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Elemental Assassin #8.5
Kiss of Venom
The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella—from the hero’s point of view! Owen Grayson is bound and determined to get Gin back...if her enemies don’t get her first.
When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life—if Owen can survive...
When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life—if Owen can survive...
80 pages, ebook
First published July 22, 2013
95 people are currently reading
1823 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Estep
97 books12k followersJennifer Estep is a New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author who prowls the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....
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Happy reading, everyone! 😎
Jennifer is the author of the Elemental Assassin, Section 47, Galactic Bonds, Crown of Shards, Gargoyle Queen, and other fantasy series. She has written more than 40 books, along with numerous novellas and stories.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys hanging out with friends and family, doing yoga, and reading fantasy and romance books. She also watches way too much TV and loves all things related to superheroes.
For more information on Jennifer and her books, visit her website at www.JenniferEstep.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-....
FOLLOW JENNIFER ONLINE:
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/yyj59omw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_es...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jennifer_Estep
Amazon: https://amzn.to/39lCyX6
BookBub: https://tinyurl.com/y4dm3zso
Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/y638q98k
Jennifer's blog: https://tinyurl.com/2dj4afb
Jennifer's newsletter: http://www.jenniferestep.com/contact-...
Happy reading, everyone! 😎
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
July 25, 2013
Spoilers
-I think I hate Owen more after reading his POV. I wasn't impressed with his weak excuses — they didn't make any sense.
-Apparently, Owen never stopped loving Gin, and he wasn't mad at her, he was just mad at himself for not stepping up and protecting everyone from his psycho ex. Really? What utter bullshit. The way he dumped Gin, ignored her, and looked down at her, showed how much he hated her and blamed her for Salina's death. None of his actions post-Salina's death indicated that he hated himself. No, his actions clearly showed how disgusted and angry he was at Gin for taking away the love of his life. His POV didn't support his past behaviour towards Gin.
-Owen's POV was so boring — all he did was moan about how he loved Salina so much that he was blind to all her faults. And then he moaned some more and made pathetic excuses for treating Gin like shit. If he had really loved her he wouldn't have rejected and hurt her so much, especially after he was aware of how much Donavon had fucked Gin over. Owen's insistence that he loved Gin didn't add up to how he had previously pissed all over her.
And why the fuck has Owen's cheating never been mentioned? He let Salina kiss him twice and get all touchy feely with him, yet neither Owen or Gin have addressed why he was all over Salina when he was supposedly in love with Gin.
Also, why has Gin never asked Owen about him lying to her throughout their entire relationship? He never told Gin he was in love before or that he was engaged or that he was still in love with Salina. Him not telling Gin shows how little respect and 'love' he had for her. He's never stopped lying and being dishonest with Gin, and no matter what promises of honesty he makes in the future, I won't believe them — he'll always be a dumb, slimy, dishonest, cruel cheater.
Oh and then in this one, Owen lets a prostitute dance with him and get all touchy feely with him in front of Gin. WTF?! Why didn't he tell the prostitute to piss off straight away? It's not like he was overpowered or forced to dance with her. He could have easily told her to fuck off. But he didn't because he wanted that prostitute all over him. Ugh.
-Owen said he loved Gin and wanted her back, but I didn't believe it for one second. He was most likely deluding himself because he couldn't get over Salina. Where was his passion for Gin? Where was his desperation? There was none, there was just self-pity, excuses and depression over Salina. His POV just convinced me that he was boring, selfish, useless, and not in love with Gin.
-Why would Philip forgive Owen after the way he was treated? I could buy him being friends with Owen for Eva's sake but that didn't seem to be case. Philip actually forgave everything Owen put him through without Owen working for it. Why would he trust that fucker ever again? Owen believed Philip was a rapist, he never once had the decency to listen to Philip's side of the story. Why would Philip want such a horrid person as a friend?
-I was glad to find out that Eva was disgusted with Owen. Hopefully that will last but I doubt it - Owen gets away with all his douchery. Ugh.
-I hope Philip and Eva don't get together, he was such a sleaze — all he did was ogle, flirt, feel up and pant after other women. He even said that they'd only be one Mrs Philip Kincaid but that didn't stop him from being all over other women. And he knows Eva loves him yet he continues to act like a whore. Was his dirty dancing/ogling other women meant to convince me of his love for Eva? Because I saw no feelings whatsoever for her. Eva deserves better than that lech.
-I hate Bria, but I actually somewhat kind of liked her in this — mostly because she kept looking at Owen with disgust.
All in all, I was disappointed in Owen's POV. I don't think I've ever hated a UF hero as much as I hate Owen.
-I think I hate Owen more after reading his POV. I wasn't impressed with his weak excuses — they didn't make any sense.
-Apparently, Owen never stopped loving Gin, and he wasn't mad at her, he was just mad at himself for not stepping up and protecting everyone from his psycho ex. Really? What utter bullshit. The way he dumped Gin, ignored her, and looked down at her, showed how much he hated her and blamed her for Salina's death. None of his actions post-Salina's death indicated that he hated himself. No, his actions clearly showed how disgusted and angry he was at Gin for taking away the love of his life. His POV didn't support his past behaviour towards Gin.
