Bitter Bite (Elemental Assassin Series Book 14)

I've loved all of Jennifer Esteps Elemental Assassin books and they keep getting better and better. I really think this might be my favorite one but I actually say that with each new book because they're all that good. The newest adventures of Gin Blanco finds her fighting a new villain, one that hits really close to home. With the return of Fin's mother who everybody thought was dead, Gin is torn between supporting Fin and trying to convince him that his mother isn't the wonderful loving mother he thinks she is. I really got angry at Fin in this one and the way he completely shut Gin out and wanted to slap some sense into him but by the end of the book I just wanted to hug him. I'm glad that Gin is going a little easier on herself here, I think she's beginning to realize that she doesn't have to feel guilty about everything she has to do because it's things she has to do to keep other people safe. That she is actually the good guy. We get a little sexy romance with Owen in this one as well which is always a good thing. I got angry with Owen in a previous book but he's made up for it now. I love that he supports Gin and is there when she needs him but also doesn't coddle her or try to rescue her because he knows she can take care of herself. As usual there's lots of action with Gin getting to the bottom of exactly why Fins mother has returned and what she wants with Fin. It's always a great read when Gin goes into full kickass mode when somebody tries to hurt her family. Jennifer Estep really knows how to satisfy your reading hunger but also how to leave you wanting more. I already can't wait for the next Elemental Assassin book and more Gin Blanco.

Fourteenth in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series and revolving around Gin Blanco, the Spider. It's been a few weeks since Spider's Trap , 13.

My Take
Poor Gin. She can't get no respect, lol.

It's a look back at Finn's earlier years. How much he looks like Fletcher. How much he acts like his mother. Why Fletcher took the moniker of the Tin Man. Aw, man, that was almost enough to make me tear up.

It was pretty obvious about the partnership; I don't know why Gin didn't twig much, much sooner about all those anomalies that kept cropping up. Heck, if I can see it, anyone could! Why she (or anyone else in her clique) didn't speculate more. Although, from what we learn in Bitter Bite, it seems not thinking much runs in the family. For such a smart woman, I don't understand why she wasn't reaching out to her mob contacts, either. How has she stayed alive so long? For that matter, for all her vaunted patience, she doesn't do so well at that first meeting at the Pork Pit with Deirdre. Of course, it's easy for me to be critical. I wouldn't have done as well as Gin, at all.

Another gripe is the lack of show. Estep never did make me feel Finn's longing for his mother. She talked it up, but it never sank into me emotionally. As for Finn's obsessive attention to his mother, I was expecting a different explanation. Something to do with Mama Dee's trinket, but no go. I was disappointed with that bit as well.
"He can be quite aggravating when he wants to be. But his true superpower is being aggravating when he's not even trying."
I'm guessing that those flashbacks, Gin's nightmares of the night Finn threw that high school party, were supposed to expose Gin's insecurity as a child and how long Finn has had her back. It wasn't particularly impressive other than being a look back at their mutual childhood.

It's fun to watch Silvio dig up the dirt on Deirdre. Dirt that gets enhanced later on with those warehouse confrontations. Including that interesting bit of foreshadowing about Deirdre and Tucker both coming from Ashland.

I'm also enjoying how Estep is keeping the series going, the new bad guys who crop up. This latest big bad should be truly nasty, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Gin deals with them and what new truths they'll drop on her. As for her core characters, they're quirky, loyal, and very supportive with interesting tastes.

It's a lot of looking back. At mothers. At loss. And some nasty sharp shocks for both Gin and Finn. Alleviated by the letter from Fletcher to Finn that we finally get to read.

The Story
It hurts. Watching Finn get all doe-eyed and obsessed with his long-dead mother. So in thrall to her that he ignores his real family, the woman he loves.

Gin wants so much for Finn to have what he wants, but not at his expense. She'll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground — for good.

Even from beyond the grave, Fletcher is still protecting those he loves.

The Characters
Gin Blanco, a.k.a., the Spider, is a "retired" assassin and Ice and Stone elemental who now heads up the criminal element in Ashland. Or so she thinks. The too-charming Finnegan "Finn" Lane, an investment banker, is Gin's foster brother, her family. All that each other has left since Fletcher Lane's death. Their father, her mentor. Eira Snow was Gin and Bria's mother; Annabella was their older sister.

Owen Grayson, a Metal elemental, is her very supportive significant other. Detective Bria Coolidge is Gin's sister and an Ice elemental. She and Finn are in love. Work-wise, she's partnered up with Xavier, a giant in love with Roslyn Phillips, a vampire madam who runs the Northern Aggression, a decadent nightclub. Silvio Sanchez was a mobbed-up vampire ( Poison Promise , 11), and now he's Gin's very efficient personal assistant.

The Pork Pit is…
…the barbecue restaurant Gin inherited back in Spider's Bite , 1. The Goth Sophia Devereaux works as a chef for Gin. Her sister, Jo-Jo Devereaux, another Air Elemental, runs a successful beauty salon and is called upon, often, to heal Gin. Catalina Vasquez, Silvio's niece, is a waitress there.

Deirdre Shaw, a.k.a., Dee-Dee and Mama Dee, is Finn's mother come back to life. A very strong Ice Elemental. Hugh Tucker, a vampire, is her personal assistant.

Rodrigo Santos is a highly skilled thief. Ralph is part of his crew.

The mob bosses of Ashland include…
…Lorelei Parker and her greats-grandmother, Mallory Parker, a dwarf. Mallory considers herself Gin's friend while Lorelei and Gin are making an effort. Lily Rose had been Lorelei's mother. Raymond Pike had been Lorelei's half-brother ( Spider's Trap , 13). The totally human Phillip Kincaid is a friend of Owen's and runs a gambling operation on his riverboat, the Delta Queen. Jade Jamison is definitely happy with Gin, since Spider's Trap , 13, anyway. The Circle runs everything in Ashland. Everything.

Dmitri Barkov and Luiz Ramos are minor league with a hate-on for Gin. Jonah McAllister is a "down-on-his-luck lawyer who fell from the Mob's grace. He's awaiting his murder trial. Ya shouldn't try to cross Gin, boyo. Ethel and Don are the grave-robbing dwarves who learn better. Salina Dubois had been one of Gin's enemies and Owen's ex-fiancée in Widow's Web , 7.

Warren T. Fox had been a friend of Fletcher's. Stuart Mosley, a dwarf, is the founder of First Trust, the bank in Ashland. Briartop is the art museum where Clementine Barker's heist shot the place up in Deadly Sting , 8. Larry is another cop.

Back in the day…
…the invited kids included Steve, Tony, and the oh-so-lovely Ella. Paul and two others were uninvited vampires.

The Cover and Title
The cover is a grayed-out purple with Gin right out front in her black silverstone vest, cleavage-enhancing T, and jeans, wearing her spiderweb rune necklace, brunette hair blowing in the breeze. The background is a stone arch filled with a silver spiderweb and lit with a storm of white lights.

The title is that Bitter Bite that only family can give.

Gin Blanco is worried about Deidre Snow, Fin's supposed-to-be-dead mother. How will she tell him and what is Deidre really after? After she finds out his mother's been communicating with Fin for weeks now, Gin is even more worried. When events at a fundraiser brings things to a smallhead, Fin starts to spend more and more time with Deidre, ignoring the important people in his life. This makes Gin even more determined to find out what Deidre wants. The problem is Deidre is acting perfectly, even when Gin spies on her. Is Gin losing her touch? What Gin eventually finds out what is going on, she is stunned. Everything she thought about her life may have been lie.

Reading reviews after I read a book can be a good thing and sometimes a bad thing. According to reviews, some people have turned away for the series because the books have a similar theme, but interestingly enough, other people like that. I am one of the latter ones. I love the Elemental Assassin series because the books always make me feel like the characters are old friends I get to see once a year, with all the flaws of real people. All the characters are fully-fleshed out now, I know them pretty well, and know when they make an uncharacteristic mistake/decision/misstep. That doesn't make the books boring, unreadable, or old. To me, it makes me feel like I'm coming home. I am always entertained, the books are always hard to put down because of the wonderful action and plot, and they are always well-written. Exactly what I want in a book. I am not reading to pull apart books, I am reading to be entertained and, with Ms. Estep's books, I am always entertained. If you are new to the series, please start from the beginning. You will not regret it. And, if you have read the series, read this one. The ending was thrilling because I feel we are going in a very interesting direction, and I am excited to find out where we are going. And, I trust the author to do an excellent job as always. Pick this up as soon as it's available and you won't regret it!

Thanks to NetGalley and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books for the advanced copy which I voluntarily reviewed. This same review will be posted on Goodreads.

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep
Urban Fantasy -Feb. 23rd, 2016
4 ½ stars

Bitter Bite is the seventeenth novel in Jennifer Estep's Elemental Assassin's series. This series just keep getting better as evil enemies and deeper character development bring this series new life.

Gin is now the mob boss, something she hadn't anticipated. But with power there are those who want to steal it from her or undermine her. In this book Gin is bombarded on all sides. To make matters worse her best friend, Finn has been targeted. Finn's long-lost mother Deirde Shaw has returned. However, Gin suspects Deirde is up to no good. Deide is greedy and selfish. And Gin believes that Deirde will hurt and use Finn. For Finn had connections that Deirde seem overly interested in. But Finn is enamored with the arrival of the mother he never knew and refuses to believe Gin. Can Gin protect him, keep their friendship and avert danger to her beloved city before it is too late?

In Bitter Bite we learn more secrets about Gin's childhood best friend Finn. Finn has always been the charming devil-may-care rogue that readers have loved. He is outrageously funny, smart and such a ladies man. In this story, we see a more serious and vulnerable side. Finn is also the son of the man that taught Gin all she knows about being an assassin. Trouble brews when Finn's long lost mother returns and Finn sees only what he wants. A loving mother that adores him. But Gin sees a conniving woman. For the first time Finn and Gin are at cross purposes. Gin is torn. She wants her adopted brother to be happy but she feels he will be betrayed. I liked this story because it goes over more of Gin's past and delves into Finn's father, too. The readers also see a new insecurity in Finn. The plot is clever as Deirde is cunning and ruthless. Trying to uncover her motives prove difficult. The plots has many surprises that keep it exciting. I especially liked how the gang got together to protect Finn!

This urban fantasy is a fast, exciting read with great elemental magic and the camaraderie that makes this series so fun and addictive.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Bitter Bite is book 14 of the Elemental Assassin series. In this installment, Gin is following up on a lead that her foster brother's mother might not be dead. Finding mementos from Fletcher confirms it and the novel takes off quickly.

Finn's long lost mother, Deirdre Shaw expertly cons her way into her son's life by posing as a wealthy woman looking for a new investment firm. I knew Finn was going to fall for her charms when she tells him that she's his mother. We've all grown to know and love Finn's character with each passing book in the series, I know I have. We know Finn's so charming and suave and that his personality is quite different from Fletcher. I wasn't surprised to see that Deirdre held most of the same characteristics. It did make me nervous though since Finn has longed for that motherly connection and she clearly is up to something. Blinded by the love and acceptance Finn is most assuredly walking into a trap of some sort. And Gin is forced to play nice around Deirdre, or else she'll risk losing Finn. This installment really had a ton of emotion mixed in and it gave me an uneasy feeling while reading almost the entire time.

We're gearing up for another big villain(s) I believe. We learn something new about Gin's family, and it's going to be a doozy when everything comes to light. Until then, we'll get a few more books with some villain that leads us closer to the big bad. I can't wait, but I hope everything manages to get through it safely. I adore this series, it somehow stays fresh even at book 14. I hope there are plenty of more to come! I recommend this series if you're looking for a cunning assassin Urban Fantasy.

Finnegan Lane is a charming, charismatic conman who is loyal to, and has the loyalty of, the assassin know as The Spider aka his foster sister Gin. One would think that hell would have to freeze over for Finn's loyalties to change. All it takes is the reappearance of someone from his past for Finn to lose his focus - and readers of this series should know by now that losing focus will get someone dead.

Finn has a new mystery client that turns out to be a long lost relative, thought to be dead. Apparently Gin isn't the only living person to have a headstone in the local cemetery. This newcomer brings out a side of Finn that is hopeful and naive. Knowing that something is brewing under the thin layer of manners, Gin prepares for the worst in hopes that she is wrong.

Bitter Bite shakes things up a little by not focusing on Gin. Oh, sure, she still has people trying to toss her out as the Queen of the Underworld, but ousting her isn't central to Bitter Bite. She's now a main character that is sitting on the sidelines; watching, waiting, analyzing. Each book in the series features an enemy wanting to take out the Spider, until this book. Gin is still our anti-hero, keeping herself alive but her warm side keeps her a bit more human. She just has to sit back and wait for they mystery person to make their move - and she knows they will - and she'll strike.

There is just something about this series that keeps me coming back. There is a lot of action and suspense in Bitter Bite. I like that the book puts someone other than Gin in the spotlight. We've been with these characters for years and different perspectives or targets in the family mix things up a bit. My heart was pounding and I was on the edge of my seat through a good portion of the book. I found myself totally engrossed in the novel and read it pretty quickly. Regardless of Finn's change in demeanor, Gin, rises above the pain and does exactly what needs to be done.

Bitter Bite is another fantastic installment of the Elemental Assassin series. The entire series has pulled me in and kept me engaged from the very beginning. These are the types of books that have me longing for the next one. They are written with vivid descriptions and genuine feelings, allowing the reader to become totally immersed in this world.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

I’ve read other series that have lasted into their teens and have felt like they should have ended many books before. The Elemental Assassin series is definitely not one of those series. Even though this was book 14, Jennifer Estep has been able to keep this series fresh and exciting. There are some repetitive things that longtime fans of the series will recognize and probably roll their eyes at (little white pills anyone), but there are also a lot of things that Estep is no longer doing, which made me super happy (I don’t think she explained where all of her knives were this time).

This one has Gin facing a brand new foe…one that hits a bit close to home. There’s a bit of dissension among Gin and her friends because of the new enemy. I think it was all handled really well by Estep as it was a somewhat similar storyline to a previous book, but also quite different. That similarity was brought up amongst the characters and dealt with. Some interesting things are revealed about Finn and Gin’s past, which also opens up a new mystery for Gin to investigate.

I think this was probably my favorite of the series in a long while. I really loved the growth of Gin and the series as a whole. She’s not relying on her knives as much. She’s not going solo as much, in fact I think she might have taken advantage of the help of her friends more so in this book than all of the others (except maybe the last one). I think my only complaint is I want more Owen…not really a complaint I guess, just a personal need.

I can’t wait to read more in this series and to see what direction Jennifer Estep takes it in. It’s hard to believe that all of these books have taken place in just a little over a year’s worth of time in Gin’s world. There is still so much that can happen and so much time for that stuff to happen in.

Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review

Jennifer Estep does it again! She manages to deliver yet another action-filled, fast-paced, jaw-dropping installment in the Elemental Assassin Series!

Much to her enemies dismay, Gin is still the reigning queen of Ashland. That doesn’t mean that they haven’t stopped trying. She still is as busy thwarting all the assassination attempts and this isn’t the only thing that is keeping her occupied. Gin’s mentor Fletcher has been buried for over a year but yet even from the grave, his presence is felt. No matter where Gin turns he surprises her with hidden messages, unanswered questions and mysteries to solve.

We know that it is within Gin’s nature to be inquisitive and of course, she runs into all kinds of complications (which may be or may not always her fault) getting to the bottom of things.What made this book interesting is Finn’s heavy involvement.

We see multiple sides of Gin’s adoptive brother who normally hangs in the sidelines over the years and I’ve always thought he was a great supporting character but in most of “Bitter Bite” not so much. I despised him for continuously doubting Gin and Bria’s judgment.

In hindsight, the constant uncertainty sure did make for an intriguing story. Just like the previous books the twist and turns were boundless and I admire Jennifer Estep for being able to still surprise us fourteen books later. If you are a Gin Blanco fan, grab this one. I am certain you will not be able to put it down ’til “The End”.

Read from December 09 to 10, 2015

Book Info
Paperback, 400 pages
Expected publication: February 23rd 2016 by Pocket Books
ISBN 1501111272 (ISBN13: 9781501111273)
series Elemental Assassin #14
other editions (3)
Source:Netgalley EARC

Book Buy Links
the store
B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS

Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship?

It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.

It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.

My Thoughts

To borrow the words of a long ago song ”You always hurt the ones you love, the ones you shouldn’t hurt at all”.

Finn Lane grew up with no mother, a father who loved him but was not demonstrative of that love and when Gin came along both he and his father opened their hearts to her until they became the family she had lost.

Funny thing is no matter how many years have passed, no matter how many times Finn and Gin had each others backs, no matter how much the bond they shared ran thicker than blood it seemed that Finn found his ”long-lost-relative” to be more important than his love for Gin or even his love for her sister Bria combined.

When something seems too good-to-be-true, watch out because in Gin Blanco’s world it usually is.

We never seem to see what is right in front of us as clearly as those who are closest to us do, usually when this happens what we want and what is real are very different and in the case of Finn and his relative come back from the dead this is especially true. Gin smells something off when first introduced to Finn’s newest client, however when the shocking secret that she has recently uncovered is revealed it causes even more of a rift between the two. A rift that makes the reader’s heart ache on Gin’s behalf just as much as it did when she and Owen were on the outs with each other in Widow's Web.

Showcasing the dry humor, sarcastic wit, explosive action and numerous brushes with death that we have grown to expect from Gin Blanco with each new book Bitter Bite once again delivers a punch to the head and heart while still keeping us wanting more.

Deidre Shaw. Finnegan’s mother and Fletcher’s ex. Why is she back and what’s it going to take to get her to reveal her real motivation?

We start out the book with Gin at Blue Ridge Cemetary. Due to events that occurred in the last book, she’s been suspicious about the “death” of her foster brother Finnegan’s mother. Several hidden clues have pointed her in this direction, and she’s determined to find out all she can before she goes to Finn with the evidence. Not finding a body in the grave she expected; finding a box filled with information from her dead mentor, Fletcher, told her more than she wanted to know.

He’d known that one day Deidre would be back.

How do you convince someone you love that their mother showing up after all these years–of course with a convincing story about how she’d been forced to stay away–isn’t the best thing ever?

As always, the intricate plotting and complicated world building are beautifully supported by intricate character development and the many long-standing relationships. How can Gin protect the citizens of Ashland, keep precarious hold of her leadership of the criminal element in the area, while keeping herself alive and protecting Finn from whatever evil Deidre has planned?

She can, but not without a little help from her friends.

Returning to Ashland and the world of Gin Blanco is always exciting, and this story delivered on the promise made in the last book. I love how Gin thinks, and while I’d never be able to handle the lifestyle, I feel like I’m living vicariously as a tough, accomplished assassin who shows her soft and squishy side only to those closest to her. I cheer when she wins, and I wince when she’s down. Estep has the ability to make her readers ignore the darker side of this character, seeing her as a heroine instead of a killer. Plus, I adore the fact that she’s spun two other series that tie into this world.

Write on, Ms. Estep.

Reviewed by Annie and posted at Under The Covers Book Blog

Just when you think you that Jennifer Estep cannot find another villain that can live up to the others, she introduces Ms. Shaw. Deidre Shaw was once married to Fletcher years ago before she left, leaving her son Finnegan to believe she had died in an accident instead. But when Gin gets word that Shaw is going to be returning, she digs up her old grave, finding a box that includes a letter from Fletcher, warning her of his wife and her malicious intents. He wants her to protect, Finn, her now half brother but it seems that Shaw has gotten to him first.

From the very first page, the threat is clear and readers can immediately get behind this story because of its close connection to its beloved characters. Although Ms. Shaw is just as charming as her son is, I think that’s what makes her even more dangerous. Readers just don’t know what her motives her and as threats hit Gin left and right, it makes for a very action-packed and suspenseful read.

Although Gin has really stepped up since becoming a well-known figure now in Ashland, she hasn’t changed all that much. She is still willing to get dirty and dig up graves and fight her own battles. Despite all the help she gets from her assistant, Owen and her sister, Bria, Gin doesn’t come across as all-powerful and I hope she never does. It would take the thrill away from the story. In the very beginning of the series, I will admit that I wasn’t a huge fan of Gin. She was too cold, but as the series has progressed, so has her character and I think Estep has really allowed Gin to come into her own while still staying true to her character. She has people around her now that care deeply about her and now, with BITTER BITE, one of those people is being targeted. It definitely pisses Gin off and you can just tell from there it’s going to be one hell of a book.

I’m so impressed with that Jennifer Estep has done with BITTER BITE. She is constantly able to reinvent the series, giving readers what they want but in a unique and different way. I’m looking forward to seeing how Estep is going to top this one.

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep is the 14th book in her fantastic Elemental Assassin series. I’m sure you have heard me say this many times, but I love this series, I love Gin Blanco and I love everything Jennifer Estep writes. Just saying. :)

Bitter Bite is another wonderful story, which picks up immediately after the last book, with Gin investigating a hidden message warning left for her to find by the now deceased Fletcher. Before Gin can find out much more about Deidre Shaw, Finn’s long dead mother, who is now alive and a very powerful ice elemental; Finn will find out before she can tell him. To Finn’s shock, he finds out that the woman he has been dealing with for his bank, is his mother. Despite Gin’s warning, he falls totally into his mother’s charm and forgets about his family and friends.

As we have come to know and love Gin, we also know she will do all she can to protect Finn. Gin does not trust Deidre, and begins to have her investigated as well as spied upon. What Gin does discover is that Deidre has enormous powers, which she can feel, even when it is harnessed. Almost immediately, there is a robbery attempt, which rises Gin’s suspicions even more; but at every visit, Deidre is the doting mom and nothing appears to be wrong.

But again, Gin Blanco is not your average young lady; she is the Spider, who is used to living in a dangerous and violent world. Rather than reveal any spoilers, what follows is an action packed exciting adventure that will bring Gin, Bria, Owen, Finn and all their friends into danger that will put their lives at risk. Will Finn forgive Gin? Will they all survive?

It was a wild tense last 1/3 of the book, with new revelations that will shock Gin’s world even more. Jennifer Estep once again gives us another fabulous story that continues to change the game and add on more elements that will have Gin looking into her past to discover more about about her mother and the enemies both old and new.

As I said before, I love this series. Besides such a great heroine, we have a wonderful group of characters. I loved the further bonding of Gin and Bria, as well as Gin’s relationship with Owen. In each and every book, Jennifer Estep continues to wow us and keep us totally hooked into the life of Gin Blanco…the Spider. If you have not read this series, I suggest you start it now.

It is difficult for Gin Blanco to trust many people outside of a select few that are close to her, and she has always felt her foster brother Finnegan Lane was someone she could count on. However, the unexpected arrival of a person thought long dead quickly changes the way Finn views Gin, and she does not like the feeling of being pushed away. She also has doubts about the true motives of this individual, and there is no way she is going to let anyone hurt him, even if she has to become the assassin known as the Spider. Jennifer Estep keeps the adventures coming in the Elemental Assassin series, where supernatural battles are fought and emotions run high. BITTER BITE is absolutely enthralling on every imaginative page.

When someone dies in Ashland by being killed, there is a good chance that Gin Blanco was the one responsible. As the new leader of the underworld in her hometown, plenty of criminal bosses keep trying to get rid of her. So there are way too many days where she has to defend herself, and thankfully so far she has not ended up dead. Her sister Bria and Finnegan Lane, her foster brother, are always willing to assist Gin, along with several more good friends plus her boyfriend, Owen Grayson. When a person closely connected to Finn was thought to have died but turns out to be still alive, he is thrilled to have a blood relative in his life.

While Finn may be overly happy, Gin has misgivings and thinks the pleasant behavior of the individual is concealing some scheme. As numerous questions are raised, any answers are slow in coming. But Gin knows one thing for certain, and that is she will protect her foster brother from his own too trusting nature of this cunning person.

Regardless of the situation in which Gin has found herself in the past, I have always been captivated with how she manages to come out on top. But this time, the stakes are raised when Finn thinks his life has just become more wonderful while she has lots of uncertainties. Many of the battles she has previously fought have been personal, but this one really captured my thoughts and would not let go until I discovered everything going on. Every time I read an Elemental Assassin story, I am concerned about Gin and those for whom she cares, usually because of physical danger. But the powerful emotions in this story had me even more worried than normal.

BITTER BITE is an intriguing story, as Jennifer Estep has invented interesting predicaments for Gin to overcome. From what to do about Finn and the appearance of his relative to new foes in the underworld, she has to deal with one problem after another. There are plenty of fight scenes to get my heart beating faster, and Gin definitely makes good use of her Ice and Stone elemental abilities along with some clever strategic planning. Her friends lend a hand from time to time, and I especially enjoyed the role her assistant, Silvio, played during a big confrontation. Several memories involving Gin and Finn are revealed throughout the book, and each remembrance let me understand the relationship between these two even better. There are quite a few shocking revelations exposed, particularly one near the end, and it makes waiting on the next book even harder. BITTER BITE is engagingly creative.

Received copy from publisher for Always Reviewing blog

The newest book in The Elemental Assassin series starts off with a unique twist, with Gin digging up a grave on a dark & snowy night. And not just any grave, but the grave of her mentor's ex-wife! From the very first sentence, you know that Bitter Bite won't disappoint!

You've really got to feel for Gin. She's had a hard life and suffered more than most would be able to bear, but still managed to rebuild and surround herself with people who love and care for her.

One of her staunchest supporters has always been Finn, the foster brother who always has her back. Now it's Gin's turn to have his back, no matter how badly he treats her or how much she wants to punch him for acting like a gullible idiot. Brothers! Sheesh!

While I can understand why Finn might react the way he did, I had a hard time believing that a successful con man would be so trusting. Especially considering the way he was raised and the life he's led! If people that I loved and trusted had doubts, I'd at least hear them out. Poor, delusional Finn!

Have to admit that this is one of my favorite series, and I love how Gin has evolved over the years! Sure, she's a tough-as-nails assassin who's the reluctant leader of the underworld, but she's also a wounded soul who's doing the best she can with the cards she's been dealt.

This is another great installment with an interesting plot, fast-paced action, and an ending that will knock your socks off!

This is #14 in the series and while I think you could read it as a stand alone, I'd recommend reading the series in order so you can see how the characters have changed over the years. Already looking forward to the next book, as the series is just that good!

**Review copy provided by publisher via Edelweiss**

4.25 stars-BITTER BITE is the fourteenth full length installment in Jennifer Estep’s ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN Urban Fantasy series focusing on the Underworld elemental assassin Gin Blanco-aka The Spider.

Told from first person point of view (Gin) BITTER BITE focuses on the return of Deirdre Shaw-Finnegan Lane’s ‘deceased’ mother, Fletcher’s ex-wife, and Gin’s next target as the underworld assassin. Deirdre is a powerful ‘Ice’ elemental but returns as a mother grieving the missed years of her son’s childhood, and his assent into Ashland’s elite bankers and grifters. What ensues is a rekindling of a relationship between Finn and Deirdre, and Gin’s not so subtle reminder to Finn and the others that Deirdre has returned at a very opportunistic time.

BITTER BITE follows Gin’s investigation into Deirdre’s return and Finn’s obvious reluctance to heed Gin’s warnings. When a botched bank robbery and jewel heist point all the fingers at Deirdre Shaw, Finn turns a blind eye to the mother he desperately wants in his life.

Jennifer Estep wraps our heroine in an icy blanket of violence, death, blood shed and mystery. Not as graphically violent as some of the earlier installments BITTER BITE once again finds ‘The Spider’ in one too many circumstances out of her control. Her constant need to do everything alone lands Gin on the precipice of life and death –yet again.

All of the series regulars including Gin’s boyfriend Owen, her sister and Finn’s girlfriend Bria play secondary and supporting roles; Jo Jo and Sophie (the magical dwarves) make cameo appearances; and Gin’s assistant Silvio’s role is broadening with every story line.

The world building traverses the past and the present, as the reader is pulled into Gin’s memories of Fletcher and Finn using letters, dreams and nightmares. Gin is the leader of the paranormal underworld of Ashland but she has very little control on the criminal element. Our heroine must constantly prove she is worthy of the title, and with each installment someone stronger begins to make life difficult for The Spider.

BITTER BITE is a revealing story line that focuses on family and betrayal; heartbreak and lies; secrets and letting go of the past-but the past doesn’t want to lie down and die. The new series arc is focusing on the past, and the reemergence of those long thought dead and gone. A fantastic series by an amazing author.

Jennifer Estep always keeps me hanging on the edge of my seat with an Elemental Assassin book. Situations get brought right to the edge where you just don’t know where things are going to go. Bitter Bite had us set up with a blast from the past family member for Finn. We knew deep down to trust Gin’s instincts, but this woman was winning over Finn. This new addition to Finn’s family brings that niggling in the back of your head that maybe, just maybe, she’s not the bad guy here.
However, her sweetness did start to get on my nerves right along with Gin & Bria’s. The woman needed to turn down the wattage a bit. She was definitely overplaying her role.
Gin goes to work, despite promising Finn to give Dee a chance, investigating just what the woman is after. Bits and pieces come together. Dee pulls stupid when she goes after Gin. I really felt for Gin when despite the things Dee was saying and doing to Gin, Finn continued to back his blood family. Luckily, Gin knows better and is not going to let her brother down without a fight.
All along I wonder why some situations were not as easily resolved with Gin using her ice magic. I didn’t think anyone was stronger than her, so I was surprised with what Dee was able to pull on Gin. She was holding back a bit for Finn’s benefit I guess. But when you put true family together, those powers are going to make you wish you had of stayed in bed!
We get left with some interesting facts about the Snow family and I can’t wait to read more about Gin & Bria’s history. There is so much more to their family that they didn’t realize and will be fascinating to have revealed.
Family issues are always tough to deal with. It was really sad to see Finn going through this story. Thankfully he has the crew behind him, but it is still going to sting for awhile.

Being queen bee of the underworld is hard enough and Gin Blanco couldn’t do it without her elemental magic and her tight-knit makeshift family so it’s a bitter pill to swallow when Finn buys into his not-dead relative’s loving routine in this thrilling Elemental Assassin tale.

All of Gin’s instincts are telling her that beneath the sugary sweet demeanor, the interloper is planning something and the reader is drawn into all the emotional turmoil and exhilaration of this story as Gin strives to determine just what that may be and how it affects Finn because we all know that if Finn gets hurt someone is going to become dead for real. The story starts off with a bit of a flip flopped scene and by that I mean that it’s something I would expect Gin to be on the opposite side of, so I was immediately intrigued with what Gin was up to and from there the story keeps accelerating with spine tingling tension and suspense with unexpected twists, some squabbles between Gin’s makeshift family and quite a bit of emotional turmoil.

While this story may not be quite as fast paced as the others it’s not slow either because there is so much angst flowing from the pages that the readers can’t help but hang on to every well-written word and as usual Jennifer Estep provides such vivid details that it makes it easy to become immersed in the story and as with the beginning scene things seem be a bit topsy turvy for Gin as this new enemy just might have the upper hand and the ending battle leaves Gin with more questions than answers.

Once again, Gin Blanco deserves a standing ovation (well she is an awesome assassin), I couldn’t put the story down because it seemed there was a new revelation happening every time I blinked and the interesting developments at the conclusion guarantee that I am waiting impatiently for the next book.

Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep

An excellent urban fantasy. I haven't read any Estep for over five years. I enjoyed her first books and was one of her early reviewers although I am sure she has no recollection of that. She has become quite successful and exceeded any need to directly address small time bloggers such as myself. I was privileged enough to be offered this book at no charge for an honest review.

Superficially this is just another action adventure in the urban fantasy genre. There is plenty of action and adventure but the underlying loyalty and honor are what make Jennifer Estep’s books stand out. Her characters aren’t two dimensional. She provides depth and background. The emotions and character of the cast are what made this book appeal to me. This story involves her adopted sibling, Finn and his reunion with his mother.

Gin Blanco is darker than ever. She expresses glee over the demise of a foe. She was a bit over the top in her enthusiasm for mayhem for my taste. Too much revel for pain and too little regret for consequences. But it is fantasy so....

The story loses a bit as there is no back filling for how the Spider ended Mab and ends up the head of the underworld element in Ashland. Otherwise a good story, packed with action, magic and familial experiences.

I highly recommend this book!

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The Elemental Assassin series is one that I always look forward to. The previous book, Spider’s Trap, was not as awesome as the other books in the series. But Bitter Bite more than made up for it!

This series is one you need to start at the beginning, with Spider’s Bite. Estep does such a magnificent job with developing the characters, that you won’t want to miss any of it.
The previous book relied heavily on flashbacks, and while this book had one that continued throughout the story, it added more dimension to the book.

And if you read my review for Spider’s Trap, you will see my biggest issue was Gin not remember something, and it felt like Estep was just using that to add more pages to her book. In this book, Gin’s sister, Bria, is not able to remember something, but Estep didn’t heavily dwell on it. And once Bria does remember, it makes sense why she hadn’t.

The ending to this one was, Wow! We learn more about a character from the past, and there is an even bigger baddie that we will be seeing in upcoming books.

I know it’s not a long review, but if you’re a long time fan, I don’t want to give anything away. And if you just stumbled across this book/review, I want you to start with book one. Trust me, it’s well worth it.

When Gin discovers that her best friend/foster brother’s Mother is not as dead as they had been lead to believe, she is in a quandary about how to break the news to Finn. What she didn’t expect was to find out that Deirdre Shaw would beat her to the big reveal. Now Finn is fawning all over his newly-discovered Mom, and turning his back on all the warnings Gin is making.
Gin knows Deirdre is up to no-good. But proving it is another matter entirely. And all Finn wants is for Gin to make nice with Mama Dee.
Between watching Mama Dee and keeping her eyes out for the person behind a daring robbery at Finn’s bank, Gin has her hands full. With Silvio’s help digging into Deirdre’s background and Mallory Parker’s knowledge of the Shaw family history, Gin is finally able to put the pieces of the puzzle together, but is it too late?
Under the guise of a fund raiser that will display a wealth of jewelry, Deirdre is planning a heist. With the help of one of Ashland’s underworld members, Dimitri Barkov, a long time enemy of Gin’s, Deirdre might just pull it off. Unless Gin can get there in time.
‘Bitter Bite’ is full of all the badass and sass you would expect from Gin Blanco.

Terrific addition to the Elemental Assassin Series! This book is primarily about Finn’s long lost mother Deidra Shaw and her showing up in Ashland after they all presumed she had been dead since Finn was a baby. Through this book we see how Gin is trying to figure out why she has shown up in Ashland and what she is up to. Unfortunately, we see Finn falling for her act of just showing up now because she wants to be part of his life. That was a little frustrating for me in this book. In the end we see that Deidra was up to no good and that she was even willing to kill her own son Finn. Sad to say that Finn is the one that has to deal the kill shot to Deidra in order to save Gin. But again as in the previous book at the end of the story we hear information about a group called “The Circle” that supposedly are the ones who really run things in Ashland. We also learn some information about Gin’s mother and her supposed involvement with “The Circle”. I can’t wait till the next book to find out more about “The Circle”.

Gin Blanco is back. This time she isn’t fighting bitter enemies. This time she’s trying to not lose her brother Finn when his mother mysteriously re-appears from the grave.
After reading a number of books about the same character, I tend to lose interest, but not with Gin Blanco. This is the third book I’ve read from the series (alas I didn’t start with book 1), but even though the series is well established I love reading about everything Gin goes through. This one was incredibly personal for her as she tries to protect Finn the only way she knows how and yet still be there in the way he wants her to. I loved the book. I highly recommend the series.
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review

Elemental Assassin Book 14

This series never disappoints. After the revelation that Finn's mother is actually still alive, Gin digs for proof of her existence and information on how that will affect her foster-brother. However, unknown to Gin, Deirdre has ingratiated herself to her son as a new client. The night that Gin intends to reveal the information she has found to Finn, their dinner is crashed by the very woman she means to tell him about. A robbery sets things into motion that even the head of the Asheland Underworld cannot halt, especially when her brother just will not listen.

If you've loved this series in the past, this book will draw you even deeper into the lives of Gin, Finn and their friends. Even this far into the series, bombs can still be dropped...

Gin is at it again! Once again, Ashland is plagued with a manipulative, powerful villain and Gin manages to save the day...with a little help from her friends. This time, her adopted brother, Finn, is in the crosshairs, as his long, lost mother is back in town. It's up to Gin to make Mommy Dearest understand that no one, but no one, messes with the Spider's family!

I have to say, I love this series! The world Ms. Estep has created is so imaginative and interesting, her stories are never boring. I also love how the characters have evolved and how the overall story keeps getting richer. Each book is like a reunion with old friends, and I can't wait for the next one!

*Full Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Gin Blanco digs up information that will bite her brother Finn and herself in the butt. Finn doesn't believe it, and this leads to more trouble for Gin and the rest of her extended family.
Moreover, Finn and Gin may part company; their relationship is strained with the introduction of a strong ice elemental. Will they ever be reconciled or will they both end up dead?
Another suspense filled and fun addition to the Elemental Assassin series. Each adds more to the background of Gin and her mentor Fletcher and his son.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Gin & her Ashland family and friends have a new puzzle to solve & bad guys to kill. Fletcher who seems such an important part of this series even from the grave has left a box of clues and a letter. Finn's mother is back from the dead and nobody knows why.
This installment in the Elemental Assassin series was much better than the last book. While giving me a much needed look into the past it answered some questions as well. The love within Gins group is solid & only helps bring me back to check on them.. There's always someone for her to save and her family is there to save her.

Gin Blanco faces a Bitter Bite (paper from Pocket Books) as HER foster brother Finnegan Lane’s mother, thought dead, Deirdre Shaw comes back to town to organize a charity jewelry exhibit. This is Jennifer Estep’s fourteenth exciting tale of an assassin who can wield both stone and ice magic. Deirdre has strong ice magic, no morals, and is planning a massive heist that relies on getting information from Finn who works at one of the major banks. For a series that killed off its major villain a few books back, Gin’s adventures have been floundering. Introducing a new big bad in this tale promises new life for this long running series. I wouldn’t miss a word. Review printed by Philadelphia Weekly Press

This is a great series; this is the fourteenth book in the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. This book picks up where the last book left off. Gin is now the queen of Ashland’s underworld and uses her Ice and Stone magic to help her survive her volatile new position. If you are looking for a great book then you need to read this book and series. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book hel d no determination on my personal review.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It annoyed me at first that Finn seemed to throw away all of his family and friends for the poison promises of someone that chose to abandon him when he was a boy. But we wouldn't be where we are in this franchise if everyone always had good intentions and made intelligent choices. As always I enjoyed the fast pace and butt-kicking of Gin Blanco (aka the Spider). Definitely enjoyed this book and will be back for more.

This was a fairly enjoyable read, although not my favorite in the series. I was glad to see more background on not just Finn, but the family in general, and it did give me that.

At points, Finn was a bit annoying, as he was so obsessed with his mother and their relationship that he discounted his instincts, as well as Gin and Bria. However, at the end, when he had the chance to talk it out with Gin, I felt a lot more empathy for him. I wish that conversation had come earlier. In the end, I felt the characters' bonds were as strong as ever.

It did set up the next Big Bad in the series rather well, and I'm excited to read on.

I think this book was meant to drive as intensely as #8. While the action was there it was more emotionally driven.
It gave us more of the protagonist on an intimate level, better yet it also gave us history on major supporting characters as well the lead.

I love the Jennifer Estep Elemental series! She never disappoints. The book is full of action, intense moments. I think, it was a kinda of nice that she game this moment to Finn. He has always been there, but it was nice getting to know the deeper relationship between Finn and Ginn.

It followed the same formula as the other books but I felt like it fell a bit flat. This book was finally fin's time to shine and I felt like she didn't flesh out his character enough and give him enough depth as she did with her other characters.