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Executioners #2
Joker
(This is a previously-published edition of ASIN B074V5WJT1.)
Joker, what a misnomer, but Jackson Webb’s friends were idiots. He’d joined Executioners almost three years earlier after the lead singer King caught him playing his guitar behind his garage. It broke up the monotony of his life, but once he got bored, he’d move on to another distraction. He wasn’t nice. He sure as hell wasn’t friendly. He was what he was, his friends handled his attitude and standoffish nature just fine. At thirty-eight he was pretty sure he was too stuck in his ways to change shit now.
Demetri “Dem” Urban was settling into a new life in the middle of nowhere. Okay, he was hiding from everyone in a kitchen as far removed from his five-star kitchen back in New York as he could get. Gideon invited him to stay with him and his wife for a while just until he could get everything back on track. He didn’t see it happening, but he had to admit the scenery wasn’t bad even if the man had the personality of a rabid, man-eating bear. Dem did like a challenge and that fit Joker Webb perfectly.
Author's Note: This story contains scenes of a violent nature, mentions of rape and torture (All off page from characters pasts) and severe abuse. If you, as a reader, find this objectionable or triggering in any way, you can skip this story without losing the transition to the next book.
Joker, what a misnomer, but Jackson Webb’s friends were idiots. He’d joined Executioners almost three years earlier after the lead singer King caught him playing his guitar behind his garage. It broke up the monotony of his life, but once he got bored, he’d move on to another distraction. He wasn’t nice. He sure as hell wasn’t friendly. He was what he was, his friends handled his attitude and standoffish nature just fine. At thirty-eight he was pretty sure he was too stuck in his ways to change shit now.
Demetri “Dem” Urban was settling into a new life in the middle of nowhere. Okay, he was hiding from everyone in a kitchen as far removed from his five-star kitchen back in New York as he could get. Gideon invited him to stay with him and his wife for a while just until he could get everything back on track. He didn’t see it happening, but he had to admit the scenery wasn’t bad even if the man had the personality of a rabid, man-eating bear. Dem did like a challenge and that fit Joker Webb perfectly.
Author's Note: This story contains scenes of a violent nature, mentions of rape and torture (All off page from characters pasts) and severe abuse. If you, as a reader, find this objectionable or triggering in any way, you can skip this story without losing the transition to the next book.
150 pages, ebook
First published August 29, 2017
60 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dabney
58 books640 followersUSA Today Bestselling author J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre published writer of Body and Fat Positive Romance & Fiction. They live with a constant diverse cast of diverse characters in their head. They live for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure everyone gets the happily ever after they deserve. There is nothing more they want from telling their stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be beautiful.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 1, 2024
We know from other books Joker is an angry, walking time bomb. He doesn't want anyone to touch him and DO NOT come up behind him. But Dem comes along. He's not without his own fears and desires but he is just what Joker needed. Everyone let Joker run away when things got too much. But not Dem...he pushed, he chased, he touched.
I absolutely loved Dem. He was the perfect partner for Joker. Dem is determined to be with Joker no matter how much Joker pushes away.
I felt so bad for Joker. He continually had thoughts that he wasn't worthy or good enough for Dem. I did though, find myself frustrated at him for up and leaving at one point. While I understood where he was coming from, I also thought he was very selfish and gave no thought to others around him. I did like that he saw Dem as perfect even with his disability. To him, it didn't matter.
One thing that bugged me though,
I think this is Dabney's hardest to read book yet. Priest suffered abuse but he had happy and carefree Lucky. Gregory was tormented by his ex-husband, but Bull stepped in and stopped it. What Harper went through was emotional and sad but Ghost was patient and kind and helped her be who she was meant to be. So, many of the mc's have been abused in one way or another, but Joker...the abuse this man suffered as a child is extreme and horrible. You should really heed the warning in the beginning from the author.
I'm hoping though Dabney is still planning on throwing some sweeter reads in soon. Some of these books are getting into some heavy stuff and I really enjoyed the more sweet and low-angst reads of some of the earlier crews. But, it was still good and we still get a happy ending with two people who are meant to be together.
“No one touches me.”
“Too damn bad, I want to touch you and often.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re worth"~Joker and Dem
I absolutely loved Dem. He was the perfect partner for Joker. Dem is determined to be with Joker no matter how much Joker pushes away.
“Why are you still here?”
“Because you’re worth me being here."~Joker and Dem
I felt so bad for Joker. He continually had thoughts that he wasn't worthy or good enough for Dem. I did though, find myself frustrated at him for up and leaving at one point. While I understood where he was coming from, I also thought he was very selfish and gave no thought to others around him. I did like that he saw Dem as perfect even with his disability. To him, it didn't matter.
One thing that bugged me though,
I think this is Dabney's hardest to read book yet. Priest suffered abuse but he had happy and carefree Lucky. Gregory was tormented by his ex-husband, but Bull stepped in and stopped it. What Harper went through was emotional and sad but Ghost was patient and kind and helped her be who she was meant to be. So, many of the mc's have been abused in one way or another, but Joker...the abuse this man suffered as a child is extreme and horrible. You should really heed the warning in the beginning from the author.
I'm hoping though Dabney is still planning on throwing some sweeter reads in soon. Some of these books are getting into some heavy stuff and I really enjoyed the more sweet and low-angst reads of some of the earlier crews. But, it was still good and we still get a happy ending with two people who are meant to be together.
September 3, 2017
3.5 stars
Joker is a grumpy, angry, violent guy. He takes on the role of champion for every person who is being harassed in public. He confronts the offender and usually starts a fight that ultimately lands him in jail. The reasons for his violent behavior are unfolded as the story progresses so I won’t spoil it here.
Dem is a calm, loving soul who takes on the job of softening Joker’s resolve and showing him he is worth the time and attention and love he is missing from his life. Dem has a degenerative bone disease that requires the use of crutches and has always being perceived as a “cripple”. He thinks Joker will treat him like an able-bodied person, something he craves.
We’ve got a little insta-love here on Dem’s part, but it was appropriate in the story given that fact Joker was so prickly. Dem needed to have an emotional investment in Joker to shadow his every move in his quest to show Joker he is worthy of love.
This is a hurt/healing/comfort story on steroids. Both men have serious issues and need soothing from each other and it worked great for me. The reason for the lower rating is because I didn’t feel the story was fleshed out enough at only 150 pages and I felt there could have been some sexual variation and more of it.
J.M. Dabney is a new author for me and I do plan to check out some of her other books. I can recommend Joker for the hurt/comfort junkies, like me. If that isn’t your thing, there won’t be a lot here for you.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
Joker is a grumpy, angry, violent guy. He takes on the role of champion for every person who is being harassed in public. He confronts the offender and usually starts a fight that ultimately lands him in jail. The reasons for his violent behavior are unfolded as the story progresses so I won’t spoil it here.
Dem is a calm, loving soul who takes on the job of softening Joker’s resolve and showing him he is worth the time and attention and love he is missing from his life. Dem has a degenerative bone disease that requires the use of crutches and has always being perceived as a “cripple”. He thinks Joker will treat him like an able-bodied person, something he craves.
We’ve got a little insta-love here on Dem’s part, but it was appropriate in the story given that fact Joker was so prickly. Dem needed to have an emotional investment in Joker to shadow his every move in his quest to show Joker he is worthy of love.
This is a hurt/healing/comfort story on steroids. Both men have serious issues and need soothing from each other and it worked great for me. The reason for the lower rating is because I didn’t feel the story was fleshed out enough at only 150 pages and I felt there could have been some sexual variation and more of it.
J.M. Dabney is a new author for me and I do plan to check out some of her other books. I can recommend Joker for the hurt/comfort junkies, like me. If that isn’t your thing, there won’t be a lot here for you.
This review is also posted at Gay Book Reviews
April 13, 2022
Dark and twisted
November 15, 2024
Tough call on this one. Light reading it was not.
You set your sights on someone only to find out they are horribly damaged. The connection between Dem and Jackson (Joker) was definitely there. Their stories were interesting to read and I think the author did a fine job in bringing these two together. The penchant for rough sex makes complete sense. Falling in love, or their version of it, was lovely to read.
Jackson’s past? I could not wrap my head around it. Including the intro of a character that pops back in after 30 or so years. Why? Because I deal with situations like these in RL. Things would NEVER go down in RL the way they did here. Because I know, it kept interfering with my mojo on this one.
It’s not you, it’s me.
You set your sights on someone only to find out they are horribly damaged. The connection between Dem and Jackson (Joker) was definitely there. Their stories were interesting to read and I think the author did a fine job in bringing these two together. The penchant for rough sex makes complete sense. Falling in love, or their version of it, was lovely to read.
Jackson’s past? I could not wrap my head around it. Including the intro of a character that pops back in after 30 or so years. Why? Because I deal with situations like these in RL. Things would NEVER go down in RL the way they did here. Because I know, it kept interfering with my mojo on this one.
It’s not you, it’s me.
January 31, 2019
I’ve been waiting on Joker!! I knew he was going to slot in with my favorites! I have a thing for the broken ones and if there was anyone who ought to feel that way, it was Joker. He wasn’t though, he just needed someone to fight for him, someone to show that he was worth something more than the violence and abuse he’d been born into. He had his friends, sure…they all cared about him, but he didn’t make it easy to be there for. They done as much as Joker allowed, but he needed more than that and secretly, he wanted it….
That’s where Demitri came in… Good friend of Ghost’s, he came to town for a while to as a little staycation. Getting away from an ex and the job he’d lost due to said ex… he felt at home in Powers. Not necessarily because of the place or the company, but it’s where he found Joker….or, Jackson, as he liked to call him. He was smitten the first time he’d laid eyes on only a picture. Broody and dangerous looking, he could tell he was sad and hurting…he just didn’t realize how far all that came from. He was determined to get, at least a date but after the date, he was determined to claim Joker as his own. Don’t you love that about these guys? They’re nothing if not stubborn, and Demitri was just as hard headed and stubborn as Joker, and he wasn’t giving up.
It was hard for a bit…. both of them wondering if they were what the other needed and Joker having a hard time accepting that someone could care about him; as well as wondering if he had it in him to not hurt Dem…. Of course he got there in the end and I loved the way it turned out for them. I know they all get their happily ever after’s and some of them are more bittersweet than others. While I didn’t feel the instant connection I did like some of the others in these groups, and this one had to work for it a little bit. I was very happy with the way it all came about. If any of these guys deserved their HEA, it was Joker.
5 well deserved stars for me and I cannot wait to see what happens with the Sheriff and the twins <3
That’s where Demitri came in… Good friend of Ghost’s, he came to town for a while to as a little staycation. Getting away from an ex and the job he’d lost due to said ex… he felt at home in Powers. Not necessarily because of the place or the company, but it’s where he found Joker….or, Jackson, as he liked to call him. He was smitten the first time he’d laid eyes on only a picture. Broody and dangerous looking, he could tell he was sad and hurting…he just didn’t realize how far all that came from. He was determined to get, at least a date but after the date, he was determined to claim Joker as his own. Don’t you love that about these guys? They’re nothing if not stubborn, and Demitri was just as hard headed and stubborn as Joker, and he wasn’t giving up.
It was hard for a bit…. both of them wondering if they were what the other needed and Joker having a hard time accepting that someone could care about him; as well as wondering if he had it in him to not hurt Dem…. Of course he got there in the end and I loved the way it turned out for them. I know they all get their happily ever after’s and some of them are more bittersweet than others. While I didn’t feel the instant connection I did like some of the others in these groups, and this one had to work for it a little bit. I was very happy with the way it all came about. If any of these guys deserved their HEA, it was Joker.
5 well deserved stars for me and I cannot wait to see what happens with the Sheriff and the twins <3
August 26, 2021
I’ve been waiting on Joker!! I knew he was going to slot in with my favorites! I have a thing for the broken ones and if there was anyone who ought to feel that way, it was Joker. He wasn’t though, he just needed someone to fight for him, someone to show that he was worth something more than the violence and abuse he’d been born into. He had his friends, sure…they all cared about him, but he didn’t make it easy to be there for. They done as much as Joker allowed, but he needed more than that and secretly, he wanted it….
That’s where Demitri came in… Good friend of Ghost’s, he came to town for a while to as a little staycation. Getting away from an ex and the job he’d lost due to said ex… he felt at home in Powers. Not necessarily because of the place or the company, but it’s where he found Joker….or, Jackson, as he liked to call him. He was smitten the first time he’d laid eyes on only a picture. Broody and dangerous looking, he could tell he was sad and hurting…he just didn’t realize how far all that came from. He was determined to get, at least a date but after the date, he was determined to claim Joker as his own. Don’t you love that about these guys? They’re nothing if not stubborn, and Demitri was just as hard headed and stubborn as Joker, and he wasn’t giving up.
It was hard for a bit…. both of them wondering if they were what the other needed and Joker having a hard time accepting that someone could care about him; as well as wondering if he had it in him to not hurt Dem…. Of course he got there in the end and I loved the way it turned out for them. I know they all get their happily ever after’s and some of them are more bittersweet than others. While I didn’t feel the instant connection I did like some of the others in these groups, and this one had to work for it a little bit. I was very happy with the way it all came about. If any of these guys deserved their HEA, it was Joker.
5 well deserved stars for me and I cannot wait to see what happens with the Sheriff and the twins <3
That’s where Demitri came in… Good friend of Ghost’s, he came to town for a while to as a little staycation. Getting away from an ex and the job he’d lost due to said ex… he felt at home in Powers. Not necessarily because of the place or the company, but it’s where he found Joker….or, Jackson, as he liked to call him. He was smitten the first time he’d laid eyes on only a picture. Broody and dangerous looking, he could tell he was sad and hurting…he just didn’t realize how far all that came from. He was determined to get, at least a date but after the date, he was determined to claim Joker as his own. Don’t you love that about these guys? They’re nothing if not stubborn, and Demitri was just as hard headed and stubborn as Joker, and he wasn’t giving up.
It was hard for a bit…. both of them wondering if they were what the other needed and Joker having a hard time accepting that someone could care about him; as well as wondering if he had it in him to not hurt Dem…. Of course he got there in the end and I loved the way it turned out for them. I know they all get their happily ever after’s and some of them are more bittersweet than others. While I didn’t feel the instant connection I did like some of the others in these groups, and this one had to work for it a little bit. I was very happy with the way it all came about. If any of these guys deserved their HEA, it was Joker.
5 well deserved stars for me and I cannot wait to see what happens with the Sheriff and the twins <3
April 8, 2018
Over the top, melodramatic, tortured hero fun.
Jackson (Joker) is a damaged hero times 10. His hero is a super hyper in pursuit (he skydives to remote locations for him) chef.
And yet as crazy sauce boiler plate as some of this book is, I liked it. I enjoyed the cast from the other books in the series or connected series (I have only read one or two I think), and liked the love story and of course the mean guy who is loved by his friends and has a tiny little dog.
Jackson (Joker) is a damaged hero times 10. His hero is a super hyper in pursuit (he skydives to remote locations for him) chef.
And yet as crazy sauce boiler plate as some of this book is, I liked it. I enjoyed the cast from the other books in the series or connected series (I have only read one or two I think), and liked the love story and of course the mean guy who is loved by his friends and has a tiny little dog.
August 29, 2017
4,5
Sortie aujourd'hui, téléchargé cette nuit et aussitôt lu. J'ai adoré, c'était beau, émouvant et, même si comme dans les autres tomes, il y a trop de clichés et de répétitions, c'est hyper addictif et on en redemande. Je veux les suivants !!!
Sortie aujourd'hui, téléchargé cette nuit et aussitôt lu. J'ai adoré, c'était beau, émouvant et, même si comme dans les autres tomes, il y a trop de clichés et de répétitions, c'est hyper addictif et on en redemande. Je veux les suivants !!!
September 7, 2017
I love this series so very much. it gets better and better
September 16, 2017
3.5 stars
October 3, 2017
4 out of 5 stars
Description ~
Joker, what a misnomer, but Jackson Webb’s friends were idiots. He’d joined Executioners almost three years earlier after the lead singer King caught him playing his guitar behind his garage. It broke up the monotony of his life, but once he got bored he’d move on to another distraction. He wasn’t nice. He sure as hell wasn’t friendly. He was what he was, his friends handled his attitude and standoffish nature just fine. At thirty-eight he was pretty sure he was too stuck in his way to change shit now.
Demetri “Dem” Urban was settling into a new life in the middle of nowhere. Okay, he was hiding from everywhere in a kitchen as far removed from his five-star kitchen back in New York. Gideon invited him to stay with him and his wife for awhile just until he could get everything back on track. He didn’t see it happening, but he had to admit the scenery wasn’t bad even if the man had the personality of a rabid, man-eating bear. Dem did like a challenge and that fit Joker Webb perfectly.
My Review ~
Joker is the second book in the Executioners series. This book is part of a larger story arc that started with Twirled World Ink and continued on in Brawlers and now the Executioners. While you could read them as a standalone, I recommend reading all of them from the first Twirled World Ink book through to this one. Many of the characters make repeat appearances in the other books.
Joker is a total product of his childhood and all the damage it did to him to shape him into the man he is now. We've seen a lot of that in the previous books with his aversion to touch, and no one coming up behind him, no aggressive moves, and so on. Well that is until Demitri starts hammering away at Joker's rock hard shell to get to the person hiding underneath. At first these two are like the proverbial oil and water... if water could growl and get pissy every time you spoke to it. Eventually Demitri's attempts start to break through Joker's closed off self and more and more comes to light about who he is and why. Of course this also leads to some sexy, growly bear times between them and then into more than just sex.
I've got to say I totally fell in adoring love with Dem, between his conquer everything personality to his indomitable strength while dealing with his own physical limitations and of course Joker's oh so pleasant self. Dem holds absolutely NOTHING back in breaking down Joker's walls, and also in his own wants and needs. Joker grew on me throughout the story and by the end I wanted him and Dem happy together.
This story is very different from Ghost, the first book in this series, but just as good of a story. It focused on two characters who had their own issues that needed to be overcome, and then finally leading to their HEA. I really did end up enjoying the story overall even if there were times I wanted to thump Joker. He and Dem really work together as a couple and were ultimately perfect for each other.
I think this is going to be a story that you're going to feel one of two ways about Joker, but I'll tell you to hang in there and enjoy the story because it's worth making it to the ending. And of course it sets us up for the next book in the series. I recommend this for any of this author's fans and fans of this series, but also anyone that loves a growly, grumpy ass of a man who in the end allows himself to love and be loved in the best way possible.
I look forward to reading many more books by this author, they have quickly become one of my autobuy favorites.
Description ~
Joker, what a misnomer, but Jackson Webb’s friends were idiots. He’d joined Executioners almost three years earlier after the lead singer King caught him playing his guitar behind his garage. It broke up the monotony of his life, but once he got bored he’d move on to another distraction. He wasn’t nice. He sure as hell wasn’t friendly. He was what he was, his friends handled his attitude and standoffish nature just fine. At thirty-eight he was pretty sure he was too stuck in his way to change shit now.
Demetri “Dem” Urban was settling into a new life in the middle of nowhere. Okay, he was hiding from everywhere in a kitchen as far removed from his five-star kitchen back in New York. Gideon invited him to stay with him and his wife for awhile just until he could get everything back on track. He didn’t see it happening, but he had to admit the scenery wasn’t bad even if the man had the personality of a rabid, man-eating bear. Dem did like a challenge and that fit Joker Webb perfectly.
My Review ~
Joker is the second book in the Executioners series. This book is part of a larger story arc that started with Twirled World Ink and continued on in Brawlers and now the Executioners. While you could read them as a standalone, I recommend reading all of them from the first Twirled World Ink book through to this one. Many of the characters make repeat appearances in the other books.
Joker is a total product of his childhood and all the damage it did to him to shape him into the man he is now. We've seen a lot of that in the previous books with his aversion to touch, and no one coming up behind him, no aggressive moves, and so on. Well that is until Demitri starts hammering away at Joker's rock hard shell to get to the person hiding underneath. At first these two are like the proverbial oil and water... if water could growl and get pissy every time you spoke to it. Eventually Demitri's attempts start to break through Joker's closed off self and more and more comes to light about who he is and why. Of course this also leads to some sexy, growly bear times between them and then into more than just sex.
I've got to say I totally fell in adoring love with Dem, between his conquer everything personality to his indomitable strength while dealing with his own physical limitations and of course Joker's oh so pleasant self. Dem holds absolutely NOTHING back in breaking down Joker's walls, and also in his own wants and needs. Joker grew on me throughout the story and by the end I wanted him and Dem happy together.
This story is very different from Ghost, the first book in this series, but just as good of a story. It focused on two characters who had their own issues that needed to be overcome, and then finally leading to their HEA. I really did end up enjoying the story overall even if there were times I wanted to thump Joker. He and Dem really work together as a couple and were ultimately perfect for each other.
I think this is going to be a story that you're going to feel one of two ways about Joker, but I'll tell you to hang in there and enjoy the story because it's worth making it to the ending. And of course it sets us up for the next book in the series. I recommend this for any of this author's fans and fans of this series, but also anyone that loves a growly, grumpy ass of a man who in the end allows himself to love and be loved in the best way possible.
I look forward to reading many more books by this author, they have quickly become one of my autobuy favorites.
October 28, 2019
Ok, if you have not read the blurb, pay attention to it. It is not a joke in any way. This is probably one of, if not the darkest stories of all the boys. Joker has had one hell of a life. Between him and his mother, there were days and days and days, of rape, torture of all kinds, abuse and the list goes on. The scars are not just mental and emotional, they are a road map on Joker’s skin. If you can’t handle this kind of story, it would be best to skip it.
Joker knows he’s an angry man. He’s constantly filled with rage, and it doesn’t take much to make him snap. Especially if someone is being done wrong. Or mistreated, like children or women or someone considered ‘weaker’. Jail time is not an unusual thing to him. He’s used to it. He has no problem with beating someone who deserves it or warning them off. What he isn’t used to though, is someone who actually wants him. And wants to be with him. And Dem has wanted him since he laid eyes on Joker. But everyone has warned him to either stay away or be very careful. Well, Dem is not staying away, so that means he has to push a bit to get to Joker. But he knows not to go to far. He knows with what he knows of Joker’s past, not to push too far and to give him space. But they had finally gotten to the point of making love and yes, it was a little rough but it was everything Dem had wanted. But all Joker saw was his father in him, hurting Dem, and he ran. He was gone for weeks and it was taking its toll on Dem. But Dem refused to give up. He needed Joker to see he was still in for the long haul. But at some point, Dem really started thinking maybe he wasn’t enough for Joker and was prepared to let him go. But now Joker was invested and he couldn’t do without the one man who cared for him as no other. And he had to make sure Dem was there to stay for good. No matter what he had to do.
Stories like this are so hard for so many reasons. It pisses me off so bad when I think of people who think it’s ok to beat up or abuse someone just because it’s fun for them or they get off on it. They are warped in the head and need to be taken down. But the worst part is the victims. Everyday they have to live with some kind of scars. Whether mental, emotional, or physical, or all three. It is something they have to live with for the rest of their lives. And some can’t live with it at all. They commit suicide or have to be put away because they can’t cope with it. What gets me the most though, is the children. Especially when they look like their abuser. And Joker had to live with that face every day. But the one thing I loved about Dem, is Dem tried to make him see him as himself. Not as the man who abused him. His face was his. Jackson. Joker. Not some asshole who should have been put down long before he was. Dem loved Joker, scars and all. And Joker had a hard time with that. When you live a life of constant abuse, it’s hard to accept the good in life, no matter how hard some people try. You just can’t. But little by little, he was seeing Dem as loving him and not pitying him. Or something else. He was seeing that Dem saw his scars as just being a part of him. He wept for them at times, not out of pity, but out of hurt and anger that Joker had to endure such pain. And a bit at a time, Joker’s walls started finally coming down. Not that it was easy, not that they didn’t sometimes go back up. But he was trying. He was trying to accept that someone truly loved his grumpy ass and all.
This really is a hard story to read. But it’s so worth it. To see Joker finally accept that someone loves him like Dem does, it makes him blossom. Ok, it’s Joker, so it’s not a huge change, but it is there. Between Dem and his little dog, Killer, he finally felt like he belonged and had a sense of belonging to someone. And it was beautiful.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
Joker knows he’s an angry man. He’s constantly filled with rage, and it doesn’t take much to make him snap. Especially if someone is being done wrong. Or mistreated, like children or women or someone considered ‘weaker’. Jail time is not an unusual thing to him. He’s used to it. He has no problem with beating someone who deserves it or warning them off. What he isn’t used to though, is someone who actually wants him. And wants to be with him. And Dem has wanted him since he laid eyes on Joker. But everyone has warned him to either stay away or be very careful. Well, Dem is not staying away, so that means he has to push a bit to get to Joker. But he knows not to go to far. He knows with what he knows of Joker’s past, not to push too far and to give him space. But they had finally gotten to the point of making love and yes, it was a little rough but it was everything Dem had wanted. But all Joker saw was his father in him, hurting Dem, and he ran. He was gone for weeks and it was taking its toll on Dem. But Dem refused to give up. He needed Joker to see he was still in for the long haul. But at some point, Dem really started thinking maybe he wasn’t enough for Joker and was prepared to let him go. But now Joker was invested and he couldn’t do without the one man who cared for him as no other. And he had to make sure Dem was there to stay for good. No matter what he had to do.
Stories like this are so hard for so many reasons. It pisses me off so bad when I think of people who think it’s ok to beat up or abuse someone just because it’s fun for them or they get off on it. They are warped in the head and need to be taken down. But the worst part is the victims. Everyday they have to live with some kind of scars. Whether mental, emotional, or physical, or all three. It is something they have to live with for the rest of their lives. And some can’t live with it at all. They commit suicide or have to be put away because they can’t cope with it. What gets me the most though, is the children. Especially when they look like their abuser. And Joker had to live with that face every day. But the one thing I loved about Dem, is Dem tried to make him see him as himself. Not as the man who abused him. His face was his. Jackson. Joker. Not some asshole who should have been put down long before he was. Dem loved Joker, scars and all. And Joker had a hard time with that. When you live a life of constant abuse, it’s hard to accept the good in life, no matter how hard some people try. You just can’t. But little by little, he was seeing Dem as loving him and not pitying him. Or something else. He was seeing that Dem saw his scars as just being a part of him. He wept for them at times, not out of pity, but out of hurt and anger that Joker had to endure such pain. And a bit at a time, Joker’s walls started finally coming down. Not that it was easy, not that they didn’t sometimes go back up. But he was trying. He was trying to accept that someone truly loved his grumpy ass and all.
This really is a hard story to read. But it’s so worth it. To see Joker finally accept that someone loves him like Dem does, it makes him blossom. Ok, it’s Joker, so it’s not a huge change, but it is there. Between Dem and his little dog, Killer, he finally felt like he belonged and had a sense of belonging to someone. And it was beautiful.
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September 5, 2017
This is the second book in the Executioners series and we finally get Joker’s story. I’ve been waiting for this one as I have a huge soft spot for this hard, closed-off and downright scary guy. To give Jackson Webb the nickname ‘Joker’ is the best example of an oxymoron as I’ve ever come across. Joker isn’t nice, he has a ton of attitude and prefers it if people left him alone - and whatever you do, definitely don’t touch him. At thirty eight years old, he sees no reason to change his demeanour to suit anyone else and he’s quite content to live a solitary life – apart from his 3lb dog, Killer, who has as much attitude as his owner, and really is his canine equivalent. Demitri “Dem” Urban has come to find solace in Powers, Georgia working at Heidi’s Diner, so far removed from his stressful and demanding job he had in New York and he has his own on-going problems that are affecting his health and his mobility. Dem has a goal in mind though, and that is to get his man. Thing is, Joker doesn’t want to be caught. We find out just how deep his mental scars are and why he has no interest in becoming anyone’s man. What comes to light about Joker’s past really hurt my heart and if anyone deserved to find some happiness, it was this guy. Dem attempts to break the walls that Joker has set in place and we start to see some hope.... also, there’s someone from the past turning up and turning everything on its head. I loved all the supporting characters, the twins, Sin and Saint from the Executioners were a hoot and they are going to be so much trouble for Sherriff Camden Pelter, who’s the rock-solid friend we all want in our lives. What runs through this book and the author’s other series’, Brawlers and Twirled World Ink, is the camaraderie and brotherhood; they’re all like family and will do anything for each other and it makes my heart smile. There aren’t that many reads where I feel like sobbing one minute and then the next I’m choking back laughter from the wicked one-liners. Jami Dabney has such a gift for storytelling and I just adore reading about her Crews and I hope we have many, many more stories to come because I’m hooked. I love this world!
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads.
June 17, 2024
4.5/5 stars.
Romance so good I almost wanted to stop reading romance altogether because I knew I could never have a love like theirs. Oh it was so good.
Romance so good I almost wanted to stop reading romance altogether because I knew I could never have a love like theirs. Oh it was so good.
September 2, 2017
Loved this. Yet again, a great instalment in the Executioners world with glimpses of Brawlers and the Twirled Ink crews. I love the way all three series are intertwined yet still feel like distinct stories all on their own. Joker had a wonderful hard exterior with a beautifully tortured soft centre and Dem was relentless and determined with his disability intertwined and integral to the story.
September 4, 2017
REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES
I have been waiting not so patiently for Jokers story – the friend who has such strong morals but always seems to end up behind bars. Violence is the way of Jokers life, he was born to it, he almost died from it and he solves every problem he has with it. The man is left speechless and terrified when Dem enters his life and instead of violence Dem shows compassion, understanding and love. Could Joker really have a chance at what his friends have? Could someone really love Joker? Could Joker love them back?
After a break up that also meant the end of his job Dem is hiding out and getting his life back in order. He’s staying with his friend Gideon and wife Harper and even though just newly single he finds himself almost immediately enthralled with their bad tempered friend Joker. Even getting the man to speak to him is a challenge but Dem has been living with challenges all his life and the prize at the end of this one is definitely worth some extra work.
Jokers surprise at another man taking notice and paying him attention is both heart-breaking and funny. Dem’s bravery at surreptitiously touching the other man is what starts to break down the walls but those walls are both thick and high and Dem is going to have to use every trick he has to get Joker to believe he is worth the effort. Joker just needs for something or someone to be his, he needs to be loved and he needs to love back – Dem is perfect and already half way there if only the stubborn man will give him a chance. The ending with the reunion seemed a bit farfetched and happened too quickly and easily but overall the story was just what I hoped for – Joker got his happily ever after.
I have been waiting not so patiently for Jokers story – the friend who has such strong morals but always seems to end up behind bars. Violence is the way of Jokers life, he was born to it, he almost died from it and he solves every problem he has with it. The man is left speechless and terrified when Dem enters his life and instead of violence Dem shows compassion, understanding and love. Could Joker really have a chance at what his friends have? Could someone really love Joker? Could Joker love them back?
After a break up that also meant the end of his job Dem is hiding out and getting his life back in order. He’s staying with his friend Gideon and wife Harper and even though just newly single he finds himself almost immediately enthralled with their bad tempered friend Joker. Even getting the man to speak to him is a challenge but Dem has been living with challenges all his life and the prize at the end of this one is definitely worth some extra work.
Jokers surprise at another man taking notice and paying him attention is both heart-breaking and funny. Dem’s bravery at surreptitiously touching the other man is what starts to break down the walls but those walls are both thick and high and Dem is going to have to use every trick he has to get Joker to believe he is worth the effort. Joker just needs for something or someone to be his, he needs to be loved and he needs to love back – Dem is perfect and already half way there if only the stubborn man will give him a chance. The ending with the reunion seemed a bit farfetched and happened too quickly and easily but overall the story was just what I hoped for – Joker got his happily ever after.
August 29, 2017
One of my most favorite things about JM Dabney's books is that she writes the imperfect people. They are not models and Gods. They are sometimes overweight, hairy, scarred, broken, you name it. It really pushes the realism at you and you can feel yourself connecting with them better.
In Joker, which is book two in JM Dabney's Executioners Series, we find out his story. You saw him in Ghost, book one, and you know your imagination was getting the better of you. You KNEW there was a story and you KNEW it was going to break your heart.
I won't tell it to you but it is bad. When you're bred from hate, birthed into darkness, and know you're alive simply because you can feel the pain, and still come through the other side, you're rare. You're special. That's Joker. He wears his story on his skin. Not tattoos but scars. There are many and each holds a torturous memory for him. Love is not something Joker thinks he's capable or maybe even worthy of. But then, he never met a guy like Dem before.
It takes an extraordinary person to thaw a soul made of ice. Dem has his own past. He's lived through judgment due to his physical disability. He too longs for love but in his heart, he knows he's worthy of it. And he knows Joker is too.
I really loved this story because, as painful as it was, their pasts have made them into survivors. They are not victims. No. Each is forced to embrace what has been done and now have to learn to love.
It's hard read in places but it's well worth your time and all the tissues!
In Joker, which is book two in JM Dabney's Executioners Series, we find out his story. You saw him in Ghost, book one, and you know your imagination was getting the better of you. You KNEW there was a story and you KNEW it was going to break your heart.
I won't tell it to you but it is bad. When you're bred from hate, birthed into darkness, and know you're alive simply because you can feel the pain, and still come through the other side, you're rare. You're special. That's Joker. He wears his story on his skin. Not tattoos but scars. There are many and each holds a torturous memory for him. Love is not something Joker thinks he's capable or maybe even worthy of. But then, he never met a guy like Dem before.
It takes an extraordinary person to thaw a soul made of ice. Dem has his own past. He's lived through judgment due to his physical disability. He too longs for love but in his heart, he knows he's worthy of it. And he knows Joker is too.
I really loved this story because, as painful as it was, their pasts have made them into survivors. They are not victims. No. Each is forced to embrace what has been done and now have to learn to love.
It's hard read in places but it's well worth your time and all the tissues!
November 29, 2019
Joker is amazing!!!!
Omg I love these guys!! I knew I liked Joker when he appeared in the first book of this series, and I bought this book the same time as Ghost. The things poor Joker went through in his childhood....horrible how people could just let that go on. I love how playful Dem is and I hope he gets to stay in the kitchen a bit longer! Really huge surprise in here, I'm not telling but wow! Overall another great book!
Omg I love these guys!! I knew I liked Joker when he appeared in the first book of this series, and I bought this book the same time as Ghost. The things poor Joker went through in his childhood....horrible how people could just let that go on. I love how playful Dem is and I hope he gets to stay in the kitchen a bit longer! Really huge surprise in here, I'm not telling but wow! Overall another great book!
December 30, 2024
4th read 6-24
3rd Read 8-2020
GAH! Forgot how much I love Joker!
2nd Read 6-9-19
Love this even more the 2nd time around. Joker has my heart forever!
1st Read 8-30-17
I forkin' LOVE Jackson Webb!!!
Seriously though, this book killed me.
3rd Read 8-2020
GAH! Forgot how much I love Joker!
2nd Read 6-9-19
Love this even more the 2nd time around. Joker has my heart forever!
1st Read 8-30-17
I forkin' LOVE Jackson Webb!!!
Seriously though, this book killed me.
August 29, 2017
Started out just reading a couple of pages before work....now finished!
Couldn't put this down - Joker broke my heart, the shit life he had been dealt was awful, he NEEDED a guy like Dem to make him see what love he really deserved.
Couldn't put this down - Joker broke my heart, the shit life he had been dealt was awful, he NEEDED a guy like Dem to make him see what love he really deserved.
September 1, 2017
4.5 Stars
November 14, 2024
**This review has been electronically translated into English.
*
When I read a synopsis and see that it contains heavy themes with triggers, I usually read the reviews before starting to read it or even to decide whether I will buy and read that book. In this title, the reviews say that it was very heavy, that one of the MCs was physically and sexually abused, etc. etc. etc... Well, not everything.
I understood Jackson (Joker), his story was painful, heavy. I was able to have empathy and respect for the character. Joker was abused by his own father and grandfather, two sadists who were products of distorted upbringings. His father raped his mother when she was 13, her parents forced her to marry the monster and she suffered the worst atrocities at the hands of both her husband and father-in-law. When she was gone, the torture passed on to her son, Jackson, whose only difference was that he was not raped by them, but otherwise he suffered everything if not worse. He killed his father when he was 16 and because of the old sheriff, in addition to the shitty town, he was tried as an adult and was arrested. He got out with the help of Peache. He spent his life with more triggers and traumas than an arsenal of weapons, but everything changed when he met and accepted Dem.
I like Dem, but I thought he deserved more from the author. His story, despite his own suffering, was clouded by Joker's story and I understand the weight of Joker's story, but this is not a one-man book and since you give each character a significantly strong story, you expect them to develop it to their full potential and here there was an imbalance. Dem lived his entire life with a degenerative disease that affected the bones in his hips, he uses crutches to get around and feels a lot of pain when he stands for a long time or exerts himself too much, despite this he always went after what he wanted, he lived his life the way he wanted. He is a chef who left his life in New York City after being disappointed by his ex-boss/boyfriend. So he goes to live in Power with his friend Gideon (Ghost). At his friend's house, he sees a picture of Joker and falls in love. After that, he goes after what he wants and doesn't stop until he wins Jackson's suffering and shy heart.
As I said before, I don't like the imbalance in the story. Dem talks about his suffering because of people's reactions to his problem, but this is not developed. He has insecurities, pain, uncertainty and the certainty that in a few years he will lose the movement of his legs for good. The author only mentions at times when he thinks it is convenient to highlight that this character is not just sunshine, a moment later he no longer exists. I also don't understand why all the pain and suffering would be used in a character, as if it weren't enough to consider himself a product of the violence suffered by his mother, to see his mother suffer, he had to go through almost everything too. And the craziest thing about all this is that the author wants to put weight on what happened, but takes it away when he introduces friends who, even knowing everything the guy suffered, treat him as if he were guilty of his actions, without any mitigating factors, as if despite everything Joker went through, they don't understand why he is like this.
I loved the couple, but the romance was overshadowed by Joker's story, forgetting Dem's story. And I wouldn't mind the space to tell one side's part, but then extend the book to also give Dem space. It seems like a relationship where Dem is Joker's crutch and that's not cool. Despite everything, Joker survived, he doesn't deserve to be put that way and Dem deserved more for himself too.
I liked the comic relief in some situations and the reunion at the end. I loved Joker's relationship with Killer, his ferocious dog.
The author has a habit of trying to lighten certain scenes with confusing dialogues or memories when dealing with heavier themes. Half-memories, interrupted conversations, replacing a serious topic with something banal and meaningless.
The end. The end felt like the last five minutes before finishing a test where there are several questions left to answer. You just rush through and mark the options that seem most plausible and try to cover as many questions as possible.
*
When I read a synopsis and see that it contains heavy themes with triggers, I usually read the reviews before starting to read it or even to decide whether I will buy and read that book. In this title, the reviews say that it was very heavy, that one of the MCs was physically and sexually abused, etc. etc. etc... Well, not everything.
I understood Jackson (Joker), his story was painful, heavy. I was able to have empathy and respect for the character. Joker was abused by his own father and grandfather, two sadists who were products of distorted upbringings. His father raped his mother when she was 13, her parents forced her to marry the monster and she suffered the worst atrocities at the hands of both her husband and father-in-law. When she was gone, the torture passed on to her son, Jackson, whose only difference was that he was not raped by them, but otherwise he suffered everything if not worse. He killed his father when he was 16 and because of the old sheriff, in addition to the shitty town, he was tried as an adult and was arrested. He got out with the help of Peache. He spent his life with more triggers and traumas than an arsenal of weapons, but everything changed when he met and accepted Dem.
I like Dem, but I thought he deserved more from the author. His story, despite his own suffering, was clouded by Joker's story and I understand the weight of Joker's story, but this is not a one-man book and since you give each character a significantly strong story, you expect them to develop it to their full potential and here there was an imbalance. Dem lived his entire life with a degenerative disease that affected the bones in his hips, he uses crutches to get around and feels a lot of pain when he stands for a long time or exerts himself too much, despite this he always went after what he wanted, he lived his life the way he wanted. He is a chef who left his life in New York City after being disappointed by his ex-boss/boyfriend. So he goes to live in Power with his friend Gideon (Ghost). At his friend's house, he sees a picture of Joker and falls in love. After that, he goes after what he wants and doesn't stop until he wins Jackson's suffering and shy heart.
As I said before, I don't like the imbalance in the story. Dem talks about his suffering because of people's reactions to his problem, but this is not developed. He has insecurities, pain, uncertainty and the certainty that in a few years he will lose the movement of his legs for good. The author only mentions at times when he thinks it is convenient to highlight that this character is not just sunshine, a moment later he no longer exists. I also don't understand why all the pain and suffering would be used in a character, as if it weren't enough to consider himself a product of the violence suffered by his mother, to see his mother suffer, he had to go through almost everything too. And the craziest thing about all this is that the author wants to put weight on what happened, but takes it away when he introduces friends who, even knowing everything the guy suffered, treat him as if he were guilty of his actions, without any mitigating factors, as if despite everything Joker went through, they don't understand why he is like this.
I loved the couple, but the romance was overshadowed by Joker's story, forgetting Dem's story. And I wouldn't mind the space to tell one side's part, but then extend the book to also give Dem space. It seems like a relationship where Dem is Joker's crutch and that's not cool. Despite everything, Joker survived, he doesn't deserve to be put that way and Dem deserved more for himself too.
I liked the comic relief in some situations and the reunion at the end. I loved Joker's relationship with Killer, his ferocious dog.
The author has a habit of trying to lighten certain scenes with confusing dialogues or memories when dealing with heavier themes. Half-memories, interrupted conversations, replacing a serious topic with something banal and meaningless.
The end. The end felt like the last five minutes before finishing a test where there are several questions left to answer. You just rush through and mark the options that seem most plausible and try to cover as many questions as possible.
February 27, 2022
**********Contains Spoilers**********
I really enjoyed this book and it was definitely one of the best books that I’ve read in the Powers County Universe so far. Wow, what an emotional roller coaster this book was, which I was definitely expecting. The chemistry between Joker and Dem was off the charts and when they finally end up in bed, Joker is totally in charge. He’s excellent at d*rty talk and it’s hot as f*ck how d*minat he is and it’s great that he doesn’t treat Dem like he’s fragile.I love Joker and I shed tears while hearing him tell Dem what happened to him growing up and the reason he is the way he is. I loved how much pleasure Dem got at messing up Joker’s strict routine as he wanted him to enjoy eating instead of a strict routine which stemmed from his ab*sive childhood. Joker would complain but he also begrudgingly accept the lunch box that Dem gave him and then eat it.
I loved how protective of Harper and any women and child that’s in need of protection Joker is there and pretty much ends up getting arrested for it. If he saw someone laying hands on their partner or their kids, or just touching someone without asking he’d pay the person back with a vengeance. It stems from his childhood, he’s a product of r*pe, his mum Mary was only 15 years old at the time. Her parents were complete a*seholes and basically forced her to stay with and marry her r*apist Garnet Webb. Mary suffered years of t*rture but she disappeared when Joker was only 8 years old. After finding and reading Mary’s journals a few years later Joker finally knew the truth about his sadistic f*ck of a father who t*rtured Joker for years on end and at 16 years old Joker had finally had enough of the ab*se and beat him to death, which he totally deserved a lot worse.
Thorpe the old sheriff who was completely useless, and on the take basically charged Joker with m*rder. Luckily Peaches came to the party and Joker only served a few years. Joker also tried to get the police to look into his Mum’s disappearance but they didn’t do anything. Joker can’t stand touch because of his childhood. I love his weird a*se friendship with the new Sheriff, Scary’s cousin Cam. After hearing the t*rture his Mum and the women his father brought home after his Mum disappeared he’s got major hang ups about s*x which totally makes sense. I loved that Dem knew about Joker’s mile high walls but he kept at it and slowly made his way past them. Dem knew that Joker was an a*sehole but he definitely had his reasons.
It was cute that even though Joker tried to tell himself that he didn’t want to go out on a date with Dem, he still modified his bike so Dem could ride with him without hurting due to his legs and hips being mostly titanium. Dem’s perfect for Joker as he tries to get him out of his comfort zone but allows Joker space when needed and just holds him and talks him through his nightmares/flashbacks when needed. Joker is perfect for Dem as he doesn’t treat him as less than because of his disability. Man, Joker’s new puppy K*ller was totally adorable. He loves her so much and it’s even funnier that she’s totally his spirit animal. I’m really looking forward to reading King’s story next, and finding out whether him and his ex brother-in-law get together. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
I really enjoyed this book and it was definitely one of the best books that I’ve read in the Powers County Universe so far. Wow, what an emotional roller coaster this book was, which I was definitely expecting. The chemistry between Joker and Dem was off the charts and when they finally end up in bed, Joker is totally in charge. He’s excellent at d*rty talk and it’s hot as f*ck how d*minat he is and it’s great that he doesn’t treat Dem like he’s fragile.I love Joker and I shed tears while hearing him tell Dem what happened to him growing up and the reason he is the way he is. I loved how much pleasure Dem got at messing up Joker’s strict routine as he wanted him to enjoy eating instead of a strict routine which stemmed from his ab*sive childhood. Joker would complain but he also begrudgingly accept the lunch box that Dem gave him and then eat it.
I loved how protective of Harper and any women and child that’s in need of protection Joker is there and pretty much ends up getting arrested for it. If he saw someone laying hands on their partner or their kids, or just touching someone without asking he’d pay the person back with a vengeance. It stems from his childhood, he’s a product of r*pe, his mum Mary was only 15 years old at the time. Her parents were complete a*seholes and basically forced her to stay with and marry her r*apist Garnet Webb. Mary suffered years of t*rture but she disappeared when Joker was only 8 years old. After finding and reading Mary’s journals a few years later Joker finally knew the truth about his sadistic f*ck of a father who t*rtured Joker for years on end and at 16 years old Joker had finally had enough of the ab*se and beat him to death, which he totally deserved a lot worse.
Thorpe the old sheriff who was completely useless, and on the take basically charged Joker with m*rder. Luckily Peaches came to the party and Joker only served a few years. Joker also tried to get the police to look into his Mum’s disappearance but they didn’t do anything. Joker can’t stand touch because of his childhood. I love his weird a*se friendship with the new Sheriff, Scary’s cousin Cam. After hearing the t*rture his Mum and the women his father brought home after his Mum disappeared he’s got major hang ups about s*x which totally makes sense. I loved that Dem knew about Joker’s mile high walls but he kept at it and slowly made his way past them. Dem knew that Joker was an a*sehole but he definitely had his reasons.
It was cute that even though Joker tried to tell himself that he didn’t want to go out on a date with Dem, he still modified his bike so Dem could ride with him without hurting due to his legs and hips being mostly titanium. Dem’s perfect for Joker as he tries to get him out of his comfort zone but allows Joker space when needed and just holds him and talks him through his nightmares/flashbacks when needed. Joker is perfect for Dem as he doesn’t treat him as less than because of his disability. Man, Joker’s new puppy K*ller was totally adorable. He loves her so much and it’s even funnier that she’s totally his spirit animal. I’m really looking forward to reading King’s story next, and finding out whether him and his ex brother-in-law get together. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
February 1, 2019
3.5*stars
This is book 2 in the Executioners series and is Joker/Jackson's story.
I knew this one was coming and maybe struggled a little with the possible content, this could've gone in two ways in regard to the childhood abuse and such. It touched on the gritter moments without depth, which thankfully allowed me to read without too much graphic detail - I read to escape and be entertained and although I do enjoy some darker books, I do have my boundaries and comfort zones....
Joker is this huge man - broken, angry and often full of rage. He's a one man fighting machine against arses who bully or threaten others. He almost has his own cell at the local jail house and has recently got a new BFF micro puppy called Killer. Joker worries that he is like his abusive Father and so keeps everyone at a distance - he doesn't like to be touched. Joker is friends with the Crewes, but he doesn't make it easy on them with his volatile nature.
Demitri arrives to stay with Gideon and Harper. Leaving the city to get away from his ex, he takes up cooking at the local diner and finds Jackson one morning with his pancakes in butter with a splash of syrup and he's then on a mission to make Jackson his! Demitri is not without his own issues, a degenerate bone disease with his hips and pelvis has put him on crutches and he hates to be "babied" he doesn't want to be treated less because of it.
Both men are stubborn and its especially hard for Joker as he thinks this will only ever be a temporary thing because he's no good. After a period of trial and tribulation, they found their HEA and it wasn't without a lot of work on Demitri side - always being the constant and letting Joker finally come to the right conclusion!
There is still much interaction with the the ever growing circle of friends from the previous series and there is a surprise discovery and new addition to the fold! The story ended with a sweet and well deserved epilogue, overall, another entertaining read.
This is book 2 in the Executioners series and is Joker/Jackson's story.
I knew this one was coming and maybe struggled a little with the possible content, this could've gone in two ways in regard to the childhood abuse and such. It touched on the gritter moments without depth, which thankfully allowed me to read without too much graphic detail - I read to escape and be entertained and although I do enjoy some darker books, I do have my boundaries and comfort zones....
Joker is this huge man - broken, angry and often full of rage. He's a one man fighting machine against arses who bully or threaten others. He almost has his own cell at the local jail house and has recently got a new BFF micro puppy called Killer. Joker worries that he is like his abusive Father and so keeps everyone at a distance - he doesn't like to be touched. Joker is friends with the Crewes, but he doesn't make it easy on them with his volatile nature.
Demitri arrives to stay with Gideon and Harper. Leaving the city to get away from his ex, he takes up cooking at the local diner and finds Jackson one morning with his pancakes in butter with a splash of syrup and he's then on a mission to make Jackson his! Demitri is not without his own issues, a degenerate bone disease with his hips and pelvis has put him on crutches and he hates to be "babied" he doesn't want to be treated less because of it.
Both men are stubborn and its especially hard for Joker as he thinks this will only ever be a temporary thing because he's no good. After a period of trial and tribulation, they found their HEA and it wasn't without a lot of work on Demitri side - always being the constant and letting Joker finally come to the right conclusion!
There is still much interaction with the the ever growing circle of friends from the previous series and there is a surprise discovery and new addition to the fold! The story ended with a sweet and well deserved epilogue, overall, another entertaining read.
December 3, 2020
Joker ha tenido quizas la infancia mas dura en todo el pueblo, maltratado fisica y emocionalmente por su padre, preso durante 5 anos por asesinarlo, ha vivido en el pueblo solitario porque todos le temen, tiene pocos amigos pero los que tiene son fieles y lo conocen y conocen sus manias y lo dejan tranquilo. Pero un dia llega al pueblo un hombre que lo atrae y que no respeta muchas de sus manias y que ni siquiera se siente intimidado por el. Podra tener la pareja que siempre quiso? Sera el lo mismo que su padre?
Dominic abandono New York por el pueblo de Powers donde vive su amigo Gideon, aqui conoce a un hombre del que se siente atraido, pero al que le es muy dificil atraer, Joker tiene unas fuertes manias y por lo que se entera todas son consecuencia de una infancia muy fuerte, pero el hara todo lo que esta a su alcance para ser su pareja.
Ambos deberan aprender a lidiar con los problemas del otro y aprender a entender las necesidades del otro para asi poder llevar la relacion que ambos desean.
El libro es bastante fuerte, la descripcion del abuso de Joker y su mama Mary es, en algunos momentos, bastante grafica y fuerte de leer, es casi imposible creer que hayan todavia personas que lleven su homofobia a esos niveles. Si pasamos por alto ese tema, las conversaciones entre ellos son bastante divertidas, ademas de algunas de las conversaciones con Killer (la perrita de Joker).
Asi que el libro no tiene desperdicio, aunque me parecio muy corto, es bastante conciso y se lee rapido.
Ahora veremos que nos traen los ultimos dos libros, estoy muy intrigada con el ultimo de Sin y Saint con el Sheriff Pelter, ese promete ser divertido.
Dominic abandono New York por el pueblo de Powers donde vive su amigo Gideon, aqui conoce a un hombre del que se siente atraido, pero al que le es muy dificil atraer, Joker tiene unas fuertes manias y por lo que se entera todas son consecuencia de una infancia muy fuerte, pero el hara todo lo que esta a su alcance para ser su pareja.
Ambos deberan aprender a lidiar con los problemas del otro y aprender a entender las necesidades del otro para asi poder llevar la relacion que ambos desean.
El libro es bastante fuerte, la descripcion del abuso de Joker y su mama Mary es, en algunos momentos, bastante grafica y fuerte de leer, es casi imposible creer que hayan todavia personas que lleven su homofobia a esos niveles. Si pasamos por alto ese tema, las conversaciones entre ellos son bastante divertidas, ademas de algunas de las conversaciones con Killer (la perrita de Joker).
Asi que el libro no tiene desperdicio, aunque me parecio muy corto, es bastante conciso y se lee rapido.
Ahora veremos que nos traen los ultimos dos libros, estoy muy intrigada con el ultimo de Sin y Saint con el Sheriff Pelter, ese promete ser divertido.
September 8, 2021
Joker
I think one of the things I love most about a J.M. Dabney book is the diversity of characters. You would assume in a biker/bar/tattoo shop series to find the usual sort: rough, big, foul mouthed, hardened..., but that's actually only the tip of the iceberg. In these books you will men that have survived terrible traumas, men with self-confidence issues, trans and physically disabled. There are hippies and lawyers, cops and ex felons. Every character comes alive between the words and you can literally feel the connections and love. Jackson, aka Joker, suffered some of the most horrific abuse from his father and has layer upon layer of issues because of this. He feels completely unworthy of even living and worries constantly about becoming just like his father. Dem is new to town and is completely drawn to the angry, sad man. Dem knows what it's like to be treated as if you are less and he makes it his mission to win Joker over. I love how all the books sort of overlap - the town, the bar and tattoo shop - and all the characters. Each book is like revisiting family and you get to see just a little more of everyone. I'm completely addicted to these books and have been binge reading them straight through. I highly recommend these and would give way more than 5* stars if I could. So good!
I think one of the things I love most about a J.M. Dabney book is the diversity of characters. You would assume in a biker/bar/tattoo shop series to find the usual sort: rough, big, foul mouthed, hardened..., but that's actually only the tip of the iceberg. In these books you will men that have survived terrible traumas, men with self-confidence issues, trans and physically disabled. There are hippies and lawyers, cops and ex felons. Every character comes alive between the words and you can literally feel the connections and love. Jackson, aka Joker, suffered some of the most horrific abuse from his father and has layer upon layer of issues because of this. He feels completely unworthy of even living and worries constantly about becoming just like his father. Dem is new to town and is completely drawn to the angry, sad man. Dem knows what it's like to be treated as if you are less and he makes it his mission to win Joker over. I love how all the books sort of overlap - the town, the bar and tattoo shop - and all the characters. Each book is like revisiting family and you get to see just a little more of everyone. I'm completely addicted to these books and have been binge reading them straight through. I highly recommend these and would give way more than 5* stars if I could. So good!
December 1, 2021
These books are addictive. I can't stop reading. They are quick, quirky, and engaging. Some of them are cheesy and over the top but that's what makes them fun.
Jackson aka "Joker" is considered the most insane person in Powers, Georgia. He has survived unimaginable torture and neglect at the hands of his abusive father. Although he has a lot of quirks, hang-ups, and a quick temper, he is a knight in tarnished armor for anyone being abused, mainly women and children. Dem is the perfect guy for him, with his happy and optimistic look at life, he is determined to win his man. He sees the gentle soul inside Jackson's growly and prickly exterior. The romance between these two was sweet and sappy and fast. I really liked this book...add in the other characters from the other series, a growly 3-pound dog and you have a winner. Next up, King.
Jackson aka "Joker" is considered the most insane person in Powers, Georgia. He has survived unimaginable torture and neglect at the hands of his abusive father. Although he has a lot of quirks, hang-ups, and a quick temper, he is a knight in tarnished armor for anyone being abused, mainly women and children. Dem is the perfect guy for him, with his happy and optimistic look at life, he is determined to win his man. He sees the gentle soul inside Jackson's growly and prickly exterior. The romance between these two was sweet and sappy and fast. I really liked this book...add in the other characters from the other series, a growly 3-pound dog and you have a winner. Next up, King.
December 31, 2022
Fun read
Joker is quite possibly the worst person to pick as a love interest. Dem is crazy to think he could charm his way into Joker’s heart. This could have been one of those deeply intense, emotional, filled with tears, angst and rollercoaster emotions stories but it isn’t. However, even though there is great pain, torture, sadness, hate and misery in Joker’s past, Dem somehow breaks through all that to love the crazy man. The story doesn’t dwell on the past, but mainly focuses on current issues between the two men. More light and lovely, less deep and gut-wrenching. Dabney seriously needs a good re-read of the stories before publishing, because some sentences are left unclear with words sometimes misused, misspelled, or just plain missing.
Joker is quite possibly the worst person to pick as a love interest. Dem is crazy to think he could charm his way into Joker’s heart. This could have been one of those deeply intense, emotional, filled with tears, angst and rollercoaster emotions stories but it isn’t. However, even though there is great pain, torture, sadness, hate and misery in Joker’s past, Dem somehow breaks through all that to love the crazy man. The story doesn’t dwell on the past, but mainly focuses on current issues between the two men. More light and lovely, less deep and gut-wrenching. Dabney seriously needs a good re-read of the stories before publishing, because some sentences are left unclear with words sometimes misused, misspelled, or just plain missing.
August 27, 2018
This was so freaking entertaining. I just loved Joker and my heart actually ached for the poor man. Dem was quite the risk taking fireball. He just jumped right in and made himself at home. Watching Joker open up and accept some love was just heartwarming. Watching Dem find someone who didn't think less of him because of his disability was fantastic. This series covers some deep shit but the books aren't long enough to really flesh them out or make me feel like complete hell so I'm liking these a lot.
April 23, 2022
Everyone has a story
Joker from the start of the series has touched my heart. His character hinted at a rough beginning. Now that I have read his story...rough doesn't even cut it. Dem, the newbie in town is charming, good spirited and fun loving. These two was like watching water and oil mix...yet if you looked long enough you could see the spectrum of a rainbow. They just blended beautifully. Mary...heartbreakingly fragile like a bomb. I'm starting to find it hard to remember which story is my favorite if the series. This story definitely covers some hard subject matter.
Joker from the start of the series has touched my heart. His character hinted at a rough beginning. Now that I have read his story...rough doesn't even cut it. Dem, the newbie in town is charming, good spirited and fun loving. These two was like watching water and oil mix...yet if you looked long enough you could see the spectrum of a rainbow. They just blended beautifully. Mary...heartbreakingly fragile like a bomb. I'm starting to find it hard to remember which story is my favorite if the series. This story definitely covers some hard subject matter.
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