The Former Assassin

by Nikki Stern

5/5 Stars!

The Former Assassin is definitely the suspense read of the summer!

Strong writing plus a complex plot add up to an intense story where you can never guess the next move.

Susan Foster never intended to be an assassin. She’s not some femme fatale badass out to take on the world. The former member of the military is skilled and highly trained and blackmailed into a life she never wanted by uber-villain, Victor Kemp.

Kemp appears to be a man of limitless wealth and power and he demands total control. But, make no mistake, he is a thug. Susan has nothing but contempt for the man and sees him as a monster in a suit. But she has no other option than to do his bidding. He can take away her freedom… or worse.

Susan has highs and lows and is able to steal moments of joy during her time with Kemp, and he takes a sadistic delight in marring—or attempting to erase—those times. Usually, there is something in a villain’s life which allows you to see them as human. For me, Victor didn’t have that something.

She tries to distance herself from him and her assignments, believing it’s professional and not personal but when she walks away twenty-five years later, Kemp wants revenge, and everything becomes personal.

A strong woman needs an equally strong man and Susan has that in husband, Brian Foster. He never thought less of Susan for what she did and married her despite it. His respect for her is as deep as his love, and he believes he is stronger for having her in his life. They weather losses and bad times and make heartbreaking sacrifices during their unconventional marriage, but they allow nothing to weaken them as a couple.

With all the murders, lies, secrets and spies, The Former Assassin may sound like a raw, gritty read, but it packs as much emotion as it does treachery and betrayal. There is no honor among thieves but sometimes, even family doesn’t get a pass.

A confident, intelligent heroine who’s the first in line to admit her mistakes, surrounded by strong characters who empower each other, and a super-smart villain you’ll be itching to smack make this a read you don’t want to miss.

Enjoy!

~~~