Taking Her Innocence was an action-packed, quick steamy read about Pepper, whose stepfather has put out a hit on her so that he can take over her family's fortune, and Viper, a killer for hire who is after her, but then agrees to change sides and be her protector instead.

The book is full of action and is very fast-paced. It was entertaning, while not totally believable. There was definitely an insta-love component to the story between Viper and Pepper also, which also wasn't entirely believable as they were polar opposites, and Viper lived a solitary lifestyle his whole life, so it seemed unlikely he would turn all that around in a week or so for one woman.

This was my first book by these authors. The book could use some more editing and development in terms of the story line, but I did overall like the main characters, especially Viper. I think he was proabably the best part of the story. I am not sure if I would continue with the series though.

Taking her innocence is the first book in the Killer of Kings series by S. Crescent and S Espino. This is my first encounter with the authors.

In the book we meet Pepper and Viper. She (Pepper) is in danger from her stepfather who wants to see her dead. While on the run from him she encounters a whole new world - a world where she also needs to get away from Viper who is hired to kill her. The unexpected happens and the assassin who is after her, ends up being her protector.

This is a quick and easy read. The genre and trope are both among my favorites but there was just something that irked me. I love a good alphahole but at the same time I prefer a stronger female character. Perhaps it's the writing or the fact I wasn't able to connect with Pepper… I'm unable to put my finger on it.

In conclusion; this was an alright read but sadly not a favorite of mine.

3 out of 5 🌟

I received an advanced reader's copy of Taking Her Innocence by Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fast read so it was over quickly (that was a positive).

The novel was sort of okay, but I was not captivated and felt no connection to the characters or the plot. The summary seemed interesting, but the novel’s pacing was uneven and the characters were kind of bland and did not have chemistry. Just not my cup of tea and not something I would recommend.

This was a quick and easy read but I really felt like Pepper and Viper had zero chemistry. In fact they couldn’t be two points further on a spectrum if they tried. The names even made me pause. The blurb sounded great but the book didn’t pan out for me at all. Pepper didn’t read like a spoiled princess and Viper didn’t read at all. Pun intended. Thanks to the publisher for a copy to read and voluntarily left this opinion. I will add this review to goodreads but not Zon since two stars is considered critical.

Taking Her Innocence by Sam Crescent, Stacey Espino.
Killer of Kings Book 1.
Viper has always been a bastard, a nightmare, death for hire. He's known for his swift kills, so he isn't surprised when he's offered seven figures for a new hit. It’s supposed to be a quick find and eliminate. When his mark turns out to be an innocent twenty-year old with big blue eyes, he shouldn’t care one way or another—but he does. Viper wants to keep her for himself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read In one sitting. I loved Pepper and Viper grew on me. I'm looking forward to the next book. 5*.

Taking her Innocence is book one in the Killer of Kings series by Sam Crescent and Stacey Espino. The story focuses on Pepper and Viper. Pepper is in danger from her stepfather who wants her dead and who has killed her mother. On the run, she is thrust into a world hat she needs to survive and into the crosshairs of Viper, the man and assassin who is sent to kill her. Expecting to be his next victim, she is taken by surprise when the killer becomes her savior and does everything in his power to keep her alive.

This story was a quick and easy read with some good characters, although at times I did find Pepper a little frustrating with how she saw herself and her innocence. Viper was a strong, dominant character who is happy to take Pepper’s virginity and make her his, teaching her about herself along the way whilst he tries to keep them both alive. If you’re looking for a book to escape reality for a couple of hours with some action, sexy scenes and a dominant male, then this is going to be a one for you to pick up and read!

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com