Bad Fae

Cat McKenzie #3

by Lauren Dawes

A rookie cop. A team of supernatural detectives. Warring fae queens out for blood.

My name is Cat McKenzie, and I need a vacation.

It’s almost Christmas—-my favorite time of the year—-at least it would be if it weren’t for the psychotic fae assassin trying to hunt me down and permanently punish me with a dirt-bed for interfering in his plot for revenge.

To top off my Christmas Tree of Crap, I’m still dealing with residual feelings of lust for my incubus partner. Even though I’ve started dating safe, human men, staying away from him is proving too hard.

Japanese water spirits, fae queens and unwanted supernatural visitors… When can I get off this crazy ride?

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Fae, Paranormal, Romance, Demons

ebook

First published July 12, 2021

About the author

Lauren Dawes is a USA Today Bestselling Author. She's an urban fantasy/paranormal romance writer and the author of the Half Blood Series and the Dark Trilogy. You won’t find any friendly vampires in between the pages of her books; just blood, teeth and violence.

When she’s not writing, she’s reading or designing book covers. She currently lives in Canberra, Australia with her husband, daughter and cat.


Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorlaurend...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/officialldawes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlaure...
Website: http://www.authorlaurendawes.com

Reviews

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re amazing. You’ve come into our world and thrived. You’ve come into my world and turned it upside down.”

And...I'm officially obsessed with this series. Bad Fae is book three in the Cat McKenzie novels and so far, I've loved each book more than the last. This installment was absorbing, mysterious, and exciting.

The magic makes for a fun paranormal detective story. Cat is a magnet for danger, but she's also finding her groove in this world of supernaturals and investigative work. I loved the developing relationship between Cat and Sawyer.

Sawyer is amazing and totally sigh-worthy. Things are finally looking hopeful for them, although Cat is still afraid to show her heart. I really like Cat's quirky attitude and penchant for unicorns. She and Sawyer make an unlikely pair but I love seeing them work together.

There's a lightness to this series. It's snarky and fun, but still packs an emotional punch. I simply cannot wait for book four!

[Brie · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s like a different author wrote it. Book 1 & 2 were great. Rushed or too much pressure to finish the series. The sex scenes are horrific and cheesy. I’m skipping over them. So far book 3 is a huge disappointment.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After “Bad Vampire” and “Bad Witch” is time for the Fae to come to play. “Bad Fae”, is the third second instalment in the “Cat McKenzie” series by Lauren Dawes, an entertaining solid urban fantasy series, which follows the eponymous character through her development, from raw very human police rookie, to (in her opinion 😊) an important PIG member, as in Paranormal Investigative Group.

The theoretically ‘temporally’ assignment to the unit, has gotten a more ‘permanent’ character, her relationship with her partner (Sawyer) seems to have stabilized, and all in all Cat seems to have adapted well enough as the only human member of the PIG team. But nevertheless, after their last running up with the Witches, Cat is desperate need of a vacation, and Christmas is round the corner anyway. But – of course – is not to be => enter the Fae. With a crazy Fae assassin on the loose, intending to make Cat his next victim, all kinds of uninvited guest popping in, from Japanese spirits to their majesty the Fae Queens themselves, and the everlasting emotions for her own incubus partner, Cat non-vacation is a hell of an adventure, and we are along for ride, hold on tight!

This is yet another fast-paced, funny to the point of snarky, solid story, set in a very well-crafted UF world, with interesting secondary characters, and an endeared main character duo that go out like a house on fire. Cat is too sassy for her own good, hiding her insecurities under a blanket of sarcasm that only add more sparks to the duo. Thus, whatever you tend to relate to Cat or to Sawyer, just recline back, let them do ‘their thing’ and enjoy the ride…. there is no escape from those two, which is a really good thing, because we really would like to ‘see’ a lot more of Cat… and, of course, Sawyer 😉

[Paula Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series and they e getting better. If you look at the cover you know the season. If only it was unicorns! Another mystery to solve in addition to character development and finding out more about the Mc love affair.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series. Loving every story about Cat and Sawyer.

[ROMEOISNOTFUNNY · Rating 4 out of 5]

More please!
Come on Cat, take Sawyer and all his talents 😉
4.4 stars

[Leila Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Cats Story and how she has grown through the series, I can't wait for Bad Wolf!

I mean from the very opening line "And that's how I decapitated the Vampire that was trying to Kill me." I was drawn in to the story. Then held there through "...revenge in a ball gown and black tie always looks awesome." and Scat Christmas I loved it all.

[Naria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed most of this series only because the plot (minus the romance) was interesting. And this one was just as good. But I'm not sure I can stomach a few things and I hope they change when I read the next book.

1) the nickname: Pussycat. Ew. I can't get over the fact that in book 1 Cat said her parents called her that. Then Sawyer acts fatherly with constantly nursing her back to health and kissing her forehead. None of which would normally bother me, but Cat openly makes the parallels. A constant problem that takes me out of their romance. Thank goodness she's in therapy.

2) Cat treating Sawyer like he's unlovable. Then trying to make things happen with Mason so forcibly. Honestly, she shouldn't be breaking other people's heart when she knows she is being unreasonable. It bothers me when the FMC is literally inviting some guy into Sawyer's house. I'm glad that Sawyer called her out about that and also called her out with her fear of abandonment. But on the flip side, the angst makes for good drama lol

3) a weak MMC. Sawyer talks a big game, but he's never there when it matters. He's always unconscious or subdued and it's up to Cat ( a human) to battle the big bad.

These are my annoyances, but it's so far a decent storyline and enjoyable.

The things I enjoyed:

1) Her childish wonder. I enjoy her unicorn obsession and her love that she enjoys the holidays. After all the sadness in her childhood, it's healthy to find joy in the smallest ways.

2) her truck getting fucked up. Honestly hilarious that someone with a short person complex has such a big truck. Then it gets destroyed every book 😂

3) Sawyer isn't afraid to constantly push back on Cat's irrational thinking. Like girl, just admit you love him already and stop invalidating how Sawyer feels about you.😪

4) the Angst. I added it in the cons list but it's also a positive. It does add a good layer of drama to the story. So I get it, but I'm allowed to still hate it. Lol

I'll finish the next 2 and give overall results to how I enjoyed the story overall.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: 4/5

Plot and themes: 4/5

Characters: 5/5

Writing style: 4/5

Attention-grabbing: 4/5

Bad Fae is the third book in the Cat McKenzie series. Cat is really getting into the rhythm of the supernatural, she's ditched her biases and is really thriving working with Sawyer. That is until a fae makes it his personal mission to murder her and she has to ditch constant assassination attempts. Plus, things have really heated up with Sawyer but her trust issues are preventing her from making a full commitment.

I liked Cat, I think she's a good amount of quirky. Sawyer balances her out too and I think it's great how he's not this disconnected angsty dude. You really see the effort he's putting in. I'm also a sucker for the books where the guy gets obsessed first cause you know that's real fantasy. I did have a bit of an issue with her obsession with unicorns, it felt a little too babyish and off considering we already have the age difference here. But I'll let it slide unless it gets super weird in the next one.

I'm still liking the series though and I'm excited to get into the next one though I've been delaying because I haven't made time to write this short little review. I want to see their relationship develop and I'm really hoping for a thriving dynamic duo.

This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can Mason be trusted? He seems too eager to date Cat, especially when he’s been apprised of the goings on in her life. I don’t think most humans would be comfortable with that level of chaos. They’ve had one interrupted date and yet he shows up to cook her a meal when she told him she had a cold. Just screams abnormal behavior to me. She’s not his girlfriend; more like an acquaintance.

All signs seem to point to Cat not being strictly human. She’s able to go to and from Wonderland and is now Sawyer’s consort - supposedly a position that can only be filled by a supernatural. He also can’t maintain life without her. There’s got to be more to her than we know.

Maybe because I was half asleep when I read this but I don’t understand why Cat had to travel to Wonderland to help achieve Astrid’s goal. Astrid seemed to make an appearance without any help from Cat. If both light & dark are required to balance Wonderland, how will Avi’s death affect it?

Cat is still being beaten up on the regular and her automobile insurance premiums must be through the roof. Smith continues to be hovering with what may be ill intent. I just have a very bad feeling about him.

It appears that Cat won’t be able to find out any more about her parents since there’s no one left to tell her about them.

FWIW I hate the nickname “pussy cat.” Grow up already. The jury’s still out about the unicorns.

[Heather Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Tremendously Fantastic Series!
Lauren Dawes did a magnificent job with this series! This book really does captivate you from page 1! When the Fae come out to play everyone better be careful and keep an eye out for danger... especially Cat! She's being targeted by the Fae and has no idea why! And the fire starts to heat up between her and Sawyer!
Why are the Fae targeting Cat and who is the man who says he knows her dad? To find out why the Fae are after her and who this mysterious man is you'll have to read this book! And let me tell you that I think you'll be very happy you did!
I do recommend that you read this series from Book 1 as you won't want to miss anything! And I have to say that they are very worth the read! I really can't wait to see what happens next in this series!
Thank you Lauren Dawes for giving me a series that I now have on my To-Be-Read pile and will be there until the very last book in this series (hopefully the last book is very far far far into the future)!

[Gaby (Living in Libros) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay I'm just gonna say it. Im hooked on these books. No one try and drag me it's my comfort fic 😂.

Cat and Sawyer are back and hornier than ever. This is the third novel in the Cat McKenzie series and you can definitely see the growth Cat has ascended.

In the first two novels Cat was overly eccentric when dealing with stressful situations (her partner murdered, getting thrown into the police's supernatural unit, being backstabbed, having to kill baby vamps and supernatural creatures on the regular). Now she's relies less on her word vomit and is more accustomed to the supernatural.

We also see a difference in Sawyer. In the past he often teased Cat and her dive head first into DANGEROUS situations but now he's more thoughtful and protective.

Despite this story taking place during Christmas season it doesn't rely heavy on Christmas themes. In fact, I hardly noticed it at all. Which is good since I read this in the middle of summer.

Overall it was cute. And I adored the Scat Christmas.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bingeworthy

I just discovered this author yesterday and I’ve already finished three of the books in the series. I love the world building and the character development. The first three books ah e built nicely on one another.

While I gave the first two books five stars I had to Dow grade this one a bit as Cat was just too foolish too often and made some pretty elemental mistakes. Likewise, it seemed Sawyer was as present here as he was in this first two books. The combination of those factors almost made it look like the author was cheating to easily get to her story points. I also felt like the story needed some more depth. There is also a gaping hole in the storyline that I can’t say here due to spoilers but it’s glaring.

It’s not going to stop me from co tinting my binge though! On to book four!

[Astarte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need to review timing

Time is not a thing. 6 weeks after she met a guy and fell in insta-lust she's in a committed relationship.
I think in book 1 they said there were no such things as water sprites but since then there have been sayings making it seem like they're real.

I like Cat's character but there are inconsistencies and the timing is unbelievable (even for fantasy) - within 48 minutes they hiked through snow, negotiated with guards, found a nemesis dead, had someone knocked out, had the plot of the past week revealed, had a heartbreak, had someone die, had the rules of a magic realm broken, had another person die, got threatened again and then trekked back through the snow injured.

I get fast paced is exciting, but this book would still be fast if it were spread over a month, not barely a week.

[Susan1566 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat is trying to get on with her life after her one night with Sawyer, she’s actually gone out on a date. But there is a slight problem with the date, a demi-fae tries to kill her in the bathroom but Reaver permanently stops the attempt.
It seems that when she arrested the witch serial killer, she prevented Kalien from getting his revenge and now he wants to kill her. She has also been contacted by both Fae queens, one wants her help, the other her necklace. There is also someone who claims to have know her father.
Everywhere she goes, her life is in danger.
There is some action, surprises, suspense and humour. And don’t forget the sexual tension although it is unfulfilled in this book.
This is a light, quick, easy read that I found enjoyable. The characters are growing in each book, we learn more about everyone.
On to the next book.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Cat is trying to date normals, but when her date is ambushed, things start to go pear shaped, and the Fae are to blame.
It’s not quite “just another case” for Sawyer and Cat though, there is a lot Komoren going on than meets the eye, and Cat’s life hangs in the balance…

This is not a standalone novel, it is reliant on the stories that came before to set the scene; plus it ends on a bit of a book-hook for the next book.
Not that either of those are bad. It’s an entertaining series, with humour, snark, and quite a few unicorns (alas, not the real thing). The story is fast paced, and if Cat seems to be just a little quirky, it’s all part of her (rather bristly) charm.

An entertaining read for those who enjoy paranormal mystery or urban fantasy series.

[PepperP0t · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kailon has apparently sent assassins after Cat to show his anger over not getting vengeance over his cousin’s death. To stop lusting over her incubus partner, Cat decides to try dating a human that seems to work out for her, much to Sawyer’s chagrin. That is until Sawyer lets Cat know how things need to be between them.

Battling the feels attached to her suitors, not to mention the regular horizonal hoopla plus dodging the killers doesn’t seem to occupy enough of our Cat’s time. The fae Queen of the Spring Court searches Cat out for help dealing with her sister both of whom are part of the growing and unwanted attention to her necklace that’s ‘behaving out of character.’.
Rating: 4stars

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still not sold

There’s just something about it all that’s missing for me. Not sure what it is. It’s interesting enough, but maybe it’s that there doesn’t seem to be much forward progress with our FMC. She’s sort of blundering through it all. Or maybe it’s that she’s annoying the crap out of me with her decisions with Sawyer. And then there are the inconsistencies there, too. Like, he’s protective of her and doesn’t want to see her get hurt, but she comes home hurt and he’s just like ‘what happened now?’ all exasperated, rather than concerned.

I don’t know. I hope to get more depth as the overall storyline progresses - because I’ll keep reading - but so far I’m feeling let down.

[Elysian Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Fae is the third adventure in this series. Cat and her partner Sawyer (and her lucky sward) are back at it; antics and all. In this story there is a lot of humor (as expected), action, sass, romance, a sad truck moment, and so much more! In this story it is getting close to Christmas, and I have to say, Cat’s obsession with all things crazy holiday really adds another level of greatness to this already wonderful story. The ending is magical and hilarious, and I just loved certain aspects of how the story ties together! This entire series is pure magic! This series is a favorite and each book ends up on my best of the year reads list!!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas themed Cat! Though I am a little disappointed they’re reindeer not unicorns on the jumper. These are such fun stories. Not so much for Cat, but for the reader they’re pure endorphins. The narrations style and monologue of Cat just takes me to a happy place, okay.
I thought the relationship was going to drag out way more than this, so I’m pleased there’s real progress on that front with Sawyer. Cat is facing personal demons as well as demonic fae, and growing her unicorn collection. All noble pursuits. I’m a little bummed this series is only five books because I don’t think I’ll have had enough by then.

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Cat & Sawyer?... Yes, Please! This third book in the series just reinforced my loving this series, more heat a the solidifying of the relationship between the two MC's, more underworld, more mysterious riddles and murders, and lots of funny situations that cause laughing out loud when you least expect it. Soooo...guess soon would be a good time for the fourth book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shouldn't like this heroine, but I do anyway. Her personality is a little one-dimensional, and she's nearly at Roadrunner levels of bouncing back from extreme injury. The premise of this series is that a human is assigned to the new paranormal police division, 6 months after paranormals came out of the closet.

This one is about fae attacking Cat, and getting sucked into a political mess between the queens of the fae.

[Piros OlaSz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ahhh not really

I sd confess the heroine’s struggle was not making sense at all. Her whinnying actually bored me out and it took me month to read it. Or get back to it. Finally at the end she made the right decision but the way there wore me out really. I like the author as well as this story and the investigation part even I could not he bothered by her unicor fetish but her relationship indecision was a bit much for me.
Not sure Ill continue yet. Will see ;)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

So Cat kind of pissed of a fae and now it seems like there is a hit out on her, so that's fun. She has also caught the attention of other more powerful fae, which again, good times. There's also a new tension between her and Sawyer since he wants to see what could be between them and she wants to avoid that at all costs.

I am really enjoying this series but with the same complaints. Characters and storylines seem to come and go a little too quickly sometimes.

[Lynall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all, the banter is amusing, the mystery is entertaining and I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. The romance between Cat and the incubus is developing nicely. I also enjoyed Bad Vampire the first book in this series, and cannot wait for more to come. Very good series .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cat is amazing and by far the best character in the book. I just love her snarkiness. It is so entertaining. The action and drama is so exciting and I cannot help but read the book faster to find out how it will turn out. This is a magnificent series. I definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodie Cary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Awesome story. I wish i could give more stars. I love this series, I love the stories that this author writes. I am HOOKED!!!
I love the characters and the chemistry between Cat & Sawyer. I want more and more. Great read. Awesome series!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bad Fae

Poor Cat gets into more trouble in a week than anyone else could in a lifetime. We have relationship woes of all sorts. People from past she knew, people claiming to know her dad, her partner Sawyer, people in both PIG and regular dept, etc. Nothing is ever easy. And for the love of unicorns, give Sawyer a break.

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one only gets four stars because I realllllly am loosing my grip on the whole unicorn obsession and the fact that she has called herself a “special cupcake” in every book so far🤮🥴
I don’t know if I’m only realising this now but it was later on really really think in this one🫠
Will continue though cause these are easy peasy fun time stories and that’s all I ask for sometimes 🤗