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The Elite
Poison Hearts
Orlando:
No one intentionally starts out life trying to become a hired unaliver. Weeellllll, most people don’t. I come from a legacy of unalivers, though I think I might be the first one to make a career out of it. Accidentally. I wasn’t trying to; the opportunity just sort of showed up on my pillow, and being the conscientious unaliver that I am, I decided to investigate the mysterious invitation to a secret club.
Hello The Anonymous, and hello, Shannon.
Shannon:
Listen, you can buy your goodies off my menu or you can go to Bargain Bin Barry. His stuff costs half as much and works about half the time. Mine won’t fail you at a mission critical juncture, but I’m saving up for a Frankenstien machine, so it doesn’t come cheap.
What? Don’t spit on the dreams of mad scientists; I could be the one to discover the secret of life! After this dance, obviously. When a newbie to the Anonymous tells you he dances, you don’t just sit around hoping for the music to move you, you get up and take him to the dance floor.
Hello dreams come true, and hello, Orlando.
Poison Hearts is a contemporary MM romance with a blowgun vigilante who only has enough spoons to keep six blocks of his city safe and an evil genius with a plan to take over the world, if he ever gets bored enough to do it. Be ready for instalove happening over tree frogs, detailed planning, and a menacing minion worth his weight in gold.
Poison Hearts is a part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.
No one intentionally starts out life trying to become a hired unaliver. Weeellllll, most people don’t. I come from a legacy of unalivers, though I think I might be the first one to make a career out of it. Accidentally. I wasn’t trying to; the opportunity just sort of showed up on my pillow, and being the conscientious unaliver that I am, I decided to investigate the mysterious invitation to a secret club.
Hello The Anonymous, and hello, Shannon.
Shannon:
Listen, you can buy your goodies off my menu or you can go to Bargain Bin Barry. His stuff costs half as much and works about half the time. Mine won’t fail you at a mission critical juncture, but I’m saving up for a Frankenstien machine, so it doesn’t come cheap.
What? Don’t spit on the dreams of mad scientists; I could be the one to discover the secret of life! After this dance, obviously. When a newbie to the Anonymous tells you he dances, you don’t just sit around hoping for the music to move you, you get up and take him to the dance floor.
Hello dreams come true, and hello, Orlando.
Poison Hearts is a contemporary MM romance with a blowgun vigilante who only has enough spoons to keep six blocks of his city safe and an evil genius with a plan to take over the world, if he ever gets bored enough to do it. Be ready for instalove happening over tree frogs, detailed planning, and a menacing minion worth his weight in gold.
Poison Hearts is a part of the multi-author series The Elite. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Anonymous, a club beneath the gritty city where only the elite are welcome.
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2023
About the author
Jennifer Cody
50 books718 followersJennifer Cody lives in Small Midwestern Town, USA, aka the sticks of Kansas. She has three kids and a Beardo she loves. Her sleep schedule is weird, so messages sent at midnight usually get answered relatively promptly. She reads all kinds of mm romance and urban fantasy, but her favorites are gay-for-you, small-town romances and over the top urban fantasy romances. Her own writing doesn’t always reflect her reading preferences, but mostly it does. She writes what she wants to read and reads extensively because she’s an addict. To books, obviously. And caffeine because sleep is for other people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
May 7, 2023
So I really want to read this book. It’s sitting on my kindle wanting to be my next book but seriously I HATE the cover.
What’s going on?
Do men have have a tash and no stubble these days?
Is it me?
I can’t unsee it now and that’s what I’m going to picture while reading 🤯🤯🤯🤯
It’s me isn’t it? 🤦🏻♀️
So I’ve finished the book and loved it (still hate the cover). It’s a fabulous little read I just fought against picturing a muscular Freddie Mercury with a blow gun.
What’s going on?
Do men have have a tash and no stubble these days?
Is it me?
I can’t unsee it now and that’s what I’m going to picture while reading 🤯🤯🤯🤯
It’s me isn’t it? 🤦🏻♀️
So I’ve finished the book and loved it (still hate the cover). It’s a fabulous little read I just fought against picturing a muscular Freddie Mercury with a blow gun.
Did Not Finish
September 4, 2024DNF & Delete because just read the freaking blurb! it has these words IN AN ASSASSIN'S BOOK: hired unaliver, legacy of unalivers, conscientious unaliver. WHY?
also it says instalove so I'm like instadelete.
also, what is that cover? top three worst covers of the series!
also it says instalove so I'm like instadelete.
also, what is that cover? top three worst covers of the series!
May 1, 2025
This book made me laugh so much!
I do wish it was longer though, because I want to know more about their future plans. Does Linus come to work for Shannon? Does Minion ever follow through on his threats?
It definitely had the same energy as Romily and Fox and the instalove was weirdly believable 😂
I do wish it was longer though, because I want to know more about their future plans. Does Linus come to work for Shannon? Does Minion ever follow through on his threats?
It definitely had the same energy as Romily and Fox and the instalove was weirdly believable 😂
Did Not Finish
June 7, 2023Dnf@ 3% because omg why is an assassin saying “unaliving” and not just saying kill? I think we can all assume books regarding assassins and hit men will have death in them so using kill is a-okay. Isn’t killed just not used on TT because of censors?
Anyhow just couldn’t get into it, but since I’m so early on I won’t rate.
Anyhow just couldn’t get into it, but since I’m so early on I won’t rate.
May 11, 2023
This was a lot funnier than I expected. I had never read a book from Jennifer before so I had no expectations, but I leave pleasantly surprised. Shannon was quite unhinged, in a good way.
Hope Minion gets a boyfriend. Or a backstory. Or both
Hope Minion gets a boyfriend. Or a backstory. Or both
June 15, 2023
June 2023
Kindle edition
As much as I've enjoyed this author's previous stuff, the blurb did make me pause with unaliving. I thought maybe it was because he was in denial killing, but it is an overused word in the book and that sums up just how serious it is. It's not. I can picture the villain duo of Kim Possible in John Wick's continental hotel.
Orlando isn't actually that bad. He's clever with his poison and doesn't miss his target. Given his skills he's probably the best assassin in the series so far. Then there's Shannon, inventor and possible villain in a Decepticon house. I felt sorry for Minoru (Minion) having to babysit the two of them. Had I read it on its own, I might've enjoyed it more, but I'm binging these like a concert and the one before was better.
Kindle edition
As much as I've enjoyed this author's previous stuff, the blurb did make me pause with unaliving. I thought maybe it was because he was in denial killing, but it is an overused word in the book and that sums up just how serious it is. It's not. I can picture the villain duo of Kim Possible in John Wick's continental hotel.
Orlando isn't actually that bad. He's clever with his poison and doesn't miss his target. Given his skills he's probably the best assassin in the series so far. Then there's Shannon, inventor and possible villain in a Decepticon house. I felt sorry for Minoru (Minion) having to babysit the two of them. Had I read it on its own, I might've enjoyed it more, but I'm binging these like a concert and the one before was better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2024
Voto: 3.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Un genio del male un po’ folle, e un vendicatore mortale, sono i due nuovi protagonisti che danno vita al quarto volume della serie “The Elite”. Un nuovo capitolo all’insegna di molteplici rimandi letterari e cinematografici che danno il via a uno svolgimento esilarante, una storia ricca di battibecchi pericolosamente mortali e carichi di un erotismo vissuto con semplice immediatezza.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI BARBARA
Un genio del male un po’ folle, e un vendicatore mortale, sono i due nuovi protagonisti che danno vita al quarto volume della serie “The Elite”. Un nuovo capitolo all’insegna di molteplici rimandi letterari e cinematografici che danno il via a uno svolgimento esilarante, una storia ricca di battibecchi pericolosamente mortali e carichi di un erotismo vissuto con semplice immediatezza.
Continua sul nostro blog!
May 5, 2023
Orlando is an unaliver ( an assassin.) He meets Shannon in the club and whilst back at Shannon's apartment, the building takes a couple of direct hits. Orlando is sent to assassinate the mercs in the building.
Quick easy to read story.
Quick easy to read story.
June 19, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a fun, quick read. I really liked Cody's sense of humor in a previous book of hers that I read, and I was given more of that quick wit and those over the top antics in this. I also loved a side character enough that I would love for him to get his own story. Overall this romantic comedy was more comedy than romance, however. The relationship was pretty superficial, and not even because of the instalove, which can be done well, but simply because there was too little to emotionally connect with here. If you just want some laughs though, this could still work for you.
This was a fun, quick read. I really liked Cody's sense of humor in a previous book of hers that I read, and I was given more of that quick wit and those over the top antics in this. I also loved a side character enough that I would love for him to get his own story. Overall this romantic comedy was more comedy than romance, however. The relationship was pretty superficial, and not even because of the instalove, which can be done well, but simply because there was too little to emotionally connect with here. If you just want some laughs though, this could still work for you.
January 18, 2025
Morally grey never looked better
This was a fun read. The characters were quirky and a lot of fun. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun standalone.
This was a fun read. The characters were quirky and a lot of fun. I highly recommend if you’re looking for a fun standalone.
May 5, 2023
I should've known when I saw the cover that this one might not be for me but you know the old adage. Thank goodness this one was short. I think there's a really fine line between funny and exasperating and this book was hopping all over it. It's been some time since I've read Cody and I think Poison Hearts has reminded me why. There's an element of trying so hard to be irreverent and quirky in this novella that it's at the expense of building ANY semblance of connection or payoff for reading. I think the idea of The Anonymous was taken entirely too seriously because while we know what Orlando and Shannon do, there's no reasoning or explanation about the who and why of it, and I kinda like to know a bit of those things. I also find I've grown so tired of the current obsession with, and massively broad use of, so called "morally grey" characters. They all seem to be doing the same things in the same ways and for the same "good" reasons (when there is reasoning given) just with snark and mildly grumpy attitudes. Absolutely not Cody's fault but this feeling crystallised while reading this book. I don't think anyone knows what morally grey even means anymore or what they're trying to do by saying a character is such. I did think it was telling that Shannon spouts that his public school education was "villain training" when we all are living under the fact that villians are definitely NOT from public schools (in the American system). But I digress.
