Jocelynn DrakeReviews

When Rowe’s wife Melissa dies in a car accident that leaves Ian severely hurt, Snow has a hard time dealing with it. Then when Rowe blames Snow for not being at the hospital to save her, Snow shatters. We meet Jude Torres who is there to help him focus on what’s important. Of course, we know that the crash was probably not really an accident, and someone is trying to frame Snow for murder. Snow is 98% sure that he knows who it is. He saw the guy but doesn't tell his friends and co-workers until he absolutely has to. Someone from Ian's past may be back for revenge. The police are on their side which is unusual in these types of stories. Jude is getting more involved and that is something that Snow doesn't want to happen. He has feelings for Jude but doesn't want him to know...but that is starting to become impossible. This book is just as exciting and has as much suspense as the first book, [Shiver] We know that Jude will be the perfect partner for Snow...he just has to open his eyes and see that Jude isn't going to break his heart. Snow is equally scary and amazing, loyal and loving. He has the idea that it is his sole responsibility to protect his family and his lover with his life if necessary. I liked the book a bit more than the first one, but I think that was due to knowing the characters better this time. I know there has got to be two more books since there are still two guys that haven't told us their stories. I'm on a mission now:)

This is the story of Lucas Vallois and Andrei Hadeon...a bodyguard and the person he’s protecting who fall in love. Yes...it's been done before but still... it’s awesome. There are four primary characters, Lucas, Snow, Rowe and Ian. They have an "unbreakable bond" that's been forged through hardships. Lucas and Snow have known each other since childhood, they met Rowe in the military, and Ian after that. They’re all have very different personalities. Lucas is the protector and a businessman. Snow is a surgeon and he's rather dark and lost. Rowe is the military man, and later the owner of Ward Security, and Ian is sweet and caring, and a chef. While this book is about Lucas and Andrei, it’s also about the four friends and they all play a big part in the story. Andrei wasn't quite as developed as the other characters, but enough that we understood where he was coming from. There was hesitation on parts of both men in terms of their sexuality. Lucas considered himself bisexual but preferred to portray as straight in his business circles. Andrei considered himself bi-curious with little experience. They both had to move past their hesitations, but honestly, that wasn’t a problem in this story, just something that both characters had to work through, and it never stopped the relationship developing. Parts of the story were unpredictable, and some that were very predictable...such as he teams need for rescue after the undercover operation. This is definitely a "character-driven" book. It was an easy and very enjoyable read. I’ve started and finished the next book, which is Snow’s story, and will post them together.½

I'm getting tired of the whole control thing. Come on already--break it.

This one was okay but its like an episode of House. Somebody gets sick, they misdiagnose, the patient gets sicker, oh now we figured it out. Thats what it's going to be if the next book is filled with the same
Fight the naturi
Be controlled by Jabori
Snark with Daneus
Reminisce over Michael (or Tristan)
Agonize over Macchu Picchu
Kill because....I have no choice


Sigh.

4-29-13-I'm still reading it, but if you're an ebook fan, the series is going for 99cents a book for the Kindle version with the Kindle audio companion at less than $3 each.

Great prices.

Very promising start but ultimately wasn't able to fulfill any of the premises.
There were quite a few direct contradictions of supernatural mechanics that had been explicitly explained previously.
All the writing seemed to get more and more sloppy and lazy the further I read.
The power level of the MC is very inconsistent and very obviously adjusts with the plot's needs.
Plot convenience in general is a huge issue, especially beyond 50%.
The pacing is a mess and caused me to be bored in slow-moving sections as well as in endless stretches of action.

Overall, good concept, interesting premise, bad execution.

A lovely visit with the Varik clan where we get to catch up with all the brothers and their mates plus the bonus star! - Gideon's story and it is well worth the wait.

If you are a fan of sweet and light and only want dashes of dark then Jocelynn Drake is the author for you. Healing Aiden is the final (maybe?) in the Lords of Discord series and it does answer some questions that have been left unanswered.

Loved this one -- 4.2/5 Why was this one better on my scale? Slightly more in the relationship areas. Jocelynn seems to create barriers by stopping short. In Embracing Winter it was like she gave the character Fox permission to ignore those barriers and fight for his love. 4.2 as there were still issues with world-building. For example, what happens 40 or 100 years from now? Most of the partners will be aging or dying except the one who was turned. By leaving this hanging, Joceynn leaves her characters in limbo and the readers feel that.
The themes were consistent- self-sacrifice and people making bad decisions in the name of love, but they are stopped in time (because love will win). The entwined theme of faith and trust, and that deep, abiding love heals all. Jocelynn is consistent in her themes in spite of the reality of life and for some, this gives a lovely escape while for others it blocks them from fully entering the story.
Another challenge is the plot. While solid, it is without the twists that make a plot interesting. Every challenge can be easily foretold by the reader.
Finally, her characters - their inner monologue and driving self-doubts are highly developed while their strengths, character, and context are weakly developed leaving them feeling incomplete. It is hard for a reader to connect to an incomplete character.

Waking Bel is much better than Saving Rafe (#2 in Lords of Discord). Less repetition, more action. Since we are talking about a Drake book, it is full of sweetness and positivity, One reason that I am reading this series is that I need some sweet and light in my life right now. This book, unlike #2, does expand and delve into some of the possibilities of the relationship in both sex and dynamics. Makes for a more interesting read.

There are authors who I expect more from since I have experienced their good work. Saving Rafe was not what I expected. The pace was --- slow, and there were gaps. For instance, in the emergency search for a missing clan member, they skipped days where they did nothing Why? I expected partially developed characters and an underdeveloped world. Missing was the wit and action I did expect. Overall it was - just okay. Not something that I will be in a hurry to reread. I am on to the next in line hoping it is more of a typical Drake novel.

A decent story that requires little thought or reflection. Very typical for this author and if you are expecting depth, you are with the wrong author. However, if you are looking for an entertaining story with just enough new ideas to catch the attention you have the right book.
It was drug down by repetitive inner monologues and Marcus was just - - a boring character. Overall it felt like the editing was not done correctly. This hit a 3.5/5 for me but rounded it.

First - Just What Was Promised by the author: a fun series of novellas that together told one story. All in all a thoroughly amazing fun romp through the love life of a Necromancer.
Second - I am laughing so hard at the low reviews. Really - who picks a book to read without paying attention to the 'blurb'. All of the lower ratings were based on the fact that the story was not fully developed or was 'short.' Drake stated that this was a 4 novella series on one story. Novella, people - is short - think a slightly longer short story.

First - Just What Was Promised by the author: a fun series of novellas that together told one story. All in all a thoroughly amazing fun romp through the love life of a Necromancer.
Second - I am laughing so hard at the low reviews. Really - who picks a book to read without paying attention to the 'blurb'. All of the lower ratings were based on the fact that the story was not fully developed or was 'short.' Drake stated that this was a 4 novella series on one story. Novella, people - is short - think a slightly longer short story.

First - Just What Was Promised by the author: a fun series of novellas that together told one story. All in all a thoroughly amazing fun romp through the love life of a Necromancer.
Second - I am laughing so hard at the low reviews. Really - who picks a book to read without paying attention to the 'blurb'. All of the lower ratings were based on the fact that the story was not fully developed or was 'short.' Drake stated that this was a 4 novella series on one story. Novella, people - is short - think a slightly longer short story.

okaaaaaaay. not really sure what to think.

A nice little snack slid into the series, but a bit frustrating. Not as developed as the first two - we never discover what Warin's hoard is. It left me with the feeling it was an afterthought. Too bad as there was an opportunity there, and what about North's grandfather? Too many unanswered questions.

Breath is another lovely meal of comfort food. If you are looking for angst, torment, and hard kink, you will not find it here. Instead, you will find a lovely little story about love, kindness, and acceptance. A great read for that feel-good reading experience with characters and a world developed enough to give the story depth.

This book is a solid 4 on my scale. It is a nice comfort meal with feel-good hugs and a bit of hot and steamy. Just enough development to satisfy the basics but no in-depth development that would make it the full banquet. Since I am in a series mood and need the soft and light, I am headed for the next one in the series. A happy reader knows what they need at any given time.

I am in love with Jocelynn Drake's writing style. Westin's Prince (the final book in the Shadow Elite series - I think) fulfilled all my expectations. With well-developed characters, excellent context, an interesting plot, and all surrounded with enough romance to fill the most jaded heart. Must not forget the hot scenes, and then there is the laughter. Can not forget the laughter. A totally enjoyable story that checks all the boxes.

A pair of paid assassins get hired for the same job. Even though they don't know one another at the beginning, by the end of the story they are settling down together. Their story has plenty of action and sex, as it progresses. Readable light entertainment.½

This was a sweet bit of Hollywood fairytale fluff but nothing to rave about. I think that the only reason the thin mystery was in the story was to add length. My main reason for reading it was that I know the area.

Excellent story that flows directly into book two so be prepared to buy the next books. Fast paced action with two strong characters.

Kind of a letdown after the action in the first book.

I was loving this book up until Thanksgiving where conflict began. I understand the problem but it was glossed over and resolved much too easily. I realize that this was a Christmas story that probably was meant to be sweet but I lost interest after Corbin met Jack's family.