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Pagan-

Fighting. F@cking. F@cking things up. That was my life. That was how I got out of the world I had been raised in. And it was how I intended to keep living my life.

That was, of course, until I came across her. The game changer.

Kennedy-

Hard work. That was pretty much all you could say my life consisted of. It was what got me out of a rough childhood. It was what made me get my first taste of success. Before things went to hell, that is. But it was what was going to get me back on my feet too. So I didn’t need any distractions. Certainly not one that came covered in scars, blood, leather, and in a cloud of cigarette smoke.

Yet, there he was.
And I was thinking maybe a distraction wouldn’t be that bad, right?


* For possible triggers, please visit my website and find my "trigger" warning page on the main navigation bar.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2017

306 people are currently reading
988 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Gadziala

161 books5,385 followers
Jessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.



You can find her on
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xx

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
Profile Image for ➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas .
1,174 reviews344 followers
September 8, 2018


Title: ➳ ❤- Pagan

Series ➳ The Henchmen MC Series 8#
Author: ➳ Jessica Gadziala
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Publication:, May 5, 2017
ღ Kennedy-So what’s girl to do when big, badass, scary as all hell, sexy as all sin, gun-running, cage-fighting, smoking, drinking, crazy biker (Pagan) invited me to that big party at The Henchmen compound with promises of showing how much he love eating something “USDA prime." Well how girl gonna turn that down? Even if I don't do casual sex.
❤💕 After seeing some of Pagan’s dark side in the last book. I just couldn’t wait to learn more about him

➳Pagan- We have a basic understanding of who Pagan is & his violent, bloody fighter at Hex. We know that he does not like when asshats hurt females… Pagan & pretty much all the new pups have this trigger

➳So we shouldn’t be surprised when Pagan does the things he does to the man that hurt Kennedy

➳Wow we all knew that Pagan past would finally be revealed in this book. But lord have mercy, it was nothing like what I had expected



L💕veツ this series & am enjoying watching Henchmen rises from the dead

Omg I can’t wait until Cyrus & Edison book

Honestly I don’t know who book I want read more Edison or Cyrus … I guess Jessica Gadziala made that decision for us

On to the next book Cyrus


📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕
💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤💕
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,815 reviews632 followers
April 30, 2017
From the cover that sets the atmosphere to the last page, Jessica Gadziala’s PAGAN is 100% in-your-face, hardcore, tough-as-nails entertainment. In a world where the graduates of the school of hard knocks live, and love and loyalty are at the core of the Henchmen’s souls, Jessica Gadziala sharpens her razor-sharp wit and go-for-broke style with one of her best romances yet.

Pagan has anger management issues which he quenches in the underground fighting rings. A newer Henchman, he can be the voice of reason or an erupting volcano of fury and thanks to a beautiful lady in distress, he can also be a knight in tarnished armor.

Kennedy worked hard to leave behind the nightmares of her youth and she is determined to keep working as hard as she must to make a success of her life and her business. Too bad she has obstacles at every turn in the form of an egotistical landlord who sees her as his next conquest, willing or not.

Then there he was, tall dark and nameless, dangerous, wild and pure alpha male and the sparks that flew were more like Roman candles on steroids and she didn’t even know his name. Come on, all work and no play makes Kennedy a cranky girl, right? She isn’t used to being supported in her dreams, every step of the way has been uphill and her beauty salon has become the world she has given up everything for until Pagan shows her that she is not an island, that he will always have her back, want her body and cherish her. Everyone has a past that makes them the person they are today, but Pagan keeps his past close to the vest, with good reason, but for once, that past will help him express what he has trouble saying to the woman who has cooled his angry fire.

Once again Jessica Gadziala does things her way, changing up the violence and action for a rough-edged romance between a good girl and a very bad boy. Add the Henchmen and their women and I have to say, THIS is what family is about. Yep, I really did see that here. No, Ms. Gadziala is not going soft, she is being real, raw and as passionate as her characters. Feel the sizzle, the heat and experience the need for a swift sniff of smelling salts as Pagan and Kennedy each meet their match in every way! I just love when the tough guy goes all weak-kneed for the beauty who can control his very breath!

I received an ARC edition from Jessica Gadziala in exchange for my honest and voluntary review. If you haven't followed this series...I can only ask why not!

Series: The Henchmen - Book 8
Publication Date: May 5, 2017
Publisher: Jessica Gadziala
Genre: Romantic Suspense | MC Romance
Print Length: 228 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Profile Image for Janie.
873 reviews81 followers
February 3, 2018
I have been waiting for Pagan’s Book with his don’t give a f*ck attitude. I was not disappointed. He was an absolute manwhore before but from the moment he lays eyes on Kennedy, there’s no OW that will do. It took him a while to realize why but it was great seeing him fall. Kennedy is just a normal hard working girl trying to make a good life for herself. Pagan of course is like no one she’s ever known but she’s drawn to him. Of course we get plenty of the Henchmen MC and the girl’s club which always adds to the story. These people are a family by choice willing to always do whatever they can to protect each other. On to Cyrus’s story.
Profile Image for Bev .
2,230 reviews481 followers
May 22, 2017
Another great addition to the series. This was a lot easier to read than some of the others, and I absolutely love where the author took Pagan's back history - I definitely wasn't expecting that! As long as JG keeps writing about the Henchmen I'll keep on reading them.
Profile Image for Dusti Hanrahan.
298 reviews96 followers
April 28, 2017
I'm lusting too damn hard to review rt now so I will when the batteries run out ;)

Not too many things make me warm and fuzzy like a new Henchman alpha to dream about!! ARC given by author for honest review.
Profile Image for Alex ♈.
1,568 reviews1,408 followers
December 18, 2018
I really hope it was a one time deal...
The 1st book by this author I rate with 2 stars. I couldn't find anything to click 3.

Absolutely disgusting male protagonist. Except his protectiveness for abused women - which is a must for every hero by this author - there was nothing positive about him, at least not for me.

Too many details, thoughts about his manwhorishness. Too many. The way he spoke about women, who all were not worth it, but only the heroine, made me want to punch him.

The heroine was ok, but her needy acceptance of his attitude spoke volumes.

I wanted to DNF, but I read all the previous books and thought I would miss smth about the other characters. I wouldn't have. I wish I knew it, so I could skip this book.

I really really hope (pretty please) it was the only one story of this kind by this author.
I pray JG won't follow the lead of many authors, who write disgusting male protagonists and all levels of doormats.
Amen!
Profile Image for Kiri Fiona.
279 reviews14 followers
May 10, 2017
5 Stars…

Pagan, honey, you blow my mind.

description

What I loved:
Quote… I was already mentally back at home eating store brand ice cream straight from the tub with a soup spoon and a side of five-dollar wine. Yes, five dollars. They, in fact, do make wine that cheap.

I loved Kennedy right away. I admired how hard she worked, how devoted she was to her dreams, her willingness to sacrifice to make her dreams a reality, and how no matter how crap things got for her she always did the sensible, practical thing. Except, you know, that one time, when she let Pagan finger blast her in an alley. Not that I'm complaining in the least.

description

Pagan was a surprise. I knew I'd love him because he was a smoking hot, crazy, violent muhfucka and I likes it like that. But he had so much more going on for himself. I loved that he appreciated family - he knew he was a part of something bigger than himself and he took care of that. It was a huge part of why I adored him.
Quote… For chrissakes, one time after a fight, Penny had been so upset about cleaning up the cuts on my hands that she cleaned them out with her own goddamn tears.
That shit was nice.

description

So. I have all these new characters and I want to know them all! Sugar & Virgin. Oh my God, obviously Sugar has to get a book, right? Because Reign never told us how Sugar got his name!! And we've still got Cy's book to come, too. Yes?
Quote… Hey," Cyrus said, small-eyeing them. "I'm the pretty one here, damnit. Don't be going googly eyes because he has those Spanish genes."
"Yes, very pretty," Maze agreed, stroking his arm.
"So pretty," Penny added, patting his other hand.


But yes, so, this is me putting in my request for Sugar.
description

Ms Gadziala is growing so much as a writer. I've always loved the attention she pays to her characters, and how they are all so different. You can tell, a lot of the time, who is talking just by the things they say or their mannerisms. I love that. Character development is like crystal meth to me, and her skills with that are growing with every book. I'm so excited to see where she takes us next.

Also, this story sort of took us out of the MC a bit more. It was interesting. I would have lost my shit if we hadn't had our Henchmen quality time and been able to get a glimpse of all the old and gorgeous faces (is that a weird way to phrase that? I feel like it's weird.) but we also went new places. We spent more time at Hex. We spent time with just the two of them away from the compound. And at She's Bean Around, and the salon. I just felt like we got out a lot more in this one, and I enjoyed it.

Um... Ward. What's happening there? I'd very much like to eat him alive get to know him.
Quote…And if you fuck her after your fight, it better the fuck not be on my desk again. Or I will show your ass why the fuck my ass doesn't go in that ring."

description

The epilogue. Amazing.

What I didn’t love:

I want more books! I want The Henchmen to still be entertaining us when I'm old and grey!

Overall…
Thank you, Jessica Gadziala. I loved this so hard!
description
Profile Image for Eleanor.
1,181 reviews29 followers
April 27, 2017
5 Niro Stars

First of can I just say this cover - Amazing! I love it. I had one hell of a book hangover the day after reading this. not my first from Jessica's books but definitely the first in a long while. I ate this book up in one sitting and I just couldn't put it down. Pagan was insanely hot and his story was so unexpected but brilliant. Kennedy was a kick ass leading lady which I absolutely love. Yes this book was everything I needed it to be and I may now have a new favourite Henchmen - Sorry Duke!

I loved hearing all about the new pups coming into the Henchmen world and of course like always its great to have some old names pop up as well.

http://realtastypages.com
Profile Image for Jen.
1,655 reviews1,164 followers
May 22, 2017
Another great read in this series! This is the 8th book and it keeps getting better! I can't wait to see what is coming next! I also love this authors epilogues at the end of each book! I have always been a sucker for getting to look into the couples future!!!
Profile Image for Elfina Renee.
611 reviews226 followers
May 13, 2017
What can I say? I love this author and the Henchmen she writes about.....the perfect balance and never a dull moment! Damn.....now I have to wait for the next release! Enjoy, happy reading!!!!
Profile Image for Snow.
2,323 reviews728 followers
January 6, 2018
Fuck yeah...

Pagan

My fave out of the Henchmen I have read so far!

unapologetic
in-your-face attitude
direct
bold


And then, he surprises you 😉

LOVED this guy...

Profile Image for Brandy.
380 reviews
May 7, 2017
The Henchmen MC Pagan.....

Fighting, fucking, down and dirty MC men, a beach house, alpha males, and badass women!!!!
I was totally hooked on this book from the first word to the last. I absolutely love reading every new book written by this author because I know that I will always get an intriguing story line and awesome new characters!!
I have read and loved everything written by her since first reading Reign and will read everything she writes be it a full blown novel or novella. I love the way the different series set in Navesink Bank let you see little updates on the previous main characters and how they come together to help each other out!!!
And man oh that little teaser at the end about what is to come, yep I'm totally hooked!!!'
Profile Image for Bunny.
367 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2017
I came across Jessica's book Reign on amazon and thought I'd give it a go. Best decision I made. She did not disappoint with this book. I fell in love with Pagan and Kennedy. The first words he said to her were by far my favorite part of this book. I think if you haven't read any of Jessica's books before, you won't be disappointed. She is amazing! Happy reading!
Profile Image for Deborah.
3,842 reviews496 followers
August 26, 2021

I’m not sure about this one.

I have to admit I skimmed most of this book. It just didn’t hold my attention.

I love that all these guys are ultra protective of women. But these two didn’t particularly work for me. I didn’t feel any chemistry and well……bring on the next one.
Profile Image for Christen.
275 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2017
!!!!!!! L O V E D I T !!!!!!!

Effortless, addicting, emotional, fun, sexy, I just can't say enough about Jessica Gadziala's writing!

If you have not read anything by this author yet you are missing out!!!
392 reviews5 followers
May 9, 2017
Pagan is a bit bored of the fighting, way-too-easy sex and crime. With the Henchmen MC’s ranks having been depleted through war, the clubhouse isn’t quite the same. A little disillusioned with the desperate women hanging around the clubhouse, he strolls over to the café where a shiny bracelet catches his eye. Following the shapely arm up to the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on, he sees Kennedy for the first time. And she’s sitting across from some smarmy d-bag in a suit who says something that disappoints/angers her, drops some money on the table and walks away. As it turns out, that’s her landlord, and he’s turned down her offer to expand her beauty shop business into the adjacent space that has been sitting there empty for too long. But he won’t take the chance on her having it – slyly pushing instead for a date with Kennedy. Pagan comments on the guy – to Kennedy’s surprise – then casually invites her to the party happening at the MC compound. Advised by the friendly woman who runs the café that Pagan doesn’t seem to be the relationship kind of guy but to definitely go for it if it’s just a super-hot time between the sheets that she’s looking for. Intrigued, Kennedy impulsively decides to live and little and so it begins! Standing in front of the club, Kennedy is greeted in the dark by Cyrus, another Henchman, with “marry me… Mrs. Insert-your-name-here Harris” [Gotta love the dialogue!] and offering to fight the guy who invited her. Until, of course, he finds out it is Pagan, who is an absolute beast in the fighting cage.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Pagan and am utterly delighted to give my honest review. I confess to being a tad biased simply by virtue of the fact that I adore the Henchmen and everything else Jessica Gadziala writes, but that bias is fully justified by the quality of the writing, how compelling the stories are and the depth of character development. The characters are gritty but real, with deep emotions and relatable problems and reactions. Add to that the hugely entertaining dialogue, and we have another winner!
Profile Image for Krystyn.
161 reviews4 followers
May 5, 2017
I want to belong to Pagan!

Well I have to say this story went in a completely different direction then I thought and I absolutely LOVED IT!!!!

We all know Pagan from his appearance in Lazarus and we have a basic understanding of who he is a violent, bloody fighter at Hex and a bit of a adrenaline junky but to my surprise he was not who I really thought he'd be but that's all I'm saying on that.

Our heroine Kennedy or Kenny depending on whom is talking is just a normal girl. She is not a badass fighter or computer hacker or bomb expert she's just herself and I can relate to this girl on multiple levels.

This story was not really like all the drama we normally have although there was still drama, it is Navesink Bank after all. Personally I liked how the story focused on the main characters so much and really helped develop who our new puppies are. I don't feel I can say much about the story since it's different then I was expecting but one of the bits I liked a lot was this.....
"Puppies," Maze said, shaking her head. "Just when you think they're growing up because they stopped pissing on the rugs, they go and start eating furniture and chasing cars like idiots."

If you already enjoy the Navesink Bank/MC world then this book is for you and you will enjoy it. If you have no idea what I'm talking about then go read ALL the books, binge them so you too will know what I mean when I say I wish I could be part of the "Girls Club!"
Profile Image for Kelly.
3 reviews
May 7, 2017
I loved everything about this book! So excited to be introduced to the newest Henchmen. Can't wait for their stories. Loved getting a glimpse of the next generation in little Niro too.
44 reviews
May 1, 2017
ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Even though we just met Pagan in Lazarus, I think he quickly became a fan favorite for many reasons. A sexy bad boy alpha cage fighting biker with tattoos and an attitude to match um what more could you want?? But it was also his laid back voice of reason and a quite wisdom we saw at the end of Lazarus that really sealed the deal for me on this new addition to the henchman family. Can anyone say dream man? In his story, we are introduced to the woman who eventually brings this bad boy womanizer to his knees. That little shy but strong girl's name is Kennedy. I felt an immediate connection to Kennedy because I see a lot of myself in her. For starters we are both hair stylists, both had childhoods that shaped our futures, and (this part I would like to think of myself this way) a quiet strength with a never give up attitude. The two together complemented each other perfectly and the sex as usual with a JG book was off the charts hot! As far as action goes this book wasn't jam packed with it like some other Henchmen books and that's okay. Their story is exactly how it should be and will definitely have you turning the pages.
Profile Image for Aditi.
285 reviews30 followers
September 26, 2020
Both the leads bored me to death! No chemistry and certainly no emotional attachment. Everything seemed physical.

- H was a manwhore and time to time he used to remember the girls he has done with and how he ate them and blah...blah..blah...which I was not at all comfortable reading with.

-Then there was h, same old stupid, naive and all innocent like doormat ones who will do anything once they see how hot H is and how different he makes her feel and all that Shit.

- Again there was too much unnecessary details about the furniture at his house, the beach house, how cute it looked or how the bedsheets are Egyptians and how cute the vase looked more beautiful at the side of the door then beside the window!
Tbh, I skipped half the book and just read bits of each chapter, and they have sex at each fvcking chapter!

P.S In Hindi language, there is a word 'Pagal', meaning idiot, and this Pagan, H's name, whenever popped up, I made sure to call him 'Pagal', cause he did every single thing to deserve it!
Profile Image for Sara.
90 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2017
I was given an ARC of Pagan & I am so happy I got a hold of him early! This book was totally worth the wait. Ill go ahead and say this now, fighters are one of my weakness's & I swooned so hard for Pagan!! When we were introduced to Pagan he was an easy character to like, then getting to know more about him in his book he's very easy to love. Kennedy was great, I loved her strong independence & her drive to earn her own way & do things herself because well it just reminded me of me. :) Pagan & Kenny's relationship was so sweet but equal parts hot as hell! Benny was my favorite, I wish I had a Benny in my life.
Im glad we got to see some more of the puppies & even get introduced to a few new ones. Now that i am done with Pagan i guess ill just be over here patiently waiting for Edison's book & of course my new favorite mystery character Luce.
Profile Image for JudyCa.
1,185 reviews
May 9, 2017
5+* JG delivers yet another fantastic couple from Navesink Bank. Pagan and Kennedy were awesome together. He's got to be one of my fav Henchmen and Kennedy was such a strong, solid h. Thanks JG, you never disappoint! :)
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,863 reviews1,564 followers
January 30, 2022
#KUBinge

Ahh!!! I knew Pagan's book would be amazing and I was not wrong!! I am obsessed with him and Kennedy. GaH!!! Navesink Bank just gets better and better! This story had heat and emotion and all the JP heroes that I can't live without! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Profile Image for Krissy.
169 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2017
This was just as great as the previous 7. Jessica, you know how to give a story. I loved this book and can't wait on the next one!!!
Profile Image for Ashley.
696 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2020
I devoured this in one sitting. amazing characters. great progression in the series. interesting new characters. it hit every mark on my list.
750 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2017
This author can write an MC book. I love the Henchmen.
.
Profile Image for Cindy.
2,349 reviews172 followers
May 3, 2017
Hot love story between a rough around the edges fighter and sweet hairdresser who refuses to let life get the best of her.

Going into these stories about the probies we don't know a whole lot about their backgrounds. We've been given just enough info in a previous book to be intrigued by them and look forward to getting to know their past and what made them into the men they are today. Pagan was definitely one of those. All we knew was he was one of the main fighters for Ross Ward and had joined the Henchman as a probie. He's a chain smoking, tough as nails alpha who lives for a fight. Never saw himself in a relationship or even wanting a woman past a one night stand, that is until he comes across Kennedy and for reasons unknown to him at the time attracts his attention.

Kennedy has struggled her whole life and even with the knocks life has given her she still believes that at some point the tides have to turn in her favor. She owns her own small salon and has hopes of being able to expand in the future. When she meets Pagan she doesnt know what to think of the foul mouthed biker who skirts on the wrong side of the law but she too finds herself attracted.

Even though this is part of the Henchmen MC series the last two books, which are the stories about the probies, changed pace from the earlier books and focus more on the couples. I do miss the excitement and craziness of the earlier books but one thing that never changes is a hot love story. As with most of the couples Jessica writes, they dont look like a match when the book starts but before your done you realize they are perfect for each other.
1,357 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2017
I think this author is my form of chocolate. The stories are all so good. Once I open my kindle I find myself not being able to put it down even though I should. This story is no different. The characters are created with such depth that I can't get enough. The men and women are all strong, loyal, funny and understanding of one another. The plot pulled me in and as I was reading it felt like I was watching a movie or sitting on a bench in the park watching it all happen. Such a wonderful addition!
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