My Fair Assassin: Allies Of The Fae Realm Fated Mates Romance (Paranormal Misfits Book 1)

My Fair Assassin is a YA fantasy, and is a fairly quick read (at just 152 pages, good thing it's free.) Right from the start, we're introduced to Chrysta's assassin, a hunky fairy from an alternate realm. He's there to kill her, only he doesn't, and it leads to an otherworldly connection between the two.It's an interesting premise, and mostly enjoyable read, but there is one downside... the main character's incessant whining. She can't believe that anyone would want her, or that anyone could love her. We read over and over that she was shifted from foster home to foster home, and always had problems, and was never loved. In fact, she accepts some pretty far-fetched ideas (such as the Fae and basilisks being real) much faster than she does the idea of having someone interested in her. She seems somewhat dense as another MAJOR thing happens within a few seconds, and Chrysta just doesn't seem to get it. For being an emancipated 17-year-old, she just isn't all that quick or established, even though she seems to think she's pretty darn smart. It would be nice to have a protagonist who didn't have to be led straight to her destiny, but instead figured it out herself.This is one of those authors that relies on cliffhangers to keep you buying books. If you like that sort of thing, there is a second book, but no third yet, and in reading the reviews for the next one, it also ends as a cliffhanger. That gets old quickly, and if the storyline doesn't improve, it's definitely not worth the wait for me. It won't be the first series I've abandoned.

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You OverI chose this fantasy romance because I wanted a quick, easy read. There is more to this story than I expected, however. We get a fun, fated-mates romance with language and goal clashes even as the main characters work toward acceptance of their link, something Crysta struggles with more than Jareth. There’s a mystery in who Crysta is and why Jareth was sent to her, while her history brings up important questions of belonging and conformity.The story begins with a fae assassin appearing in Crysta’s apartment. Though he announces he’s come to kill her, she fails to react as he expects. She redefines his honorable task as murder and shows no fear. On her side of the picture, she’s thrown by her attraction and his politeness, but hides her confusion behind a tough exterior. Her reactions to Jareth are pointed and immediate, and the opposite to what the situation requires. It’s a good start and a promise the rest of the book fills nicely.Crysta’s voice is a fun mix of sarcasm and sweetness. She wants only to fit in, to be loved. Still, she’s built up many walls to protect against the hurt she’s come to expect. Her background allows the book to look at issues of consent and abuse through how she reacts and mentions of her history. The foster care system is not favorably described.She comes across as older than her biological seventeen years at times, a sign of her rough childhood, but her frequent use of slang fits. The slang also provides for an ongoing hilarity between her and Jareth as his understanding of English is literal while slang most definitely is not. Her need to stand on her own makes for an important, and often amusing, conflict with Jareth. He is used to commanding rather than asking. He rarely expects to be rejected while she always expects to. Yet in this circumstance, those positions are reversed.Jareth is an alpha in presence and skill. In personality, though, he’s much more aware of his whole being and accepting of his emotional drives, be they curiosity or attraction. This could have been a jarring combination, and yet it works. The balance between his abilities and his personality allows him to compromise when appropriate, something crucial around Crysta. He’s not perfect, or idealized, just a well-rounded character who is willing to consider the needs and opinions of others.The book is written in two simultaneous voices: Crysta’s internal monologue and what’s happening outside of her head. It’s first person point of view, so this isn’t unusual, but it is well done. I could intuit things about the world and what was happening that even Crysta doesn’t recognize, and with no info dumping.This is a book for the readers who find the main characters’ acceptance of the transition from our world into one filled with magic too easy in a lot of fantasy. While I figured out what was going on before Crysta, I did not question her need to find even extreme rationalizations rather than accepting a truth outside of human existence. Especially with her struggles to belong. It’s a weird place to be where I’m more open to the possibility of the fae than a fictional character, but there you have it. Humans are amazing in our ability to rationalize and come up with even far-fetched reasons for things rather than expand our view of the world or change our minds.I appreciated the description of Crysta’s differences and how people reacted to her. She shares the experience of someone with a physical or psychological disability when trying to integrate into normal childhood. Her reactions are familiar as well as how she considers herself flawed and expects to be disappointed. That’s not the answer to her circumstances, but it doesn’t change the problems society’s message of conformity brings or soften the cruelty often faced by those who fail to blend in.This was a delightful read with a mix of deeper issues and humor. It’s a fated-mates story, but they don’t let that truth stop them from getting to know each other before accepting their fate. The key story elements surround choices and sacrifice, and not just from one of them. I had some quibbles with the mystery, but it’s secondary to the love story and to Crysta coming to accept the truth. I enjoyed their interactions and watching them learn to love each other enough that figuring out the first part of the mystery early could not spoil my pleasure. We see their respect for each other maturing on the page. It’s built not just on words, but on actions.The romance is well written. The contrast between her life and history when measured against what we pick up about the fae world offers a wealth of detail to make their lives intriguing. Both situational humor, and subtle messages about personal value and strength, make the book even more attractive. I picked My Fair Assassin up in a multi-author giveaway some time ago. I’m glad it caught my attention then and now.

As an adult, I'm a huge fan of YA and NA books. I suffered through this entire book and was simply disappointed. The hype and reviews are beyond surprising as this is a boring story where the same two things are repeated endlessly. The female only wants to dance, now that her ears are 'normal', and the male is impossibly in love after 30 seconds.If anyone has ever danced or had plastic surgery, you know how expensive both options are. There is no way this emancipated child could afford the toe shoes, let alone the private and standard tuition, clothing, specific diet, daily travel expenses, etc. or have lived long enough to save enough for the fee to have her ears reshaped.This is a Cinderella type story for children too young to understand the value of money, and who want 'true love' without any substantial relationship development. Not even a single date before the male lead is head over heels. It's written simply for those who like repetitive phrases and sentences as children do. Not an interesting story for anyone reading at age 12 or over.

Wow, I absolutely love this. Crysta and Jareth are hilarious, their witty and sarcastic exchanges are just awesome. The storyline is very intriguing, so much to unravel. It's almost like a whodunit novel, but much more exciting. The world building is progressive, you learn things gradually over time. The characters are extremely well presented, all with distinctive and interesting backgrounds and personalities. I really have to read the rest of this series, it's really, really good.

My fair assassin is an adequately written short story with a story line with potential however, to me, it felt rushed in some cases especially regarding the development of side characters, Crysta's abilities and the main relationship. Jareth seemed a bit too easily taken by Crysta and vise versa. There was no real resistance to what is clearly quite a big revelation to them both. There were many unanswered questions. I would recommend this book if you are used to one-shots as this story develops as much as one. If you are looking for more substance, I would not recommend this book.

I actually really enjoyed this story.after finding it thru browsing hours for something that piqued my interestThis story of Crysta and Jarrett was surprising. I didn't know wat was Gona happen.. They had great chemistry, there was fun banter and I found myself routing for them.On to the next part. Can't wait

I think someone who loves Fae would love this book more than me. I liked Crysta and Jareth a lot and it looks like the story is going to get more interesting. Yes would recommend and would still try out the 2nd book.

Thoroughly enjoyed this story, well written a good story line.and plenty scope to carry.it on. I would love it if there was a second book. I hope you might think about that. Well done