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Exit Strategy #5
Accidental Lover
Time for the younger generation to make its mark!
Alexei is determined to prove to his beloved uncles, Justin and Gabriel, that he’s got what it takes to follow in their accomplished footsteps.
It’s just that this new target is a little more than he bargained for.
No worries. Maybe he’d just show this old dog that he knows plenty of fun tricks.
Alexei is determined to prove to his beloved uncles, Justin and Gabriel, that he’s got what it takes to follow in their accomplished footsteps.
It’s just that this new target is a little more than he bargained for.
No worries. Maybe he’d just show this old dog that he knows plenty of fun tricks.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2021
114 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
141 books2,899 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 84 reviews
July 13, 2022
A great way to sign off this series
After being slightly (only a little bit!) disappointed with Kai & Devlin’s romance, this one went right back to the top of the class.
I absolutely adored Alexei and Soren, both as individuals and as a couple. The snark was strong in our young assassin as his path crossed with the older cat burglar.
This book also had added bonus points for G Love and Special Sauce appearances 😁
It also acts as the introduction to the new spin-off series featuring Soren's old CIA crew which I'm very much looking forward to
After being slightly (only a little bit!) disappointed with Kai & Devlin’s romance, this one went right back to the top of the class.
I absolutely adored Alexei and Soren, both as individuals and as a couple. The snark was strong in our young assassin as his path crossed with the older cat burglar.
This book also had added bonus points for G Love and Special Sauce appearances 😁
It also acts as the introduction to the new spin-off series featuring Soren's old CIA crew which I'm very much looking forward to
October 18, 2022
Well this was fun 😀.
♡ Alexei and Soren’s relationship was fast in a believable way considering how they met and they have a very good chemistry, there wasn’t room for character development seeing that this all happened in a matter of a week or two if I’m not so mistaken and were on the run
♡ Of all the books in the series this one has lots and lots of sex and it’s the hot kind , I had to skip some of the scenes because it was a bit too much and I was wasting water with taking too many cold showers 😂🤭
♡ it was nice reading about Gabriel and Justin too, I enjoyed them here as well , Soren’s team was introduced too which was a nice touch, a glimpse of the next series
♡ I have this one 3.5 stars rating because it really was just going in circles, it felt as though their mission could’ve been finished quickly, the book dragged on and by 87% I was so bored I almost didn’t finish 😅 I only continued because of Gabriel and Justin
♡ all in all this is a series I can confidently recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about hot and sexy bad boys with cold hearts and keep guns and knives as toys and aren’t afraid to kill for their loved ones
♡ Alexei and Soren’s relationship was fast in a believable way considering how they met and they have a very good chemistry, there wasn’t room for character development seeing that this all happened in a matter of a week or two if I’m not so mistaken and were on the run
♡ Of all the books in the series this one has lots and lots of sex and it’s the hot kind , I had to skip some of the scenes because it was a bit too much and I was wasting water with taking too many cold showers 😂🤭
♡ it was nice reading about Gabriel and Justin too, I enjoyed them here as well , Soren’s team was introduced too which was a nice touch, a glimpse of the next series
♡ I have this one 3.5 stars rating because it really was just going in circles, it felt as though their mission could’ve been finished quickly, the book dragged on and by 87% I was so bored I almost didn’t finish 😅 I only continued because of Gabriel and Justin
♡ all in all this is a series I can confidently recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about hot and sexy bad boys with cold hearts and keep guns and knives as toys and aren’t afraid to kill for their loved ones
July 12, 2021
⭐︎4.5 stars!⭐︎
What a wonderful - what I assume is the last - installment in this series. For this adventure, we're focusing on Alexei, Gabriel and Justin's nephew/son (because lbr, they see him like a son and treat him like one.)
In this we learn that Alexei is now 23 and an assassin in his own right, well trained by his badass assassin uncles and has been working as one for two years now.
It's been about 11 years since book 3, is what I'm gathering, because Alexei says he and his mom went to Paris after everything for 3 years before she unfortunately died from cancer when he was 15. So that means he was 12 when everything went down and he is now 23, so 11 years.
So that means we have a big time jump here. After Dev and Kai's book, that was about a year, year and half or so since the events of book...1 or 2, I can't remember which, so that means this takes place about 9 or so years after book 4.
So guess in this world's timeline, it's like...around 2030 or so? That's what I'm thinking.
Anyway, onto the actual story ;)
For Alexei, after his mom died at 15 he went to live with Gabriel and Justin in Colorado, and now he's struck out on his own for the past two years, living on his own and trying to do his own thing. Alexei wants to prove to his horrible grandfather, uncles, cousins....that he can dress like a twink and wear make-up and be small and still be a total badass, just like his uncles. He can be just as deadly as them and still be himself.
He's wanted to prove that he can be the best so he can, in a way, stick it to his dead family who was horrible to him growing up.
At one particular assassin jobs, he notices a man, an attractive man that he would very much like to fuck.
Buttt the guy is gone pretty quickly and anyway, Alexei has a bad guy to assassinate. But he does get another glimpse of the guy leaving the house just as he's efficiently and in plain sight, poisoning his target.
And a week or so later, they just happen to run into each other and Paris, and so Alexei approaches the man, not wanting to waste an opportunity to be with him.
The man in question is Soren, a highly skilled, renowned cat burglar. These two hit it off right away. As in, they fuck basically right away.
I loved their chemistry, it just felt natural and real from the start of this, and I was invested in these two from the start.
They try to both play it off as just sex, but when they fall into bed for hours the next day, it's hard to play it off as just that.
But when Soren finds a gun that Alexei was hiding and Alexei puts up his assassin walls, being cold and hard toward him, things are seemingly done for good.
And they probably would be, except later the next morning, Alexei gets a new contract...for Soren himself, who stole something for a client that someone else wants too, even if they have to kill Soren to get it.
But Soren's no spring chicken. He might not be a killer, but he's an amazing thief and now hows to run for his life.
Unfortunately, there are other assassins after him too...but Alexei tells himself he wants to be the one to do it....when we all know the reason he won't do it is that he can't do it. Soren already means too much to him, as much as he tries to pretend otherwise.
There's some great back and forth between these two once they know who the other one really is, but also when Alexei consciously makes the choice that he isn't going to kill Soren, the two team up, and they start to fall for each other too.
These two just worked together for me, I loved them together. The only reason I gave this .5 stars off is that while the plot brought these two together in a believable way, the actual nitty gritty of it of it of what's on the hard drive and the resolution to it all wasn't as exciting as I think it could have been, and the resolution was just a little too easy.
Buttt that's just a little niggle for me, honestly, because I don't care as much about plot as characters, and these two and the rest of the characters carried this story incredibly well. Also getting to see Gabriel and Justing again wasn't half bad either. They are, after all, the OG's ;). I love my assassin power couple being badass motherfuckers. Also them acting like disapproving parents with Soren...priceless.
So overall, this was such a win for me. I definitely recommend it. And as someone who didn't quite enough the 4th installment as I had wished to, what was sometimes missing in that one wasn't missing in this one. There was wonderful romance, steam, chemistry, intrigue between these two, and a set up for a spin-off series that I'm excited for. Can't wait!
Two BIG thumbs up from me for this one! 💜
What a wonderful - what I assume is the last - installment in this series. For this adventure, we're focusing on Alexei, Gabriel and Justin's nephew/son (because lbr, they see him like a son and treat him like one.)
In this we learn that Alexei is now 23 and an assassin in his own right, well trained by his badass assassin uncles and has been working as one for two years now.
It's been about 11 years since book 3, is what I'm gathering, because Alexei says he and his mom went to Paris after everything for 3 years before she unfortunately died from cancer when he was 15. So that means he was 12 when everything went down and he is now 23, so 11 years.
So that means we have a big time jump here. After Dev and Kai's book, that was about a year, year and half or so since the events of book...1 or 2, I can't remember which, so that means this takes place about 9 or so years after book 4.
So guess in this world's timeline, it's like...around 2030 or so? That's what I'm thinking.
Anyway, onto the actual story ;)
For Alexei, after his mom died at 15 he went to live with Gabriel and Justin in Colorado, and now he's struck out on his own for the past two years, living on his own and trying to do his own thing. Alexei wants to prove to his horrible grandfather, uncles, cousins....that he can dress like a twink and wear make-up and be small and still be a total badass, just like his uncles. He can be just as deadly as them and still be himself.
He's wanted to prove that he can be the best so he can, in a way, stick it to his dead family who was horrible to him growing up.
At one particular assassin jobs, he notices a man, an attractive man that he would very much like to fuck.
Buttt the guy is gone pretty quickly and anyway, Alexei has a bad guy to assassinate. But he does get another glimpse of the guy leaving the house just as he's efficiently and in plain sight, poisoning his target.
And a week or so later, they just happen to run into each other and Paris, and so Alexei approaches the man, not wanting to waste an opportunity to be with him.
The man in question is Soren, a highly skilled, renowned cat burglar. These two hit it off right away. As in, they fuck basically right away.
I loved their chemistry, it just felt natural and real from the start of this, and I was invested in these two from the start.
They try to both play it off as just sex, but when they fall into bed for hours the next day, it's hard to play it off as just that.
But when Soren finds a gun that Alexei was hiding and Alexei puts up his assassin walls, being cold and hard toward him, things are seemingly done for good.
And they probably would be, except later the next morning, Alexei gets a new contract...for Soren himself, who stole something for a client that someone else wants too, even if they have to kill Soren to get it.
But Soren's no spring chicken. He might not be a killer, but he's an amazing thief and now hows to run for his life.
Unfortunately, there are other assassins after him too...but Alexei tells himself he wants to be the one to do it....when we all know the reason he won't do it is that he can't do it. Soren already means too much to him, as much as he tries to pretend otherwise.
There's some great back and forth between these two once they know who the other one really is, but also when Alexei consciously makes the choice that he isn't going to kill Soren, the two team up, and they start to fall for each other too.
These two just worked together for me, I loved them together. The only reason I gave this .5 stars off is that while the plot brought these two together in a believable way, the actual nitty gritty of it of it of what's on the hard drive and the resolution to it all wasn't as exciting as I think it could have been, and the resolution was just a little too easy.
Buttt that's just a little niggle for me, honestly, because I don't care as much about plot as characters, and these two and the rest of the characters carried this story incredibly well. Also getting to see Gabriel and Justing again wasn't half bad either. They are, after all, the OG's ;). I love my assassin power couple being badass motherfuckers. Also them acting like disapproving parents with Soren...priceless.
So overall, this was such a win for me. I definitely recommend it. And as someone who didn't quite enough the 4th installment as I had wished to, what was sometimes missing in that one wasn't missing in this one. There was wonderful romance, steam, chemistry, intrigue between these two, and a set up for a spin-off series that I'm excited for. Can't wait!
Two BIG thumbs up from me for this one! 💜
July 7, 2021
It is absolutely necessary to have read the other books in the series first.
I absolutely adored Soren and all the romantic things he would say about Alexei. He was easier to understand and had more depth.
Alexei I never hugely warmed to. I liked his character with him not being what anyone would expect as an assassin but I didn't get the same feels from him as Soren.
It hit 5 stars when Gabriel and Justin appeared and then Soren's old crew. The pacing picked up rapidly.
So 4 stars overall. A great book but not my favourite of the series
I absolutely adored Soren and all the romantic things he would say about Alexei. He was easier to understand and had more depth.
Alexei I never hugely warmed to. I liked his character with him not being what anyone would expect as an assassin but I didn't get the same feels from him as Soren.
It hit 5 stars when Gabriel and Justin appeared and then Soren's old crew. The pacing picked up rapidly.
So 4 stars overall. A great book but not my favourite of the series
July 19, 2021
Not up to par
Could not see these two as a couple at all, no chemistry and even the sex felt cringe-y. Also, they’re supposedly hot-shot criminals but everyone seems to be able to find them within hours wherever they go, and the plot had details that made no sense. Mostly it’s a vehicle for a new series I guess. Hopefully it will be more like the first books of this series.
Could not see these two as a couple at all, no chemistry and even the sex felt cringe-y. Also, they’re supposedly hot-shot criminals but everyone seems to be able to find them within hours wherever they go, and the plot had details that made no sense. Mostly it’s a vehicle for a new series I guess. Hopefully it will be more like the first books of this series.
December 19, 2022
instalove at its best
Eeppp! Alexei and Soren were just perfect *swoons* AND we get to see G-Love and his special sauce, god I just love this series 😍
This was action packed, so HOT I had to stop at times, fun and sweet, so pretty much the perfect combination. Love love loved it.
Eeppp! Alexei and Soren were just perfect *swoons* AND we get to see G-Love and his special sauce, god I just love this series 😍
This was action packed, so HOT I had to stop at times, fun and sweet, so pretty much the perfect combination. Love love loved it.
January 24, 2022
Awww Alexei's all grown up and of course he's taken up after his uncle's and working contracts on his own now. His most recent contract has him seeing one hot guy across the room, unfortunately he disappears before Alexei can find out anything about him. Ah well, off to Paris...and apparently bumping back into the same guy yet again.
I liked Soren and Alexei together despite the insta-love of it all. There's plenty of action in this one as these two find themselves caught in the middle of more than on agency after the same piece of information a certain thief may have been hired to steal. If I wished for anything it'd be a little more time with Alexei's uncle's as I love Justin and Gabriel. Still this was a lot of fun and I loved seeing little Alexei all grown up and his own man.
I liked Soren and Alexei together despite the insta-love of it all. There's plenty of action in this one as these two find themselves caught in the middle of more than on agency after the same piece of information a certain thief may have been hired to steal. If I wished for anything it'd be a little more time with Alexei's uncle's as I love Justin and Gabriel. Still this was a lot of fun and I loved seeing little Alexei all grown up and his own man.
September 14, 2022
I enjoyed learning about the ‘Libreria Acqua Alta’ in Venice. Very interesting! I also enjoyed this book. It had tropes that I enjoy and they were well written. I previously read Charlie’s book and have gone backwards in this author’s books to read about the meeting of assassin Alexei and cat burglar Soren. What’s the difference between an assassin and a hitman? I’m seeing the word assassin more in books of the spy vs spy genre.
I liked Alexei and Soren and their relationship. The author, in this book as in Charlie’s, has them pulling to be together and not letting differences in ages, temperament, and lifestyle pull them apart. Their chemistry is hot and it surprises both of them. The heat was very good in the story. These two meet cute through coincidence and soon find themselves entwined and on the run from almost every spy agency in the world! I would have been hiding under the covers, lol, but these guys were smart and called in reinforcements. We meet mercenaries Charlie and Kairo and the two uncle’s of Alexei, the mythical and semi-retired assassins, Gabriel and Justin. They almost stole the story in their scenes and I am continuing backward in these books and am going to read their book.
I avoided the action adventure genre after discovering mm romance, I didn’t want the tension interfering with the romance. I found that it doesn’t if it’s well written and can amp up the emotions in the sex and romance. This author does it well and I am glad that I saw this series.
I liked Alexei and Soren and their relationship. The author, in this book as in Charlie’s, has them pulling to be together and not letting differences in ages, temperament, and lifestyle pull them apart. Their chemistry is hot and it surprises both of them. The heat was very good in the story. These two meet cute through coincidence and soon find themselves entwined and on the run from almost every spy agency in the world! I would have been hiding under the covers, lol, but these guys were smart and called in reinforcements. We meet mercenaries Charlie and Kairo and the two uncle’s of Alexei, the mythical and semi-retired assassins, Gabriel and Justin. They almost stole the story in their scenes and I am continuing backward in these books and am going to read their book.
I avoided the action adventure genre after discovering mm romance, I didn’t want the tension interfering with the romance. I found that it doesn’t if it’s well written and can amp up the emotions in the sex and romance. This author does it well and I am glad that I saw this series.
July 8, 2021
This 5th book in the Exit Strategy series (and segue to a new series it appears) got off to a bit of a slow start for me but then things picked up and it was damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead! I wasn’t surprised as Drake is one of my favorite action/suspense writers.
The MCs in this book are Alexei, Gabriel’s nephew who we met at a younger age in a previous book and who has gone into the family assassin business, and Soren, a cat burglar. They meet after each does a job in London and escapes to Paris. They hook up, expecting nothing more, until circumstances bring them together again. What follows is a suspenseful spy thriller scenario with competing interests who all want something they have and who want to kill them. Luckily they are clever and Alexei’s uncles and a couple of Soren’s friends (subjects of the future series) agree to help them. This book would make a wonderful heist movie. I had a great time envisioning all the escape and avoidance, cat and mouse scenes in London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Both main characters are enjoyable, the story arc moves at a good pace after a slow beginning, and the author does a good job letting us get to know and love these characters. I read the book in one sitting and really enjoyed it. The ending is great and I am truly looking forward to the new series it appears this book is leading to. Of course I still hope for cameos from Gabriel and Justin!!
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
The MCs in this book are Alexei, Gabriel’s nephew who we met at a younger age in a previous book and who has gone into the family assassin business, and Soren, a cat burglar. They meet after each does a job in London and escapes to Paris. They hook up, expecting nothing more, until circumstances bring them together again. What follows is a suspenseful spy thriller scenario with competing interests who all want something they have and who want to kill them. Luckily they are clever and Alexei’s uncles and a couple of Soren’s friends (subjects of the future series) agree to help them. This book would make a wonderful heist movie. I had a great time envisioning all the escape and avoidance, cat and mouse scenes in London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Both main characters are enjoyable, the story arc moves at a good pace after a slow beginning, and the author does a good job letting us get to know and love these characters. I read the book in one sitting and really enjoyed it. The ending is great and I am truly looking forward to the new series it appears this book is leading to. Of course I still hope for cameos from Gabriel and Justin!!
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
July 7, 2021
This was a fun, fast paced, snarky steamy read!!! An excellent addition to the series. I've been waiting for Alexei's story, and Accidental Lover did not disappoint.
Filled with places I've only dreamed of going, this book follows Alexei and Soren and after a night, shenanigans ensue. As they discover who one another is, and try and escape secret agents, assasins and a pair of very protective uncles, they're drawn to one another in a beautiful way.
Excellent end to this part of the series, and I can't wait for more!
Filled with places I've only dreamed of going, this book follows Alexei and Soren and after a night, shenanigans ensue. As they discover who one another is, and try and escape secret agents, assasins and a pair of very protective uncles, they're drawn to one another in a beautiful way.
Excellent end to this part of the series, and I can't wait for more!
July 7, 2021
I loved Alexei since he first appeared several books ago and to see him all grown up and following in his uncles footsteps is so cool!! I love that he made a name for himself after struggling under his relatives misconceptions of him. Soren was good for Alexei and I love the sweetness and amazing sexiness of these two together. Awesome story and even more awesome to see G Love and Special Sauce make cameos!!
July 12, 2021
This one was fun to read. From how Alexei and Soren meet, to how they meet again, to the trouble that Soren finds himself in and how Alexei changes from someone coming after him to someone who saves him. Throw in Alexei's uncles and a highly sought after intelligence item you can only imagine the chaos that happens in this book. I liked how things were resolved, glad that Alexei changed his mind about Soren.
July 12, 2021
i am so sad this is over but wow what an amazing ending it was.. these two are wonderful.. so much fun and sexy.. interesting and action packed.. curious and wonderful..and the chemistry was off the walls. loved it
October 5, 2021
I love Soren so much.
July 31, 2022
Tan irreal como los anteriores pero menos anodino que el cuarto de la serie. No llega a las tres estrellas pero se las pongo porque entretiene.
July 3, 2021
Enjoyable assassin vs cat burglar action thriller.
Ever since we met Alexei toward the start of this series, I've wanted him to have his HEA and Soren the cat burglar is a fabulous match.
As with the previous books, there is plenty of action, double crossing and hijinx to keep you interested and the romance is pretty sweet too.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
Ever since we met Alexei toward the start of this series, I've wanted him to have his HEA and Soren the cat burglar is a fabulous match.
As with the previous books, there is plenty of action, double crossing and hijinx to keep you interested and the romance is pretty sweet too.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
July 11, 2021
This was fun. Absolutely fun.
Alexei is strong and independent and kind of a teeny badass. Who wouldn’t be when you’re basically raised by Gabriel and Justin?
And Soren? *swoony face* I love me a cat burglar. More cat burglars please and thanks. I adored how badass he was…until he thought of and then met Gabriel and Justin. Then he was totally scared and it was hysterical.
I am super ready for what appears to be a spin-off? Go team! Unsure if it’s definite but bring it on.
Also for the Gabriel and Justin fans, they’re in the book. And there’s this scene late in the book where they’re just standing there but being so badass I cackled.
Alexei is strong and independent and kind of a teeny badass. Who wouldn’t be when you’re basically raised by Gabriel and Justin?
And Soren? *swoony face* I love me a cat burglar. More cat burglars please and thanks. I adored how badass he was…until he thought of and then met Gabriel and Justin. Then he was totally scared and it was hysterical.
I am super ready for what appears to be a spin-off? Go team! Unsure if it’s definite but bring it on.
Also for the Gabriel and Justin fans, they’re in the book. And there’s this scene late in the book where they’re just standing there but being so badass I cackled.
Want to read
March 4, 2023
Part of the Exit Strategy Series and must be read in order:
July 10, 2021
Alexei and Soren's romance was a wonderful way to wrap up this series, and I enjoyed every twist and turn of their adventure.
For two men whose livelihoods depended on being forgettable, they sure did stand out to each other in a crowd. From that first glance, I could feel the chemistry between them, and once Alexei got Soren alone all bets were off. I love the idea that these guys were totally unaware of their real identities during their initial hookups, and it made their decision to stick together feel even more meaningful. It would have been easy for the two of them to dismiss each other as strangers who shared a night of passion, but the fact that they didn't spoke volumes about their true connection. Sure, Alexei and Soren had serious trust issues at first, but who wouldn't after such a shocking reveal. That only made it more exciting for me to see the two of them slowly fall for each other as they ran from their rapidly multiplying enemies. With plenty of steamy sex and sweet bonding moments, Soren and Alexei had me wrapped around their fingers without any effort at all. I had so much fun watching the trouble they got into, because I knew there was no way anyone trained by Justin and Gabriel would get duped, even by another assassain. Alexei and Soren's journey around Europe felt less like an escape and more like a playful chase, and I for one was thrilled to be a part of it. I wasn't expecting Gabriel and Justin to make such a lengthy appearance, but it was pretty awesome to catch up with them and see how protective they were of their nephew. Just when I thought this story couldn't get any more exciting, Jocelynn teased me with the introduction of several new characters that I'm desperate to see get their own stories. I won't spoil the surprise about how their involvement changed the game for Soren and Alexei, but let's just say that I'll be eagerly awaiting news about what kind of craziness the Shadow Elite gets up to next.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
For two men whose livelihoods depended on being forgettable, they sure did stand out to each other in a crowd. From that first glance, I could feel the chemistry between them, and once Alexei got Soren alone all bets were off. I love the idea that these guys were totally unaware of their real identities during their initial hookups, and it made their decision to stick together feel even more meaningful. It would have been easy for the two of them to dismiss each other as strangers who shared a night of passion, but the fact that they didn't spoke volumes about their true connection. Sure, Alexei and Soren had serious trust issues at first, but who wouldn't after such a shocking reveal. That only made it more exciting for me to see the two of them slowly fall for each other as they ran from their rapidly multiplying enemies. With plenty of steamy sex and sweet bonding moments, Soren and Alexei had me wrapped around their fingers without any effort at all. I had so much fun watching the trouble they got into, because I knew there was no way anyone trained by Justin and Gabriel would get duped, even by another assassain. Alexei and Soren's journey around Europe felt less like an escape and more like a playful chase, and I for one was thrilled to be a part of it. I wasn't expecting Gabriel and Justin to make such a lengthy appearance, but it was pretty awesome to catch up with them and see how protective they were of their nephew. Just when I thought this story couldn't get any more exciting, Jocelynn teased me with the introduction of several new characters that I'm desperate to see get their own stories. I won't spoil the surprise about how their involvement changed the game for Soren and Alexei, but let's just say that I'll be eagerly awaiting news about what kind of craziness the Shadow Elite gets up to next.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
January 22, 2023
intriguing with snarky humor and lusty chemistry, Accidental Lover was a book I couldn’t put down.
Rating: 4.5🌈
Alexei Prescott , assassin and nephew of assassins extraordinaire, has a target. Gabor Kalman, shady arms dealer.
Soren Jessen, cat burglar, ex CIA, has a target. Gabor Kalman, shady arms dealer.
One will kill him, the other will steal from him. At the same time. The mission puts both men on a collision course to unravel labyrinthine mysteries that center around a stolen hard drive while keeping each other alive and able to fall into mad passionate love.
This is one of those stories I backtracked into. Soren and his assassin lover, Alexei, are important characters in Drake’s Shadow Elite series. They’re a fascinating and eclectic couple. So naturally when I learned that they had their own story, I needed to read it. And I wasn’t disappointed.
The last of a series (which had me backtracking even further), Accidental Lover not only gives us the complete window in Soren, the man who just happens to be a cat burglar now, but the complicated personality that makes that career so understandable.
The story also gives us an astonishing assassin in the person of Alexei Prescott. A diminutive gorgeous killer who has been raised by two of the world’s most notorious assassins, Alexei is as fascinating a character as the man he’s coming to love.
A thriller of a suspenseful romance, equally intriguing with snarky humor and lusty chemistry, Accidental Lover was a book I couldn’t put down.
Plus it ket me know that those scary assassins, Justin and Gabriel, Alexei’s uncles, were actually the main focus of the Exit Strategy series so I could happily backtrack once more for their origin story and romance.
I’m highly recommending this story and onto the first one in the series.
Exit Strategy series:
- [x] Deadly Lover: Special Edition #1
- [x] Vengeful Lover #2
- [ ] Final Lover #3
- [ ] Forbidden Lover #4
- [x] Accidental Lover #5
Related/sequel series: Shadow Elite books
Rating: 4.5🌈
Alexei Prescott , assassin and nephew of assassins extraordinaire, has a target. Gabor Kalman, shady arms dealer.
Soren Jessen, cat burglar, ex CIA, has a target. Gabor Kalman, shady arms dealer.
One will kill him, the other will steal from him. At the same time. The mission puts both men on a collision course to unravel labyrinthine mysteries that center around a stolen hard drive while keeping each other alive and able to fall into mad passionate love.
This is one of those stories I backtracked into. Soren and his assassin lover, Alexei, are important characters in Drake’s Shadow Elite series. They’re a fascinating and eclectic couple. So naturally when I learned that they had their own story, I needed to read it. And I wasn’t disappointed.
The last of a series (which had me backtracking even further), Accidental Lover not only gives us the complete window in Soren, the man who just happens to be a cat burglar now, but the complicated personality that makes that career so understandable.
The story also gives us an astonishing assassin in the person of Alexei Prescott. A diminutive gorgeous killer who has been raised by two of the world’s most notorious assassins, Alexei is as fascinating a character as the man he’s coming to love.
A thriller of a suspenseful romance, equally intriguing with snarky humor and lusty chemistry, Accidental Lover was a book I couldn’t put down.
Plus it ket me know that those scary assassins, Justin and Gabriel, Alexei’s uncles, were actually the main focus of the Exit Strategy series so I could happily backtrack once more for their origin story and romance.
I’m highly recommending this story and onto the first one in the series.
Exit Strategy series:
- [x] Deadly Lover: Special Edition #1
- [x] Vengeful Lover #2
- [ ] Final Lover #3
- [ ] Forbidden Lover #4
- [x] Accidental Lover #5
Related/sequel series: Shadow Elite books
November 11, 2025
Rule No. 1 of being an assassin: Don’t sleep with your mark. Eh. Alexei has never been big on rules. It’s not his fault Soren is too sexy for words.
And it’s not like he knew Soren was the cat burglar he’d been hired to kill. But as they dodge other assassins, the CIA, and even the Russians to keep Soren alive and a stolen hard drive out of their hands, Alexei might be in even greater danger of breaking Rule No. 2. Don’t fall in love on the job.
This book follows Alexei and Soren. After a night together shenanigans ensue. As they discover who one another is, and try and escape secret agents, assassins and a pair of very protective uncles, they're drawn to one another in a beautifully special way.
This is the final book in the Exit Strategy series. It's a steamy romp around Western Europe, while trying to evade assassins and various security agencies who are determined to take out Alexei and his new boyfriend, cat burglar extraordinaire, Soren. The story was fun, the couple was perfect for one another, and the bullets were flying fast and furiously. A great cameo from the "Uncles" and a nice set up for the new series. I'm a little sad this one has ended.
Alexei and Soren's romance was a wonderful way to wrap up this series, and I enjoyed every twist and turn of their adventure. You can't say much about the storyline without giving a lot away...but I can't wait to see what follows. I have never been disappointed by this author.
And it’s not like he knew Soren was the cat burglar he’d been hired to kill. But as they dodge other assassins, the CIA, and even the Russians to keep Soren alive and a stolen hard drive out of their hands, Alexei might be in even greater danger of breaking Rule No. 2. Don’t fall in love on the job.
This book follows Alexei and Soren. After a night together shenanigans ensue. As they discover who one another is, and try and escape secret agents, assassins and a pair of very protective uncles, they're drawn to one another in a beautifully special way.
This is the final book in the Exit Strategy series. It's a steamy romp around Western Europe, while trying to evade assassins and various security agencies who are determined to take out Alexei and his new boyfriend, cat burglar extraordinaire, Soren. The story was fun, the couple was perfect for one another, and the bullets were flying fast and furiously. A great cameo from the "Uncles" and a nice set up for the new series. I'm a little sad this one has ended.
Alexei and Soren's romance was a wonderful way to wrap up this series, and I enjoyed every twist and turn of their adventure. You can't say much about the storyline without giving a lot away...but I can't wait to see what follows. I have never been disappointed by this author.
July 13, 2021
I’m totally in love with this series, and will be adding it to my paperback collection of favourites. Alexei and Soren’s story is a perfect addition to it with the added bonus of catching up with Gabriel and Justin ten years on. It’s a wonderful mix of action, fabulous banter, romance, and interesting characters and a plot driven story.
I liked how Alexei uses his appearance to lower his target’s guard then moves in for the kill. He’s very much more than he appears. Both he and Soren are wonderfully stubborn and I liked how they’re both still dealing with their histories. I loved their determination not to fall for one another yet unable to walk away. Their banter is great, and I liked seeing how good they are in their roles of assassin and thief.
The supporting cast is fabulous. I was very to see Justin and Gabriel again, and their reaction to Soren. They’re both scary but in different ways, and it was fun seeing them from Soren’s perspective, and his reaction when he finds out who Alexei’s uncles are. I liked that Soren has kept in touch with his old team, and I’m looking forward to reading their adventures/spin off series.
Marilyn still rocks.
The plot is very clever. I loved the ending, and how it sets up the new series. Perfect.
I liked how Alexei uses his appearance to lower his target’s guard then moves in for the kill. He’s very much more than he appears. Both he and Soren are wonderfully stubborn and I liked how they’re both still dealing with their histories. I loved their determination not to fall for one another yet unable to walk away. Their banter is great, and I liked seeing how good they are in their roles of assassin and thief.
The supporting cast is fabulous. I was very to see Justin and Gabriel again, and their reaction to Soren. They’re both scary but in different ways, and it was fun seeing them from Soren’s perspective, and his reaction when he finds out who Alexei’s uncles are. I liked that Soren has kept in touch with his old team, and I’m looking forward to reading their adventures/spin off series.
Marilyn still rocks.
The plot is very clever. I loved the ending, and how it sets up the new series. Perfect.
July 10, 2021
What a read. This was a great book, very intriguing. Lots of suspense, fighting,heat, falling in love and more of Gabriel and Justin. I can’t get enough of those two. I loved Soren and Alexi just as much. Soren was a Sweetheart from the start for a Cat Burglar and The Assassin,Alexi… he took a bit for I warm up to him, the cocky bugger. ;) Fate/ Serendipity or whatever’s out want to call it. Alexi sees Soren at a party he’s at to kill someone and Soren to rob from, but Soren disappears before Alexi can flirt with him. Then they see each other at a bar and hook up for a one night stand, which leads to two when they see each other the next day at a Cafe. Then Alexi is hired to kill and take what Soren stole but couldn’t go through with it and ended up protecting him twice when other people tried to kill or take the stolen object. So they protect each other and talk about themselves,it leads to more and trouble keeps coming after them. I won’t spoil anymore, it’s a very good read but you have to read previous books in order before reading this book. I can’t wait for the new series about Soren’s old colleges and friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2021
3.5 Stars Rounded To 4 with Bias
⭐⭐⭐⭐
There's some right but there's is obvious wrong..
JD is a fave..no doubt but I've said it before & will say its again...switch up your words..use different phrases..Alexei was wearing the smallest speedo. Great so try another phrase in the next sentence besides smallest for what he wore yesterday. I don't care if he only packed speedos..be more descriptive.
That's not the only example..it became a bit tedious.
Also, I've no issue with May/Dec relationships but this one happened at warp speed. I never felt real from Alexei's standpoint. Sure hot sexy times but I didn't get the connection between them.
I loved the checking in with Gabriel & Justin...so adorbs! Marilyn was a bit slack on this...it was starting to read a incompetent.
The next group, The Shadow Elite..the name sounds cheesy..Im hoping that it doesn't read like the Ward security novels.
I know its the last book for now...However, it could have been better written & maybe not felt like a rush job.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
There's some right but there's is obvious wrong..
JD is a fave..no doubt but I've said it before & will say its again...switch up your words..use different phrases..Alexei was wearing the smallest speedo. Great so try another phrase in the next sentence besides smallest for what he wore yesterday. I don't care if he only packed speedos..be more descriptive.
That's not the only example..it became a bit tedious.
Also, I've no issue with May/Dec relationships but this one happened at warp speed. I never felt real from Alexei's standpoint. Sure hot sexy times but I didn't get the connection between them.
I loved the checking in with Gabriel & Justin...so adorbs! Marilyn was a bit slack on this...it was starting to read a incompetent.
The next group, The Shadow Elite..the name sounds cheesy..Im hoping that it doesn't read like the Ward security novels.
I know its the last book for now...However, it could have been better written & maybe not felt like a rush job.
July 13, 2021
Entertainment at its best
Jocelynn Drake never fails to deliver, her imagination and descriptive imaginary outstanding everything about this story was absolutely amazing. The obstacles both real and imagined provides a healthy amount of angst for me before they can reach their happy ever after. The word building grows throughout each novel, resulting in a series unlike anything else. It captivates you into always wanting more. The guys complex characters are well written and interesting, the motive behind the scenes flawlessly executed.
An Assassin meets a Cat burger, its almost a magical tale of adventure, danger, mayhem and murder. Its got humour, and excitement and romance and tonnes and tonnes of heat.
Alexia & Soren have brought a new perspective to the series, we touch base with Ghost and Chameleon, meet a couple of new interesting characters, that are going to keep us waiting for more in the spin off series I'm soo looking forward to that.
Highly recommend this series its absolutely fantastic.
Jocelynn Drake never fails to deliver, her imagination and descriptive imaginary outstanding everything about this story was absolutely amazing. The obstacles both real and imagined provides a healthy amount of angst for me before they can reach their happy ever after. The word building grows throughout each novel, resulting in a series unlike anything else. It captivates you into always wanting more. The guys complex characters are well written and interesting, the motive behind the scenes flawlessly executed.
An Assassin meets a Cat burger, its almost a magical tale of adventure, danger, mayhem and murder. Its got humour, and excitement and romance and tonnes and tonnes of heat.
Alexia & Soren have brought a new perspective to the series, we touch base with Ghost and Chameleon, meet a couple of new interesting characters, that are going to keep us waiting for more in the spin off series I'm soo looking forward to that.
Highly recommend this series its absolutely fantastic.
July 14, 2021
What a surprisingly funny and amazingly written book!
Accidental Lover is the 5th installment of the exit strategy series. I have not read the other books in the series yet, but I will soon remedy that fact. But for all that have not read the other ones as well: you don't need them to fully understand and fully enjoy this one!
Alexei has been born in an interesting family and got partly raised by his uncles, who are assassins. He decides to follow his uncles and becomes an assassin as well. At a job, he meets the cat burglar Soren. They meet again by chance and fall into bed. Sometime later Alexei gets offered a contract to kill Soren. But can he do it?
For such an angsty storyline, this book is a surprisingly fun and light read. You have chases and kidnappings besides funny characters, a fast-paced storyline, and amazing side characters.
I really liked this one and would definitely recommend it.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
Accidental Lover is the 5th installment of the exit strategy series. I have not read the other books in the series yet, but I will soon remedy that fact. But for all that have not read the other ones as well: you don't need them to fully understand and fully enjoy this one!
Alexei has been born in an interesting family and got partly raised by his uncles, who are assassins. He decides to follow his uncles and becomes an assassin as well. At a job, he meets the cat burglar Soren. They meet again by chance and fall into bed. Sometime later Alexei gets offered a contract to kill Soren. But can he do it?
For such an angsty storyline, this book is a surprisingly fun and light read. You have chases and kidnappings besides funny characters, a fast-paced storyline, and amazing side characters.
I really liked this one and would definitely recommend it.
*I received this book as an ARC. I chose to leave an honest review.*
May 27, 2023
I’ve been reading all of these backwards. Started with Charlie’s Doctor because it was the first of a series, then saw the prequel, then wanted to know what *had* happened with Soren and Alexei. So I’ve not actually read the rest of Exit Strategies and I still thoroughly enjoyed this.
I really liked both Soren and Alexei, and I enjoyed how they snarked and played off one another. I liked their immediate connection mixed with that thread of uncertainty/mistrust given what their professions are. I liked the silly moments like the Louvre mixed in with the more serious themes given their jobs. The humour helped keep it from getting too dark for me.
I enjoyed seeing some of the characters I knew from Charlie’s Doctor, as well as getting an introduction to Alexei’s uncles. I will probably go back to the beginning of this series once I finish Shadow Elite. (Kairo is my priority given the ending of Charlie’s Doctor, lol.)
I really liked both Soren and Alexei, and I enjoyed how they snarked and played off one another. I liked their immediate connection mixed with that thread of uncertainty/mistrust given what their professions are. I liked the silly moments like the Louvre mixed in with the more serious themes given their jobs. The humour helped keep it from getting too dark for me.
I enjoyed seeing some of the characters I knew from Charlie’s Doctor, as well as getting an introduction to Alexei’s uncles. I will probably go back to the beginning of this series once I finish Shadow Elite. (Kairo is my priority given the ending of Charlie’s Doctor, lol.)
July 12, 2021
There’s a lot to like here: an assassin with killer moves, killer makeup, and killer snark. A cat burglar with mad skills, a reckless streak, an endearing personality, and an unexpected past. An age gap. A romance built on pretty much the worst circumstances ever (generally speaking, contracts on a partner’s life complicate a relationship). Intrigue, adventure, steam, and plenty of witty banter. Alexei and Soren are great together, and their story is a lot of fun. I can’t think of a single reason not to recommend it. As a final note, you don’t have to have read the previous books in this series for the plot and romance to make sense, but they do offer some context and backstory-- and Justin and Gabriel are a ton of fun, so give them a chance if you haven’t already.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2021
Whew, I was hoping we would get a book about Alexei since he was introduced to us as Gabriel's nephew and I was so excited to see that Jocelynn had actually written it. I absolutely loved Alexei and Soren. They are definitely relationship goals in my book. I loved how unapologetically Alexei was in his confidence. I am a little person too and am always getting misjudged, so I felt exactly like how he felt in this story at times. The mystery and danger was an awesome aspect of this story as well. This book was definitely bittersweet to read since it is the last Exit Strategy book and I have grown to love all these characters. Justin and Gabriel definitely have a special place in my heart along with Alexei. I highly, highly recommend this book and this series!
I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC copy for my honest opinion.
February 28, 2022
Assassin and Cat burglar romance
Alexei Prescott is the nephew of 2 of the greatest assassins: Gabriel Prescott and Justin Mallory. They raised him after his mother's death and he's followed in their footsteps. He wants to prove that he can be great at anything in spite of some peoples beliefs that he is weak and not worthy.
Alexei is cunning, smart, stunning and deadly.
Soren is a cat burglar. Once he sets his eyes on Alexei, he has to have him. He sees his worth and accepts him for who he is and what he does.
Soren is crafty, smart, witty, and older than Alexei. Their chemistry is explosive and their feelings deep.
Great addition to the Exit Strategy Series. I like the introduction of new characters that will be getting their own stories soon. I can't wait to read these and have more of Alexei and Soren.
Recommend.
Alexei Prescott is the nephew of 2 of the greatest assassins: Gabriel Prescott and Justin Mallory. They raised him after his mother's death and he's followed in their footsteps. He wants to prove that he can be great at anything in spite of some peoples beliefs that he is weak and not worthy.
Alexei is cunning, smart, stunning and deadly.
Soren is a cat burglar. Once he sets his eyes on Alexei, he has to have him. He sees his worth and accepts him for who he is and what he does.
Soren is crafty, smart, witty, and older than Alexei. Their chemistry is explosive and their feelings deep.
Great addition to the Exit Strategy Series. I like the introduction of new characters that will be getting their own stories soon. I can't wait to read these and have more of Alexei and Soren.
Recommend.
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