Dearil Moreno is a paid killer, just like his four brothers. It’s the family business—they fight together, they die together. Whether they’re working as a group or alone, they are a tight unit who protect their own.
When the brothers learn a contract is available to assassinate a priest—a good man known to their family as someone who works with the underground to rescue omegas—they accept it with the intention of doing the exact opposite of what they’ve been hired to do.
Dearil is the brother known for two things… his sassy wardrobe and even sassier sense of snark. A true ginger, this omega isn’t afraid of anyone and has the attitude to prove it. When he agrees to take this mission, the last thing Dear expects is to discover the priest is also his true mate.
Father Nathaniel Clarence is about to retire from his parish on the island nation of Aurelia. He’s stunned when he scents his true mate during his final church service. The discovery that his mate is a hired killer here to rescue him is an interesting twist, but the one thing Nathaniel has in abundance is faith that everything will work out as it’s meant to.
Before the alpha will truly be safe, the Moreno brothers need to find out who hired them in the first place. As they travel across Europe in search of the truth, a thirty-three-year-old mystery is solved and the two men find that home really is where the heart is… and the fates don’t make mistakes. Not even when they pair a priest with an assassin.
This 33k novella is the third book in the Assassin’s Claws series. Note: While mpreg exists in this world, we won’t have a birth in every book. This book contains killer cats, ninja bunnies and a snarky omega who has no idea how to pray. Get ready for naughty-knotty fun and low-ball humor as only Susi Hawke can provide.
I'm a total fan of M/PREG Paranormal Romances, first and foremost as a reader. I'm excited to share my own omegaverse(s) with you. What's not to love about adorable Omegas and the Alpha men who love them? If I'm not writing about men sporting baby bumps, I'm definitely reading about them!
I'm a native of Las Vegas, NV, so I'm pre-wired to love everything weird ~ although I don't find any kind of love to be weird. I'm a cis woman who's been happily married to the same lovable lug for 18 years. We have a 16yr old son, well, at least I think we do? Either that, or we have a ghost that eats all our food and uses up all wifi playing xbox while screaming into a headset.
As a new author, it's been amazing to find the amount of support that I've been given from readers and my fellow authors. Feel free to message me, I love to chat with fellow readers. Am I a reader? Heck yeah! In fact, I'm never certain that I can completely trust an author who isn't a fellow bibliophile.
I will try to update here when I'm doing promotional parties & chats. I usually do those on Facebook. If you haven't already signed up for my newsletter, you should totally do it! I only send out NL's to announce new releases or important announcements. I also like to note in my NL what I'm currently reading along with a cover shot and the link for anyone who is interested.
Kick Back was an instant love at first sight story. Bearable because they're sifters :) You know how it works with all the alpha - omega world. So as soon as Dearil met Nathaniel, they knew that they have to be together forever. But first, they have to find Nathaniel's brother first, who's lost about ten years. I liked the plot, but didn't really enjoy the writing . Though this one was bearable, it didn't wow me. But if you're a fan of this author, read other five stars reviews instead :)
Easy and sweet continuation of the series, centred on the priest (Nathaniel) Clarence and assassin omega Dearil Moreno, as they protect omegas being abused/sold to the highest bidder. (Travel all over Europe ;)
oh dear and nathaniel.. these two are everything.. haha i love the strong and wonderful dear... plus... the differences between these two.. the love.. the happiness.. the sorrow.. all of it is wonderful and i love this series so much
The only thing I didn't care for is Dearil's nickname, Dear. Even though this is the third book in the series, it could be read as a stand-a-lone. Nick is a Anglican priest who is also the contact person for the underground railroad, he smuggles omega's out who are being sold off in arraigned marriages. His brother was sold off a very long time ago & he was never found & he has never forgiven his parents for what they did. During his last mass, he spots his true mate. Turns out that there is a contract out to kill Nick & of course the Moreno brothers take up the contract as they know what Nick has been doing and will do anything to protect him. Dear is a bada&& omega. I love that these two do not deny their feelings and accept each other as is. We get them taking the last batch of omegas to the next destination and Nick runs into a surprise that he never could have imagined. There is a lot of snark, as there has been in the prior books. Also, we get a surprise alliance. I can't wait for the next book and will be sad when the series is over.
Okay, listening to the story as narrated by the talented Drew Bacca, hearing Dear's nickname isn't as annoying as it was when I actually read it so, I liked it much better.
Audio ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews in an exchange for an honest review
I never laughed so hard at pink balls! Our ninja bunnies were back and just a ruthlessly cute as ever. The perfect addition to a really funny book three to assassin's claws.
The Moreno family accepted a contract to protect a priest from death in what should have been a prison sentence for helping omegas who were sold to alphas in arranged marriages. This would also mean a few family members.
Dearil Moreno, fashionista extraordinaire, redhead and a family assassin became not just a mate, but a fated mate to the very priest they were there to save. His contract never made sense. So there were many questions to be answered.
Nathanial Clarence (former priest as of the day his last sermon) knew he was in serious danger but not exactly how much. He came into saving omegas when his parents sold his omega brother to an alpha when he was only 17, taken away, and had the true destination hidden to keep Nate from finding him. After decades of helping omegas, he knew this work would have an impact. Little did he ever think someone would pay to have a priest killed for saving omegas from black market forced matings.
In the process of trying to keep his cool during service, he caught the whiff of his true mate and sought him out, only to find him standing next to Prince Darius. Both were completely caught off guard to be fated mates. A priest and an assassin? Who knew? Higher powers did have a sense of humor.
Let the jokes, brotherly love, family protection, bunnies, and all out entertainment begin.
The Moreno parents are a riot. Especially mama Mona. Peter, a assassin bunny, found his mate Kevin among the three omegas Nate hid and were now protecting. Nate had a once-in-a-lifetime to see his brother after decades of being apart.
How I wished this series was longer. They really are that good.
**I received this book via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Portuguese puma shifter assassin brothers? Now, that's just totally badass! In Susi Hawke's 'Kick Back, Assassin's Claws Book 3', the Moreno brothers learn that a contract is available to assassinate an Anglican priest. The priest who leads a parish on the island nation of Aurelia is part of an underground movement to spirit away those omega's being forced into arranged, loveless marriages. Being friends with Prince Darius, Father Nathaniel Clarence's standing as a man of God is validated and he earns the protection of the Moreno assassins. They accept the hit with the intention of saving the lion shifter priest instead of killing him. When going to retrieve the retirement-committed priest, Dearil Moreno discovers the Godly man is his destined mate! A priestly mate for the omega of sass and snark? With an awesome wardrobe and a love of nail polish, Dearil is more omega than his brother Gifflet but he's just as lethal. It's nothing short of incredible how well the writer brings this story together, making full use of the priest's capacity for courage, compassion, acceptance, and love to work out a very plausible pairing between Dearil and Nathaniel! The Moreno brother discovers who hired them to kill the clergyman and manages to find that his long-lost younger omega brother is alive, well, and in a loving relationship. It's great that the writer shows us a conclusion to the conflict of the present story yet gives us time to see how the current mate settles in with others in the Moreno family. The readers are able to check in with the couples from the previous books and are also encouraged to stay invested in the series as the overall threat that spans all the books is resolved in definitive stages. The writer's world-building is wonderful as ever and the character development is absolutely awesome both within the books and throughout the series.
Book three picks up right where book two ended. It is because of this, and the continuing story arc, that I would recommend listening to this series in order. While parts of the story could stand alone, there are a lot of factors that would be confusing if you haven’t listened to book one and two, yet. It won’t be a hardship, as they are both entertaining and short listens. 🐰🎾
Dear is an omega, but he’s nothing to shrug off. He’s just as deadly of an assassin as his alpha brothers. His sense of humor is just as good, too. After all, he finds the irony, of an assassin and a man of God being fated mates, hilarious. I chuckled while he was waiting for lightning to strike. Nathanial, said priest, isn't one to argue fate’s plans, either. First, they must deal with the threat to Nate’s life, then they can pay fate their full attention. 🐰🎾
Susi Hawke’s sense of humor is evident, again, in this book. We haven’t seen the last of Sasha’s charm and wit, yet. I’m glad about that, because that boy is a keeper. This book was, again, a mix of corniness and hilarity. It also included Hawke’s magic touch that keeps you coming back for more. It was a fun story, and leaves me impatiently wanting to find out what happens next. 🐰🎾
While Kenneth Obi’s presence is missed, Drew Bacca did a wonderful job stepping up to the plate to continue the series. It’s big shoes to fill, but Drew has the chops to do it. He did a great job bringing this story to life, and giving voices to all of our beloved characters. 🐰🎾
I absolutely enjoyed reading this very humorous & truly intriguing MM shifter romance. It can be read as a standalone although I would suggest reading the series in sequence to fully understand the underlying storyline. I found the plot well-written & filled with just the right amount of intrigue & drama which definitely kept my attention all the way until the end. The characters are extremely interesting with opposing personalities that actually complement each other. There is: a alpha male lion shifter & retired Anglican priest (Nathaniel Clarence aka Nate) has a death contact out on him then a snarky assassin & male omega puma (Dearil aka Dear) undertakes the mission to protect Nate only to discover that they are mates, a shifter purity group (SPTA), a magical council (COME), a underground railroad saving omegas, royalty, friendship, strange allies, true mates, a family of feline assassins, ninja bunnies, despicable forced marriages, humor, adventure, mild action, drama, some suspense, intrigue, mystery, secrets, conspiracies, twists & turns, threats, danger, enemies, memories, protectiveness, unusual coincidences, suspicions, confrontations, surprises, love, contentment, some steamy scenes & a well-deserved satisfying conclusion. I would recommend this MM shifter romance to people who enjoy reading this genre & look forward to more books from this talented author.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought Nathaniel and Dear were perfect for each other, especially when Nash was telling Nathaniel about Dear’s obsession with clothes and that he won’t have any closet space and he’s started filling up the spare room with his clothes and Nathaniel said the real problem is that Dear didn’t have enough closet space so why don’t they just make the spare room into your closet. It’s funny how a Anglican Priest and an assassin could be perfect for each other but they just work and Nathaniel sees that Dear and his family are doing gods work getting the earth rid of absolutely horrible people as they wouldn’t be true mates if they weren’t. I loved that Dear and his brothers helped Nathaniel track down his missing brother that helped Nathaniel get into being part of the underground railway. Gil cracks me up and I’m excited to read his book. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for the Moreno’s as they try and work towards getting the laws changed so omegas have the rights as alphas in their society and that someone shouldn’t be able to buy mates and if so the dowry should go to the omega and not their family that sold them against their will. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and author to everyone.
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this box set.
These guys?? So much fun!
The Moreno brothers are assassins and they make no bones about it. They are a close knit family and they take the pickle out of each other in a very light hearted way. They are very different in their personalities and their mates shadow those differences.
There is a lot to unpack here, and I'm glad I was able to read them back to back. Taking a break between them might have spoilt my enjoyment! There is an ongoing story arc through all five books, that takes till the last book to be settled.
I will admit, I didn't read all the individual blurbs before starting this, and as such, I wasn't fully aware who came in what order. I DID get that one of the brothers would be mated to Gill, the leader of the Brood of Ninja bunnies, I just got the wrong one!
Like I said, a lot of fun here, but some serious bits too, along with some smexy/knotty bits and some dangerous bits and some emotional bits. M-preg, but not a baby in every book, and book 5 makes up for that fact!
Sweet and smexy, and very enjoyable read. Some laugh out loud moments for me, and I rarely react vocally when reading!
Oh! I loved this story! It was funny, and had my interest from beginning to end, a little short but that’s okay because it satisfied just fine lol.
Character breakdown;
Dear: I did not think he was such a high maintenance ish kind of omega, not the Omg I’m so damn spoiled kind lol. But the oh is it confidence or is he conceited kind, but I definitely enjoyed watching him with his mate and how he handled the mission he was given. I also loved how well he got on with Nathaniel and how easily he complimented him.
Nathaniel: I did not know what to expect from him but it was nice to get to know him. I loved that he was a lion and I am glad he found out what happened to his brother.
Overall the story was enjoyable I absolutely loved all the characters. It was nice to meet the Morenos parents and I still laughed a lot with Sacha.
I am curious about the whole overall plot with STPA AND COME, I hope to see how things will change along the way with the series. And I would love to see Gil with one of the Moreno brothers... cause I think it be cute! Lol
If you love to laugh and enjoy some suspense and romance please enjoy this book cause it is good! Cannot wait for the next book!
The Passionate Priest and the Atheist Assassin (an audio review)
Father Nathanial has done his time. He’s served as an Anglican priest for half his life, and it’s time to hang up the cassock. During his final service, though, he scents his fated mate. Dearil is the red headed child of the Moreno family. He’s an omega assassin who dresses snappily, and always has a snarky comeback. Like all Susi Hawke books, there’s plenty of sass to go around in this one.
At the heart of this story lies two mysteries. One involving Nathaniel’s past and one involving his present circumstances. So the question is – who hired the Morenoes to kill the priest? And will Nathaniel find the one person he’s missed most over the last thirty-three years?
Plenty of fun in the book. There was even more of the Moreno clan including the matriarch who left an impression on me. And there were ninja bunnies, killer cats, and sex. Always sex.
The late Kenneth Obi narrated the first two books and although I miss him, Drew Bacca picked up the series and filled in beautifully. He’s great with the snark. So, another cute story in the assassin world and a little tiny bundle of joy at the end.
So, I have a confession. I own the first 2 audiobooks in this series, but I haven't had the chance to listen to them yet. After listening to Kick Back, I promise I'll rectify this ASAP because it was so good!
I loved Dearil, he was so much fun, full of snark and style. I don't think we got to know Nathaniel as much as Dearil, but he seemed nice and his work was oh so important. These two couldn't be more different if they tried, an assassin and a priest, and yet, they're true mates and as such, they complement each other perfectly.
Susi Hawke has a knack for writing fast-paced, action-packed stories with intriguing plots and interesting characters. I absolutely loved the Moreno family and what they stood for, the twists and turns as they tried to find out who was after Nathaniel, and of course, the adorable ninja bunnies and the killer cats. I hope there'll be more stories in this series.
Every single book I've listened Drew Bacca perform, I've loved. He has a wide range of voices and a very pleasant voice and this, coupled with Susi Hawke's writing, makes for an amazing collaboration.
A priest and an assassin are true mates? God has a strange sense of humor!
OMG I have been waiting for this book! I love this series! You need to read the first two books, they are wonderful. The crazy assassin family Moreno is back, this time taking a job to save the life of a priest who helps omegas escape from arranged matings. The pink balled ninja bunnies are here, too. There is humor, danger, unlikely allies, a family reunion, and a baby. What's not to love! Father Nathaniel Clarence runs a stop on the underground railroad that saves omegas from arranged matings. His brother was sold a long time ago, so he tries to save others from that fate. Now someone wants him dead. Since he is friends with Prince Darius , who is family, the Morenos take the contract. When they go to save him, Dearil is shocked to find the priest is his True Mate! Come. Join Dear and Nathaniel on the road to HEA. Along the way they will find Nate's brother in surprising circumstances. With the help of the bunny brood, the owner of the contract will get what they deserve. There are surprising twists, danger, and hot sex. You will love this book! This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
Trust Susi Hawke to think of putting an assassin and a priest together as fated mates. Dearil and Nathaniel only cross paths because Dearil and his brother's took the contract that's come up to kill the priest but they plan to keep him safe, Darius (book two) vouching for him. The work he's been secretly doing had come to the attention of those looking to make money from selling omegas and now they want him gone, something Dearil is even more against once discovering his true mate. I love that Nathaniel has nothing against the work the Moreno brothers do as they only kill those they deem worthy, who are evil in their own right. As soon as they scent each other, there's no stopping them but there's also a fair bit going on in this book besides their romance. Nathaniel has the chance to find his long list brother and they have to look into who put a price out on Nathaniel. Add in the crazy ever growing Moreno clan and their friends/enemies of Gil and his ninja bunny brothers, it definitely makes for an interesting read.
A priest and an assassin, it sounds like the beginning of a joke, instead these two are the main characters in the latest book from Susi Hawke in the Assassin’s Claws series. Dearil and Father Nathaniel come from different worlds, but it seems they were fated to be. Dearil is not your typical omega so why would be finding his mate be?
I enjoyed seeing Nathaniel and Dearil find their way to happiness. This story is an interesting adventure. I loved seeing their relationship play out as they figure out all that they need to. It has a good mix of romance and action with a dose of humor thrown in making this a wonderful read. Dearil is an engaging character and Nathaniel is a good man. Their story is a fast paced and quick read, but it comes with a good amount of emotions. Not only did I love the main characters, but the secondary characters made themselves known as well. Loved all the interactions and the relationships, both family and friends. Especially the bunnies!
My first read of this series, Assassin's Claws, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a sweet light read with the danger of a death contract thrown in from an unknown source. My impressions of this series about a family of assassins was thrown off kilter. Here was a story full of quips from Dearil aka/Dear. His mental talk with God was something I think anyone could relate to; guilty conscience regarding praying and swearing. Clarence aka/Nate wasn't the usual priest cast in people's minds as he was of the Anglican faith. So, meeting Nate's fated mate was thought provoking but totally understandable given the nature of the plot revelations. His search for his brother Tony was a heartfelt one with unexpected results. Dear's mom was one heck of a parental character that I loved reading. Overall, a good read for the ARC I was given.
Dear and Nate are wonderful together. I just really love this story and how the plot of an assassin and a priest just won my heart. The story kept me enjoying and reading. I so enjoyed the characters, they were both lovable and interesting men. I absolutely fell for Dear's family and so want more of them. The writing flowed nicely and the pacing was great. I read this in one sitting and found it a complete and fun read.
This is book three of the Assassin's Claws series and it can be read as a stand-alone story. I have not read the first two stories and i am going to go read then next, because i so enjoyed this read.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review.
Dearil Moreno is a paid assassin, within the family business.
Takes on a job but it's to kill a priest, this just seemed all sorts of wrong to them, so he seeks him out to find out why he has a price on his head.
They realise that they are fated mates within seconds of seeing each other.
This book is a brilliant installment within the series, actually I haven't personally read a bad book by Susi, such an incredible writer. Would recommend it to everyone who likes Shifter books.
Kick Back Assassin's Claws, Book 3 By: Susi Hawke Narrated by: Drew Bacca Series: Assassin's Claws, Book 3 Length: 3 hrs and 9 mins
❤❤❤❤ Overall 🎧🎧🎧🎧 Narration 📚📚📚📚 Story Read at 1.15 speed on Audible
Another normal day in an assassin's life, discovering your fated mate is a priest... ensuring said priest didn't get murdered... While trying to save an underground railroad and stop the traffic of omegas...and... OK, Is not just a normal day but the amazing book 3 in this series...Dear and Nate finding each other is just the beginning of an action packed adventure where the brothers will fight for love and family. Mystery, intrigue, betrayal, a lot of ninja bunnies and new friends, complemented this story just fine. Hilarious and sweet, you'll enjoy It better if you read it in order. Simply loved It!!
An assassin and a priest being true mates? Yes please. From the start you can guess that is going to be an extremely funny read being a Susi Hawke book. It was super interesting and hilarious with a touch of adrenaline. The characters complete each other and the way they interact is so beautifully done and together with the plot line and the development of events completes an artfully picture that leads to happiness with a lot a lather and adventure. I really loved it and I'm looking forward for reading the next one in the series.
Priest + assasin = no angst? In this case yes. Nathaniel is retiring, his gut saying he's no longer safe. So when his mate shows up and says there's a contract out to kill him, he doesn't question it.
I think maybe too much has to happen in this book, so it's all easy for Dear and Nate. Considering the contract, there is little danger of conflict in this book, and it ends up a bit unsatisfying. If you've been following the series, you won't want to miss this one anyway because Clay's baby is born and the parental figures show up.
This book was totally entertaining and lots of fun. Dearil (assassin) is contracted to kill Nathaniel, a priest, but suddenly realizes that Nate is his mate, not to mention that Dearil was never going to take him out in the first place, but he wanted to save him instead. I enjoyed the style of writing and the feeling of love and family that was bouncing off of every page. The characters were hilarious, especially Sacha, Dearil's eight year old step nephew. Adorable. Overall, this was absolutely a delightful and captivating reading experience.
This was my first story by this author in this series, I think I would have gotten more out of it if I had read the first two. Do not get me wrong, it was really entertaining. Dear was an assassin sent to save Nate. Nate was a retired Anglican Priest. What he finds is his fated mate. All the side characters, the family! There was adventure, suspense, love, romance, and twists and turns. This story was a lot of fun to read, it was seriously funny. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an ARC that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
I picked up this book because I have fond memories of a TV movie from decades ago where a hitman fell in love with his target and turned to protecting her. I hoped this would be as good as that memory and it was so much better! Dear is totally believable as the assassin who finds he has to change his focus to protection and Nate is believable as a priest who lets him. The fated mates trope was very well handled and the suspense/action was well balanced with the romance. A great, hot, summer, action read.
Yes!! I’m so happy that we get to see characters from the other books and continue to learn more about Dear and Clarence. This book is the 3rd in the series and I feel like it’s beneficial to know what’s fully going on by reading the other two books before jumping into this one. I love how the plot thickens and that the family continues to grow. We get a lot in this book, and I love Clarence and absolutely loved Dearil. They are sweet and cal so effortlessly for each Roger that it makes me so happy.
I really enjoyed this quick read that's entertaining, humorous, and fun with plenty of action, a snarky ginger omega, an alpha priest, and a family of assassins. This time, they take a job to ensure the target DOESN'T get assassinated while trying to track down the bad guys who want the priest dead. The stories in this series are always low angst with a healthy dose of humor, heat, and good-natured family teasing. Very entertaining and enjoyable.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I really love this series and getting to see each new thing as this series progresses. I love getting to meet each new character and seeing what gets to happen. This one was a lot of fun and made me laugh at times. It also made me a bit nervous for what would happen next since I needed to find out. Dear is an assassin who has to go and save Nate who used to be a priest. And all the shenanigans that follow this were so amazing. Nate and Dear are pretty great together and I loved the fated mates so much. Definitely going to keep continuing this amazing series!
I thought Dearil and Nathaniel were so sweet! One an assassin, the other a priest. Of course, they were fated mates, and they took it in stride, believing in the fates that brought them together. I really enjoyed their story, how they found each other, saving other omegas from being sold to the highest bidder, but there was just an emotion missing from the story for me. I never felt completely pulled it and worried when they came upon the people that were after them. But, you really can't ever go wrong with Suzi Hawke!