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Destiny Awaits #1
Beautiful Assassin
Retired hitwoman Celine Briggs loved few people in this world; Her husband Caleb, and her ex-handler, Brian Devereaux. When Celine took her marital vows, she exchanged the life of guns, drugs, and violence for the peaceful life as Caleb's wife. However, not all things buried stay hidden. When Celine’s past comes knocking, it rattles her world and forces her back into the life she vowed to give up. Now she is turning up the heat on the streets of Chicago, showing no mercy to the men who’ve undoubtedly marked themselves.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2017
635 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Nicole Norris
113 books1,243 followersStephanie Nicole Norris is an author from Tennessee with a humble beginning. After becoming a young adult, her love for romance sparked, leaving her captivated by heroes and heroines alike. With a big imagination and a creative heart, Stephanie penned her first novel in 2010. She went on to write grin-inducing romance and has received multiple literary awards.
As a prolific writer, Stephanie’s catalog continues to grow. Her books can be found at major retailers, including Amazon, and her website, www.stephanienicolenorris.com.
As a prolific writer, Stephanie’s catalog continues to grow. Her books can be found at major retailers, including Amazon, and her website, www.stephanienicolenorris.com.
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January 26, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/26/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Retired hitwoman Celine Briggs loved few people in this world; Her husband Caleb, and her ex-handler, Brian Devereaux. When Celine took her marital vows, she exchanged the life of guns, drugs, and violence for the peaceful life as Caleb's wife. However, not all things buried stay hidden.
When Celine’s past comes knocking, it rattles her world and forces her back into the life she vowed to give up. Now she is turning up the heat on the streets of Chicago, showing no mercy to the men who’ve undoubtedly marked themselves.
Blurb:
Retired hitwoman Celine Briggs loved few people in this world; Her husband Caleb, and her ex-handler, Brian Devereaux. When Celine took her marital vows, she exchanged the life of guns, drugs, and violence for the peaceful life as Caleb's wife. However, not all things buried stay hidden.
When Celine’s past comes knocking, it rattles her world and forces her back into the life she vowed to give up. Now she is turning up the heat on the streets of Chicago, showing no mercy to the men who’ve undoubtedly marked themselves.
May 11, 2023
Celine and Brian have past history as he saved her from a traumatic event. Celine moves on married Caleb who later on dies. Brian comes back into Celine life and the get revenge on those who killed Caleb. Celine and Brain love each other; it’s like no time passed between the two. There’s drama with Zeus another person they want dead. Sade, bxtch how many clues do you need to know Brian don’t want you. Marcus baby you got some BDE there..I see you 🤣🤣.
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February 3, 2025DNF
November 17, 2019
Unexpected
This was not the story I was expecting. It was really interesting and suspenseful and fun in a very good read.
This was not the story I was expecting. It was really interesting and suspenseful and fun in a very good read.
November 18, 2019
Wanting that gangsta life!
Welp, Ms. Norris has definitely done it again I tried the pace myself but couldn’t put this one down. I was pleasantly surprised with this release and not disappointed with how the story took turns and dips for the Boss and Queen. Loved the connection and that sneak opening to continue Marcus’ story. If you enjoy love, sex, action, and intrigue this series is for you. The Queen proved to be the best piece standing in this series. I need Celine as my BFF for real😍
Welp, Ms. Norris has definitely done it again I tried the pace myself but couldn’t put this one down. I was pleasantly surprised with this release and not disappointed with how the story took turns and dips for the Boss and Queen. Loved the connection and that sneak opening to continue Marcus’ story. If you enjoy love, sex, action, and intrigue this series is for you. The Queen proved to be the best piece standing in this series. I need Celine as my BFF for real😍
May 6, 2025
It’s seldom that I call things in books, because I’m never right! So I just take the ride the author offers. But in this one I called it! Now to be fare, I called it like 75% into said book without it being stated. I enjoyed it.
But there always has to be a flaw right? Because without the characters doing something ridiculous the plans never fall apart and the chaos never gets underway. But Carter and Sade?! 🔫 Like why are we playing games? And Marcus🫦. But also🔫. On to the next one because the ending…
What do you mean by that ending?!
But there always has to be a flaw right? Because without the characters doing something ridiculous the plans never fall apart and the chaos never gets underway. But Carter and Sade?! 🔫 Like why are we playing games? And Marcus🫦. But also🔫. On to the next one because the ending…
What do you mean by that ending?!
March 2, 2019
Plenty of action and violence as this story held my attention throughout. Celine proved she was not one to back down. Ending was surprising and has me looking forward to reading next part
March 3, 2022
Guess who is the Devil
Celine is a woman whose life has had many downs and few ups. She has hit rock bottom since her husband died. She has done some hideous things to survive. At her lowest a blast from her past appears Brian Devereaux.
Brian is back in her life on a mission to never let her go.
Brian is a boss on many levels and plans to make and keep Celine as his queen.
With Celine, healing is not coming easy once she finds out her husband was actually killed intentionally. Brian has a major enemy who is viciously pursuing him. Celine ramps up her skills to keep her and Brian safe. Internal issues within his organization arise because Brian is obsessed with Celine. Brian has a few situations that require extreme force. However, the by the time its too late, Celine finds out truth shatters her world. Find out the truth that leads to total chaos. Great read..
Celine is a woman whose life has had many downs and few ups. She has hit rock bottom since her husband died. She has done some hideous things to survive. At her lowest a blast from her past appears Brian Devereaux.
Brian is back in her life on a mission to never let her go.
Brian is a boss on many levels and plans to make and keep Celine as his queen.
With Celine, healing is not coming easy once she finds out her husband was actually killed intentionally. Brian has a major enemy who is viciously pursuing him. Celine ramps up her skills to keep her and Brian safe. Internal issues within his organization arise because Brian is obsessed with Celine. Brian has a few situations that require extreme force. However, the by the time its too late, Celine finds out truth shatters her world. Find out the truth that leads to total chaos. Great read..
June 9, 2025
Whew…a woman scorned and twists and turns. I’m glad all three books are available. This has kept me tuned in from the beginning…
March 18, 2020
Quick read with a didn't see that coming ending
What the hell Brian? Can't believe what I just read, but am glad I have part two now and don't have to wait. Celine is one bad ass chick. Hopefully she gets the true story of her husband's oh excuse me ex-husbands death and when well enough she beats that jealous chick Sade to a pulp and THEN puts a bullet in her ass.
What the hell Brian? Can't believe what I just read, but am glad I have part two now and don't have to wait. Celine is one bad ass chick. Hopefully she gets the true story of her husband's oh excuse me ex-husbands death and when well enough she beats that jealous chick Sade to a pulp and THEN puts a bullet in her ass.
November 16, 2019
Awesome series
Brian, Celine, and Marcus are a pleasure to read. I hate to see this series end, but I'm glad that it might be revived one day. Sade had an ace that I didn't see coming. The enemy was closer than skin and remained unseen until the end. Still wonder how the relationship with Felix came about though. I highly recommend this entire series.
Brian, Celine, and Marcus are a pleasure to read. I hate to see this series end, but I'm glad that it might be revived one day. Sade had an ace that I didn't see coming. The enemy was closer than skin and remained unseen until the end. Still wonder how the relationship with Felix came about though. I highly recommend this entire series.
March 8, 2020
Good read!
This was a great read! Kind of reminded me Columbiana. I was apprehensive at first I really don’t care for this type of read since I’m a love and fluff reader but my goodness I’m glad I took a chance!
Love, sex, murder (maybe a little too much for me), and betrayal! Lord have mercy I was not expecting that lil cliffhanger...
This was a great read! Kind of reminded me Columbiana. I was apprehensive at first I really don’t care for this type of read since I’m a love and fluff reader but my goodness I’m glad I took a chance!
Love, sex, murder (maybe a little too much for me), and betrayal! Lord have mercy I was not expecting that lil cliffhanger...
November 19, 2019
She did it again
I loved all 3 books! You just can't get enough once you start reading! And the sex scenes make you wanna jump in bed with your man! Celine and Brian true Bonnie and Clyde
I loved all 3 books! You just can't get enough once you start reading! And the sex scenes make you wanna jump in bed with your man! Celine and Brian true Bonnie and Clyde
January 28, 2019
An assisan has a sex problem
I had a problem with the story line because of all the sex without much of a plot to deal with
I had a problem with the story line because of all the sex without much of a plot to deal with
March 18, 2019
If sex and violence is your thing
Very descriptive and graphic. The one thing lacking for me was any sympathetic characters to root for, but all in all an exciting read.
Very descriptive and graphic. The one thing lacking for me was any sympathetic characters to root for, but all in all an exciting read.
October 28, 2022
DNF at 12%
The main character is a former assassin who gave up the life to be with her husband. Her husband, who was are of her past and accepted her on the condition that she leave it all behind. The book starts with a random scene of her sleeping with and then killing her husband’s brother for surgery money. It doesn’t do a good job of introducing the character or explaining the premise, so it took me a moment to realize this wasn’t a flashback of her pretending to be someone else for an old assassin job. After that, she on downward spiral due to her husband dying on an operating table, when her old assassin handler/lover shows up to reveal her husband’s death was not accidental.
From that point, you lose any hope of character building. Within 5 minutes of her handler showing up, the two have a rough quickie and he convinces her to rejoin him and his lifestyle. She goes from grieving widow to bitch in heat, displaying jealousy over another woman at the hideout (despite the premise that the handler has a history of pumping and dumping and was never serious with the fmc) and choosing to give her handler oral in the midst of a risky job.
Her choice to leave and build a life with someone else, who she’s supposedly heartbroken over, is simplified to “I chose him because you weren’t serious about me”. All the handler’s men know he’s secretly in love with her and make room for her. She’s automatically top of the line in their eyes, cracking jokes and reminiscing with the handlers mother.
I just couldn’t force myself to continue at that point. Her newly dead husband seems like a wasted plot device since she’s immediately back into her old patterns with someone she met before him. I’m sure the author will make sure the FMC is out for blood and vengeance in her husband’s memory, conveniently forgetting she’s already over him and under someone else.
The main character is a former assassin who gave up the life to be with her husband. Her husband, who was are of her past and accepted her on the condition that she leave it all behind. The book starts with a random scene of her sleeping with and then killing her husband’s brother for surgery money. It doesn’t do a good job of introducing the character or explaining the premise, so it took me a moment to realize this wasn’t a flashback of her pretending to be someone else for an old assassin job. After that, she on downward spiral due to her husband dying on an operating table, when her old assassin handler/lover shows up to reveal her husband’s death was not accidental.
From that point, you lose any hope of character building. Within 5 minutes of her handler showing up, the two have a rough quickie and he convinces her to rejoin him and his lifestyle. She goes from grieving widow to bitch in heat, displaying jealousy over another woman at the hideout (despite the premise that the handler has a history of pumping and dumping and was never serious with the fmc) and choosing to give her handler oral in the midst of a risky job.
Her choice to leave and build a life with someone else, who she’s supposedly heartbroken over, is simplified to “I chose him because you weren’t serious about me”. All the handler’s men know he’s secretly in love with her and make room for her. She’s automatically top of the line in their eyes, cracking jokes and reminiscing with the handlers mother.
I just couldn’t force myself to continue at that point. Her newly dead husband seems like a wasted plot device since she’s immediately back into her old patterns with someone she met before him. I’m sure the author will make sure the FMC is out for blood and vengeance in her husband’s memory, conveniently forgetting she’s already over him and under someone else.
September 6, 2025
Book 3 of Shelf September
Whew… this book had me in a chokehold! From page one, I was locked in watching Celine chase revenge like her life depended on it. Sis is bold, beautiful, and absolutely ruthless- exactly the kind of main character I live for. And then there’s Brian, over here calling her his “Queen” while making me side-eye every move he makes. Like… are you really riding for her, or is there something shady lurking in the background?
The betrayals, the messy secrets, the jaw-dropping cliffhanger...I ate it all up. One minute I was rooting for love, the next I was clutching my pearls like “nah, this can’t be happening!” And don’t get me started on Sade… I was literally yelling at the book like, “Celine, please handle her!”
The writing flowed smooth, the action scenes popped off like a movie reel, and the suspense stayed tight all the way through. It’s dark, bloody, and unapologetic, but that’s what makes it so addictive. Urban fiction lovers, this is your lane.
That ending though? Straight up rude. Thank God I already have book two sitting pretty because I NEED answers. If you want a story that’s sexy, violent, and packed with drama, pick this one up and thank me later.
Whew… this book had me in a chokehold! From page one, I was locked in watching Celine chase revenge like her life depended on it. Sis is bold, beautiful, and absolutely ruthless- exactly the kind of main character I live for. And then there’s Brian, over here calling her his “Queen” while making me side-eye every move he makes. Like… are you really riding for her, or is there something shady lurking in the background?
The betrayals, the messy secrets, the jaw-dropping cliffhanger...I ate it all up. One minute I was rooting for love, the next I was clutching my pearls like “nah, this can’t be happening!” And don’t get me started on Sade… I was literally yelling at the book like, “Celine, please handle her!”
The writing flowed smooth, the action scenes popped off like a movie reel, and the suspense stayed tight all the way through. It’s dark, bloody, and unapologetic, but that’s what makes it so addictive. Urban fiction lovers, this is your lane.
That ending though? Straight up rude. Thank God I already have book two sitting pretty because I NEED answers. If you want a story that’s sexy, violent, and packed with drama, pick this one up and thank me later.
March 31, 2025
Stephanie Nicole Norris got me again!
I won’t lie—I’m a Stephanie Nicole Norris fan through and through. But Beautiful Assassin took me a minute to get into. I listened to it on Audible, and to be fair, I have to take the blame for the rocky start—I accidentally used a credit for Book 2 before Book 1! Rookie mistake, I know.
Once I got myself together and grabbed Book 1 with another credit, the story flowed much better. Overall, it was a good read, but I think I would’ve appreciated it more as a standalone. That second credit? Yeah… I probably would’ve waited for the library if I’d known ahead of time.
I think I’m more of a Heart of a Valentine type of reader than an Assassin series lover—but hey, variety keeps the bookshelf spicy!
If you love reading black authors and need a community to gush about it with, come join us in the Shades of Pink Book Club on Facebook! We read, laugh, and keep it all the way real.
#StephanieNicoleNorris #AudibleReads #BeautifulAssassin #HeartOfAValentine #BookLoversUnite #BlackRomanceBooks #ShadesOfPinkBookClub #BookReview #AudibleListener #RomanceReads #BookishVibes
I won’t lie—I’m a Stephanie Nicole Norris fan through and through. But Beautiful Assassin took me a minute to get into. I listened to it on Audible, and to be fair, I have to take the blame for the rocky start—I accidentally used a credit for Book 2 before Book 1! Rookie mistake, I know.
Once I got myself together and grabbed Book 1 with another credit, the story flowed much better. Overall, it was a good read, but I think I would’ve appreciated it more as a standalone. That second credit? Yeah… I probably would’ve waited for the library if I’d known ahead of time.
I think I’m more of a Heart of a Valentine type of reader than an Assassin series lover—but hey, variety keeps the bookshelf spicy!
If you love reading black authors and need a community to gush about it with, come join us in the Shades of Pink Book Club on Facebook! We read, laugh, and keep it all the way real.
#StephanieNicoleNorris #AudibleReads #BeautifulAssassin #HeartOfAValentine #BookLoversUnite #BlackRomanceBooks #ShadesOfPinkBookClub #BookReview #AudibleListener #RomanceReads #BookishVibes
November 26, 2025
i don’t know what it is, but the narrators for this one just didn’t pull me in. something about the delivery wasn’t hitting, and honestly? that might’ve played a big part in why this one felt just “okay” for me. it’s not long, but i still ended up taking a big break from it, restarting it, and then low-key forcing myself to push through 😭.
there were a lot of moving pieces — celine and brian’s past, celine choosing caleb, then the way life flips and she ends up right back with brian after all the chaos. and then there’s sade… girl. she was hating on celine the entire book, crash-out levels of obsessed over brian. it was giving “blink twice if you need help” 😭.
the part that made me cringe a little was everybody walking around calling celine the queen lol. like okay… but let’s relax.
the pacing was fast and the action was fine, but story-wise it didn’t leave a strong enough impression for me to say i’m definitely continuing the series. maybe later… maybe not.
there were a lot of moving pieces — celine and brian’s past, celine choosing caleb, then the way life flips and she ends up right back with brian after all the chaos. and then there’s sade… girl. she was hating on celine the entire book, crash-out levels of obsessed over brian. it was giving “blink twice if you need help” 😭.
the part that made me cringe a little was everybody walking around calling celine the queen lol. like okay… but let’s relax.
the pacing was fast and the action was fine, but story-wise it didn’t leave a strong enough impression for me to say i’m definitely continuing the series. maybe later… maybe not.
February 27, 2025
4.5
I loved this book, it pulled me in right away, lately for some reason I've been wanting stories about female assassins and I just happened to stumble upon this book and what a bonus that's it's a Black cast!
Beautiful assassin is suspenseful, fast paced, intense and heavy on the spice! Now initially I was side eyeing Celine because well, let's just say she was getting down with her brother in law ( for reasons) and her handler ( Brian) when she has a husband, Caleb but as things unfolded I gave her grace and tried to understand things from her perspective.
There are twist and turns and unalivings galore! I'll be immediately diving into book 2 because I need answers, I need Shade to go, I need to know what Carter is up to and I just need more Marcus!
🎧
I loved this book, it pulled me in right away, lately for some reason I've been wanting stories about female assassins and I just happened to stumble upon this book and what a bonus that's it's a Black cast!
Beautiful assassin is suspenseful, fast paced, intense and heavy on the spice! Now initially I was side eyeing Celine because well, let's just say she was getting down with her brother in law ( for reasons) and her handler ( Brian) when she has a husband, Caleb but as things unfolded I gave her grace and tried to understand things from her perspective.
There are twist and turns and unalivings galore! I'll be immediately diving into book 2 because I need answers, I need Shade to go, I need to know what Carter is up to and I just need more Marcus!
🎧
April 28, 2025
just ok. fmc is mourning the death of her husband, Caleb. but a week after he dies she's having sex Brian who she claims is the love of her life. She goes on a killing spree to avenge her husband's death while also marrying Brian. they people she is after just so happen to be Brian's enemy.
FMC did not come across as genuine to me. her actions def contradicted her words. In face, I would forget all about her dead husband until she brought him up randomly again. felt like he was an afterthought.
I have little interest in continuing the series but will stick with it bc it was on sale. let's see if it picks up in the next book.
FMC did not come across as genuine to me. her actions def contradicted her words. In face, I would forget all about her dead husband until she brought him up randomly again. felt like he was an afterthought.
I have little interest in continuing the series but will stick with it bc it was on sale. let's see if it picks up in the next book.
July 24, 2025
I liked the story but at times thought Celine was too too much and a bit of a sociopath. However, she wasn't alone. Brian was exactly the same. There is definitely some fun banter and lots of gangster in this book. Oh and, the romance has serious steam. All of this keeps it from being an emotional drag with all the killing. It was still hard to have any sympathy for someone who was so clearly without any truly redeeming qualities. I get revenge but ....yeah, not really sure the point is to have sympathy. So, I guess I'm just going along for the ride. I like this author and have made it my mission to read everything she writes. The narration was good.
January 17, 2018
Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh....
First, I don't usually give this many stars to anyone unless the book they write captures every aspect of my attention. And this book has....
Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh.
I can't put into words just how much I love this book...
And the twist.... Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh.... I thought maybe but not really...
The storyline and the characters are so strong and lifelike it's so surreal... And I had just by happenstance chose this book because of another book from Stephaine.
I've got to read the second book...
First, I don't usually give this many stars to anyone unless the book they write captures every aspect of my attention. And this book has....
Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh.
I can't put into words just how much I love this book...
And the twist.... Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh, Ohmygosh.... I thought maybe but not really...
The storyline and the characters are so strong and lifelike it's so surreal... And I had just by happenstance chose this book because of another book from Stephaine.
I've got to read the second book...
November 17, 2019
Damn! .....Just....Damn!
I am writing this review at 4:45am. I woke up a couple hours ago and this book was just calling me! I couldn't put it down! Brian and Celine took me on another rollercoaster ride and I loved every second of it. This series is hot and dangerous. The love is soul stirring. The love scenes are scorching hot! And the suspense and surprises just kept coming! This book was well worth the wait. I just hope we can get at least one more book. I feel there is one more story to be told.
I am writing this review at 4:45am. I woke up a couple hours ago and this book was just calling me! I couldn't put it down! Brian and Celine took me on another rollercoaster ride and I loved every second of it. This series is hot and dangerous. The love is soul stirring. The love scenes are scorching hot! And the suspense and surprises just kept coming! This book was well worth the wait. I just hope we can get at least one more book. I feel there is one more story to be told.
May 16, 2018
Yeah It's Good!!
This was exactly what I was waiting on to really kick start my summer reading.The writer doesn't waste time and immediately puts you in the action.I love that we are getting two strong willed characters that mirror one another.The heroine is the kind of kick butt assassin you want in your corner.I love that the story never lets up and you attentive every moment.This is good reading and a experience in it self.
This was exactly what I was waiting on to really kick start my summer reading.The writer doesn't waste time and immediately puts you in the action.I love that we are getting two strong willed characters that mirror one another.The heroine is the kind of kick butt assassin you want in your corner.I love that the story never lets up and you attentive every moment.This is good reading and a experience in it self.
January 28, 2019
Review
This is a very dark story and it is extremely violent. It is bloodthirsty and there is nothing forgiving about it. It is a love story but one surrounded by death and destruction. However if you like this genre then this is a really great story, well the first part. It ended on an amazing cliff hanger that I never expected. It's a doozy. I really loved this book I can't wait to read the rest of it.
This is a very dark story and it is extremely violent. It is bloodthirsty and there is nothing forgiving about it. It is a love story but one surrounded by death and destruction. However if you like this genre then this is a really great story, well the first part. It ended on an amazing cliff hanger that I never expected. It's a doozy. I really loved this book I can't wait to read the rest of it.
February 23, 2021
What a great start to a very intense series so it seems!
Wow Brian! He wanted Celine with all that was in him but did he go too far? Sade is a jealous liability, only time will tell what fate she meets. Marcus has instant feelings for Celine, but he knows not to act on them! Celine is a bad woman with those knives, whew! So far, so good! I slept on this series too long but glad I decided to pick it up! Great read Stephanie Norris!
Wow Brian! He wanted Celine with all that was in him but did he go too far? Sade is a jealous liability, only time will tell what fate she meets. Marcus has instant feelings for Celine, but he knows not to act on them! Celine is a bad woman with those knives, whew! So far, so good! I slept on this series too long but glad I decided to pick it up! Great read Stephanie Norris!
November 8, 2018
Exciting and sexy!
Not your typical Hero and heroine, but it you enjoy danger and some badass sexy characters, then jump right in. I don't possibly know how this can work out for everyone, but I downloaded part II before I saw The End. From page one we are off and running, and I absolutely enjoyed the ride. Come on Boss, fix this!
Not your typical Hero and heroine, but it you enjoy danger and some badass sexy characters, then jump right in. I don't possibly know how this can work out for everyone, but I downloaded part II before I saw The End. From page one we are off and running, and I absolutely enjoyed the ride. Come on Boss, fix this!
December 25, 2018
I was so UNEXPECTEDLY caught up in this romantic suspense THRILLER...quite a raunchy and brutal read...I couldn’t put it down until the SHOCKING cliffhanger...I was actually rooting for Celine and Brian...but now I’m not so sure...so glad I don’t have to wait for the second part...getting right back into it...KUDOS Mrs. Norris!
January 27, 2019
I had no idea what I was getting into when I began but it kept me well into book two.
Celine is an assassin in love with the head of one of Chicago's most powerful crime families. Kinda scary to think this isn't too far from real life. A reminder that even criminals are human and can fall in love.
A bit gruesome as she doesn't kill people the same way twice.
Celine is an assassin in love with the head of one of Chicago's most powerful crime families. Kinda scary to think this isn't too far from real life. A reminder that even criminals are human and can fall in love.
A bit gruesome as she doesn't kill people the same way twice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews