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Jacky Leon #4
Echoed Defiance
Jacky Leon’s duty to her family is to help maintain order and to uphold the Law for her werecat father, Hasan, a member of the Tribunal.
But Jacky has a defiant streak.
To do what’s right, she’s willing to break the Law and turn her back on everything she’s been told is right. Even those around her know she’s willing to risk everything for what she believes in. All anyone can hope is for Jacky’s ideals and the Law to never clash again.
Because Jacky has another duty. A duty to blood. A duty to the bond between those who once shared a life and a face.
When her twin comes back into her life, Jacky finds herself at a cross roads. Her twin is like an echo, a strangely similar yet different version of herself.
And it seems defiance runs in the family.
But Jacky has a defiant streak.
To do what’s right, she’s willing to break the Law and turn her back on everything she’s been told is right. Even those around her know she’s willing to risk everything for what she believes in. All anyone can hope is for Jacky’s ideals and the Law to never clash again.
Because Jacky has another duty. A duty to blood. A duty to the bond between those who once shared a life and a face.
When her twin comes back into her life, Jacky finds herself at a cross roads. Her twin is like an echo, a strangely similar yet different version of herself.
And it seems defiance runs in the family.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2020
990 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Banet
36 books718 followersAuthor of the Jacky Leon series, Kaliya Sahni series, and Everly Abbott series, along with standalones that belong in the same world as all of them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
September 16, 2020
This is the fourth book in an Urban Fantasy series that builds character and story arcs across books. You definitely want to read in order.
Having read the others, you know what to expect with this one. Jacky remains one of my favorite paladin-motivated characters and that is reinforced here. This time, we get some of Jacky's human family and that gives great background for why she is as determined (and damaged) as she is. I loved the discussions around political considerations with other supernatural groups and why things might be the way they are and yet still have them willing to cause disruption.
Also, there's some back and forth with her relationship with Heath that has some positive movement in the end. I loved that more than a little.
So this is an easy and solid five stars and I had a really hard time putting it down. I particularly liked seeing who the real alpha was on the council and some of those Hasan family moments were extremely touching.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit scene putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. It was on the short side, likely because we didn't need much more to establish all we needed to know. And yes, this means that Heath and Jacky have a relationship breakthrough and yes, it was everything I hoped it'd be. Banet has a note at the end explaining that there would probably one "or less" explicit scenes in this series going forward and asks her readers' indulgence. I liked how she put it, frankly, and was glad for the heads-up.
Having read the others, you know what to expect with this one. Jacky remains one of my favorite paladin-motivated characters and that is reinforced here. This time, we get some of Jacky's human family and that gives great background for why she is as determined (and damaged) as she is. I loved the discussions around political considerations with other supernatural groups and why things might be the way they are and yet still have them willing to cause disruption.
Also, there's some back and forth with her relationship with Heath that has some positive movement in the end. I loved that more than a little.
So this is an easy and solid five stars and I had a really hard time putting it down. I particularly liked seeing who the real alpha was on the council and some of those Hasan family moments were extremely touching.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit scene putting this on the low end of my steam tolerance. It was on the short side, likely because we didn't need much more to establish all we needed to know. And yes, this means that Heath and Jacky have a relationship breakthrough and yes, it was everything I hoped it'd be. Banet has a note at the end explaining that there would probably one "or less" explicit scenes in this series going forward and asks her readers' indulgence. I liked how she put it, frankly, and was glad for the heads-up.
September 14, 2020
Rumours have been whispered for years about the brutality of the Alpha of the Russian werewolf pack and his inner circle. But they remained rumours until one submissive female werewolf plunged a knife into his chest.
Now the Russian pack are cleaning house and doing everything in their power to silence dissent and hold onto their power.
Standing against the Russian werewolves is suicide and nobody is willing to put their life on the line, but Jacky Leon is a Werecat and the number one predator in the United States and she won't abandon those in need even at the cost of her life.
Echoed Defiance is so much fun. Jacky Leon is Wonder Woman. Honestly, all the women in this book are incredible. They don't need to be saved, they'll save themselves dammit! And one of the great things is I didn't even realise it until the slap (you'll have to read the book if you want to know what that means). 5 runaway train stars.
Now the Russian pack are cleaning house and doing everything in their power to silence dissent and hold onto their power.
Standing against the Russian werewolves is suicide and nobody is willing to put their life on the line, but Jacky Leon is a Werecat and the number one predator in the United States and she won't abandon those in need even at the cost of her life.
Echoed Defiance is so much fun. Jacky Leon is Wonder Woman. Honestly, all the women in this book are incredible. They don't need to be saved, they'll save themselves dammit! And one of the great things is I didn't even realise it until the slap (you'll have to read the book if you want to know what that means). 5 runaway train stars.
April 4, 2023
So. Fucking. Good.
Seriously, I am not ready to be done. Going back to book 1 and starting over. *makes grabby hands*
Re-read Sept 2020 (after immediately re-reading the series)
Man, I just loved it. I love Jacky, Heath, her family. I can't wait to see how things continue.
I'm so hopeful that her family can in fact see what is happening with Heath, so the relationship she's been forging with them for the last 3 books isn't destroyed when it is revealed. I can't help but feel like Hasan - and in this book, it seemed also Hisao - is willing to back Jacky on this, in the hopes that it will be the foundation for a lasting peace.
Also, mad props for making the most powerful Alpha werewolf in the world a woman - Corissa was fucking awesome, and I have a woman crush.
Also, man, you know that bitchy BSA agent with her weird rune of power necklace is going to come up in a bad way. It's interesting that Hasan's family weren't more alarmed by them. I feel like they've gotten a little complacent, being on top for so long. That was underscored in this book when they failed to recognize how dangerous it would be to allow that Russian Alpha to have leverage like that over Jacky. Plus, with what happened in the last book... They need to up their game and start looking outside the box. It's a good thing they have Jacky, that's her speciality.
Re-read Dec 2021 (after book 7)
Man. After book 7, I have serious concerns about Eeeep!
Seriously, I am not ready to be done. Going back to book 1 and starting over. *makes grabby hands*
Re-read Sept 2020 (after immediately re-reading the series)
Man, I just loved it. I love Jacky, Heath, her family. I can't wait to see how things continue.
I'm so hopeful that her family can in fact see what is happening with Heath, so the relationship she's been forging with them for the last 3 books isn't destroyed when it is revealed. I can't help but feel like Hasan - and in this book, it seemed also Hisao - is willing to back Jacky on this, in the hopes that it will be the foundation for a lasting peace.
Also, mad props for making the most powerful Alpha werewolf in the world a woman - Corissa was fucking awesome, and I have a woman crush.
Also, man, you know that bitchy BSA agent with her weird rune of power necklace is going to come up in a bad way. It's interesting that Hasan's family weren't more alarmed by them. I feel like they've gotten a little complacent, being on top for so long. That was underscored in this book when they failed to recognize how dangerous it would be to allow that Russian Alpha to have leverage like that over Jacky. Plus, with what happened in the last book... They need to up their game and start looking outside the box. It's a good thing they have Jacky, that's her speciality.
Re-read Dec 2021 (after book 7)
Man. After book 7, I have serious concerns about Eeeep!
September 19, 2020
This book was bloody brilliant.
Jacky is a badass queen who has her flaws.
Her biological family sucks but her sister is tolerable towards the end.
Heath is Magnifique and I am so glad they finally got it on, the sexual tension was a long one, I want more lol
In the next book, I want more interaction with all her siblings and them to treat her more like a peer and Jacky being a mastermind for the next issue she will be involved in lol
5 STARS!!
Jacky is a badass queen who has her flaws.
Her biological family sucks but her sister is tolerable towards the end.
Heath is Magnifique and I am so glad they finally got it on, the sexual tension was a long one, I want more lol
In the next book, I want more interaction with all her siblings and them to treat her more like a peer and Jacky being a mastermind for the next issue she will be involved in lol
5 STARS!!
September 10, 2020
I squealed like a total fan girl on the last 5% of this book...just saying.
Jacky and Heath are just sooooooo super cute and amazing and wonderful. I've gone all soppy just thinking about them. Theirs is such a wonderful case of slow burn, but the reward is so damn sweet. I just love them SO much.
As you can probably tell, there is some amazing Jacky and Heath relationship development in this book, and I adored every second of it.
As often with Banet's book, the first third can be a little slow, but that's just her clever foundation laying, because when the book takes off it really takes off. I swear the last third flashed by. Then that delicious ending that I might have re-read a few times. I can't help it. Delicious Urban Fantasy slow burn are my weakness.
Everything awesome about the previous books is in this one, including Jack's fabulous werecat family, along with the added complication of her human family suddenly dropping into her life.
Jacky undergoes some real character development in this one, not only in her acceptance of Heath and what they mean to each other, but also her insecurities and resentments built up during her human life, and the distance and insecurity she feels with some of her werecat family, too. I love that she stood up for herself and her convictions. And I love that Health was just silently at her side every step of the way.
So, in summary, Banet is the Urban Fantasy Queen, I love this series, I love Jacky and Heath and go read this series now!
Jacky and Heath are just sooooooo super cute and amazing and wonderful. I've gone all soppy just thinking about them. Theirs is such a wonderful case of slow burn, but the reward is so damn sweet. I just love them SO much.
As you can probably tell, there is some amazing Jacky and Heath relationship development in this book, and I adored every second of it.
As often with Banet's book, the first third can be a little slow, but that's just her clever foundation laying, because when the book takes off it really takes off. I swear the last third flashed by. Then that delicious ending that I might have re-read a few times. I can't help it. Delicious Urban Fantasy slow burn are my weakness.
Everything awesome about the previous books is in this one, including Jack's fabulous werecat family, along with the added complication of her human family suddenly dropping into her life.
Jacky undergoes some real character development in this one, not only in her acceptance of Heath and what they mean to each other, but also her insecurities and resentments built up during her human life, and the distance and insecurity she feels with some of her werecat family, too. I love that she stood up for herself and her convictions. And I love that Health was just silently at her side every step of the way.
So, in summary, Banet is the Urban Fantasy Queen, I love this series, I love Jacky and Heath and go read this series now!
September 6, 2021
I like this series, I don’t love it. I found myself skim-reading several parts of this book that were just too tedious or redundant. Also, the excessive use of the word “chuckle” is driving me crazy - 34 times in this book alone! People rarely chuckle in real life, but in Banet’s series they do it ALL. THE. TIME.
I’ll give this series one more book to see if there’s improvement.
I’ll give this series one more book to see if there’s improvement.
October 2, 2020
Definitely my least favorite book in the series...still worth reading though!
October 9, 2020
I’m gunna be honest. I loved this series at the beginning but it’s declining a bit for me.
Positives first:
-I was glad to finally see some romance and some serious human connection for Jacky.
-I’m also glad to see Heath being a boss. I’m honestly starting to contemplate whether I like him more than Jacky.
So the reasons this series is starting to fail me:
-The relationships (other than Jacky and Heath) have not grown or evolved since the second book. I found it annoying in the last book that Jacky was so abrasive to her family, who would literally do anything for her and were trying to help/protect her. Same deal in this one. There’s just constant attitude and defiance from her. And it always all works out in the end. But in reality, she is making poor, destructive choices, with no regards for backlash. They are simply warning her and she gets venomous. I was all for Mischa giving her hell here. And can’t Jacky just one time say “you’re right” or “I’m sorry” or “I appreciate what you do for me”? Because let’s be real, they do a lot for her without getting anything (including kindness) in return. ~~~TL;DR - Jacky is a spoiled, rebellious brat and doesn’t deserve the kindness her family gives her. ~~~
-Some of these choices she makes and the plots are just unrealistic to me. The ending of this book (which was the only werecat action in the whole book, by the way) just seemed.... crazy unreal. Haven’t we been talking about the most powerful and numerous wolves in the world for the whole book? And everything wraps up neatly in a few pages?
-I can’t relate to or condone her actions. From the very beginning of this book, I completely did not agree with her stance and continued to disagree with her method of action. And when she attempted to be logical, her bitch of a sister called her a wuss and she went back to being careless and destructive. Again, it all ended fine, but realistically there’s no way it should’ve been that easy.
I found myself willing away the book and just trying to get through it because I couldn’t take the characters (mainly Jacky’s interactions with them), the unwarranted attitude, and the fact that I actually believed the main character should not be taking this course of action and should realistically fail.
Really hoping this series picks up with the next book, and Jacky stops doing dumb shit and being an ass to everyone that cares about her.
Positives first:
-I was glad to finally see some romance and some serious human connection for Jacky.
-I’m also glad to see Heath being a boss. I’m honestly starting to contemplate whether I like him more than Jacky.
So the reasons this series is starting to fail me:
-The relationships (other than Jacky and Heath) have not grown or evolved since the second book. I found it annoying in the last book that Jacky was so abrasive to her family, who would literally do anything for her and were trying to help/protect her. Same deal in this one. There’s just constant attitude and defiance from her. And it always all works out in the end. But in reality, she is making poor, destructive choices, with no regards for backlash. They are simply warning her and she gets venomous. I was all for Mischa giving her hell here. And can’t Jacky just one time say “you’re right” or “I’m sorry” or “I appreciate what you do for me”? Because let’s be real, they do a lot for her without getting anything (including kindness) in return. ~~~TL;DR - Jacky is a spoiled, rebellious brat and doesn’t deserve the kindness her family gives her. ~~~
-Some of these choices she makes and the plots are just unrealistic to me. The ending of this book (which was the only werecat action in the whole book, by the way) just seemed.... crazy unreal. Haven’t we been talking about the most powerful and numerous wolves in the world for the whole book? And everything wraps up neatly in a few pages?
-I can’t relate to or condone her actions. From the very beginning of this book, I completely did not agree with her stance and continued to disagree with her method of action. And when she attempted to be logical, her bitch of a sister called her a wuss and she went back to being careless and destructive. Again, it all ended fine, but realistically there’s no way it should’ve been that easy.
I found myself willing away the book and just trying to get through it because I couldn’t take the characters (mainly Jacky’s interactions with them), the unwarranted attitude, and the fact that I actually believed the main character should not be taking this course of action and should realistically fail.
Really hoping this series picks up with the next book, and Jacky stops doing dumb shit and being an ass to everyone that cares about her.
September 12, 2020
loved it. This next book so great and I was very excited to read it considering where we left off with Heath and Jacky last time being all snuggly! I really thought opening the book and finding this was 6months into the future I was going to miss out on all the cute initial relationship stuff but with the way Jacky is so nervous with a new relationship we just skipped over a lot of angst!
The story was very exciting in classic Jacky fashion. I really enjoyed the adventure and the development of character that Jacky went on. It was sort of dealing with her past, accepting who she was growing type book and i loved it and it was so great!
One of the moments I really loved about this book is the subtly mention of Kaliya's story about Mygi and the hospital and pharma company, such intrigue! I think it's very clever that Jacky refuses to learn about so much in this magical world, yet Heath knows so much! He probably even knows what is happening and happened with Kaliya, if only we could get a sneaky POV on that! regardless, I am loving the way these two stories interconnect and relate in this universe and I am seriously enjoying learning more from each with every book.
What I am interested to know is more of Heaths back story, yes I know we know a lot but I *feel* like there is more there, maybe a hidden past. The fact that the Cats keep hinting at it and Hasan wants to know why he has this epic power of hiding his scent - maybe there is more there? There are a lot more books planned in this world so I am very excited where we go next! I also hope the next book isn't too far into the future so we get to spend more time... *spoilers*
TLDR Loved it! cant wait for more!
The story was very exciting in classic Jacky fashion. I really enjoyed the adventure and the development of character that Jacky went on. It was sort of dealing with her past, accepting who she was growing type book and i loved it and it was so great!
One of the moments I really loved about this book is the subtly mention of Kaliya's story about Mygi and the hospital and pharma company, such intrigue! I think it's very clever that Jacky refuses to learn about so much in this magical world, yet Heath knows so much! He probably even knows what is happening and happened with Kaliya, if only we could get a sneaky POV on that! regardless, I am loving the way these two stories interconnect and relate in this universe and I am seriously enjoying learning more from each with every book.
What I am interested to know is more of Heaths back story, yes I know we know a lot but I *feel* like there is more there, maybe a hidden past. The fact that the Cats keep hinting at it and Hasan wants to know why he has this epic power of hiding his scent - maybe there is more there? There are a lot more books planned in this world so I am very excited where we go next! I also hope the next book isn't too far into the future so we get to spend more time... *spoilers*
TLDR Loved it! cant wait for more!
January 25, 2021
3.5 stars
Slower start and not the biggest fan of Gwen, but the second half was closer to the fun relationships and actions scenes that I like about this series.
I find it hard to believe that Jacky is also still so stubborn about actually learning about the supernatural community. She’s almost died due to her ignorance multiple times by this point, and for most of this book she STILL got annoyed when people offered to teach her. Like girl, jeez, grow up.
I’d say it wasn’t the strongest book in the series. Still looking forward to book 5, though!
Slower start and not the biggest fan of Gwen, but the second half was closer to the fun relationships and actions scenes that I like about this series.
I find it hard to believe that Jacky is also still so stubborn about actually learning about the supernatural community. She’s almost died due to her ignorance multiple times by this point, and for most of this book she STILL got annoyed when people offered to teach her. Like girl, jeez, grow up.
I’d say it wasn’t the strongest book in the series. Still looking forward to book 5, though!
October 12, 2025
Reread ik kwam er nu beter in maar blijf dit deel minder vinden.
First read Ik vond dit deel ietsje minder. Ik merkte dat ik vooral aan het begin minder geboeid was dan de andere delen. Het einde maakte het wel weer helemaal goed! Ik blijf weg van deze serie en kan niet wachten op meer avonturen!
First read Ik vond dit deel ietsje minder. Ik merkte dat ik vooral aan het begin minder geboeid was dan de andere delen. Het einde maakte het wel weer helemaal goed! Ik blijf weg van deze serie en kan niet wachten op meer avonturen!
November 15, 2020
This was an interesting book, Jacky found out a lot about her families, both blood and werecat. I think going forward things will be better with the werecat family, they hashed out a lot and Jacky can see things from their side and realize how much they care for her and genuinely want her around. Her blood family...well at least there she got some answers and put things to rest. I'm sort of glad she has the one tie left, but really hope it doesn't come back to bit her.
The craziness that Jacky got pulled into this time seemed fairly straight forward at the start. But as Jacky and Heath started to find out things they realized just how bad things were and how the person that asked for Duty was manipulated. Things took them half way around the world where they almost started a coup, ended with them at the Tribunal giving testimony where there was a big slap down within the werewolf couple. I think that was the highlight of the book for me, to see how quick the Alpha was to put people in their place and have them make reparations was great!
I liked how this one ended, Jacky and Heath have been dancing around for too long and they deserve to be happy, I only hope that both of their people let them have the happiness.
The craziness that Jacky got pulled into this time seemed fairly straight forward at the start. But as Jacky and Heath started to find out things they realized just how bad things were and how the person that asked for Duty was manipulated. Things took them half way around the world where they almost started a coup, ended with them at the Tribunal giving testimony where there was a big slap down within the werewolf couple. I think that was the highlight of the book for me, to see how quick the Alpha was to put people in their place and have them make reparations was great!
I liked how this one ended, Jacky and Heath have been dancing around for too long and they deserve to be happy, I only hope that both of their people let them have the happiness.
September 18, 2020
Not disappointed at all
It is going to pain me to wait till next year for the next book in the series. I adore this series! Its one of the few where I actually like the female lead and don't feel like shaking the hell out of her throughout the book. We are on our way to book 5 and I am just as excited abt this series as I was when I gobbled the first book. Its rare to still have a series that doesn't drastically change the essence of the main character or storyline in some way at this point.
Jacky is coming into her own little by little. In this book, the hint from the ending of book 3 comes to fruition. We learn abt Jacky's twin and the family she left behind. This didn't play out quite how I expected it when I read book 3. But there is a balanced amount of action, family bonding and romance. We get to see more abt Jacky's werecat and human families. Some not are not exactly what you expect. Hisao is an interesting dude. I would like to see them interact more.
While I hate that the family is still on the Jacky is the baby nonsense, you can see that steps are taken to rectify that. A lot of her relationships here change for the better. I'm really upset I finished the book now.
It was a great read from beginning to end. It wasn't one of those that had to build up. Story had a good flow. Although I must say I do wonder what's happening w Heath and if that will ever be addressed.
It is going to pain me to wait till next year for the next book in the series. I adore this series! Its one of the few where I actually like the female lead and don't feel like shaking the hell out of her throughout the book. We are on our way to book 5 and I am just as excited abt this series as I was when I gobbled the first book. Its rare to still have a series that doesn't drastically change the essence of the main character or storyline in some way at this point.
Jacky is coming into her own little by little. In this book, the hint from the ending of book 3 comes to fruition. We learn abt Jacky's twin and the family she left behind. This didn't play out quite how I expected it when I read book 3. But there is a balanced amount of action, family bonding and romance. We get to see more abt Jacky's werecat and human families. Some not are not exactly what you expect. Hisao is an interesting dude. I would like to see them interact more.
While I hate that the family is still on the Jacky is the baby nonsense, you can see that steps are taken to rectify that. A lot of her relationships here change for the better. I'm really upset I finished the book now.
It was a great read from beginning to end. It wasn't one of those that had to build up. Story had a good flow. Although I must say I do wonder what's happening w Heath and if that will ever be addressed.
September 16, 2020
Trigger Warning: Spoiler Alert!!!!!!
Rape, domestic violence, dubious consent/sex trafficking, postpartum depression, divorce, cheating, abuse and torture discussed, but not seen. Violence, death, and murder.
That ending! Finally! I absolutely love the growth, acceptance and "closure" Jacky finally had. I see incredible changes in the future for Jacky, Heath and possibly (most likely if I am correct) the entire supernatural world. So much happened and I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but can say that it causes a wide range of feelings.
Favorite lines/scenes -
"It's yours, too," she murmured...
I wish I could talk to you....
"Why? The world is the one who needs to stop being wrong,"....
Rape, domestic violence, dubious consent/sex trafficking, postpartum depression, divorce, cheating, abuse and torture discussed, but not seen. Violence, death, and murder.
That ending! Finally! I absolutely love the growth, acceptance and "closure" Jacky finally had. I see incredible changes in the future for Jacky, Heath and possibly (most likely if I am correct) the entire supernatural world. So much happened and I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but can say that it causes a wide range of feelings.
Favorite lines/scenes -
"It's yours, too," she murmured...
I wish I could talk to you....
"Why? The world is the one who needs to stop being wrong,"....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2020
Finding out the past of both families
This book is all about Jackie finding out so much about not only her own past and her human family’s past but that of her immortal family. It helps bring closure and strength to her in unexpected ways while also helping even more people in the supernatural world. I can’t wait to read more of what is to come from this world and find out how many other ways Jackie can get into trouble and still find a way to help others who are hurting or lost.
This book is all about Jackie finding out so much about not only her own past and her human family’s past but that of her immortal family. It helps bring closure and strength to her in unexpected ways while also helping even more people in the supernatural world. I can’t wait to read more of what is to come from this world and find out how many other ways Jackie can get into trouble and still find a way to help others who are hurting or lost.
December 21, 2020
Jacky continues to push boundaries and shake up the supernatural world. I think sometimes she has to stop and think about who her actions are affecting but she when push comes to shove she's going to do what's right - that has been consistent since book one and one of the many reasons I enjoy reading these
March 19, 2022
Round up to 4.5 stars.
July 19, 2024
This series is still going strong! Loved it.
October 28, 2020
Revisiting roots
I have said over and over that the Jacky Leon books are about relationships, mostly family, and this installment was no different. We finally meet Jack's twin sister Gwen. To be honest, I didn't like Gwen much, but I liked how the relationship between the two sisters has been reestablished. I'm also glad to see Jacky's relationship with her were siblings. Things are also developing between Jacky and Heath, so it will be interesting to see how the world handles that because they can't hide it forever.
Looking forward to February for book 5.
I have said over and over that the Jacky Leon books are about relationships, mostly family, and this installment was no different. We finally meet Jack's twin sister Gwen. To be honest, I didn't like Gwen much, but I liked how the relationship between the two sisters has been reestablished. I'm also glad to see Jacky's relationship with her were siblings. Things are also developing between Jacky and Heath, so it will be interesting to see how the world handles that because they can't hide it forever.
Looking forward to February for book 5.
November 14, 2020
There was nothing particularly bad about this book, but having read quite a few K. Banet books in the past, it paled in comparison. The plot, in spite of the supposed-action, plodded forward and was downright boring. Don't get me started on Gwen! The plot was weighed down with lots of dialogue and back and forth between both Jacky and Heath and her siblings (particularly Hasao and Mischa). I try not to rate books based on how much I like certain characters, but there comes a book (4 books in...) when Jacky's personality is just not doing it for me. She stupidly puts her head in a hole with regard to supernatural things, setting herself up for a disadvantage at every turn. Her cockiness--which is lauded by Heath and others as leadership--is a thin veneer to cover her own lack of knowledge about everything that is outside of what she knows: her bar, her little plot of land in Texas, and her instincts about people.
I am all about strong female characters, but I just have to wash my hands of Jacky. Her lack of growth over 4 books (yeah, I know that and her wishy-washy affections for her family, who in spite of her immaturity, love her dearly, have put me over the edge. I found it hard to want to pick up this book and finish it. Even Heath--steadfast, loyal Heath--was about as interesting as a cardboard box to me, or maybe Lassie. Maybe these are my hang-ups, as so many of my reader friends loved this book, but I prefer a little bit of sizzle and pop with my slow-burn romances. Heath was just so dang agreeable. So mature. And helpful! He never contradicted Jacky about important things. Always there for her. I mean, yeah that kind of character sounds great in theory, but it is also really boring to read about. More interesting would have been for Jacky to decide to go live with Hasan again, get tight with her Werecat family, and learn all about her supernatural race. Have Hasao train her in all the killing. She gets taken out of her comfort zone and there would be all sorts of pining and angst between she and Heath, until their paths are thrown together again in some sort of attraction=filled Werecat/Werewolf mission. I'm fanning myself just thinking about it.
Do I want Heath and Jacky to be like Cat and Bones? Probably. Yeah...most definitely.
I am all about strong female characters, but I just have to wash my hands of Jacky. Her lack of growth over 4 books (yeah, I know that and her wishy-washy affections for her family, who in spite of her immaturity, love her dearly, have put me over the edge. I found it hard to want to pick up this book and finish it. Even Heath--steadfast, loyal Heath--was about as interesting as a cardboard box to me, or maybe Lassie. Maybe these are my hang-ups, as so many of my reader friends loved this book, but I prefer a little bit of sizzle and pop with my slow-burn romances. Heath was just so dang agreeable. So mature. And helpful! He never contradicted Jacky about important things. Always there for her. I mean, yeah that kind of character sounds great in theory, but it is also really boring to read about. More interesting would have been for Jacky to decide to go live with Hasan again, get tight with her Werecat family, and learn all about her supernatural race. Have Hasao train her in all the killing. She gets taken out of her comfort zone and there would be all sorts of pining and angst between she and Heath, until their paths are thrown together again in some sort of attraction=filled Werecat/Werewolf mission. I'm fanning myself just thinking about it.
Do I want Heath and Jacky to be like Cat and Bones? Probably. Yeah...most definitely.
April 21, 2025
❝ We’re all monsters. It just depends on what we want to be monstrous about. ❞In Echoed Defiance, there's trouble with the Russian wolf pack. Heath and Jacky are getting closer, so he starts to share more wolf news with her. She's also pulled into Heath and family's dealings with Child Protective Services and the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Seems the welfare of his human daughter is checked yearly and Jacky's time with Carey was brought to their attention. The agents believe Jacky to be human as well, but as a growing part of Carey's life, they insist on checking in with her. Jacky's not big on strangers entering her sanctuary, but she puts up with it for Carey and Heath.
Soon after she receives a call from a werecat whose cryptic call forces her to head to Minnesota. She takes Heath along with her because they suspect it might have some connection to the Russian pack troubles. What she finds there shocks her. Someone she never thought she'd see again has called the Minnesota cat to Duty, but she's not telling the whole truth and Jacky must decide how to proceed.
I have to say, I was surprise by how much I didn't like Jacky's "charge". I didn't like the reunion. But, I did like seeing the growth in Jacky's character and her relationship with Heath and Landon. And, overall, I am loving this series! I'm anxious to jump into the next book, especially after that ending 🥰 I'm also planning to check out Banet's Kaliya Sahni series, which run concurrent, I think, with Jacky Leon.
❝ I am not leaving you alone again. Don’t dare think I would. Never underestimate how serious I am when it comes to you. ❞
✮✮✮½
September 23, 2020
I feel like this book (and this series) has so much drama about things that aren't that dramatic. It's like they have a house cat but pretend it's a lion. This completely generic thing that happened to one particular werecat WILL START A WAR. Oh, no, it didn't. Ok but THIS thing WILL START A WAR. Oh. No. My bad. No war. Turned out no one cared. Again.
Other than that, I kinda like Jacky and her supernatural family. It was interesting to see her biological family, although I didn't particularly feel like any of that stuff with her parents was genuine. It felt more like.. Jacky had avoided her parents for so long that a reason had to be invented to make up for it.
Other than that, I kinda like Jacky and her supernatural family. It was interesting to see her biological family, although I didn't particularly feel like any of that stuff with her parents was genuine. It felt more like.. Jacky had avoided her parents for so long that a reason had to be invented to make up for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2020
How we keep coming up with challenges for Jacky and Heath that are totally unrelated to the previous challenges is absolutely amazing to me. As with the other books, the action never lets up nor gets overwhelming. It rises and falls and moves forward. There is never a dull moment around Jacky, but she does give you room to breathe.
Really, REALLY, love this series. I *think* I see where this series is going . . . and I am eager to see if it gets there.
If we just didn't need to use the "f" word.
Oh, and there is a sex scene herein. There is ONE scene. Reasonable. Easily skipped. :D
Really, REALLY, love this series. I *think* I see where this series is going . . . and I am eager to see if it gets there.
If we just didn't need to use the "f" word.
Oh, and there is a sex scene herein. There is ONE scene. Reasonable. Easily skipped. :D
February 28, 2025
Round up to 4.5 stars.
February 2, 2025
Echoed Defiance by K.N. Banet
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book four in the Jacky Leon series. When an unexpected phone call results in Jacky being reunited with her human twin sister, Jacky is once again having to go to great lengths to prevent a war between species from breaking out. If there’s one thing Jacky does well it’s fighting for what she knows is right, even if the fight she’s pulled into wasn’t hers to begin with.
Look technically this is a rather spoiler heavy review however if you’ve read the other three books in the series this should not come as a spoiler, and if you’re reading the review having not read those books please do yourself a favor and go read them because this series is absolutely amazing. The slow burn and back and forth and doubt is put aside and we are all in baby. It’s been pretty clear that Heath has been ready to be with Jacky, I think honestly his mind was probably even made up back when he first let her smell the attraction he had for her. And he’s been so great, a steady companion and confidante, always her support, her safe port in a storm. I am SO HAPPY we got to see this continue throughout the book and finally get to see Jacky let herself accept his love and allow herself to return it. The growth in this book, the closure, the relationships between Jacky and her werecat family continuing to grow and really getting to know other family members better. I just love this so much
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is book four in the Jacky Leon series. When an unexpected phone call results in Jacky being reunited with her human twin sister, Jacky is once again having to go to great lengths to prevent a war between species from breaking out. If there’s one thing Jacky does well it’s fighting for what she knows is right, even if the fight she’s pulled into wasn’t hers to begin with.
Look technically this is a rather spoiler heavy review however if you’ve read the other three books in the series this should not come as a spoiler, and if you’re reading the review having not read those books please do yourself a favor and go read them because this series is absolutely amazing. The slow burn and back and forth and doubt is put aside and we are all in baby. It’s been pretty clear that Heath has been ready to be with Jacky, I think honestly his mind was probably even made up back when he first let her smell the attraction he had for her. And he’s been so great, a steady companion and confidante, always her support, her safe port in a storm. I am SO HAPPY we got to see this continue throughout the book and finally get to see Jacky let herself accept his love and allow herself to return it. The growth in this book, the closure, the relationships between Jacky and her werecat family continuing to grow and really getting to know other family members better. I just love this so much
February 9, 2022
So I've spent the last week reading through this series and it's pretty good overall, if you ignore the fact that this author needs a good editor. But this book has a moment early on that really irks me: when a queer POC character talks about themself, they use the f-word in its entirety yet say "the n-word" (as in, that phrase, not the word itself). Why is the slur related to sexuality acceptable? In some contexts I wouldn't think twice about it, but it really doesn't fit either the character or the tone of the series. Plus, this is literally the first queer character we've met 10 books into the series, too. I'm not really sure how to take this.
September 15, 2020
Wow! I'm in love with this book!
I loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happened next for Jacky and Heath. I was completely engaged, engrossed, enchanted, and utterly entertained by this story. This series just keeps getting better with each book, which isn't always the case with long series. I feel like no matter how many adjectives I use, I still can't convey how amazing this whole world is turning out. If you haven't been sucked into the Tribunal Archives Universe you are sorely missing out!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book.
I loved this book! I laughed, I cried, I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what happened next for Jacky and Heath. I was completely engaged, engrossed, enchanted, and utterly entertained by this story. This series just keeps getting better with each book, which isn't always the case with long series. I feel like no matter how many adjectives I use, I still can't convey how amazing this whole world is turning out. If you haven't been sucked into the Tribunal Archives Universe you are sorely missing out!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy (ARC) of this book.
September 16, 2020
Jacky is back and we learn more about her past and her human family. I didn’t really like Gwen at first,especially with some of her attitude towards Jacky. I love that we get to see Jacky and Heath growing closer and figuring out their relationship. We also learn more about Jacky’s werecat family members - Hisoa and Mischa. There is action, drama, and some romance. I can’t wait to see what happens next for Jacky :)
September 24, 2020
I struggled with this book, especially as it seemed the author was intent in turning it into a tortuous romance. I’m also beginning to find that the dysfunctional ‘world’ she has created really doesn’t always make sense.
When the main story began I hoped the book would improve, but I found it more frustrating than interesting, I didn’t really want to read a family drama / soap opera. There was a little action towards the end, but I didn’t really enjoy this book.
When the main story began I hoped the book would improve, but I found it more frustrating than interesting, I didn’t really want to read a family drama / soap opera. There was a little action towards the end, but I didn’t really enjoy this book.
May 23, 2024
I love nothing better than a slow burn, and I am thrilled with how this series is playing out. One thing I also am loving is how the author has built in this huge obstacle to the relationship that makes it so believable that things are going to be bumpy for awhile. Sometimes in series if a couple gets together too soon, the tension between them is gone and the story goes a little flat, but not here. I'm really into this series.
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