Review: Unraveled by Jennifer Estep (@Jennifer_Estep)

Series: Elemental Assassin, #15
Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: August 30, 2016
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 400 pages

Review: Unwanted by Jennifer Estep (@Jennifer_Estep)

Series: Elemental Assassin, #14.5
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: July 18, 2016
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 74 pages

Review: Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep (@Jennifer_Estep)

Bitter Bite

Elemental Assassin, #14
Jennifer Estep

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Pocket Books
Date of Publication: February 23, 2016
Number of pages: 400
Cover Artist: Tony Mauro

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     OmniLit

Review: Spider's Trap by Jennifer Estep

Spider's Trap

Elemental Assassin, #13
Jennifer Estep

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Pocket Books
Date of Publication: July 28, 2015
Number of pages: 400

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     OmniLit

Review: Black Widow by Jennifer Estep

Black Widow

Elemental Assassin, #12
Jennifer Estep


Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Pocket Books
Date of Publication: November 25, 2014
Number of pages: 384

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     ARe     eBooks

Review: Poison Promise by Jennifer Estep

Poison Promise


Elemental Assassin, #11
Jennifer Estep

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Pocket Books
Date of Publication: July 22, 2014
Number of pages: 416

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     OmniLit

In book eleven of her New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series, author Jennifer Estep continues “one of the best urban fantasy series going on the market” (Fresh Fiction).

Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target.

There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight…

Can you believe it? Poison Promise is book 11 in the series.  11!!  And the series is still going strong, not a waiver in sight. It doesn't seem like that long ago I was picking up the first book in the series, Spider's Bite, because I loved the idea of a female assassin. Gin is smart, ruthless, yet able to retain her femininity. She looks at her job in an almost wholly masculine way - someone is going to kill them for money, it might as well be her. Yet, she's not a sociopath, she retains her empathy.  She is a most perfect, imperfect roll model for women in the urban fantasy genre.

I will admit, I was a bit concerned after The Spider, book 10 and major flashback story, to how Gin got started. Would this book be able to continue the momentum? Really, how much more of the story is there to tell. Gin has killed the bad guys and gals, gotten her man, found her sister. Where else can the story go? Let me just say, a resounding Yes!, there is more story to be told.  We have only scratched the surface of Gin's relationship with her sister Bria. Finally we are getting beyond the honeymoon stage of their relationship as they learn exactly what being on opposite sides of the law truly means to their relationship.  Additionally, it becomes time to take Gin's coming out as the Spider to the next level.  Her identity has become an open secret, but she hadn't publicly claimed the name yet. All this, plus the action and bad guys seem to amp up further in this new book. For fans of the series, this book doesn't disappoint. I gave it 4 stars.

Review: The Spider by Jennifer Estep

The Spider is the 10th book in the Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep.  I have been a huge fan of this series since the first book and was thrilled to get the book through Netgalley. Ms Estep has kept me on the edge of my seat through out the series and though many series would be slowing down at this point, that is not the case here.

I will be honest and say that when I saw that this book wasn't really going to be furthering the plot line along, I wasn't expecting much.  Of course I thought, 'Yeah! Another Gin book!' But who seriously wants to read a retrospect at book 10? I figured it to be a filler book, something to give us some background and hold us over until the next installment.  Hoo Boy was I wrong.

This book started out slow, but eventually built into a massive moment of "OMG! I can't believe she did it." My respect for Ms. Estep as an author and storyteller continues to grow. The 10th book is a milestone, and the way that the story is presented, showcasing the the intricacies of the intertwining plots and foreshadowing that went all the way back to book one, blew my mind.

If you haven't had a chance to check out this series, this is NOT the book to start at.  Go start with Spider's Bite, book one, and read the entire series.  You won't be sorry you did. I gave this a solid 5 stars on Goodreads.

How did I end up in a career where I always have blood on my hands? Well, let me tell you a story about an assassin who thought she could do no wrong....

Ten years ago. A blistering hot August night. I remember like it was yesterday. The night I, Gin Blanco, truly became the Spider. Killing people is what I do best, especially now that I've honed my Ice and Stone magic. But back then, I had yet to learn one very important rule: arrogance will get you, every single time.

