Review: Widow's Web

Reviewed by Jen
 

Jennifer Estep... how could you do this to me?  Yes, you made it very clear where this story was heading, but it didn't make it hurt any less to see the hits coming.

The book begins with Gin happy.  She and her sister are solid. Mab is dead. Things are good at the Pork Pit. And her relationship with Owen couldn't be better. Right there, you know it's all going to fall apart, because things are never easy for Gin Blanco.

Trouble comes in the form of the beautiful water elemental Salina, henceforth to be known as "the evil bitch."  She makes her first appearance while Gin and Owen are enjoying a romantic dinner.  It becomes quickly apparent that she and Owen have a romantic history together and she wants him back. As much as Owen loves Gin, it's obvious his old feelings haven't gone completely away.  Of course, this wreaks havoc on my Gin's heart. Her jealousy and fear is only exacerbated by her gut-instinct that there is something nefarious underfoot.

Owen's old-friend-turned-enemy Phillip Kincaid already knows what Gin suspects: the evil bitch is, indeed, an evil bitch.  She is back from years of exile to get revenge on her enemies and to rekindle her relationship with Owen. Phillip tries to hire Gin to intercede before either can happen.  Gin is conflicted by her assassin instincts and her love for Owen, but once the murders begin and secrets of the past start coming to light, it becomes more and more clear what needs to be done.

I have loved Owen since the moment I met him. He was everything Donovan Caine wasn't. He was honorable and loyal and he treated Gin the way she deserved to be treated.  He killed me in this book.  Don't get me wrong... he never stops being the good man we know him to be.  But his loyalty and honor blind him to some hard truths.  Blind Owen breaks my heart.

What I love most about this series are the characters.  They grow and evolve, but stay true to their core.   Which sometimes... hurts. We went through this with Donovan in the past and with Bria too. Sometimes, their journey takes them somewhere we want them to go and other times.. well, it's just another chance for life to knock Gin down.  She always get up, though, which is one of the amazing things about her character.  This book is where we see Owen have his moment of reckoning.

Is there still action? Yes. Sex? Yep. Flashbacks? Gore? Snark? Cooking? All of the above.  It's not just about Owen, but when the book is over, his actions and decisions will be what stay with you.

Rating: B+

*ARC provided by author for review

Click to purchase: Amazon

Widow's Web

by Jennifer Estep

Release Date: August 21, 2012

Publisher: Pocket Books