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Exit Strategy #1
Deadly Lover: Special Edition
New Expanded Content for Deadly Lover!
Justin Mallory is an assassin. But he’s really a good guy.
He has years of bad decisions to make up for, starting with agreeing to join the CIA after being recruited out of the Marines. No reason to add more black marks to his soul.
Now he chooses the jobs and he works always alone. It’s safer that way, and he can make sure the good guy always wins.
But this job…he can’t do alone.
Two scientists are dead and a dangerous drug is on the cusp of winning FDA approval if he doesn’t track down the culprit behind the lies and murders.
Gabriel Prescott is a well-trained, efficient, and cold-blooded killer. After a brutal betrayal left his lover dead, Gabriel is out only for himself.
But when this lucrative contract lands in his lap, he can’t pass it up. Even if it means working with the unpredictable and insane Justin Mallory.
Dodging bullets and secret meetings force them to depend on each other.
And one hot, frantic night together leads to a hidden sweetness and questions of whether they could possibly have something more.
Author’s Note: As a gift to readers, I have expanded the original Deadly Lover by nearly 20,000 words, giving readers a deeper understanding of Justin and Gabriel. Furthermore, I have added the short story Lover Calling to the special edition so you can enjoy even more of these fun assassins.>
Justin Mallory is an assassin. But he’s really a good guy.
He has years of bad decisions to make up for, starting with agreeing to join the CIA after being recruited out of the Marines. No reason to add more black marks to his soul.
Now he chooses the jobs and he works always alone. It’s safer that way, and he can make sure the good guy always wins.
But this job…he can’t do alone.
Two scientists are dead and a dangerous drug is on the cusp of winning FDA approval if he doesn’t track down the culprit behind the lies and murders.
Gabriel Prescott is a well-trained, efficient, and cold-blooded killer. After a brutal betrayal left his lover dead, Gabriel is out only for himself.
But when this lucrative contract lands in his lap, he can’t pass it up. Even if it means working with the unpredictable and insane Justin Mallory.
Dodging bullets and secret meetings force them to depend on each other.
And one hot, frantic night together leads to a hidden sweetness and questions of whether they could possibly have something more.
Author’s Note: As a gift to readers, I have expanded the original Deadly Lover by nearly 20,000 words, giving readers a deeper understanding of Justin and Gabriel. Furthermore, I have added the short story Lover Calling to the special edition so you can enjoy even more of these fun assassins.>
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2021
415 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
142 books2,872 followersNew York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.
When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.
She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
October 14, 2022
I’m so in love 🥰
Oh Gabriel 🥰😊, my secret is out I’ve got a huge crush on him, I have a thing for “cold” hearted assassins and he is all that 😊
On a serious note , I enjoyed almost everything about the story although it felt like it was dragging especially when it came to Gabriel’s past , he had ample opportunity to come clean but I guess that’s what book two is for
😂 I think Justin deserves an award for the stupid jokes and really whack but funny G pet names 😂.
I had so much fun reading this and I look forward to reading the second instalment. I’m trying so hard not to spoil it so I’ll just leave it here
Oh Gabriel 🥰😊, my secret is out I’ve got a huge crush on him, I have a thing for “cold” hearted assassins and he is all that 😊
On a serious note , I enjoyed almost everything about the story although it felt like it was dragging especially when it came to Gabriel’s past , he had ample opportunity to come clean but I guess that’s what book two is for
😂 I think Justin deserves an award for the stupid jokes and really whack but funny G pet names 😂.
I had so much fun reading this and I look forward to reading the second instalment. I’m trying so hard not to spoil it so I’ll just leave it here
March 9, 2024
Here we gooooooo!
I had a good feelin’ about this one.
I was lucky enough to receive this as a gift and every time I opened my Kindle and perused the library looking for a new book to start those dark eyes had me pausing. I wasn’t sure I had the time to fall into a series, so I passed him up a few times. Finally, I gave into his shrewd gaze, and W.O.W.
So much for not having time to fall into a series. I’ve bounced from Deadly Lover to Vengeful and I’m nearing the final pages of Final Lover. I haven’t done much besides hang tight while jostling along with Justin and Gabriel the past week. I declined lunch invites to hide in my car and read. I’ve opted for long tub soaks to devour a few chapters. And I’ve stayed up well past bedtime because I couldn’t close my Kindle. I have completely submerged myself in their dangerous world and stopped with their last chapter looming because I’m not ready to say goodbye. I love it when a good book transforms into a great series before my eyes. I’m still dipping my toes into Drake’s impressive bookshelf and have enjoyed the Exit Strategy Series as much as the Shadow Elite. Considering how much I loved SE, that’s saying something.
We begin with Justin, a former marine, former CIA officer, current contract killer. His handler has something for him, something she knows he won’t be able to resist. But it comes with conditions. Conditions that are hard-no’s for Justin. He’ll need to work with a partner and that doesn’t happen. It’s not that he doesn’t trust anyone else. Well, yes, that’s exactly it. He is alive with a trail of bodies in his wake because he trusts no one. He may be deadly, but he’s far from ruthless. The blood on his hands isn’t all tainted. He figures his particular skill set can help or hurt the world. And sometimes you have to hurt people to help. This job is a big one with an even bigger paycheck. Which means he’ll have to play nice with Gabriel. That’ll be a tall order. But…it could be fun.
Gabriel has a secret. It’s common knowledge that he’s a badass. Well-known throughout the hitman community (I’m sure it’s a real thing), his reputation proceeds him. Not only skilled but proficient with his kills, he claims every target with ease. What no one knows is that he comes from monsters. His family is a burden eating away at his soul. When he accepts the contract with the notorious Justin Mallory he has no idea what he’s getting himself into. He can’t deny his attraction to the American, but Gabriel doesn’t do relationships. Even platonic ones. Not that he’s thinking friendly thoughts about Justin. He wants him. He’ll take him any way he can have him. But giving away his battered heart was never part of the plan.
This thrilling romance held my attention every step of the way. Justin and Gabriel embark on a lethal journey, determined to find the source of the initial contract. They burn from the very beginning. It might have started with a touch of hatred but it quickly turned into the L word. No, not that L word. We’re talking about distrustful paranoid men here. It’ll take some time to turn lust into something more. Or…maybe not. They both want things they never dreamed of before. But wants aren’t always easy or guaranteed and Gabriel has more than a few loose ends to tie up before he can comfortably bring someone else into his world. It might be easier to have Justin by his side but he can’t risk it. Justin means more to him than anyone ever has. There was only one person who ever had a chance at his heart before and he never wanted it. If Gabriel wants to accept the life Justin is offering, he has an impossible mission to accomplish first. This avenging angel of death must take his revenge. But will he keep the wolves at bay in the process? *sigh* You’ll just have to find out if G Love makes it back to his Special Sauce. See you at book 2!
Beware of: All assassins have an exit strategy but few see it. Justin and Gabriel come from different worlds but walk the same path. Can a heart that’s never been loved learn to love? *whispers* Yes, yes it can!
This book is for: If you enjoy a steamy push and pull…Justin and Gabriel are for you. These wild and crazy killers with tender hearts are faced with their greatest fear…love.
Oh! And this “Special Edition” comes with a bonus novella…lovers in London, yes, please!
I had a good feelin’ about this one.
I was lucky enough to receive this as a gift and every time I opened my Kindle and perused the library looking for a new book to start those dark eyes had me pausing. I wasn’t sure I had the time to fall into a series, so I passed him up a few times. Finally, I gave into his shrewd gaze, and W.O.W.
So much for not having time to fall into a series. I’ve bounced from Deadly Lover to Vengeful and I’m nearing the final pages of Final Lover. I haven’t done much besides hang tight while jostling along with Justin and Gabriel the past week. I declined lunch invites to hide in my car and read. I’ve opted for long tub soaks to devour a few chapters. And I’ve stayed up well past bedtime because I couldn’t close my Kindle. I have completely submerged myself in their dangerous world and stopped with their last chapter looming because I’m not ready to say goodbye. I love it when a good book transforms into a great series before my eyes. I’m still dipping my toes into Drake’s impressive bookshelf and have enjoyed the Exit Strategy Series as much as the Shadow Elite. Considering how much I loved SE, that’s saying something.
We begin with Justin, a former marine, former CIA officer, current contract killer. His handler has something for him, something she knows he won’t be able to resist. But it comes with conditions. Conditions that are hard-no’s for Justin. He’ll need to work with a partner and that doesn’t happen. It’s not that he doesn’t trust anyone else. Well, yes, that’s exactly it. He is alive with a trail of bodies in his wake because he trusts no one. He may be deadly, but he’s far from ruthless. The blood on his hands isn’t all tainted. He figures his particular skill set can help or hurt the world. And sometimes you have to hurt people to help. This job is a big one with an even bigger paycheck. Which means he’ll have to play nice with Gabriel. That’ll be a tall order. But…it could be fun.
Gabriel has a secret. It’s common knowledge that he’s a badass. Well-known throughout the hitman community (I’m sure it’s a real thing), his reputation proceeds him. Not only skilled but proficient with his kills, he claims every target with ease. What no one knows is that he comes from monsters. His family is a burden eating away at his soul. When he accepts the contract with the notorious Justin Mallory he has no idea what he’s getting himself into. He can’t deny his attraction to the American, but Gabriel doesn’t do relationships. Even platonic ones. Not that he’s thinking friendly thoughts about Justin. He wants him. He’ll take him any way he can have him. But giving away his battered heart was never part of the plan.
This thrilling romance held my attention every step of the way. Justin and Gabriel embark on a lethal journey, determined to find the source of the initial contract. They burn from the very beginning. It might have started with a touch of hatred but it quickly turned into the L word. No, not that L word. We’re talking about distrustful paranoid men here. It’ll take some time to turn lust into something more. Or…maybe not. They both want things they never dreamed of before. But wants aren’t always easy or guaranteed and Gabriel has more than a few loose ends to tie up before he can comfortably bring someone else into his world. It might be easier to have Justin by his side but he can’t risk it. Justin means more to him than anyone ever has. There was only one person who ever had a chance at his heart before and he never wanted it. If Gabriel wants to accept the life Justin is offering, he has an impossible mission to accomplish first. This avenging angel of death must take his revenge. But will he keep the wolves at bay in the process? *sigh* You’ll just have to find out if G Love makes it back to his Special Sauce. See you at book 2!
Beware of: All assassins have an exit strategy but few see it. Justin and Gabriel come from different worlds but walk the same path. Can a heart that’s never been loved learn to love? *whispers* Yes, yes it can!
This book is for: If you enjoy a steamy push and pull…Justin and Gabriel are for you. These wild and crazy killers with tender hearts are faced with their greatest fear…love.
Oh! And this “Special Edition” comes with a bonus novella…lovers in London, yes, please!
March 10, 2021
I had no idea I missed Justin and Gabriel so much! This is a re-release of Deadly Lover where some much needed editing has been done and also additional scenes. The novella Lover Calling has also been added to the end. It was fun reading about these assassins again. I forgot how much I had enjoyed their banter and hijinks. Their chemistry and pull towards each other was hard to miss and when they got together and just let go it was hella hot. The plot line was also engaging and I remembered how much I laughed when everything just kept going in the crapper on these two professionals.
I just have one little niggle. In the novella Lover Calling, which happens AFTER Deadly Lover, Justin and Gabriel talk about Justin's one attempt at a relationship with a "civillian" Chris like this is brand new information to Gabriel. The problem is I think one of the added scenes to Deadly Lover was when Gabriel and Justin encountered Chris in the grocery store meaning Gabriel already knew about him and their attempt at a relationship. Assassins as good as Justin and Gabriel wouldn't have forgotten something like that. It was a minor thing which didn't affect my review of the book, but it did stick enough in my brain to mention. Now it seems like it is time for a reread of the entire series.
I just have one little niggle. In the novella Lover Calling, which happens AFTER Deadly Lover, Justin and Gabriel talk about Justin's one attempt at a relationship with a "civillian" Chris like this is brand new information to Gabriel. The problem is I think one of the added scenes to Deadly Lover was when Gabriel and Justin encountered Chris in the grocery store meaning Gabriel already knew about him and their attempt at a relationship. Assassins as good as Justin and Gabriel wouldn't have forgotten something like that. It was a minor thing which didn't affect my review of the book, but it did stick enough in my brain to mention. Now it seems like it is time for a reread of the entire series.
March 6, 2021
Extra content
The additional content and the novella Lover Calling really add more emotion to the story. It's been a while since I've read these but this edition really made me want to re-read the whole series. I'd forgotten how much I liked Gabriel and Justin. I loved the assassins working for good reasons and the heat between them was great
The additional content and the novella Lover Calling really add more emotion to the story. It's been a while since I've read these but this edition really made me want to re-read the whole series. I'd forgotten how much I liked Gabriel and Justin. I loved the assassins working for good reasons and the heat between them was great
June 29, 2021
3.5 stars - I expected so much more excitement from a story about two assassins. This book dragged in so many places that it barely held my attention. On the up side, I did fall in love with G Love and Justin. So, I will probably continue on with the series. Hopefully there will be more action in the next book.
March 29, 2021
This was one hell of a fantastic, action packed, super steamy, dangerous, emotionally charged, sassy, snarky, grab-you-by-the-feels, wild, crazy, and totally awesome ride. Justin and Gabriel were so perfect for each other, and I would DEFINITELY recommend getting this marvelous gem immediately!!!
Read
May 20, 2025
Even Assassins Need Love! Justin Mallory is an assassin. But he’s a good guy. Seriously. After selling his soul to the CIA for a few years, he’s working for himself. Now he’s choosing the jobs. And he always works alone. But he can’t go solo this time. Gabriel Prescott is an efficient, cold-blooded killer. Justin doesn’t want anything to do with him, but his skills are exactly what he needs to complete this contract. Bullets and secret meetings force them to depend on each other. And one hot, frantic night together leads to a hidden sweetness.
For an assassin, Justin is certainly a happy guy. He's also an excellent computer hacker. He came across as being rather like Robin Hood who "robbed from the rich to give to the poor" since he only takes jobs that are beneficial to society, and he ALWAYS works alone. However, this job he's taken on own.... is going to requires some assistance....by someone that is exactly like him.
Enter Gabriel. He's best described as a "tortured" hero. He also an assassin and he also only works alone, but he's willing to help out on this job with Justin because it’s a of LOT of good old American DOLLARS...and Justin is pretty easy on the eye....so maybe he can kill two birds with one stone.
There's a lot of push & pull in this story, the romance takes the lead over the actual job they’ve been hired to do. It would have been nice to have had a bit more of the actual job and a little more mystery, but their relationship was so incredibly sweet to watch develop.
These two get into so much trouble! I can’t imagine how they had actually managed to live as long as they had. They really took their own safety for granted and were constantly getting shot at while running into the bad guys.
It was an excellent M/M romance and a really good thriller. As with everything I have read by this author the writing was excellent.
For an assassin, Justin is certainly a happy guy. He's also an excellent computer hacker. He came across as being rather like Robin Hood who "robbed from the rich to give to the poor" since he only takes jobs that are beneficial to society, and he ALWAYS works alone. However, this job he's taken on own.... is going to requires some assistance....by someone that is exactly like him.
Enter Gabriel. He's best described as a "tortured" hero. He also an assassin and he also only works alone, but he's willing to help out on this job with Justin because it’s a of LOT of good old American DOLLARS...and Justin is pretty easy on the eye....so maybe he can kill two birds with one stone.
There's a lot of push & pull in this story, the romance takes the lead over the actual job they’ve been hired to do. It would have been nice to have had a bit more of the actual job and a little more mystery, but their relationship was so incredibly sweet to watch develop.
These two get into so much trouble! I can’t imagine how they had actually managed to live as long as they had. They really took their own safety for granted and were constantly getting shot at while running into the bad guys.
It was an excellent M/M romance and a really good thriller. As with everything I have read by this author the writing was excellent.
August 15, 2021
This job was a tantalizing mix of Robin Hood and Red Hood for him. Do a good deed, and get paid fucking handsomely.Justin is such a happy guy for an assassin/hacker extraordinaire. He only takes jobs that benefit society and he only works alone. However, this next job requires some assistance.
Gabriel is a tortured hero. An assassin who also only works alone but he is willing to help out on this job with Justin because it’s a TON of cash.
There is plenty of push-pull in this story, the romance taking lead over the actual job they’ve been hired to do. I would have liked a bit more of the actual job and mystery, but the relationship was sweet to watch develop.
I will say that these two get into so much trouble, I can’t imagine the would have actually lived very long as real humans. They were not very good at their jobs and are constantly getting shot, running into the bad guys, etc. Still a good MM romance/thriller and the writing was really good!
January 1, 2023
3.5 stars
This was slow, especially the first half. I liked Justin and Gabriel well enough, but I didn't feel the chemistry between them. Sure, they liked to fuck, but then they went off to sleep in their own rooms. Yes, I know they were assassins who worked alone and lived alone and they weren't looking to get into a relationship, but I missed the romance. I know the series continues with these two, but at this time I'm not invested enough in their relationship to continue.
This was slow, especially the first half. I liked Justin and Gabriel well enough, but I didn't feel the chemistry between them. Sure, they liked to fuck, but then they went off to sleep in their own rooms. Yes, I know they were assassins who worked alone and lived alone and they weren't looking to get into a relationship, but I missed the romance. I know the series continues with these two, but at this time I'm not invested enough in their relationship to continue.
March 11, 2024
Interesting story for undercover work.
The story has an interesting premise for a cloak-and-dagger story but thirty chapters? I understand that some of the readers want a porn story and the author had to drag the story out. It's a shame that that is how it is. The book would be good for twenty chapters and that's it.
The story has an interesting premise for a cloak-and-dagger story but thirty chapters? I understand that some of the readers want a porn story and the author had to drag the story out. It's a shame that that is how it is. The book would be good for twenty chapters and that's it.
August 4, 2024
3.5⭐️
April 18, 2024
At times it feels a little padded but overall this is a delightful romp and I will enjoy following it to the end.
July 29, 2021
This wasn’t bad. I would have liked the case to be a little bit more exciting, I can’t say I was bored but there seemed to be a lot of time where nothing was really happening. Also, I don't think I realized that it was the same couple throughout the series. I was not a fan of how it ended and then there was an extra at the end of the main story and I wasn’t really happy with how that ended either.
It really took me forever to read and only part of that was because I was living my life.
I guess I mostly liked it and will probably continue.
It really took me forever to read and only part of that was because I was living my life.
I guess I mostly liked it and will probably continue.
November 17, 2022
All the feelings!!!
Where was this book when I needed to get me over my obsession with Ty&Zane? Well.. I guess I wouldn't accept it as well back then. But now? Now it was perfect!
Loved, loved Justin and Gabriel. I want to rush over to the next one, and see the way for their HEA, but I also don't want their adventures to end, pretty sure it's going to be as hard to say goodbye to them as it was to the Variks.
Where was this book when I needed to get me over my obsession with Ty&Zane? Well.. I guess I wouldn't accept it as well back then. But now? Now it was perfect!
Loved, loved Justin and Gabriel. I want to rush over to the next one, and see the way for their HEA, but I also don't want their adventures to end, pretty sure it's going to be as hard to say goodbye to them as it was to the Variks.
March 10, 2021
Better read than the 1st time
This is a new edition and I can’t remember enough of the original to tell what was changed but I really enjoyed reading this.
This is a new edition and I can’t remember enough of the original to tell what was changed but I really enjoyed reading this.
March 17, 2021
i love these two so much.. this series is a favorite of mine and i love it.. this rerelease had a new short in it.. it was interesting and well written of course and so much fun. i loved it.
February 25, 2023
A good start to a new series. I am curious to see where it goes :)
January 26, 2024
Deadly lover 3.5 stars
I was struggling to like this one until about a third of the way through when things started to heat up between the two and the crime/mystery plot started to peak my interest. In the beginning, I had been struggling to feel the feels with these two. I had hoped for more banter with these two given that they normally work alone and didn't want to work together. I thought there would be more rough but underlying flirtatious banter. There was some, but it wasn't as powerful as I expected. But once they started to cohabitate, that's when the feels began and I started to care more. Even though the plot did start to peak my intrest, I felt like it was a bit lacking. Still good but could have been better. Again I struggled to care at the beginning, but then as it progressed and I started caring for the characters, then I started enjoying it. I decided to give the novella in the deluxe edition a chance to help me decide whether I want to continue the series or not.
Lover calling 4 stars
Ok this was short, but it definitely peaked my interest more. I'm very curious to see where this series goes after the events of this novella! I'm slightly more invested now!
Content warning for book as a whole: sexual content, death, murder, torture, homophobia
I was struggling to like this one until about a third of the way through when things started to heat up between the two and the crime/mystery plot started to peak my interest. In the beginning, I had been struggling to feel the feels with these two. I had hoped for more banter with these two given that they normally work alone and didn't want to work together. I thought there would be more rough but underlying flirtatious banter. There was some, but it wasn't as powerful as I expected. But once they started to cohabitate, that's when the feels began and I started to care more. Even though the plot did start to peak my intrest, I felt like it was a bit lacking. Still good but could have been better. Again I struggled to care at the beginning, but then as it progressed and I started caring for the characters, then I started enjoying it. I decided to give the novella in the deluxe edition a chance to help me decide whether I want to continue the series or not.
Lover calling 4 stars
Ok this was short, but it definitely peaked my interest more. I'm very curious to see where this series goes after the events of this novella! I'm slightly more invested now!
Content warning for book as a whole: sexual content, death, murder, torture, homophobia
October 14, 2024
Omg!
Where has this been?!
Why am I just now discovering it?!
It’s so frustratingly hard finding MM stories with two badass dudes who fall in love.
What I especially loved is that the romance factor didn’t take away from the strength of the characters. Too many times I have thought I found a book with two Alpha dudes, but the romance turns one of them into a Beta personality and becomes a complete turnoff. It’s annoying, because it kind of shames you into the belief that you have to become an emotional teddy bear in order to fall in love. Which is so not true.
As such, i love that we consistently see how badass Justin and Gabriel are, even as they recognize their feelings. They continue to be their original authentic self while still portraying a genuine connection of romantic interest.
I also appreciate that we didn’t get any crazy climactic moments with the plot. Call me crazy, but it’s wholly possible to get an enjoyable story without the high peaks of drama, especially the typical ending drama. I notoriously despise unnecessary drama.
Instead, we get a story about two assassins meetings and getting to know each other while working an assignment together. No crazy climactic scenes to keep you on the edge or dramatic cliches to throw the couple into discord.
Where has this been?!
Why am I just now discovering it?!
It’s so frustratingly hard finding MM stories with two badass dudes who fall in love.
What I especially loved is that the romance factor didn’t take away from the strength of the characters. Too many times I have thought I found a book with two Alpha dudes, but the romance turns one of them into a Beta personality and becomes a complete turnoff. It’s annoying, because it kind of shames you into the belief that you have to become an emotional teddy bear in order to fall in love. Which is so not true.
As such, i love that we consistently see how badass Justin and Gabriel are, even as they recognize their feelings. They continue to be their original authentic self while still portraying a genuine connection of romantic interest.
I also appreciate that we didn’t get any crazy climactic moments with the plot. Call me crazy, but it’s wholly possible to get an enjoyable story without the high peaks of drama, especially the typical ending drama. I notoriously despise unnecessary drama.
Instead, we get a story about two assassins meetings and getting to know each other while working an assignment together. No crazy climactic scenes to keep you on the edge or dramatic cliches to throw the couple into discord.
February 27, 2025
This book was exciting and romantic, which is exactly what I want when I read a romantic suspense book. Justin was goofy and sassy, while Gabriel was stoic and mysterious. Together, they're somehow perfectly matched. It's so cool to read about two assassins trying to navigate a relationship together. They've both got trust issues, and Gabriel is trying to deal with his past so he gets his HEA.
I also really appreciated how Justin handled Gabriel's PTSD nightmares. Every time he rushed in to Gabriel's room to remind him that he was dreaming, I swooned. Justin is definitely a considerate partner.
The balance of action and romance was well done here, and I can't wait to read the next book and continue this journey.
Notable quotes:
The man was walking temptation. Every smile, every smartass comment, every roll of his eyes was somehow a siren call, luring Gabriel in even closer. It didn't make sense. He wasn't even Gabriel's type.
*
Dangerous, sexy, and playful? Fuck, he was in such trouble when it came to Gabriel Prescott.
*
He couldn't lose Justin. The man made him feel alive for the first time in years. His heart beat in his chest and the blood rushed with a new zing through his veins.
I also really appreciated how Justin handled Gabriel's PTSD nightmares. Every time he rushed in to Gabriel's room to remind him that he was dreaming, I swooned. Justin is definitely a considerate partner.
The balance of action and romance was well done here, and I can't wait to read the next book and continue this journey.
Notable quotes:
The man was walking temptation. Every smile, every smartass comment, every roll of his eyes was somehow a siren call, luring Gabriel in even closer. It didn't make sense. He wasn't even Gabriel's type.
*
Dangerous, sexy, and playful? Fuck, he was in such trouble when it came to Gabriel Prescott.
*
He couldn't lose Justin. The man made him feel alive for the first time in years. His heart beat in his chest and the blood rushed with a new zing through his veins.
May 29, 2023
Justin and Gabriel are complete opposites in some ways and kindred spirits in others. It was fun to watch them meet, repel and attract one another, and try to figure out what to do with a fellow assassin they actually wanted to trust.
I enjoyed the bonding, the planning, the action, and even the hesitance and uncertainty given their professions. It wasn’t non-stop action, which actually gave them time to get to know one another (or at least start to get to know one another).
I appreciated the bonus short story to allow them to reconnect and set up the next book a little more. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
I enjoyed the bonding, the planning, the action, and even the hesitance and uncertainty given their professions. It wasn’t non-stop action, which actually gave them time to get to know one another (or at least start to get to know one another).
I appreciated the bonus short story to allow them to reconnect and set up the next book a little more. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
January 9, 2025
The coldhearted assassin and the .... coldhearted assassin? Except they aren't really. Two lone private contractors forced to work together for a job find much more than answers, so much more. I enjoyed this story immensely. Justin is the Robin Hood hacker / assassin who now only takes on jobs that benefit humanity. Gabriel is the assassin who doesn't believe he has any humanity left. These two were great together. Gabe's cold disassociation and Justin complete failure to take anything seriously made for a really fun read. On top of that the chemistry between the two was off the charts and the story wasn't bad either. I will definitely be reading more of this series
October 24, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up. I had high hopes for this when I started it, as I generally really enjoy this author and was definitely in the mood to dive into a longer series. And I did enjoy this, for the most part. But it was also... idk. Not great? Like, NOT bad. A fun diversion of a read. But I just... don't think I care enough about these two to keep going with the series. The writing felt really clunky compared to other books I've read by her. Maybe it was one of her earlier ones? idk. Anyway, for now (and probably forever), I'm going to end my run with this series right here.
September 11, 2023
They make a great team
I know I have read this book before but I don't know what happened to that review. Anyway, I love Justin and Gabriel together. What bothered me was constantly skip through all the sex scenes. You only need to describe the first one and skip the other one hundred of them. Just to many! I am off to book 2 in the series. I wonder if I read that one as well. We will see...
I know I have read this book before but I don't know what happened to that review. Anyway, I love Justin and Gabriel together. What bothered me was constantly skip through all the sex scenes. You only need to describe the first one and skip the other one hundred of them. Just to many! I am off to book 2 in the series. I wonder if I read that one as well. We will see...
October 30, 2023
I have actually read the original story multiple times but that edition apparently is not listed on here any more. Excellent as always but it has been awhile so I can't actually tell you what was new. Looking forward to rereading and then reading the last story and then reading the Shadow Elite series which says it is a spin off of the last story in this series.
March 23, 2025
Justin Mallory is a mercenary and hacker who teams up with Gabriel Prescott, a dangerously mysterious man to figure out why two doctors have been killed. As they work together, Justin's laid back and fun personality allows Gabriel to relax around him, enough where the two share secrets and grow closer together. I loved getting to know these two completely opposites in every way.
July 6, 2025
I was enthralled by the pair of assassins bonding over their PTSD when I first read the original edition. I can say this special edition is just as good, if not better, but we all know nostalgia makes memory suspect.
Regardless of that nostalgia, this is a lovely introduction to a pair of assassins with hearts of tarnished gold falling in love.
Regardless of that nostalgia, this is a lovely introduction to a pair of assassins with hearts of tarnished gold falling in love.
August 19, 2025
Thank goodness for the expanded version because I got to miss out on all of the apparent "horrible" typos that the first edition sported, so that left me to just sit back and enjoy the ride... and was it one hell of a ride! *grin*
G Love and Special Sauce (LOL!!!) made quite the impression on me and I am pretty sure this is going to be a read-a-thon on this series...
G Love and Special Sauce (LOL!!!) made quite the impression on me and I am pretty sure this is going to be a read-a-thon on this series...
July 11, 2023
I struggled
I’ve liked other books by Jocelyn Drake, but I struggled to get through this one. I don’t know if it was the setting, or the characters, or what, but I had a hard time finishing this one.
I’ve liked other books by Jocelyn Drake, but I struggled to get through this one. I don’t know if it was the setting, or the characters, or what, but I had a hard time finishing this one.
August 19, 2023
I need more book like this: sassy assassins. They were a little bad at their jobs considering they were supposed to be the best of the best, but I loved the characters and the banter too much to care.
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