Half Breed

by Imogen Kay

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 30, 2026

About the author

Imogen Kay is a passionate author writing all kinds of romance from fantasy, sci-fi, and mythic retellings, to more contemporary and paranormal. Her vivid storytelling invites readers into intricate worlds filled with love, magic, and suspense, captivating their hearts and minds.

She writes emotionally grounded stories filled with fierce heroines, morally gray men, high-stakes magic, and the kind of love that forces characters to confront their deepest fears. Her stories often explore themes of identity, found family, healing, and the tension between fate and free will.

She is particularly passionate about writing complex female leads, intimate character dynamics, and romances that burn as much emotionally as they do physically.

When she's not writing, Imogen enjoys all things artsy, reading spicy fantasy novels, and spending time with her family. She lives in New England with her husband, kids, and a TBR pile that could be considered a fire hazard.

Reviews

[Pandorameetsbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a quaint uniqueness in the lore of this book, and in its somewhat lyrical storytelling in the first handful of chapters. With Fae, Witches, Hunters and Gods, it had the potential to be a 5 star read, it just fell a little short for me personally.

This started out great, and I was utterly hooked with the first couple of chapters, and then we introduced the mmc and it just fell flat, and while the story itself is interesting, if not predictable, it's majorly let down by it's overly fast pace, and while I don't usually mind fast, this went at warp speed and gave us no time to let the story, nor the characters marinate. We don't get time within the story, we don't get time to settle with the characters as individuals, let alone as a couple, which these two go from him trying to kill her, to sex, within a matter of pages, all thanks to that little pesky thing called a Fae bond. The sex, also, in my opnion was overdone, detracting from the storytelling.

So much happens in the 300 pages that this book is, like SO much, the type of content that happens in books that are 500 pages plus, and this book def needed those extra pages in my opinion to allow the story to settle, to allow us to care about these characters, to give us more vibrant history and growth.

We get some beautiful lore, and yet, I feel like it's the wrong type of lore. We're introduced in the first chapter to the Fae King, his Queen and his Son. We're hinted at something, and it just falls to the wayside; we needed more on the what and why of that history we're introduced to. Also, how the bad guys got around the guards into a further part of the castle baffles me. Get better guards.

The King and his motives also make no sense, hates halfbreeds, spends all the time since that first chapter hunting them, and yet totally ignores it for her, the reasoning just doesn't hold up, when there are so many different ways to do what he wants.

So yes, it was a fun and enjoyable read, but I just wanted it to marinate a little more in areas and not move warp speed because so much happens and we don't ever just get to sit and know and feel.

[rachelsreadingera_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half Blood is a fast paced romantasy with witches, fae, and magic. Spicy and well placed humor, this book was a fun, quick read. MMC gives major “touch her and die” energy but the FMC is a firecracker all on her own. They both have unique upbringings which makes their bond stronger. Looking forward to their story continuing in book 2!

Thank you Imogene for the ARC opportunity. These thoughts are my own.

[Soha Amer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Paranormal Romance / Dark Fantasy / Shifter Romance

Half Breed by Imogen Kay is a compelling and atmospheric paranormal romance that blends alpha energy, supernatural identity struggles, and intense romantic tension. The story follows characters caught between worlds — belonging fully to neither — and explores their emotional and social conflicts with fierce passion and raw stakes.

What stands out in Half Breed is its layered emotional depth alongside gripping supernatural elements. The characters aren’t just fighting external threats — they’re wrestling with internal identity issues, prejudice, betrayal, and the aching pull of forbidden attraction. The author does a great job balancing dark world-building with deeply personal, emotional arcs that make the romance feel high-stakes and meaningful.

The chemistry between the leads is electric and fraught with danger. Tension isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, existential, and wrapped in the fear of being truly seen.

If you’re into paranormal romance with:
✔️ Alpha/omega dynamics
✔️ Identity vs. acceptance themes
✔️ High-tension love that feels dangerous
✔️ Strong world-building + supernatural lore
then this is a must-read.

Intense emotional stakes and rich paranormal elements deliver a powerful story — just a few pacing dips keep it from a perfect score.

[Sierra Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Half Breed by Imogen Kay

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️Available 4/30/26✨️

READ👏THIS👏BOOK👏IMMEDIATELY

Both the FMC and MMC are so charming and funny! And don't get me started on their chemistry! The MMC was constantly making me swoon!

I love how romance focused a lot of the story is. Sometimes in fantasy books, the romance is pushed aside or portrayed in a slow burn style. But Kay really gives the readers what we want: GOOD OLD-FASHIONED ROMANCE.

Speaking of romance, we have to talk about the spice in this book. To put it plainly, there is a healthy amount of it, and it is very well written. You will NOT be deprived!

The politics were also very interesting and well-rounded. We got to see a lot of unique world building that really helped transport you into a new world.

And trust me, this story is a rollercoaster with plenty of surprises in store for you. So buckle up!

I would definitely recommend this book. It was so fun to read, and I can't wait for the next book to come out!

✨️Tropes:✨️
•Fated Mates
•Insta Love
•Fae/Witches/Hunters
•Magical Politics
•Forbidden Love
•Found Family
•Touch Him/Her and Die Energy

[Dani Lindgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half Breed is a fast paced, magical romantasy with a fierce FMC and a morally grey MMC. Full of witches, Fae and more, this story is full of twists and turns that will leave you second guessing all you know.

I absolutely adored Kenna and Killian, and the enemies to lover vibes were pure perfection. Their connection and banter was done so well, and I couldn't help rooting for them.

The politics and general story was fantastic, weaving a magical tale that was so enjoyable. The book is fast paced, so it keeps you flipping the pages and devouring it. I struggled to put it down as I was desperate to find out what would happen.

I am definitely intrigued to see how the next book plays out, as the ending has left me feeling suspicious 👀.

Great read and definitely reccommend if you're looking for something easy, magical and fast paced.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the honor of reading this book before its release, and I truly enjoyed it! I loved the characters because they weren’t your typical romantasy main characters. First of all, they are older (in their 30s), unlike the typical 16 year old MCs. Also, I love how Kenna knows exactly what she wants and doesn’t shy away from making it known! Then there is Killian, who isn’t your typical broody a**hole MMC. Instead, he’s funny, witty, and willing to admit his weaknesses. There was one part in the book where I felt like the plot got lost in the making of their relationship, but their relationship was fun enough that it kept me reading. I truly enjoyed reading this book and i look forward to the next one! I wish Goodreads would enable to half star ratings because this is a 4.5 star read for me instead of a 4.

[Melissa Rosales · Rating 5 out of 5]

My emotions were everywhere…
In a good way of course!

It is interesting how two people can hate each other but yet have this bond right away. After all the heat they end up being mates.
Not only is this book about Kenna (half fae and half witch) and Killian (the hunter) but about unfairness due to hate and pain. Reading about Kenna’s suffering and the things she goes through in the book is unbearable but it makes her such a badass. The king is hurt but I felt it was not fair to treat others the way he wanted to.

There’s so much I need to know but I feel I need to have patience 😅

Highly recommend this book to everyone. You will love it as much as I do.

(ARC review)

[Inktkriebels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every chapter of this magical journey. The story is fast-paced and pulls you into the action right away, never giving you a dull moment. The book doesn’t disappoint—there’s a great storyline and well-built world that never feels overwhelming.
What really stood out to me were the beautiful themes woven throughout the story, especially how kindness triumphs over entitlement and how powerful giving back and unity can be. I finished this book in three days and already miss it. I can’t wait for book two!

[Brigid Wander · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love is magic all its own, one that cannot be underestimated.”

Half Breed takes you on a magical journey from the get-go! Themes of fated mates, touch her and die, strong FMC, witches and fae, magical woodland creatures, and family drama. With just the right level of 🌶️ and humor, I was immersed in this one until the end. It is a quicker read, but is beautifully written and action packed.

Thank you so much to Imogen Kay for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC. I cannot wait to see how the adventure continues in the next book!

[Arianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who tends to lean more towards slow burn, this fast-based romantasy had me absolutely hooked from the beginning!! I found myself picking up the book every chance I had to even get just a little more read because I loved the story so much. Between the FMC Kenna, the MMC Killian, the various side characters, the magic, and the setting there is so, so much to love about Half Breed. You won’t want to miss out on the amazing first book in this romantasy duology!!!
💜🔥💚

[Michelle Malherek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, the set up was different from so many of the other fantasy books I’ve read. The characters are very refreshing and in my opinion relatable. Towards the end, I just couldn’t stop. The spice was right and well paced through the book where you didn’t have a dry period.

[Sharm Tasman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Imogen Kay for letting me get this as an ARC!

If you like fast paced stories, insta-love (fae bond), and magical creatures from Fae to Witches and general magic users this is the book for you! This is a dual POV story filled with dilemmas, political issues and of course love.

[Oley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story!!! Highly recommend!!! Full review coming soon 🤩🤩🤩

[Liesbeth Peeters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell instantly in love with this Romantasy and with how it is written.
It reads like a train and i couldn’t put it away and now i have to wait until book 2 😆. Please Imogen don't let us wait too long 😚😉

The independence of Kenna and the caring/worshipping of Killian towards Kenna made me feel all soft inside.
And than the spice is 👌👌.

If you are looking for a great fast reading Romantasy this is one to have on your shelf.