The Shackle: escape from the knot of restraint

by DonnaLee Overly

A continuation of the King family saga, The Shackle: escape from the knot of restraint, the first book in The KNOT Series II is an enjoyable stand-alone novel mixing elements of drama, suspense, and romance, against a backdrop of human trafficking.
During Stan’s quest to reset his life following his stint in rehab, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of organized crime when he accidentally stumbles on a kidnap victim, barely alive, in an isolated area of Texas. He rescues Marie but the aftermath places his family and friends, including Gabby and Brett, in jeopardy. Losing trust in the authorities, Stan teams up with his stepdad, prominent rancher Wayne King, to bring the trafficking boss to justice, giving the story a modern-day western feel.

Stan’s feelings for Marie grow, as she comes to terms with her ordeal, and with therapy she discovers a surprising connection with her hero. Stan begins this journey broken in body and spirit; however, as his unique gifts and strengths are revealed, he comes into his own and shines.

313 pages, Paperback

Published October 27, 2020

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
The Shackle is the inaugural book in The KNOT Series II, and it captivates readers with its exploration of deeply sensitive, challenging, and harrowing subjects, particularly the dark realities of human trafficking. This gripping narrative once again centres around the King family. One who finds himself grappling with an atrocity that seems unimaginable in the modern world. At the heart of the story is Stan and Gaby, whose lives become intertwined in a harrowing journey.
Stan’s life has been turned upside down, and he is desperately seeking to rediscover his identity. However, as he navigates his disarray, he stumbles upon a grim reality that he struggles to fully grasp. In his state of confusion and vulnerability, he begins to care for something greater than his own pain, igniting a flicker of hope in his otherwise shattered existence. Yet, as he ventures deeper into this dark world, the question lingers: can he emerge from it without suffering irreparable damage?
The Shackle weaves an emotionally charged storyline that resonates with the heart, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of love, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming darkness.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a continuation of the King family. These books are romance with a western feeling however they deal with some pretty dark subject for example in this story human trafficking and the effects it has on everyone around the victim of such a crime. The author writes in a way that is captivating but really emotive so that the reader feels every emotion that the characters do.
Even though this story can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading them in order so that you get a full understanding of the characters and how they are connected. In this story we learn more about Stan.
After his life has been turned upside down by a terrible accident it has left him with a drug addiction and no sense of who he is. After going through rehab he still struggles to find his identity and his place in the world that is until he meets Marie.
Marie has escaped from human traffickers and as Stan helps her work through things and to help her out he also puts himself and his family in danger.
As Stan starts to help Marie he realises that for once he is thriving instead of just existing and that he is thinking of someone else not just himself. But can two broken people work together and in the process repair each other from the traumas or their pasts?

This is a really emotional read which has elements such as human trafficking, danger, hope, family issues and a lot more all brought together to make this a very unique story. I look forward to reading more from this author

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book is a continuation of the King family saga, it can be read as a standalone novel. Having left rehab Stan starts working with his step-sister Gabby, at the horse centre specialising in equine assisted therapy. Stan gets mixed up with organised crime when he finds a barely alive kidnap victim whilst exploring the Texas King ranch. In the aftermath of rescuing Marie and reporting the drug lord to the authorities, Stan along with his family and friends are in danger. Stan and his stepfather, prominent rancher Wayne King, work together to bring the trafficking boss to justice. As Marie comes to terms with her ordeal she discovers a connection with Stan whilst his feelings for her continue to grow.
This novel has a real modern day western feel to it and I was hooked throughout. Having been introduced to the King family in a previous book I enjoyed ‘catching up’ with some members of the family and getting to know other characters more in depth. I liked following Stan’s journey as his character went from being broken in body and spirit to finding his strengths. The storyline is a mix of drama, suspense and romance against a heartbreaking backdrop of human trafficking. I was taken on an emotional rollercoaster whilst reading this story. Although it’s not an easy read and it is rather dark in places, I felt fully immersed in the storyline and engaged with the characters.

I would advise readers to be aware of potential triggers.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"During Stan's quest to reset his life following his stint in rehab, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of organized crime when he accidentally stumbles on a kidnap victim, barely alive, in an isolated area of Texas. He rescues Marie but the aftermath places his family and friends, including Gabby and Brett, in jeopardy. Losing trust in the authorities, Stan teams up with his stepdad, prominent rancher Wayne King, to bring the trafficking boss to justice, giving the story a modern-day western feel.
Stan's feelings for Marie grow, as she comes to terms with her ordeal, and with therapy she discovers a surprising connection with her hero. Stan begins this journey broken in body and spirit; however, as his unique gifts and strengths are revealed, he comes into his own and shines."
Do Stan and Marie end up having feelings for each other? Do they get the human trafficker into custody. Will have to read the book to find out. Lots of suspense, good storyline and great characters. I give this book 4 stars.

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shackle: escape from the knot of restraint (The Knot Series Book 2) by DonnaLee Overly. This is the second book in The escape from the knot of restraint series and its the continuation of book 1. I highly recommend reading the 1st book before this one to better understand the story and characters. It's the continuing story of Stan who is still in the process of trying to get his life back on track and he is still trying to stay on track from his drug issues. He meets Marie in this book and learns she has been a victim of human trafficking. Stan begins to try to help Marie and in the process puts his whole family including himself in danger. While trying to help Marie, Stan finds out more about himself than he ever has and begins to thrive. He finally cares about something other than himself and his problems. This is a deep book that is very tragic and sad but is also very good. I have loved both books and can't wait to read the next one.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
The Shackle: Escape from the Knot of Restraint ( Knot Series 1)
by DonnaLee Overly

The Shackle is the first book in the Knot Series and is a Romantic Suspense/ Modern Day Western Romance that is packed with drama, action, adventure, danger, family, suspense, romance and so much more. I somehow read the second book first so I thought I’d start at the beginning and read book one. The characters are real,creative, relatable and fully developed, they make the story come to life and make you feel what they are going through. This may be my favorite by this author yet. Stan finds himself in a kinda sticky situation and Marie finds comfort from Stan. These two were both broken but each help the other. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I will say it was an emotional rollercoaster ride but worth the read. I look forward to reading more from this Author and this series.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

The Shackle: Escape From the Knot of Restraint is the First book in the Knot series II by DonnaLee Overly. It is a modern day western romance- a bit of a romantic suspense with drama, danger, tension, action, adventure, intrigue, family, emotion, hope, overcoming challenges, and the power of love.
It seems, from looking at the ratings and other reviews here, that I am the problem when it comes to this series- and while this book is the best of the bunch, so far, I still had trouble settling into it and finding my ‘groove’ with the story and characters. So, I have decided to come back to this series gain in a month or so and start again from the beginning- just to see if I still feel the same way or perhaps I might finally find my groove.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, DonnaLee Overly!

[Shannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I’d read a couple of others by this author and enjoyed them. One thing that stands out about their work is the fact that they don’t shy away from tough topics. Even though this is part of a series, they are made to be enjoyed as standalones as well. I’m sure I will pick up the rest of the series anyways though. Once I opened the first page, I was pulled into the story and completely engrossed for the rest of the day. There were no points I could put it down nor did I want to! The development of the characters Stan and Marie was very intriguing. I enjoyed the flow of the story because the chapters are quite short but still seem to unfold naturally. There are twists and turns I didn’t see coming which I always enjoy. This was an incredibly interesting read and plan on picking up more from this series.

[Brandi Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

DonnaLee Overly’s The Shackle is a poignant exploration of resilience, self-discovery, and our unseen burdens. With elegant prose and keen emotional insight, Overly crafts deeply human characters whose struggles and triumphs resonate profoundly. The story seamlessly intertwines personal and societal themes, offering a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged without resorting to predictable tropes.

What sets The Shackle apart is its sensitivity and depth in addressing complex issues while maintaining a compelling, character-driven plot. Overly’s storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own “shackles” and the courage needed to confront them. This powerful and inspiring novel is ideal for those seeking a thoughtful, emotionally rich reading experience.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn into this story right from the moment I read the blurb and I was sure it was going to be one I would love. The moment I started reading, I knew it was going to be a book I couldn’t put down until I had read it all. It weaves in such dark and sensitive subjects with ease, creating a story that has a depth and complexity that make it so compelling.
I was captivated by the characters as well. The author made them feel so real and raw that I became entwined in their whole persona. This is one of those books that surprised me with just how fantastic it is and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an intense romantic suspense. This series has been known to just rip my heart up. The author does such a fantastic job with writing stories that have a contemporary , realistic feel. The characters are both broken and have an attraction to each other. Watching them struggle and work for the relationship they feel is one that you want to root for and can also feel trepidation about. I find her writing has a smooth flow with a suspense that has you just pulled right into the story. The characters are always so relatable. Though there are some hard topics in here, this is a book that is definitely worth reading.

[Crystal Brehant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book that I read by this author. While I do think it was better than the first one I read, I still think it is a 4/5. Not that that is a bad thing at all. It just wasn't an OMG I LOVE this book sort of feeling. It was a good story. The author braves super serious and touchy subjects. I think overall, they are written well and I do want to finish the story to find out what happens. Where the star was removed, it is the same as the previous story I read. It did not transport me into the story. That is one of the best things about books to me. However, I did enjoy the story and I would be willing to read more by this author.

[Robin Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shackle: escape from the knot of restraint (The Knot Series II)

Stan is trying to move on from so much, the accident, rehab and Gabby. Each one is giving him a tough time in their own way. Thankfully he finds Ryder who is probably the best thing that could have happened to him. He helps him recover and enjoy life again.

I'm still a little unsure about Brett's & Gabby, but things are much better than they were in the first book.

This book provides a little bit of everything. Heartache, healing, learning to like and love like a normal person. There is also the mystery of Marie.

Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Finn Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shackle is the continuation of The Knot Series by DonnaLee Overly. A deeply emotional, thought provoking, and eye opening series. While this could technically be read as a stand-alone, I do highly recommend reading the first book before this, as there are some characters and situations that may confuse you. If the sensitive contents don't deter you, you will be in for an emotional rollercoaster that you can't help but keep turning pages. This is the second book I've read by DonnaLee, and I look forward to seeing more of what she has!

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deals with real world issues, such as human trafficking, addiction, loss, heartbreak, that it really makes it easy to connect with the story. But it's not just a dark and depressing story, there's hope and light woven into the story that makes you want to keep reading to see how it's going to end.
This is the first in a spin off series, and can be read as a standalone. It's the first from this author that I've read, but I highly recommend it and will be looking up other books in the future.

[Barbara Sugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

s a story that would appeal to any age group, older teenagers and up. The characters are realistic and fit their roles perfectly. They evoke feelings of sympathy, encouragement, sadness, and joy. This is an eosy to read book that I found hard to put down. The story line is well connected, with one event leading to the next. The conclusion ties everything nicely. This is definitely a book to pick up and enjoy.

[Cindy Rushin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even though it dealt with a very intense subject. The author created a very interesting story and I found myself interested in finding out how the story of Stan and Maria ended. There were some very intense moments in the book as the characters dealt with the sex trafficking individuals. It is an intense story and I recommend to any reader who likes interesting stories and characters.

[Kristine Ochu · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the reasons that I read books is to escape and discover new worlds. I have spent maybe 3 days in Texas a long time ago. I enjoyed getting the feel of what it must be like. The issue so human trafficking is one that is horrific and something that I personally believe needs more attention. So, I applaud the author in writing about this issue.

[AutumnNocturne (Lauren) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars. This author loves to tackle challenging topics, and for this book it was human trafficking, drug rings, drug addiction, the trauma of living through that ordeal, but also finding the road to recovery. We follow Marie and Stan. Is this ordeal too much for Marie to handle? Will Stan have his heart broken yet again? A good read!

[DonnaLee Overly]

If you like a modern-day action, crime solving adventure in a Western setting, sprinkled with romance, this is the book for you! It gives an awareness to the horrific crime of human trafficking and will keep you turning the pages.

[Deanna Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I was a little overwhelmed When I started reading the book but then I got into it very quickly. I love books that I cannot lay down and this was 1 of them.I graduated high school Donna lee And I am so proud of Accomplish accomplishments

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series but these books can be read as standalones. I enjoyed the storyline of this novel, although it deals with the challenging topic of human trafficking. The tale of Stan and Marie is a very believable one and this book is hard to put down once started.

[Brandy L Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in the series, and I feel that this one could stand on its own. I love how This novel is not afraid to tackle a difficult subject matter. The characters are what kept me glued to the story plot line. Wonderfully written.

[Mary Trino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna continues to amaze me with her creativity and imagination. I thoroughly enjoyed The Shackle.

[Sarah Foley Minotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love following the King family. Once I started the book, I just couldn’t put it down!

[Michelle Troyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series. Love, drugs, human trafficking all in one. Great story. Kept my attention all throughout. Couldn't put the book down. Highly recommend!