Assassin's Love

Assassin's duet #1

by Shelly Gray

Eve Swan seemed like a typical Malibu rich girl, wishing to appease her heartless father by agreeing to an arranged marriage with Oil Tycoon Ian Calister until Ian shows an abusive side. Eve flees for her life only to find herself surrounded by a group of older Veteran/MCs after a near-fatal car accident leaves her with amnesia. Rescuers Rodney, Jacks, and Jason become overprotective of the girl they come to call River. When scattered nightmares start revealing her dark past, River finds herself content to live her new life with her newfound family in Wolf Creek Montana. That is until she unexpectedly falls for an Assassin hired to track her down.

327 pages, Paperback

Published April 8, 2024

About the author

Just an Indie Author trying to bring happiness to dark-minded readers one page at a time.

Reviews

[Jessica Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I LOVE this story. I didn't want to stop reading and before I know it I was at the end. I can't believe the stuff that Eve had to go thu. The twist and turns left me on the edge of my seat. I love how Owen is sent to capture her but than can't. I love the over protective men in this story I can't wait to read Assassin's Blood. Need the next book like last night. This was a new author that I came across and can say I was not disappointed at all. I love the writing style and love how you get to know the characters.

[kimiwheelielovesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I was lucky enough to be apart of Shelly Gray's ARC team again and she didn't disappoint at all!!

River is trying to figure out her life after suffering from amnesia in the small town of Wolf's Creek. After being saved and nursed back to health by Rodney, Jason and Jacks; River is just trying to out run her nightmares that plague her every night. Until one day she meets a handsome stranger (Owen) who just can't stay away from her.

I couldn't put down this book and it had me trying to figure out what happened to River and why!! If that wasn't enough to keep you wondering, Owen has his own secrets he's keeping and we can't forget about the twists in the characters relationship.

If you're looking for a spicy dark romance, this one is for you!! I cannot wait for the duet and to get more answers for River!!


Tropes:
- Amnesia
- Found Family
- Mafia
- Touch Her and 💀
- He Falls First
- Secret Identity
- MC Romance
- Strong Independent FMC
- Alpha Heros

TW:
- Profanity
- Sex
- Violence
- Kidnapping
- SA
- Rape
- Assault (by ex spouse of the FMC not the MMC)
- Torture
- Knife Play
- Death
- Miscarriage

[Brenda Ryals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I had the privilege of being part of Shelly Gray's ARC team, and true to form, she exceeded all expectations without fail!

From the very first page, this captivating book ensnared my attention, skillfully crafting a tapestry of emotions through its compelling narrative. It effortlessly encompasses every aspect one could desire in a tale – from intricately developed characters, forbidden romance, and unbreakable familial bonds to poignant moments of despair, all interwoven with a tantalizing thread of intrigue. Throughout its entirety, it expertly kept me on the edge of my seat, questioning the motives of each character I encountered.
Serving as the inaugural installment of the Assassin's Duet, it lays a sturdy foundation for what promises to be a mesmerizing series. I eagerly await diving into the next chapter, craving answers to the multitude of questions swirling within me. While I enthusiastically recommend this book for its enthralling storytelling, I also advise prospective readers to be mindful of any potentially triggering content.

[Anitaloves_her_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is a newer author to me. I have read Sweet Surrender, which I really really love.
This book was written and had some spicy scenes. I love how she brought all the characters together. It was perfect.
Wow!! The twists and turns.. Shelly Gray is amazing. I love her writing style and how she devotees herself to each and every character to make them flawless.


Can't wait to read more...

[Jennifer Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. I absolutely love it. There is good spice and the story, had my emotions all over the place. River and Owens relationship, definitely touch her and die, what starts as a job ends so beautifully. Ian was a horrible person, I wanted to reach through my kindle and 🤬. I can't wait for the next book. This author is a fantastic storyteller.

[WhatsTammieReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! I had the biggest case of “one more chapter” when I read this book and stayed up way too late to finish it but it was worth every second!

Assassin’s Love is the first book of the Assassin’s Duet and I can’t wait to read book two and find out what happens next! This is a dual POV book that involves an FMC who escapes an abusive ex, but in the process of running gets into a terrible car accident causing her to have amnesia. The MMC works as an assassin who also has a knack for finding people and is hired by the ex and her father to find and return her home. In the process, the MMC falls head over heels in love with her and refuses to bring her back to her father and abusive ex.

Some of the tropes you will find in this book are:
• Found Family
• Touch her and die
• He falls first
• Secret identity

While I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good Mafia/MC dark romance, with an obsessive/possessive MMC and touch her and die vibes, please check the trigger warnings before diving in.

[Amanda Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much, I devoured it so quickly because I couldn’t put it down. Shelly’s writing always traps me though and I’m not complaining. The things River “Eve” has to go through in this book just blows my mind. Owen is just amazing I love that he sees her and just instantly falls in love with her. He becomes her hero rather than the assassin that was meant to bring her home to a monster. I love all the biker/veterans that have just taken her under their wings and protect her at all cost. I am so happy this is a duet because I need more of Eve and Owen ❤️

[Sally May · Rating 5 out of 5]

100% recommend this book. I can not say a bad thing about this book. I loved everything about it. River and Owen's story was perfect. The opening scene when he made his first appearance to her was awesome. No way in real life would i be rooting for that, but in this book... YES YES YES!!!! I loved his instant attraction and need to protect her. And the biker dudes, I loved how protective they were of her. This is my 3rd read from her, and I've loved every single part of the books I've read by her. 5 stars for me. Can't wait for the next one!!!!

[Tonya Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so amazing absolutely drawing me in from the very beginning. It has all the feels, MC, forbidden love, family bonds, heartbreak, and as always all the spice. It 100% kept me guessing who to trust throughout the entire book, and I was turning pages to find out. This is the first book in the assassin’s duet. I cannot wait to read the next book so I can have answers to all the questions that are swirling in my head. I highly recommend this book but as always, please check the trigger warnings.

[Saharah Vanvalkenburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read. I loved how strong the fmc became in this book and how the mmc loved her so much. I love the other characters' interaction with the fmc, the support they gave her. Can not wait for the next book.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of my best reads this year!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

CW/TW includes:
Child Loss
Abuse
SA
Murder

What can’t you say about Eve and Luke??

This book could have gone so many different ways but Shelly didn’t do anything of that! The love story is straightforward. Luke falls hard and he falls fast and even though he was tasked with bringing her back, he’s just like not happening.

Eve’s trauma was beautifully handled in this book and the repeated offense weren’t given the detail like many other authors do which I appreciated. It focused more on their own romance and feelings for each other.

I CANNOT wait to read the sequel and see where it goes from here!!

[Jonnica · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You don't want to miss out on this!!!

Where do I even start with this one!!! Amazing read that made me not want to put my book down!! The things that River had to go through while trying to figure her life out in the process!!! She was surrounded by so much support in the small town of Wolf Creek. I loved this book and am so ready to dive straight into the next book!!! Another amazing read by Shelly!!!!

[Nicole Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just wow 🤩. Shelly literally gets you in all of your feelings. From the first page to the last the amount of emotions I have felt reading this book! This tells the story of River(Eve) who after a tragic accident losses her memory and is currently living a life she has come to love surrounded by the retired MC club. Her father figure Rodney is a huge part of her healing! Then comes Luke the hired assassin which how can you not love him. It’s instant attraction to River. The way he protects her and would do anything to assure she is safe makes my heart so happy! Of course it’s not the HEA you think right away nope a blast from the past comes and f*** sh** up. The craziness that happens and the depths her amazing found family would go to keep their girl safe 😍😍. This is a must read from all the spice to the plot twists you won’t see coming this was an easy 5 star for me! Now on to the next one. Can’t wait to have these displayed on my bookshelf! If you’re looking for an epic love story with just the right amount of triggers this is the book for you!!! What are you waiting for?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Touch her and 💀 vibes
🍇 on page MFC
PTSD
Shmurder
Non con
Spice 🌶️‼️

[Emily Ducky Ducky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new to me author read and I am a FAN! This is a well delivered, plot driven story. I never knew I needed to read a story where the main character has amnesia, but I ate this book up! What a big ole world we live in… that turns out to be really small, through twists and turns out FMC navigates her present while learning about her past. Our MMC was everything you want and then so much more. Protective from the first moment on. Did I forget to mention spice, cause HELLO spice!!! I absolutely binged this book in 1 sitting and the ending!!! Or is it? Well done!

[Erin Stapel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is newer too me as this is the second book I’ve read of hers, and let me tell you she does not disappoint. The twist, turns, the passion, and the ability to captivate the reader making them loose themselves in the story and the characters. This author has a true talent and I can’t wait for another book.

[Terri Seanard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. I am not going to lie.. Even though it started out as a job, River and Owen have my heart.
This book has everything I love in a dark romance.
Strong FMC
Protective MMC
Motorcycle club
Veterans
And
SPICE!!!!
I can't wait to read book 2. I MUST have more!!!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Shelly for giving me the opportunity to read as an ARC, I am leaving my honest review voluntarily because I love Shelly Gray and her work that much!!

A young woman is found trapped in her car, in the Missouri River. She has no memory of who she is, or where she came from. She is saved by two men, Rodney and Jacks. They take her back to their home to help her recuperate and start a new life… as River. A few months go by and a man, named Owen, walks into the bar where she is currently working… and things get interesting. Owen was hired by Eve’s Dad to collect her and bring her back home because she ran from an arranged marriage that Daddy NEEDS to happen. There’s just one problem, Owen instantly falls in love and is in no hurry to return her, and quickly turns from collector to protector.

The nightmares of flashbacks River has to help remind her that’s she’s Eve, break my heart more and more with each one. This is a story of a broken, traumatized young woman, SOLD by the one person who should have done anything and EVERYTHING to protect her. The story of breaking the chains that bind us to finally be FREE!!

I absolutely loved this story, and due to the emotional roller coaster that Shelly once again took me on with her writing, this is yet ANOTHER 5⭐️ read for me. It was so beautifully written and so well done!!

I can’t wait to see how this story continues in Assassin’s Blood, because I know it’s going to be GOOD!!

This is the third book I’ve read by Shelly Gray, and the third book to receive 5⭐️, and that says a LOT because I’m stingy with my stars… if you haven’t read anything by her yet….
DO IT!! She does NOT disappoint!!

[Shannon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was AMAZING!! I loved the storyline and instantly fell in love with the FMC and MMC. Their chemistry and spice was top notch. The way the FMC had been through so much but still had a great outlook on everything was a breath of fresh air. There were so many twists, turns, and secrets that I just couldn’t put it down so I could see what happened next!! Even thought this is a series, the way that the story ended made you want to keep reading, you HAD to know what was gonna happen next!! I loved how all of the relationships tied together and it really made you feel at peace for the FMC.

Will highly recommend to everyone that I can!! Definitely check your trigger warnings.

[Audrey Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. River is a woman who is in a car accident and gets amnesia. Owen is an assassin who is hired by her dad to find her and bring her back. As the story unfolds, we learn more about Rivers' past and what she went through. It is a dark romance book with amazing characters and a great plot. This book is my absolute favorite read of the year, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a really great dark romance book to read. I would give it a ten-star if that was a choice.

[Brittany Harville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what else can I say…… ANOTHER AMAZING read by Shelly! River wakes with no memory of who she is after a car accident. She has no idea her own family has hired an assassin to bring her home to her abusive “fiance” in an arranged marriage by her father. Once Owen, her assassin lays eyes on her, will he bring her home to her personal prison or keep her for himself?! Such a crazy intense story with crazy fun spice! Heavy and deep moments kept me just wanting more. Can not wait to read the next book in this duet! Can never go wrong with this author if you are a dark romance lover!

[Mrs. Beady P · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars

River has amnesia from a car accident and is trying to piece her life back together. When a hired assassin makes his way into town, Owen, things start to get heated up. Owen is there to obtain one thing but realizes he's not fulfilling his mission any longer. He's pursuing it for his own desires. This steamy story will have you at the edge of your seating waiting for answers. The love connection is unmatched. Over protective MC brothers, he falls first, bad ass FMC who seeks revenge on the trauma that was done to her, and a true identity is revealed. Shelly has done it again.

[Lunawolfwy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Assassin's Love by Shelly Gray was an excellent read. The pacing is perfect and the writing is so clear it is easy to grab a vision of each person and place. I could not put this book down.

River is a strong FMC. After a brutal car accident leaves her with amnesia, she's taken in by Rodney. He is a retired Veteran & President of Wolf Creek MC. When Owen comes into the bar she works at, everything from that night forward changes. There’s more to everyone than is first seen.

I read the E-book and will be buying a physical copy for my shelf because it's good enough to read again but for now, I'm off to grab the next book in the series.

[Kimberly Pounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly Gray is an absolutely amazing writer, and this book was no different! If pulled me in from the beginning and did not let go. The characters development was amazing. I wanted the next book immediately!!! I gave this book 5 stars, and I think Shelly deserves 5 stars on everything she writes!!! I will be recommending this book to everyone!!!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a powerful story!

There is no love like it. With a hot assissin and 3 crazy grizzy bears (dont want to mess with these guys lol) hell bent on protecting their girl, no one stands a chance.

Its such a romantic and sexy love story. I loved watching our poor girl rise from the ashes and take back her power. All thanks to her protective men (her real family) she was able to recover from her trauma and stand up against her abusive master who made a claim on her.

Can't wait for part 2, to see what kind of future our girl and her brave assissin have waiting fot them.

Beautiful writing!

[Cari Rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great dark, MC, mafia romance! I was hooked from the beginning and wanting to know more! This book had romance, found family, spice and a lot of triggers too! Read to found out what happens to River after she’s in an accident and why she’s got an assassin looking for her! Highly recommend!!

[Deanna Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelly does to me every time, fast paced, fast read. With spice, a man or should I say men who will do anything to protect a woman that means everything to them!

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this first installment of the Assassin’s duet.

River is what they name her after saving her life 4 months ago. After a car crash in the river that should have taken her life, River has no recollection of who she really is. Despite her amnesia, she’s thriving working at a local bar surrounded by the group of veteran/MCs that saved her life and will do anything to keep her safe.

But bit by bit, River starts having flashbacks of her life prior to the accident. These coupled with a mysterious stranger that captures her attention makes her realize some memories are better left buried.

This fast-paced story is full of action and will leave you on the edge of your seat to see how book 2 plays out.

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It was so good and i was either laughing at jason or swooning at luke! It was soo good. I absolutely LOVED this book. Definitely worth a read and you will definitely laugh and swoon.

[Bree ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, Eves story was so heartbreaking to read. I loved how protective Rodney and the group were of her and how they all took her in with no explanation. Luke and Eves connection was my favorite part, you could tell they loved each other unconditionally from the beginning, it really encapsulates the word “soulmates.” I was sobbing through most of this book and that’s when you know it’s a good one in my opinion 😂 I’m so very thankful to Shelly for allowing me to read an ARC for this beautiful book and 1000% recommend you pick it up ❤️

Tropes:
❤️‍🔥run away fiancé
❤️‍🔥amnesia
❤️‍🔥family secrets
❤️‍🔥assassin
❤️‍🔥small town
❤️‍🔥found family
❤️‍🔥instant connection
Triggers:
🔗r@pe
🔗miscarriage
🔗abuse
🔗kidnapping
🔗knife play
🔗violence
🔗torture

[Kindra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not want to put this book down at all. It was such a great read with tons of plot with some spice added in. This is apart of a duet but doesn’t leave you on a cliffhanger like some do. It leaves it with possibilities of things to come.

River (FMC) works in a bar owned by the man that found her after a car accident. She doesn’t remember her life prior to as she has amnesia.

Owen (MMC) an assassin was hired to locate and return Eve the daughter of the man who hired him. He finds himself in Montana running on cold hits leading nowhere he spots her.