This particular job seemed simple: murder a crooked building contractor with ties to ruthless Fire elemental Mab Monroe. My mentor, Fletcher Lane, had some misgivings, but I was certain that I had the situation under control . . . right up until I exposed my weaknesses to a merciless opponent who exploited every single one of them. There's a reason assassins aren't supposed to feel anything. Luckily, a knife to the heart can fix that problem, especially when I'm the one wielding it....

Available at the following retailers:
Amazon     BN     Kobo     ARe

Waiting on Wednesday: October 30th

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine showcasing upcoming books that we are waiting, often impatiently, to be released.


The Spider by Jennifer Estep

The tenth book in the bestselling and “outstanding” (Romantic Times) Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series finally reveals for the first time the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadliest of assassins.

For the first time, the origins of Gin Blanco’s career as the deadly assassin “the Spider” are revealed in full. In a story that pre-dates the other nine books in the series, Gin Blanco goes through her paces to become the most feared assassin in the Ashland.

Release Date: December 24, 2013

Why This book?

I am waiting on this book because it's the origin story of the infamous Spider. Gin has gone through so much, and we have seen bits and pieces in flashback.  Now we finally get to see the events that started it all.  I literally can't wait!

Review: Heart of Venom by Jennifer Estep

This is the ninth book in the Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep.  I was lucky enough to get this via Netgalley while I await my local bookseller to get this in stock (and since that is a large retail chain store, I'm not holding my breath.)  I have been a huge fan of this series, ever since I came across the first book, Spider's Bite in 2010.  I was hooked from the very first sentence, "My name is Gin and I kill people."  It was such a pleasure to find a dark female character as an anti-hero.

Gin makes no apologies for who and what she is.  If you are looking for a book that has a lot of breast beating and 'Woe is Me', this is not the series for you.  Gin is a very self aware character with a lot of heart, who happens to be an assassin.  She is funny and would go to the wall for her chosen family, but don't ever forget that she can also kill you where you stand if need be.  This is a woman who has made a place for herself in the world and asks no pardon for who and what she is.

If you haven't read any of the previous books in the series, you really, really should.  There are several supporting characters with 8 books worth of back story and history.  I'm not saying DON'T pick up the series at book 9.  But seriously, WHY would you do something like that? The first 8 books are awesome. Go read them first!

This books starts off with Gin and her foster brother Finnegan Lane arguing over why he can't come to Girl's Day at Jo-Jo's salon.  They are currently in the process of moving a giant who has had the misfortune to try and take on Gin, into the big freezer that Sophia had placed for just such an occasion.  Of course, while they are moving him, another couple of goons decide to take on Gin - to their combined detriment.

Several days later, while just beginning to enjoy the day of pampering that Jo-Jo has planned, Sophia comes stumbling into the house, shot and collapses.  Jo-Jo rushes to her, and Gin and Bria, her sister, rush for their weapons.  Unfortunately, before they can get to them, gun toting thugs burst in.  They grab Jo-Jo and keep her from Sophia.  The head thug then comes in and shoots Jo-Jo and takes Sophia for himself.  Little does he realize that he is messing with the wrong family.  Jo-Jo and Sophia have been Gin's family for a very long time and she will stop at nothing to get Sophia back.

If you have been reading this series, you know that Sophia has an unknown back story that explained her goth appearance and husky, raspy voice.  This is the book where we find out all the nitty gritty details.  Gin once again demonstrates why she has survived all the attempts on her life. We do find a few more details about the mysterious M.M. Monroe that we learned about in Deadly Sting, book 8, though there is still nothing concrete.  Owen and Gin's relationship has been rocky since her actions in Widow's Web, book 7, but if you read Owen's POV novella, Kiss of Venom, you won't be surprised by his actions in the book. Basically this was an awesome addition to the series and totally deserves my 5 star Goodreads rating.

The hotly anticipated ninth novel in the hugely popular Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco on a dangerous mission to rescue a friend.

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out…

September is for Sequels Giveaway Hop

September is for Sequels Giveaway Hop

This hop celebrates sequels, be they number 2 or 42.   
Hosted by Lisa Loves Literature and I'm a Reader, Not a Writer.

I love sequels.  After all, if you find a book that you like, don't you want to know what else happens after you finish it?  What comes next? Even if they ride off into the sunset of their Happily Ever After, I want to check in on them and make sure everything is still rainbows and ice cream sprinkles.

One of my favorite series recently released a new book; number 9, as a matter of fact. I am talking about Heart of Venom in the Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep.  If you haven't read this series, you are totally missing out.

To encourage you, I am offering any one of the books, numbers 2 through 9, in the series from the BookDepository.  And just in case you are a fan, like myself, I am willing to do a pre-order on book 10, The Spider, which will be released at the end of the year.

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Don't forget to check out the other amazing stops on this hop.

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Waiting on Wednesday August 7th

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine showcasing upcoming books that we are waiting, often impatiently, to be released.


Heart of Venom by Jennifer Estep

The hotly anticipated ninth novel in the hugely popular Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco on a dangerous mission to rescue a friend.

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out…

Release Date: August 27th 2013

Why This book?

I am waiting on this book because with the first line of the first book, “My name is Gin, and I kill people.”,  I have been hooked.  This series just gets better and better.  Our protagonist is an assassin and she does kill people, lots and lots of people. They are all bad people though. ;) But Gin has the figurative heart of gold and will go to great lengths to protect and save her family and friends.  Watching Gin evolve as a sister, friend and lover has been an amazing roller coaster.  If you haven't checked this series out, you need to grab Spider's Bite and see for yourself.

Review: Deadly Sting by Jennifer Estep

This is the 8th book in the Elemental Assassins series by Jennifer Estep.  This series started with Spider's Bite in 2010. Ms. Estep introduced us to Gin Blanco, cook at the best BBQ joint in town, perpetual student at Ashland College, Stone and Ice elemental and deadly assassin for hire.  The first book introduced us to Gin, killed off her mentor, handler and father figure Fletcher Lane, and basically set us up for the eventual showdown between Gin and the woman who killer her entire family when she was a child, Mab Monroe.  This series is set in fictional Ashland, in the heart of the Appalachian mountains.  If you are a fan of really good Urban Fantasy, you will want to find these books and start reading. I would not recommend reading them out of order though. If you are interested, but on the fence, make sure to check out Ms. Estep's website.  She has links to the first chapter in all the full length novels as well as several short stories to help fill in the gaps between novels or give historical insight.  Plus, some of Gin's favorite recipes are available on the site as well. 

This story about a month after the events in book 7, Widow's Web.  Finnegan Lane, Gin's foster brother, has convinced Gin to go to the opening of the art exhibit of Mab Monroe's treasures.  The gala had been planned since before Mab's death and now the reading of her Last Will and Testament will happen at the gala.  Everybody is going to be there.  Finnegan is busy harassing Gin into getting a new dress for the, as Gin puts it, "shindig".  Things get off to a rocking good start when the store Gin and Finnegan are at is held up.  Gin foils the robbery attempt and gives her sister, Detective Bria Coolidge a call.  Gin finds out that robberies are happening all too frequently lately, especially as all the giants, who are the guards of choice, have all suddenly quit their jobs.

The night of the gala, Gin comes face to face with Owen for the first time in a month. Turning around, there he is, just as startled to see her as she is to see him.  For Owen is at the gala with another woman.  One who has the same color hair and similar style as Gin, is the same height as Gin and is wearing the Exact Same Dress as Gin.  So much for Gin's original, one of a kind dress.  Finn is furious... about the dress.  (You have to know Finn to understand.)  

Little does Gin know that the gala is going to be robbed.  And the bad guys don't want The Spider to interfere, so they decide to do a little exterminating.  Unfortunately for Owen's date, the woman wearing Gin's dress, Owen wasn't the only one who had a case of mistaken identity. And with a missing face and only a dress and overall appearance to go by, everyone assumes that The Spider has finally been killed. And this is the point when the action cranks up into overdrive.

I love this series.  Just love it.  This is one of the very special few authors that I allow a permanent residence on my bookshelf.  Each new book has been better than the last.  The supporting characters are all so vivid and original, there is no confusion on who is who, each voice is unique and distinct.  Gin is a tough as nails, balls to the wall, unrepentant kick your ass female.  One of the things that I like best about her is that when she makes a decision, she doesn't waffle or whine or second guess herself.  She commits and follows through. She is confident in her abilities and the abilities of her friends and family.  The action is fast paced, yet believable. This is a series where good guys get hurt, bad guys sometimes win and a happy ending is not guaranteed.  It is gritty and raw and real.  Well, real for the world that Gin lives in.  I am just glad that Ms. Estep lets us visit.  5 stars on Goodreads.

Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.

Review: Nightingale by Jennifer Estep

This is the fourth book in the BigTime Series by Jennifer Estep.  I read the first 3 - Karma Girl, Hot Mama & Jinx - a couple of years ago.  I really enjoyed the stories, and am totally in love with Ms. Estep's Elemental Assassin's series about Gin Blanco.  One of the things that just tickles me as a reader, is finding the little references to her other books series in whichever one I am currently reading.  Take for instance the Gin Blanco series, there are several references to the fashion designers in the BigTime books.  And in this book, the lead character, Abby Appleby, makes a reference to her favorite BBQ joint, the Pork Pit, down Ashland, North Carolina, Gin's restaurant.  I am unsure if the two series are in the same universe, since the 2 series don't really share anything in common other than both having elements of Fantasy.  

In the Big Time series, there are superheroes and ubervillains roaming the city of Bigtime, New York.  The first 3 covered several of the Fearless 5, the major superheroes, and were Romantic Fantasy novels.  So I expected this one to be along the same theme and I wasn't disappointed.  This time however, we met a young woman who had been granted supersenses one night after an incident with a spilled drink and an amp gone haywire.  Abby Appleby is the top event planner for Bigtime.  She uses her supersenses to make sure that the parties and events that she plans go off without a hitch and keep everything running like clockwork.  We are first introduced to her during a combination engagement announcement and corporate merger party.  

After the party, on her way home, she stumbles across a conflict between a superhero, Talon and his nemesis, Bandit.  Abby manages to scare away Bandit, but only after he has managed to injure Talon.  Not knowing what else to do, Abby rigs together a mock sled and drags Talon back to her apartment.  There she patches him up.  When Talon awakes and has been temporarily blinded, she lets him stay and wait out the blizzard that has descended on the city.  Abby doesn't give Talon her name, but tells him to call her Wren.  He insists on calling her Nightingale, since she sings to him and has patched him up.  When it looks like he is about to regain his vision, she drugs him and takes him to the convention center to keep her identity a secret.

Since it has been so long since I read the first three books in the series, I was a little worried that I would have a hard time jumping back into it.  But I found that wasn't really the case for this book.  Since the story is told completely from Abby's perspective, and she doesn't know the identities of the superheroes, I didn't need to remember who was who either.  Some of the came back to me, and others were so obvious that I couldn't understand why the  characters couldn't figure them out.  But I think that is part of the charm of the old time comic book stories.  What is obvious to us looking in, those involved in the day to day of the world, just never see.  

I am giving this book a solid 4 stars on Goodreads.  Yes, the story was a little cheesy, but in a good way.  It is at heart a romance novel, set in a B-movie world.  One you can't help but laugh at and enjoy for its light hearted fun.

Goodreads:

Anxious brides. Drunken businessmen. Panicked partygoers. As Bigtime, New York’s premiere event planner, Abby Appleby is capable of handling almost any crisis, but even she’s not prepared when she finds herself in the middle of a fight between superhero Talon and his ubervillain nemesis Bandit. Abby manages to save Talon, but the superhero is temporarily blinded, so she takes him back to her loft, where the two wait out a snowstorm. During a blizzard that shuts down the city, Abby and Talon grow close, and he starts calling her Nightingale because of her love of music and singing.

But Abby is afraid of what Talon will think when he can see the real her, so she conceals her identity from the sexy superhero, and they go their separate ways. However, Abby discovers that Talon is looking for Nightingale, looking for her—and so is Bandit. The mercenary ubervillain thinks that Abby has information that belongs to his boss, the mysterious Tycoon. Abby knows that she’s in serious trouble and that not even Talon—or the Fearless Five—may be able to save her …