Mutual Prey: A Dark College Romance Novella

by A.V. Blackmoor

A fashion-loving serial killer is hunted by the man whose life she once destroyed.

Cass Henley

I've been called all sorts of things in my life. Child prodigy. Nerd. Snobby rich kid. Brilliant science major.

One thing I haven't been called yet? Serial killer.

When I enrolled at the newly founded Devil University, I came with a very long hit list. Between classes, I've been working my way through it, one bullet at a time.

But someone from my past has come back to haunt me.

Finn Austen

I was still in high school when Devil, the most powerful company in the state, turned me into a lab rat. They all played a part, but Cass Henley was the one who drove the needle into my neck.

Then, to save herself, she framed me for murder.

I've spent years planning what I'd do when I finally got out of prison. Now I'm back, ready to finish what I started.

But lately, I've begun to wonder if there are worse things I could do than kill her...

A dark revenge romance novella and the origin story of the stand-alone dark college romance series Bullies of Devil College.

This novella is 99% spice, and somehow the trigger warnings are still longer than Cass Henley's hit list.

Tropes

Masked man
Hunter/hunted
Primal play
High spice

Genres: Dark Romance

160 pages, ebook

Published August 6, 2026

Reviews

[Luna May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently Revenge Is My Love Language Now

Mutual Prey by A.V. Blackmoor gave me Cass Henley—a brilliant, fashion-loving serial killer casually working her way through a hit list between college classes—and honestly, I knew immediately this woman was going to be my kind of character. She is smart, twisted, completely lacking in the morals department, and somehow still manages to have priorities. Murder? Sure. But we're going to look good doing it.

Then Finn comes back into her life, and this man has every damn reason to hate her. Cass played a pretty big part in destroying his life, and he's had YEARS to sit with that hatred and think about exactly what he's going to do when he finally gets his hands on her.

Naturally, the answer should be murder.

Except these two apparently decided revenge needed to be a whole lot fucking hotter. 😏

The chemistry between Cass and Finn is absolutely FERAL. We're talking hunting, chasing, masks, primal energy, revenge, obsession and two people who probably shouldn't be allowed within fifty feet of each other without adult supervision. Except I don't want anyone supervising them because that would ruin all the fun.

And LISTEN…when A.V. Blackmoor says this novella is 99% spice, she isn't exaggerating. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ There is a tiny bit of plot holding all the filthy shit together, and that's exactly what I signed up for. It's fast, dirty, dark, completely inappropriate, and had me sitting there thinking, Well…apparently we're into this now. Really I am into 99.9% of anything lol.

Finn wants revenge. Cass isn't exactly interested in behaving like normal prey. And somewhere between "I want to kill you" and "I want to do something entirely different to you," these two psychos managed to make me root for them.

Do I recommend their relationship as a model for healthy communication? Absolutely the fuck not.

Do I want more of Devil College after meeting them?

Immediately.

Five completely unhinged stars from the reader who apparently continues to discover that her red flags aren't red flags—they're fucking bookmarks. 😂🖤


⚠️ Trigger Warning: Basically…yes. Definitely check the author's complete trigger warnings before reading because this one is DARK, filthy, violent and absolutely not here to behave.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, you need to read the trigger warnings before you start this book.
Cass is a serial killer who is killing her way down a list of people who had a hand in her mums death. After one of the victims broke both her wrists she is called out by another person, who shoots at her and misses. When she gets away she tells the police that the guy who shot at her killed her victim. Fast forward 5 years and she is caught by Finn, who was wrongly convicted of the murder, and he tells her that after playing with her she is going to die. Although he doesn’t kill her they fall in love and he ends up helping her with her kill list.
I really enjoyed this book, I recommend reading it but read the trigger warnings first.
It’s definitely worth 5 stars 🌟

[SatyJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

POV: Your Moral Compass Is Screaming and You Ignore Her 😈

ARC Review: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review—and honest is exactly what you’re getting because this book absolutely hijacked my emotional stability. 🖤

He came back for revenge. Unfortunately for everyone involved—including my sanity—the chemistry came back too.

