There’s a fine line between love and obsession. And I’ve crossed it. I told myself that if I had one taste, I’d be able to move on. But I’m more addicted to her than ever. I tried to be a good man. I tried to stay away. I really did. But I kept watching her through the cameras I installed. Replaying the footage in my head late at night. I’m sick in the head. I know I’m a monster. But sometimes the villain wins the girl. Right?
Ivy Smoak is the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Amazon #1 bestselling author of The Hunted Series. Her books have sold over 4 million copies worldwide.
When she's not writing, you can find Ivy binge watching too many TV shows, taking long walks, playing outside, and generally refusing to act like an adult. She lives with her husband in Delaware.
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I have to be honest when I read, "This is love." Years ago, I was so sad that James and Penny series came to an end. (So I thought) Thankfully, Ivy can't seem to say goodbye to my favorite characters and the characters who started my obsession with her books. I DEVOURED this book! So I am so glad I was given an early copy and OMG. Just when I think I couldn't love Professor Hunter anymore. I am so glad Ivy decided to do James POV of the first 3 books! It is awesome to see what he was thinking. I always say this, but Ivy, you always seem to top your last book! I wish I could give this a 10 star rating. Chefs, kiss! Beautifully written, Ivy! I can't wait for more!
I absolutely loved this peek back into the world of James. And this time to be in James’s head made it SO much better. James and Penny’s story is what started my reading of all things Ivy Smoak. His intensity and seeing his self hatred was heartbreaking. I always am a bit leery of reading the same story from a different perspective (especially an entire book) when I know the outcome, but I should’ve known better than to worry! You get the story you already loved with all the details that make you love the characters even more. And to be able to tie James’s POV in with the current Empire High series has been perfect. Thank you, thank you for my ARC!!
The flashback to the college days was great. I've read The Hunted series and I love seeing James' POV. I need Loved like now and I'm sad it's the last one.
Being able to read James pov was the perfect continuaton this story needed. James & penny never had it easy & Isabella should have shot at the beginning. She infuriates me so much. I understand every story need a bad person but God did I want to snap her like a twig 😂
James was struggling with so much that he wasn't really able to enjoy his time with penny. Isabella just constantly ruined everything for them, if you haven't read this series you won't understand my hatered for this woman but once you read it you'll understand!!
I couldn't stop cackling with the flash back to the college scene. I had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard, I couldn't even see my kindle to continue reading. James and the boys seemed like such fun in college, I might need to read their high school years to get the full experience.
If you haven't read this series yet I definitely recommend you do. It's not all smooth sailing and their are some tear jerking moments but James and penny's story is utterly beautiful! Even with all the bumps in the road they eventually get their HEA.
This one had me laughing out loud during the flashbacks of James and his friends in college. To me, that was the best part of the book. I did find myself skimming pages (during the therapy sessions) just trying to hurry and finish it.
Do I recommend? Yes� maybe. If you’ve read the original books (Penny’s POV)
These books are from James's point of view so of course some of the scenes are going to be the same, but this book gives a lot more insight into James's past and there's something with a girl, Isabella's little sister that involves the four friends, specifically Matt and possibly James that has added some interesting Intrigue and dimension to their characters.
When I discovered Professor Hunter during the pandemic, I'm not going to lie, he made many a lockdown night more pleasurable.
Those books mostly written from Penny's POV were fine, she was an angsty 19 year old to begin with and the writing reflected that. Now, I've no idea how old the author actually is but I reckon she can't be much older than the heroine Penny as I realise, now the scales have fallen from my eyes, how horribly naive and basic the writing actually is.
Scenes that are no doubt a EL James/Jodi Ellen Malpas rip off - please she goes into a lift he says 'Penny' she says 'Professor Hunter' - what's that remind you of? Come on. Even if you can't write well - and Ms Smoak really can't write well - at least be authentic.
I was given this book by a friend who knew I had read the series back in those dark days and I gave it my best shot.
Love them or loathe them, James Hunter is a poor man's Christian Grey and Jesse Ward. Ms Smoak's evident youth, leaves her crippled when trying to 'voice' the thoughts and actions of James. She writes him like an angsty 25 years old as she simply doesn't have the talent or scope to write for his actual age. The age gap is the main thrust of these books. Gotta get that right. Now I know he has problems. We all know those, but no man keeps saying to himself BREATHE.... Over and over again. This man who allegedly founded a billion dollar empire has the vocabulary and gutter mind of a Freshman.
You want to write your 'hit' hero's POV Ms Smoak? - again on the bandwagon of EL James - then study Jodi Ellen Malpas, who voiced Jesse so devastatingly (and heartbreakingly) well.
I originally fell in love with Ivy's writing when I stumbled across Temptation over 5 years ago and immediately fell in love with Penny & James. I have been a long time Smoakster since the discovery of her books and a champion of anything more for Penny and James.
I know this book is Addiction from James POV however, it was a little lacking. With Obsessed we got a lot detail about how James was feeling, thinking and his struggle with going for Penny. Addiction (Pennys POV) is a lot of her struggle and coming to terms with James pushing her away and figuring out what she wants. However, with James going through figuring out what he wanted and realizing he deserves a chance at real love I feel that this book could have given more detail about his inner turmoil. I also think that there could have been a little bit more of history of the "Untouchables" on why they became estranged specially after the New York scene with Mason and the phone call to Matt. I feel like maybe the doctor could have pushed more to talk about that or maybe even an inner-monologue of James about the history.
Don't get me wrong, I loved the book - it was just I wanted more. Chapter 27 was great and Chapter 31 was funny but over all it left me a little wanting.
I gave the book an overall rating of 4-Stars because Ivy's writing is impeccable, the story line is there and always ties to her other series if they are linked a little. But for me, Penny & James always need more!
When I first started reading Ivy’s books. I loved them. Literally read everything in less than 2 weeks. But every since the Society and Banana Party, her stories are ridiculous and childish. Seriously disappointed! It’s like 2 totally different authors, I mean what changed in her life for her to spiral into this absurd mess? The only reason I even read this is because of my love for The Hunted series. Seriously, it’s time to come back to reality if you want to keep being relevant and keep your readers.
This book was ridiculous. While I enjoyed seeing James POV (because who doesn't enjoy seeing the MMC POvs from a story they like) the last 4-5 chapters I felt weren't really important. I don't read James and Penny to hear about the college life from James. If she really wanted to include those in her books she could write a novella from the time.
Don't get me wrong, I love James and Penny. It was cool to be back in James' head and see what he was like during college, but everything that happened in this book, I have already read. I was bored throughout, and skimmed a little bit of it. I love this series from Penny's POV, but this kind of felt like it wasn't 100% needed to me. Maybe the next one will be a bit better but Obsessed was 100 times better than this was.
Devoured by Ivy Smoak (book 2 Professor Hunter series)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶�/5
What can you expect? 👠 PROFESSOR/STUDENT 👓 AGE GAP 👠 SPICY 👓 JADED, MYSTERIOUS PAST 👠 POSSESSIVE BILLIONAIRE HERO 👓 SUNSHINE X GRUMPY
I absolutely devoured this book. Ate it up in as little time as possible. Penny and James will forever be one of my all time favorite book couples. They were one of the first book series I read when I got back into reading and I thought the books were spicy and funny then…man I didn’t know what I was missing out on. Having their story told from James� POV is absolutely wonderful and a wee bit stalker-ish, but that’s okay because we all know how James can be (and if you don’t, please go read 😂). Anywho, this book picks up where Obsessed left off, where Penny and James are having a break in their relationship, but James wants her back and he works hard and fast to get her back at the beginning of the book.
James is a trouble soul with a jaded past, and if you’ve read any other books from this world you will know why. James wants to go against the grain of what everyone expects from him and in the process he falls in love with his student. However, he thinks that he’s bad for her and the age gap and the student/professor relationship alone are enough to do them in, but he couldn’t be more wrong. This series being told from his POV is so much different than just his POV and once you pick it up you won’t be able to put it down. Go dive into this story and make yourself fall in love with James and Penny.
I enjoyed this next in the James and Penny series from his pov. I look forward to reading the final book soon. It is interesting to read about how insecure he feels in this relationship. I had an eerie sense of de ja vu however, because his story is disturbingly similar to that of Christian Grey's of Fifty Shades fame. Both pick up with younger college aged females that they relentlessly pursue. Both feel like the female centers them and is the answer to make their life feel right. Both experienced issues that caused personality disorders in their youth, for which they currently are under psychological treatment. Both felt the need to strike out on their own and started mega successful businesses. Both feel they are unworthy of, and are afraid they will lose the woman who has become their center. Really the main difference is the nature of the traumatic experiences that shaped them. Still the psychological profile of both James and Christian is what made the series more meaningful to me than just having the original female pov. This is especially true for Penney because she is so emotionally immature and from such a protected upbringing that a more mature partner is actually welcome. Having read the stories of almost all of the other characters mentioned herein, including the interminably long Empire High series I do appreciate that in James story the various lives are tied back together through his memories of high school and college experiences with his best friends and brother.
I’m loving being back in the world of James & Penny and I know I have read all of the books and I know what happens to them all but I’m absolutely loving seeing James tell his side of their love story. I’m so heartbroken listening to what James thinks of himself and how much of a monster her thinks he is when in reality he is the most loving man and he has never felt loved by his parents and thought he never had friends who were there for him through his worst times. Is it crazy I want to read through this soo fast to get to all the love Penny shows him while I don’t want it to end? I love this world and how James & Penny get their HEA but I have to say the pain James has been through just breaks my heart. Then his thoughts on “Lyn� just damn damn damn I want to hug him so much. Oh and thanks Ivy you have made me so damn mad with Isabella again, did I really forget how much I actually despise that b**ch 🤬 and the only thing that’s keeping me from throwing my kindle across the room when she opens her mouth is I know what happens to her (tee hee) I don’t think I have hated a character as much as I do Isabella which shows Ivy wrote her so well for me to feel this much hatred for her. Well done Ivy another great book from James POV and I can’t wait for his third book.
I’m loving reading James� POV! His journey with Penny is continuing and they are such a cute pair in my opinion. Even when they are apart for some time after Penny needed a break, James never gave up hope they would be together again. He kept watch through cameras Penny knew nothing about. He always wanted to know she was safe.
James is seeing Dr. Clark. Dr. Clark definitely tells it like it is. Wait til you see their conversations. Even James retelling Dr. Clark a story from his college days. Hilarious! You will be rolling. James is also having to deal with his crazy wife, and hopefully ex Isabella. Will he be able to get to her to sign the divorce papers? Will Isabella change Penny’s mind on being with James after one unfortunate encounter.
Penny is still pretty young, but has a heart of gold. She has a lot to learn about James and definitely makes him work to earn her love. Their chemistry and connection is there. When they are together, their spark burns so bright! What lengths will James go to declare his love for Penny? You won’t want to miss a minute of this must read!
I Devoured this book� pun intended. You know when Ivy first announced that she would be writing The Hunted Series from James point of view, I had mixed emotions. I was excited because I love their love story so much that I missed them and wanted to read more about them. I was also apprehensive because I have read rewrites from the male point of view and it usually falls flat. I was afraid that I would fall less in love with James as a character. I am so glad that is not the case! Getting a full picture of how complex James is and how much love he has to offer was a happy surprise. I love the fact that Ivy formed so many connections with other books in her Ivyverse. This book has been my favorite so far and I cannot wait for the release of Loved!
The next installment of Professor Hunter did not disappoint! I’ve always loved James and having a look into his mind during the events of The Hunted Series is just what I need. Devoured picks up where Obsessed ends and this one will leave you with a little cliffy as well, kinda in the same boat…always Isabella up to no good!
Ivy really took us on the emotional train this time around and I have had my heart tugged, cried (both hysterically and emotionally), and just reminisced with all the bits and pieces of James, Matt, Mason, and Rob that combine EH and THS. The spice was fire and will definitely need a cold shower!! And the fig leaves, holy moly I couldn’t read I was laughing so hard! And a certain fountain…I see what you’re doing here ma’am and I’m ready for more 😏!
I really enjoyed this peek into James and his struggle with addiction, his work, his past, and how he is to move forward with Penny. And though I know how the series goes from reading The Hunted Series, I love the new material, the other side of the coin to events we *think* we know, and I can’t wait for the final book, Loved.
Thanks Ivy for having me on your team! This review is my honest opinion.
Oh Professor Hunter, I wish I could give you a hug.
Devoured is the second book in the series. I was very invested the story to know what was in James’s head and I am loving what I read so much. The Hunted series is one of my top reads ever and Professor Hunter series completes the picture in a perfect way. There are answers to what I was wondering while reading The Hunted and even some of Empire High but it is not necessary to read both before reading Devoured although you will like it so much.
Devoured made me laugh many times specially James’s first meeting with Penny’s parents and the conversation with her dad. The scenes with Untouchables in collage were hilarious and somehow I feel I needed such scenes. Knowing what happened to Wizzy does not make me want to kill her less actually.
I wish the book was much longer and can’t imagine how the rest of the events will be all included in only one more book. I wish James gets an audio book.
Can’t wait for the next book. Thanks Ivy for the world you created and the characters that feel like family and friends.
We are not worthy of Ivy Smoak’s ability to build such intricate characters and storylines. I came into this book going, “I’ve read The Hunted series, I know what to expect.� And boy was I so wrong. James has always been an enigma. Through Empire High and the love story between Penny and James, sometimes it’s hard to know exactly what’s going through his mind. And what’s behind those beautiful eyes is haunting, sad, manic, and a bit hilarious. Of course our Empire High guys would be absolute crap-stirrers in college, with their bromances in full force.
Those moments when James has to just breathe - hurt my soul. I care more for James now than I ever did, and he’s always been on of my favorite characters Ivy has written about. The hurt he feels and brings up about “Lyn� stole my breath (IYKYK, go grab Empire High!) and those moments with Matt literally had me in tears all over again.
So many emotions were packed into this story and I loved that I got to see it all unfold from James� point of view and then mesh it together with Penny’s.
I love being back. Ivy created a world of characters and I love that she is giving us James POV. It's really gut wrenching and magnificent reading every word. I can not forget to mention the hilarious scenarios that we take a ride on! These men are crazy and I can't stand it in the best way!!! Even though I feel like I know this story, I don't. Re reading this series and getting James POV is perfection! If you love to read wild, funny, super sweet and love filled, and deep emotional stories than try out Ivy because this book hits every feeling for me. Gosh It also makes you angry because there's a certain character who we all love to hate but I really hope we get some more insight into her. I really love the drama and psycho mind. Lol I like the villains and I know every author has the super power to redeem them, but I know she will never be redeemed but I still love knowing the history. As always Penny is amazing and sometime so can't stand her too. Lordy these characters sometimes give me whiplash but I love them!!! Especially Rob!!! 5 star read!!!!
I love being back in the world of James and Penny again! Even though we know exactly how their HEA plays out, Ivy sucks you back into their world like you’re reading their story for the first time. I have really enjoyed seeing it be told once more from James� point of view as well! 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘥 picks up right where 𝘖𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 ended, so I highly recommend reading them in order.
James� behavior begins to make so much more sense when we see his life through his eyes. We truly get to see the pain, his belief that he’s not worthy of love, and that godawful human being Isabella. Even though I despised seeing her again, it’s not as bad since we know the outcome of her fate.
We also get all of those hilarious moments that Ivy is known for, sprinkled throughout. From the Untouchables, to Penny’s parents, to sessions with Dr. Clark. Even though parts of this book are heavy, you are always guaranteed a good laugh, too! I’m excited and can’t wait for the final book in this series!
The Hunted series introduced me to Ivy's world and I absolutely adore this couple and their friends. Devoured took me behind the curtains of James' mind. His demons were revealed but we also got to see his vulnerabilities , his insecurities and his fears. It was a joy to see him falling in love with Penny, while coming alive at the same time. We all know how filthy Professor Hunter and boy was his mind filthy with Penny ALL THE TIME. His passion was next level but he was fiercely protective. Walking down memory lane during his college days with the untouchables was hilarious but most of all we saw just how deserving he was of Penny's love.
This little slice of James' point of view was everything! It was hilarious, a bit dark and deep, very steamy and sensual but most of all, James finally started to believe that he was worthy and deserving of real love. It was everything that I expected and more.
The Hunted series is my favourite series of all time! I can't get enough of James and Penny and have been so excited to read the books from James's point of view.
Much of the book is very similar to the original series from Penny's POV but gives a much more heartbreaking insight into where James's head is at and what he's been through.
The reason this is my first book by Ivy to drop a star? At times it felt forced to add in elements that tie it to the Empire High Series, particularly the humour from that series. I love Empire High, including the silliness but its never had a place in the Hunted series before for me (apart from Rob, because weve all got to laugh at Rob) so it kind of jarred me a little when I was reading those parts.
That being said, I am now super excited to read book 8 in the EH series! But I think I might just be a Hunted Series purist!
Okay� I'm sorry but the college days felt out of place to me here. Don't get me wrong, they were funny, but I don't know if it was so disjointed because it was a memory while James had too much to drink and was H!gh. But I almost DNF’d there. Outside of those last few chapters I felt James was very anxsty. I understand he's never been in love before but I felt like it was overly repetitive. There still wasn't the level of honesty or emotional growth I hoped to see here. So far this was my last favorite of the series which is a shame because I'm such a big fan of James, Penny and the gang. With only one more book left from James’s pov, I'm hoping for more in the next one. The spice was nice as there always is between the couple. I enjoyed seeing more from Ian but missed Ellen. Special nod to Mr. Taylor and his hilarious mispronunciations of FB player names.
The one thing that breaks my heart is how James thinks of and sees himself. I wish he could see himself through the eyes of some of the people who love him. He truly deserves to be happy and to give and receive love. It's sad how he pretty much has everything and nothing at the same time.
His perspective is always a good time. James is funny. And he had me laughing out loud several times at so many things. His possessiveness is cute, not overbearing, and that's one of the reasons I stan for him.
The college flashback is pure comedy! I need more Untouchables interaction, I really do. Those boys are ridiculous and hilarious and don't forget horny. It's a recipe for tomfoolery at its best. Love this book. Love James Hunter. Highly recommend this read to everyone. Get into it!
James goes and tries to clear the air with his ex but finds himself in a bit of a pickle. He realizes that this situation has become way more serious than he ever thought it would. This is just something that he has to keep buried. In the process, James realizes the one and only thing he wants is Penny and will do his best to forgive her so he can open up to her so she can forgive him. Isabella isn't finished yet. What could she have done now?
I'm not sure what I thought the cliffhanger from the last book would lead too but it wasn't this. There are definitely bad people out there. I don't think it is talked about enough, but men are targets too. Maybe not as much as women, but it does happen. I love that James is discovering how many people actually care for him. This makes my heart happy. James still has a lot to overcome, but I think he is realizing how important honesty is.
James and Penny are why I fell in love with Ivy Smoak’s writing. I don’t think I could ever get enough of them. Devoured is the second book from James� POV. I definitely recommend reading these in order, ideally starting with the Hunted Series.
The idea of reading his point of view in a story you already know may seem strange to some, but there are so many new parts to the story that we’ve never heard. We’re unraveling more of who James is and why he’s had so many demons and insecurities. And if it wasn’t clear before how good Penny is for him, you definitely can’t deny it now.
I’m so grateful to have rec’d an early copy of this book and it’s definitely 5 stars. It might be time to reread the series again, this definitely left me wanting more.
Omg James, James, James! Let me start by saying that James and Penny were the first I have read from Ivy and they are forever my favorite. So when I heard she was writing it in James POV I was ecstatic. I love me some professor Hunter. This book was everything that we needed we got to see a side of James that we never got to see. We got to get inside his head and I loved every moment of it. We got answers to questions that we never knew we needed and that scene in chapter 27 🥵🌶️�. I loved that we also got a glimpse of his college days when I tell you I was cracking up. So hilarious🤣😂 Thank you Ivy for giving us this book and if you haven’t picked up this book to read it what are you waiting for? You will not regret it!
This is my favorite James Hunter book so far. I love getting inside his head and seeing his point of view on the events we know from Hunted. Ivy does a great job adding in other scenes we never saw in the Hunted series as well as scenes we love but gives a much different take on it. Many times, I wanted to reach into the book and give him a hug. The few snippets we got of “Lyn� broke my heart. Fans of Empire High will love them and cry at the same time. There are also a few flashback scenes of James with Rob, Mason, and Matt in college. The chapters had me laughing so hard. The dynamic between the four of them gets me every time. Even after reading the Hunted series and knowing what happens, Ivy manages to leave us with a cliffhanger that I need to know what comes next.
How does Ivy Smoak do it? She just pulls us in deeper and deeper with each and every book! Why isn’t this a Netflix series yet? I love Professor Hunter enough to make me want to to go back to college! None of my professors were even close to James Hunter. I have read almost every single Ivy Smoak book she has published and I know how James and Penny’s story ends (or more like continues) from Penny’s POV and the Empire High series but I was hooked yet again with the second book of James POV. Ivy you are a queen of romance! I love reading your books and Professor Hunter will always be my favorite teacher!!! I was given an Advanced copy for my honest review and I rate this book as another favorite of mine!