The Assassin&#x27;s Heart

arc-s bad-boy enemies-to-lovers

What can I say that the blurb or other long reviews haven't?
I can tell you this. I love this story. The characters were relatable. The story was believable. Who wouldn't do anything for their loved ones? I know I would.
The only thing that bothered me just a tad was at first Charity was a little off putting. I don't know what it was maybe it was her naivety. In any case she grew on me.
Jake, I just straight up love him.
Anyway, I would totally recommend this book. So, what are you waiting for GO, go get it.

Nate

24.1k reviews19 followers

August 1, 2018

I couldn't get enough of Jake & Charity. Wow. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book. This is a must read. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review for a copy of the book.

Carol Hepstall

551 reviews5 followers

Awesome

I loved Charity and Jakes story. Death , danger, suspense and love made an captivating storyline. Characters that pulled me in and kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting for their next move. Twist and turns that kept me intrigued throughout the book. I simply couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for an awesome read.

Anakalia

1,824 reviews17 followers

November 5, 2022

Charity, a sheltered raised young woman, trying to find her way in life and Jake, a hardened contract killer… are there any more contradicting characters possible?
I loved both protagonists, felt their emotions with them…
And the plot? I was hooked up with the first page and loved the thrilling, gut-wrenching and twisted story!
This is another amazing book by Ms. Abbott who never disappoints in delivering the most awesome stories!

Kathi

3,059 reviews17 followers

Another “Lovable” Killer – Captivating Read!!

Love this premise; hotel maid Charity loses her locket, Finding it under the bed in the last room she cleaned she hears the occupants returning. She wants to reveal herself, but her hair gets caught holding her in place. By the time she gets loose she has overheard a murder plot!

Charity has been homeschooled and defied her parents to even attend college. She has assisted in raising her six siblings, dresses modestly, still lives at home and has not dated.

Jake doesn’t kill women or innocents and Charity is obviously both. He can also not leave her there – so she must come with him. The men he has been hired to kill are “above the law” despite the proof of their illegal activities; involving multiple predator actions.

Though having been sheltered Charity is aware of the ways of the world. The rapport that builds between her and Jake as she experiences many firsts; a motorcycle ride, fancy clothes, a kiss (and more?) results in an charming story amidst the danger and intrigue. I absolutely recommend this!!

*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***

Racy

1,711 reviews16 followers

Great story..

Talk about wrong place at the wrong time, well Charity was defiantly that. Charity had so much innocents about her and I almost found it funny how she could not lie to Jake. I bet while she was hiding under that bed she would of never heard the things she heard and find herself in danger.

Jake was this sexy hitman. I also found that Jake had so many layers to him. Seems like when you have him figured out, you find out more about him. I found even though Jake was a hitman he who had morals. I know sounds strange but found it very interesting.

I love how Jake was falling for Charity. He knew she was innocent and she was worming her way in his heart little by little. The same goes for Charity. Jake was really growing on her. She was having feelings she thought she could not have.

Jake does have a reason why he is doing what he is doing but you will have to read the book to find out. I love how Charity tried to understand his reasons.

This was a great story and glad I got a chance to read it.

Kari Hansen

12.2k reviews91 followers

Charity has graduated from college but has been unable to find a job in her field, so she works as a maid at a hotel. She has been sheltered and protected her whole life so when she overhears a conversation between a hitman and his client she is unprepared when the hitman decides to take her captive.

Jake has made a living as a hitman and one of the reasons for his success is no witnesses, but he doesn’t condone hurting innocent people either. He takes her with him and during the course of their adventure she realizes there is much more to him than his job while Jake develops feelings for her and begins to wonder who is the captive and who is the captor.

I liked the transformation of the characters and you realize that some things in life aren’t black or white but different shades of gray. The chemistry between Charity and Jake was intense and they were perfect for each other. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

Patricia

1,955 reviews5 followers

August 2, 2018

Now THIS is one book that is impossible to put down.
The characters are complex but so freaking amazing.

Short version: Jake is a hitman but his reason behind his story will make you think twice about all we believe. Charity is naive and innocent and just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Their circumstance intertwine their lives and it had my heart reeling throughout the story.

Assassin books are not high on my romance likes but it seems Alexis Abbott is a genius when she is writing her books. The characters relatable in what motivates them. Not only that but the story moves at a pace that had me wishing I could read just a bit faster. I was captivated with everything that was happening. And the ending definitely put a smile on my face. This is one of those authors that I look forward to reading over and over again.

Stephanie Ditmore

2,092 reviews31 followers

July 28, 2018

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book. Alexis sucked me in from the beginning and I was hooked until the end. I loved Charity and Jake together. Charity was in the wrong place at the wrong time and Jake finds her. She’s in danger and Jake takes her with him. Life as he knows it is about to change. She innocent in more than one way, she’s been sheltered and now on the road with a hit man is not how she saw her life going. I loved that there are so many dimentions you Jake and you learn more and more. Can he keep his hands to himself or will she continue to be a temptation? Charity is smart, sexy and sassy and now in a whole world of trouble. No spoiler here, this is an amazing read you don’t want to miss! Highly recommend this book!

Rochelle

3,462 reviews56 followers

THE ASSASSIN’S HEART

Another great story from this author. A sweet and entertaining read about a love story with a dark twist about been in the wrong place at the wrong time. A hitman with a heart and his naive and innocent hostage. Loved this book and I loved the characters. Jake and Charity were very likable people. They got off to a rough start but in time the connection grew between them and they had great chemistry. The book moved at a good pace and flowed smoothly. A really enjoyable read. A copy was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book with my honest opinion.

Karen Galloway

931 reviews6 followers

July 28, 2018

A Super, Engaging, Must Read Story

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book. A really great, entertaining, Bad Boy Romance from Alexis Abbott. “The Assassin’s Heart” is a well written, entertaining story that had me glued to it from the first chapter. The interesting characters really pulled me into their story with their super, sizzling chemistry, I really grew to like them and enjoyed reading about them. This book has plenty of suspense and intrigue that makes it an enjoyable, engaging, romantic story

Tammy

9,118 reviews50 followers

Charity was just trying to find her locket and ended up finding a whole lot of trouble. Jake has a job to do and won’t let anyone get in his way. Why can’t he stop thinking about Charity? This is a fast-paced read with lots of drama. Charity grew up sheltered but wants more, I really like her, she is very strong. Jakes story will tug at your heartstrings even though he is a killer. Great chemistry and plenty of steam. I loved it.

Courtney

1,250 reviews23 followers

July 31, 2018

I loved the latest from Alexis Abbott! Charity has lead a sheltered life and finds herself in the worst place at the wrong time when she crosses paths with Jake, but it may just be the best thing ever in the long run. Jake has his reasons for being in the line of work he is and Charity is the last thing he expected when he accepted his latest job, but he is drawn to her. These two are such a fun duo to read about that I was hooked from the beginning. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader copy of this book.

Chrissy Cameron

196 reviews12 followers

This was another beautiful story of a hitman, Jake, and an innocent young woman, Charity, that gets her pulled into a situation where neither of them want her to be. The story has so many ups and downs, twists and turns and passion and pain. It's a great story that I definitely recommend you should give it a read along with any of Abbott's Hitmen books.

Jackie D

1,845 reviews26 followers

When Mr. Murder Met His Match In The Sheltered Sass-filled Liability!

An Assassin with a heart! Ooh! How I love to get my hands on Ms. Abbotts, bad boys! Jake and Charity's tantalizing heart squeeze of a tale did not disappoint!
Drawn in from the first few words, taken for a sweet, sexy, dark and dangerous ride right down to the very last page - loving every word in-between!
Fast paced with detailed scenes and humor mixed to lighten the dark - proving once again why I enjoy Alexis Abbots writing style so much!
An absolute must read!

Michelle

10.6k reviews28 followers

The Assassin's Heart is a well written book that had me captivated from the first page. As with all of this author's books once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. The characters are believable and the story flowed smoothly. This book has it all drama, danger, murder, mystery, suspense and a beautiful love story that pulls the reader in. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

2018 5-star-read arc

Linda Barrett

1,292 reviews15 followers

Sometimes being in the wrong place at the wrong time can pull you into a whole lot of trouble and yet sometimes it can bring you everything you could possibly want.
Charity and Jake meet in an unusual situation yet it's as if their paths were destined to meet.
Each one gives the other a chance of true happiness and a life they didn't know they craved.
The Assassin's Heart is a fantastic 4 star book that you really need to one click straight away.
This book had me on tender hooks throughout and completely sucked me in to their story.
I binged on this goodness in a few hours as i couldn't get enough of their story.
Jake and Charity' s story was a refreshing change to this genre and I loved every minute of reading it.
You don't often find an assassin like Jake but when you do you grab him with both hands and never let him go,well that's what I'd do anyway.

Ida Jolley

739 reviews17 followers

July 31, 2018

I was really into this book. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It was believable and I loved the setting in Philadelphia, because I am from Pennsylvania. Very familiar with Willow Grove. But I loved that Jake was such a nice guy and treated Charity with respect and kindness, he was a gentleman and was thinking about her, not just himself. It was a wild and crazy ride for Charity and she took it in stride, being careful so she didn’t harm herself or cause Jake to harm her. Their relationship grew into trust and love and had a very sweet ending and it was a very nice book, and I really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it for your readers.

Mary Clark

799 reviews8 followers

August 2, 2018

This is quite an intriguing book and one I enjoyed reading. There are lots of twists and turns in the story that makes it an interesting read, particularly the unusual and unexpected ending that the reader doesn’t anticipate. The story centres around Jake, a hitman and Charity, a woman who has led a sheltered life. From the moment they meet, Fate intervenes; it keeps bringing them back together, no matter what.

As a hitman, Jake has spent years building his career; this has been his life since his first kill. Jake is always cautious, but he doesn’t trust Gabe and with good reason. Nevertheless, this isn’t the kind of job Jake can pass up; it is not just his career on the line, there is so much more at stake. Jake sometimes thinks about the life he could have had if Fate hadn’t intervened; he didn’t choose this life and wouldn’t be in it if there were any other way. Charity’s homeschooled life, has kept her totally sheltered from alcohol, boys, fun and adventure; everything safe, secure and boring. At 21-years old being a maid is not Charity’s ultimate dream job, and behind her parents’ backs she has been planning for her future. Charity eventually finds the locket she lost, but before she can make her escape, Jake and Gabe enter the room. Hiding under the bed, Charity has never been so terrified in her whole life, especially when she overhears Jake and Gabe’s conversation. The moment Jake spots Charity, she becomes a complication he doesn’t need; she is also not the kind of girl he expects to take as a hostage. The only question now is what to do with her; Jake didn’t kill women or innocents, but there is something about the look in Charity’s gaze. Fear mixed with defiance, a look all too familiar to him. Somehow in the course of an evening, Jake goes from cold blooded killer to concerned kidnapper. Today was supposed to be a normal, boring day for Charity, but in a split second everything has changed; now she has to be smart, wait for her exit, wait for the right chance to escape Jake, but no matter what, Fate keeps throwing them back together. Charity doesn’t deserve to be caught up in Jake’s world, but the contract isn’t over yet, and for the next part he needs her help; Jake needs a fake wife. The contract may be finished, but Jake suddenly realizes that working with Gabe has led him into a trap and now lives are in danger because of him. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.

Renee

5,200 reviews73 followers

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review.

I have two options: Kill her or make her mine. A web of lies. An assassination. A beautiful maid who was in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Everything is at stake, and her life is in my hands. She's everything I always wanted, and never deserved. But now she belongs to me. I need her obedience. I give her the only option: pretend to be my wife and let me get close to my target. It's a dangerous game, but I've already won my prize. She just doesn't know it yet.

Wow, oh wow!!! This book is absolutely amazing and one that I highly recommend that you read as soon as you can get it in your hot little hands. This is the story of Charity and Jake. Charity is a sheltered virgin who is working as a hotel maid. Jake is a hitman. He is also a hitman with a heart and feelings. However things get real when Charity overhears a hit being planned and is taken hostage by Jake!! He is a hitman with a heart of gold actually. He takes really good care of his mom and while he gets paid to kill people he only kills the bad guys. This is what he is determined to convince Charity of. Now they are going to work together to take down a politician. This book will have you one the edge of your seat and reading as fast as you can. Alexis Abbott's book never fail to have characters that you can relate to and excitement and thrills that keep you reading well past your bed time. This is a book that you do not want to miss.

2,295 reviews18 followers

When an innocent college grad, Charity, who has been sheltered all her life overhears a conversation she shouldn’t have, it thrusts her into the arms of an assassin, Jake, who now has to keep her or get rid of her. Jake doesn’t hurt innocents but he also can’t let Charity go because of what she knows, so he takes her along with him. As the two get to know each other, Charity’s view of the black and white world gets skewed when she also realizes there are many grey areas and Jake is one of them. When danger comes knocking on his doorstep and threatens his family, he will do what it takes to protect them, leaving him with a choice...which one will he take ?
A great read with some steam, a dirty talking assassin who takes a sheltered young woman and opens her eyes and her heart to the world. I liked these two, their chemistry, Charity’s naivety and innocence but also her smarts and her defiance. As well as Jake’s big bad man persona who has a heart of gold and a soft spot for a beautiful young woman. I also love the no drama between the two, they have their differences but they fit so well together and I loved that it was about them two, no jealousies or other women in the picture...loved it. The story is fast paced and flows beautifully with a great ending.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

Annetta Sweetko

830 reviews7 followers

August 19, 2018

Charity is working as a maid, loses her locket and when she finds it in the last room she cleaned, she gets trapped by two men discussing a contract kill. She tries to hide under the bed, where she found the locket, and silently promises to be a better daughter, better worker, whatever it takes to get out alive. Little does she know that she will survive this and even more adventures to come. Jake is a contract killer but he makes it a point to only target the bad guys that no one else can stop.

Unfortunately of perhaps it's the best fortune of all, he finds Charity who had to have heard the planning of his next job and while taking her hostage, finds his heart. Of course, after finding it he just doesn't want to let it or her go. Who could have guessed that this job would be such a twisted mess that he could never expect and hopes only to survive and live a life with his woman?

There are a number of unexpected twists and turns in this book, along with some amazing steamy and sweet moments. Jake is a different kind of bad boy as both the reader and Charity find out as the story flies along.

This author's bad guys (or are they good guys in disguise) always have a soft spot for just one woman and who can't love that. There is action of all kinds in this book and enough emotion to keep you reading and wanting more.

Anne Baker

756 reviews4 followers

Within A Shade of Grey

Alexis Abbott does it again with her bad boy hitman Romantic read, she never ever disappoints her readers, her assassins always thrill me to the core! Hitmen who always have a heart, I fall in love with each and every one of them in her oh so perfect books. This one is no exception, it was a gripping page turner from the outset, with twists and turns you do not expect at all!
Talk about poor Charity being in the wrong place at the wrong time is an understatement. Eavesdropping on a conversation did her no favours! Charity is brave, naive and fearless because she only knows how to tell the truth, no grey areas for her! Is her boring life about to change? Jake is the hitman who has accepted a contract killing on 2 men. He is a lone wolf and likes it that way, no room for errors. Does he take blood money for his services? Why did Jake choose this way in life? Is Charity now his prey? Will Charity’s captor kill her or just hold her as a hostage? If Charity survives will she stand up to her strict religious parents and follow her dreams? To get these questions answered you will just have to one-click this highly recommended book.
I am volunteering to leave an honest review for a copy of this book.

Char Davis

528 reviews3 followers

This is a suspense filled romance story. Charity is working as a maid for a hotel when she realizes she lost the necklace her grandmother left her.She goes back into the last room she cleaned as she looks under the bed she reaches under the bed to get the necklace her hair gets caught in the spings.As she has to crawl under the bed to try and get her hair loose when she hears the door opens she stays quite when she over years the sound of two men and a murder for hire after the big man leaves the other man tells her to come out when Jake sees the innocent looking female there is something about her but he doesn't have time to worry right now she has to come with him.Charity is scared but the man making her go with him is so handsome.Will Jake keep Charity with him? Will he fall for the innocent beaury?Will Charity fall for the hitman?This story has more twists and turns you'll be riveted until the very last page.A handsome Hit man with a body that looks like it looks carves from stone. I can hardly wait to see what's next by this amazingly talented author.I voluntarily decided to review this advanced reader copy because it's a great adult romance story and I wanted other avid romance readers to know it's so worth reading.

Heather Miller

1,489 reviews42 followers

August 1, 2018

Charity has been very secluded and sheltered her entire life. Even though she is 21, her parents still keep her under lock and key. Charity is a room service attendant at a low to mid level hotel. She is doing her job, when she's caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Jake is a hitman with a heart. He uses his earnings to pay for his mother’s medical care. Jake kidnaps Charity. He makes her go with him. He says it's to protect her. However, he notices that she is extremely beautiful without makeup. He wants her in more than one way.

Even though Jake has kidnapped her, Charity falls for Jake, even though she is his captive and he is a murderer. Jake convinces Charity that even though he kills, he only kills bad people. If they have done something he will take them out. Along the way Jake convinces Charity that he needs her to pretend to be his wife, for a dinner party they are to attend. Jake sees Charity all dressed up and can't take his eyes or hands away from her. Charity doesn't know how to act around him. She's never had a boyfriend, she's never had anyone give her complements. Charity seems like a lost kitten in Jake's world.

I did receive a free ARC copy of this book, for a review I am freely leaving.

Kerry Boulanger

776 reviews

August 9, 2018

I received this book in advance for a voluntary honest review. Alexis Abbott never disappoints me. I love her Assassins and the women that capture their hearts. Charity is a sheltered girl who breaks the mold and attends college. She also works as a maid in a motel. Searching for her locket while cleaning she must hide under the bed when two guests enter the room. After hearing the two men discuss murders she fears she will be discovered. Jake is a hitman and he is good at it. He needs this job for the big price tag. After his new employer leaves the room he finds Charity under the bed. He knows she heard everything but he doesn't kill women. Convinced she could ruin him he kidnaps her. Forced together in the game of murder they grow close, yet Charity is uncertain how she feels about her attraction to a man hired to kill people for money. She can sense he is good but is hesitant to give her heart to him. Working together they develop a relationship unlike any other. Once she learns why he is really working as a hitman she sees the goodness she always new was there. Danger and intrigue are a part of the romance between a hitman and the innocent woman who captures his heart.

Judy

2,034 reviews2 followers

July 28, 2018

This a unexpected love story that has Charity in the wrong place at the wrong time, while working in a middle of the road hotel Charity losses her necklace and while looking for it under a bed the guest to the room return and the conversation is one Charity can not believe occurred and is full of danger. Jake is alone in the room and brings Charity out from under the bed and he takes her with him. I loved Charity’s character, she is defiant, smart and has lived a sheltered innocent life. Jake is one sexy hitman doing this for all the right reasons with a good moral code and ends up being nice to Charity when he should not. The more time they spend together things get more involved and they explore what it means to be together. Charity was never with a man and I must say Jake was a perfect gentleman with her. They become more and more important to one another as time goes on and learn about each other’s life. You will enjoy reading this story and the reasons behind his line of work along with what the future holds for him and Charity! I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Denise

3,722 reviews