Cover Image: King's Ransom

King's Ransom

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Member Reviews

King's Ransom by Jackie Ashenden was a sexy and tension-filled story that I read it one sitting. I have been looking forward to Ajax's story since the first book in this series, and really enjoyed his and Imogen's story. Ashenden writes great romance and there was incredible chemistry between these two characters. I loved the way they reacted to each other, and the sizzling heat that was present when they finally gave into their desires.
This is a great series with fantastic writing, enjoyable themes, and great characters. I highly recommend it.

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I loved this book, I just couldn’t put it down!! When they finally get together at the end I cried!!

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I like most of these Harlequin DARE titles, and this one is no exception. Ajax kidnaps Imogen to try and blackmail her mobster father into leaving town. What he doesn't expect is to fall her her! Full of lusty moments and heartbreaking decisions, this is a fabulous read.

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The last and the most brutal brother Ajax King falls in love in his enemy daughter which he kidnaps. But Imogene is full of surprises and not all spoiled rich girl. She is also very happy to be kidnaped and wants her kidnaper very badly. It is great to see how Ajax losses control and allows himself something for him Both Imogen and Ajax are complex characters and they are the missing part that the other one needs. Another enjoyable, sizzling read from Jackie Ashenden.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

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“Kings Ransom” is a sexy, fun and sultry read. A book that will keep you hooked with engaging characters, smooth storyline, fun moments and off the charts chemistry. What more could you ask for? Would highly recommend

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Ajax is determined to clean up the criminal activity in Sydney, and after helping put his criminal father in jail five years earlier, his next step is to stop anyone from taking over where his father left off. William White wants the position, and in order to obtain a lever to stop White from making a move, Ajax decides to kidnap the daughter—Imogen White. He is nonplussed when Imogen treats her abduction with excitement and joy.

For Imogen, the kidnapping is a chance to escape the cage her father keeps her in, and she intends to make the most of the experience.

Ajax harbors a lot of guilt for the past and the things he had to do to integrate himself with his father and advance his plan to take him down. He’s a dark man and moody, but none of that bothers Imogen who finds him attractive.

I enjoyed these two characters together. Imogen is an innocent and the perfect foil for the more experienced and broken Ajax. It was a joy watching them fall in love. The falling in love happened quickly, but I loved the fantasy and the way they managed to find common ground.

This is the third book in the series. I haven’t read the previous stories, but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the romance. I think, however, that with particular series, reading the books in order would add nuances that I perhaps missed.

Received via NetGalley

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The final book in this series, Kings Ransom, is fantastic. Who knew that it would be a 5ft nothing woman that would bring Ajax to his knees. From the first moment Imogen was putting him in his place. This series is one worth rereading again.

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This was a good love story! I liked both of them. This was third in a series but it can be enjoyed without reading the others first. I recommend this book.

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Wicked good!!! Imogene and Ajax are in my top 10 favorite couples. No one writes physical and emotional tension between two characters like Jackie Ashenden. Its always a guilty pleasure to read one of her books. This one is no exception. Her light to his darkness is what romance is all about.

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Absolutely loved Ajax and Imogen’s story. He kidnaps her with the aim being to get her father to leave town. Then the roller coaster of emotions really begin. Both are stubborn, strong characters that quite simply need each other. Sexy times abound as does a strong storyline.
Highly recommended read.

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I love finding new Kiwi romance authors! really wish I'd started with the first two books in the series as I think I would've enjoyed this one more. Thank you for the review opportunity!

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A big thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. Ajax kidnapped Imogene, but she helped.him! Really ready to escape her.father. Really enjoyed this! She made me laugh. A solid 4 stars rating! Fun I think most Romance readers would enjoy.

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5 Stars for Jackie Ashenden’s King’s Ransom ( Book #3) of The Kings of Sydney miniseries

Available from Harlequin DARE

ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.

This book can be read as a complete standalone however I highly recommend King’s Price ( Book #1 ) & King’s Rule ( Book#2 ) both are also excellent reads !!

Without spoilers or giving anything away this book is filled with:

A page turning plot & a very well developed storyline
Hot, sizzling – SEXY chemistry
Pulling at your heart strings ANGST
Awesome setting in beautiful Sydney , Australia
Attention grabbing “SUPER HOT“cover

The story revolves around a revenge kidnapping where Ajax King is trying to force Imogen White (her father is a sworn enemy ) out of Sydney. As a connection to Ajax’s own father’s corrupt / criminal past he wants him gone & out of his / his brother’s lives. What he doesn’t know is that Imogen has been trying to escape from her father for years. She is nothing but a pawn that has been kept secluded from life – not that she really has one ( no friends – not able to attend college or able to date ) with no real purpose other than to attract a husband that will further her father’s criminal connections.

In typical Jackie Ashenden fashion – she has saved the best for last in this series as I just love these (2) characters. One of my favorite passages in the book is the following a reminder to everyone that true love is possible:

Ajax ….
“It didn’t seem possible that a man like me , broken & dark , violent & possessive , could catch a beam of sunlight (his ref to Imogen) in his hands & hold on to it forever !! She came along & broke me wide open with her honesty & her trust .. With her love…. A love that terrified me because I wanted it so much. She was right ;… I was afraid … Imogen had brought me back to life & there was no way I could have that life without her … “

As a believer in true love this just slays me! Everyone deserves their HEA so glad these two found theirs ❤️❤️


Highly recommend this author & series !!
GREAT READ !!!
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT !!!

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King's Ransom is a steamy opposites attract story that I simply adored. I loved the interactions between the hero and heroine, Ajax and Imogen, the way she confounded him, being nothing like he expected. I also liked that even though it's a quick read there was still character growth. I definitely recommend it.

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This was romantic fantasy on an amazing scale. Kind-of kidnapping, insta lust that grows into love, sheltered girl - it has it all. But sometimes it's hard to buy into the fantasy for me. Ajax was doing the same thing to Imogen as her father had been, but it was considered ok. It wasn't ok to me. There was a bit too much domineering male for my liking. Otherwise, I was surprised at the lack of sex considering the Harlequin line that it's in. 3stars is a solid read for me. I enjoyed myself. :D

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I have loved the Kings of Sydney series by Jackie Ashenden and was so excited to read Ajax's story. It was sexy, emotional and just so delicious. I could not get enough!

Running from the memory of his father and the idea of turning into him, Ajax King has made it his personal quest to clean up the city that his father ruined. Now with his father in prison, he makes it a goal to force his remaining enemy out of his city. The best way to do that? Kidnap his virginal daughter - Imogen White. But what Ajax did not anticipate was Imogen wanting to be out from under her father's thumb and wanting all the dirty things Ajax has threatened.

I loved this story. It was sexy and refreshing and so fantastic. Imogen was the breath of fresh air that Ajax needed. She wasn't scared of him and his reputation. She likewise was the first person to ever put Ajax first and made him see that he was not his father's son as they were cut from different cloths. Overall this was a great read and I look forward to reading more from this author!

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo. 4 stars! ~Ratula

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The female characater was a refreshing step away from the stereotypical spoiled, sheltered, mob daughter who's been kidnapped. But was she really kidnapped? There is a light hearted edge to the entire book that keeps you rooting for the couple to beat the circumstances their lives have given them. Quick read, especially when you skip doing household chores to have a lazy day of reading!

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Ajax is going to teach his sworn enemy a lesson by kidnapping the only thing he loves, his daughter Imogene. Expecting Imogene to be horrified by this turn of events he's astonished when she's thrilled. Her father keeps her in a protective bubble and she's ready to live free. Ajax plans on giving her back to her crime boss father when he pays the ransom until he starts to care for Imogene. Enjoyable romance.

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Ajax is head of a powerful family whose father was not GOOD. Prison housing said father gives Ajax the opportunity to set things right in Sydney. Also, one last scheme to kidnap a rival's boss leaves Ajax shaking his head and opening up his heart. Imogen and Ajax make a great romance of healing and self discovery. A copy of this book was provided by HARLEQUIN - Romance (U.S. & Canada) via Netgalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." Jackie ASHENDEN tells a Great Down Under Romance!

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The last of the King brothers is about to fall and fall hard. Imogen is one of my favorites. She's the perfect partner for the man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. There is humor and romance and steamy sex. These stories remind me of what I fell in love with about Harlequin so many years ago. A great read!

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