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Search & Seek #1
Defending Jagger
Jagger Reed has a secret that could destroy lives…
And one life that could be destroyed is his disabled brother’s. Jagger is in jail for a crime he didn't commit, and believes it’s a small price to pay to protect his family.
Rosalind McAllister is the newest creative writing teacher at Arizona State Prison…
Rose is determined to prove herself to her criminal students and not let them break her—like they did the last teacher. But when she meets Jagger Reed, she immediately knows the line between student and teacher could be easily blurred. Tall, intimidating, and way too handsome to be incarcerated, she vows to keep him at a distance.
A creative writing assignment turns into the discovery of Jagger’s innocence…
When Rose reads Jagger’s creative writing piece, she’s both astounded and impressed. His written words call to her, providing a window into his private world. But as the assignment continues, she discovers facts about Jagger’s conviction that change everything.
Determined to piece together clues that leap out from the pages, she finds much more than an articulate prisoner.
How can she save a man who doesn't want to be saved? And can she stop her heart from getting involved while…
Defending Jagger?
And one life that could be destroyed is his disabled brother’s. Jagger is in jail for a crime he didn't commit, and believes it’s a small price to pay to protect his family.
Rosalind McAllister is the newest creative writing teacher at Arizona State Prison…
Rose is determined to prove herself to her criminal students and not let them break her—like they did the last teacher. But when she meets Jagger Reed, she immediately knows the line between student and teacher could be easily blurred. Tall, intimidating, and way too handsome to be incarcerated, she vows to keep him at a distance.
A creative writing assignment turns into the discovery of Jagger’s innocence…
When Rose reads Jagger’s creative writing piece, she’s both astounded and impressed. His written words call to her, providing a window into his private world. But as the assignment continues, she discovers facts about Jagger’s conviction that change everything.
Determined to piece together clues that leap out from the pages, she finds much more than an articulate prisoner.
How can she save a man who doesn't want to be saved? And can she stop her heart from getting involved while…
Defending Jagger?
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2016
90 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 5, 2019
This was a good read. Jagger Reed is in prison for a crime that he didn't commit. Rosalind McAllister is the newest creative writing teacher at Arizona State Prison. When she gives Jagger a writing assignment she finds out he is innocent she is determined to help him. I liked both of these characters. This was my first time reading this author. This story was funny at times. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
March 8, 2018
My thoughts on Defending Jagger & Stealing Dallas – books 1&2 in the “Search & Seek” series by Amanda Mackey.
As those were not the first books by this author that I read I knew that I was going to like her writing style and plot idea. But would I like the plot development and the characters ?
I read both books basically back to back for the release of Stealing Dallas which was a good thing as they need to be read together.
“Defending Jagger’s” plot would allow it to be read as a standalone if you can live with some question marks remaining but Stealing Dallas does not make to much sense in the beginning if you do not know what happened in the first book as the opening line is basically the end line of the first book.
I really liked the plot of Defending Jagger. Jagger was such a multi layered person that it was interesting to see him interact in his daily surrounding while trying to survive and than again when he was with Rose.
Rose was such a stubborn yet confusing person. She was innocent as fresh snow while working in a place others would give anything to avoid ever coming near it. I loved how she never gave up and always had thoughts and ideas.
She was naïve at times I agree but it worked well with the story.
When the relationship developed I felt that it was a little confusing to me as a reader if they were really only attracted to each other in a sexual way, if Rose only wanted to help and confused that need with it being more or if Jagger was using Rose.
Were the both using each other ? I was not sure but I liked how the story unfolded and the ending was a perfect “for now” that left me with rating this book a 5 star read
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July 26, 2016
I had the honor of being able to read this book, and it's the first one I have read by Amanda. I absolutely LOVE the characters! Rose, Jagger, Cut and Dallas are all very important to the story! The steamy sex scenes were well detailed, but what got to me the most, because I'm a sensitive soul, is the meaning in the story. Rose being the incredibly beautiful woman she is who is so strong and caring to endanger herself to help another. Jagger being a hard core man who gives his life up to protect his brother Dallas. Dallas being the pure loving man who is mentally handicapped and loves his brother Jagger with all of his heart. The way the story has been woven is brilliant and I highly recommend it!! There are parts that got my mind whirling with desire, but more than one time tears left my eyes because my heart was touched by the depths of the story I will read more by this author! You NEED to read her work!!
December 28, 2017
This isn't the usual type of book I read, it's gritty and has a couple of scenes that are a little too graphic for my liking. In saying that, it fits the setting though, and I know many people will disagree with me and most will like this book just fine. The characters are well-developed and realistic. I could feel Jag's heartache swell in my own chest while I read Mackey's Defending Jagger. Overall it was a good read, a heartfelt story, and I think a lot of people will enjoy it.
August 4, 2016
This book has everything!
Who knew a criminal serving 20 years for murder could be a loveable hero who will capture your heart and tear it to shreds?
Jagger has served 18months of his 20 year sentence when Rose enters his life. Not only is she the first woman he's laid eyes on in a long time, but the fact she sees something more in him, more than the mask of arrogance and cold blooded would lead you to believe.
When Rose, the creative writing teacher reads the words Jagger's so poetically written, she can't let them go. Desperate to find the truth beneath them and see the man behind the attitude, the same man whose simple gaze sets her pulse roaring, she can't let go.
This book will break your heart, make you cry and make you fall in love with a character you never could have predicted you would.
I hope there's more to come!
Who knew a criminal serving 20 years for murder could be a loveable hero who will capture your heart and tear it to shreds?
Jagger has served 18months of his 20 year sentence when Rose enters his life. Not only is she the first woman he's laid eyes on in a long time, but the fact she sees something more in him, more than the mask of arrogance and cold blooded would lead you to believe.
When Rose, the creative writing teacher reads the words Jagger's so poetically written, she can't let them go. Desperate to find the truth beneath them and see the man behind the attitude, the same man whose simple gaze sets her pulse roaring, she can't let go.
This book will break your heart, make you cry and make you fall in love with a character you never could have predicted you would.
I hope there's more to come!
Want to read
March 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/22/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
Jagger Reed has a secret that could destroy lives…
And one life that could be destroyed is his disabled brother’s. Jagger is in jail for a crime he didn't commit, and believes it’s a small price to pay to protect his family.
Rosalind McAllister is the newest creative writing teacher at Arizona State Prison…
Rose is determined to prove herself to her criminal students and not let them break her—like they did the last teacher. But when she meets Jagger Reed, she immediately knows the line between student and teacher could be easily blurred. Tall, intimidating, and way too handsome to be incarcerated, she vows to keep him at a distance.
A creative writing assignment turns into the discovery of Jagger’s innocence…
When Rose reads Jagger’s creative writing piece, she’s both astounded and impressed. His written words call to her, providing a window into his private world. But as the assignment continues, she discovers facts about Jagger’s conviction that change everything.
Determined to piece together clues that leap out from the pages, she finds much more than an articulate prisoner.
How can she save a man who doesn't want to be saved? And can she stop her heart from getting involved while…
Defending Jagger?
Blurb:
Jagger Reed has a secret that could destroy lives…
And one life that could be destroyed is his disabled brother’s. Jagger is in jail for a crime he didn't commit, and believes it’s a small price to pay to protect his family.
Rosalind McAllister is the newest creative writing teacher at Arizona State Prison…
Rose is determined to prove herself to her criminal students and not let them break her—like they did the last teacher. But when she meets Jagger Reed, she immediately knows the line between student and teacher could be easily blurred. Tall, intimidating, and way too handsome to be incarcerated, she vows to keep him at a distance.
A creative writing assignment turns into the discovery of Jagger’s innocence…
When Rose reads Jagger’s creative writing piece, she’s both astounded and impressed. His written words call to her, providing a window into his private world. But as the assignment continues, she discovers facts about Jagger’s conviction that change everything.
Determined to piece together clues that leap out from the pages, she finds much more than an articulate prisoner.
How can she save a man who doesn't want to be saved? And can she stop her heart from getting involved while…
Defending Jagger?
February 6, 2017
I had the privilege of receiving this book via Quirky Blind Date for my reading pleasure. My review is voluntary and I received no compensation whatsoever.
When I received this book, I had no idea what to expect, as I never heard of the author before. This was a new experience for me; however, based on the synopsis I figured that it would be an interesting journey. Defending Jagger tells the story of a young man sentenced to spend twenty years of his life in prison for a crime he did not commit and the teacher who made it her mission to prove his innocence.
Rosalind McAllister teaches creative writing at the Arizona State Prison. She chose this career as she hoped to make a difference and she believed that in teaching in the prison system she could accomplish that goal. She is brave, intelligent and compassionate. She had her share of disastrous relationships; as such, she was not looking for love. Therefore, the last place she expected to find it was in a prison.
Jagger Reid worked his way into my heart the moment I met him. Adapting to prison life changed him in many ways, but the one thing that remained the same was his compassion. He did not have an easy life growing up, but he tried to make the best of it. He was a natural protector, which was clear from the fact that he was willing to go to prison for a crime he did not commit, in a bid to protect his brother. He was selfless and never did he stop to think about the effect that his actions would have on him.
The secondary characters were interesting, but the one that intrigued me was Cutter. I hoped for more information about him, but it was not forthcoming. I knew why he was in prison, but I had no idea as to the circumstances that led to that particular incident. Who was he? What kind of life did he have while growing up? Based on how he related to Jagger, he did not strike me as a cold-blooded person. I found his banter with Jagger entertaining. Their bond went beyond friendship.
The story elicited a range of emotions. It made me laugh, angry and sad. I laughed at Cutter and Jagger’s antics, I was angry, when I learned about the issue surrounding Jagger's incarceration and I was sad for all he had to endure in prison.
Defending Jagger is an engaging read and emotional story about the sacrifices made for the ones we love. It demonstrates how easy it is for one to pass judgement on others without knowing their circumstances. It will tug at your heartstrings and have you turning the pages, as you will be eager to know the outcome.
When I received this book, I had no idea what to expect, as I never heard of the author before. This was a new experience for me; however, based on the synopsis I figured that it would be an interesting journey. Defending Jagger tells the story of a young man sentenced to spend twenty years of his life in prison for a crime he did not commit and the teacher who made it her mission to prove his innocence.
Rosalind McAllister teaches creative writing at the Arizona State Prison. She chose this career as she hoped to make a difference and she believed that in teaching in the prison system she could accomplish that goal. She is brave, intelligent and compassionate. She had her share of disastrous relationships; as such, she was not looking for love. Therefore, the last place she expected to find it was in a prison.
Jagger Reid worked his way into my heart the moment I met him. Adapting to prison life changed him in many ways, but the one thing that remained the same was his compassion. He did not have an easy life growing up, but he tried to make the best of it. He was a natural protector, which was clear from the fact that he was willing to go to prison for a crime he did not commit, in a bid to protect his brother. He was selfless and never did he stop to think about the effect that his actions would have on him.
The secondary characters were interesting, but the one that intrigued me was Cutter. I hoped for more information about him, but it was not forthcoming. I knew why he was in prison, but I had no idea as to the circumstances that led to that particular incident. Who was he? What kind of life did he have while growing up? Based on how he related to Jagger, he did not strike me as a cold-blooded person. I found his banter with Jagger entertaining. Their bond went beyond friendship.
The story elicited a range of emotions. It made me laugh, angry and sad. I laughed at Cutter and Jagger’s antics, I was angry, when I learned about the issue surrounding Jagger's incarceration and I was sad for all he had to endure in prison.
Defending Jagger is an engaging read and emotional story about the sacrifices made for the ones we love. It demonstrates how easy it is for one to pass judgement on others without knowing their circumstances. It will tug at your heartstrings and have you turning the pages, as you will be eager to know the outcome.
January 5, 2017
Jagger Reed is a young man convicted of murder. He’s learned the rules of prison life, but he misses his disabled brother and the life outside where he cared for him. However, he’ll take his sentence if it keeps his brother safe.
Rosalind “Rose” McAllister is a young determined teacher. She’s chosen a path many shy away from, she’s teaching the lost and forgotten how to write in a system which deems them all criminals with no hope for rehabilitation. She sees the world differently and for Jagger Reed this may make the difference between staying behind bars or his freedom.
Amanda Mackey tells the story of Defending Jagger with a deep sentiment bringing a wide array of emotions with each chapter. Rose looks too sweet to be teaching in the federal penitentiary. However, Mackey builds Rose’s power though her ability to handle the unruly locked up men and demonstrates desire to find the good in those who deserve to be respected. The character development in Defending Jagger is truly the reason for its depth and richness of plot. The major themes of fighting for the freedom of the underdog, providing equal rights to those with disabilities, and keeping family together also provide a depth and context which keep the emotional rollercoaster moving. Mackey writes with a deep compassion providing the reader with a beautiful work built around two characters the reader wants to fight to save.
Rosalind “Rose” McAllister is a young determined teacher. She’s chosen a path many shy away from, she’s teaching the lost and forgotten how to write in a system which deems them all criminals with no hope for rehabilitation. She sees the world differently and for Jagger Reed this may make the difference between staying behind bars or his freedom.
Amanda Mackey tells the story of Defending Jagger with a deep sentiment bringing a wide array of emotions with each chapter. Rose looks too sweet to be teaching in the federal penitentiary. However, Mackey builds Rose’s power though her ability to handle the unruly locked up men and demonstrates desire to find the good in those who deserve to be respected. The character development in Defending Jagger is truly the reason for its depth and richness of plot. The major themes of fighting for the freedom of the underdog, providing equal rights to those with disabilities, and keeping family together also provide a depth and context which keep the emotional rollercoaster moving. Mackey writes with a deep compassion providing the reader with a beautiful work built around two characters the reader wants to fight to save.
November 15, 2016
2.5 Stars
*I received this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback*
There are some brilliant moments in Defending Jagger, at least one that left me in tears with the emotional devastation of the character. Unfortunately, for me, too many other areas of Defending Jagger fell short.
Rose McAllister is a creative writing teacher that teaches inmates. When she takes on a new job in an Arizona prison, she meets convicted murderer Jagger Reed-who happens to be a talented writer. The two connect through this and eventually Rose begins to believe that Jagger is innocent and sets about trying to prove it.
The premise seemed promising to me, one of the reasons I chose to accept the book for review, but it never felt like it was on solid ground. While I did find Jagger's motivations to be from the heart, Rose came across very superficial, from never really being portrayed as actually teaching in her class to appearing to latch onto Jagger because of how hot he was. Jagger's imprisonment and the events that lead to it also felt unrealistic, though I could understand why he'd want to take the fall for his brother.
I did like Jagger for the most part and his cellmate, Cut, was a hoot and kept me interested. The author also wrote a few hot sex scenes that kept me turning the pages.
*I received this book from the author in exchange for honest feedback*
There are some brilliant moments in Defending Jagger, at least one that left me in tears with the emotional devastation of the character. Unfortunately, for me, too many other areas of Defending Jagger fell short.
Rose McAllister is a creative writing teacher that teaches inmates. When she takes on a new job in an Arizona prison, she meets convicted murderer Jagger Reed-who happens to be a talented writer. The two connect through this and eventually Rose begins to believe that Jagger is innocent and sets about trying to prove it.
The premise seemed promising to me, one of the reasons I chose to accept the book for review, but it never felt like it was on solid ground. While I did find Jagger's motivations to be from the heart, Rose came across very superficial, from never really being portrayed as actually teaching in her class to appearing to latch onto Jagger because of how hot he was. Jagger's imprisonment and the events that lead to it also felt unrealistic, though I could understand why he'd want to take the fall for his brother.
I did like Jagger for the most part and his cellmate, Cut, was a hoot and kept me interested. The author also wrote a few hot sex scenes that kept me turning the pages.
January 9, 2017
Oh my god, what a book. I was hooked from page one. I had to know what happened.
I loved how Rose, wanted to defend and find out the truth about what happened that fateful day. She didn't back down, and wouldn't show fear.
I loved how Jagger, believed in being loyal to family and didn't allow anyone to walk all over him.
This book is very well written and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into book two Stealing Dallas.
I loved how Rose, wanted to defend and find out the truth about what happened that fateful day. She didn't back down, and wouldn't show fear.
I loved how Jagger, believed in being loyal to family and didn't allow anyone to walk all over him.
This book is very well written and I cannot wait to sink my teeth into book two Stealing Dallas.
April 16, 2025
Being honest here, I have a love/hate relationship with this story. First, I have to tell you that I did purchase and read the second book. Right out of the gate, I was a tad turned off by Rose and some of her personality toward working at the prison. She is young and naïve, and I almost disliked her right away. I was intrigued by Jagger, and you know he didn’t do the crime, but he is quite a bit of a pain. Anyhow, these two meet in the Creative Writing class and almost immediately are drawn toward each other. The relationship between these two moves incredibly fast. Some of which seems quite unreal, especially since this is happening in prison. But, as I say this, the story is unraveling and keeping my attention quite well, even though I am a smidge irritated at some of what is happening.
The story with Rose and Jagger just proves that it doesn’t matter which side of the tracks you grew up on, sometimes you just need a little trust and a little help (sometimes from the most unexpected places) to make it out on top. Again, even though I had a love/hate relationship with Defending Jagger, I am thoroughly intrigued with finding out what happens to Dallas because, whoa! I did NOT see that coming!
The story with Rose and Jagger just proves that it doesn’t matter which side of the tracks you grew up on, sometimes you just need a little trust and a little help (sometimes from the most unexpected places) to make it out on top. Again, even though I had a love/hate relationship with Defending Jagger, I am thoroughly intrigued with finding out what happens to Dallas because, whoa! I did NOT see that coming!
January 10, 2020
Hot warm fuzzies
So I really loved this book. Rose is a writing teacher who got a job transfer from an LA prison to Arizona. Jagger is a prisoner in Arizona. When one of his writing assignments catches her attention to his situation she’s then a woman on a mission. He fights back at first because he purposely put himself in prison. But she is quickly able to get him work with her to get himself free. They have lots of chemistry. This book had me wishing it was one of those fast paced. You just gotta know if he gets free but at the same time you appreciate the way it all plays out. I really wanted it to go into more of what happened at the end but it still left me happy. I’d definitely recommend anyone to read it.
So I really loved this book. Rose is a writing teacher who got a job transfer from an LA prison to Arizona. Jagger is a prisoner in Arizona. When one of his writing assignments catches her attention to his situation she’s then a woman on a mission. He fights back at first because he purposely put himself in prison. But she is quickly able to get him work with her to get himself free. They have lots of chemistry. This book had me wishing it was one of those fast paced. You just gotta know if he gets free but at the same time you appreciate the way it all plays out. I really wanted it to go into more of what happened at the end but it still left me happy. I’d definitely recommend anyone to read it.
January 13, 2017
I received this book through Quirky Blind Date with a book for Jan.
I really enjoyed this book, it's outside my normal type of romance read, but I absolutely loved it! Jagger's love for his brother was really sweet, and their story was heartbreaking. Rose was a strong heroine and I loved how she pushed to make things right for Jagger even though at first he was angry she was meddling in his life. Dallas seemed like a sweet kid in the short time we get to see him, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the second book.
Also I enjoyed the writing style, it kept me sucked into the story wanting to know what happened. I will definitely be looking for more books to read by this author!
I really enjoyed this book, it's outside my normal type of romance read, but I absolutely loved it! Jagger's love for his brother was really sweet, and their story was heartbreaking. Rose was a strong heroine and I loved how she pushed to make things right for Jagger even though at first he was angry she was meddling in his life. Dallas seemed like a sweet kid in the short time we get to see him, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him in the second book.
Also I enjoyed the writing style, it kept me sucked into the story wanting to know what happened. I will definitely be looking for more books to read by this author!
August 16, 2022
Not well researched
This book defied all logic and when I reached the halfway point, I couldn't force myself to read further. Privacy laws and common courtesy were ignored. Prison stories just do not interest me and even though the book didn't cost me anything, I regret I wasted my time trying to read it.
This book defied all logic and when I reached the halfway point, I couldn't force myself to read further. Privacy laws and common courtesy were ignored. Prison stories just do not interest me and even though the book didn't cost me anything, I regret I wasted my time trying to read it.
January 28, 2017
Defending Jagger has a well written story with likable characters. I highly recommend this book.I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
August 16, 2017
Excellent
Very well written. Had me reading all in 1 day real attention getter. Very well edited. You will love it
Very well written. Had me reading all in 1 day real attention getter. Very well edited. You will love it
December 29, 2019
Loved It
Jagger and Rose were such a great couple. I enjoyed this beautiful story and were happy they got there HEA.
Jagger and Rose were such a great couple. I enjoyed this beautiful story and were happy they got there HEA.
October 4, 2020
2.5/3
Non è male, ma neanche wow
Non è male, ma neanche wow
January 12, 2021
Fantastic story
This was a true tale of doing the righting injustice.
The world needs more stories about doing something good becuase is is the right thing to do.
This was a true tale of doing the righting injustice.
The world needs more stories about doing something good becuase is is the right thing to do.
Read
September 2, 2021Tremendously grand!
Amanda has a winner with this one! I couldn't put the book down! It was captivating. Defending Jagger was incarceration at its best.
Amanda has a winner with this one! I couldn't put the book down! It was captivating. Defending Jagger was incarceration at its best.
November 24, 2021
Free man
Great story of a man becoming free after 18 months in a prison cell. The story of a teacher in a prison believing a man should be free.
Great story of a man becoming free after 18 months in a prison cell. The story of a teacher in a prison believing a man should be free.
Want to read
January 4, 2023Purchase Amazon December 13, 2019
February 23, 2024
⛔️(in notes)
November 30, 2016
I liked the premise of this book, and for the most part it held my attention. I was really enjoying it ... But then the ending came ...
Defending Jagger is a story revolving around Jagger, a guy serving 20 years for manslaughter, and Rose, his creative writing teacher in prison. I won't go into too many details, but as the two of them learn to trust each other some important discoveries come to light.
Like I said, I sped through this book and it kept me engaged. However, as I was reading it I couldn't help be aware of the page count rapidly coming to an end, while there was still plenty of story to be told. I didn't know whether this was a series or standalone at the time, but I knew if it was a standalone I wouldn't get the satisfying ending I was after ... and I was right.
The author set up this great story with an intriguing plot. It had me hooked, yet then it just all fizzled out in the end. Things come to fruition way too simply and there's little described with the resolve. It was disappointing as the author spent all this time developing the plot just to throw it away in a matter of pages. Personally, I feel the start should have been cut down and more added to the end to give a satisfying resolve that wasn't rushed. In fact she probably could have got away with making it slightly longer without cutting--although I would have liked less teaching.
I really wish the book hasn't ended the way it had. I had been enjoying it, but it just needed that bit extra for me.
Overall, most of it is a good read, even if it was let down by the ending. I might read the next book, but I haven't decided yet.
Defending Jagger is a story revolving around Jagger, a guy serving 20 years for manslaughter, and Rose, his creative writing teacher in prison. I won't go into too many details, but as the two of them learn to trust each other some important discoveries come to light.
Like I said, I sped through this book and it kept me engaged. However, as I was reading it I couldn't help be aware of the page count rapidly coming to an end, while there was still plenty of story to be told. I didn't know whether this was a series or standalone at the time, but I knew if it was a standalone I wouldn't get the satisfying ending I was after ... and I was right.
The author set up this great story with an intriguing plot. It had me hooked, yet then it just all fizzled out in the end. Things come to fruition way too simply and there's little described with the resolve. It was disappointing as the author spent all this time developing the plot just to throw it away in a matter of pages. Personally, I feel the start should have been cut down and more added to the end to give a satisfying resolve that wasn't rushed. In fact she probably could have got away with making it slightly longer without cutting--although I would have liked less teaching.
I really wish the book hasn't ended the way it had. I had been enjoying it, but it just needed that bit extra for me.
Overall, most of it is a good read, even if it was let down by the ending. I might read the next book, but I haven't decided yet.
January 26, 2017
When I read the description of this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I admit that I was skeptical that a story about a creative writing teacher in a prison and an innocent man behind bars could be anything but cliché. I am happy to admit that I was very wrong.
I really loved Rose as a creative writing teacher . . . giving inmates an outlet to express themselves in non-violent ways. She was a great lead character, who immediately picks up on the fact that Jagger is not the man he portrays himself to be in the prison. She is determined to find out more about the man behind the façade he shows and uses her caring personality and intelligence to work on proving his innocence.
Jagger is an intense character. He willingly went to jail for a murder he didn’t commit – all so he could protect his older brother with Downs Syndrome. After meeting Rose, he is questioning his decisions and wondering if there is a way to prove his innocence so that he can once again be a part of his brother’s life.
The lines between professionalism and intimacy are quickly blurred between Rose and Jagger, and their relationship constantly evolves throughout this book as Jagger must learn to trust that Rose really is on his side. There are some very steamy scenes, as well as some heart felt interactions that give us a glimpse at Jagger’s brother, Dallas.
This book was fast paced and completely unexpected. I loved it and can’t wait to find out what Amanda Mackey has in store for Rose, Jagger and Dallas.
4.5 stars and on to book two!
I really loved Rose as a creative writing teacher . . . giving inmates an outlet to express themselves in non-violent ways. She was a great lead character, who immediately picks up on the fact that Jagger is not the man he portrays himself to be in the prison. She is determined to find out more about the man behind the façade he shows and uses her caring personality and intelligence to work on proving his innocence.
Jagger is an intense character. He willingly went to jail for a murder he didn’t commit – all so he could protect his older brother with Downs Syndrome. After meeting Rose, he is questioning his decisions and wondering if there is a way to prove his innocence so that he can once again be a part of his brother’s life.
The lines between professionalism and intimacy are quickly blurred between Rose and Jagger, and their relationship constantly evolves throughout this book as Jagger must learn to trust that Rose really is on his side. There are some very steamy scenes, as well as some heart felt interactions that give us a glimpse at Jagger’s brother, Dallas.
This book was fast paced and completely unexpected. I loved it and can’t wait to find out what Amanda Mackey has in store for Rose, Jagger and Dallas.
4.5 stars and on to book two!
September 11, 2016
Saving Jagger by Amanda Mackey is a wild ride. Rose is a creative writing teacher in an Arizona medium security prison. Jagger is her extremely sexy student. They are both drawn to each other. Rose does not normally fall for her students, but Jagger’s writing speaks to her. He has a true gift with words, but more importantly she believes he is innocent of his crime. Through a lot of detective work and favors called in Rose gets Jagger’s case reopened. I literally could not put this book down. I wanted to know if Rose would make good on her promises or fail Jagger.
January 5, 2017
When I read the The description of this book I was very intrigued I'd like the idea of being in prison and still being able to fall in love, plus it was totally forbidden so that made it that much better.
Rose was simple. I like how she wanted not only do good things but also help those that people disregard. With her job choice she was in the right line of work for doing that.
Jagger is hard but he is super sweet, I felt his sincerity and I knew he was a good guy underneath all that gruff. Let's not forget that he's this hot man! I picture him in my head and he is yummy!
There was a good balance of description and dialogue in this book. I'm all for tons of character interaction and this author did a good job with not only that but also describing everything enough that I could picture it.
Overall this was a good balance of attraction and proving one man's innocence. I really wish it had been longer maybe some parts drawn out a little bit more but overall it was really good read and I can't wait to read the next one! 4 stars #2OCCJD
Rose was simple. I like how she wanted not only do good things but also help those that people disregard. With her job choice she was in the right line of work for doing that.
Jagger is hard but he is super sweet, I felt his sincerity and I knew he was a good guy underneath all that gruff. Let's not forget that he's this hot man! I picture him in my head and he is yummy!
There was a good balance of description and dialogue in this book. I'm all for tons of character interaction and this author did a good job with not only that but also describing everything enough that I could picture it.
Overall this was a good balance of attraction and proving one man's innocence. I really wish it had been longer maybe some parts drawn out a little bit more but overall it was really good read and I can't wait to read the next one! 4 stars #2OCCJD
January 15, 2017
3.5 Stars An Okay Book
The premise of Defending Jagger is a good one. This book had huge potential to be really good. I feel that it fell short of that, but I still liked it. The issues that I had with the book had nothing to do with the writing itself necessarily, but more so with a character. I just did not like Rose. Not even a little. She was very shallow and on dimensional to me. I felt that her reasons for helping Jagger im the begining were based more on her attraction to him than any actual evidence that he was innocent. I felt that the reasoning behind Jagger being in prison didn't make much sense. I also have a small thing about writers from the UK and Australia writing stories that are supposed to take place in the States, but they still use slang and phrases that we just don't use here. It didn't happen much in this book, but it was still there and was a little distracting. Overall I felt that this was a decent book and I would recommend it to others. I am also going to read Stealing Dallas so that I can see how the story ends.
The premise of Defending Jagger is a good one. This book had huge potential to be really good. I feel that it fell short of that, but I still liked it. The issues that I had with the book had nothing to do with the writing itself necessarily, but more so with a character. I just did not like Rose. Not even a little. She was very shallow and on dimensional to me. I felt that her reasons for helping Jagger im the begining were based more on her attraction to him than any actual evidence that he was innocent. I felt that the reasoning behind Jagger being in prison didn't make much sense. I also have a small thing about writers from the UK and Australia writing stories that are supposed to take place in the States, but they still use slang and phrases that we just don't use here. It didn't happen much in this book, but it was still there and was a little distracting. Overall I felt that this was a decent book and I would recommend it to others. I am also going to read Stealing Dallas so that I can see how the story ends.
January 22, 2017
Angel vs Swagger
This is the first book that I've read by this author and it is book one of two. I immediately jumped into reading the second book, so my reviews will be back to back. I highly recommend these books and if you do read this book, make sure you have the second book ready too! Thank you blind date for hooking me up with another great author and book! This book is about Rosalind McAllister, a feisty and strong teacher, who has to be, since she teaches creative writing at a prison. She transfers from California to Arizona, where she meets the crass and arrogant, Jagger Reed. Their banter is funny and their scenes can be hot or boil or like water, depending on the situation. However, not all is as it appears and when Rose starts digging, Jagger isn't happy. What is Jagger hiding? What does Rose find out? Can she shock Jagger with what she finds or is he to stubborn to even listen?
This is the first book that I've read by this author and it is book one of two. I immediately jumped into reading the second book, so my reviews will be back to back. I highly recommend these books and if you do read this book, make sure you have the second book ready too! Thank you blind date for hooking me up with another great author and book! This book is about Rosalind McAllister, a feisty and strong teacher, who has to be, since she teaches creative writing at a prison. She transfers from California to Arizona, where she meets the crass and arrogant, Jagger Reed. Their banter is funny and their scenes can be hot or boil or like water, depending on the situation. However, not all is as it appears and when Rose starts digging, Jagger isn't happy. What is Jagger hiding? What does Rose find out? Can she shock Jagger with what she finds or is he to stubborn to even listen?
January 26, 2017
This book was an amazing journey that will have you asking yourself just how far your willing to go for family. Prison is a harsh environment but Jagger never lets himself get lost or change who he is. Jagger is hot and as sin and has a smart mouth. Rose Is a teacher who's passion is to give people deemed lost and unsavable a purpose. She believes everyone has talent and she wants to be the one show them it's there. Jagger has no one in his corner and misses his brother dearly. Rose's heart tells her he doesn't belong in jail and makes it her mission to prove it. This book had all kinds of emotions filled with secrets and hot scenes. Jagger stole my heart from the beginning. I definitely think this is a must read it will have you shedding tears and laughing out loud. It will have you rooting for the underdog and show you that in the end right always wins
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