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The Death Duet #1
Hollow Huntress: The Death Duet Book 1
"Careful of the Grim” is etched into the cold stone walls of the Halcyon City Prison—a warning, threat, and reminder that we all die.
But what about living?
And which one should we fear more?
Mara Castten is an assassin—intelligent, calculated, and lethal. Being the top female angel within her Order demands it. She has built her reputation by being ruthless and wild, earning a nickname widely known and feared by all.
Mara has spent over three hundred nights imprisoned after completing an assignment she should have gotten away with. Now she is shackled—by chains that ground and keep her restrained—while they drain her magic, which desperately yearns to burst free.
Over the past year, Halcyon City has continued to thrive, and the Lyre Order has operated without her. But the unsettling news of another Order gaining prominence is spreading quickly, giving the four Orders no choice but to band together for the first time in centuries.
They need her, and in her desperation to be free, she’s willing to do whatever’s asked of her. Or so she thinks.
When she returns to civilization, things aren’t quite as they appear, and when she’s forced to team up with someone she’s despised for years, things only get worse.
That always seems to happen when demons get involved.
Now returned to the world she once knew—once thrived in—Mara Castten faces receiving her next assignment. Having taken enough lives to keep the Grim Reaper in business, she’s now being asked to do the unthinkable—kill him.
“Careful of the Grim,” they whisper as she walks by,
but…
“Fear the Hollow Huntress,” she’ll make them scream.
But what about living?
And which one should we fear more?
Mara Castten is an assassin—intelligent, calculated, and lethal. Being the top female angel within her Order demands it. She has built her reputation by being ruthless and wild, earning a nickname widely known and feared by all.
Mara has spent over three hundred nights imprisoned after completing an assignment she should have gotten away with. Now she is shackled—by chains that ground and keep her restrained—while they drain her magic, which desperately yearns to burst free.
Over the past year, Halcyon City has continued to thrive, and the Lyre Order has operated without her. But the unsettling news of another Order gaining prominence is spreading quickly, giving the four Orders no choice but to band together for the first time in centuries.
They need her, and in her desperation to be free, she’s willing to do whatever’s asked of her. Or so she thinks.
When she returns to civilization, things aren’t quite as they appear, and when she’s forced to team up with someone she’s despised for years, things only get worse.
That always seems to happen when demons get involved.
Now returned to the world she once knew—once thrived in—Mara Castten faces receiving her next assignment. Having taken enough lives to keep the Grim Reaper in business, she’s now being asked to do the unthinkable—kill him.
“Careful of the Grim,” they whisper as she walks by,
but…
“Fear the Hollow Huntress,” she’ll make them scream.
666 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2026
About the author
Kathryn Breaux
3 books184 followersI’m Kathryn Breaux, the author of the Darkness Series and the upcoming duology, The Death Duet.
My love of reading has ebbed and flowed throughout my life but my love of fantasy has never faltered. Typically, I’m hanging with my family, reading fantasy, romantasy, or thrillers when I'm not writing. But let’s be honest, I’m writing a lot these days.
I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, helping me pursue my dream of being an Author.
I’m thrilled to be reaching for my dreams and I hope you take the leap of faith and chase your own.
My love of reading has ebbed and flowed throughout my life but my love of fantasy has never faltered. Typically, I’m hanging with my family, reading fantasy, romantasy, or thrillers when I'm not writing. But let’s be honest, I’m writing a lot these days.
I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, helping me pursue my dream of being an Author.
I’m thrilled to be reaching for my dreams and I hope you take the leap of faith and chase your own.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
May 15, 2026
It is currently almost 3 AM as I write this. Just finished this book and I’m wrecked.
To be honest, I haven’t read a fantasy book that has wrecked me in this way in quite some time. I found myself dragging this book out because I didn’t want to be finished.
This book will also go down in history for me as the most highlighted sentences EVER while reading on my kindle. Normally I highlight a few sentences that sit with me, but I was highlighting PARAGRAPHS!!
Set in an urban fantasy setting, with angel and demon assassins working together who have so much bantering and hatred (from one party 😜) left me giddy and excited to keep reading.
This started out with a bang and loved how it unfolded. No confusing world building or hard to pronounce character or cities. Kathryn has such a flow to her writing that I felt as if I was living as Mara.
Normally spice in fantasy books have been so over done, but it was just right.
Crew. He is perfect. How can a demon also have a cinnamon roll interior?!? I fell in love with him the second he opened his delicious mouth.
It ends with a cliffhanger, but Mara, she is such a bada$$ and I cannot wait to see her go full out on those who wronged her.
I feel so lucky to have read this ARC and I will be stalking Kathryn in our street team DMs to get glimpses of updates for book 2.
This will be a duet, which I always love and cannot wait to read what happens next.
To be honest, I haven’t read a fantasy book that has wrecked me in this way in quite some time. I found myself dragging this book out because I didn’t want to be finished.
This book will also go down in history for me as the most highlighted sentences EVER while reading on my kindle. Normally I highlight a few sentences that sit with me, but I was highlighting PARAGRAPHS!!
Set in an urban fantasy setting, with angel and demon assassins working together who have so much bantering and hatred (from one party 😜) left me giddy and excited to keep reading.
This started out with a bang and loved how it unfolded. No confusing world building or hard to pronounce character or cities. Kathryn has such a flow to her writing that I felt as if I was living as Mara.
Normally spice in fantasy books have been so over done, but it was just right.
Crew. He is perfect. How can a demon also have a cinnamon roll interior?!? I fell in love with him the second he opened his delicious mouth.
It ends with a cliffhanger, but Mara, she is such a bada$$ and I cannot wait to see her go full out on those who wronged her.
I feel so lucky to have read this ARC and I will be stalking Kathryn in our street team DMs to get glimpses of updates for book 2.
This will be a duet, which I always love and cannot wait to read what happens next.
June 25, 2026
Thank you Kathryn Breaux and her team for this ARC!
Rating: 6⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
God tier book for me.
This story follows Mara Castten, an angel who is a powerful assassin and forced to work with the demon, Crew Bannermin, who she believes is responsible for killing her father.
This is a world of angels and demons. The story had me engrossed from the beginning. Mara is a multidimensional FMC who displays both her strengths and vulnerabilities. I absolutely love that throughout the story she tries so hard to hide from her emotions, that when they come for her she lets them out. A reminder that women can be both strong and in tune with their emotions.
Crew is a fantastic MMC who is also multidimensional. He has a wicked tongue (in more ways than one), he is a demon and makes sure we remember that, but, he also has a soft side, and I love that about him.
The banter between him and Mara is fantastic. I also absolutely love Mara’s inner monologue. She is very relatable, as a character that lacks much self-esteem. Often feeling like she is to blame for her own situations, and becomes self-destructive in the process. Her behavior is real, and she finds those who help her out of that cycle.
I also absolutely loved the found family in the story. Especially Damien, Locke, and Bronwyn. Their banter is also fantastic.
The plot goes through many twists and turns, with so much flying at you that it’s easy to sympathize with the characters and their own frustrations. But it is paced so well. As is the pacing and slow-burn of the romance that develops throughout the story.
I very highly recommend this book and cannot wait for Book 2!
* Rivals to lovers
* He falls first
* She Falls Harder
* She’s protective
* He’s possessive
* Blood play
* Reaper
* Angels and Demons
* City setting
* One bed
* Forced Proximity
* Betrayals
* “Fuck it” moment
* Banter x 10
* Demon daddies
* Assassins
* Female Rage
* Secrets
* Epic side characters
* Spice
Rating: 6⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
God tier book for me.
This story follows Mara Castten, an angel who is a powerful assassin and forced to work with the demon, Crew Bannermin, who she believes is responsible for killing her father.
This is a world of angels and demons. The story had me engrossed from the beginning. Mara is a multidimensional FMC who displays both her strengths and vulnerabilities. I absolutely love that throughout the story she tries so hard to hide from her emotions, that when they come for her she lets them out. A reminder that women can be both strong and in tune with their emotions.
Crew is a fantastic MMC who is also multidimensional. He has a wicked tongue (in more ways than one), he is a demon and makes sure we remember that, but, he also has a soft side, and I love that about him.
The banter between him and Mara is fantastic. I also absolutely love Mara’s inner monologue. She is very relatable, as a character that lacks much self-esteem. Often feeling like she is to blame for her own situations, and becomes self-destructive in the process. Her behavior is real, and she finds those who help her out of that cycle.
I also absolutely loved the found family in the story. Especially Damien, Locke, and Bronwyn. Their banter is also fantastic.
The plot goes through many twists and turns, with so much flying at you that it’s easy to sympathize with the characters and their own frustrations. But it is paced so well. As is the pacing and slow-burn of the romance that develops throughout the story.
I very highly recommend this book and cannot wait for Book 2!
* Rivals to lovers
* He falls first
* She Falls Harder
* She’s protective
* He’s possessive
* Blood play
* Reaper
* Angels and Demons
* City setting
* One bed
* Forced Proximity
* Betrayals
* “Fuck it” moment
* Banter x 10
* Demon daddies
* Assassins
* Female Rage
* Secrets
* Epic side characters
* Spice
May 17, 2026
This book has changed my whole rating system, and I AM NOT OKAY.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Hollow Huntress✨ by Kathryn Breaux is book 1 of The Death Duet. It is a dark urban fantasy where Crescent City x 007 x Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I know it just came out TODAY, but I am already desperate for book 2 <—yep. That ending will make you say, “no no no no! That can’t be it!”
These tropes do no lie ⤵️
(The only one missing is EMOTIONAL DAMAGE)
⚔️ Rivals to lovers
🖤 He falls first
🌪️ She falls harder
🛡️ She’s protective
🔒 He’s possessive
🩸 Bl00d play
☠️ Reaper
😈 Angels and Demons
🌃 City setting
🛏️ One bed
⛓️ Forced proximity
🗡️ Betrayals
🔥 “Fuck it” moment
⚡ Banter x10
😈 Demon daddies
🗡️ Assassins
🔥 Female rage
🃏 Epic side characters
🌶️ Spice
The amount of swooning (and highlighting) I did while reading should be illegal, but alas, here I am still suffering from the severe book hangover. There were so many DEVASTATINGLY GOOD plot twists- I am honestly afraid for what’s coming in the next book. The comparison to Crecent City was spot on- Hollow Huntress is its own story with all the Bryce vibes, something I didn't know I needed until I read this book. The spicy bits between Crew and Mara were short BUT packed all the swooning spice giving your imagination creative control. Here are two of the many highlights I have! I don’t want to spoil to much of the book
“Crew leans over and whispers, “Are you afraid of the dark?” I cut my eyes to his. “No.” “Why?” He smiles, his face beaming with amusement. I fully turn to him and glare. “Because I know I’m the scariest fucking thing in it.”
“When it comes to you, little angel, I’ll always be jealous.” “Oh, fuck off,” I sigh.”
Now I’m off to order a shelf trophy 🥹
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Hollow Huntress✨ by Kathryn Breaux is book 1 of The Death Duet. It is a dark urban fantasy where Crescent City x 007 x Mr. & Mrs. Smith. I know it just came out TODAY, but I am already desperate for book 2 <—yep. That ending will make you say, “no no no no! That can’t be it!”
These tropes do no lie ⤵️
(The only one missing is EMOTIONAL DAMAGE)
⚔️ Rivals to lovers
🖤 He falls first
🌪️ She falls harder
🛡️ She’s protective
🔒 He’s possessive
🩸 Bl00d play
☠️ Reaper
😈 Angels and Demons
🌃 City setting
🛏️ One bed
⛓️ Forced proximity
🗡️ Betrayals
🔥 “Fuck it” moment
⚡ Banter x10
😈 Demon daddies
🗡️ Assassins
🔥 Female rage
🃏 Epic side characters
🌶️ Spice
The amount of swooning (and highlighting) I did while reading should be illegal, but alas, here I am still suffering from the severe book hangover. There were so many DEVASTATINGLY GOOD plot twists- I am honestly afraid for what’s coming in the next book. The comparison to Crecent City was spot on- Hollow Huntress is its own story with all the Bryce vibes, something I didn't know I needed until I read this book. The spicy bits between Crew and Mara were short BUT packed all the swooning spice giving your imagination creative control. Here are two of the many highlights I have! I don’t want to spoil to much of the book
“Crew leans over and whispers, “Are you afraid of the dark?” I cut my eyes to his. “No.” “Why?” He smiles, his face beaming with amusement. I fully turn to him and glare. “Because I know I’m the scariest fucking thing in it.”
“When it comes to you, little angel, I’ll always be jealous.” “Oh, fuck off,” I sigh.”
Now I’m off to order a shelf trophy 🥹
April 8, 2026
ARC Review
Now I’m conflicted?? 🤨
The story is intriguing and the world is genuinely interesting. I love a good urban fantasy, and the whole angels/demons aspect? The Elders and High Elders?? The premise of this book is honestly like? wow. This is GOOD. The plot itself is also very engaging: there’s betrayal, tension, banter, emotional moments, like, it really has all the ingredients ✨
But?? At the same time… something feels off🫠
And I think it’s the language? Not individual words or spelling mistakes. I can overlook that, I truly do not care. But this is more on a sentence level. Something about the structure just feels… unnatural? The word order doesn’t flow the way it should, and it kept pulling me out of the story. Maybe I’m being overly picky (linguist problems, I know 🙃), but it did affect my ability to fully immerse myself.
That said! if you’re not as nitpicky as I am, I honestly think you could find this book AMAZING. So I’m being a generous queen with my rating💆🏼♀️👸🏼🤷🏼♀️ because at the end of the day? the story is good. And I will be reading book two, so that says something.
Characters?? Let’s talk about them:
Damien– obsessed. He has that perfect chaotic, slightly unhinged rabid dog energy 🫶🏼
Crew – okay, imagine a golden retriever… but make him a demon?? 😭 He’s so unserious, constantly joking. using humor both as a coping mechanism and as flirting. Is that what you expect from a literal demon? Maybe not. Was it refreshing? Actually yes.
Mara– girl… please. Seek help. Therapy is available. Use it💀
Overall, I do think this book is worth reading. Sometimes you just want a bit of chaos, and this definitely delivered on that front.
Thank you very much 🫡✨
Now I’m conflicted?? 🤨
The story is intriguing and the world is genuinely interesting. I love a good urban fantasy, and the whole angels/demons aspect? The Elders and High Elders?? The premise of this book is honestly like? wow. This is GOOD. The plot itself is also very engaging: there’s betrayal, tension, banter, emotional moments, like, it really has all the ingredients ✨
But?? At the same time… something feels off🫠
And I think it’s the language? Not individual words or spelling mistakes. I can overlook that, I truly do not care. But this is more on a sentence level. Something about the structure just feels… unnatural? The word order doesn’t flow the way it should, and it kept pulling me out of the story. Maybe I’m being overly picky (linguist problems, I know 🙃), but it did affect my ability to fully immerse myself.
That said! if you’re not as nitpicky as I am, I honestly think you could find this book AMAZING. So I’m being a generous queen with my rating💆🏼♀️👸🏼🤷🏼♀️ because at the end of the day? the story is good. And I will be reading book two, so that says something.
Characters?? Let’s talk about them:
Damien– obsessed. He has that perfect chaotic, slightly unhinged rabid dog energy 🫶🏼
Crew – okay, imagine a golden retriever… but make him a demon?? 😭 He’s so unserious, constantly joking. using humor both as a coping mechanism and as flirting. Is that what you expect from a literal demon? Maybe not. Was it refreshing? Actually yes.
Mara– girl… please. Seek help. Therapy is available. Use it💀
Overall, I do think this book is worth reading. Sometimes you just want a bit of chaos, and this definitely delivered on that front.
Thank you very much 🫡✨
June 11, 2026
If ever a book caused emotional damage, I am not ok. I mean book 2 is coming but I dont ever think my heart will recover from this. Our MMC CREW has made himself a top book boyfriend. The emotions this book puts you through. Mara is literally put through the ringer forced to endure and be a killer, a Hollow Huntress. But she's anything but, you feel for her through all of it. Then Crew enters the chat and he may be a demon but if thats what a demon is where do I sign up. He fights for her in all the right ways. ugh and dont get me started on Locke and Damien, comic relief perfection. the found family aspect is chefs kiss. Ok guess I'll be impatiently waiting on book 2.
June 3, 2026
Angels & demons as you've never seen them
Wow. This was absolutely amazing. Breaux never disappoints, but this one is out of the ballpark. Angels and demons but not as we know them. Trust no one. Hang on tight. Crew, you stubborn perfect demon.
Wow. This was absolutely amazing. Breaux never disappoints, but this one is out of the ballpark. Angels and demons but not as we know them. Trust no one. Hang on tight. Crew, you stubborn perfect demon.
May 13, 2026
ARC REVIEW |
Release Date: May 14
I’m speechless - literally.
An angel from the Lyre Order, Mara, and a demon from the Jade Order, Crew, are tasked with taking out some Voids (people who don’t belong to an Order) and the Grim Reaper. These orders came from their Elders… Crew’s elder also happens to be his dad.
When I tell you everybody was lying and gaslighting me from the start? Listen, I have serious trust issues now.
This is Book 1 in a duet - I need Book 2 like yesterday! Because how is it gonna end like that and I’m supposed to just what?? MOVE ON!?
This would slap as an anime - the writing had me feeling like I was there in Mara’s shoes. I was fully immersed in this story.
Crew is the biggest masochist there is 😂😂 Mara tried to kill this man and what did he do? Fall in love.
His friend Damien is also a masochist 🤣 like I'm not sure these men care about their lives. Dangerous women seem to get them excited. I cannot wait to see more of Locke & Bronwyn in Book 2.
And the spice?! …
I fear my blood pressure may never recover from this.
Thank you so so much for this ARC and for ruining my Tuesday Kathryn 😂✨
Would I Recommend? Duh!
Tropes: rivals to lovers, he falls first (and hard), bl00d play, morally grey characters, angels and demons, urban setting, forced proximity, betrayals
Release Date: May 14
I’m speechless - literally.
An angel from the Lyre Order, Mara, and a demon from the Jade Order, Crew, are tasked with taking out some Voids (people who don’t belong to an Order) and the Grim Reaper. These orders came from their Elders… Crew’s elder also happens to be his dad.
When I tell you everybody was lying and gaslighting me from the start? Listen, I have serious trust issues now.
This is Book 1 in a duet - I need Book 2 like yesterday! Because how is it gonna end like that and I’m supposed to just what?? MOVE ON!?
This would slap as an anime - the writing had me feeling like I was there in Mara’s shoes. I was fully immersed in this story.
Crew is the biggest masochist there is 😂😂 Mara tried to kill this man and what did he do? Fall in love.
His friend Damien is also a masochist 🤣 like I'm not sure these men care about their lives. Dangerous women seem to get them excited. I cannot wait to see more of Locke & Bronwyn in Book 2.
And the spice?! …
I fear my blood pressure may never recover from this.
Thank you so so much for this ARC and for ruining my Tuesday Kathryn 😂✨
Would I Recommend? Duh!
Tropes: rivals to lovers, he falls first (and hard), bl00d play, morally grey characters, angels and demons, urban setting, forced proximity, betrayals
May 14, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ 3🌶
This book takes no prisoners. I dare you to read it and not be left without a wound. The angels and demons in her are not what you think you know. They are ancient and powerful and manipulative. Their progeny carry this through their lineage. Mortality is but a curse for some.
Mara is a hybrid angel, born of human and elder angel. She's the hollow huntress who hunts down the wicked. She's prickly, full of anger and vinegar. She's the best at what she does, as the lead assassin for the angels.
Crew Bannermin is also a hybrid but is the human and demon variety. He's dangerous and dark, but soft for her. He's her demonic counterpart.
They're paired together for a joint mission. The world building in here is a step above. This is a chunky book but easily devoured. The side characters are done very well. I really enjoyed the layers that slowly peeled away. I can't wait to read book 2.
Tropes and triggers: cinnamon role mmc, black cat FMC, angels and demons, forbidden love, assassins guilds, ancient magic, soul mates, revenge
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
This book takes no prisoners. I dare you to read it and not be left without a wound. The angels and demons in her are not what you think you know. They are ancient and powerful and manipulative. Their progeny carry this through their lineage. Mortality is but a curse for some.
Mara is a hybrid angel, born of human and elder angel. She's the hollow huntress who hunts down the wicked. She's prickly, full of anger and vinegar. She's the best at what she does, as the lead assassin for the angels.
Crew Bannermin is also a hybrid but is the human and demon variety. He's dangerous and dark, but soft for her. He's her demonic counterpart.
They're paired together for a joint mission. The world building in here is a step above. This is a chunky book but easily devoured. The side characters are done very well. I really enjoyed the layers that slowly peeled away. I can't wait to read book 2.
Tropes and triggers: cinnamon role mmc, black cat FMC, angels and demons, forbidden love, assassins guilds, ancient magic, soul mates, revenge
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
Did Not Finish
June 12, 2026Tapping out at 60% on this one—I’m just not very invested in the story unfortunately. I’m finding a lot of the dialogue a bit cringe and it feels like the FMC is trying too hard. Not a bad book by any means and I think a lot of people will still enjoy, it’s not for me though.
April 7, 2026
ARC Review:
Wow, just wow. I’m new to this author, I went into this without looking into the book or author herself. I loved every second of this book.
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Angels, demons, hybrids, humans
Forbidden love
She is a human/angel hybrid, he is a demon/human hybrid. They must come together and work as a team to fight the evils lurking around. This one ends on a cliffhanger so be ready to want to read book 2.
Wow, just wow. I’m new to this author, I went into this without looking into the book or author herself. I loved every second of this book.
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Angels, demons, hybrids, humans
Forbidden love
She is a human/angel hybrid, he is a demon/human hybrid. They must come together and work as a team to fight the evils lurking around. This one ends on a cliffhanger so be ready to want to read book 2.
May 15, 2026
I received an eARC directly from the author and this is my honest review.
- 🎟️ book 1 of a duet
-☝️ overall, single POV
- 😇 half breed angel assassins
- 🙌 32 year old MFC
- 🗣️ THE BANTER
- 😡 she’s grumpy & 🐓he is a cocky cinnamon roll
- 🔫 Mr. & Mrs. Smith coded
- 🔥 “f**k” it moment
- 🦋 tattoos, one is on his neck 🤤
- 🩸 chosen bond, with blood play soon after
- 🏢 dark urban setting
- 💀 grim reaper, 😇angels, 😈 demons
- ❤️ they apologize to each other 🎉
Overall, this book was 5 stars. The journey was tough and beautiful, with so much meaning intertwined into the story. I could not put the book down and I am looking forward to book 2!
Jumping right in. The book starts off with the MFC in prison, regretting her decisions, and regretting getting caught. It was fun to start the book right at the pivotal moment of her finding out she was leaving prison. During this first chapter we learned that the MFC could easily get sucked into feeling numb, which she did not like, since she had been in the prison almost a year. I found the concept of the preferring pain over numbing quite intriguing and unique, as most MC‘s prefer numbing and avoidance of pain, but here it showed that the MFC was open to feeling the pain. Refreshing take! Although the MFC initially avoided her emotions when she got out of prison, she eventually decided that it was time for her to feel everything. I appreciated her willingness to feel, despite wanting to keep avoiding.
One thing that really stood out to me because it was different was that the MFC did not live in denial about certain things. Specifically, I have been getting so annoyed with books where one of the MCs sees or hears something, and instead of believing it, they say or think “I must be imagining it” and then shake their head. Most people in real life actually don’t think they imagine things, they actually believe they saw or heard something. So, for our MCs to constantly deny something and then justify denying by saying they imagined it, and that happens more than once, is weird. Further, why can’t someone just actually believe they saw something? Why can’t they want to explore it? It just gets so annoying that these characters, who never usually “imagine” things and they’re not imaginable people, can imagine they didn’t see or hear something that was clear. 🙌 That does NOT happen in this book! 🙌 The MFC saw a man in the shadows and she immediately knew who it was. No denying or pretending she didn’t see. Just owned it. Then, when she saw him again, she even thought about how she knew she wasn’t making this up. FINALLY a character who is not “imagining” things. Also, the MFC did not “imagine” the MMC looked at her or was interested in her. She just owned. Again, YES! I loved loved loved this!
What else did I love? ❤️ Well, I absolutely loved the bar scene when the MMC was cocky, arrogant, and witty with MFC, all while the MFC was angry and kept verbally fighting back with him. I loved their banter, it was delicious. I also caught the symbolism of how the demon MMC was downstairs in the basement while the angel MFC was upstairs. During this time, the MMC was trying to get the MFC to come on downstairs with him. Again, I saw this as symbolic of who they were and what was happening more globally between them.
One thing readers, including me, crave is strong, back and forth, flirty yet tense banter. This happened early and often in this book and it was AMAZING. 🤩 After the bar, the banter scenes just kept coming and coming. These scenes made me laugh and brought joy to my soul. I was all for these scenes. The MMC was chill as a cucumber having a great time with the MFC grumpiness, talking back all confident and cocky, whereas the MFC was hot and angry like a pepper, trying to push the MMC away, only egging him on. One of my favorite quotes from one of the arguments they were having early in the book was when the MMC stated, “I don’t take orders from you, at least not yet.“ This was awesome!
⭐️ Alright, now I want to dive into the characters. Since the book is taken from the MFC’s POV, I will start with her. The MFC was a highly traumatized and controlled woman. She did not have a say about much in her life and was abused if she stepped out of line. We learned early that she made a lot of decisions that were selfish, likely born out of trauma and need to survive, and want of approval. She was also a highly emotional individual. She rarely brought logic to the table, and often her emotionally based decisions led to signficantly negative consequences. Prison really changed her and opened her eyes that the man controlling her was evil, leading to her standing up for herself more, fighting back with him, which she was punished for. This MFC had A LOT of anger, rightfully so, and most of the time I loved seeing what she would do with her anger, especially towards those who had harmed her.
Yet, as a book proceeded, I really struggled with the balance of loving the MFC’s feminine rage and irritated with her blind, ignorant rage. She was so angry all the time. When she was angry towards those who had harmed her and was fighting them back, I loved it. However, she had this deep, rooted, rigid and stubborn judgment about the MMC and was unwilling in any capacity to try to change that, despite his MULTIPLE attempts to talk to her. Because of her rigid thoughts and beliefs, she was a violent person who acted in terrible ways, hurting people who did not deserve it. I started getting irritated with her because she just wouldn’t pause and listen. I found that my irritation peaked at the exact same point the MMC’s irritation peaked. He finally broke and called her out for her crap and started setting boundaries with her. He proceeded to call her out after that multiple times and I was so glad he did, including when she tried to gaslight him. He directly pointed out that she was the problem, not him, and I was so glad he did. He did not deserve to be abused by her, especially because he was already being abused by someone else in his life. Although, for a small chunk of the book I became incredibly frustrated with the MFC, I see why the author did this. Writing the MFC this way provoked emotion in me AND this is what made the MFC’s change even more profound.
When the MMC finally had enough, I could not blame him for the boundaries he set. The MFC made it quite clear she didn’t want to be a team with him and she did everything and anything, including shoot and stab him, to get him to go away because she hated him. Then, all of a sudden she felt bad for her behavior, and was surprised that he did not want to be her teammate anymore. I honestly thought, “Too bad MFC, these are the consequences to your abusive behavior.” Although the way the MMC attempted to set boundaries was done in an immature way, it was important for her to finally feel what she made him feel like. Again, I loved that the MMC finally stood up for himself and called her out for her abuse.
After the MMC became mad at the MFC, they both started to change and approach each other with a more opened mind. Then, the MFC regressed back to her old ways, the MMC became mad again, and the MFC again had to learn that her behavior was toxic for both herself and everyone else. The MFC FINALLY developed insight and reflected on herself, deciding to be better. She apologized (yyyeeessss) and became more intentional. As a reader, it was really critical for me to see her not only make a choice to change, but also own her past behavior and apologize. The MFC abused the MMC, including physically and emotionally. This is not something to just move past. It is important to own it and understand the impact of one’s truly nasty behavior on others. Again, the MFC did this and I really appreciated the author taking time to write someone growing in a healthier direction who did not pretend they did not harm someone along the way.
Because of how toxic the MFC’s behavior had gotten, having her reflect, make a choice to change, apologize, be open-minded when her friends gave her feedback, and actually change her behavior was beautiful! Again, her change was profound and I loved watching it. Because you get so frustrated with her, her growth was so satisfying. Again, great job to the author for writing her this way. Now, do not get me wrong, the MFC continued to have big emotions and make big mistakes, but that’s what complex, nuanced characters do and I’m all for it! She couldn’t go from deeply struggling to manage her emotions to having zero issues, that is just not realistic. The MFC made progress over time, learning from her continued mistakes.
⭐️ Now, let’s talk about our MMC. This man also was a highly traumatized and controlled man, as well as was abused when he stepped out of line. He also had big emotions, including anger, but instead of directing that anger outwards like the MFC, he directed in inwards. This behavior is what led to his cocky, arrogant mask, as he was hiding all the pain he was in. The MMC also made huge mistakes in this book and let his trauma and rigid thinking impact him. Just like the MFC, the MMC was a messy and flawed character who also grew a lot in this book. You just wanted to shake him sometimes, but then after he would reflect and recognize his mistakes. He would then also APOLOGIZE, and then do things differently after that. He also continued to be flawed, and again, I was all for it, more realistic. The MCs were both trying to be better for themselves and each other, needing themselves, their relationships, and friendships to do so.
The MMC was a touch her and die kind of guy, but also a loyal cinnamon roll guy to his friends and the MFC. He was fantastic!
⭐️ Moving to the MC’s relationship. I love a story about a couple (who are a good fit) that are loyal to each other, no matter what. Even though these two had a lot of hiccups, they figured it out and became an unstoppable couple. They made a choice to be together and bond, fighting until the very end for each other. This made me so happy and I loved their love.
⭐️ Let’s talk about the side characters:
💫- Damien. I absolutely loved him. I was giggling so much early in the book, especially when he was communicating with the MFC. For example, when Damien had to physically pick up the MFC, he said “Come to daddy.” She sighed and walked forward, thinking “what in the actual f**k is my life?” This was hilarious. After that, he left the MFC some lacey pajamas to wear for the MMC with a letter that he signed “Daddy D.” He was the fun, comedic side character I look forward to and I am so glad the author wrote him. Also, I cannot wait to see how Damien grows with Bronwyn! I loved them together.
💫 - Speaking of Bronwyn, what another fantastic side character. Bronwyn was the MFC’s best friend. At the start of the book, their friendship had been broken and we see the messiness they had to go through to start mending their relationship. My favorite characters are always the ones that are honest and blunt, as well as flirty and fun. This was Bronwyn. Bronwyn called out the MFC for lying and always saying she was fine when she was not. She also called out the MFC for making selfish decisions. Although the MMC played the largest role in the MFC’s character growth, Bronwyn was a close second at supporting, yet pushing the MFC to change.
💫 - Then we have Locke. The mysterious does a lot that we don’t know about yet. I was really thankful that the author made it quite clear, MULTIPLE times that, although he was now bonded to the MFC, it was not a love triangle or anything romantic or sexual. This bond will play a critical role in the next book and it was formed for a reason; yet, readers could see this bond as a why choose decision by the author. Again, the author made it clear, multiple times, that this is NOT that, in anyway, which I REALLY appreciated.
💫 - Shaw. I have to say 1) nice twist on him, the author got me good, and 2) I CANNOT wait to see what happens to him in book 2. The MFC's rage is going to get him and I look forward to reading that!
⭐️ The story. There was a twist around 50% that I didn’t see coming until that chapter. There was another twist around 65%. I will say, these first two twists were not the most shocking, but they were very cool. I feel like the author did a really great job putting little nuggets of truth spread through the book so that, when these twists were revealed, they were surprising, but not shocking. However, I will say, after that, the surprises and twists became HUGE and I did not see many of them coming. There were ones at 67%, 80%, and more after that. This was sooooo good!
This book was a great mixture of plot and action scenes, character growth, and romance. At times the MFC’s struggles and need to grow were more prominent, but then the relationship started to steal the show. However, that sneaky plot would show up and say “nope,” subsequently taking over, pausing the relationship progression. Then, it all became one big jumble of plot, independent growth, and relationship progression. The pacing ebbed and flowed, with the pacing picking up and going by super fast the last 20%.
A big part of the story that I really enjoyed was something I have been wanting in a book for a long time. Specifically I have been wanting more stories where the MCs, who are not supposed to be together, choose to be together and then hide that from the people that tell them they can’t be together. I love the fun games they can play because they really are together, but pretending in front of the powerful people that they’re not. I also really love when this is a mutually chosen decision to hide that they’re together. Usually, books tend to focus on either 1) the MC’s not being together because they “can’t.” And I’m always thinking, why not? Why not be together but hide it? That could create so much more tension, anxiety, and fun push and pull in the storyline. Yet, for some reason, that type of relationship is usually not written, it’s typically the “we can’t be together so let’s not even try, even though we want to be” or 2) they both want to be in a relationship and are willing to try, even if the powers-that-be say they can’t, but only one person wants to hide it whereas the other wants to own their relationship in front of everyone. These two storylines are more commonly written, so I was really looking forward to a book where two people wanted to be together, even if they’re told they can’t, and make a decision to play a game together with the powers people. This was so much more exciting to me! Especially with two really sassy, outspoken, strong characters like this book. I knew this would be a fun ride. Truly, this was the storyline I’ve been waiting for!
Globally, looking at the overall story, there’s so many life lessons. Ownership over self, forgiveness, second and third chances, don’t let trauma control you, stand up for yourself, find those you can trust, loyalty, vulnerability, and so much more!
⭐️ Now, the ending. Wow. That ending had so much action, I could not put the book down. It was shocking, emotional, and devastating. I cannot wait for book 2!
Information for the reader that is not a critique, but something to note.
Readers are really getting bored with these specific tropes for the MCs:
- MMC that is all powerful, special, and the strongest, typically a prince or heir.
- MFC initially is not powerful and typically more “basic,” but we find out she is SUPER powerful, extremely special, and “the one” who will save everyone.
Unfortunately, that is quite close to who the MC’s are in this book. The only difference is that the MFC is not basic, she is a strong and the number one assassin from the beginning, but we learn how much more special she is by the end.
Critique:
I’ve read a few books this year where authors have repetitively used the same word or phrase over 50 times. I truly thought that was bad, but the author used the word “snap“ 250 times. I as so shocked when a person would say something, but the author wrote it as them snapping. I was confused, as I thought it was a conversation but now someone is snapping at the other, why are they so crabby? But, I learned this was just a word the author used constantly and did not indicate someone was actually mad. It was strange to me. I really hope this author takes feedback or has an editor to eliminate the amount of times this is said.
Major major spoiler
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-
-
-
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-
-
-
-
-
-
-
⚠️
⚠️
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-
-
-
-
Also, at the end when the MMC is hurt, the two men who just hurt him went where? They just left? Wouldn’t they have wanted to stay around to make sure that MMC died? Why would they let the MFC go near his body and attempt to save him? I did not get this.
- 🎟️ book 1 of a duet
-☝️ overall, single POV
- 😇 half breed angel assassins
- 🙌 32 year old MFC
- 🗣️ THE BANTER
- 😡 she’s grumpy & 🐓he is a cocky cinnamon roll
- 🔫 Mr. & Mrs. Smith coded
- 🔥 “f**k” it moment
- 🦋 tattoos, one is on his neck 🤤
- 🩸 chosen bond, with blood play soon after
- 🏢 dark urban setting
- 💀 grim reaper, 😇angels, 😈 demons
- ❤️ they apologize to each other 🎉
Overall, this book was 5 stars. The journey was tough and beautiful, with so much meaning intertwined into the story. I could not put the book down and I am looking forward to book 2!
Jumping right in. The book starts off with the MFC in prison, regretting her decisions, and regretting getting caught. It was fun to start the book right at the pivotal moment of her finding out she was leaving prison. During this first chapter we learned that the MFC could easily get sucked into feeling numb, which she did not like, since she had been in the prison almost a year. I found the concept of the preferring pain over numbing quite intriguing and unique, as most MC‘s prefer numbing and avoidance of pain, but here it showed that the MFC was open to feeling the pain. Refreshing take! Although the MFC initially avoided her emotions when she got out of prison, she eventually decided that it was time for her to feel everything. I appreciated her willingness to feel, despite wanting to keep avoiding.
One thing that really stood out to me because it was different was that the MFC did not live in denial about certain things. Specifically, I have been getting so annoyed with books where one of the MCs sees or hears something, and instead of believing it, they say or think “I must be imagining it” and then shake their head. Most people in real life actually don’t think they imagine things, they actually believe they saw or heard something. So, for our MCs to constantly deny something and then justify denying by saying they imagined it, and that happens more than once, is weird. Further, why can’t someone just actually believe they saw something? Why can’t they want to explore it? It just gets so annoying that these characters, who never usually “imagine” things and they’re not imaginable people, can imagine they didn’t see or hear something that was clear. 🙌 That does NOT happen in this book! 🙌 The MFC saw a man in the shadows and she immediately knew who it was. No denying or pretending she didn’t see. Just owned it. Then, when she saw him again, she even thought about how she knew she wasn’t making this up. FINALLY a character who is not “imagining” things. Also, the MFC did not “imagine” the MMC looked at her or was interested in her. She just owned. Again, YES! I loved loved loved this!
What else did I love? ❤️ Well, I absolutely loved the bar scene when the MMC was cocky, arrogant, and witty with MFC, all while the MFC was angry and kept verbally fighting back with him. I loved their banter, it was delicious. I also caught the symbolism of how the demon MMC was downstairs in the basement while the angel MFC was upstairs. During this time, the MMC was trying to get the MFC to come on downstairs with him. Again, I saw this as symbolic of who they were and what was happening more globally between them.
One thing readers, including me, crave is strong, back and forth, flirty yet tense banter. This happened early and often in this book and it was AMAZING. 🤩 After the bar, the banter scenes just kept coming and coming. These scenes made me laugh and brought joy to my soul. I was all for these scenes. The MMC was chill as a cucumber having a great time with the MFC grumpiness, talking back all confident and cocky, whereas the MFC was hot and angry like a pepper, trying to push the MMC away, only egging him on. One of my favorite quotes from one of the arguments they were having early in the book was when the MMC stated, “I don’t take orders from you, at least not yet.“ This was awesome!
⭐️ Alright, now I want to dive into the characters. Since the book is taken from the MFC’s POV, I will start with her. The MFC was a highly traumatized and controlled woman. She did not have a say about much in her life and was abused if she stepped out of line. We learned early that she made a lot of decisions that were selfish, likely born out of trauma and need to survive, and want of approval. She was also a highly emotional individual. She rarely brought logic to the table, and often her emotionally based decisions led to signficantly negative consequences. Prison really changed her and opened her eyes that the man controlling her was evil, leading to her standing up for herself more, fighting back with him, which she was punished for. This MFC had A LOT of anger, rightfully so, and most of the time I loved seeing what she would do with her anger, especially towards those who had harmed her.
Yet, as a book proceeded, I really struggled with the balance of loving the MFC’s feminine rage and irritated with her blind, ignorant rage. She was so angry all the time. When she was angry towards those who had harmed her and was fighting them back, I loved it. However, she had this deep, rooted, rigid and stubborn judgment about the MMC and was unwilling in any capacity to try to change that, despite his MULTIPLE attempts to talk to her. Because of her rigid thoughts and beliefs, she was a violent person who acted in terrible ways, hurting people who did not deserve it. I started getting irritated with her because she just wouldn’t pause and listen. I found that my irritation peaked at the exact same point the MMC’s irritation peaked. He finally broke and called her out for her crap and started setting boundaries with her. He proceeded to call her out after that multiple times and I was so glad he did, including when she tried to gaslight him. He directly pointed out that she was the problem, not him, and I was so glad he did. He did not deserve to be abused by her, especially because he was already being abused by someone else in his life. Although, for a small chunk of the book I became incredibly frustrated with the MFC, I see why the author did this. Writing the MFC this way provoked emotion in me AND this is what made the MFC’s change even more profound.
When the MMC finally had enough, I could not blame him for the boundaries he set. The MFC made it quite clear she didn’t want to be a team with him and she did everything and anything, including shoot and stab him, to get him to go away because she hated him. Then, all of a sudden she felt bad for her behavior, and was surprised that he did not want to be her teammate anymore. I honestly thought, “Too bad MFC, these are the consequences to your abusive behavior.” Although the way the MMC attempted to set boundaries was done in an immature way, it was important for her to finally feel what she made him feel like. Again, I loved that the MMC finally stood up for himself and called her out for her abuse.
After the MMC became mad at the MFC, they both started to change and approach each other with a more opened mind. Then, the MFC regressed back to her old ways, the MMC became mad again, and the MFC again had to learn that her behavior was toxic for both herself and everyone else. The MFC FINALLY developed insight and reflected on herself, deciding to be better. She apologized (yyyeeessss) and became more intentional. As a reader, it was really critical for me to see her not only make a choice to change, but also own her past behavior and apologize. The MFC abused the MMC, including physically and emotionally. This is not something to just move past. It is important to own it and understand the impact of one’s truly nasty behavior on others. Again, the MFC did this and I really appreciated the author taking time to write someone growing in a healthier direction who did not pretend they did not harm someone along the way.
Because of how toxic the MFC’s behavior had gotten, having her reflect, make a choice to change, apologize, be open-minded when her friends gave her feedback, and actually change her behavior was beautiful! Again, her change was profound and I loved watching it. Because you get so frustrated with her, her growth was so satisfying. Again, great job to the author for writing her this way. Now, do not get me wrong, the MFC continued to have big emotions and make big mistakes, but that’s what complex, nuanced characters do and I’m all for it! She couldn’t go from deeply struggling to manage her emotions to having zero issues, that is just not realistic. The MFC made progress over time, learning from her continued mistakes.
⭐️ Now, let’s talk about our MMC. This man also was a highly traumatized and controlled man, as well as was abused when he stepped out of line. He also had big emotions, including anger, but instead of directing that anger outwards like the MFC, he directed in inwards. This behavior is what led to his cocky, arrogant mask, as he was hiding all the pain he was in. The MMC also made huge mistakes in this book and let his trauma and rigid thinking impact him. Just like the MFC, the MMC was a messy and flawed character who also grew a lot in this book. You just wanted to shake him sometimes, but then after he would reflect and recognize his mistakes. He would then also APOLOGIZE, and then do things differently after that. He also continued to be flawed, and again, I was all for it, more realistic. The MCs were both trying to be better for themselves and each other, needing themselves, their relationships, and friendships to do so.
The MMC was a touch her and die kind of guy, but also a loyal cinnamon roll guy to his friends and the MFC. He was fantastic!
⭐️ Moving to the MC’s relationship. I love a story about a couple (who are a good fit) that are loyal to each other, no matter what. Even though these two had a lot of hiccups, they figured it out and became an unstoppable couple. They made a choice to be together and bond, fighting until the very end for each other. This made me so happy and I loved their love.
⭐️ Let’s talk about the side characters:
💫- Damien. I absolutely loved him. I was giggling so much early in the book, especially when he was communicating with the MFC. For example, when Damien had to physically pick up the MFC, he said “Come to daddy.” She sighed and walked forward, thinking “what in the actual f**k is my life?” This was hilarious. After that, he left the MFC some lacey pajamas to wear for the MMC with a letter that he signed “Daddy D.” He was the fun, comedic side character I look forward to and I am so glad the author wrote him. Also, I cannot wait to see how Damien grows with Bronwyn! I loved them together.
💫 - Speaking of Bronwyn, what another fantastic side character. Bronwyn was the MFC’s best friend. At the start of the book, their friendship had been broken and we see the messiness they had to go through to start mending their relationship. My favorite characters are always the ones that are honest and blunt, as well as flirty and fun. This was Bronwyn. Bronwyn called out the MFC for lying and always saying she was fine when she was not. She also called out the MFC for making selfish decisions. Although the MMC played the largest role in the MFC’s character growth, Bronwyn was a close second at supporting, yet pushing the MFC to change.
💫 - Then we have Locke. The mysterious does a lot that we don’t know about yet. I was really thankful that the author made it quite clear, MULTIPLE times that, although he was now bonded to the MFC, it was not a love triangle or anything romantic or sexual. This bond will play a critical role in the next book and it was formed for a reason; yet, readers could see this bond as a why choose decision by the author. Again, the author made it clear, multiple times, that this is NOT that, in anyway, which I REALLY appreciated.
💫 - Shaw. I have to say 1) nice twist on him, the author got me good, and 2) I CANNOT wait to see what happens to him in book 2. The MFC's rage is going to get him and I look forward to reading that!
⭐️ The story. There was a twist around 50% that I didn’t see coming until that chapter. There was another twist around 65%. I will say, these first two twists were not the most shocking, but they were very cool. I feel like the author did a really great job putting little nuggets of truth spread through the book so that, when these twists were revealed, they were surprising, but not shocking. However, I will say, after that, the surprises and twists became HUGE and I did not see many of them coming. There were ones at 67%, 80%, and more after that. This was sooooo good!
This book was a great mixture of plot and action scenes, character growth, and romance. At times the MFC’s struggles and need to grow were more prominent, but then the relationship started to steal the show. However, that sneaky plot would show up and say “nope,” subsequently taking over, pausing the relationship progression. Then, it all became one big jumble of plot, independent growth, and relationship progression. The pacing ebbed and flowed, with the pacing picking up and going by super fast the last 20%.
A big part of the story that I really enjoyed was something I have been wanting in a book for a long time. Specifically I have been wanting more stories where the MCs, who are not supposed to be together, choose to be together and then hide that from the people that tell them they can’t be together. I love the fun games they can play because they really are together, but pretending in front of the powerful people that they’re not. I also really love when this is a mutually chosen decision to hide that they’re together. Usually, books tend to focus on either 1) the MC’s not being together because they “can’t.” And I’m always thinking, why not? Why not be together but hide it? That could create so much more tension, anxiety, and fun push and pull in the storyline. Yet, for some reason, that type of relationship is usually not written, it’s typically the “we can’t be together so let’s not even try, even though we want to be” or 2) they both want to be in a relationship and are willing to try, even if the powers-that-be say they can’t, but only one person wants to hide it whereas the other wants to own their relationship in front of everyone. These two storylines are more commonly written, so I was really looking forward to a book where two people wanted to be together, even if they’re told they can’t, and make a decision to play a game together with the powers people. This was so much more exciting to me! Especially with two really sassy, outspoken, strong characters like this book. I knew this would be a fun ride. Truly, this was the storyline I’ve been waiting for!
Globally, looking at the overall story, there’s so many life lessons. Ownership over self, forgiveness, second and third chances, don’t let trauma control you, stand up for yourself, find those you can trust, loyalty, vulnerability, and so much more!
⭐️ Now, the ending. Wow. That ending had so much action, I could not put the book down. It was shocking, emotional, and devastating. I cannot wait for book 2!
Information for the reader that is not a critique, but something to note.
Readers are really getting bored with these specific tropes for the MCs:
- MMC that is all powerful, special, and the strongest, typically a prince or heir.
- MFC initially is not powerful and typically more “basic,” but we find out she is SUPER powerful, extremely special, and “the one” who will save everyone.
Unfortunately, that is quite close to who the MC’s are in this book. The only difference is that the MFC is not basic, she is a strong and the number one assassin from the beginning, but we learn how much more special she is by the end.
Critique:
I’ve read a few books this year where authors have repetitively used the same word or phrase over 50 times. I truly thought that was bad, but the author used the word “snap“ 250 times. I as so shocked when a person would say something, but the author wrote it as them snapping. I was confused, as I thought it was a conversation but now someone is snapping at the other, why are they so crabby? But, I learned this was just a word the author used constantly and did not indicate someone was actually mad. It was strange to me. I really hope this author takes feedback or has an editor to eliminate the amount of times this is said.
Major major spoiler
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
⚠️
⚠️
-
-
-
-
-
Also, at the end when the MMC is hurt, the two men who just hurt him went where? They just left? Wouldn’t they have wanted to stay around to make sure that MMC died? Why would they let the MFC go near his body and attempt to save him? I did not get this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2026
ARC REVIEW 🩸
Hollow Huntress surpassed what I expected from a dark urban fantasy. The story is dark, haunting and twisted from the first page to the last and had me instantly and completely obsessed with the setting, the characters and the plot 🌇
Mara, the FMC, and Crew, the MMC, are complex, haunted, unhinged and lethal. They’re each other’s equal and counterpart, two sides of the same coin 🪙
Their emotions had me in a chokehold several times. You see them break, you see them try not to drown in their own darkness, you see them holding on to a sliver of hope, and break again ⛓️💥
𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 🖤
🩸 I’m a sucker for female rage, and let me tell you that Mara is the glorious and unhinged incarnation of it
💀 The plot is captivating, unique, twisty, full of political intrigue, secrets, betrayals, revenge and rage. It was perfectly balanced and I was hooked from the start
🔪 Crew might be a morally black, cunning and ruthless bastard, but he’s also a freaking cinnamon roll. He is obsessed with Mara and basks in her violence. The banter made me cackle and the tension was thrilling 💥
✨ Found family is one of my favorite tropes and Kathryn delivered us the perfect band of misfits with two badass women and three demon daddies
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 💔
This story is an endless pit of heartbreak and sorrow. And I would go through it again and again without hesitation to read this story for the first time once more. And sob my heart out again 🫠
Hollow Huntress surpassed what I expected from a dark urban fantasy. The story is dark, haunting and twisted from the first page to the last and had me instantly and completely obsessed with the setting, the characters and the plot 🌇
Mara, the FMC, and Crew, the MMC, are complex, haunted, unhinged and lethal. They’re each other’s equal and counterpart, two sides of the same coin 🪙
Their emotions had me in a chokehold several times. You see them break, you see them try not to drown in their own darkness, you see them holding on to a sliver of hope, and break again ⛓️💥
𝗔 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗜 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 🖤
🩸 I’m a sucker for female rage, and let me tell you that Mara is the glorious and unhinged incarnation of it
💀 The plot is captivating, unique, twisty, full of political intrigue, secrets, betrayals, revenge and rage. It was perfectly balanced and I was hooked from the start
🔪 Crew might be a morally black, cunning and ruthless bastard, but he’s also a freaking cinnamon roll. He is obsessed with Mara and basks in her violence. The banter made me cackle and the tension was thrilling 💥
✨ Found family is one of my favorite tropes and Kathryn delivered us the perfect band of misfits with two badass women and three demon daddies
𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 💔
This story is an endless pit of heartbreak and sorrow. And I would go through it again and again without hesitation to read this story for the first time once more. And sob my heart out again 🫠
June 9, 2026
5 STARS!! This is 100% a vibes read but HOLY COW I’m speechless. The ending of this book had me in tears I could not stop crying.
The premise of this book was so different from a lot of fantasy books I’ve read with the angels and demons. That was extremely refreshing to read.
Also, the enemies to lovers vibe in the first half of this book had me in a chokehold. I was squealing and kicking my dang feet.
Now there are some things I would definitely change as far as wording and there was some frequent repetition happening that was slightly annoying but I’m willing to overlook that because this story was so gripping. I absolutely loved this so much.
The premise of this book was so different from a lot of fantasy books I’ve read with the angels and demons. That was extremely refreshing to read.
Also, the enemies to lovers vibe in the first half of this book had me in a chokehold. I was squealing and kicking my dang feet.
Now there are some things I would definitely change as far as wording and there was some frequent repetition happening that was slightly annoying but I’m willing to overlook that because this story was so gripping. I absolutely loved this so much.
April 23, 2026
Infinite stars. From beginning to end I was completely invested. I seriously felt so many emotions while reading this book- I laughed some and cried some. When I tell you the characters had top teir banter, I mean it. I have a new book boyfriend and his name is Crew Bannermin and he can be my 6’4 demon daddy anytime 🥵 I loved every character and side character. This book was perfectly written. I never felt confused and couldn’t stop reading.
if you’re into dark urban Romantasy (or wanna dabble) - add to your TBR rn.
Thank you so much for the gifted arc
if you’re into dark urban Romantasy (or wanna dabble) - add to your TBR rn.
Thank you so much for the gifted arc
April 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
“𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓶”
Wow. Infinite stars for this book. Beautifully written, twists that keep you hooked and a cliff hanger that makes you mad that you finished the book!
The FMC in this book, Mara Castten is a ruthless angel assassin in the Lyre Order, known as the Hollow Huntress. The name that sparks fear across the city. She’s stābby, sassy and so smart. however, her personal growth in this book was heartwarming. Fuelled by anger for so long never gave her the chance to be happy when it truly mattered. Enter Crew Bannermin, the hot, arrogant, cocky Demon assassin from the Jade Order, who’s got a smart mouth and is utterly obsessed with Mara. He loves her hard and allows her to find her truth and helps her to see what she’s needed for so long and to see the truth.
The side characters in the book are so involved and it’s lovely to read, some are so loveable I’m wondering if they’re going to get their own book! Others, not so much 🤭
This book chewed me up, spat me out and laughed right in my face. My emotions were experiencing whiplash and my blood pressure rose more than not. 100/10 for this beautiful book, thank you Kathryn for allowing me to be an ARC reader, it has been an absolute pleasure and I’m so excited for book 2!! 🫶🏻🖤
“𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓮𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓻𝓲𝓶”
Wow. Infinite stars for this book. Beautifully written, twists that keep you hooked and a cliff hanger that makes you mad that you finished the book!
The FMC in this book, Mara Castten is a ruthless angel assassin in the Lyre Order, known as the Hollow Huntress. The name that sparks fear across the city. She’s stābby, sassy and so smart. however, her personal growth in this book was heartwarming. Fuelled by anger for so long never gave her the chance to be happy when it truly mattered. Enter Crew Bannermin, the hot, arrogant, cocky Demon assassin from the Jade Order, who’s got a smart mouth and is utterly obsessed with Mara. He loves her hard and allows her to find her truth and helps her to see what she’s needed for so long and to see the truth.
The side characters in the book are so involved and it’s lovely to read, some are so loveable I’m wondering if they’re going to get their own book! Others, not so much 🤭
This book chewed me up, spat me out and laughed right in my face. My emotions were experiencing whiplash and my blood pressure rose more than not. 100/10 for this beautiful book, thank you Kathryn for allowing me to be an ARC reader, it has been an absolute pleasure and I’m so excited for book 2!! 🫶🏻🖤
March 27, 2026
ARC read!
Snapshot: urban fantasy, FMC assassin, angels & demons, betrayals, power corruption, blood bonds and oaths, enemies to lovers, morally black characters
3.5 stars, rounding down to 3.
The plot, setting, and characters were unique! The world building is straight forward and easy to follow. Loved the diverse characters and especially the villains!
The urban fantasy setting with angels and demons feels a little odd sometimes. Despite them being supernatural beings, it seems that all the angels can do is fly? Besides the hybrid angels' life spans & wings... how are they different from humans?
It wasn't until 80% through the book did we finally see the demons use their actual fangs and claws rather than a gun.
Some of the "reveals" felt too easy. They were predominantly just another character telling them the answer, which wasn't very satisfying.
The transition from enemies to lovers felt a little abrupt and things weren't fully resolved for it to make sense yet. I wish there had been a better turning point in their relationship.
One of my main complaints about enemies to lovers tropes is that the banter ceases to exist once the characters get together. This was not the case! I appreciate good banter and it maintained its pace throughout the book, even after we entered the "lovers" phase. Some cheesy parts but overall, I enjoyed the vibes in this book.
Snapshot: urban fantasy, FMC assassin, angels & demons, betrayals, power corruption, blood bonds and oaths, enemies to lovers, morally black characters
3.5 stars, rounding down to 3.
The plot, setting, and characters were unique! The world building is straight forward and easy to follow. Loved the diverse characters and especially the villains!
The urban fantasy setting with angels and demons feels a little odd sometimes. Despite them being supernatural beings, it seems that all the angels can do is fly? Besides the hybrid angels' life spans & wings... how are they different from humans?
It wasn't until 80% through the book did we finally see the demons use their actual fangs and claws rather than a gun.
Some of the "reveals" felt too easy. They were predominantly just another character telling them the answer, which wasn't very satisfying.
The transition from enemies to lovers felt a little abrupt and things weren't fully resolved for it to make sense yet. I wish there had been a better turning point in their relationship.
One of my main complaints about enemies to lovers tropes is that the banter ceases to exist once the characters get together. This was not the case! I appreciate good banter and it maintained its pace throughout the book, even after we entered the "lovers" phase. Some cheesy parts but overall, I enjoyed the vibes in this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hollow Huntress is everything I want in a dark fantasy and more. Dark, haunting, twisted, and had me locked in from page one.
Mara is the epitome of unhinged female rage and I love her for it. And Crew is a morally grey demon daddy with golden retriever energy. He is so down bad for Mara, even while she hates his existence. Their banter had me giggling, the tension was insane, and there's blood play 👀
My favorite trope in every book is found family and that absolutely delivered here. Daddy D, Bronwyn, and Locke stole the show with their chaos.
But oh my gosh, there were so many plot twists I trusted no one by the end. That ending had me ugly crying and ready to throw my kindle.
Mara is the epitome of unhinged female rage and I love her for it. And Crew is a morally grey demon daddy with golden retriever energy. He is so down bad for Mara, even while she hates his existence. Their banter had me giggling, the tension was insane, and there's blood play 👀
My favorite trope in every book is found family and that absolutely delivered here. Daddy D, Bronwyn, and Locke stole the show with their chaos.
But oh my gosh, there were so many plot twists I trusted no one by the end. That ending had me ugly crying and ready to throw my kindle.
May 14, 2026
ARC review!
Just a few hours after finishing this book, my soul feels utterly shattered. This is one of those stories that completely consumed me, with an ending that broke me apart. I need a sequel ASAP! 🖤
Honestly, this book is a masterpiece—Kathryn Breaux truly outdid herself with Hollow Huntress. 😍👏 It's a dark urban fantasy done to perfection. The prose is magnificent and incredibly readable. I savored it over several days because I didn’t want it to end. I was utterly engrossed, hungry for more. The secrets, betrayals, rage... wow! This is a book worth every moment. 🙌
I’m grateful for my eyesight to experience Hollow Huntress—definitely one of my all-time favorites. Bury me with this story. 🙂↕️
The plot revolves around an angel and a demon assassin, forced to team up after centuries for an impossible mission. 🗡️
Mara, our fearless fmc, is one of the most complex characters I’ve ever encountered. She’s badass, ruthless, intelligent, and sassy—you don’t mess with her. 😌🔥 I loved how Kathryn delved deep into her psyche, making her feel so real. Mara is emotional, battling her own struggles and vulnerabilities, especially anger. 🥺 Watching her grow through adversity, surrounded by the right people, was truly inspiring. ❤️
Crew is a demon but also a cinnamon roll?! I adore him. He embodies the perfect mix of menace and kindness—strong and terrifying, yet a genuinely good guy. 🫦 He’s been waiting for Mara from the start and would do anything for her and their friends. 💘 Possessive, cocky, and utterly compelling, every word he speaks leaves me weak. His longing for Mara makes me feral—he loves that she hates him. And guys... HE LITERALLY CRAWLS to her. 😲 His obsession is intense—he would endure any pain she inflicts just to stay close. He’s totally down bad, and I loving every second of it. 🤭
The banter between characters is spot-on! ❤️🔥 I found myself highlighting paragraph after paragraph because the tension was addictive. The spice level was perfect, especially the blood play elements—oh, so good! 🤫
I absolutely adore the found family trope. 🥰 Damien, Locke, and Bronwyn stole my heart. Daddy D (Damien) is hilarious. 😂 They’re all epic characters—witty, fierce, protective, and exactly what the story needed. The Grim Reaper character was such a fascinating addition, too.
There are some characters I despise with a passion and hope they burn in hell—especially for the torment they inflicted on Mara and Crew. 😠😢 It was gut-wrenching to read, and I hate them for it.
I’m wrecked after that ending. My heart and soul are crushed, and I couldn’t even breathe from the pain. 💔 The story ends on an agonizing cliffhanger—hello, emotional damage! (But in the best way, since it only made me fall more in love with this book.) I wish I could reread it endlessly. From start to finish, I was hooked, and I can’t wait for the second book! 🤩
Huge thanks to Kathryn Breaux for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🫶
Just a few hours after finishing this book, my soul feels utterly shattered. This is one of those stories that completely consumed me, with an ending that broke me apart. I need a sequel ASAP! 🖤
Honestly, this book is a masterpiece—Kathryn Breaux truly outdid herself with Hollow Huntress. 😍👏 It's a dark urban fantasy done to perfection. The prose is magnificent and incredibly readable. I savored it over several days because I didn’t want it to end. I was utterly engrossed, hungry for more. The secrets, betrayals, rage... wow! This is a book worth every moment. 🙌
I’m grateful for my eyesight to experience Hollow Huntress—definitely one of my all-time favorites. Bury me with this story. 🙂↕️
The plot revolves around an angel and a demon assassin, forced to team up after centuries for an impossible mission. 🗡️
Mara, our fearless fmc, is one of the most complex characters I’ve ever encountered. She’s badass, ruthless, intelligent, and sassy—you don’t mess with her. 😌🔥 I loved how Kathryn delved deep into her psyche, making her feel so real. Mara is emotional, battling her own struggles and vulnerabilities, especially anger. 🥺 Watching her grow through adversity, surrounded by the right people, was truly inspiring. ❤️
Crew is a demon but also a cinnamon roll?! I adore him. He embodies the perfect mix of menace and kindness—strong and terrifying, yet a genuinely good guy. 🫦 He’s been waiting for Mara from the start and would do anything for her and their friends. 💘 Possessive, cocky, and utterly compelling, every word he speaks leaves me weak. His longing for Mara makes me feral—he loves that she hates him. And guys... HE LITERALLY CRAWLS to her. 😲 His obsession is intense—he would endure any pain she inflicts just to stay close. He’s totally down bad, and I loving every second of it. 🤭
The banter between characters is spot-on! ❤️🔥 I found myself highlighting paragraph after paragraph because the tension was addictive. The spice level was perfect, especially the blood play elements—oh, so good! 🤫
I absolutely adore the found family trope. 🥰 Damien, Locke, and Bronwyn stole my heart. Daddy D (Damien) is hilarious. 😂 They’re all epic characters—witty, fierce, protective, and exactly what the story needed. The Grim Reaper character was such a fascinating addition, too.
There are some characters I despise with a passion and hope they burn in hell—especially for the torment they inflicted on Mara and Crew. 😠😢 It was gut-wrenching to read, and I hate them for it.
I’m wrecked after that ending. My heart and soul are crushed, and I couldn’t even breathe from the pain. 💔 The story ends on an agonizing cliffhanger—hello, emotional damage! (But in the best way, since it only made me fall more in love with this book.) I wish I could reread it endlessly. From start to finish, I was hooked, and I can’t wait for the second book! 🤩
Huge thanks to Kathryn Breaux for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! 🫶
May 14, 2026
Hollow Huntress Arc Review
“Careful of the Grim.”
I read this book in an all time record, completely unable to put it down. There’s so many elements to this story, that all readers can enjoy. I haven’t read a lot of urban fantasies but this is now high on my list as a new favorite. This story contains a lot of darkness and grief, but it also gives you glimpses of light amidst trials and uncertainties. This book is sheer beauty that both wrecks and mends your heart.
Mara is a FMC that cannot be compared to another. What I appreciated most about her character is her unapologetic fierce personality. I was constantly surprised with what she would do next, and I loved every minute of it. She was definitely a morally grey character, but what makes her one of my favorites is her desire for redemption. As a reader we are gifted the chance to see the bad things she’s had to partake, but also the trauma she’s endured for ages. Her strength and loyalty are unquestionable when it comes to protecting her friends and newfound family.
While I love Locke, Damien, and Crew, I have to admit I favor Crew. The rivals to lovers was very strong on Mara’s side, but you could tell Crew’s affections pretty early into the story. I loved the banter between Crew and Mara, it was chaotic, unhinged, and utter perfection. Crew is a complete badass, but the moments I loved him most was when he was flirting and being protective of Mara. He’s a very complex character, and each chapter in his perspective gave this book a needed element to it. Their relationship was not one sided, and it was not without complications.
The villains in this novel were brilliantly written. Lowell and Carver’s interactions with the other characters gave me chills, leaving a haunting resonance on my mind. A few characters actions surprised and disappointed me, so prepare yourself for events yet to come. The betrayals and twists in this book left my mind reeling, my heart was pounding so fast during the last 3/4. The lightness in this book was from Mara and Bronwyn repairing their broken friendship, it was one of the most powerful additions that will remain with me.
If you’re in the mood for a story where light and dark is blurred, and the banter is off the hook…. Stop scrolling and immediately add this book to your tbr. From the first to the last page, you will be enraptured in fantastically unique story with bigger than life side characters. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to arc read, and I’ll be ready for book 2 to be released. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Careful of the Grim.”
I read this book in an all time record, completely unable to put it down. There’s so many elements to this story, that all readers can enjoy. I haven’t read a lot of urban fantasies but this is now high on my list as a new favorite. This story contains a lot of darkness and grief, but it also gives you glimpses of light amidst trials and uncertainties. This book is sheer beauty that both wrecks and mends your heart.
Mara is a FMC that cannot be compared to another. What I appreciated most about her character is her unapologetic fierce personality. I was constantly surprised with what she would do next, and I loved every minute of it. She was definitely a morally grey character, but what makes her one of my favorites is her desire for redemption. As a reader we are gifted the chance to see the bad things she’s had to partake, but also the trauma she’s endured for ages. Her strength and loyalty are unquestionable when it comes to protecting her friends and newfound family.
While I love Locke, Damien, and Crew, I have to admit I favor Crew. The rivals to lovers was very strong on Mara’s side, but you could tell Crew’s affections pretty early into the story. I loved the banter between Crew and Mara, it was chaotic, unhinged, and utter perfection. Crew is a complete badass, but the moments I loved him most was when he was flirting and being protective of Mara. He’s a very complex character, and each chapter in his perspective gave this book a needed element to it. Their relationship was not one sided, and it was not without complications.
The villains in this novel were brilliantly written. Lowell and Carver’s interactions with the other characters gave me chills, leaving a haunting resonance on my mind. A few characters actions surprised and disappointed me, so prepare yourself for events yet to come. The betrayals and twists in this book left my mind reeling, my heart was pounding so fast during the last 3/4. The lightness in this book was from Mara and Bronwyn repairing their broken friendship, it was one of the most powerful additions that will remain with me.
If you’re in the mood for a story where light and dark is blurred, and the banter is off the hook…. Stop scrolling and immediately add this book to your tbr. From the first to the last page, you will be enraptured in fantastically unique story with bigger than life side characters. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to arc read, and I’ll be ready for book 2 to be released. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 15, 2026
Y’ALL. Hollow Huntress was phenomenal. You need to read this book. If it isn’t on your TBR already, add it now! I don’t even know if my words can do this book justice. I finished it last night, and I’ve been distraught thinking about that ending ever since. 😅
This urban fantasy was everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. I already loved Kathryn Breaux’s books after reading the first 2 books in the Darkness Series, but Hollow Huntress took that love to a whole new level. She’s got a fan for life after this book. If I could give this one ♾️⭐️, I would. It was that good.
Our FMC Mara has been through it. She starts this book in a literal jail cell. She’s an angel assassin, and she 100% feels her soul is tainted beyond repair. She’s also the only being who seems to be able to see death himself - the Grim. She’s a complex character, and she’s abrasive as hell. But she was also a freaking delight. I loved Mara with every part of my soul.
Our MMC Crew is the demon of my dreams. Don’t tell my husband I said that (let’s see if he actually reads these reviews). 😂 But for real, how do I go about getting a Crew of my own? He’s protective, possessive, and absolutely OBSESSED with Mara. Too bad she hates his guts.
The dynamic and banter between Mara and Crew was everything with both of their default languages being sarcasm. This was my most highlighted book ever on Kindle, mostly because I couldn’t stop myself from highlighting half the dialogue between these two! This was a true enemies to lovers story, and I ate up every second of it. When the enemies FINALLY turned into lovers, I was squealing into my Kindle.
The overall story is unique and full of chaos, secrets, betrayals, and plenty of trauma. Basically, the plot was plotting. The world building was fantastic, and we got the best side characters in this book. They brought plenty of humor (looking at you, Daddy D!) and all the found family vibes.
The last like 15-20% of this book will keep you on the edge of your seat, and be prepared to be RUINED by the end of this one. I will absolutely be recommending Hollow Huntress to everyone I can.
Thank you so much to Kathryn Breaux for the gifted ARC of this literal masterpiece! I cannot wait for Book 2 of the Death Duet! 🖤🪽✨
This urban fantasy was everything I didn’t know I needed in my life. I already loved Kathryn Breaux’s books after reading the first 2 books in the Darkness Series, but Hollow Huntress took that love to a whole new level. She’s got a fan for life after this book. If I could give this one ♾️⭐️, I would. It was that good.
Our FMC Mara has been through it. She starts this book in a literal jail cell. She’s an angel assassin, and she 100% feels her soul is tainted beyond repair. She’s also the only being who seems to be able to see death himself - the Grim. She’s a complex character, and she’s abrasive as hell. But she was also a freaking delight. I loved Mara with every part of my soul.
Our MMC Crew is the demon of my dreams. Don’t tell my husband I said that (let’s see if he actually reads these reviews). 😂 But for real, how do I go about getting a Crew of my own? He’s protective, possessive, and absolutely OBSESSED with Mara. Too bad she hates his guts.
The dynamic and banter between Mara and Crew was everything with both of their default languages being sarcasm. This was my most highlighted book ever on Kindle, mostly because I couldn’t stop myself from highlighting half the dialogue between these two! This was a true enemies to lovers story, and I ate up every second of it. When the enemies FINALLY turned into lovers, I was squealing into my Kindle.
The overall story is unique and full of chaos, secrets, betrayals, and plenty of trauma. Basically, the plot was plotting. The world building was fantastic, and we got the best side characters in this book. They brought plenty of humor (looking at you, Daddy D!) and all the found family vibes.
The last like 15-20% of this book will keep you on the edge of your seat, and be prepared to be RUINED by the end of this one. I will absolutely be recommending Hollow Huntress to everyone I can.
Thank you so much to Kathryn Breaux for the gifted ARC of this literal masterpiece! I cannot wait for Book 2 of the Death Duet! 🖤🪽✨
May 10, 2026
“To those who have had their hearts shattered by love and loss. And to those working to put it back together, piece by piece. Broken things are beautiful, too. Remember that.”
Hollow Huntress is a beautiful story with a tragic cliffhanger (which has resulted in me not knowing what to do myself and being in need of the second book like now). Our half-angel FMC, Mara, has been through so much, and her choices might not always be the best, but she’s still fighting. And she even found herself falling in love (one of the scariest things you can do) despite being “broken.”
Hollow Huntress is definitely a hefty read, being over 600 pages, but it’s worth every one! This book will make you feel. Whether it’s anger, hurt, sadness, love, there’s no doubt it’ll make you feel something. Then there’s the banter, the tension, the characters, and the plot. There’s a ton of action and always something going on. Overall, the book is very well done and I have no doubt that anyone who picks this book up will enjoy it.
But if you’re a YA only reader…. move along! There isn’t any spice until about 50% into the story… but there is definitely a lot after 😅. But if that’s your jam then go and pick this book up!
"It feels like when I met you, everything shifted. You are my light, my darkness, and every beautiful shade in between, and my last breath will be dedicated to making sure you know that."
Hollow Huntress is a beautiful story with a tragic cliffhanger (which has resulted in me not knowing what to do myself and being in need of the second book like now). Our half-angel FMC, Mara, has been through so much, and her choices might not always be the best, but she’s still fighting. And she even found herself falling in love (one of the scariest things you can do) despite being “broken.”
Hollow Huntress is definitely a hefty read, being over 600 pages, but it’s worth every one! This book will make you feel. Whether it’s anger, hurt, sadness, love, there’s no doubt it’ll make you feel something. Then there’s the banter, the tension, the characters, and the plot. There’s a ton of action and always something going on. Overall, the book is very well done and I have no doubt that anyone who picks this book up will enjoy it.
But if you’re a YA only reader…. move along! There isn’t any spice until about 50% into the story… but there is definitely a lot after 😅. But if that’s your jam then go and pick this book up!
"It feels like when I met you, everything shifted. You are my light, my darkness, and every beautiful shade in between, and my last breath will be dedicated to making sure you know that."
May 19, 2026
Hollow Huntress, completely pulled me in. This book was THICK thick, but I flew through it because I needed answers. The plot kept me guessing the entire time, and the tension, yearning, and emotional chaos had me fully obsessed. Add in angels vs demons and I was immediately hooked. The push and pull between everyone, the secrets, betrayal, and that aching “almost” energy? SO good. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story hit me with another twist. And that cliffhanger at the end?! EXCUSE ME. I just sat there staring at the page wondering how I’m supposed to recover from that ending. Definitely one of those “just one more chapter” books that keeps you up way too late.
Español: Hollow Huntress, me atrapó por completo. Este libro estaba GRUESO grueso, pero lo devoré porque necesitaba respuestas. La trama me tuvo dudando de todo el tiempo, y la tensión, el yearning y el caos emocional me dejaron obsesionada. Agrégale ángeles contra demonios y ya estaba completamente enganchada. El tira y afloja entre los personajes, los secretos, la traición y esa energía de “casi” estuvo DEMASIADO buena. Cada vez que pensaba que entendía todo, llegaba otro giro inesperado.
Y ese cliffhanger al final? ¿¡PERDÓN!? Me quedé mirando la página preguntándome cómo se supone que debo recuperarme de ese final. Definitivamente uno de esos libros de “solo un capítulo más” que te dejan despierta hasta tarde.
Español: Hollow Huntress, me atrapó por completo. Este libro estaba GRUESO grueso, pero lo devoré porque necesitaba respuestas. La trama me tuvo dudando de todo el tiempo, y la tensión, el yearning y el caos emocional me dejaron obsesionada. Agrégale ángeles contra demonios y ya estaba completamente enganchada. El tira y afloja entre los personajes, los secretos, la traición y esa energía de “casi” estuvo DEMASIADO buena. Cada vez que pensaba que entendía todo, llegaba otro giro inesperado.
Y ese cliffhanger al final? ¿¡PERDÓN!? Me quedé mirando la página preguntándome cómo se supone que debo recuperarme de ese final. Definitivamente uno de esos libros de “solo un capítulo más” que te dejan despierta hasta tarde.
April 26, 2026
This is an ARC review.
Thank you to the author for this opportunity.
This book was SO good. Definitely a 5 star read for me. It is a fantastic entry level dark romance/fantasy novel with a heavily emotionally charged storyline.
Mara is a brutal and determined heroine navigating a traitorous world ruled by power and control. The tense tone is present from the beginning chapters and is felt all the way through the novel.
The character development in this book is unmatched. The FMC is flawed in a way that feels compelling, and her overall motivations give the narrative real emotional weight. The relationship and development between the FMC and MMC is sharp, witty and dynamic which keeps the readers invested. It is very much a touch her and die and enemies to lovers tropes which I LOVE.
One critique is the world building definitely takes a backseat to the romance and character development, so if world building is critical for you this is something to flag. I however absolutely love character development and plot and I didn’t feel the world building was critical to this.
This is a fast paced, incredibly difficult to put down book. It is emotionally driven with found family and huge character growth, morally complex and grey characters in a world full of power, politics and control. I CANNOT wait for book two 🩷
Please read this book!!
Thank you to the author for this opportunity.
This book was SO good. Definitely a 5 star read for me. It is a fantastic entry level dark romance/fantasy novel with a heavily emotionally charged storyline.
Mara is a brutal and determined heroine navigating a traitorous world ruled by power and control. The tense tone is present from the beginning chapters and is felt all the way through the novel.
The character development in this book is unmatched. The FMC is flawed in a way that feels compelling, and her overall motivations give the narrative real emotional weight. The relationship and development between the FMC and MMC is sharp, witty and dynamic which keeps the readers invested. It is very much a touch her and die and enemies to lovers tropes which I LOVE.
One critique is the world building definitely takes a backseat to the romance and character development, so if world building is critical for you this is something to flag. I however absolutely love character development and plot and I didn’t feel the world building was critical to this.
This is a fast paced, incredibly difficult to put down book. It is emotionally driven with found family and huge character growth, morally complex and grey characters in a world full of power, politics and control. I CANNOT wait for book two 🩷
Please read this book!!
May 24, 2026
Hollow Huntress completely consumed me from start to finish. This ARC read had everything I love in a dark urban fantasy — angels and demons, an angel assassin FMC fueled by female rage, dangerous city settings, a possessive reaper MMC, and the kind of enemies-and-rivals-to-lovers tension that keeps you addicted to every interaction.
The chemistry between the main characters was incredible. I loved that she was fierce and protective in her own right, while he absolutely fell first and hard. Their dynamic was intense, emotional, and full of tension without ever taking away from the plot.
What really made this book stand out for me, though, was how invested I became in every single character. The side characters were honestly just as lovable and compelling as the main ones, and the friendships added so much heart to the story alongside all the chaos, danger, and romance.
