Review: Venom by Jennifer Estep

Venom by Jennifer Estep

Elemental Assassin #3

What kind of assassin works pro bono?

It’s hard to be a badass assassin when a giant is beating the crap out of you. Luckily, I never let pride get in the way of my work. My current mission is personal: annihilate Mab Monroe, the Fire elemental who murdered my family. Which means protecting my identity, even if I have to conceal my powerful Stone and Ice magic when I need it most. To the public, I’m Gin Blanco, owner of Ashland’s best barbecue joint. To my friends, I’m the Spider, retired assassin. I still do favors on the side. Like ridding a vampire friend of her oversized stalker—Mab’s right-hand goon who almost got me dead with his massive fists. At least irresistible Owen Grayson is on my side. The man knows too much about me, but I’ll take my chances. Then there’s Detective Bria Coolidge, one of Ashland’s finest. Until recently, I thought my baby sister was dead. She probably thinks the same about me. Little does she know, I’m a cold-blooded killer . . . who is about to save her life.

For an assassin that supposed to be retired, Gin sure does get herself mixed up in a lot of trouble. In order to keep her identity safe so she can hunt down Mab Monroe, she allows herself to be beat almost to death. Then she takes on the task of protecting her friend from the crazed psycho stalker who just happens to be Mab's top enforcer. Of course when Gin says protect, she really means that she will just take care of him in her own special little way. As if things weren't already crazy in her life, her baby sister's return really makes the icing on the cake. Aside from Mab Monroe, Bria is probably the most important person for Gin to keep her identity from, no matter how much she might wish otherwise.

With each book in the series, Gin seems to soften more, yet harden in other areas. She's finally showing emotion and allowing herself to truly love and care for people. However, that hardens her at the same time, because now that she really cares, there isn't anything she wouldn't do to protect the people she loves. Gin is the most fiercely loyal friend you could want to have. However, she is probably the worst enemy to have as well. Well, you worst enemy for the short amount of life you have left, since she always gets her man.

Three cheers! Donovan Caine is really gone from Gin's life. She deserves so much better. She did a lot of brooding over him in this book and I felt so bad for her. I think this was the first time she ever let herself truly care for a lover and for him to just act like she wasn't worthy of him was absolutely despicable. I'm glad she has the new love interest in Owen. He seems to really have his head on his shoulders and truly cares for her. He doesn't seem to have any high handed morals to get in the way. I also loved the incite into why he has been so persistent in pursuing Gin. The reasoning was a surprise, but a nice one. I'm eager to see more of them together in future books.

I am amazed at how much more I am liking each new book in this series. I thought the first was great, but then the second was even better. And now the third, well it blew the first two out of the water, which is truly a feat. Gin's character is amazing and I am absolutely impatient for the next book to come out. If you enjoy this series, I highly recommend reading the free short stories on Jennifer's website. They give glimpses into Gin's past and really complement the books.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Venom (Elemental Assassin, Book 3)