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The Freelance Vampire #1
Vampire for Hire
She hired a man to fake being her boss.
Nobody warned her he'd have fangs.
Tatiana Sterling can pick a lock in sixteen seconds, disarm a knife-wielding thief with a tablecloth, and clock every threat in a room before the door closes behind her. The one thing she can't do is get anyone to trust a security firm run by a woman. Eight lost clients deep, she finally caves to her mother's ridiculous idea: hire a charming, maddening actor to play the man in charge.
Jackson Dale Shade is too handsome, too smooth, and far too good at reading her mind. He drives like the roads belong to him, bakes at dawn, names a WWII combat knife on sight, and never quite seems to age. He's hiding something — and on their very first case, a tech mogul's grandson vanishes, a billion-dollar family closes ranks around its secrets, and armed men keep turning up wherever Tatiana starts asking questions.
She hired JD to pretend to be her partner. Now she needs him to be the real thing — before whoever took that boy decides she's asked one question too many. The only catch? The most dangerous thing in this city might be riding shotgun in her own car.
The start of a witty, slow-burn paranormal mystery series — a heroine who's the sharpest person in every room, an immortal who only has eyes for her, and a partnership neither of them saw coming.
Nobody warned her he'd have fangs.
Tatiana Sterling can pick a lock in sixteen seconds, disarm a knife-wielding thief with a tablecloth, and clock every threat in a room before the door closes behind her. The one thing she can't do is get anyone to trust a security firm run by a woman. Eight lost clients deep, she finally caves to her mother's ridiculous idea: hire a charming, maddening actor to play the man in charge.
Jackson Dale Shade is too handsome, too smooth, and far too good at reading her mind. He drives like the roads belong to him, bakes at dawn, names a WWII combat knife on sight, and never quite seems to age. He's hiding something — and on their very first case, a tech mogul's grandson vanishes, a billion-dollar family closes ranks around its secrets, and armed men keep turning up wherever Tatiana starts asking questions.
She hired JD to pretend to be her partner. Now she needs him to be the real thing — before whoever took that boy decides she's asked one question too many. The only catch? The most dangerous thing in this city might be riding shotgun in her own car.
The start of a witty, slow-burn paranormal mystery series — a heroine who's the sharpest person in every room, an immortal who only has eyes for her, and a partnership neither of them saw coming.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 26, 2025
Not bad, a newish take on the vampire genre. Tatiana and JD are an interesting pair and looking forward to all the secrets yet to be uncovered as the investigate more security issues.
October 4, 2026
Mostly a fun read
Tatiana is a hard working and driven woman who owns her own private security company. She’s able to provide skilled security for her clients but she is worried about keeping the lights on due to her competitors winning too many clients simply because of the hidebound attitude towards her gender. While she was in the Army and supposed to have been in Special Forces she still fails to impress those who are expecting to find a male as the owner and especially the boss.
After coming out on the short end of enough bids she is willing to consider a less than palatable proposition, namely that she hires a strong looking male actor as a “front man” who can provide the expected appearance necessary for her to keep her business afloat. What she doesn’t know is that the impressive looking actor suggested to her happens to be a vampire.
Anderle has given his vampires something similar to the “True Blood” from the Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse novels that were also turned into the series True Blood. Along with this he’s added a few more strengths and fewer weaknesses.
Jackson “J.D.” Slade is a vampire who appreciates the finer things in life but also finds himself with too few distractions to stave off the boredom that creeps in over the centuries. He discovers that Tatiana has a fascinating quality of determination mixed with innocence that stirs his sense of fun, and perhaps more than that…
Anderle doesn’t allow too much realism to distract from his fun to read take on urban paranormal. No, it isn’t high end, thought inspiring literature for the ages. But the story keeps moving along well so that it doesn’t become dull and Anderle doesn’t take himself too seriously trying to pretend otherwise. The story is fast paced and fun to read.
Tatiana is a hard working and driven woman who owns her own private security company. She’s able to provide skilled security for her clients but she is worried about keeping the lights on due to her competitors winning too many clients simply because of the hidebound attitude towards her gender. While she was in the Army and supposed to have been in Special Forces she still fails to impress those who are expecting to find a male as the owner and especially the boss.
After coming out on the short end of enough bids she is willing to consider a less than palatable proposition, namely that she hires a strong looking male actor as a “front man” who can provide the expected appearance necessary for her to keep her business afloat. What she doesn’t know is that the impressive looking actor suggested to her happens to be a vampire.
Anderle has given his vampires something similar to the “True Blood” from the Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse novels that were also turned into the series True Blood. Along with this he’s added a few more strengths and fewer weaknesses.
Jackson “J.D.” Slade is a vampire who appreciates the finer things in life but also finds himself with too few distractions to stave off the boredom that creeps in over the centuries. He discovers that Tatiana has a fascinating quality of determination mixed with innocence that stirs his sense of fun, and perhaps more than that…
Anderle doesn’t allow too much realism to distract from his fun to read take on urban paranormal. No, it isn’t high end, thought inspiring literature for the ages. But the story keeps moving along well so that it doesn’t become dull and Anderle doesn’t take himself too seriously trying to pretend otherwise. The story is fast paced and fun to read.
August 17, 2025
Review of books 1 to 4:
This books series has (had?) some promise.
I like the main protagonist who is a kick-ass ex-military, reasonably intelligent and generally likable person.
The vampire is quite good as well.
The relationship between them, Tatiana not knowing that he is a centuries old vampire, is sometimes quite cool when he lets his experience show through.
Of course said relationship gradually evolves into a bit of romance which is sometimes rather charming, sometimes funny and sometimes quite cringy.
Overall I like the story and the characters. Tatiana and her new “side-kick” solves crimes and kicks ass. Simple stories with Tatiana’s and JD’s relationship as the red thread through the books.
There’s also quite a few passages where JD, beng a vampire, gives the bad guys a nice scary surprise while kicking their arses. That is the kind of stuff I like to read.
Overall I gave these books three out of five stars individually.
I do however have one big gripe with the story. The “mystery” of JD is just dragging out too long. When I had finished the fourth book and Tatiana was still clueless about the fact that JD is a vampire I went “What the fuck?”.
I mean come on. The not so subtle hints have been dropped all over the place since the first book. Yet, Tatiana is suddenly turning profoundly stupid every time something obvious happens, like JD being shot, several times and sometimes right in front of her and definitely fatally, and just recovers and comes up with a quite silly and unbelievable excuse for just walking away.
It doesn’t help that Anderle, as always, writes book blurb that just tries to promote the book and oftentimes has little to do with the actual content of the book.
Like this statement from the blurb of the fourth book…
"As Tatiana navigates her growing attraction to JD while discovering the dangerous world of supernatural creatures hiding in plain sight…"
Well, she doesn’t really discover much and by the end of that book she is pretty much just as clueless.
That quite annoyed me. This part of the story drags out for way too long and thus I give the overall series a two and a half star out of five instead of three… so far that is.
This books series has (had?) some promise.
I like the main protagonist who is a kick-ass ex-military, reasonably intelligent and generally likable person.
The vampire is quite good as well.
The relationship between them, Tatiana not knowing that he is a centuries old vampire, is sometimes quite cool when he lets his experience show through.
Of course said relationship gradually evolves into a bit of romance which is sometimes rather charming, sometimes funny and sometimes quite cringy.
Overall I like the story and the characters. Tatiana and her new “side-kick” solves crimes and kicks ass. Simple stories with Tatiana’s and JD’s relationship as the red thread through the books.
There’s also quite a few passages where JD, beng a vampire, gives the bad guys a nice scary surprise while kicking their arses. That is the kind of stuff I like to read.
Overall I gave these books three out of five stars individually.
I do however have one big gripe with the story. The “mystery” of JD is just dragging out too long. When I had finished the fourth book and Tatiana was still clueless about the fact that JD is a vampire I went “What the fuck?”.
I mean come on. The not so subtle hints have been dropped all over the place since the first book. Yet, Tatiana is suddenly turning profoundly stupid every time something obvious happens, like JD being shot, several times and sometimes right in front of her and definitely fatally, and just recovers and comes up with a quite silly and unbelievable excuse for just walking away.
It doesn’t help that Anderle, as always, writes book blurb that just tries to promote the book and oftentimes has little to do with the actual content of the book.
Like this statement from the blurb of the fourth book…
"As Tatiana navigates her growing attraction to JD while discovering the dangerous world of supernatural creatures hiding in plain sight…"
Well, she doesn’t really discover much and by the end of that book she is pretty much just as clueless.
That quite annoyed me. This part of the story drags out for way too long and thus I give the overall series a two and a half star out of five instead of three… so far that is.
November 11, 2025
This one is a bit of a departure from the other Anderle series I have read. It leans more heavily toward a VERY slow burn romance than the normal action/intrigue. There's a little bit of a mystery (kidnapping) but it's a far second to the relationship build. The vampire/human relationship is also a bit outside the norm. JD/Jackson is the vampire "hired" to be a front for Tatiana's struggling security firm. Of course he is knock down gorgeous and Tatiana is immediately drawn in. JD continuously remarks (mentally) on her wonderful smell and how he is too tempted to bite her. There are a LOT of longing gazes, blushes, and imaginative comments about connecting. Multiple hints are also dropped about his vampiric status and although Tatiana muses about the oddities there is no consideration that he could be a vampire. Another reviewer states this "lack of comprehension" struggles on for multiple books. I wasn't really looking for a romance a la Remington Steele (per Anderle) and think I'll pass on this series.
December 29, 2025
I have read several books by this author and would recommend many of them. This one was just as well written and had some brilliant characterisation. However, it didn't work for me but others may enjoy it. It was entertaining, just not for me. I just didn't like the TSTL aspect of the FMC. She is supposed to be a elite security expert, but nothing in her actions suggested it. It was all tell, but when it came to practice, nope, nothing in any way competent. For example, She hired a man she suspected to be a gigolo as a front man, let him lead on delicate client negotiations, essentially take over the PR of her company and took a back seat as he lead on client interviews...before even getting the intel on his online activity. TSTL supposed 'Badass female' characters are a turnoff for me. Maybe it was the insta love, hot hormone distraction that contributed to her incompetence, but still...not for me. But hey, read it for yourself, it is still a fun read if you can overlook the FMC.
May 4, 2025
I have very high expectations for this author and he has yet to let me down. This story is well written and frankly fascinating. The main characters are a three hundred year old vampire and a 30 something ex-Special Ops woman with beauty, intelligence, and more savvy than most in a heavily male business of protective services. The story and reason for their meeting reminds me of an old TV series (Remington Steele) in the 80's, but the rest is all contemporary and high tech. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding a 13 yr old grandson of a very high tech company's female CEO who was kidnapped. The answers were fun in their revealing, and it was exciting to see how the vampire avoided his boss's pointed questions. I absolutely highly recommend any book, this author writes, including this series. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 3, 2025
I loved reading the story. Loved the banter and twists throughout the story. I also liked the two main characters. Tatiana being a Special Ops from the Army makes her a strong person, add to that very smart and knows her limits. She is also not a trusting person. Which makes it an interesting part of the story involving Jackson .
I liked Jackson as well. Being who he is , and bored, the intrigue with Tatiana and him was fun.
Loved the humor . A well thought out story line with just the right amount of mystery to solve. Good flow . I liked that there was more than one mystery for Tatiana to solve. Loved the office staff, especially Linda and her unwanted advice for Tatiana.
The book ends with the main mystery solved. But the mystery around Jackson will be on going .
The author is new to me. I liked his writing style and see above his humor through out.
I liked Jackson as well. Being who he is , and bored, the intrigue with Tatiana and him was fun.
Loved the humor . A well thought out story line with just the right amount of mystery to solve. Good flow . I liked that there was more than one mystery for Tatiana to solve. Loved the office staff, especially Linda and her unwanted advice for Tatiana.
The book ends with the main mystery solved. But the mystery around Jackson will be on going .
The author is new to me. I liked his writing style and see above his humor through out.
April 20, 2025
Another cracker from MIC Anderle
He has done it again! This is a book that I have devoured in a day, not because it is too easy, but because I just couldn't put it down. It grabbed my attention in the first few pages and held it to the end, and has left me looking for the publication date of the next story in this series. Ever since I first picked up Death Becomes Her, the first story of The Kutherian Gambit, he regularly comes out with great stories. He has done it again.
He has done it again! This is a book that I have devoured in a day, not because it is too easy, but because I just couldn't put it down. It grabbed my attention in the first few pages and held it to the end, and has left me looking for the publication date of the next story in this series. Ever since I first picked up Death Becomes Her, the first story of The Kutherian Gambit, he regularly comes out with great stories. He has done it again.
March 30, 2026
I wanted to like it
The story was fine, a nice fluffy read. Or at least it would have been, had it not been for the male lead. The constant nearly overwhelming stream of "oh, she said she doesn't like this and to stop talking this way but I will just completely ignore that, not even acknowledge things she says, and say whatever I want," was a constant irritant. He came off as creepy.
The story was fine, a nice fluffy read. Or at least it would have been, had it not been for the male lead. The constant nearly overwhelming stream of "oh, she said she doesn't like this and to stop talking this way but I will just completely ignore that, not even acknowledge things she says, and say whatever I want," was a constant irritant. He came off as creepy.
July 13, 2025
Different but still so good
Multi perspective story...security consultant and a (closet) vampire... A little different but still a strong sassy leading lady, and a mysterious partner...Lots of promise with this series and suspect that things will get interesting as their cases like up. Laughter, action, mystery and hints of adventure...one to watch!!
Multi perspective story...security consultant and a (closet) vampire... A little different but still a strong sassy leading lady, and a mysterious partner...Lots of promise with this series and suspect that things will get interesting as their cases like up. Laughter, action, mystery and hints of adventure...one to watch!!
August 21, 2025
Full of mystery
This is a fun series, I love JD and his trivia knowledge that comes from the life he has led. His new partner (boss) Tatiana is a kick butt former army special forces, who knows something is up with him, but is still trying to work it out. The action and mystery in the storyline really keep your attention and I look forward to more books about the duo.
This is a fun series, I love JD and his trivia knowledge that comes from the life he has led. His new partner (boss) Tatiana is a kick butt former army special forces, who knows something is up with him, but is still trying to work it out. The action and mystery in the storyline really keep your attention and I look forward to more books about the duo.
January 15, 2026
An unusual vampire story.
I enjoyed this story. Tatiana and Jackson are good characters. Lots of action , humor , and a good mystery. The banter between the main characters is good. I like that Tatiana is ex military and owns her own security business. I will be reading more of this series.
I enjoyed this story. Tatiana and Jackson are good characters. Lots of action , humor , and a good mystery. The banter between the main characters is good. I like that Tatiana is ex military and owns her own security business. I will be reading more of this series.
April 19, 2025
Vampire for hire
What a great read it was full of excitement and thrills and the two main leads are a great partnership, add in a mother and Secretary who are trying to get her hooked up with a man and you have a great story can't wait for the next book a well deserved 5 stars
What a great read it was full of excitement and thrills and the two main leads are a great partnership, add in a mother and Secretary who are trying to get her hooked up with a man and you have a great story can't wait for the next book a well deserved 5 stars
April 25, 2025
Love this!
This is going to date new but but this Remington Steele and Moonlighting had a baby.
Although I have to say I couldn't read Marcus (JD) without thinking Tom Ellis from Lucifer. Could not get that image out of my head.
This is going to date new but but this Remington Steele and Moonlighting had a baby.
Although I have to say I couldn't read Marcus (JD) without thinking Tom Ellis from Lucifer. Could not get that image out of my head.
June 22, 2025
An interesting twist on vamps
Just re-read this for the 2nd time as a prequel to books 2 & 3 of the series which I have but for some reason have not read yet.
I really enjoyed the 2nd time around and om off to read Book 2 for the first time .
Just re-read this for the 2nd time as a prequel to books 2 & 3 of the series which I have but for some reason have not read yet.
I really enjoyed the 2nd time around and om off to read Book 2 for the first time .
July 12, 2025
A vampire take on Remington Steele.
This book is highly entertaining with engaging characters and a story that moves along at a good clip. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This book is highly entertaining with engaging characters and a story that moves along at a good clip. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 24, 2025
DNF 41%
I think this was a case of me not the book but something about it just made this one a struggle for me. Maybe it was the set up, maybe it was the characters - part of it was definitely the shoddy investigative work. Either way, I wasn’t engaging and so I called it quits.
I think this was a case of me not the book but something about it just made this one a struggle for me. Maybe it was the set up, maybe it was the characters - part of it was definitely the shoddy investigative work. Either way, I wasn’t engaging and so I called it quits.
July 24, 2025
Great read!
As with almost any books Michael has a hand in, this was slick and well thought out. The pace was fast and the character development was adequate considering the shortness of the book. I would be happy to read the next one in the series.
As with almost any books Michael has a hand in, this was slick and well thought out. The pace was fast and the character development was adequate considering the shortness of the book. I would be happy to read the next one in the series.
July 30, 2025
Predictable story line. Female 300 year old female vampire could not see who her new partner is . Really a flaw I think in the story line didn't fit the story line. I won't read anymore of this series
August 17, 2025
Not a bad start to a series, The Characters are likeable. The book has some funny parts and a unique take on the paranormal. The one thing against it was it was slow moving in parts but i will continue and read the net book in the series.
May 3, 2025
4.5
This was an easy read though the growth of the characters was a trifle slow. I am looking forward to reading the next book hoping.
This was an easy read though the growth of the characters was a trifle slow. I am looking forward to reading the next book hoping.
June 8, 2025
Amazing
I will never understand how Michael Anderle can possibly write a phenomenal book time after time. Fun, laughs adventure it’s all here.
I will never understand how Michael Anderle can possibly write a phenomenal book time after time. Fun, laughs adventure it’s all here.
July 16, 2025
Vampire for Hire
The book was great fun to read. JD is a fastening Vampire, his crush on his boss, and hers on him is so funny. I'm looking forward to more of their adventures.
The book was great fun to read. JD is a fastening Vampire, his crush on his boss, and hers on him is so funny. I'm looking forward to more of their adventures.
August 14, 2025
I did actually enjoy this book.Another new author for me and I will be checking out some more books by him to see what other good finds I can find.
August 28, 2025
I could not get past the first few pages. No interest. DNF
September 30, 2025
great book!
JD and Tatiana are a perfect fit. Hopefully she will accept his differences and they can stay together. I enjoyed the book.
JD and Tatiana are a perfect fit. Hopefully she will accept his differences and they can stay together. I enjoyed the book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Great start to series. Full RTC
October 28, 2025
i thought the concept of vampires/mythical beings living in the world with us was such a good one.
the mystery surrounding the book was a good one. it kind of reminded me of the show lucifer, someone who just was trying to find fulfillment in his life.
the mystery surrounding the book was a good one. it kind of reminded me of the show lucifer, someone who just was trying to find fulfillment in his life.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews