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Jacky Leon #9
Secrets and Ruin
Dirk, my werewolf nephew, is going home.
Sending Dirk back to his father is complicated, but I have to do it. Even if it’s for a short time, I know that father and son need to talk about what’s changed between them. They need to talk about what the future holds for both of them. One year. That was how long we wanted to keep his new status as a werewolf as secret as possible, before we involved the family. That one year is up, and now, it’s time to face the music. Niko is only the start.
However, secrets are insidious things. They can stay hidden for decades, even centuries. Dirk and I kept have been keeping several, but we’re not the only ones. When too many secrets finally come to light, we’ll be left standing in the ruins of more than one family.
It’s too late to stop this, but I’m Jacky Leon and I’ll be damned if the secrets of generations past ruin the family I’m building in the present.
Sending Dirk back to his father is complicated, but I have to do it. Even if it’s for a short time, I know that father and son need to talk about what’s changed between them. They need to talk about what the future holds for both of them. One year. That was how long we wanted to keep his new status as a werewolf as secret as possible, before we involved the family. That one year is up, and now, it’s time to face the music. Niko is only the start.
However, secrets are insidious things. They can stay hidden for decades, even centuries. Dirk and I kept have been keeping several, but we’re not the only ones. When too many secrets finally come to light, we’ll be left standing in the ruins of more than one family.
It’s too late to stop this, but I’m Jacky Leon and I’ll be damned if the secrets of generations past ruin the family I’m building in the present.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2023
273 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Banet
37 books722 followersAuthor of the Jacky Leon series, Kaliya Sahni series, and Everly Abbott series, along with standalones that belong in the same world as all of them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
June 22, 2024
Wow. I mean ... just wow.
I'm not sure what to say here, other than this: this book absolutely rocked my socks off. I laughed, I got warm fuzzies, and at a couple points I cried my goddamn eyes out. I'm still sitting here sniffling right now.
I don't want to be spoilery at all, so I'll just note that there was massive forward movement in this book, with a lot of threads from previous books paying off in a huge way. Some of it broke my heart, but overall I feel like we're left in a hopeful place. Jacky's world is reshaping now, and I can't wait to see where things go next.
A couple odds and ends I'd like to mention, in spoiler tags --
I'm not sure what to say here, other than this: this book absolutely rocked my socks off. I laughed, I got warm fuzzies, and at a couple points I cried my goddamn eyes out. I'm still sitting here sniffling right now.
I don't want to be spoilery at all, so I'll just note that there was massive forward movement in this book, with a lot of threads from previous books paying off in a huge way. Some of it broke my heart, but overall I feel like we're left in a hopeful place. Jacky's world is reshaping now, and I can't wait to see where things go next.
A couple odds and ends I'd like to mention, in spoiler tags --
April 22, 2023
It's a good job I don't have to get up.for work, I've just stayed up.all night reading this it's now 6.47 am and boy am tired but I had to finish. There are (as you might expect from the title) a lot of secrets exposed in this book, some of them really old, like hundreds of years old. Jackie when we meet up with her is in a good place for once. The packs running well, Heath, Landon and Casey are thriving the only issue is with Dirk. After he was changed into a werewolf he asked Jackie for a year. A year in which he could get used to the changes in his life and.learn to.adapt to his new reality. Also as the (once) human son of an ancient werecat who hates werewolves Dirk knew it wasn't going to be easy to tell his dad what had happened. Well the years over, Dirk's flight is booked and there's no turning back. Niko, Dirk's father takes the news well, though he's angry at Jackie both for letting it happen and for keeping the news from him. But Dirk is in Germany with his dad and the visit is.going well so.a good result............................until.Dirk disappears after a weekend.in Berlin and then Niko goes missing too..................
March 29, 2023
4.5/5.0
Oh, I love when I get to reunite with characters I adore! It’s like a big family reunion in my head. And the Jacky Leon series is one of my all-time, top 5 BEST urban fantasy series… and that puts it right up there among the Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs greats.
This installment focuses much more on Jacky, Dirk, Niko and her family. Many secrets come to light, and so many of her family’s problems are dealt with and understood better. Oh, and once again… that ending! YES!! Epic and perfect, giving SO many avenues to explore in future books!
I rounded down to a 4 instead of up to a 5 for purely personal preference reasons. Much of the book centers around rambling through a fae forest with all its inherent weirdness. That plotline is something that is used in many books but is never one I enjoy. Ms. Banet does a commendable job keeping things moving along but it just isn’t my cuppa. There is not nearly as much action in this book as in previous ones, as well. That is understandable considering that the focus is on relationships (something I really do appreciate) but for those who prefer otherwise, be advised.
Oh, I love when I get to reunite with characters I adore! It’s like a big family reunion in my head. And the Jacky Leon series is one of my all-time, top 5 BEST urban fantasy series… and that puts it right up there among the Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs greats.
This installment focuses much more on Jacky, Dirk, Niko and her family. Many secrets come to light, and so many of her family’s problems are dealt with and understood better. Oh, and once again… that ending! YES!! Epic and perfect, giving SO many avenues to explore in future books!
I rounded down to a 4 instead of up to a 5 for purely personal preference reasons. Much of the book centers around rambling through a fae forest with all its inherent weirdness. That plotline is something that is used in many books but is never one I enjoy. Ms. Banet does a commendable job keeping things moving along but it just isn’t my cuppa. There is not nearly as much action in this book as in previous ones, as well. That is understandable considering that the focus is on relationships (something I really do appreciate) but for those who prefer otherwise, be advised.
April 6, 2023
It was crazy how quickly this one went out of control! What should have been a normal father/son visit was already fraught with tension due to Dirk being werewolf and Niko having issues with werewolves. Just when things seem ok there, they go to hell at home when Jacky and Heath discover members of the pack magicked asleep. It's here that things started to spin out of control. Jacky and Landon decide they need to go after Dirk after he and Niko can't be reached, find out that Niko's estate is a dangerous place, do what they have to any way. In the mean time, days pass, no one has heard from anyone in Germany, Heath starts to call Jacky's siblings, deadly daddy finds out and all hell breaks loose. Everyone descends on Germany, big favors are called in, Jacky and her people end up safe and here is where you think it would be a happy ending. No, instead Haasan pulls a hissy fit, Subria flexes her muscle and lays down the law and rips him a new one, it was spectacular!! I'm very intrigued to see where things go from here now that Subria is in control. How will Haasan react, what about the other siblings? Lots of good things to look forward to in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2023
Absolutely exceptional.
Every time I read one of Kristen's books I am just utterly absorbed and sucked into this world and these characters.
Based on that absolute scorcher of an ending, I think this might be my favourite book yet.
If you love this series then you will both cheer and cry by the end of this.
If you are new to the series, go to the start and enjoy the ride. It's amazing!
Every time I read one of Kristen's books I am just utterly absorbed and sucked into this world and these characters.
Based on that absolute scorcher of an ending, I think this might be my favourite book yet.
If you love this series then you will both cheer and cry by the end of this.
If you are new to the series, go to the start and enjoy the ride. It's amazing!
March 24, 2023
A Jacky special!
As always, I wait for the latest Jacky novel and secretly hope it will be a wonderful book just like the others.
Many other authors I follow sometimes lose their way when they are over 9 books in but this book put away any doubt I had.
I am a huge fan of Fenris and was so glad we had a chance to explore his character more. I loved the relationship between Landon and Jacky becoming more and no longer having a focus on a Jacky and Heath adventure.
Can't wait for the next book. Please write quickly.
As always, I wait for the latest Jacky novel and secretly hope it will be a wonderful book just like the others.
Many other authors I follow sometimes lose their way when they are over 9 books in but this book put away any doubt I had.
I am a huge fan of Fenris and was so glad we had a chance to explore his character more. I loved the relationship between Landon and Jacky becoming more and no longer having a focus on a Jacky and Heath adventure.
Can't wait for the next book. Please write quickly.
April 2, 2023
I absolutely love this series. Riveting, engaging, no matter how you say it you can't help but fall in love with these characters. I especially love watching the family dynamics evolve! Can't wait to see where this goes next.
Read
January 30, 2023update: for some reason i said i'd just started reading even though this book hasn't come out?? forgive me atm i have midterm brain
book's updated now to be coming out in about a month!!
******
AHH IM SCREAMING ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS
i have been counting down the days until this book comes out and have probably reread the series these last two months more times than is probably healthy
book's updated now to be coming out in about a month!!
******
AHH IM SCREAMING ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS
i have been counting down the days until this book comes out and have probably reread the series these last two months more times than is probably healthy
July 25, 2023
I've never cried at the end of an urban fantasy novel. But today I cried. I'm still crying. L
April 1, 2023
The ending was so emotional for me, and I'm glad that there seems to be significant progress with werecat family drama. I look forward to the next book.
March 25, 2023
So good. Not where I thought this book was going, but it led to the standoff that needed to happen. Also just how lovely is Subira? I love her just so much.
June 21, 2023
Another amazing read in one of my favorite series ever!
This series is a must read to any urban fantasy fan out there :)
This series is a must read to any urban fantasy fan out there :)
October 17, 2023
LET'S FUCKING GO SUBIRA!!
October 7, 2023
3 stars, unfortunately this one felt flat to me. It didn't read as smoothly, like some edits or way things were phrased took my brain extra time to unscramble. I liked Dirk but there were a couple of "mate" references that I expected more of a reaction from Niko since Landon was never introduced as "The One", so I didn't know if that was me missing the announcement or something happened in edits.
And the beginning was just blah. I normally like hearing the activities the characters do as they go about their day but this was not as interesting. Banet is an amazing author, so this is just a miss for me but I will definitely be back for more!
Basically, Dirk heads home to Niko to finally reveal his secrets only for Niko's secrets to be revealed. Jacky is involved when werewolves end up in an enchanted sleep and 1 is missing. Which leads to dealings with the fae which is never good. The whole "Hunt" aspect is interesting but I was confused with the issue of Niko being born human in a werewolf family but is a werecat??
With everything unfolding, Hasan and the rest get involved and there is a family meeting to hash it out. Explosive and hurtful but Subira steps up.
I had to force myself to highlight a few things and as always Heath is wonderful:
“One step at a time, right?” I said as I went to the garage with Heath. “This was just step one.”
“That’s right, and you’re not walking alone.” Leaning on his shoulder for a moment, I knew that.
With Niko:
“There’s nothing broken, right?” I asked, wanting to know if I shouldn’t do this.
“No. Head trauma, but I think you’ve gotten more than used to that,” he said, leaning back further."
---------
“Davor knows we’re out here and about Rainer,” I said quickly, shattering his plan in one swift sentence.
“I’m going to come over this bar and strangle you,” Niko said, dropping the stick to the counter.
---------
“He trusts me and Jacky to get things done.”
Niko glanced at me, almost disbelieving when I didn’t feel he should have been.
“I do get into a lot of trouble but find my way through it,” I pointed out. “It’s not a new thing.”
The series continues but with Subira in control of the Family so we will see how that plays out!
And the beginning was just blah. I normally like hearing the activities the characters do as they go about their day but this was not as interesting. Banet is an amazing author, so this is just a miss for me but I will definitely be back for more!
Basically, Dirk heads home to Niko to finally reveal his secrets only for Niko's secrets to be revealed. Jacky is involved when werewolves end up in an enchanted sleep and 1 is missing. Which leads to dealings with the fae which is never good. The whole "Hunt" aspect is interesting but I was confused with the issue of Niko being born human in a werewolf family but is a werecat??
With everything unfolding, Hasan and the rest get involved and there is a family meeting to hash it out. Explosive and hurtful but Subira steps up.
I had to force myself to highlight a few things and as always Heath is wonderful:
“One step at a time, right?” I said as I went to the garage with Heath. “This was just step one.”
“That’s right, and you’re not walking alone.” Leaning on his shoulder for a moment, I knew that.
With Niko:
“There’s nothing broken, right?” I asked, wanting to know if I shouldn’t do this.
“No. Head trauma, but I think you’ve gotten more than used to that,” he said, leaning back further."
---------
“Davor knows we’re out here and about Rainer,” I said quickly, shattering his plan in one swift sentence.
“I’m going to come over this bar and strangle you,” Niko said, dropping the stick to the counter.
---------
“He trusts me and Jacky to get things done.”
Niko glanced at me, almost disbelieving when I didn’t feel he should have been.
“I do get into a lot of trouble but find my way through it,” I pointed out. “It’s not a new thing.”
The series continues but with Subira in control of the Family so we will see how that plays out!
May 31, 2023
Another Good Addition To The Series
I didn’t expect to read this in one sitting but, 9 books in, I should know better. As usual, we start off experiencing the changes in Jackie’s life, there’s a bit of worry as Dirk heads back to Germany but, for all intense and purposes everything is fine. Then wolves are found in a magical sleep and shmit begins to hit the fan.
I’m eager to find out what happens next with certain secrets now revealed and new bonds between family members being created or solidified. There were a few instances where I can remember thinking that I wanted more to happen, or wished a certain scene was longer. But, overall, I think the most disappointing thing about this book is that, even waiting a bit to read it, it’s over and I don’t know when the next one will be out.
I didn’t expect to read this in one sitting but, 9 books in, I should know better. As usual, we start off experiencing the changes in Jackie’s life, there’s a bit of worry as Dirk heads back to Germany but, for all intense and purposes everything is fine. Then wolves are found in a magical sleep and shmit begins to hit the fan.
I’m eager to find out what happens next with certain secrets now revealed and new bonds between family members being created or solidified. There were a few instances where I can remember thinking that I wanted more to happen, or wished a certain scene was longer. But, overall, I think the most disappointing thing about this book is that, even waiting a bit to read it, it’s over and I don’t know when the next one will be out.
March 24, 2023
SUCH A GOOD STORY
With out spoiling anything, K.N. Banet did it again and pulled so many emotions out of me. I found several lines that hit me right in the heart and will be living in my head for quite a while. If you've enjoyed Jacky this is yet another great addition to Jacky's story as a whole.
Also Dirk and Landon will forever be my favorite couple. Banet writes them so well as both being private and yet having such great personalities!
With out spoiling anything, K.N. Banet did it again and pulled so many emotions out of me. I found several lines that hit me right in the heart and will be living in my head for quite a while. If you've enjoyed Jacky this is yet another great addition to Jacky's story as a whole.
Also Dirk and Landon will forever be my favorite couple. Banet writes them so well as both being private and yet having such great personalities!
March 25, 2023
Jacky Leon just keeps getting better
I stumbled upon this series a couple of years ago and immediately became a fan. The world of the Tribunal, with its werecats, werewolves, fae and witches, and its complex history and politics is a compelling place, and Jacky, with her big heart and deep sense of right and wrong, is a worthy protagonist. The story keeps moving forward, the characters keep evolving and it’s an absolute pleasure to dive back in with each new book.
I stumbled upon this series a couple of years ago and immediately became a fan. The world of the Tribunal, with its werecats, werewolves, fae and witches, and its complex history and politics is a compelling place, and Jacky, with her big heart and deep sense of right and wrong, is a worthy protagonist. The story keeps moving forward, the characters keep evolving and it’s an absolute pleasure to dive back in with each new book.
July 9, 2025
I AM NOT OKAY
March 26, 2023
I had to read this book as soon as it was released. How is is possible that 9 books into the series, each one is as great as the first one? I'm obsessed with this series, and I'm already counting down the days for when next book is released.
From chapter 1 it's a continuous adventure, but this time instead of being Jacky and Heath, it's with Jacky and Landon trying to save Dirk and Nico from a deranged werewolf. Secrets come to light, and the ending. I read the last 4 chapters multiple times. Way to go Subira. I loved how she took charge, and I'm so proud of the decision that Jacky took. She deserves it, and she deserves to have people who love her for who she is and not for what she can do. Being loved shouldn't be conditional.
From chapter 1 it's a continuous adventure, but this time instead of being Jacky and Heath, it's with Jacky and Landon trying to save Dirk and Nico from a deranged werewolf. Secrets come to light, and the ending. I read the last 4 chapters multiple times. Way to go Subira. I loved how she took charge, and I'm so proud of the decision that Jacky took. She deserves it, and she deserves to have people who love her for who she is and not for what she can do. Being loved shouldn't be conditional.
April 26, 2023
I'm really enjoying this series.
March 30, 2023
Painfully sad. Jacky leon.
One of my absolute favorite in the series. I'm bawling my freaking eyes out and my heart has been cracked open. So much pain in this book, it literally bleeds through the pages. I've been rocked to the core with everything that has happened just in the story. Jacky has had a hard time for awhile. But I'm really just so crushed for her. Its not fair to be constantly crushed and hurt to this extreme. I just want them to love her, except her! And realize what a beautiful person she's always been. Usually I'm so mad at her family, but this time I'm emotionally wrecked. This one wasn't fair what's so ever. But past always seem to catch up to us in the end. I hope this series never ends. I'm just not ready to let Jacky go. Its been a hard and sad series, but I live for it all! The love, the loyalty, the freaking heart ripping out my chest pain. There is no serious like this one, were already book 9 in. And it just doesn't get old. This character could live on forever, and I'd read every minute of it. Please never stop writing.
One of my absolute favorite in the series. I'm bawling my freaking eyes out and my heart has been cracked open. So much pain in this book, it literally bleeds through the pages. I've been rocked to the core with everything that has happened just in the story. Jacky has had a hard time for awhile. But I'm really just so crushed for her. Its not fair to be constantly crushed and hurt to this extreme. I just want them to love her, except her! And realize what a beautiful person she's always been. Usually I'm so mad at her family, but this time I'm emotionally wrecked. This one wasn't fair what's so ever. But past always seem to catch up to us in the end. I hope this series never ends. I'm just not ready to let Jacky go. Its been a hard and sad series, but I live for it all! The love, the loyalty, the freaking heart ripping out my chest pain. There is no serious like this one, were already book 9 in. And it just doesn't get old. This character could live on forever, and I'd read every minute of it. Please never stop writing.
August 5, 2024
I really love K.N. Banet's work, and this series alongside the Everly Abbot series are my two favourite by this author. This book does not disappoint. Heath has clear character development in his relationship with Jacky, but the big ticket growth items are in Jacky's relationship with her family. There were gut wrenching moments, thrilling action scenes and a few tears from me in this book. It really builds on the universe and makes me eager for more stories in the world.
This series is absolutely one you should try, but go back and start at book 1. Picking the series up here will rob you of an amazing literary experience.
Side note - Cassius is killing me. I really want him to have his own series with a happily ever after. I feel that man's pain intensely
This series is absolutely one you should try, but go back and start at book 1. Picking the series up here will rob you of an amazing literary experience.
Side note - Cassius is killing me. I really want him to have his own series with a happily ever after. I feel that man's pain intensely
October 24, 2025
Reread! Dit keer heb ik alle delen in een keer achter elkaar gelezen. Het blijft echt een geweldige serie! Ik heb het einde met tranen in mijn ogen gelezen... Ik kan echt niet wachten hoe het verhaal verder gaat!!
First read Boek 1 tot 8 heb ik non stop uitgelezen maar 9 had ik nog niet.. Toen ik hem binnen kreeg en de achterkant las dacht ik meh... Daarom heeft hij toch eventjes in mijn kast gestaan voor ik begon.
Maar toen ik eenmaal begon!! Weer een geweldig boek. Ik kon niet stoppen!! EN EINDELIJK... Ik wacht al een paar boeken op iets en het gebeurt!!! Yay! Ik kan niet wachten tot deel 10! Ik ben super benieuwd hoe het verder gaat..
First read Boek 1 tot 8 heb ik non stop uitgelezen maar 9 had ik nog niet.. Toen ik hem binnen kreeg en de achterkant las dacht ik meh... Daarom heeft hij toch eventjes in mijn kast gestaan voor ik begon.
Maar toen ik eenmaal begon!! Weer een geweldig boek. Ik kon niet stoppen!! EN EINDELIJK... Ik wacht al een paar boeken op iets en het gebeurt!!! Yay! Ik kan niet wachten tot deel 10! Ik ben super benieuwd hoe het verder gaat..
August 13, 2023
5 stars.
This review won't be long and may contain slight Spoilers.
The story was great. Dirk and Landon are my favourite couple next to Jacky and Heath. The new development in their relationship was great to see.
The story is mostly set in Germany/The Black Forest where Dirk went to visit Niko to finally confess everything that has happened to him in the last year or so. But he somehow gets tangled up in a bigger plot that's been 800 years in the making. Poor guy. I'm usually not too keen on the Fae stuff but this was actually interesting and kept me engaged.
Now on to Jacky's family.
Love Zuri. She's the big sister we all need. Likewise Jabari is the cool older brother always ready with support and advice. Niko annoyed me in this book initially but I could see why he was angry and a little jealous so he gets a pass. Davor in the first few books was on my hit list. Like I wanted him to suffer. But the last 2 books have me revising that opinion. He has cinnamon roll potential. He was really supportive in this book and I wouldn't mind him popping up more in the future. Mischa. Oh Mischa. She's acting like such a bitch but I like her. She was great when they went to Russia in a previous book and I don't know what's caused the 180 but I'm hoping we will find out in the next installments. I can't say anything about Hisao but something tells me if we explore him he might be the best of the siblings. Now for Hasan.
This guy needed the wake up call that he got. He's got that indulgent father thing down and that's good but it's always been layered under a dictatorship that's been grating since the first book. There's no doubt he loves his children but he has a hard line when it comes to what he believes is right and he doesn't bend. The way he treated Dirk was cruel and I'm glad Jacky snapped. I was cheering her on when she went off on him but I was sad to see where it was heading. Thank goodness for our MVP Subira who arrived just in time to stop the escalation. The way she talked about Hasan of 5000 years ago made me sad. He really has changed and I honestly thought she was about to be done with him as well. I'm glad he's only in time out though and Subira has taken up her Matriarch mantle full time. Now hopefully this family, including Hasan, can heal and grow closer because something tells me something bad is brewing on the horizon and they'll need each other.
On a final note, the ghost of Liza needs to rest. They have her on such a high pedestal it's no wonder no one can compete or compare. The way she's described is boring to me however. Sweet and innocent and blah blah, that's all well and good. But wanting peace and actively pursuing it are completely different. Maybe if Liza had lived she'd have grown a backbone, who knows, but it's not fair to judge Jacky by her standards and that's exactly what some of them are doing. Hasan hates werewolves because one killed his precious Liza? Well newsflash, Werecats tried to kill Jacky several times but unlike Liza she could actually defend herself. Would be hate Werecats if they had succeeded in killing Jacky?? That man is so irrational that I reiterate: thank goodness for Subira!
Speaking of Jacky defending herself, why is no one in the family making a big deal of her killing an 800 year old werewolf on Fae steroids?? She's technically only a 15 year old Werecat and it's been stated a few times that there are werewolves who could beat her as she is right now. But she defeated him when even Niko couldn't. Granted there were circumstances and Niko was weakened, but still its a feat that should raise some eyebrows. Oh well. Maybe someone will mention it in the next installment.
This review won't be long and may contain slight Spoilers.
The story was great. Dirk and Landon are my favourite couple next to Jacky and Heath. The new development in their relationship was great to see.
The story is mostly set in Germany/The Black Forest where Dirk went to visit Niko to finally confess everything that has happened to him in the last year or so. But he somehow gets tangled up in a bigger plot that's been 800 years in the making. Poor guy. I'm usually not too keen on the Fae stuff but this was actually interesting and kept me engaged.
Now on to Jacky's family.
Love Zuri. She's the big sister we all need. Likewise Jabari is the cool older brother always ready with support and advice. Niko annoyed me in this book initially but I could see why he was angry and a little jealous so he gets a pass. Davor in the first few books was on my hit list. Like I wanted him to suffer. But the last 2 books have me revising that opinion. He has cinnamon roll potential. He was really supportive in this book and I wouldn't mind him popping up more in the future. Mischa. Oh Mischa. She's acting like such a bitch but I like her. She was great when they went to Russia in a previous book and I don't know what's caused the 180 but I'm hoping we will find out in the next installments. I can't say anything about Hisao but something tells me if we explore him he might be the best of the siblings. Now for Hasan.
This guy needed the wake up call that he got. He's got that indulgent father thing down and that's good but it's always been layered under a dictatorship that's been grating since the first book. There's no doubt he loves his children but he has a hard line when it comes to what he believes is right and he doesn't bend. The way he treated Dirk was cruel and I'm glad Jacky snapped. I was cheering her on when she went off on him but I was sad to see where it was heading. Thank goodness for our MVP Subira who arrived just in time to stop the escalation. The way she talked about Hasan of 5000 years ago made me sad. He really has changed and I honestly thought she was about to be done with him as well. I'm glad he's only in time out though and Subira has taken up her Matriarch mantle full time. Now hopefully this family, including Hasan, can heal and grow closer because something tells me something bad is brewing on the horizon and they'll need each other.
On a final note, the ghost of Liza needs to rest. They have her on such a high pedestal it's no wonder no one can compete or compare. The way she's described is boring to me however. Sweet and innocent and blah blah, that's all well and good. But wanting peace and actively pursuing it are completely different. Maybe if Liza had lived she'd have grown a backbone, who knows, but it's not fair to judge Jacky by her standards and that's exactly what some of them are doing. Hasan hates werewolves because one killed his precious Liza? Well newsflash, Werecats tried to kill Jacky several times but unlike Liza she could actually defend herself. Would be hate Werecats if they had succeeded in killing Jacky?? That man is so irrational that I reiterate: thank goodness for Subira!
Speaking of Jacky defending herself, why is no one in the family making a big deal of her killing an 800 year old werewolf on Fae steroids?? She's technically only a 15 year old Werecat and it's been stated a few times that there are werewolves who could beat her as she is right now. But she defeated him when even Niko couldn't. Granted there were circumstances and Niko was weakened, but still its a feat that should raise some eyebrows. Oh well. Maybe someone will mention it in the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
I loved this book. It’s probably my favorite in the entire series. There was action, anxiety, fear, humor, love and so much more. I was really going through all the emotions. You never get bored with Banets books. They keep you in your toes. I never expected the twist that came with Secrets and Ruin…. I’m going to jump to spoilers……….
I loved how close suri and Jacky have gotten in the last few books but the facts that this book began to really include the other siblings as well made my heart happy. There is a huge divide in the family but we all know it’s stemming from Hassan. Which in the beginning of the book was just making me so angry with him and made me really begin to dislike him as time went on. Although watching Jacky’s siblings either hate her or support her made up for it mainly suri and Jabari (I listened to the books so I don’t actually know if I’m spelling the names right). When Nico and Devour began their own pieces in the story I loved it. I love knowing more about the siblings and why they act the way they do.
Fenris…. Man that was such a twist. I wanted better for him. The progress he made and the friendship he began with Jacky gave me so much hope. I wasn’t expecting him to be the vengeful brother of Nico but I understand why it went the way it did. The note at the end…. I BAWLED. It hurt so much seeing that he really did love his new life, that he was actually healing the trauma of his past life. That Jacky and Heath were helping him do that. My heart aches for Fenris but also for Jacky who had to kill a man that she knew was still inside but couldn’t save.
This book, although it’s not the last gave me the warm and fuzzies in the end. It gave me so much closure. I’m so happy suberia stepped up and called Hassan out on his crap! And the way she speaks to her children was so loving and healing. She healed a part of Jacky that she has never fully received. I can’t wait to see more of her and more of the character development for the other siblings.
Dirk and Landon…. Sigh… I love them and I’m so happy that they are happy
Jacky and Heath make me soon. A type of love everyone deserves. They balance eachother so well and I can’t wait to see if there is an actual wedding in the future books.
Lastly I know in the “dear reader” K.N. Banet said she has been having a rough year. I hope she is okay and she knows how loved and supported she is. She is slowly healing all of us readers who have childhood trauma and family trauma and drama. I can’t wait for the next book!
I loved how close suri and Jacky have gotten in the last few books but the facts that this book began to really include the other siblings as well made my heart happy. There is a huge divide in the family but we all know it’s stemming from Hassan. Which in the beginning of the book was just making me so angry with him and made me really begin to dislike him as time went on. Although watching Jacky’s siblings either hate her or support her made up for it mainly suri and Jabari (I listened to the books so I don’t actually know if I’m spelling the names right). When Nico and Devour began their own pieces in the story I loved it. I love knowing more about the siblings and why they act the way they do.
Fenris…. Man that was such a twist. I wanted better for him. The progress he made and the friendship he began with Jacky gave me so much hope. I wasn’t expecting him to be the vengeful brother of Nico but I understand why it went the way it did. The note at the end…. I BAWLED. It hurt so much seeing that he really did love his new life, that he was actually healing the trauma of his past life. That Jacky and Heath were helping him do that. My heart aches for Fenris but also for Jacky who had to kill a man that she knew was still inside but couldn’t save.
This book, although it’s not the last gave me the warm and fuzzies in the end. It gave me so much closure. I’m so happy suberia stepped up and called Hassan out on his crap! And the way she speaks to her children was so loving and healing. She healed a part of Jacky that she has never fully received. I can’t wait to see more of her and more of the character development for the other siblings.
Dirk and Landon…. Sigh… I love them and I’m so happy that they are happy
Jacky and Heath make me soon. A type of love everyone deserves. They balance eachother so well and I can’t wait to see if there is an actual wedding in the future books.
Lastly I know in the “dear reader” K.N. Banet said she has been having a rough year. I hope she is okay and she knows how loved and supported she is. She is slowly healing all of us readers who have childhood trauma and family trauma and drama. I can’t wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
So i read this when it first came out and reread this recently when i reread the series for the new book release so itd be fresh in my mind which was good cause id forgotten a few things givwn its rich world.
Anyhoo. This book was not a fave od my but the series is so 4 stars for this.
It probably should be lower but i do what i want.
Barely any heath in this book.
Alot of landon and dirk whom arent my fave characters. Especially landon.
Added with fenris whom well i have complicated feelings about but wanted so badly to be good and honestly if youre reading reviews you deserve to be spoiled but taking him out of the game like that felt like a waste of a character and feels like it shouldve been part of taking down callahan the scum. Or stuck around as a valued member of the next few books at least make it worth something. But kn banet is a great writer and she no doubt has her reasons but fromna readers perspectuve at this point it was wasted potential and felt like unneccessary. The fae idk theyre written so badly in this series theyre usually a race i like but with the exception of alvina maybe most of it just gives me a headache.
So yeah lots of timeless fighting and confusion and shitty emotions and idk i get it for the overall storyline but its just if it werent this series id gove it a 2 star.
Not a fan of m/m as a rule either however in this series so far its done vaguley tastefully and not in your face. Which by extension we arent getting the MCs pda and such compared to other books of this caliber either like amanda bouchets kingmaker or like maria v snyders study series their comparable but this feels hmm idk duller in the romance like its an after thought and they dont seem to be deeply in love or show it but its more that been married for 20 years but also like super uneasy early dating stage mixed together feeling its quite odd.
Hoping for a hybrid to show true peace long before the last book or some epilogue but yeah this is more a drama fighting series than romance but i do LOVE it as its arguably more realistic romance. Funny enough. It somewhat reminds me kirsten ashleys fantasyland series. Where theres a lot of strife and world upheaval stuff but that series does really amazing in most couples cases of showcasing the romance but this is slowburn and one couple over a lot of books so i guess it can afford to draw it out?
Love the series. This book no thankyou
Anyhoo. This book was not a fave od my but the series is so 4 stars for this.
It probably should be lower but i do what i want.
Barely any heath in this book.
Alot of landon and dirk whom arent my fave characters. Especially landon.
Added with fenris whom well i have complicated feelings about but wanted so badly to be good and honestly if youre reading reviews you deserve to be spoiled but taking him out of the game like that felt like a waste of a character and feels like it shouldve been part of taking down callahan the scum. Or stuck around as a valued member of the next few books at least make it worth something. But kn banet is a great writer and she no doubt has her reasons but fromna readers perspectuve at this point it was wasted potential and felt like unneccessary. The fae idk theyre written so badly in this series theyre usually a race i like but with the exception of alvina maybe most of it just gives me a headache.
So yeah lots of timeless fighting and confusion and shitty emotions and idk i get it for the overall storyline but its just if it werent this series id gove it a 2 star.
Not a fan of m/m as a rule either however in this series so far its done vaguley tastefully and not in your face. Which by extension we arent getting the MCs pda and such compared to other books of this caliber either like amanda bouchets kingmaker or like maria v snyders study series their comparable but this feels hmm idk duller in the romance like its an after thought and they dont seem to be deeply in love or show it but its more that been married for 20 years but also like super uneasy early dating stage mixed together feeling its quite odd.
Hoping for a hybrid to show true peace long before the last book or some epilogue but yeah this is more a drama fighting series than romance but i do LOVE it as its arguably more realistic romance. Funny enough. It somewhat reminds me kirsten ashleys fantasyland series. Where theres a lot of strife and world upheaval stuff but that series does really amazing in most couples cases of showcasing the romance but this is slowburn and one couple over a lot of books so i guess it can afford to draw it out?
Love the series. This book no thankyou
March 30, 2023
I cannot say how much I love this series. Jacky has always been a strong character which is awesome, and Heath is never far behind.
*SPOILERS AND QUOTES AHEAD*
I absolute adore how her relationship with Landon and Dirk was explored here, as well as a glimpse of compassion between Jacky and Niko, also Davor?!? WHAT A DEVELOPMENT
All the scene in the forest had my heart racing and adrenaline pumping to my veins - WHICH IS LIKE 50% OF THE BOOK BUT F IT. The action on every book is so good, I’m always on the edge.
That ending was just a masterpiece, YES WE’RE HONORED TO BE HER DAUGHTER, FUCK HASSAN. I EXPECTED NOTHING LESS FROM THE LEGENDARY SUBIRA.
Also the:
“ You cannot and should not tolerate a life as Jacqueline, daughter of Hasan, but maybe you could tolerate this family as Jacky, daughter of Subira.”
AND
“We are blessed to have the chance to be her family. She didn’t choose us. She has been giving us a chance, Hasan, and you have been taking it for granted at every turn.”
🥹🫶 the amount of love Jacky received in this makes up for the whole 8 books mommy Subina was absent.
Now I’m looking forward to the wedding, dealing with Callahan and the new family dynamic. Will she get a bit closer to Mischa and Hisao? HOW WILL THE WEEDING BE? LET’S INVITE EVERYONE AND SIMPLY MOP THEIR FACES WITH REVOLUTION, ACCEPTANCE AND LOVE! FUCK YOU ALL, RESPECTFULLY!
Didn’t leave a review before because I inhaled the books in less than a week a few months ago - not to say I didn’t just read this in one sit - but the author more than deserves it.
Ps: despite having read the book today I still mess up names, so pardon me, I’m just excited.
*SPOILERS AND QUOTES AHEAD*
I absolute adore how her relationship with Landon and Dirk was explored here, as well as a glimpse of compassion between Jacky and Niko, also Davor?!? WHAT A DEVELOPMENT
All the scene in the forest had my heart racing and adrenaline pumping to my veins - WHICH IS LIKE 50% OF THE BOOK BUT F IT. The action on every book is so good, I’m always on the edge.
That ending was just a masterpiece, YES WE’RE HONORED TO BE HER DAUGHTER, FUCK HASSAN. I EXPECTED NOTHING LESS FROM THE LEGENDARY SUBIRA.
Also the:
“ You cannot and should not tolerate a life as Jacqueline, daughter of Hasan, but maybe you could tolerate this family as Jacky, daughter of Subira.”
AND
“We are blessed to have the chance to be her family. She didn’t choose us. She has been giving us a chance, Hasan, and you have been taking it for granted at every turn.”
🥹🫶 the amount of love Jacky received in this makes up for the whole 8 books mommy Subina was absent.
Now I’m looking forward to the wedding, dealing with Callahan and the new family dynamic. Will she get a bit closer to Mischa and Hisao? HOW WILL THE WEEDING BE? LET’S INVITE EVERYONE AND SIMPLY MOP THEIR FACES WITH REVOLUTION, ACCEPTANCE AND LOVE! FUCK YOU ALL, RESPECTFULLY!
Didn’t leave a review before because I inhaled the books in less than a week a few months ago - not to say I didn’t just read this in one sit - but the author more than deserves it.
Ps: despite having read the book today I still mess up names, so pardon me, I’m just excited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
I cannot express how amazing this book is. I was crying at the end of this book with happy tears, mournful tears, and even angry tears. This book is so well written with a perfect pace, dialogue, plot, and character development. I love Jackie as a character. She is written so thoroughly that I can see her as a genuine multifaceted human being. She is independent, smart, kind, loving but still flawed. The author writes her in a way that she doesn’t feel over sexualized or too perfect. Which I do feel like a lot of heroines in this genre are, even if the book is written by a woman. I love her relationship with Heath. I genuinely feel like it is a partnership with mutual respect and love. And the development of their relationship over this series has been a joy to read.
While I love the paranormal and fantasy genres, I have a strong dislike for books where everyone is immortal. First, they never behave like people that have been around for centuries. And then being immortal never really adds anything to the story. Usually it takes away because the stakes do not feel as high. I also don’t really see the appeal in living forever and it gets romanticized way too much in the genre. HOWEVER… this series is the exception. Their immortality makes the characters more dynamic with the cost of living forever being explored regularly. It really shine in this series. I can re-read this series over and over again. Well worth the wait!!!
While I love the paranormal and fantasy genres, I have a strong dislike for books where everyone is immortal. First, they never behave like people that have been around for centuries. And then being immortal never really adds anything to the story. Usually it takes away because the stakes do not feel as high. I also don’t really see the appeal in living forever and it gets romanticized way too much in the genre. HOWEVER… this series is the exception. Their immortality makes the characters more dynamic with the cost of living forever being explored regularly. It really shine in this series. I can re-read this series over and over again. Well worth the wait!!!
April 24, 2023
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! WOW!!! What an absolutely INCREDIBLE installment to the series! It’s going to take me a bit to process all of the events that have unfolded here, but DAMN I loved this one.
Banet has such an amazing way of taking characters that already exist in her universe and weaving them together into new, additive plots. This book was a fantastic example of that. I was a little peeved that she made me really CARE about Fenris before he ultimately died, but that’s neither here nor there.
It was super interesting to learn more about Niko, and I thought the Black Forest was an intriguing setting to host Jacky’s most recent adventures. This one was definitely a page-turner! Trust me, I do love me some Heath and missed him a little bit, but I LOVED seeing more of Landon in this book, and the novel character pairing was just further proof that Banet knows how to keep a series fresh.
HOLY CRAPOLA, that ending. THAT ENDING! I didn’t realize that I kind of secretly wanted a redemption arc for Hasan until he didn’t have one… Nevertheless, that confrontation was EXPLOSIVE in the best way possible. Subira is a freaking bad ass and her unconditional love of her children is the sweetest thing.
Also, Carey and Makalo have the makings of a cute little teenage love story. And will Niko stay near Jacky’s territory to be close to Dirk?! And will Jacky and Heath EVER develop the mate bond?!?!? Needless to say, the next book CANT come soon enough!!!
Banet has such an amazing way of taking characters that already exist in her universe and weaving them together into new, additive plots. This book was a fantastic example of that. I was a little peeved that she made me really CARE about Fenris before he ultimately died, but that’s neither here nor there.
It was super interesting to learn more about Niko, and I thought the Black Forest was an intriguing setting to host Jacky’s most recent adventures. This one was definitely a page-turner! Trust me, I do love me some Heath and missed him a little bit, but I LOVED seeing more of Landon in this book, and the novel character pairing was just further proof that Banet knows how to keep a series fresh.
HOLY CRAPOLA, that ending. THAT ENDING! I didn’t realize that I kind of secretly wanted a redemption arc for Hasan until he didn’t have one… Nevertheless, that confrontation was EXPLOSIVE in the best way possible. Subira is a freaking bad ass and her unconditional love of her children is the sweetest thing.
Also, Carey and Makalo have the makings of a cute little teenage love story. And will Niko stay near Jacky’s territory to be close to Dirk?! And will Jacky and Heath EVER develop the mate bond?!?!? Needless to say, the next book CANT come soon enough!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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