My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ .5
Series: Crimson Sails

Hello to my fellow readers! I have had this on my TBR since November and decided today was the day to set sail into the enchanting world of Katee Robert’s latest fantasy romance, “Hunt on Dark Waters.” Now, if you’re a fan of Roberts’ signature steamy storytelling and magical realms, you’re in for a treat. However, I must hoist a flag of caution: this voyage is not without its choppy waters.

Evelyn, our daring protagonist, is a witch with a penchant for trouble. She has some sticky fingers and a knack for attracting bed partners of questionable quality. Her journey kicks off with a break-up followed by a theft from her vampire ex, leading to an unexpected plunge through a portal into a mysterious realm. If that doesn’t scream ‘adventure,’ what does, friends?

Enter Bowen, a swashbuckling captain with telekinetic powers, and his crew of the Cŵn Annwn, bound by a vow to safeguard the magical sea between realms. When Bowen rescues the sassy and unapologetic Evelyn from the clutches of the deep, little does he know that besides his flask and dagger, his heart might be the next thing she pilfers.

The magical backdrop is undeniably captivating. The descriptions of the Threshold, the sea between realms, are vivid, pulling you into a world where danger lurks beneath the waves and love simmers on the surface. The allure of this fantastical setting is one of the book’s strongest suits. The downside is I wish we could have spent more time in these places. It felt very rushed from location to location, even though I’m sure you will want to know more. I am hoping these places get revisited in future novels in the series.

Now, let’s talk about the characters. While Evelyn’s audacity and Bowen’s mysterious past make for an engaging dynamic, the character development left me yearning for more. The waters, despite being dark and mysterious, did little to reveal the depths of the characters’ personalities. It’s like sailing through uncharted territory but only glimpsing the surface of the ocean.

Yet, even with this critique, I can’t ignore the sizzling chemistry that permeates the pages. Roberts delivers her trademark spice with finesse, ensuring that the love story between Bowen and Evelyn keeps you hooked. The tension between them adds a layer of excitement that, at times, compensates for the shallowness of character exploration.

So my friends, “Hunt on Dark Waters” is a page-turner, but it doesn’t quite reach the five-star harbor. I’d give it a solid 3.5 stars. If you’re here for the adventure, the magic, and the heat, you won’t be disappointed in this quick read. But if you’re hoping to dive deep into the intricacies of the characters’ souls, you will find yourself navigating in shallow waters.

If you’re a fan of fantasy romance or a newcomer ready to embark on a thrilling voyage, “Hunt on Dark Waters” offers a quick enjoyable escapade, spiced with just the right amount of Katee Robert magic. I know I’ll pick up the next in the series just to see what happens next and if we get more answers in book 2 of the crimson sails series.