The Takedown

Superpowered Love #8

by Katey Hawthorne

Jody Aguirre's family was kidnapped and tortured by witch hunters. After a few days of captivity, he's all that's left. Using his frosty awakened superpowers, Jody manages to escape and is rescued from the side of the road by Bren Faulkner's stretch Town Car. Bren, a hot-thermal awakened with government connections, promises to help find the witch hunters who destroyed Jody's life.

While navigating his trauma and pain, Jody comes to rely on Bren for more than just food, his house, and his superpowered connections. Brendan is all that reminds Jody what's left to live for, and a strong advocate for justice vs. vengeance, like the proverbial knight in shining armor he is. As their affection for one another deepens and their attraction becomes impossible to deny, Bren wonders if acting on their feelings would be taking advantage. Jody, meanwhile, struggles to claw his way back to something like normality, knowing that Bren's part of the solution, not the problem.

But none of it matters, if they don't take down those witch hunters.

Genres: LGBT

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 6, 2017

About the author

Hi! I'm Katey. I write superpowered and fantasy romance of an LGBTQIA bent. I live at Superpowered Love -- kateyhawthorne.com.

I know, I know, it looks like I don't read anything here at GoodReads. But I do, I swear. My reviews and stuff are all over at my other GoodReads thingie, KV Taylor. Relevant shelves to Katey Hawthorne stuff:

Romance
LGBTQ
and
Comics, Graphic Novels, and Trade Paperbacks

Reviews

[Diverse · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

The Takedown is book 8 in Katey Hawthorne's Superpowered Love Series. I actually didn't read the first seven books in this series and was nervous I'd be epically lost in an already established series. Well that was ridiculous of me because I wasn't lost at all. I even looked back and saw that all of these books seem to have different characters as headliners. So, you lose nothing and can absolutely start here if you want.

The supernaturals in Katey's world are referred to as The Awakened. I love that so clever. They're elementals (their powers use the elements). Of course these guys have enemies and they are called Witch Hunters. Now, I don't know the feel of all the other books but this one was quite intense. There's a darkness to it and it's weighty.

Jody (MC) really has everything going for him. But like any horror it happened so quickly and his perfect life turned into a nightmare. The author does great warning her readers of triggers so heed them. But there is happiness and good that come as well so hang on.

Jody is such an awesomely powerful character. He doesn't let life tear him down nor does he let it define him. As I progressed in this book I appreciated him more and ultimately was in awe of him.

What I loved most about this book was the norm toward transgender people. What a concept, a world where we treat all humans the same! Bren is the other MC, transgender, and such a wonderfully written character. Perfect for Jody!

I'm a paranormal/sci-fi fan most of the time but I'm also super picky. It's hard to pull me in but The Takeover did. So, if you're like me, grab this book.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told exclusively from Jody's pov, the story follows him from his escape until he gains some closure.
The romance is a slow burn, with Bren worrying about taking advantage of Jody, since he's younger and reliant on Bren for everything.
I enjoyed the trans representation but could have done with more on that front.

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

4.5 stars

The Takedown is the newest book in Katey Hawthorne’s Superpowered Love series. I am a huge fan of this series, starting with my love for Riot Boy, a book that still makes my top all time list and one I have reread numerous times (if you want to catch a bit more about it, Hawthorne stopped by and did a reading from that book). The stories in this series all feature awakened characters with various abilities (typically control over heat, cold, or electricity) and are in a shared world, but have only the most minor of overlapping characters. The exception is Re-Entry Burn, which features Mal, whom has a key role in Riot Boy. But otherwise you can read any of these books in any order. The books are fun, quirky, sexy, and have a great set up with the awakened characters, and The Takedown is a great addition.

This one starts off exciting with Jody escaping from captivity. We can really feel his panic as he realizes his parents are dead and he has a slim window of opportunity to escape, but is then left with nowhere to go. Bren happening by saves Jody’s life and his offer of a place to stay makes all the difference. Bren is a source of strength and comfort, but he also gives Jody space to heal, something he really needs. I think this is handled well, as the relationship is not rushed and we see how Bren gives Jody support but never pushes. At times Bren worries about Jody’s need for revenge, but even as he shares his concerns with Jody, he always supports him. They are such a good match and I loved the way these guys worked together. There is definitely chemistry between them and a super sexy connection, but the solid support is really the foundation of their relationship.

Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words review

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-aJj

From that review: " I  have loved Katey Hawthorne's Superpowered Love series from the very first story Equilibrium (Superpowered Love #1) where the author introduced her superpowered humans called "the awakened", each having a different elemental power (fire, water, electricity, etc.).  Unknown to the general human population, they are hunted by a faction called witch hunters and protected by an Awakened Force working with the FBI.  The Takedown is an emotionally intense story, dealing as it does with an horrific event in one young man's life.    Happy, getting ready to graduate from college, Jody's life goes to hell in one gruesome, nightmarish day..."

For all our reviews, author interviews, and all things books, visit us at http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jody Aguirre and his family were captured and tortured by a group of witch hunters. After a few days, he is all that is left. Using his superpowers, he manages to escape and is picked up by Brendan Faulkner, who fortunately is also superpowered. He brings him home, gives him sanctuary to heal and a way to find the witch hunters.

You heart will surely go to Jody as he tries to heal from a trauma that no one should experience. Bren is helpful and allows Jody the time needed to heal. It does not take long for Jody and Bren to find something more, but Bren is not sure they should act on it. He feels he may be taking advantage of a traumatized young man. This addition to the series was excellent. There was so much emotion and trauma for one young man but Bren was there to help. I like Bren being trans but would have liked that explored more, but then again, that is what our imagination is for.

[L H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jody and his family suffered at the hands of a group of witch hunters who ultimately kill all of his family except him before he is able to escape. He is fortunate that Brendan rescues him. It is also fortunate for him that Brendan has powers. They are both good men and that is fortunate as well as Brendan takes care of Jody and gives him a chance to heal while they work on finding the witch hunters. In providing a safe place to heal they also have time to grow close and find themselves attracted to one another. In this installment there is loss but there is also the opportunity to heal and build while working on finding the witch hunters who severely affected Jody's life. This was well done.
I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.

[Kkhmonrai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like that this book brought back the action, danger, angst and drama that I felt were missing from the last book in the series. A group of witch hunters killed Jody's family, and he barely escaped. Bren helps Jody, giving him a place to recuperate and heal. There are plenty of sparks and connection between them, but Bren fears taking advantage of Jody in his vulnerable state...and the witch hunters are still out there. I loved the plot, and Jody and Bren. This one has all the feels. It's a great addition to the series, but could easily be read as a stand alone.

I received an ARC and m voluntarily leaving this honest review.

[Rebecca Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jody has been through some unimaginable pain & bren has been there for him. Together they work to find the people who murdered Jody's family. While working together their friendship turns into so much more. Bren is worried he's taking advantage of Jody but jody feels the complete opposite, bren is his new normal & he doesn't wanna live his life without him. Their happy ending was devastatingly sweet, but it was all worth it. ❤️❤️😀😀

[Flick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series

I liked this one but found it a little slower romance wise and a bit angstier (though not the most angsty of the series). I liked the characters and Bran was the sweetest. I particularly liked how tragedy was portrayed; one minute everything can be perfect and then in the next moment your life changes. Trying to move on and heal from that is so hard but I really liked the way it was handled.

[Chelsea Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so amazing! I absolutely adored this story! Jody and Bren were perfect together! I loved the trans representation in this story! It was a slow burn and when they got together they were perfection! The love between the 2 of them was soooo sweet and I devoured this book in one sitting!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jody's life has been completely torn apart but he finds the perfect man to help him get justice for his family. Bren has all the right abilities and connections to help Jody, but it's his love and care that turn out to be most important. Some great baddies to fight in this one as the story explores issues of vengeance vs justice.

[Readingbks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great addition to this series! So lovely and emotional at the same time! Bren and Jody story is so well written~ steamy, angsty, emotional, and romantic. I loved it! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!

[Erebia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I am so glad that I found this newest addition to the series. Love the Awakened world, and I especially love the characters in this book! The series just keeps getting better..

[devil · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better stories in this series. I liked the connection between the characters, even with Bren's hesitancy to start anything.
*Would work well as a standalone*

[Charneen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent read, I love the way the author writes, the characters and the way the story develops.

[Sheryl Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Great characters and storyline. The book flows and keeps me reading from beginning to end.

[Xochitl · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! in a series as long as this one, is difficult to choose a favorite but I can say that is this one. A sweet and beautiful love story inside a wonderful and captivating plot, that got me at the edge of my seat the whole time. Again, the author managed to surprised me and even caused me some stress with this story. My favorite so far!

[L.B. Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has inspired me to do a massive Superpowered Love reread. LOVE this series. This book came with warnings for trauma befalling our protagonist Jody at the start of the story, so it's clearly not as fluffy as my other fave in this series (the Playhouse). It's a meatier plot, but it's easy to identify with. How do you overcome a life changing experience? Jody tries not to let his situation break him, but he also needs to come to terms with vulnerability. Can he accept help from an accidental savior?

As for Mr. Too Good To Be True, he's a little bit queer Batman. He's hot, runs his own tech company, and can solve many of life's problems with money and powerful connections. Only Bren is also emotionally competent, and he understands there are some things you have to save yourself from. Big selling point for me, Bren is a trans character, and this fact is a nonissue. The universe is instantly LGBTQ inclusive. Our protagonists don't bat an eye, and I love the ease of it. Respect for personal boundaries might be the biggest obstacle for their sexual tension.

I’d highly recommend this if you're hungry for sci-fi powers, engaging, supportive characters, a well-balanced desire for revenge, and smoking hot, solid trans & bisexual representation.

[Katey Hawthorne]

The latest Superpowered Love! It's intense in bits, so I want to give a word of warning for potential triggers. Click below to see them:

kidnapping, talk of drug use (forced), death/funeral, murder (memory of and discussion of potential), revenge, alcohol use, PTSD/Acute Anxiety, discussion of suicide (past), weapons, law enforcement, racism, racist organizations

For all that, I swear it's a story about hope and love <3