Mini Review--Dead Man's Hand by Kristen Painter

Demi-goddess and muse Seraphina Kostos has been tasked with bringing her employer’s wayward teenage daughter home. Not the hardest job Seraphina’s ever had. Until her boss calls in a favor in the form of extra help. The man who arrives is unlike any she’s ever encountered.

Sin City Collector Ares rarely goes on typical Collections. Mostly because his skill set involves taking lives, not saving them. As the son of a vampire and a grim reaper, his touch holds the ability to reap souls. Sure, it makes for a lonely existence, but he’s learned to deal with that. Or has he?

Beautiful Seraphina has him questioning everything he’s ever known. Living the rest of his life alone suddenly seems impossible. But what kind of future is there with a woman he can’t touch or hold or kiss?

I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review, I was in no way compensated for this review.


Kristen Painter's second contribution to the Sin City Collectors Novella Series is Dead Man's Hand and it was beyond amazing!! We are back in the city that never sleeps and this time we follow Seraphina, a muse from the times of old who is the inspiration an artist uses for his work. Then when trouble brews and his unruly teenage daughter is kidnapped, Seraphina is on the job to find her. Aiding her, is a Collector, Ares, he is a wraith which is part vampire, part reaper. He's a dangerous sort to bring around because his touch will reap the soul from a person regardless of it being their time to go or not.

Ares is your typical moody hero, but with his past and his abilities it's understandable. He can't get close to people because otherwise, it will be their death. But there's something about Seraphina that he can't get over and he finds himself falling for her from the getgo. Though being a muse has its perks and Seraphina thinks that it will allow them to be together.

What surprised me most with this story was the inclusion of Greek mythology! I so wasn't expecting that despite Seraphina being a muse! And WOW! What a twist that was! I won't spoil it for you, but just know that some Greek mythology will work its way into the story and it felt like a smooth inclusion, not like it was added for the sake of having it in there.

The romance between Seraphina and Ares was sweet. It was sort of a like a budding romance kind of thing because Ares has never had any serious relationships. He tried once, but it didn't end well. And Seraphina has always wondered if any romance could be possible being a muse and whether that person's affections were true or not.

This was yet another fast paced read, but still highly enjoyable! And much like Amanda Carlson's contributions, Kristen brings her previous characters back in a roundabout way as well. Definitely can't wait to see who Kristen will write about next, whether it will be one of the secondary characters or someone new entirely! This is likely the closest I will ever get to Vegas and I must say, I think I like it that way! LOL.


Overall Rating 5/5 stars