-Owen's POV was so boring — all he did was moan about how he loved Salina so much that he was blind to all her faults. And then he moaned some more and made pathetic excuses for treating Gin like shit. If he had really loved her he wouldn't have rejected and hurt her so much, especially after he was aware of how much Donavon had fucked Gin over. Owen's insistence that he loved Gin didn't add up to how he had previously pissed all over her.
And why the fuck has Owen's cheating never been mentioned? He let Salina kiss him twice and get all touchy feely with him, yet neither Owen or Gin have addressed why he was all over Salina when he was supposedly in love with Gin.
Also, why has Gin never asked Owen about him lying to her throughout their entire relationship? He never told Gin he was in love before or that he was engaged or that he was still in love with Salina. Him not telling Gin shows how little respect and 'love' he had for her. He's never stopped lying and being dishonest with Gin, and no matter what promises of honesty he makes in the future, I won't believe them — he'll always be a dumb, slimy, dishonest, cruel cheater.
Oh and then in this one, Owen lets a prostitute dance with him and get all touchy feely with him in front of Gin. WTF?! Why didn't he tell the prostitute to piss off straight away? It's not like he was overpowered or forced to dance with her. He could have easily told her to fuck off. But he didn't because he wanted that prostitute all over him. Ugh.
-Owen said he loved Gin and wanted her back, but I didn't believe it for one second. He was most likely deluding himself because he couldn't get over Salina. Where was his passion for Gin? Where was his desperation? There was none, there was just self-pity, excuses and depression over Salina. His POV just convinced me that he was boring, selfish, useless, and not in love with Gin.
-Why would Philip forgive Owen after the way he was treated? I could buy him being friends with Owen for Eva's sake but that didn't seem to be case. Philip actually forgave everything Owen put him through without Owen working for it. Why would he trust that fucker ever again? Owen believed Philip was a rapist, he never once had the decency to listen to Philip's side of the story. Why would Philip want such a horrid person as a friend?
-I was glad to find out that Eva was disgusted with Owen. Hopefully that will last but I doubt it - Owen gets away with all his douchery. Ugh.
-I hope Philip and Eva don't get together, he was such a sleaze — all he did was ogle, flirt, feel up and pant after other women. He even said that they'd only be one Mrs Philip Kincaid but that didn't stop him from being all over other women. And he knows Eva loves him yet he continues to act like a whore. Was his dirty dancing/ogling other women meant to convince me of his love for Eva? Because I saw no feelings whatsoever for her. Eva deserves better than that lech.
-I hate Bria, but I actually somewhat kind of liked her in this — mostly because she kept looking at Owen with disgust.
All in all, I was disappointed in Owen's POV. I don't think I've ever hated a UF hero as much as I hate Owen.
July 30, 2013
3.5 ★'s
While Owen and Phillip are out for a boy's night on the town at Northern Aggression, Gin and Bria show up and Owen can't take his eyes off her. Needing a break, he heads to the bathroom where he overhears a giant and a dwarf talking about killing Gin. Wanting to do whatever he can for her, Owen takes Phillip outside where they lie in wait for the two would be assassins.
It was great getting a short story from Owen's POV. I love that he still wants Gin and is missing her but he is still sooo consumed with guilt. The ending did give me hope but I think he needs to do a lot of work to redeem himself. I want lots of groveling and I hope that Gin can stay strong! I love what he made and it will be interesting to see the end project.
It made me happy to see Owen and Phillip together and that things are slowly getting back to where they were. The fight was great and of course, Finn's car....of course! LOL! I wasn't so happy to see Phillip's flirting, etc. I know it will happen but not sure I like reading about it even though the poor guy has a while to wait.
M.M.M. is proving intriguing...can't wait to read more.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "She's already cut out my heart," I quipped. "And I was happy to let her do it."
While Owen and Phillip are out for a boy's night on the town at Northern Aggression, Gin and Bria show up and Owen can't take his eyes off her. Needing a break, he heads to the bathroom where he overhears a giant and a dwarf talking about killing Gin. Wanting to do whatever he can for her, Owen takes Phillip outside where they lie in wait for the two would be assassins.
It was great getting a short story from Owen's POV. I love that he still wants Gin and is missing her but he is still sooo consumed with guilt. The ending did give me hope but I think he needs to do a lot of work to redeem himself. I want lots of groveling and I hope that Gin can stay strong! I love what he made and it will be interesting to see the end project.
It made me happy to see Owen and Phillip together and that things are slowly getting back to where they were. The fight was great and of course, Finn's car....of course! LOL! I wasn't so happy to see Phillip's flirting, etc. I know it will happen but not sure I like reading about it even though the poor guy has a while to wait.
M.M.M. is proving intriguing...can't wait to read more.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "She's already cut out my heart," I quipped. "And I was happy to let her do it."
June 24, 2016
Gin Blanco. The assassin the Spider. The woman I loved—the one I’d betrayed.
A much needed POV from Owen and a definite must read for fans of this series.
After the previous two books I have been very disappointed with Owen, and not understanding why he’s been keeping his distance from Gin. I was actually beginning to think he didn’t really love her. But in this book we are given a much needed insight into his feelings and why he’s been acting the way he has.
After everything that has been revealed about Salina, Owen has been walking around with a huge amount of guilt because he wasn’t able to see how truly monstrous Salina was and what she was doing to his little sister and that he believed her lies regarding his best friend. He didn’t know how to fix things between him and his sister, his best friend Phillip, and especially with Gin, who he loved, and who he betrayed.
Phillip was right. I was a fucking idiot. I’d had Gin’s love, and I had been stupid enough to throw it away. It was all my fault, and I didn’t know how to fix it. I didn’t know how to fix myself, much less us.
Seeing him in this book mope a little, really made me feel better towards him. I also liked that he tried to protect Gin in this novella, and that he finally realised what he had to do.
Hopefully in the next book things between these two will finally reach a turning point.
July 22, 2013
Oh Owen, this novella was almost what I needed to start forgiving you for your abject stupidity and completely out-of-character behavior in the past couple of books. Your contrition was heartfelt and long overdue. You owned your bad behavior. You move towards making amends. I just wish I would have gotten a little bit more of an explanation of WHY. It's so close.
Yes. Yes to all of that. But I felt like I needed one more paragraph. The one that said, "I knew I was being an ass, but I did it anyway, because (*enter your reason I can't understand here*)" Because I still don't get it. You were wounded, ok. You felt guilty. Responsible. Blind-sided. But WHY, when you knew you were being an ass, did you hurt the woman you love most? Why did you do it again, and again, and again?
Obviously, I am not entirely over my Owen issues. This story does help, though, and I wish I had read it before I read Heart of Venom. You definitely should. The events here are referenced, but they are too cursory to have the same impact as they do from Owen's POV. There is stuff happening here: essentially Owen stealthily saving Gin from a group of would-be assassins. But more than that --the real crux of it-- is Owen's internal call to action to fix the mess he made.
I think this will make everyone feel a little bit better about forgiving him. Me, too, albeit reluctantly. Maybe there just isn't a why. Maybe I just can't reconcile Owen's behavior with his character as I knew him. But all of this just goes to show how deeply invested I am in Gin and her world. (*sigh*)
It's definitely a must-read for fans of the series.
Rating: B
"...the really sad thing, the really pathetic thing, the truly unforgiveable thing, was that I knew exactly what kind of stupid ass I was being that night at the Dubois estate. I'd known it the day I'd gone to see Gin at the Pork Pit and told her I needed some time to think about things. And again when we talked in the moonlit gardens outside the Briartop museum, and she'd finally let me see how sick, weary, and hurt she was because of how I'd reacted to Salina's death. Gin had risked her life to rescue me at Salina's estate and then again at Briartop, and all I had done was wound her time and time again."
Yes. Yes to all of that. But I felt like I needed one more paragraph. The one that said, "I knew I was being an ass, but I did it anyway, because (*enter your reason I can't understand here*)" Because I still don't get it. You were wounded, ok. You felt guilty. Responsible. Blind-sided. But WHY, when you knew you were being an ass, did you hurt the woman you love most? Why did you do it again, and again, and again?
Obviously, I am not entirely over my Owen issues. This story does help, though, and I wish I had read it before I read Heart of Venom. You definitely should. The events here are referenced, but they are too cursory to have the same impact as they do from Owen's POV. There is stuff happening here: essentially Owen stealthily saving Gin from a group of would-be assassins. But more than that --the real crux of it-- is Owen's internal call to action to fix the mess he made.
I think this will make everyone feel a little bit better about forgiving him. Me, too, albeit reluctantly. Maybe there just isn't a why. Maybe I just can't reconcile Owen's behavior with his character as I knew him. But all of this just goes to show how deeply invested I am in Gin and her world. (*sigh*)
It's definitely a must-read for fans of the series.
Rating: B
March 21, 2019
Kiss of Venom should be read after Deadly Sting and before Heart of Venom.
Here we get Owen’s POV.
Fans of the series might be angry with Owen after the events of Widow’s Web. I know I’m upset with him and how he treated Gin. Not cool.
In Kiss of Venom he does some soul searching. We see what a mess he’s made with Gin. How much guilt, pain, and anger he’s caring around; because of his ex-finance, Salina, and the events that took places in Widow’s Web. Guilt is the main thing he feels. Guilt for not protecting his loved ones. Guilt for blindly trusting Salina. Guilt for treating Gin the same way Donovan did. And, he wouldn’t feel all this if he still didn’t love Gin, but he also doesn’t know how to move on and fix things.
We also get to see Owen reconnect with Phillip. They go out on the town to celebrate Phillips recover from the events in Deadly Sting. They also team up to give Gin one night of peace; because as we know, the bad guys are still out to kill Gin.
Kiss of Venom was an enjoyable read. It’s a short and fast read. Their’s action, humor, and we get to see Gin through Owen’s eyes. Fans will enjoy this novella and insight into Owen.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Here we get Owen’s POV.
Fans of the series might be angry with Owen after the events of Widow’s Web. I know I’m upset with him and how he treated Gin. Not cool.
In Kiss of Venom he does some soul searching. We see what a mess he’s made with Gin. How much guilt, pain, and anger he’s caring around; because of his ex-finance, Salina, and the events that took places in Widow’s Web. Guilt is the main thing he feels. Guilt for not protecting his loved ones. Guilt for blindly trusting Salina. Guilt for treating Gin the same way Donovan did. And, he wouldn’t feel all this if he still didn’t love Gin, but he also doesn’t know how to move on and fix things.
We also get to see Owen reconnect with Phillip. They go out on the town to celebrate Phillips recover from the events in Deadly Sting. They also team up to give Gin one night of peace; because as we know, the bad guys are still out to kill Gin.
Kiss of Venom was an enjoyable read. It’s a short and fast read. Their’s action, humor, and we get to see Gin through Owen’s eyes. Fans will enjoy this novella and insight into Owen.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
May 17, 2016
I have a confession to make, me, the queen of not skipping books in series or reading out of order, read this out of order,
But, in my defense, I couldn’t resist. I mean, hello, a book told all in Owen's point of view? How can anyone resist that. And besides, the spoilers that this book held for books six and seven and maybe even eight, I already had some idea of so, why not take the chance and do it anyway right?
Honestly, I can say now that I have read this, it was worth it to read it not only out of order but to get Owen's side of things before reading Gin's. I think this way, I will not only be more prepared for the heartache that is to come, but I won't hate anyone because of it.
So yes, those are my excuses for skipping slightly ahead with this one and I'm sticking with them.
Honestly though, this was a fabulous novella like they all are in this series and I'm so glad we got this much needed, much appreciated look into Owen.
But, in my defense, I couldn’t resist. I mean, hello, a book told all in Owen's point of view? How can anyone resist that. And besides, the spoilers that this book held for books six and seven and maybe even eight, I already had some idea of so, why not take the chance and do it anyway right?
Honestly, I can say now that I have read this, it was worth it to read it not only out of order but to get Owen's side of things before reading Gin's. I think this way, I will not only be more prepared for the heartache that is to come, but I won't hate anyone because of it.
So yes, those are my excuses for skipping slightly ahead with this one and I'm sticking with them.
Honestly though, this was a fabulous novella like they all are in this series and I'm so glad we got this much needed, much appreciated look into Owen.
February 15, 2021
I enjoyed this short story from Owen's POV. It was good to hear what he was thinking. But seriously Owen - just pick up the d*mn phone. Walk over and talk to her. Seriously. Just talk.
August 14, 2018
I'm a little more disappointed in Owen after reading this. Mostly because he knows he's being stupid and is not stepping up and doing something about it. If he's disappointed in himself, he's being silly. Doesn't he realize that the same reason he was able to see the good in Salina (even though it totally got the better of him in her case) is the same reason he is capable of seeing the good in Gin? And since he knows Gin's sins ahead of time and still loves her, doesn't he realize that means it's not the same mistake he made with Salina?
Why are men so stupid? Some of us try to rise above (and don't always succeed), but as a man who likes men, I have to say... men are monumentally stupid sometimes. LOL
Why are men so stupid? Some of us try to rise above (and don't always succeed), but as a man who likes men, I have to say... men are monumentally stupid sometimes. LOL
September 10, 2016
If Gin can be so honest and upfront about her feelings for Owen, why can't he do the same and talk to her about his feelings for her, and the guilt he feels for failing everyone when he stood by Salina? Every time they meet up he keeps telling Gin he needs more time. Tell her the truth. Don't leave her hanging because you're too chicken-shit to tell her the truth. What bullshit! No woman deserves that. Everything he said and did in this book didn't make any sense with how he treated Gin in books seven and eight. I actually think Owen has turned into a complete pussy; one who's not even worthy of Gin's love.
I've decided to discontinue reading the rest of the books in this series. There are so many other books out there, and I find this one has run its course. Not to mention I've lost interest.
I've decided to discontinue reading the rest of the books in this series. There are so many other books out there, and I find this one has run its course. Not to mention I've lost interest.
July 24, 2013
Owen - I love this man with every piece of my heart!!! This is Owen's piece, spending a night with Phillip and making it just like old times because of unfolding events. We get Owen's thoughts and feelings of what has happened since the death of Salina and it kind of irons out a few of my own thoughts and feelings knowing what is going on in that gorgeous man's head!
This has just made me want to grab the next installment of Gin's adventures, I truly love this series and Jennifer Estep is an absolute Goddess of writing!!!
This has just made me want to grab the next installment of Gin's adventures, I truly love this series and Jennifer Estep is an absolute Goddess of writing!!!
July 23, 2013
FINALLY we get Owen’s POV.
I a lot of fans were angry with Owen, even gave him the kiss-off of death. Did I? NO. Yes I was muffed with Owen over his Donovan like behavior in Widow’s Web. But I understood why he felt the way he did. Did I agree with him? To a point, yes.
The reason he gave Gin at the time was that he wasn’t judging her like Donovan had but that he didn’t like that she didn’t even listen to him before she did want she did (trying not to spoil peeps not up to date). And I see how that would make him feel pissy. BUT if that was the only reason, I feel like he should have gotten over it faster than he did.
In Kiss of Venom we get to see that Owen did some long soul searching and he did get over and that was not his only reason. Not even the main reason. What was his reason? Guilt, plain and simple. He felt so guilty for letting that ho bag that will not be named, hurt his loved ones. Guilt for blindly trusting her. Guilt over treating Gin the same way Donovan did after the promised her he wouldn’t.
I feel like Estep did a great job showing us Owen’s side of the story. And I loved seeing him and Philip recount on their boys’ night out. The novella is a short and fast read but Estep managed to add all the elements I’ve come to love from the series. There was action and humor (thanks in large part to Philip, he can give Finn a run for his money). And I also like that we got to see Gin through Owen’s eyes.
Kiss of Venom is a must read for Elemental Assassin fans that need that insight into Owen’s thoughts on his douchery behavior about events that took place in Widow’s Web.
Oh and Owen.... I can't see what you're up to. You left us with a mystery for a future plot that I hope Estep shows us soon.
I a lot of fans were angry with Owen, even gave him the kiss-off of death. Did I? NO. Yes I was muffed with Owen over his Donovan like behavior in Widow’s Web. But I understood why he felt the way he did. Did I agree with him? To a point, yes.
The reason he gave Gin at the time was that he wasn’t judging her like Donovan had but that he didn’t like that she didn’t even listen to him before she did want she did (trying not to spoil peeps not up to date). And I see how that would make him feel pissy. BUT if that was the only reason, I feel like he should have gotten over it faster than he did.
In Kiss of Venom we get to see that Owen did some long soul searching and he did get over and that was not his only reason. Not even the main reason. What was his reason? Guilt, plain and simple. He felt so guilty for letting that ho bag that will not be named, hurt his loved ones. Guilt for blindly trusting her. Guilt over treating Gin the same way Donovan did after the promised her he wouldn’t.
I feel like Estep did a great job showing us Owen’s side of the story. And I loved seeing him and Philip recount on their boys’ night out. The novella is a short and fast read but Estep managed to add all the elements I’ve come to love from the series. There was action and humor (thanks in large part to Philip, he can give Finn a run for his money). And I also like that we got to see Gin through Owen’s eyes.
Kiss of Venom is a must read for Elemental Assassin fans that need that insight into Owen’s thoughts on his douchery behavior about events that took place in Widow’s Web.
Oh and Owen.... I can't see what you're up to. You left us with a mystery for a future plot that I hope Estep shows us soon.
September 24, 2017
Great short read. Written from Owen's POV, I loved getting to know his thoughts and feelings about Gin as he tries to work through his guilt about not seeing through Salina and the impact it had on his friends and family.
November 12, 2020
I enjoyed this short story from Owen's POV. It helped me understand what he was thinking and where he was coming from. Stupid man but hey at least now I'm sure he'll eventually get over himself and reach out to Gin.
June 24, 2016
After the events in Deadly Sting I just couldn't wait to get my hands on this little gem. Finally we get a story from Owen's POV. And it's the perfect time for an Owen short story. Because after his behaviour during the Briartop heist I needed to get a glimpse of what's happening in his head. Because I was left with the feeling that he's just as lost as Gin when it comes to their relationship.
We see him and Phillip Kincaid having a guy's night out at Northern Aggression. Owen is trying to fix what has been broken so many years ago thanks to his blindness and love for Salina. Owen struggles with guilt for believing her and letting her hurt the people he loves. He feels anger towards himself because that love has cost him so many years with Phillip and his mentor and because when it mattered he couldn't protect his loved ones. He couldn't do the one thing that would have kept them safe and killed her. Instead he let Gin do it. He knows he is a hypocrite because he took the easy way out and then turned away from the woman that did his dirty work. He blames himself for the hurt he caused that night and keeps causing by not finding a way to fix it. He keeps trying to figure out how to reach out to Gin and make things right but instead keeps screwing up. Not only with her but with everyone else that matters to him. He can't forgive himself and that prevents him from making a move. And because Gin has her own emotional baggage they are stuck in the same position they have been for weeks. He still loves her and when he overhears a plot to kill her, Owen takes matters into his own hands. He might be unable to fix his relationship with Gin at the moment but he is more than capable of giving her a much needed respite from all the killing. And along the way manages to make the first real steps into reconnecting with his childhood best friend.
We see him and Phillip Kincaid having a guy's night out at Northern Aggression. Owen is trying to fix what has been broken so many years ago thanks to his blindness and love for Salina. Owen struggles with guilt for believing her and letting her hurt the people he loves. He feels anger towards himself because that love has cost him so many years with Phillip and his mentor and because when it mattered he couldn't protect his loved ones. He couldn't do the one thing that would have kept them safe and killed her. Instead he let Gin do it. He knows he is a hypocrite because he took the easy way out and then turned away from the woman that did his dirty work. He blames himself for the hurt he caused that night and keeps causing by not finding a way to fix it. He keeps trying to figure out how to reach out to Gin and make things right but instead keeps screwing up. Not only with her but with everyone else that matters to him. He can't forgive himself and that prevents him from making a move. And because Gin has her own emotional baggage they are stuck in the same position they have been for weeks. He still loves her and when he overhears a plot to kill her, Owen takes matters into his own hands. He might be unable to fix his relationship with Gin at the moment but he is more than capable of giving her a much needed respite from all the killing. And along the way manages to make the first real steps into reconnecting with his childhood best friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2015
Now that was short but very entertaining!