Because apparently revenge and unresolved sexual tension are now a fiery package deal. 🔥

Finn and Cass are not just a romance; they're a psychological rollercoaster with benefits. 😵‍💫 From the moment they start circling each other, I knew I was in trouble. Not their trouble—mine. Every encounter crackles with that delicious sense of impending disaster, like a warning bell of doom... and I’m just hoping they don’t listen.

This book was never about healthy communication or sensible boundaries. Characters looking at red flags and saying, “Hmm, maybe not”? Never in the cards. Did I care? Not one bit.

The chemistry between Finn and Cass is savage. Their obsession? It’s electrifying. The power struggle? Toxic but addictive. The tension? Intense enough to make me clutch my metaphorical pearls and whisper, “Make it worse!” 🔥 And Finn? Seriously, dude—seek help ASAP.

Did I want him to make better choices? No. Did I want him to stop being a walking collection of red flags that I was somehow prepared to defend in court? Also no. 🚩⚖️ I accept that this is a me problem.

Cass is just as dangerous in her own way, and watching these two circle each other is like watching two lit matches flirt inside a gasoline factory. Neither trusts the other. Neither should.
Neither knows when to walk away. Naturally, they keep getting closer. Because apparently these people have never encountered a terrible idea they couldn’t turn into a full-blown lifestyle. 🖤 And honestly? Their audacity might be my favorite part.

Set against a dark academia backdrop, secrets, violence, and beautifully polished surfaces hide twisted truths. Everyone’s hiding something; everyone’s on the edge of destruction. Trust is a foreign concept.

My trust issues clocked in, worked overtime, and started demanding hazard pay. 🧠🚨 Constant suspicion, watching motives, decoding manipulations—the twists hit hard, secrets unravel, revenge spirals into chaos, and attraction becomes irresistibly dangerous.

The constant push-and-pull between obsession, revenge, and destruction pulled me in. The closer they got, the harder it became to separate desire from danger. That emotional volatility? Yeah. It got me. There were moments where I felt like I was watching two people walk willingly toward a cliff while I screamed, “WAIT—NO—ACTUALLY KEEP GOING.” 😵‍💫

The writing and pacing worked best when the story leaned into that psychological tension that simmers and uncertainty rules. Secrets fuel momentum, dark elements dominate, and violence, manipulation, trauma, murder, power struggles, and obsession are fundamental to the reading experience. And that also means this book is not going to work for every dark-romance reader.

The intensity pushed against my personal limits at times; it threatened to break me—yet that’s what makes it so compelling. This book knows exactly what kind of dark romance it is. And you need to know what you’re signing up for. 🚨 DO NOT COME INTO THIS EXPECTING A HEALTHY ROMANCE. You’re getting pitch-black, violent, obsessive, revenge, psychological manipulation, murder, trauma, power struggles, explicit spice, and characters who could make a therapist spontaneously develop a second career. Check the content warnings before diving in.

But if you’re craving morally gray, serial killer romance, revenge, obsession, dark academia, and the hunter vs. hunted trope, and your immediate response is: “Where do I sign?” 😈
Then you’ve found your perfect match.

This isn’t just dark romance; it’s about damaged souls unleashing obsession, revenge, and attraction until the line between love and destruction ignites. I stood there, holding a metaphorical marshmallow—ready for the bonfire. 🍿🔥🍫

I finished this book feeling like I survived a hostage situation, orchestrated by two irresistibly dangerous, morally bankrupt people. First thought? Five stars. Would sign up again. 😵‍💫🖤 Was it healthy? Absolutely not! Was it emotionally responsible? Let’s not embarrass ourselves. Did I enjoy watching two people make catastrophically questionable decisions while my moral compass shouted from the passenger seat? Unfortunately…YES. I regret nothing.

