This is a prequel to the series and I'd describe it as a precursor story, with a different sort of conclusion.
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After Dark

Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger #0.5 (Execution Underground)

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella. WOW what an ending to Shadow Hunter. I can't wait to read more and find out what happens. Kait Ballenger got me hooked. I enjoyed her writing style and I look forward to check out the rest of her Execution Underground series.

We get action, sex, and a cliff hanger ending that leaves you wanting. Damon and Tiffany's sexual tension is great, well portrayed. I liked learning about the Execution Underground and the world these characters live in. We get a peak (file only) of a new team that Damon has picked out for the new EU deviation of Rochester, NY. And the ending was spectacular.


The Darkest Angel by Gena Showalter #4.5 (Lords of the Underworld)

What can I say. I'm a hug fan of Gena's work. I enjoy the world & characters that she creates.
The Darkest Angel is a fantastic read. We learn more about the Lords and a peak at the women in their lives or soon to be. I like when a novella follows closely to the main books in a series and how they give us more information on characters and overall story.

We get humor, sex, and a great balance between the main characters. Lysander sets out to take Bianka as a "project" to help show her light and changer her evil ways, but he doesn't plan on the sparks and attraction that ignite between them.

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Great books! ( )

Review originally posted on Romancing the Dark Side:

**This review is only for Shadow Hunter by Kait Ballenger**

An enthralling new paranormal romance debut that leaves you craving more!

As a member of an elite group of supernatural assassins, vampire hunter Damon Brock's newest assignment leads him to Rochester, NY, a city infested with vampires. Seeking vengeance for his best friend and partner's murder is the only motivation he needs to carry out this mission. What he doesn't plan on is coming face to face with another vampire hunter, Tiffany Solow, the woman who stole his heart a long time ago and will make him fall all over again, in the midst of a potential zombie-vampire apocalypse!

Kait Ballenger wastes no time delving right into an action packed story that keeps you turning the page with anticipation. The world building is rich in detail and the characters draw you in with their genuine personalities and struggles. The author packs the quality of a full sized novel into a short installment without sacrificing the plot or character development. A bit of sprinkled humor adds a lighter feel to the story which I really enjoyed. Another reason to love this book? It takes place in my home state of NY!

Tiffany and Damon are pretty a kick ass couple! She's young but courageous, outspoken and can hold her own in a world of only male hunters. Watching her stand up to an alpha male like Damon makes Tiffany a worthy heroine. While I didn't love the "virgin aspect" of her character, I understand why the author chose that path after reading the history between her and Damon...it was a little sweet, actually.

Damon Brock...that name says it all, doesn't it?! He's powerful, loyal and sexy as hell! He has a tortured soul vibe but without the major damage. Damon is a swoon-worthy hero who charms his way into your heart in just a few chapters with his gentlemanly ways and passionate nature, he's the best of both worlds. One minute he's killing vampires and the next he's being affectionate with his lady love. I couldn't help but compare him to one of my fave TV characters, the gorgeous, bad-ass Dean Winchester from Supernatural...yes ladies, I went there!

The romance between Tiffany and Damon might seem like insta-love, but these two share a history over years that makes their attraction believable. Both characters are stubborn, but their love and passion for each other is unmistakable. Kait satisfies my love of a sexy romance with a couple of smexy scenes that leave you in need of a cold shower...let's just say Damon's vampire hunting skills are nothing compared to his bedroom skills!

Shadow Hunter is a story packed with emotion, kick ass vampire hunters, villains and a forbidden romance. I have to say I had an inkling of what might happen towards the end of the book, but I was not expecting the cliffhanger that leaves you floored and shaking your fist in the air (even when the author warns you!)! My hat goes off to Ms. Ballenger for keeping me guessing and not delivering a picture perfecting happily ever after, it just means we get another look at Tiffany and Damon's story down the road. If this sensational debut is any indication of what's to come in the series, I'm sold! Now that I've met Damon, I'm more than ready to get to know the rest of the dangerous hotness that is the Execution Underground!

{ebook courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review.}


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