What do you think?
Rate this book
Exile #1
Exiled Duke
He's the key to her future and a brutal ruler of the underworld. She's the only woman to have ever cracked into his cold heart. Now, he's determined to force her exactly where he needs her to be...exiled.
A desperate woman trades everything for a chance of escape.
Penelope Willington is an innocent—innocent to a fault—and she never should have stepped foot into the rookeries, much less sought out the man that had once been her whole world—when she was ten. But that was a long time ago. Desperate times call for extraordinary actions, and Pen can't afford to miss her one and only chance to find a future free of the vile man determined to force her under his thumb and into his bed.
Her survival depended on his cruelty.
After his parents died, Strider Hoppler was forced to exile the one other person in the world he loved—Penelope Willington. He did it to save Pen, did it cruelly, and he never once looked back. Not until sixteen years later, when she strolled into his lair in the heart of the East End of London.
A cold ruler of the underground.
She entered a world she had no right to be in—his world—a world she should never know for its monstrosities of humanity. No matter that she needed his help. Try as he might to get rid of her, she's stubborn, and before he knows it, Strider is helping her untangle the web of her past.
The more time they spend together, the more Strider finds it impossible to resist the inexplicable draw between the two of them. But is it even possible for this hardened rogue to find the one thing he destroyed long ago—his heart?
Join the adventure today! You'll love Exiled Duke, the first in the Exile series and a can't-miss enthralling regency romance by USA Today bestselling author K.J. Jackson.
Note: The novels in the Exile series by K.J. Jackson are each stand-alone stories and can be read individually in any order. These historical romances are set in the Regency and Victorian eras and do not shy away from scenes with steamy heat, occasional naughty language, and moments that might possibly make you squirm.
A desperate woman trades everything for a chance of escape.
Penelope Willington is an innocent—innocent to a fault—and she never should have stepped foot into the rookeries, much less sought out the man that had once been her whole world—when she was ten. But that was a long time ago. Desperate times call for extraordinary actions, and Pen can't afford to miss her one and only chance to find a future free of the vile man determined to force her under his thumb and into his bed.
Her survival depended on his cruelty.
After his parents died, Strider Hoppler was forced to exile the one other person in the world he loved—Penelope Willington. He did it to save Pen, did it cruelly, and he never once looked back. Not until sixteen years later, when she strolled into his lair in the heart of the East End of London.
A cold ruler of the underground.
She entered a world she had no right to be in—his world—a world she should never know for its monstrosities of humanity. No matter that she needed his help. Try as he might to get rid of her, she's stubborn, and before he knows it, Strider is helping her untangle the web of her past.
The more time they spend together, the more Strider finds it impossible to resist the inexplicable draw between the two of them. But is it even possible for this hardened rogue to find the one thing he destroyed long ago—his heart?
Join the adventure today! You'll love Exiled Duke, the first in the Exile series and a can't-miss enthralling regency romance by USA Today bestselling author K.J. Jackson.
Note: The novels in the Exile series by K.J. Jackson are each stand-alone stories and can be read individually in any order. These historical romances are set in the Regency and Victorian eras and do not shy away from scenes with steamy heat, occasional naughty language, and moments that might possibly make you squirm.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2021
1166 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 11, 2021
4 Hate to Love Hoppler stars
This book is the first in a new standalone series, but it is worth noting that the H in this story (Strider Hoppler) appeared in the Box of Draupnir trilogy (especially in the final book of that series, The Soul of a Rogue, as he is a childhood friend of the H in that book, Rune). You do not have to have read that series or even that book to enjoy this story.
Strider Hoppler's name invokes fear in whomever hears it as he has spent over a decade building a reputation for being the kind of man you never want to cross. Though he was born to loving parents, he was orphaned at age 9 when a fire took his home and his future. His parents perished in the flames, and he was left with the young girl (Penelope Willington) they adopted to fend for themselves.
Strider always knew his family was one of worth, but he also knew that for reasons he was not privy to, his mother and father left England for a life in Belize. Thus, he is left without any means to support himself or Pen; after living a year on the streets with little success in the procurement of food and shelter, he decides it is best for Pen if he drives her away by telling her that she is a burden to him and making her hate him so that she won't be subject to the conditions that will inevitably kill her. Pen is devastated when Strider harshly rejects her, but she is resigned to living with the stringent family that has taken her in. Though they are better than living on the streets, she is essentially a servant of the family and has little freedoms or privileges. When the patriarch of the family passes away, Pen knows that it is only a matter of time before his son will force his attentions on her. Desperate to avoid that fate, she seeks out the only person she considers family: Strider Hoppler.
When Penelope Willington appears at the Den of Diablo, she learns it is aptly named as the gaming hell encourages debauchery of all kinds. When Strider learns that she has dared to seek him out at his establishment, he immediately discourages her from staying, but Pen is determined to find her mother's family, and she knows the only hope she has of doing so is via a man as well connected as Strider is. To gain his assistance, she tells him that she has something of his father's - something very valuable, and she will give it to him only if he helps her. Faced with little choice and more than curious about what Pen might possibly have of his long deceased father's, he reluctantly agrees to help her. But what will happen when Pen learns the truth of her parentage? Will she be accepted as part of the family? And if not, what grim fate awaits her if Strider drives her away yet again?
