Falling in love was never my intention. Especially not with the formidable Master Assassin, Alexei Mason.
When Alexei stepped into my life, he tore through every defense around my heart... until the moment I discovered his bitter secret.
Now I must risk everything for a love he can't return.
When magic and desire collide, my life will rest in the hands of an assassin.
Content information: Assassin's Match is a 21,000 word novella, the fifth in the Assassin's Magic series. It first appeared in The Monster Ball (Year 2). Recommended reading age is 16+ for heat level.
**Disclaimer: Assassin's Match can be read as a standalone but contains minor spoilers for other books in the Assassin's Magic series.
USA Today bestselling author Everly Frost writes fantasy romance and paranormal romance with badass female leads and morally grey heroes who fall first. When she isn't dreaming up spicy enemies to lovers romances, she's binge-watching Lord of the Rings, tending to her fur baby, or learning to sew. Subscribe to Everly's newsletter for a free novella today!
I remember reading this short novella in The Monster Ball Anthology and it was one of my favourites out of the lot. It’s one of those stories that you just know you need to feel like the Assassin’s Magic series is completed. I loved Tansy and Alexei in those stories, so it was really awesome finally getting a short story in her POV! And not only that but to finally get their own happily ever after. Loved it so much!!!
You gotto read it guys! If you loved the Assassin’s Magic books why wouldn’t you want to see Tansy get her man! You know you want it!!
Thank Everly for this awesome short story. I can now be content knowing that every one in this series got their happy ending.
So... I am newish to this author and binge read Books 1-4 so I could read this one! To say I needed some type of break in-between is an understatement. However, I didn't realize this could be read as a standalone. This is a short story, but even though it is short, it is packed with taking your emotions on a roller coaster ride. I look forward to reading more from the talented Everly Frost!
‘Alexei’s presence is like a glass of liquid happiness, and I just drank the whole bottle of it.’
AHHHHH! This was perfect. Short and sweet. I was so happy to see more of Tansy and Alexei! I devour everything Everly writes so I wasn’t surprised that I also loved this.
This is the first book that I've read in this world and, while I'm sure those familiar with the series will enjoy it even more, I was able to dive right into the story with ease!
This is a novella with action, steam, betrayal, curses, and lots of magic. I'm definitely adding the rest if the series to my TBR right now.
Tansy and Alexie have such an i retesting and unique story and history. EF weaves it all together in a nice little package that's a quick and satisfying read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Listen I get that this is a novella and meant to be a short little story set in the realm of the Assassin’s world that I really enjoyed...as well as it had to fit that them of the characters going to the mythical Monster’s Ball. These were undeniable truths that I just had to overlook while I settled in for what I thought to be a thought out and rounded tale to the third Master Assassin, similar to Cain and Archer’s story. This was NOT that...at all. So she’s been searching for a “cure” for Alexei for almost 2 years, haven’t seen him and this last ditch Revival Spell effort is the background for them meeting. She’s been broken-hearted for this long, but only just received the invite this year? Cain, Slade, and Hunter have all been working together and popping by Saber Lane all this time and she’s never run into the third Master Assassin? One of the rules of the Assassins are you only get one try for your contract; if Kadaris’ death was sanctioned hundreds of years ago... surely each faction would’ve made an attempt and she’d be untouchable...double jeopardy and all. Why was Alexei eager for a reunion or whatever considering she attacked them and was the catalyst for Tansy’s betrayal? None of this made any real sense and I feel like we barely got a quarter of a story.
I absolutely adored the Assassin's Magic series, so I was ridiculously excited to see that two of my faves from that series have their own novella! Apparently, this story had originally been featured in the Monsters Ball: Year 2 anthology, which is the one I missed!
Anyway, we catch back up with Tansy trying to find a way to help a certain Master Assassin. She ends up going to a ball that you have to be magically invited to, giving her an opportunity to find what she's looking for! Finding what she was looking for doesn't go exactly as planned.
All I can say is that Alexei is still absolutely amazing! (I've dubbed him the Great Dane of the Assassin world, outside of doing his actual job, that is...then, he's one scary guy!) The attraction between him and Tansy has always been on fire, and this is even better! Everly Frost has a way of writing characters and making you fall in love with them! I literally read this in one sitting; I had to get to the end and see what happens for Tansy and Alexei! The twist towards the end had me totally surprised!
I highly recommend this! It's a great addition to the Assassin's Magic world, and will be crossing over into her Soul Bitten Shifter series!
This is one unputdownable edge of your seat must devour novella! This will grasp your heart and squeeze. The cover is glorious and I could seriously stare at it all day long. Everly Frost gave her readers the ultimate gift in writing this beautiful book. My heart is overflowing with pure joy! I have loved and mourned with these beautiful characters for many books.
Alexei and Tansy are one dynamic could be couple if only things could be different! Under the magic of The Monster Ball where all that is impossible is made possible, they find what they've been searching for and maybe that happily ever after isn't so unattainable after all.
Everly Frost is a phenomenal storyteller who engages your mind and soul and gives her readers these magical worlds where we're not quite sure everything is in fact going to be all right. This finally is the happily ever after I've been dying to read! Bravo and now I am going to ask for more because I absolutely need it. Don't let this pass you by! One-click this today and give true love a chance!
The first time I read this novella was in Monster Ball 2. If you’re a fan of the Monster Ball and didn’t get a chance to read Tansy and Alexei’s story yet, grab this book and read it! I’ve read and loved so many of Everly Frost’s books but have yet to read the start of her Assassin’s Magic series. Getting a chance to meet two characters from that world and knowing what series they’re from made me so happy! Now I can go read the whole series. This story will have you yearning to help Alexei and cheering for Tansy. I love that they have a chance to reconnect and find each other at the ball and finally stop pushing each other away. The story telling in the Monster Ball world is amazing. I love how Everly made me feel like I got my ticket to the ball with Tansy. If you’re looking for a HEA novella in the Assassin’s Magic world, and love themed parties of an epic proportion, you’ll love this story.
Tansy’s story with Alexei is one I’ve been dying to read since completing the Assassin’s magic series. The only way I can describe this novella is short, and sweet yet completely intense! You will definitely need to read the rest of the series to fully understand this book, and you should also probably read the Soul Bitten Shifter series as well since there’s a DEFINITE crossover! It makes me even more excited to read the next book in that series which comes out in May.
My only criticism is how short it was. I was so engrossed that I forgot it was a novella, then finished it, and got upset that there wasn’t more to it. There was so much potential for a full book-sized story about Tansy and Alexei, but I’m just happy to have what we got. Which I was able to read in one sitting, but whatever. We spent so much of the Assassin’s series focusing on the assassins, that I can’t wait to see more come to light about the witches.
Assassin's Match is the perfect novella for any reader seeking a bit of adventure, magic, heat, and a love worth fighting for. Those familiar with Everly Frost's Assassin world, find out where the years have taken Tansy and Alexei. However, I actually read this book as an introduction to the Assassin world (I enjoyed it so much, I binged the entire series). There are minor spoilers, and some content that is better understood within the series context, but it's still very enjoyable without reading the previous books.
Well-written, the story pulls you in from the very first chapter. Who doesn't love a book that starts at a library and ends at a ball (for those familiar with The Monster Ball anthologies, this was previously included in Year 2)? And even though this is a novella, main character Tansy is developed enough that you can relate to and love her. You will definitely be pulling for her happily ever after. Go read this book!
Tanzanina Gray (Tansy) is a very powerful witch, who has lost her spells. With her magic available, but unusable without readable spells on standby, what is the point. Either way, she only wants the revival spell to help for Alexei. Alexei Mason is a lonely assassin who lost his ability to love, by curse. Just because he can't love, doesn't mean someone cant love him. Tansy will restore his heart, even though she won't be restoring her powers, and he may not return her feelings either way. With the grimoire already missing from angel protection, she will take her only lead to the party of the year, that may just be rumor. The Monster Ball. In search for a witch who may also be a myth. Mother Kadris.
I haven't read the other Assassin's Magic books, but was assured that this can be read as a stand-alone, and I am glad! This is a great shorter read. I have read the Soul Bitten books, and there is a little tease towards that world, and I am ready for them to meet.
I loved this! I originally read it (and bought the Monster Ball Anthology it was in) because I ADORE the Assassin's Magic series by Everly Frost and this wrapped up some side character's storyline from that series. If you haven't read the Assassin's Magic series
1) what are you still doing here, go read it and 2) I still think you'd enjoy it as a standalone
BUT I feel like you will be much more emotionally satisfied if you see Tansy and Alexei's story from that side and end with this.
Their story is so sweet! One thing I love about Everly is how, even in a novella, she delivers a full story that keeps you glued to the page. There is conflict, there is angst, there are so. many. emotions (which is kind of crazy, considering ). Just read it, you won't regret it.
I originally read this as part of Monster Ball Year 2, so it’s fun to see it in the main collection. Tansy and Alexei are 2 side characters we meet in the Assassin’s Magic series. I love all of Everly’s couples, but these two have a special place. They are both flawed, Tansy goes through a lot of personal growth in the main series, Alexei is not emotionally available (you learn more about why here) and it is just lovely to see them work together. Can love overcome betrayal? Can huge past mistakes be forgiven?
This can be read as a standalone, but the entire series is fantastic and you will fall in love with the main characters as well as Tansy and Alexei. I recommend reading in order, but it is not necessary for this novella.
I haven’t read any of the other books in the Assassin’s Magic series, but I still really enjoyed Assassin’s Match by Everly Frost. It is a short novella that can be read as a stand-alone. Even though this was a short story, it still packed plenty of intrigue, betrayal, curses, and steam into each page. I thought Alexei and Tansy’s backstory was really interesting and I’ve already added the rest of the Assassin’s Magic series to my TBR, because I want to know more about this world. Definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a short romance that still packs a punch!!
What a great novella, it's always nice to catch up with characters who played minor roles in novels and see what they are now up to. Tansy and Alexei are star-crossed lovers who meet up once again at the Monster ball. Tansy is trying desperately to undo the damage done to The master assassin .by a curse that left him unable to feel any emotion but what she discovers is a story that will keep you turning the pages till the very last word. Highly recommend
I love this short story! Tansy and Alexi have a history where they both wanted each other but were too damaged to be together. Tansy believes she’s broken because of her past and inability to remember spells and Alexi was cursed to never love. Regardless they have very real feelings for each other and Tansy’s whole purpose in this story is to make Alexi whole again. I love the premise and the emotion that captured here!
I have wanted Tansy and Alexei’s story since I first read the assassins magic series. I wanted them to be in love then and was sad with the way things were left off.
I loved this novella and finally finding out how they made things work. Tansy was so determined to give Alexei his feelings back. Alexei was determined not to hold her back because he wanted her to have everything she deserved. They both cared about each other so much.
This is a fabulous and action packed novella! Tansy is a powerful witch who believes she’s broken since she can’t remember spells. Alexei is a Master Assassin who is cursed to never love. I grew to love both these characters and I really enjoyed their story! This is such a well written novella and my only complaint is that it isn’t longer. I haven’t read the rest of the series, and this definitely whet my appetite for more!
For a novella, this book was extremely well done. Even though there are only eleven chapters, the characters are richly written. The story moves at an extremely fast pace. I don't normally like novellas as I feel cheated of really getting to know the characters but that's not the case here. Other than being able to read within a few hours, this novella feels more like a novel. I was extremely happy I picked this one up!
Loved reading Assassins Match!! Also love Mobster’s Ball and they’re interconnecting storylines which also happens in Assassin’s Magic (that’s because it was part of Monsters Ball Anthology Year 2). This story may be listed as a short novella but it packs quite a punch with lots of intrigue, magic & a woman who will do anything for love in the process. I couldn’t put this book down and am looking forward to reading more of their story in the future. Don’t miss reading this wonderful series.
Tansy and Alexei are one of my new favorite couples! I have all the Monster Ball anthologies but confess to not having read them yet so it was great to get to read this story fresh now that it’s in its own novella. I was enthralled through the whole story and so not ready for it to end when it did! Tansy can really kick some butt and I would love to read more about her! This is a definitely a great short read if you’re looking for a HEA and no cliffhangers!
I fell for Alexei when he first came into this series and I have been waiting and waiting for his story!! Ugh it was worth the wait, even as a novella. Tansy thought she was broken but he never saw her that way. I enjoyed the bit of history we learn for both of them as they continue moving forward in their journey and am excited to catch more glimpses in the Soul Bitten series!!
Love. Truth. Trust. Betrayal. Family. Forgiveness. Last hope. Raw power.
Heightened emotions. Instinctive magic. Logic vs Love. Past vs Future.
Loved this novella featuring one of my favorite character's HEA story.
"Now I believe in making my own future." "...for the benefit of others...not for themselves." "Because without you, my day is dark." "I choose you." "Because love is the most powerful magic of all."
As always, absolutely amazing and un-put-down-able!
Loved hearing and seeing more about Tansy and her power, and adored the dress making scene especially! Alexei is such a babe; I love his violent tendencies, his all consuming presence and his caring nature!
I was left wanting more (Everly’s writing is phenomenal) but luckily we have the Soul Bitten Shifter conclusion coming up!
Assassin’s Match is a short novella about Tansy and Alexei. Tansy will do whatever it takes to break a curse that is on the man she loves, Alexei. This leads Tansy to The Monster Ball where she hopes to find what she needs to break Alexei’s curse. This was a magical tale that shows what a person will risk to help the one they love and I loved it!
Wow give me more! I need more Tansy and Alexei! I need their next adventure together! This novella had everything, an incredible party/ball where you wish you got the special invite, intense fighting scenes, a love to die for and a storyline that flows right through to your soul! I have read a number of Everly Frost's books and I have loved them all!
I totally loved this book! Tansy is willing to do just about anything for her love. Even if that means taking on other strong supernaturals. She receives an invitation to the monster ball and hopes that this will finally be her ticket to fixing her broken love. There is so much passion in this book you won't want to miss it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a sweet little story between two characters from Everly assassins magic series. Perhaps one story that needed more attention. I just loved the dynamic between Tansy and Alexei and I’m so glad Everly finally gave them the exploration they needed. It always felt to me like unfinished business and it was everything I needed but never thought to ask for.
This is nicely paced, easy to read and a great storyline for these characters, that we have seen in previous books. Tansy is a witch who struggles with her gift, she is searching for a spell that will break a curse on the man she loves. She need to find a powerful witch that has this spell, so she attends the monster ball. With one thing on her mind she makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Intense, sweet and perfect!!! 🥰 OMG!!!... Tansy and Alexei story is heart wrenching!!! ... It totally sucked me in and didn't let me go until the last page, leaving me eager for more!!! 😩😭 I was on edge the entire time, full of angst, shocked at certain twists and then... Awww, such a sweet HEA, so damn perfect!!! 😍 I need to finish the Assassin's Magic series, now more than ever!!! ❤️