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Guardians of the Bones #2

Shadows of Scandal

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She needs a champion willing to scandalize her. He doesn’t need anyone. Scandal turns into seduction when a not-quite-perfect heiress tangles with a lost son of society.

An heiress with an imperfection.
Spawn of the devil. Willow has suffered the gossip her entire life. She has the requisite pot of gold, but not the perfection that is necessary for an admirable ton match. Which is fine—she resigned herself to spinsterhood long ago. But when a vicious threat rears against her family, she hatches a desperate plan. She needs to find a man to champion her—and then jilt her—no matter what she has to pay him. Her sister’s life depends upon it.

An unknowable rogue.
Being a guardian—a protector of innocents—is in Jack Thatcher’s blood. He’s the best in the business, even if he’s trying to leave the life behind. He’s making his fortune, has a life of his own choosing where he doesn’t need anyone, and no one really knows him. Paradise.

Jack is done with the business of being a guardian—until the day Miss Willow Constantine corners him in an alleyway, begging for his help. He decides to help her, if only to pay off an old debt. Woo and wreck her? That he can do. It isn’t as though they could possibly ever be together.

Two souls that will find perfection is what you make of it.
It isn’t long before Jack discovers Willow is hiding a barrage of secrets, some that threaten her life, and his protective instinct takes over. In order to save her, he’ll have to get close to her. Too close. Which may just turn the impossible into possible.

Don’t miss USA Today bestselling author K.J. Jackson’s next Guardians of the Bones story, a fake relationship Regency romance with high adventure, high seduction, and a happily-ever-after to swoon for.

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.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 29, 2022

422 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

K.J. Jackson

60 books460 followers

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5 stars
355 (54%)
4 stars
190 (28%)
3 stars
86 (13%)
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20 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger*.
587 reviews773 followers
September 10, 2022
I liked the H, but the h got on my nerves a little because her "plan" was pretty ridiculous, and she was not really using much logic, imo. Also, there wasn't really much mystery as to the "who done it" aspect.

Full RTC

Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- some deaths at the hands of the bad guy(s) and H
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
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,848 reviews369 followers
September 10, 2022
3.75 stars!

Shadows of Scandal is the second book in the Guardians of the Bones series and features Willow Constantine and Jack Thatcher. This can be read as a standalone but I would argue that the first book in this series is better.

Willow is in a predicament and comes up with a "plan" to save her sister. Admittedly, her "plan" was rather...dumb. To enact her plan, she goes to Jack Thatcher who is part of the Guardians of the Bones and enlists his help in courting and ruining her.

Jack Thatcher agrees to help Willow but the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes there is more to her than meets the eye and he likes what is beneath the surface. Will Jack be able to save Willow and her sister and convince Willow they're something special?

I had a really hard time liking Willow. She is portrayed as this strong and tenacious heroine but is also extremely self conscious about many things including a ridiculous notion that she is the "devil's spawn." Jack tried very hard on countless occasions to prove to her that she is worth everything but she refused to see it for a long time and it got rather tedious.

“You just said you were disposable and you are damn well not disposable, Willow. Do you understand me? Listen to me and listen well. You are not disposable. You are worthy of everything around you. Every smile and every laugh and every look of lust shining your way. Every touch. You are worthy of all of it.”


Jack was SO GREAT. Despite the fact that he carried his own hardships and demons, he made sure to prove to Willow that she could be anything and she was a gem in his eyes. I loved his rough nature on the outside and his ooey gooey center for Willow. His dirty talk was on point and he was an anti-hero worth loving.

Jack and Willow were great together and I enjoyed the progression of their relationship and the steamy scenes that went along with it. The suspense element was a little anti-climatic but overall I thought it was well executed. I loved the way Jack and Willow got their HEA.

“No. It’s just bloody exquisite, seating myself in you. I don’t even have to move, for your body clenches me so wickedly, I am most assuredly destined for hell.”

"She smiled, her face turning toward him, her lips onto his neck. “As long as you take me with you, I happily welcome the flames.”


I'm mildly interested in the next book with Lord Atwell and Willow's sister but I'm not sure I'll pick it up or not because I loathe the dead spouse trope. If you'are a fan of K.J.'s stories, then I definitely recommend giving this a go!
Profile Image for Lady Nilambari Reads HR.
507 reviews199 followers
January 23, 2024
Oh, this woman can write! Great story, great mystery, amazing characters, sweet romance and plenty of steam! Hell yes! 🙌
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,827 reviews135 followers
September 6, 2022
Since 2015, I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but I only have 31 authors that I consider my favorites and have read all their books (in my genre). As a matter of fact, of all these 31 favorite authors, their combined book total of books I’ve read is 1000 and my overall read total is just over 2500. So for them having that many books contributing to my overall total says a lot about their writing. K.J. Jackson is one of those authors.

This is my 27th book by her. I read my first book in late 2015 and she is always on my TBR new release list. I like that her books are the “usual ton” book. Usually suspenseful and intrigue..more serious reads but still has love and great sex scenes. Book 1 was so damn good I couldn’t wait to read this one.

I really enjoyed this book. Not as much as the previous book but still well written. I really liked Willow and Jack but at times she got so annoying in her indecisiveness.

Still a good read!
Profile Image for Colorado.
825 reviews17 followers
September 3, 2022
Very disappointed in this sequel in the Guardians of the Bones series. Both main characters are fairly likeable. The pacing was slow. It was over the top melodramatic, with a completely evil villain with no shadings.
244 reviews6 followers
August 29, 2022
Four and a half stars rounded up. Shadows of Scandal is the second in KJ Jackson’s new series Guardians of the Bones. It can be read as a stand alone - I haven’t read the first completely yet and I did not feel that I was missing anything from the story. Although having said that I will definitely be going back to read the first book Discreet Destruction.
Willow Constantine is in dire need of a champion - someone who will pretend to court her, compromise her and then jilt her - which will lead to a solution that will save her beloved sister. Her search leads her to Jack Thatcher - former member of the Guardians of the Bones.
Jack Thatcher is no longer interested in the business of being a Guardian till Miss Willow Constantine appears with her odd request. He agrees as payment for an old debt but as he gets to know Willow uncovers her secrets will he be able to simply leave her at the end of the assignment?
Willow is a contradiction at first. She is a strong heroine as are all of KJ’s leading ladies but she has to overcome some serious insecurities that she has lived with all her life. I understood her actions as to her plan but I did get a bit frustrated that she took so long to see her own worth. Especially because her family never made her feel any less. She could have trusted Jack to deal with the villains - particularly since he was a previous member of the Guardians.
Jack was a wonderful hero. He had his own demons but immediately saw Willow’s worth. Her ‘defect’ meant less than nothing to him and I loved that he did all he could to prove to her that she was important and more than good enough. He suffered his own tragic past and had his own secrets.
Jack and Willow were a great couple together and it was so satisfying when they reached their hea.
The plot was fast paced and kept you entertained. The villains were truly evil and definitely got their comeuppance in a slightly gruesome way (although one got away a bit too lightly I felt). The secondary characters were interesting. I’m quite intrigued by Lord Atwell and hope to see him in upcoming books.
I definitely recommend picking this up.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,705 reviews22 followers
August 27, 2022
This was another wonderful book by K.J. Jackson that kept me up waayyyy too late, had me on the edge of my seat because of the suspense, angst, spicy romance in this spectacular story! I just couldn't put the book down!

Willow is a strong heroine, and she has gotten that way by enduring all the snide remarks, jokes, names given to her because of a birth defect. With that strength, comes kindness and love for her older sister who has always been there to save her from the mean gossips. Now Willow needs a Champion; she has taken her Aunt's recommendation and contacted Jack. She needs Jack to go along with a plan to woo her and then he must jilt her - if he agrees, she may be able to save her sister from the horrible villains threatening her.

Jack has a horrible past but has fought his way to success in the mean streets of London. He is satisfied managing and being 1/3 owner in a gaming hell. He is handsome, with many scars inside and out from his past Willow has too many secrets, but if she can convince him to be her champion, she may just be able to save her sister.

I rooted for Jack and Willow from the beginning - each of them had past trauma, both were dealing with present problems, but I also rooted for them as a couple. They both held back secrets, and neither would trust the other one enough to be honest. The journey to their exciting, heart throbbing HEA comes but the nasty, immoral, rotten villains do everything they can to stop any kind of happiness. The secondary characters, mainly Georgina (Willow's sister) and Lord Atwell were wonderful, loving, kind people and I hope we see them again down the road. I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,462 reviews28 followers
September 5, 2022
Jack is basically on a leave of absence from The Guardians if there is such a thing!
Willow is the younger sister and determined to get help to carry out the plan to aid her older sister who definitely has flaws as well or she would not need to aid such crazy behavior!
The fact that Willow has such deep levels of self esteem is just cringeworthy! Like it is deep rooted in a little flaw to herself.
I know the Ton and people can be cruel but she exhibits extreme self loathing! That no one could or should love or touch her because of a relationship physical flaw! That made me teary eyed to say the least!
Jack did not immediately recognize the extreme danger of her assignment! She offered to pay him and he in return tested her courage and loyalty no depth was too low to sink if it meant saving Georgiana her older sister!
Jack is so entranced by her and knows she must mean a lot to her great aunt who shared secrets of The Guardians no one should know!
When finally convinced that he should help Willow! The roller coaster begins and almost spins totally out of control!
Georgiana has secrets even from Willow and she is definitely a lot wilder than her sister also I believe searching for love!
Her story along with Lord Atwell will come next but the story with Willow and Jack and the evil man and his cousins is beyond sick and they will kill to get what they want!
Willow had a decision to make to finally put herself first! She doesn’t and she might not live to tell the tale especially since Jacks life is also on the line!
It is fitting that Jack falls head over arse for a woman who puts herself last and into pure evils hands!!
Bravo! 🔥🔥🔥 10 stars ⭐️ ⭐️
Profile Image for Madoka Kamimura Mason.
329 reviews10 followers
September 3, 2022
K.J. Jackson brings us another glimpse into the Guardians of the Bones series. We meet Willow and Jack as she recruits him to be her champion in order to save her sister. Jack learns from his work with the Guardians that appearances can be deceiving and that Willow has secrets that are painful and her reasons for approaching him affects her whole family. As Willow and Jack embark on this mission, they start to learn more about each other and themselves and how far they will go to save each other. Will the mission be what derails what could be, or will it highlight what the future may hold for them?

Ms. Jackson brings us a story of family, love, and sacrifice. We see where loyalty will bring us and where love can take us if we take that leap of faith. See if Willow and jack who are from two different worlds can put aside the past and what society dictates to change their course. She always draws you into the lives of her characters and keeps you guessing what will happen next and when do they realize things. Before you know it, you have reached the end of the book and are hoping there are more words after you reach the last page.

Just to let you know, the author does give an addition to the epilogue that ends with a cliffhanger so you are wanting the next installment immediately to find out what happens next. She does warn the reader and it is up to you whether or not you continue.

I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. I would like to thank K.J. Jackson for this privilege.
1,646 reviews15 followers
August 23, 2022
What a story! I must admit a few times I read ahead because I couldn't stand the suspense.

The h is the younger sister who will do anything to pay her sister back for all the kindness she's shown over the years. Mainly protecting her because she has a deformity and people were crude in their remarks.

Our h is a take charge person, filled with intelligence and a fierce spirit. She hires the H for reasons that become clearer as the story progresses.

To say we have nasty villains is a HUGE understatement. The villains talk crude about sexual things they will do to the h and her sister so be warned. What the h has to endure is heart wrenching and keeps the story very fast paced, emotional and filled with suspense.

Slowly our H/h go from fake arrangement to a really one, but the road to HEA has so many bumps in it, it will make you wonder how will it end.

There is passionate lovemaking, several times outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5.

No cheating, no cliffhanger for our couple but in the extended epilogue there is. The author warns you not to read it if you don't want to know about it. It isn't about our couple so it can be easily skipped. Story has romance, suspense, twists, intrigue and plenty of steam.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you tidbits to decide to purchase this heart pounding and very unique story. I received an advanced copy, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Profile Image for Lise.
170 reviews
August 31, 2022
This is a book that pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s full of intrigue with cruel & despicable villains you love to hate. It has an unlikely hero that you will adore for his fierceness & intellect and a heroine hell bent on protecting her sister even if she herself gets hurt. This book is steamy and suspenseful. I love that it’s a continuation of The Guadiana of Bones series, though it is a standalone. I am beyond intrigued by this group and hope to see many more books about these guardians. **There is a bonus epilogue that has a cliffhanger but you are clearly warned to proceed or not at your own choice.**

Don’t start this book if you don’t have time to finish it because I promise you will not want to put it down. This is a book that you can’t read fast enough but then you’re sad when it’s finished. This book made me say “Yes!” loudly when the villains finally get their due, much to my husband’s dismay because this happened in the middle of the night. It is a page turner and a hell of a ride.

I don’t know how K.J. Jackson consistently makes each book better than the last, but somehow she magically does it. This story, these characters Willow and Jack, do not disappoint.

I was given an ARC for my honest opinion. Honest this is 5+ stars.
Profile Image for Martha B..
836 reviews11 followers
August 25, 2022
Dangerous Secrets – Undeniable Attraction

Willow has too many secrets, but if she can convince him to be her champion, she may just be able to save her sister.

Jack has too many past scars, but if he agrees to be her champion, he may just be able to save his soul.

K.J. Jackson has again written another five-stars novel. Shadows of Scandal is an original story with multifaceted characters.

I loved both Jack and Willow. Jack was a reluctant hero and Willow was a strong heroine, but slow to divulge her secrets. When they finally decide to be honest with each other, it may already be too late. Thankfully, Jack and Willow get their happy ever after, because, of course, what would a romance be without a happy ending.

Content 411: In addition to some secular swearing and two “f” vulgarities, there are some well written sex scenes.

Disclosure: I received a complementary of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
1,097 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2023
An ok story

We met Jack in the first story, but you certainly didn't have to read it to follow this story. Willow locates Jack to help her with a plan she has to save her sister from a horrible marriage. Willow is somewhat cast aside by society as she has a birth defect. The plan she has seemed a little flimsy to me - but I am not of these times. The characters were, for the most part, well done. The story mostly takes place at a house party that all involved have been invited to. It's a little difficult to write this review as I felt like it wasn't up to what I expect from this author.
Profile Image for Cindy C..
1,142 reviews13 followers
November 1, 2023
Wow, what a story. I really loved this fantastic and amazing book. Had me hooked from the get-go and didn't let me up for air until I was finished. You never really knew what was going to happen next in Shadows of Scandal. J K Jackson's characters captured so many emotions that they come to life as you find yourself drawn into their story, secrets, blackmail, sizzling passion, and a tension-building plot with
dangerous twists and turns. 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 Georgina's story!
4,720 reviews41 followers
August 28, 2022
Some lovely romance and a bit of steam.
She needed a champion and she got one a bit reluctant but in the end just the right one for her. The only trouble is her sister really needs one too but we need to wait for her story. When I first started reading it I was not sure how the heroine’s plan was really going to work the way she wanted but as the story progressed it became much clear excellent work by the author. I enjoyed the book a great and it one I am happy to recommend. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it
79 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2022
It only got 2 stars instead of one because I was able to finish it. It was written like a novella. No time spent on character development. They were flat and one dimensional. There was no passion they just were like “okay, let’s have sex.” One minute they were talking next they were intimate with no rhyme or reason other than they were the main characters and it was a given. They didn’t even have a chance to get to know each other. There wasn’t any “fated mate” tingling that would make it plausible. Overall plot was good but not worth my time to continue the series.
970 reviews5 followers
September 10, 2022
Jack and willow

Exceptional book by an exceptional author. This book will keep you turning g the pages to find out where the characters will take you. Willow loves and helps everyone always thinking she is not worthy of love herself because of her extra extremity on her left foit.bane hires back to be her champion and he soon fines him and willow are the same in so many ways. A delightful read from the first page to the last. They get their HEA would highly recommend both TBE book and author.🙂
466 reviews2 followers
September 10, 2022
Oh my, what a story

We met Jack in book one of the series, always string and dependable. This is his story along with Willow who found Jack through a relative. The story started a little slow in the first chapter or two, but I encourage you to keep reading and you will not be disappointed. Some of the writing and scenes are cringe worthy due to content and there is steam in the book. Though all of it together makes for a wonderful story of love and happy endings through a path that was not easy to endure. Great book and great author, I am looking forward to the next book.
1,040 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2023
Sacrifice.

Jack is a Guardian of the Bones, or he was before taking part ownership in a gaming hall. When he is approached by a beautiful young woman, Willow, asking for his help, he reluctantly agrees. Willow has concocted a plan to protect her sister from a vile man by sacrificing herself. To do that she needs Jack’s help. However Jack does not know her full plan. Even though I found Willow’s action’s to be foolish and reckless many times in the book, I loved Jack and the story was quite interesting.
56 reviews
September 12, 2022
Outstanding

If I remember correctly , this is the third book in this series and I thought this story was as great and genuine as the other two, by one of my most favorite authors, who never disappoints. I think she goes far above the norm to include strong characters, plots and dialog to interest her readers. This story like all her others was outstanding, enjoyable and enthralling!
794 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2022
As I have said many times before, Ms. Jackson is a rockstar when it comes to HR. An amazing story with twists, surprises and romance. Willow and Jack, well...that was a good story. They will find their HEA, but you'll have to read this to find out. I received an advanced copy and this is my honest opinion.
772 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2022
Enjoyable!

This was a pretty fast paced read. Some gratuitous sex but all in all a good story. This just highlights that society shapes us and how we see ourselves drives our decisions that usually start with self loathing. Willow needed a saviour and Jack needed a cause. They worked well together once they traded secrets.
71 reviews
March 12, 2023
Jack"s Story

After meeting Jack in "Discreet Destruction", I was so curious about his background. He was a handsome, interesting, honorable man. This is it!

Willow is beautiful, rich and trouble. She is everything, Jack doesn't need. Together they are magic.

This story is so good. It is an adventure, a romance and passion. You don't want to miss it!
2,447 reviews27 followers
August 29, 2022
Oh I did enjoy this book, although at first, I just couldn’t understand why Willow was so intent on carrying out her plan. Her reason became clearer further in the story, even though she was misguided in her intentions. If only, she had talked to her sister, who seemed quite wilful, and would do want she wanted, regardless of the consequences. I did like Jack, he hadn’t had any easy life but now he was a force to be reckoned with. To say he was handsome and charmed the ladies, would be an understatement. This story has ‘ hold your breathe’ tension, danger and despicable villains and steamy romantics moments. Oh! and a happy ending. What more could one ask for?
Profile Image for Delbora.
1,462 reviews6 followers
August 30, 2022
This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time it took me to read it! This author definitely lived up to her reputation with me! The characters are strong in so many ways that you must feel captivated!
344 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2022
I enjoyed the adventure and love story. Evil character was a real sicko. I liked
that the H did not shy from emotional reactions. Killer cliffhanger with the sister’s story. But the BEST part was
the extra toe! Haha
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicole.
927 reviews15 followers
November 26, 2022
Love it

I loved this story from K.J Jackson. This is my 3rd story from this author and it is so so good.. I definitely look forward to the next one in this series and more from this author.
914 reviews
February 8, 2023
Willow and Jack had potential
As main characters. Especially Jack from the prior book. But the premise and bad guys just didn’t hold up. There is no way those losers would have been included in the events they were invited to.
301 reviews3 followers
March 24, 2023
Enjoyed this romantic story. I like the Guardian of the Bones characters in this series of books. Mysteries and intrigue mixed with Regency period romances really takes a reader away to another world!
Profile Image for Debra.
15 reviews
April 23, 2023
Shadows Of Scandal

You can always count on K.J. Jackson for a Great story, but Shadows Of Scandal is next level !
It's more - more drama, more intrigue, more family, more suspense, and More Love !
Read this book and you'll want More too !
More K. J. Jackson !!!
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