The Hunter: Boston Belles, Book 1

Quote: He was fearless, and a rebel, and a sinner, and a saint. A prince who’d never wanted his title. A pure-hearted rake. He was everything a woman should run away from, personified. And yet here I was, falling deeper. L.J. Shen just completely blew me away with The Hunter. It’s true that I expect quite a lot of a L.J. Shen story. After all, as a reader that’s read all of her work, she’s set her own hallmarks with a clear a precedence for excellence. Her writing is epically entertaining, with incredibly well written characters, and tangible chemistry between them that often leads to one needing a cold shower or BOB!😉 Shen writes original plotlines that are delivered flawlessly and completely captivating from beginning to end. Yet through all of her work, The Hunter brought an entirely new element to the table that I wouldn’t have said I associate with her work in the past. Humor. So. Much. HUMOR! Hunter literately had me LOLing. Although to be clear, I wouldn’t call The Hunter a romantic comedy by any stretch of the imagination. Yet, you can bet your hiney that you’ll find Sailor and Hunter dance around the growing chemistry between them combined with the angst inherent in all of Shen’s stories, and this new witty element will have you as enthralled by Shen’s writing as you ever will be! Quote: Hunter believed he was dumb, and I believed I was unattractive—and that these opposite sources of insecurity made us enemies. I despised him for his looks, and he thought I was an unattractive bore. The Hunter has so many elements that draw me to L.J. Shen’s writing. I love interconnected standalone books. The ability to revisit past character’s that you’ve been particularly attached to, or storylines that moved you, seen through the eyes of a new protagonist is absolutely one of my favorite style of literature. Plus, I absolutely HATE cliffhangers…although the serve a purpose, they destroy my soul a little bit each time I get sucked into them!! 😉 (Not really but you get the idea, right?) Anyway, Shen’s done the interconnected standalone remarkably well for quiet a while through multiple series. Each contains a unique flavor, while still offering me the absolute best part of her writing—her alphaholes! No one writes alphaholes like Shen. So, if following characters is your thing, you’ll be able to do this by reading Sparrow, the Sinner of Saint series, followed by the All Saints High series. However, you don’t have to read these in any particular order as they are all written to be enjoyed independently. Quote: Sailor Brennan had managed to sail through life without going on dates, falling in love, going to parties, applying to college, or living; because everything posed a threat to archery. Love. Friendships. School. Reading The Hunter was amazing as it connected the book that brought L.J. Shen into my orbit, as well as her latest series, the All Saints High books. I was ecstatic just learning that Hunter Fitzpatrick—a large secondary character in Shen’s All Saints High series—would be getting his own story. And I slapped myself in the forehead when it dawned on me that I hadn’t put two and two together right off the bat to connect the heroine to Sparrow! Yes, it’s true it’s been years since I read Sparrow… however, it felt like coming home to have Troy and Sparrow’s daughter—Sailor Brennan—get her own book. Quote: I’d always been the idiot. The fool. The ...kup. Quote: How did I not realize Sailor Brennan had the most amazing ... smile in the entire ... world? Hunter and Sailor are complete opposites that couldn’t have been written as a better counterparts for one another. Hunter in the Yin to Sailor’s Yang. It’s beautifully illustrated and completely charming in the manner delivered. The story is arguably a little slower to burn then I often feel with Shen’s work, but it serves to ratchet up the epic tension between the pair to combustible levels. Besides, Hunter needed a cooling off period after the eff up of making a sex tape. 😉 Quote: “You don’t know how to live, and I don’t know how to do anything but live hedonistically.” The Hunter is written in dual POV and is a coming of age, opposites attract, fake relationship enemies to lovers romance with all the intensity I associate with Shen’s writing. She does a fabulous job of laying a framework that’s both unpredictable and well thought out and heartbreaking. Oh, how my heart hurt reading the Hunter’s POV however, it’s also what drew me to his character from the get-go. I knew he had to be more then the dumb male slut he showed the world. And oh was he! This is one glorious example of only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Sailor is the nerdy girl who doesn’t draw immediate attention for her beauty but shines bright nevertheless. She’s as obsessed with archery as Hunter is obsessed with sex. Initially, she’s seen as the weak, ugly duckling but by the end of the book emerges stronger than she gave herself credit for and as the proverbial beautiful swan. And just as Sailor’s metamorphosis connects beautifully with transformation of Hunter’s character and Quote: “You are my butterfly, Sailor. And…make no mistakes—when I finally catch you, I intend to capture you, too.” The Hunter takes readers on a new journey by revisiting the connection to Todos Santos, Shen’s most common story setting, while we also spin off into a new local—Boston—for a whole new series. The new series, The Boston Bells, is already set up to offer readers everything we expect with a Shen book while also creating entirely new characters to grow to love! I can’t wait to see where L.J. Shen takes us with this new series. And you absolutely shouldn’t wait to read The Hunter!! If you’ve never read an L.J. Shen book in the past, you’re missing out and it’s time to pop that cherry! One-click The Hunter now and find out just why I’m such a diehard fan of L.J. Shen’s work and this story in particular! Quote: “I have a glass soul, baby. Pretty to look at, but it breaks easily, can make you bleed, and nobody gets attached to it.”

The first book I ever read of LJ Shen's was Sparrow shortly after it was released. I had mad love for Troy and his brand of "hero". There was just something about him and his underground world. When I found out that Ms Shen was going to return to Boston and introduce new characters to this next generation world, I was intrigued. Color me surprised that she was going to do it with a slight crossover from All Saints High. But Hunter Fitzpatrick? I wasn't sure about him, but I did always laugh when his character was brought up. He seemed like a fun party boy that you want to be friends with. But I should know by now to never underestimate LJ Shen and where her characters take the story. The beginning of the book had me saying No NO NO. Nope. I was not going to like Hunter and I was not going to like what he was going to do to ANY girl. Nope. The first chapters were not favorable for Hunter. I just didn't like him. AT ALL! I would feel too sorry for any person he would end up with. But just wait. There's always a little twist. Party boy Hunter that lived in California will have to return to his roots in Boston and actually grow up. And his parents know just how to do it. A goal oriented young woman will now be his babysitter and that will only be the beginning. Will he be able to give up his playboy ways? Will he actually grow up? Or is Hunter just who the media thinks he is? Enter Sailor Brennan. Oh yes!! I was waiting to see what kind of spawn Troy would create. Sailor did not disappoint. She is a strong character, fiery red hair to go with her personality and totally and 100% goal oriented. She is the perfect mix of mom and dad. She has her eyes set on one thing and one thing only. Boys will not get in the way. Heck, an outside life won't get in the way. It's the Olympics or nothing. Hunter will only be a means to an end. I enjoyed this story way more than I thought I would. Ms Shen proves to me over and over that she can write and create unique characters and worlds they live in. She reminds me that even a total douche is not always what he seems. There is always more to the men than meets the eye. You just have to have the right heroine find it. Ms Shen definitely has a formula for her stories and they work. They aren't always original, but they are well written and the payoff is usually worth it in the end. You just have to go on the journey to get there. This enemies to lovers/opposites attract romance worked and I really liked watching Sailor and Hunter together. Their banter was off the charts hot and funny and totally inappropriate, but Sailor gave as good as she got. She pushed Hunter and he never had that before. They balanced each other and I can't wait to see them as supporting characters in the books that will follow in this series. Book one started off with a bang and I think the next Boston Belles book will rock it. Strong women that can handle the men that are thrown their way. I'm here for it! "I will never forget the day you brought me into your circle." "I know, but blood is thicker than water," I croaked. "That may be, but loyalty is thicker than blood," Aisling replied. "We're a team now. A pack. The Boston Belles."

