Bitter Bite by Jennifer Estep Series: Elemental Assassin #14
Publisher: Pocket Books on February 23, 2016
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Adult
Pages: 400
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
Purchase: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads
Rating:
Heat:
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.
At A Glance
OMG, that ending!
The Good
Poor, poor Finn and Gin. Finn has always been a rock for Gin. He has always been on her side, letting her be her assassin self without judgment, trusting her in every way. But Finn and Gin’s relationship is put to the test in Bitter Bite.
Just so you know, I am writing this review on the assumption you have read the rest of the series. So, Finn’s mom is back from the dead and who knows what she has in store for our crew. She seems sweet as pie but Gin’s not so sure. Finn, living his whole life thinking his mother was dead, is all gung-ho to finally spend time with his mother despite Gin and Bria’s warnings.
As you can imagine, shit goes down but no way you can guess the whole story. There is more than meets the eye with Bitter Bite. Gin is still kickass and her family and friends are always backing her up (cough* except Finn *cough), but it ends in a satisfying way. This crew is more solid then ever. But that ending left me screaming. Just when you think this series is almost over, Estep goes and implodes Gin’s world. Things are really coming full circle.
The Bad
I’m getting tired of Gin having to prove herself with her friends and family. Owen’s betrayal was bad enough a few books back, but now Fin? Fin, who, out of anybody, should have known better. I get his mommy issues, but come on. Why would anyone doubt Gin at this point? She has never been wrong. If Gin told me my mother was a crazy killer bitch, I wouldn’t even question her.
The Snuggly
We get a little bow chicka wow wow between Owen and Gin and it was hot without being too descriptive.
Final Thoughts
I was so excited for this book I couldn’t even wait for the publishing date to come sooner. Bitter Bite is another great addition to the Elemental Assassin series, even if Finn was a little bit of an ass. But it was the ending that guarantees an amazing next book. Highly recommended.
melliane
Ah it’s great it’s still that good, I know I’m always saying that but I really need to read the second one… I’m so late!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
LOL, you gotta hop to it!
Lekeisha
I really need to read this series. Sadly, it’ll probably take me all year to catch up. Great review!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Yeah, there are a lot of books, but at least you have something to look forward to.
sherry fundin
Great review. One of these days I am going to read a book by Jennifer Estep. I sure like the cover. 🙂
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
OMG, you are so missing out.
kindlemom1
I’m so behind on this series but I’m so excited that after all this time, it is still going strong!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I know, it’s hard to stay this good for so long.
Nathan
I really should start this series. So many good books, so little time. Maybe this year I will start this series. It sounds so good.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I would highly recommend it.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I skimmed since I’ll be getting to it soon, but it sounds like another winner! I love this series.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Oh yeah, and the next book will be even better with that ending. hehe
Brandi Breathes Books
Gin being kickass def appeals to me
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
She is sooo kickass.
Lily
Ah i haven’t heard anything by this author before! I keep meaning too and i love that you loved this one. Definitely bumping her books up my TBR.
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
I hope you try them out soon and love them.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Ahhhh these are on my one day list. Glad it’s been a strong one to the end!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Seriously, they aren’t perfect but you are missing out.
Jaclyn Canada
This is a series that I have to get to. It’s been on my to read list for so long and I know you keep enjoying it as it goes along. I want to catch up on the Kate Daniels series first though. Great review!
Jennifer (Bad Bird Reads)
Oh yeah, Kate first, then Gin. Gotta get you priorities straight. 🙂