Killer Looks

Assassins in Love #0.5

by Tawna Fenske

They’re hitmen. Trained assassins. If they nail this job, there’s a payoff. Possibly cookies.

But first, the bad stuff. Dante’s done with hitman life, but there’s one last job to do. A favor to the Duke of Dovlano targeting brutal gun runners. Dante calls on comrades, Matteo—brilliant, brooding, lethal—and charming Sebastian “The Dentist” LaDouceur. Each has skills he’s honed to take out threats at all costs. They’ve also got soft spots for family, lost loves, baby farm animals, and iambic pentameter.

But when the job falls apart, their carefully laid plans go up in smoke. Can three killers with a conscience stick together, or is it every man for himself?

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Novella, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense

85 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 2022

About the author

When Tawna Fenske finished her English lit degree at 22, she celebrated by filling a giant trash bag full of romance novels and dragging it everywhere until she’d read them all. Now she’s a RITA Award finalist, USA Today bestselling author who writes humorous fiction, risqué romance, and heartwarming love stories with a quirky twist. Publishers Weekly has praised Tawna’s offbeat romances with multiple starred reviews and noted, “There’s something wonderfully relaxing about being immersed in a story filled with over-the-top characters in undeniably relatable situations. Heartache and humor go hand in hand.”

Tawna lives in Bend, Oregon, with her husband, step-kids, and a menagerie of ill-behaved pets. She loves hiking, snowshoeing, standup paddleboarding, and inventing excuses to sip wine on her back porch. She can peel a banana with her toes and loses an average of twenty pairs of eyeglasses per year. To find out more about Tawna and her books, visit www.tawnafenske.com.

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Looks is book #0.5 in the Assassins in Love series by Tawna Fenske. This is a very short prequel novella introducing the three men of this series!

“Three hitmen with hearts of gold take one last job we all know won’t go according to plan.”

In this prequel, we meet Dante, Matteo and Sebastian, all hitmen, all friends, if hitmen can have friends. These are hitmen with a conscience! They only take out bad guys. But there is something they all long for, love, and a normal life. But this last job is important, only things go very wrong.



This was a great way to meet these three and now it’s time for their individual books. First up is Killer Instincts, which is Dante’s book. I can’t wait to jump in!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quote:

Seattle’s so weird… Everyone wants to look like they just hiked back from chopping down a pine tree and now they’d like an extra-tall espresso to go.


My Review:

This fast-paced novella kicks off an unexpected genre from this talented scribe. The storylines were busy, action-packed, and went in all directions at once while introducing three quirky mercenaries with an eye on taking down bad guys. This installment was short, amusingly detailed yet tense with impending peril while peeling back just enough layers of their past to taunt and tease my curiosity while leaving me hanging about their future. If I didn’t know the next installment was already on its way I would be stamping my little foot and swearing a blue streak as well as a pox on this wily author for the heinous cliffhanger. I do believe I’m hooked.

[Mehsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well.... there were points I really liked (the guys for instance, the mysterious girl) but in overall it was just very chaotic and at points I wondered if more could be crammed in to make it even more confusing. It just felt too much for a prequel novella. Still happy I tried it out and yes I may check out the series still.

[T. Rosado · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

Killer Looks was a crazy exciting preamble to Fenske’s new series, Assassins in Love. In this book, the three heroes are introduced, along with hints to their potential love interests when they get their separate books. I'm very intrigued and looking forward to their books. Matteo and Sebastian's stories sound especially interesting with another surprising hired gun and a second chance romance.

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This quick prequel to the new series Assassins in Love introduces readers to the three male assassins who will find love over the course of the series while the take their “last” job. As one might suspect, things do not go as planned. I enjoyed getting to know each of the guys a little bit. Dante is the big bald guy with a massive weapon…uh…collection. Matteo is the computer nerd trying to not get caught while maintaining relationships with his sisters and grandmother. Sebastian is the charmer who loves to flirt. He is a dentist with who has a way with people and a bit of ADHD. I felt like I got a good feel for what was important to each of them and their personalities. There is some intrigue and action as well as possible indicators of the identity of future heroines. The mark of a good prequel to me is if it makes me want to read more of the series and if it makes me invested in the characters. This prequel accomplishes that and I am excited for this series.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest review after receiving an advance e reader copy of the book.

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a PERFECTLY written prequel!!!

This .5 book in the Assassins in Love series, written by author Tawna Fenske, introduces us to the 3 main heroes of this series…Dante, Matteo, and Sebastian. They are all trained assassins, and are trying to help out Dante with a mission from the Duke of Dovlano.

I felt that after reading this short prequel, I knew these characters well enough that I knew I would be reading all three of their stories and getting to know their romance stories as well as getting to know their heroines. I can’t wait to read more of this series!

If you like light hearted romantic suspense, I would definitely grab Killer Looks to see what you think!

[Read What I Like Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

KILLER LOOKS: ASSASSINS IN LOVE PREQUEL NOVELLA (BOOK 0.5)
Kindle Unlimited: [ ]YES [X]NO
Stand-alone: [ ]YES [X]NO
Author: Tawna Fenske
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spiciness rating: 🚫
POV: Multiple, third person
Main Characters: Dante, Mateo & Sebastian
Favorite Character: Sebastian
Tropes: Romcom novella

Review:

This is a fast-paced novella to introduce the readers to the main characters of the Assassins in Love series. Here we have the three main characters, Dante, Mateo and Sebastian who are together in a mission and, throughout the few chapters we get glimpses of their lives and personalities. It’s a fun and quick book for you to read in one seating.
Thank you Tawna and Social Butterfly PR for the ARC.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the prequel to a new series of three assassins. Dante is from Dovlano and the Duke asks him for a favor to get rid of some gun runners. Dante, Matteo and Sebastian have all worked together on various “jobs” and are there for each other when needed. Dante asks his friends to help him find the gun runners and help him get rid of them. Poor Dante wants to get out of the business, but will not turn down the Duke’s request. Matteo being the computer geek is working in a van to keep track of the players. I couldn’t stand the bad cop that has been after Matteo on trumped up charges. Sebastian is a dentist in real like that is a smooth talker. The job is going well until things go wrong. I am so looking forward to the first book in this series. I strongly recommend you read this book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Ana ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC IN CHANCE OF AN HONEST OPINION:

This was my first ever read from this author. I honestly had no idea what to expect. This is a prequel novel for the actually series.

This made me curious to read the series actually and to find out more about this group of friends. They are killers and want to get out of the life to try and find happiness too and it’s really interesting to see this entire talk and the suspense and build up during this little part of the novel.

I’m curious and excited to see what will come next and each ones own stories!!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dip your toes in, the water's fantastic!

Prequel to the new series. We get a glimpse into the minds of our assassins: Dante, Matteo, and Sebastian.

One last job, and everything goes wrong. Matteo finds himself on the wrong side of the net. Sebastian has to bail to help his father. And Dante is thinking the farm life sounds good right about now.

Learning the rest of their stories is going to be fun! My whistle is whet. I can't wait to read more!! I love that dash of intrigue with my romance, especially if there is some humor too!

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Looks is where it all began for the sexy killers in Assassins in Love, #0.5

This delightful book will have you swooning as these big tough men who secretly are big softies underneath. But there are moments of laughter, action and suspense adding more layers to this wonderful read.

I can't wait to get stuck into the rest of the series.

[Julie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great prequel

I really liked the prequel to this series. You get just enough information to make you want to read the 1 st book. Looking forward to more.
Julie of A. R. C. Anonymous.

[Elaine Lucky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick introduction novella to the three men featured in the Assassins in Love series. Get to know them and a little of their backgrounds. Ready to start the series now

[Reading Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Looks is a tease! That's right it is a peek into the lives of three professional assassins as they all contemplate their choices in their profession and where the future lies for a retired assassin. Sounds wild right?! Well this novella was great and gave me a lot of Gross Pointe Blank vibes and since that is one of my all time favorite movies I cannot wait to read the full stories of Dante, Matteo and Sebastian. They sound like three very unique characters and I am really excited to meet the women who capture their hearts. Escapism for the win!

[Laurie Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Looks is a quick read that left me happily wanting more!!

It gives a taste of what's to come in the Assassins in Love books and sets up the next book.

Dante: tall, bald, broody but has a soft spot for animals and wants the American dream.

Matteo (Teo): the tech genius with soft spot for his family. Ps, I can't wait to meet his sisters in the coming books!

Sebastian (aka The Dentist): who's actually a dentist and ironically has a sweet tooth. Strained relationship with his dad who's in a bit of trouble himself.

[J Lundsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, fun prequel to this new series. Dante and Jen meet and sparks fly but she has no idea who he is or what he's doing on her vineyard.

I can't wait for this new series to start!!!

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to a new series. Twists and turns keep you on your toes!!

[Ez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great taster of what's to come from Tawna Fenske's new Assassins in Love series. As per this author's usual style, this quick read was quirky and fun with a great splash of humour. It's a novella length teaser of what to expect form this series, which (at this stage) has three future books being released once a month, focussing on each of the male leads in this world. The author is very clear that this only kicks off the series and therefore it isn't a complete novel, but a prequel. It was enough, however, to hook me in and ensure I'll be continuing with the story lines set up here. The three main characters were likeable, tough and kickbutt without being giant chauvinistic tools. There are small breadcrumbs scattered here and there throughout the novella to give a good indication of who their romantic interests will be with enough of a difference in personality between the three to make sure their stories will hold up on their own.

Dante, Matteo and Sebastian have worked together many times over the years, each specialising enough in a certain trade to be experts in their role as assassins. Dante is an explosives expert, Matteo specialises in tech and Sebastian is known as 'The Dentist'. Why? Because...he's also a dentist. This made me laugh out loud and he might have just edged out the other guys for me if I was running a popularity contest. They all have their own woes and regrets from their lives that I won't spoil here but am sure will crop up as the series continues (as a prequel, the reader is given a solid summary). There's family trouble, corruption and betrayal and past tragedy. As the trio run an operation on a potential gun-runner, Dante questions what his life might look like if he gets out of the life and considers settling down. While not really knowing a lot about his colleagues, there's still a firm bond between the three resembling something like loyalty and friendship. I'm assuming this will continue to build considering that over the short course of this book, their personal lives begin to crumble to pieces.

The book is written in present tense and I'll admit that this took me a few pages to adjust to. Once I did, however, it didn't bother me. There are only seven or so chapters, each one taken from Dante's, Matteo's or Sebastian's point of view. Obviously, since the series is based on a trio of assassins who seem to have a strong moral compass for the most part, there are aspects that are a little over the top, but what I read here was really entertaining so there was no cheese factor for me. The book was an easy read, a bit of fun with some hot male leads and I'm sure they'll make a great palate cleanser for anyone wanting to escape from the real world for a bit.

This author's sense of humour is definitely through the book which is why I love her style. It's casual and has great undertones of sarcasm. The book was entertaining and gave me a sense of what's to come. While the stories aren't complete in this book, the end of the book felt more like a 'To be continued' rather than a cliffhanger (which generally make me stabby - I didn't get homicidal feelings here at all). Oh, and I loved the cheeky Ponderosa Resort reference from the author. I love you, Chief Dugan!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer Looks by Tawna Fenske is a quick, novella-length introduction to her new Assassins in Love suspense/rom-com series. While each of the three full-length books in this series will focus on individual characters, Killer Looks gives readers a background introduction to Dante, Matteo, and Sebastian - three hitmen looking to get out of that life and maybe settle down for good. Of course, nothing ever goes as planned, and this one final job sends all three guys scattering...

Fenske promises right off the bat that there is no happily-ever-after to be found for Dante, Sebastian, and Matteo in this novella, and she didn't lie. However, the cliffhanger was completely appropriate for all that's to come for these three guys and only made me that much more excited for Dante's whole story in the first full-length book.

The action in this novella is pretty much non-stop, which made the shorter story seem to move that much faster. However, even with all the action on the page, Fenske still managed to incorporate quite a bit of background story for all three guys. While I'm sure we'll really dive into each of the guys' stories in their individual books, I thought Killer Looks provided quite a bit of information. I would definitely recommend reading this prequel story before diving into the full-length trilogy; all the action really gives readers an idea of just what these guys are capable of, and the background information on their romantic and family issues will surely only enhance each of the three plots.

While a fairly quick read, Killer Looks packs a punch; this novella is chock-full of action and information that will not only provide excellent background for the guys moving forward but also will leave readers clamoring for the full-length novels.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted to be a part of the blog tour for the Assassins in Love series. If the prequel is this good, I can't wait to read more.

Three hitmen on a job. The sniper, the dentist, and the computer geek. Their target is a warlord attempting to purchase illegal weapons, but everything just went to hell.

This fast-paced novella is the beginning of a wonderful friendship between me and three hot assassins. Dante, Sebastian, and Matteo make a very lethal and intriguing team which I plan to explore further. Dante is the serious one. The animal lover. The weapons expert. Is he ready to retire and settle down in the country? Sebastian is the charming one. The jokester. An actual dentist. A military-trained warrior. Will he be able to save his dad before it's too late? Matteo is a whiz with a laptop. A killer knife thrower. The mysterious one. On the run from the cops. Has he finally been caught and on his way to prison? I can't wait to find out their fates in the upcoming series. 

Let's not forget the killer delivery girl, the dirty cop, and the people after Sebastian's dad that just made this series even more intriguing. 

This short action-packed story set with humor and intrigue peels back the layers of three complex killers with internal struggles about their future, women, and family. 

I am happy to recommend this gripping start to a promising series filled with hot males, romantic interests, and exciting page-turning suspense.

Thank you to Ms. Fenske for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this novella in exchange for my honest review.

Dante, Seb and Matteo are on one last job together, each running from his own problems, each with secret desires of his own. Will they be able to complete the mission and move on? Can they even leave the life of killers for hire behind?

Normally, I love a good prequel, but this one was slow to start for me. I don't know if it was my addled brain trying to keep track of three separate men, or the fact that it was a quick novella without much world building, but it took almost half of the book to really get into it. By the end, I was totally invested in each of the men's stories, and I'm excited to read their individual novels. If it's slow feeling for you too, stick with it, it's worth the read, and I think will give essential background for each of these guys for their individual novels.

The characters and their motivations are interesting. And enough is left in the air for each of them to leave me wanting more time to get to know them. The story feels like a total departure from Fenske's usual storyline, and I'm excited to see the world she builds.

[Kaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
STEAM: 🚫



If an action movie trailer were a book, this would be it.

Killer Looks introduces us to the three MMCs in the Assassins in Love universe. Dante, Sebastian, and Matteo have been working together for years, and now they are on another assignment to make sure weapons don't get in the wrong hands.

We get a quick preview into their quirky heads: Dante is dreaming out of a way of the business. Seb is a hot mess. And tech genius Teo just wants to be loved and be out of jail. I love the funny dynamics between this trio, and how it fits into what they do for a living.

This fast-paced read is a great amuse-bouche to the series; it entices you enough to get invested in these quirky assassins but leaves you wanting for more.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

KILLER LOOKS is the prequel novella in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult ASSASSINS IN LOVE romantic suspense series. KILLER LOOKS introduces three black op assassins-Dante, Dr. Sebastian LaDouceur, and Matteo Bello.

Told from three first person perspectives (Dante, Sebastian and Matteo) KILLER LOOKS follows our trio in Seattle, as they work together to take down a a group of gun runners by a dirty cop, and a rogue agent threaten the success of their mission. A call from Sebastian’s father sends Dr. LaCouceur back home; a cop on the take sets up Matteo for a take down; and Dante is asked to protect Matteo’s sisters Jennifer and Nicole.

KILLER LOOKS is a fast paced, quick look that introduces the ‘heroes’ and villains in Tawna Fenske’s ASSASSINS IN LOVE series. The author reveals some of the background and history of each character, setting up a suspenseful story and their own happily ever after. The premise is intriguing and swift; the characters are energetic and strong. KILLER LOOKS ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Riet De Bruin-Strijker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this introduction to the three “bad” guys, trained assassins withs soft spots. In this prequel you read about these men, their thoughts, their mannerisms and their characters, even about their obsession with iambic pentameter. Looking so forward to reading more about these men.
But first, the bad stuff. Dante’s done with hitman life, but there’s one last job to do. A favor to the Duke of Dovlano targeting brutal gun runners. Dante calls on comrades, Matteo—brilliant, brooding, lethal—and charming Sebastian “The Dentist” LaDouceur. Each has skills he’s honed to take out threats at all costs. They’ve also got soft spots for family, lost loves, baby farm animals, and iambic pentameter.
But when the job falls apart, their carefully laid plans go up in smoke. Can three killers with a conscience stick together, or is it every man for himself?

[Tanisha]

I first heard about Tawna Fenske in August of 2015 when her book "About That Fling" was featured as a "Kindle First." I have fallen in love with the way that she tells a story. Her characters are fun, and even ones you may not like at first tend to grow on you. Since then, I have read anything that I have found by Tawna.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the Bracelyn family. Because of this, I was sad that “Dr. Hot Stuff” would be the last “official” book in the Ponderosa Resort series. I became excited when I found out that a spin-off series was in the works starring Dante.

I definitely enjoyed this introduction to the “Assassins in Love” series. This prequel helped me become invested in the series in a larger way than if the characters were introduced in a different way. I also loved both the comedy and suspense of the story. I definitely cannot wait to read the first book in the series!

**A received an advanced reader copy for my honest review**

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel is a great introduction to the three men — Dante (first introduced in Dr. Hot Stuff), Matteo, and Sebastian — who will be featured in Killer Instincts (Dante), Killer Moves (Matteo), and Killer Smile (Sebastian). There was plenty of suspense and twists and turns in this novella-length story about three mercenaries taking on “one last job” Tawna’s dialogue is always rapid fire, realistic, and often humorous. She has a genuine gift for bringing her characters to life, and I love going along for the ride. The three subsequent books are scheduled to be released in April (Instincts), May (Moves) and June (Smile), so buckle up and have a ball!! I received an advance copy of this novella in exchange for my honest review.

[Becky Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killer looks is an amazing first look to the Assassins in Love series. I can already see that I'm going to just fall in love with each of these men. This is going to be such a fun series to read with plenty of laugh out loud moments thrown in. Dante's book is the first in the series and I cannot wait to see him fall for Jen and help work the farm while doing his assignment too. Fun quick introduction that will have you all set up for the first book Killer instincts. An addicting series is on the way, and you will not want to miss out on it. Go one click this quick read and get ready for the fun to come.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dante stole our hearts so I loved getting to catch up with him again! Only now we get Mateo & Sebastian too?!?
This is a fun and fast paced novella to get us ready for the upcoming series.

Honestly, I’m not a novella person. But when Tawna Fenske gives you three dudes, action, comedy, and a twist you don’t see coming … well that’s when you put your hands out like Oliver Twist and ask for more.
If you’re worried about waiting for the series, all 4 books (3 + the novella) will be out by June 2022.

If you’ve never read a Tawna Fenske book-1 go do that now & 2- be ready to laugh out loud! Her writing is natural but hilarious.

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a teaser 😍
Three mercenaries - who probably should have retired while they were ahead
One last job - that just went f u b a r 'd beyond apprehension
One phone call - that might have been the last
One high-speed chase - that could end very badly
and One last message - with hope
All crammed in this prequel novella - and quite well I must say

This was one of those reads that had just the right amount of Chaos blended with a little laughter - some OMG twists and a bit of suspense all presented in a way that had me captivated and wanting more

Normally a short read like this would not capture my attention
Or endear me so firmly to the characters
But somehow
With a few well-placed words
Fenske has left me worried about three strangers
Excited to see how they each get out of this (their) sticky situations

[Daisy Knox · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder

This was the perfect prequel because it drew me in and left me wanting more. The author gives us just enough of these characters to get us hooked so I can’t wait for this series. This is fast-paced and funny and the perfect teaser.