#Review - Only Rogue Actions by Jennifer Estep #SyFY #Romance

Series: Galactic Bonds # 5
Format: E-Galley, 220 pages
Release Date: October 14, 2025
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Jennifer Estep
Genre: Science Fiction / Romance

A WOMAN WHO DREAMS OF THE FUTURE . . .
Once upon a time, I was Vesper Quill, a lowly lab rat using my seer magic and engineering skills to repair broken appliances at a Regal-owned corporation. These days, I’m one of the most infamous and wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy, along with Kyrion Caldaren, my partner.

Kyrion and I are hiding out on a distant planet when we are offered a chance to train at a prestigious facility in hopes of better understanding our truebond, the psionic connection that lets us share thoughts, feelings, skills, and more.

Mastering our magic is the only way we can hope to defeat our many enemies and make my dreams of a safe future a reality, so Kyrion and I accept the invitation. But evil forces are at work, and our training exercise is not what it seems, plunging us both into another deadly situation with only bad options.

A MAN WHO CAN’T ESCAPE HIS PAST . . .
I’ve always been Kyrion Caldaren, a Regal lord with telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. I might have gone rogue from the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite warriors, but my fighting skills are as sharp and deadly as ever.

Vesper Quill and I need help with our truebond, so we agree to participate in a rigorous training exercise designed to test the depths of our connection. But a new enemy has other plans, and we’re soon separated and confronted with one dangerous obstacle after another.

But my love for Vesper is stronger than any forces set against us, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make my way back to her—and kill anyone who gets in my way.

Only Rogue Actions is the 5th installment in author Jennifer Estep's Galactic Bonds series. This series features and alternates between Vesper Quill, a once-lowly lab rat who is also a seer, and Kyrion Calderon, a dangerous man who was once an assassin and the galaxy's most feared soldier. Two weeks after their last harrowing escape in Only Cold Depths, Kyrion and Vesper are laying low with allies, including Asterin Armas and Siya Collier, thanks to the recommendation by Verona and Aldritch Collier. 

They are still reeling from the bounty on their heads and the ever-looming threat of the villainous Techwave syndicate, led by General Orion Ocnus, Nerezza, Vesper's evil mother, and Lord Callus Holloway, who wants the true bonded couple, just as he once did with Kyrion's parents. Desperate to harness their "truebond"—a rare psionic link that lets them share thoughts, emotions, skills, and even magical abilities—the pair accepts an invitation to train at a cutting-edge facility owned by the influential House Bettis. 

What starts as a seemingly straightforward session in a high-tech maze designed to simulate diverse environments and challenges quickly spirals into chaos when they are forced to surrender their weapons and face unexpected perils. Kyrion, Regal lord and ex-Arrow (the Imperium's elite psionic warriors), is a force of nature: telekinetic, telepathic, and lethally skilled in combat, yet his vulnerability shines through in his fierce protectiveness toward Vesper, who has saved his life as many as he saved hers. 

Kyrion ends up facing a deadly challenge against a man known for hunting people he considers worthy. He must fight without any weapons or the use of his unique abilities and hope Vesper finds a way to survive. Vesper has a knack for devising ingenious fixes and getting out of sticky places, which is why so many people want her. When she makes plans, they mostly go sideways, and the pair end up fighting for their lives. Vesper has been the target of the Techwave people because she may hold the key to unlocking dangerous weapons they can use against Holloway. 

This story is relatively short at 220 pages. The final chapter of this story, which I won't spoil except to say that we are not even close to having Vesper or Kyrion safe from those who want them destroyed. The evil machinations of one character in particular have yet to be entirely played out, and honestly, I would love to see this character fall into a black hole sometime soon.  

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#Review - A Touch of Treachery by Jennifer Estep #Romance #Suspense #Fantasy

Series: Section # 4
Format: E-galley, 477 pages
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Author
Genre: Urban Fantasy

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up a new, action-packed adventure in her Section 47 urban fantasy world. This series features secrets, lies, and superspies with amazing magical abilities, along with dangerous missions, double crosses, and a swoon-worthy romance. Perfect for fans of Alias, James Bond, Jason Bourne, Nikita, True Lies, and Netflix’s Bodyguard.

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS . . .
My name is Charlotte Locke, and I’m on a mission to capture my nemesis. As an analyst for Section 47, a secret spy organization, I use my magical form of synesthesia to track down paramortal criminals, but one villain keeps eluding me—Henrika Hyde.

Henrika claims to have answers about my father’s death on a Section 47 mission years ago, and she has also created a horrific new weapon capable of killing even the strongest paramortals, which makes her my number one target. Helping me is Desmond Percy, a powerful galvanist who is my partner both inside and outside Section 47.

Desmond wants to take Henrika down just as badly as I do, but our mission quickly goes sideways, and soon we’re surrounded by enemies on all sides with no idea whom we can truly trust.

A TROUBLING FUTURE . . .
The name Desmond Percy is well known inside Section 47, since I’m one of the organization’s top cleaners, aka assassins. Charlotte Locke and I have been tracking Henrika Hyde for months, and when we finally get a lead on her location, we jump at the chance to take down the weapons maker once and for all.

I’m determined to help Charlotte get the answers she is so desperately seeking, as well as taking my revenge on Henrika for killing my best friend.

But the deeper Charlotte and I dig into Henrika and her murky motives, the more dangerous our mission becomes. Henrika is playing her own spy game, and Charlotte and I are just the pawns she is using to achieve her own evil ends—caught up in a deadly legacy of treachery.

A Touch of Treachery is the Third installment in author Jennifer Estep's Section 4 series. A Touch of Treachery picks up with Charlotte, an analyst for Section 47, who wields a magical form of synesthesia that allows her to sense danger and uncover lies, trying to find a way to finally beat her nemesis. Her primary target is Henrika Hyde, a cunning and elusive villain who claims to hold secrets about Charlotte’s father’s death on a Section 47 mission years ago. 

Henrika has also developed a devastating new weapon capable of killing even the most powerful paramortals, raising the stakes to a global level. Alongside Charlotte is Desmond Percy, one of Section 47’s top “cleaners” (assassins), whose personal vendetta against Henrika stems from her role in the death of his best friend. Together, they embark on a mission to capture Henrika, only to find themselves ensnared in a web of deception, double-crosses, and deadly enemies, especially when Desmond's father gets involved and makes things hard for Charlotte because of who her father was. 

The story unfolds through dual perspectives—Charlotte’s analytical, synesthesia-driven viewpoint and Desmond’s gritty, action-oriented lens—providing a dynamic contrast that enriches the storytelling. Their mission takes them from covert operations to high-octane confrontations, with each chapter unveiling new betrayals and alliances that keep readers guessing. Estep’s paramortals—individuals with abilities like synesthesia, galvanism, or enhanced strength—add a magical twist to the classic espionage formula. 

Comparisons to Alias, James Bond, and Nikita are apt, as the story captures the same blend of high-tech gadgetry, magical flair, and moral ambiguity. Charlotte is a compelling protagonist—intelligent, determined, and haunted by her past. Her synesthesia, which manifests as sensory cues tied to her emotions and perceptions, is not just a plot device but a window into her psyche. Demond, the brooding assassin, complements Charlotte perfectly. 

His galvanist abilities (manipulating electricity) make him a formidable operative, but it’s his loyalty to Charlotte and his struggle with past losses that humanize him. Henrika Hyde is a standout antagonist, her manipulative intelligence and murky motives making her a worthy foil. The author was encouraged to write another novel in this series, and I hope she will continue as there are still questions about the person named Nemesis, Henrika, and a group called the Syndicate.

Note: Two additional bonus chapters feature Gabriel Chase, a former cleaner and Charlotte's best friend, and Joan Samson. No spoilers, but both characters play roles in this story. Gabriel has become a regular because of his abilities.   

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#Review - Only Cold Depths by Jennifer Estep #SyFy

Series: Galactic Bonds # 4
Format: Kindle, 504 pages
Release Date: October 29, 2024
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Publisher
Genre: Space Opera / Science Fiction

A WOMAN WHO CAN’T CONTROL HER POWER 

Everyone knows the name Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat working in a Regal-owned corporation, but thanks to my truebond with Kyrion Caldaren, I’m now one of the most wanted fugitives in the Archipelago Galaxy.

Kyrion and I have spent the last few weeks avoiding bounty hunters, along with the Arrows, the elite Imperium warriors tasked with capturing us. Now we’ve journeyed to a distant planet that’s supposed to be a refuge for truebonded couples, but when new enemies appear, we’re once again in grave danger.

As a seer, inventor, and engineer, I’m skilled at figuring out how things work, but I can’t quite understand my growing magic and newfound psionic abilities. The clock is ticking, and if I don’t figure out how to tap into my power, I’ll doom myself to a gruesome fate, along with Kyrion.

A MAN WHO CAN’T LET GO OF HIS FEAR . . .

As Kyrion Caldaren, I’m used to being respected and feared, especially given my telekinesis, telepathy, telempathy, and other powerful psionic abilities. What I’m not used to is being on the run, but as a rogue Arrow, I’ll do anything to protect Vesper.

Just when I think we’ve finally reached a safe haven, trouble finds us again, reigniting all my fears about losing Vesper.

When the cold depths of our enemies’ plan are finally revealed, the truth is more terrifying than anything I could imagine. Soon Vesper and I are fighting for our lives again, but even with our growing truebond power, this is one battle we might not survive.

Only Cold Depths is the fourth installment in author Jennifer Estep's Galactic Bonds series which takes place right after the events of Only Hard Problems which featured Zane and Asterin Armas. The story alternates between Vesper Quill and Kyrion Caldaren. Vesper is an inventor, engineer, and seer who has escaped enemies like Holloway and Techwave who want her recaptured. Kyrion is the former leader of the Arrows and has taken to protecting Vesper even from herself. 

The couple are the most wanted individuals in the galaxy thanks to their truebond connection. With bounty hunters and elite warriors trying to track them down for their master, Holloway who wants to siphon their abilities for himself, Vesper and Kyrion jump from planet to planet looking for a sanctuary to deal with the reality of their new bond, and what abilities Vesper has come into since, and trying to figure out if she wants a connection with her new family which was revealed in book # 2 and Zane's book. What better place than Asterin's? 

I have to say that Zane has grown on me. He has gone from a dangerous enemy to something more to Vesper who really is confused by the emotions that Zane and his family show her during this book. Especially Wendell. While Vesper and Kyrion explore their new truebond, trying to figure out how it works best, but also struggling with their individual challenges, it helps that the couple runs into another bonded pair who gives them a hint as to why the connection is on the fritz. 

Finally, the story ends on a cliffhanger and I pray that the author finds a way to pay Vesper's mother for all the hurt and heartache she has caused from calling her names, to doing nothing to try to make up for her machinations against everyone. 

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#Review - Only Hard Problems by Jennifer Estep #SyFy #Fantasy

Series: Galactic Bonds # 3
Format: Kindle, 198 pages
Release Date: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Author
Genre: Science Fiction / Space Opera

PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS EVERYWHERE . 

My name is Zane Zimmer. To most folks, I live a seemingly charmed life as a Regal lord and the heir apparent to the powerful, wealthy House Zimmer, and the gossipcasts breathlessly follow my every swaggering move across the Archipelago Galaxy. I’m also a powerful psion capable of telekinesis, telepathy, and telempathy, and my deadly skills and prowess with my stormsword have made me the golden boy of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force.

But even golden boys have bad days, and the truth is I have more hard problems than I can solve.

The Techwave is building weapons to use against the Arrows in hopes of toppling the Imperium and taking over the galaxy. But even more worrisome is the fact that my old rival Kyrion Caldaren has a powerful new ally in Vesper Quill. Together, the two of them just might destroy everything I’ve sworn to protect.

I’m supposed to be relaxing with the other Regals during the Summer Solstice celebration, but when an enemy threatens the festivities, I’m forced to leap into action. As an Arrow, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my family and the other Regals, even though my actions will cause only more problems—and just might end up being the death of me . . .

Jennifer Estep's Only Hard Problems is the third installment in the author's Galactic Bonds series. This story takes place 2 weeks after the end of Only Good Enemies. Whereas the previous two installments featured Vesper Quill and Kyrion Caldaren, this book is all about Zane Zimmer. Zane is the heir apparent to the House of Zimmer, and the new leader of the Arrows now that Kyrion is on the run with Vesper. But can he instill the same fear and respect that Kyrion did or will it be his unraveling?

Zane is ordered by Lord Callus Holloway to bring the couple back by any means necessary so he can siphon their magical Truebond and keep them around as science experiments. The problem is that Zane isn't so sure how to go about doing that since 1. Kyrion told him a secret that has blown his mind and changed everything that he thought he knew 2. Vesper's Truebond with Kyrian may cause Zane's world to implode, and 3. Vesper is being hunted by Techware to force her to fix their new weapon technology. 

In the meanwhile, Zane's grandmother expects Zane to court Lady Asterin Armas to gain more power and influence. Forget the part where his grandmother lied to him for his entire life, and that lie has now put Zane in a very uncomfortable position to go after someone he should have known his entire life. The issue is that Asterin may have other ulterior motives that don't align with what Zane or his grandmother intend. Astern is also friends with two women, Tivona Winslow and Leandra Ferrum, who are close to Vesper. 

If that weren't enough for Zane, Techware pulls a surprise attack during a Summer Solstice celebration which catches everyone off guard. Techware is a terrorist group that has been brazen in its attacks to steal technology and weapons to take down the Imperium. The Imperium seems unable to stop any of their attacks. This is a book that was meant to peel back the layers on the man who always seems to be the antagonist of our heroes. Zane, who will never be like Kyrion, now has to juggle a host of hard problems. 

This book is not a standalone. The characters who appear in this book, except for minor roles for Vesper and Kyrion, like Astern, Tivona, and Leandera have appeared in the first two books of the series. Let's call this the bridge to the next book in the series. So many questions: Will Zane be able to do the job that he is being paid for? Will Vesper be able to stay away from Techware long enough to go after Holloway? Will Zane and Astern find some common ground and maybe their own Truebond? We shall see!

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#Review - A Karma Girl Christmas Jennifer Estep #Fantasy #Romance

Series: Bigtime #3.5
Format: Kindle, 61 pages
Release Date: September 24, 2011
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy

It's Christmas time in Bigtime, New York, but society reporter Carmen Cole isn't in the mood to celebrate since her husband, Sam, has to go on a business trip and might not make it home for the holiday. But Carmen has plenty to keep her busy, since she moonlights as Karma Girl, a member of the Fearless Five superhero team.

On Christmas Eve, Carmen, as Karma Girl, is assigned to guard toys, clothes, food, and more that are intended for needy children and their families. But an ubervillain also has his eye on the toys and plans to steal and then sell them to the highest bidder. Carmen will have to use all her empathic powers just to stay alive, not to mention make sure Christmas is a happy one for all the kids who are counting on her. It's all in a night's work for a superhero ...

A Karma Girl Christmas, by Jennifer Estep, is a novella set in the world of the authors Bigtime series. The story apparently takes place right after Jinx, the third book in the series. It's Christmas time in Bigtime, New York, but society reporter Carmen Cole isn't in the mood to celebrate since her husband, Sam Sloane aka Striker, has to go on a business trip and might not make it home for the holiday. But Carmen has plenty to keep her busy, since she moonlights as Karma Girl, the rookie member of the Fearless Five superhero team. 

On Christmas Eve, Carmen, as Karma Girl, must guard the toys and donations for needy families being held at Oodles o’ Stuff, a shopping center and neutral ground for supers on both sides of the coin. But an ubervillain named The Mintilator also has his eye on the toys and plans to steal and then sell them to the highest bidder.  He’s a D-grade ubervillain whose arch-nemesis is aptly-named Halitosis Hal. His status as a less-than-feared ubervillain actually works in his favor, too. He’s able to steal some pretty nifty gadgets from the truly bad bad guys and he plans on using them to steal the toys from the needy and dispose of Karma Girl once and for all.  

Carmen will have to use all her empathic powers just to stay alive, not to mention make sure Christmas is a happy one for all the kids who are counting on her. It's all in a night's work for a superhero. 

*Thoughts* This is a must-read for fans of Estep's Bigtime books. For those who haven't read them, this story is a stand-alone and you won't have any trouble keeping up with the characters. This was sent out as a thank-you to the author's followers. One of these days, I need to finish the second and third book in this series! 

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#Review - Spider and Frost by Jennifer Estep #Fantasy #Mythology

Series: Elemental Assassin #19.6
Format: Kindle, 135 pages
Release Date: September 26, 2023
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Author without compensation
Genre: Urban Fantasy

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep delivers an epic team-up featuring beloved characters from her Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and her Mythos Academy young adult series. This crossover novella, Spider and Frost, mixes magic and mythology in an action-packed adventure. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Rick Riordan.

WHEN AN ASSASSIN . . .

My name is Gin Blanco, and I’m on vacation. Sort of. As the assassin the Spider, it’s hard for me to completely relax, but I’m determined to enjoy a scenic train ride and a nice, quiet lunch before heading back home to Ashland.

My plans change when Gwen Frost boards the train. The girl says she’s heading back to Mythos Academy, the fancy private boarding school, but I can’t shake the feeling that Gwen is hiding something—and is in far more trouble than she realizes.

. . . MEETS A CHAMPION

My name is Gwen Frost. I might have saved the world from Loki, the evil Norse god of chaos, but I’m still chasing down Reaper villains. It’s all part of being the Champion of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory.

I’ve been assigned to protect some mythological artifacts that are being transported via train to Mythos Academy, but some Reapers are hot on my trail, and they’ll do anything to recover the artifacts—and kill me.

Also on the train is Gin Blanco, who claims to be the owner of the Pork Pit barbecue restaurant. My psychometry magic keeps whispering that there’s more to her than meets the eye, although I can’t tell if Gin is a friend, an enemy, or something else entirely.
 

Jennifer Estep's Spider and Frost is a 28,000-word crossover novella between the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and the Mythos Academy young adult series. It is told from the points of view of Gin Blanco and Gwen Frost. Spider and Frost takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin series. If you have read the Elemental Assassin series, you know that Gin has retired...sort of. She and her sister Bria, along with Finn and Owen are on vacation but the vacation turns into just another day at the office for Gin after a rock slide derails her plans and she is forced to ride the train alone to her next destination.

In a curious twist of fate, Gwen Frost has also been separated from her friends (Logan, Daphne, and others) by the same landslide. Here is where Gin meets Gwen who lives in an entirely different world than Gin. In Gwen's world, there are Valkyries, Spartans, Vikings, and gods and goddesses of all persuasions. Her job is to protect artifacts that have been recovered and brought back to Mythos Academy. While Gin's world is filled with giants, dwarves, and vampires, and people trying to kill her for being the Spider, the notorious assassin and current underworld Queen.

Gwen, who is Nike's Champion, still carries her trusty sword named Vic, and Vic is as sarcastic as always which Gin will learn soon enough. Even though Gwen and her friends helped stop Loki, the Reapers are still out there, and they are still trying to steal precious artifacts that carry powerful abilities in them like Minerva's Dagger. Gwen, for those who don't know, is not only Nike's champion, but she's also an Oracle who, while touching a certain object, allows her to get out of jams. In a curious twist, Gin faces an unknown enemy who has absolutely no idea of who she is, or what she has done as the Spider. Never say never to another meeting between worlds. 

*Thoughts*

So, yes, I do encourage readers of this review to please go back and check out Gwen's series. I have no hesitation in saying that you won't be disappointed, especially if you like mythology and romance and twisted villains. I think interesting part of this, and I have to ask the author, but didn't Gwen at one time or the other visit the Pork Pit while Gwen's grandmother was alive, and so wasn't Fletcher Lane? Anyone want to fact check that for me? What's even more curious is that the author also mentions Karma Girl which is one of Gwen's favorite comics.

*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*

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#Review - Stings and Stones: An Elemental Assassin short story collection by Jennifer Estep #Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin Collection
Format: Kindle, 251 pages
Release Date: November 14, 2023
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Author
Genre: Urban Fantasy

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up an Elemental Assassin short story collection featuring danger, magic, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Anne Bishop, Patricia Briggs, and Faith Hunter.

Flash back to one of Gin Blanco’s many missions as the assassin the Spider. Learn more about Gin’s relationships with her mentor, Fletcher Lane, and her foster brother, Finnegan Lane, and see what trouble the other characters get themselves into when Gin’s not around. From a ghost’s lost love to a villain’s origin story, this action-packed collection has something for every urban fantasy and paranormal romance fan.

The Stings and Stones collection features ten short stories told by various characters:

Author Jennifer Estep's Stings and Stones is a 67,000-word collection of Elemental Assassin short stories. Some of the stories previously appeared on Estep’s website, while others have been featured in anthologies. The Elemental Assassin series focus on Gin Blanco, an assassin code named the Spider who can control the elements of Ice and Stone. When she’s not busy killing people and righting wrongs, Gin runs a barbecue restaurant called the Pork Pit in the fictional Southern metropolis of Ashland. The city is also home to giants, dwarves, vampires, and elementals – Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone.

“Spider’s Bargain” This short story takes place before the events of Spider’s Bite, the first book in the Elemental Assassin series. In "Spider’s Bargain," Gin Blanco takes on a corrupt cop, but only one of them will be left standing in the end. This was originally a 13 page short novella that feature Gin Black, aka the Spider, an assassin trained by Tin Man Fletcher Lane.

“Web of Death” This short story takes place after the events of Spider’s Bite but before the begin­ning of Web of Lies. In "Web of Death," Gin Blanco’s retire­ment is inter­rupted by some unwanted guests. A Giant and a Vampire encounter an assassin, and blood will flow.  

“Web of Deceit” This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager. It’s told from the point of view of Fletcher Lane, Gin’s assas­sin men­tor, and focuses on Gin’s first solo job as the assas­sin the Spi­der. It has also been 3 years since Gin's family was murdered by Mab Monroe. Guest appearance by Jo-Jo Deveraux who become a series regular thanks to her ability to heal Gin after he battles. 

 “Poison” This short story takes place when Gin is a teenager and is told from the point of view of Finnegan Lane, Gin’s foster brother. The story itself takes place several years before Spider's Bite with an appearance from Sophia Deveraux who is also a series regular and someone who definitely knows where the bodies are buried. 

 “Wasted” This short story takes place in between the events of Web of Lies and Venom. One day, a beau­ti­ful woman (Clarissa Drysten) walks into the bank (First Trust of Ashland) where Finn works, and trou­ble soon fol­lows. Xavier, a giant who is Bria's partner at the Ashland PD, makes an appearance.

 “Tangled Dreams” This short story takes place in between the events of Venom and Tan­gled Threads. It’s told from the points of view of Jo-Jo Dev­er­aux and her sis­ter, Sophia Dev­er­aux who is a cook at the Pork Pit, while her sister owns a beauty salon where Gin and her friends go to get healing. When a car­jacker fol­lows an injured Gin back to Jo-Jo’s beauty salon, Jo-Jo and Sophia join forced to elim­i­nate the threat. 

“Tangled Schemes” This short story spans a period of time start­ing from the last chap­ter of Spider’s Bite and end­ing right before the begin­ning of Tan­gled Threads. It’s told from Detec­tive Bria Coolidge’s point of view and shows her search for her long-lost sis­ter Genevieve Snow. For 17 years, Bria though her sister was dead. What Bria doesn’t know is what she’s going to do about the fact that Genevieve also hap­pens to be the assas­sin the Spi­der. This is during the time where Gin has declared war on Mab Monroe what she did to Gin and Bria's family.

 “Spider’s Nemesis” This short story spans a period of many years, beginning before Gin was born and ending during the events of Tangled Threads. It is told from the point of view of Mab Monroe and shows how the Fire elemental grew up, including her first meeting with Eira Snow, Gin’s mother. This is by far the most detailed and longest story in the collection. 

“Haints and Hobwebs” Haints and Hobwebs is an 11,000-word story that takes place after the events of Tangled Threads, book 4 in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series. Haints and Hobwebs first appeared in The Mammoth Book of Ghost Romance in 2012. Gin is being haunted by a ghost. A ghost who wants revenge before she can move on. And, if someone wants revenge, who better than the assassin known as the Spider?

 “Parlor Tricks” This short story takes place after Deadly Sting. Gin and her younger sister Bria are going to the Carnival of Wondrous Wonders looking for a missing teenager named Elizabeth, and Gin once again finding it necessary to kill someone in order to keep them from harming Bria and herself. This story shows that Gin and Bria have become protective of each other after finally learning that they survived Mab Monroe's attempt to wipe out their family.  

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#Review - Only Good Enemies by Jennifer Estep #SyFy #Fantasy

Series: Galactic Bonds # 2
Format: EBook, 443 pages
Release Date: July 18, 2023
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Publisher
Genre: Science Fiction / Romance

A WOMAN ON A MISSION . . .

My name is Vesper Quill. I used to be a lowly lab rat, toiling away in obscurity developing brewmakers and other household appliances. But thanks to my seer magic and my own ingenuity, I’m now a Regal lady and the head of a successful corporation.

My mission? To destroy the Techwave, the dangerous group that has stolen my designs and plans to weaponize them against the Imperium. But when my mission takes an unexpected turn, I’m once again surrounded by enemies and fighting for my life.

Further complicating matters is Kyrion Caldaren, an arrogant Regal lord whose fate is bound to mine. Kyrion doesn’t realize the two of us still have an unwanted connection that puts us both in grave danger . . . or does he?

A MAN SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES . . .

My name is Kyrion Caldaren. As the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force, I’ve been tasked with tracking down and destroying the Techwave before they seize control of the Archipelago Galaxy.

My other mission? Find a way to assassinate Lord Callus Holloway, the Imperium ruler who wants to take my psion power for his own. Holloway is also a threat to Vesper Quill, who haunts my thoughts, despite the broken bond and distance between us.

When I realize Vesper is in danger, my priorities change, and I vow to use all my telepathic, telekinetic, and other abilities to help her. I will save Vesper from her enemies and mine—even if I have to burn down the whole bloody galaxy.

Jennifer Estep's Only Good Enemies is the second installment in the authors Galactic Binds series. The story begins 3 months after the ending of Only Bad Options. The series features two main characters in Vesper Quill and Kryion Calderen. Vesper used to be a lowly lab rat, toiling away in obscurity developing brewmakers and other household appliances. But thanks to her seer magic and her own ingenuity, she discovered a nefarious plan by Rowena Kent to equip new space cruisers with faulty systems. 

When Vesper uncovered Rowena's deadly conspiracy, she crossed paths with Kyrion Caldaren, a psion and an Imperium Arrow who is one of the most notorious killers in the Archipelago Galaxy. As a seer, Vesper can never forget anything she hears, or sees, or experiences. After standing in front of the dangerous Callus Holloway and denying her true bond connection to Kyrion, she was put in charge with what's now called Quill Corp and made a Regal lady and has made the company profitable with her own designs. Vesper, however, has yet another mission.

To destroy the Techwave, the dangerous terrorist group that wants to destroy Holloway and the Imperium. After she is kidnapped by Techwave, she discovers that they are using her stolen designs to weaponize them against the Imperium and her own mother is involved. Enter Kyrion who has tried to ignore the true bond connection knowing that Callus was directly responsible for the deaths of his parents. If Callus knows about Vesper and Kryion, they will become lab rats, and their powers will be drained until they are nothing but human husks.

Kyrion is the leader of the Arrows, the Imperium’s elite fighting force. He's been tasked with tracking down and destroying the Techwave before they seize control of the Archipelago Galaxy. With people like Zane Zimmer chomping at the bit trying to remove Kyrion from leadership, Kyrion needs to focus on his other mission. Find a way to assassinate Lord Callus Holloway, the Imperium ruler who wants to take his psion power for his own. Holloway is also a threat to Vesper Quill, who haunts his thoughts, despite the true bond and distance between us. 

This rollicking space opera features a mix of magic and technology, along with a soul mates, slow burn, and enemies-to-lovers story. If you are a fan of the author, you will learn quickly that the author loves food. What's even more impressive is that she's made Kyrion a helluva cook who can quickly stir up a meal within 30 minutes, including dessert! I think the connection between Vesper and Kyrion has finally come to the point where they can't deny that they are bonded in ways others may not be. This story also focuses a bit on Vesper's parentage. A father she never knew and doesn't want to know, and a mother who is disgusting as any villain in this series. This story does end on a curious cliffhanger ending that is likely to lead to a story focusing on Zane and another character introduced in this book. 

Read the book, enjoy the action, and the romance.  

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#Review - Heart Strings by Jennifer Estep #Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin #9.5
Format: Kindle, 178 pages
Release Date: May 9, 2023
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Source: Jennifer Estep
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Heart stings can be the most dangerous wounds of all .

Lorelei Parker has had plenty of “heart stings” in her life—moments that are both happy and sad. With her grandmother’s recent marriage, Lorelei has had far more good times than bad lately.

That all changes when a ruthless Ashland underworld boss starts threatening her, but Lorelei is determined to figure out why the other crime boss is so interested in her thriving business. She vows to use her elemental Ice and metal magic to do whatever it takes to defend herself and her family.

Also in the mix is the mercurial Hugh Tucker. Lorelei doesn’t know what the vampire is up to, or if he’s a friend or an enemy. Tucker might even be something else, something more—if Lorelei can stay alive long enough to figure out whose side he’s really on . . .

Jennifer Estep's Heart Stings is a 38,000-word novella from the point of view of Lorelei Parker. It takes place about a month after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin. Heart Stings first appeared in the Dirty Deeds 2 anthology in 2022. With Gin on vacation along with Grayson, Finnegan Lane, and her sister Brie Coolidge, Lorelei Parker faces a serious threat from Clyde O'Neal who wants Lorelei's shipyard she took from Dimitri.

Because of something that was stored there by Dimitri, Clyde wants the shipyard. No, I am not going to spoil it for you. Just pick up the book, and read it. With Mallory Parker and Stuart Mosley ready to throw a party celebrating their one month anniversary, Lorelai finds that her heart strings are creating it's own music when it comes to Hugh Tucker. Hugh seems to be everywhere. He seems to play a long game with not only Gin, but with Lorelai as well. 

One could call this a gift from the author to her loyal readers who stuck with her from the first installment to the 19th. While I supposed some people will be disappointed that Gin, nor her friends outside of Silvio Sanchez, Liam Carter, and Sophia Deveraux appear in the story, it's good to see the author give Gin a much needed break from being Queen of the Underworld and the baddest assassin around. It's good to see who Lorelai really is especially knowing that she has dual elemental powers (ice and metal) like Gin. It's also good to see Hugh portrayed as something other than a villain. 

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