What do you think?
Rate this book
Vanguard: A Dark Post-Dystopian Romance
Her kiss may be deadly, but he’s indestructible.
Erasmia "Mia" Baxter is her agency's most lethal operative, genetically engineered to have poisonous saliva. But having the kiss of death is hell on her social life. Her future holds no romance, no family, no intimacy of any kind—only killing for her country.
When her special ops group hears rumors that America's first enhanced soldier—Vanguard—may be more deadly weapon than savior, Mia is tasked with infiltrating his inner circle to investigate. What she finds is a former military asset with a hidden dark side—and the only man she can kiss without consequence.
Intoxicated by the obsessive passion rising between them, Mia falls deeper into lust with each new sensual encounter. But the closer they become, the more she realizes there might be truth to the rumors. Vanguard is changing—becoming more violent, more devious, less…human. And the truth of her identity might push him over the edge entirely.
In a world where heroes and monsters are separated by the thinnest of lines, Mia must Is the man she's falling for worth saving? Or is he the weapon he was created to be—one that will destroy her first?
A dark romance special ops spy thriller with a post-dystopian sci-fi bent—VANGUARD has the gripping twists and turns of BLACK DOVES paired with the seductive intensity of Runyx’s DARK VERSE series.
SPECIAL NOTE: this is POST-Dystopian and set in the near future, so it's more The Boys than it is The Handmaid's Tale. And please read the author's note inside the book prior to diving in as topics and situations in the book can be considered controversial and triggering!
Erasmia "Mia" Baxter is her agency's most lethal operative, genetically engineered to have poisonous saliva. But having the kiss of death is hell on her social life. Her future holds no romance, no family, no intimacy of any kind—only killing for her country.
When her special ops group hears rumors that America's first enhanced soldier—Vanguard—may be more deadly weapon than savior, Mia is tasked with infiltrating his inner circle to investigate. What she finds is a former military asset with a hidden dark side—and the only man she can kiss without consequence.
Intoxicated by the obsessive passion rising between them, Mia falls deeper into lust with each new sensual encounter. But the closer they become, the more she realizes there might be truth to the rumors. Vanguard is changing—becoming more violent, more devious, less…human. And the truth of her identity might push him over the edge entirely.
In a world where heroes and monsters are separated by the thinnest of lines, Mia must Is the man she's falling for worth saving? Or is he the weapon he was created to be—one that will destroy her first?
A dark romance special ops spy thriller with a post-dystopian sci-fi bent—VANGUARD has the gripping twists and turns of BLACK DOVES paired with the seductive intensity of Runyx’s DARK VERSE series.
SPECIAL NOTE: this is POST-Dystopian and set in the near future, so it's more The Boys than it is The Handmaid's Tale. And please read the author's note inside the book prior to diving in as topics and situations in the book can be considered controversial and triggering!
576 pages, Paperback
Published February 10, 2026
287 people are currently reading
1292 people want to read
About the author
Karina Halle
119 books19.8k followersKarina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Grave Matter, Blood Orange, & The Royals Next Door, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
February 8, 2026
Christ. She looks like a goddamn sacrifice. An offering to something ancient and hungry. To a god. A god like me.
Holy fuck.
Mind BLOWN.
Simple. And yet stupid. Exactly the kind of spectacle that makes for good television and satisfied customers. Did I say customers? I meant citizens.
The end!!! omg
Also, I fully thought this was a standalone; it’s not, so this is exciting, but what a cliffhanger, excuse me while I pass away.
,“I’m going to ruin you, darlin’.”
4.75 stars
I want nothing more than this man to be obsessed with me.
What a perfect, fucked up world this was based in. And I absolutely loved that it’s set in the very near future, like, America, get your shit together, cuz this is a reality that I see coming for you. It was dark, violent, greedy, realistic, devouring, and violating.
“Wanted to take you somewhere the company couldn’t reach, and keep you there. Make you forget them, make you forget your job. Make you forget everything except me.”
Corporations having control over a country, bish, that’s already happening. But enhanced, thoughtless, yes-men soldiers, capable of destruction with the blink of an eye? The US government would pounce on that in real life (have they already??).
“He seemed tired. Not physically. But tired of performing. Like he’s been wearing a mask so long he’s forgotten what’s underneath.”
This was such a great commentary on how power and money corrupts, how even the good are bad, and the bad are evil.
“Be careful. There will be a lot of monsters at this event. They often wear the most expensive suits.”
Mia was great. She was kickass and sweet when necessary. She wasn’t a damsel in distress; she could take care of her own. Sent to spy and potentially kill this Dark Captain America (my fav Marvel character??) with her lethal kiss, only to find out he’s immune? My goooooood yes. But she was unbelievably lonely too. Due to her condition and lifestyle. But that just rounded out her character for me.
“You and me. This is the most real thing in my life. The only thing that feels like it’s actually mine.”
Vanguard. My god, I felt bad for him. He was so lonely too and there were just a few scenes that hit me hard. He was also trying so hard to not let shit corrupt him and watching that fail was heartbreaking.
He fucks me like he’s trying to excise something, like if he can just get deep enough, he can carve out whatever poison I’ve put in him.
But he was also super kinky and I loved that too. Like, my dude dropped her off a building roof and then had sex with her while she was still trying to recover from almost dying, while in the air.
Anyway, I’m obviously desperate for book 2, I need it like I need air after that ending! Thank you so much to Karina and Lauren for this ARC!
Holy fuck.
Mind BLOWN.
Simple. And yet stupid. Exactly the kind of spectacle that makes for good television and satisfied customers. Did I say customers? I meant citizens.
The end!!! omg
Also, I fully thought this was a standalone; it’s not, so this is exciting, but what a cliffhanger, excuse me while I pass away.
,“I’m going to ruin you, darlin’.”
4.75 stars
I want nothing more than this man to be obsessed with me.
What a perfect, fucked up world this was based in. And I absolutely loved that it’s set in the very near future, like, America, get your shit together, cuz this is a reality that I see coming for you. It was dark, violent, greedy, realistic, devouring, and violating.
“Wanted to take you somewhere the company couldn’t reach, and keep you there. Make you forget them, make you forget your job. Make you forget everything except me.”
Corporations having control over a country, bish, that’s already happening. But enhanced, thoughtless, yes-men soldiers, capable of destruction with the blink of an eye? The US government would pounce on that in real life (have they already??).
“He seemed tired. Not physically. But tired of performing. Like he’s been wearing a mask so long he’s forgotten what’s underneath.”
This was such a great commentary on how power and money corrupts, how even the good are bad, and the bad are evil.
“Be careful. There will be a lot of monsters at this event. They often wear the most expensive suits.”
Mia was great. She was kickass and sweet when necessary. She wasn’t a damsel in distress; she could take care of her own. Sent to spy and potentially kill this Dark Captain America (my fav Marvel character??) with her lethal kiss, only to find out he’s immune? My goooooood yes. But she was unbelievably lonely too. Due to her condition and lifestyle. But that just rounded out her character for me.
“You and me. This is the most real thing in my life. The only thing that feels like it’s actually mine.”
Vanguard. My god, I felt bad for him. He was so lonely too and there were just a few scenes that hit me hard. He was also trying so hard to not let shit corrupt him and watching that fail was heartbreaking.
He fucks me like he’s trying to excise something, like if he can just get deep enough, he can carve out whatever poison I’ve put in him.
But he was also super kinky and I loved that too. Like, my dude dropped her off a building roof and then had sex with her while she was still trying to recover from almost dying, while in the air.
Anyway, I’m obviously desperate for book 2, I need it like I need air after that ending! Thank you so much to Karina and Lauren for this ARC!
February 19, 2026
·❥· ❝Vanguard’s Mystery Woman. Who Is She? By tomorrow, everyone will have an opinion.❞ ·
4.5 stars! ✨
Buckle up, an addictive dark, post-dystopian romance is here! ⌚️💻
When I requested this book, I only knew what its inspiration was and that an author I really like has written it - however, I was certainly in for a treat with this one! ♡
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
💻 ⌗ what I liked
I found the setting and overall atmosphere of this book really interesting! I love that it's a post-dystopian setting.. although it reads VERY familiarly and VERY much like our own world will be headed that way. That's scary, right?? Well, it should be. ✨ As I was reading some of these scenes and what these big companies and governments were after, I was like 'oh'. And not in a 'feeling excited for the future' kind of way. The setting here is supposed to be gritty, it's supposed to be gruesome. It shows how big corps take advantage of humanity, of empathy, of human suffering for their own benefit. It's done scarily well. To the point where you absolutely forget that you're reading. 🌤️
I liked the two main characters - Mia and Vanguard. They're technically members of opposite sides to begin with, but things obviously develop from there. I felt SO bad for both of them. The seeds are there throughout the story, but then you get to the end and it's heartbreaking. Thankfully there is a part two to this because I WAS indeed losing my mind. 😂 They've both been through so much and they have to navigate this reality that's terrifying and terrorising. Although I liked both, I think Mia was my favourite. She's such a unique FMC in the best way possible - strong, determined, very caring despite the world trying to change that.
