Review: 3.75 stars-felt disconnected
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 8, 2013
KISS OF VENOM is a short story-novella 8.5- in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin series focusing on Gin Blanco -The Elemental Assassin. Kiss of Venom is a storyline told from Owen's POV (Gin's ex-lover) and one that occurs between DEADLY STING and HEART OF VENOM.  If you are a fan of Jennifer's Elemental Assassin series Kiss of Venom reveals Owen's inner most thoughts and turmoil following his heartbreaking split from the woman he loves.This particular novella allows the reader inside Owen's mind as he ruminates about everyone he has wronged in his life.  Although most people's list is lengthy, Owen knows that the four most important people in his life have suffered due to his inability to see the truth and admit when he is wrong-Phillip, Cooper, Eva and Gin.For followers of the series, all of Owen's heartbreaking decisions revert back to his inability to see the `bad' in Salina and his refusal to protect the woman that he loves.  He knew that Salina's presence in his life has hurt those that he loves but he was still reluctant to face the reality of the situation -that Salina was going to kill everyone in her way including Gin.The storyline is somewhat cathartic for Owen as he must accept that he was wrong and yet it is not in his nature.  He is a strong male; has accepted Gin for all that she is and has done; and yet he is unable to let go of his feelings for a former love.  In this, Owen has placed everyone in danger and knows that to right the wrong, there is some major groveling on the horizon.There is no one -on -one time between Owen and Gin-this story focuses on Owen and Phillip as they resolve to protect Gin from would-be assassins as they begin to wonder how all of this is connected to Mabs Monroe-the one time mob leader and enemy of the The Spider.One thing I will point out-I did not feel this story was of the same quality as the previous novels and novellas in the series.  The writing was simple-no detail-and the conversations lacked any emotion or feelings. Even the conversations between Owen and Phillip felt forced and unnatural. Yes these two best buds have been estranged for some time but I had a difficult time with the overall presentation. The voice did not feel like Estep;  I did not feel a connection to the characters although I desperately wanted to sympathize with Owen because I want the sensuality of this couple back in my fantasy life.But, if you are a fan of the Elemental Assassin series, Owen's thoughts and ramblings about his life are an interesting addition.  The reader delves deeper into Owen's mindset at the time of Salina's murderous rampage but that still does not excuse his actions that nearly cost him the lives of everyone he knew.