Genre: Erotic Paranormal Romance Heat Level: 3 Word Count: 28, 000 ISBN: 978-0-3695-1203-1 Editor: Lisa Petrocelli Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

The Hunt by Sam Crescent

Heat Level 3
$3.99
SKU 978-0-3695-1203-1
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This couldn’t be happening. Calliope Masters knew she and Jaxson Crease didn’t have the best start to their mating. At the age of eighteen when the pack declared they were mates, they rejected one another. She was a human, he was a wolf. He made it abundantly clear that he didn’t want her.

They were now trapped within The Hunt. A mystery realm that forced mates to confront their need for one another head on. Jaxson didn’t go to the Elder. He knew Calliope was his mate, and the truth was, he wanted her. When they were kids, they were inseparable. His own fear was what pushed them apart. He didn’t care that she was human. He had loved Calliope all of his life.

Now, within the rules of The Hunt, they had to fight to survive. They were about to face obstacles and challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Pushed to the breaking point.

Only there is something interesting about The Hunt. It is not the same for all couples. It changes as if it has a life of its own. And there is something so very similar about this one. But what could it be?

Will Jaxson and Calliope find one another and come to terms with their mated connection? Or, will they give up, and never see their pack or life again? The only way to get out of The Hunt is to be mated.


Excerpt:

“Hey, hey, it’s fine,” he said, reaching for her. Jaxson tried to steady her on her feet.

“It’s fine,” she said, looking far from fine.

And then, he cupped her face, staring into her eyes. They were slightly glazed. Her forehead was covered in perspiration. They were not ready for this, but he also couldn’t handle her being passed out from heat exhaustion, not that he would have a problem carrying her.

This could either go really well, or really bad, and without question, he closed the distance between them and kissed her. At first, it was just the meeting of their lips, joined together, and then that changed. The kiss deepened.

His hands were at her shoulders, hoping to steady her, and then, as if by their own accord, he sunk one into her hair, holding the back of her head. The other went down toward her hip, and he pulled her in closer. He heard her soft, subtle moan, and he swallowed it down, not wanting to stop. Calliope didn’t push him away, but the more he kissed her, the more he felt the temperature inside the place start to cool off.

Time passed and he didn’t want to pull away, but he had a feeling he needed to. Kissing her one final time, he looked into her face and stopped the kiss. He didn’t stop holding her. He needed to have his hands on her body.

Slowly, she opened her eyes.

“Thank you,” Calliope said.

“If it gets hotter, I’ll keep kissing you.”

She laughed. “Do you think that is why they made it so hot?”

“I don’t know. How are you feeling?”

“Sticky. Like I need a bath.”

And then, as if by magic, they heard it. Calliope frowned, Jaxson took hold of her hand, and they moved around the corner. There was a waterfall, but from where they stood, it did not look too deep.

“You’ve got to be kidding.”

“I guess they work hard to make it as romantic as can be,” he said.

“It looks so good,” Calliope said. “Do you think we should take advantage?”

“Yeah, I do.” He let go of her hand and pushed his jeans right off his body. He kept his boxer briefs on and started to make his way toward the edge of the water.

Before he went any further, he looked back to find Calliope removing her jeans and vest top. The last time they had been this naked, they had been kids. That seemed like a lifetime ago, and maybe part of an alternate universe. It didn’t seem like it was them.

He watched her, unable to look away. Not wanting to look anywhere else but at her. She wore a padded bra and panties.

“You look nice,” he said. The words just kind of blurted out of his mouth. She looked up and then smiled.

“You don’t have to just say it.”

“I’m not just saying it, I mean it.” Now he felt embarrassed. “Uh, so, yeah, that’s what I was thinking.” And then, with her getting closer to him, he stepped beneath the spray of the waterfall. It didn’t take her long to join him.

She was so close and he could smell her. Calliope always smelled like vanilla to him, which was one of his favorite scents. He loved vanilla—vanilla cupcakes, vanilla frosting, vanilla ice cream. If it had vanilla, he was sold.

He couldn’t help but be drawn to her. She looked so beautiful.

Jaxson watched as she tilted her head back and enjoyed the spray of the water. She let out a moan, and this was different from the one he heard a few short moments ago.

Her lips had been perfect. Kissing her was better than he ever imagined it would be. Every single part of her was perfection.

She opened her eyes, looked over at him, and smiled. “You’re watching me.”

“I can’t look away.”

This made her chuckle. She stepped toward him. “And why not?”

“I have no idea.” He took a step toward her, and Calliope tilted her head back. “But I want to kiss you again.”

He watched as she licked her lips, and it wasn’t fair to keep teasing him.

“Then kiss me,” she said.

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 26 ratings)
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5/5
Utterly Unputdownable
Written by Ali80 on 8th Mar 2026

The Hunt by Sam Crescent is a raw, gritty, and emotionally charged journey that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. Known for her bold storytelling and intense alpha heroes, Crescent pushes the envelope with this dark romance — and it works beautifully. The story is equal parts brutal and tender, a balance few authors can strike so well. The hero is possessive, dangerous, and deliciously dominant, while the heroine shows incredible strength and resilience in the face of terrifying odds. Their chemistry is explosive, but it’s the deeper emotional connection that really gives the story its weight. What makes The Hunt stand out is Crescent’s ability to write morally complex characters in an equally complex world. It’s not just about survival or romance — it’s about trust, transformation, and redemption in the darkest of places.

5/5
Loved it like always
Written by 2025/08/19 Reviewed by Jessa8 on 8th Mar 2026

What a wonderfully written story. Iam currently loving this genre and anything written by Sam crescent. I love the characters so much.

5/5
No one does it better than Sam Crescent
Written by Crystal JF on 8th Mar 2026

I'm a big fan of this author's work and I think I must have read over 80 books by her and just like most of her other works, this shifter romance was an absolute fun to read. There were plenty of twists and turns that gave enough angst to feel the conflict, but not enough to make you frustrated. Very good read. Highly recommended.

5/5
Loved this book!!!! So different!!!
Written by Brooke T on 8th Mar 2026

This has to be my favorite shifter romances from Sam Crescent this year!!! This storyline was interesting, refreshing and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. There’s action, a little adventure and angst and spice.This book is a shifter romance, with a rejection and forced proximity. I thought the characters were complex and had an intriguing back story. This book kept me on my toes with anticipation of what the characters would face next. Such an amazing book. I can’t wait to see what comes next!!!

5/5
Surviving the Hunt
Written by LFBooks on 8th Mar 2026

The Hunt is an interesting story about Calliope Masters and Jaxson Crease. They grew up together as best friends and had loved each other deeply. But when it came time to become mates he rejected her because he was afraid and had started to resent her because of his feelings for her. She thought it was because she was human and he was a wolf shifter but she could not be more wrong. Now they find themselves in what is called The Hunt. It is a mystical world in which they will need to survive what confronts them along the way in order to make it out alive, which will mean they accept their mate.

4/5
This book is amazing
Written by Andrea R on 8th Mar 2026

I am just so in awe of this book. It delivered on all levels for me. I was so engrossed. Couldn’t put the book down. The plot grabbed me and hooked me and oh the drama and spicy scenes. Off the hook!!

5/5
Imagination is Everything!
Written by A.K. Shaw on 8th Mar 2026

The Hunt is not your typical love story. It takes working for you love and happily ever after to an unimaginable level. You find out that though you can lie to others, you cannot lie to yourself, and what happens when you try to. Calliope and Jaxson are young and wonderful characters who work better together toward their mutual end better than they believe that they can. After all, Fate knows best and for once, the tables are turned. Imagination is everything in this storyline and it keeps your turning the pages. The storyline is compelling and engaging, full of wonder, intrigue, action, a growing love, suspense and more. I loved this book. It is a beautiful love story with dark edges, but isn't that life? This book spoke of love on many levels and I absolutely loved it!

5/5
Jaxson and Calliope
Written by LBing on 8th Mar 2026

This was a wild read that really took me on a thrilling reading ride. I loved the whimsy of the world that the Hunt takes place in – pulling dreams and memories from your past and making them very real. And often very dangerous. Jaxson and Callie were inseparable as children, got matched by the elder that could ‘see’ fated mates, and then rejected that bond due to teenage mishaps. The Hunt is designed to make fated mates work together to survive, thrive and accept what’s meant to be. I love how this unfolded, pulling childhood games into real life challenges and letting that chemistry between them froth up into love, again. Not that the love was ever truly not there ? I recommend this adventure romance with a guaranteed HEA :D

5/5
The Hunt
Written by Southernbelle on 8th Mar 2026

Incredibly unique take on werewolf culture! Absolutely loved it! Jaxon and Calliope are proud, stubborn souls who refuse to submit to fate, so fate intervenes by testing their limits and bonding them together. I loved watching the trials they endured. It was fast paced and I definitely didn’t want to put the book down!

5/5
Fated Mates
Written by Danee on 8th Mar 2026

A wonderful story about fated mates Calliope and Jaxson were inseparable since childhood, and as they grew older their friendship faded but they both still had those other feelings for each other. When they see each other again after years they keep fighting their feelings until they can't anymore and they find out that they are meant for each other the sparks fly.

5/5
Emotional, intense, and wildly imaginative!!!
Written by Shae B on 8th Mar 2026

Emotional, intense, and wildly imaginative—The Hunt delivers a second-chance shifter romance with teeth!!! I devoured this novella in one sitting! The Hunt drops you straight into a gripping paranormal world where fated mates must confront their deepest fears, emotions, and desires to survive—and escape. Calliope and Jaxson’s journey is not just a physical one, but an emotional reckoning years in the making. Their dynamic is full of tension and vulnerability—Jaxson, the alpha wolf torn by past mistakes, and Calliope, the strong-willed human who was once rejected but never broken. Watching them navigate the dangers of this mysterious realm while unraveling their complicated history kept me fully hooked. The realm itself is a fascinating character—shifting and adapting in eerie ways, creating challenges that feel personal and symbolic. The pacing is fast, the heat level is off the charts, and the emotional payoff is well-earned. Perfect for readers who enjoy: Fated mates with a rocky past Unique fantasy/paranormal settings Shifters + humans navigating powerful emotional stakes Short, spicy reads with substance Sam Crescent blends steam with sincerity in a way that hits just right. If you're into second chances, soul-deep bonds, and magic with bite, The Hunt is definitely worth the read!

5/5
The Hunt is on
Written by Joreads on 8th Mar 2026

Calliope and JAxson refunse to acknowledge that they are mates, as a result they end up in the middle of The Hunt. A place where mates are forced to work together to realise they love and need each other or die trying. I loved the slow realisation from both of them what they meant to each other. Something the children they were seemed to know and the adults forgot. Another winner from Sam Crescent

5/5
Quick read
Written by ccourt on 8th Mar 2026

I was hooked from the start. I went on a roller-coaster ride. Its thrilling, spicy, intense. I couldn't get enough. I highly recommend it. I love the characters Jaxaon and Calliope and the storyline.

4/5
Love with a dash of side quests
Written by MellaM on 8th Mar 2026

Calliope (a human) and Jaxson (a wolf) are childhood besties and fated mates but are denying each other due to miscommunication/immature behavior. Both were warned they would be dropped into the middle of The Hunt - a sidequest for stubborn would-be mates. This book was an interesting change from Sam's other works and I enjoyed the idea of couples completing shared challenges. I fast-paced, enjoyable read. I finished it in one sitting.

5/5
The Hunt by Sam Crescent
Written by LyndsayL on 8th Mar 2026

This is such a good book. It is so worth the read. Sam never disappoints with her variety of stories. This couple goes through a hunt in order to to survive and have to depend on one another in order to stay ahead of the situations they keep being thrown into. Through all that they go through it brings them closer, and the chemistry between them is so hot. The action is non- stop and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

5/5
Finding Their Way
Written by Luv2Read17 on 8th Mar 2026

Calliope and Jaxson grew up together and were best friends. Until Calliope returned from a trip with her family and started wearing makeup and dresses. Jaxson noticed her a little more and resented her for it, eventually inadvertently bullying her. This was hard for Calliope to take as she already felt out of place being a human in a pack. And when it came out that the two are rated mates...? This is a story of friends to enemies to lovers, learning and growth, and acceptance.

5/5
The Hunt
Written by Shell R on 8th Mar 2026

Calliope & Jaxson find themselves in quite the predicament. The thing is they are mates who is refusing the bond. Now they are forced together to complete the Hunt. They will either be happily mated or dead. The question is can these two former best friends let go of their pride, work together and at the end be together? Who will crack first.... Enjoy ?

5/5
Loved it!!
Written by Kimberly R on 8th Mar 2026

This book was incredible. I really enjoyed it. I really liked Calliope and Jaxson. They were both fantastic characters. I absolutely recommend this book.

5/5
Loved it
Written by Heather1145 on 8th Mar 2026

Calliope and Jaxson where school friends turned enemies and the denied the mate bond. When they wake up in the forest for the hunt. I couldn't put the story down. Loved it from the beginning.

4/5
Wow, what a crazy ride!
Written by Shelly44 on 8th Mar 2026

Wow, what a crazy ride! I love a good rejected mate paranormal novel and this novel checked so many boxes for me. I have read other novels by this author and really enjoyed them. This novel did not disappoint. I was excited to jump into reading this novel. From the first chapter this novel captured my attention and held on tight. I was on the edge of my seat reading and trying to figure out what was coming next. The chemistry between Jaxson and Calliope was so good. I loved watching them going from friends as children to rejecting each other when they were older and lowering their walls and defenses and falling in love. So good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.

5/5
Calliope and Jaxson
Written by Babs on 8th Mar 2026

Calliope Masters knew she and Jaxson Crease did not have a great start to being Mates at 18 they rejected each other. Now at 21 they are being made to enter The Hunt. The story grabbed my interest from the start and kept me turning pages. What is The Hunt really?

5/5
unique, captivating and exciting
Written by laura.lovesreading on 8th Mar 2026

The premise of the story intrigued me and the story delivers all (and more) the blurb promises. It’s full of denial, betrayal, pain, anger, reconciliation, attraction, danger, angst and love. It’s interesting, new, captivating and steamy.

5/5
Fighting for love
Written by Bookbunny on 8th Mar 2026

Calliope Masters and Jaxson Crease were close once. They were destined to be mates but one summer and everything change. They both were fighting the attraction. Now being tossed in The Hunt, they have to fight to resolve their past and become one. This feels like Hunger Games for couples. These two had to try to work through growing up and not understanding what they were feeling. I have to say from the start you already know that Jaxson was in love with Calliope. Calli wasn’t ready to admit it and that is was held them back. Jax was open and honest. This one was such a sweet story. Even though she was human, Jax didn’t care. He wanted a life with Calli and that is what they found.

5/5
The Hunt
Written by Redfaeryrose on 8th Mar 2026

The Hunt was such an exciting ride! You really never know what twists and turns to expect, but I loved how it brought out the true feelings of the main characters. My favorite part has to be the epilogue—such a heartwarming happy ending for our MCs! It’s great to know their happiness continues even as time goes by.

5/5
The Hunt
Written by Karen99 on 8th Mar 2026

A Love Worth Fighting For! Jaxson and Calliope had been told they were mates but misunderstandings from the past drove them away from each other. Now in the Hunt, they had to face their deepest darkest fears, learn to get to know each other again and find their HEA. An entertaining but different read with lots of sizzling moments and redemption as they race towards and embrace their future!

5/5
Great story
Written by PHOENIX96 on 8th Mar 2026

Calliope and Jaxson were mates fated a human and wolf shifter but they rejected one another, now forced into the Hunt they have to confront all that's between them cos the only way to end is as Mates, but did Jaxson really not want his fated mate? Well written engaging steamy desires fast paced read.

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