Knock Em Dead

Supernatural Security Force #2

by Heather Hildenbrand

Fork the haters.

After being demoted to the position of “cleaner” for the SSF, Gem’s not sure life gets much worse. But when she stumbles upon a level six demon in her last trimester hiding in downtown New Orleans, she realizes she was very, very wrong.

Apparently, maternal instincts apply even to demon babies.

Gem can’t let the council destroy such an innocent creature. Even if it is destined to grow up and try to eat her someday. On a mission to protect, Gem must figure out who’s opened a portal for high level demons and what it has to do with her own father’s murder—all while juggling an infant with a penchant for pop music and eating human flesh.

Her new boss might have something to say about Gem’s methods. Good thing her baby daddy has decided to step up and help out. Gem’s learned firsthand, if you’ve never seen an alpha sporting a baby sling, you’re missing out.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Demons, Audiobook, Romance, Supernatural

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2020

About the author

Heather Hildenbrand lives in coastal Virginia where she writes paranormal and fantasy romance with strong-willed heroines and dark, grumpy heroes who’ll burn the world down for their mate. Her most frequent hobbies are cuddling with her giant goldendoodles, riding country roads on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, and avoiding killer slugs.

You can find out more about Heather and her books at heatherhildenbrand.com.

Reviews

[Jack-Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a fun ride but I'll stop here.

There's just so many pet peeves in here and I can't get over them.

So the story goes about a girl whose age I missed somehow, but she likes to drive fast cars, has a no-BS personality, her grandma is a bug, and somehow her father (who is an agent of a supernatural organization that fights demons) dies unexpectedly in strange circumstances. The Security force where he worked doesn't dig up much about it and she plans to enter the academy to be part of this organization and get access to the answers she needs.

So, with all of this in mind, she portrays a very independent woman with a goal in mind, and takes the right steps to do it :

- Breaks up with her intermittent boyfriend.
- Leaves everything behind, including car racing.
- Only tells a few people to cover her tracks.
- Gets ready for action.

And THAT is a great setting, it's been a while since I've liked the motivations from a main character.

However, somewhere along the way, there was this personality change that I didn't understand quite well.

Her goal was to be the perfect agent, get perfect scores, and become a detective. So she needed a very specific and practical way of doing things. Which she easily ruined by punching one of her teachers.

Mind you, he deserved way worse.

This could be taken as a moment of naivety by letting emotions get to her, but to me her reaction was mild. We get it, under the consequence of possibly losing her spot as a recruit, she had to be careful. But sometimes being harassed like that takes its toll.

This mistake forced her to go to a magical sort of mission/party, where she met her two love interests... and let me say, LOVE TRIANGLES ARE BS.

In the middle of this VERY IMPORTANT AND VITAL MISSION, she lost time while kissing this unknown random dude (Love interest 1) , screwed up the plan, killed two people with the help of the other random dude (Love interest 2), and subsequently "failed" her test.

SO, all things considered, the first book ended by introducing almost all of the main characters until now, and did its job, so I was eager to read the second installment.

However, from this point on, things started to look bad. She was making mistake after mistake, and she didn't know/couldn't know what she was doing half of the time.

The main character's personality shifted. She became snarky and acted more like a teenager, talked back to her boss, didn't respect anything, and was really rude. I was confused, Was she depressed because she felt trapped, facing the fact that she couldn't move to a higher position, so she lost hope? Maybe this was some sort of coping mechanism? It didn't seem like that, so it made no sense that she WASN'T trying to win her way back. She would make plans, but never took them to completion.

THEN, as if this wasn't enough to handle, another thing was added to the mix. A baby demon. It was lovely, but inevitably things got twisted. This time our FMC changed completely.

Keep in mind that her MAIN GOAL was solving her father's murder. But she kept making nonsensical choices like:

- Trusting people out of nowhere.
- Having her logical switch "turning off" when the random dudes (AKA the love interests) were near.

BTW They barely talked, it was very insta, all about the attraction. The dynamic was awkward, and the jokes turned boring. Some of them were really funny, but when they kept coming and didn't stop, it felt awfully forced. Especially when the baby started to twerk and dance to fergalicious, hence, being named fergie.



All of this was overshadowed in a moment where she (being an agent of the supernatural, raised by her father, being taught well by her mother) saw this little baby creature eating an innocent old lady (because of her own carelessness by leaving her alone at home) and she did NOTHING. Didn't feel remorse, didn't call someone, nothing. Who was this character and what happened our FMC?




The story started to dilute itself, just dumb event after dumb event. The story went sideways and I could only think : What is going on? ...That's when I decided to stop.

One last thing I'd add is the illogical interpretation of female anatomy and "intuition" that some books portray. Someone had to take accountability for that, after reading so many fantasy books, this will always be a deal breaker. I mean, what's with these descriptions, seriously:

"...Maybe my vagina was doubling as a moral compass now. It made sense considering its lack of action in any other department. Either way, I trusted my lady-parts to lead me. They hadn’t let me down yet"

"...my ovaries were tingling as I watched him multi-task between strategizing how to take down a dirty Nephilim and co-parenting our demon baby"


So, basically, the story was flowing... in a weird direction. The inconsistency was noticeable. But the world in itself had the potential to be very entertaining if you don't mind those little... topics.

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knock Em Dead is the second book in Heather Hildenbrand’s Supernatural Security Force series.

After failing her graduation test to become an SSF agent, Gem thinks she’s about to start a job cleaning up supernatural messes for the agency. But everything changes when she enters division thirteen and her new boss isn’t who she thought it was going to be.

Gem’s primary task is still to find out how her father died, and more pieces of that puzzle are slowly being revealed.

At times its Gem is leading a double or triple life, with all the different players in her daily life, and the secrets they each hold. It’s easy enough to keep track of who knows what and what part they play.

There’s a few unexpected twists in the story, which induces more SSF covers than expected, along with action and a little romance. Oh and an unexpected demon baby.

This was a great addition to the series, and can’t wait to read how this further evolves in book 3.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 & 1/2 stars rounded up.
This was a great continuation to the original short story that was in The Monster Ball Anthology & a continuation from book 1. You'd need to start with book 1, or this won't be easy to follow. I really was on the edge of my seat at the smallish cliff-hanger ending, and really wanting book 3- like right now! LOL And OMG, what will Gem do, she's got two hot alpha males wanting her, is it going to be a ménage type thing or is she going to have to choose one!?! OMG, how will she ever be able to choose between them! The thing with Fergie (the demon baby) is both disturbing & hilarious, I can't decide from moment to moment how to feel about it. I love Jax's fatherly devotion to the baby demon & how he is the best "Daddy" to Fergie! I definitely will be reading book 3!

[Raj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adrik and Jax are about the best things going for the book with the heroine still trying to decide whether she is in a trio or a duo.

[Melody Kerber-Maertens · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I hear the word loins one more time I’m going to vomit. The first book was alright so I read this. Regrettably.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with Heather Hildenbrand, this was absolutely thrilling and amazing! You need to read this and get some Ferg-alicious in your life! I could not put this down and can’t wait for the next book!

[LexiLikesLiterature · Rating 3 out of 5]

A homeless guy with no shoes should not be having a better day than me 😅 -Gem

There is an issue with time continuation with this book. It starts off with Gem attending her first day of work as a Cleaner. It's the Monday after the events in book one. However, in random parts of the books, she talks as though it's been months or years since she has seen some of the characters from training school.

I love the new addition. I would have suggested editing out the section with Fergie and the elderly neighbor. It was a serious topic was made into a joke. It made it hard to take Gem seriously when she talks about avenging her dad or protecting the innocent... but I let my mind glass over it as it was obviously intended.

I'd describe this book as a mix of comedy and urban fantasy. It's perfect for  a day when you need an upbeat book that isn't emotional draining. 

3 Stars⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Most common rating for a book I liked.

[מאיה וקסלר · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series has lots of potential - funny, actionny, all the right elements. I read the first book and continued with delight to the second.
but when the hero finds her adopting demon baby eating the elderly neighbor and all she cares about is protecting the baby and not one thought of remorse to the fact it murdered an old lady and it's actually the hero's fault...
Then she just washes the baby and makes out with the sexy alpha whatever?!
Well, she turned from a Feisty hero who fights for good to narcissist psychopath with no empathy. I don't care about her anymore after she left an old woman dead on the Street with zero care. That's not a fun character at all.

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knock Em Dead is very action packed and funny we have secrets spilled lots of tension between Gem and her two guys Jax and Adrik ,a baby demon who dances and sings to Fergalicious and who can forget a very funny Grandma who is stuck in the form of a Junebug and has funny curse words, which I absolutely love. Everything about this book is mind-blowing. I cant wait for book 3 hopefully it will be out soon.

[Yarrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omg Gem, pick one already. ffs.

[Kimberly Starr · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so much promise, but unfortunately, it just didn’t quite hit the mark!

The series kicked off with an amazing FMC, Gem Hawkins. After facing a challenge during her academy finals in the first book, she finds herself taking on a cleaner role. While it’s not the worst job, it doesn’t exactly help her in her quest to find her father's killer.

I really felt a shift in Gem’s character that left me puzzled. Adopting a demon baby was definitely a tough pill for me to swallow. However, when that baby ended up killing her sweet elderly neighbor and she seemed unfazed by it, I couldn’t help but question her values.

Then there was the issue of her being preoccupied with who she wants to bed throughout the story. At one point she’s trying to sneak into Nephilim headquarters with a level 6 demon, yet her thoughts are consumed with intimate acts with Adrik. It made me wonder where her priorities were!

With Rigo’s unexpected return towards the end, I found it tough to keep going. I hated him at the academy and his return in this book as a detective... just no. It just serves as a reminder its not what you know, its whose A$$ you kiss. It definitely took all my will power just to finish this book.

Gran is still my favorite character and I hope she was able to get out of her predicament in the end. I’m really curious about how everything wraps up, but not enough to finish reading the series. I just can't continue to waste my time on a main character that shifted so much to where she is unlikable.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Supernatural Security Force Series. Gem gets placed as a cleaner with the SSF. She reports to work only to be redirected to another location that looks like and abandoned building where she meets her new boss. Adrik appears to be humorless and straight laced. When Gem leaves the meeting with her new boss she discovers a demon and has to fight to get away. With some help from her friend Jax, the demon is killed and Gem survives. The demon is pregnant and Jax cuts out the baby demon and gives it to Gem. Gem needs to decide what to do with the baby, if it is discovered with her she will be in trouble but it is an innocent baby enough though it's a demon can she allow it to be killed? There is a very strong attraction between Jax and Gem and an attraction between Gem and Adrik is growing. What's a girl to do when two guys want to take care of her but she has a mission to complete. Gem needs to find out who killed her father. Will the overprotective guys in her life let her do that or will they try to protect her and keep her safe at all times? I love this book. There are a few surprises in store for Gem, Jax and Adrik. The characters are amazing and the story is original and keeps you guessing what is going to happen next. This is a must read, there are witches, shifters, demons, angels and so much more.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Assigned to be a cleaner after her final exam, Gem is not happy with the change to her plans.
She's surprised, therefore, when the assignment has her working with Adrick, a nephilim, and shocked when her duties end up with her adopting a baby demon.
Two men vie for her attentions, while Gem finds herself at odds with the system that is supposed to protect the supernatural world.
There are coverups, lies, and obfuscation within the SSF, and Gem's investigation places her in danger.

While it's an entertaining read, Gem is honestly a maddening character. She's powerful, but headstrong, and so disinclined to trust anyone, that she tends to avoid those who could help her!
Then there is the love triangle... I hate love triangles, and this one doesn't make me change my mind!
Luckily we also have Gran, Milo, and Fergie to provide us with some laughter and distract us from the triangle. Mostly Gran, because she is perhaps my favourite character in this one, and gets star of the book billing.

Ultimately, this is a great read if you enjoy urban fantasy, with snarky Junebugs, twerking baby demons, and love triangles in addition to the possible world ending issues our heroine is dealing with!

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Cleaner Like No Other

•••NOT for the homophobic, transphobic, closedminded, or faint of heart!•••


This series must be read in order. The first book is "Kiss Of Death". This is the second book. I can't wait to read "Death's Door"!


Getting made a Cleaner was not her choice of assignments. Gem wanted to be an Agent to better investigate her father's death (which she is sure is a murder) that was covered up by the Agency. How she is going to do that now is a mystery, but she can't give up. It is her whole reason for following in his footsteps to begin with. The more she learns the less she knows. How can this be? How did her father really die? Why is the Agency hiding Greater Demons being in the world? Can she ever even hope to ferret out the truth? How high does the conspiracy go?


Fast paced and addicting, this series keeps you enthralled and wanting more! Gem's wry humor and sarcastic wit are endearing as much as her profanity is amusing. Her tenacity and nose for trouble never disappoints and I can't wait for more :)

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting knocked down a couple of pegs at her job keeps Gem in a position to find out what really happened to her father. And with two hot alpha males helping, friends who stick by her, and a demon baby to care for, she's got a lot on her plate. What was he chasing? What did he know that got him killed? And how will she survive when she finds out who's really behind all of it?

This second book in the series made me laugh, broke my heart, and was filled with twists and turns I never could have predicted. The author has a fantastic sense of humor and knows how to play on the reader's heartstrings. It's an exciting and fast-past read, and I can hardly wait to see where she leads our heroine next.

[Brit · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book! It was fun and there is a lot I’d love to know about - but the baby ruined it for me. That addition caused me to DNF.

We have barely met a love interest, we aren’t close to solving the big mysteries, and it’s only the start of the second book… and now there is a baby involved? It feels way too early to add a baby into things and add that added baggage to the character. (Yes babies are lovely and your choice but that’s not what I’m reading a book like this for.) It felt like we skipped ahead quite a bit.

