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Regency Refuge #2
Jackal
Hiding in the shadows just got harder.
When tragedy strikes, Juliana and her family must flee their home. Can they persuade a virtual stranger to help them? Juliana isn't so sure, especially after their chaperone threatens to cane him. Even as Juliana struggles to trust him, she finds herself drawn to this mysterious man. Surely all she wants from him is refuge…
Rupert is a man whose life depends on his ability to remain unnoticed. What, then, is he supposed to do with this family he's inherited? His life is overrun with an ancient chaperone who would terrify a lesser man, two spirited girls, and the secretive Juliana – someone he comes to think of as his own precious jewel.
With this new responsibility thrust upon him, Rupert will have to make sacrifices – but will God ask him to sacrifice everything?
When tragedy strikes, Juliana and her family must flee their home. Can they persuade a virtual stranger to help them? Juliana isn't so sure, especially after their chaperone threatens to cane him. Even as Juliana struggles to trust him, she finds herself drawn to this mysterious man. Surely all she wants from him is refuge…
Rupert is a man whose life depends on his ability to remain unnoticed. What, then, is he supposed to do with this family he's inherited? His life is overrun with an ancient chaperone who would terrify a lesser man, two spirited girls, and the secretive Juliana – someone he comes to think of as his own precious jewel.
With this new responsibility thrust upon him, Rupert will have to make sacrifices – but will God ask him to sacrifice everything?
200 pages, ebook
First published June 16, 2014
22 people are currently reading
738 people want to read
About the author
Heather Gray
23 books240 followersHeather loves coffee, God, her family, and laughter – not necessarily in that order! She writes approachable characters who, through the highs and lows of life, find a way to love God, embrace each day, and laugh out loud right along with her. And, yeah, her books almost always have someone who's a coffee addict. Some things just can't be helped.
Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....
Despite being born into different eras, Heather's characters share a common trait. Like her, they're all flawed...but loved anyway.
You can find Heather online at http://www.facebook.com/heathergraywr... and http://www.twitter.com/laughdreamwrite. She can also be found most days at The Inspired Inkpot, a street team, prayer group, and all around awesome place to hang out - http://www.facebook.com/groups/theins....
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 17, 2014
Mystery, suspense, intrigue, murder and mayhem! This story keeps you turning the pages wanting to know more about who The Hunter really is, and why he is so determined to kill The Jackal. Until it is revealed in the story, I still was uncertain who The Hunter would be.
I love the characters in this story, Rupert and his morals, his faithful service to the Crown, and faith in God, no matter what it has cost him in his life. His friendship with the Duke and Duchess and his service to them. Then enters unannounced into his life, not one but four feisty women, Juliana, self sacrificing for the two half-sisters she loves, Eleanor and Eudora, and their chaperone, Mrs. Burnham and her wicked cane! This story takes us on a journey of pain due to untimely deaths of family members, to redemption for the wrongs in life and love found between two special people. This is a beautifully written tale that covers so many emotions and is clean story that shows a man whose faith in God, no matter what life has thrown at him, does not waiver and God's grace and goodness. Love can be found in two unlikely people, when circumstances bring them together.
I love the characters in this story, Rupert and his morals, his faithful service to the Crown, and faith in God, no matter what it has cost him in his life. His friendship with the Duke and Duchess and his service to them. Then enters unannounced into his life, not one but four feisty women, Juliana, self sacrificing for the two half-sisters she loves, Eleanor and Eudora, and their chaperone, Mrs. Burnham and her wicked cane! This story takes us on a journey of pain due to untimely deaths of family members, to redemption for the wrongs in life and love found between two special people. This is a beautifully written tale that covers so many emotions and is clean story that shows a man whose faith in God, no matter what life has thrown at him, does not waiver and God's grace and goodness. Love can be found in two unlikely people, when circumstances bring them together.
June 17, 2014
Intrigue, Romance, Humor & so much more!
I lost myself in this book! Once I picked it up there was no putting it down. Heather Gray led me down a delicious path of intrigue that I was compelled to follow until the end. The heroine is not your typical hopeless romantic but a woman with real values and fearless loyalty to her sisters. She is certainly not naive or waiting for some man to sweep her off her feet. She is a character you come to admire, as is the hero. He is a hero worth dreaming about...a true gentleman, loyal to a fault, selfless and, well, just about perfect! The villain is illusive, ruthless, and is not revealed until the climax & what a surprise it is! This book has intrigue, romance, suspense and humor, what more can you ask for? I received a complimentary copy for an honest review and do so with pleasure. Thank you once again Heather for entertaining us with another incredible story & the wonderful characters you so aptly create. If I could give more than five stars I would!
I lost myself in this book! Once I picked it up there was no putting it down. Heather Gray led me down a delicious path of intrigue that I was compelled to follow until the end. The heroine is not your typical hopeless romantic but a woman with real values and fearless loyalty to her sisters. She is certainly not naive or waiting for some man to sweep her off her feet. She is a character you come to admire, as is the hero. He is a hero worth dreaming about...a true gentleman, loyal to a fault, selfless and, well, just about perfect! The villain is illusive, ruthless, and is not revealed until the climax & what a surprise it is! This book has intrigue, romance, suspense and humor, what more can you ask for? I received a complimentary copy for an honest review and do so with pleasure. Thank you once again Heather for entertaining us with another incredible story & the wonderful characters you so aptly create. If I could give more than five stars I would!
June 20, 2014
**I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review**
I've been looking for a 5 star read lately and I found it with Jackal. It was so good. The characters were developed so amazingly well. Juliana and her sisters were the best. They were funny, straight-forward, nice, kind, caring, protective, and had a take-no-crap attitude. Rupert was also amazing. He was one of those very gentleman-y guys (this is the 1800s!) and being kind and protective was never a forced thing and that made him a really great guy. I loved the whole story in general. From start to finish and everything in between. Everything! I have found that lately I've really liked books set a couple hundred years ago and I was not proved wrong with Jackal. If you are hesitant or have any doubts - don't. This book was so good with everything. I can find no fault in it whatsoever! This is definitely a favorite of mine because it was so dang good! 5 stars to this wonderful book!!!!!
I've been looking for a 5 star read lately and I found it with Jackal. It was so good. The characters were developed so amazingly well. Juliana and her sisters were the best. They were funny, straight-forward, nice, kind, caring, protective, and had a take-no-crap attitude. Rupert was also amazing. He was one of those very gentleman-y guys (this is the 1800s!) and being kind and protective was never a forced thing and that made him a really great guy. I loved the whole story in general. From start to finish and everything in between. Everything! I have found that lately I've really liked books set a couple hundred years ago and I was not proved wrong with Jackal. If you are hesitant or have any doubts - don't. This book was so good with everything. I can find no fault in it whatsoever! This is definitely a favorite of mine because it was so dang good! 5 stars to this wonderful book!!!!!
August 23, 2014
The author has an opening scene that captures your attention. Then we switch gears to Juliana and her sisters and the secret she is hiding. Their guardian (and her cane) was a fun secondary character to add humor to the story. I loved the scene at the first ball when he got jealous. I enjoyed that Juliana’s character was forthright and spoke her mind. Rupert was not your typically hero as he still had a limp from the opening scene. However he still appeared masculine and her protector. The author added some plot twists throughout to keep you guessing.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books
September 5, 2019
I can't even imagine why I've been avoiding this book in my library. I feel like I deprived myself too long of a terrific story now.
Wonderful characters, from the very protective older sister, to two sweet naïve younger ones, to their reluctant mysterious guardian, and for me, best, the older chaperone with a wicked sense of defense and a tongue to match. She cracked me up!
Worth a read!!
Wonderful characters, from the very protective older sister, to two sweet naïve younger ones, to their reluctant mysterious guardian, and for me, best, the older chaperone with a wicked sense of defense and a tongue to match. She cracked me up!
Worth a read!!
January 10, 2015
"Jackal" is ripe with intrigue; Rupert is a spy known as The Jackal, hiding from The Hunter .
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2014/2015 Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
June 30, 2014
JACKAL
It was a good read and it was suspenseful and it didn't take me long to read the book. There was romance without bedroom antics.
It was a good read and it was suspenseful and it didn't take me long to read the book. There was romance without bedroom antics.
January 31, 2016
3.5 stars
January 1, 2018
This is another book that I read when I “binged” on this author. Set in the Regency Era, I loved the history in this book! Rupert was such an interesting, intriguing character. One of the quotes I loved was: “Life is sometimes cruel, and it takes things away from you, but it can’t steal your integrity. Hold onto that with a two-fisted grip.” Trust, fear, disappointment, feelings of abandonment are some of the great themes in this book. Another fun book by this author!!
February 23, 2021
Every Bit as Wonderful as Anticipated
Jackal was every bit as wonderful as I anticipated it would be! The characters! Oh, my word! LOL The are fabulous! And the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat - I couldn’t put the book down. Now I’m contemplating whether I need sleep tonight... book 3 is calling!
Jackal was every bit as wonderful as I anticipated it would be! The characters! Oh, my word! LOL The are fabulous! And the storyline kept me on the edge of my seat - I couldn’t put the book down. Now I’m contemplating whether I need sleep tonight... book 3 is calling!
October 5, 2017
Good, quick, clean story.
I enjoyed it. I got a little confused at times in the story about different people and what they did, but that might have been because this was the second book. I'm interested in reading the first and more from this author. I like a clean, short, sappy romance.
I enjoyed it. I got a little confused at times in the story about different people and what they did, but that might have been because this was the second book. I'm interested in reading the first and more from this author. I like a clean, short, sappy romance.
December 2, 2016
The book was well written. Even though I didn't read book one, I was able to keep up with the story and enjoy it.
I love the clean nature and the romance weaved through out.
I love the clean nature and the romance weaved through out.
January 10, 2020
Entertaining
A great story. It kept me reading every minute I had. Of to read the next in this series. Thank you so much for your efforts.
A great story. It kept me reading every minute I had. Of to read the next in this series. Thank you so much for your efforts.
September 22, 2022
Very nice
I enjoyed that this story is clean and well written. I would be able to recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances
I enjoyed that this story is clean and well written. I would be able to recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical romances
June 18, 2019
Excellent exciting story. Recommend this book. Real suspense and intrigue. Love this author.
September 2, 2016
Jackal***** book 2 Regency Refuge Series by Heather Gray
December 1816...Rupert Burmingham had a quiet, orderly life as the managing steward for the Duke and Duchess of Castle Felton. But that was shattered with the arrival of unexpected guests....a young woman, Juliana Clairmont, her two spirited sisters, 16 year old Eleanor and 17 year old Endora and their very, very old nursemaid/chaperone, cane-wielding Mrs. Burnham.
After tragedy strikes, Juliana and her sisters flee their home, seeking refuge and
finding themselves at the mercy of a complete stranger—Rupert. Even though Rupert, the new Earl of Mendax, is their guardian, Juliana finds it difficult to trust him—yet she is drawn to him.
There is more to the tragedies Juliana and her sisters have experienced than any of them realize. Danger lurks around every corner, for Hunter will stop at nothing until Jackal is killed. Intrigue, mystery, murder, lies and greed make it hard to know who to trust and who the enemy—or enemies—really are. Family, building trust, bravery, courage, love and strong faith bind unlikely characters in unforeseen ways. I loved Rupert and Juliana's characters, both have a strong faith, moral character, honorable and would give all they have—even their lives—for those they love. I tried to figure out who Hunter was, but it wasn't revealed until towards the end with the surprising identity. This is one of those stories that kept me guessing, on the edge of my seat at tense moments, laughing and crying at others and had me reading far into the night.
~I won an e-book copy of this book from ACFA VA chat party, this is my honest review~
December 1816...Rupert Burmingham had a quiet, orderly life as the managing steward for the Duke and Duchess of Castle Felton. But that was shattered with the arrival of unexpected guests....a young woman, Juliana Clairmont, her two spirited sisters, 16 year old Eleanor and 17 year old Endora and their very, very old nursemaid/chaperone, cane-wielding Mrs. Burnham.
After tragedy strikes, Juliana and her sisters flee their home, seeking refuge and
finding themselves at the mercy of a complete stranger—Rupert. Even though Rupert, the new Earl of Mendax, is their guardian, Juliana finds it difficult to trust him—yet she is drawn to him.
There is more to the tragedies Juliana and her sisters have experienced than any of them realize. Danger lurks around every corner, for Hunter will stop at nothing until Jackal is killed. Intrigue, mystery, murder, lies and greed make it hard to know who to trust and who the enemy—or enemies—really are. Family, building trust, bravery, courage, love and strong faith bind unlikely characters in unforeseen ways. I loved Rupert and Juliana's characters, both have a strong faith, moral character, honorable and would give all they have—even their lives—for those they love. I tried to figure out who Hunter was, but it wasn't revealed until towards the end with the surprising identity. This is one of those stories that kept me guessing, on the edge of my seat at tense moments, laughing and crying at others and had me reading far into the night.
~I won an e-book copy of this book from ACFA VA chat party, this is my honest review~
February 13, 2015
the second is better than the first
Jackal is a far better novel than the first Regency Refuge Book 1. In that novel the conflict was contrived, the hero's change of heart was too much too soon, and the premise that patience would ameliorate the behaviour of a ma treating his wife so badly. It was a dreadful message to send to women with abusive partners. But this novel is much better. The narrative has a real drama at its heart, Rupert is a great character and Juliana is a well rounded character. There is real tension at the end and we cheer for the happy ending. I really enjoyed this book but I was frustrated by the first. Lucky I had purchased the two together. The writing is good, the banter enjoyable and thought there is desire, this book is suitable for young adults.
Jackal is a far better novel than the first Regency Refuge Book 1. In that novel the conflict was contrived, the hero's change of heart was too much too soon, and the premise that patience would ameliorate the behaviour of a ma treating his wife so badly. It was a dreadful message to send to women with abusive partners. But this novel is much better. The narrative has a real drama at its heart, Rupert is a great character and Juliana is a well rounded character. There is real tension at the end and we cheer for the happy ending. I really enjoyed this book but I was frustrated by the first. Lucky I had purchased the two together. The writing is good, the banter enjoyable and thought there is desire, this book is suitable for young adults.
July 7, 2017
Unlike the majority of stories I read or listen to (audiobooks), I was left with not a single question by the end of this story. Very rare! Ms. Gray wrote a really good story that made sense. Rupert was my favorite character because he led a very interesting sounding life and it was hard to believe all the injuries he'd sustained. If this were made into a movie, I'd be curious to see the male character chosen for Rupert's part, especially how his body would look after all the scars and injuries were added.
February 7, 2015
I only give 5 star ratings to books I open, and then can't put down again until I reach the back cover. Jackal, by Heather Gray won my 5 star rating. I downloaded the book to my iPad and opened it to make certain the file wasn't corrupt. I had NO intention of reading right then, but I glanced at the first paragraph and the next thing I knew of my own time and place, 3 hours had passed. I read the story from beginning to end without moving.
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September 28, 2015This one is a winner.
After being so disappointed with the first book in the series I almost didn't read this one. I'm glad that the glimpse of an engaging story I saw in the first book was fulfilled this time around. This story had everything the first book lacked...a complete and put together plot, sweet romance with tender touches, depth of character, and believable adversity. Well worth the time.
After being so disappointed with the first book in the series I almost didn't read this one. I'm glad that the glimpse of an engaging story I saw in the first book was fulfilled this time around. This story had everything the first book lacked...a complete and put together plot, sweet romance with tender touches, depth of character, and believable adversity. Well worth the time.
January 8, 2018
Good story but not best writing
I really wanted to love this book, but the writing style was a bit too immature for my tastes. The attempts to include period words that aren't often used today felt forced. And there seemed to be a lack of knowledge of the time period as to what would be acceptable or not. The overall storyline is good and is what kept me reading. The storytelling, however, will keep me from reading other books by this author.
I really wanted to love this book, but the writing style was a bit too immature for my tastes. The attempts to include period words that aren't often used today felt forced. And there seemed to be a lack of knowledge of the time period as to what would be acceptable or not. The overall storyline is good and is what kept me reading. The storytelling, however, will keep me from reading other books by this author.
November 4, 2014
Mystery and Intrigue mixed in with high society a little humor and a little romance makes for a wonderful combination. I loved Rupert in the first book and still love him in this one. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 25, 2015
Less than perfect 'thriller'....
Tedious as a whole, with a promising beginning that didn't work out till the end of the story, for me! I kept thinking, when will the story pick up! For a novel about espionage and counter-espionage, I had to push myself to finish it!
Tedious as a whole, with a promising beginning that didn't work out till the end of the story, for me! I kept thinking, when will the story pick up! For a novel about espionage and counter-espionage, I had to push myself to finish it!
December 6, 2015
Parts were a little confusing (I have a tendency to not be able to wrap my brain around mysteries unless they're spelled out for me), but it was still a fun book. Longer than it's prequel, but good.
3 1/2 stars.
3 1/2 stars.
April 18, 2016
Disappointed that the author can't keep facts straight going from book to book. In the first book Thomas was mentioned as being the Duke of Stafford and had an estate name Stafford, in this book, when he's mentioned he's mentioned as being the Duke of Sheffield residing in Sheffield.
July 18, 2016
Rupert is managing his friend Thomas' estate when he is invaded by 3 young ladies & their chaperone who insist he is their guardian. Rupert's past starts to catch up with him, endangering those he's come to care for.
January 28, 2015
3 1/2 Stars
May 3, 2016
What a great Regency mystery! This book was the perfect blend of sweet, historical and mysterious. I loved it!
September 21, 2015
Enjoyable
What a delightful romance full of interesting characters and mysteries that kept me guessing to the end. Lots of suspense. Sweet romance.
What a delightful romance full of interesting characters and mysteries that kept me guessing to the end. Lots of suspense. Sweet romance.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews