Duron

Assassins to Order #3

by J.P. Sayle, Lisa Oliver

Two men from different worlds, brought together. One seeks answers to a century-old problem.
The other is running from a destiny he doesn't want. What does Fate have in store for them?

Duron has wasted too much time dancing to the shifter council's tune. He has enough on his plate, struggling to let go of a past infatuation. What he needs is an escape, and the offer to go to Paraguay on a hunt fits the bill.
What he doesn't expect? The new shifter council leader is his mate.

Newly appointed lead Beaumont wants to rid the council of its rotten apples, which includes anything connected to the assassin program. When one of those assassins turns out to be his mate, his determination increases. Except life never goes according to plan. The past is about to intersect with the present.

Can these two new mates handle the truth? Or will the Devil continue to hold all the cards and blow their world apart?

Duron is book three in Assassins to Order series, which is a gritty MM Paranormal Romance. The book includes scenes of graphic violence and intimacies between two alpha males that will make your toes curl.

Genres: Paranormal, M M Romance, Romance, Shapeshifters, M M Paranormal, M M Shapeshifters

262 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2023

About the author

Where does one start with about what I do?
I’m a writer, but I’m sure you guessed that by now if you’re reading this, hey? What you might not know is I’m a little quirky, live in my pj’s most of the time and have cake Saturdays with my sisters every week. I dedicate a little of my time to taking care of my grandbabies and on the dedicated writing days I like to write an eclectic mix of romance, suspense and paranormal fantasy. In the main I’ve written gay romance but I’m branching out under another the pen name in the future, so watch this space.
I’ve a passion for books like you would not believe and it led me down this path and now I’ve over 29 books released and heading towards releasing a whole lot more. The way my head is I never know where I’ll be headed next. I hope you’ll find a little joy in my words and follow me to see where the journey takes me and you.
If you’re interested at some point in 2021 I’ll be writing under the name JP Paton which will be F/M crime and Fantasy two of my favourite things. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled 


French
Par où commencer par ce que je fais?
Je suis écrivain, mais je suis sûr que vous l’avez deviné maintenant si vous lisez ceci, hein? Ce que vous ne savez peut-être pas, c'est que je suis un peu excentrique, que je vis dans mon pyjama la plupart du temps et que je prends un gâteau le samedi avec mes sœurs chaque semaine. Je consacre un peu de mon temps à m'occuper de mes petits-enfants et lors des journées consacrées à l'écriture, j'aime écrire un mélange éclectique de romance, de suspense et de fantaisie paranormale. Dans l’ensemble, j’ai écrit une romance gay, mais je vais dans le futur sous un autre nom de plume, alors surveillez cet espace.
J'ai une passion pour les livres comme vous ne le croiriez pas et cela m'a conduit dans cette voie et maintenant j'ai plus de 29 livres publiés et je me dirige vers la sortie de beaucoup plus. La façon dont ma tête est, je ne sais jamais où je vais me diriger ensuite. J'espère que vous trouverez un peu de joie dans mes paroles et que vous me suivrez pour voir où le voyage vous mène, moi et vous.
Si vous êtes intéressé à un moment donné en 2021, je vais écrire sous le nom de JP Paton qui sera le crime F / M et Fantasy deux de mes choses préférées. Assurez-vous de garder les yeux ouverts 


Spanish
¿Por dónde empezar con lo que hago?
Soy escritor, pero estoy seguro de que ya lo habrá adivinado si está leyendo esto, ¿eh? Lo que quizás no sepas es que soy un poco estrafalario, vivo en mi pijama la mayor parte del tiempo y tengo pastel los sábados con mis hermanas todas las semanas. Dedico un poco de mi tiempo a cuidar de mis nietos y en los días dedicados a la escritura, me gusta escribir una mezcla ecléctica de romance, suspenso y fantasía paranormal. En general, escribí romance gay, pero en el futuro me voy a diversificar con otro seudónimo, así que mira este espacio.
Tengo una pasión por los libros que no creerías y eso me llevó por este camino y ahora tengo más de 29 libros publicados y me dirijo a lanzar muchos más. Por la forma en que está mi cabeza, nunca sé a dónde me dirigiré a continuación. Espero que encuentres un poco de alegría en mis palabras y me sigas para ver adónde nos lleva el viaje a ti y a mí.
Si está interesado en algún momento en 2021, escribiré bajo el nombre de JP Paton, que será F / M Crime y Fantasy, dos de mis cosas favoritas. Asegúrate de mantener los ojos bien abiertos 

Reviews

[Audi♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot twist! Are you kidding?
THATS who the devil is? Ugh. I feel so bad for Wyatt. wtf!!
Im getting bored, but I NEED ANSWERS!

Ps- not enough Marvin updates.

"Up close, Beaumont was one scary fucker in his animal form. Yummy. His bear was ready to come out and snuggle with his cold-blooded mate and warm him up."
🥹🤭

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving these assassin books, and Duron was no different.
The story starts with a bang. Duron and Beaumont meet and immediately know they are mates. There's no drama, though they do have to focus on the case a little before they give in to their need to complete their bond.
Lots of twists and turns, Duron sets up the next couple of books. While I'd love it to be Wyatt, I think Conrad is next.
Beaumont was an interesting character, he has a lot of integrity and the ending showed he's the man for the council leader job.
Quick read for me because I couldn't put it down

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 ⭐️

This series is going completely bonkers and I love it 😍😂 The drama is full on!

The relationships in this series are a bit less interesting than the Tantacles one. Both series have the classic fated mates/insta-love deal (which I love in trashy/light hearted reads) but in this one, it feels like the pairings are made randomly just to advance the plot 🤷‍♀️

Getting into the next one, I'm already worried about the "BDSM" rep that Lisa Oliver will give us (considering how bad it was in her older series), let's hope that 10 years of writing and J.P. Sayle's help will make it better 🤞

Narrator: Kevin Earlywine

[Stephanie Murillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Recommend!

This was a wonderful book. Had all the emotions engaged. Great series! So happy these guys are getting their mates!

[Yuki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Un livre sans surprise, relation en deux jours faciles, le méchant c’était évident que c’était le fils pas de surprise, tout était sans surprise, je dirai même sans saveur. Pas de développement de personnalité. Si on enlève les parties de jambes en L’air, la pseudo intrigue et les quelques scènes d’action on obtient rien, juste des touristes en vacances au Paraguay visitant des amis lol 😂. C’est cool ! Mais finir un livre en à peine 4 heures pour moi c’est pas bon. Il manque tellement de choses dans ce livre. Je suis juste déçue. Je m’attendais du moins à mieux et non à très peu.

[Earlene Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 1/2 😐🤔!

The storyline started out okay but the rest was mediocre😓. Again too many things happening at once (at least for me😳)! Too many characters to keep up with also!😓. The ending was disappointing also😓😭😢😞!! I did give it 2 1/2 Stars anyway🤔🙄.

[Taylin Clavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.75 hearts
Following a family tragedy, Beaumont has spent his life chasing the perpetrator(s). Decades later, his search leads him to Paraguay – the territory of the Putney Brothers. When two shifter council assassins answered the call for help, Beaumont didn’t expect one of them to be his fated mate. Duron was at the Thalassa building with his assassin brothers. His crush on Marvin was getting the better of him, so he was eager to respond when the call came for a job in Paraguay. He didn’t expect to find something that eclipsed and resolved his heartache.
Duron is book three in the Assassins for Hire series, a spin-off from the Tangled Tentacles series. After reading the Tangled books, my worldview changed to the point where I didn’t believe any other tale could come close to beating the reading experience. But this one came damned close. JP Sayle and Lisa Oliver have created a world of adventures that I’ll happily say yes to without reading the blurb because I know it will be good.
The story is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Duron and Beaumont. Worldbuilding has evolved over both series. Nevertheless, the imagery is superb, including scents and smells. I also applaud the decision not to hold back on some battle scenes, where it would have been easy to duck out of gory details.
Beaumont is a gator shifter and head of the shifter council. For years he’s been balancing his head over his heart. What he faces in this story tests that resolve and whether he will let the past affect his future. Fate has sent him the perfect partner.
Duron is primarily a bear shifter, but he has many other animal spirits inside him that occasionally war with each other. To a point, he’d only know the teaching of the scientists/trainers and the kindness of Marvin. Yet, the Thalassa children gravitate towards him.
This story differs from the others in that it is Duron who provides physical and mental support to a worldly man who is struggling. His training has made him a man of facts, allowing him to see certain situations more clearly. Beaumont shows him the care and love that his life is missing.
Regarding the plot – there is family heartache, murder, a bombing, an investigation, magical wards, the reappearance of an old foe, plenty of heat!!!, and some gory battles. Also, it was lovely to see the Thalassa in the background alongside their children.
I do not know how many tales will be in this series, but I look forward to more, in whatever shape or form it takes.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.

[Katriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I was not prepared for all the twists and turns that occured throughout Beaumont and Duron's journey. This book starts off with giving us Beaumont's tragic backstory, it's truly heartbreaking, you could practically feel his agony through the page. After the backstory we get taken to the moment Duron and Beaumont realize their fated mates, and from there we're taken on an action packed adventure full of some questions getting answered, while more questions simultaneously pop up. If you want to know what else happens you'll have to read this for yourself, cause I'm trying very hard to not put spikers in this review.

I always appreciate both Lisa and JP's writing styles, they compliment each other and come together to make truly incredible stories, with lovely characters! These characters are so well fleshed out and each and every one belong in this book, and in this series quite frankly. I don't know how these authors keep track of everyone and to keep their stories straight, but I'm so excited that they keep continuing to make these phenomenal stories!! There was so many shocking details that came up in this book that I want to talk about so bad! But I can't... Cause that would be a massive spoiler/spoilers! I was shocked by the cruelty of the 'Devil' which honestly, is a accurate name for the cruel man behind the despicable reputation. The horrors that both of the men went through and have had to deal with is horrifying, but together they make each other stronger. They help heal old wounds, and find ways to help each other cope with the pain that can become agonizing.

I cannot recommend this book enough! And while this book can be read as a standalone, I strongly suggest you to read the whole series first, along with the shared world series called Tangled Tentacles.

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

DURON is the third book in the Assassin's To Order series, continuing to delight.

Duron is the one who has lingered on Marvin, knowing he wasn't his but still... It turns out that it wasn't Marvin he wanted, but the closeness and affection he'd never had before. And Beaumont brings that in spades.

Oh, man. These two are delightful. Both are so protective of each other and find each so sexy that no furniture is safe! I loved how Beaumont was an alligator shifter. There aren't many cold-blooded reptile shifter stories and I loved this one. As for Duron, he's a hybrid, housing a multitude of animals who all play their own part.

They meet in Paraguay as they try to help Ben's brothers in hunting down the Devil. It became obvious early on just who he was, but the emotional devastation was no less for knowing! Beaumont about killed me with his reactions, and Duron was perfect in allowing him time - plus his own special way of helping!

I am absolutely loving this duo of authors. Each time, they produce the highest quality of writing and fresh storylines that keep my interest from the very beginning. The only downside - if you can call it that - is that I would recommend reading the Tangled in Tentacles series first, just to get a grounding of what has happened to this point, followed by the first and second books in this series. No, it's not absolutely necessary to do so, but you're missing out on some amazing stories and backgrounds if you don't.

Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 17, 2023

[Stephanie Bonsall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm loving this series as it's just so different and full of action!

Duron is the third book in the Assassins series and I think that they need to be read in order to pick up all the background threads. It will also help if you've read the Tangled Tentacles series too as some of the characters overlap, but this isn't essential.

I wasn't sure how Duron and Beaumont would get along, but I really needn't have worried as they immediately clicked as mates. Beaumont is a bit of a loner due to his past history and Duron has never had anyone who showed him any kindness or affection except for Marvin. I was really happy with how they both showed their protective sides to each other and were always looking out for each other. They both needed this so much and it made them a fantastic team. Beaumont's history was really interesting and I loved how we got a chance to see all of Durons animals as they each took their turn with helping them in their mission to find 'the Devil'. The book is of course full of gritty action and some violence which is expected with him being an assassin, but Beaumont definitely played an equal part here! The house hunting bit made me laugh, especially the refrigerator parts! There a few surprises in the story and it's a totally gripping read. Of course there are the 'sexy bits' too as Duron and Marvin would say, and these are hot, explosive and as fierce as you'd expect between two Alpha males.
Such a brilliant continuation to the series. I'm now patiently waiting for book 4!

[DebbieReadsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book 3 in the Assassins To Order series, but of the three, I think this can be read as stand alone the most. Sure there is some reference to previous books and what's happened before, but this book goes off on a tangent to that.

Duron is one of the council's assassins. Beaumont is the council's new leader. Duron wants to be free of the council, but meeting Beaumont, his mate, wasn't a factor he planned. Beaumont is looking for answers to his family's deaths. Together, they can get what they both want.

I liked this well enough. It does go off on that tangent, and away from the main plot that is running through these books, but that plot is still there, just more a subplot rather than the main plot.

I loved that Beaumont and Duron are both very powerful shifters, with big animals, Duron more than a few and I loved the way these two soothed each other. Great big men, with that much power under the skin, were never going to be gentle lovers, and breaking a bit of furniture was always going to happen! (Well, all the furniture, but who cares!) Duron instinctively knew that Beaumont needed his strength at that point, rather than his love, you know?

I'm still not entirely sure about The Devil and who that really is, even if the clues are there, I think that they will pop back up again at some point.

I have to say, my least favourite of these collaborations, but still a good read.

3 stars (I'm sorry!)

*same worded review will appear elsewhere

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying the Assasin's to Order series. It excited me that this book was Duron's because if you've been keeping up, then you know the poor assassin had a thing for Marvin. It must have been hard for him to watch his 'brother' and Marvin fall in love. I do think it was more of an infatuation. Marvin was the only person who had ever showed Duron kindness. It would be natural to latch onto him. Plus, Marvin is amazing. Even I love the sweet hybrid! But back to Duron.

I had no idea what to expect when I found out Beaumont was the man fate picked for Duron. I didn't know how these two would mesh, and I wondered if Beaumont being head of the council would be a stumbling block for them. I needn't have worried. These two were wild for each other. All the alpha male wrestling they did during steamy times had me fanning myself. No furniture is safe when these two get going, I'll tell you that.

The plotline most definitely thickens my friends. Some stuff I saw coming, while some I did not. Lots of twists with this one. However, I'll end my review with this. These authors write fabulous collabs together, but they've got their work cut out for them if they're going to convince me that fate didn't make a mistake with it comes to my favorite assassin Wyatt. I look forward to them proving me wrong.

[Joanne Mccorkell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok weirdly I was thinking of book one of this series a couple of days ago. I missed book 2 and got this one. I was able to pick up on any bits I missed out of book 2, and was able to continue with this story easily.

I adored how Beaumont and Duron so easily fell into their relationship. I did expect a little push back from Beaumont as his fated mate was male and had been experimented on. But there was not a single hesitation. Even Duron seemed to expect it. I found it funny how they both tried to push the other behind them to protect them, lets face it, Duron is trained for assassination, while Beaumont alligator is fierce enough to protect his own.

Certainly looking forward to Wyatts book.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the blurb on Amazon said the sex would curl your toes, they weren't kidding. It also will straighten your hair and set fire to your kindle.
Assassin Duron steps off a plane in Paraguay right into the arms of his mate, council member, Beaumont. Duron is a hybrid shifter and has done admittedly brutal things, but he's also innocent and very protective. Beaumont is an alligator shifter who lost his first family to brutality. He's never been with a man, but his protectiveness and caring nature make him perfect for Duron.
Yes, there's a lot, A LOT of violence. Most of it in the last twenty percent of the book. But I still found their story rather... sweet. Look forward to reading more about these assassins and the men that love them.

[Becky A · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Duron" received THREE stars.

I miss reading about the babies in this series.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."

1/2 * gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

1/2 * gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

The novel failed to gain stars for this item:

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."

[Sue Milkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS REMARKABLE!!!!!

ASSASSIN'S TO ORDER BOOK 3. This is BIG!! Beaumont meets Duron and GO!!! This Book didn't even take a breath. It's full steam ahead. JP SAYLE and LISA OLIVER are a genius duet. The characters and situations they put together is Absolutely REMARKABLE!! Read this Book and jump on board this series that never slows down. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS ASSASSIN'S TO ORDER INCREDIBLE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book until the last 100+ pages. I just have a hard time with the way things played out with James and Wyatt. I am not sure how excited I will be for book 5. It was mostly just a personal preference that made me dislike how James was introduced. I am hoping book 4 will be better but I expect that the parts I did not care for will probably continue in book 4 before we get to book 5 about James and Wyatt. I will probably take a reading break and come back to this series later.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors kick you in the teeth to get your attention, then they tear your heart out only to later give you hope and heat. Some evil is managed, but I'm on the fence with the ones that escaped. The next book has to be an explosive one to hold or reveal the secrets left. I'm on tenterhooks with anticipation for what it reveals next!!!

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good installment in this series

Oh what has been going on with the council and the shifters is absolutely horrid and what they have been through shouldn’t happen to anyone. Beaumont shouldn’t have to deal with everything either. Oh my gosh. What is revealed in this one hurts but I love how the author’s handled it. I can’t wait to read Conrad’s book.

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this series right from the first kraken. The Assassin series has been interesting and, at times, heart-wrenching. The characters are well developed and the plot is interesting. The only area that I felt was weak, were the areas the plot skirted around Wyatt and the Devil. I get why it was written this way, but it left a hole.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series, I'm loving it 😍
Really enjoyed Beaumont and Druons story. Some great twist and turns though out this book. I'm hoping Wyatts book is next 😱🥰 but I'm thinking that's gonna be for last 😂 and it's gonna be Conrad next.

[LOLA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the twists and turns in this book.

[Aziza · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm being generous in giving 3 stars.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome

Must be read in order. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I love the characters.

[Neats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a new twist on shift romance I loved this series. It was a great spin off to the tentacles series. I loved the colab between these authors great series

[Anne]

* shapeshifters
* fated mates
* age gap
* medical experiment
* magic
* HEA for the happy couple

I really like Beaumont and Duron together. They make sense.