Firstly, thank you Berkley Pub + NetGalley for the arc, I AM OBSESSED.

Willing Prey is for all the girly pops (gender neutral, btw) who dream of being chased through the woods and ravaged by the big bad wolf, this one’s for you.

Holy cannoli Batman! This was hot af🥵

What to expect:
- recently divorced teacher + lawyer
- he’s her ex-husband’s boss
- kink awakening
- MCs in their 30s/40s
- primal play, duh
- he falls first
- CNC
- light breath play and choking
- praise + degradation + begging
- light stalking
- transactional sex
- childfree HEA

This was a tough read for me. I loved the premise, but the execution just didn't hit the mark for me - maybe my expectations were out of alignment with what this book was. I wanted more from the woods/creepy angle, and less from the graphic sexual situations angle. I fully acknowledge - dark romance is probably just not my thing, but this one just did not live up to the blurb for me. That being said, I know some patrons who do like dark romance, and I'll happily recommend it to them.

4.5 stars rounded to 5

Claire is recently divorced. During the course of her marriage, she helped her husband pay off his school debt with the understanding he would then help pay off hers. Of course, things don't work out that way. Claire is contacted by Shane, her exe's boss, to stay one month and play "little deer" in exchange for $30,000. She's a P.E. teacher and would love the challenge of a hunt that results in a summer of kinky sex rather than her usual summer job as a server.

I loved this book. Claire is being given the opportunity to take the summer and really heal from her past relationship. Shane fell for her the first time he saw her at the company Christmas party in a holiday sweater. I love how he bided his time for the opportunity to be with her. It was so interesting that she was the one who was experienced with the primal kink and he was the novice who was learning it specifically for her. I really hope that Shane's brother, Caine, and Margot end up getting their own book. I loved their teasing and snarky dynamic.

Read this if you love: primal, he falls first, exe's boss, mature characters, CNC, praise, kink awakening, primal role reversal, transactional relationship, begging, child free

Thank you to NetGalley, Allie Oleander, and Berkley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley #allieoleander #berkleypublishing #willingprey

I'm excited to handsell this title to readers who are looking for an entry-point to dark erotica and who loved LIGHTS OUT! The spice and kink was high and the focus of the story, while the romance between the two characters was sweet--I think this will be perfect for readers who are too scared of HAUNTING ADELINE but are interested in the dark romance genre.

More than amazing! I read this book when it was indie, and I fell in love. Now, as it has been rewritten and expanded, I can't say enough amazing things about this book! If you love that heart-pounding, super steamy, primal chase, and you want to read it over and over again, this is the book for you! This will melt your underclothing off. Read it, you won't regret it! It will make you want to purchase a Ted Kazinski cabin in the woods with 200 acres of wilderness and find a growly Daddy to hunt you down, push your face in the dirt, and make you smell the roses. And then you'll ask for more , please, daddy!

I adored this! This story follows Claire, a recently divorced teacher who leaves her ex-husband when she finds out he cheated and Shane, a hot, rich lawyer who works with Claire's ex-husband. In exchange for 30k to help her with the debts left over from her divorce, Claire signs a kinky contract to become Shane's prey for 30 days. Unbeknownst to her, Shane has been obsessed with her for ages (we love a man head over heels for his girl) and has just been waiting for his chance to sink his teeth into her (LITERALLY). With a little light stalking and careful listening, he found out about her financial issues and was more than happy to fix them.

I read the novella version of this book when it was independently published and loved that as well but this full novel sized version of the story is even better! The main characters feel so much more fleshed out and the side characters had me swooning (*couch* Caine and Margot *cough). I loved Claire's character development as she processed her feeling for her ex-husband and moved past them to become a stronger, more confident version of herself. It was so nice to see Shane growing too. The emotional work he did to heal from his trauma and become a better partner for Clare was so beautifully written. While this novel was just as sexy and fun as the novella was, it is also impactful, emotional, and and thoroughly satisfying read.

I was LIVING for the little tidbits that hinted at a book 2 following Shane's brother, Caine. Every tiny piece of information we were given about that man had be salivating for more. A southern drawl? a sense of humor? a penchant for violence? gimme 14 of them rn!!! The will they/won't they thing going on between Caine and Shane's assistant, Margot, is right up my alley. Also Margot seems like a badass in the very best way. I'm not sure which one of those two would get the other on their ass but I'd love to find out.

Ahh this was so sexy! Even though primal play isn’t my favorite, I really enjoyed how it was written here. Definitely worth reading!!

With her divorce final, Claire is buried in student loan debt. When Shane Underwood offers Claire $30,000 in 30 days to allow Shane to fulfill his primal desires, Claire can't refuse. All Claire has to do is play his "little deer" and give Shane the hunt of his life. Each hunt brings them closer together until Claire finds that she doesn't want to move on after their 30 days. Can Claire hunt her way to Shane's heart?

This book was a complete surprise for me. I loved it so much that I finished it in one sitting. Claire and Shane's characters are perfect for this book. Not only do their characters make for some spicy scenes, but their banter and chemistry make for a fun romance. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Shane's brother, Caine. This book opens the possibility of Caine having his own story with Margot, and I would buy it immediately.

If you are looking for a steamy romance with a primal kink and mature main characters, I would highly recommend this book.

Willing Prey is out October 7th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to review Willing Prey. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

When I saw Primal, I knew I had to jump on this one, and I was not disappointed. I love that we got dual POV because it's so fun to see the "chase" and miscommunication from both MCs. Claire thinks she is going to have the time of her life with a no-strings-attached 30 days of fun, kinky shenanigans and end up $30,000 richer. What she doesn't expect is to grow attached and not want to end things, which is honestly understandable. This had a lot more humor than I expected, and I love a good combo of spice and humor, so I enjoyed the combo. Their chemistry was top tier, and they both let all their pent up struggles emotionally manifest themselves in the sheets. Truly enjoyed this one!

Honestly pretty mid- this is not usually my thing, but the story looked interesting and I like a guy who pines after a lady. I liked the dual POV and the protagonist was appealing, but the whole plot hinges on these two people not communicating when they spend a ton of time together and like each other. I liked the evil ex trope here, it worked, but I guess I just wasn't blown away.

This book is an INSTANT hook!! It jumps in and omg it is off and running… literally. This book explores a specific kink in exactly the way I would want and is perfect as dual pov. I couldn’t put it down from page 1.

On top of being totally hooked from the get go, this book was also a total surprise. With a slightly cold intro, I was totally surprised at the level of warm fuzzies I got while reading this book.

I’m so so happy I got the chance to arc read this book. Huge thank you to Allie Oleander and Berkley for this eARC!! I absolutely devoured it!

“Don’t fight it. Show me how much you like being hunted. How much you like being my prey.” 🖤

Claire Collins is drowning in debt, navigating what her life looks like post divorce, and can’t manage to get her head above water. That’s until she gets the offer of a lifetime.. $30,000 for 30 days of her being Shane Underwood’s prey. Nothing more than a little playtoy to chase through the woods, and fulfill his primal desires. Zero strings, zero attachment, and all for $30k.. don’t mind if I do. The only problem? Claire finds herself falling for him and doesn’t know how she’s supposed to just move on at the end of their contractual agreement. How does one get over Shane Underwood when he’s possessive, protective, and primal unlike any other? 🤍😮‍💨

🤍 MCs in their 30s/40s
🖤 “good little deer” 🦌
🤍 childfree HEA
🖤 he falls first & hard
🤍 $30k for 30 days
🖤 primal play

Thank you so so much Allie Oleander, Berkeley Romance, and Netgalley for allowing me to read Willing Prey in advance! I already have my physical copy on preorder because I couldn’t get enough of Claire & Shane. This scratched the itch I’ve had lingering since finishing The Ruinous Love Trilogy and Lights Out & Caught Up. If you also love primal play, the idea of being chased through the woods and being called “little deer”, and a childfree happily ever after, look no further. Willing Prey couldn’t be more up my alley if I tried. My username isn’t filthyfawn for nothing.. 😮‍💨🫠 Allie Allie Allie.. you are something else. I fell prey to Willing Prey. I fear I’ll be talking about this one for a while, because I can’t get them out of my mind.

Willing Prey by Allie Oleander releases October 7, 2025 and is now available for preorder. 🖤

The plot had potential, but it just did not reach it. The characters are not fleshed out and the plot is shaky at best. The smut is repetitive and not even that good to begin with.

This was such a fun read. I expected dark and dirty, but I didn't expect it to be as funny as it was. On purpose! I love Claire, she could've been hit or miss but she takes no shit and it's exactly what is needed to make this story work. Shane was great, a bumbling disaster of a man unprepared to woo a woman but perfectly who she needed. I loved that the kink isn't erased by their falling in love. Too many times it seems to fade away as "feelings" and "romance" enter the picture but they never lost this shared desire. I loved the way the scenes were written. I never felt uneasy or uncomfortable by what Claire was experiencing. She completely owned her desire to be hunted and made no apologies for it. She gave as good as she got. The inherent violence of the encounters never felt gratuitous or for shock. Everything worked. And again, it's so FUNNY.

Not my typical type of book, but something about the description appealed to me.

To start out with, this one is spicy! Or at least a lot more than what I typically read. That being said, it not just erotic fiction. The story was good, the character development was great. I need stories for the side characters now.

If ever "I DO have feelings oh no" was a book, it's this one.

The original novella was a fun spicy read. The extra girthy version is all the fun of the novella with an added layer of emotion that makes the whole story really shine. Shane is somehow both filthy and terribly romantic as he stumbles his way toward understanding his feelings. I adored seeing more of his backstory, particularly getting to hear more about his family and seeing him interact with his brother. There are so many layers to his character, and when it's time for good chase (I ADORE a good chase ;) ) he's a consent king that gives his prey exactly what she wants and needs.

Watching Claire find her confidence again through her relationship with Shane was so cathartic. With her backstory and emotional arc also beefed up from the novella, the two of them dancing around each other emotionally while holding nothing back physically was such an interesting dynamic. Plus the on page female friends really came through strong with the space of a longer novel.

And on top of all that? There were so many laugh-out-loud funny lines I highlighted (must to the dismay of the feline napping on me while I read). They're all spoilers and unfortunately can't be shared here, but really, the TLDR on Willing Prey is 10/10, no notes.

I inhaled this book in one night because I just. Couldn't. Put. It. Down. Willing Prey was sexy AF—but it was also tender and had no right being as funny as it was. The author's consistent use of puns was truly *chef's kiss.* Also, I went in expecting to love Shane and Claire, but did not expect to fall in love with the side characters as much as I did (Margot/Caine book WHEN).

I also loved the clear emphasis on nature—it felt obvious to me that the author really likes being outside and spends a lot of time touching grass, because the settings and some of the details of the hunts really popped (and Ms. Oleander, if you are NOT in fact someone who likes to hike/camp, then give yourself a pat on the back because you had this outdoorsy reader fooled!). I have never read the novella that WILLING PREY came from but after I read the book I kept finding myself wondering what it was like because the novel flowed so well as a cohesive narrative that I can't imagine it ever being less than what it is now.

Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and Allie Oleander for this ARC!

HOTTT
So I’m a big stan of the Willing Prey novella, and was both excited and trepidatious going into the Extra Girthy version. But it’s so good, guys. Claire and Shane are chef’s kiss!

This version has more tender moments, character expansions, more of that delicious buildup of feelings, and … a nice little bit of comeuppance for someone we love to hate.

Oh, and there’s also more sex ;) delicious kinky primal stuff.

Mature MCs, child-free, forest shenanigans, it’s all in there.

Cozy yet exhilarating, Willing Prey is a fun, spicy, and at times hilarious romance with a unique premise. This book is first person, dual POV, low (but not zero) angst, high spice, with a bit of ex-husband drama.

Claire, still reeling from finalizing a divorce from her cheating ex-husband, is approached with an offer too good to refuse. Shane, a partner at the law firm where her ex works, wants to hunt her. For one month she'll live with him and be his willing prey for primal play, and she'll make $1,000 for each day. No strings, no attachments, no feelings - at least, that's what the contract says. Not all goes according to plan, as Claire finds herself falling for her hunter and wondering how she could possibly give him up when their contract runs out.

This book has a pretty cozy feel, because it mostly takes place at Shane's property. This aspect is juxtaposed with truly exhilarating chase scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. The characters become different versions of themselves while in the woods, and they learn about themselves, each other, and their relationship through their kink.

I loved both Claire and Shane. I loved Claire's resilience and refusal to feel sorry for herself. I really liked the way her story wasn't focused on getting over her ex, because she was already done with him. Instead the focus was on healing the wound his betrayal left and working on her insecurity. Shane is broody, possessive, a little nerdy, and slightly unhinged in an adorable way. I loved having his POV during some of the pivotal scenes in their story. It takes him a while to open up to Claire, but his thoughts on how he feels about her are swoon worthy.

I really appreciated the maturity of the two main characters in this book. Claire is insecure after being cheated on and Shane has communication issues, but they both work on those issues in a mature way. The way they support and reassure each other is really sweet.

I loved the side characters in this one. I'm definitely hoping we see more of Shane's brother Caine in a future book. Perhaps with a certain friend of Claire's that he can't seem to stay away from?

My only criticism is that a decent amount of romantic tension seemed to happen off page and was referenced later. As the nature of Claire and Shane's relationship is so sexual, I would have loved to see how the more romantic moments played out. I can see how including each one may have made the book run too long, though.

I would definitely recommend this book for readers who like spicy romance, kink, older heroines, and mature characters.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing a digital ARC for an honest review.

Such a fun read! I’m not usually a reviewer of “spicy” romance but this seemed like a fun book. Just a heads up, this is a full-length book that has been fleshed out from the previously published novella. It’s well-written, the plot develops nicely, and had everything I would want out of a romance. Claire is fresh out of a divorce and saddled with debt. When an offer comes from her ex-husband’s coworker, she can’t help but agree to it: move into his house for 30 days, be “hunted,” and make 30k at the end. What she doesn’t know is that this handsome, stacked, independently wealthy man is actually attracted to her for more than just the contracted game. There’s spicy scenes abound, and a comprehensive trigger warning at the beginning that covers all scenarios. I love when spicy romances are actually well-written, there’s a reasonable plot, and reasonably developed characters. We still get the classic cliches of the genre, but there’s nothing wrong with sticking to a method that works.