The City may be calm, but is the Hunter about to become the hunted?
For the first time in months the City is peaceful, so peaceful that Gabi’s suspension from the Societas Malus Venatori doesn’t feel like a punishment. Her relationship with Julius is stronger than ever and Kyle has finally found his soul mate, even if he seems to need some convincing. Gabi thinks boredom is her most serious problem. She couldn’t be more wrong.
The visitor Julius has been both expecting and dreading arrives, bringing with him dire news. An old enemy, out to destroy them, has revealed to the Masters of the Vampire race that Gabi is a Dhampir. The visitor’s presence also answers the question that’s been simmering in Gabi’s head for years; the truth of her origins. This truth brings with it a deeper understanding of the implications of her very existence, and she doesn’t like what she discovers. But it’s too late to change what’s been done and Julius must now answer to the Princeps’ Court.
As Gabi makes plans to leave the City, drawing danger away from friends and family, a dark prophesy by the Magi Oracles forces her to change course. She will not be leaving the City alone, and she will not be running from the threat. She, Julius and a handful of others will be heading straight into the mouth of the beast. They must present themselves at Court before the Princeps travel to the City and inadvertently uncover one of the most closely guarded secrets of the Magi world.
While the Princeps wear a face of impartiality and civility, what boils beneath the surface is a storm of selfishness, greed, lust and perversion. Danger lurks in every corner and it soon becomes clear that someone is determined to ensure that Gabi will never get the chance of a fair hearing.
Old friends and old enemies do what they have always done best, while new friends and new enemies emerge at every turn. Only one thing is sure; it’ll be a cold day in Hell before Hellcat goes down without a fight.
Put the coffee on and warm up your page-turning finger, it’s going to be a long night.
I first read this series a year ago, but I've read so much since then that I don't really remember anything. Which makes it all the more enjoyable to reread. Because I KNOW I'll like it and don't have to worry about whether or not I'm wasting my time and will eventually DNF it.
To read more reviews in this series and others, check out keikii eats books!
89 points/100 (4 ½ stars/5) Warning: Cliffhanger (status: I never want to see this type of cliffhanger again already)
Someone has tried to assassinate Gabrielle, and they don't know who. The Princeps' Court has found out about Gabrielle and now they're demanding that she be brought before them. The Oracles of the City warn that if the Vampires come to them, the consequences will be dire. So, Gabi, Julius, and a crew of friends take off to keep them away.
ALL HAIL RAZOR! KING RAZOR!
Seriously, that cat is so overpowered it is incredible. What is Razor even made of? Adamantium? Has Wolverine been cursed into cat shape? This cat is awesome.
Gabi and Julius are just so perfect for each other. I literally never wanna leave their side. I feel like I'm addicted to the two of them together. If they aren't together, if they aren't circling around each other, I get frustrated and unhappy. They work so well together. They just manage to work as a couple really well. They support each other, even when they're not.
The side romances are.... I won't say they're unnecessary. I will say they're cheesy. The author really, really wants everyone to be happy and have their "one" at the end of this series. The side romances are also really "tell not show", because everything is focused instead on Gabi and Julius. I've read a few series like this this year, where everyone is paired off at the end, and it never ever feels real. We'll see on Hellcat.
The Princeps' court is exactly what you expect out of it. The Princeps are factionous, they're dangerous, they're powerful. They have complete power over people except for other Princeps. Of course, some of them are more than willing to betray the main characters, even though they're under the protection of the court. There are a few decent sounding Princeps, but a lot have some deep issues and reasons why they shouldn't be there.
The reason we had to leave town is because the Oracles were warned about this. We also had to because apparently, the supernaturals are protecting a powerful source of power in their city. I groaned aloud when I read this. I hated it instantly. I hate how this is going to become a focus in the series from now on - how could it not? This is a little late in the game to be introducing this.
Lastly, I wanna bring up the Anita Blake influences A Cold Day in Hell has. The Hellcat series has always had these influences. Almost every single thing in the entire urban fantasy genre does (and I keep meaning to write a post on this). To get away from the influences of Anita Blake are hard, if not impossible unless you go back before it was written. Before A Cold Day in Hell, it was really low level, I noticed it, but it wasn't overwhelming. That was not the case here. It was obviously directly influenced by Anita Blake. The biggest influence was about the little kid that was turned into a vampire (though that was previously regarded as impossible as laid out by the rules in the series) by a pedophile. It is like Hannaford told Hamilton "I can do that, but better".
More, please! I just need more and more and more of Gabi and Julius. I'm greedy.
A Cold Day in Hell is one hell of a ride that you just want to get right back on to experience all over again.
In book two Sharon left us with one heck of a cliffhanger and she opens with Gabi and Julius still falling right off of that cliff, into a pit of nonstop action and some serious challenges. Gabi’s secret is out, she is a Damphir and the consequences for her and all of those she loves are worse than she could have ever imagined. Gabi, being quite possibly one of the most badass female leads in a series, doesn’t run away from her problems; she goes right into them with guns a blazin… well with her sword “Nyx” strapped to her anyway ;)
Gabi of course doesn’t go in alone; My man (and Master Vampire) Julius is right there with her along with the amazing cast of sexy Vamps, Kyle her best friend (who also happens to be a Wolf), and of course Razor her very special cat.
The author made this story darker and of course a bit sexier than its predecessors and by doing so she really gave great depth to all of the characters; especially those that were not in the main cast. Her world building is just getting better and better. Sharon Hannaford has pulled out all of the stops on book three and she has me ensnared in her trap for good. I am already waiting on the edge of my seat for book four!
5 stars
**Reviewed by Rochelle M. for VampireRomanceBooks.com**
Third book in the "Hellcat" series comes through with just as much excitement and action as the first two.
Gabi is on break from the SMV but with The City mostly quiet since they took down Jason King and his budding werewolf mercenary army, but there is something simmering under the lid, Trish is working on something for Julius and Julius himself has become almost overprotective. But that quiet is shattered by the arrival of Crispin, a vampire that was turned by Julius's sire Simone. Crispin has an agenda, and it certainly involves Gabi, but he is willing to align himself with Julius, and just in time, for the ruling council of the Vampires, the Princeps, have come demanding Gabi and Julius "present" themselves to answer charges that could be the end of them all.
A very tautly constructed book with plenty of intrigue and twists and action galore. It I was also nice that the secondary characters are not pushed aside and have there own stories still being evolved as the series goes on. The only thing that I didn't like was the cliffhanger ending, but I always hate endings that leave open or start new threads without any attempt at resolution, I think the introduction of what might happen next could have been done more cleanly.
Gabi is still a kick-ass character. In many ways, I prefer her even more in book three. She really embraces her talents. What I especially like, is the fact that she's not infallible; it's this more human-like aspect of her character that makes the reader able to empathise with her character.
I love that world that Sharon Hannaford creates. Her descriptive narrative and element of realism in the fantasy world, creates a world that is exciting and vivid. I do enjoy the author's stylistic quirks. It is the author's ability to bring her world to life that successfully captured my attention and drew me in.
The cast of secondary characters was extensive. It was fun getting to know several of these characters a little better. This also enabled the story to become more three-dimensional.
For fans of urban fantasy, be sure to continue with this amazing series. I cannot wait until the author's next epic instalment.
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an HONEST and not necessarily positive review.
This is the 3rd book in the Hellcat series. I really enjoyed this next installment as it brought about a new set of characters and developed the relationship between Gabi and Julius. I also really enjoyed how Gabi is her own character and does not bow to anyone.
Of all the books in the Hellcat's series, "A Cold Day in Hello" is definitely my favorite. Once again, Sharon Hannaford has written an action pack, edge of your seat filled story that leaves the reader wanting more.
The pick begins right after the ending of book two. Julius is on guard after receiving a disturbing phone call from a Vampire named, Caspian. Caspian it seems is Gabi's sire and he wants her for himself. Julius does not want yo alert Gabi to the potential threat; she is aware something isn't quite right.To make matters worse the Vampire Presedium has discovered Gabi's dhampir existence and has sent Caspian to inform Julius he and Gabi must report before them to answer to charges of a crime.
Before they have a chance to work out a plan Gabi is targeted by human hit men. To make matters worse, the oracles working for the SMV have warned that his the twins known as Gemini come to the city, there will be major repercussions. So, they decide they have no choice but to go to the Presedium.
While facing charges from the twelve members of the Presedium, Gabi is attacked three times.It is clear that someone wants her eliminated in the worse possible way. However, Julius is.not about to allow anything to happen to her and he has a few tricks up his sleeve.
The story line is fast paced and deliciously intriguing. At times I was or the edge of my seat. In this installment is was interesting reading about how Gabi had to take on a less than dominant role which irked her to no end. My only problem is that this book just came out a week or so ago and now I will have to wait for what will seem like forever for the next book and it promises to be a doozy!
What another amazing installment. Ms Sharon gave us everything and more in this installment. This picked up right where “All Hell Breaks Loose left” off. If you haven’t read that installment, I suggest you read that one before you start on this installment.
This by far was the best one in the installment. Sharon has written an on the edge of your seat story and it is filled with action pack, back to back. We get introduced to new characters and one in particular the vampire named Caspian. We learn that he is actually Gabi’s sire and Julius is trying his best to keep him away from Gabi. Not because of not wanting her to find out about him, but Julius is a little jealous. So that’s only one issue that come us. We also get to the meet the Vampire Presedium, who is actually the law for Vampires. And it’s against there law to have dhampir’s alive because they think they may cause harm to the vampire race.
In order for the Presedium not to come to their city, they are going to have to head over to meet the Presedium. A choice that was made in order to keep their city safe from the twins known as Gemini. Then to make matters worse Gabi is being targeted by a human hit man. So she is targeted on both sides of the spectrum. And also being targeted when they arrive at the Presedium. A girl cannot get a break.
This was fun, action packed, sexy, and fast paced. I have to tell you, get ready and enjoy the ride, because this was truly an roller-coaster.
*** I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
As with the first two books in the Hellcat series, I loved this installment. I think the author strikes a nice balance between each character's perspective. I actually found myself enjoying Julius' views a little more than Gabi's this time around. We see a more vulnerable side of her in this book and it added another depth to the character that was enjoyable. As an old enemy comes sniffing around, Gabi's true heritage is revealed, thus putting Julius further on edge. Along with a threat Gabi had been previously unaware of and that Julius tried to hide, there are some tense moments in this book.
This entire series is such a fantastic example of urban fantasy at its finest. It's become one of my favorites. The author has a gift for pulling the reader into the dark world of her vampires and their friends. There was a cliffhanger at the end, but I, personally, don't mind. This one was particularly intriguing. I actually laughed after reading it and thought to myself- Damn, Sharon is evil. I highly recommend immersing yourself in this series if you haven't already. If you enjoy powerful, brooding vampires, a kick-ass heroine and a supporting cast of characters that with every page you'll want to know more about, then this series is for you. If you've already been drawn into Gabi's world, this installment will not leave you disappointed!
I just can't get enough of Gabi's world. She's one of the best lead female characters out there in the urban fantasy/paranormal world. She kicks ass but isn't invincible - she gets hurt a lot. But she inflicts far more damage. She goes up against opponents that would easily squash her if she didn't have the extensive fighting experience or their ego. Sure, she can decapitate someone, but it's not done in one fell swoop. It takes time.
Besides Gabi kicking amazing ass and looking great, she seems to embrace fully who she is (now that she knows) and more of her 'making' is revealed. It's interesting.
Seeing a bit more of the other characters was good - especially Athena. Book one, just like Gabi, I couldn't stand her. Now I can see her in a more sympathetic light. I can understand where she's coming from - WHY she was such a pain in the ass in book one.
Kyle is getting stronger, and I think he's finally overcome that last hurdle of being more accepting/comfortable of Wolf. He kinda held back a little, even though he was born a Werewolf.
The back and forth in the writing seemed a little off at times, but it may also be that I just haven't read these books in a while. But if you enjoyed the first two, or even if you haven't read them, definitely pick up this book to read.
(I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)
I loved the whole series. Last few weeks I have been trying to find a good paranormal series, I used to start and series and the story just fell flat.
The Plot Gabi's secret is out that she is a Dhampir. Her father wants to get to know her, the vampire council has summoned her, humans are targeting her and on top of that the Oracle has predicted some serious stuff!
Firstly, the storyline/plot sustained through out the series and I was happy about that.
Gabi I just loved her. She is an amazing female lead. She sticks to her convictions, is loyal, temperamental and is someone I would want covering my back! Razor her cat ( A hellcat for a hellcat) cracked me up so much!
Julius compliments Gabi beautifully. He is a vampire who has no problems showing emotions. (one of my peeves in PNR)
All the other characters Kyle, Athena, Alexander add to the book, Benedict is an interesting addition and I hope he and Athena are together, though Athena and Lex are also fine!
The story is beautifully written combining all sups be it vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, mages. Though this book does not end in a cliffhanger (thank you!) there are loose threads which we will know more in the next book. Now, I am eagerly waiting for the fourth book.
as soon as I finished the second book I knew I had to read the third ... and I was right. this was every bit as interesting and exciting to read as the first two and there are now so many things I wish I would get an answer to ... but don't be afraid, it does not have a cliffhanger ending
Gabi has to face the princeps in this book and, as expected, these council of vampires is everything you expect them to be.
interesting additions are Benedict and Caspian - both strong characters but difficult to judge.
It will be very interesting to see how Athena is developing in the next books, she got quite some page time and I really started to like her. after the second book I had some difficulties with that but she made up for it in this one.
Kyle did not get as much time as I would liked but we see some interesting developments here. Unfortunately Alexander was nearly missing which was a shame because I love the banter between him and Gabi.
so, if you have not read the first two books, you should definitely start them as soon as possible
I was given an ARC in return for an unbiased review.
This is a welcome third, fast paced outing with Gabi, Julius, Kyle, Razor and the rest of the inhabitants of 'The City'.
Gabi learns more about her past and finds that she has another previously unrealised skill. The infamous 'Princeps' also raise the stakes, no pun intended!
This is another fabulous romp with Sharon Hannaford's Hellcat's, friends, enemies and allies old and new.
I am looking forward, with huge anticipation, to Book 4, and if it's not forthcoming pretty soon I shall be paying a visit to New Zealand with my whip!
If this series is new to you let me suggest that you read books one and two - A Cat's Chance in Hell and All Hell Breaks Loose before you dive into A Cold Say in Hell.
Not bad, as usual there was a decent balance of romance and action. Their relationship has settled down enough to define that they are actually a couple now. The series reminds me of Kate Daniels except Hellcat doesn't show as much potential in future power as Kate does making it a bit like Chicagoland Vampires. I am usually instantly a fan of 'allmighty' fantasy characters and probably would of liked to see Hellcat discover that shes part magi or something at one point to give her the chance to grow in power during the series.
This series is SO good! ....it's hard to find a book series with a badass heroin that isn't all bark and no bite...so many authors I have come across portray their heroines as badass and have fighting skill and all that but when the climax of the story comes into play their character crumbles or as soon as something bad happens the heroin will break down or freeze etc ....and that just destroys a story for me....but not Hellcat! She does not disapiont, she has skill cunning and power....I can't wait for the next book to come out. :)
When I first read this series the first two books were out and I loved them. Upon seeing the third book was out I set about rereading the series. I see why I liked the book but they didn't grab me like they originally did. I unfortunately didn't make it through rereading the first book much less the second. So at this point in time I'm going to have to pass on the third book. I might revisit it and maybe I'll be in the mood then. The story looks engaging and fun so the book isn't totally off my reading list just postponed.
I was not the least bit disappointed although I did hate the wait :-) So we continue on the story of Gabi and it leads off the last story where we meet who you called call Gabi's sire and the whole vampire council and the politics of playing with them. I hope in future books to see and learn more about benedict as he seema like a very interesting character . All in all and too continue with the series I give this ********** out of 5 :-)
Hellcat worthy read with characters of substance that hold the readers interested in so many ways. Reminding me of Anita Blake, Dark Hunters series, Jaz Parks series or The Mageverse series a little bit of all but a stand alone series in its self. Sharon Hannaford is making her own nitch in urban fantasy with shifters, vamp and any other immortal characters brought into the mix.
Gotta love Hellcat! Once I got back into the world of the City I remembered how much I enjoyed the series, the twists and turns are half expected but the solutions to the characters' problems are believable - you don't sit there reading and thinking "why on earth are they saying/doing that?!" This is genuinely an enjoyable read and I look forward to the follow up.
Sharon Hannaford really knows how to write a book! I love this series! I was on the edge of my seat until the end ( was up until 3 am because I could not put it down, I had to know the end before I went to sleep). This book has it all action, love, mystery and victory!
I loved this book even more than the second and quite possibly more than the first. Great excitement and in intruiging mystery that kept me guessing til the end. Can't wait for the next!