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Crimson Elemental
As an immortal, elite hunter with elemental abilities, I’m no stranger to taking orders.
But I never thought my king would demand I teach a noble vampire how to control her newly surfaced powers. Especially when that noble vampire haunts my dreams in the best way.
Annika Sorokin is the most gorgeous vampire I’ve ever seen. She’s smart, sexy, and is fiercely loyal to her family—something I completely understand. But she’s not a one-and-done kind of vampire, so I keep my fantasies to myself.
And now I’m secluded on an island with her. Working nightly on her water-wielding abilities. With the island offering nowhere to run, her constant nearness is driving me mad with wanting her, but she deserves more than what I can give.
The more time we spend together, the more my no-relationship rule crumbles. We’re matched in so many ways, beyond our similar power, and there’s an undeniable need that pulses between us. She’s air to my fire, water to my ice, and soon I’m not sure how I’ve ever lived without her.
I’ve always viewed loving someone as a weakness, especially in a hunter’s line of work. We have enemies all over the world, now more than ever. And for me? They’re constantly searching for my weak spot.
Annika is mine. But she’s worth breaking every rule I have about love, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
But I never thought my king would demand I teach a noble vampire how to control her newly surfaced powers. Especially when that noble vampire haunts my dreams in the best way.
Annika Sorokin is the most gorgeous vampire I’ve ever seen. She’s smart, sexy, and is fiercely loyal to her family—something I completely understand. But she’s not a one-and-done kind of vampire, so I keep my fantasies to myself.
And now I’m secluded on an island with her. Working nightly on her water-wielding abilities. With the island offering nowhere to run, her constant nearness is driving me mad with wanting her, but she deserves more than what I can give.
The more time we spend together, the more my no-relationship rule crumbles. We’re matched in so many ways, beyond our similar power, and there’s an undeniable need that pulses between us. She’s air to my fire, water to my ice, and soon I’m not sure how I’ve ever lived without her.
I’ve always viewed loving someone as a weakness, especially in a hunter’s line of work. We have enemies all over the world, now more than ever. And for me? They’re constantly searching for my weak spot.
Annika is mine. But she’s worth breaking every rule I have about love, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
186 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2026
70 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Whiskey
44 books2,807 followersSamantha 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.
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http://eepurl.com/bSQRWr
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 12, 2026
4.5⭐️ This book is everything you have been waiting for! I love that it brought in Daphne and Xavier into the mix for their book along with Valor and Lachlan with her successful transition to vampire. DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THE SPOILER FOR AURORA AND SAINTS BOOK BECAUSE OMG I WANT IT SO BAD!!
This series has been one of my favorites and I will be rereading them all until we get the next one!
This series has been one of my favorites and I will be rereading them all until we get the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a short one, but the amount of plot points Samantha advanced will have you jumping for joy. This series doesn't miss for me. It's so good.
Annika and Dagon are worth their weight in water. Also love any bit of Xavier I can get. Demon King forever.
Thank you to Samantha for the ARC.
Annika and Dagon are worth their weight in water. Also love any bit of Xavier I can get. Demon King forever.
Thank you to Samantha for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
We’re back in the Onyx Assassins world with a new book and I’m so glad to be back. “Crimson Elemental” is an action packed, steamy and thrilling paranormal vampire romance that was a great addition to the series.
Dagon is an elite hunter and has elemental abilities that help succeed with the mission of the Onyx Assassins. He will do anything to help them and that includes teaching a noble vampire who just discovered she has the same abilities. Annika Sorokin is frustrated when it takes her longer than she would like to master her new abilities. That leaves her and Dargo to a secluded island so she can focus. But the more time they spend together, there is a clear attraction between them. Dargo has always seen mates as a weakness in his world but now… he knows Annika is his.
I loved how this series has developed and loved each addition to it. The moment this hit my kindle, I started it right away. Annika and Dargo had something right away and I loved how their relationship developed. Annika is determined, kind and focused. Once she knew she had this special ability, she wanted to bring it to its full potential. Dargo was the only one who could help her. Dargo is protective, strong and determined like Annika. He’s devoted his whole life to the Onyx Assassins and would until he couldn’t anymore. Their chemistry was there from the start but being on the island really ignited that need they had for each other. The steamy scenes were so great and showed how they were meant to be mates. The action had me turning the pages because I had to know what was going to happen. The ending was great and has me counting down the days for the next book based on the hints we got.
Dagon is an elite hunter and has elemental abilities that help succeed with the mission of the Onyx Assassins. He will do anything to help them and that includes teaching a noble vampire who just discovered she has the same abilities. Annika Sorokin is frustrated when it takes her longer than she would like to master her new abilities. That leaves her and Dargo to a secluded island so she can focus. But the more time they spend together, there is a clear attraction between them. Dargo has always seen mates as a weakness in his world but now… he knows Annika is his.
I loved how this series has developed and loved each addition to it. The moment this hit my kindle, I started it right away. Annika and Dargo had something right away and I loved how their relationship developed. Annika is determined, kind and focused. Once she knew she had this special ability, she wanted to bring it to its full potential. Dargo was the only one who could help her. Dargo is protective, strong and determined like Annika. He’s devoted his whole life to the Onyx Assassins and would until he couldn’t anymore. Their chemistry was there from the start but being on the island really ignited that need they had for each other. The steamy scenes were so great and showed how they were meant to be mates. The action had me turning the pages because I had to know what was going to happen. The ending was great and has me counting down the days for the next book based on the hints we got.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received ARC copy and my thoughts are my own.
I devour all of Samantha's books. I particularly enjoyed this latest book in the onyx assassin series because it had all the things I expect - the push n pull, the mate mark, vampires, suspense AND this one also had a few extra scenes that are fresh and new for other couples from previous books in the series and necessary to move the whole series along. But no spoilers here. Read the book and jump back into this world!
I enjoyed Dagon and Annika's love story. Dagon is instructed by King Alek to spend time teaching Annika how to use her powers. Annika struggles to unlock her powers, which only seem strongest when she's thinking sexy thoughts of Dagon. It's cute and although Dagon is against finding love to avoid having a weakness in this war I loved that this did not become a story of him pushing Annika away. I can't stand indecisiveness!
As always this book delivers on plenty of steam and spice!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Annika: "Not everyone is as unflinchingly confident as you."
Dagon: " "You should be," I say before I can stop myself."
Annika: "What?"
Dagon: "You should be. You're... stunning. Brilliant. Full of fire."
I am so looking forward to Daphne and Xavier's book, and of course Saint and Aurora. I feel like we've been teased with Xavier's book since book 1!
I devour all of Samantha's books. I particularly enjoyed this latest book in the onyx assassin series because it had all the things I expect - the push n pull, the mate mark, vampires, suspense AND this one also had a few extra scenes that are fresh and new for other couples from previous books in the series and necessary to move the whole series along. But no spoilers here. Read the book and jump back into this world!
I enjoyed Dagon and Annika's love story. Dagon is instructed by King Alek to spend time teaching Annika how to use her powers. Annika struggles to unlock her powers, which only seem strongest when she's thinking sexy thoughts of Dagon. It's cute and although Dagon is against finding love to avoid having a weakness in this war I loved that this did not become a story of him pushing Annika away. I can't stand indecisiveness!
As always this book delivers on plenty of steam and spice!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Annika: "Not everyone is as unflinchingly confident as you."
Dagon: " "You should be," I say before I can stop myself."
Annika: "What?"
Dagon: "You should be. You're... stunning. Brilliant. Full of fire."
I am so looking forward to Daphne and Xavier's book, and of course Saint and Aurora. I feel like we've been teased with Xavier's book since book 1!
February 17, 2026
WOW. Crimson Elemental est exactement le genre de romance paranormale que j’adore : intense, addictive et impossible à lâcher. (comme les 8 autres livres de la série )
L’univers est riche, immersif et parfaitement maîtrisé. Les pouvoirs élémentaires, la dynamique vampirique et les enjeux de pouvoir créent une tension constante qui rend l’histoire captivante du début à la fin. Mais ce qui m’a vraiment conquise, c’est la relation entre les deux protagonistes, Annika et Dagon. Leur alchimie est électrique ! Entre retenue, désir et vulnérabilité, leur évolution est à la fois crédible et profondément émotive.
Le « slow burn » est exquis — chaque regard, chaque échange est chargé de tension. Et quand les sentiments prennent enfin toute la place… ça en vaut totalement l’attente. 🔥
Un équilibre parfait entre action, passion et émotions. Si vous aimez les romances paranormales intenses avec des personnages forts et une connexion puissante, ce livre est un incontournable.
Un vrai coup de cœur !
L’univers est riche, immersif et parfaitement maîtrisé. Les pouvoirs élémentaires, la dynamique vampirique et les enjeux de pouvoir créent une tension constante qui rend l’histoire captivante du début à la fin. Mais ce qui m’a vraiment conquise, c’est la relation entre les deux protagonistes, Annika et Dagon. Leur alchimie est électrique ! Entre retenue, désir et vulnérabilité, leur évolution est à la fois crédible et profondément émotive.
Le « slow burn » est exquis — chaque regard, chaque échange est chargé de tension. Et quand les sentiments prennent enfin toute la place… ça en vaut totalement l’attente. 🔥
Un équilibre parfait entre action, passion et émotions. Si vous aimez les romances paranormales intenses avec des personnages forts et une connexion puissante, ce livre est un incontournable.
Un vrai coup de cœur !
February 14, 2026
Annika and Dagon was a fast paced supernatural romance that only Samantha Whiskey can again and again. It’d been awhile so I thought maybe I’m imagined how much I enjoyed these novels?
NOPE!!
You’d think that fated mates would get tiring but IT DOESNT!! I adore every time, it’s slightly different backstory and power but still connected to the over arching story which you’d think I’d be tired of but I’m not.
I’m as hooked as ever.
P.S I THINK ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!!!
I can’t wait for Saint and Aurora! I feel it, it’s gonna be angsty and IM HERE FOR IT!!
P.S.S I screamed so loud and it had nothing to do with the main couple of this book it had everything to do with my obsession…
Daphne and Xavier 😍😍😍😍I have not given up hope for their novel!!! I will eat a certain scene for months to come
NOPE!!
You’d think that fated mates would get tiring but IT DOESNT!! I adore every time, it’s slightly different backstory and power but still connected to the over arching story which you’d think I’d be tired of but I’m not.
I’m as hooked as ever.
P.S I THINK ITS FINALLY HAPPENING!!!
I can’t wait for Saint and Aurora! I feel it, it’s gonna be angsty and IM HERE FOR IT!!
P.S.S I screamed so loud and it had nothing to do with the main couple of this book it had everything to do with my obsession…
Daphne and Xavier 😍😍😍😍I have not given up hope for their novel!!! I will eat a certain scene for months to come
February 21, 2026
Too short!
I'm so excited Ms. Whiskey has returned to this series after pursuing other series for a bit. I LOVE this series. While this one didn't offer much new in terms of a story line, it was great to see old friends. I loved Dagon. And much of this book was fun instead of being weighed down with the war with Samuel the whole time.
I didn't look at the page count, but I'd be surprised if this is long enough to be a novel. I would guess it to be a longish novella. It took me less than 2 hours to read, but I am a quick reader.
I look forward to the next book. It would be great to see the ongoing war end and something new to start. I'm also looking forward to what I assume will be a spin off series with Xavier and Daphne. (The demon king and the young women with whom he is obsessed.)
I'm so excited Ms. Whiskey has returned to this series after pursuing other series for a bit. I LOVE this series. While this one didn't offer much new in terms of a story line, it was great to see old friends. I loved Dagon. And much of this book was fun instead of being weighed down with the war with Samuel the whole time.
I didn't look at the page count, but I'd be surprised if this is long enough to be a novel. I would guess it to be a longish novella. It took me less than 2 hours to read, but I am a quick reader.
I look forward to the next book. It would be great to see the ongoing war end and something new to start. I'm also looking forward to what I assume will be a spin off series with Xavier and Daphne. (The demon king and the young women with whom he is obsessed.)
Review of advance copy
4.5 rounded up!
This series just gets better. I live for the angsty moments, the back and forth between attraction and duty, self preservation and utter need. Both Dagon and Annika were so blind but so good together.
I need Saint and then Xavier. I will reread this series again and again, because each plot is different but still ties in with the whole story and makes each couple stand on its own.
I will be on the lookout for Saint (please let it be this spring) and Xavier (SUMMER I’m begging)
Thank you, Samantha for this early copy!
This series just gets better. I live for the angsty moments, the back and forth between attraction and duty, self preservation and utter need. Both Dagon and Annika were so blind but so good together.
I need Saint and then Xavier. I will reread this series again and again, because each plot is different but still ties in with the whole story and makes each couple stand on its own.
I will be on the lookout for Saint (please let it be this spring) and Xavier (SUMMER I’m begging)
Thank you, Samantha for this early copy!
February 18, 2026
Dagon is tasked with training Annika on how to control her powers. The King sends them off to train. Dagon seems to bring out the best in Annika because they just have a connection. It turns out that they are mates but Dagon is a Hunter and he worries that having a mate is a weakness. He accepts that he will have to adjust because he will not give Annika up.
This was a fantastic paranormal romance. I loved it.
**I received an advanced copy of the book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.**
This was a fantastic paranormal romance. I loved it.
**I received an advanced copy of the book for free and I am voluntarily leaving this review.**
February 20, 2026
I wasn’t sure how I would like Dagon and Annika’s story but I ended up really enjoying it! Sometimes it’s hard for me to get into fantasy romance, but I do enjoy the way Ms Whiskey writes. Their relationship was kind of rocky because Annika was Dagon’s student and could be considered inappropriate. But, their attraction to each other was too much to ignore. Together their power was stronger as they discovered that they were mates. As their lives evolved, Saint’s was going to get much more complicated, can’t wait to read his story.
February 17, 2026
I love this series!!! The adventure and the romance and how the plot flows and sucks (no pun intended lol) you in. The chemistry between these two is amazing and Annika is such a strong and powerful female character. This is my favorite part of this series - how powerful the female characters are. I love the friendships between the assassins and how they relate to each other. Another great story in this series and you don't want to miss it!
February 18, 2026
How does this series keep getting better and better every time? Any time Samantha Whiskey announces a new "Onyx Assassins" book, it makes my entire month, and "Crimson Elemental" was no different. Annika and Dagon were perfect for each other, and the glimpses of two of my favorite soon-to-be couples (Xavier and Daphne, as well as Saint and Aurora) have me so excited for the next few installments in the series. Bring on more Assassins, please!
March 1, 2026
I love this series so much
I love these vampires so bad. The lore behind them. Their rules. How fate finds their “mates”. This new installment was great, it moved the overall plot forward a lot. It’s setting up for something big and exciting. I loved that the premise was a teaching forced proximity. Dagon was a bit rough around the edges and Annika was a firecracker and its was just nice to see two halves come together. Cannot wait for Saints story. That epilogue/glimpse was sooooooo good.
I love these vampires so bad. The lore behind them. Their rules. How fate finds their “mates”. This new installment was great, it moved the overall plot forward a lot. It’s setting up for something big and exciting. I loved that the premise was a teaching forced proximity. Dagon was a bit rough around the edges and Annika was a firecracker and its was just nice to see two halves come together. Cannot wait for Saints story. That epilogue/glimpse was sooooooo good.
February 15, 2026
Absolutely loved this book and I wasn’t able to put it down. After being forced together Dagon and Annika were unable to fight the attraction. This pair are perfect for each other. The end of this book will have you wanting more for Saint and Aurora book. This series keeps getting better and better.
February 18, 2026
5 Bazillion stars!
I absolutely love this book. Annika and Dagon were perfect for each other. Both having mostly the same powers.
This book had me from the start and wouldn't let go until the end. What a great read even though the villain got away, for now. I can't wait to see how he is made to pay for his sins.
A total must read!
I absolutely love this book. Annika and Dagon were perfect for each other. Both having mostly the same powers.
This book had me from the start and wouldn't let go until the end. What a great read even though the villain got away, for now. I can't wait to see how he is made to pay for his sins.
A total must read!
February 19, 2026
I devoured this book!
This was a great continuation of the series. I enjoyed catching up with the other characters. I loved that Dagon had to teach Annika how to use her powers. They had hot chemistry. This book had everything; spice, humor, tension, high-stakes action, and well-developed characters with emotional depth. I am impatiently waiting for Saint's book!
This was a great continuation of the series. I enjoyed catching up with the other characters. I loved that Dagon had to teach Annika how to use her powers. They had hot chemistry. This book had everything; spice, humor, tension, high-stakes action, and well-developed characters with emotional depth. I am impatiently waiting for Saint's book!
February 22, 2026
Incredible
We’ve waited a long time for Dagon’s story. And it didn’t disappoint. Annika is his perfect match; even if it took him a while to acknowledge it in his mind. His heart knew it from the start. And Annika is a strong, resilient woman. Their friendship, connection and chemistry is what makes them an unforgettable and powerful couple. A must read.
We’ve waited a long time for Dagon’s story. And it didn’t disappoint. Annika is his perfect match; even if it took him a while to acknowledge it in his mind. His heart knew it from the start. And Annika is a strong, resilient woman. Their friendship, connection and chemistry is what makes them an unforgettable and powerful couple. A must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Mates are a weakness a hunter cannot afford." WOW! Did Dagon ever come to regret saying that! Annika is strong, courageous, fearless and a temptation he finds impossible to ignore. She not only learned from him, but succeeded in bringing him to his knees.
February 18, 2026
Perfect Match
Dagon has been my favorite hunter so far! He’s a cinnamon roll toward Annika. Annika is much tougher than she looks on the outside. Together with their powers, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
Dagon has been my favorite hunter so far! He’s a cinnamon roll toward Annika. Annika is much tougher than she looks on the outside. Together with their powers, they’re a force to be reckoned with.
March 7, 2026
Hmmm it was fine. It felt like filler with an added action scene to further the plot. I’m wondering if the authors not invested in this series anymore. I’ll keep reading the series but the first few books are much better.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really loved this! I'm crazy about this whole series, TBH. I can't wait to see if the next book is Saint and Aurora or Daphne's book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can I give 10 🌟? I LOVE this series so far and all the other series from this author!
February 17, 2026
Wow! One of my new favorites in the series! I just loved this story and was hooked from beginning to end.
February 18, 2026
Easy and spicy vampire read to pull me out of my slump.
February 20, 2026
short and cute and everything
February 25, 2026
A long time fan of this author, especially the 'Crimson' series. I do admit that reading this 181 page story seemed a bit like a short story compared to the 500 page plus books I've been reading of late. Crimson Elemental is book 9 in the series and is about Dragon, one of the Hunters. I found this one fairly light, easy and entertaining read. 3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews