I am a fan of this series and to be honest I am a little surprised at the way that Jesse's story has unfolded. I was surprised at Jesse's treatment of Bell on several occasions. Jesse is dealing with a lot with his serious struggles. The idea of Jesse hiding all of his pain behind his outward image as a love them and leave them devil-may-care type of character is appealing and that is what Savage gives us. But, and it's a pretty big but, Jesse has darkness that spreads into his treatment of the one person who shouldn't receive it. Jesse makes some choices that made me not like him so much. It's hard to come back from some actions and it was hard for me move on from some of his.
Bell is so innocent, naive and sheltered by her parents that even at 23 years old she is having trouble moving towards being independent. With the trauma that Bell and her parents face getting help from Jesse seems the answer to her problems. Even with the flaring attraction and emotional pain that striving to be with Jesse brings her Bell stays to get the answers that she needs.
Savage always brings the sexy and angst to her stories and there is plenty of both in DESERTION. However, my ability to hold a grudge unless sufficient penance has been paid keeps me from enjoying Jesse as much as I enjoyed my biker boos Nix and Shy! But, I will still happily move on to whatever comes next in the KNIGHT'S REBELS series.
Happy Reading!
Monica
**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Synopsis
Honor.
Courage.
Commitment.
Three things Jesse Carter has lost. A former Marine, Jesse used to stand proud of his achievements and live by the code. But when circumstance made him question everything he believed in, those most basic values didn’t feel so important after all.
Sex.
Lies.
Knights Rebels.
Three things Jesse Carter has found. Reborn into a brotherhood not so different from the one he left behind, Jesse finds it all too easy to block out his past and claim the role as the Rebels' fun loving player.
Until he meets Bell.
Shy, awkward, and with troubles of her own, Bell Johnson's no stranger to hiding her pain. When Jesse forces himself into her life, she’s at risk of her defences crumbling.
Does Bell have the strength to survive Jesse and his demons or is she fated to become another casualty in the self-destruction of Jesse Carter?
*****
Excerpt
I wake up to the heat of someone’s palm against my shoulder. Twisting around, my hand moves faster than my brain, and I snatch it off me.
“Jesse, it’s me, Bell,” she rushes out before I can take it any further.
“Fuck.” I release my grip on her arm and sit up, forcing myself back to the here and now.
“Did I hurt you?” I reach for her searching for any sign of a mark left by me.
“It’s fine. You barely touched me.” She holds her arm out letting me inspect it. I check it over one more time before releasing her and relaxing.
“You wanna talk about it?” I study her face, eyes calm, soft mouth. She’s not freaking out.
“Just some shit that visits my dreams sometimes, nothing that needs to touch you,” I reply, shocked I’m not retreating.
“I don’t mind, Jesse,” she pushes, and I almost cave. Almost.
“The last thing I want to do is talk about this shit, Bell.” She doesn’t argue or press, and I’m grateful for it. I don’t think I’d be able to keep my cool if she did.
“Come back to sleep.” She lies back down and I follow her. She doesn’t ask me any more questions, or make me feel like I need to tell her everything.
“That ever happens again, don’t wake me,” I warn. A menacing thought strikes through me picturing what could have happened if I didn’t wake in time. She’s lucky I didn’t hurt her, like the last time a woman touched me while I had a nightmare.
“You don’t always have to be so brave, Jesse.” Her hand moves to my dog tags. I don’t stop her. I’m starting to like the feeling of her hands touching them.
“Never tried to be, Bell. But talking doesn’t help me. Never has.” I think back to the time when I did try and it forced me out of control. Talking about those triggers only amplified my insecurities. When death sits afar, mocking you in the dangerous confines of your surroundings, it fucks with your head; nothing was going to change it.
Besides, my issues weren’t what I had done. They were what I had survived. My conscience wasn’t clear and my honor wasn’t clean.
“Promise me you won’t touch me.” I keep my tone even, controlled.
“I promise.” I take her hand in mine and bring it to my lips. Maybe one day I will let someone in. Let her in.
Today isn’t that day.
But today, I didn’t push her away.
That has to count for something.
Affliction (Knights Rebels MC #2)
*****
Reclaimed (Knights Rebels MC Novella)
*****
Paradox (Knights Rebels MC Novella)
*****
Desertion (Knights Rebels MC #3)
*****
About the Author
River Savage is the Author of the Knights Rebels MC Series. She released her debut novel, Incandescent, in August 2014.
An avid reader of romance and erotic novels, her love for books and reading fueled her passion for writing. Reading no longer sated her addiction, so she started writing in secret. She never imagined that her dream of publishing a novel would ever be achievable.
With a soft spot for an alpha male and a snarky sassy woman, Kadence and Nix were born.
River would love to hear from you. You can contact and/or follow her via...
Email: riversavageauthor@gmail.com
Great review, Monica.
ReplyDeleteKay xx
Thanks so much Kay!
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