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Assassins in Love #1
Killer Instincts
He’s a hired gun. A hardened killer. So how’d he end up bottle-feeding lambs for his best friend’s sister?
Dante didn’t set out to deceive. His favor for a pal in prison got him this farmhand job, and Jen needs help guarding more than her blueberries. Someone’s set on hurting her, and he’ll make damn sure they don’t. She can’t know who sent him or why he’s handier with a handgun than a hoe. But none of that matters more than keeping Jen safe.
To save the girl, he’ll have to pair old skills with new. A princess tea party and an old-fashioned gunfight? Why not. Grape stomping and grenades? Sign him up.
But as the enemy closes in, there’s one skill Dante finds he doesn’t have: The strength to walk away when the job is done.
Dante didn’t set out to deceive. His favor for a pal in prison got him this farmhand job, and Jen needs help guarding more than her blueberries. Someone’s set on hurting her, and he’ll make damn sure they don’t. She can’t know who sent him or why he’s handier with a handgun than a hoe. But none of that matters more than keeping Jen safe.
To save the girl, he’ll have to pair old skills with new. A princess tea party and an old-fashioned gunfight? Why not. Grape stomping and grenades? Sign him up.
But as the enemy closes in, there’s one skill Dante finds he doesn’t have: The strength to walk away when the job is done.
246 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2022
1132 people are currently reading
1224 people want to read
About the author
Tawna Fenske
74 books1,618 followersWhen 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.
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.
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March 21, 2025
RATING 4.5 STARS
Killer Instincts is book one in the Assassins in Love series by Tawna Fenske. I’m such a fan of Tawna’s books and have been looking forward to starting this series for so long. The only thing holding me back was myself and being buried under my to read shelf! I finally got started and loved it so much. This is a fun, sweet, swoony and even a little bit suspenseful romance that I couldn’t put down.
If you read the prequel, then you met Dante, the assassin with a heart of gold I guess you could say. Dante has been trying to get out of the business for awhile but it seems there is always one more thing that needs taking care of. His friend Matteo is in prison and has asked Dante to check on his little sister Jennifer who is having some trouble on her vineyard. The plan is just to stay a day or two to make sure everything is okay but a little case of mistaken identity and also the feeling in Dante’s gut that wouldn’t let him walk away from her, had him hiring on as a farm hand.
Jennifer Bello is twenty six years old and is youngest of the three Bello siblings, Jen, her older sister Nicole, and their older brother Matteo who is in prison at the moment. After the death of their grandmother, Jen is now running the vineyard she grew up on. She also has managed to take in a menagerie of animals needing a home for whatever reason. After the break up with Jen’s now ex fiance, things have been going wrong on the farm and she needs help. She certainly didn’t expect the huge, bald, sexy man that showed up applying for her farm hand position.
As soon as these two see each other, the attraction sets in. Dante is smittened and protecting Jen takes on a whole new meaning. And I adored the things Dante did to make Jen happy. But someone is out to get Jen and her vineyard and Dante will do whatever it takes to make sure she is safe.
This was so cute and sweet and just a wonderful read. I feel that way a lot after one of Tawna’s books. I’m loving getting to know this bunch of zany characters and now can’t wait to start the next book, Matteo’s book called Killer Moves.
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...
Killer Instincts is book one in the Assassins in Love series by Tawna Fenske. I’m such a fan of Tawna’s books and have been looking forward to starting this series for so long. The only thing holding me back was myself and being buried under my to read shelf! I finally got started and loved it so much. This is a fun, sweet, swoony and even a little bit suspenseful romance that I couldn’t put down.
If you read the prequel, then you met Dante, the assassin with a heart of gold I guess you could say. Dante has been trying to get out of the business for awhile but it seems there is always one more thing that needs taking care of. His friend Matteo is in prison and has asked Dante to check on his little sister Jennifer who is having some trouble on her vineyard. The plan is just to stay a day or two to make sure everything is okay but a little case of mistaken identity and also the feeling in Dante’s gut that wouldn’t let him walk away from her, had him hiring on as a farm hand.
Jennifer Bello is twenty six years old and is youngest of the three Bello siblings, Jen, her older sister Nicole, and their older brother Matteo who is in prison at the moment. After the death of their grandmother, Jen is now running the vineyard she grew up on. She also has managed to take in a menagerie of animals needing a home for whatever reason. After the break up with Jen’s now ex fiance, things have been going wrong on the farm and she needs help. She certainly didn’t expect the huge, bald, sexy man that showed up applying for her farm hand position.
As soon as these two see each other, the attraction sets in. Dante is smittened and protecting Jen takes on a whole new meaning. And I adored the things Dante did to make Jen happy. But someone is out to get Jen and her vineyard and Dante will do whatever it takes to make sure she is safe.
This was so cute and sweet and just a wonderful read. I feel that way a lot after one of Tawna’s books. I’m loving getting to know this bunch of zany characters and now can’t wait to start the next book, Matteo’s book called Killer Moves.
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...
March 16, 2022
Favorite Quotes:
“You have a goat named Scape and a horse named Maple?” Like he wasn’t already half in love with her. Jen’s cheeks pinken like he’s spoken out loud. “Scape Goat and Maple Stirrup, yes.” Her chin tips up. “Pony Soprano’s on loan to a kids’ petting zoo this week.” It’s official. She’s his dream girl.
“Gabor. Well, Ga-boar.” A pig pun like Maple Stirrup and Scape Goat. “I tried Eva and Magda, but she’s more of a Zsa Zsa.” The pig squeals behind him but stays on the couch. Maybe her hoof hurts, or maybe life’s better on a La-Z-Boy.
He’s never met a woman so delicate and daring, so fragile and fierce.
“You’re a hitman.” He flinches. “I prefer ‘bodyguard.’” “And I prefer ‘princess,’ but I’m a goddamn farmer, okay?” Jen huffs a breath. “You’re an assassin.” It’s just semantics, and he knows he shouldn’t argue, but— “Security professional.”
“Didn’t go well?” “Nope.” A pause. “Cover’s blown?” Dante flinches but keeps walking. “Yep.” “Had a hunch when she stalked past muttering how all men should be castrated at birth.”
“Do you really love me?” “Yes.” No hesitation. “Really?” “More than anything.” He takes a step closer, arms opening to enfold her. “More than chili or Cheez-Its or my Ruger Mark IV Hunter.” “More than Cheez-Its?” She draws back and gives him a skeptical look. “Sounds serious.” “You have no idea.”
My Review:
This was a fun, lively, smirk-worthy read and I loved every cleverly written word of it. The storylines were engaging, vastly entertaining, and actively paced with crisp and cunningly snarky humor that caused a few giggle-snort eruptions during my rapt perusal. I haven’t had this much fun in ages and am eagerly awaiting the next installment. This wily author has more than redeemed herself for that demonic cliffhanger of a prequel, which now that I think about it, was rather ingenious.
“You have a goat named Scape and a horse named Maple?” Like he wasn’t already half in love with her. Jen’s cheeks pinken like he’s spoken out loud. “Scape Goat and Maple Stirrup, yes.” Her chin tips up. “Pony Soprano’s on loan to a kids’ petting zoo this week.” It’s official. She’s his dream girl.
“Gabor. Well, Ga-boar.” A pig pun like Maple Stirrup and Scape Goat. “I tried Eva and Magda, but she’s more of a Zsa Zsa.” The pig squeals behind him but stays on the couch. Maybe her hoof hurts, or maybe life’s better on a La-Z-Boy.
He’s never met a woman so delicate and daring, so fragile and fierce.
“You’re a hitman.” He flinches. “I prefer ‘bodyguard.’” “And I prefer ‘princess,’ but I’m a goddamn farmer, okay?” Jen huffs a breath. “You’re an assassin.” It’s just semantics, and he knows he shouldn’t argue, but— “Security professional.”
“Didn’t go well?” “Nope.” A pause. “Cover’s blown?” Dante flinches but keeps walking. “Yep.” “Had a hunch when she stalked past muttering how all men should be castrated at birth.”
“Do you really love me?” “Yes.” No hesitation. “Really?” “More than anything.” He takes a step closer, arms opening to enfold her. “More than chili or Cheez-Its or my Ruger Mark IV Hunter.” “More than Cheez-Its?” She draws back and gives him a skeptical look. “Sounds serious.” “You have no idea.”
My Review:
This was a fun, lively, smirk-worthy read and I loved every cleverly written word of it. The storylines were engaging, vastly entertaining, and actively paced with crisp and cunningly snarky humor that caused a few giggle-snort eruptions during my rapt perusal. I haven’t had this much fun in ages and am eagerly awaiting the next installment. This wily author has more than redeemed herself for that demonic cliffhanger of a prequel, which now that I think about it, was rather ingenious.
April 3, 2025
Killer Instincts is the first fun book in the Assassins in Love series. I laughed and cheered on this Assassin with a heart of gold. This delighful book will have you swooning as this big tough man is brought to his knees by the one woman he is not allowed to fall for and one Zsa Zsa Gabor. But there are moments of suspense to give the story another layer.
I can't wait to get stuck into the rest of the series.
I can't wait to get stuck into the rest of the series.
May 9, 2022
Not a comedy yet there were some truly funny lines throughout Tawna Fenske's latest novel. In fact, I'd say this book has it all. Hot hero, suspense, a mystery whose culprit was not who I expected it to be, romance, and emotion in truck loads.
My favorite part? Dante in his uniform at a tea shop. This scene alone is worth the price of the book. SWOON!
My favorite part? Dante in his uniform at a tea shop. This scene alone is worth the price of the book. SWOON!
March 31, 2022
KILLER INSTINCTS is the first instalment in Tawna Fenske’s contemporary, adult ASSASSINS IN LOVE erotic, romantic suspense series. This is assassin for hire Dante Goodman and twenty-six year old, vintner Jennifer Bello’s story line.
NOTE: For fans of Tawna Fenske, there is a slight cross over with the author’s PONDEROSA RESORT series. This is NOT a rom-com...there is nothing funny or humorous in the premise. Some of the retailers have marked the story as a romantic comedy.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Dante and Jen) KILLER INSTINCTS follows the building romance and relationship between assassin for hire Dante Goodman and twenty-six year old, vintner Jennifer Bello. Jennifer Bello needs to hire a handyman, a farmhand to help with the upkeep at the family owned winery but her ex-fiance is demanding his share of the profits and the business. Enter Dante Goodman, a mysterious stranger whom our heroine believes is her new employee but the man with whom Jennifer will fall in love. Unaware of Dante’s real reasons for working on the farm, Jennifer finds herself on the defensive when she is targeted by three potential enemies including a hotel chain hoping Jennifer sells. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jennifer and Dante, and the potential fall-out as the threats against our heroine become personal, and the truth about Dante’s identity is revealed.
Dante Goodman is an assassin for hire but our hero also works security and safety. As a favor to Matteo Bello, currently in prison for a crime he did not commit, Dante agrees to ‘keep an eye’ on Matteo’s sister, knowing that to cross the invisible line could be the end of a possible friendship. Jennifer Bello is struggling to make ends meet, and the threats from her former fiance are only adding fuel to the fire. With the help of Dante Goodman, Jennifer puts a plan into place to help save the winery never realizing the real enemy is but a smile away.
The relationship between Dante and Jen is one of immediate attraction; a forced proximity/forbidden relationship in which Dante wants what he cannot have, and Jennifer struggles in the face of secrets and lies. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced, via phone, to Jennifer’s brother and Dante’s friend Matteo, their sister Nicole, as well as Dr. Sebastian LaDouceur-Dante and Matteo’s comrade in arms; and Jennifer’s ex Johnny and his fiance Penelope.
KILLER INSTINCTS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, money and power, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating and intriguing; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic, charismatic and strong.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: For fans of Tawna Fenske, there is a slight cross over with the author’s PONDEROSA RESORT series. This is NOT a rom-com...there is nothing funny or humorous in the premise. Some of the retailers have marked the story as a romantic comedy.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Dante and Jen) KILLER INSTINCTS follows the building romance and relationship between assassin for hire Dante Goodman and twenty-six year old, vintner Jennifer Bello. Jennifer Bello needs to hire a handyman, a farmhand to help with the upkeep at the family owned winery but her ex-fiance is demanding his share of the profits and the business. Enter Dante Goodman, a mysterious stranger whom our heroine believes is her new employee but the man with whom Jennifer will fall in love. Unaware of Dante’s real reasons for working on the farm, Jennifer finds herself on the defensive when she is targeted by three potential enemies including a hotel chain hoping Jennifer sells. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Jennifer and Dante, and the potential fall-out as the threats against our heroine become personal, and the truth about Dante’s identity is revealed.
Dante Goodman is an assassin for hire but our hero also works security and safety. As a favor to Matteo Bello, currently in prison for a crime he did not commit, Dante agrees to ‘keep an eye’ on Matteo’s sister, knowing that to cross the invisible line could be the end of a possible friendship. Jennifer Bello is struggling to make ends meet, and the threats from her former fiance are only adding fuel to the fire. With the help of Dante Goodman, Jennifer puts a plan into place to help save the winery never realizing the real enemy is but a smile away.
The relationship between Dante and Jen is one of immediate attraction; a forced proximity/forbidden relationship in which Dante wants what he cannot have, and Jennifer struggles in the face of secrets and lies. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced, via phone, to Jennifer’s brother and Dante’s friend Matteo, their sister Nicole, as well as Dr. Sebastian LaDouceur-Dante and Matteo’s comrade in arms; and Jennifer’s ex Johnny and his fiance Penelope.
KILLER INSTINCTS is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, money and power, acceptance and love. The premise is captivating and intriguing; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic, charismatic and strong.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Want to read
April 26, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (4/26/2023)! 🎁
April 7, 2022
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
STEAM: 🔥🔥
I have to admit that I was skeptical about a series that is both a rom-com and suspense, but this first book has made me a believer and made me more excited about the rest of the series.
This read picks up sometime after the prequel Killer Looks left off. Dante just wrapped up a mission and heads to Oregon to keep an eye on his former partner Matteo's sister. Matteo is still in jail, framed by a dirty cop, and their other partner Sebastian is still nowhere to be found after leaving them in the middle of a mission to help his ailing father.
It turns out that Matteo's younger sister Jennifer has been having some mysterious and somewhat life-threatening events happening around her land. She is not quite sure who could be behind these events as there are a lot of potential suspects. After a case of mistaken identity, Dante ends up working on Jen's winery and farm, motivated to figure out who's behind these threats. Can he keep his growing attraction to Jen at bay while he solves the mystery?
Killer Instincts was a fun, well-paced read. It was full of twists and turns, and Tawna Fenske does a great job of balancing the suspense with a light tone and comedic situations.
Dante is a fabulous alpha-roll. I love that he might be a big bad assassin, but he is a sucker when it comes to people who need help and animals. I would never dare say that Jen is a damsel in distress. She might be in an incredibly tough situation, but she handles it with resilience and grace. The two had fantastic chemistry together, and while I wished that there were more spicy scenes, these two never failed to heat up my Kindle when they interacted together.
The book sets a high bar for the rest of the books. I cannot wait for Matteo and Seb's downfall to Cupid's arrows.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Tawna Fenske and Social Butterfly PR for providing an ARC. **
STEAM: 🔥🔥
I have to admit that I was skeptical about a series that is both a rom-com and suspense, but this first book has made me a believer and made me more excited about the rest of the series.
This read picks up sometime after the prequel Killer Looks left off. Dante just wrapped up a mission and heads to Oregon to keep an eye on his former partner Matteo's sister. Matteo is still in jail, framed by a dirty cop, and their other partner Sebastian is still nowhere to be found after leaving them in the middle of a mission to help his ailing father.
It turns out that Matteo's younger sister Jennifer has been having some mysterious and somewhat life-threatening events happening around her land. She is not quite sure who could be behind these events as there are a lot of potential suspects. After a case of mistaken identity, Dante ends up working on Jen's winery and farm, motivated to figure out who's behind these threats. Can he keep his growing attraction to Jen at bay while he solves the mystery?
Killer Instincts was a fun, well-paced read. It was full of twists and turns, and Tawna Fenske does a great job of balancing the suspense with a light tone and comedic situations.
Dante is a fabulous alpha-roll. I love that he might be a big bad assassin, but he is a sucker when it comes to people who need help and animals. I would never dare say that Jen is a damsel in distress. She might be in an incredibly tough situation, but she handles it with resilience and grace. The two had fantastic chemistry together, and while I wished that there were more spicy scenes, these two never failed to heat up my Kindle when they interacted together.
The book sets a high bar for the rest of the books. I cannot wait for Matteo and Seb's downfall to Cupid's arrows.
** I am voluntarily reviewing an advance copy of this book. Thank you to Tawna Fenske and Social Butterfly PR for providing an ARC. **
February 24, 2024
Too Slow Moving
Amz Purch. April 26, 2023
On my 2nd try and it's a no go for me.
Dnf at page 147 - 64%
It's written well enough. My problems are
#1 SLOW moving.
#2 The MC's are not interesting to me. Their personalities are 'Odd' and they are boring.
#3 The female mc has her 'Head in Sand' to the point of ridiculous. All sorts of odd things happening to her and she just keeps making the most inane excuses. I say she has TSTL syndrome and I'm over her.
Some of my GR friends really liked this one, but it's not for me.
I need action and intelligence. I'm not getting that here.
Amz Purch. April 26, 2023
On my 2nd try and it's a no go for me.
Dnf at page 147 - 64%
It's written well enough. My problems are
#1 SLOW moving.
#2 The MC's are not interesting to me. Their personalities are 'Odd' and they are boring.
#3 The female mc has her 'Head in Sand' to the point of ridiculous. All sorts of odd things happening to her and she just keeps making the most inane excuses. I say she has TSTL syndrome and I'm over her.
Some of my GR friends really liked this one, but it's not for me.
I need action and intelligence. I'm not getting that here.
May 21, 2022
I honestly wasn't sure about a romance series with assassins as the heroes... But I love everything Tawna Fenske writes, so I thought I'd give it a try. I started with the prequel novella (it was FREE) and was intrigued. So I got Killer Instincts and loved it. The only thing it killed was my ability to get anything done, since I couldn't put it down. Can't wait to get the next one in the series.
September 8, 2024
I am a slut for stuff your kindle day but have a tendency to download a bunch of free books but not take the time to read them. I’m slowly chipping away at the mountain I have accumulated and this book was one of them.
Dante is a hitman who agrees to check in on his friend’s younger sister as a favor. Jen owns a vineyard and when Dante shows up she mistakenly takes him for the man who was coming to interview as a farmhand. Dante is immediately taken with her and decides to play along as farm hand to keep an eye on Jen. Someone seems to have it out for Jen and Dante is determined to keep her safe.
What I liked:
Dante. He was protective, kind and believed in Jen’s strength when everyone else saw her as fragile. He was hiding the fact that he was a hitman and sent by her brother but I do believe he showed Jen who he was as a person.
The animals on the vineyard all had puny nicknames. Pony Soprano, Zsa Zsa Ga-Boar, a goat named Scape. I’m a sucker for puns.
What I didn’t like:
Jen. She did grow on me but I really didn’t care for her at first. She was unnecessarily defensive about things.
“That’s right. I have a jailbird brother. You may as well know before you move in.” I was like woah. Let’s slow our roll here, Dante has been nothing but kind and understanding. At one point in the middle of the story she tells Dante how she is too trusting and only sees the good in people. It didn’t line up with the kinda bitchy character shown so far. I did like her more towards the end but I found her character a bit muddy.
A lot of the “banter” was cringy and a tad boring.
There was a prequel novella to this which I found out in the authors note at the end. I don’t think it was 100% necessary but things were alluded to and I did have a sense I was missing things at times.
My overall feeling was this is just ok. I expected more danger and stakes with one of the MC’s being an assassin. My dislike of Jen dragged the first part of the book down when I was reading her POV. Not mad I read it but not eager to dive into the next book.
Dante is a hitman who agrees to check in on his friend’s younger sister as a favor. Jen owns a vineyard and when Dante shows up she mistakenly takes him for the man who was coming to interview as a farmhand. Dante is immediately taken with her and decides to play along as farm hand to keep an eye on Jen. Someone seems to have it out for Jen and Dante is determined to keep her safe.
What I liked:
Dante. He was protective, kind and believed in Jen’s strength when everyone else saw her as fragile. He was hiding the fact that he was a hitman and sent by her brother but I do believe he showed Jen who he was as a person.
The animals on the vineyard all had puny nicknames. Pony Soprano, Zsa Zsa Ga-Boar, a goat named Scape. I’m a sucker for puns.
What I didn’t like:
Jen. She did grow on me but I really didn’t care for her at first. She was unnecessarily defensive about things.
“That’s right. I have a jailbird brother. You may as well know before you move in.” I was like woah. Let’s slow our roll here, Dante has been nothing but kind and understanding. At one point in the middle of the story she tells Dante how she is too trusting and only sees the good in people. It didn’t line up with the kinda bitchy character shown so far. I did like her more towards the end but I found her character a bit muddy.
A lot of the “banter” was cringy and a tad boring.
There was a prequel novella to this which I found out in the authors note at the end. I don’t think it was 100% necessary but things were alluded to and I did have a sense I was missing things at times.
My overall feeling was this is just ok. I expected more danger and stakes with one of the MC’s being an assassin. My dislike of Jen dragged the first part of the book down when I was reading her POV. Not mad I read it but not eager to dive into the next book.
March 17, 2022
After reading Killer Looks, the prequel to Killer Instincts, I couldn't wait to dive into Killer Instincts and what a wonderful dive it was! This is one of those books that is unputdownable and had me laughing out loud throughout the story. Tawna Fenske did a great job of writing a story about a lonely assassin who has been sent to look after his associates younger sister. Dante truly is a sweetheart underneath his gruff, grumpy, and frankly tough exterior. He is used to people being afraid of him but Jen sees the gentle giant beneath however she thinks that he is her hired handyman and has no clue that her older imprisoned brother has sent him to look our for her. She's been having trouble around her vineyard and doesn't know who is behind the problems. Is it her standoffish neighbors? Her ex-fiancee partner? The hotel chain who wants her to sell her property to them? This is the suspense part of the story and as Jen and Dante work together to help rescue her vineyard they encounter trouble along the way as well as an attraction that neither saw coming and aren't quite sure what to do except to hang on and enjoy the ride because it is going to be a bumpy one! Killer Instincts was written from dual POV and is funny, sweet, and has just a bit of spice to keep things interesting. I am going to be counting the days until the next book in the series arrives.
March 21, 2022
This story was adorable.
4,25 stars.
After reading the prequel (Killer Looks), I was so excited to get to know the guys better.
Despite the action and the suspense permeating the story, this book was sweet and easy to read.
Dante and Jen were adorable. They had a lot in common (more than they anticipated, even considering the secrets Dante was keeping from her). They were passionate, compassionate, loyal, and protective, either about animals, her land, or each other.
They gravitated towards one another, despite their best efforts to keep their distance. There was just no denying their feelings.
I wish Dante's past relationship and how that affected him would be more explored and shown to us.
Yet, this story was sweet, funny, and quite sexy.
4,25 stars.
After reading the prequel (Killer Looks), I was so excited to get to know the guys better.
Despite the action and the suspense permeating the story, this book was sweet and easy to read.
Dante and Jen were adorable. They had a lot in common (more than they anticipated, even considering the secrets Dante was keeping from her). They were passionate, compassionate, loyal, and protective, either about animals, her land, or each other.
They gravitated towards one another, despite their best efforts to keep their distance. There was just no denying their feelings.
I wish Dante's past relationship and how that affected him would be more explored and shown to us.
Yet, this story was sweet, funny, and quite sexy.
March 22, 2022
Dante is best friends with Matteo and Sebastian who works in a gray area which is also know as assigns. I hated when the bad cop framed Matteo and he went to prison. All three said they wanted a normal life. Matteo asks Dante to watch over his youngest sister Jen while he is in prison. Due to a misunderstanding that works out well for Dante, he begins working for Jen on her farm/winery. Dante knew he was in trouble as he was attracted to Jen and Matteo told him no funny business. Her ex fiancée and his new fiancée keeps coming over to her property to get what he feels he is owed. The one thing that was true was that he made the best wine. The property and the business were her grandmother’s before she died and left it to Jen. Scary things start happening to Jen, and I was glad Dante was around to help her. I loved watching to two fall in love even though Dante believes he doesn’t deserve Jen. I am looking forward to the next book. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
March 25, 2022
Killer Instincts is a wonderful read. I enjoyed every moment of this one. You have plenty of those giggle moments as well as fabulous chemistry between Jennifer and Dante. I love how Dante is so protective of Jennifer and wants to get to the bottom of the who and why is behind everything going on at the vineyard. Jennifer is a sweetheart trying to hold onto her family's land. I love her misfit of animals and how she is with her siblings. Dante is amazingly tough and has these unexpected moments when it comes to how he is. He is on top of his protection of Jennifer. I loved this one. I cannot wait for more to come from the Assassins in Love series. This is a fun read that will put a smile on your face.
April 10, 2022
"It's official. She's his dream girl. "
Dante was just checking on his best friend's little sister - quick verify that she's okay, grab the evidence in the shed and he would be back on the road - In and Out an easy op.
Only he didn't count on the siren that awoke his domestic side nor the driving need to protect her
Someone is messing with her and he intends to find out who
Jen had made some bad choices and now they were coming back on her
She was facing an ex who wanted half (they were never even married), a greedy corporation, and a whole slew of problems she wanted to blame on coincidence
Jen was tired and desperate -
In one of those blind reaching for a lifeline moments, she said something that felt innocent at the time -
Sure her new hire couldn't hear her white lie
But The way he stepped up for her?
That kiss?
What has she gotten herself into?
I could not tell you all the reasons why this series is a five star for me but here are a few
It has humor,
Some seriously off-kilter heroes,
Strong-willed heroines
and it is just plain a whole lot of steamy, action-packed fun
Dante was just checking on his best friend's little sister - quick verify that she's okay, grab the evidence in the shed and he would be back on the road - In and Out an easy op.
Only he didn't count on the siren that awoke his domestic side nor the driving need to protect her
Someone is messing with her and he intends to find out who
Jen had made some bad choices and now they were coming back on her
She was facing an ex who wanted half (they were never even married), a greedy corporation, and a whole slew of problems she wanted to blame on coincidence
Jen was tired and desperate -
In one of those blind reaching for a lifeline moments, she said something that felt innocent at the time -
Sure her new hire couldn't hear her white lie
But The way he stepped up for her?
That kiss?
What has she gotten herself into?
I could not tell you all the reasons why this series is a five star for me but here are a few
It has humor,
Some seriously off-kilter heroes,
Strong-willed heroines
and it is just plain a whole lot of steamy, action-packed fun
April 7, 2022
Having met the three main protagonists in Killer Looks, I knew this book would focus on Dante, though Matteo and Sebastian are very much present. Dante's sense of honour and fairness come to the fore as he steps up to watch over Jen, Matteo's sister who is running the family vineyard. Set a while after Killer Looks, we have Dante's protective instincts on high alert, as he tries to fight his attraction to Jen, and unravel the mystery behind who is targeting Jen.
This was a comfortable read, though not particularly high on tension or trickiness. I enjoyed it, and liked both main characters and was definitely rooting for them tonfind their happiness. 💖💖💖💖
This was a comfortable read, though not particularly high on tension or trickiness. I enjoyed it, and liked both main characters and was definitely rooting for them tonfind their happiness. 💖💖💖💖
April 8, 2022
This is a very enjoyable read and I loved these characters! There's great moments of suspense that had me holding on tight, but there's smiles, sweetness and heat as well. I was kept on my toes while Dante and Jen dealt with these intense times around them. I loved Dante, he's protective, he's loyal, and he debates with himself about the pull he has to Jen. She's so sweet, so strong, and I loved her determination. I know I'm going to love a read when I can connect early on to the characters and this had me from the beginning. I'm looking forward to more from this series!
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 7, 2022
This is the first in a series, and a new author to me (though I read the prequel, so newish lol). I very much enjoyed this. Dante, a “criminal with a conscience” stops by to look in after his friends sister. A simple misunderstanding changes the trajectory and basically everything. His heart breaks through (I think it surprises him) and he does more than just protect her. It’s exciting and fun and a bit romantic. Not to mention the suspense of who is the bad guy? I can’t wait to read Matteo’s book next.
March 17, 2025
A freebie on Amazon. I've enjoyed TF's Ponderosa Ranch series & jumped on this one. 1st in the series about assassins falling in love. It's a little short, but tells the story well.
TF has a great, easy style. The dialogue is snappy & the story is interesting.
I liked the H/h.
So, it seems like making criminals into romantic heroes is a thing. I didn't think I'd enjoy the story that much, but it was free! Even though the hero is an assassin he only kills "bad" people. He manages to be a sympathetic character & does protect the heroine, though you'd think he'd be a little more proactive with surveillance. This was a problem I encountered with one of her other series. Buy some trail cams for God's sake!
TF has a great, easy style. The dialogue is snappy & the story is interesting.
I liked the H/h.
So, it seems like making criminals into romantic heroes is a thing. I didn't think I'd enjoy the story that much, but it was free! Even though the hero is an assassin he only kills "bad" people. He manages to be a sympathetic character & does protect the heroine, though you'd think he'd be a little more proactive with surveillance. This was a problem I encountered with one of her other series. Buy some trail cams for God's sake!
March 12, 2022
Jen needs a farmhand. Her brother sends Dante, an “associate” of his. Sparks immediately fly but denial is strong with these two. Once it becomes obvious Jen’s livelihood and life is in danger, everything gets a lot hotter.
This book is so fun. There are great puns, sweet encounters, steamy scenes, and a mystery to solve. What more could you ask for!
Bonus-it’s the first in a series. Even better!
This book is so fun. There are great puns, sweet encounters, steamy scenes, and a mystery to solve. What more could you ask for!
Bonus-it’s the first in a series. Even better!
April 8, 2022
Mixed feelings about this book
I have to say I had mixed feelings about this book from the description of it I thought it sounded good but reading it, it came off slow and boring it didn't get good till the last couple of chapters. There was love and some drama and of course a HEA. Checking out Matteo.
I have to say I had mixed feelings about this book from the description of it I thought it sounded good but reading it, it came off slow and boring it didn't get good till the last couple of chapters. There was love and some drama and of course a HEA. Checking out Matteo.
April 13, 2022
This romantic suspense was fun and flirty with just the right amount of drama, humor and action. Dante and Jen were amazing together. They had a lot of great banter and their chemistry was amazing. The story line was well paced and intriguing. I was surprised at who turned out to be the villain is in this story. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one!
April 18, 2022
Generally enjoyed the entertaining story and characters, but Heroine had too many TSTL moments that were unbelievable because of her family history. Looking forward to the rest of the books in the series. Final Rating: 3.5 Stars
July 20, 2024
you know it’s bad when there’s a partially naked man on the cover 😀😀
September 1, 2025
Probably 3.5 stars, but I’ll round up…
I love when the bad boy gets the good girl, judge me 🤷🏼♀️
There were parts that I felt like I missed reading a prequel for so while the story still made sense, it seemed off a bit. However, it sounds like maybe she wrote a prequel after the fact? Who knows. Anyways…
It’s a sweet story, he falls first. Attraction at first site. Crappy exes. Protector mentality. A little mafia-esque. Independent woman. Slow burn. A bit of spice but nothing too graphic. Overall it was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
I love when the bad boy gets the good girl, judge me 🤷🏼♀️
There were parts that I felt like I missed reading a prequel for so while the story still made sense, it seemed off a bit. However, it sounds like maybe she wrote a prequel after the fact? Who knows. Anyways…
It’s a sweet story, he falls first. Attraction at first site. Crappy exes. Protector mentality. A little mafia-esque. Independent woman. Slow burn. A bit of spice but nothing too graphic. Overall it was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
March 24, 2022
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.
March 14, 2022
Book one in a new series by this author, this book follows assassin, Dante, as he finds love with Jen. It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV. The series contains three books about three couples and a prequel that sets the backstory for the three men. Since the men are connected and the stories are taking place in order after the last job together goes south, they should probably be read in order to have maximum enjoyment. Thankfully, the author is releasing all the books in close succession so readers will not wait long for the next book.
Dante has lived a life where his main goal was to make bad people disappear. When his buddy winds up in jail, he agrees to check on Matteo’s sisters. His reaction when he meets the youngest sister for the first time was priceless. To read a big, strong, scary-looking guy be gob smacked at first sight was really special. I absolutely adored some of the word play the author uses while Dante’s full identity has not been revealed and Jen thinks he is just hired help. I laughed out loud several times. Though Dante has done bad things, readers learn that he has only done them to bad people. I figured out pretty quick that Dante is actually a big softie on the inside, especially when it comes to animals or to Jen. Jen is strong, tough, resourceful, and brave. She is kind yet fierce. I loved her sass and her ability to hold her own against anyone who challenged her. She is definitely B-A though she doesn’t really see that about herself.
There are the laughs, danger, and suspense, plenty of heat, and lots of wonderful characters in this new world. I will confess that I never usually read book excerpts included at the end of the books I read. I did, however, read the excerpt at the end of this one. It sets up Matteo’s second chance love story and now I am chomping at the bit for his book too.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
Dante has lived a life where his main goal was to make bad people disappear. When his buddy winds up in jail, he agrees to check on Matteo’s sisters. His reaction when he meets the youngest sister for the first time was priceless. To read a big, strong, scary-looking guy be gob smacked at first sight was really special. I absolutely adored some of the word play the author uses while Dante’s full identity has not been revealed and Jen thinks he is just hired help. I laughed out loud several times. Though Dante has done bad things, readers learn that he has only done them to bad people. I figured out pretty quick that Dante is actually a big softie on the inside, especially when it comes to animals or to Jen. Jen is strong, tough, resourceful, and brave. She is kind yet fierce. I loved her sass and her ability to hold her own against anyone who challenged her. She is definitely B-A though she doesn’t really see that about herself.
There are the laughs, danger, and suspense, plenty of heat, and lots of wonderful characters in this new world. I will confess that I never usually read book excerpts included at the end of the books I read. I did, however, read the excerpt at the end of this one. It sets up Matteo’s second chance love story and now I am chomping at the bit for his book too.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.
July 26, 2022
Dante and Jen
This was a quick read. It was a light, easy read with romance, humor, and a little mystery. I definitely suggest reading the prequel novella before diving into this series as it gives a glimpse into the three leading men and the situation that lead them all to be on the paths they are now on.
Dante, an assassin looking for a fresh start, stops by Jen’s farm to check in on her as a favor to her brother, and his best friend. He lies his way into a job helping around the farm. While he’s there, there are several acts of vandalism and attempts to harm Jen. Because she doesn’t know Dante’s relationship with her brother, she also doesn’t know that he’s trying to keep her safe while also getting evidence to get her brother out of jail. Everything comes to a head and Jen has to decide if Dante’s past as an assassin changes the feelings she has for him.
I am looking forward to reading Matteo and Sebastian’s stories. This was a good start to this series and should definitely be read in order.
This was a quick read. It was a light, easy read with romance, humor, and a little mystery. I definitely suggest reading the prequel novella before diving into this series as it gives a glimpse into the three leading men and the situation that lead them all to be on the paths they are now on.
Dante, an assassin looking for a fresh start, stops by Jen’s farm to check in on her as a favor to her brother, and his best friend. He lies his way into a job helping around the farm. While he’s there, there are several acts of vandalism and attempts to harm Jen. Because she doesn’t know Dante’s relationship with her brother, she also doesn’t know that he’s trying to keep her safe while also getting evidence to get her brother out of jail. Everything comes to a head and Jen has to decide if Dante’s past as an assassin changes the feelings she has for him.
I am looking forward to reading Matteo and Sebastian’s stories. This was a good start to this series and should definitely be read in order.
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