Venom by Jennifer Estep

Venom (Elemental Assassin, #3)

by Jennifer Estep

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.

Reviewed by Angie on

4 of 5 stars

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Venom is one intense, non-stop action read! Gin is still trying to enjoy her retirement, but when a friend is clearly in need of her services, she just can't sit by idly. Especially when the target in question comes after her, and works for her number one enemy. Meanwhile, Gin also has to deal with the new detective in town, who is more tangled in this mess than she knows. Not that Gin is going to be the one to clue her in, but she will do anything in her power to protect the cop.

The plot of the previous book was disappointing, but Venom's most definitely is not. Maybe because the job is more personal for Gin so I became more invested in it? I don't know, but I couldn't put it down. The situation goes from bad to worse as more people become connected to this mess that is Gin versus Mab Monroe (although Mab doesn't know who she's up against). There were times where I forgot to breathe and actually started nibbling my nails (not hard enough to bite!). It was all just really intense and I felt more of an emotional connection with Gin than I had before.

The romance in Venom is also pretty good. I wasn't sure how to feel about Owen in Web of Lies, but now I like him. I think he's a better fit for Gin than Donovan ever was, but they don't have that same level of attraction. It's still early, so I'm sure that will come soon, but I kind of missed the intense "grey on gold" stares between Gin and Donovan. But we do get to know Owen better in one book than we did with Donovan in two, and I'm liking what I've learned so far. He's an interesting guy.

I loved how Venom really put the bigger, overarching plot in the foreground. Gin's side jobs have brought her closer to this moment, but now the war with Mab is starting. I did find it a bit unbelievable that Mab still has no clue who she's dealing with, especially after that epic display at the end, but I'm sure she'll learn soon enough. Same for Detective Coolidge. I want her to know sooo bad!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 28 February, 2014: Finished reading
  • 28 February, 2014: Reviewed