I love it when authors write side stories featuring alternate POVs and Estep did a fantastic job with Kiss of Venom. It gives a whole new dimension to both the series and characters and helps understand them better.
I actually find myself liking Owen a lot more now. I’ve always had a hard time figuring him out so it was very nice to get into his head for a while. And seeing Gin in his eyes really is priceless! Actually, this short story is so enlightening when it comes to Owen and his feelings that I think it should be read after Heart of Venom (book 9 in the series) instead of before. I’m really glad I did otherwise it would have spoiled the fun for me.
I also love the way Estep portrays Owen’s renewed friendship with Philip. These two make a great pair and I really enjoyed their bantering & bickering:)
A very fun novella and a must-read for fans of this series!
I love it when authors write side stories featuring alternate POVs and Estep did a fantastic job with Kiss of Venom. It gives a whole new dimension to both the series and characters and helps understand them better.
I actually find myself liking Owen a lot more now. I’ve always had a hard time figuring him out so it was very nice to get into his head for a while. And seeing Gin in his eyes really is priceless! Actually, this short story is so enlightening when it comes to Owen and his feelings that I think it should be read after Heart of Venom (book 9 in the series) instead of before. I’m really glad I did otherwise it would have spoiled the fun for me.
I also love the way Estep portrays Owen’s renewed friendship with Philip. These two make a great pair and I really enjoyed their bantering & bickering:)
A very fun novella and a must-read for fans of this series!
July 26, 2013
Owen and Phillip are having a guy’s night out in the club – but Owen’s having a hard time letting go and enjoying himself with his head fully absorbed in how badly he messed up with Gin – which only gets more depressing when Gin and Bria come to the club for their own night out
With so much regret to mull over, it’s almost a relief when Owen hears a couple of assassins planning to take Gin down. The least he can do is try to keep her night undisturbed.
In some ways, this is exactly the kind of short story I want in a series that is this established – something to give me an insight above and beyond the standard plot, taking someone else’s point of view other than the protagonist I’ve seen over and over again, getting their perspective on things that maybe will show the events in a different way from what I’m used it. After all, the series is 8 books long, not including short stories, it’s good to hear from the characters who follow Gin around, see what their version of events are especially since Gin has had personal conflicts with just about everyone.
So opening the book and seeing Owen’s point of view was a big plus to me. Especially after everything that happened in the last few books with his ex-girlfriend and then the action at the Rotunda and trying to make up with Gin.
And because of that, I was very very very tolerant of recapping. Even if there was a lot of recapping – and oh boy is there a lot of recapping – because if you’re going to get someone else’s point of view on past events then you need to look at those events again.
But… Owen doesn’t exactly have an informative or deep point of view; about the only new insight I gained was his regret of all the years he lost with Phillip, the friend he cast aside because of Salina’s lie. Other than that?
Woe! I let Gin down! Wooooe!
Woe! Bria hates me because I let Gin down! I deserve it. Wooooe!
Woe! I am such a bad person!
Woe! Gin hates me – and she totally should!
Woe! A woman flirted with me and Gin saw and now she’s hurt! Woe, I’m a terrible person!
Woe! I treated Phillip like shit for years because I’m a terribad person! Woe!
Woe! I let my sister down! Because I’m a terribad person! Woe!
Woe! My extreme depression is now ruining Phillip’s night! I’m the worst person in the world! Woe!
Woe! I didn’t tip the waitress enough! I’m scum beneath her shoes! Woe!
Read More
With so much regret to mull over, it’s almost a relief when Owen hears a couple of assassins planning to take Gin down. The least he can do is try to keep her night undisturbed.
In some ways, this is exactly the kind of short story I want in a series that is this established – something to give me an insight above and beyond the standard plot, taking someone else’s point of view other than the protagonist I’ve seen over and over again, getting their perspective on things that maybe will show the events in a different way from what I’m used it. After all, the series is 8 books long, not including short stories, it’s good to hear from the characters who follow Gin around, see what their version of events are especially since Gin has had personal conflicts with just about everyone.
So opening the book and seeing Owen’s point of view was a big plus to me. Especially after everything that happened in the last few books with his ex-girlfriend and then the action at the Rotunda and trying to make up with Gin.
And because of that, I was very very very tolerant of recapping. Even if there was a lot of recapping – and oh boy is there a lot of recapping – because if you’re going to get someone else’s point of view on past events then you need to look at those events again.
But… Owen doesn’t exactly have an informative or deep point of view; about the only new insight I gained was his regret of all the years he lost with Phillip, the friend he cast aside because of Salina’s lie. Other than that?
Woe! I let Gin down! Wooooe!
Woe! Bria hates me because I let Gin down! I deserve it. Wooooe!
Woe! I am such a bad person!
Woe! Gin hates me – and she totally should!
Woe! A woman flirted with me and Gin saw and now she’s hurt! Woe, I’m a terrible person!
Woe! I treated Phillip like shit for years because I’m a terribad person! Woe!
Woe! I let my sister down! Because I’m a terribad person! Woe!
Woe! My extreme depression is now ruining Phillip’s night! I’m the worst person in the world! Woe!
Woe! I didn’t tip the waitress enough! I’m scum beneath her shoes! Woe!
Read More
August 29, 2013
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
I was excited to get a peek inside the mind of Owen Grayson and even though Kiss of Venom was short it most definitely was also sweet. Unlike many of Jennifer Estep’s loyal fans, I didn’t banish him from my herd of book boyfriend after his actions in Widow’s Web. What can I say? People (and characters) do stupid things for love!
I like how in the opening chapter we first meet-up with Owen at Northern Aggression with Philip and he’s drinking… you guessed it! Gin and tonic. I knew right then and there that this novella was going to be Grayson’s chance to clear the air with readers before Heart of Venom officially hits the shelves. Anyway, while he’s busy feeling sorry for himself, Estep decides to kick him when he’s already down and in walks… the Spider. And oh, what an entrance! I loved seeing her through Owen’s eyes. I already worship Gin as an Urban Fantasy heroine but the author’s description from Grayson’s POV was beyond memorable.
Between Owen’s thoughts in this short and his actions in the upcoming installment, I think he and Gin will be on the mend very soon. I did find that his wallowing got on my nerves after a while though. I’m so used to seeing his strong side that it came as a bit of a shock to see him so down on himself. But, of course, no Elemental Assassin story would be complete without at least one murder and Grayson seems to have picked up yet another of Blanco’s habits. He goes out clubbing with Philip and ends up killing 3 people! I’m sure he’d argue that he was “protecting” Gin. Yeah, like she needs any help in that department! Admit it Owen, you like being a bad boy.
Kiss of Venom ties in nicely with this series and provides answers to a few nagging questions. It’s a quick read that no Elemental Assassin fan should miss.
I was excited to get a peek inside the mind of Owen Grayson and even though Kiss of Venom was short it most definitely was also sweet. Unlike many of Jennifer Estep’s loyal fans, I didn’t banish him from my herd of book boyfriend after his actions in Widow’s Web. What can I say? People (and characters) do stupid things for love!
I like how in the opening chapter we first meet-up with Owen at Northern Aggression with Philip and he’s drinking… you guessed it! Gin and tonic. I knew right then and there that this novella was going to be Grayson’s chance to clear the air with readers before Heart of Venom officially hits the shelves. Anyway, while he’s busy feeling sorry for himself, Estep decides to kick him when he’s already down and in walks… the Spider. And oh, what an entrance! I loved seeing her through Owen’s eyes. I already worship Gin as an Urban Fantasy heroine but the author’s description from Grayson’s POV was beyond memorable.
Between Owen’s thoughts in this short and his actions in the upcoming installment, I think he and Gin will be on the mend very soon. I did find that his wallowing got on my nerves after a while though. I’m so used to seeing his strong side that it came as a bit of a shock to see him so down on himself. But, of course, no Elemental Assassin story would be complete without at least one murder and Grayson seems to have picked up yet another of Blanco’s habits. He goes out clubbing with Philip and ends up killing 3 people! I’m sure he’d argue that he was “protecting” Gin. Yeah, like she needs any help in that department! Admit it Owen, you like being a bad boy.
Kiss of Venom ties in nicely with this series and provides answers to a few nagging questions. It’s a quick read that no Elemental Assassin fan should miss.
August 4, 2013
This short story seems to retcon Owen's douchery in a very artificial way.
I would have liked to see him admit, first, that he should have been more open with Gin about the lingering feelings he had for Salina when she stepped back into his life. Second, I wanted him to admit that he was angry at Gin for . And then I would have liked to see him start the process of getting over it, making amends, and winning back the woman he loves.
Instead, we find out that Owen was never mad at Gin--his actions in the last two books to the contrary. He just pushed her away because of his own shame and guilt. Commence excessive self-pity, do-goodery from the shadows, and hot, hot forging.
(Ok, the forging scenes might not actually be hot; I just think forging and smithing are fantastic in general.)
October 21, 2013
4 Stars! It's all about Owen, his voice, his thoughts...I enjoyed his point of view!
Who doesn't love a man that would kill for her? Owen's been thinking a lot about his life, what he wants, who he wants, and I like the way his mind works. This is a nice little tidbit for fans of the series, and for those of us who love Owen, which is just about everyone! I also enjoyed seeing more of Phillip and hope eventually that he gets his girl too!
June 2, 2019
OK this is no reflection on the author. She is very talented.
I just don't like Owen. I've never liked Owen. This story, sadly, did not make me like him any better.
I just don't like Owen. I've never liked Owen. This story, sadly, did not make me like him any better.
October 22, 2017
3.5 stars. Estep does a great job with fantasy and action, but usually misses the mark when it comes to Gin's personal life.
June 19, 2016
The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella—from the hero’s point of view! Owen Grayson is bound and determined to get Gin back...if her enemies don’t get her first.
When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life—if Owen can survive...
Well, we finally get to understand some of what is going on with Owen. It was nice to finally found out some of what is going on in his head. I do not agree with all his reason, it does fit his character. I am glad I read this.
When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life—if Owen can survive...
Well, we finally get to understand some of what is going on with Owen. It was nice to finally found out some of what is going on in his head. I do not agree with all his reason, it does fit his character. I am glad I read this.
April 20, 2015
*sigh* Owen...
I don't know what to say other than I'm glad you've realised that you can get over your guilt, that you do deserve to be with Gin, that you won't let Salina come between you for much longer.
I loved how you beat the crap out of those two, with a little help from Phillip of course, just so Gin wouldn't have another enemy to beat when she got back to her car.
You better win her back properly in the next full length novel!
I don't know what to say other than I'm glad you've realised that you can get over your guilt, that you do deserve to be with Gin, that you won't let Salina come between you for much longer.
I loved how you beat the crap out of those two, with a little help from Phillip of course, just so Gin wouldn't have another enemy to beat when she got back to her car.
You better win her back properly in the next full length novel!
August 4, 2013
Eh...I'm not sure what I was expecting getting Owen's POV but I still need more (like him groveling on his knees to Gin would be a good start). It was interesting to get Owen's thoughts but I still don't forgive him for how he treated Gin. He has a long way to go to be deserving of Gin again.
But - I LOVED getting more of Phillip. I love this guy!
But - I LOVED getting more of Phillip. I love this guy!
July 23, 2013
4.5 Stars & The only reason it lost the half star is because Owen mentioned wronging everyone and believing Salina over everything way to many times. Other than that, I really enjoyed getting Owen's POV. At least now I get to see for myself how he really feels.
August 18, 2013
Nice little bit to tide over until the next installment. A little too short.
May 8, 2017
"Kiss of Venom" does for Owen and Phillip what the earlier "Parlor Tricks" did for Gin and Bria - it gives us a one-day snapshot of a two-man, or two-woman team, in action, and progresses a lot of the emotional connections elements together. In a sense, the overriding story-arc takes a breather as the main characters eliminate some minor baddies and deal with relationship fallout.
And this one is Owen's relationship fallout with Gin. Owen's rejection of Gin for killing his psychotic ex-girlfriend, someone who clearly needed to be put down, is especially heartless and cruel after he knew how Donovan Caine treated Gin. His excuses here, that he is guilt wracked and mentally unable to verbalize his thoughts in a timely manner, are insufficient and poor.
On the plus side, Owen and Phillip arm themselves with hammers and start swinging as if they were channeling their inner Thor, God of Thunder. And on another plus side, Owen gets smacked around by a dwarf on steroids.
I have a feeling that Gin is going to take him back.
And this one is Owen's relationship fallout with Gin. Owen's rejection of Gin for killing his psychotic ex-girlfriend, someone who clearly needed to be put down, is especially heartless and cruel after he knew how Donovan Caine treated Gin. His excuses here, that he is guilt wracked and mentally unable to verbalize his thoughts in a timely manner, are insufficient and poor.
On the plus side, Owen and Phillip arm themselves with hammers and start swinging as if they were channeling their inner Thor, God of Thunder. And on another plus side, Owen gets smacked around by a dwarf on steroids.
I have a feeling that Gin is going to take him back.
November 15, 2017
"You're an idiot."
This is a novella told from Owen's point of view after the events at Briartop in Deadly Sting. Owen and Phillip Kincaid are having a night put when Owen overhears a plot to kill Gin. The two come up with a plan to protect her without her being aware of the danger.
Owen had still not redeemed himself completely at this point in the storyline. I read the next two books before reading this novella so I did know what was going to happen later.
I enjoyed seeing Owen and Phillip working together as they did when they were younger. I really like Owen and look forward to seeing him back in Gin's life. Phillip's presence in Eva's life is going to be interesting as well.
A quick fun read from Gin's world.
This is a novella told from Owen's point of view after the events at Briartop in Deadly Sting. Owen and Phillip Kincaid are having a night put when Owen overhears a plot to kill Gin. The two come up with a plan to protect her without her being aware of the danger.
Owen had still not redeemed himself completely at this point in the storyline. I read the next two books before reading this novella so I did know what was going to happen later.
I enjoyed seeing Owen and Phillip working together as they did when they were younger. I really like Owen and look forward to seeing him back in Gin's life. Phillip's presence in Eva's life is going to be interesting as well.
A quick fun read from Gin's world.
November 12, 2021
Series: Elemental Assassin #8.5
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
This is a short story told from Owen’s POV. He is still separated from Gin but clearly wants to be with her. He just doesn't know how to get past his guilt to do it. I liked that we are finally getting his perspective on the situation but I do wish he would just man up and work things out with her. He loves her but his continued distance is hurting both of them. I did like that he protected her in this one and that he is working his friendship out with Phillip still.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
Rating: 3 stars - I liked it
This is a short story told from Owen’s POV. He is still separated from Gin but clearly wants to be with her. He just doesn't know how to get past his guilt to do it. I liked that we are finally getting his perspective on the situation but I do wish he would just man up and work things out with her. He loves her but his continued distance is hurting both of them. I did like that he protected her in this one and that he is working his friendship out with Phillip still.
You can also find my reviews at Red-Haired Ash Reads.
April 24, 2017
Great to read from Owen's POV. I've not read this novella before so it was good to see the changes
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