Paladin: Jericho's Boys, Book 1

Oh my, this book is just so good! I loved the Necessary Evils series and the introduction of Jericho’s boys and this book is just the most amazing spin off. I loved seeing the Mulveney’s again but Ever absolutely stole my heart and I just want to keep him forever. He is so adorable and innocent but with this inner steel that develops as the book progresses. I can’t wait to read more of the Jericho boys and how they find their happiness.

This was another fantastic story!I loved seeing all the familiar characters and the story sucked me in from chapter 1.It's not possible but every book I read just gets more enjoyable,I absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next one.5 stars from me.

“I was a nineteen-year-old, living in a closet, clinging to a baby book of fairy tales. It’s stupid and lame and hopeful…and embarrassingly naive.”When Arsen goes to do a job for Jericho, taking out a child abuser in their neighborhood, he finds Ever locked in a closet. The 19 year old remembers no other life before captivity and has known no kindness other than what he reads in the books he loves, but he feels safe with the teal haired tattooed killer mechanic who saved him.Arsen and the other Jericho's Boys in this are brilliantly characterized as always. Ever is an adorable minx as he comes into his own and I'm looking forward to seeing his character arc more as the series builds. I love the weight the Onley James books give to portraying the aftermath of trauma, without trying to do love-fixes-trauma. Good showing of dissociation, other trauma responses, therapy and impact on relationships are in here.This is Book #1 in the Jericho's Boys series, a spin-off from the Necessary Evils series. Characters from the Necessary Evils series are important in Paladin and I'd say it would be necessary to read those first to get the most enjoyment from this book. It felt lighter and less impactful than at least some of the earlier books, especially Unhinged, despite both dealing with the trafficking and long term abuse of a MC. It's a fast and easy to read book.In this you'll find: MM contemporary romance; 2 gay new adult MCs; instalove; first times; morally grey characters with killing & torture of bad guys; trafficking, child SA & rape (off page); found family; gaming; mechanics; dealing with trauma; and a HEA.

This is how you start a spin off. This book was just so good. Ever was just adorable he fits in so well with everyone. I can't wait for the next in this series.

I loved being back in this world again and I’m thrilled the author has decided to give Jericho’s boys their own stories. Arsen and Ever are fantastic characters and this is a great story. Looking forward to more ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another fantastic read from Onley James, this is Arsen's story which involves lots of murder and mayhem. With appearances from some of the Mulvaney's because you always need help to bury the bodies. Thoroughly enjoyed, an easy five stars, very much looking forward to the next book. HEA

I really really wanted to love this book because i adored the mulvaney series with its dark angst and action but this book was lacking in all of that. It focused almost 80% on them falling in love and how adorable the MC was and very little else. Its an ok read and i did enjoy it but i was just hoping for more.

Absolutely loved this book 💜 This is an amazing start to a fabulous new spin off series. Arsen & Ever are so perfect for one another. It was great to see some of the Mulvaney brothers and Jerichos boys working together again….making the story deliciously dark and twisted the way only Onley James can…..such an incredible author 😍 highly recommend this amazing story….its a must read !! So looking forward to the next one …Rogue book 2 💜

I loved it! So sweet and caring! Ever is a great character from start to finish. The Jericho boys are funny, it’s a great read.

Ever is so cute! Like a teacup puppy! One that bites lol. Buuuut. But Arsen is so sweet and wiped and caring. And where can I find one Arsen for myself? It's so nice seeing the Mulvaneys interacting with Jericho boys in the kiddos element. Not really kiddos because they're hot enough to boil. May I have the next book soon, pretty please with Ever on top?I was almost forgetting to talk more about Ever! I was expecting to read him being diagnosed as a psycho but it was just trauma. He's so strong, though! He's a survivor and it's sweet to see him recover and tribe in Arsen care. This book was another perfection.

I got this as an ARC through Onley's Patreon (which is soooo worth it, btw).SO, you *can* read this book without reading the Necessary Evils series, but I suggest you start with them if you haven't. You won't miss out on anything storywise, but you'll enjoy every character that much more as we WILL be seeing Mulvaneys and the Feelings Faction.Jericho's boys first make an appearance in Moonstruck (NE 3), which is Atticus and Jericho's book. Then we have Felix's (Jericho's brother and one of the boys) and Avi's story in Mad Man (NE 5). Honestly, if you think you'll enjoy this book, you'll love the NE series anyway. It's a comfort read for me.Now as for the book itself, soooo good. We've been teased about the Russian hottie with blue hair for many NE books and we finally got him. We were given a tiny glimpse of back story previously, but now we get the full picture of this monstrous upbringing and how he became the caregiver he is.Ever is a sweet, little, feral bebe who hasn't known a loving moment in his entire life, so it's hard for him to see Arsen's gestures as what they really are.It's the everyday happenings in this book that are my favorites- the bedtime rituals (face washing, my heart), the Murder Muppets/Feelings Faction group chat (SO funny), streaming video games live (and the followers going insane when Ever's adorable, squishy face shows up).Yeah, it's dark, but it's the relationships cultivated that Onley has really mastered. That's why I suggest reading NE first. Their interactions make my heart happy.

Paladin was everything I wished it to be and more.We briefly got to know Arsen in Moonstruck and I really enjoyed getting to know him better. His past, his trauma, his character in general. Ever is the perfect match for Arsen. This sweet boy comes with his own trauma and horrific experiences but still warms up to Arsen quickly. Arsen turns out to be his fiercest protector.I love that Onley gave them time to develop their relationship (it was fast objectively but we all know how instant it was with the Mulvaneys) and I admired Arsen’s restraint and patience.I can’t wait to read more about those boys.Mind the trigger warnings, as usual there are some violent topics mentioned in the book.

I can already tell that this new series about Jericho’s boys is going to be some great reading. I loved Arsen and Ever’s story and getting to see a little more of the Mulvaneys is never a bad thing. This was a great read, full of intrigue, heat and a great ending. Highly recommended.