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Onyx Assassins #7

Crimson Shifter

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As an immortal, elite hunter with the ability to shift into any animal I like, I’m an expert at sneaking around.

But I never thought I’d have to pose as her pet.

Cassandra Zorin is the elegant, sexy, vampire daughter of a traitor. She’s as trustworthy as a pit viper, despite her claims of innocence. And when the king orders me to pose as her beloved pet panther while she infiltrates her heavily warded family estate, I can’t say no—even though I think we’re as likely to kill each other as our enemies.

Spending every waking minute with her has my hackles rising, among other things... I can’t help it. She’s gorgeous, with a sharp tongue and an even sharper set of fangs that I can’t stop thinking about. The more I learn about who she is beneath the polished, noble mask, the more I realize she’s nothing like I assumed.

We hated each other in the beginning, but the longer we’re on this mission together, the more I realize I can’t live without her. And after living for a thousand years, I know what’s real and what’s not. Right?

When our deadliest enemy finally comes out to play, the lines between Cassandra and me become blurry as hell.
I’ve been betrayed before and lived to tell the story.
This time? I’m not sure I’ll survive.

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2024

157 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Whiskey

44 books2,791 followers
Samantha Whiskey is a wife, mom, lover of her dogs and romance novels. No stranger to hockey, hot alpha males, and a high dose of awkwardness, she tucks herself away to write books her PTA will never know about.

To keep up to date with her latest sexy little reads, join her mailing list!
http://eepurl.com/bSQRWr

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5 stars
282 (51%)
4 stars
169 (31%)
3 stars
80 (14%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
6 reviews
July 20, 2024
Not up to Samantha’s usual standard. Almost no character development, everything felt rushed or not explored enough for the length of the book. An oddball considering how good the rest of this series is.
1,093 reviews3 followers
July 23, 2024
Book seven in this series is book two about the Hunters. We follow Cassandra (you may remember her as the hated female who tattooed the King's mating mark on herself) and Talon on a mission to get more information about her family's involvement in the war. It doesn't take long for the hate between these two to turn into something else. And if you know anything about these stories, you know that something else usually means more than just sex.

I enjoyed this story, although it wasn’t' my favourite so far. After having to wait a bit for this book, I feel the need to go back and re-read the others to bring myself up to speed again. Overall, I'm loving this world and can't wait for the next stories.
Profile Image for Donna Sutay-Cooke.
202 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2024
We had a wait a little bit for this story, but it was worth the wait. I was so lucky to get an ARC of this one. Whiskey just keeps building her paranormal world out better and better with every new addition to this series. With Crimson Shifter she hits all the yums, enemies to lovers, overcoming major trust issues, just one bed, secret undercover spy missions, a shifter vampire! 5 stars of sexy delightfulness!
19 reviews
July 29, 2024
I’m so disappointed, I was looking forward to this book su much as I really liked the previous ones. This, however, felt such a rushed and sloppy work, like the author just wanted to get it over with. I didn’t get to know anything about the MMC, he was just there to have male love interest in the book without any personality or background. 3* because I like the series.
Profile Image for Jenny Jackson.
1,268 reviews9 followers
July 26, 2024
Talon and Cassandra

This was a quick read. I thought I’d need a refresher because it had been so long since I read the last Onyx Assassin book, but there were a lot of subtle reminders that were enough to get me re-invested in this world. It was fast paced and exciting and only left me wanting more from this world.

Talon was a thousand year old vampire. Recently re-awakened and with his ability to shift into any animal, the perfect person to accompany Cassandra back to her family estate on a fact finding mission. Cassandra was a modern day vampire who had made some mistakes in the past and was trying her best to earn the King and his hunters’ trust. On their mission, Talon would pose as her panther and together they would look for information on her brother who seemingly took up her traitorous father’s role upon his death.

Like Talon, I was not expecting to like Cassandra. But she won me over pretty quickly. The things she was subjected to were unimaginable and as her truths came out, Talon began to see who she was beneath her mask. The more time they spent together, the stronger their connection got.

