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The Hitman's Guide #8
The Hitman's Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses
Leland
Life is normal… suspiciously normal.
During my long, lonely years as a hitman, I never realized that one day, I would have a family to call my own.
Now, instead of stalking my targets and taking down people with a flick of my wrist, my specialties lie in things like planning sleepovers (why does Waylon look terrified?), The Fence hour (those are screams of joy), and involving others to help our child succeed (no, of course I didn’t abduct anyone).
But for a guy like me, things can’t stay good for too long. Someone seems to think that I should still be the ruthless hitman I used to be. They want to draw me back into the limelight and prove to me that what I’m living now is a lie.
But they don’t realize how much they’re going to regret meeting the Sandman–especially once they threatened my family.
Jackson
This person seems to be obsessed with an image of Leland from the past, and because of it, we now have a crime boss on our tail and a bounty on Leland’s head. The stalker has no idea that Leland comes with multiple ex-assassins, a sketchy Scotsman, and the chief of police who likes to pretend he doesn’t want to be involved.
I adore my life with Leland just the way it is (someone, please burn down The Fence), and no one is going to ruin that (I will pay well).
They’d better be afraid to sleep because the Sandman is coming (and if they took down The Fence while they were at it, I wouldn’t mind).
Life is normal… suspiciously normal.
During my long, lonely years as a hitman, I never realized that one day, I would have a family to call my own.
Now, instead of stalking my targets and taking down people with a flick of my wrist, my specialties lie in things like planning sleepovers (why does Waylon look terrified?), The Fence hour (those are screams of joy), and involving others to help our child succeed (no, of course I didn’t abduct anyone).
But for a guy like me, things can’t stay good for too long. Someone seems to think that I should still be the ruthless hitman I used to be. They want to draw me back into the limelight and prove to me that what I’m living now is a lie.
But they don’t realize how much they’re going to regret meeting the Sandman–especially once they threatened my family.
Jackson
This person seems to be obsessed with an image of Leland from the past, and because of it, we now have a crime boss on our tail and a bounty on Leland’s head. The stalker has no idea that Leland comes with multiple ex-assassins, a sketchy Scotsman, and the chief of police who likes to pretend he doesn’t want to be involved.
I adore my life with Leland just the way it is (someone, please burn down The Fence), and no one is going to ruin that (I will pay well).
They’d better be afraid to sleep because the Sandman is coming (and if they took down The Fence while they were at it, I wouldn’t mind).
- GenresM M RomanceHumor
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2026
20 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
62 books2,740 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
Follow me on Facebook where I put up short stories, teasers, and giveaways: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Alice...
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 21, 2026
I was in such a weird mood today and no book was engaging me - I tried five or six before I remembered this one had been released and it was exactly what I needed!
Leland's shenanigans were amusing as ever, I swing back and forth on whether I think The Fence TM is funny or not (I'm team Jackson on this) and it was great to see the whole group together.
Waylon is probably my favourite character and I love how he's starting to sass Leland and Jackson more and not panic (too much) about possible reactions.
The bad guy plot was interesting, the stalker was insane, and how on earth does Leland win people over?!
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for an Everly and Micah book though...
Leland's shenanigans were amusing as ever, I swing back and forth on whether I think The Fence TM is funny or not (I'm team Jackson on this) and it was great to see the whole group together.
Waylon is probably my favourite character and I love how he's starting to sass Leland and Jackson more and not panic (too much) about possible reactions.
The bad guy plot was interesting, the stalker was insane, and how on earth does Leland win people over?!
I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for an Everly and Micah book though...
Review of advance copy received from Autore
I just never get tired of reading about these characters and now there's so many of them helping Leland on another one of his wild adventures, now involving a stalker who wants him to go back being the Sandman.
Things got pretty dangerous and there was so much action, yet we also had a lot of hilarious bonding scenes and the steamy scenes were hotter than usual. I blushed a lot.
Leland and his aversion to emotions is surrounded by people he cares about and will protect with all his babies, aka his guns, and he has many of them. So so many.
Seeing them being parents to Waylon was incredible, I just love how over the top Leland is as a father and how much he puts into every single thing he does for the people he love. He is so intense that everyone is afraid of what he plans then end up having lots of fun. Leland just doesn't do things by halves. It's all or nothing at all, and 99,9% of the time it's all. I just adore his ridiculous booty!
Am I sensing an Everly and Micah book in the horizon?? I can't wait for even more Hitman shenanigans!
Things got pretty dangerous and there was so much action, yet we also had a lot of hilarious bonding scenes and the steamy scenes were hotter than usual. I blushed a lot.
Leland and his aversion to emotions is surrounded by people he cares about and will protect with all his babies, aka his guns, and he has many of them. So so many.
Seeing them being parents to Waylon was incredible, I just love how over the top Leland is as a father and how much he puts into every single thing he does for the people he love. He is so intense that everyone is afraid of what he plans then end up having lots of fun. Leland just doesn't do things by halves. It's all or nothing at all, and 99,9% of the time it's all. I just adore his ridiculous booty!
Am I sensing an Everly and Micah book in the horizon?? I can't wait for even more Hitman shenanigans!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so happy that Leland and Jackson and the gang are back for a new book. This book was sooo good. I absolutely loved it. This book was hilarious which is the usual for Alice Winters books. I very highly recommend this series/book to everyone. I can't wait the audio of this book it will be amazing.
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
January 20, 2026
mother
So Leland has an “admirer” trying to get him to come out of retirement.
This whole story was an adventure loved every minute of it, laughed a lot especially chapter 14 that was the best chapter of them all.
From the first book Leland always thought he was alone and now in this book you see has a lot of people who will be by his side including Tavish.
So Leland has an “admirer” trying to get him to come out of retirement.
This whole story was an adventure loved every minute of it, laughed a lot especially chapter 14 that was the best chapter of them all.
From the first book Leland always thought he was alone and now in this book you see has a lot of people who will be by his side including Tavish.
January 18, 2026
Another instalment of hijinx and mayhem from the chaos master and his poor suffering hubby. With cameos from the whole gang and a new threat, this gives you all you expect from Alice. Adventure, found family, craziness and a dash of love thrown in.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another laugh out loud, 5 Star addition to the series!! I love everything about this crazy group of characters, they truly are the greatest found family ever. They are back saving the day and creating chaos. Be warned this book will make you LOL for real, so drink at your own risk!
January 21, 2026
I love Leland. I mean, that’s nothing new obviously, it’s just that there was something about him in this story that really got to me. We all know how protective he is of Jackson, and now Wayland, but the way he is with all his friends in this book kind of made me see him a little differently. It’s not that he did anything out of the norm, really. I guess it could just be me reacting to the state of *flails hands* and thinking how wonderful it is that someone cares so much about other people!
This was a really great addition to The Hitman’s Guide series. It was so fun having the entire gang together for most of the book, helping Leland on his quest to find out who was trying to pull him back into his old life. There’s laughter and suspense, and some of the over-the-top silliness we’d expect in this series. But there’s a serious undertone, as this mystery person doesn’t seem to care who he hurts, as long as he gets what he wants, and what he wants is Leland.
As with all the Hitman’s book, the story was engaging, the characters entertaining, and I was left, as always, hoping this series would never end. But if it does, and this was the last book, (I have no idea if it is or isn’t!), it gave me such a feeling of contentment for Leland and Jackson.
This was a really great addition to The Hitman’s Guide series. It was so fun having the entire gang together for most of the book, helping Leland on his quest to find out who was trying to pull him back into his old life. There’s laughter and suspense, and some of the over-the-top silliness we’d expect in this series. But there’s a serious undertone, as this mystery person doesn’t seem to care who he hurts, as long as he gets what he wants, and what he wants is Leland.
As with all the Hitman’s book, the story was engaging, the characters entertaining, and I was left, as always, hoping this series would never end. But if it does, and this was the last book, (I have no idea if it is or isn’t!), it gave me such a feeling of contentment for Leland and Jackson.
January 21, 2026
Leland and Jackson as Dads!
I’m so happy that there’s another book of Leland and Jackson! It’s crazy how big their family has grown but I am here for it! I love that Leland now has a million people to bully who all stick around him even when they always seem to get into the most insane things. This latest installation was no different because Leland is once again thrown into some dangerous adventures with his friends while trying to dodge a nosey detective. I love how much of this book was about Leland and Jackson being great fathers (if you ignore all the weapons and whatnot). I also found myself really enjoying Ellis being the most normal person and trying to make Tavish be a better friend. This book had all the humour that Alice Winters usually puts in her books and I loved every moment of it. Even though I am not usually a crime/suspense reader Alice Winters’ characters are also extremely competent and funny which makes me less stressed about the actual suspense parts. Plus this book has lots of mentions of “The Fence” which is still standing and probably will forever!
I’m so happy that there’s another book of Leland and Jackson! It’s crazy how big their family has grown but I am here for it! I love that Leland now has a million people to bully who all stick around him even when they always seem to get into the most insane things. This latest installation was no different because Leland is once again thrown into some dangerous adventures with his friends while trying to dodge a nosey detective. I love how much of this book was about Leland and Jackson being great fathers (if you ignore all the weapons and whatnot). I also found myself really enjoying Ellis being the most normal person and trying to make Tavish be a better friend. This book had all the humour that Alice Winters usually puts in her books and I loved every moment of it. Even though I am not usually a crime/suspense reader Alice Winters’ characters are also extremely competent and funny which makes me less stressed about the actual suspense parts. Plus this book has lots of mentions of “The Fence” which is still standing and probably will forever!
January 20, 2026
The latest instalment of the Hitmans Guide brings Leland and his friends together once again. Waylon is adjusting to his new life with his dads, Leland & Jackson, when their life gets in the way once again. When someone wants the SANDMAN to return to work it takes the work of the entire crew to stop them from making that happen. It is fun to see how big of a role each of these players play in each story and how they all need the other to let the chaos play as beautiful as it was meant to.
Loved that throughout this series you see the growth of each of these men while this still maintain who they are at the heart of it all. Leland learning feelings are a good thing has me cackling each time cause yeah maybe he's a little broken. This found family is one that will always remain one that you will not be able to forget, even though yeah sometimes you want to block out theirs songs (looking at you Leland) that randomly pop in my head and do not leave. Let's hope Micah gets a book in the future as well, the more we see from him the more I want to get to know him.
Loved that throughout this series you see the growth of each of these men while this still maintain who they are at the heart of it all. Leland learning feelings are a good thing has me cackling each time cause yeah maybe he's a little broken. This found family is one that will always remain one that you will not be able to forget, even though yeah sometimes you want to block out theirs songs (looking at you Leland) that randomly pop in my head and do not leave. Let's hope Micah gets a book in the future as well, the more we see from him the more I want to get to know him.
January 20, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
The Hitman’s Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses is the eight book in Alice Winter’s Hitman’s Guide series. We have seen Leland and Jackson come a long way, and now they are settled into a (somewhat) normal life together. I mean, Leland is a chaos gremlin and they are constantly shooting at things, so it isn’t exactly calm, but it is much more of a regular life than Leland ever imagined or dreamed for himself. Then, suddenly, things erupt into chaos, as someone from Leland’s past unexpectedly appears back in his life.
This was a fun visit back to the world of this series and I continue to really like these stories. This is one is going to be best enjoyed by those who have followed along with at least some of the Hitman books, and I think there is lot to offer here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
The Hitman’s Guide to Stately Fences and Killer Defenses is the eight book in Alice Winter’s Hitman’s Guide series. We have seen Leland and Jackson come a long way, and now they are settled into a (somewhat) normal life together. I mean, Leland is a chaos gremlin and they are constantly shooting at things, so it isn’t exactly calm, but it is much more of a regular life than Leland ever imagined or dreamed for himself. Then, suddenly, things erupt into chaos, as someone from Leland’s past unexpectedly appears back in his life.
This was a fun visit back to the world of this series and I continue to really like these stories. This is one is going to be best enjoyed by those who have followed along with at least some of the Hitman books, and I think there is lot to offer here.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So much fun!
The entire gang are back for another action filled adventure that also includes plenty of laughs and lots of mayhem. Leland is in the sights of a very unsavoury person who ensures that Leland becomes the next target of a very unscrupulous villain. It’s not only Leland but the rest of his found family who are also dragged in. With plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting and exciting I couldn’t put this book down. I was fully engaged from start to finish and as with previous books by this very dependable author I had absolutely no idea who the villain was. There’s the usual hilarious shenanigans, Leland gets to sing again, Waylon still seems stunned about everything that happens around him, Henry finds himself in a Disney costume and Sasquatch Jackson gets to make another appearance. I’ve loved all the books in this series and this is another fantastic addition to it.
The entire gang are back for another action filled adventure that also includes plenty of laughs and lots of mayhem. Leland is in the sights of a very unsavoury person who ensures that Leland becomes the next target of a very unscrupulous villain. It’s not only Leland but the rest of his found family who are also dragged in. With plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting and exciting I couldn’t put this book down. I was fully engaged from start to finish and as with previous books by this very dependable author I had absolutely no idea who the villain was. There’s the usual hilarious shenanigans, Leland gets to sing again, Waylon still seems stunned about everything that happens around him, Henry finds himself in a Disney costume and Sasquatch Jackson gets to make another appearance. I’ve loved all the books in this series and this is another fantastic addition to it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Always thrilled to go back to Alice Winters’ Hitman World. In book number ,,, I don’t know…we join Leland, Jackson et all on a crazy journey filled with laughs with a few bodies thrown in along the way. The consequences of Waylon making a new friend is that The Hitman Gang is pulled into a trafficking group, but who the real bad guy is is in question when there are so many of them to choose from. This book had me guessing as to what was really going on right up until the end and I loved it. The Author gives us her usual crazy fun dialogue between all of the characters who will usually never admit how much they actually love their dysfunctional found family. These books, not only in this series but all of the Author’s current series are always a pleasure to read and I’m always sad when I finish my current book as I know it will be a while before I can jump back into their incredible imagination again. Another highly recommended read
January 20, 2026
Excellent!
I adored this book! I always forget just how much I love Leland and the gang until I am back in the thick of things with them. I was in such a reading slump, starting and stopping so many books, and then Leland just sucked me right in! It's like visiting with old friends and it was such a comfort read for me. The entire gang is back, including Wayland, the snark and hilarity is high, the action is intense, and the sandman shows his stuff. We even get a few smexy times woth Leland and Jackson to remind us just how perfect they are for each other. Loved it so much and hope Alice continues to write in this world for many books to come, I will never get tired of Leland!
I adored this book! I always forget just how much I love Leland and the gang until I am back in the thick of things with them. I was in such a reading slump, starting and stopping so many books, and then Leland just sucked me right in! It's like visiting with old friends and it was such a comfort read for me. The entire gang is back, including Wayland, the snark and hilarity is high, the action is intense, and the sandman shows his stuff. We even get a few smexy times woth Leland and Jackson to remind us just how perfect they are for each other. Loved it so much and hope Alice continues to write in this world for many books to come, I will never get tired of Leland!
January 20, 2026
If there is one thing I can count on, it's Leland and him motley crew keeping me entertained. I'm amazed at how trouble seems to find them, even though they aren't looking for it. But it wouldn't be a Leland book without the chaos. I love that Leland is still freaked out about feelings. Even though he feels the most out of all of them. He is constantly trying to make his loved ones happy. He focuses so much on keeping them safe that forgets some of his training in the moment. And this is what I love most about him. He is always growing and opening his heart to more people. One of my favorite scenes though is how we are introduced to the person that is going to move this plot along. That entrance was grand and I couldn't stop cackling.
January 20, 2026
The Hitman's Guide to Staley Fences and Killer is packed with twists and turns and was impossible to put down. I was completely engaged from start to finish, and as always with this very dependable author, I never once guessed who the villain was and the familiar hilarious shenanigans are all here. The entire gang is back for another action-packed adventure full of laughs, chaos, and nonstop mayhem. Leland finds himself targeted by a truly unsavory villain, and before long his found family is dragged into the danger right along with him. I’ve enjoyed every book in this series, and this is yet another fantastic addition. Highly recommended!
January 20, 2026
Although I doubt anyone finds fences stately but Leland. Poor Jackson 🤣 Life will never be dull, one thing is certain though. You do NOT mess with those Leland cares about. And for some odd reason there are people who care about him too. JK We all love Leland in all of his lovable chaos gremlin ways. Someone is obsessed with Leland and is trying to draw him back into the job and away from his life. Threatening what Leland holds most dear is not how you impress him, unless you have a death wish. I laughed out loud and held my breath in equal measure reading this one. Leland has an ace up his sleeve that he didn’t have back then: he isn’t alone anymore!
January 21, 2026
Audio:
5 stars for Michael Ferraiuolo
Book: 5 stars
This hit all the right notes for me! I enjoyed that even though it's been about 2 years since the last book came out I didn't feel lost picking this one up!
Being back with the gang was great, and no one was trying to out do the other for page time. I also like how there was only 1 flashback, I don't like a lot of flashbacks in Alice Winters' books so the fact that only one popped up was just the right amount haha
Now I wonder if we will get another story from Leland, or maybe it'll be Micha and Everly's turn? hahah
5 stars for Michael Ferraiuolo
Book: 5 stars
This hit all the right notes for me! I enjoyed that even though it's been about 2 years since the last book came out I didn't feel lost picking this one up!
Being back with the gang was great, and no one was trying to out do the other for page time. I also like how there was only 1 flashback, I don't like a lot of flashbacks in Alice Winters' books so the fact that only one popped up was just the right amount haha
Now I wonder if we will get another story from Leland, or maybe it'll be Micha and Everly's turn? hahah
January 20, 2026
I absolutely loved seeing Leland trying to live a normal family life. Over the top parenting for the win! Leland of course gets everyone lured back into an adventure. The best thing about this series is that every side character matters and they all always stay so true to their quirky selves. Even Tavish has been brought into the fold nicely! Also, on a side note there are costumes and singing again much to Jackson's enjoyment. This one was laugh out loud as always but kind of sweet and spicy too!
January 21, 2026
Always up for more Leland
This is a more settled and a calmer Leland. Less of the humor and softer. Actually letting the scary emotions out. He's married and a dad so there are still plenty of shenanigans there, just tamer. Waylon opens a sweeter side to the hitman because Leland would do anything for the kid.
I have to say I had no clue where this was going to go. I was just along for the ride.
Hopefully Alice comes back for Everly and Micah after teasing then as a pair in this. Well, it's sort of one sided but when a hitman sets his sights on you, you're in trouble.
This is a more settled and a calmer Leland. Less of the humor and softer. Actually letting the scary emotions out. He's married and a dad so there are still plenty of shenanigans there, just tamer. Waylon opens a sweeter side to the hitman because Leland would do anything for the kid.
I have to say I had no clue where this was going to go. I was just along for the ride.
Hopefully Alice comes back for Everly and Micah after teasing then as a pair in this. Well, it's sort of one sided but when a hitman sets his sights on you, you're in trouble.
January 21, 2026
Great read. This series is absolutely fantastic and I can not wait for more! This book was another wonderful addition to the growing family. Love seeing Leland and Jackson being parents and the whole group together makes a big family!
January 21, 2026
Another brilliant instalment featuring the one and only Fence, I loved this book as the laughs you get from reading about Leland and his antics are hilarious, the rest of the cast always take him with a grain of salt. I highly recommend the Hitman books and Alice's other stories.
January 21, 2026
Non-stop adventures as always... but my money was on the "wrong" person for the bad guy... grrr
Side note: I may be 64 years old, but now I want to do the thing... 🤔
Side note: I may be 64 years old, but now I want to do the thing... 🤔
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC
I rec'd a copy of this book from the Author, and this is my honest review.
I rec'd a copy of this book from the Author, and this is my honest review.
January 20, 2026
Love Alice's writing, love the characters and the laughs you get throughout the story.
January 20, 2026
I loved being back with leland Jackson and friends
the story was absolutely incredible it had funny moments intense moments and edge of the seat moments Ioved every moment of this story
the story was absolutely incredible it had funny moments intense moments and edge of the seat moments Ioved every moment of this story
January 21, 2026
Amazing Ride
This book is funny, heart-warming and suspenseful. I love each and everyone of the characters. I hope we get more of them.
This book is funny, heart-warming and suspenseful. I love each and everyone of the characters. I hope we get more of them.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews