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Hired Gun #1-4

The Sicarii

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Tall, dark, and sexy as hell, Thorne Hollow knows the power he holds over the opposite sex and how to use it. Cast out by the gods thousands of years ago, he roams the earth working as an assassin for The Sicarii, a secret society who protects humans from all of the things that go bump in the night.

One night stands are his way of life... until he meets a mysterious woman whose intriguing power compels him to uncover more about her and the strange magic she wields.

-- Previously Hired Gun Serial. Complete novel. --
*Mature adults due to language and sexual nature*

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 13, 2015

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About the author

A.J. Bennett

17 books399 followers
A.J. Bennett lives in Nashville, TN with her husband and bulldog. She's addicted to coffee, popcorn and books. Becoming an author has been a lifelong dream, and she's extremely excited about her debut novel Now or Never.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie *Gypsy Smut-a-teer*.
484 reviews265 followers
March 22, 2015
This book...smh....was so...the only word I can come up with is cool. It took me completely by surprise with how much I just couldn't put it down and how into the story I was.

I had signed up for the Arc a while ago and remembered being intrigued when I signed up, but I'm about to have a baby so I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row and this was my last ARC I have incomplete before my slate is clean for a bit. I was about to start it but re-read the blurb and thought uh oh, this kind of scares me, reading about the gods haven't really been my thing before, not that I've had any other books like this one presented to me. So, to say I was apprehensive is an understatement. I kept wondering what had intrigued me prior. WELLLL, let me just say by the end of the first chapter I was already completely 100% into it and ended up having to force myself to put it down and go to sleep. REALLY REALLY GOOD!!!

Thorne is a demi-god that basically has been punished to Earth just because of his non-elite bloodline. He's been here for years now and is quiet comfortable living here just sort of has a chip on his shoulder for the reason he's been put here. He's part of a secret group called the Sicarii that basically keep everything balanced by killing anyone who tries to endanger mankind. He loves his job, and all the women he can get as well, pretty much putting him in the mega man-whore status. Until one night, when the chemistry he has with one woman is out of this world and puts him on high alert. He hasn't felt like this since his ex-wife, and never planned to feel this way again, but the next morning when things change 100%, things get a little too real for Thorne, and he decides he has to find out who this woman is and everything about her including who sent her to torment him.

This book is actually written as a 4 part series, but the ARC I received had them laid out as one book. It has a bit of everything, smoking hot sex scenes with one scorching threesome, and hot cocky demi-god with a smart ass mouth, plenty of suspense and danger, and the start of another story it seems which I can't wait to get my hands on between Nike and Benny. I would have loved to have a little sneak peek of what happened between Thorne and Kataya after the ending of this book, but it pretty much summed everything up for now and I have a suspicion we will see more of them in the next set of serial novels for Benny and Thanatos as well. Overall, this was a really fun read. SO, SO different and I can't wait for more. :)
Profile Image for Ash Kemp.
453 reviews45 followers
May 28, 2015
I tried to finish this set, I even skimmed around to try to find something to keep me hooked, but in the end this was a DNF for me. I couldn't relate to, or even like, any of the characters. And there were a few too many grammatical and structure mishaps for a finished product. The author would have greatly benefited from a content editor. If you like light, fast paced reading, you should give it a chance because sometimes something doesn't grab me, but my best friends are raving about it, and vice versa. I really appreciate the review opportunity provided by the author and Xpresso Books, but this was a miss for me.

***Free copy provided for honest review.***
Profile Image for Bambi Unbridled.
1,298 reviews139 followers
April 9, 2015
I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I like mythology-based books, so I picked this one up hoping to break out of my reading slump... unfortunately I felt ambivalent about all 4 episodes. I was expecting a big battle and a good love story. But I didn't get either of those. We never got anything more than one date and a few sex scenes to develop the relationship between Thorne and Kataya. There was absolutely zero emotion involved and next-to-no character development. Thorne, a demi-god, has lived for 2,000 years and was cast out of the Realm of Gods. However, the only story we got on him was superficial, that he was a supernatural assassin protecting humans on Earth and, basically, a manwhore. That was a wasted opportunity. I would have liked to see much more back story on who should have been a very interesting character.

