Jackson

by Camilla Blake

Jackson Mannes’s wife disappeared a decade ago, leaving him with a two-year-old daughter he barely knew. For years, he searched for his wife, hoping she was still alive, but afraid the truth was something a little darker. He got on with his life, struggling as a single father, but getting through with the help of his wife’s best friend, Ryan Scott. Ryan becomes a second mom to his child, and takes control of his life, working side by side with him at Viper Security as his personal assistant. There is no way he could have survived all these years without her, so it seems like a natural next step when their relationship becomes romantic.

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2024

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into Jackson thinking I was getting a tragic‑past, single‑dad slow burn… and instead I got a decade‑long headache wrapped in the shape of a wife who absolutely does not deserve the title.

Jackson Mannes has been through it. His wife vanished ten years ago, leaving him with a two‑year‑old daughter and zero explanation. And listen — I tried to feel sympathy for her. I really did. But every time she appeared in the narrative, even as a memory, all I could think was:
she’s a bitch.
Not complicated. Not misunderstood. Just… no.

Meanwhile Jackson is out here doing his best, stumbling through single fatherhood, drowning in guilt, and trying to keep his life together with duct tape and caffeine. And the only reason he doesn’t completely fall apart is Ryan Scott — the wife’s best friend, the real MVP, the woman who basically co‑parents his kid, organizes his life, and keeps him from walking into traffic on bad days.

Ryan is the definition of “the woman he should’ve been with from the start.” She’s steady, loyal, warm, and has been holding this man’s world together for a decade while he’s still emotionally limping from the mess his wife left behind.

So when their relationship finally shifts into something romantic?
Yeah, it feels earned. Natural. Like the universe finally stopped being petty for five minutes.

But the shadow of that wife?
Still annoying. Still dragging the vibe down. Still making me want to throw a paperback across the room.

The romance is sweet, the emotional payoff is solid, and Jackson’s growth is satisfying — but the lingering presence of his wife’s nonsense keeps this firmly at 3 stars for me.

Jackson deserved better.
Ryan deserved better.
Honestly, I deserved better.

[Alaina Raraigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this book blinded thinking it was a spicy book. Yes it only had one scene of spicy but the rest was perfect. This book was a P.I. finding out why his client was getting attacked in different ways. Of course you wouldn’t expect who it was.

[Cheri innis · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read!

This story keeps you on your toes. Keeps you guessing. It’s mystery, love,action,family. I really enjoyed reading this book. You will too!

[Lorraine Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Jackson and Ryan
I enjoyed reading the fifth book in the Viper Security series.
I loved the characters, plot and storyline.
Twists
Missing wife


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