The Hitman's Virgin

by Sam Crescent, Stacey Espino

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 21, 2026

About the author

Sam Crescent is passionate about fiction. She loves a good erotic romance and so it only made sense for her to spread her wings and start writing. She began writing in 2009 and finally got that first acceptance in 2011 by Total-E-Bound.
She loved creating new characters and delving into the worlds that she creates. When she’s not panicking about a story or arguing with a character, she can be found in her kitchen creating all kinds of havoc. Like her stories the creations in the kitchen can be just as dubious but sometimes things turn out great.

Reviews

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie has not had an easy life. In fact she is barely getting by and she has accepted her situation. When Evander sees her he is immediately obsessed.
When someone does to hurt her he steps in and he has no intention of letting her go. There is also plenty of spice to keep you happy. Another great read.

[Andra Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a longtime fan of Sam Crescent. Her books usually deliver compelling characters, emotional tension, and storylines that keep me turning the pages. Unfortunately, The Hitman’s Virgin did not quite hit that mark for me.

As the first book in the Unhealthy Obsessions series, this story has action, drama, danger, and a steamy romance, but I struggled to fully connect with the characters. Callie, in particular, felt a little too naive for someone who had grown up under such difficult circumstances. Given her background, I expected her to have a bit more awareness, strength, or emotional complexity. Evander worked better for me as a character, and I was especially intrigued by his hitman friends, Bastian and Clyde. They added an edge to the story and made me curious about where the series may go next.

That said, Evander’s repeated mistakes when it came to protecting Callie became frustrating. For someone with his skills and dangerous lifestyle, I expected him to be more strategic and consistent. The storyline involving Callie’s mother also felt somewhat far-fetched, especially considering how much time had passed.

Overall, The Hitman’s Virgin was an easy read with plenty of heat, suspense, and dramatic moments, but it fell a little short of what I usually expect from Sam Crescent. While this was not my favorite book by the author, it still offers enough action and steam to make it entertaining, and I am curious to see how the Unhealthy Obsessions series develops from here.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hitman's Virgin - Book 1 - Unhealthy Obsessions Series - By - Sam Crescent & Stacey Espino

This book is the first in an exciting new series by the amazing writing duo of Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino. This story features around a down on her luck bartender, Callie West who is just trying to get by in life. Unbeknownst to her she has caught the eye of an obsessive  and possessive hitman who has firmly set his sights on Callie. Even though his profession is violent and he is capable of murderous acts without loosing any sleep over them Evander Watson shows a level of care and tenderness towards Callie that even he didn't think was possible. He was biding his time and watching her from afar but when Callie is hurt Evander knows he can no longer stay away in the shadows. It's time to claim every delectable inch of his woman and he does over and over again, he worships her curves which was great for giving the heroine confidence and body positivity. This is an enjoyable story that has plenty of action and some twists and turns and lots of spice throughout the pages. I can't wait to read Bastian's story and any other of the hitman colleagues we have yet to meet! This series has lots of potential and I am excited to see where it goes. Happy Reading.
Please note that I was given an arc of this book for my honest review which is exactly what I have given.
5 out of 5 stars.

[Fabiola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deadly obsession, dark secrets and unwavering devotion.
This is the explosive start to the Unhealthy Obsessions series, a dark contemporary romance that draws you in from the very first pages with its intensity and danger.

The story follows Callie West, a young woman whose life is falling apart, who finds her ideal protector in a mysterious man.
What she doesn’t suspect is that he is a lethal hitman who has been secretly stalking her for months, memorising her every move and planning a future by her side.
As danger looms and enemies from his past close in, Callie becomes the perfect target, forcing him to take her with him to protect her… unleashing a possessive passion from which there will be no turning back.
I live for that fine line where Evander Watson acts as Callie’s saviour whilst hiding the fact that he is the one who has been obsessed with her from the shadows for months. The atmosphere of ‘unhealthy obsession’ is brilliantly rendered. Evander is dark, territorial and morally ambiguous; his protective instinct towards Callie is absolute.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calli West worked at a dive strip club. Hey a girl had to pay the rent and eat. When patron tried to grab her, a tall stranger intervened. Evander had been keep a close eye on Calli. There was something about her that drew him in. When a customer tried to manhandle her, he stepped in. He thought things would be ok but he missed. Now she is bruised and needing care. I love that we know Evander is a hired killer but Calli is the one that stops him in his tracks. He has everything on her. He actually got lucky with that drunk. Unfortunately, Calli got hurt anyway. Evander did step up and take care of her. He even showed her that she was worth so much more. The twist was Byron. At first you think it was about a hit but nope. I don’t want to spoil the reason. I wonder if the other books in the series with be about the two guys that work with Evander.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watching from the dark corners

The Hitman's Virgin is the first book in the Unhealthy Obsessions series by Sam Crescent. The book is a solidly entertaining read with a lite dark side and a big obsessive MMC. Callie works as a bartender at a fairly disreputable strip club. She is young at nineteen and just trying to make money and keep her head above water. She is also very sweet and not necessarily wise to the ways of the world. Evander is a hitman who is good at his job. When he sees Callie for the first time he knows he wants her, and not just for one night. She becomes his obsession in every way and from ever dark corner he watches her. So when one night a customer threatens Callie and injures her it is Evander who steps in and protects her. He may take her to the hospital but he knows she will be coming home with him after, forever. But what will happen when she discovers he is a hitman???

[Merilu Keenum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evander and Callie caught my attention from their first encounter: she’s curvy, innocent, and sweet natured while he’s older, deadly, and completely enamored! Crescent and Espino always create the best opposites attract, morally grey MMC, an FMC with a heart, and so much passion and emotion. I love this couple, they’re perfect together, he’s protective, and she helped him discover his softer side. He’s so careful with her, teaches her about the physical side of desire and showers her with affection and love. She grows stronger as her trust and confidence in him develops, which makes their relationship and story special! I loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chrissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie works in a strip joint surrounded by creepy men and a jerk for a boss. Evander is a hitman and is obsessed with Callie. She sees him one night and knows he's not like the other men and doesn't quite belong there. When she gets attacked after work,  Evander saves her and takes her back to his home. Now that he has her, can he keep her. Interesting story with funny side characters. Callie though,for having a hard life comes off as too naive. Evander,  for being a hitman, is a bit too obsessed. Overall  I like them together and the story was good. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie never thought that she would ever meet a man that would make her feel like a woman, and protected. Evander has never formed any attachments he was shocked to find he just couldn't get this beautiful woman out of his mind. Callie took him by surprise she was his light to his dark. He never thought he would find someone like her that sees the good in people, and sees the good in him. Even though he doesn't see any good left in him. The chemistry is spicy and the action when they take his woman is a definite page turner. I can't wait to read about the other friends and have them meet their match.

[Avid MC Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series and lives up to its title. Evander, a hitman, spots Callie at the strip club where she works when meeting someone and becomes obsessed with her. He spends too much time at the club watching her and he also follows her around. When she is attacked leaving work, he is there to save her and takes advantage of the situation to take her home with him. Their relationship progresses from there but there is something about Callie that will put her, her coworkers, and Evander in danger. Read the book to find out what happens!

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Danee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Evander Watson and Callie West. Evander has been keeping an eye on Callie for months, learning her habits and seeing how hard her life is. When he protects and helps her one day, she thinks he is her savior. She has no idea that he has been following and watching her all this time, and that he is a hitman who eliminates anyone who gets too close to her or tries to take her away, because she belongs to him and he protects what is his, and she will find out soon enough. A great story and definitely recommended reading.





I received an Advance Reader copy of this series and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of Unhealthy Obsessions. And a FANtastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world

'The closer she gets, the more dangerous my obsession becomes.
Because I'll do anything to keep her.
And once I claim what's mine...
I never let go.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling and dark and obsessive and possessive. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy the read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evander has been obsessed with Callie since he first saw her at a meeting where she works. Callie has not had an easy life; she barely makes ends meet working at the strip club as a bartender. Evander has been showing up often to watch her and is there when a man tries to assault her, he stops and takes her to get patched up. Evander is the first person to take care of her and see what she wants. He is concerned his feelings for her will put her in danger.

He will have to call in favors when she is abducted.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Nice and Bad
When you know you know. A shadow lurking for just the right time. A job may have broght him here, but his return visit. All her and she has no clue.
This bit moved pretty quick. She's not the weeping willow, more of the shell-shocked type. She struggles but shes not one that minds hard work. Even in a garbage dive as the club she works at. To say he's obsessed is mild. He's different. Dangerous. Mysterious. He is all the warnings we're told about.
The dialog is there, heat mixed in with a kidnapping, some punches. Oh all kind of gun fire even a bit of a twist

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun and OTT series opener and I love the series name. Evander is definitely obsessed with Callie. She's a bartender in a strip club. He was there for a meeting and was instantly hooked on her. When a patron attacks her, he's ready to step in and save her. These two build trust and let their chemistry bloom into so much more. However, he has enemies and soon enough, she gets caught up in dangerous drama. Expect to be glued to your reader as you follow the connection, chemistry, action, danger, acceptance, twists and hot romance as these two fight for their HEA. Good fun!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good! I have read other novels by this author and enjoyed the novels. This novel did not disappoint. I loved Calli and Evander's story. I was excited to dive into this novel and it did not let me down. From the first chapter this novel pulled me in. My heart hurt for Calli and all she had been thru in her young life. I loved how crazy protective and possessive Evander was with her. I loved watching them both lower their guards and defenses and open their hearts to each other. So good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good and The Bad

A hitman with an obsession living a dangerous life but cannot resist the woman who he rescues.

A fast-paced steamy romance amidst the drama and danger of his job and showing that this woman is more than he could have ever dreamed about and stronger than he thinks with a wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hitman's Virgin is the first book in the Unhealthy Obsessions series by Sam Crescent. When bartender Callie West catches the eye of hitman Evander Watson, he goes out of his way to protect her when she's hurt. Unbenownst to her, Evander has been stalking her. Determined to protect the woman he claims as his.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela Farley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of Unhealthy Obsessions
Who doesn't love a Alpha male entirely devoted to his woman? Evander makes you fall for him fast much like Callie did.
The storyline is a bit of a Cinderella story with a bit of danger,mystery and bit of steam.
I enjoyed this quick read and loved Callie and Evander so much together as a couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hitman Protector

Callie is a bartender at a strip club. Evander is a Hitman and his new obsession is following Callie around until he can make her his. When she’s attacked, he takes matters into his own hands and aecrets come to light that put everyone in danger.


This is a good story with a dark and morally grey hero that will stop at nothing to keep his girl safe. Overall enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one steamy love story. It is a short story that takes about an hour to read. It was so compelling that I could not put it down. I had to find out the ending. It was full of steam, love and danger throughout the book. The danger came from an unexpected direction which was exciting. I highly recommend this book to all dark romance readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evander has an obsession and thats with Callie, a ray of sunshine in his dark world yet when trouble comes for her he has to drag her into his world will his dark world dowse her light? Can he keep her safe, will she want to stay when she learns just how deep Evanders obsession goes? Well written the story and characters draw you in with steamy fast paced suspense and more

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's pretty surprising how the villain actually turned out to be a good guy and is good at her. The story was packed with exciting action scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. The female main character was a bit naive at first, but she truly found her courage and grew so much by the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Evander is a hitman who developed feelings for Callie, a virgin who works as a bartender at a strip club. When Callie runs into problems at work, Evander comes to her rescue. The relationship moves pretty fast from there. Oddly enough when danger comes for Callie, it really isn't because of Evander, although it still connected to him.

Enjoyable, but it is similar to many of their stories.

[BM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie is working in a strip club as a bar tender, trying to keep afloat on a meagre income, in a job she dislikes. Evander is hit man, has mony and hs presence is powerful, but the young woman captured his attention and his heart. Unknowingly she has something her mother, now dead, used to blackmail someone they want it..callie is their target and they are Evander's.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

Just a mess of a book.
It started out well. But when the dramatic changes started, and it was non stop chaos as far as the story making any sense.
He had a car, then he needed a car, he stole a car.
Characters were appearing out of the wood work. Just chaos.
Not a very good book at all. So disappointed

[Paola ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sólido.
Entretenido y con buenas escenas spicy.
Me gusta que trata se empatizar y humanizar a las chicas del club; pero siento que le dedicó mucho tiempo, que pudo haberlo equilibrado con más escenas de romance entre ambos o una persecución!!
Más tensión entre ambos pues creo que lo acepto muy fácil. Cuando todo el tiempo me hizo dudar de si al final aceptaría.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely not what I've come to expect from this author. I felt like there was zero character development. Both characters were very one-dimensional. I struggled to get through this book; there were so many plot errors.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The series title is spot on - Unhealthy Obsession. A hitman sees a bartender at a strip joint and he decides she is his. Lots of heat and a heck of a lot of violence but of course a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Evernight and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Book!!
Loved reading The Hitman’s Virgin, I was definitely hooked from the start with this book. Callie and Evander’s story was action packed and the chemistry between them was super HOT. Loved the ending!!