*** This review is spoiler-free! Read on with confidence! ***

You would think that after “The Spider” finally ends Mab Monroe in Spider’s Revenge ( Book 5) that this series would lose its steam but Jennifer Estep is still able to hold my attention.

Now a retired assassin, Gin just wants her life to settle down and run her business the Pork Pit but this is just not happening for her. She is still constantly being hounded by the lowlifes of Ashland. Every one of these thugs wants a shot at the one that ended the most notorious crime boss’ life. Funny how just before attempting to take down the assassin known as “The Spider” that they grab a meal at her very own restaurant before they meet their end. Not only is it good for her business but it keeps her body disposer, Sophia, busy too.

I’ve always wondered how Sophia Deveraux got into this line of work and my curiosity is more than satisfied in this book. This is what I loved most about this book. It isn’t totally focused on Gin but also goes deep down into Sophia’s history. It describes the humiliation and torment that Grimes and his sister Hazel committed years ago when Sophia was kidnapped that first time. We also finally discover the connection between the Deveraux sisters and how they become a part of Fletcher’s team.

Normally I find back stories tedious but when the author goes into Fletcher’s life (Gin’s fallen mentor), I find myself reading and rereading the passages repeatedly. I love that even if he is gone, he still manages to influence Gin’s decisions. He is such an interesting character and I am surprised that the author hasn’t written his own story yet. While I was left annoyed with Gin’s ex-lover in Deadly Sting, Owen was somewhat able to redeem himself in this book. It wasn’t as detailed as I would have wanted, which I did find more than frustrating, but a novella told in his point of view was just released. Hopefully that will tide me over until the next book.

Memorable Quotes

Have you finally come to your senses?

“Survive”, he whispered. “Promise me.”
“I promise,” I whispered, even though I knew the words were an empty lie. Then I stepped away from him.

Stop poking the bear…

“You think I’m scared of you? Please. You couldn’t possibly be The Spider. That ruthless bitch would have killed me the second she saw me. Not dragged me halfway up the mountain instead.”
“You’re right, ” I replied. “So maybe I should get on with things. Wouldn’t want to disappoint my fans.”

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If you enjoyed Heart of Venom, you might also like Nalini Singh’s Angels’ Blood. Both are Urban Fantasy series that contain a strong female heroines who are paid to use their unique skills to hunt. If you are leaning towards something that contains magical sisters, then Yasmine Galenorn’s Sisters of the Moon Series, which starts with Witchling, might interest you.

Heart of Venom is…