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Jacky Leon #8
Bitter Discord
I try not to look for trouble, though it always finds me.
Now I’m asking for it.
I’m going to host a gathering of werecats to discuss the recent changes in our small world, changes I brought about for the most part. I told Hasan I would handle this and I am going to, even if he doesn’t believe in me.
For this to work, I need to be vigilant. The humans are watching my every move, my werewolves are vulnerable, and the werecats are a wildcard.
Three factions, one city, and years of animosity and treachery between them.
And then there’s me: Jacky Leon, or Jacqueline, daughter of Hasan. Werecat representative to humanity, my father’s representative in the Americas, and fiancé to a rogue Alpha werewolf.
Now I’m asking for it.
I’m going to host a gathering of werecats to discuss the recent changes in our small world, changes I brought about for the most part. I told Hasan I would handle this and I am going to, even if he doesn’t believe in me.
For this to work, I need to be vigilant. The humans are watching my every move, my werewolves are vulnerable, and the werecats are a wildcard.
Three factions, one city, and years of animosity and treachery between them.
And then there’s me: Jacky Leon, or Jacqueline, daughter of Hasan. Werecat representative to humanity, my father’s representative in the Americas, and fiancé to a rogue Alpha werewolf.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2022
372 people are currently reading
411 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Banet
37 books722 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 159 reviews
July 27, 2022
This is eighth in an UF series that you ought to read in order. This one also includes lots of references to events in Hearts at War, which I haven't read. It doesn't sound like Jacky was into the action there, but that doesn't mean they weren't significant to her, including Jacky meeting Hasan's mate, her werecat mom. I definitely recommend reading these in order, and Hearts, before this one. I wish I had.
It's Jacky. You know what to expect. The first third is family dynamic exploration. And I am so into that. I love the dynamic of this family, including the addition of the new wolves in Heath's rogue pack. Also, she's preparing for her sister's arrival. Zuri apparently played a role in the Hearts book, too, and it seems they bonded? So she's figuring out how far to trust Zuri with some of the secrets she's still keeping from her family (hello Dirk).
And I loved getting to know Zuri. Her presence allowed Jacky to offload a ton of the cat wrangling for her proposed regional werecat summit and that served a great story purpose (though there were still a lot of extra characters it was hard to keep track of). But it also gave Jacky an in on the increasing tension of her father and siblings. Cementing Zuri as a staunch ally was good, but even better was seeing them being true sisters and sharing important burdens.
The plot of this one was way less action than previous stories and I'm still deciding how I feel about that. It only really felt slow for a bit in the middle when Jacky was at a standstill. That served the story well because it was exactly Jacky's state as well. Plus, it gave some important interactions with her mother, Subira, who helped break her circular thinking. Which was great on all the right levels, too.
I'm still upset with Hasan's new dickishness. I liked him as the devoted father figure looking out for Jacky, so having him remain a buttmunch about her engagement is breaking my head a little. There's no movement on that front in this story, for better or worse. So yay?
I'm going to put this at 4½ stars. It probably doesn't deserve rounding up, but I'm going to anyway. Heath and Jacky are my OTP (yes, I know I'm abusing the term. I'm old, it's expected).
A note about Chaste: Jacky and Heath are living together. Including sleeping together. Heath and his daughter, Carey, have moved in with Jacky for family, as well as safety, reasons (I about died when we learned that Carey calls Jacky her future step-mom!). They're clearly having the sex. But none of that is on-page making this pretty chaste by my reckoning.
It's Jacky. You know what to expect. The first third is family dynamic exploration. And I am so into that. I love the dynamic of this family, including the addition of the new wolves in Heath's rogue pack. Also, she's preparing for her sister's arrival. Zuri apparently played a role in the Hearts book, too, and it seems they bonded? So she's figuring out how far to trust Zuri with some of the secrets she's still keeping from her family (hello Dirk).
And I loved getting to know Zuri. Her presence allowed Jacky to offload a ton of the cat wrangling for her proposed regional werecat summit and that served a great story purpose (though there were still a lot of extra characters it was hard to keep track of). But it also gave Jacky an in on the increasing tension of her father and siblings. Cementing Zuri as a staunch ally was good, but even better was seeing them being true sisters and sharing important burdens.
The plot of this one was way less action than previous stories and I'm still deciding how I feel about that. It only really felt slow for a bit in the middle when Jacky was at a standstill. That served the story well because it was exactly Jacky's state as well. Plus, it gave some important interactions with her mother, Subira, who helped break her circular thinking. Which was great on all the right levels, too.
I'm still upset with Hasan's new dickishness. I liked him as the devoted father figure looking out for Jacky, so having him remain a buttmunch about her engagement is breaking my head a little. There's no movement on that front in this story, for better or worse. So yay?
I'm going to put this at 4½ stars. It probably doesn't deserve rounding up, but I'm going to anyway. Heath and Jacky are my OTP (yes, I know I'm abusing the term. I'm old, it's expected).
A note about Chaste: Jacky and Heath are living together. Including sleeping together. Heath and his daughter, Carey, have moved in with Jacky for family, as well as safety, reasons (I about died when we learned that Carey calls Jacky her future step-mom!). They're clearly having the sex. But none of that is on-page making this pretty chaste by my reckoning.
June 21, 2024
Believe it or not, I have already read this a second time. I felt like ... I don't know, in the first blitz through, I missed a lot of details. Likely because I literally could not put it down and was up until nearly 4am finishing it. My foggy brain missed some cool stuff, and so I wanted to get back on the ride for a slower read. :)
Alright, so, to start ... this was a really different book than we normally get in the series, and I'm guessing some people felt disappointed in the slower pacing. I didn't - I liked that it was more about figuring out the puzzle, with huge stakes in terms of family and politics, but not with Jacky's life on the line for 50% of the book. Not to say I don't love those other books too - I do, there's a reason this series is on my favorites list - but I appreciated the change of pace.
To some degree, this was a bridge book, transitioning into what will likely be the long fight to the finish line of the series. The fight to change the shape of supernatural society. And to that end, we got some nuggets for things to come. I want to talk about some of the nuggets that are most exciting to me:
Jacky's family
Man, I loved, loved, loved the deep dive with Zuri in this book. She was so wonderful, the big sister I always wanted Jacky to have. I loved how rock solid they were, and how even when they struggled with stuff, they didn't let things push them apart ... rather they would talk it through until they could at least understand each other.
I also adored Subira, who is so loving. And trying to find balance in such a difficult position.
And man, I wish Jacky had read Davor's email. I've suspected that it wasn't what she thought it would be - that he's evolving, growing, changing. I still think it's inexcusable what an asshole he has been, not just to Jacky but also to Niko. But if exploring Zuri in this book showed anything, it showed how much these ancient immortals are capable of change.
Niko ... my heart really breaks for him. Getting some of his backstory, the fact that he got absolute hatred from the wolves, while at the same time got hatred from his cat family ... his life has been horrible and unfair. I can't imagine the rage. I also can't help but wonder if Niko is the cat equivalent of Landon and Fenris - one that was broken, emotionally, and through that found extra strength physically. I really hope we get more on Niko soon.
Hasan ... well. I don't know what to say there. I believe he loves his children. We've seen that he loves Jacky. But this book seemed to keep repeating the point that he might kill his children, and that ... honestly felt out of left field for me. We've never got indication that was something he'd do, not unless the child went full evil (like Zuri had to do with her first son). I always thought - and still do think - it's more likely Hasan will kill Heath and deal with that destroying his relationship with Jacky, if he feels that's what is needed for the greater good (in his admittedly biased POV - I'm not saying he'd be right, I'm saying that's how he'd justify it in his mind, that it's something he needs to do for the survival of the werecats).
But also: fuck Mischa.
Jacky becoming part of the pack
She keeps arguing that she isn't, but I feel like it is just semantics at this point. No, Heath isn't her Alpha - they are partners, and they really really are, which is so fabulous to see - but the pack loves her and will fight for her. Just like she will fight for them. They take cues from her. There's some evolution happening here, and structurally it is probably laying some groundwork for how the relationships between the moon cursed can evolve. They are finding ways in which they can strongly complement each other (wolves and cats), and fuse together into a really powerful structure that can probably take all comers. Being together, they've effectively eliminated the werecats' weakness (being able to be overwhelmed with numbers) and the werewolves' weakness (lack of territory magic, so security has the same kinds of holes human security has). And they've just proven how incredibly effective that combination can be against a very old werecat. All of the cats attending the meeting took notice, and left with a tremendous amount of respect for it. I think you're going to see some of them start to dabble with it themselves. The impact that will have on society will be HUGE. Will more packs and cats start to try it? Will Callahan freak out like the enormous moron he is? Will more packs flip him the bird and go rogue?
Also, the thing I really want to know: what does Corissa think of this? From the glimpses we've seen of Corissa through the series, she really does not want war. She has respect for Heath and Jacky and the things they've done - she also, from what we've seen, strives to protect the innocent (and was fucking FURIOUS about Russia and that Callahan let that go on). She even complemented Hasan on his daughter, and how such a brave child inherently terrifies their parents. Corissa, we're told, was the strategist. Surely she sees the potential for real peace here. I feel like she's watching and waiting to see how it plays ... but the strategist in her is not going to let Callahan drive more packs - and strong alphas - to go rogue.
Fenris, Niko, Dirk
I'm damn excited about where this seems to be going. Fenris spoke German ... like Niko. There's that one line Dirk had, that Zuri cut him off - "I can't believe I never noticed" - which I think was a HUGE Easter egg. Because I think that Fenris is from Niko's pack ... and I think what Dirk can't believe he never noticed is their resemblence. We know that when Niko's parents refused to join the war against the werecats, other wolves stormed their compound to kill the Alpha pair, forcibly Change some of Niko's brothers, and basically conscript the pack to the war effort. I think this whole thing is the event that broke Fenris - he feels as betrayed by the wolves as Niko does, probably, though also a little brainwashed in that Stockholm way. Equally furious with the cats, both for war (that's the reason the shit happened to his family, after all), and for taking his ... brother? Cousin? Something. I think this is also why Fenris hates Callahan, or at least part of it (Callahan is a giant douchebag, so there are probably lots of reasons).
Zuri was shocked that Fenris seemed to have survived an encounter with Niko, who was so full of rage in the war because of what had been done to his family - she said that as far as she knew, no one ever had. Could Niko have recognized Fenris, and not been able to bring himself to kill him?
It is going to be fucking fascinating to see this play out ... even while it is nerve-wracking. I love what I've seen of both Niko and Fenris, and my heart breaks for the horrible shit they've suffered. What will Fenris think when he finds out who Dirk is? Will Landon and Fenris throw down because in a moment of madness, Fenris goes after Dirk? I hope, and really believe, that Dirk could be the trigger for healing for both Niko and Fenris - a bridge for them both to get some part of the life that was stolen from them.
Other threads
-It seems like Zuri spotted a Talent that Landon is using. The ability to change how he's ... perceived ...?
-William's Talent seems AWFULLY similar to Heath's. Like a better version of it, honestly. Because Jacky said she also couldn't smell his emotions, couldn't tell if he was lying, or insane, or etc. So he can do what Heath can, but also totally mask his scent ... like entirely. Do Talents evolve? Will Heath's grow into that? Also ... witches used William's Talent to make a paste that can erase anyone's scent - that's what he said he used on Arlo when the scent trail disappeared. Is that the key to the witch scent masking spell? Does it require William's blood, then? Because if so, how much more can they possibly have now that dude is dead?
-Dirk's relationship with Jacky - it seems to be evolving. Is it just him recognizing her as family, finally? Or is it a wolf thing? There were several times that he didn't take an order from Heath until she gave a small nod of agreement. And his jealousy of Ranger ... was that again family (like, he finally really saw her as family and was jealous of Ranger encroaching on that), or was it wolf (like, he saw himself as her pack, but not Ranger, so Ranger had no business making asks of Jacky)?
-Jacky had some really badass moments where she told the other cats the Facts of Life. It was beautiful to see. I think that her big heart and the way she's clearly led by it is going to appeal to people a lot more than Hasan thinks. He doesn't give her enough credit. Probably because he's terrified for her, which I get, but ... man, she deserves for her cat parents to see her value, given that her shitty human parents never did. Also, I've been thinking for awhile that this series will end with Jacky on the Tribunal - she's not a half-witch/half-cat like Subira and Zuri, so she would be qualified to take that second seat. This book cemented that impression for me - her heartfelt speeches and charisma swayed people, and in this book she proved her different way of looking at their world is effective.
-Who killed Bruce? Other witches? That would be my guess - he was meddling with the ruling werecat family, which made him a liability, so they cut off that thread. Also, of course, if they have moles on the Tribunal (and I don't doubt they do), they know that Bruce is known to the Tribunal, and they are hunting him. He's a liability, all around, so I'm guessing they stomped out the loose end.
Can't freaking wait to see what happens next!
Alright, so, to start ... this was a really different book than we normally get in the series, and I'm guessing some people felt disappointed in the slower pacing. I didn't - I liked that it was more about figuring out the puzzle, with huge stakes in terms of family and politics, but not with Jacky's life on the line for 50% of the book. Not to say I don't love those other books too - I do, there's a reason this series is on my favorites list - but I appreciated the change of pace.
To some degree, this was a bridge book, transitioning into what will likely be the long fight to the finish line of the series. The fight to change the shape of supernatural society. And to that end, we got some nuggets for things to come. I want to talk about some of the nuggets that are most exciting to me:
Jacky's family
Man, I loved, loved, loved the deep dive with Zuri in this book. She was so wonderful, the big sister I always wanted Jacky to have. I loved how rock solid they were, and how even when they struggled with stuff, they didn't let things push them apart ... rather they would talk it through until they could at least understand each other.
I also adored Subira, who is so loving. And trying to find balance in such a difficult position.
And man, I wish Jacky had read Davor's email. I've suspected that it wasn't what she thought it would be - that he's evolving, growing, changing. I still think it's inexcusable what an asshole he has been, not just to Jacky but also to Niko. But if exploring Zuri in this book showed anything, it showed how much these ancient immortals are capable of change.
Niko ... my heart really breaks for him. Getting some of his backstory, the fact that he got absolute hatred from the wolves, while at the same time got hatred from his cat family ... his life has been horrible and unfair. I can't imagine the rage. I also can't help but wonder if Niko is the cat equivalent of Landon and Fenris - one that was broken, emotionally, and through that found extra strength physically. I really hope we get more on Niko soon.
Hasan ... well. I don't know what to say there. I believe he loves his children. We've seen that he loves Jacky. But this book seemed to keep repeating the point that he might kill his children, and that ... honestly felt out of left field for me. We've never got indication that was something he'd do, not unless the child went full evil (like Zuri had to do with her first son). I always thought - and still do think - it's more likely Hasan will kill Heath and deal with that destroying his relationship with Jacky, if he feels that's what is needed for the greater good (in his admittedly biased POV - I'm not saying he'd be right, I'm saying that's how he'd justify it in his mind, that it's something he needs to do for the survival of the werecats).
But also: fuck Mischa.
Jacky becoming part of the pack
She keeps arguing that she isn't, but I feel like it is just semantics at this point. No, Heath isn't her Alpha - they are partners, and they really really are, which is so fabulous to see - but the pack loves her and will fight for her. Just like she will fight for them. They take cues from her. There's some evolution happening here, and structurally it is probably laying some groundwork for how the relationships between the moon cursed can evolve. They are finding ways in which they can strongly complement each other (wolves and cats), and fuse together into a really powerful structure that can probably take all comers. Being together, they've effectively eliminated the werecats' weakness (being able to be overwhelmed with numbers) and the werewolves' weakness (lack of territory magic, so security has the same kinds of holes human security has). And they've just proven how incredibly effective that combination can be against a very old werecat. All of the cats attending the meeting took notice, and left with a tremendous amount of respect for it. I think you're going to see some of them start to dabble with it themselves. The impact that will have on society will be HUGE. Will more packs and cats start to try it? Will Callahan freak out like the enormous moron he is? Will more packs flip him the bird and go rogue?
Also, the thing I really want to know: what does Corissa think of this? From the glimpses we've seen of Corissa through the series, she really does not want war. She has respect for Heath and Jacky and the things they've done - she also, from what we've seen, strives to protect the innocent (and was fucking FURIOUS about Russia and that Callahan let that go on). She even complemented Hasan on his daughter, and how such a brave child inherently terrifies their parents. Corissa, we're told, was the strategist. Surely she sees the potential for real peace here. I feel like she's watching and waiting to see how it plays ... but the strategist in her is not going to let Callahan drive more packs - and strong alphas - to go rogue.
Fenris, Niko, Dirk
I'm damn excited about where this seems to be going. Fenris spoke German ... like Niko. There's that one line Dirk had, that Zuri cut him off - "I can't believe I never noticed" - which I think was a HUGE Easter egg. Because I think that Fenris is from Niko's pack ... and I think what Dirk can't believe he never noticed is their resemblence. We know that when Niko's parents refused to join the war against the werecats, other wolves stormed their compound to kill the Alpha pair, forcibly Change some of Niko's brothers, and basically conscript the pack to the war effort. I think this whole thing is the event that broke Fenris - he feels as betrayed by the wolves as Niko does, probably, though also a little brainwashed in that Stockholm way. Equally furious with the cats, both for war (that's the reason the shit happened to his family, after all), and for taking his ... brother? Cousin? Something. I think this is also why Fenris hates Callahan, or at least part of it (Callahan is a giant douchebag, so there are probably lots of reasons).
Zuri was shocked that Fenris seemed to have survived an encounter with Niko, who was so full of rage in the war because of what had been done to his family - she said that as far as she knew, no one ever had. Could Niko have recognized Fenris, and not been able to bring himself to kill him?
It is going to be fucking fascinating to see this play out ... even while it is nerve-wracking. I love what I've seen of both Niko and Fenris, and my heart breaks for the horrible shit they've suffered. What will Fenris think when he finds out who Dirk is? Will Landon and Fenris throw down because in a moment of madness, Fenris goes after Dirk? I hope, and really believe, that Dirk could be the trigger for healing for both Niko and Fenris - a bridge for them both to get some part of the life that was stolen from them.
Other threads
-It seems like Zuri spotted a Talent that Landon is using. The ability to change how he's ... perceived ...?
-William's Talent seems AWFULLY similar to Heath's. Like a better version of it, honestly. Because Jacky said she also couldn't smell his emotions, couldn't tell if he was lying, or insane, or etc. So he can do what Heath can, but also totally mask his scent ... like entirely. Do Talents evolve? Will Heath's grow into that? Also ... witches used William's Talent to make a paste that can erase anyone's scent - that's what he said he used on Arlo when the scent trail disappeared. Is that the key to the witch scent masking spell? Does it require William's blood, then? Because if so, how much more can they possibly have now that dude is dead?
-Dirk's relationship with Jacky - it seems to be evolving. Is it just him recognizing her as family, finally? Or is it a wolf thing? There were several times that he didn't take an order from Heath until she gave a small nod of agreement. And his jealousy of Ranger ... was that again family (like, he finally really saw her as family and was jealous of Ranger encroaching on that), or was it wolf (like, he saw himself as her pack, but not Ranger, so Ranger had no business making asks of Jacky)?
-Jacky had some really badass moments where she told the other cats the Facts of Life. It was beautiful to see. I think that her big heart and the way she's clearly led by it is going to appeal to people a lot more than Hasan thinks. He doesn't give her enough credit. Probably because he's terrified for her, which I get, but ... man, she deserves for her cat parents to see her value, given that her shitty human parents never did. Also, I've been thinking for awhile that this series will end with Jacky on the Tribunal - she's not a half-witch/half-cat like Subira and Zuri, so she would be qualified to take that second seat. This book cemented that impression for me - her heartfelt speeches and charisma swayed people, and in this book she proved her different way of looking at their world is effective.
-Who killed Bruce? Other witches? That would be my guess - he was meddling with the ruling werecat family, which made him a liability, so they cut off that thread. Also, of course, if they have moles on the Tribunal (and I don't doubt they do), they know that Bruce is known to the Tribunal, and they are hunting him. He's a liability, all around, so I'm guessing they stomped out the loose end.
Can't freaking wait to see what happens next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
4 1/2
Jacky is putting together a meeting of werecats to start the conversation, only most don't reply and those that do come don't respect Jacky or her choices, luckily her sister Zuri has come to put the respect of the family back in place. Still nothing can go smoothly, but who would expect it to especially with a barely semi stable pack of Heath's that seems to be forming close by in Jacky, a werecat's territory. None of the invited support this and many are hostile.
So this was very very good and still not sure whether to go up or down with the rating. My main issue was all the characters that are thrown at us and the transitional furthering of the storyline for some of the issues created in previous books. So somewhat a transition. Still a lot happens, including bonding with her sister Zuri. This was a really good read.
Jacky is putting together a meeting of werecats to start the conversation, only most don't reply and those that do come don't respect Jacky or her choices, luckily her sister Zuri has come to put the respect of the family back in place. Still nothing can go smoothly, but who would expect it to especially with a barely semi stable pack of Heath's that seems to be forming close by in Jacky, a werecat's territory. None of the invited support this and many are hostile.
So this was very very good and still not sure whether to go up or down with the rating. My main issue was all the characters that are thrown at us and the transitional furthering of the storyline for some of the issues created in previous books. So somewhat a transition. Still a lot happens, including bonding with her sister Zuri. This was a really good read.
December 2, 2022
3.5/5.0
This installment in one of my all-time favorite UB series is a bit different than the previous books. There is very little action - in fact there is only one kinda scene near the end of the book. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it should be noted.
As for the story, it was a mixed bag for me. I absolutely adore jumping back into this world and these beloved characters and enjoy every minute I get to read about them. The beginning started with lots of promise for another all-nighter but at about the 40% mark the plot slowed to a crawl, then almost stopped completely as the cast were stumped and tried to figure out what to do about a murder and then how to handle it. Now, if the author wanted the reader to feel the mind-numbing plod and frustration that the characters are feeling, she did a genius job! I was just as frustrated and annoyed as the characters and wanted to yell, “GET ON WITH IT!” at the book many times.
Whether intentional or not, however, the pace never did pick up until ever so slightly at the very end. In any other book I would have ultimately dropped the stars to three. But just this once, I realized I love these characters so much and enjoyed the growing relationship between Jacky and Zara enough that it pushed me to round up to four. For others? Depends on how invested in the characters one is, as opposed to the plot and action in this series.
This installment in one of my all-time favorite UB series is a bit different than the previous books. There is very little action - in fact there is only one kinda scene near the end of the book. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing but it should be noted.
As for the story, it was a mixed bag for me. I absolutely adore jumping back into this world and these beloved characters and enjoy every minute I get to read about them. The beginning started with lots of promise for another all-nighter but at about the 40% mark the plot slowed to a crawl, then almost stopped completely as the cast were stumped and tried to figure out what to do about a murder and then how to handle it. Now, if the author wanted the reader to feel the mind-numbing plod and frustration that the characters are feeling, she did a genius job! I was just as frustrated and annoyed as the characters and wanted to yell, “GET ON WITH IT!” at the book many times.
Whether intentional or not, however, the pace never did pick up until ever so slightly at the very end. In any other book I would have ultimately dropped the stars to three. But just this once, I realized I love these characters so much and enjoyed the growing relationship between Jacky and Zara enough that it pushed me to round up to four. For others? Depends on how invested in the characters one is, as opposed to the plot and action in this series.
July 16, 2022
My new favorite book in the series!
This one is hands down my new favorite, although I think I say that with each new release. But I can’t help it, with each one I fall more in love with these characters! I love seeing Jacky interact with the family more (her and Zuri make me 🥹🥹). Subira is everything. Not only was I excited about the family stuff but the plot (I won’t spoil) had me on the edge of my seat so to speak. I couldn’t stop reading and was done way too soon. I’ll definitely be reading a few more times soon.
This one is hands down my new favorite, although I think I say that with each new release. But I can’t help it, with each one I fall more in love with these characters! I love seeing Jacky interact with the family more (her and Zuri make me 🥹🥹). Subira is everything. Not only was I excited about the family stuff but the plot (I won’t spoil) had me on the edge of my seat so to speak. I couldn’t stop reading and was done way too soon. I’ll definitely be reading a few more times soon.
August 2, 2022
3 💪 stars.
July 24, 2022
While there was action in this one, it wasn't quite as full of action as a lot of these books. Instead Jacky was having a gathering a werecats with the help of her sister, Zuri, so a lot of political maneuvering. I liked getting to know the other werecats, to see their history, how it colored their views at this meeting and to see what/if any, issues they had with Jacky, Zuri and their family.
It didn't take long before things went off the rails and all these different werecats were treated to Jacky's special way of dealing with things. Some of them helped, some hindered her and some stood back to watch and see what would happen. By the end, all of them came to respect Jacky and her way of doing things, even her lifestyle choice with Heath, they saw that she didn't make decisions lightly, that if you treated her with respect, she would give it back to you and with her being so young, she didn't have the bad history so many of their kind did with the werewolves. It gave them a lot to think of, many who I think will be making changes in their own territory. Maybe not being as bold as Jacky, but there will be changes, always a good thing for people to work together in peace, than be at each others throats in war.
It didn't take long before things went off the rails and all these different werecats were treated to Jacky's special way of dealing with things. Some of them helped, some hindered her and some stood back to watch and see what would happen. By the end, all of them came to respect Jacky and her way of doing things, even her lifestyle choice with Heath, they saw that she didn't make decisions lightly, that if you treated her with respect, she would give it back to you and with her being so young, she didn't have the bad history so many of their kind did with the werewolves. It gave them a lot to think of, many who I think will be making changes in their own territory. Maybe not being as bold as Jacky, but there will be changes, always a good thing for people to work together in peace, than be at each others throats in war.
July 23, 2022
Remarkably Cozy, Despite The Murder
I love that these books always start with slice of life moments before picking up speed. I enjoy watching the family moments between Jacky, Heath, and the others from that area of her life. And, for this book in particular, I really enjoyed how much time we spent with Zuri and hearing more from Subira.
About the plot, it isn’t action-packed, but it doesn’t move slowly either. I think important events happened in this book and it might have been too much if the author also squeezed in a lot of action.
I’ve been pulling away from books featuring certain triggers lately, death being one of them. But it’s easier to not start a book/series than to stop in the middle. Jacky Leon is one of the latter books for me. I went in expecting more death than was actually presented. But in some ways this was a bit harder since one person’s death was dwelled on fairly heavily as they tried to solve the mystery. Yet, it still managed to feel cozy. And, though I did have to put it down at a few points… I was compelled to keep going. I am especially interested in how things ultimately play out with Hasan and the rest of the family.
I love that these books always start with slice of life moments before picking up speed. I enjoy watching the family moments between Jacky, Heath, and the others from that area of her life. And, for this book in particular, I really enjoyed how much time we spent with Zuri and hearing more from Subira.
About the plot, it isn’t action-packed, but it doesn’t move slowly either. I think important events happened in this book and it might have been too much if the author also squeezed in a lot of action.
I’ve been pulling away from books featuring certain triggers lately, death being one of them. But it’s easier to not start a book/series than to stop in the middle. Jacky Leon is one of the latter books for me. I went in expecting more death than was actually presented. But in some ways this was a bit harder since one person’s death was dwelled on fairly heavily as they tried to solve the mystery. Yet, it still managed to feel cozy. And, though I did have to put it down at a few points… I was compelled to keep going. I am especially interested in how things ultimately play out with Hasan and the rest of the family.
July 17, 2022
wowzer!
I loved it! The werewolves and the were cats have spent hundreds of years steeped in hate. Constantly at war killing each other just for the sake of killing each other. Jacky as a were cat being engaged to a werewolves Alpha no less is a huge betrayal. One she hasn’t addressed to the werecats she’s supposed to be protecting at all. It was so nice to finally get the were cats concerns addressed. Jacky and her big sis Zuri host a party for the werecats. Not all of whom like or respect her. Some are downright hostile. Thrown in her Father Hassan being difficult and downright murderous to her fiancé and we have kindling for a forest fire waiting to happen. When one of her were cat guests is murdered and one of her werewvoles goes missing she has to race against the clock to figure out what happened and why before an inter species war between the moon cursed is reignited. I love the family aspect of this, how we delve deeper into relationships in this book. I can’t wait for book 9
I loved it! The werewolves and the were cats have spent hundreds of years steeped in hate. Constantly at war killing each other just for the sake of killing each other. Jacky as a were cat being engaged to a werewolves Alpha no less is a huge betrayal. One she hasn’t addressed to the werecats she’s supposed to be protecting at all. It was so nice to finally get the were cats concerns addressed. Jacky and her big sis Zuri host a party for the werecats. Not all of whom like or respect her. Some are downright hostile. Thrown in her Father Hassan being difficult and downright murderous to her fiancé and we have kindling for a forest fire waiting to happen. When one of her were cat guests is murdered and one of her werewvoles goes missing she has to race against the clock to figure out what happened and why before an inter species war between the moon cursed is reignited. I love the family aspect of this, how we delve deeper into relationships in this book. I can’t wait for book 9
August 14, 2022
There was a decent amount of progress about werecat and werewolf politics, and we learned more about individual werecats, but there was no change yet on Hasan's relationship with Jacky by the end of the story which was a little heartbreaking. I loved Subira showing up to say her piece about the family drama and her opinion of Jacky as well as the subtle references to the novellas about Zuri and Jabari's romances and children. I adore the world building in this series and can't wait for more books.
July 16, 2022
Another brilliant story in this can universe
I say this in all my reviews of Banet's books but I really do adore the Tribunal Archives world. This book provided a really interesting insight into the Werecats outside of the family & I love seeing Jacky's new family grow and settle into their relationships. The next release will be the new Everly Abbot book that I can't wait to read either 😁
I say this in all my reviews of Banet's books but I really do adore the Tribunal Archives world. This book provided a really interesting insight into the Werecats outside of the family & I love seeing Jacky's new family grow and settle into their relationships. The next release will be the new Everly Abbot book that I can't wait to read either 😁
September 22, 2022
I cannot wait for the family tensions to reach there breaking point in the next book. The build up has been so intense, and it's one of my favourite things about this series. Ooh the family politics that will ensue *insert mischievous Cheshire grin*. I'm ready for it.
September 19, 2022
I have NO IDEA how Ms. Banet can keep all these conversations going and still have each person reflect an actual personality. 4 stars in an effort to keep the series moving along.
This one (the author admitted) was less action packed and more talky, talky with Jacky playing host to the Werecats in an effort to help them understand why she is with the Werewolves and answer their questions. I couldn't keep track of all the Werecats but Coyotl is super sketchy IMHO.
Highlights were few and far between for me, best line of the story:
“Sorry, Rhodes. She makes the rules. You know the saying… happy wife, happy life.”
“Fuck you, Everson.”
Heath was still dreamy, Carey still spunky, Dirk was almost outed, Zuri swoops in to save the day and Jacky gets an unexpected ally in Lohan when they deal with a killer setting them up in order to start a war. Another one I should say. And Hasan is a threat that needs to be dealt with. We see the family at the end with him, but he just walks away. Subira- interesting side story.
I will still keep reading these stories, they seem super easy for me to slide back into this world.
This one (the author admitted) was less action packed and more talky, talky with Jacky playing host to the Werecats in an effort to help them understand why she is with the Werewolves and answer their questions. I couldn't keep track of all the Werecats but Coyotl is super sketchy IMHO.
Highlights were few and far between for me, best line of the story:
“Sorry, Rhodes. She makes the rules. You know the saying… happy wife, happy life.”
“Fuck you, Everson.”
Heath was still dreamy, Carey still spunky, Dirk was almost outed, Zuri swoops in to save the day and Jacky gets an unexpected ally in Lohan when they deal with a killer setting them up in order to start a war. Another one I should say. And Hasan is a threat that needs to be dealt with. We see the family at the end with him, but he just walks away. Subira- interesting side story.
I will still keep reading these stories, they seem super easy for me to slide back into this world.
November 21, 2022
This was basically just talking most of the way through / took me forever to finish as a result because most of it was rehashing/info dumping and also written in an odd, stilted manner - as If the character would actually even relay this info to each other - they already know!!
I enjoyed the characters and that was the saving grace.
I enjoyed the characters and that was the saving grace.
September 29, 2022
3 stars. Of the series this was the weakest one in my opinion. The story was slower and less action packed than what we are used to in the beginning of the series. I was just overall less engaged and it dragged a little. Still love the series but hopefully the next one will grip me a little more.
July 25, 2022
I don't think Banet can write a bad book. Every time I read one of the installments of this huge series it always feels a cut above so much of what I read.
While the plot of this book is a bit smaller in scale and action compared to the rest of the books, I was no less engaged.
Jackey has got herself in a tricky spot by outing her relationship with Heath and putting herself at direct odds with her powerful Werecat father and she is trying to anything she can to secure her position. She calls a meet and greet with any interested Werecats to try and prove to her father and everyone else her relationship with Heath doesn't compromise her position and to step into her responsibilities as a member of the ruling family. Of course, it doesn't go to plan and Jackey and Zuri are left with a race against time to ensure their meeting doesn't cause a brewing war between werewolves and werecats.
I loved having Zuri such a big part of this book and seeing her relationship with Jackey. I loved seeing Jackey grow further as a character. I just love all of these characters and the world and it is always an engaging read that I devour.
Kristen is genuinely one of the best UF writers out there who is still writing books and if you haven't discovered her, go and read everything she's written immediately!
While the plot of this book is a bit smaller in scale and action compared to the rest of the books, I was no less engaged.
Jackey has got herself in a tricky spot by outing her relationship with Heath and putting herself at direct odds with her powerful Werecat father and she is trying to anything she can to secure her position. She calls a meet and greet with any interested Werecats to try and prove to her father and everyone else her relationship with Heath doesn't compromise her position and to step into her responsibilities as a member of the ruling family. Of course, it doesn't go to plan and Jackey and Zuri are left with a race against time to ensure their meeting doesn't cause a brewing war between werewolves and werecats.
I loved having Zuri such a big part of this book and seeing her relationship with Jackey. I loved seeing Jackey grow further as a character. I just love all of these characters and the world and it is always an engaging read that I devour.
Kristen is genuinely one of the best UF writers out there who is still writing books and if you haven't discovered her, go and read everything she's written immediately!
August 10, 2022
4,5 stars
I absolutely adore K.N. Benet’s Jacky Leon series! The whole Tribunal world she has created is superb and I devour each and every morsel available.
Bitter Discord is an unusual but quite welcome addition to the series. Smaller in scope but it still packs quite a punch in the overall story. There’s minimal action, therefore the internal struggles, discussions and relationships take center stage, which I enjoyed a lot.
I wish some things were moving a bit faster, because I am anxious and don’t want to wait much more for some resolutions. However, we do get quite a few tidbits that I found fascinating and extremely important moving forward.
Bitter Discord is definitely a transition kind of book, but one that was a blast to read. I feel like this is the beauty of the world K.N. Benet created, we get a lot of action and intricate plots, but we also get more introspective stories where we actually get to see characters and relationships evolve.
In the end, Bitter Discord was a great read and I cannot wait for the next Jacky adventure!
I absolutely adore K.N. Benet’s Jacky Leon series! The whole Tribunal world she has created is superb and I devour each and every morsel available.
Bitter Discord is an unusual but quite welcome addition to the series. Smaller in scope but it still packs quite a punch in the overall story. There’s minimal action, therefore the internal struggles, discussions and relationships take center stage, which I enjoyed a lot.
I wish some things were moving a bit faster, because I am anxious and don’t want to wait much more for some resolutions. However, we do get quite a few tidbits that I found fascinating and extremely important moving forward.
Bitter Discord is definitely a transition kind of book, but one that was a blast to read. I feel like this is the beauty of the world K.N. Benet created, we get a lot of action and intricate plots, but we also get more introspective stories where we actually get to see characters and relationships evolve.
In the end, Bitter Discord was a great read and I cannot wait for the next Jacky adventure!
July 30, 2022
Jacky is trying to organize a werecat gathering, with the help of her sister, Zuri, and hoping that nothing goes wrong. Of course, things go wrong, when a werecat is murdered and suspicion falls on a werewolf. Now Jacky is racing against time to prove a wolf innocent, while trying to maintain trust with the werecats. I loved seeing Zuri and Jacky working together, and seeing Jacky and Heath’s relationship grow. I felt for Jacky as she tried to deal with her feelings over Hassan. This is a great series and I will definitely be looking for the next book,
July 16, 2022
Can't get enough of this world & series
As with every other book this author has written, I have thoroughly enjoyed this latest instalment
Read it in a day as I was enjoying it so very much!
That's the highest recommendation I can give
My advice is to start with the first book in this series as they follow on from each other and follow on a timeline which is crucial to understanding the series as a whole
Enjoy 😉
As with every other book this author has written, I have thoroughly enjoyed this latest instalment
Read it in a day as I was enjoying it so very much!
That's the highest recommendation I can give
My advice is to start with the first book in this series as they follow on from each other and follow on a timeline which is crucial to understanding the series as a whole
Enjoy 😉
July 25, 2022
I loved it! The long and intricate histories of all involved in the first US werecat summit of sorts is fascinating! The details of how everyone's paths crossed over the centuries made for some tense moments and complicated the situation but was extremely interesting. Loyalties within Jacky's family and out are shifting and I can't wait to pre-order the next in this series!
July 17, 2022
always great
Always a great story about Jackie. I hope we get some closer family ties. I think something seems about to break between certain family members.
Overall a great story and can’t wait for the next ones
Always a great story about Jackie. I hope we get some closer family ties. I think something seems about to break between certain family members.
Overall a great story and can’t wait for the next ones
July 22, 2022
The book starts as domestic drama, which evolves into a political drama, as Jacky prepares for a big meeting of werecats. The second half of the book is a fairly interesting murder mystery, but I was a bit disappointed that the author had to resort to a deranged psychopath.
July 17, 2022
Absolutely love it!
Yes, not a lot of action like usual, but to see the rewards of everything Jacky has fought for coming to fruition is simply amazing. Good doesn't always win but monsters never will.
I wonder how long I have to wait before I read again🤔
Yes, not a lot of action like usual, but to see the rewards of everything Jacky has fought for coming to fruition is simply amazing. Good doesn't always win but monsters never will.
I wonder how long I have to wait before I read again🤔
July 16, 2022
ahh this series only gets better with each book
This writer draws you deeply into the story and you fall in love with the characters. Couldn’t put this one down till done
This writer draws you deeply into the story and you fall in love with the characters. Couldn’t put this one down till done
July 16, 2022
Jacky is amazing
Even better than I thought it would be!!! Jacky is so well written, with faults but also with so much strength, -“” without being too overpowering.
Even better than I thought it would be!!! Jacky is so well written, with faults but also with so much strength, -“” without being too overpowering.
August 26, 2022
Different but great reading especially Jackie's relationships with Zumira and Subari getting so much closer and more info re the two different cultures
July 18, 2022
If I am totally honest I admit that “Bitter Discord” is not my favorite Jacky Leon installment. Don’t get me wrong wrong, I enjoyed it tremendously; but, I love this series most when there is more of a focus on Jacky’s local family and werewolf pack especially Carey. At the same time it was wonderful reading about the interaction between Jacky and Zuri. Then, when Subira was highlighted and I really wanted to know more about Jacky’s extended family.
The plot for this read has been recapped nicely by the author so I won’t restate it, but I will say that there are quite a few twists and turns with the bad guy totally taking me by surprise. It was also nice to see how some of the guest for this conference had some areas of enlightenment that they sorely needed. Jacky tends to have that effect on others.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series and maybe just maybe it will be the wedding of Jacky and Heath. Man will that pose all kinds of challenges and family drama. One can only hope!
The plot for this read has been recapped nicely by the author so I won’t restate it, but I will say that there are quite a few twists and turns with the bad guy totally taking me by surprise. It was also nice to see how some of the guest for this conference had some areas of enlightenment that they sorely needed. Jacky tends to have that effect on others.
I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series and maybe just maybe it will be the wedding of Jacky and Heath. Man will that pose all kinds of challenges and family drama. One can only hope!
August 24, 2022
Every book in the series is always better than the previous one, and I can't even think how that is possible. Every time I read about Jacky Leon, I get immersed in the story from page 1, and I can't leave until I reach the end.
Troubles can't seem to stay away from Jacky, The Rebel. This time she's organising a party for the erects in North America, but someone is still not happy with her leadership, so when of the whereat attending ends up dead, Jacky needs to figure out the culprit before there is another war between her species and the werewolves.
Troubles can't seem to stay away from Jacky, The Rebel. This time she's organising a party for the erects in North America, but someone is still not happy with her leadership, so when of the whereat attending ends up dead, Jacky needs to figure out the culprit before there is another war between her species and the werewolves.
August 5, 2022
I liked it
I like this series, I really do...but all of the explanations over and over really gets old. The transitions need to be smoother. Right now 2 people are in a room and the situation gets laid out. Then another person walks in and the situation gets explained again. I found myself skipping entire sections and felt like I didn't miss a thing casus it got explained 3 different times later on. Idk if its just me but dang
I like this series, I really do...but all of the explanations over and over really gets old. The transitions need to be smoother. Right now 2 people are in a room and the situation gets laid out. Then another person walks in and the situation gets explained again. I found myself skipping entire sections and felt like I didn't miss a thing casus it got explained 3 different times later on. Idk if its just me but dang
October 23, 2025
En verassend weer een leuk deel! Wel grappig normaal ben ik best snel een serie zat en moet ik tussendoor even wat anders lezen.. Nu heb ik non stop 8 delen achter elkaar gelezen inclusief slaap te kort haha! Kon echt niet stoppen... Ik ben benieuwd naar deel 9! Ik vind het wel jammer dat de familie drama alleen maar erger lijkt te worden in plaats van beter en heb echt geen idee waar het heen gaat...
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