There were also some inconsistencies that drove me absolutely batty. They made me a bit ranty in my status updates on Goodreads.

04/03
"Strike 1. In Part 1, Thorne is intro'd as grandson of Theseus. Now, Theseus is his father. This should have been caught before publication."
04/03
"Strike 2. He is reading a file about Kataya in a manila folder... but then says that he could sense her even thru the computer screen."

I felt like these episodes are a bit of a soap opera, but without any emotion. The story started to pick up towards the end of Part 3... but then I get confused again. Thorne is an assassin for hire, but I was under the impression that he was only taking out people who are a danger to humans. Swindling old ladies out of their money and vamps draining humans, okay. But in the third part, his target is a man who is stepping out on his wife. I understand his wife wanting revenge... but it seems a bit paltry for a supernatural assassin.

Part 4, the ending, was was anticlimactic and a bit of a disappointment. All of the buildup fizzled out.
Thanatos utterly failed as a villian. A huge plot to destroy both worlds! Thorne says, oh you shouldn't do that, join the Sicarri instead. What good villain gives up that easy? And Kataya's acceptance of the whole destroy-the-world, herself included, aspect... that seemed silly.

In sum, this was an okay read. But not one that I am going to be raving about.
Profile Image for Caro [The Book Rogue].
264 reviews54 followers
February 7, 2016
Rating: 2.5/5

I was basically head over heels in love with this after I read the summary -- so I was correspondingly disappointed when my expectations weren't met. Yes, this read was sexy as hell, it had lots of action, a hero with an off-the-charts attitude, foul language, dirty talk, the works -- but the recipe needs some serious working on.

I'm not prude by definition, coz I have a lot of guys around me who are not prone to mind their manners, so I'm not easily offended when I read voices like Thornes, I can go over or laugh at a lot of harsh stuff, but he was too much at some points. It kept me from really clicking with him or Kataya, although all charactes were okay, I guess. However, for a story to be truly sexy, it has to click with the characters first -- so while the sex was totally hot with lots of dirty talk, it sadly had nothing much to do with emotion, so I couldn't appreciate it at all -- no excitement there. The action and the drama... were there, but not you didn't really get to feel that, either. In addition to that, the first two parts were basically only blood and lust, and had no connection to the rest of the story which finally came midway in part two somewhere around to show a face -- too little, too late. And to round it all up, there is no epic action-loaded ending, but a very anticlimatical one instead.

Such a great background set-up with LOADS of potential, acceptable characters who could develop nicely over time, but the realization gets a big fat F.

Area Scan: Idea: 5/5 -- Style/Vocab: 3.5/5 -- Plot: 3/5 -- Heroes: 2.5/5 -- Villains: 3/5 -- Hearts: 2.5/5 -- Heat: 4.5/5 -- Thrills: 2/5 -- Laughs: 2.5/5 -- Tears: 3/5
Profile Image for Jessica.
Author 14 books409 followers
June 25, 2015
Sexy, exciting, and unique

I loved this!
I don't even know where to start.
Thorne is such a flawed character and I think that's why I liked him so much. The way he thinks and the things he does. I loved how he tried not to let anything or anyone and then SHE comes along. (I don't want to give spoilers)

The premise of this book was so cool. I love the idea of the sicarii and their purpose on earth. And I really loved how descriptive the writing was explaining how it all worked. It was unique and different from anything I have read before.
Kataya is probably one of my favorite characters.
She was real and throughout the books we learn things about her that bring everything else together.
Benny... what can I say about Benny but that I NEED to know more!! He was so complicated and brooding and his backstory is very intriguing.
I also really want to know more about Nike.

If I say too much I will give things away. There are twists throughout the whole book and I didn't want to put it down because I had to know what the hell was going to happen next.
The sexy scenes are HOT!! No question about it.

5 stars!
218 reviews
November 24, 2019
I’m really not sure what to think of this. I disliked it in so many ways throughout. It was kinda muddled and I was convinced it would be getting 2 stars. But after that lovely ending, bumping it up to 3 stars isn’t outlandish.
Profile Image for Katie.
570 reviews
May 15, 2015
I really loved the sound of this book when the review opportunity became available. I haven’t read a paranormal for a while and this one included a lot of great ingredients. I really loved the whole story, Thorne Hollow and Kataya Clarke were fabulous characters that showed amazing growth and a lot of fun along the way. The only hitch I found with this serialised series was the climax in the final part. I found it addictive and awesome up until that point and would definitely love to hear more about the supporting characters. Benny was seriously incredible.

Thorne Hollow is a two thousand year old immortal that was exiled to Earth for disobeying the Gods. He inherited God-like powers, which is quite rare for a half-breed, but lives his life doing what he loves, assassinating and women.

He is a part of the secret supernatural society, The Sicarii and receives targets to eliminate. He is known throughout and if he comes for you, you know your time on Earth has ended. Benny Deuces is like his best mate, they go along on the other’s assignments to assist. Benny is a full blooded God.

Apotheca is known as the place to be, but it’s also the known spot for supernatural beings where pretty much anything goes, which means its Thorne’s favourite place to find his concubine for the next few hours.

“I don’t know how the hell I’ve put up with you all this time.”
“Because we’re like f@#king Batman and Robin, Bonnie and Clyde, SpongeBob and Patrick. We’re partners.”

He finds a woman at Apotheca, a pretty brunette, a mind reader and something more. Thorne feels a connection to her that he hasn’t felt for a very long time. With his desperate need taking over, he has to get her home now and it seems this beauty feels the connection too.

Thorne is breaking all his rules for this woman, Kataya Clarke. He tries to find everything he can about her, but she seems to be a ghost, there’s just nothing. When Benny comes calling, it appears there are more problems to solve than just finding out who Kataya really is.

There is a vision that involves Thorne and he seems to be the only one to stop the Earth and the Gods from being destroyed. Thorne finds secrets are hidden around every corner, people are not as they seem and he may have to sell his soul to the devil himself.

Who is Kataya Clarke? Can Thorne save the Earth and the Gods? Will he ever be accepted by his own people?

Thorne is such a fun character, the hot half-breed, his hilarious banter with Benny and the fiery sizzling scenes all added to a wonderful character that discovers his heart still works. So many elements, mythology, paranormal beings, magic, charm, love, action, intrigue and scorching characters. If you are after something a little different with a lot of components, then The Sicarii is for you.
Profile Image for Books Laid Bare.
2,275 reviews37 followers
February 13, 2015
This is as far from my normal reading material as you could possibly get but I have to say that once I got started it was a story that caught my attention and that I found really quite enjoyable.
It all centres around Thorne Hollow- banished by the gods centuries ago, he ploughs his trade as an assassin for the Sicarri here on here.
Sicarii I here you cry – who the hell are they, well they my dear’s are the folk here on earth to protect us mere mortals from the evil that we cannot begin to fathom for ourselves.
One thing you really need to know about Thorne though, Jesus H Christ does he know how to handle his women!! But they never get the whole man, the part of him that never survived the death of the human that won his heart and then died, leaving him bereft… Until now!!!
Because Thorne has finally found someone that has peaked his interest and that makes him want more. Someone that he needs to uncover in more ways than one, someone that weaves her magic and that has him spellbound.
But this kind of emotion has the man doubting himself, he has no idea who the fabulous Kataya is and has even less of an inclination as to why she is able to make him feel the does. Is it all a game?
With no leads, he breaks his isolation and for the first time in since he left he ventures back to his homeland, to the other realm, to his family. But why is it no matter where you come from you just can’t escape meddling parents- because Thorne makes an astonishing discover about his solitude and his father’s hand in his employment with the Sicarii. Why he would do that is beyond him?
Thorne is a complicated character, bedding woman after woman, with complete disregard, it is surprising that he can keep up with it all, but when the secret of the woman that has him beguiled is resolved, he is knocked for six, not entirely sure what he should do or more to the point how he should feel about it.
He has a choice to make, and it is a decision that does not come easy.
Returning to the Sicarii, he is issued with an assignment that has even Thorne himself questioning the sanity of. Can he take this demon down or will it be a task too far? Things go from bad to worse when his life is again one huge question mark- does he have what it takes to make the right decision? Can he see his way through the web of lies and deceit that Kataya lays before him and can he handle the fact that the fate of humanity could very well me lying in his hands and his hands alone?
While I said at the start this was not my genre, I have to say that I found this book (previously books 1-4) was really entertaining and one that I would like to continue reading, Thorne was a captivating character, one that stands alone and stands tall as the hero in every sense of the word.
Profile Image for Pavitra (For The Love of Fictional Worlds).
1,304 reviews81 followers
May 12, 2015
The Review first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds

Actual Rating 3.5 Stars

I received a digital copy of the book via Xpresso Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

I actually requested this book for review - because c'mon, you just can't tell me that blurb wouldn't actually interest you! It has Greek Mythology, hot cocky and arrogant ass as the hero, a mystery that intrigues you from the start and it is an Adult Paranormal which if I am not mistaken (I was not!) leads to hot scenes! So of course I requested it!

"No one can stand you, Thorne, but that doesn't mean that they don't see your worth."

Thorne is an arrogant little immortal who has had a lot of time (and by lot i mean A LOT!) to perfect his little routine. He is not a pure blood immortal, i.e. he has a human mother leading to him being ostracized. He is banned from the world he has known and now he lives on Earth as a hired assassin that now protects humans (or maybe just takes hits for money, I still haven't figured that one out :D).

He has one - night stands because his soulmate, the only woman he ever fell in love with, died. He is moseying along with his endless existence, filling his days with violence and sex (heady combination, right?) when something happens to put him on his ass. What happens? A woman happens. A witch to be exact.

Now, meeting this woman is the start of something big. And the rest of the story (serial?) is spent Thorne trying to unravel the threads tying everything together.

"Hell, he was bred to bring on death and destruction; it was in his genetic makeup."

I have to be honest, the first few chapters actually felt as if this was a sequel to another book - which of course led me to the good ol' GoodReads to check if it was true (It is not!).

While I loved the premise of the story - the fact that for the first few chapters it felt as if I was dropped in the middle of a season of TV Serial - still took a bit away from that pleasure.

The writing was good, not amazing (maybe cause of the above reason?) but I did love Thorne and his gang - Benny and Nike. Their banter, their interactions and the easy going nature of their friendship, was a delight to watch, rather read.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,379 reviews
May 11, 2015
Meet Thorne. Half human and half God, and assassin for hire. He enjoys what he does given he at least works for a group that protects the innocent from both humans and the supernatural that prey on them. After losing everyone he has ever cared about, including the one mortal woman he has ever loved, he doesn't want to risk his heart on another woman who will get old and die. One night he heads to the bar and meets Kataya. Kataya isn't human, but he isn't sure what she is but that doesn’t mean he isn’t attracted to her. Until he awakens to her looking like his dead wife.

Thorne is an arrogant shit, and his treatment of women is pretty crappy too. I'm looking forward to the moment when he meets his match and gets his ass handed to him, because frankly, he needs a good dose of comeuppance. That isn't to say I hate him, he definitely has potential for good, but I'm still waiting for his shining moment. On the other hand, I love Benny. Thorne's friendship with him is his one redeeming quality.

Although he doesn't trust her, Thorne is still inexplicable attracted to Kataya and it pisses him off. He also learns that the reason he is more powerful than most halflings is a result of who his mother was, and that he will play a role in potentially saving the world, but needs Kataya on his side. I struggled a bit with Thorne. He is just so arrogant, and his treatment of women is truly atrocious. And yet, a softer side of him would occasionally pop out after learning what Athena did and her role in Kataya's life. The issue? Those moments were so few and far between. At this point, I'm on Kataya's side and wishing she would just give him a swift kick in the balls. The man seriously needs to be put in his place. A little what goes around, comes around. I like a strong male character, but there is a fine line here.

And the conclusion! Thorne finds that Kataya hasn't been completely honest with him, but then he isn't exactly the nicest guy either. She may have lied, but his sins are worse. She is married to someone she believes in and doesn't plan to turn her back on. Eventually it all works out.

If you like paranormal, this is a good series, but forewarned, Thorne is an ass and will take some getting used to. Heavy sexual content so not for those under 18.
Profile Image for Maghon Thomas.
1,543 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2015
This was definitely an interesting read for me. I wasn't quite sure when I signed up to review it. There's a lot of things that can be considered "bump in the night" supernatural. However, it's not just about the bad guys. And the mythology surrounding the Gods were crazy good. Thorne is a demi god, who has been exiled to earth for punishment, and it's all because he's not good enough, his blood is mixed. He's actually pretty good living her on Earth. He's become accustomed to it and has become good with it, well maybe not good, he's bitter. He works for the Sicarii, like the secret FBI undercover assassins. I don't know if that's real, but that's how I think about it ;) He loves what he does and he's good at it. And he's a man whore. And then he gets the whopper of a life time when he meets Kat. He had a wife, before, but this woman makes him feel things that scares him.

This is the full book of the first four serials. It was done well. The romance is streamy, the quirky and snarky comments made it funny, and there's a good bit of action and suspense. And it opens up the movement for the story between some ofther mythology characters. I think we'll see some more of these two. But I did have a few things that bothered me. Like a few little over looks, like Thorne reading something on a paper, then a computer screen, Well it's one or the other, LOL And some of the geneolgy got confused. I'm trying to explain without telling you something spoilery. And maybe that I just wanted more in the character developments. It's a good story, but maybe I wanted just more. You see, Benny and Nike were my favorite characters, and they were the supporting roles. So, maybe it's just the main characters themselves that gave me issues. LOL I really liked the concept of the hired gun part, assassin demi god.

I was a little back and forth. Some parts of the books i loved, and some parts I just wanted to slap someone LOL I'm still not sure who that someone was. Sometimes Kat and Thorne equally annoyed me. However, I think because I loved Nike and Benny so much, I will definitely be reading the next book. The concept of the story is intriguing, and I'm very interested to see where this will go. With that said, 3.5 PAWS!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
184 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2015
The Sicarii is a compilation of the first 4 serials in the Hired Gun series. Even though this is a collection of shorter stories combined, it reads like one fluid book. I have read and enjoyed other books by the same authors and loved them all. This is no exception. I love how the book combines Greek and Norse mythology in modern day times. This is something I've never read before, and it's a refreshing twist.

Thorne Hollow is a stone cold killer for hire. It's his job, and he's good at it. He takes pleasure in ending the existence of the lowest of the low. On his down time he goes through women like Paula Dean goes through butter. He never lets a woman stay the night. Once he's gotten his fill, he shoves them out the door, with or without their clothes. It all changes the night that 'SHE' walks into his favorite bar. There's something about her that he can't quite put his finger on. She intrigues him like no other. For the first time, he finally lets someone spend the night. But when he wakes up in the morning to a major surprise, he can't believe his eyes. He doesn't know what to do. He's tempted to end her life but tosses her out instead. Who is this beautiful creature that has him so bewitched? While he's digging up dirt on her, he is tasked with the ultimate job, and the fate of the world as we know it relies his ability to complete it. He also learns that this woman is tied to his assignment. Will he be able to fulfill his mission, or will this odd woman throw a wrench in his plans and change the outcome?

Thorne is a complex character. I didn't fall in love with him right off the bat. He kind of grew on me like moss grows on a tree. You know it's not the best for the tree, but it looks pretty and helps you find a true north. His 'better than you' attitude and womanizing ways make him less than desirable, but you kind of feel sorry for him when you learn what has hardened his heart. I enjoyed the supporting characters. Nike was such a hoot. I have a real soft spot for Benny, and I look forward to reading more of his story in the future. I can't wait to see what else AJ Bennett and Julia Crane have in store for us in the future!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
184 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2015
The Sicarii is a compilation of the first 4 serials in the Hired Gun series. Even though this is a collection of shorter stories combined, it reads like one fluid book. I have read and enjoyed other books by the same authors and loved them all. This is no exception. I love how the book combines Greek and Norse mythology in modern day times. This is something I've never read before, and it's a refreshing twist.

Thorne Hollow is a stone cold killer for hire. It's his job, and he's good at it. He takes pleasure in ending the existence of the lowest of the low. On his down time he goes through women like Paula Dean goes through butter. He never lets a woman stay the night. Once he's gotten his fill, he shoves them out the door, with or without their clothes. It all changes the night that 'SHE' walks into his favorite bar. There's something about her that he can't quite put his finger on. She intrigues him like no other. For the first time, he finally lets someone spend the night. But when he wakes up in the morning to a major surprise, he can't believe his eyes. He doesn't know what to do. He's tempted to end her life but tosses her out instead. Who is this beautiful creature that has him so bewitched? While he's digging up dirt on her, he is tasked with the ultimate job, and the fate of the world as we know it relies his ability to complete it. He also learns that this woman is tied to his assignment. Will he be able to fulfill his mission, or will this odd woman throw a wrench in his plans and change the outcome?

Thorne is a complex character. I didn't fall in love with him right off the bat. He kind of grew on me like moss grows on a tree. You know it's not the best for the tree, but it looks pretty and helps you find a true north. His 'better than you' attitude and womanizing ways make him less than desirable, but you kind of feel sorry for him when you learn what has hardened his heart. I enjoyed the supporting characters. Nike was such a hoot. I have a real soft spot for Benny, and I look forward to reading more of his story in the future. I can't wait to see what else AJ Bennett and Julia Crane have in store for us in the future!
Profile Image for Hannah.
193 reviews38 followers
May 2, 2015
Title: Surviving Broken
Author: Beverly Preston
Series: The Hired Gun Series combined
Cliffhanger: No
Release Date: Feburary 13, 2015
Rating: 4
HEA:

The Sicarii: Hired Gun Serial is a combination of four short novellas that are about Thorne Hollow. Thorne works for the Sicarii, a secret society, as an assassin. He was cast out by the gods thousands of years ago. As half god and immortal Thorne spends his time working as an assassin and sleeping with women. He does not stay with a woman overnight and rarely more than once. Thorne has an incredible night with a woman that he doesn't even know the name of. She intrigues him so much that he tries to find out more about her.

This was a really fun book. It was easy to read and only took an afternoon. The way that Greek and Norse mythology was used was interesting. It was fun that Asgard was included without a focus only on Olympus.

Since it is so short there can't be much said without giving a lot away. It was fun to see how the mythology was used and weaved together in a believable way.

One thing to know going in is that the gods were sexual beings and sexually adventurous. They view sex merely as a physical act and not romantic at all. For them the connecting with the mind was romantic. I don't have a problem reading about sex I just didn't expect all that was in the book. This book was definitely more tame than others. I think I was just more surprised with how much there was about sex since it was so short, even with Thorne being a slut.

The ending was kind of anticlimactic and sudden for me but still enjoyable. I saw somewhere that this was the first of the Sicarii series so there may be more or that was just about some of the individual stories. Either way this is recommended for an fun and easy read, especially if you are into mythology.
Profile Image for Tia.
638 reviews
March 3, 2015
Having read parts 1-3 of this series I felt that I needed to read it from start to finish so I could truly judge this book in it's entirety. " The Sicarii" by A.J. Bennett is an intriguing variation on the hit man love story due to the fact the hitman in question, Thorne, is a half God rejected and sent to Earth as punishment after his soul mate dies. He basically goes through 2,000 years with an attitude problem, a lust for hot women, and a gun for hire. That is until he meets the sexy Kataya. He's so attracted to her that one night is not enough so he goes in search of her night after night, only thing is she's in a different for every time (she's a chameleon shifter) and a witch. They have a lust/hate attraction for each other that they fight through the whole book, which leads to some steamy moments. Thorne, with the help of his buddy Benny head out on multiple hits together which include Kataya's husband who's out for revenge! Talk about complications!

