Lustfully delicious and packed with primal, stimulating romance, this is one of the wildest stories I’ve ever read.

From start to finish, it will leave you viciously excited. 
The hunt was wild and thrilling. I loved how the relationship between Claire and Shane began, It was raw, intense, and electric. The humor? Adorably well-written. And the spice? Oh, it’s burning from page to page. 🔥 
Just a little heads-up: definitely not for public reading. LOL.

Read this if you're looking for an exciting, sexy, and kinky romance that will chase you through the woods and leave you breathless.

Thank you Evermore, Cornerstone and Netgalley for this e-arc, all opinions are my own.

This is a VERY spicy fun book with very little plot, and that’s okay! I had a lot of fun reading this, albeit a little long for what happens.
My favourite parts of this book where Shane’s POV - I really enjoyed him!
There were some really funny moments that made me LOL but far too many chase scenes IMO
I will however recommend this to people who like a spicy book with kink exploration as I feel they would enjoy. As did alot of my friends

“𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘥𝘴. 𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨.”

Read for:
🩷𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲/𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐤
🌲𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐯
🩷𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭
🌲𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐜’𝐬
🩷𝐞𝐱 𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐬𝐬 👀

I loved this so much. And what a surprising read. The actual vibes of this were so different to what I expected but I ate them up and was very happy about it. I was laughing out loud a lot, there’s just a lot of quick wit and sarcasm mixed with some hilarious moments (some involving pinecones 👀).

From the blurb I was expecting something really dark, but actually it was quite a light and very funny read that just explored some darker/more extreme kinks in what I thought was a really positive way. The spice starts early in this (tbh as expected), and I was not disappointed. There is a scene that’s been living rent free since I finished 😮‍💨.

I loved both Shane and Claire, and thought the dual POV in this was great. I loved hearing their inner monologues and found Shane’s chapters particularly insightful. As everything from the past weaves together you just get more and more invested.

I feel very lucky I got to read this early and cannot wait for October to see this book get the recognition it deserves! Thank you so much to @evermorebooksuk @netgalley and @allie.oleander for my early eARC. Also thank you to Allie for chatting with me afterwards when I was fangirling in her DM’s 🤣🩷

With a divorce leaving her financially struggling and an offer from her ex's boss for $30,000, how is Claire supposed to refuse the offer. What does she have to do? Be hunted by her ex's boss and submit to him when required. The hunt is on.

If you are a fan of a light hearted, very spicy, quick and fun read with low stakes then I definitely recommend trying this one out.

Lots of my friends have been reading and loving this so I couldn't resist giving it a go. A unique, fun time with a MMC who falls first (something I'm a sucker for).

For me the chase scenes were fun but a little too much and I prefer a little more stakes in my reads, however this is very much a personal taste thing and this book is going to be absolutely loved by so many.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, reading about the hunting kink was a new and fun experience for me.

A big thank you to NetGalley, Evermore Books UK & Allie Oleander for the opportunity to read an eARC of Willing Prey. I had the absolute best time and look forward to seeing its release on October 7th 😌

So a super attractive co-worker from your (cheating) ex-husband’s law firm offers you $30K in exchange for 30 days to freely “hunt” you in the woods and you just need to be ready to make him work for it. Can somebody say sign me right tf up????

I am a lover of books with primal play, although I don’t always get the opportunity to read them, so that was the first thing that caught my attention with this story. Whilst it is considered high heat (since the focus is on their 30 days), there was a good mix of external plot that kept me engaged and also very curious as to potential future couple dynamics(???)

The relationship development between Shane and Claire was very entertaining and a little endearing to watch - between Shane’s somewhat cluelessness towards his own feelings & Claire’s habit of second guessing things (understandably), mixed in with the fact that they’re near strangers at the start of the arrangement, there was a lot of internal reflection to do throughout their 30 day rendezvous.

‘Willing Prey’ holds a good mix of humour and spice, and is perfect for those looking for lower angst books to revive their palette.

