lawyer with great looks and a winning personality. You must read to find out what happens next.
This was very suspenseful. Call girl Penelope who is over 30 has just about reached her end ending point. She meets a new client and falls in live. Darren is a rich high scale lawyer with great looks and a winning personality. You must read to find out what happens next.
August 15, 2021
I was bothered by an extremely graphic rape scene that was very unnecessary and uncomfortable to read half way through the book, but it was nothing compared to the tortured scenes later on.
It wasn't a bad book per se, but not to my taste, and not what I was expecting. I probably won't be coming back for the next one.
It wasn't a bad book per se, but not to my taste, and not what I was expecting. I probably won't be coming back for the next one.
March 7, 2015
Wow, that was messed up.
I love a story that has you guessing, and this is one of them.
I loved that in the back of your mind you still want it to end with a HEA, can't wait for the next one.
I love a story that has you guessing, and this is one of them.
I loved that in the back of your mind you still want it to end with a HEA, can't wait for the next one.
May 17, 2015
Love this book! the twist towards the end? a must read.
January 15, 2015
I had to immediately re-read this book. The WTH moment had me trying to figure out how I mis-read Hunter. Can't wait for the 2nd book to be out. Great read that left me wanting more.
August 21, 2015
This is probably one of the most fucked up books I've ever read, and I loved every second of it!
February 24, 2015
wow. really, really good read. dark & twisted. major. cliff hanger. next book (Bait) is coming out in spring. I wish it was tomorrow.
February 25, 2015
When I first started this book I wasn't so sure -- almost stopped. Glad I didn't. The more I read the better it got.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews