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Jacky Leon #12

Cruel Revenge

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Some grudges never die.

Time marches on. Powers shift and new leaders control the supernatural world. People change, learning and growing, evolving into new versions of themselves.

I do my best to remain consistent through it all. I will always be Jacky Leon, a member of the werecat ruling family. I’m getting married to Heath Everson, a werewolf and the man I love, if we can finish planning the wedding. Soon, I’m going to have the family I’ve always dreamed of.

But our enemies never rest and they don’t let go. The witches are moving against us, weaving traps that cut deeper than I could have ever expected. New threats, familiar faces, and old stories will crash together and threaten to cruelly shatter everything I’ve fought to hold together.

But I won’t change. I will always be willing to do anything for the people I love.
Old grudges be damned.

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2025

237 people are currently reading
257 people want to read

About the author

K.N. Banet

37 books725 followers
Author of the Jacky Leon series, Kaliya Sahni series, and Everly Abbott series, along with standalones that belong in the same world as all of them!

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5 stars
1,014 (74%)
4 stars
267 (19%)
3 stars
63 (4%)
2 stars
5 (<1%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,816 reviews289 followers
October 7, 2025
Whew! This book hit the ground running and then after a short recovery period from that opening, moved at a breakneck pace right through the finish line.

The author has always been clear that she has 15 books planned in Jacky's arc, and you can feel all those threads pulling tight as we get near the finish line now. Some huge things happened in this book, including one I have to say I've been expecting for a good long while. That's not to say any of it was easy - after Fenris's devastating death a few books ago, I knew none of our secondary characters are safe, and so I was a nervous wreck through a good stretch of this book. I also cried a few times. But I loved every minute.

I particularly loved that all the strife between the Eversons and Jacky's werecat family is behind us. Together, they make a powerful team, and we get to see that play out in this book. It was wonderful!

Can't wait for the next one!

Immediate re-read
I've mentioned this before, but with my favorite series, I tend to wolf down new books, usually finishing in the wee hours of the morning with a foggy head. And then I often do a series re-read immediately after finishing, so that I can both savor the revisit of that world and also pick up more detail and nuance now that I'm not hungrily devouring the new book.

This time, I didn't do a full series re-read. I just didn't have the emotional fortitude to go through the Fenris/Niko book again right now, honestly - that book really messes me up. So I just did a re-read of books 10, 11, 12, and that was nice. Books 10 and 11 are kind of bridge books, transitioning us into the last act of the series, but there's a lot layered in there that I enjoyed revisiting. And this book was particularly gratifying, as it pays off a lot of long-running threads - .

I can't help but be afraid of the last 3 books in the series, as we've seen some major deaths in the series thus far and so I'm not sure anyone is safe, but I'm also really excited to see it all play out.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,296 reviews287 followers
September 29, 2025
4.5/5.0

If one has read this series so far, this book will just be a yummy, scrumptious, fabulous continuation. If one hasn’t… well start at the beginning and enjoy all the awesomeness leading up to and including this installment! It is everything we have come to love and yearn for in a fabulous Urban Fantasy! This specific storyline focuses on Carey and kind of rounds out an ongoing plot that started in the very first book when Jacky found Carey at her back door. It is absolute heart touching, tear inducing, can’t put down reading.

My only quibble is I really wanted Heath to do some groveling after his actions that hurt Jacky so much. The author ultimately helps the reader understand the reasoning, but it still doesn’t negate the hurt that needs to be addressed. Everything else was pure Banet perfection!

P.S. The author tells us there are only three books left of this riveting series and I’m already aching for the next while dreading the end.
Profile Image for Kaylee Evans.
70 reviews
September 26, 2025
Finally!

This book felt very much like a turning point for many beloved characters. My favorite of the series so far!(I say this Everytime I think)
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
September 27, 2025
This one starts out so fun and positive. Heath and Jacky are having success going after the witches, they are planning their wedding, Cary gets in on the wedding planning. Then bam! It goes to hell with one dinner, one where Cary wants answers and is hoping to throw a good thing in her life at someone who threw her away.

From there things quickly spiral out of control! Jacky and Heath are barely hanging on, Jacky's family all converge on her territory to help. Jacky has it out with the BSA, Jacky lets herself go and takes care of business. Through all of this we learn more about different family members and that include Landon and Heath.

Luckily for us, things end well, but the landscape has now changed. It will be interesting to see how things are going forward, because there is no doubt that Heath and Jacky provide a united front and whoa to anyone who tries to hurt someone they consider theirs and they have a strong army at their back!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Arenia.
356 reviews26 followers
October 7, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up. Don’t wanna give spoilers but I’m so glad that *it* finally happened for our couple—so long overdue! Heath pissed me off in the middle and I think he should have had to grovel a bit but that’s really my only gripe with this one. Very excited for the next book
Profile Image for Chanel.
810 reviews
October 27, 2025
Oh my god... Dit boek!! Het is lang geleden dat ik zo heb gehuild. Ik moest gewoon echt pauze nemen. Maar wauw er gebeurt zoveel!! Ik moet dit allemaal echt even verwerken maar kijk al uit naar deel 13!
Profile Image for Lydia.
427 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2025
Full On Tears For the Majority of This One

I was so emotionally invested in this one. How could you not be after spending 12 books with a group of characters. Grief, and love, and anger were so potent, and there wasn’t a single moment that wasn’t charged with emotion that jumped off the page.
It’s amazing seeing so much you hoped for coming to fruition in a storyline, and as ever I’m endlessly excited for the next one!
Profile Image for Sheia (Hiatus).
611 reviews39 followers
October 12, 2025
☆ 4.5 ☆

GENRE :Paranormal Romance

✅️ Moon cursed: werecats and werewolves
✅️ Forbidden Mates
✅ Worldbuilding
✅ Ruling Class
✅ Trials and Turbulence
✅ Make you own family

REVIEW

What a journey this series has been! The moment I didn’t know I was waiting for, has finally come to pass in this book. And I am feeling oddly content with the resolution, especially the way it is executed. Looking forward to dive head first into the next one. Great job, once again.
1,150 reviews18 followers
September 28, 2025
In Always know a great book when it's contents move me to tears. Emotional devastation on the part of.several of the main characters really resonated with my own emotions as whole reading this book. To say more would be to give away major spoilers suffice it to.say we have three more books left to go.in Jacky's story before hopefully she and everyone she loves gets the.happily ever awarded they deserve..............................................
160 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2025
cruel revenge

Started out slow. Did it get better? For this reader, if it takes more than a two days to read, a storyline isn’t that great. It was the longest five days of reading, but this reader was determined to finish.
Was it worth the read? Not like the others were by far!

Easily predicted outcome from bio mom getting in touch to ending, minus Stacy.

Carey being taken with help of a family member was not nice.
And Stacy was such a small but great character in her own right.
But who was really to blame ?
The witch that isn’t? Hasan? Heath? Jacky? Subira? Kushim?

If the next book starts out as awful as this one did, the first chapter will be the last.
27 reviews
December 4, 2025
Read in 3 days!!

This whole serious was one whiplash after another. It was never monotonous, never repetitive. Every single passage had a hint to a future story, a future connection, or a plan that led on for YEARS. Usually i get bored of these themes because pop-up antagonists seem lacking—or for a better term—like it was thrown together to make a plot. This wasn't that. From the first book it played all the way into the last, piecing together so nicely I genuinely don't understand how the author did it. Through all these books we understand why Jacky is so desperate for approval in parental figures, we learn why she struggled to connect with her werecat family. All the readers genuinely learned to love Carey, Heath, the werecats as a whole. The only missing two would be the black sheep, a rogue werecat and the assassin. Those stories will come, as will Jacky's strabge ability to borderline the Last Change, I have no doubt. It wraps up so neatly that I almost hate how quickly I finished it. One of the best reads I've found since I dabbled with Laurel K. Hamilton before the porno reach. To create a world, a system, a history (from hundreds of different views) magic, laws, and organizations, all while blending in modernized focus points makes this a genuine master piece. I've yet to see a book that can blend our history, from multiple cultures and continents, with that of a fantasized history with first hand accounts? As a writer (in my free time, not something I do as an author) that is mind blowing to me. Then to expand into the different perspectives of each character, their personalities, how they blend so naturally, it's beautiful. The friendships happen naturally, the romance a novelty that broadens slowly and beautifully, it's a novelty. I've never seen such a broad scope of character growth, development, and whiplash from characters. Usually, when writing and delving into the mind of a specific character, it's habitual to put those same characteristics into others. But no, Jacky is not the calm of mind like Heath. She is not the gentle hand like her mother. Nor is she as quick to assumptions like her father. She is not as closed off as her assassin brother, not as grief stricken as her genius brother, nor as composed as her politician sister, or as kind and understanding as Carey, or as angry as London, or strategic as her general brother. I could go on and on. Characteristics that natural, as an author, we can't help but meld into other characters as we write. It's a pain, honestly. And yet there wasn't a single part of this book is found i could dislike. Even as 'whiny' as some claim Jacky to be, don't understand that she is not a century old werecat who can manage or compartmentalize like those older than her. She's modern, in her thinking, her sense of justice, and her judgement. She has a deep sense of honor that developed from childhood, knowing the difference between right and wrong only to be demeaned for it. So she held on to it so tightly she found it difficult to understand how others couldnt be like her. That sense of such deep character building is beautiful, unique, and amazing. Sorry for the rant, I just cannot get over how well written this entire series was. The author is a damned mastermind.
Profile Image for Amber Carpenter.
110 reviews
September 27, 2025
OMG

This book was just Wow mind-blowing and I can't believe there are only three books left... I laughed I cried and yeah it was the best yet though I do recommend a reread of the last book or two before you start this one, this is not a standalone book you have to have read the other books in this series for it to make sense.

I liked how this book tied back into previous plots and set things up for the next book, I also liked seeing more of Subira and Hassan together and Heath fitting into his new Role.

5 stars it sucked me in after the first little bit but that's because I wasn't patient enough to reread the last book or two as a refresher and was a little lost at first. So I definitely recommend this book I could hardly put it down and that's only because I had to work and sleep.
Profile Image for Anaïsu Anaïsu.
176 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2025
One of the best books in this series! I loved absolutely everything about it. It feels like such a gift that after twelve books (with three more still to come), I am just as excited to dive in as I was with the very first.

Cruel Revenge was everything I wanted in a Jacky Leon story and so much more. Jacky’s relationship with Carey has been a highlight since book one, and in this installment, we finally get the long-awaited payoff we’ve been anticipating—it was worth every moment.

All the characters shine here, from Heath and Landon to Hassan and Subira, each adding depth and richness to the story. Jacky Leon remains one of my absolute favorite characters of all time, and I cannot recommend this series highly enough.
568 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2025
Going From Strength To Strength

In the spirit of the review title then this book certainly tops those that came before it.

Following the events that took place in Alaska the Tribunal is stepping up its investigation against the rogue witches who want to control the Moon Cursed. Whilst Heath is handling that in his new role as the most powerful Alpha on the Tribunal (taking over from Callahan) Jacky is left to handle a personal matter for Carey.

Her birth mother has been in touch and wants to meet Carey, after having abandoned her at 6 weeks old. Carey wants the chance of a closure so she agrees to meet for dinner. With Jacky as chaperone and the pack’s younger wolves as security what could possibly go wrong? Well…..
Profile Image for Rubz.
695 reviews
October 1, 2025
My heart is still pounding as I write this...phew. That was one hell of a ride.
We had the witches as the villains...again. And they will probably, definitely be back. That Tashmi, man.
Carey is a 😳 and things were very unsettled with Jacky and Heath for a minute but they pushed through. Tensions were high throughout the book, the stakes were super high and as always the first few chapters were too calm 😄 falsely calm. However, I really smelled something fishy when that woman got in touch with Carey, and I was not at all surprised with what she did though the enormity of it all was unexpected.
Thank you, Ms Banet for that wild ride!
Profile Image for Dena.
4,472 reviews12 followers
October 2, 2025
no brains required

Jacky is trying her best to fit into the many roles including being a bride. However with hunting down witches she knows her first priority is family. So when Carey comes to her to have dinner with someone she sits up and listens. Unfortunately, she forgets that maybe emotions gets in the way and that maybe she should have consulted someone else in the planning. Oops another adventures except this one might have lasting consequences that won’t be good for either Jacky or her mate.
29 reviews
October 3, 2025
more please!

Wow, Jacky Leon books hooked with the first book I read. I have to say this book is by far the best in the series. Jacky has come so far when it comes to her view of herself as a werecat and who she’s becoming. One thing she’s never had to deal with is her relationship with Cary and K.N. Banet does not disappoint when having Jacky face the changes. I can’t say to much but please please read this series. You will love it as much as I do. I can’t wait for the next book and will cry when this series comes to an end.
29 reviews
October 10, 2025
Another amazing installment.

This series is one of my fav of KN Banet’s works and favorite of all the KU archives. It’s just amazing. The books don’t shy away from hard hitting topics, but still manages to make the reader feel those moments of joy. It makes the world building and character depth all the more compelling and real. This book allows us more of a glimpse in Hassan’s life and his rebuilding relationships with those he has wronged. But the primary focus of this book is Carey and Jackie. It’s so heart warming and gut wrenching all at once, and brought tears to my eyes multiple times. I can’t wait for the next book.
455 reviews3 followers
October 12, 2025
So good

I.had gotten into my head this was the last one so glad there is more Jacky to.come. I had to go.back and read the last couple of chapters of book 11 as I tried to.jump straight in and needed the recap. Family, family, family that this book summed up. I despise the BSA and the games they play. Always good to.have the werecat clan in attendance and playful Hassan is a delight. A great book and Carey becoming what we always thought that she would. A real shame about Stacey as felt there was further for her to go. Loved it.
2 reviews
October 13, 2025
Loved it!

As always K.N. Banet never disappoints with her books (except for having to wait for the next one) this is one of my favorite book series. If you haven't read all of them I highly recommend it you won't be disappointed. I really hope in the next books Jackie devolps some wicked cool talent that never been seen before that would be awesome. If you read this Banet I love your work and can't wait to read more. Please turn Jackie into the best and worst of the supernatural world!
18 reviews
October 23, 2025
Never Disappoints

Love this series . I thought this was the last book in the series . To my surprise and joy I have read there are going to be 15 . Never want it to end . This series has almost everything , love , betrayal , magic , suspense . Everything a paranormal fan will enjoy , I sure have . If you are looking for a long paranormal series you won't want to miss this one . I gave it 5 stars because I can't put it down , it gets better with every book . I really think you will be pleased with this one .
3 reviews
September 27, 2025
Not what I was expecting, but…

So much fast-paced action that Banet is excellent at, but not at all what I was anticipating. Tears, laughters, sitting on the edge of my seat, heart-pounding intensity. All of that and more. LOVED the additional POVs! Allows such a well-rounded story and adds a depth to the characters from both sides. Can’t wait to see what Banet brings on next for Jacky and her family.😍
111 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2025
Wow just wow

This book put me through the wringer. I laughed and I cried. You begin to truly understand and love Hasan. Heath and Jacky...well, they are Heath and Jacky with a few surprises. Zuri and Subira are amazing as usual. Davor grows on me with every story. Landon made me cry and love him. Carey is a mental and physical force to be reckoned with. Her emotional intelligence is amazing. The only thing really missing was Mischa. I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Katrina.
271 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2025
Thia whole series is amazing, and this book was another excellent addition! The book was grippling, sad, aggravating and overall very satisfying. I'm so sad there are only a couple of books left in the series, but I am looking forward to seeing what sort of happily ever after my favourite characters receive.

If you haven't started this series - give it a go! it's become one of my favourite series.
20 reviews
October 1, 2025
Loving all the character growth

Yet again I've been sucked into another reality. Time passes differently when you are captured by characters and situations like those in the Jacky Leon series. I'm looking forward to reading this again, maybe a touch more slowly second time around so I can absorb more of the details 😊

If you enjoy strong and complex characters start with book 1 of this series and keep going.
79 reviews
October 10, 2025
Great addition to the series with a continued growth and changes to the characters. The character continue to be complex and flawed, all striving to be better. It has a good amount of action and humor to balance the strife. A little surprised at how quickly they all left Jackie alone after she showed she was in distress. It seemed thoughtless and I was a little angry about it. Otherwise a well thought out story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Livey.
1,437 reviews
October 25, 2025
What super duper ending

I have enjoyed this entire series. In fact anything written by K.N. Banet I will read. Jackie is the epitome of strength and deep love. I really love Heath and can see that Langdon and Dirk will look out for their little sister forever. True milestones were achieved in this 12th Book and the intimacy of all the relationships are deep and profound. Stacy, sigh 😔
1,266 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2025
Lots of changes and personal adjustments in this one. Some very sad and others were a relief. With one exception, I think they were needed to head into the finale. The author stated 3 more books to go and even more twists have been added into the plot. Jacky is even more than she seems (not really certain how I feel about this one). Poor things though - just get them married before the last book please!! Looking forward to the next one in "the first half of 2026".
Profile Image for Scottisha.
37 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2025
Another Amazing Read

And I thought this series couldn’t get better! Omg! This book is absolutely incredible, K.N Banet is doing an exceptional job with this series. I’m very glad Carey will have a long life with her family and I cannot wait for the next book. It’s time to shake up the witches. Run and purchase the books in this series, you would not regret it, trust me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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