POISON'S KISS, by Breeana Shields

The story: Marinda has spent her life being turned into a deadly weapon--an assassin working for "the Raja"--and though she hates it, she follows orders to keep her little brother safe. It's only when she realizes that her handlers really serve the snake god Nagaraja that she begins to rebel; only when she's sent to kiss and kill the boy she loves that she stops cooperating. But is it too late? Will her rebellion cost the lives of everyone she loves?

June Cleaver's ratings: Language G; Violence PG-13; Sexual content PG; Nudity G; Substance abuse PG; Magic & the occult PG-13; GLBT content G; adult themes (murder; assassination as a political tool; enslavement of children; some scary moments) PG-13; overall rating PG-13.

Liz's comments: Marinda's falling in love with Deven is sensitively told, as is her growing horror for the life she's being forced to lead. The author also deals with the guilt that comes from Bad-Deed-Doing, even when one is forced into it. The only thing to complain about here is the unapologetic CLIFFHANGER ending. :P