For centuries, I’ve been the king’s master of interrogation—his living, breathing lie detector.
Mutter a lie in my presence and it appears tattooed into my skin.
That’s usually enough to keep people quiet around me.
But not her.
Jocelyn, heiress to the witch queendom, lives to torment me.
And with the disappearance of our princess?
She’s become my brand new assignment.
Her skills are invaluable to bringing our princess home,
but every second together brings us closer to a forbidden line.
She’s a witch—an insanely powerful, seductive, and feisty enchantress.
I’m a vampire.
Interspecies relationships are punishable by death.
But that doesn’t stop me from wanting her.
When we’re together, it’s electric and addicting.
She’s everything I shouldn’t want, but absolutely everything I need.
With a traitor working against us, and fate drawing us closer together, we’re soon caught up in a dangerous game that can cost us everything. And in the end, we’ll have to decide if we can defy fate or let it consume us.
Samantha 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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I’ve waiting waiting for Benedict & Jocelyn to collide. Just something about them together made me think that something epic was going too happen too them. This was another amazing story that had me hooked. The characters are all amazing and the ending, holy shit I just knew that was how it was going too go. I need Hawke’s book ASAP.
Man oh, man. Every installment of the “Onyx Assassins” dives deeper into the storyline and gets even better. “Crimson Truth” is a spicy and eye opening view into the paranormal world of the Onyx Assassins and the challenges they are facing.
Benedict is one of the top Assassins and has been tasked to watch and help the local witch, Jocelyn, after Alek’s sister was kidnapped when they were out together. The witches and vampires have a history of mistrust. However, Benedict is attracted to her and she is to him. But interspecies dating is a big no but fate has other ideas. We learn secrets that shake the underworld to its core and greatly affect Benedict and Jocelyn.
I loved this story so much and finished it within just a couple hours because I could not put it down. Benedict has a special vampire power of being the truth detector. Any lies show up as a tattoo on his body. That is such a cool vampire power to have and one I have not read before. Benedict is a super hot Alpha and a fierce protector. Jocelyn has become a favorite for me in this series because she is independent, strong and can hold her own. Her witch powers are unmatched to most and she will go toe to toe with any creature that gets in her way. Her storyline was heartbreaking but crucial to the storyline. I loved these two together and their scenes were a fun and spicy delight.
The teaser we got for the next book had my jaw dropping. It’s such a tease and something that has been building up in the last four books.
I love the surprise Whiskey drops and GAH this one was 🔥🔥🔥🔥. I never really given much thought to Benedict, always thinking of him as a stepping stone until we get Hawke, but he was SO GOOD. And Jocelyn was perfect - strong, fiery, determined and independent, and the plot twist was amazing. I'm hoping this storyline is dragged out for the rest of the Hunters and my fave, Xavier, because that one is going to be EPIC.
I absolutely love this series. This book was phenomenal from start to end. Watching Ben and our Witch fall inlove was beautiful. All the twists and turns that you never see coming. And omg I absolutely can't wait for the next book.
And the guys just keep on coming. There’s no denying these books get better and better, the story is becoming something else!!
I can safely say Jocelyn is by far my favourite female in this series. She goes against the grain of everything she’s been taught and her selfless attitude makes me want to do a little cheer for her.
I wasn’t bothered about Benedict in any of the other books, he didn’t have anything that drew me to him except for his ability. But in this book he came into his own and I really loved how he & Jocelyn came together and accepted it so readily. They were both so perfectly suited to each other. Selfless, and formidable on their own merits but together a force to be reckoned with.
Now let’s just cut to the chase. I want Xavier. In any way, shape or form. I mean I’m here for Hawke & Avi because THAT ENDING! That was not what I saw coming, at all. And we’ve all seen it coming, since the beginning but not like that. Not in a way that you know when you read their book it’s going to break every cold part of your heart and put it back together all warm and fuzzy like. (It better do else I riot) but I digress… Xavier. His nonchalant, dgaf attitude oozes power and the brief glimpses we got of him in this book has me hooked. He’s hilarious in his pursuit of a certain female. I really really need to read a book about him. Or else I’m gonna cry. And stomp my feet .. and all that jazz.
Crimson Truth is just another extraordinary book in the Onyx Assassins Series. This author draws me into a trope of paranormal that I don't normally like with such passion and captivation that you just can't look away from it. As more drama and power plays surround the story you will be utterly bewitched by the chemistry and intensity of the connection between Benedict and Jocelyn. A taboo relationship like no other in their world will have your mind reeling and spinning in every direction. Your heart will literally be pounding and your pulse will be racing throughout most of their story as you are at times held right on the edge. The passion and heat that radiates between these two can be felt deep under your skin and will light you on fire. A union so different that it just can't help but be right. As chaos surrounds them from every angle it will pull you deeper into this series and their world. The epilogue is filled with nothing but pure magical love and is one of my favourites from this series so far. The prelude or glimpse into the next book has me mind blown and eager for the next story.
This was NOT what I was expecting! I can honestly say I’m in a bit of a book hangover after that. Benedict and Jocelyn are EVERYTHING. I love them so much I can’t stand it! This series is *swoon*
July 2024 - continuing the re-read of the series ... Still so good. So much better than I remembered.
I am so excited when Samantha Whiskey publishes a new book, and if it's part of the Onyx Assassins series, gaaaahhh, so excited. I love these stories, all of them. The Witch and the Vampire - intriguing and hot together. And the next one to come?!?!?!? I can not wait for Hawke and Avianna's story. Please make it soon.
Excellent - maybe the best book I've read this year
This book was everything I hoped it would be. I have LOVED this whole series. Ms. Whiskey has grown so very much since the Seattle Sharks. It's so wonderful to see a writer get better and better instead of finding a formula and never moving beyond that. And it just isn't fair she is beautiful, too!
We've been waiting, or at least I have, to see this couple come together. It was pretty darn perfect. Benedict (or Bennyben when Jocelyn was feeling feistiest) was the perfect complement to Jocelyn. Everyone was searching for Avianna in groups and our couple was paired up in the search. (We knew from the end of the last book she had been taken.) They worked really well together. At one point, the "accidentally" end up on a double date and it is hilarious.
Learning more about the witchy world was interesting. I can only assume Ms. Whiskey is planning to go through all the ancient assasins and then move on to the lycans, the demons, and the witches. I wouldn't be surprised to see the first of the Lycan books soon, actually. And, thankfully, the next Assasin book will be Hawke's. He's like a live wire in this book. And I cannot wait to read his story. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn't even list it yet.
I can't say more without spoilers but if you have even liked this series, I can't imagine you not enjoying this book. If you haven't read the series, start with book 1. While it might be possible to enjoy this story alone, there would be so much that would be confusing. And Ms. Whiskey doesn't repeat material from past books. She doesn't explain the vampire world over and over again. That is so refreshing.
Obviously, I completely recommend this book and this series. I recommend everything she has written since Axel, the first book in the Carolina Reapers. Although, this book is several playing fields above the Reapers series and I have loved it. This series is above and beyond 95% of what I've read on KU. And this book may be the best of them.
This was my favorite book in this series so far. The straight laced, honorable, lie detecting vampire, Benedict, and the wild and unpredictable heir to the witch throne, Jocelyn. Who would have thought they’d be perfect for each other, even if it is forbidden.
I loved that their feelings grew over time. Jocelyn loved to torment Benedict by telling lies that would tattoo themselves on his skin. She loved to see how far she could push him before his perfect exterior would break. But when Avianna is kidnapped, Jocelyn and Benedict are pushed together to find her. The attraction that was simmering under the surface explodes and they find themselves in a forbidden relationship, mated to each other.
One of the things I loved about this book was Jocelyn and Benedict’s immediate acceptance of their mating bond. Even though it was forbidden and they would likely face deadly consequences, neither tried to deny it. I loved how well they worked together and how protective of each other they were.
This book was full of action. It seemed like just when you thought they had the upper hand something else presented itself. It was definitely a wild ride. And the secondary storyline with Avianna and Hawk only added to the tension. The little taste we got of their story at the end has me on the edge of my seat to find out how Hawk is going to handle what’s going to be thrown at him.
Vampire and witches usually don’t have friends across species, but Jocelyn is a friend of Avianna. She always enjoyed irritating Benedict the walking lie detector by telling small lies. But everything ended when Avianna was kidnapped by two rogue Hunters while they were out dancing. Benedict is assigned to keep an eye on Jocelyn during the search for Avianna across all the territories, but they can’t find her.
There has always been a lot of attraction between Jocelyn and Benedict, and they know a relationship would end in death, but could they hide being together?
The Onyx Assassins are a mix of vampire romance mixed with a little suspense.
P.S. Next is Hawke’s book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you’re looking for an expansive paranormal world full of vampires, witches, lycans, demons and humans, look no further. Well conceived, rich and seductive, this world reminds me a little of the movie, Underworld, where the vampires are this really smooth classy group of paranormal beings. The Princess has recently been kidnapped and Benedict has to work with the Witch Princess and Heir to the throne, Jocelyn, to find her. So much intrigue, a lot of backstabbing and a fantastic cast of characters keeps me completely invested in this series. I absolutely loved the main couple and the glimpses into prior couples as well as the future couples of this series. Lots of fun banter, plenty of steam, many nail biting moments and overall, a well rounded fun story in a very rich, well thought out world. Can’t wait for the next one!
I am not sure how Samantha Whiskey does it, but the Onyx Assassins series somehow keeps getting better and better with each book. Jocelyn is probably my favorite heroine that Whiskey has written to date. She's smart, feisty, ridiculously powerful, and the perfect match for Benedict, who is now right up there with Alek as my favorite Assassin.
I am so excited for the next book in the series, because I have been interested in Hawke and Avi's dynamic since all the way back in the first book, and I'm sure their story will be fantastic. I'm also hoping we will get more of Xavier and Daphne sometime, too! There is definitely something about the Demon King that I find super intriguing, and it's clear that he will not be forgetting about the human anytime soon.
To be honest, I wasn’t excited about this book, Benedict really didn’t tug on my imagination all that much, but I’m happy I read his story after all. I loved the concept of his and Jocelyn’s forbidden love and he turns out to be a fun vamp. :D It’s a plus that I wasn’t annoyed by the female MC. They really get on my nerves most of the time, but I enjoyed Jocelyn’s character, she is a sassy woman for sure. Good story all in all, would recommend it for sure.
I read it to see more of Hawke tbh, he’s the dude I’ve been interested in from the beginning of this series and I cannot wait for his book. I’m so pumped for him and Avi, it’s crazy. And to know for sure what I’ve already suspected is sweet too. I’m ready. :D
After getting a tease from the last book, this newest release was so worth the wait! Jocelyn and Benedict has always been a pain in each other’s life, but it changes when the kings sister is missing and Jocelyn was the last person to be with her. When they find themselves having to work together, close proximity and a sizzling chemistry that can be ignored gave way to a taboo pairing that burned the pages. I loved all the action, twist and delightful heat level in this newest addition to an addicting paranormal romance read. I can’t wait for Avi and Hawke’s story!
I tried so hard to like this but it just wouldn’t work with me.
I tried so hard to like this but it just didn’t work out. If this book was a a date I’d have left saying,”it’s not me ,it’s you.”
Where to start. Jocelyn: Didn’t love her. Didn’t hate her. Didn’t like her very much. At all. Jocelyn, was all smoke and mirrors. Almost all tell and no show to me. All hype and little true substance . Thru out the we are told time and time and time again just powerful Jocelyn supposedly is and yet,she accomplishes little to nothing thru out the story unless you call almost getting killed twice something. Jocelyn is so full of herself and so high on her own perceived power she could have or should have been floating along through out the story on that alone. But from the she is incapacitated and her friend taken ,she’s basically unless. I don’t blame her for having her friend taken ,she was overwhelmed and out played . But there’s all this hype on how strong she is but after weeks I’d trying she doesn’t find her friend til it’s what the kidnappers want l and then she foolishly goes to battle someone much stronger than her alone. Is almost killed . Then after being made this supposedly super strong vamp./witch hybrid ,she barely does anything and is almost killed again. Seriously? She’s bloated with too much power and dying from and the stupid vamps. are too damn dumb to get her sister or any other with to help. Their just gonna let her die. Huh ? I know vamps and witches weren’t close but that was just D U M B!!! If Jocelyn wasn’t failing at being the “Bad A” super strong witch she was being hyped to be,she was being a lame immature child towards Benedict . I mean feasting and fighting with someone you secretly want is a very common thing but to lie to him on purpose knowing it’s going to hurt him physically is just dumb and pathetically immature. This wasn’t hot,or sexy banter. It was just casual cruelty . That’s not sexy or cute or even all that interesting.
Benedict: Benedict? Benedict, honestly wasn’t all that interesting. He was just kinda there . telling ppl things as paranormal beings they should know. I mean ,come on! Just about every and I do mean E V E R Y PNR book I’ve ever read with shifters in it can sense emotions. Shifter can hear or sometimes even taste a like ,or hell some can even smell them. Especially lies. Lies can have a different scent or taste ,even vampires have had this ability in some stories. Vamp.s who supposedly have the best hearing there is and can hear others blood pumping and their hearts beating ,vamps who can smell blood from a mile away almost,NEED a gut with Benedict’s ability ? You telling me, vamps with their super senses need to see if a lie is being written into his skin know is someone is lying ? They need him as a crutch because they can’t tell otherwise ? Come on! Not trying to be mean but that’s a bit lame.
Honestly the time this worked for me was when these stopped running from each other and decided to go for it. When Jocelyn and Bene were flirting and going for it other it was h o t Hot! But other wise it was just a whole of posturing and in fighting that for no where. Except Joce and Ben’s sexy times it was really rather boring . A lot or build up that never really went anywhere. New author ( for me) ,I gave it a shot but it didn’t work for me on any level. I won’t be back.
TLDR, lots or build up. No boom. Much ado about nothing . Plus one of the lamest super powers/abilities ever. Just grab a shifter,they can do the same thing with our the pain.
4 and 1/2 stars!! Gah this installment to the series was epic. I loved the taboo/forbidden aspect. The strong connection they had, and seeing them try to deny it at first was fun. There was a couple twists and I had all the feels! I actually felt the stress the characters were feeling before the climactic battle. That whole thing was very well written. The side story with Avianna, and the Hinters, and HAWKE! Gah I will be jumping onto their book immediately. I am kind of sad it is the last in the series... but I hope this author continues it somehow with the stories of each Hunter. Oh and Xavier the Demon, too. Wow!
Their love for forbidden and that made it hotter. Benedict and Jocelyn had always had a love hate relationship. They loved to needle each other and pretend it hate the other.
When Avi went missing and they had to work together, we got to see just how well they fit together. These two are my favorite couple so far in the series. Neither takes the others crap but they are each willing to sacrifice for the other.
There were so many twists and turns in this book that I was playing the guessing game. I had my suspicions but the big reveal at the end was amazing. Starting the next book now.
O casal com a química mais sobrenatural de todas!!
Benedict e Jocelyn com certeza tem química e muita tensão sexual entre eles. O ponto mais favorável aqui foi a aceitação dos dois pelo vínculo, sem aquele drama todo de espécies diferentes e proibição blá-blá-blá... De fato, eles foram um casalsão da poha aqui, o Benedict sempre respeitando a autonomia e independência da bruxinha, até porque ele tem confiança nela e no poder dela, acho que foi o relacionamento mais saudável da série até agora, depois da Olivia e do Ransom, claro Ansiosíssima para o próximo, que é do meu assassino favorito: Hawke
Every one of the Onyx Assassin novels have been amazing and Crimson Truth is no exception! I've been waiting for Benedict and Jocelyn's story since the very beginning and it was more than I ever imagined! I'm so happy these two found each other! They are the perfect partner for each other. I loved the chemistry and banter between. I also love that we continue to get glimpses of the previous couples in this series; Alek, Lyric, Lachlan, Valor, Ransom and Olivia.
I can't wait to read the next book about Avianna and Hawke!
Benedict is an assassin and a member of the order. Jocelyn is a witch and heir to the throne. They are from two different worlds. No spoilers here, though. Just know that this book is full of surprises and new things to the world of vampires and witches. I read this in one sitting. It’s full of action, mystery, mating, steam and love. I was never one for the paranormal, but Samantha Whiskey puts it in a new perspective for me with her fabulous writing skills. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
OMG! We start this book off right where the last one’s cliffhanger left us with the princess having been kidnapped by the recently awakened twins and the crazy fast paced drama never lets up from there. This one is a balls to walls adventure with lots of I love to hate you/I hate to love you— oh crap! forbidden love action, all twisted into the hunt for the missing princess. So basically all the yummiest of tropes. And in true Whiskey form, she wraps it all up with a bow and the bombshell of all bombshells that leaves you dying for the next book. This is a must read for spooky season.
I keep saying that I am not really into paranormal romance but dang you Samantha! I freaking love this series. Benedict and Jocelyn were just so perfect for each other. Two very strong species coming to together literally and figuratively was just smoking hot.
I knew who the villain was, at least, I was thinking it and then when it was revealed I was like "I FREAKING KNEW IT"...LOL.
I just love Samantha's writing. She gives you all the feels...all of them. I was giddy, swooning, a little teary eyed and even a gasp or two.
Wow each one of these books just blows my mind. They are so good. Love Benedict, his such an awesome, strong, sexy man. Jocelyn and Benedict make a great powerful couple. The way she would tease and taunt him was funny. Loved the banter between the two. Though I have to say it was heartbreaking that her mom could betray her like that. So many things feel like it’s coming, I need to know what’s gonna happen to hawke and avi, he’s such a strong angry vampire lol. Love this series.
This is Benedict's book. I adore Jocelyn, she is so spirited and carefree. I love how she is with Benedict. He is the lie detector for the assassins. He is covered in tattoos of lies people tell around him. Jocelyn is the heir to the Witches, but doesn't want the throne. Her mother is mean and rules hard. When the assassins find out there is a witch conspiring with the sons trying to start a war...Jocelyn gets involved and Benedict has to fight to save his people and her.
Eeek! Before I can even think of the ending to this book and the start of the next, let me talk about Bennyboo and Jocelyn. The sassy witch and Mr. Control. Can I say the double date had me laughing and swooning at the same time. This book was packed with spice, betrayal, grief and of course an undying love. Now…the next installment, is what I’ve been waiting for since book 1. Well, next to Xavier’s book. (Hopefully…please please. ). Hawke and Avi, I can’t wait!
This latest entry in the Crimson Warriors is so good!! I so did not see Jocelyn as Benedict's mate!! Talk about a WOW moment!! She has been a favorite since the very first book and like Benedict tells the TRUTH although she will bend it a little bit to suit her lol!! This story moves at a rapid pace and before you know it you it you find it ending all to soon THEN WE HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE!! Y'all need this book you really do!!