I enjoyed this book very much and loved that it wasn't the normal hit man romance. I loved the cross of genre's and can't wait to read Benny and Thanatos stories. The only negative for me was the ending, I felt it was a little rushed and could have taken a little longer to resolve. Otherwise this a very enjoyable read.

18+ for adult situations and language

This copy was provided to me by the author in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Td.
291 reviews7 followers
March 16, 2015
The Sicarii (Hired Gun Serial 1-4) by A.J. Bennett and Julia Crane
4 stars

Hired Gun 1: I definitely liked this paranormal, fallen, half-god, vigilante, bounty hunter Thorn! I want to know a LOT more about Thorn and Kataya! Those two are smoking hot together, and both of their back-stories are bound to be interesting. I also love the mythology background to this series.

Hired Gun 2: Thorne is plagued by his thoughts as he learns of what fate may, or should have in store for the earth. Throughout this book he can't get Kataya out of his head. Thorne doesn't know how to have anything by steamy hot sex! I am definitely diving right into book 3!

Hired Gun 3: Thorne is trying hard to figure out exactly what he needs to do, and how to really get to Kataya. Nothing outside of work goes as planned. This serial sucked me in even further and I really don't want to wait for part 4!

Hired Gun 4: Thorne wants so badly to get back all the things that have been denied him and taken from him. As he relies on his intuition to handle many of the things thrown at it, he also has plenty of unexpected surprises thrown his way that make him think on his feet. I really am in love with this version of mythology that AJ and Julia have created. With the ballsy and sarcastic way that Thorne interacts with all the Gods it makes me laugh. I'm looking forward to the future books for Benny & Thanatos!
Profile Image for CARLA.
995 reviews41 followers
September 25, 2015
I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is a novella series. These are the first four novellas in the series. I wish I could say the storyline was original, but I have read others with a similiar premise.
If I had to classify this series, I guess I would call it Mythical Erotica. I don't even know if that is a real genre. The sex didn't seem to fit the sotry at all. The plot was decent and the dialogue was good but the sex threw me. Now, I love a great sex book but only if it flows with the storyline. It could have had no sex in it and the story wouldn't have changed at all.

Benny: he was my favorite, laid back, easy going and straight to the point.

Thorne: He is arrogant, unapologetic and self-centered. I liked him in the aspect of a murder for hire, guy has no fear and is quite talented as a killer and has a brilliant mind to boot. But as significant other material, he is sorely wanting.

Kataya: I really have no feelings either way about her. She blindly followed the bad guy, even after he admitted his intentions. While her alligiance is admirable, there is something to be said for thinking for yourself.

This book had some great scenes, but in all was inconsistent and I felt the climax could have been executed better. The build up didn't fit the end.
Profile Image for Ashley  Hayes.
263 reviews16 followers
June 10, 2015
This book sucked me in and it was a quick, fun and sexy read. My only complaint is that it’s a little light on explanations as to the background of certain things. I would’ve liked to know the background of the Sicarii even if it was just a quick paragraph. That’s just personal preference. This is listed as a compilation of a serial. Let me tell you that I hate serials. It makes it so hard to stay in the flow of a story so I am beyond happy that this one is already put together.

Thorne is sexy as hell and has an Eff It all attitude but that’s what makes him so sexy to me. That cocky attitude gets me every time. I like how the gods are incorporated and actually made human in this story. They are given faults and seem more real because of it. I hope there is a book after this one because this one ended on an odd note to me. It was wrapped up too neatly too quickly for my liking. I like a little drama in my reads. LOL

ARC received in exchange for review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bonnie Rediske- .
311 reviews9 followers
February 20, 2015
Thorne Hollow, sex on a stick leads this story as he works as an assassin. He in in a world filled with magic, shifters, chameleon's, and gods. He has this arrogance that is terribly hot and uses it to his advantage.
Kataya is mortal, but has her own hidden talents as a chameleon. She tempts Thorne in a way that pisses Thorne off to no end.

This is the first book I have read that incorporates a Chameleon. This was a fun new twist to the paranormal theme. The way the author brought forth the mythology connections was smoothly written but not mirroring any previous books about the gods that I have read. There is action, hot sex, romance and an abundance of creatures to fall in love with in this book!
Profile Image for Shannon.
30 reviews
March 17, 2015
This was defiantly an interesting story. Having the complete set together is great because you will want to finish this story. We first meet Thorne and find out a little about him but we do not exactly find out what is going on first but there are clues that we find out every step of the way. When they are finally put together it makes the story so much better. There is a lot of tension in this book but it makes it that much better. If you are a fan of paranormal books than this is a good one to read. I do not want to give to much away because it has all four books in it but lets just say there is a handsome cocky immortal and a sassy witch. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Robbins.
496 reviews9 followers
February 16, 2015
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book, decided it looked like a bounty hunter thriller type. However, ive read Julia Crane before, so I have it a shot. I am so glad I did! Gods and goddesses, of Greek and other mythos, come together to form an elite crew. They only kill 'bad guys'. Thorne and Benny are the two Sicarii that we follow in this book. They find themselves embroiled in a fight to save mankind, and the Realm of the gods which is inexplicably attached. Romance, suspense, and mayhem with a healthy side of erotica. Loved it!
Profile Image for Irayda Moran (Quezada).
520 reviews20 followers
February 17, 2015
Worth the read. I enjoyed Thorne. A sexy gun for hire. Who in the mist of his many conquest he meets again with his soul mate Kataya. But convincing her they belong together is not an easy job. Thorne's wining personality will not do the trick. Kataya the chameleon has secrets of her own. But before Thorne can be happy he has to put an end to Thornatos plan to end the gods and the human race.
Definitely a great read, sexy, quick and some needed action and not only in the bedroom. This has a little bit for everyone, immortals, shifters, gods and vampires.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
168 reviews10 followers
April 7, 2015
Really loved this serial. I love mythology and if I had known it had something to do with that I probably would have read it sooner. I loved the witty banter between characters.
The connections and always the questions of why the gods never interfere when they really should sometimes and how even having some god blood in you mean nothing unless you that god or goddess has a spot spot for you.
I loved the way the story flowed and the way it all connected together.
When characters found out certain parts and when twists and turns hit worked great. I look forward to Benny and Thanatos story.
Profile Image for My Bookbag by Karen.
348 reviews61 followers
July 31, 2016
This is a violent, intense, erotic, paranormal story. It is hot, steamy, and action packed. Most of the scenes are really graphic.

I really enjoyed the plot and the emotional drama. However, the descriptions and verbiage used in the sex scenes were a bit repetitive, and that bothered me. I wished there were different expressive terms and phrases used. Some ideas were underdeveloped.

There were surprise twists… some of them a little out there. The ending could have been more in keeping with the tone of the rest of the book, but the story was mostly enjoyable.

3 1/4 stars
Profile Image for Candice.
831 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2015
Well this book was a interesting read. It has action. Romance and much more. It's between good and humans and all other supernatural things. I liked the book. Kept my attention while reading. Has a cliffhanger so can't wait to see what's next.
Profile Image for Jeanine Walsh palinkas.
262 reviews4 followers
March 18, 2015
Great series! OMG, I loved how you needn't know anything at all about Greek mythology to follow along easily. And the way the author kept you guessing and on your toes was nothing short of amazing.
Profile Image for Christina Sdao schmidt.
85 reviews7 followers
April 22, 2015
Well written, and had a plot, but pretty much porn. I would like to read further into what happens past 4, but could do with a lot less detail.
2,970 reviews10 followers
May 4, 2015
Fated

Wow to be lucky to have the live of your life back. But having to save everyone before you can have her is a lot to deal with. Oh and she is married to a really bad person.
Profile Image for Tina.
746 reviews6 followers
September 30, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this serial but book about Thorne and Kataya alone with Benny and Nike and the rest of the characters. The plot and way the story flowed was beautifully written.
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