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Repeat Offence
It should have ended with their deaths.
But dying in a wash of blood was just the beginning.
Sentenced to eternal life for sacrificing themselves in battle, warriors Taz and Hiro must take turns living as human and Guardian on opposing sides of the veil with only a chance to catch a glance of each other in the moment of death.
Until an attack forces Taz and Hiro to make a choice. Should they cling to what little solace they’ve carved out for themselves? Or should they sacrifice their lives to save countless others and risk the wrath of the Judges for a second time?
Buy Repeat Offence now and find out what Taz and Hiro are up against!
But dying in a wash of blood was just the beginning.
Sentenced to eternal life for sacrificing themselves in battle, warriors Taz and Hiro must take turns living as human and Guardian on opposing sides of the veil with only a chance to catch a glance of each other in the moment of death.
Until an attack forces Taz and Hiro to make a choice. Should they cling to what little solace they’ve carved out for themselves? Or should they sacrifice their lives to save countless others and risk the wrath of the Judges for a second time?
Buy Repeat Offence now and find out what Taz and Hiro are up against!
- GenresFantasyM M RomanceLGBT
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2019
10 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Jackie Keswick
47 books138 followersJackie Keswick writes a mix of suspense, action adventure, fantasy and magical realism. She loves stories with layers, plots with twists and characters with hidden depths. She adores friends to lovers stories, tales of unexpected reunions and second chances, and men who write their own rules. She blogs about English history and food, has a thing for green eyes, and is a great believer in making up soundtracks for everything, including her characters and the cat.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 15, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
This story is told in first person from Taz’s perspective, which I think is an interesting choice given the two men seemed to share equally in their decision to sacrifice themselves originally, as well as equally sharing the burden of being reborn in the mortal plane/serving as Guardian. The packaging of the relationship between Taz and Hiro was somewhat ambiguous. Given that we first encounter them after they have died (with a brief summary of how they perished), the reader is immediately presented with Hiro and Taz as a pair of warriors and their behavior reminds me a bit more of a hierarchical relationship you might see between a leader and one of those under his command. That is, both men are more focused on rehashing HOW and WHY they died, and why they are being punished for effectively ending the war in their homeland, rather than spending a few desperate moments reaffirming any romantic connection. In fact, the most overtly “romantic” thing in the book is arguably the mutual statements of “I love you” when Taz and Hiro are facing another situation where they seem to have to sacrifice themselves (again) for the greater good (thus possibly angering the Judges again for…a repeat offence!)
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
This story is told in first person from Taz’s perspective, which I think is an interesting choice given the two men seemed to share equally in their decision to sacrifice themselves originally, as well as equally sharing the burden of being reborn in the mortal plane/serving as Guardian. The packaging of the relationship between Taz and Hiro was somewhat ambiguous. Given that we first encounter them after they have died (with a brief summary of how they perished), the reader is immediately presented with Hiro and Taz as a pair of warriors and their behavior reminds me a bit more of a hierarchical relationship you might see between a leader and one of those under his command. That is, both men are more focused on rehashing HOW and WHY they died, and why they are being punished for effectively ending the war in their homeland, rather than spending a few desperate moments reaffirming any romantic connection. In fact, the most overtly “romantic” thing in the book is arguably the mutual statements of “I love you” when Taz and Hiro are facing another situation where they seem to have to sacrifice themselves (again) for the greater good (thus possibly angering the Judges again for…a repeat offence!)
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
August 30, 2019
A ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Review. This review can also be found here.
In their afterlife, Hiro and Taz are judged and found guilty. As punishment, they must continue to live their lives but on opposite sides of the veil, always. The moment they find themselves together at the time of death is when their punishment will be fulfilled. But living years, centuries without each other is taking a toll and when the time comes to sacrifice themselves for the greater good, what will they do given the punishment they received before for the same crime?
The premise of this story is quite extraordinary and I liked how the author executed her vision of where the story was going.
Hiro and Taz are lovers? friends? The story doesn’t specify. This miffed me a little because it is left up to the reader to decide what kind of a relationship these two share. Considering the overwhelming tones of wanting to be together, it could be a romantic one but it wouldn’t be a stretch to see this as platonic. There is the decided lack of other lovers which helps the romantic angle. Also, the fact that they try to figure out a way to communicate from opposite sides of the veil that builds up the romantic angle but again the fact that nothing is explicit is a little disappointing. I felt like we were building up to the moment where they would be able to meet each other again after centuries on opposite sides of the veil and at that moment I wanted to see some tangible outward expression of emotion that would make the moment worth it, but it didn’t happen.
The implied nature of Hiro and Taz can only be expressed through their wish to talk and keep talking to each other which I have to agree is a pretty good description of a soul mate. But, again that interpretation of seeing them as such is left upon the reader. I personally can identify their longing for each other and I liked how something as simple as the way they talk to each other can communicate so much.
I liked the setting of this story and the mythos that was created to explain the world and its working. It was a novel idea, having them be punished for something that did a lot of good put a whole new twist on the judgement they received. The judges really do seem like a novel concept. Hiro and Taz are quite developed characters and considering the paucity of words the author does a good job of making sure Hiro and Taz feel like two separate beings with their own individual quirks.
Overall, this story is unique especially in the story it tells and the way it tells it but whether the story will be satisfying is entirely up to the reader’s interpretation.
Cover by Pavelle Art is very appropriate for the story’s setting.
In their afterlife, Hiro and Taz are judged and found guilty. As punishment, they must continue to live their lives but on opposite sides of the veil, always. The moment they find themselves together at the time of death is when their punishment will be fulfilled. But living years, centuries without each other is taking a toll and when the time comes to sacrifice themselves for the greater good, what will they do given the punishment they received before for the same crime?
The premise of this story is quite extraordinary and I liked how the author executed her vision of where the story was going.
Hiro and Taz are lovers? friends? The story doesn’t specify. This miffed me a little because it is left up to the reader to decide what kind of a relationship these two share. Considering the overwhelming tones of wanting to be together, it could be a romantic one but it wouldn’t be a stretch to see this as platonic. There is the decided lack of other lovers which helps the romantic angle. Also, the fact that they try to figure out a way to communicate from opposite sides of the veil that builds up the romantic angle but again the fact that nothing is explicit is a little disappointing. I felt like we were building up to the moment where they would be able to meet each other again after centuries on opposite sides of the veil and at that moment I wanted to see some tangible outward expression of emotion that would make the moment worth it, but it didn’t happen.
The implied nature of Hiro and Taz can only be expressed through their wish to talk and keep talking to each other which I have to agree is a pretty good description of a soul mate. But, again that interpretation of seeing them as such is left upon the reader. I personally can identify their longing for each other and I liked how something as simple as the way they talk to each other can communicate so much.
I liked the setting of this story and the mythos that was created to explain the world and its working. It was a novel idea, having them be punished for something that did a lot of good put a whole new twist on the judgement they received. The judges really do seem like a novel concept. Hiro and Taz are quite developed characters and considering the paucity of words the author does a good job of making sure Hiro and Taz feel like two separate beings with their own individual quirks.
Overall, this story is unique especially in the story it tells and the way it tells it but whether the story will be satisfying is entirely up to the reader’s interpretation.
Cover by Pavelle Art is very appropriate for the story’s setting.
August 16, 2019
What I Think: I couldn’t wait to start reading this because this Authoress had me hooked with Healing Glass which had been out of this world (pun intended). And you know what? It doesn’t disappoint. It’s a love story that spans through the ages set in a fantasy realm and it picks up in an unlikely fashion, starting from death. Her tagline is so apt for this as the ending was truly the beginning. Using gorgeous, vivid imagery which is a tool this Authoress perfects with each release, we get to know Taz and Hiro in a most intimate manner. Steadfast and unyieldingly loyal, these 2 have no doubt that they will do anything to be together again. As always, her tale made me jealous of a love without doubt or a time limit, even as the words built a terrible hunger in me for them to finally be together. One that remained with me throughout this fantastical journey that shows us the basis of this unbreakable bond. I need more of this tale because even though I was happy that the universe was forced to acknowledge and give in to their love, please, can I have a tale of Hiro and Taz as Judges? I know it’s pure greed but I need more. Pretty please, with a juicy African mango on top?
Verdict? A stunner from a mistress of her craft. It will leave you craving more so don’t say you weren’t warned!
Giveaway: Check out the blog post below for details on entering the mouth-watering giveaway!
https://thequilleandlampe.wordpress.c...
Verdict? A stunner from a mistress of her craft. It will leave you craving more so don’t say you weren’t warned!
Giveaway: Check out the blog post below for details on entering the mouth-watering giveaway!
https://thequilleandlampe.wordpress.c...
February 20, 2020
Choices in love and eternal life
A fascinating story about the afterlife and the judgement that awaits any who end up there. For Hiro and Tax they find themselves judged to have wronged the lives they were given despite living and dying for what they believed in. They are now sentenced to live an eternity apart, always watching one another across the veil. This punishment is supposed to make them change their ways but Hiro and Taz still strongly believe in what they first died for. When these situations continue to come along in their endless lives they test the judges ruling and the consequences of what their punishment will continue to be. An excellent read!
A fascinating story about the afterlife and the judgement that awaits any who end up there. For Hiro and Tax they find themselves judged to have wronged the lives they were given despite living and dying for what they believed in. They are now sentenced to live an eternity apart, always watching one another across the veil. This punishment is supposed to make them change their ways but Hiro and Taz still strongly believe in what they first died for. When these situations continue to come along in their endless lives they test the judges ruling and the consequences of what their punishment will continue to be. An excellent read!
September 12, 2019
After ten years of warfare, Taz and Hiro, protectors of their world have both died in battle. In risking their lives they broke the law when they died before their planned time. The Judge has decided their penance will be to protect the veil on different planes: one as living, one as watching and when one dies they will switch places. Taz and Hiro live for centuries, without any physical contact but always present when the others life has ended.
As centuries pass they get to see the world evolve. Hiro finds a way to communicate with Taz by dreamweed. Eventually, Taz becomes a chemist with Seldex that has him securing all diseases and weapons of mass destruction in an underground vault. If the vault is ever breeched it would cause major devastation throughout the world. When the vault is threatened by terrorists, Taz and Hiro have a final plan that could end their lives, no matter what the Judge’s penance entailed.
Jackie Keswick has brought to light a beautiful written love story with overwhelming emotions about Taz and Hiros’ growing feelings about each other. They spend centuries apart never having any physical contact, but always trying to find a way to escape the penance so that their souls could be together.
Although the story is mainly told by Taz the emotion is just heart wrenching. With each chapter I cheered these two wonderful characters on to find a way to each other. Along with the rollercoaster ride of emotions, Jackie Keswick also brought danger and suspense to the story as both Taz and Hiro make a last plan for their souls to be together.
There’s very vivid descriptions of the future and world building as the two MC’s live for hundreds of years and watch technology grow and change.
This was a top-notch, page-turner for me and I highly recommend this for anyone who loves fantasy or just an amazing story! I can’t go without praise for the cover art it’s absolutely beautiful and really reflects the story!
As centuries pass they get to see the world evolve. Hiro finds a way to communicate with Taz by dreamweed. Eventually, Taz becomes a chemist with Seldex that has him securing all diseases and weapons of mass destruction in an underground vault. If the vault is ever breeched it would cause major devastation throughout the world. When the vault is threatened by terrorists, Taz and Hiro have a final plan that could end their lives, no matter what the Judge’s penance entailed.
Jackie Keswick has brought to light a beautiful written love story with overwhelming emotions about Taz and Hiros’ growing feelings about each other. They spend centuries apart never having any physical contact, but always trying to find a way to escape the penance so that their souls could be together.
Although the story is mainly told by Taz the emotion is just heart wrenching. With each chapter I cheered these two wonderful characters on to find a way to each other. Along with the rollercoaster ride of emotions, Jackie Keswick also brought danger and suspense to the story as both Taz and Hiro make a last plan for their souls to be together.
There’s very vivid descriptions of the future and world building as the two MC’s live for hundreds of years and watch technology grow and change.
This was a top-notch, page-turner for me and I highly recommend this for anyone who loves fantasy or just an amazing story! I can’t go without praise for the cover art it’s absolutely beautiful and really reflects the story!
August 14, 2019
There is a saying that no good deed goes unpunished. That's especially true for Hiro and Taz who have sacrificed themselves in battle to save countless other lives.
Their choice was severely punished by the Judge who deemed them squandering their gift of life regardless of their choice to save others and made them live eternally on the different sides of the veil, as a human and the guardian, until they can meet each other at the point of one dying as human and another meeting him at that precise moment. Which they can't achieve no matter how hard they are trying.
But the MCs are persistent and they try to beat the odds in each consequent life and find a way to communicate with each other in the dreams.
They are desperate to stop the never-ending cycle until an unexpected attack forces them to make a hard decision that either will save countless lives again at the cost of getting another punishment from the Judges or will free then from the eternal misery unjustly forced on them.
It's a short story but packs a mighty emotional punch. Beautifully written, as usual, by Jackie Keswick.
Their choice was severely punished by the Judge who deemed them squandering their gift of life regardless of their choice to save others and made them live eternally on the different sides of the veil, as a human and the guardian, until they can meet each other at the point of one dying as human and another meeting him at that precise moment. Which they can't achieve no matter how hard they are trying.
But the MCs are persistent and they try to beat the odds in each consequent life and find a way to communicate with each other in the dreams.
They are desperate to stop the never-ending cycle until an unexpected attack forces them to make a hard decision that either will save countless lives again at the cost of getting another punishment from the Judges or will free then from the eternal misery unjustly forced on them.
It's a short story but packs a mighty emotional punch. Beautifully written, as usual, by Jackie Keswick.
August 18, 2019
Rating: 3.5 stars
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*
Repeat Offence is a short story telling the after-lives of soldiers Hiro and Taz. After giving their lives in battle to save others they are condemned to an eternal cycle of watching each other live and die unless they can touch at the precise moment of the other’s passing.
I really liked the premise of this story. A very unique and clever idea, the punishment was not only designed as such but meant to test the bond between the two main characters. Repeat Offence is very well-written and descriptive, and the lives that Hiro and Taz must lead are each different and gradually bring them closer to freedom. However, I didn’t really feel the bond between them as much as I felt I should do. There didn’t seem to be that emotional connection that you would expect given the nature of their punishment. I liked the fact that they never gave up on each other or that one day they would be reunited but the nature of their relationship was just too difficult to define.
Overall this is a good and well-written short read on a meaningful subject.
*I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review*
Repeat Offence is a short story telling the after-lives of soldiers Hiro and Taz. After giving their lives in battle to save others they are condemned to an eternal cycle of watching each other live and die unless they can touch at the precise moment of the other’s passing.
I really liked the premise of this story. A very unique and clever idea, the punishment was not only designed as such but meant to test the bond between the two main characters. Repeat Offence is very well-written and descriptive, and the lives that Hiro and Taz must lead are each different and gradually bring them closer to freedom. However, I didn’t really feel the bond between them as much as I felt I should do. There didn’t seem to be that emotional connection that you would expect given the nature of their punishment. I liked the fact that they never gave up on each other or that one day they would be reunited but the nature of their relationship was just too difficult to define.
Overall this is a good and well-written short read on a meaningful subject.
August 15, 2019
There is a lot of plot and world building packed into this short story about two people sticking to their convictions, and their love for each other. I thought the story was very powerful, and character driven. I had a very strong sense of character as I was reading, and I loved the world building, which was very original.
I enjoyed reading how their world changed with the passing of time, and how it was portrayed through each new life, and loved the idea of an afterlife where guardians watch humans. The sentence that is passed down on both Taz and Hiro is cruel, and I really felt for them, barely missing each other over and over in the span of a heartbeat. I thought their different personalities came across very well, and telling their story only from Taz’s perspective worked perfectly.
The story also has a twist in its tail, and I enjoyed the ending.
I’d recommend this bittersweet, yet poignant story to readers who enjoy complex world building, characters who change, yet don’t lose their sense of self, and a story that kept me turning pages. I read it in one sitting.
I enjoyed reading how their world changed with the passing of time, and how it was portrayed through each new life, and loved the idea of an afterlife where guardians watch humans. The sentence that is passed down on both Taz and Hiro is cruel, and I really felt for them, barely missing each other over and over in the span of a heartbeat. I thought their different personalities came across very well, and telling their story only from Taz’s perspective worked perfectly.
The story also has a twist in its tail, and I enjoyed the ending.
I’d recommend this bittersweet, yet poignant story to readers who enjoy complex world building, characters who change, yet don’t lose their sense of self, and a story that kept me turning pages. I read it in one sitting.
September 1, 2019
Repeated offence or repeated love choice.
It only takes a lot of lifetimes to finally realize that a 2,000 year wait for love is worth waiting for. Especially if eternal life together is the reward. Two men willing to sacrifice everything to save others from evil and stupidity in spite of pain punishments and forced separation.
This is a parable of love beyond the world and sacrifice beyond love to save millions from undeserved painful death.
The cover picture reflects the suffering of the heros in isolation, yet offers hope for an end to the bad punishment that comes with just a touch between lovers.
No sex is included in the book, but it is so real you can feel it. This is a good twist on live for those who can almost touch it.
It only takes a lot of lifetimes to finally realize that a 2,000 year wait for love is worth waiting for. Especially if eternal life together is the reward. Two men willing to sacrifice everything to save others from evil and stupidity in spite of pain punishments and forced separation.
This is a parable of love beyond the world and sacrifice beyond love to save millions from undeserved painful death.
The cover picture reflects the suffering of the heros in isolation, yet offers hope for an end to the bad punishment that comes with just a touch between lovers.
No sex is included in the book, but it is so real you can feel it. This is a good twist on live for those who can almost touch it.
September 26, 2019
A 5 Star fantasy / romance
Taz and Hiro make an heroic sacrifice - they give their lives to prevent others from losing theirs. Unfortunately, no good deed goes unpunished. The Judges decree that since they "squandered" their lives and died before their appointed times, they will be subjected in an unending cycle of rebirth and death on opposite sides of the veil. Only the one not currently alive can see the living one.
I really enjoyed this book. The premise was new to me. Jackie has created two noble men who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice again and again. My only quibble is that I would like to have had more of their lives' ends added into the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Taz and Hiro make an heroic sacrifice - they give their lives to prevent others from losing theirs. Unfortunately, no good deed goes unpunished. The Judges decree that since they "squandered" their lives and died before their appointed times, they will be subjected in an unending cycle of rebirth and death on opposite sides of the veil. Only the one not currently alive can see the living one.
I really enjoyed this book. The premise was new to me. Jackie has created two noble men who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice again and again. My only quibble is that I would like to have had more of their lives' ends added into the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2019
This novella by Jackie Keswick was as wonderfully written as her other novels.
It made you ache for Taz and Hiro as they spent centuries separated from each other, all because of one mistake.
She feeds you bits and pieces of Taz’s life with Hiro as his Guardian. You hope eventually that they are forgiven and then given a chance at love.
The writing is poetic and keeps you entranced.
She gives you enough of a taste for the world they live in and the progress of time. But you still focus on their lives and how these two men manipulate the rules to be together.
Another fantastic book.
It made you ache for Taz and Hiro as they spent centuries separated from each other, all because of one mistake.
She feeds you bits and pieces of Taz’s life with Hiro as his Guardian. You hope eventually that they are forgiven and then given a chance at love.
The writing is poetic and keeps you entranced.
She gives you enough of a taste for the world they live in and the progress of time. But you still focus on their lives and how these two men manipulate the rules to be together.
Another fantastic book.
August 13, 2019
To say that Taz and Hiro got the short end of the stick is an understatement. They sacrificed their lives to save others and their reward was to be separated, I was seriously pissed on their behalf. Even though it's short it still felt complete, all in all an engaging, emotional read.
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book*
August 14, 2019
Repeat Offence by Jackie Keswick is a short but beautiful story. It pulls at the emotions and keeps you glued to the pages. Taz and Hiro are interesting characters and I enjoyed the journey this story took me on. A very satisfying read.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
August 22, 2019
The author packed a world of despair, pain, hopelessness, heartbreak, darkness, and ultimately triumph, love, and an unexpectedly beautiful HEA ending into a short story guaranteed to keep you hooked long after you've turned the last page.
August 15, 2019
Short but complete. I love Jackie Keswick's writing and she's created a wonderful world, with characters I love. Their story is beautiful. The blurb is accurate and the book is even better.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews