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Jax
I understand patterns.
Cause and effect.
Order and chaos.
Most problems have solutions—if you ask the right questions.
Emotions? Not so much.
I don’t do chaos.
I don’t chase adrenaline or fall for women just because they bleed poetry and fire.
Then Stella Evans showed up—barely surviving the Dom Krovi, hiding sharp edges behind sharper eyes.
Now she’s in my house. In my orbit.
And no matter how many equations I run, I can’t figure her out.
She’s defiant. Complicated. Fractured in ways that don’t align with logic.
She doesn’t want saving. Doesn’t want softness.
But every time she pushes, I want to pull.
I’m the calm one. The analyst.
The man who keeps things controlled—mapped, measured, precise.
I fix what breaks.
But Stella isn’t something to fix—
She’s something I need to understand.
And maybe that’s the most dangerous thing of all.
Because while I’m deciphering her, the Dom Krovi is circling again.
And if they try to take her—
they’ll learn what happens when the quiet one stops thinking and starts burning.
Cause and effect.
Order and chaos.
Most problems have solutions—if you ask the right questions.
Emotions? Not so much.
I don’t do chaos.
I don’t chase adrenaline or fall for women just because they bleed poetry and fire.
Then Stella Evans showed up—barely surviving the Dom Krovi, hiding sharp edges behind sharper eyes.
Now she’s in my house. In my orbit.
And no matter how many equations I run, I can’t figure her out.
She’s defiant. Complicated. Fractured in ways that don’t align with logic.
She doesn’t want saving. Doesn’t want softness.
But every time she pushes, I want to pull.
I’m the calm one. The analyst.
The man who keeps things controlled—mapped, measured, precise.
I fix what breaks.
But Stella isn’t something to fix—
She’s something I need to understand.
And maybe that’s the most dangerous thing of all.
Because while I’m deciphering her, the Dom Krovi is circling again.
And if they try to take her—
they’ll learn what happens when the quiet one stops thinking and starts burning.
- GenresDark RomanceDark
572 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
11 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 15, 2025
Shibari as meditation
Sacred Shibari, binding as worship
Shibari as something that makes you an artwork
Shibari as healing
Cathartic pain
“Good girl”
The book has this quiet, ominous feel to it. It’s all moody angst and intense connection between haunted, broken people.
I enjoyed it, but the thinkiness got to be too much at times. There’s hardly any conversation — the story is mostly told through the main character’s inner thoughts. Everything was SO intensely felt that they drowned each other out. It made the book sloggy and repetitive, and sometimes pretentious. I think a lot could have been edited out and the dance between Jax and Stella would have been stronger.
Jax is a data analysis and behavioral prediction nerd, and one of the guardian-protectors at an off-the-grid safe house for broken, traumatized crime victims. It’s not clear why, but the safe house has a seriously kinky “playroom”. There’s no coercion, but conveniently, all of the women find healing one way or another through BDSM. Heh.
Stella’s life has been hijacked. She is bruised, furious, desperate, hyper-observant, and relentless in her need to rescue her sister.
Jax, one of the security experts, is one of those people who just want to be invisible and quietly observe/monitor/analyze what goes on around him. He is simultaneously disconnected from and focused on his team and their mission.
As a Dom and ropemaster he needs resistance. For him perfect submission is too passive. Jax’s ropes and knots are live things that constrain the body, but help release hidden emotions and pain. He needs a partner who fights the ropes not from fear, but because they’re trying to hold strong emotions inside.
Needless to say the pull between Jax and Stella is irresistible.
I liked what Jax had to say about the D/s dynamic:
I’m not sure why they call themselves The Reapers. It doesn’t have much to do with this story.
Nico=brat tamer (Maddy)
Carrick=sadist (Bellamy)
Jax=ropemaster (Stella)
Sully=Daddy Dom (Violet)
Deacon=
Quinn=
Sacred Shibari, binding as worship
Shibari as something that makes you an artwork
Shibari as healing
Cathartic pain
“Good girl”
“Surviving and healing aren’t the same thing. One is holding your breath. The other is finally letting it go.”
The book has this quiet, ominous feel to it. It’s all moody angst and intense connection between haunted, broken people.
I enjoyed it, but the thinkiness got to be too much at times. There’s hardly any conversation — the story is mostly told through the main character’s inner thoughts. Everything was SO intensely felt that they drowned each other out. It made the book sloggy and repetitive, and sometimes pretentious. I think a lot could have been edited out and the dance between Jax and Stella would have been stronger.
Jax is a data analysis and behavioral prediction nerd, and one of the guardian-protectors at an off-the-grid safe house for broken, traumatized crime victims. It’s not clear why, but the safe house has a seriously kinky “playroom”. There’s no coercion, but conveniently, all of the women find healing one way or another through BDSM. Heh.
Stella’s life has been hijacked. She is bruised, furious, desperate, hyper-observant, and relentless in her need to rescue her sister.
Jax, one of the security experts, is one of those people who just want to be invisible and quietly observe/monitor/analyze what goes on around him. He is simultaneously disconnected from and focused on his team and their mission.
As a Dom and ropemaster he needs resistance. For him perfect submission is too passive. Jax’s ropes and knots are live things that constrain the body, but help release hidden emotions and pain. He needs a partner who fights the ropes not from fear, but because they’re trying to hold strong emotions inside.
“Still sounds like therapy with rope burns.” (Stella)
Needless to say the pull between Jax and Stella is irresistible.
I liked what Jax had to say about the D/s dynamic:
“It’s not actually about surrendering power,” he said, voice low. “It’s about determining where that power is directed. You give it intentionally, with structured safeguards and the option to withdraw at any moment.”
I’m not sure why they call themselves The Reapers. It doesn’t have much to do with this story.
Nico=brat tamer (Maddy)
Carrick=sadist (Bellamy)
Jax=ropemaster (Stella)
Sully=Daddy Dom (Violet)
Deacon=
Quinn=
September 12, 2025
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Jax. The Reapers Series.
Following a harrowing ordeal of emotional and psychological torment, Stella is in desperate need of a safe haven. She finds sanctuary with the Reapers, a group led by Jax, who offers her a profound and unexpected form of healing. Through his methodical and analytical nature, Jax is able to see past her defenses and guide her toward emotional liberation and personal growth.
The author handles the themes of Dominance and BDSM with remarkable care and grace, presenting a nuanced and educational look at the lifestyle's delicate dynamics. Through a delicate balance of emotional support and structured practice, Jax provides a space for Stella to safely confront her pain and rebuild herself in a state of freedom and renewal.
The narrative is enriched by a compelling cast of secondary characters whose witty banter and lighthearted moments provide a welcome contrast to the story's heavier themes. Ultimately, the author's artistry shines through in her ability to craft such deeply resonant and memorable protagonists. Jax, in particular, stands out as a deeply impactful character, his portrayal a testament to the power of a secure presence in a character's healing journey. A must read series!💛
Following a harrowing ordeal of emotional and psychological torment, Stella is in desperate need of a safe haven. She finds sanctuary with the Reapers, a group led by Jax, who offers her a profound and unexpected form of healing. Through his methodical and analytical nature, Jax is able to see past her defenses and guide her toward emotional liberation and personal growth.
The author handles the themes of Dominance and BDSM with remarkable care and grace, presenting a nuanced and educational look at the lifestyle's delicate dynamics. Through a delicate balance of emotional support and structured practice, Jax provides a space for Stella to safely confront her pain and rebuild herself in a state of freedom and renewal.
The narrative is enriched by a compelling cast of secondary characters whose witty banter and lighthearted moments provide a welcome contrast to the story's heavier themes. Ultimately, the author's artistry shines through in her ability to craft such deeply resonant and memorable protagonists. Jax, in particular, stands out as a deeply impactful character, his portrayal a testament to the power of a secure presence in a character's healing journey. A must read series!💛
September 20, 2025
SHIBARI 🖤
I have a rope kink, this much I know for sure. Thanks, Jax!
Possibly my favourite of the series so far, I really enjoyed getting to know Jax. He's calculated, methodical, and knows exactly what to press and when. 😉
Unfortunately, I did find this book repetitive in parts; it's about 80% relationship building and 20% action. The found family moments between the group are chef's kiss, and the banter is phenomenal, but sometimes I wonder if the ongoing story arc has been forgotten. 😢 In my opinion, a faster pace would prevent repetition in future books of the series.
I am invested in the series now, so I will return for Book 4...come on Sully, give us both barrels. 😆
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5
I have a rope kink, this much I know for sure. Thanks, Jax!
Possibly my favourite of the series so far, I really enjoyed getting to know Jax. He's calculated, methodical, and knows exactly what to press and when. 😉
Unfortunately, I did find this book repetitive in parts; it's about 80% relationship building and 20% action. The found family moments between the group are chef's kiss, and the banter is phenomenal, but sometimes I wonder if the ongoing story arc has been forgotten. 😢 In my opinion, a faster pace would prevent repetition in future books of the series.
I am invested in the series now, so I will return for Book 4...come on Sully, give us both barrels. 😆
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶.5
September 7, 2025
Jax may be my favorite reaper, well to date, we'll see after Sully and Deacon's books.
Jax is the quiet one, always calculating risks and observing. Stella is needing her control back after Dom Krovi took her and threatened her family.
Jax understands what she needs, he knows she doesn't need to be saved.
Stella fights the pull but Jax is always there when she just needs to be seen and heard. He shows her his ropes and the pain and pleasure they can give.
The chemistry between Jax and Stella was so good. Their communication and understanding was great.
The story ends by leaving us with more questions about Dom Krovi and what will happen next.
Jax is the quiet one, always calculating risks and observing. Stella is needing her control back after Dom Krovi took her and threatened her family.
Jax understands what she needs, he knows she doesn't need to be saved.
Stella fights the pull but Jax is always there when she just needs to be seen and heard. He shows her his ropes and the pain and pleasure they can give.
The chemistry between Jax and Stella was so good. Their communication and understanding was great.
The story ends by leaving us with more questions about Dom Krovi and what will happen next.
September 26, 2025
Jax by Elle Sparrow (The Kansas City Reapers Series – Book 3)
Sensual. Obsessive. Take-Your-Breath-Away Devotion. Those are just a few of the “feels” I got from Elle Sparrow’s most recent book JAX. “Dark, pulse-pounding romance with an edge of danger” doesn’t even come close to the way this book grabs you and keeps you wanting to read. I stand by my previously written review of this Kansas City Reapers series, that it isn’t your average mafia romance – it’s a brutal adventure through witness protection, power struggles and the kind of love that is both romantic and raw. But JAX adds something different. It adds a level of “this could be me” to the story.
JAX is a brilliantly written character – very intelligent, calculated and extremely determined. He’s a man who knows what he wants and will know it when he sees it. Then comes along Stella. Her surface isn’t all she’s cracked up to be and JAX knows it….. or he thinks he knows it.
Elle Sparrow has created some interesting characters in the past, but JAX is someone whom I would love to sit down and have a conversation with. I loved him! And Stella is a lucky girl, at least with respect to her relationship with JAX!
With this being the third book out of the five “Reaper” series books, it reveals a lot more about the underlying story – based on the five ex-special ops veterans who have built a witness protection program deeply set in a forest near Kansas City. Each of the men have their special talents, and JAX is all about technology, security and his specialty is intelligence. He calculates, triangulates and manipulates! So, when Stella arrives, JAX first evaluates. And what an evaluation that becomes. LOL!
This story was breathtaking! I couldn’t put it down. And I’m not even going to talk about that relationship of the other house mates! You just have to read it for yourself! I laughed so hard at times, I had to stop – breath – repeat! Riddled with authentic BDSM and relationships, JAX is my new FAVORITE book……until the next Reaper shows his steamy body!
Favorite Quote – “I’ll count your heartbeats on the way back.” “That’s not a promise.” “It is,” I said. “It’s just not the kind of promise that depends on me surviving.” – Elle Sparrow “Jax”
Plot – Adventurous, Romantic, Frustrating, Exciting
Spice Level – 🌶 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes – Touch-Starved Hero, Praise K*nk, Denial, Emotional BD$M, Restraints (More listed in the book.)
Favorite Parts – The devotion that is Jax. It gave me goose bumps!
Triggers – Murder, Gun Violence, BDSM, Spanking & Impact (More listed in the book.)
Sensual. Obsessive. Take-Your-Breath-Away Devotion. Those are just a few of the “feels” I got from Elle Sparrow’s most recent book JAX. “Dark, pulse-pounding romance with an edge of danger” doesn’t even come close to the way this book grabs you and keeps you wanting to read. I stand by my previously written review of this Kansas City Reapers series, that it isn’t your average mafia romance – it’s a brutal adventure through witness protection, power struggles and the kind of love that is both romantic and raw. But JAX adds something different. It adds a level of “this could be me” to the story.
JAX is a brilliantly written character – very intelligent, calculated and extremely determined. He’s a man who knows what he wants and will know it when he sees it. Then comes along Stella. Her surface isn’t all she’s cracked up to be and JAX knows it….. or he thinks he knows it.
Elle Sparrow has created some interesting characters in the past, but JAX is someone whom I would love to sit down and have a conversation with. I loved him! And Stella is a lucky girl, at least with respect to her relationship with JAX!
With this being the third book out of the five “Reaper” series books, it reveals a lot more about the underlying story – based on the five ex-special ops veterans who have built a witness protection program deeply set in a forest near Kansas City. Each of the men have their special talents, and JAX is all about technology, security and his specialty is intelligence. He calculates, triangulates and manipulates! So, when Stella arrives, JAX first evaluates. And what an evaluation that becomes. LOL!
This story was breathtaking! I couldn’t put it down. And I’m not even going to talk about that relationship of the other house mates! You just have to read it for yourself! I laughed so hard at times, I had to stop – breath – repeat! Riddled with authentic BDSM and relationships, JAX is my new FAVORITE book……until the next Reaper shows his steamy body!
Favorite Quote – “I’ll count your heartbeats on the way back.” “That’s not a promise.” “It is,” I said. “It’s just not the kind of promise that depends on me surviving.” – Elle Sparrow “Jax”
Plot – Adventurous, Romantic, Frustrating, Exciting
Spice Level – 🌶 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes – Touch-Starved Hero, Praise K*nk, Denial, Emotional BD$M, Restraints (More listed in the book.)
Favorite Parts – The devotion that is Jax. It gave me goose bumps!
Triggers – Murder, Gun Violence, BDSM, Spanking & Impact (More listed in the book.)
September 21, 2025
“I want to kiss you until you forget every reason you were ever scared to be touched.”
First, a huge thank you to Elle Sparrow for continuing to trust me as an ARC reader for the Kansas City Reapers series. I am still thoroughly hooked on this world—the intensity, the complexity, and the way each book dives into trauma, healing, and the messy, beautiful in-between.
What I love most about Elle’s writing is how intentional it is. Every kink dynamic isn’t just there for spice—it’s there for healing, for reclaiming, for showing how power, control, and intimacy shift depending on who’s holding it. With Niko, we got a pleasure Dom with some primal play and predicament bondage. With Carrick, it was a sadist Dom, helping Bellamy work through trauma. Now with Jax, we step into the world of Shibari—rope, restraint, control, and release. This isn’t about simply giving up power; it’s about finding strength within vulnerability, and Elle captures that beautifully.
Jax and Stella’s connection felt unique compared to the others—it’s more vocal, more layered. Both of them crave control, but in different ways, and somehow those differences slot together seamlessly. Stella’s journey to rebuild her sense of power and Jax’s steady presence guiding her through it? That was everything.
Now let’s talk spice: 🔥 The rope play, the tension, the sheer intensity—Elle absolutely nailed it. Even with the slower pacing of some of the day-to-day parts of the story, the spice scenes were so well-written and compelling that they carried me through.
And then, the found family. Always my favorite part of this series. This book gave us more girl time, and Maddy had me absolutely wheezing. That girl is pure chaos in the best way. Sully, too—and I’m ridiculously eager for his book. I have a feeling he might bring some comedic relief to the series while still holding his own dynamic—maybe roleplay, maybe “good boy” vibes? 👀 Whatever it is, I know it’s going to be unforgettable.
This series continues to deliver exactly what I love: healing, strength, vulnerability, and love—messy, complicated, hard-won love. And I am absolutely here for it.
First, a huge thank you to Elle Sparrow for continuing to trust me as an ARC reader for the Kansas City Reapers series. I am still thoroughly hooked on this world—the intensity, the complexity, and the way each book dives into trauma, healing, and the messy, beautiful in-between.
What I love most about Elle’s writing is how intentional it is. Every kink dynamic isn’t just there for spice—it’s there for healing, for reclaiming, for showing how power, control, and intimacy shift depending on who’s holding it. With Niko, we got a pleasure Dom with some primal play and predicament bondage. With Carrick, it was a sadist Dom, helping Bellamy work through trauma. Now with Jax, we step into the world of Shibari—rope, restraint, control, and release. This isn’t about simply giving up power; it’s about finding strength within vulnerability, and Elle captures that beautifully.
Jax and Stella’s connection felt unique compared to the others—it’s more vocal, more layered. Both of them crave control, but in different ways, and somehow those differences slot together seamlessly. Stella’s journey to rebuild her sense of power and Jax’s steady presence guiding her through it? That was everything.
Now let’s talk spice: 🔥 The rope play, the tension, the sheer intensity—Elle absolutely nailed it. Even with the slower pacing of some of the day-to-day parts of the story, the spice scenes were so well-written and compelling that they carried me through.
And then, the found family. Always my favorite part of this series. This book gave us more girl time, and Maddy had me absolutely wheezing. That girl is pure chaos in the best way. Sully, too—and I’m ridiculously eager for his book. I have a feeling he might bring some comedic relief to the series while still holding his own dynamic—maybe roleplay, maybe “good boy” vibes? 👀 Whatever it is, I know it’s going to be unforgettable.
This series continues to deliver exactly what I love: healing, strength, vulnerability, and love—messy, complicated, hard-won love. And I am absolutely here for it.
September 24, 2025
“And with you, rope isn’t control. It’s devotion.”
I loved Nikolai, the first book in this series. It was a great read. Then came book 2 Carrick and I though it was even better. It was such an emotional story to read. I wondered, after reading Carrick’s story, if the author could deliver another book as profound as I found this one. Well! She delivered and what a story this was. Stella arrives at the property of the Kansas City Reapers, almost broken but still needing to save her sister at all costs. Jax, the one who studies the equations of the situation and finds ways to solve them. The tactical side of him is very good at doing this. And Stella becomes the biggest equation he has to solve.
I have read a lot of books that use Shibari but after reading this book and I reflect on others I have read. I came to the conclusion that the authors just skimmed the connection that Shibari brings to a relationship. Ms Sparrow, did not skim but dove deep into this topic. She did not use Shibari as a sensual, romantic thing, but more as a tool used for healing right down to the soul type of activity. It was the deep emotions the rope brought out. It was the trust and ultimately the love. It became a mutually cathartic tool for both these two very strong people. Very, very emotional.
Having said that, the bigger picture story that runs through it, with the men of the Kansas City Reapers keep the women they soon find themselves with, safe from the Dom Krovi heats up in this book. I am rooting for the Dom Krovi to lose the battle and the war, but it is going to take a lot of work to do that. This vicious gang will do anything to find the Reaper’s home and destroy them and the women they are protections. Very enjoyable.
I loved Nikolai, the first book in this series. It was a great read. Then came book 2 Carrick and I though it was even better. It was such an emotional story to read. I wondered, after reading Carrick’s story, if the author could deliver another book as profound as I found this one. Well! She delivered and what a story this was. Stella arrives at the property of the Kansas City Reapers, almost broken but still needing to save her sister at all costs. Jax, the one who studies the equations of the situation and finds ways to solve them. The tactical side of him is very good at doing this. And Stella becomes the biggest equation he has to solve.
I have read a lot of books that use Shibari but after reading this book and I reflect on others I have read. I came to the conclusion that the authors just skimmed the connection that Shibari brings to a relationship. Ms Sparrow, did not skim but dove deep into this topic. She did not use Shibari as a sensual, romantic thing, but more as a tool used for healing right down to the soul type of activity. It was the deep emotions the rope brought out. It was the trust and ultimately the love. It became a mutually cathartic tool for both these two very strong people. Very, very emotional.
Having said that, the bigger picture story that runs through it, with the men of the Kansas City Reapers keep the women they soon find themselves with, safe from the Dom Krovi heats up in this book. I am rooting for the Dom Krovi to lose the battle and the war, but it is going to take a lot of work to do that. This vicious gang will do anything to find the Reaper’s home and destroy them and the women they are protections. Very enjoyable.
September 9, 2025
Let me say, if it were possible to give this book more than 5 stars, I would. I am already a huge fan of Elle and her books, pretty much since Ive discovered her, and that goes without saying, I love how she writes, but I was not looking forward to Jax, for many reasons, im not truly one who is into overly analytical gentlemen, but I went in with an open heart.
Whew child. I am Glad I did. Jax delivers and then some.
Stella needed a safe haven to go after being kidnapped by the Dom Kravoi and being tortured emotionally, and being released with purpose.
Enter the safehouse, and the Reapers. Predominantly Jax, he sees her. In ways she has yet to see in herself. He gives to her exactly what she didn't know she needed. Patience, and the freedom to break. And to let go, of the pain, the self punishment.
His methodical calculations and his overly analytical skills drive deep past her outer shell and to see her. Really see who she needs to become. Through his words and thick coils of rope, he allows her to be held and break. Into a thousand pieces and free.
In true Elle style, she delivers Dominance, BDSM and the precious, delicate balances of the lifestyle with utmost care, elegance and educational precision.
We get glimpses of all the other members of the Reapers and especially lots of girlish fun with Maddy and Bellamy as well as fun banter from everyone.
For me, Jax turned my world on its axis and suddenly I felt the deep need to be held in a safe space by him. I have been shattered by him and he engraved on my heart.
Elle is a true artist and I will hold her men in my heart as reverently as she writes them.
Whew child. I am Glad I did. Jax delivers and then some.
Stella needed a safe haven to go after being kidnapped by the Dom Kravoi and being tortured emotionally, and being released with purpose.
Enter the safehouse, and the Reapers. Predominantly Jax, he sees her. In ways she has yet to see in herself. He gives to her exactly what she didn't know she needed. Patience, and the freedom to break. And to let go, of the pain, the self punishment.
His methodical calculations and his overly analytical skills drive deep past her outer shell and to see her. Really see who she needs to become. Through his words and thick coils of rope, he allows her to be held and break. Into a thousand pieces and free.
In true Elle style, she delivers Dominance, BDSM and the precious, delicate balances of the lifestyle with utmost care, elegance and educational precision.
We get glimpses of all the other members of the Reapers and especially lots of girlish fun with Maddy and Bellamy as well as fun banter from everyone.
For me, Jax turned my world on its axis and suddenly I felt the deep need to be held in a safe space by him. I have been shattered by him and he engraved on my heart.
Elle is a true artist and I will hold her men in my heart as reverently as she writes them.
September 23, 2025
Let me start off with saying I have really enjoyed this series so far.
Jax has really put me through it. I found it to be an emotionally charged read. It took me a while to get through it as it was just heavy but in a way that you don’t want it to stop.
I loved how measured Jax was, everything has an equation and can be solved. Enter in Stella who is a ball of tight fury that Jax can’t fit into his equations as much as he wants to.
I loved the girl gang between Stella, Bellamy and Maddy. They’re chaos in Glitter and I am here for it.
This is a slow burn but oh my does it burn so good. As always I learn things from Elle Sparrow books, I may have googled a few things. If Shibari is something that interests you or you like it in your books. You should absolutely pick this one up.
This is a longer book, but worth the read!
Favourite quotes
“Grief doesn’t always scream. Sometimes it lingers, quiet and unbearable. It takes up residence beneath the skin, dense as static, low as a pressure front.”
“You are a vision of triumph and tension. Art and aching. And I’m going to make you feel every line of it.”
“Some men knelt for war. Others for music, or gods. I knelt for this. A woman suspended midair by my hands.”
Jax has really put me through it. I found it to be an emotionally charged read. It took me a while to get through it as it was just heavy but in a way that you don’t want it to stop.
I loved how measured Jax was, everything has an equation and can be solved. Enter in Stella who is a ball of tight fury that Jax can’t fit into his equations as much as he wants to.
I loved the girl gang between Stella, Bellamy and Maddy. They’re chaos in Glitter and I am here for it.
This is a slow burn but oh my does it burn so good. As always I learn things from Elle Sparrow books, I may have googled a few things. If Shibari is something that interests you or you like it in your books. You should absolutely pick this one up.
This is a longer book, but worth the read!
Favourite quotes
“Grief doesn’t always scream. Sometimes it lingers, quiet and unbearable. It takes up residence beneath the skin, dense as static, low as a pressure front.”
“You are a vision of triumph and tension. Art and aching. And I’m going to make you feel every line of it.”
“Some men knelt for war. Others for music, or gods. I knelt for this. A woman suspended midair by my hands.”
September 17, 2025
“Jax” by Elle Sparrow
Series: Kansas City Reapers Book 3
Genre: Dark Romance
POV: Dual
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
Darkness: 5🩶
Highlights:
🖤Ex-Military Dom MMC
🖤Bratty Submissive Heroine
🖤Morally Grey Hero
🖤BD$M/Sh!bari
🖤Found Family/Band of Brothers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Touch Starved Hero
🖤He Falls First
🖤Mafia Crime
Thoughts:
I loved this delve into k!nk woven with suspense, high spice and medium burn romance. The scenes were super hot, especially as Jax took to taming his brat with his mixture of pleasure dominance and creative rope work. Their characters were multi layered and full of deep emotions and the writing was beautifully done. I liked how their love grew slowly as did her joy with being accepted into this found family. The action scenes were well done and the spice scenes were intricate and filled with emotion. I did not expect how sweet and spicy this quiet genius of a male lead was hiding in Jax as he was the quiet one on the team.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as themes and events depicted in this book could be triggering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Series: Kansas City Reapers Book 3
Genre: Dark Romance
POV: Dual
Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 3🌶️
Darkness: 5🩶
Highlights:
🖤Ex-Military Dom MMC
🖤Bratty Submissive Heroine
🖤Morally Grey Hero
🖤BD$M/Sh!bari
🖤Found Family/Band of Brothers
🖤Forced Proximity
🖤Touch Starved Hero
🖤He Falls First
🖤Mafia Crime
Thoughts:
I loved this delve into k!nk woven with suspense, high spice and medium burn romance. The scenes were super hot, especially as Jax took to taming his brat with his mixture of pleasure dominance and creative rope work. Their characters were multi layered and full of deep emotions and the writing was beautifully done. I liked how their love grew slowly as did her joy with being accepted into this found family. The action scenes were well done and the spice scenes were intricate and filled with emotion. I did not expect how sweet and spicy this quiet genius of a male lead was hiding in Jax as he was the quiet one on the team.
🛑Please read all the author warnings as themes and events depicted in this book could be triggering. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2025
“Surviving and healing aren't the same thing”
This wasn’t a book. It was an autopsy. A slow dissection of logic, emotion, and the terrible, beautiful mess that happens when the two collide.
It started quiet. Precise. Every sentence so clean it almost felt safe. And then without warning it wasn’t. It cracked open, bled truth all over the page, and dared me to look away. Spoiler: I didn’t. The control. The chaos. The tension between wanting to understand something and realizing you never truly can. It’s maddening in the most addictive way.
There are lines in here that feel like being punched in the chest by someone whispering “don’t you get it now?” And I did. Too much. This story doesn’t ask for your attention, it hijacks your nervous system. It gets under your skin, rearranges your synapses, and leaves you staring at the ceiling whispering “what the hell did I just read?”
Not a romance. Not a thriller. Not anything you can categorize neatly. Just a quiet implosion disguised as a love story, and I will never, ever be normal again. 10 stars. Zero recovery. Infinite replays in my head like a haunting I don’t want to stop. PS- In case you can’t tell, I FLOVED this book!
This wasn’t a book. It was an autopsy. A slow dissection of logic, emotion, and the terrible, beautiful mess that happens when the two collide.
It started quiet. Precise. Every sentence so clean it almost felt safe. And then without warning it wasn’t. It cracked open, bled truth all over the page, and dared me to look away. Spoiler: I didn’t. The control. The chaos. The tension between wanting to understand something and realizing you never truly can. It’s maddening in the most addictive way.
There are lines in here that feel like being punched in the chest by someone whispering “don’t you get it now?” And I did. Too much. This story doesn’t ask for your attention, it hijacks your nervous system. It gets under your skin, rearranges your synapses, and leaves you staring at the ceiling whispering “what the hell did I just read?”
Not a romance. Not a thriller. Not anything you can categorize neatly. Just a quiet implosion disguised as a love story, and I will never, ever be normal again. 10 stars. Zero recovery. Infinite replays in my head like a haunting I don’t want to stop. PS- In case you can’t tell, I FLOVED this book!
October 12, 2025
I been looking forward to Jax story for awhile now and it definitely made me feel like I was reading a foreign language to some degree, I felt like a learned a lot he not what I was expecting in some ways and on the side some what was like I thought he would be. I love this story in many ways but kept struggling on and off it’s not necessarily a slow burn but feels like it at times. At the beginning starts off very intriguing in my opinion I love the suspenseful moments I kept guessing what could happen! I couldn’t believe the strategies the evil bad guys take I feel like I learned more about them through this book! I love the main characters and new characters in each book I’m really curious if Violet gets closer to one of the single guys left protecting the sassy woman! Overall great book with lots of things to have you wanting more and wondering among other things! :) the author did great work with all the new details I enjoyed getting to know more about the topics ;)
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
TragicWonderful charactersUnpredictable RealisticTwistedScaryFunnyRomanticHappily Ever AfterAction-packedSteamyHaunting
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
TragicWonderful charactersUnpredictable RealisticTwistedScaryFunnyRomanticHappily Ever AfterAction-packedSteamyHaunting
September 9, 2025
Finding safety and the ability to breathe
Stella is the new lady to come into the house. She came in with a mission but found Jax instead. She came in only wanting to save her sister but not knowing it these people could be trusted.
The Shabari with Jax is both extremely hot and beautiful. I loved reading how he set it up and held it all while also hearing how she was able to give in to it all. Rope play is one I haven't had a chance to experience but this was beautiful and makes me crave it more. The suspension, the bite, the heat, the clarity, and the surrender all come together to give what she couldn't find on her own.
This book also brought more into what is going on with the Dom Krovi. Finding so much info in this one should help them move forward in finding the end game as well as who is crooked.
"I was meant to be useful-bruised into obedience, and painted in panic"
"But surviving and healing aren't the same thing. One is holding your breath. The other is finally letting it go"
Stella is the new lady to come into the house. She came in with a mission but found Jax instead. She came in only wanting to save her sister but not knowing it these people could be trusted.
The Shabari with Jax is both extremely hot and beautiful. I loved reading how he set it up and held it all while also hearing how she was able to give in to it all. Rope play is one I haven't had a chance to experience but this was beautiful and makes me crave it more. The suspension, the bite, the heat, the clarity, and the surrender all come together to give what she couldn't find on her own.
This book also brought more into what is going on with the Dom Krovi. Finding so much info in this one should help them move forward in finding the end game as well as who is crooked.
"I was meant to be useful-bruised into obedience, and painted in panic"
"But surviving and healing aren't the same thing. One is holding your breath. The other is finally letting it go"
September 25, 2025
Jax is a wild ride full of grit, heat, and heart, the kind of book that has you swooning one second and feral screaming the next.
Jax himself is magnetic in that “do not touch, but also absolutely touch” way, and the romance burns slow and steady until it explodes in exactly the right kind of chaos.
But it’s Stella who wrecked me. She was broken, raw, and in desperate need of a place to land, she finds in Jax the safety and patience she’s been denied for far too long. Watching her unfold, heal, and thrive in her true form because of the sanctuary he provided turned this from just another smutty romance read into something genuinely moving.
My only gripe, and the reason it missed that final star, is the pacing; a few spots circled the runway longer than they needed to, edging on repetitive when I just wanted to barrel forward. Still, when it hits, it really hits, and overall this book is pure intensity, equal parts ruin and repair, leaving you tangled up in their story long after the last page.
Jax himself is magnetic in that “do not touch, but also absolutely touch” way, and the romance burns slow and steady until it explodes in exactly the right kind of chaos.
But it’s Stella who wrecked me. She was broken, raw, and in desperate need of a place to land, she finds in Jax the safety and patience she’s been denied for far too long. Watching her unfold, heal, and thrive in her true form because of the sanctuary he provided turned this from just another smutty romance read into something genuinely moving.
My only gripe, and the reason it missed that final star, is the pacing; a few spots circled the runway longer than they needed to, edging on repetitive when I just wanted to barrel forward. Still, when it hits, it really hits, and overall this book is pure intensity, equal parts ruin and repair, leaving you tangled up in their story long after the last page.
September 18, 2025
Jax is the rope master! It's a good spicy story!!
What you get.....
♡Grumpy Sunshine
♡Dark Romance
♡Mafia
♡Tech Genius
♡Protective
♡He Falls First
♡Morally Gray
♡Forced Proximity
♡Touch Starved Man Who Only Burns for Her 🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥
♡BDSM
♡Spicy 🔥 🥵 🔥 🥵 🔥 🥵
♡She's His Weakness
♡D/s Power Exchange (with a soft side)
♡Rope Play. He loves Knots!
♡Dirty Talk
♡First Time Submissive
♡Praise Kink
♡Begging Kink
♡Impact Play
♡Emotional BDSM
♡Safe Words
♡Aftercare
♡Found Family
♡Trauma Bonding
♡Trauma Healing
Stella is so strong, brave, and b@d@ss woman!! She stayed strong to help her family, she is amazing!!
The chemistry between Jax and Stella is sizzling hot!! 🥵🔥🥵🔥
I love the whole group in the house. They are so protective and loving of each other. I can't wait to read the next book!!
Elle does a great job at sucking you into her stories and making you love most of her characters!!
Definitely a must-read series!!
What you get.....
♡Grumpy Sunshine
♡Dark Romance
♡Mafia
♡Tech Genius
♡Protective
♡He Falls First
♡Morally Gray
♡Forced Proximity
♡Touch Starved Man Who Only Burns for Her 🥵🔥🥵🔥🥵🔥
♡BDSM
♡Spicy 🔥 🥵 🔥 🥵 🔥 🥵
♡She's His Weakness
♡D/s Power Exchange (with a soft side)
♡Rope Play. He loves Knots!
♡Dirty Talk
♡First Time Submissive
♡Praise Kink
♡Begging Kink
♡Impact Play
♡Emotional BDSM
♡Safe Words
♡Aftercare
♡Found Family
♡Trauma Bonding
♡Trauma Healing
Stella is so strong, brave, and b@d@ss woman!! She stayed strong to help her family, she is amazing!!
The chemistry between Jax and Stella is sizzling hot!! 🥵🔥🥵🔥
I love the whole group in the house. They are so protective and loving of each other. I can't wait to read the next book!!
Elle does a great job at sucking you into her stories and making you love most of her characters!!
Definitely a must-read series!!
September 26, 2025
Rope God! The Kansas City Reapers do it again!
Mild, meek, well mannered and quiet Jax meets his match with Stella joins the house. After being held hostage and used for the mafia, Stella finds herself in the safe confines of the Reapers safe house. If you want mafia, dark romance, tech genius, protective, BDSM, and spicy rope play among many many other tropes, this is the book for you.
I thoroughly enjoy Elle Sparrow's writing but this series and how the boys bring the darkness to light is amazing.
"But surviving and healing aren't the same thing. One is holding your breath. The other is finally letting it go."
This book is the perfect balance. 570+ pages of perfection.
While this can be read as a standalone, to understand the chemistry and vibes from the other couples in the safe house, you should probably read Niko and Carrick first. They're both well worth the read.
Looking forward to the next installment and to see what Deacon and Sully get into.
Mild, meek, well mannered and quiet Jax meets his match with Stella joins the house. After being held hostage and used for the mafia, Stella finds herself in the safe confines of the Reapers safe house. If you want mafia, dark romance, tech genius, protective, BDSM, and spicy rope play among many many other tropes, this is the book for you.
I thoroughly enjoy Elle Sparrow's writing but this series and how the boys bring the darkness to light is amazing.
"But surviving and healing aren't the same thing. One is holding your breath. The other is finally letting it go."
This book is the perfect balance. 570+ pages of perfection.
While this can be read as a standalone, to understand the chemistry and vibes from the other couples in the safe house, you should probably read Niko and Carrick first. They're both well worth the read.
Looking forward to the next installment and to see what Deacon and Sully get into.
October 8, 2025
Jax- ARC review
I really liked this book, as I have with the other two in this series (so no surprise there LOL). “Jax” is such a captivating addition to this series,and I absolutely loved his relationship with Stella. I also really enjoyed getting to see the relationship with the guys on Jax’s side too.
Jax provides Stella with the patience and freedom she needs to overcome her past pain and self-punishment, using rope play more as a metaphor for breaking free from her past. I feel like that made their characters gel really well even just friendship wise, with Jax being her steamy lighthouse on the coast per-se.
I absolutely cannot wait till the next book. I have a feeling we’ll be getting a lot more action/tension in the Dom Krovi department (hello more anxiety for me 😂), and hopefully find out who our mole is 👀. Plus the HUMOR. There were times that I was cracking up in public because of some of the smart remarks we got periodically through out the book.
I really liked this book, as I have with the other two in this series (so no surprise there LOL). “Jax” is such a captivating addition to this series,and I absolutely loved his relationship with Stella. I also really enjoyed getting to see the relationship with the guys on Jax’s side too.
Jax provides Stella with the patience and freedom she needs to overcome her past pain and self-punishment, using rope play more as a metaphor for breaking free from her past. I feel like that made their characters gel really well even just friendship wise, with Jax being her steamy lighthouse on the coast per-se.
I absolutely cannot wait till the next book. I have a feeling we’ll be getting a lot more action/tension in the Dom Krovi department (hello more anxiety for me 😂), and hopefully find out who our mole is 👀. Plus the HUMOR. There were times that I was cracking up in public because of some of the smart remarks we got periodically through out the book.
October 16, 2025
Ehhhh… he might just be my favorite!!! From start to finish, JAX pulled me in and didn’t let go. The way Elle Sparrow writes tension - both emotional and physical - is pure perfection. Jax, the calm and calculated analyst, meeting Stella, the beautifully broken survivor… chef’s kiss. Their chemistry crackles off the page.
This story has everything I love - danger, emotion, and that slow unraveling of two people who shouldn’t work but absolutely do. Jax trying to “solve” Stella only to realize she’s not a puzzle but a person? DEVASTATINGLY good. The quiet intensity, the protectiveness, the burn beneath the logic - I ate it up.
Elle Sparrow continues to build such a compelling world, and I’m already desperate for more. The Dom Krovi storyline? The found family vibes? The moral grayness of it all? Perfection.
This story has everything I love - danger, emotion, and that slow unraveling of two people who shouldn’t work but absolutely do. Jax trying to “solve” Stella only to realize she’s not a puzzle but a person? DEVASTATINGLY good. The quiet intensity, the protectiveness, the burn beneath the logic - I ate it up.
Elle Sparrow continues to build such a compelling world, and I’m already desperate for more. The Dom Krovi storyline? The found family vibes? The moral grayness of it all? Perfection.
September 8, 2025
A lot happens in book three and you really need to read the previous books to understand all the charters and their individual story. This is quite a long book, too long in my opinion. I really wasn't sure about either Jax or Stella in the beginning. I understood Stella wanting to make sure her sisters safe and the reason she made the decision she did. I also understand that a witness can be held, but a judge is the only one who can make a decision to hold someone against their will especially if they are a material witness so to speak. I don't believe that happened and I didn't feel that Jax was right in holding her either. Eventually both characters grew on me but it took me awhile before that happened.
September 7, 2025
I’m not sure I have the words to describe just how beautiful this book was. Elle writes in a way that settles deep into your bones, it grips you & it holds you. Much like Jax with his ropes. Stella is another victim of the Dom Krovi, sent to the safe house whilst they try to dismantle them. But with her recent trauma at their hands; & the knowledge of what she has to lose, she struggles to find her way in the safe house. This is where Jax is there to bind her, to create a safe space for her to be able to fall apart with him waiting for her the other side. I cannot express the way this book holds your heart in its hands. Much like being rigged & suspended; it’s a work of art.
September 9, 2025
Ms. Sparrow writes everything with such color!
So totally immersive!
The characters have such depth!
The world-building…stupendous!
I feel like I'm there.
Seeing what the characters see.
Feeling what the characters feel!
This is intense.
Just like the other books in the series!
BUT, Jax. Oh my gosh!
He's going to live rent-free in my mind for a very long time to come!
I loved him!
Poor Stella!
What will her choice be?
I was rooting for the one I would make!
If I need protection, the Reapers are who I want to be sent to!
More than FIVE Stars! So many more!
So totally immersive!
The characters have such depth!
The world-building…stupendous!
I feel like I'm there.
Seeing what the characters see.
Feeling what the characters feel!
This is intense.
Just like the other books in the series!
BUT, Jax. Oh my gosh!
He's going to live rent-free in my mind for a very long time to come!
I loved him!
Poor Stella!
What will her choice be?
I was rooting for the one I would make!
If I need protection, the Reapers are who I want to be sent to!
More than FIVE Stars! So many more!
September 12, 2025
Jax is my favorite reaper as of now! I was always intrigued by him and he lived up to it all. Coming into the house from a traumatic event is enough to make you not trust anyone but when you know police were involved in your kidnapping and holding it makes even more sense that Stella won’t want to trust the men in the house especially when she’s holding a secret one that could get her sister killed and possibly even herself.
The relationship that they grow is such a beautiful one it truly was laid out like they were made for eachother.
I think I know who the fmc will be for the next book depending on if it’s Sully or Deacons book Atleast I’m hoping!!!
The relationship that they grow is such a beautiful one it truly was laid out like they were made for eachother.
I think I know who the fmc will be for the next book depending on if it’s Sully or Deacons book Atleast I’m hoping!!!
September 13, 2025
Arc review. Jax was my most anticipated read in The Kansas City Reapers series and Elle did not disappoint, the perfectly written storyline has cemented Jax as my favourite by miles, Elle writes hot geek/genius effortlessly without making the reader or the FMC feel inadequate in comparison. Stella's trauma is tangible throughout, her growth and healing consistent. There is no rush, or jumping from one extreme to the other. Jax helps her reclaim herself but by bit, knowing exactly what she needs before she can voice her needs. The side characters hold intrigue, both those who have had their story told and those still awaiting their turn and it's simply impossible not to love them all.
September 9, 2025
Jax is my favorite Reaper so far! I’m a sucker for the quiet neurodivergent MMC. Jax thrives on facts and data instead of feelings, but he’s lonely. Enter Stella, the strong, snarky, and traumatized newest rescue in the house. Jax slowly shows her what it’s like to be seen and cared for and Stella slowly opens up and lets him. I love the way she loves his logic and data and even thrives on it. The banter between all the characters is amazing, per usual. If you’re into rope bondage and emotional breakthroughs, you’ll love Jax and Stella’s story.
September 10, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and everytime we venture back to this safe house and fall a little more for these characters and find more to love about each of the guys.
Jax is the resident quite guy, but quite does mean naive, or that he doesn’t see, he sees everything and knows exactly what our FMC Sharon needs. The chemistry between these two is brilliant and I loved the relationship they build.
this book ends with you asking many questions and excited for the next book in the series. Give me more please!
Jax is the resident quite guy, but quite does mean naive, or that he doesn’t see, he sees everything and knows exactly what our FMC Sharon needs. The chemistry between these two is brilliant and I loved the relationship they build.
this book ends with you asking many questions and excited for the next book in the series. Give me more please!
September 11, 2025
When I read Nikolai, I thought that it couldn't get any better. In walked Carrick and that proved to me that I was wrong. In his book, we got a little peek into a side of Jax that was not originally noticeable. At that point, I had a feeling that a new favorite would be discovered once he had his own book. I eagerly waited and let me tell you, I was no disappointed. There is just something about Jax that has me in a chokehold. This entire series should be added to your list of books to read as soon as possible.
September 27, 2025
This book was just wow. Stella and Jax were some pretty hot characters. Both strong and knowing they want. Rope play is a for me. But this book executed it so well. I think I learned while also enjoying the steaminess of this story. I loved how well developed the characters were. I feel like Jax was a too much into the thoughts. I feel like it would’ve read better being more story and less thoughts. But it didn’t away from it much.
Overall I loved hire this was written. I know it left me wanting more. I wait to read more into these obviously awesome series.
Overall I loved hire this was written. I know it left me wanting more. I wait to read more into these obviously awesome series.
September 28, 2025
Good BDSM trauma bonding story.
I am enjoying the overall storyline. This book is different from the others. Meaning the characters are quieter, and the story seems to stretch at times, but I expected this from Jax and the personality we have previously seen. Other than that, the storyline is gripping. The mission they went on was intense, especially with what happened in book 2.
Good character development, great breaks in the story to have girl time, real time. In this book, you learn more about rope BDSM, not all is about spice it's something deeper.
I am enjoying the overall storyline. This book is different from the others. Meaning the characters are quieter, and the story seems to stretch at times, but I expected this from Jax and the personality we have previously seen. Other than that, the storyline is gripping. The mission they went on was intense, especially with what happened in book 2.
Good character development, great breaks in the story to have girl time, real time. In this book, you learn more about rope BDSM, not all is about spice it's something deeper.
September 9, 2025
I have read many books by Elle Sparrow and sometimes in the depth of her character, the ensemble casts and the great plots, I fail to mention the simple beauty of her words. She paints the most vivid imagery, there is poetry in her prose. Jax is filled with introspection that's too intellectual to be called angst. Time spent in weighted stillness. This is a love story told in rope. But in the end, it's all about the words, smart, lovely, brutal, honest, twisting a tale you will remember.
September 20, 2025
I liked this! It's Jax & Stella's story & they had a great one! She gets targeted for her business & goes to sign it over. But there's a lot going on here behind the scenes. She gets taken to a safe house & meets Jax. There's undeniable chemistry there. He wants to be in a relationship & helps her so much through her own issues. The Shabari in here is beautiful & sensual. I loved the story & the spice, I'm so happy they found their HEA in each other! Highly recommend this book & author!
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