My moral compass might, but she doesn’t get a vote. 🖤🔥

⭐️Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫠Emotional Damage Level: 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠— I Need Therapy
🔥Chaos Level:  🔥🔥🔥🔥.75 — Deliciously Messy Unhinged Masterpiece
🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ — We Need to Talk
⚠️Toxicity: ❌ — Problematic… And Yet
🔪Tension: 🔴 — Heart Racing
‼️Content Intensity: 🔴 — Proceed With Caution/ Emotional Hazard Zone
🖤 Tone: Obsessive & Dangerous/ Darkly Twisted & Taboo/ Toxic & Unhinged

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash Zayn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little (or maybe alot) fucked up -

but it was an enjoyable read, the way they both wanted to kill one another at the same time being obsessed with each other.

but….. the novella was far more focused on the romance and erotic content than on plot, with the mystery and revenge storyline serving mainly as the framework for Cass and Finn’s obsessive relationship.

& there was just lot of smut, a little too much for my liking.

Story -

Cass Henley: The Serial Killer with a List

Cass Henley appears to be a brilliant science student attending Devil University, but she secretly lives a double life. Years earlier, her mother became involved with experiments connected to Devil, a powerful corporation. Those events ultimately destroyed her family and led to her mother’s death.

Raised with the belief that specific people were responsible, Cass dedicates her life to revenge. She creates a hit list of everyone she believes played a role in her mother’s suffering and death. By the time the novella begins, she is already a serial killer methodically working her way through the names on that list.

Cass is intelligent, meticulous, and emotionally detached when it comes to murder. Her life revolves around completing the list, no matter how many bodies it takes.

The Crime That Destroyed Finn

Years before the main story, Cass crossed paths with Finn Austen.

Finn had also been victimized by Devil’s experiments. While still a teenager, he was used as a human test subject. During this period, Cass became involved in circumstances that led to Finn being framed for one of her murders. She falsely pointed authorities toward him, and he was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

Finn spends years in prison while Cass remains free.

The betrayal consumes him.

Finn Returns for Revenge

When Finn is finally released, he has only one goal:

Find Cass and make her pay.

He tracks her down at Devil University and begins a twisted game of cat and mouse. Rather than immediately killing her, he decides he wants her to suffer first. He stalks her, hunts her, intimidates her, and repeatedly reminds her that her death is supposedly coming.

Cass initially sees Finn as a threat she must eliminate.

Finn sees Cass as prey.

The problem is that both of them quickly become fascinated with each other.

Hunter and Hunted

The central conflict becomes a bizarre reversal of roles.

Cass is a serial killer who normally hunts others.

Finn is hunting Cass.

Both are violent, obsessive, and psychologically unstable.

Their encounters become increasingly charged with both danger and attraction. Instead of simply killing one another, they begin engaging in an escalating power struggle. Every confrontation carries the possibility of murder, but also growing sexual tension.

The novella’s title, Mutual Prey, reflects this dynamic: neither character is truly predator or victim. Each becomes the other’s obsession.

Secrets About the Past

As Finn and Cass continue clashing, more truths emerge about the events that ruined their lives.

Finn reveals information that challenges Cass’s understanding of her revenge mission. Some of the assumptions she built her hit list upon are incomplete or outright wrong. The people she blames are not always the true masterminds behind what happened.

Cass gradually realizes she has been manipulated by lies and half-truths.

The revenge quest that has defined her existence is built on a distorted version of reality.

From Enemies to Partners

Despite years of hatred, Finn’s obsession evolves.

He discovers that he no longer wants Cass dead.

At the same time, Cass becomes addicted to the danger and intensity that Finn brings into her life. The line between vengeance and desire disappears.

Instead of destroying each other, they begin working together. Finn starts helping Cass pursue the remaining names on her list while uncovering the deeper conspiracy behind their shared past.

The relationship remains extremely toxic and dysfunctional, but within the logic of the story they become perfectly matched.

The Ending

By the end of the novella:

* Finn abandons his original plan to kill Cass.
* Cass accepts that Finn is no longer merely an enemy.
* The two become a united, deeply obsessive couple.
* They continue pursuing revenge against those connected to the experiments and tragedies that shaped their lives.
* Several mysteries remain unresolved because the novella is designed to launch the Bullies of Devil College series.

The ending is essentially a dark-romance “happy ending”: two dangerous people who initially wanted each other dead choose each other instead and move forward as partners in chaos.

Main Themes

* Female serial killer heroine
* Wrongful imprisonment
* Revenge romance
* Enemies to lovers
* Cat-and-mouse pursuit
* Mutual obsession
* Dark academia setting
* Human experimentation conspiracy
* Morally black protagonists
* Hunter/hunted dynamic

[Jocelynne Diaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, this book is absolutely WILD. 😂 A fashion-loving serial killer, a man coming back for revenge, a college setting, and two characters who are basically walking red flags? Yeah… this is exactly the kind of chaotic dark romance I expected from A.V. Blackmoor.

Cass has been working her way through a literal hit list, and Finn is one person she definitely didn't expect to see again. After she framed him for one of her murders and he ended up in prison, you can imagine he's got a few things to say when he comes back.

And these two together? Completely unhinged.

Their relationship is basically revenge, obsession, hatred, attraction, and terrible decisions all rolled into one. Neither of them is remotely normal, and honestly, that's what made their dynamic so entertaining. The banter had me laughing, the tension kept me hooked, and I never really knew what either of them was going to do next.

This is a short, fast-paced read, but it packs a LOT into it. It's dark, violent, toxic, spicy, and definitely not a romance I'd recommend if you're looking for healthy relationships and good decision-making. 😂 But if you enjoy your romances completely off the rails, this one delivers.

I also really liked the dark academia/college atmosphere and the whole hunter-versus-hunted setup. Cass and Finn were both such fascinating characters to watch because they're dangerous in completely different ways.

Definitely read the trigger warnings before picking this one up because this book goes DARK. But if you're already a fan of A.V. Blackmoor or you're looking for a seriously twisted serial-killer romance, this is a fun little unhinged ride.

Definitely not healthy. Definitely not sane. Definitely something I couldn't stop reading. 🖤.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.V. Blackmoor started things off by letting readers know precisely what to expect—an unhinged, wildly fun, and smutty ride—and she delivered on that promise completely.

This fast-paced novella had me snickering, cackling, and smirking the entire way through.
​
The story follows Cass Henley, who has been methodically working her way through a literal hit list of individuals responsible for her mother's death, earning a reputation as the town's feared "Dark Devil."

Early in her career, she framed her high school crush, Finn Austen, for one of her kills.

Five years later, Finn has been released early from wrongful imprisonment and returns with a vengeance. He wants to kill her, but he wants to have some fun with her first—like spanking her in the middle of a college lecture hall with hundreds of people watching.
​
Despite the fact that Cass and Finn are completely unhinged, murderous messes, their dynamic is magnetic. Their back-and-forth, crazy killer banter captures a love-hate relationship that is about as toxic, deranged, and steamy as it gets.

This is classic Blackmoor material and I'm here for it, featuring two absolutely deranged and obsessed main characters.
​
As always with this author, this is a very dark romance. If that is not your preferred reading material, it is best to skip this one.

However, if you appreciate a fast-paced, intensely dark, and surprisingly funny serial killer romance that will actually make you laugh out loud, grab this book ASAP.
​
Content Warning: This book contains dark themes, violence, serial killer elements, toxic relationship dynamics, and explicit sexual content. Reader discretion is strongly advised.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four years after the end of Monster Made, Cass returns to Astley with a list and a plan, to eliminate everyone who contributed to her mother’s downfall, and avenge the man who adopted her when she was seventeen. Her mission should have been seamless, but then she finds out the boy she accused of killing her first victim was just acquitted, and has made it clear that he’s just as determined to eliminate her. In their twisted game of cat and mouse, he finds her first, and decides to play with his food.

When Cass injected Finn with the same cocktail that led to her mother’s descent into madness, he fixated on her and thought his thirst for violence could only be sated with her demise. But one taste was enough to get him hooked, and now he can’t decide whether to end her or keep her. As he realizes he can’t resist her, he tries to convince her to change her plans so they can remain together.

I received an early copy of this book from the author and it was everything I’ve come to expect from her works. Lots of smut, characters we recognize from other works, and a vague plot suggesting there’s way more to the story. Finn and Cass may have been minor characters in Piper’s world, but it’s clear that they will be unleashing their own brand of chaos into the world in future books. Their relationship is dysfunctional at best, completely unhinged at worst, but something tells me that every minute of it will be worth it.

[Brina's Emotional Borrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐
This was a deliciously dark and entertaining novella.

A.V. Blackmoor set the expectation right off the bat, letting readers know to expect an “unhinged smutty romp that’s a lot of fun,” and she absolutely delivered. I snickered, cackled, and smirked through all 105 pages. Is there something wrong with me? Maybe!

I’m so invested in the world and characters A.V. Blackmoor has created that even the little bit of plot really hit for me. I loved seeing what happened with Cass and Finn after Monster Made. The twists in Cass’s history and the explanation of why she became a serial killer completely surprised me. I did not see that coming!

Even though Cass and Finn are completely unhinged killers, I loved their characters and their back and forth, crazy killer banter.

Be aware, this author writes very dark romance with plenty of trigger warnings. If that’s not your thing, skip this one.

However, if you love a fast‑paced, unhinged, smutty serial killer romance that can make you laugh, grab this book ASAP.

A.V. Blackmoor, thank you for this ARC! I cannot wait for the next book in the Devil world!

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mutual Prey: A Dark College Romance Novella
A Dark Revenge Romance
Bullies of Devil College
Author: A.V. Blackmoor
Release Date: August 6, 2026
Genre: Dark Romance
As with all the books in the Devil series – check your triggers! This is a quick spicy read – we do get a story along the way…I personally didn’t find it as spicy as I thought I would, but that comes from reading a huge amount of dark and pitch black romance. It was great to get a novella for a secondary character from the Monster Duet. I would read that first before this one, I did not think that we were going to see this from the FMC Cass. This girl is up to no good and finds her perfect match in the MMC Finn. We are also introduced to the next FMC in the Bullies of Devil College series. If you want to get the most out of this world, I recommend starting at the beginning, there are many character overlaps and mentions that it makes for great world building.
Triggers: I don’t have any triggers and I won’t helicopter yours. Always check your triggers and be good to yourself.
I received an ARC for free from the Author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #indie

[Lucy Weeks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before anything else... please check the trigger warnings.

This is a dark revenge romance that doesn't shy away from difficult themes.

I enjoyed this overall, but I didn't quite love it. It was a quick, easy read that kept me turning the pages, and I really liked the premise. Cass and Finn have a very complicated relationship, and the tension between them kept me interested throughout.

Cass is a serial killer working through a revenge list, while Finn has every reason to hate her after being wrongly imprisoned because of her actions. Their dynamic is messy, obsessive, and morally grey, which made for an entertaining read.

That said, I wanted a little more emotional depth between them. I enjoyed their chemistry, but I was hoping for more development to really make me feel invested in their romance.

Overall, I'd give it 3 stars. It was an enjoyable novella with an interesting concept, dark themes, and plenty of tension. If you enjoy morally grey characters, revenge plots, and dark romance, it's definitely worth checking out 🖤

[Twisted Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Devil really does wear Prada in this novella! 


I realise that this is a novella and the story is shorter and more fast paced by definition ...but I did NOT expect a dead body by the 4th paragraph on the first page 


Our FMC channels her inner "Dexter" vibes and is a killer with a compass. Unhinged yet methodical as she follows the golden rules given to her by her "Daddy", Cas has a list that must be completed in order and will quite happily murder 100 people if it gets her the next name on the list. She's a serial killer with OCD that has met an adversary just as unhinged as she is, hell bent on disrupting the flow of her list and... Killing her first. Mutual destruction? Mutual attraction? Or both. 


Read your triggers with this one- it's deliciously dark and the plot to smut ratio favours the smut heavily whilst still keeping you entertained enough to keep reading. It's a quick but enjoyable read and even though it's riddled with murder I actually found it really funny. What is wrong with me.  

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cass has enrolled at the Devil University and is secretly working through a hit list she brought with her. Unexpectedly, Finn comes back into her life, but instead of ending her life (for the horrible things he went through), he realizes that he can have fun with her.

This is a big cat-and-mouse game, which was fun to read. The banter was great, and the power dynamics worked well for them. The spicy scenes were kinky and super hot! They had amazing chemistry, and I was rooting for them the whole time.

There was a sadness to the history with all the human experiments going on, and it caused a lot of heartbreak. I felt bad for all involved. As the story progresses, we learn more and more about what really happened, and everything comes together in the end.

Although I enjoyed much of this book and couldn't put it down, I felt there were a few parts that dragged on. I'm not a fan of 'daddy' (which is in the TW, so no star rating changes because of that), but it was a little different than a 'daddy' kink, so it was okay.
 
 
Overall: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice/Heat Intensity: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Finn & Cass
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Type of book: MF, Dual 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novella
Title: Bullies of Devil College Series - Mutual Prey: Book 0.5
 
 
*OTT: Possessive, obsessive, dominant, and protective MMC
*Death of loved ones (Not in long graphic detail - and was in a memory/flashback)
*Masked man
*High Spice - Lower Plot
*Human Testing
*Primal play
*BDSM vibes
*Revenge
*Bully
*Dark College
*Weapon play
*A bit of daddy talk
*Dub/Non Con
*Gore/Violence
*Extreme degradation/humiliation
*Public sex
*Serial unalivers
*Kidnapping
*PTSD
*Manipulation
*Forced orgasms
*Edging
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be extremely offensive or triggering to some. Please check all the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily writing this review.

[Mary Gallitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass Henley has been working through her literal hit list of the people she thinks are responsible for her mother's death. She's the Dark Devil the town is afraid of.
Early in her "Career" she framed her high school crush, Finn Austen, for one of her first kills. Only Finn has been released from jail early - and he's back with a vengeance.
He wants to kill her, but he wants to have some fun with her first. Fun, like spanking her in the middle of a college lecture hall with hundreds of people watching.
This is classic A V material and I'm here for it. We've got two absolutely deranged and obsessed main characters in a love hate relationship that's about as steamy and toxic as it can get! Do read the trigger warnings but if you are as crazy as I am none of that will matter and you'll just enjoy reading this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Skyllar Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to me by the lovely author for ARC.
This book was 100% unhinged and I loved it. I loved the push and pull of the characters. The spice is so good, if you want a plot with your book dont look here because the plot is the spice and i devoured it. But no there is a great story behind all the spice and I enjoyed the story. I loved her inner thoughts.
This book has great feelings, great banter. It keeps you locked into the story.
Cass is a orphan and a killer, she has this list she is trying to get through only to find out her worst enemy is hunting her and tells her the truth about her list. Finn was gone for 5 years because of Cass (you will have to read to find out why) and he wants revenge on her but then he become addicted to her. They both want to kill each other. Cass has a Daddy Kink and Finn has a People Watching Kink. There is knife play, Ax Play, gun play. Ready for the next book 📖

[Kisandra Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Please check the trigger warnings before reading, as this is a dark romance.

Mutual Prey by A.V. Blackmoor is a short dark romance novella.
I sat to start the book and finished it in just a couple of hours—I couldn't put it down.
I will admit there isn't a huge amount of plot, and I found myself wanting more, even knowing it's a novella. It's an enemies-to-lovers romance, and the FMC, Cass, gave me Sibby vibes from H.D. Carlton's books, which I was absolutely here for.
Cass is a ruthless, unhinged FMC with a long hit list, while Finn is an obsessed and violent MMC. Together, they make for a wild, intense read.
This book is packed with spice and comes with a lengthy list of trigger warnings, so be sure to check those before diving in.

[Rosie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting.
Huge trigger list, please read accordingly.
The author prefaces that the books lacks plot and is pure sex - she wasn’t wrong. The sex was written fantastically. However, the plot that was there annoyed me too much that it distracted from said sex.
Cass went from badass FMC to a whimpering simpering lettuce leaf. Finn, dark dark dark Finn, was hyperfixated (obvs) on Cass and left no room for imagination there.
I guess I liked that the plot was she was killing the list of people who killed her mother, but then when that all fell apart I just got confused? The whole point had no point anymore.
The 2 stars is more of a feeling than a fact I guess - it was a novella so plot was unable to develop but I was hoping for more. Shall read another of A.V.Blackmoor’s and decide for myself whether it’s her general writing style or just the shortness of the book.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this unhinged novella and I mean unhinged. So, I will definitely say and repeat please read the trigger warnings however if you read the triggers and you're good then def give this a read. I’ve recently been introduced to A.V. Blackmoor and more and more I’m enjoying her writing.
 
This story is only just over 100 pages which made it a great quick read but definitely don’t underestimate the story and the shortness as this book, I was engaged from beginning to end.

I loved the crazy and unhinged interactions between the FMC and MMC as both characters themselves are unhinged. They definitely made me laugh and added a comedic element to the story, which for me, only enhanced my experience of reading this book as it’s still dark but funny. Plus add in some  great sm*tty scenes and voila, you have a book that packs a quick punch and I absolutely devoured it.

[Marcia Gomes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really am a sucker for characters with a little bit of psychopathy in their brains because apparently that’s my weakness 😂

The way both of them were utterly unhinged???? I ate it up. The possessiveness, the intensity, the absolute lack of normal boundaries… exactly what I want when I pick up this kind of book. There’s just something about two people who look at each other like they’re each other’s entire world while simultaneously feeling an irresistible need to destroy one another.

Their dynamic had me completely hooked, and I loved how unhinged they both were about each other. Was it healthy? Absolutely not. Did I care? Also absolutely not. 😂

This was exactly the kind of dark, obsessive romance I was in the mood for, and I had such a good time reading it. Five stars for the insanity.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheyanne Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

What this book has:
Dark romance
Enemies to lovers
Female serial killer 🔪
Revenge plot
Unhinged FMC
Obsessed MMC
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This story follows Cass and Finn. Cass is a serial killer working her way through a revenge list, while Finn has every reason to hate her for being wrongly imprisoned for her actions. When the author said there is no-plot to this book she really wasn’t joking. The novella was 95% spice and 5% plot.

The dynamic between Cass and Finn is messy, intense, morally grey and extremely obsessive but their chemistry was definitely off the charts!

If you’re looking for a short, spicy novella where ax’s and rifles are used in some ⭐️unique ways⭐️then this is the novella for you! ❤️‍🔥

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please make sure to read the trigger warnings for this book before starting. Cass is the sort of person you think is confident, beautiful yet has an edge. You would never know the secrets she carries. When her mom dies as Cass is born, it leaves her to grow up with a list of people you have to pay for their part in her mom's death. Finn has his own reasons for hating Cass. Yet the chemistry between them is off the charts. But he has reason for wanting revenge on her that she needs to pay. The story is very fast paced and from the first page the compelling story just keeps you turning page after page. This is a quick easy (yet hard) to read book. It's the second book I have read from this author and must say the stories are always gripping and fast paced

[Allicia M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story 4.75 ⭐
Spice 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

AV Blackmoor has a warning at the start that this one is more spice than plot, and oh, that is very much the truth with this novella. It is also very dark, with both MCs being morally black.

Cass betrayed Finn in the past, and now that he is free, he is coming for her. Cass has a long hit list that she is working her way through. Finn's obsession with Cass is not only for revenge.

You get to see a scene from Monster Made involving Piper through Cass's POV, and it changes how that event is perceived. You don't have to read Monster Made first, just know that there is a scene that crosses over between the two books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melanboog · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely wasn’t a favourite in this universe for me. I felt as though the characters were very one note, and really didn’t develop. A lot of what happened could’ve been avoided if the “super smart” character actually used her brain cells. This book felt as though it took a bunch of popular book’s smut and shoved it into one novella. If you just want smut with little to no plot, this book is for you. I wouldn’t read it again, and I don’t feel like it added anything to the universe.
I wouldn’t recommend this book, however I would definitely recommend the other books in this universe.
I received my copy of this novella as an arc from the author.

[ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤ARC REVIEW🖤

Title: Mutual Prey
ARC Provided By: A.V. Blackmoor
Release Date: 08|06|2026
Genre: Dark Revenge Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Book Type: Novella
Kindle Pages: 124
Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Serial Killers, Revenge

“See you tonight, baby. Love, Daddy.”

I absolutely loved Finn & Cass. They are literally so perfect for each other. Their banter between them two wanting to kill each other was so fun. There’s a daddy kink in this book which is so hot to me lol but to each their own. It’s definitely a fun, easy read with dark themes so check the triggers if you need to.

[Fedythereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“You know, it’s fun to play with your prey. And that’s just what you are, baby. A very sweet, pretty, cute prey”

Short. Intense. Spicy as heck. So wrong. But at least it was right for them! Definitely check your trigger warnings before diving into this short novella but if you loved all the other books from this author … then at least you know that here they are both psychopath !!! Cass and Finn are absolutely crazy for each other. In an unhinged and dark and twisted way. But I enjoyed it !!! Maybe even more than I should have !!

“Can’t wait to see you run”
“Can’t wait to see you die”

[Cassie Ring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time reading an ARC by A.V. Blackmoor, and I have to say, I have not been disappointed yet. This book is dark and has spice on top of spice. A perfect little read if you just need that 5 chili pepper fix!

This story shows how passion is a fine line between love and hate. The mutual obsession between the two main characters is addicting.

As a prequel to a series, this story leaves questions unanswered- drawing you into the world. I am already invested in characters that were briefly involved, and I can’t wait to learn more about their stories.

[Nicolle Sexton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check your triggers.

I devoured this... so much so that I actually wish it was a bit longer. I needed more. I really enjoyed the revenge aspect to the story too. The darkness of the serial killer angle worked well and I enjoyed the hatefulness between the mmc and fmc that occurred.

I also liked that there was a twist in the information that Cass had, and that Finn provided the twist in that information. It made the relationship dynamic change and allowed us to see it develop even in the short amount of pages.

I loved it and will happily read more!

[Krystine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg @A.V. Blackmoor │ Author does it again with this completely off the rail pitch black romance. I truly read this book in a couple hours. There is no touch her and die, there is a hit list and they are both on eachothers lists.... Does one end up out smarting the other? Do they absolutely end up with the revenge they both want? Absolutely unhinged, 18+ only book as the scenes are graphic and smutty and ohhh so good.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

*PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS BEFORE DIVING INTO THIS PITCH BLACK ROMANCE"

#pitchblackromance #avblackmoorauthor #darkromance #booktok

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wild and I loved every minute of it. Cass starts going after everyone that had a hand in her moms murder. And when she comes across Finn she accuses him of it. Well after years of being locked up because of her, he's determined to make her pay. It doesn't go down that way. The two end up working together. And when they're not working, it's spicy time. And oh what a time they have. 🥵 I devoured this naughty little tidbit and enjoyed every hot and spicy minute of it. These two were fire. And boy were they lighting little fires everywhere. I can't wait to read what's next.

[Kai Latham-Timms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mutual prey a short dark romance novella primary spicey but still fun.

It follows the story of the FMC cass and the MMC finn.

A science major who is a serial killer and a wrongfully accused turned killer.

It is a great way to get introduced the series.

I was given the book a while back as a ARC read and have been cat ginger up wity all of my books.

This one was so good and I love the authors dark themes.
I would love to see more from cass involving her science side and to see more of finn and how he was effected during the trials but I cant wait for more from this author

[SBee Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

★“You know, it’s fun to play with your prey…”★

“And that’s just what you are, baby. A very sweet, pretty, cute prey.” ~

Both main characters are bent on getting their own revenge, AND they get in each other’s way because they just cannot stay away from each other, simple as that. Cass’ list is a LOT longer, though. Cass and Finn have a lot of business to weed through until their HEA but it sure was memorable journey! Looking forward to Billie’s story next!

💝🫶🏼 Please mind your triggers before diving in 🫶🏼💝