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THE ASSASSIN’S WIFE
The Assassin's Wife
Vera Stone’s latest contract is simple. She needs to eliminate Jack Rubinstein. To get close enough for a clean shot at the steel magnate, she must infiltrate his inner circle by using his wife, Grace.
Grace Rubinstein is not the fragile trophy wife the world sees. Behind the pearls and polished smiles, she has spent twenty-three years surviving Jack’s cruelty. She plays her own game, and the rules are more dangerous than Vera expected.
When the assignment becomes personal, the mission spirals out of control. In a world of power and betrayal, getting close to Grace might be the only way to finish the job. It might also be the one thing that gets them both killed.
In this game of shadows, love is the most lethal weapon.
Vera Stone’s latest contract is simple. She needs to eliminate Jack Rubinstein. To get close enough for a clean shot at the steel magnate, she must infiltrate his inner circle by using his wife, Grace.
Grace Rubinstein is not the fragile trophy wife the world sees. Behind the pearls and polished smiles, she has spent twenty-three years surviving Jack’s cruelty. She plays her own game, and the rules are more dangerous than Vera expected.
When the assignment becomes personal, the mission spirals out of control. In a world of power and betrayal, getting close to Grace might be the only way to finish the job. It might also be the one thing that gets them both killed.
In this game of shadows, love is the most lethal weapon.
- GenresLesbianFemme Femme
446 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 21, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 11, 2026
I liked the plot idea. Grace the 'target's' wife is strong not vulnerable. Vera the skilled assassin is given the job and decides to get close to the wife as a way in. They are both trapped in some way. Grace to a husband she never loved and who she has suspicions about. Vera trapped in the 'hired killer system' since she was a teenager and is seeking a way out.
Its a very long book at 440 pages.
The writing style seemed a bit over explanatory at times for me personally. There is good suspense build up and tension. They do have chemistry but I think given the subject I expected some more passion. Looking back there were a few plot holes that didnt help tidy things up. Its set up for a continued sequel.
Its a great effort from a first time author. I always like to read about women getting their revenge. Overall it was an enjoyable if lengthy read.
Its a very long book at 440 pages.
The writing style seemed a bit over explanatory at times for me personally. There is good suspense build up and tension. They do have chemistry but I think given the subject I expected some more passion. Looking back there were a few plot holes that didnt help tidy things up. Its set up for a continued sequel.
Its a great effort from a first time author. I always like to read about women getting their revenge. Overall it was an enjoyable if lengthy read.
March 22, 2026
Must Read!
I read a lot. It gets harder to find books that can hold my interest. This book did - full, complex characters; strong, smart women who could take care of themselves, and an intriguing plot. I can hardly wait for book 2.
I read a lot. It gets harder to find books that can hold my interest. This book did - full, complex characters; strong, smart women who could take care of themselves, and an intriguing plot. I can hardly wait for book 2.
March 18, 2026
One of the best of its kind
Around one third into the book, I followed the author.
Love the cover. Now, when is the next one coming?
Around one third into the book, I followed the author.
Love the cover. Now, when is the next one coming?
June 12, 2026
You either love it or hate it. And I really enjoyed reading it - the plot, the pace, the chemistry, the suspense, the whole lot. And how the book ends, really had me intrigued and I can't wait for book 2 to come soon enough.
March 17, 2026
Amazing!
Everything about this book is perfection. I loved everything about it. It lacked nothing. I am now a fan and can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Everything about this book is perfection. I loved everything about it. It lacked nothing. I am now a fan and can’t wait to read more from this Author.
March 26, 2026
4.5 Stars
This was definitely a read that kept me on the edge of my seat through the whole thing, the last 20-25% of the book in particular had me stressed in the best way.
While I loved both our FMCs, Grace's character stood out to me in particular.
I was definitely not sure where the ending was going but the last little breadcrumbs dropped at the end were not it.
Looking forward to book 2 and the continuation of Grace and Vera's story
This was definitely a read that kept me on the edge of my seat through the whole thing, the last 20-25% of the book in particular had me stressed in the best way.
While I loved both our FMCs, Grace's character stood out to me in particular.
I was definitely not sure where the ending was going but the last little breadcrumbs dropped at the end were not it.
Looking forward to book 2 and the continuation of Grace and Vera's story
March 23, 2026
Ashley Thorne knocks it out of the park
I so enjoyed this book, couldn’t put down. All set up for book 2. I love the characters, loved the plot, and was sucked in right away. I love Graces character. Never underestimate a scorn woman and stay out of her path. So excited for what comes next.
I so enjoyed this book, couldn’t put down. All set up for book 2. I love the characters, loved the plot, and was sucked in right away. I love Graces character. Never underestimate a scorn woman and stay out of her path. So excited for what comes next.
March 24, 2026
I loved the book! I have so many questions! I need a second book.
March 5, 2026
Amazing
Written beautifully with grit and courage. Characters that you fight for survival in a shark invested water that men control and hurt women. Only realizing they made mistakes misjudging.
And it only the beginning.
Written beautifully with grit and courage. Characters that you fight for survival in a shark invested water that men control and hurt women. Only realizing they made mistakes misjudging.
And it only the beginning.
August 9, 2026
Book 2 when????? 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 4, 2026
Excellent!
The story had its hold on me from the first few pages. Intriguing, a fascinating story line, and powerful women. The trifecta. I am anxiously awaiting book two. Please hurry Ms Thorne…
The story had its hold on me from the first few pages. Intriguing, a fascinating story line, and powerful women. The trifecta. I am anxiously awaiting book two. Please hurry Ms Thorne…
September 13, 2026
Well written but some things were just careless in the story and took me out of it all together.
March 29, 2026
An intense wild ride
This story is not at all what I expected but an interesting read that I had to know how it ended. I was taken on an intense ride that gripped me hard and still hasn't let me go. Dark in some aspects but very well written and portrayed. Even the romance part of the story was well done. You could feel the loneliness of both Grace and Vera and what they had to deal with in their lives.
The story ends at an interesting point which promises more in book 2; thank goodness cause there's more questions that aren't answered yet!
For a first time author; I'm glad I chose to read the story.
This story is not at all what I expected but an interesting read that I had to know how it ended. I was taken on an intense ride that gripped me hard and still hasn't let me go. Dark in some aspects but very well written and portrayed. Even the romance part of the story was well done. You could feel the loneliness of both Grace and Vera and what they had to deal with in their lives.
The story ends at an interesting point which promises more in book 2; thank goodness cause there's more questions that aren't answered yet!
For a first time author; I'm glad I chose to read the story.
April 1, 2026
thrilling read!
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between the characters is perfect and the storyline is compelling. I appreciate that despite being book 1 in the series, it has a nice ending—looking forward to book 2!
I wasn’t sure what to expect but I really enjoyed this book. The chemistry between the characters is perfect and the storyline is compelling. I appreciate that despite being book 1 in the series, it has a nice ending—looking forward to book 2!
May 22, 2026
What a Gracious read
This book kept popping up to read glad I did. For a first time author this book has everything to keep you reading. The MC's are very well established even the supporting characters. Vera needs to eliminate Grace's husband Jack to became part of the Council as The Fixer. Grace after twenty three years of living the daunting trophy wife has other plans. This book you just can't put down you want to see what is going to happen next. Waiting patiently for the next book because Ashley Thorne you did an outstanding job
This book kept popping up to read glad I did. For a first time author this book has everything to keep you reading. The MC's are very well established even the supporting characters. Vera needs to eliminate Grace's husband Jack to became part of the Council as The Fixer. Grace after twenty three years of living the daunting trophy wife has other plans. This book you just can't put down you want to see what is going to happen next. Waiting patiently for the next book because Ashley Thorne you did an outstanding job
May 22, 2026
WOW
This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. I've read over 200 books since January 2026 and I have to applaud the author for a job well done. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Ms. Thorne wrote likeable characters as well as hated characters and I was there for ALL of it. Thank you
This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. I've read over 200 books since January 2026 and I have to applaud the author for a job well done. I can't wait for the next book in this series. Ms. Thorne wrote likeable characters as well as hated characters and I was there for ALL of it. Thank you
May 9, 2026
READ THIS BOOK! DON'T WAIT!
Wow! What a debut! I don't even have the words to describe this. This book hooks you instantly and never stops holding your interest. Grace and Vera are incredibly intelligent, resilient, survivors, quiet warriors and have been underestimated too long, finally in eachother they find a partner, someone who sees them, understands them and truly fights for them. This book has it all. I can't wait for book two!
Wow! What a debut! I don't even have the words to describe this. This book hooks you instantly and never stops holding your interest. Grace and Vera are incredibly intelligent, resilient, survivors, quiet warriors and have been underestimated too long, finally in eachother they find a partner, someone who sees them, understands them and truly fights for them. This book has it all. I can't wait for book two!
May 8, 2026
I enjoyed this read and will be on the look out for book 2. Well developed plot and memorable characters.
April 27, 2026
Fantastic
This book was filled with twists and turns. Two unbelievably strong women dominating a male controlled world playing by rules they don't understand. I can't wait for the next installment.
This book was filled with twists and turns. Two unbelievably strong women dominating a male controlled world playing by rules they don't understand. I can't wait for the next installment.
April 25, 2026
Exceptional
I would give this author 10 stars if I could. The character s were phenomenal. I had to put the book down because I was so vested in the main characters. Absolutely recommend to those reading the reviews ~ the story would make a riveting series on a popular streaming network.
I would give this author 10 stars if I could. The character s were phenomenal. I had to put the book down because I was so vested in the main characters. Absolutely recommend to those reading the reviews ~ the story would make a riveting series on a popular streaming network.
April 26, 2026
amazing read
If this is Ashley Thorne’s debut novel she I can’t wait to read her future work and especially book two of this series. As a storyteller and wordsmith she is impressive. Engaging characters and a story that kept the pages turning long after I should have been asleep.
If this is Ashley Thorne’s debut novel she I can’t wait to read her future work and especially book two of this series. As a storyteller and wordsmith she is impressive. Engaging characters and a story that kept the pages turning long after I should have been asleep.
April 19, 2026
Wow
This was an amazing story and loved the characters. I cannot wait to read the next chapter in the lives of Vera and Grace.
This was an amazing story and loved the characters. I cannot wait to read the next chapter in the lives of Vera and Grace.
March 30, 2026
A Stunning Debut
I really enjoyed this read. It reminded me of sitcoms like scandal and how to get away with murder. This story had me on the edge of my seat up until the last chapter. I can't wait for what's next.
I really enjoyed this read. It reminded me of sitcoms like scandal and how to get away with murder. This story had me on the edge of my seat up until the last chapter. I can't wait for what's next.
May 16, 2026
Oh my goodness!
“The thought made me want to help her burn Jack Rubenstein’s world to the ground, and dance in the ashes.” “Looking at her felt like an invitation to a lapse in judgement.” Just a couple of impressive quotes from this book.
As a retired old broad, I read two to four books a week, and this is one of the most impressive ones I’ve ever read. If this is the author’s first book, and if she continues to write, we are in for one heck of a ride.
Her extraordinary wordsmith talents are off the charts. The characters were well developed and described, and the story was captivating from the start.
There’s intrigue, suspense, cruelty, and well written love scenes. I cannot say enough about how impressed I am with this book. Read it, enjoy it, and immerse yourself in its’ excellence.
“The thought made me want to help her burn Jack Rubenstein’s world to the ground, and dance in the ashes.” “Looking at her felt like an invitation to a lapse in judgement.” Just a couple of impressive quotes from this book.
As a retired old broad, I read two to four books a week, and this is one of the most impressive ones I’ve ever read. If this is the author’s first book, and if she continues to write, we are in for one heck of a ride.
Her extraordinary wordsmith talents are off the charts. The characters were well developed and described, and the story was captivating from the start.
There’s intrigue, suspense, cruelty, and well written love scenes. I cannot say enough about how impressed I am with this book. Read it, enjoy it, and immerse yourself in its’ excellence.
August 11, 2026
4.5⭐️
LESBIAN YEARNERS THIS IS FOR YOU. I’m struggling super hard to put my thoughts into text for this book to be completely honest, it was THAT good. It loses the half star for the authors choice to generative ai for promotion.
It’s a smashing debut from Ashley Thorne and is so well written for the sapphic space. Sometimes reading sapphic or other queer novels the intimacy within the book can come off as ‘male gaze written’, but not this book no way. The sensual and genuine emotion between Vera and Grace would put a fire in any sapphics stomach. I was so impressed with the authors ability to keep their relationship evolving throughout the novel.
Safe to say I loved this book and its characters. I’ve cleared my schedule for Friday and I’ve preordered book 2.
LESBIAN YEARNERS THIS IS FOR YOU. I’m struggling super hard to put my thoughts into text for this book to be completely honest, it was THAT good. It loses the half star for the authors choice to generative ai for promotion.
It’s a smashing debut from Ashley Thorne and is so well written for the sapphic space. Sometimes reading sapphic or other queer novels the intimacy within the book can come off as ‘male gaze written’, but not this book no way. The sensual and genuine emotion between Vera and Grace would put a fire in any sapphics stomach. I was so impressed with the authors ability to keep their relationship evolving throughout the novel.
Safe to say I loved this book and its characters. I’ve cleared my schedule for Friday and I’ve preordered book 2.
Did Not Finish
May 11, 2026DNF.
I tried to push through this but I lost interest after the main "problem" was solved. I wanted to like this books and the main characters but I felt that everything lacked depth and emotion.
I just have no will to finish that wouldn't be just skimming the words until that 100% hits. feelsbadman
I tried to push through this but I lost interest after the main "problem" was solved. I wanted to like this books and the main characters but I felt that everything lacked depth and emotion.
I just have no will to finish that wouldn't be just skimming the words until that 100% hits. feelsbadman
September 5, 2026
LOVED IT!! im so happy to finally reading a sapphic thriller book! The plot was very good and I was so stressed when Vera and Grace succeeded in their plan and there were 150 pages left!! I was like what’s gonna happen?! Im scared for them!! I also loved how much agency they had, especially Grace! How not to fall in love with her. So happy when at the end it said there’s a book 2! I need it NOW!
September 13, 2026
Great start to a series!
What a love story. I loved the characters and the storyline. First time reading this author and I am so glad that I did. This author is a writer, this book was fantastic. Support the author’s books and make sure you leave your reviews.
Thank you for using Kindle Unlimited.
What a love story. I loved the characters and the storyline. First time reading this author and I am so glad that I did. This author is a writer, this book was fantastic. Support the author’s books and make sure you leave your reviews.
Thank you for using Kindle Unlimited.
April 9, 2026
Her first book is a doozy. I love a story where the woman fights back and in this case it's better late than never. Bring on the next book because this story is definitely needing more goodness. This time Vera and Grace shouldn't take any man's s%%t.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews