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Jacky Leon #3
Broken Loyalty
Jacky Leon is a member of the strongest werecat family alive; a family that commands the loyalty of every werecat that walks the face of the earth. Her family is the definition of power and none have dared challenge that for millennia. It’s not a legacy she’s comfortable with but it’s the one she’s been given and Jacky is resolved to do her best with her new responsibilities.
When rogue werecats begin to test Jacky’s territory, paranoia mounts as questions go unanswered and lives are potentially at stake. The greatest werecat family of all time is about learn a valuable lesson, and Jacky is going to have to suffer the most before it’s through with them.
Loyalty is worthless when it’s broken.
When rogue werecats begin to test Jacky’s territory, paranoia mounts as questions go unanswered and lives are potentially at stake. The greatest werecat family of all time is about learn a valuable lesson, and Jacky is going to have to suffer the most before it’s through with them.
Loyalty is worthless when it’s broken.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2020
1074 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Banet
36 books715 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 338 reviews
April 18, 2020
This is third in a UF series and, as is the norm for such, character, story, and plot build from the beginning. So I highly recommend reading in order.
As a result of the above, I'll stick with those things that differentiate this with the others as a starting point. Banet took a chance with the early parts of this story by starting pretty slow. The first quarter and a bit were Jacky settling back into her place in her territory with a few new changes (some leftover from the previous, some imposed by her family). The story-purpose this serves is a little nebulous as it's mostly illustrative of her character and care for others, her relationship with her family, and establishes some curves she'll face once things get hopping. I enjoyed it just fine because I like Jacky and I was interested in the developments in her character and circumstances. Also, there's a really subtle build of pressure and tension that I enjoyed but that'd get lost if the reader was impatient or wanted to rush to the "good stuff".
Once things get going, though, they ramp fast and hard. I loved seeing Jacky adjust, adapt, and overcome. And I particularly loved that we got to see the entire clan of Hassan together, in action, and in relation to her. We also got answers to questions that have remained from the start and I was so very glad Banet didn't hang on to those mysteries. More subtly, pulling the entire family also illustrated how fundamentally the werecats are loners right as it showed how the family loyalty leads directly to Hassan having the power to dictate terms to the rest of the werecats. They're a fractious lot, so having a group who can unite for shared purpose is very powerful, indeed.
And I particularly liked how they all had distinct personalities, many in opposition to one another and how their unification worked.
This story was mostly a cat show, so Heath was mainly around the edges. Which I was surprisingly okay with. I liked the developments we get, that he chose his moments to be involved in the plot based on intelligent and judicious hit-and-run (werewolves are very underpowered in comparison to this world's cats) opportunities. I liked him even more after this story and was glad to see their relationship develop (though please note that ).
Anyway, an awesome contribution to the series. I loved pretty much everything about it, though a paler, less active love when it comes to that slow first quarter. I can't wait for the next in the series and will pick it up as soon as possible.
A note about Chaste: This is still chaste, despite developments in the Heath/Jacky relationship. These are have-to-strip shifters, so there is some nudity and there's a scene of body-care (cleaning and patching up) that is unclothed. But none of it is titillating or gratuitous or specific with regards to sex parts. So I consider this very chaste, but could see stronger sticklers disagreeing.
As a result of the above, I'll stick with those things that differentiate this with the others as a starting point. Banet took a chance with the early parts of this story by starting pretty slow. The first quarter and a bit were Jacky settling back into her place in her territory with a few new changes (some leftover from the previous, some imposed by her family). The story-purpose this serves is a little nebulous as it's mostly illustrative of her character and care for others, her relationship with her family, and establishes some curves she'll face once things get hopping. I enjoyed it just fine because I like Jacky and I was interested in the developments in her character and circumstances. Also, there's a really subtle build of pressure and tension that I enjoyed but that'd get lost if the reader was impatient or wanted to rush to the "good stuff".
Once things get going, though, they ramp fast and hard. I loved seeing Jacky adjust, adapt, and overcome. And I particularly loved that we got to see the entire clan of Hassan together, in action, and in relation to her. We also got answers to questions that have remained from the start and I was so very glad Banet didn't hang on to those mysteries. More subtly, pulling the entire family also illustrated how fundamentally the werecats are loners right as it showed how the family loyalty leads directly to Hassan having the power to dictate terms to the rest of the werecats. They're a fractious lot, so having a group who can unite for shared purpose is very powerful, indeed.
And I particularly liked how they all had distinct personalities, many in opposition to one another and how their unification worked.
This story was mostly a cat show, so Heath was mainly around the edges. Which I was surprisingly okay with. I liked the developments we get, that he chose his moments to be involved in the plot based on intelligent and judicious hit-and-run (werewolves are very underpowered in comparison to this world's cats) opportunities. I liked him even more after this story and was glad to see their relationship develop (though please note that ).
Anyway, an awesome contribution to the series. I loved pretty much everything about it, though a paler, less active love when it comes to that slow first quarter. I can't wait for the next in the series and will pick it up as soon as possible.
A note about Chaste: This is still chaste, despite developments in the Heath/Jacky relationship. These are have-to-strip shifters, so there is some nudity and there's a scene of body-care (cleaning and patching up) that is unclothed. But none of it is titillating or gratuitous or specific with regards to sex parts. So I consider this very chaste, but could see stronger sticklers disagreeing.
April 15, 2020
Oh Kristen Banet you just never disappoint me, do you?
I'll be honest, until the last 8% this was going to be 4 stars, only because the pace of Heath and Jacky's relationship was making me want to bang my head against a wall and then suddenly I wanted to skip around the room composing sonnets to the awesomeness that is Kristen Banet.
As often seen in Banet's book, they opening is a little slow and we ease back into Jacky's world and life and the characters in it. Personally, I appreciate this about Banet's books because the fact that there is the time devoted to flesh the characters out just gives them a depth that can be found lacking is Urban Fantasy of lesser quality. Then we get to about 40% and suddenly my heart was in my throat and I was speed reading just to know what happened next.
We get some great interaction with Jacky's werecat family, all of whom are really intriguing and we see everyone's (or mine, anyway) favourite Alpha, Heath and his family. I love a good slow burn, but as I mentioned at the start, I was frustrated that their relationship was stagnating in the face of the sheer hurdles they have to overcome to be thgether. Banet was clever in reminding us in this book just why the idea of a werewolf and a werecat being together is so utterly taboo, and it all felt a bit hopeless for a whole. But then that delicious ending fills me with hope, even those those hurdles are still there.
I just love this series and am can't wait to be back in this world again!
I'll be honest, until the last 8% this was going to be 4 stars, only because the pace of Heath and Jacky's relationship was making me want to bang my head against a wall and then suddenly I wanted to skip around the room composing sonnets to the awesomeness that is Kristen Banet.
As often seen in Banet's book, they opening is a little slow and we ease back into Jacky's world and life and the characters in it. Personally, I appreciate this about Banet's books because the fact that there is the time devoted to flesh the characters out just gives them a depth that can be found lacking is Urban Fantasy of lesser quality. Then we get to about 40% and suddenly my heart was in my throat and I was speed reading just to know what happened next.
We get some great interaction with Jacky's werecat family, all of whom are really intriguing and we see everyone's (or mine, anyway) favourite Alpha, Heath and his family. I love a good slow burn, but as I mentioned at the start, I was frustrated that their relationship was stagnating in the face of the sheer hurdles they have to overcome to be thgether. Banet was clever in reminding us in this book just why the idea of a werewolf and a werecat being together is so utterly taboo, and it all felt a bit hopeless for a whole. But then that delicious ending fills me with hope, even those those hurdles are still there.
I just love this series and am can't wait to be back in this world again!
March 31, 2023
Well, I wolfed this down, barely able to focus on anything else since it released last night.
I loved getting more of Jacky's werecat family, and I really loved getting some of the secrets the family has been holding close to the vest.
But there was not nearly enough Heath in this book. I crave him like I crave a hit of crack. Book 2 was so wonderful, really getting to see their relationship evolving, things bubbling under the surface. I'm glad for the forward movement we got in this book, but I missed his personality throughout the story. I missed it a lot.
Also, I feel like the foundation being laid for her sister - that whispering in shock at the hospital because Jacky looked just like someone (her twin sister, duh) - was a little heavy-handed. Plus, it's weird but ... I don't care to meet her. The perfect sister who succeeds at everything ... just doesn't sound compelling to me.
Give me more Jacky and Heath, and more of Hasan and Jacky's siblings. I am gobbling up every bit of their relationships and how it is unfolding. Jacky's oh-so-perfect sister, though ... meh.
But I loved seeing Jacky find her place with her family, and them embracing her more fully. And does anyone else think that Hasan understands what is percolating between Jacky and Heath? His conversation with Mikkel, about Jacky being able to maybe bring lasting peace, and how he was going to let her try ... I mean, what's more lasting than two of the most powerful from each faction - a daughter of Hasan and an Alpha who once sat on the ruling Council - in a relationship? Traditionally, that's how kingdoms formed alliances, was it not? I think he suspects - probably Jabari too, because he saw them interact in book 2. I think the whole family has talked about it, and is tentatively okay with seeing how things play out. But maybe I'm overly optimistic.
Anyway, next book now please. :)
Re-read Sept 2020
This one isn't my favorite of the series, probably because Heath is largely absent and when he's present this powerful Alpha is just a bystander to the plot. Probably also because I always struggle a bit with stories where
But not being my favorite doesn't mean I don't enjoy it, because I do. This book gives us a big heaping load of information, and we get to see our biggest dose yet of family dynamics with Jacky's werecat family, and I ate up every bit of that. But it is unquestionably a bit of a bridge book, setting up the next stretch or story: the obvious mention of Jacky's twin. The mysterious mate of Hasan, Subira (I agree with Jacky, it's a beautiful name). Teases about Hasan's Talent, how he's formed an army, and his belief that Jacky had a chance to forge a lasting peace with the werewolves (and he has GOT to be talking about her relationship with Heath, which still gives me hope he won't freak the fuck out when it inevitably comes to light). Niko's previous attempts to forge that peace - can't wait for the book where Niko and Jacky bond a bit more.
It's honestly such a damn good series. I can't wait for more.
I loved getting more of Jacky's werecat family, and I really loved getting some of the secrets the family has been holding close to the vest.
But there was not nearly enough Heath in this book. I crave him like I crave a hit of crack. Book 2 was so wonderful, really getting to see their relationship evolving, things bubbling under the surface. I'm glad for the forward movement we got in this book, but I missed his personality throughout the story. I missed it a lot.
Also, I feel like the foundation being laid for her sister - that whispering in shock at the hospital because Jacky looked just like someone (her twin sister, duh) - was a little heavy-handed. Plus, it's weird but ... I don't care to meet her. The perfect sister who succeeds at everything ... just doesn't sound compelling to me.
Give me more Jacky and Heath, and more of Hasan and Jacky's siblings. I am gobbling up every bit of their relationships and how it is unfolding. Jacky's oh-so-perfect sister, though ... meh.
But I loved seeing Jacky find her place with her family, and them embracing her more fully. And does anyone else think that Hasan understands what is percolating between Jacky and Heath? His conversation with Mikkel, about Jacky being able to maybe bring lasting peace, and how he was going to let her try ... I mean, what's more lasting than two of the most powerful from each faction - a daughter of Hasan and an Alpha who once sat on the ruling Council - in a relationship? Traditionally, that's how kingdoms formed alliances, was it not? I think he suspects - probably Jabari too, because he saw them interact in book 2. I think the whole family has talked about it, and is tentatively okay with seeing how things play out. But maybe I'm overly optimistic.
Anyway, next book now please. :)
Re-read Sept 2020
This one isn't my favorite of the series, probably because Heath is largely absent and when he's present this powerful Alpha is just a bystander to the plot. Probably also because I always struggle a bit with stories where
But not being my favorite doesn't mean I don't enjoy it, because I do. This book gives us a big heaping load of information, and we get to see our biggest dose yet of family dynamics with Jacky's werecat family, and I ate up every bit of that. But it is unquestionably a bit of a bridge book, setting up the next stretch or story: the obvious mention of Jacky's twin. The mysterious mate of Hasan, Subira (I agree with Jacky, it's a beautiful name). Teases about Hasan's Talent, how he's formed an army, and his belief that Jacky had a chance to forge a lasting peace with the werewolves (and he has GOT to be talking about her relationship with Heath, which still gives me hope he won't freak the fuck out when it inevitably comes to light). Niko's previous attempts to forge that peace - can't wait for the book where Niko and Jacky bond a bit more.
It's honestly such a damn good series. I can't wait for more.
April 14, 2020
Hasan has pushed his youngest daughter into taking on the leadership of the Werecats in North America.
The werecats are not happy.
Jacky has battled rogue werewolves and vampires, and in Broken Loyalty she finds herself doing battle with her most dangerous foe yet. Her own kind. A group of werecats resent her very existence, each one of them is much older and stronger than she is.
And her family cannot step in to help her or she will be seen as weak. She must fight them on her own, or die.
Broken Loyalty is such a great book. It’s a slow burn for the first few chapters while the scene is being set, but then it takes off and is a runaway train till the end.
The werecats are not happy.
Jacky has battled rogue werewolves and vampires, and in Broken Loyalty she finds herself doing battle with her most dangerous foe yet. Her own kind. A group of werecats resent her very existence, each one of them is much older and stronger than she is.
And her family cannot step in to help her or she will be seen as weak. She must fight them on her own, or die.
Broken Loyalty is such a great book. It’s a slow burn for the first few chapters while the scene is being set, but then it takes off and is a runaway train till the end.
April 16, 2020
And I also loved this one!
Do I wish for more romance? Of course!
But after reading so many romance novels, its a nice break from the norm and I actually like reading the development of Jacky from this strong but private person who is not interested in leadership to someone who is willing to take charge and willing to take risks in her private life.
Looking forward to Book 4 !!
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Spoiler alert!
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Do I wish for more romance? Of course!
But after reading so many romance novels, its a nice break from the norm and I actually like reading the development of Jacky from this strong but private person who is not interested in leadership to someone who is willing to take charge and willing to take risks in her private life.
Looking forward to Book 4 !!
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Spoiler alert!
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August 13, 2024
Wow.
This series is so good. We get more time with Jacky's adopted family in this one. And it's fun to see her fight with and with her family.
They prevail. And we get more movement on the romance towards the end.
Loved it and can't wait to keep reading!!
This series is so good. We get more time with Jacky's adopted family in this one. And it's fun to see her fight with and with her family.
They prevail. And we get more movement on the romance towards the end.
Loved it and can't wait to keep reading!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2020
Great, great read. Absolutely love the series and can’t wait for the next instalment to come out.
April 8, 2020
I have so, so many thoughts on this installment in K.N. Banet's Urban Fantasy series. First, Jacky Leon is straight up, a bad@ss. That girl, no matter how young she is in her power compared to the rest of her, arguably infamous family, is still a force to be reckoned with - and the perfect addition to the most powerful werecat family that has ever been created. Tough, resourceful and determined, she is exactly what Hasan pictured, and it is starting to show - to everyone.
Her werecat family, which in and of itself is diverse and scattered, is a powerhouse of strength and attitude, and the youngest member is starting to find her paws among them. Relationships are smoothed or formed, respect is found and the ties that bind them through magic and loyalty are starting to become apparent, no matter how hard Jacky has fought them. She is finding her place, and its beautiful.
The only problem? Her past mistakes (but were they really mistakes? Really?) come back to haunt her, dragging her, and those she cares about, into a deadly game with far reaching political ramifications.
Fantastically written and woven well, Book 3 offers more insight into complicated characters while hinting at future plot lines, all the while dancing through the treacherous reality of ancient, and modern, werecat loyalty. In other words? It's everything you want in an Urban Fantasy.
Pros:
~ Well written!
~ We FINALLY get some answers from Hasan!
~ Heath. I love that Alpha.
~ Her family stars a more prominent role here, and we learn more about them.
~ Two HUGE foreshadowing moments that hint at Book 4.... I can't wait to see where that goes!
~ The sweeping political machine that surrounds all Supes, and the Tribunal, is painted a bit clearer here, and I am not sure I am liking the picture that is emerging.
Cons:
~ OK, so I get why things could 'look' bad.... but is it illegal? Or just frowned upon? You'll get what I mean when you read it.
Perspective
~ First Person, Single POV
Ending Type
~ Episodic
Rating
~ R
Romantic Dynamic
~ M/F (while romance starts to play a role, this is still a UF, meaning that romance is not the primary plot point in this saga)
Character Age Range
~ 30's +
My Final Verdict on Broken Loyalty
Her werecat family, which in and of itself is diverse and scattered, is a powerhouse of strength and attitude, and the youngest member is starting to find her paws among them. Relationships are smoothed or formed, respect is found and the ties that bind them through magic and loyalty are starting to become apparent, no matter how hard Jacky has fought them. She is finding her place, and its beautiful.
The only problem? Her past mistakes (but were they really mistakes? Really?) come back to haunt her, dragging her, and those she cares about, into a deadly game with far reaching political ramifications.
Fantastically written and woven well, Book 3 offers more insight into complicated characters while hinting at future plot lines, all the while dancing through the treacherous reality of ancient, and modern, werecat loyalty. In other words? It's everything you want in an Urban Fantasy.
*I received an ARC of this book and I am thrilled to share my honest opinion!**
Pros:
~ Well written!
~ We FINALLY get some answers from Hasan!
~ Heath. I love that Alpha.
~ Her family stars a more prominent role here, and we learn more about them.
~ Two HUGE foreshadowing moments that hint at Book 4.... I can't wait to see where that goes!
~ The sweeping political machine that surrounds all Supes, and the Tribunal, is painted a bit clearer here, and I am not sure I am liking the picture that is emerging.
Cons:
~ OK, so I get why things could 'look' bad.... but is it illegal? Or just frowned upon? You'll get what I mean when you read it.
Perspective
~ First Person, Single POV
Ending Type
~ Episodic
Rating
~ R
Romantic Dynamic
~ M/F (while romance starts to play a role, this is still a UF, meaning that romance is not the primary plot point in this saga)
Character Age Range
~ 30's +
My Final Verdict on Broken Loyalty
April 25, 2020
4.25 stars
April 19, 2020
Fangirling here and hard ALL THE STARS !!
I read this in one day and have zero regrets! It picks up a few months ... or like a year after the last and yes it it nicely slowly but I didn’t mind that at all. It just means more attention to detail “in the moment”. We have loose ends that get cleaned up after the last book because some of the ware cats are stilled pissed about Jackys “entrance and status” in the supernatural world. As normal Kristen world building is flawless and the laws/ government and connection between this and the other book is amazing and without par. We really get to know the siblings in this book and I think that was the point.
All the different siblings add their own flavour but I love how jacky navigates her own relationship with all of them: I would have killed for sisters like hers, to have the fire and banter like zuri - hell I want to be zuri!
I think I picked up on the hint for the next book which should prove
I am BEGGING in my head for the next book to arrive quickly !
April 16, 2020
Even though I guessed the subterfuge prior to the start of the book, I enjoyed reading it all unfold. That ending was a shock though. A risk I doubted the wolf would take so soon.
April 16, 2020
Gah I don’t want to say it because I enjoy this series very much overall but with this book *hides face* I was disappointed.
It was a very slow book and at sometimes it was even boring. I’m not saying there needs to be lots of action all of the time but by the time I was over 25% through I felt nothing significant had happened. Ok so I suppose we met two new characters BUT they didn’t seem to do anything other then push Jacky out of her bar. I thought there might be some display of connection and mentoring between Jacky and her new employees (whether it was Jacky helping them or O and D helping her?). There didn’t seem to be any progress to the character or story by adding these new characters, in Dirks case it had the opposite effect. He acted like a petulant child, his whole attitude was dismissive and rude, and not once did Jacky call him out on his shit. I wouldn’t take someone disrespecting me in my own place of business in any situation, why didn’t she make it clear he needed to be professional? I thought she had more spine.
Then there’s Heath, Landon and Carey, who Jacky is now supposed to be good friends with. There dialogue felt overly formal, there seemed to be no joking or slang involved in the speech which you would aspect between friends. It all felt quite robotic, I understand Heath is meant to have been born in a different era, but I find it very unrealistic that you would still speak that formally around the people your closest to. It made me feel uncomfortable.
Annnddd thennnn there Jacky’s family. Sometimes the dots didn’t seem to connect. Over the series Jacky has shown she is very protective of the people she cares about, so when her brother offers to teach her to fight I don’t understand why she turned him down. Jacky says it’s because she feels she is too bloodthirsty and is afraid of what fighting will do to her but surely someone who is intelligent as she is would recognise that learning to fight would increase her chances of protecting the people she cares about. Turning down the ability to learn to do that seems to only keep her weak and shows she is very naive. I don’t understand why her learning to fight naturally follows that you become a killer, surely it can just be in self defence?
What’s with the power trip? Why was it necessary not to tell Tywin that they were travelling into Dallas? Zuri explains it’s because Werecats outrank Wolves and not communicating was not required of them. Really it seemed she wanted to prove a point. Surely you can be top of the food chain and still be respectful. Informing someone of your arrival is being polite not weakness. It all just seemed petty and didn’t sit right with me that as the main characters that were supposed to connect the most with have this petty attitude. It’s borderline bullying tactics.
I enjoyed the book and will definitely continue reading the series, I just hope Jacky matures and the dialogue becomes less wooden.
It was a very slow book and at sometimes it was even boring. I’m not saying there needs to be lots of action all of the time but by the time I was over 25% through I felt nothing significant had happened. Ok so I suppose we met two new characters BUT they didn’t seem to do anything other then push Jacky out of her bar. I thought there might be some display of connection and mentoring between Jacky and her new employees (whether it was Jacky helping them or O and D helping her?). There didn’t seem to be any progress to the character or story by adding these new characters, in Dirks case it had the opposite effect. He acted like a petulant child, his whole attitude was dismissive and rude, and not once did Jacky call him out on his shit. I wouldn’t take someone disrespecting me in my own place of business in any situation, why didn’t she make it clear he needed to be professional? I thought she had more spine.
Then there’s Heath, Landon and Carey, who Jacky is now supposed to be good friends with. There dialogue felt overly formal, there seemed to be no joking or slang involved in the speech which you would aspect between friends. It all felt quite robotic, I understand Heath is meant to have been born in a different era, but I find it very unrealistic that you would still speak that formally around the people your closest to. It made me feel uncomfortable.
Annnddd thennnn there Jacky’s family. Sometimes the dots didn’t seem to connect. Over the series Jacky has shown she is very protective of the people she cares about, so when her brother offers to teach her to fight I don’t understand why she turned him down. Jacky says it’s because she feels she is too bloodthirsty and is afraid of what fighting will do to her but surely someone who is intelligent as she is would recognise that learning to fight would increase her chances of protecting the people she cares about. Turning down the ability to learn to do that seems to only keep her weak and shows she is very naive. I don’t understand why her learning to fight naturally follows that you become a killer, surely it can just be in self defence?
What’s with the power trip? Why was it necessary not to tell Tywin that they were travelling into Dallas? Zuri explains it’s because Werecats outrank Wolves and not communicating was not required of them. Really it seemed she wanted to prove a point. Surely you can be top of the food chain and still be respectful. Informing someone of your arrival is being polite not weakness. It all just seemed petty and didn’t sit right with me that as the main characters that were supposed to connect the most with have this petty attitude. It’s borderline bullying tactics.
I enjoyed the book and will definitely continue reading the series, I just hope Jacky matures and the dialogue becomes less wooden.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2020
This is a top-shelf read, and I know some of my RH ladies loved-loved-loved this series, but it’s not scratching all my itches just yet.
Jackie’s apologetic attitude about herself (she even apologizes to Lani while they are fighting to the death!) and her place in the supernatural world is grating. I know part of Jacky’s character arc is, I imagine, coming to terms with her status in Hassan’s family. But she neglected to learn so much about that world—outright refused to learn—because she didn’t feel it applied to her. Davon chided her for it, rightfully so, and I couldn’t help to also feel like all the criticism being laid at her feet as immature and impulsive and weak was...well...founded in truth.
I’m hoping the next book brings more depth to Jacky, as I just don’t feel quite yet like I’m “inside” her head yet. She’s written (to me at least) a bit stand-off-ish just like a werecat. Like I feel like I know what makes this character tick, but I also don’t have the full story. I’m being kept at arm’s length a little...
And Heath is just so NICE. There, I said it. He’s nice and cute and loyal and helpful and dammit where is the sizzle sizzle pop pop! Yes, I want to see that relationship progress more, but I was also hoping for a little more back and forth between these two. They come off as an old married couple, sitting outside having their drinks and talking about life. I want more banter and maybe a dash of disagreement. I want some posturing and bluster and a hot make out session. I want over protective brothers keeping them apart and a bit of “oh no I just can’t!” Before they collide in an epic,romantic way. I want Heath to be a little less nice and a bit more of a rogue...
But all in all, a fab book. Picking up the next one! Toot toot!
Jackie’s apologetic attitude about herself (she even apologizes to Lani while they are fighting to the death!) and her place in the supernatural world is grating. I know part of Jacky’s character arc is, I imagine, coming to terms with her status in Hassan’s family. But she neglected to learn so much about that world—outright refused to learn—because she didn’t feel it applied to her. Davon chided her for it, rightfully so, and I couldn’t help to also feel like all the criticism being laid at her feet as immature and impulsive and weak was...well...founded in truth.
I’m hoping the next book brings more depth to Jacky, as I just don’t feel quite yet like I’m “inside” her head yet. She’s written (to me at least) a bit stand-off-ish just like a werecat. Like I feel like I know what makes this character tick, but I also don’t have the full story. I’m being kept at arm’s length a little...
And Heath is just so NICE. There, I said it. He’s nice and cute and loyal and helpful and dammit where is the sizzle sizzle pop pop! Yes, I want to see that relationship progress more, but I was also hoping for a little more back and forth between these two. They come off as an old married couple, sitting outside having their drinks and talking about life. I want more banter and maybe a dash of disagreement. I want some posturing and bluster and a hot make out session. I want over protective brothers keeping them apart and a bit of “oh no I just can’t!” Before they collide in an epic,romantic way. I want Heath to be a little less nice and a bit more of a rogue...
But all in all, a fab book. Picking up the next one! Toot toot!
April 8, 2020
This book was pretty fantastic. It drew me in and held onto me and didn’t let me go until I finished it! There is something amazing about the way K N Banet writes. this book felt all suspense and action the whole way through.
I enjoyed meeting new characters and learning more about existing ones along the way. Jacky is such an interesting character but I really cannot wait for lil baby Carrie for become an ansxty teen! LOL
Jacky is such a strong character and I love her. It’s funny how much I relate to her avoidance of feelings and wanting to be alone but also wanting those feels.
This book heavily featured the family and I loved it! I want to know more about them and the little nugget of reference to Bounty was fun! I don’t know if I think these women would love or hate each other and would love a moment in a future book where they met, maybe even a little short?
Also, I’m reading this early April 2020 where the current pandemic has left me an anxious mess and I haven’t been able to concentrate on reading for the last month and a bit without being distracted every 5mins. This book really changed that. It drew me in and transported me into Jackys world. There is something special IMO about Kristen’s Banet’s writing style that just speaks to me and let’s me feel immersed in the vivid worlds that she writes.
I loved this one and CANNOT wait for the next one!!!!!!
I enjoyed meeting new characters and learning more about existing ones along the way. Jacky is such an interesting character but I really cannot wait for lil baby Carrie for become an ansxty teen! LOL
Jacky is such a strong character and I love her. It’s funny how much I relate to her avoidance of feelings and wanting to be alone but also wanting those feels.
This book heavily featured the family and I loved it! I want to know more about them and the little nugget of reference to Bounty was fun! I don’t know if I think these women would love or hate each other and would love a moment in a future book where they met, maybe even a little short?
Also, I’m reading this early April 2020 where the current pandemic has left me an anxious mess and I haven’t been able to concentrate on reading for the last month and a bit without being distracted every 5mins. This book really changed that. It drew me in and transported me into Jackys world. There is something special IMO about Kristen’s Banet’s writing style that just speaks to me and let’s me feel immersed in the vivid worlds that she writes.
I loved this one and CANNOT wait for the next one!!!!!!
April 14, 2020
Fucking amazing obviously.
The end though 😍😍😍 yes please!!! also about bloody time!!!
The fam stuff was pretty cute tho 💖💖💖
Also you lil shit banet telling us theres a hint about the next book in this one and waiting till the end to do so. 🙈🙈🙈
~Spoilers(duh!)
I reckon its the issues hassan mentioned with the hospital/pharmacy and her twin sister will factor into it somewhere too. Aka blast from the past.
As long as it includes hottie heath and cutie carey then idgaf what the action side involves. 😂😂😂
The end though 😍😍😍 yes please!!! also about bloody time!!!
The fam stuff was pretty cute tho 💖💖💖
Also you lil shit banet telling us theres a hint about the next book in this one and waiting till the end to do so. 🙈🙈🙈
~Spoilers(duh!)
I reckon its the issues hassan mentioned with the hospital/pharmacy and her twin sister will factor into it somewhere too. Aka blast from the past.
As long as it includes hottie heath and cutie carey then idgaf what the action side involves. 😂😂😂
April 29, 2020
Finding her place
I like this book a lot because Jacky continues to grow in this series and starts to find her own strength as part of the larger family and becomes closer to her “siblings”. Yes there was a lot of self doubt and stress on her side but I think the ending helped show how far she’s come from being a loner with a dive bar. I wish the book was longer or that I could dive right into the next book. Can’t wait for the next step in her life.
I like this book a lot because Jacky continues to grow in this series and starts to find her own strength as part of the larger family and becomes closer to her “siblings”. Yes there was a lot of self doubt and stress on her side but I think the ending helped show how far she’s come from being a loner with a dive bar. I wish the book was longer or that I could dive right into the next book. Can’t wait for the next step in her life.
October 25, 2020
Jacqueline, Daughter of Hasan
Now that Jacky has become closer to her family, and accepted her role in leadership, she has been dragged into more political drama that devolves into violence. This time, instead of wolves or vampires, she is battling her own kind. Like the others before, this book builds a lot on the relationships Jacky has with those around her, but still tells an action packed story. Along with this, she is struggling to maintain her friendship with Heath Everson, the alpha who stepped away to raise his human daughter. Fantastic read, and I loved learning more about her elusive family.
Now that Jacky has become closer to her family, and accepted her role in leadership, she has been dragged into more political drama that devolves into violence. This time, instead of wolves or vampires, she is battling her own kind. Like the others before, this book builds a lot on the relationships Jacky has with those around her, but still tells an action packed story. Along with this, she is struggling to maintain her friendship with Heath Everson, the alpha who stepped away to raise his human daughter. Fantastic read, and I loved learning more about her elusive family.
September 14, 2020
The only thing I wanted different was wanting this story to be longer. I feel as if I just flew right through this book but in a good way because I could not get enough of it. The action was perfect, and I felt so nervous for Jacky when she was in some pretty crazy situations. I guess I just wanted some more moments being built between Jacky and heath, Landon, Carey, Hasan, and her siblings. I did see moments between them all, but I just wanted more moments because the only people she can be vulnerable with are two people, and I just know she can trust more. Her stubbornness did bug me, but I am hoping she starts to trust more in the next book, but with the new two characters at the bar gives me a sign that she can trust more. I love seeing the family come together, and I am excited for the next book and the next book in the Kaliya Sahni series!
October 13, 2020
Oh, Thank God. Still too much of THAT word for me (but, I will admit to even being used ONCE is too much for me ;)) But, at least here it used less frequently and more judiciously and it did not take me out of the story.
Ms. Banet has invented yet *another* challenge for poor Jacky (and family!). The problems created in each successive book are interesting and totally new and different from what has been faced previously - we are not rehashing the same old problems.
I love the family dynamics and I love Heath.
Continue to highly recommend this series.
Ms. Banet has invented yet *another* challenge for poor Jacky (and family!). The problems created in each successive book are interesting and totally new and different from what has been faced previously - we are not rehashing the same old problems.
I love the family dynamics and I love Heath.
Continue to highly recommend this series.
October 11, 2025
Reread ondanks dat ik redelijk weet wat er gaat gebeuren zat ik er weer helemaal in! De spanning blijft gewoon!
First read 4.5
Ik kan gewoon niet stoppen met lezen! Ook dit deel was weer spannend zonder saai te zijn of in herhaling te vallen! Heerlijk om meer over alle characters te weten te komen en zelfs nieuwe te leren kennen!
First read 4.5
Ik kan gewoon niet stoppen met lezen! Ook dit deel was weer spannend zonder saai te zijn of in herhaling te vallen! Heerlijk om meer over alle characters te weten te komen en zelfs nieuwe te leren kennen!
April 13, 2025
After a slow start, that battle, that ending ... so good! Anxious to continue on with Jacky and her growing circle of family.
January 23, 2021
An enjoyable addition!
This book starts off a bit slower as Jacky settles in to some changes in her territory (mostly due to her meddling cat fam haha). We see her struggle with change and some relationship development with her family, her new employees, and Heath (our fav alpha). While a slower start, if you enjoy the character/relationship development in UF series, it’s still a good time.
The tension increases as apparent rogues start going at her borders. I remember wondering what would happen in this type of scenario at the beginning of the series, so I enjoyed seeing how this played out. We got a LOT more of our favorite ancient, dysfunctional werecat family, and got to see how Hasan’s family operates. This is a diverse group with competing personalities and agendas, and it was great to see Jacky starting to find her place amongst them.
Sadly, our favorite werewolf alpha takes a peripheral stance in the second half of the book as we focus on the werecats, which made me sad since we got so much character interaction with him in book 2 ( but! We do get some progress near the end! Still rather chaste at this point, but there is development finally dammit! Lol). I have a feeling her fam might actually be more aware and supportive of her developing romance with Heath than she realizes. Lasting peace with the wolves? What better way than through a marriage? These cats are old, and marriages used to be a key way to unify power and build alliances. I have a feeling Hassan, Zuri, and Jabari are aware of where this all might be going, and I bet Niko with his background wouldn’t be opposed either. We’ll have to see if any of this is confirmed. I hope they’re ok with it because I want Jacky and Heath to be happy—they work so well together and deserve to be happy.
Maybe star-crossed, angsty, slowburn romance. Agh, more poor heart lol.
Pacing was mostly good, though it felt wobbly to me a few times in the second half. Saw the betrayal aspect from the title coming pretty easily, but again, still enjoyed the ride. We got more world-building, character/relationship developments, secrets! revealed, and set up for more supernatural political machinations for further down the line.
I will say the book does need some closer copy edits, particularly when it comes to misplaced modifiers and participial phrases (yes, I’ve taught English lol). Mechanical errors were a bit distracting, but the story was still good overall, and I finished it in a day.
Time to hit up book 4!
This book starts off a bit slower as Jacky settles in to some changes in her territory (mostly due to her meddling cat fam haha). We see her struggle with change and some relationship development with her family, her new employees, and Heath (our fav alpha). While a slower start, if you enjoy the character/relationship development in UF series, it’s still a good time.
The tension increases as apparent rogues start going at her borders. I remember wondering what would happen in this type of scenario at the beginning of the series, so I enjoyed seeing how this played out. We got a LOT more of our favorite ancient, dysfunctional werecat family, and got to see how Hasan’s family operates. This is a diverse group with competing personalities and agendas, and it was great to see Jacky starting to find her place amongst them.
Sadly, our favorite werewolf alpha takes a peripheral stance in the second half of the book as we focus on the werecats, which made me sad since we got so much character interaction with him in book 2 ( but! We do get some progress near the end! Still rather chaste at this point, but there is development finally dammit! Lol). I have a feeling her fam might actually be more aware and supportive of her developing romance with Heath than she realizes. Lasting peace with the wolves? What better way than through a marriage? These cats are old, and marriages used to be a key way to unify power and build alliances. I have a feeling Hassan, Zuri, and Jabari are aware of where this all might be going, and I bet Niko with his background wouldn’t be opposed either. We’ll have to see if any of this is confirmed. I hope they’re ok with it because I want Jacky and Heath to be happy—they work so well together and deserve to be happy.
Maybe star-crossed, angsty, slowburn romance. Agh, more poor heart lol.
Pacing was mostly good, though it felt wobbly to me a few times in the second half. Saw the betrayal aspect from the title coming pretty easily, but again, still enjoyed the ride. We got more world-building, character/relationship developments, secrets! revealed, and set up for more supernatural political machinations for further down the line.
I will say the book does need some closer copy edits, particularly when it comes to misplaced modifiers and participial phrases (yes, I’ve taught English lol). Mechanical errors were a bit distracting, but the story was still good overall, and I finished it in a day.
Time to hit up book 4!
November 29, 2020
In the aftermath of book 2, when Jacky is given a new "ranking" in the independent world of werecats, a group of werecats is disappointed in what she's done and how the werecats are progressing politically (aka being perceived as meatshields by the others in the paranormal community).
This book absolutely measures up to the first two. Here, Banet explores the trope of kidnapping, but like all good heroines,
I loved the way this book continues to push the magic and world-building built on the last two. Because of various injuries, we learn of a paranormal hospital and more about Hasan's powers.
This book absolutely measures up to the first two. Here, Banet explores the trope of kidnapping, but like all good heroines,
I loved the way this book continues to push the magic and world-building built on the last two. Because of various injuries, we learn of a paranormal hospital and more about Hasan's powers.
March 14, 2021
After her encounter with rogue vampires in the last book Jacky is back home in Texas, things are going well but then she starts experiencing rogue werecats running into her territory. They jump in and jump out, never staying long enough for her to catch them and there's more than one. It's clearly a taunt but why?
Jacky might be the newest werecat on the block but she's not stupid, this must have something to do with her family, but what?
This series is starting to get into its stride, the stories are less obvious and the action is as fierce as ever. Jacky's unusual relationship with Heath continues to develop slowly and her fractious relationship with her werecat father and siblings continues to evolve.
On to the next one.
Jacky might be the newest werecat on the block but she's not stupid, this must have something to do with her family, but what?
This series is starting to get into its stride, the stories are less obvious and the action is as fierce as ever. Jacky's unusual relationship with Heath continues to develop slowly and her fractious relationship with her werecat father and siblings continues to evolve.
On to the next one.
April 18, 2020
The book started quite slowly and was really a fairly boring domestic drama, but when the action began it really got going. The only problem was some of the decisions people made were ridiculous, bordering on idiotic.
This was a decent story with some enjoyable sections, but there was a bit too much talking and introspection for me and I was a tiny bit annoyed the author finally succumbed to her desire to get Jacky and Heath together.
This was a decent story with some enjoyable sections, but there was a bit too much talking and introspection for me and I was a tiny bit annoyed the author finally succumbed to her desire to get Jacky and Heath together.
May 25, 2021
This excruciatingly slow burn romance urban fantasy series improves more with every book. I have to admit that the majority of Banet's work I've read is her reverse harem stuff, which is exceptional. I wasn't expecting a slow burn urban fantasy when I started this series, but I'm enjoying it well enough that I'm here at the end of book 3 and frustrated that more of the audiobooks aren't yet complete.
So I'll be back as the audio is done.
So I'll be back as the audio is done.
April 15, 2020
Finally!!!
Heath and Jacky... sigh! ☺️☺️☺️
The Tribunal world has become my absolute favorite! This one stole my heart undoubtedly; I’ve loved learning more about Hasan and Jacky’s siblings! I love that I’m enamored so thoroughly to devour Kristen’s books in one sitting, but it’s so rough waiting for the next one. I’ll be setting a countdown for the next one!
Heath and Jacky... sigh! ☺️☺️☺️
The Tribunal world has become my absolute favorite! This one stole my heart undoubtedly; I’ve loved learning more about Hasan and Jacky’s siblings! I love that I’m enamored so thoroughly to devour Kristen’s books in one sitting, but it’s so rough waiting for the next one. I’ll be setting a countdown for the next one!
December 31, 2020
This one was disappointing for the most part.
Almost everything about the plot is incredibly contrived and unbelievable.
In previous books, there always was a good reason for why the MC went along with stuff that she didn't like. Sometimes it was her being soft towards a person undeserving of injustice at other times she could only choose between bad options etc.
In this one, she suddenly became a major pushover every time the plot needed it to force her to accept something even though she never had a problem confronting people for their shit before and neither does she later on in the book.
The main villain is a two-dimensional stereotype with a plan that is so ridiculously bad I am baffled they could even think for a moment it might succeed. So is the response of Jacky and her family. Everything about the main plot is ridiculously bad and lacks any logic. I am really disappointed. The entire main plot seems just incredibly lazy to me. This was already somewhat of a problem in the previous book where the plot was so incredibly linear but at least there, things made sense for the most part.
Complain by example time, yey!
The main reason these problems didn't appear in the first book was that the MC always was under zugzwang. She had neither time for planning and strategizing nor access to the necessary resources. This is a common pattern actually. It's much easier to just craft forcing circumstances around a character than actually giving them convincing motivation and reasoning for their actions. This leads to massive believability differences between books by the same author and even in the same series as is the case here.
Now that I am done ripping the plot apart let's get to the more pleasant parts.
The emotional side especially later on was handled much better. Early on this part sadly was also involved in her giving in to the bullshit that is being pushed onto her but later on it recovered pretty well. The steaming attraction between her and Heath smolders along and I am very much interested in how the relationship will continue but after two books that went so predictably along the beaten path, I don't think I even have to read the next one to guess.
Something else I enjoyed a lot more and which was much better developed than in previous books was Carey. She doesn't have a lot of screentime but she felt much more like a real pre-teen. I like her and her relationship with Jacky a lot!
I could understand the motivations and internal conflicts of many of the protagonists as well as the antagonists (apart from the main baddy I already forgot the name of).
The character's personalities, as well as the interpersonal relationships between them, felt very believable. A lot of focus went into giving them depth which is rare in the genre and I appreciated that a lot.
But while this is a much-neglected aspect in UF it's not the only important aspect. While I, of course, want books which do everything very well, I personally enjoy books with a more balanced level of quality even if that means the overall average quality is slightly lower.
My verdict for this one is "borrow, don't buy". After paying full price for the series so far, I will only read the next one if I can get my hands on it some other way.
Don't let yourself be tricked into buying a book just to sate your curiosity about the cliff hanger if you didn't enjoy the rest!
Almost everything about the plot is incredibly contrived and unbelievable.
In previous books, there always was a good reason for why the MC went along with stuff that she didn't like. Sometimes it was her being soft towards a person undeserving of injustice at other times she could only choose between bad options etc.
In this one, she suddenly became a major pushover every time the plot needed it to force her to accept something even though she never had a problem confronting people for their shit before and neither does she later on in the book.
The main villain is a two-dimensional stereotype with a plan that is so ridiculously bad I am baffled they could even think for a moment it might succeed. So is the response of Jacky and her family. Everything about the main plot is ridiculously bad and lacks any logic. I am really disappointed. The entire main plot seems just incredibly lazy to me. This was already somewhat of a problem in the previous book where the plot was so incredibly linear but at least there, things made sense for the most part.
Complain by example time, yey!
The main reason these problems didn't appear in the first book was that the MC always was under zugzwang. She had neither time for planning and strategizing nor access to the necessary resources. This is a common pattern actually. It's much easier to just craft forcing circumstances around a character than actually giving them convincing motivation and reasoning for their actions. This leads to massive believability differences between books by the same author and even in the same series as is the case here.
Now that I am done ripping the plot apart let's get to the more pleasant parts.
The emotional side especially later on was handled much better. Early on this part sadly was also involved in her giving in to the bullshit that is being pushed onto her but later on it recovered pretty well. The steaming attraction between her and Heath smolders along and I am very much interested in how the relationship will continue but after two books that went so predictably along the beaten path, I don't think I even have to read the next one to guess.
Something else I enjoyed a lot more and which was much better developed than in previous books was Carey. She doesn't have a lot of screentime but she felt much more like a real pre-teen. I like her and her relationship with Jacky a lot!
I could understand the motivations and internal conflicts of many of the protagonists as well as the antagonists (apart from the main baddy I already forgot the name of).
The character's personalities, as well as the interpersonal relationships between them, felt very believable. A lot of focus went into giving them depth which is rare in the genre and I appreciated that a lot.
But while this is a much-neglected aspect in UF it's not the only important aspect. While I, of course, want books which do everything very well, I personally enjoy books with a more balanced level of quality even if that means the overall average quality is slightly lower.
My verdict for this one is "borrow, don't buy". After paying full price for the series so far, I will only read the next one if I can get my hands on it some other way.
Don't let yourself be tricked into buying a book just to sate your curiosity about the cliff hanger if you didn't enjoy the rest!
February 23, 2024
2.5
This was the first one where I found myself bored. It moved slow and by the end of the book, not a lot happened as far as moving the story forward. I would also like to see the MC has some growth but she's still rather immature for a woman in her 30's. I think it's time for me to take a break from this series. It's ok for a relaxing read but nothing more than that.
This was the first one where I found myself bored. It moved slow and by the end of the book, not a lot happened as far as moving the story forward. I would also like to see the MC has some growth but she's still rather immature for a woman in her 30's. I think it's time for me to take a break from this series. It's ok for a relaxing read but nothing more than that.
June 30, 2021
Jacky has stepped up into her role has Hasan's daughter. However, not everybody is happy especially with her growing relationship with Heath, an ex-Alpha werewolf. When multiple werecats work together to attack her, Jacky needs to figure out what is going on and why. Thankfully she has a couple of her werewolves and her family who have her back. But Jacky doesn't need saving, she can save herself... she just might need a ride to help her escape from her kidnappers.
I'm getting in too deep with this series. I haven't been taken this much from a series in a long while.
I'm getting in too deep with this series. I haven't been taken this much from a series in a long while.
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