If you’re a fan of primal play (predator/prey) with switching, he falls first and innocently stalks her, and a child-free HEA, this will be the book for you.

A romance with a twist and a half. This starts out gently, with an affair, a younger woman and a divorce and then there is a bursting out with the discovery that $30k will mean the end to student loans as well as a woman willing to be hunted in the woods to be caught and then consumed. The book paced on, 30 days of a contract and then no more. The book developed the two main characters as well as best friends and family and all had their own voice and were great and moved the story forward. The way the book is told, with hard as well as soft scenes and gentle touches as well as bites and scratches, drew me in and made me totally invested.

This book was so much fun and an almost light-hearted ease in to dark romance/kinks. Both MCs were likable and very hot! Their chemistry was instant. I also loved the role reversal we saw later in the book! Great easy read!

ARC review 📚 4.5⭐ 3🌶️

I started this book with an open mind, captivated by its title, blurb, and cover. Although the plot took some time to win me over, as the tension built and the characters' connection deepened, I found myself fully invested.

Claire's character shone with her wit, cleverness, and determination, making her a delightful read. In contrast, her ex's behavior was infuriating. Shane, however, underwent significant development, revealing a kind and vulnerable side beneath his tough exterior.

For fans of steamy reads, this book delivers with its exploration of kinks, explicit scenes, and sensual content. While it pushes boundaries, it avoids being excessively disturbing.

The dynamic between Margot and Caine left me eager for more. Their chemistry was undeniable, and I hope to see a book featuring them soon. Their interaction was fiery and captivating 💥.

This was way more lighthearted than I expected but in the best way! It’s centred on primal play/kink so I thought it might be more angsty, but nope it was low angst yet very spicy and honestly really cute. Claire and Shane were adorable together, and I loved seeing their relationship develop.

The dual POV was perfect, it really helped me understand both of them, even though I didn’t exactly relate to either character. I appreciated how both Claire and Shane were clearly flawed but working on themselves, and they complemented each other beautifully. I also loved that they were both 35+ which NEVER happens! My only frustration was a miscommunication at one point…

Keith? I would very much like to punch him in the face.

I would recommend this if you’re in the mood for a fun, spicy romance with grown up characters who have chemistry and depth 👌🏼

WILLING PREY 5⭐️

We are HOT in the door, first chapter introduces us to Claire FMC aka ‘prey’. She’s been through her divorce, from ex husband, Keith. She’s meets a guy called Shane MMC, who has offered her $30,000 for a month of ‘hunting’. Basically she’s a willing participant in a game of hunting her in the woods. Shane is HUNTING HER IN THE WOODS for sexual pleasure. She’s seen the contract and signed on the dotted line. I’m honestly so intrigued the cat and mouse trope is making me squirm in my seat with excitement to see where this is going to go.

Really funny when they have their internal thoughts. I can tell already 12% in this is going to be my new obsession.

It’s so soft and full of emotion yet we see dark sides to both Claire and Shane. It’s absolutely a fantastic read for first time dark romance readers as it has a numerous amount of kinks and triggers but there’s a lighter feel to it compared to other dark romances I’ve read, it definitely feels along the lines of Butcher & Blackbird & Lights Out however, completely different story and plot lines.

If you want a book that’s steamy, passionate and absolutely keeps you on edge with pages full of banter and kinks. Then this is the book for you. I will be highly recommending this book to so many dark romance readers.

Shane is absolutely hilarious he’s so stereotypically a lawyer, contracts, plans etc. struggles immensely with emotion and relaying how he feels. I think I’m falling in love with this character so much.

We need Margot’s and Caine’s story, PLEASE IM BEGGING.

The epilogue was just chefs kiss, I loved every minute reading this book. Finished in under 24hrs, no notes other than incredible.

Things I LOVED

💖 DUAL POV
✨ CAT AND MOUSE
💖 UNHINGED MMC
✨ POSSESSIVE MMC
💖 HE FALLS FIRST
✨ PRIMAL PLAY
💖 INSANE BANTER

Thank you so much Evermore for the E-ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Recently divorced and burdened with debt, Claire agrees to an unconventional arrangement: thirty days as the “prey” in a high-stakes, high-heat game of pursuit with Shane Underwood, a corporate lawyer whose obsession with her is as intense as it is unrelenting. The deal? She walks away with $30,000 and a clean slate. But what begins as a transactional escape quickly evolves into something deeper and more dangerous—for both of them.

The plot unfolds in the wilderness, where the rules of society fall away and Claire’s strength comes into sharp focus. She’s not just running—she’s confronting. Her past, her desires, and her power. Shane may think he’s the hunter, but Claire proves she’s just as feral, just as fierce, and far more in control than anyone expects.

What makes Claire such a compelling lead is her authenticity. She owns her mistakes, embraces her desires without shame, and shows that vulnerability and strength can coexist. She’s a role model not because she’s flawless, but because she’s real—proof that life doesn’t end with heartbreak or hardship. It evolves.

Oleander’s writing is taut and evocative, balancing raw sensuality with emotional nuance. Willing Prey is more than a spicy novella—it’s a story about agency, healing, and the wild, wonderful mess of starting over.

“𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮? 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬.”

Whelp, I was unexpectedly a hell of a lot entertained by this one. I normally don’t like smut that much - but the plot in this one definitely made up for that. And the smut was actually.. kind of hot (if I ignore the fact that he’s called Shane). I loved Allie’s writing and the humour was immaculate. The fact that the cover is pink was also a nice bonus 🕺. I recommend this one if you enjoyed Lights Out by Navessa Allen.

the vibes ™:
- cheating ex husband’s co-worker
- run boy run (primal play)
- spice
- he falls first
- forced proximity

Fast, Filthy, and Surprisingly Tender — A Must-Read

Willing Prey wasted no time getting started—and I was hooked from page one. The chemistry? Immediate. The spice? Off the charts. But what surprised me most was how deeply emotional and layered this book turned out to be beneath all the heat.

Claire is such a compelling heroine—strong, vulnerable, and refreshingly self-aware. Watching her take the summer to heal from her past relationship and rediscover her power was genuinely moving. And Shane? I was swooning the second I found out he’d been harboring feelings for her since the company Christmas party—yes, the one where she wore a holiday sweater. That detail alone sealed it for me.

I loved the twist that Claire is the one experienced in primal kink, while Shane is the willing, eager novice who takes the time to learn and explore it just for her. It made their connection feel that much more thoughtful and intimate.

Let’s be clear—I rated this book less for the plot and more for the fun, sexy vibes it brings. This isn’t a book you need to overthink. It’s low-investment in the best way: easy to dive into, with a rhythm that keeps the pages turning and the tension high. Sometimes you just want a hot, satisfying read that doesn't require a diagram—and this absolutely delivers.

I also really hope we get a full book for Shane’s brother, Caine, and Margot. Their snarky, flirty dynamic was so good, I could read a whole series of just their back-and-forth.

Still, despite all the spice, what really elevates Willing Prey is the emotional growth. Claire’s arc—letting go of the past, embracing a stronger version of herself—was so satisfying. And Shane’s own healing journey, doing the internal work to be a better partner, was beautifully done.

If you loved the novella, the full-length novel is even better—sexy, heartfelt, and full of that delicious tension Allie Oleander writes so well. I’m already ready for a reread.

Quite possibly the spiciest book I’ve ever read! I absolutely loved Clair, what a woman! The sexual tension between Clair and Shane was like no other, I couldn’t put the book down!

Highly recommend!

Fast paced (& not just for the chase) this book was a really easy read. I liked Claire's drive & determination in all areas of her life, but especially when it came to her idiot ex. There was a lot to like about this book, but I wanted a little more story beyond the woods. Margot & Caine were great side characters & I'm hoping to get their story too.

Wow. This was my first time reading a romance with the primal play kink trope, and I can confidently say it won’t be my last. I went in expecting a darker romance but was pleasantly surprised to find something softer and more emotionally satisfying, while still delivering plenty of spice.

The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts, and I genuinely fell in love with them both as individuals and as a couple. AND THEY ARE OVER 30. It’s always refreshing to see characters my age.

This book was such a fun, steamy read with a great balance of kink, consent, and heart. And now I’m absolutely desperate for Caine and Margot’s story. I really hope it’s coming soon!

If you’ve been curious about primal play but want something that’s more flirty and romantic than dark and broody, this is a great place to start.

(Will add review links closer to publication date!)

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

My goodness me, this was spicy and feral and I loved it! Plus the plot was so intriguing and kept you hooked whilst also blushing from the spice.

Claire and Shane might be my new favourite couple and I just loved the story between them. £30k to be hunted for 30 days? Sign me up to!

I would highly highly recommend this read, I read it in one showing and its such an easy fun read

This book! It was so SO good. I was absolutely hooked from the start. By chapter 2 I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put it down and ended up reading most of it in one go, only reluctantly putting it down to finally go to sleep.

The storyline is a lot of fun, dropping you straight into Claire moving into Shane’s house for her 30-day contract for $30k to be his willing prey. To be hunted by him, at his command. To promise to continue to run until he commands her to yield. There’s so much tension, an undercurrent of humour and so much spice. The dual POV works perfectly in this, and makes you fall in love with both characters. Claire is recently divorced (and her ex husband works for Shane) but is regaining her independence and being true to what she wants. She’s also ultra competitive which makes her the perfect willing prey for Shane. And Shane… well, he is a man obsessed, and I’m here for it.

I was completely gripped throughout this and had so much fun. I will definitely want to reread and relive this one.

Omg, where do I sign up for Hunting season???

I was hooked from the first page, and devoured it in to the night.

Shane and Claire belong to each other, and they discover this in the 30 day contract.

This book is full of Steam, passion and alot of primal play 🥵🥵

Shane is brooding, and passionate, but has self doubt about his feelings for Claire. Just has to take the leap, for her he may just do.

Claire coming out of a divorce, and wanting to pay of student loans jumps in to this deal, but realises she doesn't want it to end.

I also very much enjoyed the side characters in this book and I really hope we get a Caine and Margo book!!

I loved it!!

Willing Prey, the debut novel from Allie Oleander, was quite the wild ride! Having now finished it I’m desperately hoping that Oleander will give us Margot and Caine’s story next as there has to be something there right?!

Drowning in student loan debt, Claire is about to be made an offer she can’t refuse: spend thirty days indulging corporate lawyer Shane’s primal desires in exchange for $30,000. All she has to do is give him the hunt of his life. Claire’s perfectly happy to swap her boring summer job for a wild summer. But once they cross the tree line, she realizes how little she knows about the man paying her to be his prey. Shane is different in the woods. Brutal. Devastating. Feral. That’s okay with Claire—she is, too. And she’s sinking her teeth a little deeper into Shane’s heart every time he catches her.

Owing to the nature of this book no one will be surprised to find that it’s extremely spicy and yet it’s also so much more. Oleander has struck a brilliant balance between a super steamy plot and a whole lot of humour and heart. Claire is a great FMC and I really liked how she was able to really find and be herself during her time with Shane, after years of fitting into the role her ex forced her into. It was also fun to see just how bad Shane had it for Claire and for him to try and get to grips with his feelings. Another thing I really enjoyed was the growing friendship between Claire and Margot, and how Margot went to bat for Claire. I feel we’ve a lot more to learn about Margot and hope we get the chance to in the future.

If you’re looking for a seriously steamy read, with a whole load of banter, emotion and pining on top look no further.