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Region Two #1

Agent Zero

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He owns the spotlight, she lives in the shadows.


VEE
My only purpose? Keep lethal cryptids in check, and our Company existence secret.
Sometimes a girl needs a night of karaoke and tequila though. Instead, after a vicious new cryptid species crashes the party, I end up saving and carting home a way arrogant, way hot chef. With Bruce Kantor now a temporary roommate it seems like the perfect time to indulge my forbidden civilian fascination—especially the friends-with-benefits part. But the feelings he ignites threaten my oath and mission.

BRUCE
Damn right I’m the bad boy of the culinary world.
I live for the limelight, and the legions of #BruceTheBastard fans love my temper as much as my food. After stomping out of one high-profile gig, all I’m looking for are directions to my next. What I get is a giant Komodo Dragon-wannabe, and Vee Ramirez, the most infuriatingly irresistible woman to ever hit my radar.

Even if we survive the relentless monster on my trail, our future is toast unless I can convince Vee there’s more to life than the Company.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2021

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About the author

Janet Walden-West

10 books130 followers
Janet Walden-West lives in the Southeast with a pack of show dogs, a couple of kids, and a husband who didn’t read the fine print.

She pens inclusive Urban Fantasy and Contemporary and Paranormal Romance.

A PitchWars alum and Mentor and RWA Golden Heart finalist, she's the author of contemporary romance series, SALT + STILETTOS: South Beach Romances, and the paranormal Region Two Series.

She is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary Agency.

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5 stars
40 (47%)
4 stars
27 (31%)
3 stars
12 (14%)
2 stars
5 (5%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Parisi.
Author 12 books32 followers
July 22, 2021
What do you get when you think of Vampire Academy for adults but throw in Cryptids called Anangoas that are reptilian, repulsive, and completely ruthless? What do you get when you're an executive chef and you won't change your menu even for the mayor of the city, but said Cryptid marks you for her next meal? What do you get when you're the Commanding Officer trying to blow off steam in a karaoke bar but a monster you've never seen before marks a human as dinner? An ACTION PACKED, absolutely AWESOME, story.
AGENT ZERO was a bite your nails, what's-going-to-happen-next, turn the page book with hot sex and two alphas who are hard and stubborn on the outside and vulnerable as hell on the inside. Executive chef Bruce Kantor knows exactly how to run his line but not his heart. Commanding Officer Victoria Ramirez knows how to run an operation but not a hard-nosed chef with tats and an attitude. When a Cryptid threatens Bruce's life he offers to become the bait to catch it. Vee agrees, instantly regretting the decision. But Bruce proves he's as brave as anyone in her company and Vee realizes she doesn't have to shoulder every burden alone. Angst and an HEA! One of my favorite reads!
Profile Image for Chanel.
295 reviews54 followers
July 8, 2023
I decided to give this one a chance because of a fellow friend's review describing sex with a pushup and I was like "cool, let's read to that part at least"! I should have DNF and not because of the sex. It was pretty steamy but I can't stand Bruce.

What a totally unlikeable character in any capacity this entire book.

All he did was whine, swear a lot and try to boss people around. When Vee told him about their lives he went into this huge rant about government grooming and trafficking and threatened to expose them and it was just weird. Because also they could kill you without a trace dude like?

I read him to be a chef who was in the wrong place and time and needed protection. Which, by the way, the agent team incorporating them into what was essentially a super secret bunker with super secret missions didn't make any sense and overall there was a lot of talk, repetitive fight scenes and Bruce being an obnoxious idiot.
Profile Image for Kat Turner.
Author 9 books325 followers
June 10, 2021
Janet Walden-West kicks off an exciting new urban fantasy series with this fun, fast-paced adventure of monster hunting and romance set amidst the drama of a top-secret mission. Agent Zero satisfies by bringing the beloved tropes that define the urban fantasy genre while injecting it with fresh energy through new twists and unique, unforgettable characters. Both Bruce and Vee are dynamic, compelling leads with complex personalities and internal struggles. Their romance is at once banter-y and intense, filled with the emotional depth and crackling chemistry that makes their story a joy to get lost in from the first encounter to the final payoff. Add in steamy love scenes and a phenomenal cast of side characters with multi-dimensional stories of their own, and we have a winner. Can't wait to see what happens next in Region Two!



Profile Image for Smut Report.
1,223 reviews160 followers
Read
August 29, 2021
Heat Factor: She does pull-ups during sex, because she is that bad-ass (it’s sexier than it sounds)

Character Chemistry: Bruce is an arrogant asshole, but Vee seems to like that about him

Plot: He is attacked by a giant lizard monster, and she protects him

Overall: A really fun reading experience

Agent Zero is a classic “I’m in way over my head” story. Bruce Kantor, celebrity chef with an attitude, finds himself in a dark alley with a giant lizard that is definitely trying to eat him. Enter Vee Ramirez, the CO of a small group of elite monster hunters. Vee saves Bruce’s butt, and then brings him back to the team’s compound to protect him until they can track the monster down. Bruce, as you might imagine, does a lot of freaking out about his situation, not least because there are friggin’ monsters who like to eat people just wandering around Scottsdale, Arizona.

This is also a great gender role reversal story—maybe the best one I’ve read. It frequently seems, that when the heroine’s a complete bad-ass, the hero also has to be a bad-ass, or at least challenge her so that it’s clear that he’s still the alpha. That is not the case here. I mean, Bruce does challenge Vee, but it’s not about establishing his dominance (more on this later). But when push comes to shove, he knows that she’s in charge. Take, for example, a scene where she’s suiting up to go fight some errant beasties. Vee tells Bruce to stay in the truck with the doors locked; after some consideration, she offers him a handgun, *which he declines* after admitting he’s not a good shot and would probably injure himself with it. A rare butterfly in adventure romance, this man, and I love to see it.

Read Holly's full review at The Smut Report

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

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2,224 reviews
December 11, 2021
Loved it!

I got engrossed, mind, heart and soul, in this story! Cried more than once!
Bruce is such an anti-hero and his mental state changes so many times I had whip last but I still loved him! And Vee and her team are supremely awesome!
You really don't want to miss this one.
1,145 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2022
wow

This story and the characters are just awesome. This author has made the characters real, and I really wanted to know what happens. The ending is good, and I am now going to read more in the series, immediately!
I can’t wait for more. Bruise is such a great character 😁
Profile Image for Laurel Heebsh.
73 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2022
great urban fantasy

These characters are well-developed and likable. I really like the emphasis on cryptids in this take on urban fantasy. I will read more in this series!
Profile Image for Sarah.
40 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2021
-Our heroine is smart, capable, and a badass warrior and leader.
-Our hero is just some guy! A capable, practical, intelligent guy, but nonetheless one who spends most of the story completely out of his depth compared to the heroine, who actually knows what's going on

I don't know how to explain how uncommon that dynamic is in paranormal fantasy, or even in romance novels in general, which are much more likely to pair the duke or alpha wolf with a heroine who's special, but notably less important in that world. That alone is worth at least 3 stars imo, especially when it's handled as well as it was here.

But on top of that:
-Vee and her siblings have a functional, healthy relationship, and the character voices were distinct enough that it was always easy to keep track of who was speaking.
-Bruce strikes an excellent balance between reasonably annoyed at the inconvenient circumstances, and practical about why he's stuck there, and I'm a sucker for a marshmallow covered in spikes. "Fuck you, eat some soup" is my favorite archetype.
-The character backstories always feel like a very present, active part of who they are and why they act/react the way they do. At no point is anyone's life or personality abandoned for ease-of-plot purposes. In fact I was really surprised at how strongly this leaned into it,

I'll take half a star off for some editing problems and pacing issues in the second book in the series (particularly in part 2, which I felt dumped us into the action a little too quickly to really set the tone first) but otherwise I'm in the terrible position of being annoyed I found these books so soon, because now I have to wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,056 reviews47 followers
June 6, 2021
I'm completely digging this new series! We have a kick-butt heroine saving the day with her mainly female team. A hot-tempered, but otherwise lovable chef, who has co problems being saved by a girl. A blended team of specialists taking on various cryptids (myths and legends to you and me).

Vee has essentially grown up inside an organisation that fights all the things that go bump in the night, and possibly a few who don't have a problem with daylight. Her little team is her family and she would lay down her life for them or any human that comes face to face with something that they really should not have to face. But after a rare night out celebrating she has to rescue a drunk human from a fate worse than a quick death.

Bruce is a wunderkind in the kitchen but his people skills are sadly...lacking. He manages t fire himself from his last job and goes off to drown his sorrows. But before he can even tie one on, he gets ruffied by...something. Next thing he knows he's waking up at home and trying to make sense of what went on the night before. But the baddies have it in for Bruce and he's soon up to his neck in trouble of the supernatural kind.

Totally got immersed in this great new world. You do kind of see things from Bruce's perspective - he's really not keen on the way the company scoops up orphans to train or that families are essentially kept apart but he can't deny that they are needed. Vee is the kinda girl you want in your corner. She takes her job seriously but her team is her top priority. Bruce fits in quite nicely, taking on the kind or caretaker role. And, ahem, alone time with Vee is a total added benefit.

#BruceTheBastard totally fits LOL
8 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2023
This was my first book by this author. What a wonderful find!
This is a wonderful Urban Fantasy Romance. I will not post spoilers here but will absolutely  recommend reading this book. 
Bruce is a Gordon Ramsy type of chef who runs afoul of a nasty cryptid that marks him to make him dinner. Luckily for him there are some Cryptid hunters in the bar he was marked in. 
Follow Bruce as he learns about a world he never knew existed, as he watches a found family and an incredible woman. 
There were like 2 sex scenes in here and they were tastefully written, The language was not off putting. No GD's and just a few JFC's- which kinda fit the moments coming from a Jewish character. 
I plan to move onto Book #2- I like the alternate world building here. The character development. There is good action here and it is a wonderful read. 
I would highly recommend this book and if you like Romance Novels with a plot- this one is for you. 
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,550 reviews72 followers
August 10, 2022
great!!

This was a unique book that threw a gender bender in there - even though it really didn’t. Ramirez is the CO of top secret government company, but her character, attitude and loyalty are generally what authors ascribe to military male protagonists - and Bruce fit nicely in the naive civilian category, where many female protagonists fall in those same stories. It was rather lovely.

Well written, it’s a stand alone romance that edges on paranormal, considering the cryptids , but I doubt any of the characters would agree.
Profile Image for Mary Murlin.
142 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2021
Great

I absolutely love this series. It is funny charming and so enjoyable to read. You just have to try it for yourself.
24 reviews
October 21, 2021
The story was engaging from the start and the chemistry between the characters was addicting. Put together a team of elite operatives, crazy monsters and a chef that makes Gordon Ramsey look like a pussy cat and you have a great series.
29 reviews3 followers
October 20, 2021
Two Very different people meet under unusual circumstances and are drawn together although both are set in their ways regarding relationships and their careers. Their meeting was definitely not what Was expected and I am usually quick to find the storyline end in most stories; however I really enjoyed this mix of weirdness of why they met and how the relationship worked.

Profile Image for Jessica.
280 reviews15 followers
September 6, 2022
A fun urban fantasy with secret agents that fight cryptids.

This is a new take on the typical urban fantasy genre with human agents hunting cryptids instead of the secret culture of sentient beings. The book also dives into the topic of secret organizations. I also liked that the female main character is the badass and the male character is the grumpy civilian trying to figure it out. While both character made decisions that I disagreed with, their motivations and backgrounds made their choices and plot realistic. When the two disagree, it's easy to see both their perspectives. This book ends on a happy for now - with an implied cliffhanger because there are still lose ends to work through.

The book's general plot has a passing resemblance to Seanan McGuire's InCryptid series which really peaked my interest and while not the same as InCryptid books, this book is a great read, and I can't wait for more in this series.
5,030 reviews33 followers
July 2, 2022
coordinated cryptid chaos?

what sort of scenarios bring together creatures from far away and exceptional settings?

precisely the sort of scenarios that brings crazy mad Bruce the non conformist chef together with a secret government group that is built around tactical families raised to fight unusual and exceptional creatures, and die if necessary.

intense drama, romance and family scenarios.
1,465 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2021
Gordon Ramsey meets La Femme Nikita, monster hunter, and sparks as well as swear words fly. Two such strong personalities deal with severe cultural shock, differing mindsets and cryptids intent on creating much human pulled pork. This is an action-filled urban fantasy that combine the action of Bureau 13 with Piazza's Mage Hunters SWAT with Correia's MHI with a surprisingly romantic love story. I'm looking forward to seeing if Bruce and Vee will be able to pull off cohabiting without killing each other (or some member of Vee's team).

I received an ARC via Voracious Readers and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amirah.
95 reviews7 followers
November 9, 2021
What do you get when you cross two very passionate and career minded individuals? Well, you get a great action adventure story!!! Vee and her team have a very important job, keep the civilians safe form the scary things. But, they were not ready for Bruce, he is an animal of a different kind. Once, they encounter each other the reader is in for a serious treat!!! The fireworks start and what a show the author has created for us. This book has strong and detailed characters. Once you start this book you will not want to put it down until you are finished. I highly recommend this story as it will add a ton of positive energy to you day. Thank you Voracious Readers Only for my free copy.
Profile Image for S.M. McCoy.
Author 10 books221 followers
December 29, 2021
Hot, successful man that cooks with a serious asshole attitude and a sweet heart hidden underneath. Badass, caring commander of a secret agent group that saves civilians from the monsters that go bump at night... or even in the day! Combine those together and you have sparks flying with these intense, and engaging characters.
Warnings: strong language, violence, awesome sexual tension, and a craving to taste that homemade pudding! Maybe the author should be including a recipe extra with this one.
Loved the book, Janet grips you from the very beginning and you will think about the story constantly urging you to finish reading!
5 reviews
June 22, 2021
Ace + Ace = a pair and what a pair it is! Both are equally passionate about their life’s callings. Bruce, the consummate chef who suffers no dissent when his menu is challenged. Vee, protector extraordinaire of her Company’s secrecy and its mission: to protect anyone or anything threatened by their main target…cryptids in any shape or form. Mix these two together and sparks fly in more ways than one! I fell in love with both of them from the start.
June 8, 2021
Exciting twist on monster hunting

Action adventure at its sci-fi finest. Memorable characters and interesting new cryptids. Kill the beasts and grab a pizza fun action.



Profile Image for Steven.
6 reviews
August 22, 2021
Great intro to a new series; really looking forward to the second installment!
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,403 reviews61 followers
August 11, 2022
The story starts off with an attack on Bruce and while there are some humors moments and lots of action. With supernatural attacking humans. As the story progresses Bruce turns into a love interest for Vee who is a lethal cryptid who goal is to keep people safe and lives for her job.

The story really doesn't stand out from any other supernatural story and at times struggles with keeping a basic story line. Between Sexy and action scenes there isn't much substance to Agent Zero.

I thought I had started a series maybe three books in but nope this is book 1 and as a reader I found myself lost and confused as to the purpose of the story.

The positive is the story has a strong woman protecting a weaker man. Bruce is unlikable character who whines more than he cooks.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of Janet Walden-West book Agent Zero.
1,266 reviews61 followers
August 18, 2022
This story fell more into the paranormal romance area than urban fantasy for me. There was a lot of setup, perhaps not unnatural for a first book in a series, but a lack of butt kicking action or compelling story line.

The character of Bruce didn't mesh for me either,. It just didn't feel true/right. What were his reasons for being unpleasant? Also, Bruce knowing ASL was a bit too pat (unless I missed the explanation for his knowledge).

It was reminiscent of Buffy but not as developed. This is book one though.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Deanna .
79 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2023
Wow, just Wow!

Great story.
Sci-Fi fans will love this, it really comes alive, with “civies” details, like the market, old deserted desert attraction, how the team sets up Road/area closures and explains “what happened”. Another great attention getting/holding series starter by Janet Walden-West!
Profile Image for Andrea Drake.
314 reviews23 followers
December 29, 2023
I loved the gender swap personalities. She’s the tough fighter and he’s the pretentious rich boy. They were so opposites but you know what they say opposites attract and all that. This was a great book! I really enjoyed the characters and plot. I will deff be reading from this author again!
11.1k reviews160 followers
November 14, 2022
I absolutely loved this story. Lighthearted, with a bit of humour. Perhaps even a romance as well. A sci-fi you don’t want to miss. Agent Zero says it all.
Profile Image for Janet.
2,547 reviews24 followers
August 17, 2023
I got this in a book shipment and enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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