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The Redemption Saga #3

A Nature of Conflict

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Sawyer Matthews is a retired and presumed-dead assassin. Ripped from her life of shadows and secrets, she’s decided to gamble it all and accept a new chapter in her life—one that may lead to a brighter future.

With her first case over and budding relationships with some of her teammates, Sawyer finds herself feeling more secure. Sawyer’s found a place on the team, and wants to keep it, no matter the struggles that come from it.

It should have been a standard, mundane trip to New York, and the base of operations for the IMPO and the WMC. Conflict ensues when political intrigue, hot tempers, and old grudges land the team in trouble with those who would see Sawyer fail.

The team will need to fight to stay together.

Or die trying.

*This is an Urban Fantasy reverse harem series of full length novels where the leading lady doesn’t have to choose from her romantic interests. This series will have M/M content.
These books are rated for mature audiences, 18+ due to violence, language, and sexual themes.
This series deals with several triggering topics including, but not limited to, suicide, child abuse, rape, and PTSD.*

442 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2018

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About the author

Kristen Banet

27 books1,329 followers
Kristen Banet has a Diet Coke problem and smokes too much. She curses like a sailor (though, she used to be one, so she uses that as an excuse) and finds that many people don’t know how to handle that. She loves to read, and before finally sitting to try her hand at writing, she had your normal kind of work history. From tattoo parlors, to the U.S. Navy, and freelance illustration, she’s stumbled through her adult years and somehow, is still kicking.
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.

Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kristenbanet...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...

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5 stars
1,992 (53%)
4 stars
1,277 (34%)
3 stars
398 (10%)
2 stars
60 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
Profile Image for Rhiannon Chillingworth.
799 reviews188 followers
August 17, 2018
This series is definitely one of the best Reverse Harem series' out there.

It is well written, the characters are deeply drawn and have clear development and character arcs. Their relationships with each other are complex and develop at a believable rate.

What makes the series really stand out for me though are the characters. Sawyer is becoming one of my favourite female main characters. She is a perfect blend of light and dark for me. Her trauma is dealt with realistically and in a non gratuitous and showy way. She is majorly tough and genuinely kick-ass, but she's vulnerable and deeply scarred as well.

The male characters are all well drawn and unique from each other (often a rarity in Reverse Harems, where they all blur into one). Some are much more endearing to me than others, however, and one of the weaknesses of this book was Zander, to be honest. Too much manufactured and pointless relationship drama in the first third, which just made his character dislikeable. Jasper can be a bit bland for me, too. Vincent has grown on me massively since book 1, but Elijah is definitely the best of the rest, as QUIN is just the best. He is such a deeply engaging character.

Quin is a big part of the second half of this book, and this is where the book really shines. We learn a huge amount about his past and get to see some huge development of his character and his relationship with those around him.

Sawyer, equally, makes some big strides towards healing, and has something pretty hugely significant happen to her, which actually made me well up with happy tears, which NEVER happens to me when reading.

In summary, while the first half, particularly the first third, was a bit slow and had some unnecessary relationship drama, I thought the second half was outstanding and I loved every minute of it. This book is over 300 pages, as well, and considering over half of the RH out there I've read is about 150 pages per book, I can easily forgive the first part of such a comparatively long book for being a bit slow.
Profile Image for Dr. Shaz.
31 reviews6 followers
August 17, 2018
4 Stars... Quinn definitely got me over the line from 3 to 4!

I think this could have been a 5 star, but the first half of the book just dragged on endlessly with relationship drama and angst. A little would have been ok, but when you see you are 50% in and not much has actually happened other than Zander acting like an idiot to the point you just want to reach into the pages and slap him, Jasper pinning and not manning up, and Vincent kind or staying quietly in the background, you realise that you are bored and annoyed at the same time. I think a little bit fo relationship drama in RH is warranted, but not half of the book!

In saying that, the second half of the book ALMOST makes up for the shortcomings of the first half. I loved finally seeing seeing the Druids and getting Quinn's backstory. The relationship development between Sawyer and Quinn was done so perfectly. But what really makes the second half pop for me is the action that is mixed in and that makes you keep turning the pages late in the night when you should be sleeping. The second half of this book reminded me so much of book 1 where the relationship and character development is mixed in seemlessly with the actual plot progression. I loved the addition of Sombra, which I had suspected would happen since Book 1, but really enjoyed watching it unfold and Sawyer come to terms with it. I also really enjoyed Yasmin and Tez, the were very well written for secondary characters and I honestly hope we see them pop up again in future books.

All in all, I am still loving this series and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for svnshowers.
20 reviews
November 23, 2018
I really enjoyed the first two books but I had to quit a quarter of the way through this book because the book really pushes Sawyer's relationship with Zander, and as it turns out? I can't stand him. I get that he's written in such a way that he's arrogant and entitled. Maybe their relationship is structured so that it starts flawed and then they grow together as people and it's wonderful, but.... maybe not.

In my opinion, Zander is the least interesting of the love interests in this series. He's also extremely passive aggressive and his primary skill seems to be lashing out at Sawyer, saying things that are specifically meant to hurt her. And then after all that, they both apologize and they have makeup sex and the readers are somehow supposed to be okay with how extraordinarily emotionally manipulative Zander's behavior is?

But yeah, I hate him. Maybe their dynamic changes, maybe I'll eventually come back to this series and find something different in it, but as it stands.... nope, can't do it. It's a shame, because it's otherwise well-written and has an interesting plot. Cool magic, interesting world-building. But god damn I hate Zander.
Profile Image for Princess J. Antoinette.
966 reviews99 followers
June 11, 2019
It had some slow moments but I got through it and it was worth it in the end... so there you go!

Overall rating:
4.5* ~ A Very Good Read
Profile Image for Mada Linx.
252 reviews29 followers
September 24, 2019
I did enjoy this one from the series a lot more than the previous ones. It had a lot more that made me feel excited.

I’ll continue with the series.
Profile Image for Jai M {Cat Crazy Dragon }.
732 reviews39 followers
December 8, 2023
Too much emotional drama, too much boring details, not enough cohesion.
[Not Enough Quinn!! 😫]


So, I don’t like that the author lessened Quinn in order to resolve his romance with Sawyer.
He’s suddenly fitting in better, laughing, smiling, acting more like the others.
More, the author lessened his relationship and emotions with Elijah, turning it into just benefits.
They’re bond is more than that, even if it wasn’t love of their lives sort of thing.

It’s that whole, oh so special chickie, that everybody wants trope.

Plus, the author clearly has issues with blending multiple strands in a story. They focus on each aspect singly, meaning we spend 30-50% setting up, waffling, irrelevant to the main plot.
Then we waste more on emotional drama and day to day abstracts, with the smallest percentage on the actual main plot and it’s subsequent action and urban fantasy.

It’s not enough. These books need a massive edit, and someone to help blend all the threads into one, so the pacing doesn’t drag, and we don’t get stuck having to skip over inconsequential details, or worse, end up having to read everything multiple times.

Also, continuity on details and characteristics over the series, and within each, needs serious work.

All of which is a massive disappointment, as the world building is something worth reading, as is the plot ideas overall.
It’s simply the execution that is failing. As is portions of the research and fact building. There are details that just don’t make sense, don’t fit the story or it’s world, or the characters created within.

It’s baffling, how an author can create an idea and personality, and then blatantly contradict it..😳🤷‍♀️
It’s almost like it’s been written in chunks at different times, with the idea changing in each moment.

E.g.: the team are all about protecting others, making a better world, etc.
Then they say how they’re not going to throw away their lives trying to save others, that they should just evacuate the people, and let the baddie have their way. That those in charge are wasting lives by not doing so.

They later decide they should help, ‘cause said baddie has killed so many…

[p.s. in B2 they could have evacuated everyone to safety and didn’t. Nothing was said about those who died as a result, or were there any regrets mentioned regarding the decision.]

This kind of inconsistency was common.
The FMC thinks Jasper is oh so good and moral, but then criticises others for their lack of willingness to see the world as it is, and how this costs the innocent.

Just as everybody keeps calling her an assassin, despite her only ever having killed as a means of defence or coercion, while the same can’t be said of other agents. Yet no one is calling out on that, contrary to their rabid need to defend, or her contrary personality.

Bluntly the list is just too long to go over.
So, I’m done with this series, it’s just too messy, too long, and too flawed.

For the record, the romance of the relationships is fairly limited, with the greater focus on the drama of said relationships instead.
Same is true for the action and mystery portion.
Think 55% drama, 20% day to day minutiae, 15% action & mystery, and 5% romance with two or three sex scenes, with almost no seduction.
Profile Image for S.R. Harris.
Author 1 book65 followers
August 18, 2018
Oh Quinn!! He made this a 4 star book for me.

While I love the diverse world that Kristen Banet built here, the beginning of this book was a little slow for me, however, the second half and Quinn made up for it.

I loved that we got more of Quinn's background and the bond that built between him and Sawyer.

Quinn and the fact that my girl Sawyer got herself a jaguar for her animal bond were the best part to this book.

I am intrigued to see where we go next with this series.
Profile Image for Camila.
325 reviews270 followers
November 29, 2018
Alright everyone. Scooby Doo and the Mystery gang, sorry..
SAWYER and the hot men are BACK!

And this time we fighting a crazy young Druid....

WHO WAS NAMED CAMILA.

I’m seriously having identity issues.
This needs to stop.
We can’t normalize my name.
If I start finding my name on Coke bottles... I’ll have to find something new to complain about.

When Camila threw a tantrum about not listening to anyone... I just... had severe flashbacks of—-
NOTHING.

I was never that bratty growing up.
She misrepresented the name.
Disrespectful, that one.

This book was so much better than book 2.
More action.
More adventure.
More loooooove.
There was just that level of emotion I need BACK that wasn’t so present in book two.

My heart yearns for Elijah + Quinn.
I guess I can deal with Sawyer joining that love triangle.

Vincent and Sawyer though... ugh, perfection.

DeAngelo or Dina or whatever she goes by can suck a giant dick tho. What a bitch.

A certain Jaguar entering the scene HAD ALL OF MY PREDICTIONS BEING TRUE.

Hell yes.
CAMILA the reader: 1
CAMILA the crazy fucking Druid: 0

Thank u, next... book now. :)



Profile Image for Anne .
405 reviews32 followers
August 15, 2018
Def one of the best reverse harem release this year

When A Life of Shadows was released, I thought to myself, good luck topping that one. Next, there was A Heart of Shame, which def did more than top the previous read. Then this read came...ohboyohboyohboy, prepare for A Nature of Conflict to shatter all your expectations from the last two reads. I swear to freaking God, everything you expect Kristen, Sawyer and the guys to deliver? They dished out a whole lot better than any reader could have ever imagined. Fml.

I only have three things to say, actually. I think this read broke me so consider yourselves warned what with my review vomit and insta book hangover.

First of all, my god, Sawyer. Sawyer Cambrie Matthews. Cool name, cooler heroine. I just...she's been through a lot. Feels like every chapter I have to learn more about all the hells she's endured and survived. Which brings me with the point that this strong human being coming out even stronger. Seriously, how to be her? She deserve Sombra and all the other great things coming here way after this. (Side note - wtf? I shouldn't be surprised the author pulled this out. I mean, she freaking loves big cats ffs. I may have sniffed when Sawyer accepted her own shadow). There is something so rewarding and satisfying when a character you root for comes out on top despite all the massive hurdles and seemingly impossible circumstances thrown her way. Hear me roar...and sigh in pleasure.

Second thing. Quinn. This must be what early Christmas feels like? I believe it's safe to say that Quinn is everyone's favorite. So learning that this is his book? Jfc, so here I am, even more in love with the guy. So unfair.

Last but not least, goodness gracious, the story itself. So well-paced and flawlessly written. I didn't care if I pulled a nighter on a school day, it was more than worthy of such a reckless decision. Believe it or not, I intended to wait for the weekend. But sleep is for the weak and all that jazz...plus, priorities. Lmfao.

I would like to think that usually, I am more coherent and more objective when reviewing but obviously I was mostly running off emotions this time around. I have raved and babbled and fangirled - extra hardcore - because this is a read that one should experience personally to get the exact justice, you know. No need for me to spoil any of you when you can read for yourself what actually happened. Thus, I mostly shared what and how I have felt instead. You're welcome.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,277 reviews57 followers
March 21, 2019
The gang is barely back from their case in Texas when they are called to New York to be evaluated. Sawyer manages to lose her temper when she is cornered by the politician that wanted her executed instead of given a contract, and Quinn pisses off the top brass when he refuses to join their mission to the Amazon to confront a Druid that is killing villagers. Unfortunately, the group's enemies team up and the only solution is for the entire team to go on the dangerous mission.

It seems the author has fallen into a pattern of spending the first half of the book establishing and developing the personal relationships within the group, then the second half of the book has the action plot. It's fine, only I found myself a little bored around the 35% mark and needed something besides Sawyer and Zander fighting all the time. Luckily things picked up around the halfway point and bonus, we get more of Quinn. Smut factor is 4 out of 5. Now that everyone is agreeing to be part of her harem, things should continue to get hotter.
Profile Image for ★Me Myshelf and I★.
292 reviews502 followers
August 18, 2018
Buddy Read with my favourite RHR gals

Dreams can come true



Rocky start to this one, lots of relationship drama and friction with Zander (who I don't remember being annoying before) The arguments felt really unnecessary and staged so that was the part I liked the least

But make it past 50%



Boom we're back in business

The second half was perfect. Exciting, action packed, new developments. It had everything I wanted and still left a bit more to come in book 4 to keep me interested!

I have no idea where this is heading now for the last 2 remaining books in the series but I am loving the ride. Relationship drama and all

Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,595 reviews46 followers
August 30, 2018
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Just when I think these book cannot get any better she writes another one and totally proves me wrong!! Sawyer is used to the team by this point though those in charge are still trying to mess with them all trying to tear them apart. This time they focus on Quinn and Sawyer though I do believe they totally get more then they were expecting as these two truly go above and beyond. In depth characters we can all love and enough suspense to really keep the reader hooked from page one until the end. This series totally blows my mind with each new installment. If you have not started then yet then you really have to fix that!! I completely loved it and will be waiting impatiently for the next one so I give it 5/5 stars.
33 reviews1 follower
August 15, 2018
Love doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about this book! 💚 Sawyer just keeps growing, and her guys... one guy in particular, really gets a spotlight in the newest chapter of the redemption saga. #TEAMQUINN
(DONT JUDGE ME)

Mucking about in a dangerous new territory on a secret mission from the IMAS? ✔️
Sexiness on sexiness on sexiness? ✔️
Drama? Gut wrenching moments that will make you scream out, "KB WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU?!" ✔️

As always the character development is on point, and everything feels 3 dimensional. If you're anything like me you'll get sucked into this universe.

I cannot *wait* for the next installment!
Profile Image for Heather Gilbert.
1,627 reviews74 followers
March 29, 2020
Keeps getting better!

The third book in this saga takes (almost) every relationship a bit farther (yay Quinn!!) and advances the entire, series wide plot into new realms, territories and directions.

There is a Druid in the Amazon wiping out villages and killing humans that dare to encroach upon her lands. Sawyer’s team is the only one suited to go, joining with an elite group of soldiers in an attempt to take down one of the strongest Magi in the world.

Like the header says, this series just keeps getting better!
Profile Image for Kel Carpenter.
Author 63 books1,839 followers
August 16, 2018
Amazing. This book was absolutely amazing and definitely upped the game. I am so so happy with how the story is continuing to grow and how Sawyer and her guys are growing and developing with it.

Before this book The Redemption Sags was one of my favorite RH series. Now, after a A Nature of Conflict it’s one of my all time favorite series out of anything.

If you like dark and gritty paranormal books with unique characters and real feels—read this! You won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Siri.
1,199 reviews65 followers
August 17, 2018
Holy mama it was so damn good
Sawyer is officially one of my fave badass MC females of all time💞 she fucking kick ass and is damn strong
Profile Image for Anna.
733 reviews70 followers
September 2, 2018
I had kind of a rough start with the third book. For the longest time I just couldn't get into it. The beginning was a little abrasive and it put me off a bit. All the characters did was argue with one another, needlessly I might add and I just wasn't into it. I mean, I did kind of appreciate the fact that their relationship was not flawless and easy, and that they did struggle and put some effort into it. But still, all the senseless fighting was exhausting.
Then, when the story finally moved to a different location and the action slowly started to pick up, I finally found my rhythm. I liked, very mush so, where the plot took us and that we got to experience a different side of the supernatural world - the one where Quinn grew up. It really helped put things into perspective, not to mention that it was fascinating as hell.
And a lot of things happened here! Some I've been waiting a while for, and some I did not expect to happen so early (to be honest, I'm not quite sure that Sawyer was ready yet to have met Sombra), but overall it has all been amazing. I loved all the action, loved the emotional aspects of the story and cannot wait to see where it will all takes us next!
Profile Image for Sydnee.
116 reviews
December 27, 2018
Squee

I just love this series.

The plot:
Into the Amazon with awesome elements of the governmental structure to add some world building. Great action scenes, as typical, and it’s worth noting that the style of magic in this series is just really cool and neatly developed.

The sex:
Honestly, it’s taking a backseat. It happens, and it’s steamy, and it sure is satisfying, but it’s satisfying because you just end up loving the characters so much. Slow burn for real, tho. Slow burn for real.

The characters:
As stated, the characters are well-developed. Every book so far takes the time to further develop each of them, touching back on things you know from previous books and interspersing new things and building on their characterization. The F lead is understandable and respectable. The men are the same.

Tl;dr:
Series continues with a cool plot line, characters that are so interesting, and romance and slow-burn sex that is all the more satisfying because I just love the characters so damn much.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
522 reviews13 followers
August 21, 2018
4.5 stars

very enjoyable series! Love how unique and interesting all the characters are and I love all their chemistry! I would like to see a bit more development between each of them, more personal and more bonding moments. I liked how the story moves along with them working together and I think they are growing as characters which is great. Maybe more banter and all together hanging out type moments? but that's just a wish list for the next book! I am excited to dive into the next this one was awesome!
Profile Image for Zen.
2,367 reviews
June 23, 2022
Enjoyed this one mostly, but got a little tired of the, "at least it's not Texas" comments from the heroine. Any question on why, you can see my review of the previous book. I liked that we got more Quinn in this book. The fighting between Zander and Sawyer is getting a bit old. I really liked the POV from everyone else, though. I'm curious to see where this story is going to go in the next book and novella.
Profile Image for Jorja.
178 reviews4 followers
July 10, 2024
I really enjoyed the continuation of the series. Each character continues to grow individually, as a group, and in specific relationships/friendships. They grow in confidence, can admit when they’re wrong, and take steps to improve. The story line was interesting and kept me invested. So now I’m on to the next. :)
Profile Image for Megan.
3,347 reviews44 followers
August 4, 2022
This was so good.

I am soooooo happy with Sombra. Won't state why as spoilers.

However this series is just so easy to read. I really like Sawyer. Shes funny, reckless and arrogant but the combo just works for her character.

Quinn is still my favourite and always will be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews

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