Review: 4.25 stars of heartbreak and second chances
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 7, 2013
RETURN OF THE ASSASSIN is the fourth full length novel ( and 5th storyline)  in Donya Lynne's paranormal vampire series focusing on the vampires who work for AKM and the women (and men) they love. This is Malek and Gina's storyline and one with heartbreaking and painful pasts that each must accept and endure to get on with their lives.Malek's first mate was murdered and he has had a difficult time overcoming the painful memories and thoughts about retribution and death-something broke inside Malek and he was floundering in despair. And no amount of booze or sex brought any relief including the thoughts of Gina Carano and the `who and what' she was about. Gina was an enigma and Malek's thoughts continued to return to the woman who would one day be his mate-but the overriding guilt of losing his first mate had placed Malek in a position where he pushed everyone and everything away including Gina. When male vampires go into their needing nothing can stop the rush of aggression and the need for sex and nothing was stopping Malek and his possessive instincts to protect the woman he both needed and despised.Gina's painful past, history with the AKM and heartbreaking guilt fueled much of the character development and relationship between she and Malek. Malek's character and personality bordered on sociopathic at times but in the end, he will realize that the only thing holding him back was the guilt and the memories of a life he could not save. The AKM needed Gina because without her, Malek would probably not survive.Donya Lynne continues to build on the cobalt addictions and Drek premise as the relationship and intensions between Bishop and Apostle become dark and more dangerous. There is a new bad boy in town and he is out to make the lives of the vampires at AKM a living h*ll.Donya also introduces the half-blood Dacians-a species that the AKM believed no longer existed-but to everyone's surprise, the Dacians have returned just as powerful and aggressive as before. There is also a developing story with Kota and his history with both Sev and Gina makes for some interesting plot points.Return of the Assassin is another eye opening and fascinating addition to Donya's All The King's Men paranormal series. The relationship between Malek and Gina was both difficult and aggressive but in the end, Malek will fall hard for the woman he would call his mate.Donya has written a passionate storyline about two people who have loved and lost and who will one day love again.1. Rise of the Fallen2. Heart of the Warrior3. Micah's Calling4. Rebel Obsession5. Return of the AssassinCopy supplied by the author.