THE HUNTER (Venice Mafia 5) by Tara Crescent-review
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 30, 2025
Eight years ago, my wife died in a house fire.
Or so I thought.
Stefania Freitas isn’t just alive—she’s become an assassin.
And her hit list includes my boss.
Now, I’m torn between loyalty to the Venice Mafia and the woman who still owns my heart.
Stefi was my light in the darkness, my reason to fight.
But she faked her death, leaving me shattered.
Seeing her again? It’s like looking at a ghost.
A ghost with green eyes and hair the color of fire.
She’s colder now. Ruthless. But the moment our eyes lock, the heat is undeniable.
She runs. I chase.
My little fox can try to hide, but I’m The Hunter.
And this time, I’m not letting her go.
••••
REVIEW: THE HUNTER is the fifth instalment in Tara Crescent’s contemporary,adult VENICE MAFIA dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is assassins Stefania ‘Stefi’ Freitas, and Joao Carvalho’s story line. THE HUNTER can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Joao and Stefi) THE HUNTER follows the rekindling romance and relationship between assassins Stefania ‘Stefi’ Freitas, and Joao Carvalho. As children Stefi and Joao were kidnapped by Austrian businessman Henrik Bach, and trained in the art of assassination. Married to one another at nineteen, weeks into their marriage, Stefi supposedly died in a fire, and eighteen months later, Joao drowned off the coast of Marseilles. Fast forward to present day, Stefi will come face to face with the man she once loved, a man she betrayed when ‘died’ eight years earlier, a man who is determined to rekindle what was lost but all is not as it appears to be, Stefania Freitas is on the hunt, taking down the people who destroyed their lives, and there are only two people left to die.
The world building focuses on the darkness that has surrounded our couple all of their lives. Trained to be assassins, both Joao and Stefi are mercenaries for hire but there is a mole in one of their organizations, and Stefi is struggling to trust the man whom she still loves.
The relationship between Stefi and Joao is one of second chances; a rekindling romance in which our couple must come to terms with the losses in their lives, and the potential for a new future going forward but Stefi is determined to finish her quest, one more name and she can move on with her life. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Venice Mafia leader Antonio and Lucia (The Thief 1), second in command Dante Colonna( The Broker 2),and Tomas and Alina (The Fighter 4), as well as Stefi’s ward Charlotte aka Charlie. The requisite evil has many faces.
THE HUNTER is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, murder and mayhem, love and loss, obsession, forgiveness and relationships. The premise is dark,dramatic and intense; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken but determined and desperate.
Copy supplied for review
Reviewed by Sandy
Tara Crescent writes steamy contemporary romances for readers who like hot, dominant heroes and strong, sassy heroines.
When she’s not writing, she can be found curled up on a couch with a good book, often with a cat on her lap.
She lives in Toronto.
Great review, Sandy. Looks like a dark and intense story line.
Very nice review, Sandy. Sounds like a terrific read.
Great review, Sandy. Sounds very good.
Terrific review Sandy, thanks.
Thanks for the great review
nice review sandy
Looks good, thanks Sandy
Thanks for another wonderful review
Terrific review, Sandy. Looks very good.
Great review, Sandy. Sounds dark and tense.
Very nice review, Sandy. This one does look dark.
Fantastic review, thanks Sandy
Very nice review, thanks
New to me…great review… Will be following this author. Thanks.
Amazing review, thanks again Sandy🌺