Both Ways

The S.P.E.A.R. Mission Files #1

by Ileandra Young

Danika Karson, field agent of the Supernatural Prohibition, Extermination, and Arrest Regiment (SPEAR), has the highest capture and kill rate on record. That is, until the mayor of Angbec makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Moonlighting as a rogue private investigator, Danika must find the mayor’s son, presumed kidnapped by vampires.

Determined to solve the case, Danika’s only lead is Rayne, a vampire whose power and beauty mask a kind and gentle heart. They race against time to find the missing boy, dodging vampires, evading SPEAR agents, and fighting the attraction that sparks between them. When the stakes rise ever higher, Danika is forced to put her life in Rayne’s hands, but can she really trust a vampire?

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, LGBT, Urban Fantasy, Lesbian, Supernatural

312 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 2018

About the author

Ileandra Young is one face of the Da Shared Brain who writes erotica and romance under a second pseudonym. Ileandra enjoys writing fantasy (both urban and traditional) and aspires one day to write a piece so long (and therefore thick) that the book would form a good self-defence weapon in the hands of a fan (even been hit by War and Peace? It hurts!).

Her interests include reading large books (see above), roller derby, and gently correcting people who believe that vampires should sparkle.

She can be found on Twitter using @ileandraXraven

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read! This is exactly what I needed after the last book I read. Also, I’m just craving good paranormal books this close to Halloween. If I didn’t have other books to review all I would be reading is paranormal anything so this was a real treat. This is a paranormal/urban fantasy book. This has a slight feel of Keri Arthur’s Riley Jenson’s books or early Anita Blake books but not as gritty. The story is different but it’s that kind of genre except with a lesbian main character.

The main character is Danika, a SPEAR agent that hunts down supernaturals behaving badly. This takes place in the distant future where weres, vamps and many other beings all have certain rights, but some humans are still a bit weary. When Danika is asked by the mayor to do a personal favor, she soon realizes her life will never be the same again.

This book had a lot of entertaining action. Danika is an ass kicker and works hard to do what is right even if she doesn’t always do it in the right way. This book is a decent length but the pace of the action is so good that the pages flew by.

While there is a lot of fighting, shooting, stabbing, and even a battle axe, this book actually has a romance. It’s a conflicting romance because of the difference in the characters backgrounds, but I enjoyed it anyway. The main focus of this book is entertainment but Young knew how to give this potential couple some chemistry. The relationship is still in the beginning stages, but it absolutely made me want more.

I have no idea if Young is planning to make this a series but I can’t see why she wouldn’t. While all the big loose ends are wrapped up and the ending is a good satisfying ending, these characters stories are just beginning. I’m hopefully that this book does well because I really want a sequel!

If you are a paranormal or urban fantasy fan, don’t hesitate to read this. There are just not enough of these kinds of books in lesfic so it was a real pleasure to read. This was a good entertaining read that I was sad to see end. Young just put herself on my radar.

An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.

[Joc · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much that I loved about this that I’m not sure I’ll be able to express it all. I’ve never come across the author before so this was a lucky pick. Danika Karson is SPEAR’s (Supernatural Prohibition, Extermination, and Arrest Regiment) top agent and vampire killing machine. They want to promote her but she keeps turning it down. Not all her superiors are fond of her though. The Mayor of Angbec summons her one morning to ask her to find his son for a large sum of money, she’s reluctant because not only is it moonlighting but he’s probably been taken by vampires. As a result of her meddling mother, Danika comes across Rayne, a beautiful vampire who doesn’t seem to know the rules that vampires need to follow.

Not only is this action-packed, it has great characters, species and ethnic diversity, humour, witty dialogue and a fantastic story. Danika has only ever wanted to be a SPEAR agent and taught herself everything she could to make her the best. I loved that she’s black, powerful and that she takes pride in her locs. The society she has to uphold the law in is a complex one with goblins, vampires, werewolves and trolls (as well as others) and they don’t have the same rights or respect as humans do. Dani has to look at what it means to be attracted to a vampire, the very thing that she’s so good at exterminating.

Her stubborn, busy-body mother is constantly on her case with her sister trying to run interference. The family connections were a nice touch because it gave the story some grounding so that it’s not just a paranormal escapade. The actions scenes were riveting and while they’re fairly violent, I find that the death of a vampire in a puddle of black gloop doesn’t have the same effect on me as a human death. That said, if I’ve come to care about the vampire and the relationship, it’s a different story.

I enjoyed the pace and found I really didn’t want to put it down, even to sleep. This is not one of those books where I could confidently guess the direction of the plot. I’d definitely read more by this author especially if there are strong, lesbian leads.

Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Jude Silberfeld-Grimaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know about Ileandra Young’s books until recently, but I’ve been meaning to look them up since I heard her talk on one of the BSB Bookathon panels last June. The second book in the S.P.E.A.R. Mission Files series is coming out soon so I thought I’d start with the first one. And I enjoyed it a whole lot.

Who would have thought that the fiercest vampire killer would fall for a vampire? Certainly not Danika Karlson, SPEAR (Supernatural Prohibition, Extermination, and Arrest Regiment)’s best agent. When the mayor of Angbec asks her, as a very well-paid personal favour, to locate his son, Danika doesn’t expect to uncover a real coup d’état in the making. Nor for her view of the world she lives in to change so radically, especially as far as her heart is concerned.

Vampires, gargoyles, werewolves and all sorts of paranormal creatures populate what used to be England in uneasy cohabitation with humans.

Both Ways is a very exciting, fast-paced and fun novel, with all sorts of fights and kickass stunts as well as interesting thoughts on what family really is. And of course now I want a pet chittarik too.

[Arn · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC received from Netgalley for a fair review.

1.5 stars.

Nope, I can't force myself to finish this. Everything about this book is so bland - the cover that doesn't communicate anything preternatural, the characters, the dialogue, the difficult to follow action scenes. That is when they're actually described because often an action scene in this book looks like this excerpt "I reach the car as the vampire catches me a third time, clawing for my face. Jump kick. Her head snaps back. Elbow strike. Down. I leave her writhing and pop the boot."

I mean... I can do this too! "Pew pew. Bang. Big Boom! I pop the boot whatever that means." Am I a writer yet? I tried to ignore the action scenes and find something else of value in this read (dropped the book around 80%) but it never got better.

Danika, the main, character is so inconsistent too. I'm supposed to believe she's the best vampire hunter in the country yet she makes countless stupid and impulsive decisions and then cries a lot. A twenty-something that acts like a teenager in puberty with mood swings does not make for a badass vampire hunter. When someone close to her is taken what is the first thing she does? She takes a fricking shower! PRIORITIES! Gotta smell nice before kicking ass and taking names, right? The taken person meanwhile might or might not be a vampire snack. I just can't...

The book has some good world building ideas in it, the dragon pets, how the preternatural are publicly out. But it all still feels flimsy and full of plot holes. Like why the romance interest doesn't know about basic vampire rules when it's public knowledge to everyone else.

And the dialogue! It's so, so standard and bland with gems like "I'm going to kill you!" and as a response - "You're going to try." Very imaginative... Maybe I'm spoiled by recent books I've read that had really good dialogue, this book comes nowhere close.

I really didn't like this one.

[Danni Mladenovic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a great fan of paranormal/vampire romances, and Ileandra Young wrote a very interesting one. It pulls you in from the first moment, the plot is very interesting and fresh, even though one can think nothing new can be written about vampire/human romances. What I actually liked the most is that Ileandra Young wrote many minor characters which made this book even more attractive, and well described fight scenes made it look like a movie.

[AnnMaree Of Oz]

DNF @ 41%.

I REALLY wanted to love this, and a lot of parts I did... but then it started almost contradicting itself and trying to be more mysterious while eking out a plot and personalities that weren't ringing true, and felt more like plot convenience.

I loved Danika Carson, badass black babe working as an Agent for an organization of supernatural law enforcement. She's independent and a little rough around the edges, but incredibly competent with fighting and has the highest arrest and kill statistics overall. Her bat-cat like pet called a chittarik was adorable. Her family life was amusing and confounding (meddling mother).

But when she ends up in a political fiasco and has to partner with a vampire - whom she is attracted to - despite having hatred and loathing for all vampires - things get even more complicated.

It annoyed me that her attraction for Rayne came out of nowhere and was so strong. The whole constantly noticing how pretty her features were, became tedious and didn't mesh with what we have previous known about this badass agent who lets nothing phase her!!!

Speaking of, the vampire in question - Rayne is a heck of a plot device. She's incompetent, until she isn't. Knows nothing, until suddenly she knows much more than she thinks she does. Seems to know about the conspiracy entangling Danika and people targeting her, yet again slips into naive and unaware all too easily again, until the next time she is needed to have some insight or skills that suddenly help their situation.

I felt myself saying, OH COME ON, so many times with regards to her flip-flopping antics, and Danika's own highly libido'd response to her ridiculous puzzlement.

I just couldn't believe in it, or get behind it after so much contradiction, I had to give up. It was frustrating me too much.

[XR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and entertaining little supernatural escape.

I'd read the second book ASAP if there was one 'cause I liked all the characters... well, maybe not the mum. That hits too close to home for me.

[Hsinju Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

CW: speciesism from Danika, homophobia, violence, pregnancy, blood, one-time unintentional misgendering from Rayne, one-time nonconsensual m/f kissing

This book was nothing like I imagined and completely outdid my expectations.

Danika Karson is a SPEAR agent with the highest vampire killing rate. But all hell breaks loose when Mayor Mikkleson hires her to track down his missing son. Danika finds herself facing a gorgeous vampire Rayne who threatens her beliefs of the species. As the pair work together to unravel the plans of the vampire queen, can Danika really trust Rayne?

Danika is definitely not a loveable character. But this story? Totally loveable. Told in her first-person narrative, we see firsthand how she takes the news of a hidden vampire community and begins to see vampires as people and not creatures. While her speciesism against non-humans and dismissive attitude towards non-blood related family are jarring to read, I think she is slowly unlearning and relearning. She is also very hot-headed and chaotic, but undoubtedly skilled at combat.

I love how both subtle and strong emotions are laced within the narrative. Young's delivery perfectly reflects the buzz under crazed anger, jitters from too much coffee, and Danika's own surprising yet irresistible feelings for Rayne. Danika's anger, confusion, and connection with Rayne were all apparent. My heart raced, ached, and softened with Danika's, and though the thrilling plot was somewhat predictable, Young's execution still threw me off balance.

At times, I just wanted to whack Danika back to her senses, but then remembered that I wouldn't even stand a chance against her superb fighting skills. I guess that is why no one but Rayne could sway her stubbornness.

“Family is sharing. Listening. Loving. Family is putting up with crazy phone calls at two in the morning to talk about the latest martial arts movie. It’s supporting, even when you don’t understand why. Family is standing up for your sister. Family is believing your daughter when she says, This is me.” – Danika

The theme of the story is fighting against government power, the status quo, and ignorance. I love all the plot twists and their grandeur. Without any intimate scenes beyond passionate kissing, the romance between Danika and Rayne is beautiful, their chemistry palpable, and I totally feel the yearning they have for each other. The chittarik Danika keeps at home is a nice addition to the story as well.

Do you like vampire stories with f/f romance? A top-notch agent who is impulsive, keeps getting into trouble and falls for the very person belonging to the species she swears she hate? Both Ways is a wonderful read that spikes your heart rate and possibly makes your eyes well up. It is exciting and I cannot wait to see what the future entails for the characters.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this book will make you laugh, cry and cheering from the side-lines.

It's definitely a rollercoaster ride. Also there are some very creative language which really made me laugh. I guess its my English sense of humour.

You also need to enjoy the supernatural to really enjoy and appreciate this book. There is a lot of talking but there is also a lot of action. Kind of keeps you on the edge of your seat.

The story also takes on board various social issues. Like a bullying boss, a homophobic mother and interspecies relationships.

I would definitely recommend this book. It was a pleasure to read.

Enjoy!

P.S. I also want a chitterik.


*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*

[Carol Hutchinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling supernatural fantasy

Danika is an agent fighting against any wayward supernatural beings that do not abide by the laws for living amongst humans. A private mission and chance encounter with a wayward vampire, Rayne, one night send Danika on a mission to solve the missing persons’ case she has been assigned to. When she starts learning from Rayne that there are more of her kind and what is really happening, Danika finds herself swept away by how different Rayne is from the others, and determined to stop the evil that trying to take control and has to learn to trust Rayne if they are to win.

I enjoyed this story and the pace of it. The first person narrative leant well to the action and pacing of the story, whilst really giving the chance to get to know Danika’s character extremely well. It had its comedy moments too, which lightened the darkness surrounding the genre and made it a bit more fun and uplifting to read. Ileandra has really focused on the action and adventure of the story rather than focusing on intricate detail or themes that were too complex to follow, that simplicity really helped focus the story well.

Danika really isn’t your average character, she is bold, feisty, and takes no prisoners. She took risks and chances, broke rules, but she was passionate and dedicated to her work and those she loved, even if sometimes to others it appeared she was just ruthless, she got the job done.

The story intrigued me from the very beginning. Vampires and creatures of the paranormal in an urban setting was very futuristic and believable. I loved that Danika had to learn to trust Rayne, even though she would usually be the enemy and how she took the time to fall for her. That connection between them, although challenged more than once was very strong. Rayne was so sweet and calming that she matched and complimented Danika perfectly, being a calming influence and helping Danika to solve the case by just taking the time to look into things properly and with a little planning. Rayne was definitely the brains between them.

I do wonder what is next for Danika and Rayne. They have had quite an emotional story so far that no doubt will continue into the sequel of this book. If you like Paranormal, Vampires and strange goings on then this story has everything you need from the action, to the romance.

[Colleen Corgel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent entry into the urban fantasy genre. I thought there were some really strong points of the book, but then there were somethings that were slightly irritating. Dani is an agent with SPEAR, a supernatural policing force that helps protect humans from the things that go bump in the night. She's the best in the city, and has a reputation that gets her into a ton of trouble. Then she gets into a mess with a local politician and rogue vampire that tests her views on the world.

I enjoyed Danika's character, she fits all the tropes of a hero in the urban fantasy genre. She's brash, cocky, a screw-up, and has something in her past that defines her. Some of the things she does works well, but others don't. Like, I don't understand her developing feelings for Rayne (yes, she's hot but they only worked together a couple of days) even though she has such a deep seated hatred for vampires. It felt a little out of character to me.

Then there's some of the fight scenes. I do have to agree that just listing the things that they do in a fight is irritating. I get what the author was trying to do, which was to show how focused and narrowed her vision is. It doesn't work so well when there's a ton of events strung together. It does work sometimes, though, and I have to give Young some props for trying something a little different.

Overall, I thought this book was uneven to good. I also think the cover was a bit of a miss but it didn't affect my rating, as it usually isn't the author's decision. There's some wonky style decisions that I couldn't get, and some weirdness with the characters; yet it still is a decent enough book for me to recommend for paranormal romance/ urban fantasy readers.

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like crashing head first into the thick of a story, whiplash inducing action, foul mouthed, hot headed main characters, and tight, clever language, then this is the book for you.

Danika Karson is a human agent for SPEAR, an elite, anti-Supernatural force that fight vampires, werewolves, fae, gargoyles, etc who become violent or just do crazy shit that is against the law. Excuse the language but that is the tone of this book and I loved every bit of it. And the mc has a cat-size dragon-like pet named Norma that is so ridiculously cool. There’s an intro to a romance with another character who should be off limits to Danika but all it does is make it more intriguing. The ending is satisfying but obviously, there will be more books because there is much story left. I read this book courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate reviews with spoilers so you won't read any here. All you'll get is my humble opinion about the quality of this novel.

Ileandra Young’s Both Ways is an interesting novel. In the not too distant future our world has changed greatly. Vampires, goblins, trolls, sprites, werewolves and other supernatural species roam the streets freely alongside humans. Young has included several of these non-human species in her cast of characters.

The main character, Danika Karson is an agent of (SPEAR), Supernatural Prohibition, Extermination, and Arrest Regiment. She has earned a reputation as the best vampire killer on the force. Danika faces challenges in both her personal and professional lives, some related to her sexual preference. Her latest case leads to conflict with her boss, her colleagues, her family and even within herself. I like that although Danika is portrayed as a strong female, she still has human failings.

Young has written an intense romantic, paranormal fantasy. She boldly addresses bias on more than one front. I give Both Ways 4 out of 5 stars.

My thanks to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ileandra Young has written a fabulous paranormal romance that pulled me in from the first chapter and I could not put it down. There is not one thing I could find fault with about this book. Bravo. I can't wait to read more from this author and I will buy this book for friends when it comes out.

[Best Lesfic Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is mishmash of Star Wars (imaginary critters living alongside humans) meets Men in Black (critter exterminators) meets Twilight (vampire-human pairing, vampires not eating) meets House of Night (dead in daylight, blood-lust, humans freely offering vampires blood).

Read full review @https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I'm really hoping there's going to be a sequel! The turns and twists in the storyline really kept me on my worried toes waiting to see what was going to happen. The story started off well enough, but as the book progressed it really got it's legs and started running! I don't want to say too much because there's too many chances for spoilers with this one. My only comment is that it's written in first person. Some people like that but I'm not a fan. I can say that by about a third of the way in, I barely noticed anymore. That's saying a lot because many first person books aren't engaging enough to out way my dislike of that style for me to even continue. I am really looking forward to reading more from this author. I received an ARC from Net Galley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.

[Alison A · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 - that was a fun read, hope for more

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and it reveals a lot of urban fantasy action, which I really love.

All in all I liked the characters and the story arch but sometimes I could not warm up with some aspects of the writing style. I know that fighting is kinda reacting on instincts but I whished there would have been more flesh to the fighting scenes. And close to the end I could not understand the massive focus on Rayne and Danika while another highly loved person was so in danger. It felt a bit out of place.

But cut this out, I liked the story and enjoyed reading it. 3,5 of 5 stars.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this tale. Although I like Danika, my favorites were Norma and Rayne. Granted, Norma's vocabulary is about as broad as Groot's (Guardians of the Galaxy), she's spunky and loyal. This is an unlikely romance with many twists and turns. And the finale was rather unpredictable. What's not to like about a story with vampires, werewolves, trolls, gargoyles, and many creatures of the supernatural persuasion? This is a highly readable story, set in an imaginative world. Well done Ileandra Young!

[L1ll14n · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this story. A good paranormal urban fantasy read that reminded me of the early Anita Blake stories. The main character, Danika, is a strong kick-ass woman who is fun and flawed.
Fast moving with plenty of action, supernatural elements, and some romance, this was so much fun to read. I am really hoping there is a follow-up to this one.
Advanced reading copy provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable romp, Both Ways has a lot going for it: a gritty heroine, a sassy love interest, and a good mystery. I was strongly reminded of early Anita Blake novels because of the great world building and how constantly embattled Danika was. Of course, Danika gets over her vampire aversion much quicker than Anita did, so that really serves to move the plot along.

Both Ways is a strong addition to the paranormal romance genre that has some quirky characters, a cocky heroine, and a sweet romance you'll want to skip ahead for.

[monica.b.czuba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Ways (The S.P. E.A.R. Madison Files Book 1)

What a brilliant paranormal story. Meet Danika SPEAR top agent for capturing her paranormals, she hates vampires the most thought. The Mayor asks her to find his son whose disappeared ,she refuses at first but finally agrees. This is a fantastic,hilarious at times, death,kidnapping,and more story.
Alexandra Young did a superb job writing this story cannot wait for the next one about S.P.E.A.R.
Recommend ---Definitely

[Jamie (TheRebelliousReader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Interesting plot and kind of cool (yet underdeveloped) world building but the characters and writing left a lot to be desired. I didn't like the main character, Danika at all and she never grew on me. She was super immature and annoying. None of the side characters were interesting either. A lot of the dialogue and writing was a bit cringy but nothing too horrible. I'll read book two eventually but nothing about this made me want to get to it right away. This was just okay.

[RA Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and well edited

Awesome story! It had me laughing and emotionally engaged from the get. I'll be following the series, as well as both faces of this author. This was my first book by them and I'm excited for more!

[Ethan Roses · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had this book in my tbr list for months.

I finally caved in and opened it up.

I am so angry that I didn't read it sooner. I devoured it in one sitting.

Highest rating doesn't do it justice.

Recommend to anyone who likes fun.

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings

Homomisia
Misgendering (accidental)
Pregnancy
Blood depiction

[Jenna Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Such a fun enemies to lovers concept sweetly executed with heart wrenching family stakes and an incredibly world-built urban fantasy 💜

[Gemma Cayce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant, immediately downloaded another three of her books. Looking forward to seeing you at the bold strokes festival in Nottingham in 2020.

[December · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book. The story was phenomenal and I couldn’t put it down. I love this book so much. Cannot recommend it more. It’s kickass and I can’t help but want a pet chittarik now myself. The characters are amazing and I couldn’t help but fall in love with Danika and Rayne.

[Sam Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Both Ways. The book is a variation on what I would call a Shadowrun theme. Preternatural races and monsters mingling with regular humans, magic and supernatural abilities mixing with technology. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, but I was very pleasantly surprised. This is not really a romance, although a romantic attachment develops, but it is a great story combining movie-style action, thrills and danger, and harsh, real, adult storytelling. Very topically, the story also tackles intolerance and “the fear of other”. Possibly character development could be deeper but what is here certainly works.
Note – the language is British English which fits, and I encourage readers who complain about that to broaden their horizons.
Overall, I love this book and will be in line for the sequel if one arrives. Five stars and Recommended