OMG! OMG! OMG! I AM TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY IN LOVE WITH THIS NEW WORLD AND CHARACTERS! L.J. Shen opens her new series with a BANG, this book hit me like a truck. I'm a mess trying to handle so many emotions. The Hunter is an explosive mix of laugh out loud, intense angst and scorching sensuality that consumed me completely and left me BREATHLESS! My stomach was a swarm of butterflies from beginning to end, I don't know what to do with myself anymore, I think I'm still in ecstasy. IT'S OFFICIAL, HUNTER IS MY FAVORITE HERO EVER!! OMG, no other hero has smitten me the way that he did!, Hunter is every single thing that you want, utter perfection, sexy AF, sweet, and sooooo hilarious, I had so much fun with his antics, his mouth so dirty, dear God, accelerated my pulse and melted my panties, he made me swoon like no one! My love for him has no bouds! And our heroine Sailor, she is such a brave, determined and fierce, such a badass character. I love the way they complement each other, they crawled under my skin and reached the depths of my soul I WILL REMEMBER THIS COUPLE FOREVER! Hunter and Sailor start as enemies being roommates for a deal that benefits them both, but as time passes, their relationship evolves to friends and is EVERYTHING, they are so sexy, emotional, and humorous, laughed out loud so much with their dialogues and text messages! Their romance is an exquisite slow burn, wow, THEIR ELECTRIFYING CHEMISTRY BRINGS THE BOOK TO LIVE LIKE NO OTHER, their scenes loaded with deep tension and attraction made my heart beat so fast, and their banter, OMG, I almost died of spontaneous combustion. The Hunter owns my soul, mind and heart, I am fascinated, soo addicted to this story, I want to live forever with these characters. In addition, the glimpses we had of the other characters, and the clues the author throws towards the possible couples, it leaves many possibilities open, I am dying to know more of them. A standing ovation to L.J. Shen, her ability as a storyteller has no comparison, this story was OUTSTANDING, unputdownable, and there are not enough stars to rate how much I loved it! Get ready for your new obsession! This exquisite romance will ruin you for the other books in the next decade, it will take your breath away and will own all your senses!

The Hunter completely hooked me from the first page. Hunter and Sailor had such great chemistry, and I loved watching their relationship unfold. This book was funny, emotional, swoony, and had me smiling the whole time. Definitely one of my favorite L.J. Shen books!

God. Where do I even start? I have such a complicated relationship with L.J. Shen's writing. She is undeniably talented, with a writing style that just immerses you into the story - sometimes when you don't want to be. That first introduction to Hunter? I can't even describe it. I was so ready to just set this one aside and move on, but I didn't want to abandon it right away (I did preorder this baby, after all). And I'm glad that I didn't. It gets significantly better as the story goes on - Hunter becomes a MUCH better "hero" (though he's definitely still a pretty over the top character), there's a lightness to the banter and dialogue between our couple, and I loved the fierceness of our heroine. But I never truly came to like Hunter, and that caused a disconnect from emotionally attaching to the love story. I won't share many details about the plot - it's all spelled right out in the blurb. Essentially, Hunter is a playboy to the extreme (as if that opening chapter left any doubt), who comes from a mega-wealthy family and luxuriates in his lazy lifestyle. But after unintentionally making an outlandishly over the top sex tape, his father puts his money on lockdown. He's to remain celibate and sober for six months while being put under the guardianship of Sailor, an archer whose sole focus is her sport and has little time to put up with the unrepentantly sexual playboy. It's an enemies to lovers romance that actually does remain pretty light - definitely lighter than some of the other books Shen has been writing recently. I really did love the dialogue and some of the playful moments between the two; I just wish there was a more obvious emotional connection there and that Hunter wasn't quite so... Hunter. He's the kind of hero who will take some time to win you over, and though I liked him more than I expected to at the beginning (as in: not at ALL), I was never truly rooting for him. I did like Sailor, though I wish she'd put up a little more resistance to him. It's a steamy book, whether it's Hunter's dirty promises, heavy flirting, or actual intimate scenes, so that remains a constant presence throughout. Ultimately, I liked this a LOT better than Angry God - it's still kind of extreme, but not to the same level. Had Hunter been a little less Hunter, I could definitely see myself rating this as four stars, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

'The Huntress and the Prey' is what the book should be called because Miss Sailor Brennan came for Hunter's heart and took it without question! If you are not familiar with these characters it's okay for you to read this as a standalone. (If you do want to know more about these characters and/or know the easter eggs I recommend reading Sparrow, Broken Knight, and Angry God) The Hunter is essential LJ Shen, and Hunter is the hero we have come to love. I am a sucker for a playboy hero who is a bit broken on the inside. Shen wrote him in a way that made my heartbreak for him, his pain is palpable. I just wanted to reach into the pages and hug him, and it is really part of what makes him so charming. Don't worry, though, he has all the other characteristics of an L.J. Shen hero we have come to love - comedic, arrogant, charismatic, and skilled. Let me tell you about the amazing Sailor, as of now is my SECOND favorite girl from Leigh (Indie is still number one!), I love a strong heroine, and Sailor was all of the things. This woman was FIERCE with a capital F. I loved the way she stood up for herself and stood her ground, even when the odds are stacked against her. Then again, with a family like hers, fierceness is damn near guaranteed. She couldn't NOT be awesome. All in all, I loved these opposites attract stories so much. Sailor and Hunter were so different on paper but she was the only one capable of seeing through his playboy exterior to the lonely and vulnerable man inside. Likewise, Sailor was the gamechanger Hunter never saw coming and she slew him right to his knees, catching the Hunter as her very own prey with his heart as her prize.

This is actually a reread for me, as I read the Boston Belles series a few years ago. I rated this 4 stars my first read but I enjoyed it more this time, since I've now read the All Saints High series as well this time. Does reading that series first make a huge difference? Not really but I enjoyed the appearance from Knight and Luna. The mysterious mention of Vaughn and his...issue overseas. (Read Angry God to learn more about that). Hunter Fitzpatrick, mmc, is a character mentioned briefly, several times in the All Saints High series. Usually in reference to his sexcapades. This book starts of rather hilariously, with Knight and Vaughn waking Hunter after a night of said sexcapades which, unfortunately for him, was recorded. Needless to say, his oil tycoon father was less than thrilled and decided Hunter's hard partying needed to be put to a stop...along with his inheritance. Sailor Brennan, fmc, is an archer training for the Olympics and hoping to gain the spot over her rival, Lana. Lana, who seemingly has every advantage over Sailor, who refuses to use her father's (a LEGITIMATE businessman) money to promote herself. However, she is offered the deal of a lifetime. Gerald Fitzpatrick will pay for her campaign, if she moves into a luxury apartment with his son Hunter, to keep him sober and celibate. I loved the banter between Hunter and Sailor. It is a bit of a slow burn for them but once the spice hits its 🌶🔥. I ended up really loving Hunter's character and the way he went about solving problems was entertaining. His internal monologue is hilarious. I know Hunter's character may be off putting to some, especially at the beginning but I enjoyed his character growth and the way his relationship with Sailor unfolded. ***For those interested in the story about Sailor's parents, it can be read in Sparrow, which is listed as a standalone. You don't have to read it to enjoy this book but there are a few references to the...unconventional start to their relationship.

L.J. is one of my new favorite authors. I'm on a reading binge of all her books. I was always waiting for Hunter's story and it was worth the wait!!

Oh my goodness!!!! I absolutely adored this book! It’s definitely one of my top L. J. Shen books—not first because that place belongs to Vicious, but I think I’d put it second! I was hoping I’d love it, but it blew me away even more than I thought it would! I loved Hunter and Sailor so much! He was charismatic, filthy, goofy, and somehow both sexy and adorable all at once, and Sailor was sassy, fierce, loyal, and dynamic! Hunter definitely started this book on the immature side, but he really impressed me by the end and I loved seeing his growth! He also had me cracking up constantly with his dirty jokes, the lingo he used, and just his comments and thoughts in general. He was hilarious, and Sailor was awesome, too. She was so witty and I loved when she sassed the other characters! I also really loved that there was a lot of Sailor’s, and Hunter’s families...also so neat that we got to see some Sparrow cameos (one of LJ Shen’s other books!)...and I really loved Sailor’s friend group, too! While Hunter and Sailor were fantastic apart, I thought that they really brought out the best in each other when they were together,too! Hunter challenged Sailor to come out of her shell, pushed her to explore her boundaries, and he helped her accept passion into her life, and Sailor helped Hunter see his own hidden potential, pushed him to go against the confines he’d placed on himself, and gave him the support and acceptance he desperately needed. They were just soooo wonderful together! I seriously cannot wait to read the rest of this series! It’s shaping up to be just as amazing as L. J. Shen’s Sinners of Saint series which I loooooved!!!! I also loved that this new series is centred around a group of girl friends with the whole “Boston Belles” while the previous series was centred around the guys—I think it’ll make for an amazing dynamic as the series progresses!!! I definitely recommend this one to readers who are already fans of L. J. Shen already, but I also think this is the perfect starting place for new readers. THE HUNTER is extremely sexy--in fact, it's pretty dirty at times too—I loved it, but I know some readers prefer their romance a little tamer on the steamy side, so just giving a head’s up. ;) It’s funny and fun, and the romance will totally pull you in and keep you hooked to the page! Highly recommend! Star Rating: ★★★★★

I absolutely love this book. Hunter won my heart with his changes. He started as a douchebag, an immature person who doesn’t take anything seriously. When he is forced to change his life style, he started to view everything with another perspective and he was interested in searching some mysteries were involving with his family. Regarding to Sailor, I love her from the beginning, she’s all down to earth, responsable and she has goals. The interaction between both characters is so entertaining; it started as hate relationship and developed to love. Once they fell for each other, we lost them. I love both: the personal and couple transition, and specially how they are so supportive to each other. I have to add, in this book I fell in love with Cillian Fitzpatrick! I can’t wait to read his book.

“Taking your coffee with milk is like going down on a woman with a condom on your tongue. The Italians would exile you for less,” THIS BOOK. It completely blew my mind and my ovaries – Hunter was just DELIGHTFUL. The Hunter was a quick, fun but at times emotional story, following two characters growth and development through their own demons. L.J Shen beautifully writes how two unlikely friends get thrown together, but how they help each other grow in the most unexpected ways. And of course, the SEX!! Shen knows how to write a sex scene, boys and girls, I will tell you that for free. Andddddd, this book literally made me laugh out loud. Multiple times. In public. Send help pls. This story follows Sailor and Hunter – Hunter, a playboy billionaire who does what (and who) he wants, when he wants and Sailor, a determined, career driven girl who wants to make it to the Olympics. After a sex tape is released featuring Hunter, his father gives him two options – give up sex and booze or lose his inheritance. Begrudgingly choosing to give up his bachelor lifestyle, his Father hires straight-laced Sailor to keep a watchful eye over him in exchange for publicity that will aid her chances in getting to the Olympics for archery. To keep a close eye, Sailor moves into his apartment and the story goes from there! This is DEFO a enemies-to-lovers – they HATE each other to start off with and I literally live for the transition to loves more than anyyttthhhing. This will forever be one of my favourite tropes (for the angst of course!) and L.J. Shen smassshes it! Hunter, my beautiful, sexy playboy. From the get-go Hunter is funny, charming and charismatic – of course, he is the sex-addicted alcoholic, but we love a reformation story!! I live for it. His development is fab – it feels authentic and true to character, which can be lost in enemies-to-lovers. We read his feelings develop for Sailor (before he realises it himself) and it is really really enjoyable to read. Saying that, I do wish we got to see him grovel and admit his feelings to himself a little bit more – we get to see it a bit, but I love me a man that grovels. Sailor was strong and sassy, but also had her own insecurities. But I loved this!! I found her character so believable and relatable – she was strong and knew what she wanted, admitted what she felt for Hunter and sometimes made the wrong choices! She often gave into his attempts to seduce her (who can blame her), but she never, ever lost her integrity or strength. “I am strong, yes. But being strong doesn’t mean never getting hurt. It means having a high pain tolerance. I’m not dumb enough to amp it up.” The dance scene!! The theatre scene!! OH MY GOD... THE THEATRE SCENE. Jeeeezussss, that was a whole load of sexiness right there. Overall, this story was an absolute delight to read. Their story was steamy, realistic and ADDICTIVE. I literally read this in a sitting – I was planning to only read an hour of it a day LOL. If you want a super fun, sexy romance with enemies-to-lovers – this should definitely be your next choice. L.J. Shen does not disappoint. “What he said about you… I just want to share something my father once told me. He said if you love someone, and they love you, there’s no point taking offense in what they say or do to you, because they never mean you harm, anyway. And if you don’t love someone, if you don’t care about them, then there’s no point in taking offense in what they say or do to you, because you don’t care about them. Either way—” “You don’t get offended,” Hero rating: 5 Heroine rating: 4.75 Plot rating: 4.5 Steam rating: 4.75 Overall rating: 4.75

Letto tutto d’un fiato in nemmeno un giorno! Sailor e Hunter vi terranno incollati alle pagine! LJ Shen sempre una garanzia!

L.J. Shen just released the first book of a whole new series called The Boston Belles. * And yep, she did it again! She totally surprised me :) This book wasn't was I expected. But in a positive way. * First of all, I do a little introduction: Hunter Fitzpatrick is Vaughn's and Knight's best friend, that's why we heard about him in the ALL SAINTS HIGH series as a side character. THE HUNTER is mostly the same timeline as BROKEN KNIGHT and ANGRY GOD (side note: which I can also highly recommend). And I was super happy about the appearance of some characters from Todos Santos. Thanks for that Leigh 😘 * Hunter is in comparison to his friends a whole different guy and I immediately fell for him (YES. The Betas were right. Again 🙈) He's a playboy through and through with a dirty mouth. But I really liked his antics. But deep inside he built a wall around his heart. It's time to meet the girl, who's supposed to tear this wall down. Sailor Brennan is Troy's and Sparrow's (from L.J. Shen's Book Sparrow) 18 year old daughter. And I can't tell you, how absolutely grateful I am about the interconnection between Leigh's books. Sailor is a tough, brave and strong young woman with focus in her live. She's an athlete with one goal and her priority is neither college nor boys. Then Hunter and Sailor had to become roommates and everything begins to change. * Like every other L.J. Shen book, I devoured THE HUNTER. I enjoyed the banter between Hunter and Sailor, because it wasn't vicious and mean. It was more like teasing each other. And of course it was hot as hell. You know, Hunter is kind of a god in bed. As this book is the first in a new series, you were introduced to the other Boston Belles. They are four girls namely Sailor, Persephone, Emmabelle and Aisling. I really can't wait to ready their stories. And I'm 100% sure, Leigh's gonna surprise us again with another amazing, breathtaking and heartbreaking story. * I just have one teeny tiny critical point: I wished there were a bit more of Troy in this book like a parental POV as in ASH series. But that's okay. Maybe in one of the next books, because I really hope that Sam (Sailor's brother) is going to be one of the heroes. * Leigh you totally earned 5/5 ⭐️ * PS: I appreciate the Gaelic :)