Review by Sadonna

TITLE:  The Former Assassin’s Guide to Snagging a Reluctant Boyfriend

SERIES:  The Hitman’s Guide spinoff

AUTHOR:  Alice Winters

NARRATOR:  Michael Ferraiuolo

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  10 hours

RELEASE DATE:  November 24, 2021

BLURB:

Cassel

When I gave up life as a hitman, I thought everything was going to be better. I was going to become a PI, help people, and live normally…and then I met Jeremy, the most perfect man to have ever saved my life (I mean, he might be the only one who has saved my life, but he’s still the best at it). From that point on, it was all over for me – I knew we were meant to be. The issue is that he doesn’t…quite seem to realize that. But when he’s targeted by criminals (literally, someone just shot at his head), he needs to rely on someone, so why not me? He might not know about my past as a hitman or that I don’t need to be protected, but I’m prepared to do everything I can to save the day.

Jeremy

When my past comes back with a vengeance, I’ve never felt so alone and out of my element. That is, until Cassel offers me information that I desperately need, forcing me to drag him straight into danger. The issue is that he’s too sweet and innocent for this world, and I’m not sure that I’m strong enough to protect him, but I can’t bring myself to push him away. As truths come to light, I realize that maybe Cassel isn’t quite who I thought he was, and maybe we’re not so different after all.

While you can listen to The Former Assassin’s Guide on its own, you’ll get maximum enjoyment by listening to The Hitman’s Guide series first. This book contains speedy car chases and not-so-speedy ATV rides, a wager Cassel is determined to win even if it kills him, and way-too-tight sparkly spandex suits.

REVIEW:

Note:  This book is a spinoff story in the Hitman’s Guide series and really is best enjoyed having listened to that series prior to this new adventure.

Cassel is a former hitman who now is working with Leland and Jackson from The Hitman’s Guide series.  He has been trained and abused by the same man who took in Leland.  Cassel meets Jeremy and definitely now wants him 😉  When a message comes into the agency to be at an address at a specific time, Cassel goes – only to find Jeremy there being shot at.  He steps in to help Jeremy and they end of being chased and have to get away – over the river and through the woods 😉

Jeremy thought he’s buried his past, but then he finds out that isn’t the case.  His past is back with a vengeance.  He’s not sure why Cassel has involved himself, but he definitely doesn’t want him hurt. He has no idea who or what Cassel really is 🙂  But he does know he’s a bit crazy – maybe not as crazy as Leland, but certainly he’s crazy as evidenced by his behavior while they are on the run 😛

The more things go on, Cassel brings in Leland and Jackson and Henry.  Eventually Cassel and Jeremy have to confess that neither is who they appear to be.  Both of them are trying to make amends for their pasts in a way.  They’ve been betrayed, but they are bound to make things right and stop the bad guys from continue to make people disappear and launder money.  Of course this is much easier said than done.  And requires a lot of support from Cassel’s crew.  Thankfully Cassel has a particular set of sills that work to everyone’s advantage in the end 😉

Oh man!!!  This one was a wild ride from the get-go!  Watching Jeremy try to figure out Cassel was worth the price of admission.  Knowing Leland and then trying to understand how Cassel fit into that world has Jeremy completely flummoxed.  When they are on the run, Cassel is convinced everyone is a serial killer 😀  Jeremy thinks he’s insane, but cute 😉  We get a lot more of Cassel and Jeremy’s backstories and they are fascinating and surprising.  There are several plot twists that I didn’t see coming at all.  But as they work together, it’s clear that there is something between them, despite Jeremy fighting it for a long time.  We have a lot of new supporting characters – including other people tied to Leland and Cassel’s past with Lucas.  Jeremy’s family is also a huge surprise.  And as usual, the snark and banter are spot on!  Michael Ferraiuolo does a fantastic job of narrating this book.  There are sooooo many characters, but all are voices distinctly so we don’t wonder who is speaking. Also as usual, Leland – even in a support role here – is a standout character 😉  Cassel really gets a chance to shine here though, so bravo to the author and narrator.  Highly recommended if you like an action adventure starring hitmen and the men they love on a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows.  I really hope there are more in this series, because I doubt I’ll ever get enough of these characters.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

Audible