What I liked:
--- Penny was a very sympathetic and likeable h - you wanted her to find a happy ending that she deserved
--- There were some aspects of mystery and intrigue about both mc's families and how/why they ended up where they did
--- STEAMY GOODNESS
What I didn't like as much:
--- The story dragged at the beginning for me... took until about 1/4-1/3 of the way into it for me to feel like it was finally picking up; unusual with this author as usually things take off quickly and I tend to fly through the pages without even realizing where I am in the story
--- I just had a hard time liking Hoppler as the H - he was kind of a villain in the Draupnir trilogy, and I was not really able to picture him as H material, especially since he was deliberately and repeatedly cruel to Pen when he really did not need to be
--- I didn't feel as much genuine chemistry between the mcs - it never made sense to me why Pen would even want to be around Strider bc he was such a jerk all the time; the only memories she had of him that were good were from when they were kids before the fire and abandonment; thereafter, he was straight up horrible to her, and then
--- Still not sure what was up with her family
Overall, it was an interesting story in that it was about the redemption of an H that had strayed so far from being the type of hero you'd expect in a romance novel. I liked Pen's character, and I enjoyed the steamy goodness. The epilogue was probably the best part for me because that is when I felt like the H was finally where he needed to be for me to start to like him.
Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
This book is the first in a new standalone series, but it is worth noting that the H in this story (Strider Hoppler) appeared in the Box of Draupnir trilogy (especially in the final book of that series, The Soul of a Rogue, as he is a childhood friend of the H in that book, Rune). You do not have to have read that series or even that book to enjoy this story.
Strider Hoppler's name invokes fear in whomever hears it as he has spent over a decade building a reputation for being the kind of man you never want to cross. Though he was born to loving parents, he was orphaned at age 9 when a fire took his home and his future. His parents perished in the flames, and he was left with the young girl (Penelope Willington) they adopted to fend for themselves.
Strider always knew his family was one of worth, but he also knew that for reasons he was not privy to, his mother and father left England for a life in Belize. Thus, he is left without any means to support himself or Pen; after living a year on the streets with little success in the procurement of food and shelter, he decides it is best for Pen if he drives her away by telling her that she is a burden to him and making her hate him so that she won't be subject to the conditions that will inevitably kill her. Pen is devastated when Strider harshly rejects her, but she is resigned to living with the stringent family that has taken her in. Though they are better than living on the streets, she is essentially a servant of the family and has little freedoms or privileges. When the patriarch of the family passes away, Pen knows that it is only a matter of time before his son will force his attentions on her. Desperate to avoid that fate, she seeks out the only person she considers family: Strider Hoppler.
When Penelope Willington appears at the Den of Diablo, she learns it is aptly named as the gaming hell encourages debauchery of all kinds. When Strider learns that she has dared to seek him out at his establishment, he immediately discourages her from staying, but Pen is determined to find her mother's family, and she knows the only hope she has of doing so is via a man as well connected as Strider is. To gain his assistance, she tells him that she has something of his father's - something very valuable, and she will give it to him only if he helps her. Faced with little choice and more than curious about what Pen might possibly have of his long deceased father's, he reluctantly agrees to help her. But what will happen when Pen learns the truth of her parentage? Will she be accepted as part of the family? And if not, what grim fate awaits her if Strider drives her away yet again?
What I liked:
--- Penny was a very sympathetic and likeable h - you wanted her to find a happy ending that she deserved
--- There were some aspects of mystery and intrigue about both mc's families and how/why they ended up where they did
--- STEAMY GOODNESS
What I didn't like as much:
--- The story dragged at the beginning for me... took until about 1/4-1/3 of the way into it for me to feel like it was finally picking up; unusual with this author as usually things take off quickly and I tend to fly through the pages without even realizing where I am in the story
--- I just had a hard time liking Hoppler as the H - he was kind of a villain in the Draupnir trilogy, and I was not really able to picture him as H material, especially since he was deliberately and repeatedly cruel to Pen when he really did not need to be
--- I didn't feel as much genuine chemistry between the mcs - it never made sense to me why Pen would even want to be around Strider bc he was such a jerk all the time; the only memories she had of him that were good were from when they were kids before the fire and abandonment; thereafter, he was straight up horrible to her, and then
--- Still not sure what was up with her family
Overall, it was an interesting story in that it was about the redemption of an H that had strayed so far from being the type of hero you'd expect in a romance novel. I liked Pen's character, and I enjoyed the steamy goodness. The epilogue was probably the best part for me because that is when I felt like the H was finally where he needed to be for me to start to like him.
Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
August 18, 2022
Good bones, but the separation was too long (IMHO) and the pacing/execution was a bit off. I really enjoyed some parts, was bored during others, and confused at times by their behavior/actions.
The book opens with Strider cruelly rejecting Pen, so she’ll stop sneaking out and stay with her new guardians. The 10-yr-olds have been living on the streets for a year and are barely staying alive. Then, we FFW five years later to a brief encounter where they don’t even talk. Then another 12-yr FFW to a desperate Pen tracking Strider down for help.
I had a few issues. The separation was so long that it made their “connection” feel fabricated. They spent WAY more time separated than together… spent those ten in a brother/sister dynamic then instantly lusted each other seventeen years later. (??) Not to mention 27 felt really old for her to have never been claimed by the family’s son.
Bottom Line- Ok, not bad- not fantastic. I gobbled certain parts up and skimmed through others. There’s some angst from the H treating the h cruelly at the beginning… although I wasn’t so sure why he was so angry at her initially. And some drama/danger parts. It’s free to read with KU.
Safety- h is a virgin. H owns a brothel and comments are made that he’s sampled the lady buffet, but there isn’t any OW drama/ex-hookups around.
The book opens with Strider cruelly rejecting Pen, so she’ll stop sneaking out and stay with her new guardians. The 10-yr-olds have been living on the streets for a year and are barely staying alive. Then, we FFW five years later to a brief encounter where they don’t even talk. Then another 12-yr FFW to a desperate Pen tracking Strider down for help.
I had a few issues. The separation was so long that it made their “connection” feel fabricated. They spent WAY more time separated than together… spent those ten in a brother/sister dynamic then instantly lusted each other seventeen years later. (??) Not to mention 27 felt really old for her to have never been claimed by the family’s son.
Bottom Line- Ok, not bad- not fantastic. I gobbled certain parts up and skimmed through others. There’s some angst from the H treating the h cruelly at the beginning… although I wasn’t so sure why he was so angry at her initially. And some drama/danger parts. It’s free to read with KU.
Safety- h is a virgin. H owns a brothel and comments are made that he’s sampled the lady buffet, but there isn’t any OW drama/ex-hookups around.
June 16, 2024
3.7 stars
This book is my 3rd book by KJ and I am starting to see a pattern. In the first half of her stories, her Hs are often cruel with their hs based on some misconceptions and they spend the second half repairing what they broke. Not a bad formula ☺!
This one is slightly different on the basis that the first half was a bit too slow, mired in bleak and angry vibes. Things got into better pace thereafter, with the full drama between the leads kicking in hard. The H, Strider, got real reasons to feel let down by the h, Pen and their resulting separation led to dramatic events but also to some good romance moves. The big resolution at the end () was a tad too easy, but for the sake of fiction, I am all willing to let it go.
All in all, a nice story with an interesting premise, and competently written that gets better as the chapters go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2022
Not enough substance! 2,5 stars
April 4, 2021
Good but dragged on places.
I really liked this story but there were parts that were slow and I would lose interest but then it would pick up again. Definitely enjoyed their love story and how they worked their way back to each other. The secret she kept was a doozy and I find it hard to believe she kept it that long! But then we wouldn't have had the novel. And it was good.
I really liked this story but there were parts that were slow and I would lose interest but then it would pick up again. Definitely enjoyed their love story and how they worked their way back to each other. The secret she kept was a doozy and I find it hard to believe she kept it that long! But then we wouldn't have had the novel. And it was good.
March 16, 2021
2.5 - 3 bleeding heart stars!
This is the first book in the Exile series and features Strider and Pen. Strider and Penelope (Pen) have known each other since they were young under terrible circumstances. Strider, trying to save her, pushes her away into what should have been better circumstances but they were not. Sixteen years later, she needs help so she turns to Strider. He is now the leader of the underworld and in a better position to be there for her. But can Strider be the one for Pen after so many years of acting like he has no heart? Can Pen love Strider for who he is? What will their future look like?
I love K.J. Jackson but this one fell really short for me because I hated the hero through 85% of the book and by the time I finished it, I didn't feel like he redeemed himself. The way I felt about the hero tarnished my ability to really connect with the couple and be invested in their love. By the time he remotely starting being a hero worth loving for me, the book was over.
You first meet Strider (Hoppler) in a previous series of hers and he is more a villian than the good guy so my first impressions of him weren't great. Then in here...he was just so cruel to Pen. SO cruel.
Pen...poor Pen. K.J. Jackson is one of those authors that can always make me teary eyed. It takes a lot to make me cry but she always pulls ALL the emotions from me. The life Pen has had...what she has gone through...her inner thoughts and turmoil just ripped my heart in two.
This book had Jackson's usual fun adventure and suspense and a healthy dose of steam but I neither felt invested or connected to it. The writing was great but I just could NOT get past Strider.
Overall, I liked it but I was mostly mad and bummed through the whole thing. I hope the next one is better!
This is the first book in the Exile series and features Strider and Pen. Strider and Penelope (Pen) have known each other since they were young under terrible circumstances. Strider, trying to save her, pushes her away into what should have been better circumstances but they were not. Sixteen years later, she needs help so she turns to Strider. He is now the leader of the underworld and in a better position to be there for her. But can Strider be the one for Pen after so many years of acting like he has no heart? Can Pen love Strider for who he is? What will their future look like?
I love K.J. Jackson but this one fell really short for me because I hated the hero through 85% of the book and by the time I finished it, I didn't feel like he redeemed himself. The way I felt about the hero tarnished my ability to really connect with the couple and be invested in their love. By the time he remotely starting being a hero worth loving for me, the book was over.
You first meet Strider (Hoppler) in a previous series of hers and he is more a villian than the good guy so my first impressions of him weren't great. Then in here...he was just so cruel to Pen. SO cruel.
Pen...poor Pen. K.J. Jackson is one of those authors that can always make me teary eyed. It takes a lot to make me cry but she always pulls ALL the emotions from me. The life Pen has had...what she has gone through...her inner thoughts and turmoil just ripped my heart in two.
This book had Jackson's usual fun adventure and suspense and a healthy dose of steam but I neither felt invested or connected to it. The writing was great but I just could NOT get past Strider.
Overall, I liked it but I was mostly mad and bummed through the whole thing. I hope the next one is better!
February 23, 2021
***SURVIVAL OF THE FITTESS***
This story is riveting, painful, sad, twisted; a story of two orphaned children that no one wanted. The story covers two continents and many years. It talks about hope, devotion, loyalty, suffering, second chances and having to overcome horrible conditions in life when one has to make their own way. Strider and Penelope grew up together. After a deadly fire took Strider's parents no one would take them in. They lived on the streets. At ten years old Strider knew Penelope would die if she was not taken in by a family. Little did he know the trauma she would go through. The years that passed changed both of them. Now they were both in London and Pen needed Striker to help her. She searched and found him. At first, he was shocked, then he grew cold and uncaring. They bartered and he agreed to help her. In exchange she would give him something that belong to his father. As they spent days together, she never wavered in believing in him; his goodness, his kindness instead of the man he had to become in order to survive. Strider fought Penelope's influence feeling he would never get back to where he was when they were children. An emotional roller-coaster of a story that had me glued to each page. I could not put the book down. It is very realistic and challenges the reader to feel what the characters felt. Well written, excellent surprising plot and the characters were animated with personality. A must read. I highly recommend it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is riveting, painful, sad, twisted; a story of two orphaned children that no one wanted. The story covers two continents and many years. It talks about hope, devotion, loyalty, suffering, second chances and having to overcome horrible conditions in life when one has to make their own way. Strider and Penelope grew up together. After a deadly fire took Strider's parents no one would take them in. They lived on the streets. At ten years old Strider knew Penelope would die if she was not taken in by a family. Little did he know the trauma she would go through. The years that passed changed both of them. Now they were both in London and Pen needed Striker to help her. She searched and found him. At first, he was shocked, then he grew cold and uncaring. They bartered and he agreed to help her. In exchange she would give him something that belong to his father. As they spent days together, she never wavered in believing in him; his goodness, his kindness instead of the man he had to become in order to survive. Strider fought Penelope's influence feeling he would never get back to where he was when they were children. An emotional roller-coaster of a story that had me glued to each page. I could not put the book down. It is very realistic and challenges the reader to feel what the characters felt. Well written, excellent surprising plot and the characters were animated with personality. A must read. I highly recommend it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2022
This book was kind of all over the place. Pen was a likable h. Strider was unnecessarily cruel to Pen many times when it didn’t necessarily make sense for him to be. I didn’t feel the chemistry between the MC’s because I didn’t see what they saw in one another. I do enjoy this author’s writing, though her plots can be far fetched. What bothered me most about this one was how Pen landed such an awesome job and then just promptly abandoned her new friend and savior when Strider (very dramatically and lazily) re-entered her life. I would’ve liked a grand gesture on his behalf, but his conviction at the end felt sort of wishy washy to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2023
3-Exiled-From-Further-Information-Stars
This was a weird romance. Generally, I like Ms Jackson's books as they are intense, steamy and romantic, but this one was just part of it. I felt like there was a lot of information missing, it needed more depth, and the characters needed to be less blasé about certain situations.
The structure was there, but it lacked decoration.
This was a weird romance. Generally, I like Ms Jackson's books as they are intense, steamy and romantic, but this one was just part of it. I felt like there was a lot of information missing, it needed more depth, and the characters needed to be less blasé about certain situations.
The structure was there, but it lacked decoration.
April 5, 2021
Took a chance on a new author and it payed off. Kind of a beauty and the beast, but the scars are more internal. Really enjoyed it and going to go inspect her backlist, cause my TBR just isn't big enough!
March 8, 2021
This was a captivating read, I just couldn’t put it down! The story moved along at a very good pace and kept my interest throughout. Penelope and Strider had known each other since they were children but circumstances had them out of touch for many years. Now Penelope needs Strider’s help but Strider has changed and is now a powerful force in the underworld. There is a mystery to both of their backgrounds and some villains with which to contend. Also some heartbreaking and passionate scenes. This is the first in a new series and I can’t wait for the next!
September 5, 2021
Rating: 4.5/5.0
This book is the definition of what one would do out of love. Love has many faces and one may see a harsh reaction, but underneath, it was just desperation.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This book is the definition of what one would do out of love. Love has many faces and one may see a harsh reaction, but underneath, it was just desperation.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
May 18, 2022
There were some really good parts in Exiled Duke, and the premise was super fun! But I didn't connect with either of the characters and this resulted in the entire book feeling predictable and boring.
This was very much a case of me WANTING to like it and pushing through to the end hoping for more than just near-peril and close calls but never quite getting what I wanted out of it. Maybe my expectations are too high? I miss the old bodice rippers that didn't pull punches, you know? I think maybe I need to stop thinking modern books can deliver the same kinda punch as their older counterparts. 🤔
This was very much a case of me WANTING to like it and pushing through to the end hoping for more than just near-peril and close calls but never quite getting what I wanted out of it. Maybe my expectations are too high? I miss the old bodice rippers that didn't pull punches, you know? I think maybe I need to stop thinking modern books can deliver the same kinda punch as their older counterparts. 🤔
April 1, 2021
I think I’m starting to get tired of books where the hero feels his soul is blackened or something, and he says so repeatedly to the heroine along with mean things. And she keeps taking all of it because she “sees the good that’s somewhere deep in him.” Ugh.
Firstly, I already wasn’t the biggest Strider fan. He seemed too violent with traces of selfishness that weren’t even changed in Penny’s presence so I can’t say I liked him. I did like Penny, not love , but liked her. Then I discovered the thing with the letter— that wasn’t a good move at all. Usually when I watch movies where someone does something like that, I find no reason that can justify it. It really makes her seem very stupid and needy. 🤦🏽♀️ And I really want to just keep liking her.
What penny did was horrible but for Strider to leave her like that with no money, knowing she had nothing. Yikes, I sincerely think he might be the worst hero I’ve read of.
Bottom line... I didn’t like this book, which is sad considering I’ve liked every other book written by the author. I didn’t like the hero, he was just irredeemable to me. I liked penny okay but I didn’t like her relationship with him. The plot was okay but... I’m not sure what it was that just didn’t let it fully appeal to me. I think it was Strider, his violence and bitterness that just really tainted everything for me.
Firstly, I already wasn’t the biggest Strider fan. He seemed too violent with traces of selfishness that weren’t even changed in Penny’s presence so I can’t say I liked him. I did like Penny, not love , but liked her. Then I discovered the thing with the letter— that wasn’t a good move at all. Usually when I watch movies where someone does something like that, I find no reason that can justify it. It really makes her seem very stupid and needy. 🤦🏽♀️ And I really want to just keep liking her.
What penny did was horrible but for Strider to leave her like that with no money, knowing she had nothing. Yikes, I sincerely think he might be the worst hero I’ve read of.
Bottom line... I didn’t like this book, which is sad considering I’ve liked every other book written by the author. I didn’t like the hero, he was just irredeemable to me. I liked penny okay but I didn’t like her relationship with him. The plot was okay but... I’m not sure what it was that just didn’t let it fully appeal to me. I think it was Strider, his violence and bitterness that just really tainted everything for me.
February 27, 2021
Exiled Duke is the first in a new series by K J Jackson and it is a great beginning. It does follow on from her previous series but can be read completely as a stand-alone. Strider Hoppler was an intriguing and slightly menacing character in the Box of Draupnir series and we now get to see his story.
Penelope Willington is in need of help. Desperate to escape the servitude she has lived in all her life and the ill intentions of the villain determined to ruin her she manages to locate her estranged childhood friend Strider Hoppler – the one person who had meant everything to her when they were young. But Strider is no longer the boy she once knew. He is now a feared man ruling the East End and the last person in which she should place her trust. But Pen will not give up the idea that the caring boy she knew is still buried deep within the dangerous man in front of her now.
After his parents died, Strider had to cruelly sever all ties with Pen when they were young to give her a chance for survival. He has never forgotten her, but his world is too dark for her now. When Pen unexpectedly turns up asking for his help in finding her family, Strider just wants to get her as far away from him as possible, but Pen will not be put off. She strikes a bargain – Strider will help her find her family and she will give him an item of his late father’s she has in her possession. Strider reluctantly agrees with the intention of resolving things as soon as possible. But as they spend days in close proximity, they are drawn closer together. But once Strider realises what Penelope had kept from him all these years will he be able to forgive her?
This was a lovely story. I wouldn’t really class it as second chance romance or even friends to lovers since Pen and Strider were children when they separated but the bond between them from the past was so strong it was inevitable they would rediscover it in an adult form in the present.
I really liked Pen as a heroine. She may have had a sort of security with the people that took her in, but she endured such harsh treatment that she ended up internalising her emotions and feelings and resorted to a sort of self-harm. What she didn’t do is lose her faith and belief in the goodness of people. She was a trusting soul that and it was nice to see her belief in Strider stay strong even though she discovers exactly how dark Strider’s life had become and what he did to survive. Strider needed that acceptance although he didn’t realise it.
Strider is very complex. He has definitely carried out villainous deeds to get to where he is and has lost himself a little in his pursuit of revenge against his own family. But he is also shown as a fair man who is compassionate towards and protective of all within his circle. When he meets Pen again, she brings out the softer, more honourable side that he had buried deep inside.
As always with a KJ Jackson story the writing is very good and the story flows at a great pace. There is plenty of action and mystery. The villain is terrible but gets his just rewards and I didn’t feel that it overtook the romance or the connection between Strider and Pen. The secondary characters were good but not too prominent and for the first time I’m not actually sure who the series will focus on next. Can’t wait to find out!
I received an ARC for my honest opinion and I do recommend you pick this up.
Penelope Willington is in need of help. Desperate to escape the servitude she has lived in all her life and the ill intentions of the villain determined to ruin her she manages to locate her estranged childhood friend Strider Hoppler – the one person who had meant everything to her when they were young. But Strider is no longer the boy she once knew. He is now a feared man ruling the East End and the last person in which she should place her trust. But Pen will not give up the idea that the caring boy she knew is still buried deep within the dangerous man in front of her now.
After his parents died, Strider had to cruelly sever all ties with Pen when they were young to give her a chance for survival. He has never forgotten her, but his world is too dark for her now. When Pen unexpectedly turns up asking for his help in finding her family, Strider just wants to get her as far away from him as possible, but Pen will not be put off. She strikes a bargain – Strider will help her find her family and she will give him an item of his late father’s she has in her possession. Strider reluctantly agrees with the intention of resolving things as soon as possible. But as they spend days in close proximity, they are drawn closer together. But once Strider realises what Penelope had kept from him all these years will he be able to forgive her?
This was a lovely story. I wouldn’t really class it as second chance romance or even friends to lovers since Pen and Strider were children when they separated but the bond between them from the past was so strong it was inevitable they would rediscover it in an adult form in the present.
I really liked Pen as a heroine. She may have had a sort of security with the people that took her in, but she endured such harsh treatment that she ended up internalising her emotions and feelings and resorted to a sort of self-harm. What she didn’t do is lose her faith and belief in the goodness of people. She was a trusting soul that and it was nice to see her belief in Strider stay strong even though she discovers exactly how dark Strider’s life had become and what he did to survive. Strider needed that acceptance although he didn’t realise it.
Strider is very complex. He has definitely carried out villainous deeds to get to where he is and has lost himself a little in his pursuit of revenge against his own family. But he is also shown as a fair man who is compassionate towards and protective of all within his circle. When he meets Pen again, she brings out the softer, more honourable side that he had buried deep inside.
As always with a KJ Jackson story the writing is very good and the story flows at a great pace. There is plenty of action and mystery. The villain is terrible but gets his just rewards and I didn’t feel that it overtook the romance or the connection between Strider and Pen. The secondary characters were good but not too prominent and for the first time I’m not actually sure who the series will focus on next. Can’t wait to find out!
I received an ARC for my honest opinion and I do recommend you pick this up.
July 25, 2021
Dnf at 43%
I had liked the idea behind the story because I am a huge sucker of tortured, angsty hero and sweet, innocent heroine - and I absolutely refuse to feel guilty and term my taste "substandard" over it. It's my kink and reading pleasure. Needless to say, I jumped into the story after glancing over the blurb. Everything was going smoothly and at the best - okay until I read their first kiss - which was out of nowhere, btw - and I did not feel anything, there was no connection, no ferocious attraction or the sizzling chemistry between the characters. I had thought it would develop further into the story when they had spent some time together and taken each other's notice but instead all I got was a casually thrown lazy look-over here and there. I found myself skimming over their foreplay (a rare phenomenon for me) ensuing my lack of concern for the characters and the remaining story. It was as though I was reading about robots and their make out session felt flat and awkward to me.
It's a shame because I was liking the plot even though the language was anachronistic. The H was hot and cold even mean towards h but I could see he felt undeniably protective of her and cared about her. And the h was strong to hope for a better future considering she was subjected to years of torture and was under the thumb of her adoptive family.
I am often bothered when it comes to celibacy and cheating as I have strict ground rules over it. However, I could easily bend my back here since they were legit separated at the age of 10and for 17 years and H had no hope they would ever meet.
I had liked the idea behind the story because I am a huge sucker of tortured, angsty hero and sweet, innocent heroine - and I absolutely refuse to feel guilty and term my taste "substandard" over it. It's my kink and reading pleasure. Needless to say, I jumped into the story after glancing over the blurb. Everything was going smoothly and at the best - okay until I read their first kiss - which was out of nowhere, btw - and I did not feel anything, there was no connection, no ferocious attraction or the sizzling chemistry between the characters. I had thought it would develop further into the story when they had spent some time together and taken each other's notice but instead all I got was a casually thrown lazy look-over here and there. I found myself skimming over their foreplay (a rare phenomenon for me) ensuing my lack of concern for the characters and the remaining story. It was as though I was reading about robots and their make out session felt flat and awkward to me.
It's a shame because I was liking the plot even though the language was anachronistic. The H was hot and cold even mean towards h but I could see he felt undeniably protective of her and cared about her. And the h was strong to hope for a better future considering she was subjected to years of torture and was under the thumb of her adoptive family.
I am often bothered when it comes to celibacy and cheating as I have strict ground rules over it. However, I could easily bend my back here since they were legit separated at the age of 10and for 17 years and H had no hope they would ever meet.
March 6, 2021
K.J. Jackson brings us the first in her new Exile series. We first meet Strider and Penelope when he sends her away hoping to make life easier on her with him out of the way all the while breaking both their hearts. Five years later, he misses his opportunity of adventure and riches when he is distracted by his past leaving him with little choice in order to survive. Present day brings Penelope in search of Strider, who is now a powerful feared man. She gets him to help her find her family in exchange for something she had that belonged to his father. Their journey brings them setbacks and difficulties that bring about feelings neither were prepared to deal with. Will Strider and Pen overcome them or allow it weigh on them enough to drive them apart for good?
I am so glad that K.J. Jackson has brought us another series. Her words are always page turners. The characters' words and actions make you wish you were the heroine. You keep turning the page to see what happens next and how her characters are going to resolve their feeling and the situation they have landed in while dreading the moment when you know you are at the end of the story. I have enjoyed her stories ever since discovering Stone Devil Duke. You will be hooked just like me! I really enjoyed Strider and Pen's story and look forward to the next adventure with K.J. Jackson.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank K.J. Jackson for this privilege.
I am so glad that K.J. Jackson has brought us another series. Her words are always page turners. The characters' words and actions make you wish you were the heroine. You keep turning the page to see what happens next and how her characters are going to resolve their feeling and the situation they have landed in while dreading the moment when you know you are at the end of the story. I have enjoyed her stories ever since discovering Stone Devil Duke. You will be hooked just like me! I really enjoyed Strider and Pen's story and look forward to the next adventure with K.J. Jackson.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank K.J. Jackson for this privilege.
February 26, 2021
I have waited a long time for Strider's story to be told. What led him to the man he is, his family and upbringing, I wanted to know all of it. I thought I would read slowing and savor every moment of it. Nope, I devoured it it one sitting. I just could not put it down. Penelope and Strider's journey started when they were just two innocent children. The events that took place when they were young, led them in different directions. It is also what will lead them back to one another. I can't say that the years were kind to either of them. However, it molded them into who they have become. Strider's reputation leads Pen to believe he can help her find her family. In exchange for something she has that belonged to his father. Over the course of their journey, Pen never once lost hope in Strider. She only saw his strength and kindness. But Strider would never again be the boy she once new and loved. The relationship between them is fragile, full the of ups and downs of so many emotions. If they can open their hearts and learn to love each other as they are now, a HEA is within their grasp. One of the amazing feelings I get when I read a book from this author, I feel that I am next to the characters. Supporting them, cheering for them and giving them a quick smack in the head when needed. The talent that requires is insurmountable. The wait for Strider was well worth it. An excellent read, hands down. I can't wait for more. My review is voluntary and is my honest opinion of an early copy I received.
February 26, 2021
I can't believe how powerful the h/H are. This tugged at my heart strings because it is so emotional what they went through as children and adults. I've mentioned before I love when we get a glimpse at them when they are younger, I loved it.
This writer is amazing. The character's are written with such depth that you will feel their pain. The H tells the h untruths many times, to protect her. She doesn't realize it and he breaks her heart over and over. My goodness, I felt like he was breaking my heart.
Many struggles they face apart and together. I wish I could convey how much I enjoyed reading this unique story.
There is connection these two had from the start. The love the h felt for the H never flattered, he kept pushing her away because he felt he didn't deserved her. This was a very romantic tale for me. There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5. I didn't find it vulgar just filled with passion and didn't go into detail page after page.
Several villains that made this suspenseful too. Just when I thought I had somethings figured out, nope the author throw an interesting curve ball.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, very bumpy road to HEA, romantic and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just recommending this story and author.
I received an advanced copy, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
This writer is amazing. The character's are written with such depth that you will feel their pain. The H tells the h untruths many times, to protect her. She doesn't realize it and he breaks her heart over and over. My goodness, I felt like he was breaking my heart.
Many struggles they face apart and together. I wish I could convey how much I enjoyed reading this unique story.
There is connection these two had from the start. The love the h felt for the H never flattered, he kept pushing her away because he felt he didn't deserved her. This was a very romantic tale for me. There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5. I didn't find it vulgar just filled with passion and didn't go into detail page after page.
Several villains that made this suspenseful too. Just when I thought I had somethings figured out, nope the author throw an interesting curve ball.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, very bumpy road to HEA, romantic and steam. I can't improve on the blurb, just recommending this story and author.
I received an advanced copy, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
March 8, 2021
The story has been reviewed by others but I will tell you that Strider & Pen have suffered since they were very young children & Strider sent Pen away when they were both 9 years old, after his parents' death. He needed her to get away from the mean streets to somewhere safe - it was the hardest thing he had ever done & it broke Pen's heart. They didn't see each other again for seventeen years until one night when Pen walked in to Strider's Gaming Hell. & the years weren't kind were not easy or kind to either one of them .
Strider & Pen need each other but the road was gut-wrenching at times with anticipation & inspiration for them & the denial, lies, lack of trust & lust just added to all the emotions I was feeling. The supporting cast of friends added such loyalty, love & friendship & the villain was made to hate - & I did with a passion!I read this in on sitting as I couldn't quit turning pages & in the end I then experienced belief, happiness, love, forgiveness. I loved this well written book & highly recommend it to you - it left me happy & feeling fulfilled! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Strider & Pen need each other but the road was gut-wrenching at times with anticipation & inspiration for them & the denial, lies, lack of trust & lust just added to all the emotions I was feeling. The supporting cast of friends added such loyalty, love & friendship & the villain was made to hate - & I did with a passion!I read this in on sitting as I couldn't quit turning pages & in the end I then experienced belief, happiness, love, forgiveness. I loved this well written book & highly recommend it to you - it left me happy & feeling fulfilled! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
March 13, 2021
Pen and Strider grew up together yet they were orphans who didn't get along. Every time Pen found herself in trouble she would seek Strider out to his detriment..
A scoundrel of mass proportions, an exiled Duke, all make for an interesting storyline.
K.J. Jackson has written an incredible story. I borrowed a copy of this book from Kindle Unlimited.
A scoundrel of mass proportions, an exiled Duke, all make for an interesting storyline.
K.J. Jackson has written an incredible story. I borrowed a copy of this book from Kindle Unlimited.
July 30, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is my 4th book by K.J. Jackson and I plan to read her entire back list. Her writing and voice are consistently top notch and effortless to read. The pieces of the story fit seamlessly together and flow with such ease. The characters are always interesting and the plot extends beyond the romance, creating a well rounded story that is easy to get lost in. No unnecessary angst but all of the feels and suspense I crave from a Historical Romance
Kudos on another great book!
This is my 4th book by K.J. Jackson and I plan to read her entire back list. Her writing and voice are consistently top notch and effortless to read. The pieces of the story fit seamlessly together and flow with such ease. The characters are always interesting and the plot extends beyond the romance, creating a well rounded story that is easy to get lost in. No unnecessary angst but all of the feels and suspense I crave from a Historical Romance
Kudos on another great book!
Read
September 2, 2021"This book is the definition of what one would do for love..."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
March 4, 2021
Intense! Emotional! Passionate! I devoured every page.
Strider is a survivor, a hardened rogue of the underworld and with Pen his long ago friend and only other person he loved he finds his long buried heart again but it's not an easy journey. It never is with K.J Jackson she rips every emotion out of these characters that you can't help but hope to god they find their happy ever after in one piece.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Strider is a survivor, a hardened rogue of the underworld and with Pen his long ago friend and only other person he loved he finds his long buried heart again but it's not an easy journey. It never is with K.J Jackson she rips every emotion out of these characters that you can't help but hope to god they find their happy ever after in one piece.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 8, 2021
Her Light vs His Darkness
Orphaned at nine, Pen and Strider tried to stay together but Fate had other plans for them. Years later, when their paths cross again, will they have the courage to grab hold of their second chance at a life together.
Exiled Duke by K.J. Jackson is an intense character-driven tale with a couple of surprising plot twists. The expert development of the lead characters is what pulled me in and kept me reading. Strider is not the typical hero because (on the surface) he is pretty unlikable. Thankfully Pen has enough hope and love for the both of them, assuming she can overcome her own pain and fears.
This is a gritty and somewhat difficult story with lots of regret and pain. Thankfully the ending and epilogue are sweet and very satisfying.
Content 411: In addition to some secular swearing, this book also contains some violence and descriptive sexual content.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Orphaned at nine, Pen and Strider tried to stay together but Fate had other plans for them. Years later, when their paths cross again, will they have the courage to grab hold of their second chance at a life together.
Exiled Duke by K.J. Jackson is an intense character-driven tale with a couple of surprising plot twists. The expert development of the lead characters is what pulled me in and kept me reading. Strider is not the typical hero because (on the surface) he is pretty unlikable. Thankfully Pen has enough hope and love for the both of them, assuming she can overcome her own pain and fears.
This is a gritty and somewhat difficult story with lots of regret and pain. Thankfully the ending and epilogue are sweet and very satisfying.
Content 411: In addition to some secular swearing, this book also contains some violence and descriptive sexual content.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
March 12, 2021
What happened?
I'm a fan of Ms. Jackson but I have to ask what happened? Her writing style has changed and definitely not for the better. Nearly every sentence was weirdly fragmented and difficult to read. She kept putting---strange pauses with these -------- lines. It made the dialogue bother inner and conversations ----- well annoying and distracting.
The storyline had potential but the characters had very little depth.
I would take a hard pass on this one.
I'm a fan of Ms. Jackson but I have to ask what happened? Her writing style has changed and definitely not for the better. Nearly every sentence was weirdly fragmented and difficult to read. She kept putting---strange pauses with these -------- lines. It made the dialogue bother inner and conversations ----- well annoying and distracting.
The storyline had potential but the characters had very little depth.
I would take a hard pass on this one.
April 25, 2021
Meh... this just wasn't grabbing me and to be honest, I think the opening chapters were shoddily done. I didn't understand where, when, how or even why certain events were happening. And after the first few chapters, I didn't even care to know anymore.
January 15, 2022
Before I go into this review, I want to say that the budding romance made me stick to and finish this novel, even though it took me a while.
Likes:
-I loved the historical fashion show concept, just sad it didn’t pan out for Pen.
-The bad boy hero that has a woman who will stick by him-even though he didn’t deserve it.
-The fact that he helped her find her family even though he knew she might be disappointed in what she found.
-That somehow Pen kept her personality under all the religious constraints.
-The hints of mystery
-The philanthropic deeds of the bad boy that made him seem not so bad.
Now the other stuff…
I won’t lie, but by the end of this book I was doubting my memory…. The more I read, the more a few things didn’t make sense… details kept changing to make things fit and wrap up neatly. How could she keep a letter for all those years in a household like the Flagton’s? They must have searched her belongings regularly to ensure she’s conforming.
Did she have a secret pocket in her dresses? Why didn’t the pious and miserly Flagton find it?
How could she keep her knowledge a secret for all those years? I get that she was a child but when she got older didn’t she understand the implication?
And how did she find out about Strider the moment she got to London? She just heard the name and decided to brave a gaming hell on a whim?
Also, it’s a bit troubling that a woman conditioned for almost 2 decades was able to shake it off so easily and engage in fornication. I know that being away from their manipulation freed her but damn, that first sex scene came out the blue.
There were other things that nagged at me but I’ll stop there because aside from all the sloppily woven details, it was good. I enjoyed it when I wasn’t trying to weave threads together.
Likes:
-I loved the historical fashion show concept, just sad it didn’t pan out for Pen.
-The bad boy hero that has a woman who will stick by him-even though he didn’t deserve it.
-The fact that he helped her find her family even though he knew she might be disappointed in what she found.
-That somehow Pen kept her personality under all the religious constraints.
-The hints of mystery
-The philanthropic deeds of the bad boy that made him seem not so bad.
Now the other stuff…
I won’t lie, but by the end of this book I was doubting my memory…. The more I read, the more a few things didn’t make sense… details kept changing to make things fit and wrap up neatly. How could she keep a letter for all those years in a household like the Flagton’s? They must have searched her belongings regularly to ensure she’s conforming.
Did she have a secret pocket in her dresses? Why didn’t the pious and miserly Flagton find it?
How could she keep her knowledge a secret for all those years? I get that she was a child but when she got older didn’t she understand the implication?
And how did she find out about Strider the moment she got to London? She just heard the name and decided to brave a gaming hell on a whim?
Also, it’s a bit troubling that a woman conditioned for almost 2 decades was able to shake it off so easily and engage in fornication. I know that being away from their manipulation freed her but damn, that first sex scene came out the blue.
There were other things that nagged at me but I’ll stop there because aside from all the sloppily woven details, it was good. I enjoyed it when I wasn’t trying to weave threads together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
Pen and Strider grew up together in Belize. His parents (exiled from their aristocratic English family) took her in as a baby when her mother died in childbirth.
When Strider's parents die in a housefire 9 years later the children are left orphaned. After struggling to survive alone, Pen is sent to the family of a zealous local clergyman. She attempts to run away back to Strider multiple times, away from the repressive and physically abusive environment where she is treated as an unpaid servant. To give Pen a chance to become settled in her new life, Strider lies to her and tells her she's a burden he doesn't want or need, breaking her young heart. He then disappears from her life.
Many years later, the old cleric has died and his family returns to England. Pen is desperate to escape the increasingly dangerous sexual advances of the man's sadistic son. She discovers that Strider has become a powerful man in the London underworld. With no one else to turn to, she seeks him out for help.
The intervening years have been profitable for Strider, but also soul-destroying. He owns many brothels, gaming establishments and a shipping company, but has lost his goodness in the process.
There is angst here. Pen is naive and innocent. Strider believes his past has completely corrupted him (it hasn't). He begrudgingly agrees to help her look for her family, despite expecting them to reject her.
The two have to overcome past mistakes and miscommunication before they get their sweet HEA.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
When Strider's parents die in a housefire 9 years later the children are left orphaned. After struggling to survive alone, Pen is sent to the family of a zealous local clergyman. She attempts to run away back to Strider multiple times, away from the repressive and physically abusive environment where she is treated as an unpaid servant. To give Pen a chance to become settled in her new life, Strider lies to her and tells her she's a burden he doesn't want or need, breaking her young heart. He then disappears from her life.
Many years later, the old cleric has died and his family returns to England. Pen is desperate to escape the increasingly dangerous sexual advances of the man's sadistic son. She discovers that Strider has become a powerful man in the London underworld. With no one else to turn to, she seeks him out for help.
The intervening years have been profitable for Strider, but also soul-destroying. He owns many brothels, gaming establishments and a shipping company, but has lost his goodness in the process.
There is angst here. Pen is naive and innocent. Strider believes his past has completely corrupted him (it hasn't). He begrudgingly agrees to help her look for her family, despite expecting them to reject her.
The two have to overcome past mistakes and miscommunication before they get their sweet HEA.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
June 25, 2021
4/3.5 stars (enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Sophie Jordon, Samantha Holt, Stacy Reid)
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock…she eventually came into her own.
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable; Modern vocabulary.
Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top; again nicely intertwined in the story. 2/5 hotness and steam.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). each book you rarely saw pervious book characters which was a let down for me.
would recommend this book and series (you don’t have to read them in order, each book could be a stand alone)
The development and interest in main characters and secondary characters was enjoyable. I really did like the H/H for this book; very well paired as a couple.
I loved the writing around the women empowerment (it wasn’t over the top for me). Badass women rock…she eventually came into her own.
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable; Modern vocabulary.
Romantic/sexual content (kissing, oral, love making scenes) was throughout the book. Nothing over the top; again nicely intertwined in the story. 2/5 hotness and steam.
I love series around family members or a group of friends. I love the series even more when the author intertwines those characters throughout the book series (it’s a pet peeve when authors don’t do that because what’s the point of the series and introducing the characters if they are not going to interact throughout the series). each book you rarely saw pervious book characters which was a let down for me.
would recommend this book and series (you don’t have to read them in order, each book could be a stand alone)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews