A superbly narrated tale of heroes and villains

Jackson's Justice is the second audiobook of a trilogy that is part romance, part family saga, and part science fiction adventure - all set against the rugged, unyielding backdrop of the American midwest. The wild, uncompromising landscape is echoed in the strapping, steadfast Jackson men, especially so in Heath whose desire to remain untamed equals that of the most recalcitrant colt on the ranch.

Unusually, even for a raunchy romance, the explicit descriptions in this audiobook begin almost immediately. I'm no prude, but I prefer it when the author 'earns' the steamier scenes, having built up the characters' anticipation a little and allowed us to get to know them before revealing their most intimate desires. However, as the story unfolded and I grew more familiar with the character whose observations prompted such vivid descriptions, it made much more sense that he would dive in with no holds barred, as he does with everything else!

Much as I enjoyed the book, it did feel as though there were two distinct parts, which could have been split into two books. There was a natural conclusion to the plot around halfway through and, at a total of almost 15 hours long, it could easily have been split into two volumes without either feeling insubstantial.

I found the Jackson family very endearing, with each character developed enough to feel integral to the balance of humour, warmth, and strength that kept them together. Despite my reservations regarding one particular angle, I would still gladly listen to the other books in the trilogy just to spend a little more time with this funny, loyal family.

Though mostly a standalone novel, I'd recommend listening to the previous book in the trilogy first, as this book contains spoilers for the previous story. I wish I'd had the opportunity to listen to book one, Marshal's Law, first, but very much hope to add it to my library soon. I have enjoyed getting to know the characters and am intrigued by the underlying sci-fi element which seems rather out of place in this novel without the proper history. Even if I hadn't liked the characters so much I might have been tempted to listen to book one just for the narrator, and I'm sure he will be a determining factor in my pursuit of the full series.

The narrator in question, Gideon Welles, was possibly my favourite part of this audiobook. His voice is rich, deep, and velvety, with a throaty, southern drawl; like melted chocolate with a shot of whiskey. He was perfect for this audiobook, and is very easy to listen to. I usually keep away from American narrators for romances, especially historical ones, because I don't find the accent very relaxing and and I listen to this genre when I need to rest and allow my mind to wander. Welles' voice was soothing but also kept me engaged in the story and willing to forgive the characters almost anything, nearly as eager to hear more from Heath as Jenny was!

I loved curling up in bed and unwinding with his sonorous, reassuring voice, whose intimacy was pitched just right for the steamier scenes between the couple. We have just had our first days of snow this winter, and I was very glad that Welles' voice radiates such enticing warmth.

There is a content warning for this book which didn't dissuade me from listening but which I now think ought to be worded differently. As well as a physical assault this book contains repeated instances of humiliation and 'corporal punishment' which are often unnecessary and are unhealthily dressed up as a strong, stable man 'taming' an unruly woman 'for her own good'. I felt there were far better ways this could have been achieved, and that the book mistakenly conflates harmless consensual activities with harmful non-consensual ones when exploring this otherwise-innocuous kink. If you're sensitive to historical themes which would today be considered abusive then their repeated occurrence and patronising justification would likely make this book uncomfortable and render the romantic lead wholly unlikeable.

It wasn't a deal-breaker for me, but I did feel that it was handled irresponsibly and that the author could have included similar themes in a much more realistic and far more empowering fashion. Had Jenny's character been a willing participant rather than an embarrassed girl who was begging him to stop, I wouldn't have found the scenes uncomfortable.

When all is said and done none of the above ruined the story. The plot still captured my interest, I was satisfied with the ending, and I adored the narrator. I'm already intrigued by the set-up to the next book in the series, and hope it comes to Audible soon. In the meantime I hope to listen to the first book to learn more about Aaron and Janelle's story, while awaiting the audio recording of Luke's.

*I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

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