The writing is really strong in Vanguard. It's impactful and it's done well. One of the POVs in this story was FREAKING ME OUT. You should have seen my face while reading this and those POVs popped up. Like WHY. Although, I mean we do know why. 😬 BUT STILL. They're giving all the creepy feelings they're supposed to give.
For the longest time, I thought this was a standalone and I was convinced there was no way it was going to wrap up everything in time. Well, now that that's been cleared up, the ending was SO GOOD. I kind of suspected some of it based on the information given throughout the story, but the emotional impact and the implications of it still got me. I'm really excited to see where this is going to go. And I can't wait to see these characters again. 💞
💻 ⌗ other notes
This to me IS a five star story, however I didn't fully get the five star feelings which is why it's a 4.5 overall rating instead. I still think it's a book that everyone should add to their TBR. 🥰💞
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
Thank you so much to Lauren @ Literary Love on the Line and Karina Halle for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. ♡
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
pre-read notes:
~ jan. 15th
HAPPY COVER REVEAL DAY! 🖤
I was lucky to participate in the cover reveal for this (although Goodreads needs to update this asap..)
So excited to read this one!
— COMES OUT ON FEBRUARY 12th 🖤📚
~ update jan. 31st
I GOT THE ARC!! 😭🌸
I’m so excited to get to this asap!! I’ve seen the artwork as well and oh my 🫣
Stay tuned for thoughts!! ♡
4.5 stars! ✨
Buckle up, an addictive dark, post-dystopian romance is here! ⌚️💻
When I requested this book, I only knew what its inspiration was and that an author I really like has written it - however, I was certainly in for a treat with this one! ♡
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
💻 ⌗ what I liked
I found the setting and overall atmosphere of this book really interesting! I love that it's a post-dystopian setting.. although it reads VERY familiarly and VERY much like our own world will be headed that way. That's scary, right?? Well, it should be. ✨ As I was reading some of these scenes and what these big companies and governments were after, I was like 'oh'. And not in a 'feeling excited for the future' kind of way. The setting here is supposed to be gritty, it's supposed to be gruesome. It shows how big corps take advantage of humanity, of empathy, of human suffering for their own benefit. It's done scarily well. To the point where you absolutely forget that you're reading. 🌤️
I liked the two main characters - Mia and Vanguard. They're technically members of opposite sides to begin with, but things obviously develop from there. I felt SO bad for both of them. The seeds are there throughout the story, but then you get to the end and it's heartbreaking. Thankfully there is a part two to this because I WAS indeed losing my mind. 😂 They've both been through so much and they have to navigate this reality that's terrifying and terrorising. Although I liked both, I think Mia was my favourite. She's such a unique FMC in the best way possible - strong, determined, very caring despite the world trying to change that.
The writing is really strong in Vanguard. It's impactful and it's done well. One of the POVs in this story was FREAKING ME OUT. You should have seen my face while reading this and those POVs popped up. Like WHY. Although, I mean we do know why. 😬 BUT STILL. They're giving all the creepy feelings they're supposed to give.
For the longest time, I thought this was a standalone and I was convinced there was no way it was going to wrap up everything in time. Well, now that that's been cleared up, the ending was SO GOOD. I kind of suspected some of it based on the information given throughout the story, but the emotional impact and the implications of it still got me. I'm really excited to see where this is going to go. And I can't wait to see these characters again. 💞
💻 ⌗ other notes
This to me IS a five star story, however I didn't fully get the five star feelings which is why it's a 4.5 overall rating instead. I still think it's a book that everyone should add to their TBR. 🥰💞
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
Thank you so much to Lauren @ Literary Love on the Line and Karina Halle for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own. ♡
‧₊ ᵎᵎ ⌚️ ⋅ ˚✮
pre-read notes:
~ jan. 15th
HAPPY COVER REVEAL DAY! 🖤
I was lucky to participate in the cover reveal for this (although Goodreads needs to update this asap..)
So excited to read this one!
— COMES OUT ON FEBRUARY 12th 🖤📚
~ update jan. 31st
I GOT THE ARC!! 😭🌸
I’m so excited to get to this asap!! I’ve seen the artwork as well and oh my 🫣
Stay tuned for thoughts!! ♡
February 13, 2026
tbh i’ve been struggling on rating and reviewing this book for the last few days now, i dont know if im still feeling ptsd-ish from the last time i didnt like a book and was blocked for it lmao or what.
but unfortunately i am in the minority here with not loving this book, which makes me really sad because i adore karina halle’s work and thought this sounded super intriguing— which it is, dont get me wrong the concept from my knowledge of what is out right now is fresh and unique however i just couldnt get myself to feel anything towards the characters, i couldnt feel their spark and attraction even during the spice and well thats a huge thing for me in a book like this one.
if there comes a day where there is an audiobook for this i’m most definitely going to be trying it again to see if the narrators can bring this story to life for me a little more. as of right now i’m going to give this a 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars as i feel bad that its more of a me problem than the book itself.
but unfortunately i am in the minority here with not loving this book, which makes me really sad because i adore karina halle’s work and thought this sounded super intriguing— which it is, dont get me wrong the concept from my knowledge of what is out right now is fresh and unique however i just couldnt get myself to feel anything towards the characters, i couldnt feel their spark and attraction even during the spice and well thats a huge thing for me in a book like this one.
if there comes a day where there is an audiobook for this i’m most definitely going to be trying it again to see if the narrators can bring this story to life for me a little more. as of right now i’m going to give this a 2.5 rounded up to 3 stars as i feel bad that its more of a me problem than the book itself.
February 12, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔙𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔲𝔞𝔯𝔡 𝔟𝔶 𝔎𝔞𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔞 ℌ𝔞𝔩𝔩𝔢
Release Date: February 12, 2026
4⭐️5🌶
It's 2040 in London and New York City, and this is after the fall of the United States Government and Economy during the Dark Decade. Really not that unbelievable, if you ask me. This is not my usual read, but I found it to be a fun and fast little spy thriller. Ms. Karina Halle has shifted herself as an author, yet again, and I'm really intrigued to read more from her in this genre. With all the descriptions of glittering skyscrapers and high-tech gadgets, then there's the glamourous corporate events, this book shimmers.
Mia Baxter, aka Erasmia Reeves, has been working for MI6 all of her adult life. Her parents worked for MI6 before her, and they even genetically modified her to be especially deadly to all who kiss her. Mia has gone on countless missions for MI6 with the goal of eliminating her target, until one gets to her and she can't complete her mission. She is then "benched" for all intents and purposes.
The big boss at MI6 has found a project that only she can work on. There is a super soldier, Vanguard, created by Global Dynamix that poses a great risk to the UK and other countries. It is Mia's job to get close to him, under the guys of a journalist doing a deep dive expose.
Vanguard, formerly Nate Whitaker, has been surgically and biochemically enhanced into a super human, and he completes whatever missions Global Dynamix sends him on. Namely, he catches falling buildings or stops bullets with his super suit to save countless American citizens. However, he isn't allowed to be anything other than a shield and a pretty face. The marketing team has given him a handful of lines he's allowed to say, and they can pull his kill switch anytime they think he's going "off the rails." Everything is beige to him, until a young "journalist" comes and asks him all the questions he isn't allowed to answer.
This book was fast and high-tech with a side of romance. I very much enjoyed it. There are also plenty of parallels with todays government and political climate in America and this dystopian future.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Spy/Assassin Female for the UK Government
🍁Super Hero Vibes
🍁Spy Thriller
🍁International Espionage
🍁Futuristic
🍁Dystopian Future
🍁Toxically possessive male
TW:
✨Light BDSM
✨Murder/Assassination
✨Toxic possession of people
✨Genetically/surgically modified humans
✨360 monitoring
Thank you to @authorhalle for the ARC copy!
Release Date: February 12, 2026
4⭐️5🌶
It's 2040 in London and New York City, and this is after the fall of the United States Government and Economy during the Dark Decade. Really not that unbelievable, if you ask me. This is not my usual read, but I found it to be a fun and fast little spy thriller. Ms. Karina Halle has shifted herself as an author, yet again, and I'm really intrigued to read more from her in this genre. With all the descriptions of glittering skyscrapers and high-tech gadgets, then there's the glamourous corporate events, this book shimmers.
Mia Baxter, aka Erasmia Reeves, has been working for MI6 all of her adult life. Her parents worked for MI6 before her, and they even genetically modified her to be especially deadly to all who kiss her. Mia has gone on countless missions for MI6 with the goal of eliminating her target, until one gets to her and she can't complete her mission. She is then "benched" for all intents and purposes.
The big boss at MI6 has found a project that only she can work on. There is a super soldier, Vanguard, created by Global Dynamix that poses a great risk to the UK and other countries. It is Mia's job to get close to him, under the guys of a journalist doing a deep dive expose.
Vanguard, formerly Nate Whitaker, has been surgically and biochemically enhanced into a super human, and he completes whatever missions Global Dynamix sends him on. Namely, he catches falling buildings or stops bullets with his super suit to save countless American citizens. However, he isn't allowed to be anything other than a shield and a pretty face. The marketing team has given him a handful of lines he's allowed to say, and they can pull his kill switch anytime they think he's going "off the rails." Everything is beige to him, until a young "journalist" comes and asks him all the questions he isn't allowed to answer.
This book was fast and high-tech with a side of romance. I very much enjoyed it. There are also plenty of parallels with todays government and political climate in America and this dystopian future.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Spy/Assassin Female for the UK Government
🍁Super Hero Vibes
🍁Spy Thriller
🍁International Espionage
🍁Futuristic
🍁Dystopian Future
🍁Toxically possessive male
TW:
✨Light BDSM
✨Murder/Assassination
✨Toxic possession of people
✨Genetically/surgically modified humans
✨360 monitoring
Thank you to @authorhalle for the ARC copy!
February 12, 2026
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
Vanguard completely pulled me in with its original premise and fast-paced, near-future setting. From the start, the story felt fresh, intriguing, and easy to sink into, and it kept me hooked all the way through.
Mia is such a strong female lead. She’s highly capable, lethal when she needs to be, and completely holds her own in every situation. At the same time, she isn’t written as emotionally closed off or invincible. There’s vulnerability there, and it’s handled in a way that makes her feel human and layered rather than weak. That balance made her incredibly compelling to read.
Vanguard was equally captivating and definitely swoonworthy. The banter in the beginning and chemistry between him and Mia were a highlight, and I loved the connection they built. The romance and spice were done really well and felt natural within the story instead of overshadowing it.
I also appreciated how accessible the sci-fi/post-dystopian elements were. There was no heavy information dumping, and the world-building was woven in smoothly, making everything easy to follow. The balance between action and romance was spot on. There were several moments that had me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing.
Karina Halle is one of my favorite authors, and I loved seeing her explore this subgenre. Her writing kept me fully invested from start to finish. I’m already looking forward to the next book, especially to see how Vanguard’s character continues to develop. I really hope she writes more stories like this.
Overall, Vanguard is an engaging, action-packed romance with strong characters and high stakes, and it left me excited for what comes next.
Vanguard completely pulled me in with its original premise and fast-paced, near-future setting. From the start, the story felt fresh, intriguing, and easy to sink into, and it kept me hooked all the way through.
Mia is such a strong female lead. She’s highly capable, lethal when she needs to be, and completely holds her own in every situation. At the same time, she isn’t written as emotionally closed off or invincible. There’s vulnerability there, and it’s handled in a way that makes her feel human and layered rather than weak. That balance made her incredibly compelling to read.
Vanguard was equally captivating and definitely swoonworthy. The banter in the beginning and chemistry between him and Mia were a highlight, and I loved the connection they built. The romance and spice were done really well and felt natural within the story instead of overshadowing it.
I also appreciated how accessible the sci-fi/post-dystopian elements were. There was no heavy information dumping, and the world-building was woven in smoothly, making everything easy to follow. The balance between action and romance was spot on. There were several moments that had me on the edge of my seat with my heart racing.
Karina Halle is one of my favorite authors, and I loved seeing her explore this subgenre. Her writing kept me fully invested from start to finish. I’m already looking forward to the next book, especially to see how Vanguard’s character continues to develop. I really hope she writes more stories like this.
Overall, Vanguard is an engaging, action-packed romance with strong characters and high stakes, and it left me excited for what comes next.
March 5, 2026
It's been a minute since I slipped into a dark romance, and a dystopian one at that, but when all the usual genres fail to secure a win.. sometimes you mix things up. I can't say I'm leaving this one with a win, however, but it maybe it gave me the reset I needed. We can hope.
Having said that, while I certainly didn't hate it, I perhaps wasn't the ideal audience for this one, despite it being a premise that I was interested in. Because while I perversely enjoyed the worldbuilding — I say perversely because it's a world that has lived through what we've been seeing unfold in the US but then taken even further. It's a world that hit its breaking point and grew from the ashes that remained, so, yeah it's bleak as fuck and obviously a little too real right now — and enjoyed the whole secret agent lady element, especially when things took a turn and the cards were on the table and things get.. dicey between the leads, there was an element of fun to those moments. I would've liked to seen them at odds a little longer, maybe some moments they throw down a little more, but at least we had a little. And by throw down I mean battle it out, and not in a sexy way, because yes I skimmed over most of the sex scenes; can confirm dark romance and an abundance of spice? I am really not the person for it anymore.
But then there was the ending. Two big moments that make it a sure thing I'll be reading the sequel (duology alert by the way!).
It's definitely an unbalanced experience but only in the sense of my personal hang ups. I think many readers — especially if you're into the enhanced or super people but with an edge concept — will come away enjoying this one. And definitely excited for more.
Oh, and that "will return in Doomsday" line? That got a laugh. Well done.
2.5 stars
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
Having said that, while I certainly didn't hate it, I perhaps wasn't the ideal audience for this one, despite it being a premise that I was interested in. Because while I perversely enjoyed the worldbuilding — I say perversely because it's a world that has lived through what we've been seeing unfold in the US but then taken even further. It's a world that hit its breaking point and grew from the ashes that remained, so, yeah it's bleak as fuck and obviously a little too real right now — and enjoyed the whole secret agent lady element, especially when things took a turn and the cards were on the table and things get.. dicey between the leads, there was an element of fun to those moments. I would've liked to seen them at odds a little longer, maybe some moments they throw down a little more, but at least we had a little. And by throw down I mean battle it out, and not in a sexy way, because yes I skimmed over most of the sex scenes; can confirm dark romance and an abundance of spice? I am really not the person for it anymore.
But then there was the ending. Two big moments that make it a sure thing I'll be reading the sequel (duology alert by the way!).
It's definitely an unbalanced experience but only in the sense of my personal hang ups. I think many readers — especially if you're into the enhanced or super people but with an edge concept — will come away enjoying this one. And definitely excited for more.
Oh, and that "will return in Doomsday" line? That got a laugh. Well done.
2.5 stars
** I received an ARC from the publisher (thank you!) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. **
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
February 18, 2026
Yeaaah bro I’m toxic enough that at no point did I think Vanguard was overreacting to the situation & unfortunately I would have been absolute putty in his hands the entire book LMFAO. Mia is a vicious little angel though & I’m sooo curious how she’s going to handle things in book 2
February 28, 2026
What are we if not two monsters, two killers, two dark souls looking for the light.
Karina Halle strikes again... !! This was everything I hoped it would be: original, action-packed, entertaining, SEXY and .. of course, a little unhinged. 😈
Vanguard is the first part of a dark sci-fi special ops thriller romance that revolves around a British spy and assassin with a poison kiss and her target, America's first ever genetically engineered superhero. This story takes place in 2040, in a post-dystopian world where the USA is recovering from a "dark decade".
What to expect:
- corrupt systems
- Captain America x Black Widow vibes
- suspense and action
- enemies-to-lovers
- does she want to kiss me or kxll me?
- wholesome and unhinged
- crossover with Grave Matter (!!)
I loved every aspect of Mia and Vanguard's romance. This is a fast burn done so right, in my opinion! Their attraction is nearly instant but their connection builds in a way that is organic, believable and wholesome until it blasts into a dark and tumultuous whirlwind as their secrets start to unravel. The inner conflict both of these characters experience is so palpable, my heart ached for them! And their chemistry is absolutely scorching hot, even when — especially when — they're trying to deny it. Let me tell you, America's golden boy superhero has a deviant side and it is everything. I'm still thinking about that building scene!! 🥵🔥 IYKYK!!
This is a lengthier book for Karina Halle, but it's perfectly paced and never a dull moment. The world building is smooth and, though definitely unsettling, easily digestible. And I loved the overall message inherent in this story: that it is important to stay vigilant in the face of systems and governments with the power to take advantage of its people, no matter how good things look from the outside.
The infrastructure of control never really goes away. It just gets better PR.
Even though I went into this book expecting a standalone, I was actually so excited to learn that this will be a duet. I need more!! The ending is diabolical but honestly it's exactly the type of twist I've come to expect from Karina. She does not hold back and I love her for it. The Grave Matter crossover is the cherry on top of a fantastic read and I'm desperate for what is to come in book two!!
Thank you, Karina Halle and team for the advanced copy for review. All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
February 15, 2026
I’m unwell. I’ve been unwell since the 80% mark when this book turned crazy! (In a good way)
I’m not one to really read dystopian novels but I had to read this since Karina Halle wrote it and zero regrets on my end.
Vanguard. America’s darling. First superhero. A super soldier, an ordinary human enhanced by genetic engineering.
This is the future. The collapse of society and the rise after it.
Vanguard brings hope to the people.
Mia is a spy for the British government. Is Vanguard truly made for the safety of America? Or is he a threat to society?? What really goes on where he was created?
Under cover as a journalist, Mia’s job is the infiltrate and get close to the worlds first Superhero.
As these two get closer, who’s telling the truth and who’s telling the lies?
Superhero X Assassin Spy
He Flys and can go Invisible
Government Corruption
Suspense
Spicy AF!
Who carries more secrets?
Dystopian X Futuristic Setting
He Falls First
Did I Mention Spicy ?
Action Packed
This book fucked me up starting at the 80% mark and my jaw was continuously on the floor till the end. I cannot wait till book two!
I’m not one to really read dystopian novels but I had to read this since Karina Halle wrote it and zero regrets on my end.
Vanguard. America’s darling. First superhero. A super soldier, an ordinary human enhanced by genetic engineering.
This is the future. The collapse of society and the rise after it.
Vanguard brings hope to the people.
Mia is a spy for the British government. Is Vanguard truly made for the safety of America? Or is he a threat to society?? What really goes on where he was created?
Under cover as a journalist, Mia’s job is the infiltrate and get close to the worlds first Superhero.
As these two get closer, who’s telling the truth and who’s telling the lies?
Superhero X Assassin Spy
He Flys and can go Invisible
Government Corruption
Suspense
Spicy AF!
Who carries more secrets?
Dystopian X Futuristic Setting
He Falls First
Did I Mention Spicy ?
Action Packed
This book fucked me up starting at the 80% mark and my jaw was continuously on the floor till the end. I cannot wait till book two!
February 28, 2026
man this was a hard one. current times here in America certainly are reflected in the writing of this post dystopian world. I honestly wanted to put it down for my own mental health many times. but the story kept me intrigued. Vanguard and Mia are absolute 🔥🔥🔥🔥. and the struggle to remember who we are despite what we've done was insightful. I enjoyed this but it was a hard read.
if you are triggered at all by the current political climate be ware. but dont write this off completely. its a good one.
if you are triggered at all by the current political climate be ware. but dont write this off completely. its a good one.
February 18, 2026
arc review to come
February 3, 2026
Engineered super soldier x assassin with a poison kiss 😘
I thought this was a standalone but it’s actually a duology. I need the next one ASAP!!!!!
This had my jaw dropped when it went from 0-100. They’re lowkey super toxic for each other but OH WELL we love them anyway!!! I’m gonna be thinking about the things Vanguard did for a longggggg while. I mean is he even hot if he’s not unhinged? 😜
10/10 execution of the American gov bashing. In fact I think she should go EVENNNNNN harder in book 2!!! I had to break the fourth wall and stare at the invisible camera multiple times.
This book was such a cool concept and I was entertained the entire time! The ending leaves you wanting more TRUST.
Thank you for this arc!!
I thought this was a standalone but it’s actually a duology. I need the next one ASAP!!!!!
This had my jaw dropped when it went from 0-100. They’re lowkey super toxic for each other but OH WELL we love them anyway!!! I’m gonna be thinking about the things Vanguard did for a longggggg while. I mean is he even hot if he’s not unhinged? 😜
10/10 execution of the American gov bashing. In fact I think she should go EVENNNNNN harder in book 2!!! I had to break the fourth wall and stare at the invisible camera multiple times.
This book was such a cool concept and I was entertained the entire time! The ending leaves you wanting more TRUST.
Thank you for this arc!!
March 9, 2026
Format: 📱
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Karina Halle is a cross-genre magician that deserves all the hype. Every book I read of hers, I think to myself “Self, this is the best book she’s ever written” and then she releases a new book and proves me wrong! 🥹
In Vanguard, Karina gives us Dystopian, she gives us an insidious corporation leading the forefront of genetic research and genetically modified super-beings, she gives us an international super spy with a genetic secret of her own, and last but not least she gives us what she does best: a down bad MMC with an unhealthy possessive obsession with the FMC (😏).
Vanguard is the world’s first Superhero, a genetically modified super soldier in a time of post-war dystopian America. Think a dark Captain America, a Jensen Ackles Soldier Boy. Mia is a spy in an elite M16 shadow team who is tasked with gathering intel on Vanguard and assessing if he’s too great a risk to leave unchecked. But Mia has a secret 🤫 - she is the assassin known as The Moth, with a deadly kiss capable of eliminating her targets in 4 minutes. Her kiss has never failed…until she meets Vanguard. The only man immune to her poison 💋.
This book has some SWELTERING spice. He flies her to the top of a skyscraper, drops her, then takes her against the glass of said skyscraper IN THE AIR! 🥵 he sneaks into her room whilst invisible and…well…let’s just say Karina has some art depicting just what our super man got up to while he was invisible 👀
I had no idea this was book 1 of a duology, so that CLIFFHANGER has me panting for book 2! I’m so ready 😩
Notable tropes & themes ——
🦹🏻♂️ Obsessed Superhero
💋 Spy vs Target
🦹🏻♂️ Corrupt Corporations/Government
💋 Morally Gray FMC & MMC
🦹🏻♂️ Down Bad MMC with dark desires
💋 Touched-starved Spy
🦹🏻♂️ Dark, post dystopian NYC
💋 Deadly Kiss
I received a gifted eARC of Vanguard to read and give my honest review. Thank you to Karina Halle for the opportunity to read & review!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Karina Halle is a cross-genre magician that deserves all the hype. Every book I read of hers, I think to myself “Self, this is the best book she’s ever written” and then she releases a new book and proves me wrong! 🥹
In Vanguard, Karina gives us Dystopian, she gives us an insidious corporation leading the forefront of genetic research and genetically modified super-beings, she gives us an international super spy with a genetic secret of her own, and last but not least she gives us what she does best: a down bad MMC with an unhealthy possessive obsession with the FMC (😏).
Vanguard is the world’s first Superhero, a genetically modified super soldier in a time of post-war dystopian America. Think a dark Captain America, a Jensen Ackles Soldier Boy. Mia is a spy in an elite M16 shadow team who is tasked with gathering intel on Vanguard and assessing if he’s too great a risk to leave unchecked. But Mia has a secret 🤫 - she is the assassin known as The Moth, with a deadly kiss capable of eliminating her targets in 4 minutes. Her kiss has never failed…until she meets Vanguard. The only man immune to her poison 💋.
This book has some SWELTERING spice. He flies her to the top of a skyscraper, drops her, then takes her against the glass of said skyscraper IN THE AIR! 🥵 he sneaks into her room whilst invisible and…well…let’s just say Karina has some art depicting just what our super man got up to while he was invisible 👀
I had no idea this was book 1 of a duology, so that CLIFFHANGER has me panting for book 2! I’m so ready 😩
Notable tropes & themes ——
🦹🏻♂️ Obsessed Superhero
💋 Spy vs Target
🦹🏻♂️ Corrupt Corporations/Government
💋 Morally Gray FMC & MMC
🦹🏻♂️ Down Bad MMC with dark desires
💋 Touched-starved Spy
🦹🏻♂️ Dark, post dystopian NYC
💋 Deadly Kiss
I received a gifted eARC of Vanguard to read and give my honest review. Thank you to Karina Halle for the opportunity to read & review!
Review of advance copy
Vanguard is the first book in a sci-fi, post-dystopian duet. I thought I’d mention this first because I started it thinking it was a standalone and was left in turmoil toward the end. It’s set in 2040, so there are many real-world acknowledgements and an interesting perspective on what our near future looks like.
The two main protagonists were intriguing. I was especially invested in Vanguard. As an enhanced soldier, which we’re not entirely sure what that process entailed, there come a lot of questions about his identity. Whether he’s still a human being with free will or merely an upgraded, tightly-leashed weapon. My heart collapsed for him during the reveal at the end. Although none of us are super soldiers, we can definitely relate to feeling lost and lonely within ourselves.
Vanguard has Mia, though, who was originally sent to investigate his inner circle but starts falling for him. With a poisonous kiss, she can’t begin to imagine growing close to anyone until Vanguard. He’s the one person immune to her poison. The attraction for each other is instantaneous, and feelings develop quickly. (Don’t expect a slow burn.) That said, the romance was pretty heavy in Vanguard, and I would have preferred more thriller/spy/assassin plot. With how the book ended, though, there’s a lot of room for high-stakes action in the sequel.
Thank you to Lauren and Karina for an e-ARC of this book.
The two main protagonists were intriguing. I was especially invested in Vanguard. As an enhanced soldier, which we’re not entirely sure what that process entailed, there come a lot of questions about his identity. Whether he’s still a human being with free will or merely an upgraded, tightly-leashed weapon. My heart collapsed for him during the reveal at the end. Although none of us are super soldiers, we can definitely relate to feeling lost and lonely within ourselves.
Vanguard has Mia, though, who was originally sent to investigate his inner circle but starts falling for him. With a poisonous kiss, she can’t begin to imagine growing close to anyone until Vanguard. He’s the one person immune to her poison. The attraction for each other is instantaneous, and feelings develop quickly. (Don’t expect a slow burn.) That said, the romance was pretty heavy in Vanguard, and I would have preferred more thriller/spy/assassin plot. With how the book ended, though, there’s a lot of room for high-stakes action in the sequel.
Thank you to Lauren and Karina for an e-ARC of this book.
February 15, 2026
3.75 ⭐️ I’m still not over that scene where the MMC turns invisible and has sex with the FMC on the open balcony…
March 13, 2026
Reading is and has always been political. If you read a dystopian book or any that would have taken place after this current regime and think “it just isn’t feasible” or “why would anyone think that,” you are telling me who you voted for. You’re telling me that your frontal cortex was never fully developed. You’re telling me that you don’t care for people who are queer, BIPOC, of Latin descent, or anyone who doesn’t look and have the same beliefs as you. And that’s just sad.
Now that THAT is out of the way, Vanguard may be a superhero love story at the surface, but it’s more a story of a corporate takeover at the core of the United States government. It may not sit well with everyone, but it shouldn’t. You should be upset. You SHOULD be shocked. You shouldn’t blindly trust a government who would keep the truth from their people when it could mean the eradication of the world as we know it.
Dang! I thought I had been done, but I needed to get more off my chest. 😭 I read a stupid review that made my eye twitch as I imagined the person wearing her red hat and complaining.
Do you like fanfic? I sure do. How about retellings? I love them. Did you watch any of the Avengers movies and think what would a relationship between Captain America and Black Widow be like? Chris Evans and Scarlet Johansen are both so hot, I don’t know who didn’t imagine them together.
If you answered yes to ANY of those questions, this book is for you. It was for me!!
If you think genetically engineered super soldier and a British spy posed as a journalist whose kiss while literally kill you sound like a very sexy couple then we are alike. And from the moment they met and the banter began, I was counting down the minutes until they got it on. Which is what we are all here for in the first place. And in signature Karina Halle fashion, the sexy time was HAWWWWWWWT!!!! And I ate it up!!!
If you are a fan of The Boys, anything Marvel, James Bond, or anything sexy and action-packed, this will be a book you love.
Thank you to Karina Halle for my gifted eARC.
Now that THAT is out of the way, Vanguard may be a superhero love story at the surface, but it’s more a story of a corporate takeover at the core of the United States government. It may not sit well with everyone, but it shouldn’t. You should be upset. You SHOULD be shocked. You shouldn’t blindly trust a government who would keep the truth from their people when it could mean the eradication of the world as we know it.
Dang! I thought I had been done, but I needed to get more off my chest. 😭 I read a stupid review that made my eye twitch as I imagined the person wearing her red hat and complaining.
Do you like fanfic? I sure do. How about retellings? I love them. Did you watch any of the Avengers movies and think what would a relationship between Captain America and Black Widow be like? Chris Evans and Scarlet Johansen are both so hot, I don’t know who didn’t imagine them together.
If you answered yes to ANY of those questions, this book is for you. It was for me!!
If you think genetically engineered super soldier and a British spy posed as a journalist whose kiss while literally kill you sound like a very sexy couple then we are alike. And from the moment they met and the banter began, I was counting down the minutes until they got it on. Which is what we are all here for in the first place. And in signature Karina Halle fashion, the sexy time was HAWWWWWWWT!!!! And I ate it up!!!
If you are a fan of The Boys, anything Marvel, James Bond, or anything sexy and action-packed, this will be a book you love.
Thank you to Karina Halle for my gifted eARC.
Want to read
January 16, 2026I haven’t loved a KH book since like … 2023? maybe this will turn it around for me
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Karina Halle and Reckless Readers Society, for eARC. All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Vanguard is a dark post-dystopian romance that blends spy thriller tension with sci-fi elements. We follow the story through three POV's - Mia, Nate, and someone else. The blurb itself explains the core premise, so I don’t have much else to add there. With everything happening in the real world, it’s hard to miss some unsettling parallels. Once you read it, you’ll know.
The dynamic duo - Mia and Nate mirror loneliness, guilt, and a hunger for genuine touch and emotional connection quite well. Genetically altered versus genetically engineered - they feel like different sides of the same coin (in some sense). The magnetic dynamic that carries through the pages. And if you’re wondering about the spice, it’s definitely there. We are talking about Karina, after all.
One of my favourite aspects was Nate's inner thoughts once he learned Mia is a spy. Watching his thoughts spiral was equal parts fascinating.
I felt "The Boys" tv series vibe (puppeteering - media manipulation/image control). Saw Captain America x Black Widow inspo. Read some nice sci-fi elements with progressive ideas for technology and spy antics that I enjoy. The pacing shifted between medium and fast. There were some things I guessed, and some that I sort of missed. A nice balance. I was also pleasantly surprised that Vanguard connects to Grave Matter via the Madrona Foundation.
Some minuses (I'll put them as spoilers):
Anyways, if you enjoy emotionally charged scenes, themes of corrupt power, romance with a bite, and feeling of thrill and adrenaline, Vanguard is for you. Can't wait for the second book (this is a duology).
Vanguard is a dark post-dystopian romance that blends spy thriller tension with sci-fi elements. We follow the story through three POV's - Mia, Nate, and someone else. The blurb itself explains the core premise, so I don’t have much else to add there. With everything happening in the real world, it’s hard to miss some unsettling parallels. Once you read it, you’ll know.
The dynamic duo - Mia and Nate mirror loneliness, guilt, and a hunger for genuine touch and emotional connection quite well. Genetically altered versus genetically engineered - they feel like different sides of the same coin (in some sense). The magnetic dynamic that carries through the pages. And if you’re wondering about the spice, it’s definitely there. We are talking about Karina, after all.
One of my favourite aspects was Nate's inner thoughts once he learned Mia is a spy. Watching his thoughts spiral was equal parts fascinating.
I felt "The Boys" tv series vibe (puppeteering - media manipulation/image control). Saw Captain America x Black Widow inspo. Read some nice sci-fi elements with progressive ideas for technology and spy antics that I enjoy. The pacing shifted between medium and fast. There were some things I guessed, and some that I sort of missed. A nice balance. I was also pleasantly surprised that Vanguard connects to Grave Matter via the Madrona Foundation.
Some minuses (I'll put them as spoilers):
Anyways, if you enjoy emotionally charged scenes, themes of corrupt power, romance with a bite, and feeling of thrill and adrenaline, Vanguard is for you. Can't wait for the second book (this is a duology).
February 11, 2026
“I’m going to ruin you, darlin’,”
♡︎ ♥︎ ♡︎ ♥︎ ♡︎ ♥︎ ♡︎ ♥︎
“Not if I ruin you first.”
Vanguard is a dark post dystopian romance that excels at blending spy thriller vibes with a touch of sci fi elements and leaves you on the edge of your seat. As per usual with a Karina Halle book, this read just like a movie in my mind. While this is not the type of book I’m typically drawn to, if Karina writes it, I’ll read it, and I’m so glad I gave this one a chance. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nate and Mia and their chemistry was electric. This is the first part of a duet and that ending completely took me by surprise in the best way. If you’re a fan of The Boys, Marvel, The Bourne Identity, or the Dark Verse series, Vanguard should be right up your alley.
💥Post dystopian dark romance
🧬 Secret identity
🖤 Forced proximity
🥵 He falls first
💥 Morally grey MCs
🧬 Who did this to you?
🖤 Dub con
🥵 Breeding kink
💥Spy x target
🧬 Found family
🖤 Femme fatale
🥵 Spicy fun while invisible & flying
“Bᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋɴᴇss. ɪᴛ ᴅᴏᴇsɴ’ᴛ ᴅɪsᴄʀɪᴍɪɴᴀᴛᴇ. ⵊᴛ’s ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇsɪʀᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴛᴀɴɢʟᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ, ᴛᴡᴏ sɪᴅᴇs ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ sᴀᴍᴇ ᴄᴏɪɴ.”
“ⵊ sᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜ,” sʜᴇ ᴡʜɪsᴘᴇʀs. “ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟ ʏᴏᴜ. Aɴᴅ ⵊ’ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴀɴʏᴡʜᴇʀᴇ.”
“Cᴏᴍᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ, ʙᴀʙʏ. Cᴏᴍᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴍʏ ꜰᴀᴄᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ sʟᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ.”
♡︎ ♥︎ ♡︎ ♥︎ ♡︎ ♥︎ ♡︎ ♥︎
“Not if I ruin you first.”
Vanguard is a dark post dystopian romance that excels at blending spy thriller vibes with a touch of sci fi elements and leaves you on the edge of your seat. As per usual with a Karina Halle book, this read just like a movie in my mind. While this is not the type of book I’m typically drawn to, if Karina writes it, I’ll read it, and I’m so glad I gave this one a chance. I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nate and Mia and their chemistry was electric. This is the first part of a duet and that ending completely took me by surprise in the best way. If you’re a fan of The Boys, Marvel, The Bourne Identity, or the Dark Verse series, Vanguard should be right up your alley.
💥Post dystopian dark romance
🧬 Secret identity
🖤 Forced proximity
🥵 He falls first
💥 Morally grey MCs
🧬 Who did this to you?
🖤 Dub con
🥵 Breeding kink
💥Spy x target
🧬 Found family
🖤 Femme fatale
🥵 Spicy fun while invisible & flying
“Bᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴀᴛ’s ᴛʜᴇ ᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴀʙᴏᴜᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴅᴀʀᴋɴᴇss. ɪᴛ ᴅᴏᴇsɴ’ᴛ ᴅɪsᴄʀɪᴍɪɴᴀᴛᴇ. ⵊᴛ’s ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅᴇsɪʀᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴛᴀɴɢʟᴇᴅ ᴜᴘ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ, ᴛᴡᴏ sɪᴅᴇs ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ sᴀᴍᴇ ᴄᴏɪɴ.”
“ⵊ sᴇᴇ ʏᴏᴜ,” sʜᴇ ᴡʜɪsᴘᴇʀs. “ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀʟ ʏᴏᴜ. Aɴᴅ ⵊ’ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ɢᴏɪɴɢ ᴀɴʏᴡʜᴇʀᴇ.”
“Cᴏᴍᴇ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ, ʙᴀʙʏ. Cᴏᴍᴇ ᴀʟʟ ᴏᴠᴇʀ ᴍʏ ꜰᴀᴄᴇ ʟɪᴋᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ʟɪᴛᴛʟᴇ sʟᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ᴀʀᴇ.”
February 10, 2026
I loved this dark post-dystopian story and I can’t wait to see how it ends in the second book of the duology!! The way Karina writes is so easy to read. The pacing was perfect!
This line made me cackle:
Every morning I wake up first and watch her breathe for a few minutes before I get up to make coffee. Once a creeper, always a creeper.
This line made me cackle:
Every morning I wake up first and watch her breathe for a few minutes before I get up to make coffee. Once a creeper, always a creeper.
February 13, 2026
“You’re both. You have darkness in your light and light in your darkness. That’s the duality of being alive in this world. That’s what makes you human.”
I did not expect to enjoy a dystopian vibe super hero book the way I enjoyed Vanguard.
Karina had me hooked from the start but really sunk in the fangs when I was least expecting it.
I did not foresee the ending and I’m so mad it’s a cliffy but I’m ready for book two now. 🤭
I did not expect to enjoy a dystopian vibe super hero book the way I enjoyed Vanguard.
Karina had me hooked from the start but really sunk in the fangs when I was least expecting it.
I did not foresee the ending and I’m so mad it’s a cliffy but I’m ready for book two now. 🤭
Read
February 17, 2026DNF’ing 34% in. Sadly this just wasn’t for me, couldn’t get a vibe from the characters, the actual world was great & I visioned it so well but yeah couldn’t connect the both so sadly had to dnf
March 1, 2026
4 stars
A wickedly sexy dark romance, this is a post-dystopian spy thriller with a sci-fi twist. It’s fast-paced and exciting, and had me glued to my kindle, and I loved it!
I was immediately intrigued by the post-dystopian setting, which is a new one for me. The world is emerging from the “dark decade” following the collapse of American society (damn, some of those references are shockingly and devastatingly realistic, and hit you in the feels!). It’s been ten years since everything started to turn around, and leading the way is Vanguard – the world’s first enhanced soldier. Vanguard has Captain America vibes, and he is the shining beacon of hope for a slowly recovering America, but he has a dark side which he keeps hidden.
Mia works for UK intelligence and uses her own enhanced abilities as an assassin; with a poisonous kiss which is instant death to anybody who get close. Her latest mission sends her undercover to New York City as a reporter to write a story on Vanguard. She is to get close, determine if he’s a threat and if so, take him out.
It’s a fascinating set-up, and I loved getting to know both Mia and Vanguard. And together, they are something else. The chemistry is electric, and when their attraction becomes irresistible, Mia learns that Vanguard can survive her touch, and then it’s all on! These two are on fire together! The sex is frequent, wild and graphic, with a bit of kink, and they certainly make use of those enhancements!
But they’re also getting to know each other on a deeper level, and that’s where the romance shines. You can feel every moment of these two falling for each other, and it’s so gorgeous to watch.
But Mia’s secret investigations are turning darker than she ever imagined as she uncovers diabolical secrets, and Vanguard himself is struggling with an inner violence that seems out of his control. When the ultimate betrayal comes to light, it will change everything.
This is a fantastically intense read! I love it when Karina brings her dark side, her imagination is so good, and I got completely swept up in this story. And even with the action, the sci-fi, the romance and the wild sexy time, at its heart, this book is very much character-driven. She gets to the heart of these two brave and strong yet very vulnerable characters, and I loved seeing them open up to each other and embrace all that they’re feeling so whole-heartedly.
The ending brings action, violence and a number of big twists, which is when I learned that this is, in fact, the first book in a duet. There’s a cliffhanger which is nasty but not too horrendous, and I’m so looking forward to the release of Safeguard to see where the story goes from here.
Such a great read – 4 stars.
A wickedly sexy dark romance, this is a post-dystopian spy thriller with a sci-fi twist. It’s fast-paced and exciting, and had me glued to my kindle, and I loved it!
I was immediately intrigued by the post-dystopian setting, which is a new one for me. The world is emerging from the “dark decade” following the collapse of American society (damn, some of those references are shockingly and devastatingly realistic, and hit you in the feels!). It’s been ten years since everything started to turn around, and leading the way is Vanguard – the world’s first enhanced soldier. Vanguard has Captain America vibes, and he is the shining beacon of hope for a slowly recovering America, but he has a dark side which he keeps hidden.
Mia works for UK intelligence and uses her own enhanced abilities as an assassin; with a poisonous kiss which is instant death to anybody who get close. Her latest mission sends her undercover to New York City as a reporter to write a story on Vanguard. She is to get close, determine if he’s a threat and if so, take him out.
It’s a fascinating set-up, and I loved getting to know both Mia and Vanguard. And together, they are something else. The chemistry is electric, and when their attraction becomes irresistible, Mia learns that Vanguard can survive her touch, and then it’s all on! These two are on fire together! The sex is frequent, wild and graphic, with a bit of kink, and they certainly make use of those enhancements!
“I don’t want careful. I want you exactly as you are.”
Something changes in his expression, something unguarded that makes my chest ache.
“You have me,” he says quietly. “God help you, but you have me.”
But they’re also getting to know each other on a deeper level, and that’s where the romance shines. You can feel every moment of these two falling for each other, and it’s so gorgeous to watch.
“This.” His arm tightens around me. “You and me. This is the most real thing in my life, the only thing that feels like it’s actually mine.”
But Mia’s secret investigations are turning darker than she ever imagined as she uncovers diabolical secrets, and Vanguard himself is struggling with an inner violence that seems out of his control. When the ultimate betrayal comes to light, it will change everything.
This is a fantastically intense read! I love it when Karina brings her dark side, her imagination is so good, and I got completely swept up in this story. And even with the action, the sci-fi, the romance and the wild sexy time, at its heart, this book is very much character-driven. She gets to the heart of these two brave and strong yet very vulnerable characters, and I loved seeing them open up to each other and embrace all that they’re feeling so whole-heartedly.
Beneath all my layers, all the real and all the fake, I’m just a desperate, hungry, terribly lonely girl who’s been forever denied what it means to be human.
The ending brings action, violence and a number of big twists, which is when I learned that this is, in fact, the first book in a duet. There’s a cliffhanger which is nasty but not too horrendous, and I’m so looking forward to the release of Safeguard to see where the story goes from here.
Such a great read – 4 stars.
February 11, 2026
'What if the new future is somehow worse because it's all under the guise of being better?'
Listen. If Karina Halle writes it, I will read it. But Vanguard was unexpected. I mean, holy crap! It's so dang relevant and relies on what is happening now, but with a superhero twist, some thrilling action scenes and sizzling chemistry between our leads in the not so distant future of 2040.
A secret assassin spy (Mia) is sent to get intel on the American superhero (Vanguard) and take him out. Seduce and destroy the man "who might be a hero or a weapon or something in between."
Right from the start I was completely invested in this story and the characters. I'm indifferent when it comes to superheroes, but the way Halle combined that aspect of the story with humanity, a post dystopian future with villains and heroes and mixing in some major chemistry between two characters that aren't supposed to fit had me totally engrossed. I could literally see this playing out in my mind. With the vivid descriptions and all the action sequences along with the romance that builds between Mia and Vanguard, this could be a film.
This story starts out fast and strong and gives us a whole cast of characters and a setting that is so important to the overall plot. It's like everything and everyone might not be all good and I was drawn to it. The middle part of the book slowed down a little bit, but it is also where the connection between Mia and Vanguard grew. But it was all about the last quarter or so of the book that had me on the edge of my seat. The fighting and all of the action. The secrets and lies unraveling. The characters on the run. The discoveries. And a connection that had me kicking my feet. AND THEN THE ENDING?! WOW!! Mind frickin blown!
Even if superheroes are not your norm, this is worth the crazy intense ride that is so dang relevant to the times. Especially if you like badass women that can seduce, kill and take down their enemy and a hero that is charming yet unpredictable in all the best ways. If you like unique stories that hold no punches, then be prepared to dive into this first book of a duet. Just be warned, there is a cliffhanger that will have you wanting the next book like now. And I can't wait!
What are we if not two monsters, two killers, two dark souls looking for the light.
Listen. If Karina Halle writes it, I will read it. But Vanguard was unexpected. I mean, holy crap! It's so dang relevant and relies on what is happening now, but with a superhero twist, some thrilling action scenes and sizzling chemistry between our leads in the not so distant future of 2040.
A secret assassin spy (Mia) is sent to get intel on the American superhero (Vanguard) and take him out. Seduce and destroy the man "who might be a hero or a weapon or something in between."
Right from the start I was completely invested in this story and the characters. I'm indifferent when it comes to superheroes, but the way Halle combined that aspect of the story with humanity, a post dystopian future with villains and heroes and mixing in some major chemistry between two characters that aren't supposed to fit had me totally engrossed. I could literally see this playing out in my mind. With the vivid descriptions and all the action sequences along with the romance that builds between Mia and Vanguard, this could be a film.
This story starts out fast and strong and gives us a whole cast of characters and a setting that is so important to the overall plot. It's like everything and everyone might not be all good and I was drawn to it. The middle part of the book slowed down a little bit, but it is also where the connection between Mia and Vanguard grew. But it was all about the last quarter or so of the book that had me on the edge of my seat. The fighting and all of the action. The secrets and lies unraveling. The characters on the run. The discoveries. And a connection that had me kicking my feet. AND THEN THE ENDING?! WOW!! Mind frickin blown!
Even if superheroes are not your norm, this is worth the crazy intense ride that is so dang relevant to the times. Especially if you like badass women that can seduce, kill and take down their enemy and a hero that is charming yet unpredictable in all the best ways. If you like unique stories that hold no punches, then be prepared to dive into this first book of a duet. Just be warned, there is a cliffhanger that will have you wanting the next book like now. And I can't wait!
What are we if not two monsters, two killers, two dark souls looking for the light.
February 12, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
A huge thank you to Karina Halle and Reckless Readers Society, for eARC. I continue to remain in denial about how this landed at my doorstep, but I am forever grateful it did.
- the good things -
🦸🏼♂️The world, whilst almost parallel to our own, is set almost 20 years in the future and I absolutely loved it. Dystopian stories have always interested me and with the way this story was drawn from realistic situations that we are experiencing in 2026 is incredible. It actually scares me that this "yes-men" vibe of soldiers could quite literally be our future...
🦸🏼♂️ The story is dark, twisty, gripping, realistic and completely consumable. From superheroes, to secret spies and political espionage, there is absolutely everything in this book that a certain comic book company wishes they thought up! At times I could not look away from my kindle. A page turner for sure.
🦸🏼♂️Vanguard as a character was amazing. His whole character development was admirable - like a big teddy bear you just want to hug the whole way through. He has gone through some pretty tough sh*t, to only come out of it being held by a corporate machine as a "superhero", whilst never really knowing what actually happened to him. Yeah, really rough to be honest.
🦸🏼♂️There is a romance story in here - surprisingly. And let me tell you... it is KINKY. I mean, the guy literally throws her off a building only to fly down, catch her and then pin her up against a window butt naked all for the world to see.... Absolutely brilliant vibes.
🦸🏼♂️A spy FMC felt so different. Mia was sneaky and cunning, less damsel in distress and more "I am not going to let this happen!". So badass.
🦸🏼♂️The villains in this book are so bloody hateable, they make the story good.
- The not so great things -
🫦 Whilst Mia was a great FMC, I found her attitude towards how significant her role was quite annoying. She had a mission and literally ignored most of it. I don't know how many "journalists" get as close as she did and then just ignored it all.. It came across suspicious and as a secret spy one would think she would be super careful.
🫦A lot of names thrown around in this book, I lost track on who was who at some points but it is all made clear by the end.
A huge thank you to Karina Halle and Reckless Readers Society, for eARC. I continue to remain in denial about how this landed at my doorstep, but I am forever grateful it did.
- the good things -
🦸🏼♂️The world, whilst almost parallel to our own, is set almost 20 years in the future and I absolutely loved it. Dystopian stories have always interested me and with the way this story was drawn from realistic situations that we are experiencing in 2026 is incredible. It actually scares me that this "yes-men" vibe of soldiers could quite literally be our future...
🦸🏼♂️ The story is dark, twisty, gripping, realistic and completely consumable. From superheroes, to secret spies and political espionage, there is absolutely everything in this book that a certain comic book company wishes they thought up! At times I could not look away from my kindle. A page turner for sure.
🦸🏼♂️Vanguard as a character was amazing. His whole character development was admirable - like a big teddy bear you just want to hug the whole way through. He has gone through some pretty tough sh*t, to only come out of it being held by a corporate machine as a "superhero", whilst never really knowing what actually happened to him. Yeah, really rough to be honest.
🦸🏼♂️There is a romance story in here - surprisingly. And let me tell you... it is KINKY. I mean, the guy literally throws her off a building only to fly down, catch her and then pin her up against a window butt naked all for the world to see.... Absolutely brilliant vibes.
🦸🏼♂️A spy FMC felt so different. Mia was sneaky and cunning, less damsel in distress and more "I am not going to let this happen!". So badass.
🦸🏼♂️The villains in this book are so bloody hateable, they make the story good.
- The not so great things -
🫦 Whilst Mia was a great FMC, I found her attitude towards how significant her role was quite annoying. She had a mission and literally ignored most of it. I don't know how many "journalists" get as close as she did and then just ignored it all.. It came across suspicious and as a secret spy one would think she would be super careful.
🫦A lot of names thrown around in this book, I lost track on who was who at some points but it is all made clear by the end.
March 18, 2026
A huge thank you to Netgalley and Karina Mackenzie for giving me the chance to read Vanguard in exchange for my honest review.
This is definitely not your typical Karina Halle book. It's not a typical dark romance and it doesn't quite fit the simple post-dystopian, suspense romance or even the usual atmospheric horror romance .It's a mix of everything with a dash of something new. I knew this book would give assassin x target vibes ,it had spy x super hero pair ,it would be inspired heavily from a dark captain america (the one with the beard holy molly) x black widow theme and that it would have the Karina Halle standard of sexyness in the smutty scenes.
What I didn't know -or rather what I didn't expect- was that I would find a heavy post dystopian setting of the 2040s feel like its set today (minus the flying cars and the superhero tech). Even more so I didn't think that I would dive into a book that would look like a THE BOYS X CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE WINTER SOLDIER love child and love it so so much !
I'm all for the spy and politicking behind the scenes, and the little violence that is to be expected with the level of the mission our FMC Mia has undertaken, but it one should definitely be ready for blood,gore,gun violence, medical procedures/conditioning ,human experimentation and mentions of human trafficking .Those are the few trigger warnings i deem more profound in the plot building as well as most impactful to perhaps even not easily triggered readers.
5/5 stars from me, because the way it ended with that cliffhanger to keep us on our toes until the sequel Safeguard comes out in (perhaps late ?)2026 was EVIL ! HOW COULD YOU KARINA ? WITH A CLIFFHANGER ? WHY ?!
This is definitely not your typical Karina Halle book. It's not a typical dark romance and it doesn't quite fit the simple post-dystopian, suspense romance or even the usual atmospheric horror romance .It's a mix of everything with a dash of something new. I knew this book would give assassin x target vibes ,it had spy x super hero pair ,it would be inspired heavily from a dark captain america (the one with the beard holy molly) x black widow theme and that it would have the Karina Halle standard of sexyness in the smutty scenes.
What I didn't know -or rather what I didn't expect- was that I would find a heavy post dystopian setting of the 2040s feel like its set today (minus the flying cars and the superhero tech). Even more so I didn't think that I would dive into a book that would look like a THE BOYS X CAPTAIN AMERICA : THE WINTER SOLDIER love child and love it so so much !
I'm all for the spy and politicking behind the scenes, and the little violence that is to be expected with the level of the mission our FMC Mia has undertaken, but it one should definitely be ready for blood,gore,gun violence, medical procedures/conditioning ,human experimentation and mentions of human trafficking .Those are the few trigger warnings i deem more profound in the plot building as well as most impactful to perhaps even not easily triggered readers.
5/5 stars from me, because the way it ended with that cliffhanger to keep us on our toes until the sequel Safeguard comes out in (perhaps late ?)2026 was EVIL ! HOW COULD YOU KARINA ? WITH A CLIFFHANGER ? WHY ?!
February 25, 2026
Most of the dystopian novels I’ve read so far revolve around political conflict, the people vs. the government and this one follows that framework as well. However, I was surprisingly impressed by Karina’s creative execution of a futuristic, technology-driven America. The way advanced technology and AI are portrayed feels immersive, showing how such power could evolve into something either transformative or deeply destructive.
The depiction of the NYC skyline and Manhattan carries a strong cyberpunk aesthetic that enhances the dystopian atmosphere. The setting doesn’t just exist in the background; it actively shapes the tone of the narrative.
The MMC gives off clear superhero inspirations, of figures like Batman or Captain America. At the same time, the romance between the main characters is undeniably dark and toxic. As the FMC herself admits, their relationship is complicated. The push-and-pull dynamic creates tension throughout the story and keeps the emotional stakes high.
What stood out most to me was the gradual transformation of human consciousness into machinery. That progression raises a philosophical question: where exactly do we draw the line between a human and a robot? And how far are we from building something so advanced that it mirrors humanity itself? This invites us to question whether such a collective pursuit would ultimately become a boon or a bane for mankind.
The ending caught me off guard and ties the thematic elements together. Overall, this story blends dystopian politics, cyberpunk aesthetics, and dark romance.
The depiction of the NYC skyline and Manhattan carries a strong cyberpunk aesthetic that enhances the dystopian atmosphere. The setting doesn’t just exist in the background; it actively shapes the tone of the narrative.
The MMC gives off clear superhero inspirations, of figures like Batman or Captain America. At the same time, the romance between the main characters is undeniably dark and toxic. As the FMC herself admits, their relationship is complicated. The push-and-pull dynamic creates tension throughout the story and keeps the emotional stakes high.
What stood out most to me was the gradual transformation of human consciousness into machinery. That progression raises a philosophical question: where exactly do we draw the line between a human and a robot? And how far are we from building something so advanced that it mirrors humanity itself? This invites us to question whether such a collective pursuit would ultimately become a boon or a bane for mankind.
The ending caught me off guard and ties the thematic elements together. Overall, this story blends dystopian politics, cyberpunk aesthetics, and dark romance.
February 6, 2026
Are you kidding me with this book?! I am the biggest superhero (Marvel) nerd out there so when I found out that Karina Halle was going to write a book that was basically Captain America who has a dark side….I immediately said sign me up! This book was an absolute rollercoaster and included so many things that I love: superheroes, genetic modifications, morally grey, etc. I don’t know how Karina Halle does it, but this book had so many different elements and it was perfectly woven together. Vanguard is about Mia who is a British spy tasked with going to America and learning more about America’s superhero, Vanguard. Mia is looking for a win after being put on desk duty after a failed previous mission. Using a cover as a journalist, Mia is able to get close to Vanguard to learn his true abilities and secrets that no one talks about. Vanguard, also known as Nate, is a solider that was genetically altered to be stronger, faster and all around enhanced (think Captain America skills). He’s America’s golden boy, but what people don’t know if that there is a darkness inside of him that he constantly tries to push back down. Agreeing to be interviewed by Mia, Vanguard keeps his walls up determined not show what’s going on beneath the surface. As Mia learns more about Nate, she finds herself struggling to remember that Nate is still Vanguard who would kill her in an instant. Both are trying to explore their pull to each other while keeping their secrets close to their chests. What happens when all the cards are on the table to see? This book was truly fantastic. I wasn’t sure where it was gong to go the entire time (which I love). I just kept rooting for Nate to fight his demons and for Mia to finally trust someone. All of the pieces were coming together, but that cliffhanger really gets you at the end. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this story!
February 11, 2026
When I first heard Halle talking about Vanguard at a book tour stop late last year, I knew I would love it. Once I got it in my grubby little hands, I devoured it.
The vibes are immaculate, with elements of the “golden boy” Captain America and literal “touch her and d!3” Black Widow. The characters are rich and driven by layered motivations, each wrestling with their pasts and the people who made them, all while trying to define what honor and redemption mean to them.
This is a dual POV and I really appreciated this as it highlighted the work Karina did to explore each of their psyches, revealing the tension between their duties to their professional duty and their overwhelming desire for each other. Their internal monologues added real weight to the story and made their choices feel authentic, especially once we see Nate beginning to question things.
Their chemistry is 👨🏻🍳💋🤌🏻 and the spice is spot on, just like so many things Karina writes!! It’s a little dark and twisty, electric and complicated but perfect for the story. Their connection really makes them step back and face their respective traumas and realize just how far each will go to protect the other.
As I was coming to the end I began to stress because I knew I didn’t have enough book left to wrap the plot. Once we got the “final” revelation, I was so bummed I could t just turn the page and keep going!! This is a duet, a point I had missed somewhere along the way 🫣. My loss is your gain and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to Karina and her team for the opportunity to read this early as a “Reckless Reader”! It was a quick read that had me hooked from the start and I’m counting the days until Safeguard!
The vibes are immaculate, with elements of the “golden boy” Captain America and literal “touch her and d!3” Black Widow. The characters are rich and driven by layered motivations, each wrestling with their pasts and the people who made them, all while trying to define what honor and redemption mean to them.
This is a dual POV and I really appreciated this as it highlighted the work Karina did to explore each of their psyches, revealing the tension between their duties to their professional duty and their overwhelming desire for each other. Their internal monologues added real weight to the story and made their choices feel authentic, especially once we see Nate beginning to question things.
Their chemistry is 👨🏻🍳💋🤌🏻 and the spice is spot on, just like so many things Karina writes!! It’s a little dark and twisty, electric and complicated but perfect for the story. Their connection really makes them step back and face their respective traumas and realize just how far each will go to protect the other.
As I was coming to the end I began to stress because I knew I didn’t have enough book left to wrap the plot. Once we got the “final” revelation, I was so bummed I could t just turn the page and keep going!! This is a duet, a point I had missed somewhere along the way 🫣. My loss is your gain and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you to Karina and her team for the opportunity to read this early as a “Reckless Reader”! It was a quick read that had me hooked from the start and I’m counting the days until Safeguard!
March 3, 2026
Listen. Karina Halle could publish her grocery list, her tax return, or her to-do list, and I would preorder it in hardcover. I am, without shame, a devoted fan.
So walking into Vanguard, my expectations were high.
And here’s the thing: Vanguard was good. It just wasn’t my favorite in her lineup.
If I’m being honest, I couldn’t quite pinpoint what kept it from consuming me the way the Experiment in Terror series did. You know, the kind of reading experience where you’re physically prying your eyelids open at 2 a.m. whispering “just one more chapter” like a sleep-deprived gremlin. That level of obsession didn’t quite happen here.
What did work beautifully was the concept. Vanguard feels very à propos to the current state of our world, especially the accelerating direction AI seems to be steering us toward. The speculative elements felt plausible in a way that’s both impressive and mildly unsettling. I loved the world-building and the secret operative premise. The tension simmering beneath the surface was classic Halle: smart and cinematic.
Where it fell just shy of greatness for me was the emotional connection. I didn’t quite bond with the main characters deeply enough.
Even a “not my favorite” Vanguard is still an enjoyable read. Will I read whatever Karina Halle writes next? Without hesitation.
So walking into Vanguard, my expectations were high.
And here’s the thing: Vanguard was good. It just wasn’t my favorite in her lineup.
If I’m being honest, I couldn’t quite pinpoint what kept it from consuming me the way the Experiment in Terror series did. You know, the kind of reading experience where you’re physically prying your eyelids open at 2 a.m. whispering “just one more chapter” like a sleep-deprived gremlin. That level of obsession didn’t quite happen here.
What did work beautifully was the concept. Vanguard feels very à propos to the current state of our world, especially the accelerating direction AI seems to be steering us toward. The speculative elements felt plausible in a way that’s both impressive and mildly unsettling. I loved the world-building and the secret operative premise. The tension simmering beneath the surface was classic Halle: smart and cinematic.
Where it fell just shy of greatness for me was the emotional connection. I didn’t quite bond with the main characters deeply enough.
Even a “not my favorite” Vanguard is still an enjoyable read. Will I read whatever Karina Halle writes next? Without hesitation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews