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Guardians of the Bones #1
Discreet Destruction
A wayward ruler of the London underworld. The woman determined to protect him at all costs. Where betrayal and obsession meet, does love stand a chance in this adventure-filled historical romance?
He’s oblivious to the danger bearing down on him.
A titan of the rookeries, the last thing Declan Rudderton needs in his life is another thing to worry about. He has multiple gaming hells and his ever-expanding London empire that he has to manage. And it seems, as of late, he’s been bothered by the occasional alleyway knife-fight far too often. Yet he pushes forth, holding on—barely—until the day he discovers the maid he depends on to run everything around him isn’t anything he thought she was. She’s more—too much more. A betrayal—and temptation—like no other.
She’s been lying for years.
Verity Jones has been playing as a mute for years, working as a maid in the most lucrative gaming hell in the rookeries, all to get close to Declan, for it is her job as a guardian to ensure he is safe. She keeps him close, keeps him alive. A ruse that works to her advantage in every way, until the day Declan discovers she can speak. And read. And write. And was hired to be in life.
Her job—and life—is on the line.
Never mind that she fell in love with Declan long ago, Verity desperately needs this employ and cannot afford to lose it. Even though she destroyed every bit of trust Declan had in her and he now despises her, there is the matter of someone working hard to make sure Declan doesn’t see another sunrise. She swore to protect him and needs to uncover the threat, or she won’t just lose her job—she’ll lose the one person she would die for.
Join the adventure today! You’ll love Discreet Destruction, a Guardians of the Bones novel that is a can’t-miss regency romance by USA Today bestselling author, K.J. Jackson.
Note: The novels in the Guardians of the Bones series by K.J. Jackson are each stand-alone stories and can be read individually in any order. These historical romances are set in the Regency and Victorian eras, and do not shy away from scenes with steamy heat, occasional naughty language, and moments that might possibly make you squirm.
He’s oblivious to the danger bearing down on him.
A titan of the rookeries, the last thing Declan Rudderton needs in his life is another thing to worry about. He has multiple gaming hells and his ever-expanding London empire that he has to manage. And it seems, as of late, he’s been bothered by the occasional alleyway knife-fight far too often. Yet he pushes forth, holding on—barely—until the day he discovers the maid he depends on to run everything around him isn’t anything he thought she was. She’s more—too much more. A betrayal—and temptation—like no other.
She’s been lying for years.
Verity Jones has been playing as a mute for years, working as a maid in the most lucrative gaming hell in the rookeries, all to get close to Declan, for it is her job as a guardian to ensure he is safe. She keeps him close, keeps him alive. A ruse that works to her advantage in every way, until the day Declan discovers she can speak. And read. And write. And was hired to be in life.
Her job—and life—is on the line.
Never mind that she fell in love with Declan long ago, Verity desperately needs this employ and cannot afford to lose it. Even though she destroyed every bit of trust Declan had in her and he now despises her, there is the matter of someone working hard to make sure Declan doesn’t see another sunrise. She swore to protect him and needs to uncover the threat, or she won’t just lose her job—she’ll lose the one person she would die for.
Join the adventure today! You’ll love Discreet Destruction, a Guardians of the Bones novel that is a can’t-miss regency romance by USA Today bestselling author, K.J. Jackson.
Note: The novels in the Guardians of the Bones series by K.J. Jackson are each stand-alone stories and can be read individually in any order. These historical romances are set in the Regency and Victorian eras, and do not shy away from scenes with steamy heat, occasional naughty language, and moments that might possibly make you squirm.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2022
1037 people are currently reading
454 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 3, 2022
4.25 another promising start to a new series stars!
Very excited about this unusual and so far VERY steamy new series by KJ Jackson! As those who have read my reviews re this author's work, you know she is one of my faves because I can always count on my magic formula of solid plot, great character development, some form of mystery/intrigue, and SERIOUS STEAM. And this book is no exception!
Verity "Jones" has a secret... well, she has several secrets actually. One of which is buried deep, which is why her surname is assumed to protect her anonymity. She has been serving as a maid in a gaming hell for over two years where she has hidden her identity, beauty, voice, and purpose for being there. She was actually hired via the Guardians of the Bones protection firm to keep Declan Rudderton, co-owner of the establishment where she is working undercover, safe from imminent harm. Verity chose to play the role of mute, illiterate, and nondescript maid so that she could infiltrate Declan's business and personal life as she has discovered it is easier for people to let loose their secrets in the presence of someone that could never tell another. Over her time there, she has "rescued" Declan many times over without his knowledge, but in her desperation to keep him from harm, she has become a little sloppy and allowed him to see her where she shouldn't be. On one occasion, Declan finds her unconscious after a particularly brutal fight, and brings her back to the gaming hell to discover she CAN talk as she begins to mutter in her sleep. Verity conjures tears to try to escape his pointed questions as she cannot afford to lost this job for many reasons, not the least of which is that she has fallen in love with her client and cannot bear to see him harmed.
Declan Rudderton has never had family, and he has very few friends as he has been on his own since he was a very young lad working on a ship. He has no memory of the time before then, but assumes his parents are deceased which is why he was left to be raised essentially by pirates. In his line of work, he has found it very difficult to trust anyone, so when he hears the woman that has served as his mute maid for years talking in her sleep, he is shocked and angry. Though she plays it off with tears, his suspicions lead him to follow her for a couple of days and catch her red-handed. He is furious when he discovers her deception, and finds her story of being hired by someone to protect him completely ridiculous as there is no one other than his business partner in his life that would care enough about him to go to such lengths to keep him safe. But as he learns more about the real woman behind the dowdy maid uniform, sooty cap, and bound breasts, he finds that she is much more than she appears for so many reasons. He also finds himself drawn to her in a way he cannot ignore.
But what will happen when the danger to Declan and Verity seems to escalate and approach them from all sides? Who could possibly want to keep an abandoned orphan safe? Can the two find love amidst so much deception and danger? And when Verity's deepest secrets are revealed, can there even be a future for them?
This is the first book in a new series, but the characters have appeared in earlier books. Declan was briefly introduced in the Box of Draupnir series, and both were present in the Exile series, specifically Dangerous Exile which focuses on Talen Blackstone, Declan's partner in the club business. It is not necessary to have read these books before reading this one, but if you have read them, this is a nice revisiting as they are alluded to and a couple of the characters appear in this story.
Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4.25/5 (LOTS of steam, early and often!)
Violence --- fight scenes that are somewhat descriptive and several bad guys bite it
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Very excited about this unusual and so far VERY steamy new series by KJ Jackson! As those who have read my reviews re this author's work, you know she is one of my faves because I can always count on my magic formula of solid plot, great character development, some form of mystery/intrigue, and SERIOUS STEAM. And this book is no exception!
Verity "Jones" has a secret... well, she has several secrets actually. One of which is buried deep, which is why her surname is assumed to protect her anonymity. She has been serving as a maid in a gaming hell for over two years where she has hidden her identity, beauty, voice, and purpose for being there. She was actually hired via the Guardians of the Bones protection firm to keep Declan Rudderton, co-owner of the establishment where she is working undercover, safe from imminent harm. Verity chose to play the role of mute, illiterate, and nondescript maid so that she could infiltrate Declan's business and personal life as she has discovered it is easier for people to let loose their secrets in the presence of someone that could never tell another. Over her time there, she has "rescued" Declan many times over without his knowledge, but in her desperation to keep him from harm, she has become a little sloppy and allowed him to see her where she shouldn't be. On one occasion, Declan finds her unconscious after a particularly brutal fight, and brings her back to the gaming hell to discover she CAN talk as she begins to mutter in her sleep. Verity conjures tears to try to escape his pointed questions as she cannot afford to lost this job for many reasons, not the least of which is that she has fallen in love with her client and cannot bear to see him harmed.
Declan Rudderton has never had family, and he has very few friends as he has been on his own since he was a very young lad working on a ship. He has no memory of the time before then, but assumes his parents are deceased which is why he was left to be raised essentially by pirates. In his line of work, he has found it very difficult to trust anyone, so when he hears the woman that has served as his mute maid for years talking in her sleep, he is shocked and angry. Though she plays it off with tears, his suspicions lead him to follow her for a couple of days and catch her red-handed. He is furious when he discovers her deception, and finds her story of being hired by someone to protect him completely ridiculous as there is no one other than his business partner in his life that would care enough about him to go to such lengths to keep him safe. But as he learns more about the real woman behind the dowdy maid uniform, sooty cap, and bound breasts, he finds that she is much more than she appears for so many reasons. He also finds himself drawn to her in a way he cannot ignore.
But what will happen when the danger to Declan and Verity seems to escalate and approach them from all sides? Who could possibly want to keep an abandoned orphan safe? Can the two find love amidst so much deception and danger? And when Verity's deepest secrets are revealed, can there even be a future for them?
This is the first book in a new series, but the characters have appeared in earlier books. Declan was briefly introduced in the Box of Draupnir series, and both were present in the Exile series, specifically Dangerous Exile which focuses on Talen Blackstone, Declan's partner in the club business. It is not necessary to have read these books before reading this one, but if you have read them, this is a nice revisiting as they are alluded to and a couple of the characters appear in this story.
Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 4.25/5 (LOTS of steam, early and often!)
Violence --- fight scenes that are somewhat descriptive and several bad guys bite it
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
March 8, 2023
I lobe that she protected him
I loved Verify and the fact that she was the bodyguard so to speak. It was awesome and Declan grew on me. I enjoyed the storyline about Declan's family towards the end, and the epilogue was very sweet. They had two children and they were very cute. There was so much going on that I kind of got lost a couple of times trying to figure out who was hunting who and the mystery of the Guardian organization. But well written and I liked it.
I loved Verify and the fact that she was the bodyguard so to speak. It was awesome and Declan grew on me. I enjoyed the storyline about Declan's family towards the end, and the epilogue was very sweet. They had two children and they were very cute. There was so much going on that I kind of got lost a couple of times trying to figure out who was hunting who and the mystery of the Guardian organization. But well written and I liked it.
July 6, 2022
I can always count on K.J to flip a whole story on its head and make the female character a surprise. Verity, our FMC was a Guardian...tasked with obtaining information and keeping Declan Rudderton safe. Her reasons for being employed as a Guardian are her own but they are selfless. Her years of playing a part to ensure Declan's safety have made her fall in love with him and there isn't much she wouldn't do to protect him.
A lord of the rookeries, Declan is deliciously rougish and knows his hand is in a lot of dangerous places but recently he's been attacked far too many times and Verity is always there. When he discovers Verity's secret, he is torn between feeling betrayed and attracted to the lethal beauty.
Verity and Declan decide to work together to find out why his life is always being threatened and to ensure Verity gets what she needs. Their attraction bubbles over and soon the line between casual and serious is blurred.
Will Declan and Verity find the answers they seek and peace with each other despite their pasts?
This was a great historical romance with suspense and intrigue. The characters were well thought out and developed and I liked how the story and the romance progressed. The steam in here was pretty good although I would not have complained if there was a little more. If you enjoy a dash of mystery with your historical romance, painful pasts that make for an emotional read and characters that desperately try to keep each other at arms length but obviously fail then I recommend this story and this author in general! Overall, I am really looking forward to this series.
A lord of the rookeries, Declan is deliciously rougish and knows his hand is in a lot of dangerous places but recently he's been attacked far too many times and Verity is always there. When he discovers Verity's secret, he is torn between feeling betrayed and attracted to the lethal beauty.
"I will slay any monster. For you, my life on the line—it is where I am meant to be. Meant to do. Because you are mine.”
Verity and Declan decide to work together to find out why his life is always being threatened and to ensure Verity gets what she needs. Their attraction bubbles over and soon the line between casual and serious is blurred.
“You bloody well want me and you don’t want any hands except for yours on my skin. But that comes with conditions. Conditions that mean you don’t get to come in here and expect me not to touch you.”
Will Declan and Verity find the answers they seek and peace with each other despite their pasts?
This was a great historical romance with suspense and intrigue. The characters were well thought out and developed and I liked how the story and the romance progressed. The steam in here was pretty good although I would not have complained if there was a little more. If you enjoy a dash of mystery with your historical romance, painful pasts that make for an emotional read and characters that desperately try to keep each other at arms length but obviously fail then I recommend this story and this author in general! Overall, I am really looking forward to this series.
May 2, 2022
It's rare when you get to the end of a story and you want it to go on and on. I felt that reading this one and believe it is the author's best work. This has nothing to do with me receiving an ARC copy. I always leave honest reviews whether I pay for it or receive it as ARC.
This story has so many layers - from suspense, twists, drama, intrigue and romance. It is fast paced and the character's jump out of the scenes.
I've read book 1 of the series and this is a stand alone story.
Not only interesting main character's but secondary character's too. This is such a unique story line that spans decades and kept me glued from beginning to the end.
Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and filled with love and passion. Some crude words used a few times.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and steam. I loved the epilogue because it was so satisfying and a few years into the future. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to help you decide to read this story.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
This story has so many layers - from suspense, twists, drama, intrigue and romance. It is fast paced and the character's jump out of the scenes.
I've read book 1 of the series and this is a stand alone story.
Not only interesting main character's but secondary character's too. This is such a unique story line that spans decades and kept me glued from beginning to the end.
Lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5 and filled with love and passion. Some crude words used a few times.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and steam. I loved the epilogue because it was so satisfying and a few years into the future. I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to help you decide to read this story.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
May 4, 2022
Once again K.J Jackson has done the unthinkable and has created the perfect book: the characters have depth, the plot is complicated with many layers, the secondary characters add intrigue to the story, and you, the reader, are completely blown away by the story. This author definitely delivers the goods!! I highly recommend this new series please do pick it up you will NOT be disappointed!
I received a complimentary copy from the author this is my honest unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy from the author this is my honest unbiased opinion.
June 12, 2022
I do love to read about a positive, historical, kick-ass female lead. Verity is doing her best to protect Declan. Lots of action in this one and with Verity in the middle of most of it. Loved the interaction between Declan and Verity as well as his discovery of how strong she is.
November 4, 2022
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Reading this book is like falling into a sweet pot of honey—it sticks to readers so they can’t quite shake it out of their head, slowly tempting them to get addicted to its sweet taste and stay wrapped up in every scene.
Read full review in the 2022 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Reading this book is like falling into a sweet pot of honey—it sticks to readers so they can’t quite shake it out of their head, slowly tempting them to get addicted to its sweet taste and stay wrapped up in every scene.
Read full review in the 2022 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
December 5, 2023
Good series.
God story and characters. Different type of story. Not strictly hero and heroines. Story and characters making their own rules
God story and characters. Different type of story. Not strictly hero and heroines. Story and characters making their own rules
March 1, 2024
Largely forgettable.
May 25, 2025
Criminals bore me. Couldn’t finish.
July 10, 2022
Kept Me on My Toes
TW: on page sexual assault, and killings. Also mention of abuse.
4.5 stars.
It was great to see a story with a lady guardian. Very well done. The pacing was fantastic, and the characters had great chemistry. And I was actually surprised about the twist at the end. Like I predicted part of the twist, but there was a finesse to the twist that I DID NOT see coming.
Great read.
NOW I NEED JACK’S STORY LIKE YESTERDAY. I ALSO NEED A STORY FOR NED, PRUDENCE, ANNALISE, AND LETS SPRINKLE IN A NOVELLA ABOUT BLOODWATER FOR THE HECK OF IT.
TW: on page sexual assault, and killings. Also mention of abuse.
4.5 stars.
It was great to see a story with a lady guardian. Very well done. The pacing was fantastic, and the characters had great chemistry. And I was actually surprised about the twist at the end. Like I predicted part of the twist, but there was a finesse to the twist that I DID NOT see coming.
Great read.
NOW I NEED JACK’S STORY LIKE YESTERDAY. I ALSO NEED A STORY FOR NED, PRUDENCE, ANNALISE, AND LETS SPRINKLE IN A NOVELLA ABOUT BLOODWATER FOR THE HECK OF IT.
June 28, 2022
This is my 26th book by K.J. Jackson. I have been reading her since 2015 when I first got my Kindle Fire and have been reading her ever since. She is always on my TBR new release list.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book or not so I waited a bit to read it. It seemed like it was going to be a heavy read. It wasn't until I started reading this book that I remembered how good her writing really is. Even though her books have more intrigue, suspense and murder and aren't the usual light Regency ton reads, they are written so well and you just never want to put it down.
I really loved Declan and Verity. I loved their story and their characters made it a great read. I loved the storyline and am really looking forward to reading the next book.
Definitely recommend.
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book or not so I waited a bit to read it. It seemed like it was going to be a heavy read. It wasn't until I started reading this book that I remembered how good her writing really is. Even though her books have more intrigue, suspense and murder and aren't the usual light Regency ton reads, they are written so well and you just never want to put it down.
I really loved Declan and Verity. I loved their story and their characters made it a great read. I loved the storyline and am really looking forward to reading the next book.
Definitely recommend.
August 2, 2022
A person you thought you knew
Verity has worked for Declan to keep him safe for more than 2 years. She has played a mute servant nondescript who can neither read nor write! When Declan discoveries her secret he is furious. There have been weekly attempts on his life. These attempts are getting more vicious and brutal. Jack and Verity both work for Declan who owns 5 businesses some even legit!
Imagine the level of betrayal he feels to learn that Verity can speak, read and write also able to keep him safe all without his knowledge! Declan tries to badger Verity into spilling her secrets. Verity has to much to loose and too many people to protect. There are twists and turns beside murder, captive on a ship and a dive from dockside in freezing temperatures. When all bets are off and these pieces come together. The ending is explosive and unexpected. I am still not quite sure why Declan didn't have women falling over him before Verity secrets. He did have a lot on his hands with Talen getting married and all the businesses to run alone and fighting for his life certainly took a toll. There is so much steam between Declan and Verity it fogs the pages!!
There's a lot of healing and secrets to get through. It is another rollercoaster ride of fierce emotions and unbridled anguish and horror against the level of evil that a family can hide behind. Get ready to ride!! Bravo! Can't wait to read Jacks secrets.
Verity has worked for Declan to keep him safe for more than 2 years. She has played a mute servant nondescript who can neither read nor write! When Declan discoveries her secret he is furious. There have been weekly attempts on his life. These attempts are getting more vicious and brutal. Jack and Verity both work for Declan who owns 5 businesses some even legit!
Imagine the level of betrayal he feels to learn that Verity can speak, read and write also able to keep him safe all without his knowledge! Declan tries to badger Verity into spilling her secrets. Verity has to much to loose and too many people to protect. There are twists and turns beside murder, captive on a ship and a dive from dockside in freezing temperatures. When all bets are off and these pieces come together. The ending is explosive and unexpected. I am still not quite sure why Declan didn't have women falling over him before Verity secrets. He did have a lot on his hands with Talen getting married and all the businesses to run alone and fighting for his life certainly took a toll. There is so much steam between Declan and Verity it fogs the pages!!
There's a lot of healing and secrets to get through. It is another rollercoaster ride of fierce emotions and unbridled anguish and horror against the level of evil that a family can hide behind. Get ready to ride!! Bravo! Can't wait to read Jacks secrets.
May 4, 2022
Deceit on her part, but for a good reason. Verity is the heroine I needed to meet right now. She’s smart, she’s capable of making the inner workings of the gaming hell run smoothly all without speaking. She’s a fighter with incredible skills who slinks in the shadows willing to do anything to protect her secret. She is a Guardian sent to protect Declan at any cost, and she does this so well and so secretly he has no idea he’s being helped. Yet each time she kills to protect him she loses a bit more of her soul. But she won’t give up because he has become more to her than just a job because she has seen the man he truly is.
Declan dominates the underworld of the rookeries, he is feared and respected. He’s excellent with his fists and fair in his dealings. He treats his employees with respect and looks out for the less fortunate in his territory. He’s a good man in a bad world, and he has a target on his back.
This story is fast paced and will keep you on your toes; you won’t want to put it down. I devoured this, loving every minute then was sad when it was over. This book has secrets and intrigue. It has passion. It has deception and redemption. It has two people with hidden pasts that learn to overcome their hurt, to trust and respect each other as equals and both become more, become better because of it.
K.J. Jackson delivers a gut-punch of a blockbuster in this book. 5 stars does not do this story or these characters justice.
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 3, 2024
Amazing story
From the seedy underside of life in 18th c London comes a fantastic tale of both forgotten and unknown identity, paid protection, a rags to riches climb from obscurity and a love for the ages.
K.J. Jackson gives us this story of Devlin Ruddigton, an orphan of no particular background whose substantial fortune is founded on a gaming hell on London, now grown to include, among other lucrative endeavors four more gambling halls and a fleet of merchant ships carrying goods from Britain to its colonies. As we observe, his love interest becomes fixated on the housekeeper of his primary establishment. In fact, she is a paid bodyguard in cognito, a mute mousy creature in a maid's black and white from the top of her black watch cap to the toes of her serviceable scuffed boots. Early in the story her cover is revealed and the plot moves to the two attempting to uncover who is paying for his protection and why. The plot twists and turns to reveal Verity Jones is also not who she presents and she is keeping a hideous secret.
As the couple unravel Dev's backstory
the love affair becomes more serious until all is revealed and the HEA is assured. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good story, replete with danger, surprises and a healthy dose of getting just desserts.
From the seedy underside of life in 18th c London comes a fantastic tale of both forgotten and unknown identity, paid protection, a rags to riches climb from obscurity and a love for the ages.
K.J. Jackson gives us this story of Devlin Ruddigton, an orphan of no particular background whose substantial fortune is founded on a gaming hell on London, now grown to include, among other lucrative endeavors four more gambling halls and a fleet of merchant ships carrying goods from Britain to its colonies. As we observe, his love interest becomes fixated on the housekeeper of his primary establishment. In fact, she is a paid bodyguard in cognito, a mute mousy creature in a maid's black and white from the top of her black watch cap to the toes of her serviceable scuffed boots. Early in the story her cover is revealed and the plot moves to the two attempting to uncover who is paying for his protection and why. The plot twists and turns to reveal Verity Jones is also not who she presents and she is keeping a hideous secret.
As the couple unravel Dev's backstory
the love affair becomes more serious until all is revealed and the HEA is assured. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good story, replete with danger, surprises and a healthy dose of getting just desserts.
May 9, 2022
All I can say is "Wow"! The first paragraph of the book had me hooked as Verity, the heroine, showed her fighting skills, bravery, and zest in living/working in the East End. I was instantly drawn to her, and my admiration only grew as I learned more about her present time and past life. She has been working undercover as a maid for the past two years and then everything started to fall apart for her.
Declan is the hero and plays a large part in running his area of the rookeries with him gaming hell, smuggling, keeping peace and punishing those who don't follow the rules. Declan is tough but fair and has a kind heart - he was so easy to love and root for in this story. Unknown to him, he is being protected from a murder plot and there are things about his past that he never questioned or cared to know but now are coming to the forefront.
Declan and Verity's romance was fiery and the mysteries, threats, secrets just kept me on the edge of my seat. You will not be disappointed in this book! The author's stories are always full of main and secondary characters that you fall in love with and villains you love to hate. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Declan is the hero and plays a large part in running his area of the rookeries with him gaming hell, smuggling, keeping peace and punishing those who don't follow the rules. Declan is tough but fair and has a kind heart - he was so easy to love and root for in this story. Unknown to him, he is being protected from a murder plot and there are things about his past that he never questioned or cared to know but now are coming to the forefront.
Declan and Verity's romance was fiery and the mysteries, threats, secrets just kept me on the edge of my seat. You will not be disappointed in this book! The author's stories are always full of main and secondary characters that you fall in love with and villains you love to hate. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
May 3, 2022
Secrets Upon Secrets
I loved this Discreet Destruction. It is very well written by K.J. Jackson. The story kept me guessing and the intense characters were all that I want in a period romance.
Declan Rudderton is considered the ruler of the Rookeries. A title he hates, but one he's earned. So with nothing to loose, he runs his empire by his own rules.
Verity hides within a secret life with secrets upon secrets. She acts like she has nothing to loose, but in reality she has everything to loose.
Verity and Declan live life in moments of extremes; reactions, choices, secret pasts, mysteries and passions. They contrast and complement each other, and when their combined desires combust, their chemistry is a wildfire on a gusty day.
Content 411: This book is intense. It contains swearing, vulgarities (including “f”) and sex.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
I loved this Discreet Destruction. It is very well written by K.J. Jackson. The story kept me guessing and the intense characters were all that I want in a period romance.
Declan Rudderton is considered the ruler of the Rookeries. A title he hates, but one he's earned. So with nothing to loose, he runs his empire by his own rules.
Verity hides within a secret life with secrets upon secrets. She acts like she has nothing to loose, but in reality she has everything to loose.
Verity and Declan live life in moments of extremes; reactions, choices, secret pasts, mysteries and passions. They contrast and complement each other, and when their combined desires combust, their chemistry is a wildfire on a gusty day.
Content 411: This book is intense. It contains swearing, vulgarities (including “f”) and sex.
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
May 4, 2022
A Historical Romance Page Turner
Who is Verity? Is she a traitress? Could she be a spy? One thing is certain. She is a temptress that pushes Declan beyond endurance, and he is determined to discover her secrets. To what lengths will he go? This romantic adventure will grab you from the very first page, and it will not let go until the very end. It is full of twisted secrets, mysteries, deceptions, and lies. It is also full of romance. Declan and Verity are very passionate people. They fight hard, and they love hard. They have challenges they must overcome. Demons from the past are after them, and danger surrounds them from every corner. From what are they running, and why must they have protection? I absolutely loved this delightful, unputdownable story and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance with adventure, mystery, and intrigue. K.J. Jackson is my favorite author of historical romance, and I do not find favorites very easily.
Who is Verity? Is she a traitress? Could she be a spy? One thing is certain. She is a temptress that pushes Declan beyond endurance, and he is determined to discover her secrets. To what lengths will he go? This romantic adventure will grab you from the very first page, and it will not let go until the very end. It is full of twisted secrets, mysteries, deceptions, and lies. It is also full of romance. Declan and Verity are very passionate people. They fight hard, and they love hard. They have challenges they must overcome. Demons from the past are after them, and danger surrounds them from every corner. From what are they running, and why must they have protection? I absolutely loved this delightful, unputdownable story and would recommend it to those who enjoy historical romance with adventure, mystery, and intrigue. K.J. Jackson is my favorite author of historical romance, and I do not find favorites very easily.
March 15, 2025
A mystery wrapped around a romance…..
What an intriguingly deep and twisted mystery about two people’s lives, who became entwined through a secret society of guardians. Verity, a young woman with a horrendous past hanging over her head, is one of those Guardians. Declan, a titan of the rookeries, has a death threat hanging over his head - one he knew nothing about. Though Verity has spent two years as a mute illiterate maid in one of the gaming hells owned by Declan, her disguise starts to crumble when she is injured and knocked unconscious while protecting Declan. Unconsciously her mind reverts back in time and she calls out for someone to “stop hurting her.” It is that trigger that begins the slow and painful unraveling of both of their lives. But, of course, when something comes apart, often times, something new can be built. This is a tale of just that thing happening….
What an intriguingly deep and twisted mystery about two people’s lives, who became entwined through a secret society of guardians. Verity, a young woman with a horrendous past hanging over her head, is one of those Guardians. Declan, a titan of the rookeries, has a death threat hanging over his head - one he knew nothing about. Though Verity has spent two years as a mute illiterate maid in one of the gaming hells owned by Declan, her disguise starts to crumble when she is injured and knocked unconscious while protecting Declan. Unconsciously her mind reverts back in time and she calls out for someone to “stop hurting her.” It is that trigger that begins the slow and painful unraveling of both of their lives. But, of course, when something comes apart, often times, something new can be built. This is a tale of just that thing happening….
May 3, 2022
This is a delicious who done it. Adventure romance happy ever after . Symbolically this is a powerful story on womens rights. Woman and their voices or not. What rights have women had. What rights do women have now. Read the news Row va Wade. We are still loosing them. Kk Jackson is know for historical romance with its strengths being in the female hero. Here the character goes mute to blend in and not be noticed. Yet it’s her quiet that she chooses as her weapon. Got to love this. Both characters have a deep past. She has known hers and he has not. The question is Do we let our past define us or do we use our past to create our future I think this is kj best novel yet. It is a tremendous story of our times. It will touch your soul. I feel this tale will stay with you a long time. It’s the past, it’s the present and hope for the future
May 3, 2022
Declan and Verity took us on a very emotional journey. With so many secrets and suspense, I couldn't put it down. Then I got to the last page and wanted more. With the danger that followed these two, they still managed to find love. Verity and Declan were both were strong characters and willing to do whatever it took to protect one another. However, finding their HEA will take a toll on them both. This could possibly be my favorite book from Ms. Jackson. I think The Guardians will bring us many great stories. I received an advanced copy and this is my voluntary opinion.
May 3, 2022
From being a guardian to so much more.
Everything about this book was fantastic and attention grabbing and I was loved it. They are some wonderful twists and the writing is first-classed. The hero and heroine’s relationship was built on a lie but this lie was not one to destroy but to protect but still it is a lie. The book starts off with a bang and keeps it going. The ending was dramatic and emotional but the epilogue was beautiful. This was an excellent book that I highly recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Everything about this book was fantastic and attention grabbing and I was loved it. They are some wonderful twists and the writing is first-classed. The hero and heroine’s relationship was built on a lie but this lie was not one to destroy but to protect but still it is a lie. The book starts off with a bang and keeps it going. The ending was dramatic and emotional but the epilogue was beautiful. This was an excellent book that I highly recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
May 12, 2022
Romantic Mystery
Who is the real little finch? A lady, a maid, spy or proctor. Everyone has secrets. What are her's? Declan, handsome, running a section of the Rookeries, and lethal, and someone wants him dead. Surprises, suspense, mystery, and passion are emersed in this romantic story. Overall quality of writing was really good with no cheating or cliffhanger and you get the beginning of a very happy ever after. This was a page turner I really enjoyed! Hope you do too. 🤓
Who is the real little finch? A lady, a maid, spy or proctor. Everyone has secrets. What are her's? Declan, handsome, running a section of the Rookeries, and lethal, and someone wants him dead. Surprises, suspense, mystery, and passion are emersed in this romantic story. Overall quality of writing was really good with no cheating or cliffhanger and you get the beginning of a very happy ever after. This was a page turner I really enjoyed! Hope you do too. 🤓
September 11, 2022
Declan and vertiy
Wonderful book series and characters. Ms. Jackson has everything in the book that you need in a romance from the first page to TBE last. I am waiting patiently for TBE third book in this series. The guardians of the bones series are hard to out down when toy start reading them. Declan knows nothing of his fist family from the ave of 5 Nd verify comes from an abusive family with her father killing her mother. You will not be disappointed in this series. They get their HEA and would highly recommend b this author. 🙂
Wonderful book series and characters. Ms. Jackson has everything in the book that you need in a romance from the first page to TBE last. I am waiting patiently for TBE third book in this series. The guardians of the bones series are hard to out down when toy start reading them. Declan knows nothing of his fist family from the ave of 5 Nd verify comes from an abusive family with her father killing her mother. You will not be disappointed in this series. They get their HEA and would highly recommend b this author. 🙂
March 8, 2023
Discreet Destruction: Guardians of the Bones caught my attention immediately!!!
I loved this book. I read late into the night. The main characters as well as supporting ones were so real and not your typical Recency side of England.
I enjoyed Declan and Verify' s Romance. Excitement and adventure abound. I love a happy ending. For those of you looking for "Spice" there is plenty.
I definitely recommend this one. I can't wait to read the other books in this series. Thanks K.J.
I loved this book. I read late into the night. The main characters as well as supporting ones were so real and not your typical Recency side of England.
I enjoyed Declan and Verify' s Romance. Excitement and adventure abound. I love a happy ending. For those of you looking for "Spice" there is plenty.
I definitely recommend this one. I can't wait to read the other books in this series. Thanks K.J.
October 19, 2023
I flew through this book however as I got through 80% of the book my Kindle Unlimited subscription expired eventually I was able to finish it though. This was my first historical romance book that had a lot of action in it. Previously I just read books by Jillon Eaton so it was nice to read books where romance was not the main focus point. Though that was the beginning. I did feel as if the romance was a bit dry in some places. I wanted more however the epilogue delivered as I felt warmer when I read that part.
November 1, 2023
I Loved It! Suspenseful and Intense. Discreet Destruction is the first in the Guardians of the Bones series and it does not disappoint. You never really knew what was going to happen next as Verity tries to keep Declan safe. J K Jackson written a romance that has a great mystery, brims with action filled twist and turns, violence, off the scale passion and nasty villains that kept the story fast paced. The scenes are so strikingly detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that makes you feel like you are one with the story and I can't wait to read Jack's story!
March 25, 2024
4.5 stars - a great unique escape
This is not at all your typical historical romance. There’s tons of action in it with so many rough & tumble fights. There’s a lot of sex, though parts of it do show relationship progressing; however, you can flip past these and not miss critical content.
Great characters. First book of the series I’ve read and now I want to read the other books, Talen’s book that precedes this one and then Jax’s that comes later.
Lots of interest plot twists and truly like the atypical ending.
This is not at all your typical historical romance. There’s tons of action in it with so many rough & tumble fights. There’s a lot of sex, though parts of it do show relationship progressing; however, you can flip past these and not miss critical content.
Great characters. First book of the series I’ve read and now I want to read the other books, Talen’s book that precedes this one and then Jax’s that comes later.
Lots of interest plot twists and truly like the atypical ending.
April 29, 2022
A passionate and intense historical romance filled with loads of action, danger and in the midst of all this a gripping love that won't be denied. I loved Declan and Verity both are well matched with a unique sense of honour in an underworld that strips it all away. This story felt like a blockbuster adventure movie to me, it was constant in direction and the story was immersive in description and characterisation. Well worth it's five steamy stars!
February 2, 2023
A Start of a Beautiful series!
Discreet Destruction: Guardians of the Bones, although a stand-alone novel, is connected to Ms Jackson's Exile series. I love how she spun the story of Declan and Verify (esp after finishing the 3rd Exile installment---Talen and Ness')...I love the mystery/espionage theme---without the cliches of a typical HR novel. This is a story that I couldn't put down once started. Looking forward to Jack's (another of Declan's guardians) story....
Discreet Destruction: Guardians of the Bones, although a stand-alone novel, is connected to Ms Jackson's Exile series. I love how she spun the story of Declan and Verify (esp after finishing the 3rd Exile installment---Talen and Ness')...I love the mystery/espionage theme---without the cliches of a typical HR novel. This is a story that I couldn't put down once started. Looking forward to Jack's (another of Declan's guardians) story....
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