There was a good amount of suspense that came with this book. The last few chapters were especially suspenseful. I found myself unable to put this down and sped through it. It was exciting and suspenseful and just what I needed to escape from reality.
241 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2024
I love this entire series by Samantha Whiskey. The books are very well written and have a great plot plus the romance you love. My only complaint is the amount of time it takes her to write the next book! I am already ready for the next one. We are working our way through the Hunter group of this paranormal series and this one did not disappoint.

Cassandra is from a noble bloodline and in the beginning of the series you definitely wanted to hate her. This book gives you some insight into her history and why she was/is the that way. Her family is and was very cruel to her and she was raised to be that way. Talon is one of the elite hunters who has the ability to shift into any animal and he loves to get under Cassandra's skin. When the king sends them on a mission together, they may end up killing each other. However, as Talon learns more about Cassandra's background, he starts to understand her more. The two start to form a connection and trust. After being in enemy territory for three months, things definitely heat up. But the mission definitely has its perils that neither are safe from.

Definitely a great paranormal romance. Excellent plot and great writing style. Would recommend.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,003 reviews56 followers
July 14, 2024
I know I say it every time I read a book from this series, but for someone who is not a paranormal romance fan, this series always proves me that maybe deep down I am. The chemistry and connection between Talon and Cassandra is intense and walks that fine line between love and hate. Their story showed a deeper insight into Cassandra's character showing us that there was more to this little viper than what she showed the world. The storyline held you captive and on the edge of your seat from start to finish and at times had me holding my breath and gripping my kindle so hard. Talon had a strength that radiated from every page but Cassandra brought out not only a vulnerable side of him but also showed us his protective side when it came to a love that set his world on fire. This book did not disappoint on the heat level as it was hotter than hades. These two characters and this storyline will tick all the boxes and have you yearning for the next book.
Profile Image for Kaitlin Wood.
140 reviews2 followers
July 16, 2024
This series somehow keeps getting better and better! I have loved every single book set in the “Onyx Assassins” world, and Samantha Whiskey has upped her game with every new installment. Talon and Cassandra’s delicious enemies-to-lovers vibe was the cherry on top of a fun, exciting, touching, and beautiful romance.

In particular, I admired how Talon had to overcome big trust issues and his own misperceptions of Cassandra, who was such a strong, resilient, and smart character (and a perfect match for our snarky hunter). The small glimpse of Zachariah’s upcoming book at the end of “Crimson Shifter” made me very eager for more of the Assassins (especially Saint, whose dynamic with Aurora is already very sweet), and I will always continue to hold out hope for Daphne and Demon King Xavier to get their very own story, too.
1,654 reviews5 followers
July 18, 2024
Enemies to lovers with vampires!

Cassandra Zorin knows that many other vampires don’t trust her like a pit viper after faking the king’s mating mark but most of them don’t know that she was forced by her traitor parents. But Cassandra never expected that Onyx Assassin Talon would replace her beloved panther Shadow while she went to her family’s protected island to find out more about her brother and the Sons of Honor.

Talon knew that he was the best hunter to accompany Cassandra to her family’s island because of his shapeshifting abilities but he still didn’t trust her very far.

If you want an enemies to lovers romance with vampires and a shapeshifter with serious trust issues between them.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for cheralyn r quinn.
172 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2024
CRIMSON SHIFTER 5 STARS !!!!!

When I Saw the Cover for this book my first thought was WELL WILL YOU LOOK AT THAT!! A NEW BOOK!!! WHEN??? Well I was lucky to get an arc and I immediately started devouring this book!! The first chapter is the setting for the book !! Like many of us I developed a picture of Cassandra over several books based on the first book of course and then her father Lord Zorin when he tried and almost succeeded in killings the ancient warriors!! The arrival of our two on The Zorin Compound we discover that Cassandra upbringing was at best well I will leave you draw you own conclusions!! I thought WOW Lady Zorin and Edwin are Pieces of Work!! This is fantastic fast moving tightly crafted book!! LOVED IT Y'ALL I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO YOU!!! BTW the Rollouts I a great tease!!
313 reviews
July 22, 2024
Crimson Shifter
AN ONYX ASSASSINS NOVEL

By Samantha Whiskey

This next book in the series is just as captivating as the others books. I loved it.

The author did an outstanding job with the storyline and the attention that was paid to every scene. The verbal sparring is so entertaining and the chemistry between these two is off the charts.

Talon doesn’t trust Cassandra and she knows he hates her for the betrayal her family did. By the request of the king they need to work together to get imperative information to bring down a common enemy. Their closeness will have Cassandra reveal secrets of her past but can Talon bring himself to trust her? Can they pull it off or will her family’s astuteness be their downfall.

I recommend this book to anyone that loves vampires, captivating stories full of twist
Profile Image for Karen.
583 reviews4 followers
October 20, 2024
4 stars

It's been a while since we visited the king and his assassins, but I loved diving back into learning more about the hunters.

Cassandra has been labeled a betrayer to the crown and is sent on a mission with Talon to gain new information regarding the Sons of Honor. As her and Talon get closer during the mission, Talon starts to realize that Cassandra has her own demons to bear and is loyal to the king. They confide in each other their secrets and lean in each other for comfort. They get hot and heavy, and Cassandra soon learns that she isn't unwanted as she thought.

I loved Cassandra and Talons' story. They both deserve an HEA since they have both been hurt by the ones they thought were supposed to love them unconditionally. This was a quick and steamy read that gets us closer to more answers. I can't wait to read Zachariah's story.
1,655 reviews8 followers
August 7, 2024
A great addition to this series, a series about vampires.

Talon is a hunter and can shift. He lives in the King’s castle. Cassandra left home and now lives in the King’s castle. There is a backstory to that. They are sent on a mission back to her family to find out intel on her brother and his dealings after her father died; to see if he still has alliances he’s working with against the king. Talon and Cassandra hate each other, but do they really? He finds out the backstory to her life while there. They do hook up, but what will happen from there, and when they get home? It’s a dangerous game they’re playing in more ways than one. I enjoyed going on their journey with them, and I’m sure you will, too. Full of action and steam.
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,290 reviews20 followers
July 15, 2024
Another fantastic and action packed addition to the Onyx Assassins series! I was captivated from the start and once I started reading about Cassandra and Talon, I couldn’t put this book down. Cassandra might be the daughter of a traitor but underneath is a vampire woman who is innocent and will do what she needs to do to prove her innocence. Talon is beyond dreamy as an immortal shifter and I loved him in this book so much. The two had an amazing chemistry that was coming off the pages and I loved how their relationship progressed. Samantha turned up the action and mystery for this book and I loved every word. The teaser for the next story has me counting down the days until it’s released!
Profile Image for She Dreams In Books.
576 reviews8 followers
August 16, 2024
I was so looking forward to this but unfortunately it just did not grab me. It wasn’t a bad story but there were 2 things that for me it lacked. The first was, I would have loved to have seen some character development. Cassandra and Talon were likeable characters but there was nothing that really drew me to them. The second thing was that not much really happened throughout the book then suddenly it was close to the end and it was “wam, bam, thank you ma’am”.
I’ve always said there is going be a book that you least like in a series and this happens to be that book. This has not deterred me from reading any other books in this series in the future. I love Samantha Whiskey’s writing.
Profile Image for Rachael.
703 reviews1 follower
September 5, 2024
Talon and Cassandra- redemption

Talon, the shifter Hunter is assigned a secret mission with the beautiful but treacherous Cassandra.
Previous books have not painted Cassandra in a great light. She has tried to force Alek, the vampire king into becoming her mate and wasn’t great to his new queen. Coming from a family of traitors she didn’t seem a plausible match to a Hunter.
Talon quickly realized that she’s been hiding a very traumatized and abusive childhood.
As their mission lingers their feelings for each other grow.
Plenty of great dialogue and sexy scenes with just enough action and great story.
Profile Image for Lisa D.
1,082 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2024
Love, love love these two!!!! I've been waiting for Cassandra's redemption story and this did not disappoint. The pain that she suffered growing up and the strength that she showed was incredible. I loved how she stood up to Talon and how he realized that her armor was so much stronger. Great story and plot and plenty of steam. I started it and couldn't put it down until I finished it. This was a great start to this part of this series. Absolutely fantastic!

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christine Blood.
277 reviews5 followers
July 16, 2024
This series is amazing! I have been dying to read Cassandra and Talon's story. Cassandra has been trying to show her allegiance to Alec and his court. She even accepts a mission to go back to her family island to find out information. The problem taking Talon in place of her beloved panther. They have to have trust and be able to work together and not kill each other. I absolutely could not put this book down. I cannot wait for the next one!!!!
Profile Image for Fantasy Book Review Kim.
582 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2024
Sent on a secret mission, Cassandra must prove her loyalty to the king while one of his hunters goes undercover at her side. Talon is untrusting and given Cassandra’s previous issue he doesn’t want to warm up to her. The author gave us a fast burn romance where we got to see two people who hate each other fall for each other. I loved the back and forth and the bond that they developed. The world the author has built is well written and gives a perfect backdrop to the stories.
3,174 reviews
August 8, 2024
A definite must read!

A definite must read! For fans of paranormal romance and this author writing, the newest addition to the addicting Onyx Assassins series is a must one click. I love that we get more of this series with the waking of the hunters we have more deliciousness hotness coming our way. This is Talon and Cassandra’s story and an enemies to lovers storyline that with have you flipping the pages as their heat level sizzle and their story comes alive. I enjoyed all the action and characters connection throughout the storyline. I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for KGB.
284 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2024
a new favorite

I saved this book to read in October. And I am mentally kicking myself because I wish I had read it sooner. I loved this book so much. I love redemption stories. I love that Cassandra was an antagonist throughout the series and we finally got to see who she really was. What made her be so stoic and to have such high walls around her. Talon was everything I didn’t know I wanted to read about. A new favorite from this author. I can’t wait for the next one.
437 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2024
Perfect

So much suspense. So much interest hidden behind seemed hatred and indifference. The real story behind Cassandra’s family and life. A real mating mark. Talon, a Viking hunter and Cassandra agree to work together to bring down her family. Who knew their dislike for each other would morph into love and something neither of them was prepared to accept. Samantha Whiskey does it again. A true winner.
206 reviews
January 6, 2025
This book has a really intetesting plot and characters. I love the tortured villianess books. But the writing flopped. Theres no world building to know what shes talking about. The plot seemed to be there just to further their relationship, like it was background noise. The plot went by very fast and lazy. I also hated how the FL gets almost SA and it becomes about calming him down when shes the one assaulted
Profile Image for bea.
318 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2025
✨5.0✨
oh god my biggest dream would be if samantha wrote a book for every single supernatural being in this universe. I could literally read and enjoy a book about anything and anyone, I'm addicted to the universe, the writing, the characters, everything... you have no idea how excited I am for the next books! every book in this series is perfection to me I have nothing to say… I'll probably read them all again soon
Profile Image for Brenda Motza.
448 reviews5 followers
July 19, 2024
I have never liked paranormal or shifter romances, but, but, Samantha will change your mind.

I didn't like Cassandra but then when we got behind the reason she did was she did to the king, well, you couldn't help feel for her.

I just loved this book with Talon. These vampires are all hot AF. I said what I said!

I can't wait to see what Samantha brings us next.
1,821 reviews10 followers
August 7, 2024
so fun to be back

This is a fun vampire series with just a perfect blend of darkness with light. A fast read, not too angsty and a wonderful couple (talon and Cassandra) surrounded by great vampires, witches and more that I have grown to really enjoy. An underlying arc of destruction continues to intrigue me, keeping me tuning in. A fun read.
Profile Image for Kandace Wade.
140 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2024
I’ve really fallen in love with all the previous books. That being said I felt like this one was rushed. Usually these books are full of detail and this one was lacking. I was really excited for Cassandra’s long awaited book but it wasn’t everything I hoped for. I was still fully immersed but I was lacking Samantha’s typical writing. More of a Novella.
Profile Image for Rina's Reads.
1,656 reviews44 followers
July 21, 2024
Just what I needed

Oh, how I had missed this world!
The Onyx Assassins series just keeps on getting more intriguing.

I adored Talon and Cassandra's story.
Banter, deception, surprises and fate all play their part in this tale.
It was everything I hoped it would be and more
Profile Image for Stephanie Bird.
191 reviews7 followers
July 23, 2024
Wow. The things we learn about Cassandra in this book, mind blown! The poor girl, all she wants is to be loved. Talon learns a lot about her and himself along the way. Forced proximity and restraint equal epic explosions. I am here for this series and can not wait for the rest of them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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