Kiss of Death

Supernatural Security Force #1

by Heather Hildenbrand

Drag racing champion Gem Hawkins is a true badass... until she’s redefined by a monumental loss.

The night Gem's father is killed in the line of duty, her happy existence implodes. Gutted by grief, Gem is on the hunt for answers. Answers even her fae magic can’t detect.

Despite countless promises from the agency her father worked for, the investigation remains unsolved, with the trail too cold to follow. Or so the Supernatural Security Force claims.

To uncover the truth, Gem must follow in her father’s footsteps and infiltrate the very organization she believes is behind his death. But becoming an agent isn’t as easy as she thought. Between the demons she faces and professors with their own twisted agendas, Gem's not sure she'll make it out of the training academy with her sanity—or her life.

**This is a full length adult urban fantasy novel. Please be advised there is adult sexual content and language. Fae are notoriously mouthy creatures.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Audiobook, Demons, Fae, Angels

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 19, 2019

About the author

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

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

Reviews

[Clarabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

J’attends de lire la suite, pour me prononcer sur cette série. Mais pour l’instant je suis mitigée.

Après un début prometteur, où l’on fait connaissance avec une héroïne qui adore les courses automobiles, qui est douée pour franchir la ligne d’arrivée sur les chapeaux de roue, mais qui doit recomposer son futur en apprenant le décès de son père, on ne retrouve hélas pas ce portrait dans les chapitres suivants. Gem rejoint une académie de police dédiée aux forces spéciales (surnaturelles). Et l’ambiance n’est plus du tout exaltante. Rythme routinier, blagues creuses, scènes caricaturales. On s’ennuie. Le niveau n’est pas haut, la mentalité pas vraiment mature.

On doit donc attendre les 65% du livre pour aller sur le terrain, trouver un peu d’action et rencontrer de potentiels prétendants. Je suis curieuse, sans être pressée non plus. Il y a un retournement de situation (encore) dans le parcours de Gemini qui fait penser que les paris sont relancés. On a aussi une enquête à mener, sur la disparition de son père, des magouilles internes. Bref. C’est assez court et ça se lit vite, cela peut motiver pour la suite.

[Mona Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride

From the very first page until the very end, this book draws you in and won't let you go. I loved every single minute of it. The characters are amazing, the storyline is so entertaining and Gem's grandma? She has some of the best lines ever. Once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/28/2021)! 🎁

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trouble With Demons

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



This series must be read in order. This is the first book. I can't wait to read "Knock Em Dead"!I


Gen worked in a sandwich shop and participated illegal street races... Her life was pretty good especially because she was great at racing. Then came the call and her world shattered. What could she do? She needed justice so she needed a plan. Could she pull it off? Or is she just tilting at windmills? Will her world ever be right again?



***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy modern fantasy with plenty of mystery, action, suspense and even a dash of romance with a heroine who just won't quit!

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiss of Death is the first book in Heather Hildenbrand’s Supernatural Security Force series.

After the death of Gemini Hawkin’s father, it’s time to say goodbye to her current life of drag racing and working in the sandwich shop and put her dreams on hold. That determination will help her as she joins the Supernatural Security Force training academy. It’s time to discover their secrets, learn all she can and most importantly see if she can find out what truly happened to her father.

Just because Gem’s a legacy, that doesn’t mean that her time at the academy will be easy in any way. But with her new friends, it will be easier to hold onto the secrets she knows and slowly let them in, so long as she doesn’t allow a certain professor get under her skin. Or reveal too much of what she’s hiding.

The first book in the series was definitely the set up with world building and a lot of information to process. Can’t wait to see how this further evolves in book 2.

Side note: You’ll find part of this story in the The Monster Ball anthology (book 1), titled Kiss of Death.

[KLynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75

If you have an over developed sense of justice, you might want to skip this one.

Our mfc is forced by circumstance and corruption to do things the entire book.
- Her father dies - she's forced to quit her job and join an agency she is convinced covered up his murder to get answers
- during the training she is powerless and treated poorly, more than poorly by an instructor known for sexual harassing new recruits. She can't turn him in or she'll be kicked out.
- on her first/ last assignment she is forced into a life or death situation due to her identity being leaked and she is punished for "not following instructions"
You get the picture.

The one good thing is through it all she didn't come across as a door mat, so there is that.

[Melanie Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Closer to 3.5-3.75 stars versus a true 4.

Not a bad story or start to the series. The first four books are “free” in my audible account, so I’m listening to all of them before they require credits. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m not disappointed so far, but it’s also not the best fantasy that I’ve ever read or listened to. Some of the banter is entertaining. I’m definitely looking forward to some of the mystery people/items being resolved through the series.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much to say; it was a lot of fun, and although I was afraid that it would be basically romance, it isn't (I really don't have much room in my mind - not to mention patience - for a romance book) . I like the filling out of certain characters, and I'm looking forward to seeing where that goes. As desired, I hate The overall nemesis (Whose name I have totally forgotten :-)

[Nicole Elstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Gem is a bada$$. I love the out there cuss words that her gram comes up with. The author did an awesome job with the story line and the characters. I love when books keep me on the edge of my seat and this book definitely did. I couldn't put it down I had to keep reading just one more chapter to see what happened lol. I can't wait for the next one.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the characters and the world. It was fun learning all the supernatural details and seeing the characters train. Gem was fun and I liked her personality.
In my opinion, this was a great first book to a series.

[Alex D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you say amazing!

This book had me hooked from the beginning. The snark and humor of the main character Gem had me laughing out loud. A well written story that I cant wait to find out what happens next!

[anjuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5***

[Mae · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

[April Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This book is outstanding. The author brings with and annoyance to life with the way I could picture them as people I know.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone wondering what a good book looks like.. Here's one.

And it has a FMC that isn't obsessed with sex, boys, her own looks, or pleasing anyone else, and who has an actual mission that she works hard to complete.

It also has one funny granny.

This isn't a romance book. This is a kickass book.

Cannot wait to read more.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great escape from life. With so many different supes there’s non stop adventures. This is a great start to this storyline of discovery and vengeance. A brilliant performance.

[Blake · Rating 1 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

Started off great but quickly went downhill once she got to the academy.
The perve trainer who is known about but allowed to continue and punish the women who don't give in to him, just killed the book for me. How can I take them seriously as agents when they don't even protect their trainees from predator trainers?
The plot could have been done, with perv instead being a jerk who has a vendetta against MC's dad and so he's a jerk to her. -- Making him a predator just made the agency look weak. -- Seriously they in plot go as far as offering bonuses because they need more recruits, yet they allow a predator to kick out trainees who don't bend to his whim!

The final nail was at the ball and her getting all hot for a guy she just met. MC started off strong but she finished not a doormat but went from kick-ass to ho hum.

It's also completely obvious who the masked guy at the ball is going to be (And betting he's who Starla works for. -- The demons have probably infiltrated the SSF and masked guy was working with MC's dad and others like Starla to weed out the traitors etc. - They can't tip their hand by actually investigating MC's dad's death too publicly.)

I was interested in the blurb plot of finding out who killed her dad. I should have known the whole academy set up would devolve into normal 'school' stuff for books. (The new friend who keeps on trying to get her to hook up with fellow recruits who are interested in her, even though the academy has a strict no hook ups between recruits policy, got old fast.) Which is why I normally avoid books centred on them.

I wanted a murder mystery with supernaturals, with MC just getting training and making allies at the academy for the next books to be her actually solving her dad's murder.

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: No

Would you recommend?: No


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Céline ANTUNEZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Je plaide coupable, c’est la couverture de ce roman qui m’a décidée à le lire ( et comme d’habitude je n’ai pas lu le résumé !) J’ai beaucoup aimé cet univers et j’ai dévoré ce premier tome en très peu de temps…

On fait la connaissance de Gemini Hawkins, une jeune femme bien badass comme je les aime en Urban fantasy. Suite à la mort suspecte de son père en service, elle décide de devenir elle aussi un membre des Forces Spéciales Surnaturelles pour découvrir ce qu’on lui cache. J’ai beaucoup aimé ce personnage, sa détermination dans sa quête de vérité. Elle est prête à sacrifier beaucoup pour découvrir le fin mot de l’histoire, mais ses recherches la mènent vers des secrets qui pourraient s’avérer bien plus dangereux.

Un tome introductif assez bien mené. On découvre le quotidien de Gem à l’académie, les relations qu’elle noue, ou pas… On se fait une idée assez générale des créatures qui l’entourent et du rôle des Forces Spéciales. Le roman oscille entre scènes de vie et scènes d’action liées aux missions de Gemini. Le style de l’auteure est dynamique et manie un humour qui me plaît, notamment grâce à la mamie hanneton ! Si si…un hanneton ! J’ai hâte de lire la suite, parce que nous laissons Gem dans une posture pas fameuse et beaucoup d’éléments sont en suspend…

[Bryanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very, um, interesting… I actually really liked the plot. I felt bad for her and what happened to her dad. I absolutely loved her grandma. I loved Milo too. It just fell very flat to me. There was basically nothing going on the entire book. I feel like the only interesting parts were when she was out of that school. I was just really disappointed to be honest. I do think other people will love this book, but it just wasn’t for me. Anyways, why was she always doing things that could get her in trouble? And why does she give in to the peer pressure so easily? Luckily she didn’t get caught, but what if she did when she went to the hot tub? She needs to think things through more often. Also, punching an instructor! I know what he said about her father, but to me, a stronger character could control themself. Also, getting distracted at the ball where there is an important mission… why would she be paying attention to any guy? The mission should be her top priority. The ending also made me mad. That instructor just needs to be fired and she just needs to go home. I feel like she could figure things out on her own more than she would with being an agent. Like I said, I didn’t really like this book, but it was still decent. I still think other people should read it and figure out their own opinions.

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemini Hawkins is on her way to being the number 1 drag racer when her fathers killed putting stop to her plans.
Her Dad was the top demon killer at the SSF and the official report says he was killed by a surprise demon attack but. Gem is not buying that herDad was too good to be caught let alone by a lesser demon but the Nephilim in charge won’t give Gem and her Mum any help and insists the report is what happened.
Gem decides to join the SSF and train to become a detective so she can search for the truth into her Dads death , Things are not going to be easy for Gem being a legacy recruit most the tutors have it in for her and make her life even harder than other recruits but they won’t break her she will get what she wants.
I just love this book the story line is great the characters interact well and there’s ones you love and ones who make you want to smash your device 😂 Gem’s Grams (Gran) is epic and the things she says will have you laughing out loud .
I’ve already pre ordered book 2 which should be arriving soon and I can’t wait .
Chelsea Stephens is perfect at narrating as usual.

[Krysti Kois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Hildenbrand has found success in this newest series. It started out as little tidbits in her emails and evolved into a fun premise and intriguing storyline. Gem, our main character joins the Supernatural Security Taskforce after her father, one of the best in that field, is supposedly taken out by a low level demon. Throughout the book, Gem goes through training in the hopes of becoming a detective and uncovering what really happened to her dad.

I loved that Heather put so much detail into this world. From the drag racing to the supernatural security task force training, I felt pulled in and part of the world. I can’t say I would have Gem’s restraint at the Monster Ball though. I love when authors give their readers little easter eggs from their other stories.

I sure hope there is more of Gram in the next book because she was my favorite character in this one. Not to say the main character, Gem isn’t amazing too, but Gram has the best insults and the most creative curse words. The fact that she gives zero f$’s is even better.

Great book one to this series.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmm

Debatable. On one hand I loved the thought and the beginning. But the story doesn’t really emphasize her being there, it skims a lot and floats around the drama of the pervy teacher or the shady staff members. Then it hops forward again so she can graduate and get to the big guns.

I wasn’t sure what the story was trying to center. If it just wanted to highlight the murder mystery of her father, it should’ve done more detective work. It just seemed like it didn’t know what it wanted to do.

I was a little disappointed that the main character didn’t just tell the program where to shove it. They obviously want her, but they treat her so poorly. She doesn’t call them out on it, let’s them keep their bluff. That’s my feel on it at least.

I don’t know if I’ll read the second book. I want to know what happens and it’s free to me as a KU user, but I’m also not exactly jumping for the next one because of how “all over” this book felt. I’ll think about it.

[LexiLikesLiterature · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recently it seems I've been drawn to these magic school/magic training camp type books. In Kiss of Death, you get an adult female lead. Breath of fresh air. Gemini aka Gem, is a strong character who doesn't whine or fall into instant-love. She is very determined. The book has splashes of humor from her profanity throwing granny and her gay best friend. I know... the gay best friend is cliche but it works with the story.

I like that Gem's training took a while. It wasn't a measly few days like some books. She actually trained for a reasonable amount of time.

The magic system doesn't get a full explanation but the author has strategically placed information into documents and conversations so that you learn a little more as the book goes on. I'm moving on to Book 2 immediately so obviously I liked it.

New narrator for me. She did well.

[Noone]

Teenage (deadly) academy drama but with grown-ass adults that role-play as those teenagers.
I shouldn't have been surprised, even the cover looks like your generic YA academy book.
To be clear, that alone is not a reason for me to dislike a book.
But this one is shallow and clichéed on every level and in every aspect you might expect based on the stereotype.
From the cartoonish bad guys to the terrible magic that is completely arbitrary and doesn't behave in any consistent fashion based on whatever the author needs right that second.
And lets not even talk about the cardboard characters, the cringeworthy humor, or the laughably bad drag racing research.

The basic writing is decent enough and the book wasn't actively offensive so it gets my usual 2 stars for my "generally a waste of time" category.

[Heather Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pretty entranced with the concept and general flow of this book, though there were events and some timing issues that made it a 4 star, instead of a 5 star, read. That said, I fully expect the next book in this explosive series to garner that extra star from me - it feels like it's going that way.

With an almost BootCamp type feel, while still allowing that Academy ambiance to bleed through, Kiss of Death weaves a tale of supernatural government deception, and the ramifications of such. I liked that the author allowed the events that lead up to Gem joining SSF to really stew and develop, we didn't just get dropped into the next stage - we learned and even FELT why.

Overall, this was fast paced and a decent start to a promising Urban Fantasy. I'll definitely be picking up Book 2.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gem Hawkins is a drag racing champion until her father is killed on the job. Nothing about her father's death adds up and Gem feels he was murdered and the truth is being withheld. Gem decided the only way she is going to get the truth is to work for the Supernatural Security Force like her father. Gem joins the SSF as a recruit and is put through the ringer with all the other recruits. They are tested repeatedly to make sure they can handle the job. They face a lecherous professor as well as demons until their final exam that will place them in a position with SSF. Will Gem get the position she wants so she can continue to find information about her father and what really happened to him? I love this book. The story is amazing and and the character are original. This is a must read.

[Kimberly Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Good Start

I really adore Granny's "potty" mouth! Gem is such a feisty character, and she’s truly written well. It's refreshing to see a feisty character who isn’t just naive or overly dependent. Gem definitely lives up to the feisty title without any of that ignorance.

The only part I wasn’t totally on board with was Gem's sudden behavioral change. While in the academy, Gem made sure that everyone knew she was not interested in anybody in a romantic sense. But then, on her first solo mission, she practically acts like an animal in heat. I wasn’t a fan of that sudden character shift especially during such an important part of the story. But I am guessing the author wanted to add just a little teaser of spice.

But overall still a really good book.

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conspiracies are everywhere!

Nothing seems to add up in Gems dads murder. How could he die by a demon with no marks on the body? Why were her & her mom being interrogated? Why did they not give her father a proper funeral? And why is a Nephilim at the funeral? Gem needed answers & her father deserved justice! So Gem put together a plan. First she had to become an SSF agent. Then she could get access to the information she needed to find out who killed her dad. Will she be able to cut it as a recruit? Can she complete her mission and graduate? Or will everything go tits up and she get the short end of the stick?

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daddy's Girl, Momma's Warrior

"I was daddy’s girl, but I was Momma’s warrior." - Gemini Hawkins

Vic Hawkins: supernatural police officer, killed while on duty, was Gem's father. Gem and her mother are devastated at his loss, and confused as to how it happened. Vic Hawkins was the best of the best; how could he possibly have been killed in the line of duty? Gem is determined to uncover the truth.... And what she discovers....

Non stop action, with a sassy, headstrong heroine and her tribe! Loved it!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally read the novella in The Monster Ball 1 (which is the tail end that concludes this book). I liked the story in TMB1, but I felt this book had so much more for world building & Gem’s character development, & that helped to understand & appreciate that original novella even more. This was a fun & quirky read, it may or may not lead into romance in book 2, whose to say at this point. I hope she can get back together with her “tribe“ (as she called the small group of friends at the academy) at some point, I liked the side kicks, especially Milo.