Free Falling

Extreme Escapes, Ltd.

by S.E. Jakes

Sometimes falling in love is the most dangerous thing of all...

Blue’s a thief who lives for adrenaline and danger. When he meets Mick, a mercenary and a hitter, he feels an immediate attraction. But Mick reneges on a bet they’ve made, leaving Blue pissed and confused.

When they meet again a year later, Blue’s in terrible danger after having walked into the middle of one of Mick’s jobs. Mick saves him, and although the two men have fallen for one another, they have no idea how to handle that kind of intimacy that's been forced on them.

But when Mick goes missing on a job, Blue’s the one to go after him, determined to save the man he loves no matter the cost.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, BDSM, Military Fiction, Erotica, Romantic Suspense

150 pages, ebook

First published December 5, 2012

About the author

SE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want.

You can contact her the following ways:

You can email her at authorsejakes@gmail.com

You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes

You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes

You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes

You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com

You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...

Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.

***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had some pretty big issues with this story that dropped my rating way, way down.

I think I'm getting the feeling for S.E. Jakes and her writing style by now. She writes bad ass, alpha males that all have tons of baggage. I like the general feeling of this story but it was the details that killed me.

1) The insta-love. Honestly, I'm sick to DEATH of the MCs falling in love in seconds. These two guys went from next to strangers to "lovey love love" in 5 seconds flat. It reads really false to me. Give me some build-up, PLEASE!!! Who do I have to bribe to get a M/M romance with proper build-up???

2) The sex drug. Stupid plot device. It bothered me. It might not bother everyone.

3) Blue's sister. This is my biggest complaint at all and it is entirely based on personal experience. If you are going to pick a disease to die of, don't pick MS if you don't do research. My uncle has advanced MS and when you have advanced MS, you can't talk and you most certainly don't have the coordination to reach out and squeeze someone's hand as you are dying, like Blue's sister did. You are completely paralyzed. You can't eat or drink. Advanced MS is horrible. This book made it seem like cancer, which is isn't, and it irritated the CRAP out of me. Do your research, period.

I'm in a book funk at the moment and this book might just have caught me on a bad day. I think it was pretty entertaining overall but I ended up more on the side of unhappy after finishing it.

[Ingie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written December 16, 2013

4.4 Stars - slightly too short but so lovely to read - it burns almost...

I already read two closely related books about some friends, Catch a Ghost and Long Time Gone, and loved both. It will be interesting to see what this rather short novel has to offer.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Free Falling offers me ~ ...absolutely everything. I am so pleased and kind of "filled" with these two cheeky, but very sweet, tough guys. I want more about Blue and Mick, now immediately!

“If I catch you, bed for a night.” ~ Okay!!

Mick and Blue met each other already a year ago. Blue couldn't resist Mick's attraction, but unfortunately it wasn't a good end to a possible love affair. Blue has since avoided Mick who he sees as a traitor who tricked him.

Blue is a young, talented professional thief. On a mission in Bogata, he sees Mick a friend to Prophet who is also working for Extreme Escapes, LTD. in a bar with a bunch of businessmen. A drink with drugs, men with horrible intentions and totally dizzy and lightheaded becomes Blue rescued by the man he want to avoid, Mick (who is working undercover). Blue is taken to a secret hotel room and before the drug's effects are gone from Blues mind and body, has a lot been said and "done".

A new chance, bubbling emotions and finally, perhaps, may these two tough guys also dare to give each other so much more. The romance is in spin...

“You're going to have to deal with me exactly how I say you should, because you. Have. No. Choice.”

Although this story is hardly 125 pages, there are both some suspense elements, family relationships, full speed in the bedroom, tough guys that softens, a meeting with the wonderful Prophet (from the other books), and a lot of fun, witty stuff and jokes. Quickly read and so hot, romantic and amusing.

~ As I wrote in a status update: a New Year's resolution may be to read all the published novels I havn't read yet (...6 parts in another series - Bound by Honor) by S.E. Jakes next year. ~

...But I really hope there will be more stories (novel or short story) about this very charming couple, Mick and Blue. They are two amazing guys with a really strong chemistry and attraction between them, wonderful to meet them. Like I said above, I want more.

I LIKE - ..I love S.E. Jakes' both so very cute, tough and brave (gay) heroes!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
December 6: Yay! A great 'Secret Santa Gift'!!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

**5 Falling for Blue and Mick Stars**

All Blue's been through, he's been through alone.
He doesn't know any other way.

Fuck, but you gotta love the delicious and fierce men of Extreme Escapes, Ltd. You'll be a fool not to won't one of your own. And this book...YES, I totally LOVED it!! I don't think there ever was a boring moment to be read. I was drawn in and captivated by every word. From the characters, to the build up of their relationship. And all the ups and downs, they experience. This book is simply... A-fucking-mazing!

Never again would he let someone take
advantage of him like this...

Blue is a thief, who never gets caught...but that changes when he draws the attention of Mick, a team member, working for EE, ltd. The two clash and don't get along. But that's all on the surface. For Mick craves to control Blue...and dominate him in bed...feeding the dark need Blue is seeking...but never before received.

They'd been circling each other for business and for the threat of pleasure for months now. And Blue was finally caught.

But not all goes to plan. A year later, Blue stumbles across Mick on the job...and draws the attention of the men, Mick is currently trying to destroy. Unfortunate circumstances force Mick to protect Blue...drawing their feelings and need for each other, to the surface. But will Mick let himself fall and grow attached to another? And will Blue survive the consequences of opening his heart and trusting Mick?


Danger, sorrow, need and love , all merge together, as Mick and Blue fight for their survival...against the monster willing to destroy them. The two must learn to trust, become vulnerable...and give in to the other. Breaking down the barriers and stubbornness, keeping others at bay.

He was afraid his voice would break, so instead, he hugged the man tightly. Buried his face in Blue's hair until Blue hugged him back just as tightly, like he'd never let go.

So...I obviously, loved and devoured every word written in this book. And that's all before Prophet, my babe, was mentioned. He just added that little extra, that was needed.

"You never sleep," Mick said.
"Beside the point. I might've been busy doing other things."
"Like jacking off?"
"I have people who do that for me," Prophet sniffed.
"Phil has to hire that out too?"

"Let him love you."
"I'll try."

A DEFINITE RECOMMENDATION FROM ME MATES XX


ARC provided by the fabulous, S.E. Jakes, for an honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Sometimes falling in love is the most dangerous thing of all…”


Sexual healing at it’s finest ♥♥


The chemistry between these two characters is mind-blowing, and the sex? Hot, steamy, original and seriously manly!!!

Anyone looking for a rush of heat and adrenaline should definitely pick up a copy! ;)

I'll definitely be picking up more books from this author.

[SheReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hearts On Fire Review

FOUR & A HALF STARS--Do you have a favorite roller coaster? A ride that feels dangerous but no matter how high or low you get, no matter how rough it can be, you can't help but want to go on one more time just for that feeling...

That feeling is comparable to "Free Falling".

SE Jakes' "Free Falling" is a story that packs punches and surprises all around. We meet new characters, Mick, a mercenary with secrets and Blue, a thief with a couple hidden up his sleeve as well. These two alpha men meet a year ago and had a missed opportunity for more...or was it a missed opportunity and not a plan?

The tension between Mick and Blue is delicious. Mick's over-protective and Blue's on the edge of dangerous. The relationship and characters that this author creates were so good. I enjoyed both men and couldn't choose a favorite. (okay...it's Blue but just by a little - I have a passion for thieves in romance, especially well faceted ones)

My concessions from making this a five star read? They were minor. Though Blue and Mick met a year prior, since this was not a novel, their love felt like insta-love even if it was not the case. And we didn't get a descriptive of Mick - hair color & eye color (I like to know how to picture my main characters, it's a quirk of mine)

Jakes did a great job of giving heavy intrigue, thievery, sexy men, sexier sex (with bdsm tones), suspense, hot action, dubious drugs even some tearjerker moments and made me want more!! I'm so happy this is a precursor for the upcoming Hell or Highwater series (Prophet is a excellent, badass secondary character who will star in book #1 of the new series)

Mick and Blue? They just worked together. They complemented each other and once they both divulged their secrets to one another, it made them more in sync for each other. And if you like alpha male types in your M/M romance, you're going to be happy.

So if you are thinking about reading this story, should you take a chance?

Yes, you'll be in for a satisfying ride.

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: ***3.5 - 4 Stars***
Audiobook: ***2 - 2.5 Stars***

My reaction to this audiobook in exactly this order:

Boy, I'm glad that I already knew the story, otherwise the audiobook would have spoiled it for me big time.

I was so looking forward to my 'reread', but when Dorian Bane began to speak I actually jerked. He sounded as if he was pushing sixty. No offense, but I was so not expecting that and it didn't fit the voices in my head, especially not Blue in his mid-twenties. At one point I laughed myself to tears because a drugged Blue reminded me of a mummy in a comedy trying to speak with bandages wrapped around its head and I couldn't get rid off this visual. And Prophet with a British accent???? No. Frigging. Way.

I'll leave it at my original rating for the story, though, since it was still as hot as I remember it to be. :)

[Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok...liked it...big potential if it continues on into a series...

Great, great characters in Blue and Mick...and Prophet (want to know more about Prophet!) and the storyline about a thief, a couple of mercs and a new black market sex drug (for you ICoS readers, think Slide, but even more intense) was super interesting. Hopeful that SE Jakes will pick up with the momentum started and work this into a series.

My issue with this book alone, however, is that I didn't quite get the connection, the insta-love, and the total devotion between the two MC's. It was as if the author snapped her fingers and when turning the page, we had moved ahead a chapter. Felt like I missed something. Lots of holes in the way it was all written. And once "love" came into the pictures, the MC's felt like 2 entirely new characters.

Still...an entertaining enough setup and I will give it an additional 1/2 star if I find out this is going to be a series...

[♣ Irish Smurfétté ♣ · Rating 5 out of 5]

March 4, 2017

Yup, pretty sure this is read numero seis, and done so in prep for newwwwnesssss coming next month.

Mick and Blue... they have just as certain a place in and strong a grasp on my heart. I smile, sigh, hurt, and feel all the giddy in spending time with them. Even in this sixth read, I experienced new realizations: Blue's vulnerability by way of a slice of insecurity is one of the things that makes him irresistible, especially when paired with his just as justified snarky confidence.

And Mick? He's Mick and simply the best. And the definition of perfect and destined for Blue.
Also, this new pondering: what if Mick and Cillian knew each other back in the day? Both spooks/ex-spooks... hmmmmmmmmmmmm......... that could put a new and interesting spin on many things.

The phrase "daylight again" appears in this book. Jussayin'.

Another unforgettable, irrepressible, forever loveable guy is introduced in this story, one that would change my life and many othe-- oh for fuck's sake, it's Proph. :D

“So who do you work for? And who’s Prophet?” Mick cursed under his breath. “I told you your computer security had issues.”

“It didn’t until you got here.”

“Then it’s a good thing I did.”

“Yes, it is,” Mick said seriously. “I work for Extreme Escapes, Ltd. It’s a private contracting firm. I’ve worked for them for five years. Prophet works for EE too— he’s a friend.”

“Just a friend?”

“Yes Blue, just a friend. He could give you a run for your money in the hard to deal with department.”

Blue huffed. “Doubt it. What did you do before EE?”

Mick shot him a glance. “I worked for the CIA.”

Blue looked up and stared at the ceiling. “You’re goddamned impossible.”

“I know.”

“You’re lucky I like impossible.”

MOAR MICK 'N BLUE!!!!!!!

* ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ *

3-15-14: I just finished re-reading this, for at least the fifth time, which will probably lead to a re-read of CAG, LTG and DD, as well.
Having read those three since first reading this, and then going back, there are so many things included, even if just one or two-word phrases, that become touchstones in the later stories: gray eyes, bruised wrists, "daylight again", climbing, unbroken promises, connections and love.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

If you don't want to read a bluntly straightforward review, then don't read this one. Don't say I didn't warn you! ;)

I still love this book, still love Blue and Mick, still love Prophet and his scene-stealing ways. Having read Catch a Ghost now, it's even more enjoyable to see Prophet here, being Prophet. You don't have to read one of these to enjoy the other, but why not?

Some of the dialogue is definitely shaded 'perfect world' but who cares when it's this much fun and this hot.

Some may not care care for the insta-hotness, it bothers the crap out of me too, more often than not. Having said that, lemme splain something to you: with these two, for me, the electrified sexual current is loudly humming. Every now and then, when you first meet a person, all you want to do is fuck the shit out of them right then and there. You try to keep a calm outward appearance but, as in my case, my little *warning lol* clit starts doing jazzercise like it's 1977.

This story is like a delish appetizer for what has and what will be coming from SE, and include increased polish and focus. I'm willing to state that this may partly just be a case of me, the reader, connecting with this author. Though, I may have to dismiss such a theory given my reaction is so very complete.

This review didn't last long, just like me.

Now go read CAG! ;)

[Lisa Arbitrary - AttentionIsArbitrary M/M Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

~~~

I read this after reading and reviewing S.E. Jakes Catch a Ghost. My 4 star review for Catch a Ghost is here: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...

I suppose I should have read this first, but I do that sort of thing often. Anyway, this was enjoyable, but a little rushed, choppy maybe. Somehow though, that made it a very quick read and satisfied my need to know where the M/C, Prophet, in Catch a Ghost comes from.

This story is about Blue and Mick and how they come together. Trust me, they come together very well. There is a bit of action here, a bit of relationship building, but it's the sexy sex scenes that really reveal the story. I didn't get too worried about them, but I had a surprising emotional connection to Blue's sister that I didn't expect.

Anyway, this isn't a full review, just some thoughts because I'm going to read the whole Men of Honor series so that I don't miss a thing. My hormonal state is demanding rough, tough, gritty right now and it looks like S.E. Jakes can deliver that for me. Thank goodness.

~~~

Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:


http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*
Really enjoyed this. It was sexy, fast paced and Mick and Blue are HOT together. The book sort of slots into the Men Of Honour, and the new Hell & High Water series' as it also features Prophet and the EE company.

Mick and Blue meet on the job and there's instant lust/attraction but then Mick lets Blue down badly by welching on a bet, leaving Blue feeling humiliated but still deep down, attracted to this charismatic guy. Then twelve months later he meets Mick again when he unintentionally gets involved in an op where Mick has gone undercover, to try to get an experimental and dangerous sex drug off the streets.

To cut a long story short, Mick rescues Blue when he gets affected by the drug and they hole up together in a safe house....sparks fly because both are keeping secrets, the lust factor is high and the two of them sizzle!

There's great ST and chemistry and some edge of the seat action as the tables turn when Blue, with the help of Prophet has to go in towards the end and rescue Mick. It's all packed into a fairly short novella which could have felt rushed but I never felt it did. I suppose there's also a case of insta love but between two sexy beasts like this, who cares! Lol.

So looking forward to reading Prophets story now and if its as hot as this then bring it on!

[Teal · Rating 2 out of 5]

An action/thriller novel with a romance, in 135 pages? It can't be done. This book reads very much like a synopsis. A synopsis of a novel I would have been interested in reading -- but not the novel itself.

Dramatic proclamations come out of nowhere. Plot twists aren't twisty or impactful, because they're not sufficiently set up. There's no sense of place or atmosphere: running through the night in Bogatá is indistinguishable from sitting quietly in an airplane.

I don't understand why the author chose to do this. What was the point of publishing a 135-page mini-novel? Why not flesh it out and turn it into a real novel, at twice the length? This could have been a fun read; instead it lands SE Jakes on my list of authors to not bother reading again.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG OMG This story was hot!! It’s probably the reason I flew threw this book in a day….Woohoo!! I will start this review with a complaint…it was too short! I wanted more of Blue and Mick…OMG MORE!!

I loved Blue, the name only won’t let me forget him. A thief with a heart, I would have liked more of his story, but I already said that. And Mick, first appearances had me thinking he was a hard ass, standoffish kinda alpha dude. But again, I was off the mark. I loved these two together, I could feel the chemistry and heat between them instantly. Speaking of instantly, this did appear to be an insta-love kinda thing, and while i normally don’t really go for that it didn’t bother me here. I got so caught up in the story it didn’t dawn on me to be bothered about it.

Mick is undercover trying to stop a new dangerous drug from getting sold. So this also satisfies my suspense love a little. And can I mention the drug gets used on Blue….and it has some interesting effects….OMG OMG OMG….I had to keep fanning myself through that one…

And I have to mention Blue’s sister…..damn…

And it was nice to get some background on Phophet, I read these out of order and i have already read Catch a Ghost. So it was nice to get some background story on him. Now when I read Long Time Gone (book 2 in the Hell or High Water Series) I will be up to speed.


Overall a fun, hot, steamy read with characters I loved and would love to know more about…..

two thumbs up!

[Alvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

DANGEROUSLY HOT! ;)

Yey! I really liked it! :D

I'm not really a big fan of espionage type of reads (I liked those who have normal lives better.) but I liked this one! In fairness the CIA, date drug thing and theme was believable enough for me.
I really liked Blue and Mick btw. Spy & thief hooking up? HOT.

Blue & Mick
I just wished this was longer so I can see their relationship bloom longer. This one is a little fast for me.

And btw, that date drug thing is disturbing and hot at the same time. And to be honest I think it's also painful. XD But it's still hot.

I just wondered why I didn't started this series sooner. Maybe I was afraid that it will pale in comparison to the Cut & Run series. By I guess I'm going to find out after reading Catch a Ghost All in all, I really really liked it. :D

By the way thanks to LauraZu for making me read this. :D

A recommended read for M/M Romance fans! And for those who want to see Lupin the Third and James Bond go at it or something. XD

[JR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what is not to like about this book. The two major characters Mick and Blue blow me away. Mick-ex CIA, now independent, Blue-thief extraordinaire. How can they not be drawn to each other. Opposites attract and the attraction is volcanic. It starts with Mick rescuing Blue, but by the end Blue rescues Mick. Seeing how that works, is the heart of the story. It has humor, hot sizzling sex, a mighty combo. This is my first book by S.E.Jakes, won't be my last. As a bonus, I understand Prophet will have his own story. Read it and see what I'm referring to. :)

Just as good, no better than the first time I read it.

[Susan65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars because i really, really liked Blue. He was an amazing character who just hit all of my buttons. I loved his snarky responses, his need to bounce off the walls (literally), his cockiness and arrogance towards Mick were funny, not annoying....and he drove Mick crazy, I loved him.

Mick was one seriously alpha mercenary who didn't want to fall in love, wouldn't even say the word love, but Blue was his obsession and knew he couldn't live without him.

This was a great story that never once got dull. It was always hopping and I read it one sitting. I can't wait for more.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.5 Stars***

"I'm in fucking love with you. And that's all your fault."

"Funny, because I was thinking me being in fucking love with you is all your fault."

I'm pretty sure that Mick and Blue's sole mission was to try and completely melt my kindle. These two were SIZZLING HOT!

Blue is a thief. Mick is an ex-CIA agent now working for EE. Nothing between these two should work...oh, but it does. And it does soooo well!

There's a spark between these two from the moment they meet. An electricity centered around attraction and intrigue. They like to test each other, push each other...see how far they can go. But a job pulls Mick away, leaving Blue humiliated and confused.

A year later, they run into each other again...both on jobs. And both in danger. Mick has been undercover since that night a year ago. He's trying to take down a man creating a very dangerous date rape drug. It courses through your system for 24 hours, leaving you aroused to the point of discomfort, completely disoriented and with little to no memory. It's excruciating. And Blue has purposely ingested it....knowing it was a setup for Mick.

Blue and Mick share a night that's about so much more than protection and comfort. The two finally give in to what they've been fighting all along. Afterwards, Mick takes Blue to his home for protection and there the two truly start to open up to each other. To share pieces of themselves that they've kept hidden from the world for too long. Blue is finally able to let himself go...have someone understand who he is and what he needs.

He was caught, but he could still fly.

But danger still lurks. Both men are in a precarious position. Can they truly trust each other? Can a thief and a mercenary have any kind of a real future? And what happens when their jobs catch up to them?

Do you need to suspend reality here? Yes.

Did I mind?



I was hooked by this story and Blue and Mick completely worked for me! Their chemistry was off the charts! The story, while far fetched, was very engaging and intriguing. I couldn't turn the page fast enough. The pacing was absolutely perfect, so although it's a novella, it didn't feel rushed. There was the perfect balance between intrigue, suspense, romance, sex and emotion. What more do you want??

And BONUS: Prophet makes an appearance...



Mick and Blue were a fantastic addition to the EE series. I swear I could read twenty more books about any of these guys. They're the perfect combination of sex and emotion, romance and suspense and love and laughter.

"What you do to me..."

"I do what you need done, Mick. You're one of the good guys. We both live dangerous, complicated lives, and now we can live them together. Because someone has to watch out for you."

"Keep pushing, Blue."

"You know I will."

"And don't ever stop."

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the two alpha males in this one but thought the story was underdeveloped overall. I didn't really understand what Mick did for a living (ex-CIA, now in the private sector still helping the CIA or FBI or whomever? So he's a good merc like Blue is the good thief? ), and the Insta Love was over the top. I wish bad guys could be taken down so easily in real life, and pain and grief so easily healed.

While the whole side story with Blue's sister, Laura, was meant to humanize Blue and provide a reason for his life of crime, it fell flat. It's like Jakes picked a disease without doing much research. If Laura were really dying from advanced MS, she would have struggled to talk. Also, while good nursing homes are expensive, surely Blue made more money stealing than what was needed to support her.

I could let these little gripes go if it weren't for the less-than-stellar editing. There were a lot of references to the "big man" (Mick) and "the boy" (Blue). Often, it wasn't clear who was doing what to whom or who was talking, as the pronouns seemed to have no clear antecedents. I read a lot of m/m, but this is the first time using "he" for both MCs has proved confusing to the point that I couldn't always follow the dialogue (it didn't help that both MCs sounded the same).

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters of Mick and Blue. Like even more the fact that they may be cropping up again in the author's new series. 4.5 stars and

Blue is a thief (think latter day Robin Hood), and will only steal things that other people won't miss because they've already got so much...and not always by legal means.... Mick is a mercenary, seemingly out for hire to the highest bidder, but his and Blue's paths keep crossing, and when Blue is caught stealing some gem from a suspected drug manufacturer and dealer, Mick who is at the scene undercover, pretends to kill Blue and rescues him from the drug dealer who's trying to take Blue out by giving him some souped-up kind of Viagra. Mick has infiltrated the drug dealer's gang and has been trying to verify that this new type of drug does indeed exist, and is left to deal with the consequences of Blue taking this drug....I'll leave that to your imagination 😉, and let you discover this book and what happens later for yourselves. Not a huge fan of insta-love it has to be said, but they were a great pairing, hot and sexy, and I'm looking forward to hopefully reading about them again.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Umm, okay, I'm slightly embarrassed to say this...but I really liked this. Even though it was a full-on sexfest from the beginning to the end and the entire plot was more than a little outrageous, I still really really liked it! I loved the characters and the...umm...hot I-need-you-to-fuck-me-now sex. There was humor and snark and even a little saddness. But most import was the tension and chemistry between Blue and Mick...and that DID IT FOR ME!!!

Will be checking out Prophet's story ASAP.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the Hell & Highwater series and Dirty Deeds and I loved all those books...eventhough I'm pissed that I'm still waiting for the next book to be published !!

I realised that I still hadn't read this one, and since I'm still WAITING for "If I ever" and "Dirty Lies", I might as well give this book a try.

I was already a bit familiar with Blue and Mick. I got to know them a bit better in this one, but not much. This book was mostly about sex. Now I don't mind some hot and steamy man on man loving...but most of the plot was just that...

For me, it was a bit much. I get that there had to be a lot of sex, because this book is about a drug that makes the users insane with arousel...but to me it was just a bit ridiculous.

There wasn't a whole lot of character development and it didn't have a deep storyline. Also the little side plot about Blue's sister dying from MS wasn't very accurate.

so I can honestly say I was a bit dissapointed about this one. I just hope the next books will come out in the near future, because I really hate it, when I start a series and then have to wait years for the next book !!

Still gonna give this one 3 stars for the steam...because I may like a good plot, but I'm still a perv ;)

[Xing · Rating 2 out of 5]

Does it count as a DNF if I quit at 93%, skipped to the end and just read the last paragraph?

Before starting, I thought: "Hi self. I really loved the Hell or Highwater books. I really loved Dirty Deeds. All that's left is a prequel book with two men who were interesting secondary characters in the other books. One of the character's name is Blue. I like the color blue. And OMGILOVETHATCOVER." Why not?

This story is definitely a case of insta-love. I mean, these guys knew absolutely NOTHING about one another, and voila! L-O-V-E.

(＃｀д´)ﾉ Puhleaaaase.

Then there's the absolutely ridiculous story about the development of a new oral drug which causes uncontrollable arousal for 24 hours and a case of retrograde amnesia (how convenient).

Let's just ignore the fact that priapism is a medical emergency. Ignorance is bliss. But of course, when one of our lovely characters get drugged, it's up to the other guy to do the only thing possible: take the edge off (and feel guilty about it later on). Because of course, there is no cure for this 24 hour Viagra, and so we are subjected to 24 hours worth of hand jobs, blowjobs, biting, nail digging, etc.

I felt like I was reading some cheap gay porno. ヽ༼ ಠ益ಠ ��ﾉ

Then there's Blue. Talk about a headcase. He's a thief. Who also happens to be super smart with hacking computers and security systems with his bare hands. The fact that Mick calls him a kid is very appropriate, since he acts in the capacity of a 12 year old. I couldn't stand him at all! 凸ಠ益ಠ)

Ugh, I just can't go on. I love the Hell or Highwater books. I love Dirty Deeds. I'm just going to pretend Free Falling never happened.

ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, big, brawny Alpha Males showing each other their soft underbellies. What's not to love, I ask? Other than some minor confusion on my part at just where/when MC Blue and MC Mick's relationship actually started (eventually I realized it was indeed in the past, in a place not written in the book) and where exactly their relationship was headed (not so much of a stretch of confusion on my part, because I don't really think the MCs had much of a clue either at that point) I happily let this thriller/romance carry me along for the ride. Are these two bad guys, out to make a buck in any way possible? Cold bloodied killers thinking only of themselves? Or are they good guys, working for the government, doing the good of The People? Or is one good and one bad? Or is there a happy medium? I loved the excitement of not actually knowing exactly what drove these two men to risk their lives to do the jobs they do every day. The reveals were exciting, and the reveals to each other were powerful and passionate.

The sex here? Holy shit, it was awesome! Kinky and rough and powerful and passionate and all kinds of good stuff! Yee Haw cowboy! Let's do that again! These two boys burned up the sheets from the minute they set eyes on one another. *happy sigh*

If you like your Alpha Males able to show their tenderness to one another, but to remain rough and sexy in bed, and are partial to the "bad boy" mentality and like your sex nice and dirty and raunchy, in the best possible way, this is a book for you. Also, if you have read and enjoyed any or all of S.E. Jake's Men of Honor books, this one will not disappoint and I can highly recommend Free Falling. Enjoy the ride my fellow M/M romance friends!

This was a fun read for me because it was a favorites book showdown with my GoodReads friend JustJen! She is reading Point of No Return and if she likes it, the sequel Breaking Point and I read Free Falling and the Hell or High Water series. We dreamed it up as a good way to kick each other in the ass to get us to finally read these great books that have been sitting on our shelves for so long! Thanks Jen! I loved mine!

[Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A day late and a dollar short but I'm hooked. I think it had something to do with that opening. O_O

-Not nearly adequate for what went down in Bogotá. FOR 24 HOURS!!!!!

amen

This series is like a Bond movie with a fuck ton of Bonds and instead of working for MI6 they work for a private firm called Extreme Escapes Ltd. Free Falling focuses on
Mick


and Blue

Blue here is a thief and a damn good one. He's in Bogotá on a job when the fates align and put Mick in his path again. Events transpire which lead Blue and Mick to that hotel room but what transpires in that hotel room could conceivably change the course of both their lives.

There is no shortage of sexy times in Free Falling, but there is a surprising amount of emotionality. Both Mick and Blue are damaged. That aspect of their characterizations really isn't delved into all that much but it's there on the periphery and shows through in their actions. Watching them wrestle for control in the bedroom was a sight to see. Er… read. Lots of biting, some bondage, spanking and hints at D/s. I can't quite label it BDSM but I'm sure someone would argue that point.

Ms. Jakes' writing is strong though a little rough around the edges. Good action/adventure with sinister bad guys and possibly a network of them which is always a good foundation for sequels. Free Falling does an excellent job of introducing this world. I don't know about anyone else but I've got a serious crush working on Prophet after reading this. Can't wait to sink my teeth into Catch a Ghost!

[fleurette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't read any books in this series. And I think it's a shame, because then I would probably enjoy this story even more.

And so, I can say that it is a decent story with very good heroes. Blue and Mick have well-developed personalities and it is difficult not to like them. They make a fantastic pair. I would prefer the plot to be more developed. It has been for the most part replaced by sex scenes. I'm not complaining but I would like to see a little more story. But it's still good.

This short story definitely inspires me to read the other books in this series. I hope to see Blue and Mick again.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come...

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was a funny, hot, sexy, fast paced story. I loved both Blue and Mick and looked forward to their interactions. Thankfully, there weren't too many times where they needed to be apart. This story was a quick read for me, as I didn't want to put it down. The guys have great chemistry, both in the sack and out. The only thing that bugged me was how Mick called Blue "boy," but it didn't take away from the story too much. I'm excited there will be more stories like this one and was excited to see the next book is about the mysterious Prophet.

[Rhys Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

SE Jakes writing a tale of thieves and danger delivers a lusty, action-packed adventure. Blue and Mick compliment one another beautifully. Both are aggressive in their own way and take no prisoners...including one another. Okay, so maybe a few prisoners are taken but neither of them were unwilling.

Fantastic story. God, I could have an entire series just based on these two.

Well done, Jakes, well done.

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mick & Blue... There is a overwhelming chemistry between these guys! They are tough men, but so sweet, adorable when they show their emotions!

I am so glad to have read this book, though I should have read it before Catch a Ghost, cause this is the first of the series and we have an introduction to Prophet!

[Silkeeeeeereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young thief and an ex CIA agent work together to bring down a drug ring who made a drug that makes you crave sex. There's hot sex and more hot sex. Quick story that is apparently part of a sequel.

RE-READ 1/6/14 - It had been too long and I needed to remember who Blue was. I'm glad I re-read this.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been some time since I devoured each new release in the author's Hell or High Water Series and a few books loosely attached to this world, but there was one story I had not taken the opportunity to visit until now. Encountering it newly released in audio format with a favorite narrator was just the kick in the pants I needed to grab it.

As I indicated, Free Falling, is something of a crossover book. It bridges the Men of Honor and the Hell or High Water series. I've not read the Men of Honor series and encountered Mick and Blue as associates with Prophet and Tom in the Hell or High Water books. After listening to this one, I don't think it would work as a standalone or a prequel, very well. There is not much introduction to the world of the book and I felt like there was an assumption that the reader is already familiar with the series setting and the characters.

Free Falling is the story of how Mick and Blue came together through a series of encounters- some on and some off page- and gave more of their background.
While I'm as up for a lot of gritty and hot loving as the next person, I felt the plot suffered as a result of the device used to reunite this pair and give the motivation of the plot. I felt the relationship suffered because not once, but twice (making it nearly half the book) we spend with one or the other of this pair out of their minds due to some super-charged date rape drug that puts the poor recipient into a lust-filled craze for hours. The first time it happened it was defying belief (medically, particularly), but to have it occur again? Wish the plot could have gone with something else to have this pair working together in and out of the bedroom.

But for all my frustration with the date rape drug, I did feel this pair had some good chemistry. So opposite and so much more than they seemed to each other. I had a good time when they were locked away together in Mick's place driving each other nuts with their snark and Blue's antics. I was gulping back emotions when Blue was with his sister in the hospital and Mick came to support him. I would definitely love to see more of this pair working together.

As to the narration work, Dorian Bane was a great fit for this pair of rough and tumble guys, the dangerous world, and sizzling encounters. I had no trouble imagining what I was hearing from the characters to the storyline itself.

In summary, I was glad to finally get Mick and Blue's story, wish the drug hadn't been a part of it, but loved the action scenes and the pairs' chemistry. Those who are fans of either/both the Men of Honor and Hell or High Water series will love getting this story.

My thanks to Riptide for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.