And the PLOT TWISTS??? Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Kathryn Breaux completely blindsided me. This was one of those books that would not let me put it down because I constantly needed to know what would happen next. I was literally messaging the author while reading because this book was eating me alive and I needed to scream about what was happening in real time.
And then that ending… that cliffhanger absolutely devastated me. I genuinely just sat there staring at the page after finishing it.
The chemistry between the main characters was incredible. I loved that she was fierce and protective in her own right, while he absolutely fell first and hard. Their dynamic was intense, emotional, and full of tension without ever taking away from the plot.
What really made this book stand out for me, though, was how invested I became in every single character. The side characters were honestly just as lovable and compelling as the main ones, and the friendships added so much heart to the story alongside all the chaos, danger, and romance.
And the PLOT TWISTS??? Every time I thought I knew where the story was going, Kathryn Breaux completely blindsided me. This was one of those books that would not let me put it down because I constantly needed to know what would happen next. I was literally messaging the author while reading because this book was eating me alive and I needed to scream about what was happening in real time.
And then that ending… that cliffhanger absolutely devastated me. I genuinely just sat there staring at the page after finishing it.
April 26, 2026
An urban fantasy about an angel who feels her soul is tainted? Whose life, work and universe revolves seemingly around death? Who harbours a hatred borne from her grief that festers inside of her? And who is then tasked with killing death himself??? With a demon she loathes with ever fibre of her being?? But who can’t stand to see her hurting??? Strap in fellas. This is a fantastic, unique and CRAZY mfing ride.
Mara is a complex female character; she is abrasive, impulsive, bitter and cold. Her experiences have shaped her into a weapon and made her an island, pushing those around her away in order to protect herself. Yet she remains hilarious, sarcastic and sharp, a good time when she can drown out the bad noises - and with a shoot first personality which is ICONIC. Crew is her demonic counterpart, and a dark bag of sarcasm and flirtation, but make no mistake, this is true enemies to lovers, with darkness and secrets and trauma that each wields like a BLADE. This is shoot him because you said you would enemies to lovers, stab him, make him bleed for it enemies to lovers and it is DELIGHTFUL. Special mention to Daddy D for being the most delicious side character, bringing all the humour and warmth that these two broody idiots need to save them from their own angst, trauma and selves.
The final 20% of this book ruined me; the last few chapters left me a sobbing mess, so of course I will be seated for the sequel.
Mara is a complex female character; she is abrasive, impulsive, bitter and cold. Her experiences have shaped her into a weapon and made her an island, pushing those around her away in order to protect herself. Yet she remains hilarious, sarcastic and sharp, a good time when she can drown out the bad noises - and with a shoot first personality which is ICONIC. Crew is her demonic counterpart, and a dark bag of sarcasm and flirtation, but make no mistake, this is true enemies to lovers, with darkness and secrets and trauma that each wields like a BLADE. This is shoot him because you said you would enemies to lovers, stab him, make him bleed for it enemies to lovers and it is DELIGHTFUL. Special mention to Daddy D for being the most delicious side character, bringing all the humour and warmth that these two broody idiots need to save them from their own angst, trauma and selves.
The final 20% of this book ruined me; the last few chapters left me a sobbing mess, so of course I will be seated for the sequel.
April 23, 2026
This book took me for an absolute ringer. Initially I wasn’t sure if I was going to love this but then I got so into it I couldn’t stop. This review is chaotic, I know, but as the book progressed I couldn’t stop finding more to write about.
Mara is fantastic. Her hatred, her pain, her love, and her resilience built a beautiful character. Crew… I mean come on. You knew he was drawn to her from the start and as much as I love an enemies to lovers trope, I wanted Mara to stop being such a witch and let him be there for her. Their dynamic is brilliant. Brownie points for the moments with the Grim (crazy twists there) and the remarks he made. That ending left me stunned. Mara & Crew are having a hell of a ride no matter what the circumstances are. Bronwyn, Locke, and Damien are fantastic side characters and truly a family by the end of the book.
Another reviewer mentioned to very distinct things happening around 50% and 65% and oh my gawdddddd. Pivotal points in the book. The first one I did not see coming but I just KNEW the second one was true. I figured it out earlier in the book and it festered until it was confirmed. I hate Shaw - he’s quite literally a devil in angels clothing. I hate that he hurt her. I hate everything that is him. I hate Lowell too.
“Careful of the Grim will be etched on walls. But… Fear the Hollow Huntress will be etched on souls” …. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. 1000/10 beautiful. This line gave me CHILLS!
Mara is fantastic. Her hatred, her pain, her love, and her resilience built a beautiful character. Crew… I mean come on. You knew he was drawn to her from the start and as much as I love an enemies to lovers trope, I wanted Mara to stop being such a witch and let him be there for her. Their dynamic is brilliant. Brownie points for the moments with the Grim (crazy twists there) and the remarks he made. That ending left me stunned. Mara & Crew are having a hell of a ride no matter what the circumstances are. Bronwyn, Locke, and Damien are fantastic side characters and truly a family by the end of the book.
Another reviewer mentioned to very distinct things happening around 50% and 65% and oh my gawdddddd. Pivotal points in the book. The first one I did not see coming but I just KNEW the second one was true. I figured it out earlier in the book and it festered until it was confirmed. I hate Shaw - he’s quite literally a devil in angels clothing. I hate that he hurt her. I hate everything that is him. I hate Lowell too.
“Careful of the Grim will be etched on walls. But… Fear the Hollow Huntress will be etched on souls” …. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book. 1000/10 beautiful. This line gave me CHILLS!
May 15, 2026
Thank you for this ARC. I was drawn in by the book blurb, beautiful artwork, and quotes.
🪽 Urban Fantasy
🪽 Demons and Angels
🪽 Enemies to Lovers
🪽 Founr Family
This book had an urban fantasy vibe like Cresent City mixed with Assissins - similar to the Underworld movie. Demons and angels have their own order to follow in a world where they keep balance with the grim reaper. With a murder to one of the high elders with no leads. The high elders decide to work together to bring justice and end these murders by teaming up one demon and one angel to investigate an uprising and bring back order. There are darker secrets and games at play, with growing tension and fatal attraction between this conflicting pair. It almost gives you Romeo and Julet vibes coming from two different families. The heat rises when these two colide. The world was gritty and hard, making our characters flawed and rough around the edges - which I loved.
The book was captivating at parts, the banter and connection between our main characters and moments of found family where a wholesome treat. Unfortunately for me, it felt too long, and it lost my interest towards the end. I felt characters strayed from their original personalities and behaved in ways that were contradictory.
It was filled with actio, trauma, and finding love. If these catch your eye, check this book out.
🪽 Urban Fantasy
🪽 Demons and Angels
🪽 Enemies to Lovers
🪽 Founr Family
This book had an urban fantasy vibe like Cresent City mixed with Assissins - similar to the Underworld movie. Demons and angels have their own order to follow in a world where they keep balance with the grim reaper. With a murder to one of the high elders with no leads. The high elders decide to work together to bring justice and end these murders by teaming up one demon and one angel to investigate an uprising and bring back order. There are darker secrets and games at play, with growing tension and fatal attraction between this conflicting pair. It almost gives you Romeo and Julet vibes coming from two different families. The heat rises when these two colide. The world was gritty and hard, making our characters flawed and rough around the edges - which I loved.
The book was captivating at parts, the banter and connection between our main characters and moments of found family where a wholesome treat. Unfortunately for me, it felt too long, and it lost my interest towards the end. I felt characters strayed from their original personalities and behaved in ways that were contradictory.
It was filled with actio, trauma, and finding love. If these catch your eye, check this book out.
March 23, 2026
Hollow Huntress is action packed while ripping your heart out and stomping on it! That ending has be feeling UNWELL and I’m not okay!!!
Thank you Kathryn Breaux and her team for the eARC! I’m beyond honored and so thrilled I got to read this in advance of its release 😍🥲
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
HH is a dark, urban fantasy with angels and demons, betrayals, assassins, female rage, and found family. Our FMC, Mara, is an angel who is released from prison after almost a year from a job gone wrong. She is thrust back into her angel Order very quickly to take on the most dangerous job - kill the Grim reaper. She is forced to team up with the top assassin in the demon Order and the one she hates the most - our MMC, Crew. From there, the adventures they go on lead to many discoveries about who they are, who their family is, and what is really going on in their city.
Friendships are tested, fates are revealed, betrayals are abound, heartbreak is prevalent and you will be BEGGING for book 2 like me!
Hollow Huntress is a great fantasy for fans of morally grey characters, emotional damage, top tier banter, burn the world for her MMCs, and the maximum amount of female rage.
Thank you Kathryn Breaux and her team for the eARC! I’m beyond honored and so thrilled I got to read this in advance of its release 😍🥲
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
HH is a dark, urban fantasy with angels and demons, betrayals, assassins, female rage, and found family. Our FMC, Mara, is an angel who is released from prison after almost a year from a job gone wrong. She is thrust back into her angel Order very quickly to take on the most dangerous job - kill the Grim reaper. She is forced to team up with the top assassin in the demon Order and the one she hates the most - our MMC, Crew. From there, the adventures they go on lead to many discoveries about who they are, who their family is, and what is really going on in their city.
Friendships are tested, fates are revealed, betrayals are abound, heartbreak is prevalent and you will be BEGGING for book 2 like me!
Hollow Huntress is a great fantasy for fans of morally grey characters, emotional damage, top tier banter, burn the world for her MMCs, and the maximum amount of female rage.
May 19, 2026
Thanks to the author for the eARC! This post reflects my honest review.
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
LOVED:
Angel v. demon
Reluctant chosen one
Really emotionally broken people who are trying to find healing but aren’t quite there yet
The last ¼ or so of this book absolutely wrecked me. I was ugly crying, snot and all. It made me like the book more.
Notes:
These two people are much too broken for “making love.” They fuck. More than once. Be ready.
Although Crew is pretty obsessed with Mara, the emotional depth wasn’t quite there for me. This might be a consequence of the emotional challenges they face and could be resolved in book 2?
The MCs and their friends met obstacle after obstacle after obstacle. It was frustrating, lol.
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
LOVED:
Angel v. demon
Reluctant chosen one
Really emotionally broken people who are trying to find healing but aren’t quite there yet
The last ¼ or so of this book absolutely wrecked me. I was ugly crying, snot and all. It made me like the book more.
Notes:
These two people are much too broken for “making love.” They fuck. More than once. Be ready.
Although Crew is pretty obsessed with Mara, the emotional depth wasn’t quite there for me. This might be a consequence of the emotional challenges they face and could be resolved in book 2?
The MCs and their friends met obstacle after obstacle after obstacle. It was frustrating, lol.
Read
April 18, 2026Any fans of urban fantasies like Crescent City and House of Devils, this one is for you. Mix a badass FMC and a shadow daddy, and you’ve got a deadly combination. Everyone is morally grey in this world and there are several delicious plot twists (& spice!). This is book one of this duology and I can’t wait to see how this cliffhanger gets resolved.
Read this for:
-dark urban romantasy
-enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
-angels & demons
-both assassins
-he falls first
-female rage
-shadow daddy
-forced proximity
-“touch them & die”
Read this for:
-dark urban romantasy
-enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
-angels & demons
-both assassins
-he falls first
-female rage
-shadow daddy
-forced proximity
-“touch them & die”
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