King's Ransom by Jackie AshendenMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ajax King, self proclaimed monster, eldest son of Augustus King who he help bring to justice not long ago. He cannot have any one person run Sydney unchecked so when his father’s protégé decides to try, Ajax knows what he has to do. Kidnap William White’s daughter Imogene. That will ensure he leaves town quickly and permanently.
Imogene is bored, being a pawn in her father’s games is boring. She knows what is expected of her yet she can’t seem to care. Ever since her father told her that her mother died because of her (she died while giving birth to Imogen) she has been desperate for his love. Only to come up empty handed time and time again. When Ajax appears before her and says he is kidnapping her, she believes an angel has been sent to her despite all the darkness.
Ajax can’t believe that his little princess is so eager to be “kidnapped”. What kind of home life must she have with her father, William White, to have her practically jumping into her enemy’s hands? She proves to be more than just a virginal face once he gets her home. She is beautiful, but smart, brave, honest and loving. All the things he feels he doesn’t deserve to have in his life, how will he ever give him up.
Imogen and Ajax realized they love each other but he feels he needs to set her free for her to thrive. Imogen has been a captive in her father’s home then straight to Ajax’s home, he thinks she hasn’t had a chance to live so he sets her free. Ajax has been protecting everyone that matters to him in his life, he has to protect Imogen too. Months pass and they are both miserable until Imogen returns home, after a call from Leon. She knows that they are just what each other needs to navigate life together. Together they make a future they can both thrive in not just survive.
Loved reading Ajax and Imogen’s story, 4 ½ stars for this 3rd installment in the King series. Ajax is the stereotypical oldest child, the protector no matter the cost. He finds himself empty inside and at first thinks that is how he likes it until Imogen. Imogen has been empty inside looking for her knight in shining armor; Ajax rides in to save the day in ways she could never imagine. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance reader copy.
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