I’m going to try to puzzle through the other reviews to figure out what happens because I honestly enjoyed a lot of the rest of the elements.

[Katie Poertner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one better than the first, but the amount of "my nipples hardened" in this book was out of control. Idk if shapeshifters or fae have nipples that have minds of their own, or what but never in my life have mine done what hers do in this book lol. That being said, if you're looking for spice, there's no more than heavy petting (and that is giving way more credit than is actually due) in books 1 and 2. I'm just waiting to see what happens in the others. I do enjoy Fergie very much. It's probably the main reason I'm still invested, lol.

[Debra (Dragon Nanny) Phiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this installment of the series just made me laugh so much! As well as have my heart pulled in a lot of ways and feeling unsure of who was trustworthy and who wasn’t!

Gem is being pulled in so many directions on so many different things that quite frankly I would be crazy by now!

This series just keeps you amped up from the beginning of each book and through to the end and being impatient for the next installment! I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In love with Gem & Jax

I totally love this twisted story. I mean an agent working to kill demons who adopts a demon baby. It's hilarious! Plus the love triangle she has going on. There are so many plot twists that this story keeps you on your toes. I think Gem is going to be the death of Jax. She keeps disappearing on him. He wants her to be his mate and raise Fergie together. The 2 revelations at the end may shock you.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself laughing out loud multiple times while listening to the audiobook. This is an absolute winner. The addition of Fergie was genius. I absolutely love that little demon spawn. The pacing was great and hot guy alert, because there are several. Be ready to be swooned, and prepare for several fights. The audiobook is fantastic. The narrator did a wonderful job portraying the characters. Very easy to follow along and distinguish the voices. I highly recommend.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)

Someone is opening portals to the netherworld and letting loose demons on an unsuspecting population of humans. Then, supernaturals are being blamed for the resulting deaths.
Although Gem didn't get the detective position, her designated cleaner status does allow her onto sites that some of the deaths have occurred, giving her more access than none at all.

[Susan Toussaint · Rating 5 out of 5]

💘

He I'm obsessed with this series!! Soooo good! Cannot wait for the next 📚!! Also I really hope we have a menege or a reverse harem because her 😋 (2) men so far I don't 👀 were she will only choose one. Lovin it!! Our MC is badas* 😎😎, & doesn't take no for an answer. Her adorably, ugly demon 🚼 Fergie is hilarious & cute!! Jax daddy vibes are on point to!! 😋😋😋😋

[Kelly Mccurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just can’t get enough!!

When you find a series that you just can’t get enough of, you read it many times. Since this book came out I have read it 3 times! The writing is excellent. I can feel what the characters are feeling. Twisty and turny. Surprises that I didn’t see coming! I can’t wait until the next one!!

[Sharon Gillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gem and just a little help from her friends

This book had everything you want in a sequel. I never laughed so hard and Grant and the battle between the titans (Adrik and Jax). Some secrets are revealed including the fact that Gem and Jax are Co-demon parents to a tweaking baby demon who can't get enough of the Black Eyed Peas.

[Vicky Mcbratney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give more than 5 stars!!!

This book is soooo good, kept me up all night reading, I couldn’t put it down, so many edge of my seat moments, and that twist, I didn’t see that one coming. It was so well written and I loved the wit, so good I haven’t read anything to keep me up all night in a long time, it was great 😊

[Beth C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing supernatural story

Wow! This series gets more exciting and convoluted and intense with each chapter. So many links and surprises revealed in this one. And poor Gem, she just can’t decide between a hot Alpha panther or a hot nephelim.
At least she has some answers now. Can’t wait for the next book

[Sue Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

We follow Gem after she leaves the TIF and tries to find her fathers killer.
I stayed interested in the characters of Gem and Milo, enjoying 'meeting' thier family members and watching how thier stories unfold.
The cast of Sups, Nefs and Demons got a bit muddles in my head as the book brings in more and more.
Continuing wanting to read/listen to more in this box set.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:
“I promised to send him home if he helped me.”
Adrik eyed the demon. “Is that what it wants?”
“Apparently, he has a she-wolf-demon mate and a litter of pups in another realm somewhere.”
“You know that realm is Hell, right?”
I shrugged. “Love is love. I don’t judge.”

[Alex D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilariously Entertaining!

OMG! This book was hilarious. I loved the first book and Heather succeeded in nailing the second. I love Gem! The book grabbed me from the very beginning with "Not going to punch him, not going to punch him." Mantra. Cant wait to see what comes next.

[Tracie D. Hardiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoy Heather's 2 books in this series.

Full of adventure, snarky humor, quirky characters that blend so well it makes for an absolute page turner. I can't wait to see where it goes. Looking forward to book 3's release in Oct. 2020