Born in Fire

Fire and Ice Trilogy #1

by K.F. Breene

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B06VXR25KZ.


Heart pounding and laugh out loud funny, USA Today Bestselling author K.F. Breene will take you on a magical joy ride you won't soon forget.

Supernatural Bounty Hunter isn't the sort of thing you see on LinkedIn. But with a rare type of magic like mine, I don't have many options.

So dangerous or not, the job is mine. And it was going fine, until an old as sin vampire stole my mark, and with it, my pay day.

Knowing I'm poor and desperate, he has offered me a job. I'll have to work by his side to help solve a top secret case.

Everyone knows not to trust vampires. Especially a hot elder vampire. But without any other jobs coming up, I'm stuck. As I uncover a web of lies and treachery, revealing an enemy I didn't know existed, the truth of my identity is threatened. I might make it out alive, only to end up in a gilded cage.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Magic, Demons

437 pages, ebook

First published February 18, 2017

About the author

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K.F. Breene is a Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Amazon Most Sold Charts and #1 Kindle Store bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy and fantasy novels. With millions of books sold, when she's not penning stories about magic and what goes bump in the night, she's sipping wine and planning shenanigans. She lives in Northern California with her husband, two children, and out of work treadmill.

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Reviews

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 2 out of 5]

☠ DNF at: who the fish knows? Reading 50% of this book (aka a whooping 135 pages) felt like reading Ulysses twice. From back to front and upside down. You think I bothered checking the percentage after that?

Some reviewers People of Utterly Despicable Book Taste of Doom (PoUDBToD™) say this series reminds them of Kate Bloody Shrimping Daniels (KBSD™). Note to self: stay calm, Sarah. Stay calm. The murderous crustaceans are exhausted after their latest launch, and need to rest. Please try and refrain from unleashing them on the PoUDBToD™, no matter how much these puny humans deserve it. Think of your children, Sarah! Think of your children! Seriously?! This PoC™ reminds you PoUDBToD™ of KBSD™?!



Get ahold of yourself, Sarah! The children! The children!

Sure, no problem. I can do this. I can make light of this blatant, shameless, most insulting insult to the Queen of Urban Fantasy and Its Multitudinous Neighboring Universes (QoUFaIMNU™) slight lack of judgment on your part, PoUDBToD™. Absolutely. Of course. I got this and stuff.



Okay, this is obviously not working, so let's try and focus on the positively delightful things this most wonderful book has to offer:

✔ The story is boring as fish and cliched as shrimp! Which was to be expected since the name of this trilogy is as tediously boring and ridiculously cliched as the story! Or is it the other way around?! Who the shrimp knows?! Yay!
✔ The characters are as likable as a bunch of anemically decrepit barnacles! I didn't give a bloody stinking fish about any of them! They all could have died a horribly painful, somewhat excruciating death, for all I cared! Yay!
✔ The heroine is wonderfully TSTL and beautifully exasperating! It seems some author I shall not mention thinks big-mouthed MCs with enough attitude to sink continents = strong female lead! Surprise! It does not! Yay! Wait! I forgot to mention the MC has the dazzling maturity of a 2-year-old, too! Yay again!
✔ The male lead is a total scumbag with asshole tendencies! But that's to be expected! He's a pathetic vamp, after all! Yay!
✔ The relationship between Miss TSTL and Mr Scumbag Asshole makes no bloody shrimping sense whatsoever! But that's alright! Neither does the book! Nor anything in it! Yay!

And THIS ↑↑ reminds some people of Kate Bloody Shrimping Daniels??!! To hell with the kids! This is more than my black, withered heart can bear! Fleet Admiral DaShrimp! Unleash the crustaceans!



Be afraid, PoUDBToD™, be very afraid, for the decapodic apocalypse is nigh.

[Helen 2.0 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these graphic audios! I definitely recommend looking for the Graphic Audio version of the series. Their full cast is so talented, especially the voice of Darius.

KF Breene's heroines tend to be overpowered Mary Sues. Reagan Somerset is over-the-top powerful and almost too snarky. But I liked her anyway, since the world doesn't bend to accommodate her and she doesn't look down on other female characters (not that there were many).

The anti-hero, Darius, is a PNR classic: an ancient, sultry vampire who loves the smell of Reagan's blood. It's a cliche I can appreciate. Darius is really into Reagan and not shy about it, but he doesn't let his crush on her get in the way of his goals.

[Adina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

Born in Fire was my first contact with the writing of K.F. Breene and I was ensnared by her . So much so that I immediately started another of her series. In a very short time I've read 5 of her novels/novellas and I am not sure what attracted me to them. They are pretty standard UF with a healthy dose of romance/sex. They are action packed, funny and the writing is decent. At least in this series, I discovered that it is not the case with the other one which I abandoned after the 3rd novella.

So, we have the bounty hunter who is a special snowflake. We have the overbearing vampire and some mean sorcerers. Standard stuff. What was not standard and it might have been the reason behind my enjoyment, is a certain middle age duo-mage couple. Their banter is typical to people who spend a lot of time with each other and know all there is to know about each other. I am curious to see where this is going so I will finish the trilogy.

I also listened to the Graphic Audio narration of the novel. Have i told you how much I like those? Probably, but I will repeat myself. Graphic Audio productions are perfection. Most of them, at least.

[Lučka]

I love K.F. Breene, but I didn't like this book. I will not even rate it, I feel too blah and meh at this point.

Incoherent rant alert!

The romance factor was really weird IMO.

The vampire-Darius kisses the h-Reagan, they dry-humped, then he invites her over his house. After dinner h asks another vampire where Darius is. The answer: He's feeding and having sex with OW.


This didn't fly with me well. Darius will clearly become her love interest in the upcoming books, he's very protective of her and there was this attraction between them and as I mentioned they shared the passionate kiss and dry humping. (twice)

I can stomach sex with OW before anything happens between the MCs, but not after. What is even worse the heroine didn't give a duck. I was more offended on her behalf than she was. She didn't care. At all. And I did. LOL

So, when Reagan-the h mention to Darius he should be full of blood and sexually satisfied from the previous night, he replied something, I can't quite remember, but similar to :pounding into OW all night long just makes me want you even more. "gag"

Toward the end of the book the h becomes jealous when some witch draws blood from Darius. Not in a sexual way.
Really, Reagan!? That made you jealous!?


I'm so OVER the fact that the vampires are highly aroused when feeding. The feeding always accompanies hard ons, throbbing lady parts, dry-humping, sex, eyes filled with lust or whatnot. Unoriginal. Passe. Move on authors!!!



I'm sorry, I guess it wasn't the right time for me to read this book. Breene is an awesome author, her books are filled with humor and her heroines are always badasses. Sadly, this one didn't work for me, but it might for you.

[Lucie V. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is free on Amazon (Canada) today (12/22/2022).

✅ Magic and supernatural beings
✅ Sexual tension / No insta-love
✅(🆗) Characters / Badass MC
✅🆗 Writing
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Pace

**Explicit quote in the review**

Reagan is a supernatural bounty hunter and an introvert. She lives by herself and does not trust easily, and it suits her just fine until a vampire steals her mark and deprives her of the $10 000 paycheck. She is then forced to accept a very dangerous bounty because nobody wanted it and she now desperately needs the money. She is also kind of forced to work with the vampires for a while on another bounty, again because she needs money. And guess who she will be paired with? Oh yeah, Mr. Sexy-pants vampire who stole her mark right from under her nose.

I was expecting more from this book, with the vampires, witches, shifters, magical realm, and supernatural bounty hunters, there was so much potential for action, fighting, and complex magical intrigue, but while it was not a bad book, it fell short. The pace was also a mild issue for me, it took me a while to understand what the endgame was. I knew that Reagan had to work with Darius (sexy vampire), but it was not clear who or what they were after at first.

“What are you going to do now?”
My body filled with heat. I couldn’t contain the rage. “See how that house-burning bastard likes it when someone wanders into his home and lights shit on fire.”
Mikey started to laugh. “Atta girl. Show that rat bastard that crazy is as crazy does.”

Reagan is a nice main character. She reminds me of Shanti in The Warrior Chronicle. She is strong, sarcastic, and a badass. She takes no bullshit and can take care of herself. I have to say though that sometimes she almost seemed rude instead of being snarky, she walked a fine line between the two. She also has a mysterious father that needs to remain secret because if his identity was revealed she would be in danger. All we know is that she is a pretty unique mix of species with unique and powerful magic. We end up knowing who her father is, but I admit that it was not really a shock, I did see it coming.

“Thanks for actually doing something. Other than pissing off a powerful alpha and hanging me in the air by my butt, that is.”
“I have also made sexually explicit verbal advances on you.”
“Inappropriate sexually explicit verbal advances, at that. That’s a mouthful of awful, is what that is.”

Darius is okay I guess. He appears to be the usual older vampire, very stoic and serious and unaffected by humans and their silly problems. On the other hand, he made his attraction towards Reagan pretty clear almost as soon as they started working together, it did not feel like insta-love though so that’s a good thing. It was actually kind of cute to see him trying to protect Reagan, even against herself (because she had a tendency to run into danger without thinking).

“You are deformed,” Darius said, his gaze on my cheek.
“And you’re an asshole. Now that we’ve pointed out each other’s flaws, can we move on?”


“That is an extremely poetic way of saying you’re screwed, isn’t it?”
“I will screw you, yes. Very softly at first, until you are mewling and writhing. Then, when you beg me just right, I will screw you hard, deeply, until you are screaming for holy damnation. I will be the only thing you think about for the rest of your life.”
“Sounds horrible. Remind me—did you like getting shot in the leg, or no?”

Now Darius and Reagan together… Let’s just say that it’s a work in progress, which is good because I hate insta-love. They are reluctant allies who are sexually attracted to the other, but there is no romance so far and even the smut was kept to a very minimum (a few kisses because of blood sharing). I am curious to see how things will evolve between them. I like how Reagan is pissed at him, while also being attracted and I hope she will keep this anger in the next book, it will make things more interesting.

I just feel as if there are a lot of ideas thrown into this book, some of them not very well developed, and honestly, I was confused at times, but at the same time, I was entertained and continued reading… While this book as a whole was not amazing, it was still a quick read and the ending is intriguing enough for me to give the second book a chance (also because I already have it on my Kindle). I am not in a hurry to read the next book though.


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[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this and I don't even know why. I'm always going to be a sucker for a strong female and Reagan is that. I liked her backstory and that so much of her life is dictated by hiding who she really is from everybody. Her work as a bounty hunter is the best she can do given her proclivities and capabilities, but it also threatens to expose her secret so she can't ever completely let go and I liked that dynamic.

And it helps that the background was interesting and unique-enough to hold my interest. Add in a New Orleans home base and I'm all over that jazz. Breene did a good job with the atmosphere and making it work with her story. And the side characters were enough enhancement not to work against any of the good stuff.

I don't now if we're supposed to root for a Darius/Reagan match-up but I won't mind either way at this point. We'd have to get a softening with him and a break from his faction, but I can see that happening. Or if he isn't I'm good with that, too.

And it turns out that I don't have much else to say. I'm calling it a solid four stars but will admit that may be a reflection of how well it fits my taste and mood.

A note about Chaste: Reagan isn't in a place where intimacy makes sense, really. And the story is fast-paced and without much room for hijinks. There are a couple places where magical, er, "additives" provoke erotic responses, but nothing actually results and senses are regained before the good stuff happens. And there is a spot of nekkidness, but without details that could be lingered on. So this is a particularly weak "chaste" designation, is what I'm saying.

[T00zday · Rating 4 out of 5]

So tempted to give this five stars. Just finished it and I'm itching to read it again. This clinches it, Breene is top 5 favorite author.
I need go read the rest of her books.
She writes SUCH great strong female leads!

So So SO recommended!

5.4.17 - Update: I keep re-reading this book in hopes that the second one will be released soon. Should be coming out this week or next.

[♯ ahmaya. · Rating 3 out of 5]

➥ 3.5 ☆

I was tired of playing. I was going to get what was mine.

The only vampire who will ever get within a six foot distance of me without getting staked will be Damon Salvatore, thank you very much!!!

buddy read with John!!

[⋆˙⟡ Lara ⋆𐙚♡ (in a gr slump) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Okay this was fun!!! Little bit confusing at times tho


⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*ੈ✩ ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*ੈ✩

Included in audible, and graphic???! Sign me up

[Marisa Valle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much better than I anticipated. The writing was good and the characters were interesting and appealing. Reagan is a great lead character because she's snarky but smart, cautious but brave, and she acknowledges her attraction to Darius but has enough self-control to stop herself from making mistakes. I actually love the dynamic between Darius and Reagan. I find that the best relationships in books start out this way. I will be anxiously awaiting the sequels and will be checking out the author's other works now.
I had to change the rating from 5 stars to 4 stars because I just remembered something that really bothered me throughout the book. There were no clear descriptions of how the characters looked. I'm a very visual person & I was unable to picture Reagan or Darius because I had no idea what color their hair was & how long & what the color of their eyes were or any other physical description. There were just general remarks about height & attractiveness & what they were wearing. I don't care as much about what everyone is wearing. I'd rather know what the people look like.

[Mikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally posted at:


I have a love-hate relationship with this novel. I've read this author's novels in the past and have adjusted, somewhat, to her writing style. Heck, I've even truly enjoyed a few of her books in the past, but something about how this was written just didn't mesh well with me.

There were more than a handful of scenes where the heroine has walked to a certain spot in a house for example, after some dialogue or inner monologue she randomly mentions how the driver is weird. How did she get from Point A to B and not narrate or mention it in her inner monologue so the story can be seamless in my head? Was this just me?

Another problem of mine with this novel was the pacing. I initially DNFed this novel because of pacing. It takes the heroine 3 hours (of the audio book) to kick off the actual story. What the heck!? From the synopsis, this novel is supposed to be "heart-pounding". The only thing making my heart pound is my anxiety and the high blood pressure the pacing of this novel provoked in me!

Reagan was an interesting heroine, to say the least! She was sassy and sarcastic. I loved a lot of her one-liners! Though I disliked that she crossed the line into being downright rude for almost nothing very often. Her temper also got the best of her and some situations she found herself in were tragically hilarious.

Darius was something, alright. He came off as very guarded and stoic. Though he made his romantic interest in Reagan pretty clear at the beginning of their partnership and it evolved, somewhat, throughout the novel. I liked how he did his best to protect her in the end and I'm curious to see what the future holds for them.

The ending was actually pretty nice! I felt so bad for Reagan possibly being screwed over again. After all she's been through this again! It sounds like Reagan and Darius might meet again sometime soon for yet another much more dangerous adventure.

The Audio Book:

I adore Nicole Poole's narration in general but it sounded like she was speaking into a low-quality microphone for this novel. I've heard her narrations in other novels that sounded much crisper. Though I learned to ignore it, it did initially take away from the story.
_________________________________
September 2019
I've finally finished this novel! My review will be up soon!
_________________________________
April 2018
I love the witty and sarcastic nature of the heroine, but over three hours into the audio book and the story is dragging. Maybe it's me, but this is going to be a DNF for now.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Entertaining read in Kate Daniels style ( sward - wielding snarky heroine with daddy issue, except Illona Andrews does it better - bow to the Master). Nerveless, I liked the characters, the writing and story line were good so it is on "Next book, please" list.

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book tried to be more than it was. It had a little of all the classic UF stuff i.e. snarky heroine, heroine with special powers, unexpected sidekicks, hidden background. None of it melded into anything unique.

Reagan had too much attitude. It was practically impossible for her to be serious no matter how dire the consequences. Sometimes it worked to her advantage because her behavior surprised others. Other times she seemed immature. Maybe it was just me but for about the first half of the book I had to remind myself that she was a woman. Her behaviors and actions made me think of a man.

Vampires are awesome, but these were fairly average vampires. Darius was the only one with considerable page time. I liked him but didn't love him. He was the only potential love interest not that it was much of a romance.

Something about the writing style didn't work well for me. I could follow the plot easily enough, but certain minor things didn't flow well at times. Reagan's secret was revealed at the end. I hadn't figured out what she was but didn't find it particularly shocking either.

[Lillian ☁ Cloud 9 Books ☁ · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 4.5 Stars *****

At first I thought the beginning was rocky, the world building was a bit rough, and the main character was overly sarcastic... but by the time I finished the book I WAS IN LOVE.

I got sucked into Reagan's world as a bounty hunter and was glued to her story. The fantasy was so entertaining! I couldn't put this down. And the vampires.... yummy yummy yummy. I wish the romance was a bit stronger here, but the slow burn just left me craving for MORE.

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book enough to read the trilogy over less than a 2 day span the first time, and re-read it already before the year is out.

Reagan is fun. She's independent, she's fierce, she's funny, she's resistant, she's harboring major hiding secrets for good cause. Darius and her are like oil and water - not a mix, he's infuriating at first but their relationship is funny, then steamy, then funny again, then intriguing. I love the pair, especially now that I've completed their trilogy.

The world-building is complex. I won't give away Reagan's secret for those who haven't read the book, but it opens up that world-building, expands it from the Brink that is ruled with patrolling shapeshifters who corporate with the elves. There's a vampire realm of sorts, with it's own layers and secrets. There's an underworld. Basically most of the factions are either at war, or on unstable ground trying to have their leaders secretly make deals (Vlad, we're looking at you). It's full-fledged and it's fascinating.

Reagan divides her attention by working as a bounty hunter of sort, hence the investigative mystery and plot of the story - but she also spends time in a run-down neighborhood with quirky and fun human companions, and meets a hilarious older couple who are the ruling weapon mages in the town, Dizzie and Callie. How fun these two are, a delight.

The characters stand out, the humor works without feeling forced, the world-building layered, the plot story-filled, the focus and anticipating of more to come exciting, the romance slow-burn, the fighting and abilities from the MC unique and superior. It pushed all my favorite UF buttons.

[Eve Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd hardly call this "heart pounding and laugh out loud funny". I didn't laugh once, I assure you. It was mildly entertaining at best, and outright mediocre at worst.

Plot ⭐⭐⭐

Supernatural bounty hunter Reagan is very much a lone wolf (except not actually a wolf, we don't find out her species until the end). When a vampire steals her mark, she is left in a tough situation financially - and desperate enough to help him solve a mystery in exchange for money.

Characters ⭐⭐⭐

They're not hateable but they're also not particularly likeable. The author really overdoes Reagan's rough-around-the-edges vibe. I have no problem with this trait but come on, there's always more to a person. Yet Reagan is just portrayed as a very poor, very magical woman who doesn't like people. And Darius is a snob.

Romance ⭐⭐

What romance? There were two blood-induced kisses, dry humping and some very random dirty talk. That's it.

Writing ⭐⭐⭐

The important parts were overcomplicated. I was confused any time something was being explained, and when re-reading didn't help I just accepted that I was going to remain confused. The writing in these parts could have, and should have, been much more coherent.

Supernaturals ⭐⭐

WHY WOULD YOU MAKE VAMPIRES INTO GREEN SWAMP MONSTERS?! AND THEN EXPECT US TO BE ATTRACTED TO ONE OF THEM?!



*Whispers* But I'm probably still going to read the next book...

[Jeanny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining read. I thought the h & Darius interactions hilarious. Will read the next book in this series.

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where's the love???

Unfortunately, while I liked this one, it didn't really suck me in. A little bit could be that there is no romance in this one. The hero (or future hero) has lustful thoughts towards the heroine. He tells her of these lustful thoughts, but it was hardly swoon-worthy. Considering he's still getting it on with 'humans' while he waits for her and tells her about it, I was less than impressed. The heroine is convinced that she's never going to get into a serious relationship, though, so she doesn't seem to care. Meh...

The info dump for the world-building and character introductions, was exactly that, an info dump. I wasn't able to absorb all of the different groups, who were allies and who were foes, and there is obviously another dimension in there... or something like that.

The narrator while very accomplished and easy to listen to, was not the right fit. The main character is a young female, and the narrator sounded too mature. I couldn't connect to the heroine because of it.

It wasn't all bad. The heroine was funny at times and I really liked the couple who made her sword.
I may come back to revisit this series in the future but I won't rush.

[Tink Magoo is bad at reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addicted to this now.

[Meg (booksandwinewithmeg.blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 holy tater tit stars!~

I LOVED THIS! Seriously, Miss Breene herself claims it is not a romance, however happily I would like to disagree! We can agree to disagree! The tension between Reagan and Darius makes me downright smitten!



Reagan is hilarious! Her internal dialogue had me grinning ear to ear throughout the entire book! The fact that she is a bad ass heroin who can pretty much take care of herself (and others in the male variety) has giddy! Bravo! On to book 2~

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead, 3.5*


I don't think this is really a romance as the H is still feeding and presumably still having sex with OW (at one point it's implied he fed and had sex with OW, they weren't together but I wasn't pleased) but the actual plot and the h definitely made it worth my time. Reagan is snarky, confident and powerful and her and the secondary characters are what made this book enjoyable for me. Whats his face was barely a blip on my radar. Moving on to the next

[Ira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome heroine!

[Angela (Angel's Book Nook) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Born in Fire is book one in the Fire and Ice Trilogy by K.F. Breene.

This is my fist taste of K.F. Breene. I’ve had the Fire and Ice Trilogy on my TBR for a while now and I’m so glad I picked it up. I devoured Reagan’s story which are the first three books in the series.

This is a fantastic start to unique Urban Fantasy series. I adored this book and was hooked from beginning to end. It’s an exciting, fun, and action-packed read.

Reagan is a supernatural bounty hunter in New Orleans and The Realm. She’s strong, independent, sassy and at times smart mouthed.

Darius is an elder vampire and has a strong personality.

The novel is full of magic, vampires, shifters, and so much more. The romance is smoldering and a slow burn. The world building is exceptional. The secondary characters are enjoyable and the interactions between them keeps the story flowing. The storyline is intriguing and fun.

Born in Fire is a remarkable read. I very much enjoyed and highly recommend for urban fantasy fans.

Rated: 4 Stars

[The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, I liked it. Much more focused on the action and mystery than the romance (in this one there is only tension).

Reagan Sommerset is a magical bounty hunter. She doesn't put her business out there, so nobody is quite sure of her supernatural heritage except that she's part human. In order to take down a highly powerful mage, she partners with Darius, a vampire elder hiding a secret of his own.

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a good paranormal romance and saw what amazing reviews this series had so I decided to give it a try. It was just ok for me. I did like the heroine and the fast moving plot, but the lack of closure upon completion and the non-existent romance didn't work for me. I may still give book 2 a try at a later date.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book is made great by characters I can't help but love and snarky banter.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by K.F.Breene, and I didn't know what to expect but I saw that high average rating on the book's Goodreads page. As it turns out, it was quite enjoyable. It's narrated in first person by the main character, named Reagan Somerset, who's outspoken, snarky, and sometimes downright rude. And that happens in one situation after another of the sort that would make most intelligent characters (human or otherwise) run and hide. It's amazing what Reagan gets away with.

But curiously, while Reagan is quite fearless when facing great danger, her life is terribly constrained because she dares not reveal what she really is. The publisher's back cover blurb, reprinted at the head of this page, sets up the story in an admirably spoiler-free way, so for everyone's convenience I'll reprint the reprint here and insert my own comments as we go.

Supernatural Bounty Hunter isn't the sort of thing you see on LinkedIn. But with a rare type of magic like mine, I don't have many options. If people found out what I could do--what I am--I would kiss my freedom goodbye.

She gives a detailed, vivid account of her adventures, but she's remarkably coy with us about who and what she is. And she keeps using well-known magical tools and artifacts while telling us that she could do this or that job so much more easily with her rare type of magic but that would expose her, and once anybody knows what she can do, she loses her freedom forever. She won't say how or why that would happen, though. Strong and stubborn, for sure! And her way of telling her story certainly builds up anticipation.

So dangerous or not, the job is mine. And it was going fine, until an old as sin vampire stole my mark, and with it, my payday.

Knowing I'm poor and desperate, he has offered me a job. I'll have to work by his side to help solve a top secret case.

That vampire, named Darius, is particularly keen on learning Reagan's secrets, so working side by side with him means major tension. And he keeps offering to bond with her, for her protection against more powerful vampires, and that's no go for Reagan, who nevertheless has to commit to keeping the top secret of the case, located in a magical dimension called the Realm (and the dimension we live in is the Brink). It's a magical species that's being kept hidden in the Realm.

Everyone knows not to trust vampires. Especially a hot elder vampire. But without any other jobs coming up, I'm stuck. As I uncover a web of lies and treachery...

You can say that again!

...revealing an enemy I didn't know existed...

Yes, there's a mystery and a big surprise at the end too.

the truth of my identity is threatened. I might make it out alive, only to end up in a gilded cage.

Those words contain a subtle hint, and the book's title is another hint. And if you don't guess who/what Reagan is (and I surely didn't!), all is revealed before this book ends. No cliffhanger! Just eagerness on my part to find out where Reagan goes from here, and hope to see more of some interesting secondary characters, especially Dizzy and Callie Banks, who make a surprising entrance near the halfway point. Surprising to Reagan anyway, when she discovers that Callie was very close to Reagan's late mother and knows all about Reagan; cryptic conversations ensue.

Lots of humor, lots of bloodshed, lots of magic, lots of fun!

[Denisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Fun read, great potential


I like this author, she has some very entertaining UFs.

The only thing that would have made this better: a longer series.
It is, unfortunately, something that happens often in KF Breen's series: a lot of them are trilogies (and that's just sad, they have incredible potential).

Ok, now I'll tell you a bit about this series (all of it, not only this book).
First book: ~3.5, but then the next books go to a 4-star rating.

It was so fun! I really liked the characters, all of them.
It's something that I always look for in UFs: fast-paced, full of action plot and a great main character. Yes, this series had that. I love sarcastic, great MCs, who need their friends to do stuff. It's a fun and exciting series.


All in all, it's a series worth reading. Not the best out there, but it's definitely worth reading, especially if you're looking for a 'short' series. It's pretty 'light' as well, the sort of 'weekend' read you take with you on your holiday when you want something good to read, but not too complicated or complex.

And if you haven't tried this author before, you definitely should.

[Bethyboo ღ The Book Addict ღ · Rating 2 out of 5]

The similarities between this and the Kate Daniels isn't hard to miss. Usually i don't mind it, especially if i liked the first one, but this time it didn't do it for me. I couldn't really relate to any of the characters and i really didn't understand the thing between Darius and Reagan. Probably because I didn't like Darius.