Shadow Hunter

Rogue Brotherhood #0.5

by Kait Ballenger

See where it all began in this exciting prequ

el to The Execution Underground, Kait Ballenger's sexy paranormal series about the men who hunt evil and the women who love themVampire hunter Damon Brock's first assignment with the Execution Underground is Rochester, New York. But he isn't the only hunter in town gunning for vamp blood. Tiffany Solow is ruthless when it comes to slaying the monsters that destroyed her family--and she works solo. But when she meets the mysterious hunter who wants more than just her turf, the line between good and evil blurs as they must decide between their lifelong beliefs...and their newfound desires.

"Newcomer Ballenger offers an extremely promising high-voltage start to her series."

--Publishers Weekly on Twilight Hunter, starred review

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Novella, Romance, Vampires, Amazon, Ebooks

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 25, 2013

About the author

Kait Ballenger is an award-winning author of dark romantasy and paranormal romance. She is obsessed with tales of morally gray, sometimes villainous heroes and can’t resist a spicy redemption arc. When Kait’s not busy writing kinky paranormal fantasy, she can usually be found with her nose buried in someone else’s naughty books. She lives in Florida’s Bible Belt with her two adorable sons—and will gladly use that belt to whip you.

For news on future releases, exclusive bonus scenes, and NSFW character art, sign up for Kait's newsletter: https://bit.ly/3t7zXLA

You can also find Kait on TikTok @kaitballenger or Instagram @kait.ballenger

Reviews

[Deniz · Rating 2 out of 5]

The end of this?! Brilliant!!
But let me warn you, right now, it's a cliffy.

This also left me with the dilemma on how to rate it. Because frankly I had a few issues with the rest of it:

When I started it, I immediately thought, that I will struggle with this. Because frankly, I didn't like the writing style. Then in the second chapter I was actually ok with the writing style. And as I read on, I realised that my issue was Damon's POV. The two POV as distinctively different written. So different that I every single time was taken aback by Damon's and though I found it got a wee bit better, I just don't like it. I am still surprised about it and can't really explain why. It was expression that were use, the style of writing, it felt over the top, too put on. And there is the main crux of my rating. If I don't like the writing style- I find it impossible to get into the book.
Still as I was fine with Tiffany (which I still find kinda odd btw), I am left wishing I would have liked it more.. and even contemplating giving the next book a try.

The reason for that is the ending. Just super brilliant! I was so sure Ballenger is not going to go there, that when she did, I was beyond shocked. The story line is in many ways , typical PNR and tortured alpha Hero so there weren't many surprises. Lost of heartstrings were pulled, quite a bit of rather captivating action was thrown in and plenty of smut was added.

The character building was - uhm- honestly I don't know how I feel about it. There were the tortured star-crossed lovers. But while I think that Ballenger did the character building of both MCs quite comprehensively, I know loads about them, I don't feel like I know them. I couldn't really connect to either of them, because there was too much cliche stuff going on in my opinion: insta-lust, star-crossed lovers, tortured hero, alpha dudes, V-cards... it was all thrown in. But actually I honestly think, loads of people will not only have no issues with that, they will love it.
The villains were seriously too over the top for my taste. It made the whole thing nearly comical and I found it destroyed the hype and tension Ballenger had been building up.

The world building is actually quite well done, this is clearly a set up for the novels that are to come and as such, it did a very good job. There are quite a few adventures, Supernaturals and love stories ahead that much I can tell you.

Which leaves me with the big question; will I read the next instalment? Honestly I don't know. But only because of my issues with Damon's POV. I actually do hope that I would like the next book... but then again, what if I don't?
I guess the jury is still out on that one.
I think this has potential and I kinda hope Ballenger takes it to a different level in the next instalment

If you are a PNR lover, give this a try- and then you could be my test reader for the next one! *smirks* yep, definitely a great plan, don't you think?

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the previous books in this series and really enjoyed them. The reader has of course already been introduced to Damon Brock, the leader of the Execution Underground in Rochester, New York, but this is the first time we see why he is the way he is. The way he is, is an unhappy, almost mean warrior and vampire hunter. The reader can’t help but wonder why he is such an unhappy man. This novella tells that story.

What I liked about this novella:
As I said before, we get to see the why of Damon and that’s something I think most readers wanted to know about. I enjoyed getting to see him be vulnerable, and to find the woman that he fell in love with, originally through letters. The fact that he feels responsible for the death of her brother, causes problems for this couple almost from the get go. I also liked that we get to see Damon as a good guy, not the almost mean spirited person that is featured in the previous books.

I also really liked the character of Tiffany. As the little sister of a now dead, Execution Underground warrior and Damon’s best friend, she is on her own mission to kill the vampire that killed her brother. This is the same vampire that Damon plans on killing, so the two decide to work together. Of course working together moves the story into the romance arena.

This was a novella, but it didn’t seem like a novella. The main characters were fleshed out, and the story more intricate then most novellas, so this is in the like column for me.

What I didn’t like about this novella:
I know it is a novella, but the insta-love thing kind of bothered me. I know that they had corresponded for years but since Tiffany doesn’t even know that, that is who Damon is, that’s kind of a moot point.To me, as a reader, insta- love is more realistic with teenagers or shifter books when finding their mate. So yes, it bothered me, but I did get over it, and just went with it.

Spoiler Alert:
And it has to be said, the ending. BUT, since we know Damon is unhappy in the subsequent books, I guess a super happy ending couldn’t really happen, so I am okay with it. I guess. Maybe. There is another book coming with Damon as a main character, so don’t let this scare you off reading this.

Spoiler Over
Who would I recommend this book to?
Adult Urban Fantasy fans, and people that have read the other books in this series.

This novella was a quick easy read. It had lots of action, gory scenes, and several really steamy sex scenes. I liked the characters, and even the villains were really well depicted by the author. This was a well written, good entry into the UF world and the Execution Underground series.(PureTextuality.com)

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger #0.5 (Execution Underground)

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. WOW what an ending to Shadow Hunter . I can't wait to read more and find out what happens. Kait Ballenger got me hooked! I enjoyed her writing style and I look forward to check out the rest of her Execution Underground series.

We get action, sex, and a cliff hanger ending that leaves you wanting. Damon and Tiffany's sexual tension is great, well portrayed. I liked learning about the Execution Underground and the world these characters live in. We get a peak (file only) of a new team that Damon has picked out for the new EU deviation of Rochester, NY. And the ending was spectacular.

[Traceys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damon Brock, the leader of Rochester's Execution Underground, in book one he comes across as almost cold, but reading this book explains a lot.

Brock has lost his partner, as he sees it he didn't protect him, but it's worse than that.........

Tiffany has lost her brother, Mark. She's also lost the man she had feelings for 'B', she's determined to kill vamps as revenge.

When the two meet things get messy. The ending ..... Speechless.

I really enjoyed getting to know Damon, as I mentioned he came over as cold in book 1, in this book his a sexy, warm man. Tiffany is a strong characther and knows her own mind. Expect gore and not so sexy vamps.

This book has dragged me back into EU world and I'm off to grab book 2 now.

4.5 vampy and racey stars.


**i was gifted a copy for an honest review**

[Dolorianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually read this backwards, since I didn't realize this was part of an anthology. But once I realized there was a prequel the Twilight Hunter, I had to go back to see how it set up the series. Aside from the insta-lust/love trope that I'm not too crazy about, this book is a solid introduction to the series and I'm so glad I read it. I didn't have a great impression of Damon from Twilight Hunter, and now I know why. The storyline was well done. The mission felt more cohesive and the couple worked better together, without getting in each other's way. And that ending? I had a feeling I knew what was coming, but wondered if the author would go through with it. Really impressed that she did.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Damon Brock's best friend Mark was killed hunting vampires. He is Rochester working on tracking down the vampire that killed Mark. He runs into Tiffany Mark's sister, and she is also hunting the vampire. Damon was a pen pal to Tiffany; but she doesn't know his real name. They pair together to kill the vampire. Damon finds out Mark is now a vampire and doesn't tell Tiffany. Damon and Tiffany start a relationship together she finds out he is her pen pal.
The original book Rogue Wolk Hunter came out in August 2022 and I have waited on the next book. This is a prequel to the Rogue Brotherhood and is actually continued in the series. I do not like books that are continued; I feel like the author is just stringing you along.
I have read all of Kait Ballenger's books so I'm disappointed in this book not having a proper ending.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fluttering between a 3.5-4 star rating.

If you get nothing else out of this review, heed this warning – this book ends in a serious cliff hanger. It’s like a “throw the book across the room” cliff hanger. Honestly, one of the main reasons I’m considering continuing the series is the promise that there will be a resolution to the chaos that this books ends in as the series continues. Well, maybe not quite that bad, but it’s a close thing.

As for the rest of the story? I’m kind of torn. True, it was a intro to the series and a novella, but it felt like the reader was left hanging with more than just the ending. I read Rogue Wolf Hunter last year and I remember having the same feeling when I finished it. I think I may have to start from the beginning and see if I can get my bearings on this series because I don’t seem to remember having the same issues with Ballenger’s Seven Range Shifter series.

Regardless, I’m still intrigued with this world and the Rogue Brotherhood and plan to continue. Like I said, I really need to find out what eventually happens with Damon and Tiffany. ❤

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Shadow Hunter. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damon is on the hunt for the head vampire who killed his partner, Mark. However, when he tracks down the bloodsucker, he finds Mark's little sister acting as a potential feeding host. She's no longer the teenager he used to write letters to. She's hunting her brother's killer and will do anything to seek revenge, even if it means putting her life on the line.

I don't know why but I'm always a fan of the best friend's little sister stories. This one had a fun twist to it though. Damon and Mark were Hunters together and in an attempt to help Damon release some pent up emotions, Mark gets his little sister to start writing Damon. Pretty soon the two of them are close pen pals but neither of them have met. So fast forward to the present time, Mark was killed in action, Tiffany blames Damon for not saving him and Damon agrees with her assessment. When these two meet, she has no clue that her brother's partner "B" is the same man standing in front of her and of course Damon isn't going to be forthcoming with that information. However, they have a common goal and that is to take down the vampire responsible for Mark's death. So they team up to try to take this vampire down, while becoming closer in the process.

Even though this is a novella that sets up the Execution Underground series, there was a lot going on. We got to understand the characters, the world that they live in as well as get a grasp for the stage that Kait is setting. This series isn't going to revolve around just vampires, the EU handles all things supernatural and apparently there is a whole butt load of supes in Rochester, NY.

"I hate to tell you this, but Rochester is swamped with supernatural predators. There are reported werewolf sightings, possibly a full-on pack, there are demons lodged so deep the people they've possessed are pretty much done for, there are several small witch covens, loads of non-wereworlf shifters-oh, and that's not even including all the poltergeists and ghosts reported in the old abandoned asylum."

So with all the action taking place in Rochester, Damon finds himself appointed team leader and will soon be getting a team of Hunters to help him handle all the things that go bump in the night. If the prequel is anything to go off of, this is going to be an amazing series. I'm so glad I found out about this debut author. The whole story was captivating, from the intense fight scenes to the seductive bedroom scenes. If you are a fan of paranormal romance than this is an absolute must. I personally cannot wait to read more of not only the EU series but anything that Kait comes out with.

Favorite quote...
I was born & raised in Syracuse so of course I loved that this book takes place in Rochester.

"Not even 9:00p.m. and already he'd taken out one bloodsucker. Rochester seemed promising."

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised of how good this novella turned out to be. Shadow Hunter is the prequel for Execution Underground but not one time that this book felt like it was a prequel. The author’s execution of a good world building and character build up was awesome. Ms. Ballenger delivered a good blend of action, suspense and an ending that will have you panting for more. This author certainly captured my attention and believe me, I will be keeping an eye out for more of her work.

Damon Brock and Tiffany Solow had several things in common. First is the loss of a loved one. Tiffany’s brother, also Brock’s best friend was killed by a vampire. Unfortunately, Mark’s death is not something neither of them can forget. They also have the same drive to seek out revenge. Brock continues to work for Execution Underground waiting for the opportunity to kill his friend’s murderer. And Tiffany’s goals are the same but has become an undercover vampire hunter. Fate has a funny way of bringing them together. As the infected vampires and deaths are on the rise, they will end up working side by side toward the same goal but ultimately to revenge Mark’s death.

I really like Damon and Tiffany. Damon is a classic hero who is strong physically and mentally, very sexy and respects a woman who is just as strong. And Tiffany is equally strong. I mean this girl can kick ass and has balls bigger than most man I know. Their relationship was cute and heartfelt throughout the book until the story took a turn at the end. I honestly didn’t expect a tearful and jaw dropping end. By the way this book ended, gave me the impression that this series will be of UF genre. But looking at Twilight Hunter’s blurb, looks like Execution Underground is PNR. I have not had much interaction with the author and I have not had any discussions with anyone about this book, so, I’m not really sure, but damn it, I am hoping to get more of Damon and Tiffany. I know that this is not…CANNOT be the end of their story. If the rest of the books from Ms. Ballenger are as good as this prequel, She will most definitely be added to my favorite authors list.

*ARC provided by publisher

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[Angela Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised of how good this novella turned out to be. Shadow Hunter is the prequel for Execution Underground but not one time that this book felt like it was a prequel. The author’s execution of a good world building and character build up was awesome. Ms. Ballenger delivered a good blend of action, suspense and an ending that will have you panting for more. This author certainly captured my attention and believe me, I will be keeping an eye out for more of her work.

Damon Brock and Tiffany Solow had several things in common. First is the loss of a loved one. Tiffany’s brother, also Brock’s best friend was killed by a vampire. Unfortunately, Mark’s death is not something neither of them can forget. They also have the same drive to seek out revenge. Brock continues to work for Execution Underground waiting for the opportunity to kill his friend’s murderer. And Tiffany’s goals are the same but has become an undercover vampire hunter. Fate has a funny way of bringing them together. As the infected vampires and deaths are on the rise, they will end up working side by side toward the same goal but ultimately to revenge Mark’s death.

I really like Damon and Tiffany. Damon is a classic hero who is strong physically and mentally, very sexy and respects a woman who is just as strong. And Tiffany is equally strong. I mean this girl can kick ass and has balls bigger than most man I know. Their relationship was cute and heartfelt throughout the book until the story took a turn at the end. I honestly didn’t expect a tearful and jaw dropping end. By the way this book ended, gave me the impression that this series will be of UF genre. But looking at Twilight Hunter’s blurb, looks like Execution Underground is PNR. I have not had much interaction with the author and I have not had any discussions with anyone about this book, so, I’m not really sure, but damn it, I am hoping to get more of Damon and Tiffany. I know that this is not…CANNOT be the end of their story. If the rest of the books from Ms. Ballenger are as good as this prequel, She will most definitely be added to my favorite authors list.

*ARC provided by publisher

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damon Brock has been desperate to prove himself worthy of the title vampire hunter, but when his best friend and fellow hunter at the Execution Underground was killed while on assignment, Damon cannot compete with his own guilt. Feeling he has betrayed his best friend, Damon makes it his mission to hunt down the vampire who struck down Mark Solow. And the last person Damon ever thought he would meet on assignment was Tiffany Solow-Mark’s little sister-all grown up and hunting the vampire who took her brother’s life. When Damon discovers Tiffany’s plans, he must decide whether to reveal the truth about his identity and relationship to Mark or continue to hide behind a cold façade of anger and pain.


Meanwhile there is a string of vampire killings that resemble something similar to zombie feasts. With no explanation, Tiffany and Damon seek out known vampire haunts and discover that the mysterious zombie-like behavior plaguing new vampires may not be a naturally occurring event. Hoping to take down one of the oldest vampires, Tiffany puts her life on the line and in doing so, discovers the truth behind the origins of the vampire virus.

The relationship between Damon and Tiffany begins as one of disdain and animosity then friends to lovers. When Damon discovers that Tiffany is willing to risk her life to take down the vampire who killed her brother, his hopes and fears for his best friend’s sister turns Damon into both protector and warrior. But Damon holds back a few secrets from Tiff, and if those secrets were revealed, Damon believes his relationship with Tiff would never be the same.

SHADOW HUNTER is a well-written, fascinating and amazing storyline that introduces the premise behind Execution Underground and the men and women who risk their lives fighting the supernatural creatures that stalk the human world. Kait’s fantasy world of vampire hunters and the undead they seek had me reading until the very end- and oh, what an ending it was. I hope to learn more about what happens to Damon and Tiff-but the ending was heart breaking and painful to read.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Action packed, gruesome and sexually charged, Shadow Hunter is the dark urban fantasy prequel in the Execution Underground series.

Damon Brock, vampire hunter, is out to seek vengeance on the vampire that killed his partner. When his partner's sister is on the same mission, their worlds collide and the sexual chemistry between them can't be denied. Can they take down the murderer and discover the strange mutation to newly turned vamps before more die?

We are told often and repetitively that Tiffany is Damon's deceased partner's sister and that Damon can't reveal his identity. This didn't really work for me. I also have reservations with the interaction between Tiffany and Damon. Both seemed to impede my reading flow.

The story was intriguing and entertaining. Ballenger writes extremely vividly, giving us a strong picture of the world she created. Packing such a detailed story into a novella-length book, made me wish for more content. Don't get me wrong, I would definitely be interested in reading more of the Execution Underground world, but I do believe reading book 1 before the prequel 0.5 would of helped with my investment in the storyline.

I received this ARC copy of Shadow Hunter from Harlequin e-HQN in exchange for an honest review. This bookwas published August 4, 2014.

[Michelle Leah Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Pack Alpha - Chelle:
*Read in the After Dark Anthology

Shadow Hunter was an action packed, dark, dangerous and sexy thrill ride, and as a prequel to a new and thrilling series, it captivates and captures.

Our hero, Damon, is a vampire hunter seeking vengeance. While on his mission, his path intersects with his deceased partner's younger sister and sparks fly. Working together to find the murder and get justice, they are embroiled in a strange new plot being unleashed by the vamps.

Intriguing and entertaining, Kait hooked me with this prequel and I can't wait to read more in the EXECUTION UNDERGROUND series. I would definitely recommend this novella. Kait's voice is fresh and exciting, and while the ideas aren't utterly unique, they're different enough to grab you and keep you interested and given the fascinating world building and depth of character Kait has introduced in Shadow Hunter, I can see SO many ways that this series could go and I can't wait to take the journey! :)

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing read that I finished within a few hours of reading. It moved along at a great pace, has amazing characters that will grab you and a story that will keep you entertained and interested from beginning to end. When you finish this book, you will want more, no doubt about it, you will be hooked. Kait Ballenger is an amazing author whose books will take you away from your everyday reality. This is a must read.

[Jeanette · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you like dark fantasy with cliffhanger endings go for it, but I hate cliffhangers. The end of this novella said to find out what happens read book one, but they and ALL the other books are about different characters. If the author wanted this novella to encourage people to read her other books, it was a major failure. I definitely won't be reading.

[Angela Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun and sexy read for fans of the Twilight or Sookie Stackhouse series. I read it quickly and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series to find out what happens to the characters.

[Katrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Die Idee ist natürlich nichts neues, aber der Schreibstil hat mir gut gefallen.
Werde mir die "richtigen" Bände auch mal ansehen.

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what an introduction to the Rogue Brotherhood series by Kait Ballenger. I warn you right off the bat that it's a cliffhanger. We've been promised the end of their story later in the series. But it sets off the series perfectly. I wish I had read this before Rogue Wolf Hunter that came out earlier. Now I have to go back and read it again because the relationships are so much more that I realized the first time. I can't wait to dig into the rest.

Damon Brock is a man riddled with guilt. He's a vampire hunter trained by the Execution Underground that works to control paranormals around the world. He's determined to kill the vampire responsible for Mark's death, Caius Arayros. He was on an op with his best friend Mark Solow, when he chose to follow protocol and continue his chase, instead of going back and aiding his injured friend. As they have extra healing powers Damon was sure Mark would recover. Mark died and Damon is torn up about it. He hopes killing Caius will ease his guilt some. He was charged by Mark to watch over Mark's younger sister Tiffany. When he catches up with Tiffany she's in Rochester New York's vampire club with the oldest vampire Caius. She appears to be his host.

Tiffany Solow, 22 is out for revenge. Caius killed her brother and she's determined to kill him. She's been trained by her brother to hunt vampires. Being a woman she is unable to join the Execution Underground. She figures if she can just get Caius alone she can get the job done. She's grieving her brother and her pen pal B who was part of the EU. His letters stopped and Tiffany fell in love with him without ever meeting him. When she's pulled out of Caius's club by Damon whom she doesn't realize was Mark's best friend, she's mad. She also doesn't know he's her pen pal B and he's not telling her. He keeps her busy sifting through evidence until they realize they make a pretty good team. And they have a common goal, bringing the end of Caius. The end is startling but I can wait because Kait is a fabulous storyteller.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Emily Mae Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! Let me just say that I was immediately sucked in when I read in the description "for fans of Supernatural" and it did not disappoint. The world was incredible similar, as well as the supernatural creatures that are discussed within the plot or through dialogue.

UGH DAMON! I just want to hug him. I can already tell that I am going to love his character as the books go on. He's definitely a morally gray MC, who hunts the supernatural and just disappears into the shadows. Not to mention hot as hell. YES PLEASE!

Tiffany, this poor girl. I just wanted to hug her too throughout the entire book. She's so young and in the wake of losing her brother, the grief sucks her deeper into the world of vamps and to a particular hunter from Execution Underground. Yet the looming fear of who she surrounds herself with does not stop her in the slightest. She's a BAMF and deserves all the recognition!

Best friends brother? Check.
Age gap? Check.
Tension? Check.
Bad-ass FMC? CHECK!
Daddy MMC? CHECK!!

Overall, a great novella and introduction to the Rouge Brotherhood series. I look forward to continuing on with other characters from Damon's team as well as see Damon's character from the views of others close to him!

[Reading Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing Shadow Hunter I am still not sure how I feel about Damon Brock's story. I read Rogue Wolf Hunter first so I know about the EU and their group of hunters handling the paranormal issues in Rochester, NY. Damon had a tragic past. He has no family left and his partner died at the hands of a vampire during a case that Damon feels that he messed up on. During Damon's partnership he started corresponding with his partner's younger sister who was a college student. Now Damon has run into her during another vampire attack and he knows who she is but she doesn't know that Damon was her pen pal. Tiffany Solow is also alone in the world. She has lost her parents to vampires and her brother died on the job fighting vampires. She is heartbroken over the loss of her brother and the end of her pen pal connection. When these two meet sparks fly and this is where I am having a hard time. Just as the action was getting exciting...BAM! A cliffhanger! I don't know when their story will continue but I will look for it because I haven't read a full story and I really want to know how Damon and Tiffany's story will end. So that is my reason for 3 stars. It was told from dual POV and has plenty of angst, action, gore and heat.

[EGotay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Shadow Hunter" is the prequel to the Rogue Brotherhood series by Kait Ballenger

Lots of Drama, Danger, Intrigue, and Romance.

Damon Brock's best friend Mark was killed hunting vampires.
Mark and Damon were vampires hunter both trained by the Execution Underground Organization that works protecting humans from supernatural beings. A mission led by Damon gone bad ended his best friend Mark's death. Damon is a man riddled with guilt, and he is after the vampire that killed him.

Damon doesn't expect a face-off with Tiffany, Mark's little sister. He doesn't want her to recognize who he is because he knows she hates him and he can't face that. Damon was a pen pal to Tiffany; but she didn't know his real name.

Tiffany is no man's fool, and she is out for revenge. Tiffany doesn't need protection, priding herself on being a hunter, too.

I loved the banter between Damon and Tiffany. 😍

I didn't expect the ending. 🫨 The cliffhanger is one you definitely never saw coming! Hey.. I'm serious.. It’s like a “throw the book across the room” cliffhanger. In my case, I throw my tablet on the couch. 🤷‍♀️

Was a good read, and it kept me captivating from beginning to end.
I can't wait to read more! 📚

[Whispers From · Rating 3 out of 5]

Damon is a vampire hunter and is looking for the vamp that killed his best friend, Mark. He is part of the Execution Underground, a paranormal unit that protects humans from the paranormal. While at a club, he finds Tiffany, Mark's sister, with the vamp that killed Mark. Tiffany was in college when her only family member left was killed. Tiffany and Damon had written letters to each other but had never met. Damon takes her out of there before she can get hurt but she is not happy. Her brother trained her and thinks she can take care of herself. Tiffany doesn't know Damon is the man she had been writing to and the one she blames for her brother's death. When they infiltrate the "nest" things go from bad to worse.

CLIFFHANGER!!!!! It was slow to start for me. Action. Sex. Things that go bump in the night. Bloody. It was pretty good. The end shocked me.

* Voluntarily read and reviewed from Netgalley *

[Sandy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel novella to the Rogue Hunter series, it was previously released in the After Dark anthology but has been edited. And be prepared-this story ends on a cliffhanger, so if you start it you will want to read the next book to get the rest of the story! This was a great way to start this series. Not only does it introduce Damon but it also introduces the Execution Underground and what they do. Damon is out to find the person who killed his best friend, Mark,. Mark's sister Tiffany is also on the hunt to find the murderer, not realizing that she is heading into trouble. Although she thinks she can handle anything because she was trained by her brother. There are some great fight scenes, along with a lot of great action and some suspense. Not as much on the spicy times but what there is, is definitely super hot! That cliffy though? Absolutely done perfectly!! Definitely worth a read to get you started on this series!

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damon Brock feels guilty and the reason his best friend, Mark Solow, is dead. Mark and Damon were partners in the Execution Underground organization, sworn to protect humans from supernatural beings. A mission led by Damon gone bad ended with Mark's death. Damon is after the vampire that is responsible.

Damon doesn't expect a face-off with Tiffany, Mark's sister. He sure doesn't want her to recognize who he is because he knows she hates him.

Tiffany is no man's fool, and she is out for revenge. Tiffany doesn't need protection, priding herself on being a hunter too. When kidnapped, Tiffany pushes the limits only to feel betrayed again.

I loved the banter between Damon and Tiffany. Tiffany isn't sure what to make of Damon but isn't thrilled with the nickname he dubbed her. I didn't expect the ending, although it ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm excited to read more!

I received an advanced reader's copy and willingly read and reviewed this book.

[Miriam Wolfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I saw that this book was a prequel to the new series but after reading the book found out that it ended in a cliffhanger.....a major cliffhanger!

Lots of drama, danger, intrigue, and romance as Damon is working to stop the vampires and their new scheme to turn humans with an injection that works almost immediately. Along the way, Damon meets his partner's sister, Tiffany, who is with a vampire. She obviously wants revenge for the death of her brother and kind of blames Damon for not saving her brother.

The plot thickens as Mark (the dead brother) is not dead - well, undead, and we really don't get to see him in this book. I am guessing, he will be in the next book along with the conclusion of Damon and Tiffany. To say that they did not get their HEA at the end of this book is a huge understatement!

I will be looking forward to reading the continuation of this story and see how (or if??) they get their HEA.

[Crystal P · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I started book one in this series before being informed there was a prequel novella for the series. I am not a huge fan of novellas and this one was no different. It was too short and relied too heavily of the ever-annoying love at first sight. However, the author attempted to explain the attraction a bit with the main characters having been pen-pals previously. I think I would have enjoyed a bit more insight to the relationship built through the letters. There were a lot of those annoying tropes on the same level as love at first sight, but the characters were interesting and the story and world-building were intriguing enough to make up for it. There is a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end. I will return to reading book one!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC!

Wow, there was a lot more to this paranormal romance then smut. Normally a novella doesn’t have much depth behind them, at least in my personal experience. Like yes, you should read them but there isn’t much of a story line, or it’s too short, etc.

However, I was happily convinced otherwise with Shadow Hunter. I think I shall try to read the rest of the series.. unless of course it’s only available for Kindle as I have a Kobo. Then I will just put it on the never ending TBR of books I’ll never have time for.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! From the first few pages, the story was so compelling that I couldn't put it down and read it in a single day! This book was a cool twist on the classic vampire hunter trope and since this was the prequel to an upcoming series, the author did a wonderful job laying the groundwork and character building that will carry the series. Damon and Tiffany were both beautifully developed and it was a joy to read their story as it unfolded. I can't wait to read the rest of the series as it comes out!

[Morgan Bronson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short prequel and super easy and fun to read. The tension between Tiffany and Damon is explosive. Tiffany is a brave woman that takes care of things on her own. She's not waiting around for a man to do the job. Damon is a brooding man that carries everything on his shoulders even when it's not his fault.
I love the addition of the captain america-like serum that the hunters get. That gave the story a fresh take on monster hunting.
Final thoughts: If you love Dean from Supernatural, then you need to read this!

[Angela Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good job!

Now, THIS is how to write a prequel! The world-building is on point, Damon and Tiffany are well-developed and have plenty of angst and spice between them, and even the secondary characters are dimensional (although it's OTT in the villains). I was so sure the author wouldn't do what she did, but that ending...!!! Mission accomplished, I am lured to the next story in the series!