Hell Kat
ISBN 0-7582-1495-2 (Trade Paperback)Kensington Aphrodisia
Note: This book has been previously published elsewhere. It's been re-edited, parts were re-written and new scenes have been added.
Smart, sexy, and kick-ass brave, Kat has the fighting skills of a warrior and a sexual appetite few men can match--although most would happliy die trying. But Kat has bigger problems than choosing her latest bedmate/plaything. She's caught in a post-apocolyptic world where only the rich live well - and Kat is determined to be one of them. To make her dream come ture, the fearless treasure hunger has to get her hands on a lot of money, and that's going to take every bit of talent she's got, and then some. With her devoted partner and lover Damian at her side, Kat sets out to make one big score. The stakes are high and they get even higher when she discovers her rival, Hades, is after the same thing. Big, mean, and sexy as hell, he's just the sort of man Kat loves to take to bed...and will...if he can help her in her quest.
Now, two people whose fiery attraction grows more explosive by the hour are joining forces in a dangerous game, and a delicious discover of treasure awaits them in the dark.
Check out the Free Reads page for more Hell Kat excerpts...
Chapter One
LOWER BC PLAINS, THE YEAR 2275
Dust devils whirled viciously around the broken remains of civilization. Buildings that once stood proud and strong were now only jagged cement shards protruding from infertile dirt and rock. The sun was a big glaring ball of light in the sky. Where it had once produced growth and warmth, it now scorched what was left of the Earth with its brutal rays.
Kat looked up into the blistering sun and wondered for the second time today what in the hell she was doing on the outer rim. The fierce, arid wind whipped at her cloak and tried to tear it from her body. Sand peppered her face like a tiny barrage of bullets. Pulling her hood forward, she adjusted her tinted goggles over her eyes and continued to search the rubble for her treasure. No small feat, considering her right eye was covered by a black leather eye patch.
She kicked at the dirt and crumbled concrete with her steel- toed jackboots. Nothing. They'd been searching for nearly two hours now. She glanced over at her partner.
"Damian! See anything?"
Damian stood from where he squatted, raising his head toward Kat, his blue eyes glinting in the sun. He held up his hand, something encased in his glove.
"Just this cute little dolly." He waved it at her, grinning mischievously.
The doll, headless and encrusted in filth, rattled in his hand.
"Quit fucking around. And put on your goggles." Kat shook her head. The kid knew better. An hour under the unprotected sun produced cataracts. Cataracts usually led to blindness. She'd seen it happen more and more. Her sister had succumbed to blindness before she had died from the flu. Damian was lucky he had his hood pulled over his head.
"Yes, Momsie." Damian reached around to his pack and unzipped a compartment. He came away with his tinted goggles.
Kat watched him put them on.
"Better?" He flashed a grin.
She shook her head but smiled. He always managed to make her smile. That was one of the reasons she had bartered for his life three years ago.
He had been an employee of a local junk dealer named Jones. Whipping boy, more like. He did errands for Jones, cleaned up the shop, and, once in a while, loaned out to friends. Loaned, as in pimped out for sexual favors. Men or women, it didn't matter to Jones. He was an equal opportunist. If the price was high enough, Damian could be bought.
When Kat first saw Damian, he was hanging from the ceiling by his hands, his wrists shackled in metal claps. As he was naked, except for a thin strip of cloth hanging over his crotch, Kat couldn't help but notice his long, lean body. Muscles rippled as he twisted side to side, struggling against his restraint. When he managed to turn all the way around, Kat could see the long red welts on his back. She looked down at his dangling feet and saw the instrument of choice lying on the dirt floor: a horsewhip.
Although disgusted by the display, Kat didn't show it. She had a reputation to uphold, and couldn't be seen as soft. It was hard enough just being a woman in these desolate times.
"Selling meat now, Jones?"
Jones had glanced up from inspecting the electronic gadget she had brought him, and eyed Damian. "Caught 'im stealin'. 'E's usually a good boy, but ya can't 'ave the 'elp 'elping 'em- selves, now, can ya?"
"I guess not."
Damian met her gaze then. His eyes were as blue and clear as the afternoon sky. High, chiseled cheekbones in a comely face with lips full and sensuous. Pretty like a woman, but—she saw as she gazed down his body—there was no question he was all male. His sculpted chest glistened with sweat.
Jones must have noticed her watching him. "You can 'ave a go at 'im, if you like. Won't even charge ya, since ya're such a good customer."
Kat had wanted a go. She felt the sexual pull. It tugged at her insides, gathering painfully between her legs. Guilt also washed over her as she watched him hang from the ceiling. Scrutinizing his powerful body, she wondered what his skin would feel like under her hand. Wondered what his flesh would taste like if she trailed her tongue over his taut stomach and down lower under the thin cloth. As if privy to her thoughts, he smiled at her, the cloth at his crotch beginning to twitch. She quickly looked away and left the store with her coins.
Two days later she returned with more electronics and bartered for Damian's release. Jones didn't even question her. It was just another transaction to him. They had made a deal, sealed it with a handshake, and she had left the store with Damian in tow. He had thanked her for his freedom.
But several months later, Kat realized he hadn't minded his service for Jones. In fact, some of the things he had to do he really enjoyed. Now he did some of those things for Kat. Lucky girl, she thought.
Damian's voice broke into her thoughts. "I think Russell gave us a bum lead."
She looked over at him as he kicked an old metal can her way. It landed at the toe of her boot.
"Yeah, maybe."
Eyeing the dirt and debris on the ground, Kat went over what she knew about the area. It had once been home to a school of some sort. The exact nature of it eluded her, but she knew young children had attended. She also knew that children of old were taught by electronic means. They had access to all sorts of gadgets. It wasn't clear even if they had a teacher. Maybe they had all been plugged into some electronic thingy by wires coming out of their heads.
School. Kat had no concept of what that would have been like. The word and idea were as foreign to her as clean air and fresh water. The little bit of reading and writing she had learned was from her mother before she died. Everything else Kat needed to know she had learned by doing it out on the streets. Not a pleasant education for a young, svelte girl with midnight- black hair and big green eyes.
Russell, another junk dealer, had told her she could find those old learning devices out here. At least a couple of steps above the shit ladder than what Jones had been, Kat didn't mind doing business with Russell. So far he had been honest with her in their dealings. He never tried to skimp on her payment. In fact, he had been feeding her tips as to where certain treasures were located. A win-win situation for them both: she got her money and he got his prize. As far as Kat knew, she was the only hunter he tolerated.
Kelley Armstrong
"Red hot. A kick-ass heroine in a kick-ass plot."
- Kelley Armstrong, best-selling author of Broken
Gena Showalter
"White-hot, thrilling, this book packs a delicious punch."
- Gena Showalter, author of Enslave Me Sweetly
Romance Reader's Connection
"Hot, inventive, imaginative and different ... I absolutely loved the idea of this story. The futuristic setting and the characters are great ..."
- reviewed by Sarah
All About Romance - grade B -
"The future world these characters inhabit is a hard one not meant for wimps. The same can be said of the book. Kat is a tough woman who's more kickass than most heroines who claim that distinction… This is a rip-roaring read that moves at a propulsive pace ... By the end, I wanted more of these characters and this world, and I mean that in the good way. Here's hoping these characters get to live, fight, and love another day."
- reviewed by Leigh
RT Magazine
"Although this story contains graphic violence, it's a heart-pounding, futuristic adventure with a hardened, ass-kicking heroine who learns to love again. The characters are sharply defined, and the details of the harsh world in which they live will pull readers in."
- reviewed by Angela Black
Coffee Time Romance
"The relationships between the characters in this terrific tale are absolutely wonderful. I kept wondering what would happen next. The sex scenes in particular left me panting for more. The book is a lengthened and revised version of a previous e-book publication and the results are absolutely breathtaking. Ms. Anna gives us a world that any fan of futuristic movies and storylines will absolutely devour if given half the chance. If you like futuristic stories with strong female characters and lots of suspense then run to the nearest bookstore and buy this sensational book!"
- Susan White, Coffee Time Romance
Harriet Klausner 10/10
"The cover looks more like comic book art, but for those who believe that makes HELL KAT targeting children means you have not read comic books in decades. The dark story line is action-packed with an incredible descriptive concrete and iron wasteland as seen through the eyes of the four travelers. Besides learning the depth of the nuclear holocaust, fans also understand the motives of each of the prime players yet that never slows down the pace; neither does the few sexual encounters that in fact enhance the comprehension of morality. Vivi Anna paints a nightmarish gory tale of a future hell on earth. Those with strong stomachs will fully cherish and demand more such post-doomsday science fiction thrillers."
- Harriet Klausner
Romance Junkies
HELL KAT was a fascinating story with a tough as nails heroine, who in a devastated world will do all that she must to gain a better life and takes what pleasure in life she can. I loved that Kat is so capable of taking care of herself. Kat uses her wits and has her own honor code that she adheres to. It is no surprise that she is in turn so attracted to Hades a man similar to herself and who can appreciate her as she is. Vivi Anna has created a wonderful character whose courage to go after what she desires and her willingness to satiate them will make readers eager to learn more about this character.
- Alexis, Romance Junkies
5 Klovers from CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
"... a well-written, steamy science fiction thriller guaranteed to keep readers turning the pages well into the night. The evolution of the vampires wasn't fully explained but Vivi Anna did such an excellent job at the pacing of the story that this detail is easily overlooked. The post-apocalyptic world she has created is a scary one but one the reader will want to revisit in later tales. It is almost impossible to believe that HELL KAT is Vivi Anna's first published (in print) novel as it is a winner!"
- Anne, CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
6 Wands from Enchanted Ramblings for HELL KAT
"Hell Kat is a fast-paced, action-packed book that will have you hanging on each written word. Even the secondary characters will keep you riveted on this journey as surprises keep changing the storyline and keep throwing the characters out of control. The action is fast and rough, the sex is hot and the world is deadly. I hope there is another book about Kat because I wanted to keep reading and was a little disappointed that it ended where it did."
AS AN EBOOK
"Frightening yet terribly engrossing, this thrilling, exciting erotica is sure to charm the pants off readers."
- reviewed by Leigh Rowling
5 SHOOTING STAR from Euro-Reviews
"Hell Kat by ViVi Anna is truly an extraordinary futuristic epic story. The dialogue and characters are so realistic that I literally could not put it down and believe me at around 3 am I really did try. Each page takes you deeper into a story that compels you to know more of a world that could be ours. I literally went to bed, lay there for 15 minutes and then jumped up and read till I finished it. The chemical attraction between Hades and Kat is explosive from the first moment they meet. The sex scenes are extremely hot and will leave you panting for more. If you like erotic futuristic fantasy, this is a definite keeper that will have you "stalking the author" for more. I've already sent my email asking for more of this delicious heroine."
- reviewed by Raashema
5 NYMPHS from Literary Nymphs
"Hell Kat is dark romance at its best. The setting is dark: apocalyptic Earth still trying to recover two hundred years after disaster. The characters are dark: Kat is strong, independent, sexy, and tough. Hades is a true alpha, and sexy as hell. Together they will melt your screen. Each twist and turn of the story left me reeling, and I never knew what was coming until it smacked me in the face. The surprises were simply awesome. The action was intense, and the story flowed smoothly throughout. Dark and dangerous, beautifully written - the non-traditional ending had me in tears, and suited the story well. I highly recommend Hell Kat, and will be looking for more from Vivi Anna in the future."
- reviewed by Silver Minx
5 FLAMES and REVIEWER'S CHOICE from Sizzling Romances
WOW! Vivi Anna's HELL KAT is an excellent story!! It has a kick-ass heroine in Kat, a hunky, wise-cracking man in Hades, and hold-on-to-your-seat action. I was so involved with the story and the characters that I was up reading into the wee hours of the night because I could not walk away from the book. This is definitely one of the best action-adventure romances I have ever read.
- reviewed by Miaka Chase
4 1/2 STARS from Just Erotic Romance Reviews, Heat Level: Orgasmic
"Hell Kat is a futuristic, thrilling, fast paced romantic story. Vivi Anna creates a dark atmosphere perfect for a post nuclear war adventure. The description of the Vanquished City was quite fascinating and better than what I anticipated. I was hooked from the first page where Kat and Damian were in the midst of a treasure hunt and the plot just escalates from there. Kat and Hades are two peas in a pod. Both characters are strong willed, cunning, and determined. Kat is disciplined, while Hades tends to focus on the lighter side of any situation. Hades is such a charmer that Kat can't seem to dislike him no matter how hard she tries. Damian, Kats companion, was a slave before Kat rescued him. He feels admiration and protectiveness towards her. Damian and Kat are friends and partners, while Hades and Kat have a more intimate and sexually explosive relationship. The sex between Damian and Kat is more of a need to comfort each other while Hades and Kat is more passionate. I am so glad I had a chance to read Hell Kat and I look forward to reading more of Kat's adventures. Thanks Vivi Anna!"
- reviewed Tallyn Porter
5 STARS from Mon Boudoir
"A magnificent story with a surprising ending!
The author succeeded brilliantly in pulling me right into a post- apocalyptic horror scenario. Her description of the environment and the living conditions nearly brought me to tears. Most buildings have been totally destroyed and the landscape is devoid of plants. Farming has become nearly impossible and lots of people starve to death.
Kat and Hades are true alpha heroes, formed by a violent and cruel world. They seemed to be tough and emotionless, but deep inside they yearn for peace and, most of all, love.
It's a very gloomy story, but nevertheless the author managed to lighten it up with a strange kind of humour.
Imagine a powerful alpha-male with sunstroke, babbling like a five year old child and behaving like an idiot, brilliant!
Be prepared to step into a magnificent world with fascinating heroes, intriguing minor characters and steamy sex scenes."
- reviewed by Tina
4 RIBBONS from Romance Junkies
"HELL KAT is gritty and romantic, and its futuristic style is executed in a smooth, effortless way. Kat is a wonderful heroine, strong, cunning, and compelling all the way through the story. Hades and Damian present a delightful contrast of male characters, sharpening the edges of the dramatic triangle. Violent, passionate, and fast-paced, HELL KAT is one hell of a book!"
- reviewed by Daria
5 CUPS from Coffee Time Romance
"We have all been waiting for this book. I just loved it. I love how two battle-scarred heroes have joined as one and made surprising new discoveries about each other on their journey. Hell Kat is definitely my idea of a heroine and Hades suits her needs nicely. I recommend this to all readers who love action, adventure and romance with vampirism thrown in the lot."
- reviewed by Suz