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Crimson Mate: An Onyx Assassins Novel

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As the leader of the immortal hunters, I’m no stranger to making tough decisions.
The hardest of which was going into stasis to save the world centuries ago—and losing my mate in the process.

Upon awaking in present day, I was told my mate died years ago.
The news crushed me, but the war we’re fighting is too important to forfeit my life…right now.
I function on autopilot despite the support of my hunter brothers, taking life one night at a time until we can end this war and I can return to the once-dark sleep that claimed me.

But on a solo hunt, I almost meet death much sooner than planned. Overrun by bloodmad vampires, I’m saved by another hunter on their trail…no, a huntress.
My mate.

Talia Ashcroft is the love of my life, but she’s not the same girl I was forced to leave behind.
She’s a lethal huntress, stronger and more powerful than I remember, not to mention as gorgeous as ever. Years of separation did nothing to tame the chemistry between us, and I’m elated that fate has given us a second chance.

There’s only one problem.
She hates me.
I broke her heart centuries ago, and she has no intention of giving it to me again.

But fate has brought us together as we work to capture a common enemy, and I’m not going to waste this chance to make amends.
Losing her is the biggest regret of my existence.
And I’ll do whatever it takes to prove to her that I’ll never choose duty over her again…
Even if it means letting go of the key to winning this war.

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2024

135 people are currently reading
43 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
187 (44%)
4 stars
143 (34%)
3 stars
76 (18%)
2 stars
7 (1%)
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7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Payton Box.
1,480 reviews22 followers
October 17, 2024
I’m not gonna lie, I hope this series goes on forever, like just so many vampire stories because I love the magic system, I love the characters, and I love the suspense plot lines in each of the book while also having an overarching suspense line as well. I downloaded this book as soon as it went live and read it the same day, I’m literally addicted.

Zachariah is Talia’s mate, well he was, the mark is gone now, once they find each other, they struggle to see if they are still mates, and whether or not Talia can trust him again. I love Talia’s strength, her ability to take on anyone as a huntress but also willing to admit when she makes mistakes. Her and Zachariah are a love story for the ages, literally, and I loved every moment.
Profile Image for Donna Sutay-Cooke.
202 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2024
Whiskey is back with another chapter in her Onyx Assassins series and she knocked second chance romance out of the park. I will be honest second chance is not my favorite trope, but I really liked how she approached it and really openly addressed the trust factors that have to be dealt with for second chances to be viable (and did it in paranormal setting to boot with more finesse than I have seen in contemporaries). Bravo & well done! Our heroine and hero were incredibly well balanced as a couple and you really spent the book rooting for them equally. Also this book does a lot of work moving the arc of the series forward and I continue to really look forward to seeing where Whiskey takes us next. 4.5 stars.
810 reviews5 followers
January 10, 2025
I love this series - and I can't wait for the next one. I appreciate that the last chapter of the current book is always the first chapter of the next one - I'm always hooked before I can even load the book on my phone.

Each of these couples' story are different and I think that's so refreshing. Enemies to lovers, second chance romance, friends to lovers... I think this is such a fun series!
2,426 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2024
4.5 Stars

Another really good story in this series! Loved Talia and Zachariah and their second chance. Loved how much Talia has grown into the woman she wants to be and oh my, Zachariah!!!
1,092 reviews3 followers
October 21, 2024
I always love how Samantha Whiskey's books just appear and surprise me. Makes for a focused day of reading. As with the others in her vampire series that I've devoured, 'Z' and Talia's story provided more insight into the Hunters and their pasts. Although not as long and as in-depth as the original Assassins novels, I feel like we're learning a little more and building to this epic confrontation. Keep them coming and I will keep reading them.
241 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2024
This is an excellent paranormal romance series by Samantha Whiskey. I would definitely recommend the whole series and it is probably best if you read them in order. You don't have to but you'll miss a lot of the background to the why of the missions they all go on and the dynamics of the assassins and hunters.

This book follows Zachariah and Talia and I was super excited for their book. Zachariah is the leader of the newly awakened Hunters and has some serious fire power (if he decides to use it). Talia is a Huntress and was once Zachariah's mate before he went into stasis to basically save the world. Of course he did this without actually discussing it with her so hundreds of years later when he finds out she's still alive he still has those same feelings. Talia however does not feel the same...definite trust issues are there and she has moved on from being that sweet pliable mate. Zachariah will do whatever it takes to win her back and they will both be seriously tested as the war they are fighting continues.

Overall a good book and would recommend. I think I was expecting a little more from this book just because Zachariah is the leader of the Hunters. I was a little disappointed his story didn't have more "pizzazz" if you will but would still say it was worth the read. Just not my favorite of the series I would say in general.
1,655 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2024
A wonderful additional vampire story to this series!

You’re going to love Zachariah and Talia! This is an action filled jammed packed love story with steam that will make you fan yourself to cool off. Zachariah is looking for his brother, Samuel, who has turned into a bloodmad vampire, and has turned others, too. He also holds a secret about his powers. Talia is a huntress who left her wealthy Nottingham Ashdown line in which she was supposed to be the heiress to. She saves Zachariah from an attack of bloodmad vampires. She wonders why he didn’t use all the powers he possesses. Zachariah thought she died 500 years ago after looking for her. Talia thought he was still in stasis and not awake yet. They used to be mates back then, and he never showed up for their wedding sending her a note and making a decision for her to keep her safe. His mark has faded off her wrist. He wends her to the king’s castle where she was going anyway. The King pairs them up to hunt together. Can he ever mend the trust she lost for him? This has a great storyline with great writing and great suspense.
Profile Image for Onceupona.spine.
457 reviews14 followers
October 17, 2024
𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞 . . .  

I was so excited when I happened upon a post by the author to say there were limited early arcs available of this!  
You better believe I raced to grab one. 

This series has been absolutely incredible and only gets better with each new release.  
The larger plot told throughout each book has me on the edge of my seat! I am practically drooling for each new development.  

𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞 by Samantha Whiskey Zachariah & Talias story. These two were fated long ago, but circumstances and decisions tore them apart.  

Now I'm not going to give too much away because it really is something you need to experience yourself but I can tell you what to expect. 

Vampires, fated mates, enemies to lovers, second chances, an MMC who isn't beyond begging to make things right, action, adventure, a love that truly stood the test of time and if that's not enough. . . Some of the best spicy scenes I've read in a long time.  
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. 

𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬!  
Profile Image for Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads.
2,288 reviews20 followers
October 17, 2024
I’m so glad that we got back into the Onyx Assassins world. “Crimson Mate” is an action packed, steamy and plot twisted vampire romance that pulled me in from the first chapter.

A second chance with your fated mate even you had to leave them for the better fate of the immortal world. That’s what Zachariah was faced with centuries ago. And the one to save him was the mate he left behind, Talia. The chemistry between these two was instantly sparked again despite spending all those centuries. Both were hurt by how things went and had some things that they needed to settle first before they could even begin to work things out. They came together for the greater good of the overall need of their world and became strong as a unit again. I couldn’t stop turning the pages because I needed these two to see how perfect they were still for each other. Zachariah knew he needed to make up for that past and did it in the best possible way. This was a fantastic addition to the series.
1,653 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2024
Zachariah and Talia were getting a second chance!

Zachariah had waken from stasis to find out that his fated mate Talia Ashcroft had died in the 1600’s but he never expected to see her as a huntress saving him. Especially when he was trying to track down Samuel and prevent more newly turned bloodmad vampires.

Talia had joined the huntresses after Zachariah didn’t show up for their wedding and she didn’t know that he had awaken from stasis because her mating mark had faded.

If you want something different in a vampire romance you need to read Crimson Mate because Zachariah and Talia were getting a second chance to complete their mating bond.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kylee.
3,001 reviews56 followers
October 23, 2024
Crimson Mate is another great story immersed in the Onyx Assassins world. This is a second chance romance and one that will have you on the edge of your seat. Zachariah and Talia were mates until Zachariah made a decision that affected them both, now the mating mark has faded and Talia no longer trusts the man she once loved with her heart. As danger lurks at every corner and the fight is still on to save their world, Zachariah will need to show Talia that even if it takes eternity he will gain her trust and her love back. Their chemistry is sizzling hot and the emotion that erupts between these two has the pages electrically charged. It is filled with drama, danger and revelations that will have you utterly captivated.
Profile Image for Jenny Jackson.
1,267 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2025
Zachariah and Talia

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

FMC: Talia Ashcroft
MMC: Zachariah, leader of the hunters
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Pages: 170
Tropes: Second Chance Romance, Romantasy, Vampires, Fated Mates
Setting: Edgemont, Vampire Court

Thoughts: This was a quick read. Low angst, high excitement. It was the perfect book for a day when I needed something short and easy to get into. Zachariah left Talia when he chose duty over showing up for their wedding. 500 years later he finds her while out on a hunting mission after thinking she was dead when he woke up. He has a lot of groveling to do to win Talia back and I appreciated that she didn’t just take him back immediately. Talia made Zachariah prove he wouldn’t leave her again and saw her as an equal.
Profile Image for OM.
579 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2024
Though in my heart nothing can take place of the original assassins this was one very different from the others.

Second chance fated mates? I at first was cautious because how can they have these tropes in one.

Yet I think the premise was executed well given how different these tropes are.

The connected but stand alone series makes you invested because each story is it own but this fight is long lasting over and it’s fun to see some couples we saw earlier more domestic like my OG Alek and Lyric 😍

I also am invested in Daphne and Xavier and just the little tidbits drive me insane 😍
Profile Image for Brenda Motza.
448 reviews5 followers
October 29, 2024
"We came so close to losing each other again, all because of my fear."

When family and duty out win your forever can you come back from it?

I loved this book so much. Z went into stasis after leaving a "Dear Jane" letter for Talia. After he wakes he was told that his love to be had died to find out that she was still alive. Can Z save his connection and get back his mate to be?

Talia was from royalty and after what Z did to her and after losing her parents she took the tough road and became a huntress. When Talia finds that Z is now out of stasis can she trust him not to choose duty over her again?

And the hunt for Samuel continues and he slips just out of their grasp, again!
Profile Image for Cheryl A.
628 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2024
It’s been awhile since I’ve read this series. I read the first and the fifth and then when this popped into my feed I couldn’t pass it up. It was another awesome read. It is a standalone and can be read on its own. Samantha does a wonderful job of connecting all the characters together even though I haven’t read the entire series. Talia and Zachariah come together after centuries apart. He left her for a mission only explaining to her in a letter and not consulting with her before he left. She does not trust him with her heart now but she is still attracted to him. He is determined to win her back while they both hunt for Conrad and Samuel his brother. This is a real fast exciting read.
Profile Image for cheralyn r quinn.
172 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2024
CRIMSON MATE IS HERE!!!

Crimson Mate the latest entry in the Ones Assassins Series is a 5Star Plus book!! This deals with Zachariah and his mate Talia. When Zachariah went into stasis with the others he had to leave his mate even though they hadn't completed the bond! This a romantic fast paced book with the Assassin's still hunting Saint and dealing with ensuing antics!! I highly recommend it Y'all all
28 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2024
A fantastic continuation of the series

I LOVE this series! This book was a much needed surprise as I didn't realize it was coming out! I scooped it up immediately.
This is the beautiful second chance story of Talia and Zachariah who have been apart for 500 years.
It can be read as a standalone but it is much more rewarding to be along for the ride of the interconnected story. I am extremely invested and hopeful for more soon.
Profile Image for Birdy.
4 reviews
October 18, 2024
Despite accidentally starting the series by reading this book, I was able to quickly get a grasp on the established world and left me excited to catch up on all of the other books to experience the backstories of characters I met in Crimson Mate.

The story was captivating and emotions were well described and relatable without an excessive amount of angst despite this being a second chance romance!

Highly recommend any of Samantha Whiskey’s books.
Profile Image for Amanda.
452 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2024
I love Samantha Whiskey’s books but the Onyx Assassin series is one of my favorites. Hot, assassin vampires will always interest me. I want this series to go on forever.

Zachariah, one of the awaken vampires from Stasis, finds out his mate is still alive. However, the mating mark is gone now and his mate, Talia, wants nothing to do with him. She is a huntress now and has a mission to complete. By order of the King of Vampires they have to work together and it proves more difficult to deny their fated mate status.

I loved this story line because fated mates and lost loves is a favorite of mine. I love how Zachariah and Talia are both able to admit that they made mistakes despite both being pretty badass. I love that their love spans centuries.

The plot and suspense and mystery of this book was nicely done. Overall, a great read especially if you like vampire books.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bird.
191 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2024
This is a tale as old as time. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, boy puts duty before girl. Except. This story has vampires and girl makes her self a girl boss. When they meet again he must prove he won't break her heart again and she must trust he means what he says and his actions match.
The continuation of the story in the background is really picking up but I am still waiting for Daphne's story!
Profile Image for Kaitlin Wood.
140 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2024
This series keeps getting better and better! I loved seeing how Zachariah and Talia were able to reconnect after centuries apart, and the overarching mission to find Samuel was as intriguing and intense as ever. Also, the small glimpse in this book of Xavier — and his adorable obsession with Daphne — made my day; I can’t wait for them, as well as Saint and Aurora, to get their own stories, too.
Profile Image for She Dreams In Books.
573 reviews8 followers
October 17, 2024
Love an FMC who stands her ground! This story of second chances with Talia and Zachariah was something I've been looking forward to reading. I was not disappointed! ♥️
Loved seeing Talia take control of the situation between her and Zachariah. He maybe a one tough assassin, but damn it was good to see him on his knees.😍
Profile Image for Robin Reviewer.
1,012 reviews12 followers
October 20, 2024
Not much happens- read on KU

I LOVE this series, but not this book. A new bad guy enters the picture so they can take him out, but no real progress is made on the overall story. Zachariah and Talia dont have the chemistry most of the other couples have had. I am looking forward to Dagon's book, though.
257 reviews
October 21, 2024
4.5 stars
Really enjoyed this book. Love the series in general. Same criticism I had on the one before it’s more like a short story rather than a novel and I wish we would have gotten a longer story more in depth so we get to actually connect more with the characters but besides that a really great book if you are into that trope
Profile Image for Fantasy Book Review Kim.
582 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2024
great story

This story was interesting. I’ve often wondered if a mate mark could fade. The author gave an interesting take on this concept and gave us the whys. The two main characters were perfect for each other and had great chemistry on the page. I love how each book has me wanting more in the series.
Profile Image for Kirsty McCracken.
1,717 reviews18 followers
November 17, 2024
6.43 on CAWPILE / 3.25*

I can't help but wonder if I am beginning to be done with this series or if the last 2 just didn't appeal to me. I will most likely continue with it anyway.

Nothing BAD about this per se, just kinda meh for me. But that may be the reading slump hangover talking rather than the book itself.
118 reviews
October 30, 2024
FIGHTING THE FEELINGS!

Things were going to be hard for these two. Love doesn't live here any more. Yeah, right. Once mates, always mates! It was a good read watching them try. This book was action and suspense from the onset to the end. Enjoy!!!
436 reviews4 followers
November 12, 2024
Incredible

These books are so good. So much action, history, promises, secrets, lust and love. Hidden powers and long lost feelings. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished the story. Absolutely amazing
66 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2024
Well written

The story was well written but me I just didn’t like the back and forth between Z and Talia. It drugged the story out. I love the Onyx series. However, this was my least favorite book.
Profile Image for bea.
318 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2025
✨4.8 ✨
my biggest dream is to wake up one day and have a book for every single character in this series. I love everything about it, the couples, the steam, the war!!! I can't wait to read the next one!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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