Reviewed by: Rabid Reads 
 I was excited to get a peek inside the mind of Owen Grayson and even though Kiss of Venom was short it most definitely was also sweet. Unlike many of Jennifer Estep's loyal fans, I didn't banish him from my herd of book boyfriend after his actions in Widow's Web. What can I say? People (and characters) do stupid things for love! 
 I like how in the opening chapter we first meet-up with Owen at Northern Aggression with Philip and he's drinking... you guessed it! Gin and tonic. I knew right then and there that this novella was going to be Grayson's chance to clear the air with readers before Heart of Venom officially hits the shelves. Anyway, while he's busy feeling sorry for himself, Estep decides to kick him when he's already down and in walks... the Spider. And oh, what an entrance! I loved seeing her through Owen's eyes. I already worship Gin as an Urban Fantasy heroine but the author's description from Grayson's POV was beyond memorable. 
 Between Owen's thoughts in this short and his actions in the upcoming installment, I think he and Gin will be on the mend very soon. I did find that his wallowing got on my nerves after a while though. I'm so used to seeing his strong side that it came as a bit of a shock to see him so down on himself. But, of course, no Elemental Assassin story would be complete without at least one murder and Grayson seems to have picked up yet another of Blanco's habits. He goes out clubbing with Philip and ends up killing 3 people! I'm sure he'd argue that he was "protecting" Gin. Yeah, like she needs any help in that department! Admit it Owen, you like being a bad boy. 
 Kiss of Venom ties in nicely with this series and provides answers to a few nagging questions. It's a quick read that no Elemental Assassin fan should miss.