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Exile #3
Dangerous Exile
A titan of the underworld with a forgotten past. A damaged lady that needs to disappear. Can a chance reunion unlock long hidden secrets in this steamy historical?
On the run from the man that nearly killed her.
Bruised and battered, Nessia Docherty is in desperate need of a safe haven, and she finds one in one of London’s most notorious gaming hells. Somewhere safe to heal, to recover, if only she can convince the owner of the club, Talen Blackstone, to let her stay—a man she is astounded to find she knows from her childhood.
He rules his area of the underworld with wits and fists.
Talen Blackstone earned his reputation the hard way, with grit and determination and bloodied fists. Feared in his area of the rookeries, he keeps his powerful empire in tight order, and the unwelcome arrival of a beaten young chit in his office cannot be tolerated. But favors must be repaid, and taking in Ness satisfies one favor he’d like to erase from the books.
A lost past exposes long hidden secrets.
Ness is positive she remembers Talen from long ago, but he insists he isn’t the boy she remembers. Not that he actually remembers his past. But he cannot deny the heated sparks between the two of them, and when a vicious threat from Ness’s past appears, he’ll do anything—including facing the past—to gain the future he’d never imagined. A future with Ness.
On the run from the man that nearly killed her.
Bruised and battered, Nessia Docherty is in desperate need of a safe haven, and she finds one in one of London’s most notorious gaming hells. Somewhere safe to heal, to recover, if only she can convince the owner of the club, Talen Blackstone, to let her stay—a man she is astounded to find she knows from her childhood.
He rules his area of the underworld with wits and fists.
Talen Blackstone earned his reputation the hard way, with grit and determination and bloodied fists. Feared in his area of the rookeries, he keeps his powerful empire in tight order, and the unwelcome arrival of a beaten young chit in his office cannot be tolerated. But favors must be repaid, and taking in Ness satisfies one favor he’d like to erase from the books.
A lost past exposes long hidden secrets.
Ness is positive she remembers Talen from long ago, but he insists he isn’t the boy she remembers. Not that he actually remembers his past. But he cannot deny the heated sparks between the two of them, and when a vicious threat from Ness’s past appears, he’ll do anything—including facing the past—to gain the future he’d never imagined. A future with Ness.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 20, 2021
4.25 stars
Nessia Docherty barely escaped horrific abuse and certain death at the hands of her husband when her brother-in-law and his fiancee assisted her escape by helping her into a mail coach for the long journey from Scotland to London. Upon her arrival, she was barely conscious, and all she could do was murmur the name of the club and its owner as her saviors had instructed. When by no small miracle she arrives at his doorstep, she collapses very near death.
Talen Blackstone is baffled that a malnourished and clearly badly beaten female he'd never laid eyes on arrived at his club asking for him. But when he learns that she is there cashing in a favor he owes to a woman that saved his life, he has no choice but to protect her. When she recovers enough to really look at him, she insists he is the boy she grew up with, a boy that was her first love. Thought he immediately denies it, Talen has no memory of his life before he woke up on a ship in the middle of the ocean and became a member of the crew, but the life Nessia describes cannot possibly have been his as no one ever seemed to look for him, and he certainly doesn't recall a life of privilege as her stories would suggest.
While Nessia stays hidden from sight to avoid discovery by the husband that has sent men to London to find her, Talen does his utmost to ensure she is protected at all times. But can he keep her safe with a relentless man in hot pursuit? Does Nessia hold the key to his past, and if so, why did he end up as a youth on a ship with no memory? And what will happen when they give into the growing attraction between them?
What I liked:
- Both characters were likeable and the reader wanted to root for them
- While I felt it could have been a little more flushed out, the connection of the 2 MCs back to their childhood
- Good mystery that kept me interested throughout
- Steamy goodness!
What I didn't like as much:
- I didn't feel that much chemistry between them until much later in the story; I felt like there could have been a little more build-up there
- Some of the back story felt a little rushed
Overall, I enjoyed this story. KJ Jackson always delivers a great story with intrigue, steam, and heroes/heroines the reader wants to get that HEA.
Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing overly graphic but some references to domestic abuse
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
Nessia Docherty barely escaped horrific abuse and certain death at the hands of her husband when her brother-in-law and his fiancee assisted her escape by helping her into a mail coach for the long journey from Scotland to London. Upon her arrival, she was barely conscious, and all she could do was murmur the name of the club and its owner as her saviors had instructed. When by no small miracle she arrives at his doorstep, she collapses very near death.
Talen Blackstone is baffled that a malnourished and clearly badly beaten female he'd never laid eyes on arrived at his club asking for him. But when he learns that she is there cashing in a favor he owes to a woman that saved his life, he has no choice but to protect her. When she recovers enough to really look at him, she insists he is the boy she grew up with, a boy that was her first love. Thought he immediately denies it, Talen has no memory of his life before he woke up on a ship in the middle of the ocean and became a member of the crew, but the life Nessia describes cannot possibly have been his as no one ever seemed to look for him, and he certainly doesn't recall a life of privilege as her stories would suggest.
While Nessia stays hidden from sight to avoid discovery by the husband that has sent men to London to find her, Talen does his utmost to ensure she is protected at all times. But can he keep her safe with a relentless man in hot pursuit? Does Nessia hold the key to his past, and if so, why did he end up as a youth on a ship with no memory? And what will happen when they give into the growing attraction between them?
What I liked:
- Both characters were likeable and the reader wanted to root for them
- While I felt it could have been a little more flushed out, the connection of the 2 MCs back to their childhood
- Good mystery that kept me interested throughout
- Steamy goodness!
What I didn't like as much:
- I didn't feel that much chemistry between them until much later in the story; I felt like there could have been a little more build-up there
- Some of the back story felt a little rushed
Overall, I enjoyed this story. KJ Jackson always delivers a great story with intrigue, steam, and heroes/heroines the reader wants to get that HEA.
Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing overly graphic but some references to domestic abuse
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
April 10, 2022
I had to dive into this baby right away to find out what happened to Ness. I really liked Talen Blackstone’s character. This book was more of a slow-burn romance than the previous ones. Talen fights his attraction to Ness because he tries to be honorable. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Talen’s backstory, though his cousin being so eager to give up the title seemed a bit far-fetched.
I liked the chemical between the MC’s. I don’t normally like the amnesia trope, but it worked in this story. I also downloaded the extended epilogue, which I highly recommend for a super sweet HEA.
I liked the chemical between the MC’s. I don’t normally like the amnesia trope, but it worked in this story. I also downloaded the extended epilogue, which I highly recommend for a super sweet HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2021
Excellent from start to finish.
This was an excellent book and the book will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster. The events, danger, and drama of the piece had me completely captivated and made this a page turner. This book shows the author’s talent in a brilliant way it is a book I highly recommend.
This was an excellent book and the book will take the reader on an emotional roller coaster. The events, danger, and drama of the piece had me completely captivated and made this a page turner. This book shows the author’s talent in a brilliant way it is a book I highly recommend.
November 8, 2021
KJ is one of my favorite authors for HR, so this is more of a me issue than an author issue. I didn't enjoy this one as much as the others I've read by her. It just didn't hit home. She still remains one of my go to authors for HR.
November 4, 2021
This is my 25th book by K.J. Jackson. I read my first book in 2015 and she is always on my TBR new release list.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very powerful. Not at all like my usual light Regency ton reads.
Pretty heavy subject matter but well written. I really loved Talen and Ness. Such incredible depth of character with Talen. Just loved his story.
Great read.
I really enjoyed this book. It was very powerful. Not at all like my usual light Regency ton reads.
Pretty heavy subject matter but well written. I really loved Talen and Ness. Such incredible depth of character with Talen. Just loved his story.
Great read.
November 4, 2021
On the run from the man that nearly killed her.
Bruised and battered, Nessia Docherty is in desperate need of a safe haven, and she finds one in one of London’s most notorious gaming hells. Somewhere safe to heal, to recover, if only she can convince the owner of the club, Talen Blackstone, to let her stay—a man she is astounded to find she knows from her childhood.
He rules his area of the underworld with wits and fists.
Talen Blackstone earned his reputation the hard way, with grit and determination and bloodied fists. Feared in his area of the rookeries, he keeps his powerful empire in tight order, and the unwelcome arrival of a beaten young chit in his office cannot be tolerated. But favors must be repaid, and taking in Ness satisfies one favor he’d like to erase from the books.
A lost past exposes long hidden secrets.
Ness is positive she remembers Talen from long ago, but he insists he isn’t the boy she remembers. Not that he actually remembers his past. But he cannot deny the heated sparks between the two of them, and when a vicious threat from Ness’s past appears, he’ll do anything—including facing the past—to gain the future he’d never imagined. A future with Ness.
Ness and Talon are so good together. Unlike the most important part of the story I think it was unusual to be mad.
K.J. Jackson writes a good story.
Bruised and battered, Nessia Docherty is in desperate need of a safe haven, and she finds one in one of London’s most notorious gaming hells. Somewhere safe to heal, to recover, if only she can convince the owner of the club, Talen Blackstone, to let her stay—a man she is astounded to find she knows from her childhood.
He rules his area of the underworld with wits and fists.
Talen Blackstone earned his reputation the hard way, with grit and determination and bloodied fists. Feared in his area of the rookeries, he keeps his powerful empire in tight order, and the unwelcome arrival of a beaten young chit in his office cannot be tolerated. But favors must be repaid, and taking in Ness satisfies one favor he’d like to erase from the books.
A lost past exposes long hidden secrets.
Ness is positive she remembers Talen from long ago, but he insists he isn’t the boy she remembers. Not that he actually remembers his past. But he cannot deny the heated sparks between the two of them, and when a vicious threat from Ness’s past appears, he’ll do anything—including facing the past—to gain the future he’d never imagined. A future with Ness.
Ness and Talon are so good together. Unlike the most important part of the story I think it was unusual to be mad.
K.J. Jackson writes a good story.
October 25, 2021
Nessia needs to hide. A gaming hell in London just might provide the protection she needs. If she can persuade the owner to take her in. Ness and Talen have history. The problem is, Talen has no memory of their youth together. The time they spend with one another in the present has an effect on both of them. They grower closer with every passing day. Each of them have suffered a tragic past. When Talen's memories start to resurface, they might just be too much for him to bear. They will have to learn to trust in one another. Once again, Ms. Jackson has proved how talented she is with words. She filled the pages with mystery and danger, along with pain and heartache. A beautifully written romance full of healing, strength and love. Of course, the couple will find their HEA. I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary opinion.
October 16, 2021
Two stories for the price of one - the h has her own tragic and sorrowful tale but so does the H and he isn't even aware of what is missing from his life.
There is violence but most of it is the aftermath that the h had to endure because of the violence. I've read the whole series and loved how Juliet (previous story) saved two lost souls in this one. This is a stand alone story even though #3 of the series.
The tension and emotion of the h running to the establishment of the H had my heart racing. The H is cold and aloof. He can't afford to show emotion in his line of work. At times I did become frustrated with the h because after all she endured she kept putting herself in harms way.
There is passionate lovemaking outside and within marriage - heat level 4 out of 5. I felt a connection to this couple so it was romantic.
We have so many villains at different points in the story. This made the reading fast paced and very interesting wondering who was behind some of the happenings. I must admit I had the last villain wrong. It is heart aching when the H's starts to recall his family and their outcome.
You will find this story suspenseful, with twists, intriguing, romantic with interesting main and secondary character's.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and some steam. I enjoyed the main and extended epilogue. Appreciated I didn't have to download the extended epilogue - pet peeve of mine.
I received an advanced copy, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
There is violence but most of it is the aftermath that the h had to endure because of the violence. I've read the whole series and loved how Juliet (previous story) saved two lost souls in this one. This is a stand alone story even though #3 of the series.
The tension and emotion of the h running to the establishment of the H had my heart racing. The H is cold and aloof. He can't afford to show emotion in his line of work. At times I did become frustrated with the h because after all she endured she kept putting herself in harms way.
There is passionate lovemaking outside and within marriage - heat level 4 out of 5. I felt a connection to this couple so it was romantic.
We have so many villains at different points in the story. This made the reading fast paced and very interesting wondering who was behind some of the happenings. I must admit I had the last villain wrong. It is heart aching when the H's starts to recall his family and their outcome.
You will find this story suspenseful, with twists, intriguing, romantic with interesting main and secondary character's.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and some steam. I enjoyed the main and extended epilogue. Appreciated I didn't have to download the extended epilogue - pet peeve of mine.
I received an advanced copy, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
October 19, 2021
I always know that once I start a book by this author, I will read it straight through & this one was no different. It was full of danger, villain's, angst with physical abuse to the heroine (not described while happening but after she was sent to the hero) & male beatings of guilty men to get their confessions - I could not turn pages quickly enough to find out who the villain or villains might be that were after Ness, our heroine. If her story was not enough danger & excitement, we find that our hero, Talen has a past that he does not remember but Ness remembers him as a boy - so there is more danger in him finding out where he came from & what happened to his family. I highly recommend this read, there in lovemaking before & after marriage & the scenes can get gritty, but it all needs to be there to make the completion of the story work & it is a wonderfully happy ending. Talen & Ness bring so much to the pages - not only their dialogue but the feelings they are having, the romance/love they experience & the misery each of them has gone through & how courageous they both were pulls you into their story. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
October 25, 2021
The Courage to Survive and The Courage to Love
Ness, a battered and broken run-away wife is sent to Talen, a damaged and dangerous man with a stone cold heart. Talen is suppose to save her, but how can he when he is so broken? Ness wants to find her hidden courage, but how can she when death keeps nipping at her heels?
Dangerous Exile kept me e-reading well into the night. I adore against-all-odds love stories between good but flawed people, especially when evil powers conspire to defeat their budding but fragile attraction. When Ness and Talen finally achieve their HEA, it is well earned, sweet and satisfying.
K.J. Jackson made the ending to this engrossing read even better with not only an epilogue, but also an extended epilogue. I loved it. The perfect end to a 5-stars read.
Content 411: This book contains some mild swearing, as well as several detailed onscreen sex scenes.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
Ness, a battered and broken run-away wife is sent to Talen, a damaged and dangerous man with a stone cold heart. Talen is suppose to save her, but how can he when he is so broken? Ness wants to find her hidden courage, but how can she when death keeps nipping at her heels?
Dangerous Exile kept me e-reading well into the night. I adore against-all-odds love stories between good but flawed people, especially when evil powers conspire to defeat their budding but fragile attraction. When Ness and Talen finally achieve their HEA, it is well earned, sweet and satisfying.
K.J. Jackson made the ending to this engrossing read even better with not only an epilogue, but also an extended epilogue. I loved it. The perfect end to a 5-stars read.
Content 411: This book contains some mild swearing, as well as several detailed onscreen sex scenes.
Disclosure: I received a complementary copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
November 12, 2021
I finally got to see what happened to Ness. Talen was the perfect match for her. Juliet knew what she was doing. Enjoyed watching her tear down Talen's walls bit by bit. She has a strength that he admires and I can think of no other type of match for him.
October 17, 2021
Talen runs gambling operations. A friend sends him Ness, a lady injured by her husband, for protection. He and Ness manage to fall in love and discover his forgotten identity. Excellent romance and plot.
October 27, 2021
4/3.5 stars (enjoy Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden, Wendy Vella, Sophie Jordon, Samantha Holt, Stacy Reid)
my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions 4. stories with family/friends
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.
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable. Action packed.
Romance content 3/5
sexual 2.5/5 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). Past characters written in at the end, let down.
would recommend this book and series (you don’t have to read them in order however it wouldn’t hurt to read them in order to get the full story throughout the series).
my personal markers for a great read...1. smart and engaging writing, 2. Humorous, 3. sexy interactions 4. stories with family/friends
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.
writing style is easy to follow, humorous moments, the give and take dialogue enjoyable. Action packed.
Romance content 3/5
sexual 2.5/5 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). Past characters written in at the end, let down.
would recommend this book and series (you don’t have to read them in order however it wouldn’t hurt to read them in order to get the full story throughout the series).
October 26, 2021
Can friends help define your destiny? Yes if they are truly a good friend. Hope. This story is about hope. There is sadness and evil in the world in the past ,in our present and I’m sure there will be in the future. This story is about overcoming evil ,it is about strength in the human heart it is about love. Great love. kJ Jackson has taken the historical novel to new heights. Read this story , it will touch your soul and stay with you. This was a one nighter for me. I was given AN ARC copy and was thrilled to be able to read and review this. Enjoy
October 30, 2021
K. J. Jackson brings us another installment in her Exile Novel series. We meet Ness again after she escapes with the help of Madame Juliet. She lands in front of one of London's famous gaming establishments and Talen Blackstone. Bruised and broken Ness must rely on Talen and the words she memorized from Madame Juliet as her entry into his world and protection. As she begins to heal, Ness recalls the boy Talen must have been from her past. Is he actually that boy, or is it just wishful thinking on her part? Will they be stubborn and ignore what is growing between them, or will they be able to come together? Will they figure out whether or not Talen is the boy from her past?
K. J. Jackson has brought Ness back and given her a story all her own. It is always nice to see characters from past novels. It is like visiting old friends and seeing what has happened from your last visit. Her stories are always beautifully written and well developed. You keep wanting to read more and then you are sad when you know you are getting to the end. That just makes the waiting even harder. I look forward to the next adventure with her.
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.
K. J. Jackson has brought Ness back and given her a story all her own. It is always nice to see characters from past novels. It is like visiting old friends and seeing what has happened from your last visit. Her stories are always beautifully written and well developed. You keep wanting to read more and then you are sad when you know you are getting to the end. That just makes the waiting even harder. I look forward to the next adventure with her.
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.
August 2, 2022
Never run from the past
Talen aka Conner does not recognize the bruised broken waif brought to his gaming hell! Her arm was broken and she was unrecognizable! Juliet from the previous story sent her and evoked a promise for Talen to keep her safe!
Brutality, pain and horror was what Nessia remembered from her horrible journey all the way from Scotland. It was days before Nessia could piece together her story and under threat of being thrown to the street confessed to Talen who did this to her! Talen is reluctantly let the fissures of his heart crack open and let her in. The 2 grow closer and only 1 answer will save her from the people after her.
Nessia is sure she is sane and not like her mother so when eloping to Scotland they revisit the past. Conner's past they have no idea of the box of horrors that will be open unto them.
The horror of Conner's parents deaths is almost re-enacted by the most unlikely suspect! When they finally reach a place of peace Nessia aka Ness faces her evil father who tried to sell her to another monster!
Talen restraint and their reunion with Juliet and her husband is a beautiful thing!!! Get ready to cry, laugh, cringe in the face of evil and then do if all over again! I love her stories but I have to mentally and emotionally prepare myself each and every time for the rollercoaster!!! Bravo!!! Well done!
Talen aka Conner does not recognize the bruised broken waif brought to his gaming hell! Her arm was broken and she was unrecognizable! Juliet from the previous story sent her and evoked a promise for Talen to keep her safe!
Brutality, pain and horror was what Nessia remembered from her horrible journey all the way from Scotland. It was days before Nessia could piece together her story and under threat of being thrown to the street confessed to Talen who did this to her! Talen is reluctantly let the fissures of his heart crack open and let her in. The 2 grow closer and only 1 answer will save her from the people after her.
Nessia is sure she is sane and not like her mother so when eloping to Scotland they revisit the past. Conner's past they have no idea of the box of horrors that will be open unto them.
The horror of Conner's parents deaths is almost re-enacted by the most unlikely suspect! When they finally reach a place of peace Nessia aka Ness faces her evil father who tried to sell her to another monster!
Talen restraint and their reunion with Juliet and her husband is a beautiful thing!!! Get ready to cry, laugh, cringe in the face of evil and then do if all over again! I love her stories but I have to mentally and emotionally prepare myself each and every time for the rollercoaster!!! Bravo!!! Well done!
January 28, 2025
3⭐️
This story was intense and packed with drama. There was so much happening all at once that I never knew what to expect.
Ness was an interesting character. I didn’t hate her, but I didn’t necessarily love her either. At times, she came across as pretty dim-witted, and I often found myself thinking, Girl, what are you doing? Talen takes in a bruised and battered Ness, protects her, and yet she constantly puts herself in harm’s way. The first time, I could chalk it up to a mistake, but by the third, I was ready to scream. If I were in her shoes (thankfully, I’m not), I’d be staying in my room until it was safe to come out! But no—Ness just had to keep putting herself in danger.
I also hated how she pushed Talen to confront his past. That was really hard to read. She never seemed to know when to stop, and it felt so selfish of her to drag up his trauma simply because they had known each other when they were younger. When Talen immediately suffered a panic attack and went into shock after his past was brought up, Ness should have backed off. But instead, she kept pushing, and it felt more like torture than connection.
I finished this book in one night, partly because it was filled with drama and action, but also because I just wanted to be done with Ness. She’s undeniably a victim, and I don’t want to discount that, but she didn’t sit well with me.
She didn’t deserve Talen
This story was intense and packed with drama. There was so much happening all at once that I never knew what to expect.
Ness was an interesting character. I didn’t hate her, but I didn’t necessarily love her either. At times, she came across as pretty dim-witted, and I often found myself thinking, Girl, what are you doing? Talen takes in a bruised and battered Ness, protects her, and yet she constantly puts herself in harm’s way. The first time, I could chalk it up to a mistake, but by the third, I was ready to scream. If I were in her shoes (thankfully, I’m not), I’d be staying in my room until it was safe to come out! But no—Ness just had to keep putting herself in danger.
I also hated how she pushed Talen to confront his past. That was really hard to read. She never seemed to know when to stop, and it felt so selfish of her to drag up his trauma simply because they had known each other when they were younger. When Talen immediately suffered a panic attack and went into shock after his past was brought up, Ness should have backed off. But instead, she kept pushing, and it felt more like torture than connection.
I finished this book in one night, partly because it was filled with drama and action, but also because I just wanted to be done with Ness. She’s undeniably a victim, and I don’t want to discount that, but she didn’t sit well with me.
She didn’t deserve Talen
October 25, 2021
Yet another roller coaster ride from K.J. Jackson. Ness is fleeing her abusive husband and seeks refuge with Talen at his gaming hell through the advice of their mutual friend Madame Juliet. The last thing Talen wants is to take in this beaten and bloodied stray but he owes Juliet, so he does. While Ness begins to heal he helps her learn to defend herself and become stronger so she won’t be a victim ever again. His respect and belief in her help her in more ways than one.
This story takes you from the rookeries of London to Scotland. It takes Ness from broken and battered in both body and spirit to a stronger, more confident woman. It takes Talen from being a man with a cold heart and ruthless will with no memories of his childhood to one hell bent on protecting the tiny woman he has fallen in love with. You can’t help but root for these two flawed yet good people.
This story is a gripping, intense tale that has one hell of a surprise at the end. Be sure to read this when you have plenty time because you will not want to put this book down. I loved every minute of it.
I also hope to see Declan in the future as he intrigues me.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lise P.
This story takes you from the rookeries of London to Scotland. It takes Ness from broken and battered in both body and spirit to a stronger, more confident woman. It takes Talen from being a man with a cold heart and ruthless will with no memories of his childhood to one hell bent on protecting the tiny woman he has fallen in love with. You can’t help but root for these two flawed yet good people.
This story is a gripping, intense tale that has one hell of a surprise at the end. Be sure to read this when you have plenty time because you will not want to put this book down. I loved every minute of it.
I also hope to see Declan in the future as he intrigues me.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lise P.
January 17, 2022
Terrible
Just a terrible book. Badly written with characters that are tropes that should NOT have been utilized in any novel. The insensitivity just boggles the mind.
Hero is a victim of a childhood tragedy that was extreme in its its pointless violence.
As a result of his childhood trauma, he suffers from PTSD accompanied by memory lapses.
Of course he is stereotypically handsome and wealthy but devoid of appropriate emotional responses.
The heroine is the victim of devaluation/emotional abandonment as a person by her father- she was essentially "sold" into marriage by her father to a man who was physically abusive. When she first appears she has been badly beaten by her husband, with broken bones and a face bruised and swollen beyond recognition.
Hero is insensitive-Heroine is manipulative and whiny.
Sex between the 2 involves a certain amount of pain that both readily admit to finding enjoyable.
Heroine commits the completely egregious action of manipulating the Hero into re-visiting the place of his original trauma. This is done to serve her own needs. Inexcusable plot line.
Writing was immature with structural errors that aggravated the stilted sentence structure.
This book is a horror on so many levels.
Just a terrible book. Badly written with characters that are tropes that should NOT have been utilized in any novel. The insensitivity just boggles the mind.
Hero is a victim of a childhood tragedy that was extreme in its its pointless violence.
As a result of his childhood trauma, he suffers from PTSD accompanied by memory lapses.
Of course he is stereotypically handsome and wealthy but devoid of appropriate emotional responses.
The heroine is the victim of devaluation/emotional abandonment as a person by her father- she was essentially "sold" into marriage by her father to a man who was physically abusive. When she first appears she has been badly beaten by her husband, with broken bones and a face bruised and swollen beyond recognition.
Hero is insensitive-Heroine is manipulative and whiny.
Sex between the 2 involves a certain amount of pain that both readily admit to finding enjoyable.
Heroine commits the completely egregious action of manipulating the Hero into re-visiting the place of his original trauma. This is done to serve her own needs. Inexcusable plot line.
Writing was immature with structural errors that aggravated the stilted sentence structure.
This book is a horror on so many levels.
October 23, 2021
At the Alabaster a white mountain stone that was five stories high Ness tried to open the door it was painted black. She discovered that the door was simply a painting not a true door. With her strength gone all she could tell the man who was standing over her was Blackstone, Talen Blackstone she needed to talk to him Juliet sent her then she passed out. Ms. Jackson has written a nice book that tells the tale of Ness and Talen and what happened to them. There is a problem toward the end of the book where she has Viscount the turns into an Earl returns back into the Viscount it's rather irritating with the changes in title. But on the whole it's a good book and ends with the happily ever after...
October 24, 2022
Not the heroine I thought she’d be.
I was intrigued by Ness’s story from Juliet’s story. Honestly the whole storyline of her trying to convince Talon he was someone she knew from her past got annoying. Here he kept helping and saving her and giving her the chance to to be more but she just kept pushing. I felt it was very selfish motivation to her pushing. It was for her one selfish reasons she kept pushing. Like she needed to know who he was in the past a past he wasn’t looking into. The reveal of his past was too forced. He listened to her and thought and she never seemed to listen and pushed even as he opened up to her. Very disappointed and felt she didn’t deserve Talon.
I was intrigued by Ness’s story from Juliet’s story. Honestly the whole storyline of her trying to convince Talon he was someone she knew from her past got annoying. Here he kept helping and saving her and giving her the chance to to be more but she just kept pushing. I felt it was very selfish motivation to her pushing. It was for her one selfish reasons she kept pushing. Like she needed to know who he was in the past a past he wasn’t looking into. The reveal of his past was too forced. He listened to her and thought and she never seemed to listen and pushed even as he opened up to her. Very disappointed and felt she didn’t deserve Talon.
April 26, 2022
Some parts were really Dark
Ness got on my nerves alot. She kept putting herself in dangerous situation s. It really bothered me. How many times she would run away knowing she had nowhere to go and it was dangerous for her to run without the protection of Talen. I mean for all the previous abuse she went threw you would think she would be more self perserving. But she seemed to leap into one dangerous situation to the next. She did it so much I had a hard time enjoying their story. The writing was good ,good plot twist towards the end, but because Ness was so silly, not thinking at all during the book, I couldn't really enjoy it.
Ness got on my nerves alot. She kept putting herself in dangerous situation s. It really bothered me. How many times she would run away knowing she had nowhere to go and it was dangerous for her to run without the protection of Talen. I mean for all the previous abuse she went threw you would think she would be more self perserving. But she seemed to leap into one dangerous situation to the next. She did it so much I had a hard time enjoying their story. The writing was good ,good plot twist towards the end, but because Ness was so silly, not thinking at all during the book, I couldn't really enjoy it.
October 14, 2021
Angst driven, gritty and passionate and I devoured every page. The writing, the plot, the characters is superb. K.J Jackson delivers another outstanding story. I had to read and savour it slowly because I knew it would be over way too soon. I don't have enough words for Talen and Ness to express what I truly feel about them... They are brought to life right in front of me and their journey to their happy ending is truly wonderful. Their strength and courage bind them together, but their love is what makes them truly belong.
October 25, 2021
This was an engaging read, at times it was full of tension and had me wondering what would happen next. Poor Ness, what a life she had endured! I loved the way that Talen helped her to become stronger. There is a mystery as to Talen’s past. Talen was a handsome and powerful man who was loyal to his friends but could be ruthless when needed. There is an attraction between Ness and Talen but they are unaware of how the other feels. There are a few surprises and I enjoyed the extended epilogue. I always know with this author that I’m in for a satisfying read.
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January 19, 2022A bit darker than I had hoped
If you read the previous books, you know that Ness had a back story that was filled with abuse. When it turned out that Talen's past was also horror-filled, it was more darkness than I wanted in a romance. The Epilogue was not without a revisit of past ghosts either. Even after the HEA, I was left with a somber feeling after reading this book.
Warning: Possible triggers. Domestic abuse and gruesome murders
If you read the previous books, you know that Ness had a back story that was filled with abuse. When it turned out that Talen's past was also horror-filled, it was more darkness than I wanted in a romance. The Epilogue was not without a revisit of past ghosts either. Even after the HEA, I was left with a somber feeling after reading this book.
Warning: Possible triggers. Domestic abuse and gruesome murders
May 7, 2022
3.8 rounded up. I really enjoyed the first half of this book - the hero and heroine were both compelling and interesting characters, with great chemistry. The second half, which dealt with his past, lost me a bit. His past was unnecessarily traumatic (I don't read romances for stories of gang rape), and it felt like a different book. I would have enjoyed it much more if they had continued with the original storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 27, 2021
A deep and thought provoking story about domestic violence and murder. That’s sounds bleak but the lives of Talen and Ness are impacted by terrible events in their lives. Their pasts are entwined and their futures collide in this story of discovery and ultimately love! This has been another excellent series by this author and the final book is just as good as the other two.
May 2, 2022
Escaping from a brutal abusive husband, Needs arrives in London at the gaming hell of Talon Blackstone. She was sent to him for protection from her abuser. She need to heal, hide and find a way to start a new life. Near death this waif of a woman was beaten and battered. Talon took her in as a favor but had no idea what to do to help her. His life was not a safe place for innocent women.
April 28, 2024
Dangerous Exile (An Exile Novel Book 3)
The love story of Ness and Talen. Ness is on the run from her husband and Jeliet send her to the only man she know that could she her. Talen is the most feud man in London. When Ness arrived at his door, he froze. Can he save her? Great story.
The love story of Ness and Talen. Ness is on the run from her husband and Jeliet send her to the only man she know that could she her. Talen is the most feud man in London. When Ness arrived at his door, he froze. Can he save her? Great story.
October 30, 2021
I found myself very emotional throughout this book. The reader is spellbound and unable to put it down. Women finding strength always makes a great story. Definitely a worthwhile read for historical romance readers.
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