What do you think?
Rate this book
Jacky Leon #6
Royal Pawn
I’m Jacqueline, daughter of Hasan, ruling werecat of the Americas, the werecat liaison to humanity, and the lover of Heath Everson, Alpha werewolf. But I go by Jacky Leon and no one knows about the werewolf.
Some time ago, I met a fae and his family while on the run. They helped me, and for his own reasons, the fae had given me a gift. I never went looking for him. I knew the name he gave me and I did my best not to think too hard about it, him, or his family.
Life has a fun way of bringing things back because he's the lost king of the fae and now everyone knows. People who want him to take back the throne, people who want to kill him so he can’t, and people who want to hurt those he loves just to see him hurt.
And I’m the werecat he gave a gift, just in case he ever needed someone to protect his innocent human wife. I’m now a pawn in a deadly clash of fae powers the likes of which has never been seen.
Brin knows even a pawn can change the game.
Especially this pawn.
Some time ago, I met a fae and his family while on the run. They helped me, and for his own reasons, the fae had given me a gift. I never went looking for him. I knew the name he gave me and I did my best not to think too hard about it, him, or his family.
Life has a fun way of bringing things back because he's the lost king of the fae and now everyone knows. People who want him to take back the throne, people who want to kill him so he can’t, and people who want to hurt those he loves just to see him hurt.
And I’m the werecat he gave a gift, just in case he ever needed someone to protect his innocent human wife. I’m now a pawn in a deadly clash of fae powers the likes of which has never been seen.
Brin knows even a pawn can change the game.
Especially this pawn.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 13, 2021
508 people are currently reading
447 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!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
October 14, 2021
This is sixth in a UF series that you should read in order. Seriously. Also, it is connected to the Kaliya Sahni books. Actually, I have a beef with that because this reveals things that haven't happened yet in that series (I presume in a book that is scheduled for publication next month). I'm caught up with both. I should not be getting an unannounced spoiler! I tried to keep these in sync! Kaliya even shows up in this one and has dialogue with Jacky and everything. That's more crossover than we've had before, so breaking publication order surety is killing me.
By now, you know what to expect. It has lots of that. This time, the fae are messing around with Jacky and a bit of blackmail and call to Duty get her messed up in the fae court politics. Which is why Sorcha and Cassius become pivotal figures (they're from the Kaliya books, too) and being caught up with that series really leant some depth to those interactions. Only that wasn't all good.
The fae suck pretty hard, but we knew that. Getting sucked into that mess was, well, messy. It doesn't help that the human Jacky is called to protect is a whiney, self-deluded idiot with no sense of self preservation. So she grated on me more than a little.
The pace rocked, and the story was strong and the plot compelling. Plus, the Jacky and Heath romance has some lovely developments that will have repercussions in following books I can't wait to catch up to.
But what was Banet thinking to .
So between the Kaliya spoiler and the hooie that's in the paragraph above, I'm downgrading a star to four. Love everything about the actual main characters, Jacky and Heath. Much of everything else was kind of outstanding. But man, some bits really chapped my hide.
A note about Steamy: This is the second in the series to have an explicit sex scene, and like the first, it was short and entirely necessary. It's the low end of my steam tolerance and very well-done, I think.
By now, you know what to expect. It has lots of that. This time, the fae are messing around with Jacky and a bit of blackmail and call to Duty get her messed up in the fae court politics. Which is why Sorcha and Cassius become pivotal figures (they're from the Kaliya books, too) and being caught up with that series really leant some depth to those interactions. Only that wasn't all good.
The fae suck pretty hard, but we knew that. Getting sucked into that mess was, well, messy. It doesn't help that the human Jacky is called to protect is a whiney, self-deluded idiot with no sense of self preservation. So she grated on me more than a little.
The pace rocked, and the story was strong and the plot compelling. Plus, the Jacky and Heath romance has some lovely developments that will have repercussions in following books I can't wait to catch up to.
But what was Banet thinking to .
So between the Kaliya spoiler and the hooie that's in the paragraph above, I'm downgrading a star to four. Love everything about the actual main characters, Jacky and Heath. Much of everything else was kind of outstanding. But man, some bits really chapped my hide.
A note about Steamy: This is the second in the series to have an explicit sex scene, and like the first, it was short and entirely necessary. It's the low end of my steam tolerance and very well-done, I think.
September 4, 2021
Jacky Leon lived a quiet life tending bar until a werewolf war landed on her doorstep. She was called to duty and forced to act as the protector for the human daughter of one of the werewolves doing battle.
That set her on the path and in Royal Pawn she has gone full circle. She is once again called to duty to protect a human, this time the human wife of a fae king in hiding.
Royal Pawn is very much a transitional book. It moves Jacky Leon's story forward and sets the scene for future books. At the end there isn't much in the way of resolution, there are a lot of loose ends which will be dealt with later. The story was good, not great, but it was also necessary.
That set her on the path and in Royal Pawn she has gone full circle. She is once again called to duty to protect a human, this time the human wife of a fae king in hiding.
Royal Pawn is very much a transitional book. It moves Jacky Leon's story forward and sets the scene for future books. At the end there isn't much in the way of resolution, there are a lot of loose ends which will be dealt with later. The story was good, not great, but it was also necessary.
July 14, 2021
UPDATE
•18th February 2021
Dunno how I’m going to pass the time between now and July. Where’s a time machine when you need one?
•30th April 2021
Hard to believe it’s only been about two months and a half, more or less. I could’ve sworn that it’s been more than that.. But alas. The wait is still long :,(
•13th June 2021
Finally. Just a month left. We’ve weathered through it people, but there’s still the last lap left. We can do it ✊🏽.
•1st July 2021
Less than two weeks. I honestly don’t know how I haven’t lost my mind yet. Can the world leaders come together and pass a universal bill stating authors have to release the entire series set at once rather than gradually? Idk I feel like waiting till 2056 to get the whole set rather than torturing myself for years would be better for my impatiently patient self.
•FINALLY
After months of waiting here we are. I’m actually a little speechless right now. The ending was very unexpected yet it also wasn’t.
Truth be told I thought Cassius-Sorcha relationship would be either explained via KS series or they’d get their own series, the latter of which I wasn’t really that hyped about considering all the major spoilers in KS. If there’s one thing I dislike it’s reading overlapping themes in two connected series. While KS and JL were both written in the Tribunal world in the same timeline, at the start they were so very different. Plus Kaliya and Jacky their personalities are very different so it wasn’t like we were reading a copy paste spin off series.
The main reason for giving the book four not five stars is that honestly. I love JL and this book wasn’t any different. I still love it but I guess not as much as I loved the first few books. I felt a little as though it was Cassius and Sorcha that were the main characters and not Jacky and Heath. I guess it makes sense they’d be in the spotlight considering this was a fae related incident, but still. If we think about the ending, nothing bad bad bad honestly happened to Jacky or Heath. Just something we’ve been expecting to happen. There wasn’t the wow factor present when it came to both of them. The wow factor was on the other hand related to the Fae couple. The author explained at the end that what happened in this book would have a long term ripple effect on all of her upcoming installments so I guess that means we’re going to be seeing more fae activity in JL series?
The other part I wasn’t a fan of was the spoiler for the KS series. Though I guess the term ‘spoiler’ can only be used based on your personal definition of the word. Royal pawn takes place after the end of KS series so. The fact that KS ending is mentioned at all is a bit disappointing. Okay, Cassius and Sorcha are bffs with Kaliya and Raphael, but does that honestly need to seep into the JL series unless Kaliya herself is involved? I mean I can understand passing remarks or an odd comment here or there, but ‘exposing’ the ending, wasn’t really expecting nor am I a fan of that. Some would argue that it wasn’t a spoiler and that KS readers could have theorized that ‘ending’ themselves by reading the already published four books. While I agree, reading that particular paragraph didn’t really give me a nice feeling at all. Rather I felt a little let down. The excitement I had built up towards reading the last two KS books have somehow just. Poof. *evaporate*
So that’s why I think I’ll gather up my resolve and wait until Banet has published all the books of KS and most of JL series before I read them again. [ I say that but see me get the book the day it’s released and go on a marathon (,: ] I really will try though. The tribunal archives is my first series? Uhh series’?? I’m reading that are interconnected with each other. Usually if I read one series in a particular world, I won’t read the other. Might’ve lost a good number of awesome reads that way but I just generally dislike it. I had high hopes for the tribunal archives and was planning on reading all of them. While those hopes haven’t been dashed yet, spoilers like this don’t really help either.
Overall I was a bit sad with the book but it’s still a JL book so I will still hold on to it tightly.
•18th February 2021
Dunno how I’m going to pass the time between now and July. Where’s a time machine when you need one?
•30th April 2021
Hard to believe it’s only been about two months and a half, more or less. I could’ve sworn that it’s been more than that.. But alas. The wait is still long :,(
•13th June 2021
Finally. Just a month left. We’ve weathered through it people, but there’s still the last lap left. We can do it ✊🏽.
•1st July 2021
Less than two weeks. I honestly don’t know how I haven’t lost my mind yet. Can the world leaders come together and pass a universal bill stating authors have to release the entire series set at once rather than gradually? Idk I feel like waiting till 2056 to get the whole set rather than torturing myself for years would be better for my impatiently patient self.
•FINALLY
After months of waiting here we are. I’m actually a little speechless right now. The ending was very unexpected yet it also wasn’t.
Truth be told I thought Cassius-Sorcha relationship would be either explained via KS series or they’d get their own series, the latter of which I wasn’t really that hyped about considering all the major spoilers in KS. If there’s one thing I dislike it’s reading overlapping themes in two connected series. While KS and JL were both written in the Tribunal world in the same timeline, at the start they were so very different. Plus Kaliya and Jacky their personalities are very different so it wasn’t like we were reading a copy paste spin off series.
The main reason for giving the book four not five stars is that honestly. I love JL and this book wasn’t any different. I still love it but I guess not as much as I loved the first few books. I felt a little as though it was Cassius and Sorcha that were the main characters and not Jacky and Heath. I guess it makes sense they’d be in the spotlight considering this was a fae related incident, but still. If we think about the ending, nothing bad bad bad honestly happened to Jacky or Heath. Just something we’ve been expecting to happen. There wasn’t the wow factor present when it came to both of them. The wow factor was on the other hand related to the Fae couple. The author explained at the end that what happened in this book would have a long term ripple effect on all of her upcoming installments so I guess that means we’re going to be seeing more fae activity in JL series?
The other part I wasn’t a fan of was the spoiler for the KS series. Though I guess the term ‘spoiler’ can only be used based on your personal definition of the word. Royal pawn takes place after the end of KS series so. The fact that KS ending is mentioned at all is a bit disappointing. Okay, Cassius and Sorcha are bffs with Kaliya and Raphael, but does that honestly need to seep into the JL series unless Kaliya herself is involved? I mean I can understand passing remarks or an odd comment here or there, but ‘exposing’ the ending, wasn’t really expecting nor am I a fan of that. Some would argue that it wasn’t a spoiler and that KS readers could have theorized that ‘ending’ themselves by reading the already published four books. While I agree, reading that particular paragraph didn’t really give me a nice feeling at all. Rather I felt a little let down. The excitement I had built up towards reading the last two KS books have somehow just. Poof. *evaporate*
So that’s why I think I’ll gather up my resolve and wait until Banet has published all the books of KS and most of JL series before I read them again. [ I say that but see me get the book the day it’s released and go on a marathon (,: ] I really will try though. The tribunal archives is my first series? Uhh series’?? I’m reading that are interconnected with each other. Usually if I read one series in a particular world, I won’t read the other. Might’ve lost a good number of awesome reads that way but I just generally dislike it. I had high hopes for the tribunal archives and was planning on reading all of them. While those hopes haven’t been dashed yet, spoilers like this don’t really help either.
Overall I was a bit sad with the book but it’s still a JL book so I will still hold on to it tightly.
April 5, 2023
It was so freaking good. This series just makes me so happy.
I know there are a lot of characters from the Kaliya series in this book, which was a surprise. I actually haven't read that series yet. I plan to, but from what I've heard in friend reviews, it's pretty different in tone and tends towards cliffhangers, and cliffhangers drive me a bit bananas, so I figured I would wait for the series to finish. I think it is done now? So I'm going to jump in.
And probably follow that with a re-read of this series, because man I love this series.
I can't freaking wait to see what happens next. Jacky and Heath give me all the warm fuzzies. And goddamnit Hasan, you better not let me down. >.<
I know there are a lot of characters from the Kaliya series in this book, which was a surprise. I actually haven't read that series yet. I plan to, but from what I've heard in friend reviews, it's pretty different in tone and tends towards cliffhangers, and cliffhangers drive me a bit bananas, so I figured I would wait for the series to finish. I think it is done now? So I'm going to jump in.
And probably follow that with a re-read of this series, because man I love this series.
I can't freaking wait to see what happens next. Jacky and Heath give me all the warm fuzzies. And goddamnit Hasan, you better not let me down. >.<
July 14, 2021
Filler book in the series - and a little disappointing!
This book was a more tell than show. Unlike previous books, it focused more on moving the overall series plotline forward than having a well thought out plot by in itself. No doubt, I am anticipating reading the next book because of the major changes brought about during this book, but the book itself was lacking in action, strategy and substance.
The most annoying part was how much this book focused on introducing new characters for another series in the same universe. And for someone who had not read Kaliya Sahni books before, it was not as exciting to read about the those characters. I would have like more Jacky and Heath.
The worst part of the book, in my opinion, was that it didn't make much sense! The entire plot was based on Jacky and Heath being inconsistent with reader's previous impressions.
All this does not mean there were no good parts in the book! In fact, I am very much excited to know more about And I can't wait for the next book to be out in December!
In conclusion, could the book have been better? Yes, definitely. Was it disappointing? A little. Am I anticipating the next book in the series? Of course! Just as I am looking forward to reading more of Cassius and Scorcha.
This book was a more tell than show. Unlike previous books, it focused more on moving the overall series plotline forward than having a well thought out plot by in itself. No doubt, I am anticipating reading the next book because of the major changes brought about during this book, but the book itself was lacking in action, strategy and substance.
The most annoying part was how much this book focused on introducing new characters for another series in the same universe. And for someone who had not read Kaliya Sahni books before, it was not as exciting to read about the those characters. I would have like more Jacky and Heath.
The worst part of the book, in my opinion, was that it didn't make much sense! The entire plot was based on Jacky and Heath being inconsistent with reader's previous impressions.
All this does not mean there were no good parts in the book! In fact, I am very much excited to know more about And I can't wait for the next book to be out in December!
In conclusion, could the book have been better? Yes, definitely. Was it disappointing? A little. Am I anticipating the next book in the series? Of course! Just as I am looking forward to reading more of Cassius and Scorcha.
July 15, 2021
Jacky
This book was a hard one to get through, I usually love the Jacky books! But this one was my least favorite. Now I loved heath and jacky in this book, there is so much that has built between them, And they are seriously in love. We have waited forever for this moment, and now that we are here I'm just hoping they get a happy ending! Do I see that in the Near future? No. There was a lot of bad that happened in this book, and I just feel so bad for Jacky. Finally after everything she's done, her family ties strong, we just got sent back to square one. It hard to watch ur favorite character not be on top as she has to constantly fight. I was sad that brin ended up being a real f%%%! I was sad for his sons! I hated Fiona with the heat of a thousands suns! Yes, this book had a lot that just made me seriously growl at times. The ending ripped my heart out! But I will continue to read on with this series no matter how many books deep we are! This story is one of my all time favorites. I'm just hoping for Jacky to finally get everything she's ever wanted and more.
This book was a hard one to get through, I usually love the Jacky books! But this one was my least favorite. Now I loved heath and jacky in this book, there is so much that has built between them, And they are seriously in love. We have waited forever for this moment, and now that we are here I'm just hoping they get a happy ending! Do I see that in the Near future? No. There was a lot of bad that happened in this book, and I just feel so bad for Jacky. Finally after everything she's done, her family ties strong, we just got sent back to square one. It hard to watch ur favorite character not be on top as she has to constantly fight. I was sad that brin ended up being a real f%%%! I was sad for his sons! I hated Fiona with the heat of a thousands suns! Yes, this book had a lot that just made me seriously growl at times. The ending ripped my heart out! But I will continue to read on with this series no matter how many books deep we are! This story is one of my all time favorites. I'm just hoping for Jacky to finally get everything she's ever wanted and more.
January 25, 2022
3.5/5.0
Still loving this series. Still adore the characters and enjoy the storylines. This one in particular, however, just wasn’t as much to my taste. I’m not really into all the fae worlds, species etc, etc. And what was with the scene near the end? One of the most refreshing and intriguing new characters is killed off?!
*Oh, and can I mention that I LOVE that this entire series is cliff-hanger free?!? I am purchasing every single book because they are just that good and I want to read more. Not because the author has blackmailed me into it.*
Still loving this series. Still adore the characters and enjoy the storylines. This one in particular, however, just wasn’t as much to my taste. I’m not really into all the fae worlds, species etc, etc. And what was with the scene near the end? One of the most refreshing and intriguing new characters is killed off?!
*Oh, and can I mention that I LOVE that this entire series is cliff-hanger free?!? I am purchasing every single book because they are just that good and I want to read more. Not because the author has blackmailed me into it.*
July 2, 2024
Miss Banet you’re a goddess.
This 6th installment was a masterpiece! I love this series so much and words can’t convey how amazing it is. I love to see the growth of all those characters and to watch them overcome great challenges in order to be happy.
I’m really invest into this world and I’m speechless and in awe with K. Banet writing style and the way she unfolds her stories.
This book didn’t disappoint and the quality of the writing/storytelling is consistent.
I’m impressed because usually when series are too long there’s kind of a letdown with how the world progress or it’s a bit boring but not with Miss Banet, the world is more rich and complex than before and the characters are evolving, growing and you want to know what’s going to happen next.
I’ve read almost her entire backlist and let me tell you: if you haven’t picked a book from her yet you NEED to do it. You won’t be disappointed. This series is fantastic and it’s getting better each books after the other! Her Age of Andinna series is truly one of the greatest epic fantasy series of this decade and this series is starting to follow this path as well into the paranormal genre.
This 6th installment was a masterpiece! I love this series so much and words can’t convey how amazing it is. I love to see the growth of all those characters and to watch them overcome great challenges in order to be happy.
I’m really invest into this world and I’m speechless and in awe with K. Banet writing style and the way she unfolds her stories.
This book didn’t disappoint and the quality of the writing/storytelling is consistent.
I’m impressed because usually when series are too long there’s kind of a letdown with how the world progress or it’s a bit boring but not with Miss Banet, the world is more rich and complex than before and the characters are evolving, growing and you want to know what’s going to happen next.
I’ve read almost her entire backlist and let me tell you: if you haven’t picked a book from her yet you NEED to do it. You won’t be disappointed. This series is fantastic and it’s getting better each books after the other! Her Age of Andinna series is truly one of the greatest epic fantasy series of this decade and this series is starting to follow this path as well into the paranormal genre.
August 4, 2021
Loved this installment in the Jacky Leon series. Maybe it is just Jacky and Heath working together. Maybe it is the action that ensues. Maybe it is just the world that I love. Maybe it is the relationships. I dunno exactly what it is here. Ms. Banet writes very nice length stories that are available on KU and they do not feel like chapters of a story - they feel like books. Even with the sadness here (and there is definitely sadness), it doesn't overwhelm and I cannot wait for the next one.
January 3, 2022
I'm out at this point. The author has trouble keeping continuity between books (and sometimes within books). In one book, she buys Oliver a car; in the next, she is helping him go buy a car because he needs one. She goes to her family for Thanksgiving but then spent it with Heath and his family. Back stories and character personalities also change in ways that don't make sense. I'm bored at this point, and I don't particularly like Jackie who seems to think her morality and judgment of right and wrong is superior to anyone else's.
July 15, 2021
4.25 - I need the next book in the series now! I have been reading both the Jacky Leon Series and the Kaliya Sahni (KS) Series as they come out and Royal Pawn had spoilers for the next the upcoming Legends due out in November '21, so if you are reading both wait! I love this world and the characters and am glad to hear it isn't over for their world as additional books will be released in the larger Tribunal Stories Universe which encompasses both Jacky Leon and Kaliya Sahni. We end on a huge cliffhanger, but an exciting one. I feel things changing dramatically for many.
Side note: the cover makes zero sense to me. Lol
Side note: the cover makes zero sense to me. Lol
July 13, 2021
Fae fkn tastic. Also wow rip my heart out why dont you? I love this series. Honestly its amazing & im hoping December comes quickly because gods i need the next book NOW. I want to be punny and say im glad the cat is out of the bag but i have a feeling my hearts going to go through a meat grinder and probably wont get a lot of happy cuteness. But damn that end scene though 😍
September 13, 2021
Chuckle count: 30
July 14, 2021
One thing I can say about K.N. Banet is that her storylines are unique and certainly doesn’t always follow an expected path. You never know the fate of the characters you love or hate. That is certainly the case in “Royal Pawn.”
Our story begins with Carey being bullied at school. When she takes matters into her own hands Heath and Jacky realize that they must find a way to correct the situation before she becomes at risk of being taken away.
To make matters worse King Brion shows up at Jacky’s door with a call of duty. He wants Jacky and Heath to protect his human wife, Fiona or he will reveal their relationship to Jacky’s werecat family as well the werewolves. He is devious and without remorse.
Before they can consider their options, they are attacked by Fae assassins. It seems, Brion’s older son and current King is trying to ensure he will remain on the throne. This is where things get interesting. Fiona, Rian, Jacky and Heath in up in the fairy realm of none other than Cassius and Sorcha. They are two Fae characters from the Kaliya Sahni series. It seems Cassius is one of Brion’s sons.
Without revealing any spoilers the status quo is now gone. No holds barred. War is brewing, secrets will be revealed and life is never going to be the same for any of the characters from either series. This read was packed full of selfishness and deceit. Unfortunately, it ends up taking the life of one of my favorite characters.
If you haven’t discovered this series or the Kaliya Sahni series do yourself a favor and put both of them on your to read list. You won’t regret it.
Our story begins with Carey being bullied at school. When she takes matters into her own hands Heath and Jacky realize that they must find a way to correct the situation before she becomes at risk of being taken away.
To make matters worse King Brion shows up at Jacky’s door with a call of duty. He wants Jacky and Heath to protect his human wife, Fiona or he will reveal their relationship to Jacky’s werecat family as well the werewolves. He is devious and without remorse.
Before they can consider their options, they are attacked by Fae assassins. It seems, Brion’s older son and current King is trying to ensure he will remain on the throne. This is where things get interesting. Fiona, Rian, Jacky and Heath in up in the fairy realm of none other than Cassius and Sorcha. They are two Fae characters from the Kaliya Sahni series. It seems Cassius is one of Brion’s sons.
Without revealing any spoilers the status quo is now gone. No holds barred. War is brewing, secrets will be revealed and life is never going to be the same for any of the characters from either series. This read was packed full of selfishness and deceit. Unfortunately, it ends up taking the life of one of my favorite characters.
If you haven’t discovered this series or the Kaliya Sahni series do yourself a favor and put both of them on your to read list. You won’t regret it.
July 14, 2021
It’s no secret I love this series. I always have high hopes for each new installment & the devious author did not let me down . 5 🔥 The plot line moves forward stars.
What to expect:
Friendships were tried.
Enemies were made.
Secrets revealed.
Family ties were tested.
Tribunals seats threatened.
Assassination attempts & “crowns” dispatched.
Lies were told.
All is not as it seems.
What to expect:
Friendships were tried.
Enemies were made.
Secrets revealed.
Family ties were tested.
Tribunals seats threatened.
Assassination attempts & “crowns” dispatched.
Lies were told.
All is not as it seems.
January 14, 2022
The fae move from a supporting role into center stage in this edition of Jacky Leon. There is some cross-over here with the author's other series (Kaliya Sahni), which I haven't read. A lot more focused on romance than any other book in the series and ends with a big reveal. I am looking forward to seeing where the next book takes us.
September 1, 2021
Can I please have the next one right now, thank you 😁
This mourning period sucks so hard and it only just started.
This mourning period sucks so hard and it only just started.
July 25, 2023
Really wanna give this 5 but that character death at the ending is costing a star
July 19, 2021
Wonderful Addition as expected. I love this series and the character development is unreal!
September 16, 2025
4 1/2 and it was on the line. Still really good
The King of the Fae manipulates and they probably would've done it anyway. We get a real view into the Fae politics, the King, his sons and how he changes and changes back. The son She is pretty much a loner so she has one adult relationship not of her family, Heath and those she picks up through her bar and through her family or Heath's. It is very female light, really friend light up to this book as she makes headway with Landon, Dirk and Oliver though all of them are either employee, or family (Heath's). Heath's teenager and her sisters are pretty much it as female friends. Cassius really made a story in itself. Maybe he is the Pawn of the title and not Jacky. The Naga assassin Kaliya Sahni, the other series in the world plays a part in the end. Lot's of family avoidance for Jacky though there are conversations.
reread 2025 September - Did not like this as much on reread as it moves slowly for what we know is coming as a reread. You can see the mistakes that don't add well.
The King of the Fae manipulates and they probably would've done it anyway. We get a real view into the Fae politics, the King, his sons and how he changes and changes back. The son She is pretty much a loner so she has one adult relationship not of her family, Heath and those she picks up through her bar and through her family or Heath's. It is very female light, really friend light up to this book as she makes headway with Landon, Dirk and Oliver though all of them are either employee, or family (Heath's). Heath's teenager and her sisters are pretty much it as female friends. Cassius really made a story in itself. Maybe he is the Pawn of the title and not Jacky. The Naga assassin Kaliya Sahni, the other series in the world plays a part in the end. Lot's of family avoidance for Jacky though there are conversations.
reread 2025 September - Did not like this as much on reread as it moves slowly for what we know is coming as a reread. You can see the mistakes that don't add well.
July 14, 2021
If You’ve Come This Far In The Series, Definitely Don’t Stop Now
Though this book did not feel like it moved at the same fairly quick pace of the last, the author still managed to pack a lot in. I love watching the depiction of a healthy couple that Jackie and Heath present. They support and push one another as needed and, most importantly, COMMUNICATE!
I’m too lazy and am still reeling from those last chapters to give a cohesive summary, but I think the book’s description does a good enough job of that. What I will say is that we’re left on a familial and supernatural cliffhanger that I am simultaneously dreading and waiting eagerly to find out what happens next with. I love the family Jackie has built in her teritory, and watching the bonds between her were-family deepen. Even with things ending in a bit of chaos, there is still so much love in Jackie’s world to keep her grounded. Love, support, and secondary storylines I enjoy watching play out. I’m happy for the people Jackie has in her corner, but also knowing the title of that next book.. she just can’t catch a break.
I just hope that the event foreshadowed in that last chapter happens somewhere in the midsts of the chaos that’s sure to come.
I[‘’m also now curious about Kaliya’s storyline in a way I hadn’t been before. And I’m excited about the short story with Zuri. (She’s definitely my favorite of Jackie’s siblings.)
Though this book did not feel like it moved at the same fairly quick pace of the last, the author still managed to pack a lot in. I love watching the depiction of a healthy couple that Jackie and Heath present. They support and push one another as needed and, most importantly, COMMUNICATE!
I’m too lazy and am still reeling from those last chapters to give a cohesive summary, but I think the book’s description does a good enough job of that. What I will say is that we’re left on a familial and supernatural cliffhanger that I am simultaneously dreading and waiting eagerly to find out what happens next with. I love the family Jackie has built in her teritory, and watching the bonds between her were-family deepen. Even with things ending in a bit of chaos, there is still so much love in Jackie’s world to keep her grounded. Love, support, and secondary storylines I enjoy watching play out. I’m happy for the people Jackie has in her corner, but also knowing the title of that next book.. she just can’t catch a break.
I just hope that the event foreshadowed in that last chapter happens somewhere in the midsts of the chaos that’s sure to come.
I[‘’m also now curious about Kaliya’s storyline in a way I hadn’t been before. And I’m excited about the short story with Zuri. (She’s definitely my favorite of Jackie’s siblings.)
December 26, 2021
The story starts well, but gets bogged down quite quickly. Unlike most readers I could happily do without Heath and I often find whenever authors start introducing fae it usually has a negative effect on the story, especially when it involves royalty and their ridiculous behaviour.
The problem for me is that fae magic can cover-up so many plot problems and make things happen that really shouldn’t. The author then has the excuse It’s Magic!.
There were aspects of the story I liked, but as I suspected the inclusion of fae royalty just made the story a mess and Jacky was pretty much a passenger through the whole book. Finally it had a very unsatisfactory ending. Overall it was my least favourite book of the series. If possible I would have given 1.5 stars, I might have made this up to two, but after finishing and thinking about the story I realised I wished I hadn’t read the book at all.
The problem for me is that fae magic can cover-up so many plot problems and make things happen that really shouldn’t. The author then has the excuse It’s Magic!.
There were aspects of the story I liked, but as I suspected the inclusion of fae royalty just made the story a mess and Jacky was pretty much a passenger through the whole book. Finally it had a very unsatisfactory ending. Overall it was my least favourite book of the series. If possible I would have given 1.5 stars, I might have made this up to two, but after finishing and thinking about the story I realised I wished I hadn’t read the book at all.
July 7, 2024
4.25 stars - Cassius and Sorcha omg, I am not ok I love them! I haven’t even read the Kaliya series but I’m so invested with these two, looking forward to the continuation of their story. I need more Fae politics, their world is so interesting. I love Jacky & Heath so much, love them in action as well as being domestic, how their bond and dynamic continues to grow and change is really interesting and I just love the way KN Banet writes, I’m always hooked.
July 16, 2021
Interesting
I absolutely love this series and it's one I chomp at the bit waiting for the book to drop. Finished this in a day. I almost don't want this to end but I feel it coming. We start off with an unusually great day for our girl Jacky and then like a Monday morning on speed things go straight to hell. We are coming close to the point where I start to wonder how much more bad luck can the main character take. I would like to see her come to someone else's rescue with out it affecting her life in a bad way.
As was hinted in the last book, the consequences of Alina finding out who gave the gift of mindspeak finally comes to a head. There is so much to say but all of it would take away from pertinent parts in the book. We get a little look into the cost of coming out for the werewolves. It breaks your heart a bit.
The fae, their convoluted lives and polices are at the forefront of the story. Jacky and Heath find friends and new allies in the most unexpected of places. This was about levels to relationships, the levels to love, what ppl do for love and the different consequences that may come from that.
There were some serious bums in this series. I really wanted to reach in and pimp smack a couple of characters. There was a person here I really really would have liked to push their ungrateful behind in front of a deranged werewolf. And I will stop there.
All in all, this did not disappoint. You had a story, drama, action, a lil bit of a "good time" and more questions. That ending tho! Can't wait to see where things go next and I'm glad we don't have too long to wait.
I absolutely love this series and it's one I chomp at the bit waiting for the book to drop. Finished this in a day. I almost don't want this to end but I feel it coming. We start off with an unusually great day for our girl Jacky and then like a Monday morning on speed things go straight to hell. We are coming close to the point where I start to wonder how much more bad luck can the main character take. I would like to see her come to someone else's rescue with out it affecting her life in a bad way.
As was hinted in the last book, the consequences of Alina finding out who gave the gift of mindspeak finally comes to a head. There is so much to say but all of it would take away from pertinent parts in the book. We get a little look into the cost of coming out for the werewolves. It breaks your heart a bit.
The fae, their convoluted lives and polices are at the forefront of the story. Jacky and Heath find friends and new allies in the most unexpected of places. This was about levels to relationships, the levels to love, what ppl do for love and the different consequences that may come from that.
There were some serious bums in this series. I really wanted to reach in and pimp smack a couple of characters. There was a person here I really really would have liked to push their ungrateful behind in front of a deranged werewolf. And I will stop there.
All in all, this did not disappoint. You had a story, drama, action, a lil bit of a "good time" and more questions. That ending tho! Can't wait to see where things go next and I'm glad we don't have too long to wait.
July 21, 2021
One would hope that the drama and intrigue that has stalked Jacky and Heath since book 1 would take a break and let these two wonderful characters breathe.... and it does, for a short while. Honestly though, what kind of story would it be if the excitement was waylaid for the entire narrative? Not a Jacky Leon tale, that's for sure.
This book finally brings to the fore the mysteries of the recent past, bringing back a questionable character and showcasing all the ways a good deed can go so incredibly wrong.... if it was a good deed to begin with. Nefarious, manipulative and sometimes cringy, the wealth of faces in book 6 are both familiar and new. Kalyia's storyline intersects more promptly in this installment than in others, cutting across the narrative while dumping frequent flyers in that narrative over to this side. And what a wonderful addition they make! I have so many questions - but I have a feeling we'll get the answers in the next Jacky book, or when Kalyia's "Legends" drops soon.
"Royal Pawn" is another launching-off point for this extensive series, one that drags issues into the light and makes it clear that the characters can't ignore certain situations any longer. Some things are advanced.... and consequences and repercussions are obviously brewing. Book 7 promises to be explosive and I can't wait to see how this all falls out.
This book finally brings to the fore the mysteries of the recent past, bringing back a questionable character and showcasing all the ways a good deed can go so incredibly wrong.... if it was a good deed to begin with. Nefarious, manipulative and sometimes cringy, the wealth of faces in book 6 are both familiar and new. Kalyia's storyline intersects more promptly in this installment than in others, cutting across the narrative while dumping frequent flyers in that narrative over to this side. And what a wonderful addition they make! I have so many questions - but I have a feeling we'll get the answers in the next Jacky book, or when Kalyia's "Legends" drops soon.
"Royal Pawn" is another launching-off point for this extensive series, one that drags issues into the light and makes it clear that the characters can't ignore certain situations any longer. Some things are advanced.... and consequences and repercussions are obviously brewing. Book 7 promises to be explosive and I can't wait to see how this all falls out.
July 8, 2021
I was given a copy for an honest review. My honest review is HOLY CRAP!
I absolutely love this series! This latest installment does not disappoint; it is fast paced, full of ups and downs. You have very little time to catch your breathe. I could not put this book down. I literally finished it in a very long evening. There was no good place to set the book down.
I am thrilled that Jacky and Heath are finding their footing in their relationship. They are going to have be strong in order for it to survive all the opposition they are going to face.
The Fae that gave Jacky her mind speak while in her animal form has decided to call in the boon for giving her the ability. She is to keep his wife safe from assassination. Though I understand Fiona's (the wife) selfishness and not understanding of this new world she is thrust into; I was still frustrated with her. I really wanted Jacky to give her a good Gibs slap (NCIS reference). I absolutely love Cassius and what happens to him has totally blown my mind. Let's hope that Oberon and Titania can reverse this huge in my humble opinion mistake. I fall in love with characters and its hard when things do not work out as I want. Do not wait to start this book. Grab it and make sure you have a long evening or weekend to do nothing but enjoy this series. If you have not started the series you need to read them in order. You will not be disappointed I promise.
I absolutely love this series! This latest installment does not disappoint; it is fast paced, full of ups and downs. You have very little time to catch your breathe. I could not put this book down. I literally finished it in a very long evening. There was no good place to set the book down.
I am thrilled that Jacky and Heath are finding their footing in their relationship. They are going to have be strong in order for it to survive all the opposition they are going to face.
The Fae that gave Jacky her mind speak while in her animal form has decided to call in the boon for giving her the ability. She is to keep his wife safe from assassination. Though I understand Fiona's (the wife) selfishness and not understanding of this new world she is thrust into; I was still frustrated with her. I really wanted Jacky to give her a good Gibs slap (NCIS reference). I absolutely love Cassius and what happens to him has totally blown my mind. Let's hope that Oberon and Titania can reverse this huge in my humble opinion mistake. I fall in love with characters and its hard when things do not work out as I want. Do not wait to start this book. Grab it and make sure you have a long evening or weekend to do nothing but enjoy this series. If you have not started the series you need to read them in order. You will not be disappointed I promise.
August 6, 2024
Look, I still love this series, but something didn't feel quite as good as other books. It was too smooth for a lot of the book, with few consequences to actions and dangerous situations. Jacky gets hurt, but no problem, there's someone who can heal her.
And then... at the end, there are major consequences that just felt out of whack with the rest of the book being so high stakes and low stress.
Plus, we get an awkward third person POV from Heath's perspective... it just felt weird and off since this is the first time in this series that it wasn't been first person from Jacky's perspective. It's like the author didn't like her first person choice cause now she can't show everything so she's taking chapters that should be extras and sticking them in (she warns the reader this is going to happen more in upcoming books).
There are some overly selfish people in here and some bizarre reactions and choices.
I am still enjoying myself... but this one wasn't my favorite.
And then... at the end, there are major consequences that just felt out of whack with the rest of the book being so high stakes and low stress.
Plus, we get an awkward third person POV from Heath's perspective... it just felt weird and off since this is the first time in this series that it wasn't been first person from Jacky's perspective. It's like the author didn't like her first person choice cause now she can't show everything so she's taking chapters that should be extras and sticking them in (she warns the reader this is going to happen more in upcoming books).
There are some overly selfish people in here and some bizarre reactions and choices.
I am still enjoying myself... but this one wasn't my favorite.
July 27, 2021
Another great installment of the series. There's finally a wrap-up with a certain secret that I was getting tired of, and we get a returning fae who shows different sides. You see less of Jacky's family, but they are hovering in the background. Dirk and Landon get a misunderstanding or two and Oliver has changed before everyone's eyes. Carey's issues in school come to light more, and the series continues to show different prejudices and how difficult this makes everyone's life.
I do have a complaint, though. The author uses "says softly" and "whispers" way too much. It gets worse the more the book goes, especially with the whispering. It's not realistically how people speak all the time, and it becomes distracting.
I do have a complaint, though. The author uses "says softly" and "whispers" way too much. It gets worse the more the book goes, especially with the whispering. It's not realistically how people speak all the time, and it becomes distracting.
July 18, 2021
This was just outstanding, yet again.
I have adored Jack's character arc throughout this series and watching her grow into the woman she was in thi shook was very rewarding. She finally knows exactly what, or who, she wants and she is prepared to fight for it.
As usual, the world building is rich and immersive and we get the added bonus of a cross over with the other tribunal series. I don't want to say too much on that, as there is so much spoilery action that happens, but I loved seeing these characters in a different context.
For Jacky and Heath fans, this book has them on a mission together, so with each other the whole time. There are also some wonderful developments with them, too.
Basically, Banet is the Queen and I adore this series!
I have adored Jack's character arc throughout this series and watching her grow into the woman she was in thi shook was very rewarding. She finally knows exactly what, or who, she wants and she is prepared to fight for it.
As usual, the world building is rich and immersive and we get the added bonus of a cross over with the other tribunal series. I don't want to say too much on that, as there is so much spoilery action that happens, but I loved seeing these characters in a different context.
For Jacky and Heath fans, this book has them on a mission together, so with each other the whole time. There are also some wonderful developments with them, too.
Basically, Banet is the Queen and I adore this series!
July 24, 2021
So much feels! Jacky and Heath are blackmailed, and kind of on their own. I loved seeing their connection, and I loved the little crossovers with the Kaliya series, Cassius and Sorcha are just awesome - but I just gotta say —-Sorcha!!!! This book will hit you in the feels. It really focuses on the relationships, and it will definitely flip a lot of things for the next book. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews