Early Review: Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger

Posted 2 June, 2013 by Lori @ Romancing the Dark Side in Early Review, Reviews / 8 Comments

Shadow Hunter (After Dark Anthology) by Kait Ballenger
Series: Execution Underground #0.5
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: HQN on June 25, 2013
Format: eARC
Pages: 153
Source: Author
four-stars
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Vampire hunter Damon Brock's first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York, a city crawling with the undead. But he isn't the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is fierce and ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family-and she works solo.

But being alone is no longer so desirable when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf. As they work to massacre the local covens, the line between good and evil blurs when they are forced to decide between their lifelong beliefs... and their newfound hearts.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

An enthralling new paranormal romance debut that leaves you craving more!

As a member of an elite group of supernatural assassins, vampire hunter Damon Brock’s newest assignment leads him to Rochester, NY, a city infested with vampires. Seeking vengeance for his best friend and partner’s murder is the only motivation he needs to carry out this mission. What he doesn’t plan on is coming face to face with another vampire hunter, Tiffany Solow, the woman who stole his heart a long time ago and will make him fall all over again, in the midst of a potential zombie-vampire apocalypse!

Kait Ballenger wastes no time delving right into an action packed story that keeps you turning the page with anticipation. The world building is rich in detail and the characters draw you in with their genuine personalities and struggles. The author packs the quality of a full sized novel into a short installment without sacrificing the plot or character development. A bit of sprinkled humor adds a lighter feel to the story which I really enjoyed. Another reason to love this book? It takes place in my home state of NY!

“What kind of vampire name is Carl?”

Tiffany and Damon are pretty a kick ass couple! She’s young but courageous, outspoken and can hold her own in a world of only male hunters. Watching her stand up to an alpha male like Damon makes Tiffany a worthy heroine. While I didn’t love the “virgin aspect” of her character, I understand why the author chose that path after reading the history between her and Damon…it was a little sweet, actually.

“I’m a vampire hunter, not some tutu-wearing princess who needs to be rescued.”

Damon Brock…that name says it all, doesn’t it?! He’s powerful, loyal and sexy as hell! He has a tortured soul vibe but without the major damage. Damon is a swoon-worthy hero who charms his way into your heart in just a few chapters with his gentlemanly ways and passionate nature, he’s the best of both worlds. One minute he’s killing vampires and the next he’s being affectionate with his lady love. I couldn’t help but compare him to one of my fave TV characters, the gorgeous, bad-ass Dean Winchester from Supernatural…yes ladies, I went there!

“Don’t be nervous.” He smiled down at her. “I’ll take good care of you.”

The romance between Tiffany and Damon might seem like insta-love, but these two share a history over years that makes their attraction believable. Both characters are stubborn, but their love and passion for each other is unmistakable. Kait satisfies my love of a sexy romance with a couple of smexy scenes that leave you in need of a cold shower…let’s just say Damon’s vampire hunting skills are nothing compared to his bedroom skills!

His lips brushed against hers as he said, “I’ll do anything you want. Never be too shy to ask.”

Shadow Hunter is a story packed with emotion, kick ass vampire hunters, villains and a forbidden romance. I have to say I had an inkling of what might happen towards the end of the book, but I was not expecting the cliffhanger that leaves you floored and shaking your fist in the air (even when the author warns you!)! My hat goes off to Ms. Ballenger for keeping me guessing and not delivering a picture perfecting happily ever after, it just means we get another look at Tiffany and Damon’s story down the road. If this sensational debut is any indication of what’s to come in the series, I’m sold! Now that I’ve met Damon, I’m more than ready to get to know the rest of the dangerous hotness that is the Execution Underground!

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8 Responses to “Early Review: Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger”

  1. Great review, now I really want to read this book! But is it written by Kait Ballenger as you write, or co-authored with Gena Showalter as the cover says?

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