I have to say that I did like a good bit of the banter between Orlando and Shannon and their strange agreements on the trajectory of their relationship (Shannon's obsession with getting access to the frogs was funny). I also found some of the talk around the smexy scenes refreshing, messy and not rote. I liked the idea of Orlando and Linus' friendship and could have been interested in a story about Linus but I feel like I'd have to suffer through Shannon to get it and I'm not willing to do that to myself again. I found Shannon annoying. I think the main thing that rubbed me wrong was the entirety of the stuff surrounding the Minorou gags. I just am not a fan of taking a name that is culturally coded and making it a running power dynamic joke. Particularly when it's coupled with the info that Shannon was the reason Minorou lost his license etc. Yes. I get it's supposed to be just the "quirky" way their relationship works but it comes off as not the most balanced relationship and the power dynamics are off. Add that Orlando also starts calling him Minion and yeah. Didn't sit well with me.
Lastly, I implore authors to PLEASE use slang SPARINGLY. I nearly DNF'd this book in the first two chapters because of the unbelievable amount of times there was use of some variation of "unalive". I truly couldn't believe how many times it was used in such a short span but also in such a short book. All this does is highlight how REPETITIVE your choices are and trap your work in the amber of a very short space of time. Honestly, along with morally grey, unalive can also be put out of it's misery. Your book isn't a tik tok.
All in all, this one wasn't for me. I think I'll steer clear of the comedy side of Cody's books because I don't think we mesh. I remember their other offerings were more my taste.
I have to say that I did like a good bit of the banter between Orlando and Shannon and their strange agreements on the trajectory of their relationship (Shannon's obsession with getting access to the frogs was funny). I also found some of the talk around the smexy scenes refreshing, messy and not rote. I liked the idea of Orlando and Linus' friendship and could have been interested in a story about Linus but I feel like I'd have to suffer through Shannon to get it and I'm not willing to do that to myself again. I found Shannon annoying. I think the main thing that rubbed me wrong was the entirety of the stuff surrounding the Minorou gags. I just am not a fan of taking a name that is culturally coded and making it a running power dynamic joke. Particularly when it's coupled with the info that Shannon was the reason Minorou lost his license etc. Yes. I get it's supposed to be just the "quirky" way their relationship works but it comes off as not the most balanced relationship and the power dynamics are off. Add that Orlando also starts calling him Minion and yeah. Didn't sit well with me.
Lastly, I implore authors to PLEASE use slang SPARINGLY. I nearly DNF'd this book in the first two chapters because of the unbelievable amount of times there was use of some variation of "unalive". I truly couldn't believe how many times it was used in such a short span but also in such a short book. All this does is highlight how REPETITIVE your choices are and trap your work in the amber of a very short space of time. Honestly, along with morally grey, unalive can also be put out of it's misery. Your book isn't a tik tok.
All in all, this one wasn't for me. I think I'll steer clear of the comedy side of Cody's books because I don't think we mesh. I remember their other offerings were more my taste.
July 23, 2023
Short, silly, and sexy -- exactly what I was in the mood for! And a little more snarky than silly, which made it even better. I really need to read more by this author -- besides having the best first name (natch!), she's a very clever writer and funny thinker, both of which are highly amusing. I'm putting her Diviner's Game series on my shortlist for the near future!
May 8, 2023
Holy shit.
This is my new favorite book. I need a whole universe with these guys, I need a book for Linus and one for Minion. Give me moooooore!!
I am DEFINITELY picking up The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer RIGHT NOW, and my hopes a sky high.
This is my new favorite book. I need a whole universe with these guys, I need a book for Linus and one for Minion. Give me moooooore!!
I am DEFINITELY picking up The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer RIGHT NOW, and my hopes a sky high.
April 16, 2024
Fun (for a book about a vigilante and evil genius)
OTT as ever with this author, but I loved Shannon, Orlando, and Minion as well. Decent plot, sexy times, and many funny moments made this very enjoyable.
OTT as ever with this author, but I loved Shannon, Orlando, and Minion as well. Decent plot, sexy times, and many funny moments made this very enjoyable.
May 4, 2023
The Force is Strong in this One
I love, love, love this book. It was so much fun to read. I laughed out loud so many times. I could definitely read more stories from Orlando & Shannon (Minion & Linus too). *Hint Hint* 😆
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I love, love, love this book. It was so much fun to read. I laughed out loud so many times. I could definitely read more stories from Orlando & Shannon (Minion & Linus too). *Hint Hint* 😆
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
May 6, 2023
Love the crazy 🤪 but the cover man... the cover
January 9, 2024
Loved the story, not so much the cover... but, it is what it is!
May 6, 2023
Not up to the standard of the Fox and Romily books, although it tried.
May 6, 2023
I loved this story. Once I started reading I couldnt put the book down. Shannon and his evil genuis.... he very quickly worked out that he could persuade Orlando to agree to anything...
The snark and funny interactions between not only Shannon and his minion, but Orlando and the coroners text messages..... oh how I want the coroner and Minion together..
The snark and funny interactions between not only Shannon and his minion, but Orlando and the coroners text messages..... oh how I want the coroner and Minion together..
April 29, 2023
Another Jennifer Cody novel in perfect flawless Jennifer Cody form!! This is the happiest book of the Elite series so far, and probably will stay that way. Yes, people die in this one, like a lot, like Orlando undersells himself when he says "at least 10 deaths a year" because probably no where NEAR the average except when he started out tbh.
But it's all in the comic style Cody brings to her Romily Family books as well (the infamous "me minding my own business and a head plops into a lap. I am vaguely grossed out, shove it off me, then look up at the man and tell him he owes me money for new clothes" (thats heavily paraphrased from the gist of my memory)). So, I knew going into this one I wouldn't be traumatized, and I wasn't!
Am I a little sad for the bad guys? just the two that spoke: the one who said "shit I've been hit" and knew it was coming and the one shot---well, you'll see 😏. I'm a bleeding heart! They were probably very. Bad. Men.
This book also had less of a intense plot of who dun it intrigue then its predecessor, if not all of them; it's a very light hearted, quick read (I gobbled it up in less than 12 hours? less than 16 for sure). Both characters are Cody's trademark sassy slightly (or...um....completely BATSHIT loveable, in Shannon's case) style of MC. I don't think Cody knows how to write her characters any other way, but Jennifer, please don't change?
it's very light hearted, the bad guys deserved it (mostly, I still think the one who said "shit I'm hit" should have run home to his fiancé I made up for him for a happier ending, when his teammates died and he knew it was a lost cause; perfect time to become a good person), and no cats were harmed in the making of this book; no really--Shannon, the Gru of this book, didn't even have a hairless cat to put a pinky to his face while holding and laugh maniacally!! MISSED OPPORTUNITIES!!! However! It DID have a WONDERFUL claimed best friend who claimed him back, named blink-and-you-miss-him Linus, and the BEST minion EVER!!!! FUTURE BEST FRIENDS IN THE MAKING!
No but seriously you will love this book; Shannon goes to great length to adopt all his family members, and I'd say more but I'm trying not to spoil the book, because the hijinx are as amazing as they are hilarious. All 4 of the MCs and SCs (supporting) (and yes, I'm counting you Linus <3333) are lovable. And hilarious.
#instalove, no evil cat mascot, comedy, hot bartender.
fans of books like Love for the Cold-Blooded by Alex Gabriel, Ethan and Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox, Get It Together by Shelby Rhodes, Jennifer's own Trouble With Trying to Date a Murderer, and AJ Sherwoods How I Stole a Princess' White Knight will LOVE!!! this book, because I promise you, it's that same zainy, insta claim, questionably morally grey (is villain-face a thing???) comedic, villain inclusive type vibing going on (each of these books shares a similar aspect not a total inclusion of this list of traits).
TLDR; I loved it and if I could squee about all my favorite parts without spoiling the entire book and ruining your own experience I would. So you better appreciate all my favorite parts I can't mention individual (it wouldn't be basically the entire book or anything, I swear!) or I'll send Minion after you! >:(
But it's all in the comic style Cody brings to her Romily Family books as well (the infamous "me minding my own business and a head plops into a lap. I am vaguely grossed out, shove it off me, then look up at the man and tell him he owes me money for new clothes" (thats heavily paraphrased from the gist of my memory)). So, I knew going into this one I wouldn't be traumatized, and I wasn't!
Am I a little sad for the bad guys? just the two that spoke: the one who said "shit I've been hit" and knew it was coming and the one shot---well, you'll see 😏. I'm a bleeding heart! They were probably very. Bad. Men.
This book also had less of a intense plot of who dun it intrigue then its predecessor, if not all of them; it's a very light hearted, quick read (I gobbled it up in less than 12 hours? less than 16 for sure). Both characters are Cody's trademark sassy slightly (or...um....completely BATSHIT loveable, in Shannon's case) style of MC. I don't think Cody knows how to write her characters any other way, but Jennifer, please don't change?
it's very light hearted, the bad guys deserved it (mostly, I still think the one who said "shit I'm hit" should have run home to his fiancé I made up for him for a happier ending, when his teammates died and he knew it was a lost cause; perfect time to become a good person), and no cats were harmed in the making of this book; no really--Shannon, the Gru of this book, didn't even have a hairless cat to put a pinky to his face while holding and laugh maniacally!! MISSED OPPORTUNITIES!!! However! It DID have a WONDERFUL claimed best friend who claimed him back, named blink-and-you-miss-him Linus, and the BEST minion EVER!!!! FUTURE BEST FRIENDS IN THE MAKING!
No but seriously you will love this book; Shannon goes to great length to adopt all his family members, and I'd say more but I'm trying not to spoil the book, because the hijinx are as amazing as they are hilarious. All 4 of the MCs and SCs (supporting) (and yes, I'm counting you Linus <3333) are lovable. And hilarious.
#instalove, no evil cat mascot, comedy, hot bartender.
fans of books like Love for the Cold-Blooded by Alex Gabriel, Ethan and Jag Destroy the World by Maz Maddox, Get It Together by Shelby Rhodes, Jennifer's own Trouble With Trying to Date a Murderer, and AJ Sherwoods How I Stole a Princess' White Knight will LOVE!!! this book, because I promise you, it's that same zainy, insta claim, questionably morally grey (is villain-face a thing???) comedic, villain inclusive type vibing going on (each of these books shares a similar aspect not a total inclusion of this list of traits).
TLDR; I loved it and if I could squee about all my favorite parts without spoiling the entire book and ruining your own experience I would. So you better appreciate all my favorite parts I can't mention individual (it wouldn't be basically the entire book or anything, I swear!) or I'll send Minion after you! >:(
May 5, 2023
a absolute winner in every way! needs a sequel
Rating: 5🌈
Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody was a real winner for me. It’s so entertaining, it’s characters so outrageously out there and engaging that it cries out for more adventures.
Pls pls I desperately need more stories of the merry insanity that is Orlando, Shannon, Minion , and hopefully, Linus.
Do not deprive us of this!
And it all starts so not so innocently with the blow dart murders of some bad guys in the Old Defiance neighborhood being protected by Orlando Ludovici, your neighborhood vigilante ninja assassin .
Cody has created a fabulous character in Orlando, complete with a fascinating family background and creative methodology for dealing with the baddies. There’s several authors that jump immediately to mind with their similarly charismatic assassins and Orlando easily ranks right in there with that crazy murderous fictional group.
Then there’s the fabulously insane scientist Shannon Mayburn, the tool peddler, brilliant inventor of tools of murder and mass destruction . He loves to dance and soon, he loves Orlando.
Plus his Minion. Whose name isn’t really minion and may kill Shannon at any moment because his boss annoys him so. I adore Minion. Who’s full of revelations and a delightful character in his own right.
Did I mention Linus the coroner who gets texts from Orlando about the bodies he’s about to receive? Theirs is a funny complicated anonymous relationship.
Ah, The Anonymous ! The elegant extremely private club where a crème colored invitation ushers you into a world of an utter criminality. The urbane of the world’s rift raft or this section’s of it, all secretly having cocktails and making connections in a lavish atmosphere in an art deco hotel.
It’s the meet cutely dangerous for Orlando and Shannon (as well as being the theme for the series). The characters Cody creates for the reason for Orlando’s entrance are mysterious and so beautifully written they scream for a story of their own. Especially since they come with such a scrumptious companion/bodyguard to boot.
Honestly, there’s no aspect, no element that Cody used in the many storylines that wasn’t a money maker in terms of its narrative use here. Thrills, excitement, more dead bodies, smooches and love talk ala crazy people. Yes! All there along with some explosions. And frogs.
I love this story and all the characters. Well, not the dead ones. The very much alive and deadly ones. And need more of them.
Hopefully Jennifer Cody is listening.
Yes this is a highly recommended read.
The Elite Multi-Author series (9 Books):
- [x] Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters
- [x] Leave No Trace by Michelle Frost and Sammi Cee❤️
- [x] Ace of Maids by K.L. Hiers
- [x] Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody❤️
- [ ] Liar's Gambit by Kelly Fox
- [ ] Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King
- [ ] Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox
- [ ] Love for the Reaper by Charlie Cochet
- [ ] Chance Encounter by Luna David
Rating: 5🌈
Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody was a real winner for me. It’s so entertaining, it’s characters so outrageously out there and engaging that it cries out for more adventures.
Pls pls I desperately need more stories of the merry insanity that is Orlando, Shannon, Minion , and hopefully, Linus.
Do not deprive us of this!
And it all starts so not so innocently with the blow dart murders of some bad guys in the Old Defiance neighborhood being protected by Orlando Ludovici, your neighborhood vigilante ninja assassin .
Cody has created a fabulous character in Orlando, complete with a fascinating family background and creative methodology for dealing with the baddies. There’s several authors that jump immediately to mind with their similarly charismatic assassins and Orlando easily ranks right in there with that crazy murderous fictional group.
Then there’s the fabulously insane scientist Shannon Mayburn, the tool peddler, brilliant inventor of tools of murder and mass destruction . He loves to dance and soon, he loves Orlando.
Plus his Minion. Whose name isn’t really minion and may kill Shannon at any moment because his boss annoys him so. I adore Minion. Who’s full of revelations and a delightful character in his own right.
Did I mention Linus the coroner who gets texts from Orlando about the bodies he’s about to receive? Theirs is a funny complicated anonymous relationship.
Ah, The Anonymous ! The elegant extremely private club where a crème colored invitation ushers you into a world of an utter criminality. The urbane of the world’s rift raft or this section’s of it, all secretly having cocktails and making connections in a lavish atmosphere in an art deco hotel.
It’s the meet cutely dangerous for Orlando and Shannon (as well as being the theme for the series). The characters Cody creates for the reason for Orlando’s entrance are mysterious and so beautifully written they scream for a story of their own. Especially since they come with such a scrumptious companion/bodyguard to boot.
Honestly, there’s no aspect, no element that Cody used in the many storylines that wasn’t a money maker in terms of its narrative use here. Thrills, excitement, more dead bodies, smooches and love talk ala crazy people. Yes! All there along with some explosions. And frogs.
I love this story and all the characters. Well, not the dead ones. The very much alive and deadly ones. And need more of them.
Hopefully Jennifer Cody is listening.
Yes this is a highly recommended read.
The Elite Multi-Author series (9 Books):
- [x] Reckless Roulette by Alice Winters
- [x] Leave No Trace by Michelle Frost and Sammi Cee❤️
- [x] Ace of Maids by K.L. Hiers
- [x] Poison Hearts by Jennifer Cody❤️
- [ ] Liar's Gambit by Kelly Fox
- [ ] Dealer of Secrets by Davidson King
- [ ] Bullets & Butterflies by Maz Maddox
- [ ] Love for the Reaper by Charlie Cochet
- [ ] Chance Encounter by Luna David
May 4, 2023
Megamind meets Arrow? Yes, please!
If you are familiar with Jennifer Cody’s books, then you know what to expect when you open up a story by her: lots of laughter, low angst, great world-building, lovable quirky characters, plenty of hot scenes, and a story you get wrap up in and you can’t put down until you finish it, and Poison Hearts is not the exception.
The book is part of The Elite multi-author series which revolves around a club where only the elite from the criminal world are welcomed, The Anonymous Club. This gives a John Wick vibe that sets the background of the book, but it is not the core of it.
Poison Hearts is a story about finding something you want and going all in without hesitation and without really thinking it through. Life belongs to the brave, right? In Orlando’s case, love belongs to the brave, the reckless, and the ones with no regard for their personal safety. The book is fast-paced and hilarious, both characters are delightful to read, and the story is engaging, lighthearted, and filled with fun and unexpected pop culture references.
My only complaint is that the book is too short! I wish it was longer, I feel there are things that were left unsaid, and I wanted a deeper and longer view of the story and what was happening.
If you want a story that will make you laugh, doesn’t make you contemplate life’s greatest mysteries, and leave you wanting more, then this one is for you.
If you are familiar with Jennifer Cody’s books, then you know what to expect when you open up a story by her: lots of laughter, low angst, great world-building, lovable quirky characters, plenty of hot scenes, and a story you get wrap up in and you can’t put down until you finish it, and Poison Hearts is not the exception.
The book is part of The Elite multi-author series which revolves around a club where only the elite from the criminal world are welcomed, The Anonymous Club. This gives a John Wick vibe that sets the background of the book, but it is not the core of it.
Poison Hearts is a story about finding something you want and going all in without hesitation and without really thinking it through. Life belongs to the brave, right? In Orlando’s case, love belongs to the brave, the reckless, and the ones with no regard for their personal safety. The book is fast-paced and hilarious, both characters are delightful to read, and the story is engaging, lighthearted, and filled with fun and unexpected pop culture references.
My only complaint is that the book is too short! I wish it was longer, I feel there are things that were left unsaid, and I wanted a deeper and longer view of the story and what was happening.
If you want a story that will make you laugh, doesn’t make you contemplate life’s greatest mysteries, and leave you wanting more, then this one is for you.
May 4, 2023
I had no idea that I needed this story in my life until I read it! I absolutely love these characters and wanted more of Orlando and Shannon. Orlando's a bit of a vigilante taking care of the crime in his own area. Mostly because he just wants it to be safe for his old lady neighbor to walk around without having to worry abut getting mugged. Little did he know that it would lead to an invitation to an elite club where he would stumble across a mad genius scientist who invents tools for his clientele. Shannon is the epitome of classic mad genius who's kind of quirky and off the rails but in a way that's hilarious and adorable. I loved the chemistry between Orlando and Shannon and while it's quick, there's definitely a connection beyond just physical. This was a fast paced, steamy, actiony, comedy of a read and I highly recommend it! What's really great is that it's not just the MCs who are awesome, but also the side characters. Linus doesn't even realized he's been roped into being Orlando's friend until it's too late and Minion is there to keep Shannon on his toes. I sure hope I've spotted the bottom that Linus has been looking for ;)
May 6, 2023
Poison Hearts showcases what Jennifer Cody does best - quirky, not quite on the "good side" characters, fast paced, action packed storytelling, HOT sexy times, and outlandish, entertaining side-characters that almost take over the story.
Orlando is an assassin, excuse me, the proper term is Unaliver, with a purpose - protecting the part of the city he calls home and all those who live there. Shannon is a mad scientist, who creates efficient and deadly tools for those who need them and has a desire to perfect the reanimation process to bring back the unalived... and if those two weren't enough, there is Minorou, affectionately known as Minion, Shannon's sarcastic, deadly, but loyal assistant. Orlando and Shannon meet in The Anonymous, and the story is off to the races. The story is short and part of a multi-author Elite series, so there isn't much time spent on backstory for any of the characters, but that doesn't distract from the story or the chemistry between the characters. Hopefully, Jennifer will revisit this world and give us Minion's story. If you are in a mood for a funny, sweet, sexy read, Poisin Hearts is it!
Orlando is an assassin, excuse me, the proper term is Unaliver, with a purpose - protecting the part of the city he calls home and all those who live there. Shannon is a mad scientist, who creates efficient and deadly tools for those who need them and has a desire to perfect the reanimation process to bring back the unalived... and if those two weren't enough, there is Minorou, affectionately known as Minion, Shannon's sarcastic, deadly, but loyal assistant. Orlando and Shannon meet in The Anonymous, and the story is off to the races. The story is short and part of a multi-author Elite series, so there isn't much time spent on backstory for any of the characters, but that doesn't distract from the story or the chemistry between the characters. Hopefully, Jennifer will revisit this world and give us Minion's story. If you are in a mood for a funny, sweet, sexy read, Poisin Hearts is it!
May 17, 2023
Poison and Gadgets Galore!
Two men, both confident in who they are. Orlando just wants to protect his neck of the woods, and does so in a unique fashion. Shannon wants to take over the world (for like, a few days, until he gets bored.) They meet at The Anonymous the first time Orlando steps into the club. A club where membership has to be offered, and saying yes will keep you safe within it's walls. But making a wrong move inside the Anonymous can get you killed on the outside, because the members are made up of the things that go bump in the night. Shannon sees Orlando and knows he's a newbie, then calls dibs. He has little hope he can actually snare the hottie, but Orlando likes Shannon's moxie. A hookup quickly turns deadly serious, and Orlando's unique set of skills is needed to take care of a little problem for Shannon. Combined with Shannon's specialty, Orlando can't be stopped. Teamwork happens. Exotic pets happen. A salty Minion being paid overtime happens. Most of all, hilarity and steamy times happen. Although said steamy times get several interruptions! I loved this book. Jennifer Cody is a genius with words.
Two men, both confident in who they are. Orlando just wants to protect his neck of the woods, and does so in a unique fashion. Shannon wants to take over the world (for like, a few days, until he gets bored.) They meet at The Anonymous the first time Orlando steps into the club. A club where membership has to be offered, and saying yes will keep you safe within it's walls. But making a wrong move inside the Anonymous can get you killed on the outside, because the members are made up of the things that go bump in the night. Shannon sees Orlando and knows he's a newbie, then calls dibs. He has little hope he can actually snare the hottie, but Orlando likes Shannon's moxie. A hookup quickly turns deadly serious, and Orlando's unique set of skills is needed to take care of a little problem for Shannon. Combined with Shannon's specialty, Orlando can't be stopped. Teamwork happens. Exotic pets happen. A salty Minion being paid overtime happens. Most of all, hilarity and steamy times happen. Although said steamy times get several interruptions! I loved this book. Jennifer Cody is a genius with words.
May 4, 2023
OUT TODAY 5/4/23
I don't usually give shorts 4 stars but you know what screw it! I enjoyed this one. It was a fun read that had me smiling. The characters are silly and absurd but oh-so likable. I would really like to see more of this world. I don't want these characters to be done.
Orlando is an assassin. He protects his 6 blocks of Defiance from criminals. It is a thankless job but he doesn't mind doing it.
Shannon is an inventor. He makes items for certain types of people. You need something outlandish he is your guy.
These two meet at Club Anonymous. They hit it off immediately. While they are hooking up something happens to Shannon's home that has Orlando hunting down people with his blow darts.
As I said, this novella was fun. Each character was their unique self. Did the two mains fall fast heck yeah. But I don't care. I really want more of Linus and Minion too. They are side characters who just couldn't help but grab my attention. Give me their stories! Seriously I would like more of this world. 😆
I don't usually give shorts 4 stars but you know what screw it! I enjoyed this one. It was a fun read that had me smiling. The characters are silly and absurd but oh-so likable. I would really like to see more of this world. I don't want these characters to be done.
Orlando is an assassin. He protects his 6 blocks of Defiance from criminals. It is a thankless job but he doesn't mind doing it.
Shannon is an inventor. He makes items for certain types of people. You need something outlandish he is your guy.
These two meet at Club Anonymous. They hit it off immediately. While they are hooking up something happens to Shannon's home that has Orlando hunting down people with his blow darts.
As I said, this novella was fun. Each character was their unique self. Did the two mains fall fast heck yeah. But I don't care. I really want more of Linus and Minion too. They are side characters who just couldn't help but grab my attention. Give me their stories! Seriously I would like more of this world. 😆
May 6, 2023
Jennifer Cody Hit!
Jennifer Cody is a hit or miss for me. The ones I like I REALLY like, but the ones I don't I usually can't even finish. This is a definite hit.
Loved Shannon and Orlando to pieces. Their banter was witty and the chemistry was pure fire. Minion was one of the best supporting characters I've ever seen and I hope we get more from these 3 because they were epic together. I highlighted so many quotes as I read that probably 40% of the book is highlighted!
I had 1 issue that isn't even a complaint, just sent my mind on a tangent that was wholly unnecessary: Shannon gets the special of the day at the hotel restaurant which is a "posh" meatloaf of ostrich, bison, and alligator. These are all super lean meats so a chef would have to compensate for that quite a bit to make it a good meatloaf. This is the weirdest thing that has ever bothered me reading a book. Maybe I'm just to poor to get it.
Absolutely loved this story so much and I'm already looking forward to rereading it. 1500 stars!!
Jennifer Cody is a hit or miss for me. The ones I like I REALLY like, but the ones I don't I usually can't even finish. This is a definite hit.
Loved Shannon and Orlando to pieces. Their banter was witty and the chemistry was pure fire. Minion was one of the best supporting characters I've ever seen and I hope we get more from these 3 because they were epic together. I highlighted so many quotes as I read that probably 40% of the book is highlighted!
I had 1 issue that isn't even a complaint, just sent my mind on a tangent that was wholly unnecessary: Shannon gets the special of the day at the hotel restaurant which is a "posh" meatloaf of ostrich, bison, and alligator. These are all super lean meats so a chef would have to compensate for that quite a bit to make it a good meatloaf. This is the weirdest thing that has ever bothered me reading a book. Maybe I'm just to poor to get it.
Absolutely loved this story so much and I'm already looking forward to rereading it. 1500 stars!!
May 4, 2023
Welcome to the Anonymous indeed. This book was both sweet and funny with some intrigue. I am loving the anti-hero trope these days so this book was right up my alley. Orlando a vigilante using his blow darts and poison arrows to keep his neighbourhood safe. One night he receives an envelope inviting him to the Anonymous. Orlando goes in trying to figure out who he needs to unalive when he meets Shannon.
Shannon is our cute genius inventor. All Shannon wants is someone to dance with. Who knew that one dance would lead to all kinds of hijinks.
Jennifer Cody has a knack for getting us to adore all her characters. You can't help getting attached to them all. Not just Orlando and Shannon but even Linus the coroner and Minion pull you in and you just want more more more.
I read this book smiling the whole time and even found myself laughing out loud several times.
If you are looking for a good low angst read, you need to check out Poison Hearts. You won't be disappointed.
Shannon is our cute genius inventor. All Shannon wants is someone to dance with. Who knew that one dance would lead to all kinds of hijinks.
Jennifer Cody has a knack for getting us to adore all her characters. You can't help getting attached to them all. Not just Orlando and Shannon but even Linus the coroner and Minion pull you in and you just want more more more.
I read this book smiling the whole time and even found myself laughing out loud several times.
If you are looking for a good low angst read, you need to check out Poison Hearts. You won't be disappointed.
May 5, 2023
Poison Hearts is a hilarious, action-packed romance between a blow-dart vigilante and an evil genius with a plan for world domination (but it’s just a plan — managing the entire world would be such a chore).
If you’re not familiar with the wild and wonderful mind of Jennifer Cody, this 92-page installment in the multi-author Elite series is a great place to start. (Each book in the series stands alone.) We have Orlando, who has taken it upon himself to keep his neighborhood safe — by any means necessary, be it poison darts or otherwise. After he gets an invite to the mysterious club, the Anonymous, he meets Shannon, the aforementioned evil genius who makes helpful inventions (for a price). Sparks and negotiations fly, and mayhem ensues, and it’s fabulous.
These two are perfect together, and they cracked me up with their unique perspectives — and their fantastic minions. This is a fast and frantic and wildly fun ride, and I highly recommend you read it.
If you’re not familiar with the wild and wonderful mind of Jennifer Cody, this 92-page installment in the multi-author Elite series is a great place to start. (Each book in the series stands alone.) We have Orlando, who has taken it upon himself to keep his neighborhood safe — by any means necessary, be it poison darts or otherwise. After he gets an invite to the mysterious club, the Anonymous, he meets Shannon, the aforementioned evil genius who makes helpful inventions (for a price). Sparks and negotiations fly, and mayhem ensues, and it’s fabulous.
These two are perfect together, and they cracked me up with their unique perspectives — and their fantastic minions. This is a fast and frantic and wildly fun ride, and I highly recommend you read it.
May 14, 2023
This was… actually a pretty perfect novella.
I mean, not everything in it was my particular yum, but I’m not going to yuck it. But! And this is important!
This was a solid novella. Not a book trying to stuff itself into a novella, not a story that shouldn’t have been a novella but wound up that way.. nope. This was a novella. It was paced well, the details and characters were rich, the plot and the action were done well, and the descriptive text was spot-on for the most part. It was complete at the end and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything—anything but follow-up novellas for Linus and Minion, who will be called Minion simply because it’s hilarious, in any case.
A few mistakes and misses, but overall extremely enjoyable. Wild and out there, but like.. I think if this situation could ever actually be real, the characters portrayed would definitely be the real life folx behind the madness and mayhem.
4.5/5!
I mean, not everything in it was my particular yum, but I’m not going to yuck it. But! And this is important!
This was a solid novella. Not a book trying to stuff itself into a novella, not a story that shouldn’t have been a novella but wound up that way.. nope. This was a novella. It was paced well, the details and characters were rich, the plot and the action were done well, and the descriptive text was spot-on for the most part. It was complete at the end and I didn’t feel like I was missing anything—anything but follow-up novellas for Linus and Minion, who will be called Minion simply because it’s hilarious, in any case.
A few mistakes and misses, but overall extremely enjoyable. Wild and out there, but like.. I think if this situation could ever actually be real, the characters portrayed would definitely be the real life folx behind the madness and mayhem.
4.5/5!
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