If you haven't read a book by Kerry Barnes then you really don't know what you are missing. Curled up over the bonfire weekend, fire roaring and a hot drink in hand, I didn't know what was more explosive, the books or the fireworks outside. It felt like the perfect time to be reading this explosive book.
I don't know where to start, this book has it all Deceit, corruption, murder, feuds, rivalry, violence. It's a first class page turner. If you're a lover of a good gangland thriller, then you really are in for a treat.

​The first book in a new series, I believe The Rules should be available in Feb 2019 followed by The Choice in May 2019.
​Both available to pre order now.

This book gallops along at an amazing pace. Dragging you right into the story. At times I could feel I was there, I was so engrossed in it. There are, as you would expect some fantastic characters, and I believe like me there will some characters you love, and some you'll hate. Kerry has certainly worked her magic and has managed to bring these characters to life.
I particularly liked Mike Regan, his bad boy, villain character, with a hidden softer side was a fave. Mike's world comes crashing down when his Son Ricky is Kidnapped. Having believed he was protecting his son, he sent his wife away with him thinking they would be safe. Mike enlists the help of Zara, a woman he has a past with, to help find his son. Zara Ezra is the new Woman about town. Having taken over her fathers firm, she has a lot to prove. It's certainly not going to be easy for Zara proving she can cut the mustard in what is believed to be a 'mans world. But Zara certainly isn't a weak and feeble woman, she's a woman with an agenda. A woman with a mind of her own, and power to back it. Or is she?
I can see this becoming one EPIC series of books.
They say time flies by, but it doesn't, it drags like hell when you are waiting for the next book... I'm not sat here drumming my fingers and singing 'why are we waiting'... honest I'm not. lol

Kerry Barnes is certainly making a name for herself in this genre, she's way up there with the best. I'm relatively new to Kerry's books but I can safely say I haven't been disappointed with one yet. They really do get belter and better with each book. When I first read - Cruel Secrets, I really didn't believe not only Kerry, but anyone could top that book. Having read this one, I know I was wrong. Kerry has smashed it, Big time. First class story telling. If you are new to Kerry's books then OMG how awesome as you will get to read them back to back, WOW how exciting is that.

Kerry Barnes is back gangland style...and without swearing to much I have to say Holy F**king Shit this book is hard core! I am sitting here writing this still having palpitations with a lump in my throat.
I was hooked from start to finish and devoured it in no time at all. So with fresh new characters we meet Zara and Mike... Ladies you are going to love him he's a hottie. Mike is a blast from Zara's past. Don't get thinking this is going to be mushy because it is far from it! The Hunted is the first book in a new series which is wrote in four parts.We follow both of their stories....
OMFG If only you could of seen me read this book I was sitting there with one eye open and the other closed and found myself shouting NO. You will not believe the tension and each part of the story get's darker. Kerry has certainly stepped the violence up. It is jammed packed with OMG moments with twists and turns.
You can feel the fear and adrenaline . Oh and not forgetting the LOL moments This story has it all and I loved everything about it. Fans of grit lit will love it.
The author is so gifted and certainly knows how to bring the characters to life with vivid but simple descriptions and takes you on a white knuckle ride of emotions. One minute I felt like my heart was going to jump out my chest and give me a heart attack then I am I'm crying! YES crying can you believe it...it takes a lot to touch me and get those tears rolling. But Kerry Barnes has a way with words and does this to me every time.....mind blowing!!
This is an easy and fast paced read.....it never slowed down that's for sure. I can not wait to read the next one in the series this book gets all the gold stars from me if not more. It is Kerry's best book yet!

I have to admit that although this is a genre I really enjoy reading, it’s actually the first Kerry Barnes book that I’ve ever read! But I will be rectifying that as soon as possible as I really loved this book and can’t wait to read more! I love the fact that I’ve come to discover a new author right at the beginning of a new series, it means that I’ve already been able to add book #2 The Rules to my wishlist!

I didn’t think it was possible to get so emotionally caught up in such a hard hitting gangland drama but the family connections at the core of this action packed drama really tugged at my heartstrings. Mike Regan had his hands full with the despicable Jackie but absolutely adores his son Ricky. So when they disappear he will do whatever it takes to get his child returned to him.

The twists and turns that rocked this book really took my breathe away! I became totally invested in the characters and their interconnected lives which felt authentic from the start. But just when I thought this book couldn’t get any better, along came the last quarter of The Hunted and it totally blew me away! I ran a whole gauntlet of emotions during those last few chapters and cried some very bittersweet tears which was an unexpected surprise for me! Kerry Barnes really grabs the attention of her readers and this unrelenting thriller was compulsive reading from start to finish.

I’m delighted to have discovered Kerry Barnes and can highly recommend her as an author if you’re a reader of Martina Cole. Be prepared for strong language and violent scenes throughout but that authenticity is what takes this book from good to GREAT!

Highly recommended by me!

If you enjoy a gangland thriller where where violence is common place, revenge is brutal and where loyalties are tested at every turn, then I would highly recommend you buy a copy of The Hunted by Kerry Barnes, it’s a fast paced tale with more than a hint of gritty realism. This is the first book in a new series and OMG what an introduction, with an array of bad ass characters including some very unlikeable ones, and a fast paced plot that takes the reader into the inner circles of a gangland feud, this is definitely a book I would highly recommend to fans of Martina Cole, Jessie Keane and Kimberley Chambers.

Mike Regan is the bad boy in The Hunted but luckily he also has some redeeming features, he’s loyal and adores his son Ricky. When Ricky is kidnapped seemingly by a rival gang, all hell let’s loose and Mike has to call upon Zara the head of an East London firm to help get his son back. It’s great that the author has created a Zara a strong female character, as most gangland thrillers tend to be male dominated, she’s uncompromising and intimidating with balls of steel, but on the flip side she’s vulnerable and very much has to make her mark in a male dominated world.

There are some scenes that the faint hearted amongst you might find a bit much, but personally I feel if you are going to read a fictional book about gangland feuds then you should expect violence and plenty of swearing, personally I think these are the things which make The Hunted much more authentic and gritty in its telling. This isn’t just a story about a boy being kidnapped, it’s one full of treachery, revenge, life long grudges and retribution. I was surprised to find I actually found one point in this book very emotional to read, and that’s a testament to Kerry Barnes writing, as I found myself completely immersed in Mike and Zara’s story.

The Hunted is a book that you will rush through, it’s one of those that you just have to read “one more chapter” as the author weaves her tale of the murky world of gangland feuds incorporating lashings of grit. There were larger than life characters that despite doing terrible things manage to get under your skin, so you invest in their story. I really enjoyed this book and Kerry Barnes ends The Hunted with a humdinger of a teaser that already has me eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Would I recommend this book? It’s a definite “hell yes”.

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog