Promote

Shattered Pawns #3

by Jennifer Cody

Kim:
Overseeing the Houston Hub of the Non-human Community comes with challenges I couldn’t have predicted even if I’d bothered looking into my own future. Pixies and gods are dropping all around me, and trying to pin down the person responsible is giving me a headache. When Ryan Reinhardt barrels into my life, I’m too busy and too distracted to give in to his flirting, but Ryan’s not the type to let me ignore him. No matter what else is happening, Ryan can turn every eye toward him–if that’s what he wants. He’s personable, charismatic, and fun–everything I’m not, but for some reason, Fate has chosen me for him. Fear isn’t an emotion I’m very familiar with, but mating Ryan? That scares me more than the Diviner trying to turn Houston to rubble.

Ryan:
It takes me less than a day to turn the non-human community on its head. Scratch that, I have this community jumping to obey within four hours. I didn’t mean to target their overseer; I had no intention of getting involved at all, but the moment I laid eyes on Kim Marduke, I knew he was the one for me. Fated mates; it’s a non-human thing apparently. I may not have planned to become the queen of Houston, but I’m nothing if not adaptable. Fighting against an insane Diviner might get us all killed, but fighting for him to preserve my mate bond? Well, I can’t complain if I don’t exist. The Void is calling, and we’re all going to answer the summons.

This is NOT A STANDALONE. This book is the third book of the Shattered Pawns series and should be read in order. This is an MM paranormal romance with BDSM themes between consenting adult partners with a significant age-gap. Triggers include one scene of religious homophobia, very mild violence against a homosexual teen, and war.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, M M Romance, BDSM, Romance, M M Fantasy

471 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2022

About the author

Jennifer Cody lives in Small Midwestern Town, USA, aka the sticks of Kansas. She has three kids and a Beardo she loves. Her sleep schedule is weird, so messages sent at midnight usually get answered relatively promptly. She reads all kinds of mm romance and urban fantasy, but her favorites are gay-for-you, small-town romances and over the top urban fantasy romances. Her own writing doesn’t always reflect her reading preferences, but mostly it does. She writes what she wants to read and reads extensively because she’s an addict. To books, obviously. And caffeine because sleep is for other people.

Reviews

[Bookreader87(Amanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
Interesting read. A bit convoluted. Definitely need to read other books in the series. There is always so much information to process. Even though this is a spin-off I really want to start from the Diviner's because it is the same world and that's just me lol.
I did like the dynamic between Ryan and Kim. I also like that the author does give HEA/HFN so I'm not left pouting too much. Will be interesting to see where the next book takes it.

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg

I can't wait for the next book! The ending! I just can't get it out of my mind at all.

[Cheryl_cajun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review.  Oh gawd this book is so going to wreck me! After all you get a taste of what is coming, but dang it moves in multiple ways that once it's over you need regroup. Here I was loving Kim's crazied lot of a existed family, which everyone has missed terribly with bonus tidbits thrown in this story that  dang I now need that trouple story just to name one. Well hello there papa titan! Its fascinating how Kim sexual awareness amplified after meeting Ry, who knew just how much he needed the overly intriguing man in his monotone life. The relationship dynamic between Ryan and Kim are scorching hot, because who could say no this this guy..after all it was tried and failed splendidly. Best big brother ever, death to cabbage! Ryan is already corrupting influence on the hub/family. Who is behind the war that is coming? the damage is inevitable, as witnessed by the events that is unfolding, but what is the cost in the end.
 
 I love Hephe, that is one amazing stylist of wonderment that was there for a young person in need. Times of fate is a beeytch because well  (That happened) what was a routine test turns steamy in a blink, leaving Kim with knowledge and dealing a frustrated with a pink haired flirting ball of energy steps into a spell. Witnessing Akira try to curb his friend peeks his interest. Woes to the fall of the impeachable Overseer, because life will never be boring again. Ryan's brain short circuit at the sight of a shirt Mr. Marduke was hilarious, give a hot compliment get a confused remark. I couldn't stop laughing at Ryan steamrolling into Kim, no is not a word that accompanies his vocabulary. It seems to be in tall dark and sexy's though, but that is just the topping because just weeks ago he was oblivious to the magic in the world now not only is that real but he was a non human!?! Is Kim's migraines due to stress of his work life or is there a deeper connection to the trouble that is brewing in Houston.

[Corina A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling when you realise that a book is good from the first paragraph? Yeah, that's how I feel about all the books I read from Jennifer Cody. Her profoundness and care for details shines in the world depicted in every one of her books.

Promote is book three in the Shattered Pawns series and is definitely not a standalone. Even though Promote reiterates the main plot from the previous 2 books in this series, this is a whole different story, from different perspectives (Kim and Ryan), with some intersecting plot points.

I was intrigued by Kim from the first book and I'm glad the author gave us his story.
Kim is a class of non-human that can read the future and the Overseer of the Houston Hub of the Non-human Community. I'm not going to spoil this too much for you, so I'll just say that Ryan is the Queen of Houston, Kim's fated mate and sooo much more. *inserting smirk*

I very much liked the development of their relation and Ryan's personality. Personable, charismatic, fun and with a protective streak towards Kim, he's a force of nature. I loved how he makes the Hub to treat Kim with the respect he deserves.
In order to save Houston, they're fighting against an insane Diviner, who might get them all killed with his meddling, but we're in for a treat with that one, too.

Also, let me just say that my heart ached for Den throughout all 3 books and I can't wait to read his story, seeing that the epilogue in Promote gave me hope that his HEA is also coming.

Be aware that the book ends with a kind of a cliffhanger, but I think the author managed to show us their HEA, even if it was a bit unusual.

*My ARC copy of the book was provided by the author, in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.

[Reader99999 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has it all, interesting characters, plot twists and high heat.
This is the third book in a four book series, and the author shows the action from Kim and Ryan's perspective this time. The timeline of this book is slightly longer than the previous books in the series so we get a touch deeper into the war.
Despite a bit of a cliff hanger in terms of how the protagonists win, there is a HFN ending for Ryan and Kim.
You should definitely read the previous books in the series, or you may be a bit lost, and the book dives right into the action without a synopsis of what happened previously. In fact I would recommend reading the author's previous series "The Diviner's Game" as those characters and the events are integral to this continuing story.
I received an ARC in return for my honest review and I have to say I loved this series and this book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I'm going to say that again because this book deserves it. Wow!
I think Ryan and Kim are my new favorite couple. I have liked Ryan since we first got to meet him but I was cautious about Kim. I have to admit I have found the diviners hard to relate or connect to. Even Chanda and Robbie's book was not a favorite of mine. (Of course I had to read it because of the wonderful way Jennifer reveals what happens behind the scenes). Maybe it is the knowing everyone's fate and manipulating it but the diviners have always seemed more than a little egotistical and pompus. Kim blew that away. He has an aspect of humbleness that no one sees that makes you just want to pet him.
The reveal moments that make you gasp and say, "So that's what was happening! " were perfect.
I cannot wait for the next book! Honestly, I need it now.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is legit terrible, and even though the series isn't finished, I definitely am. The pacing of this series is all wrong, the main couple doesn't have believable chemistry, and it's too repetitive. I'm just bored and annoyed in turns and life is just too short to keep reading books I don't enjoy.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant!! Why the 4 starts you ask? I absolutely loved the complexity of the book and the relationship building of the two MC….. then Matrix Reload. Not sure how I feel about that

[Kendra Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim Marduke is the Overseer of Houston's non-humans. Stress is really starting to get to him and it's showing in physical manifestations. When he meets a group of non-humans for a LGBTQ race, things get out of hand when they are sprayed with pixie dust. As Kim is trying to contain the situation, Ryan sees the group and comes over to talk to his friend Akira. Unbenounced to Ryan he's not a human. Meeting Kim who's been sprayed by pixie dust brings out Ryan's real heritage and a new world. Ryan is ready and willing to embrace this new world. His dominant side comes out and allows Kim's subordinate side to flourish. Only two days into their relationship, Kim and Ryan find themselves readying for war with the Gods. Everything is in flux and nothing is a given. Will their loved ones survive or will all of them be doomed?

This is a well written story showing a different side from Pass and Capture. The relationship between Kim and Ryan works for them and gives them each what they need (I know nothing of BDSM so I'm not sure to the accuracy of the relationship dynamics). I personally don't read BDSM or enjoy it to this level, so I can't comment on this part of the story. If others like BDSM they may like this part. I did think that the storyline of the impending war wasn't as fleshed out and if more of that story was in the book vs the romance it would've been better for me. I didn't like the abrupt ending or the very short epilogue that did nothing for the story. As the sneak peek into Shah Mat says, the answers will be given. The epilogue makes it seem like Slean gets redemption, which I hope happens.

[Shymsal · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one felt more hardcore than some of the others in this fairly out there series to me. I am aware the D/s is necessary for a lot of people who take too much onto themselves in matters of work and/or life in general - they're always so much the ones in charge, caring for others, that they have no ability to care for themselves or to step back and just be. But, somehow, the dynamic of this couple led me to not take Kim as a power IRL seriously. Perhaps it was his occasional feeling of "debasement" or "humiliation" at some of the things Ryan did. (I think those two emotions being part of love are a hard line for me. It never seemed to me like Ryan was intentionally debasing or humiliating him.) Or, perhaps, it was how deeply and quickly Kim submitted to Ryan, almost coming to feel personality-less to me.

[Nathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

bait and switch

Public domain fanfic, after five books of buildup.

Houston boasts more wise-beyond-their-years 18 year olds than any other place in the universe. Perhaps that’s the difference between private and public school education. Ryan with a high school diploma can run roughshod over a community of nonhumans and whip them into shape. Maybe being a fifteen year old baby Dom training for when he meets his sub/lifemate helped, but still, I have teenagers and I wouldn’t let them have a credit card, let alone millions of dollars of pixie dust.

Maybe I’ll read the next book, but halfway through this one, I started skipping.

[May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay. Do not read if you don’t want a cliffhanger!!! This is not a done series. And honestly so much happens that if you’re like me you’ll want to wait and binge them all. Now I have to wait. :( agh. I really should have checked if this was done before starting. Sigh.

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I wasn’t terribly interested in the characters who make up the love story featured in this book, despite my desire to continue the overall story. However, at this point, I have more than enough faith in Cody as an author and knew I’d get much more than I expected. Kim and Ryan don’t make much sense as a couple on the outside but don’t tell Ryan that. He learns about his true identity and meets his perfect match all at once, and along the way, he more than earns his position as one of the most effective members of the Houston Hub, despite his young age. And as usual, Cody once again puts a unique spin on the way this relationship develops. She adds a dose of “timey-whimey” to the instant connection that develops between the two men but never backs away from showing that Kim and Ryan must still put in the effort to make an actual relationship flourish.

Kim has been a bit of a dark horse throughout this overall series, and I found myself enjoying his character much more than I thought I would. His ability to see the threads of fate puts him in numerous difficult positions, and he does the best he can with the options available to him. Cody is so good at telling different layers of the same story by building on what we already (think we) know and introducing new wrinkles along the way. Though I predicted one plot twist ages ago, the knowledge does nothing to diminish the excitement and intrigue laced through the overarching plot line.

The battle between the gods is still the pinnacle of the adventure, but it is definitely secondary to the true threat. With Ryan’s perspective of the final battle comes another twist that upends everything I originally predicted about how this story would end. Cody is currently in the process of writing the final book of this series, and I’m so excited to find out what happens next.

[Tonya Kloiber · Rating 4 out of 5]

FOR ALL THE LOVE OF THE GODS (and they are ALL here), PLEASE READ THE SERIES IN ORDER. Realistically, you need to start with the Diviner's Series to truly understand all the nuances of this book. With that being said, I loved this book, but I did find it a little harder to follow and keep straight than the previous ones. I also had the same issue with Robbie and Chanda's book as well, so I blame the Diviners for mixing me up. The time line is basically the same as Pass and Capture, just told from Ryan and Kim's viewpoint. There really is so much info to keep straight, a notepad would not be a bad thing to have. I'm honestly amazed at Ms Cody's ability to keep it all straight herself, and to know that the end game is next. Now, Ryan and Kim...so hot. Ryan is feisty, powerful, and not afraid to be himself. He sees so much more in Kim than anyone else, and Kim responds to it in a manner that makes him an even more powerful person. The D/s dynamic is wonderfully written, especially when the s is the strong one, there in support of his D, who needs the help. I can't wait for Shah Mat, and will be ridiculously sad when this is all over, unless Ms Cody promises more from this world. I mean, there are SO MANY more characters that need stories, right? Matt and Deejay have like 100 kids. Keep up the amazing work Ms Cody!

[Christopher Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had a good descriptor for this author’s writing – the best I can come up with is immersive. The level of detail, the complexity of characters, the intensity of emotions, and the depth of conversations are all woven together into a wonderful book.

This is book 3 of the series but not the final, and while there are many revelations and hints as to “why,” there is still so much more to be disclosed! Again, the author amazed me with how she produced another book, technically about the same thing, but from a different perspective with different details to where it felt like a different story with a few familiar plot points. I don’t know how she juggles all the different angles and figures out when to reveal what, but each book builds on the experience, like a complex puzzle slowly revealing the full picture.

If you’ve read the prior books, you’ll adore this one. If you haven’t read the prior books, I strongly recommend it. Paranormal, romance, some kink (or a lot lol) and an amazing overarching plotline that’ll definitely engage your brain.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost ‘the end’

Need to know- this is the 3rd book of 4. You *must* read books one and two first. (This is also a spin-off from the Diviner’s Game series. Reading the first series is not absolutely necessary but will greatly improve your understanding and enjoyment of this story.)

This time around we follow Kim and Ryan through their part of the journey and boy did the author save the best for (almost) last. There is so much more going on than we thought. A whole other layer to this story. And it’s kind of heartbreaking but in a “it saves everyone and they all get a HEA” kind of way.
This is a huge read because there is a lot we need to know but it’s so wonderfully written, so full of detail, and honestly, some pretty hot sex. It’s well worth the extra time. I’ve already read it twice and I’m definitely keeping it on my ‘to read again’ list.

Just keep remembering- they get married Dec 1st ;)

[Holli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not think I would love this book as much as I did. Kim did not strike me as the most interesting character and I was so very wrong about that.

Kim Marduke is a Diviner and the Overseer of the Huston Hub. Kim is stoic and rarely speaks in anything but a monotone. Enter Ryan who sets his sights on Kim and moves full-tilt into the future that he has decided they will have together.

Ryan's character is sparkly and strong - definite "in-charge" energy. His flamboyant style is the perfect foil for the stern front Kim shows the world.

The way Jennifer Cody weaves this story together is masterful and while this book has a HFN ending there are aspects that may be considered cliff-hangerish. Make sure you have the next book ready to go, because the overall plot of the Shattered Pawns series is picking up speed and will be concluded in book 4 "Shah Mat".

Highly recommend this series

[Fernanda Fatio · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I’m enjoying the overall arc, I didn’t like the power dynamic between Ryan and Kim. Nothing in the previous books and in the Diviner’s Game series show us that Kim has a sub personality/kink/insight or that Ryan had a dominance kink since we are introduced to him as Gage fun and easy going friend. The personality change was too much. The control of the body and sexual parts is something that bothers me in a personal level and their public mating felt wrong to me. Qis and Monet has the same dom/sub dynamic but it feels more organic and natural due to Qis traumas and Monet history. Ryan, on the hand, feels like he is trying to hard to be something he is not, at least not yet. Several times Kim thinks about feeling humiliated and yet, the desire for Ryan’s approval trumps his own self-will. The way he submits makes me feel he grew up in a place where praise and love didn’t exist when we know it’s the opposite.

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd installment of Shattered Pawns series hits the ground running from the very beginning and doesn't let up. There is action, and intrigue, and heartbreaking betrayal, and an epic battle. And in the midst of all this is the beautiful and moving romance between Kim, the King of Houston and his Queen, Ryan. It seems like "insta-love" at first, but as the story progresses, the more you see how deep their love and commitment is. The dynamics of their Dom/Sub relationship is a surprise and seems unusual at first, but as their relationship grows, the more it "makes sense." The plot is very involved and can be confusing at times, even if you have read the previous 2 books, so this is not what I consider an "easy" read, but it so worth it.

[John-Torleif Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable romance, confusing plot

I’m not entirely sure that I understand why this book didn’t come before the prior one. The time travel was completely confusing in this book and I don’t really know how what I just read syncs up with everything we already know.

Having said that, I love the dynamic between Ryan and Kim. I love that Ryan knows what he wants, and what Kim needs, despite being so much more inexperienced in life. I am curious to see how Den and his mate fit into things, an what that means, in the bigger picture.

[E.Muddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better! And, Ryan and Kim are no exception. Their relationship dynamic is scorching hot, Ryan just bringing the passion and brightness to Kim’s life. I seriously adore these two! You most definitely have to have read the rest of the series before this one though - it is not a standalone. But, we do get a lot of explanations here, a lot more questions answered, and a storyline that keeps you on your toes the entire time. The world building is *chefs kiss* and the characters are amazingly well-fleshed out. I cannot wait for the next book!

[Tara Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok….. the world building in these books is mind blowing!! The author is a master at timing! When to reveal things, what to hold back, when to drop the big bombs! I’m never bored and I never predict all the twists and turns. It keeps things fresh and I can’t put these books down!

As for Ryan and Kim….. Whoa…… they may be my favorite couple ever! I love their dynamic. I love how they just accept it and so does everyone else. They are ridiculously hot together!

I CANNOT wait for the next book!! Well really anything this author writes!!

[CAROLINA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was dying for Ryan's book since the Diviner's Games Trilogy came out. He was one of my favorite side characters in that series and his book is amazing. Getting to know him better, seeing how smart and wonderful he is made me so happy.

I can't say I loved Kim, though I liked them as a couple. Their dynamic was well-fitting, it totally matched their characters, I think.

I like how the author plays with the timeline, slowly explaining events from the other books and revealing facts to enlighten the reader.

Can't wait for the next and last book to wrap everything up.

[Omi Salavea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me throw my phone

Okay, I got sucked into Shattered Pawns even though cliffhangers aren’t my thing, the characters are just beautifully built. However, there’s sooo many questions and theories and what-if’s floating at the end of Book 3 I literally yelled at my Kindle app during the last couple pages. Yes, what happens had me having a stern conversation with an inanimate electronic device. Ryan and Kim’s story is so beautiful that it’s heart-wrenching and now I absolutely have to read the next one.

[Alix Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book explain so much about what happen in the serie! This is volume 3 out of 4 and you definitely need to read them in order if you want to understand the storyline.
All made much more sense for me as we follow Kim and Ryan's POV, until we know more about the plot and I feel lost again! I feel like I figure out who is behind the war and then not (at least until the end of this book as it's finally revealed).
Loved Ryan so much, he is on of my favorite character from the Shattered Paws serie. Bright, unapologetic and soooo hot as a Dom! They have an incredible relationship with Kim!
Once again the author universe is well written, rich in paranormal and real elements that will keep you captive in the story.
Can't wait to read the last volume to have the full view of this epic story.

[DLB2572 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready For More Shattered Pawns

OMG! What is Jennifer Cody doing to us with this series? It is even better and more intriguing than its predecessor, The Diviner's Game Series. This is my favorite book and mates so far. Ryan and Kim seem to be an integral part of what's going on but their actions are hampered at every turn. I'm on pins and needles waiting for the next book to see how things play out.

[Annie Elm · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many strings

I really enjoyed Kim and Ryans side of the story and I love the dynamic between them.
Kim might be the one I control of the Houston Hub, but Ryan is the Queen and in control of Kim.
It was interesting to see what was going on from this point of view and we finally got to see who the Nothing Man is and why he's cutting and putting strings together and who took Monets brother.

[JILL Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally absorbing

This series is just like eating your favourite cake, anticipation, appreciation,indigestion. As you read this story which for me cannot be rushed as I have to think about the portion I have read, you find that there are layers to the story that are interspersed with the proceeding stories and with also be with stories yet to come. It is very clearly written and I cannot give it enough praise. Please read in book order but please do consider reading it.

[LaTasha Streets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on tight

This is a fast ride. I mean a nonstop rollercoaster of emotions, action and answers. But non the less we still have no real ending. We do have all the players for sure. I'm about to go to the next book and to the end of this never ending war. All I have left to say is that I love this series. Heck this universe that Jennifer Cody has pulled me into.

Thank you again, Jennifer Cody. I appreciate you and love all your books so far.

[Tessa Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim and Ryan were so enjoyable to read. I really enjoyed their differences and how they are together. This book is the 3rd in the series and much easier to understand what’s going on if you’ve read the 1st two. The story keeps you on your toes and i was never sure where it was going next . I’m sure I’ve said it on previous reviews of these books but i love the world Jennifer Cody has built.