Rain pelted my face as I pushed through the roar of the storm. Deep in the belly of Mexico, my team and I were on the hunt. One of the cartel’s mules flipped and wanted a ticket to freedom. The information they held could be our game-changer. Returning home to a civilian lifestyle was always an adjustment, even if it was temporary. However, a chance encounter with Catalina Mandas made that … Mandas made that transition a little bit easier. She was sweet, sexy, feisty, and saw me for who I was. She completely captivated me.
But Catalina warned me that we could never be together, that her past and mine could never coexist. Secrets were standing in our way, but I wasn’t willing to let her go that easily.
Back on a mission, and possibly one of the biggest rescues Blackstone has ever pulled off, I collided with one of my biggest nightmares.
And now, two things will be tested…
Trust and freedom.
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I love all of J. L. Drake’s books and this is no exception. I hate to say this, but I truly believe that this was Jodi’s best work yet. The storyline had a perfect amount of action, suspense & love to keep you turning the page.
The audible version had perfect narration from both narrators. You will stay engaged while listening. I read along while I listen. You will not be disappointed with this book, whether you listen or read it.
This story falls in perfectly with all of Blackstone, but yet is all is own. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Mike, as most of us have over the entire Blackstone book world. The characters and story line in this one are amazing, in a way that only JL can manage. But thank God there was no cliffhanger, even I couldn’t handle that this time haha. Totally recommend this one.
I have been waiting for this book for so long and it hit every single spot I was hoping for!!! Mike is the perfect combination of strong and tender!!! His love and conviction for those in his life knows no limits. And Catalina is the perfect spit fire with so much strength and ability to do what ever it takes to earn her place in their crazy world through means that are so unforeseen. They both have secrets and they both do whatever it takes to to come home, no matter the sacrifice!!! I loved this book so hard and was so consumed with the world that is Blackstone!!! You will absolutely fall in love with these two and get so so much more than you ever expected. Jodi never disappoints!!!! Must read!!! And be ready for all the feels!!! Mike has officially taken the spot of my new bbf!!!
This was an exciting, fast paced story that was full of twists and turns. I loved Cat! She was such a pleasure to read about. She was feisty and gave as good as she got. Mike was the best of both worlds. He was sweet and loving but he also could be a fierce warrior when needed to be. The story line was fantastic! I really enjoyed reading this book!
Thank you for the privilege of reading this book! Well done
Oh how I love Mike!! I fell in love with Mike in the Broken Trilogy, the scary tattooed man that’s the sweetest thing ever. J.L. Drake hooked me with Broken and I’ve been hooked on Team Blackstone ever since.
Drake gives us a little bit of everyone in this book. We get everyone from the Shadows and even the Devil’s Reach. So we get everyone and everything we love about Drake all rolled into one! What is not to love about this?
Mike’s story maybe my favorite after Cole and Savi’s. (sorry but I will always love them more) the emotional roller coaster that she takes us on is absolutely amazing. I laughed, I cried, I was heartbroken. I never knew if we were going to go high or low. This story is deep in emotions.
Catalina and Mike meet outside a bar and well I’m not really sure you would say they hit it off right away. Both Mike and Catalina have their issues and the question is can they get over them?
Mike is in The Shadows so traveling and risky things is his business. Catalina is from an important family in Mexico. Mike is working on taking down the Mexican cartel.
I have to say I absolutely love that Mike the quiet, tattooed guy who could make you run away screaming with a look can find happiness and love.
Freedom was just perfect from start to finish. It has everything we expect in a Blackstone book. And of course left me needing more. Freedom is a perfect example as to why J.L. Drake is a one-click author for me. She’s able to go above and beyond what we expect from her.
I’ve been waiting for this story for a long time and I was absolutely thrilled when Jodi started writing Freedom. Freedom was, WOW. Just wow! It was one of those books that pulled you in and you couldn’t stop reading it because you had to know what was going to happen. Buckle up tight because you’re going on the ride of your life with Freedom. The chemistry between Mike and Catalina crackles with electricity and fire. And OMG the twist I never saw coming or expected it. This book is a freaking awesome read and it so worth the wait for Blackstone series.
I thank the author for providing a copy for review.
Belinda, Book Haven Book Blog
Freedom by J.L. Drake takes us back to Blackstone and the Broken trilogy where we met one of our main characters but back in the Broken trilogy he was just a secondary but beloved character. Mike is now a main character in Freedom and in his book, we get to see some past characters from the Shadows and from the Devil’s Reach crew.
The heroine’s name is Catalina and the story is set in Mexico where Mike runs into her. Theirs is a love that sizzle and burns bright. There is secrets, drama, angst, intrigue, betrayals, murder, romance and well…it is a J.L. Drake story. A Blackstone story…its everything that I’ve been waiting for. Mike’s story and his love Catalina will hook you like nothing else will. Oh it’s hot!! It’s intense and I need more Blackstone stat!!!!
My Rating: 4.7 stars *******
4.5 Stars!!!!!
YAAAASSSSS! I have been waiting for Mike’s story! Gah, it felt like an eternity since I’ve been with the men of Blackstone and I have to say… it was EPIC! J.L. Drake writes the perfect mix of action and suspense with passion and heat. I am addicted!
I loved Mike and Catalina! Their story was so fun and exciting to read. From start to finish, it was non-stop. J.L. Drake has gifted her fans an amazing story with all of her beloved characters. I can’t wait to read where she takes us next!
Review by Lys
So I will admit I was excited to get this book but I was also skeptical. I was always more team Devils Reach than team Broken/Blackstone. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the Broken series and the Blackstone series, but I LOVED the Devils Reach series. I knew Trigger was going to be in this book so I was on board. What I didn’t expect to happen….was that I would love this book as much as I had loved the Devils Reach!
So let’s talk Mike. Mike is a member of Blackstone and has always been the silent tattooed teddy bear to me. Also, he’s friends with Trigger. I didn’t know how Mike was going to come to the forefront when he has always been in the background. Well, he did and Ms. Drake did it fabulously. Mike was all I wanted and more. This book had it all, bad guys, good guys, tension, romance, all the characters we have grown to love through all Ms. Drake’s series, and great heroine in Catalina and an even better hero in Mike!
The story kept me engaged from start to finish! I stayed up until 5 am to get to the finish line with this book and it was totally worth it. Ms. Drake tied up loose ends, made me love Mike as much as I love Trigger, and made me fall for Catalina. Mike and Catalina had an instant connection, which worked for me! They were two troubled MCs but the way Mike was in this book…. Mike always thought he would be alone because he was so big, and had been tormented as a child but his mom gave him a nickname…that worked and made me fall in love even more:
““Do they like Banner?” my mother asked from the hallway. I grinned at her. “Of course. They don’t have a choice. He’d crush them all.” “Right, but he only hurts the ones who hurt him. He was misunderstood because of his size, but he has a huge heart. Just like you.” She took a seat on the floor and started to play with me. “I guess we should call you Banner.” I shrugged, but a smile crept over my lips. The name stuck. “‘ – Mike and his mom
He was so sweet, yet alpha too. When he truly understood that Cat was for him he was adorable:
“His eyebrows pinched, and he gave me a lopsided grin. “You think I’m beautiful?” I nodded, and he thought for a moment. “No one has ever called me that.” ” – Cat and Mike
But the quote that took me over the edge….the scene is Catalina is speaking in Spanish to a friend. The friend just likes to hear her talk…but what Cat doesn’t know is that Mike speaks Spanish too. She starts talking about her feelings and everyone thinks she is just talking and saying random words, but we all know that Mike understands everything she is saying:
“But then there’s you, you walked into my life and made me feel safe. Everyone was silent, and I took a deep breath and shook my head. “Yo te protegere,” Mike whispered, and I froze. I’ll protect you. that did it for me:”
And that did it for me too. “Yo te protegere” yep, done. Ovaries exploded and Mike is now on a level playing field with Trigger. And even though Mike and Cat come from completely different worlds, they are both determined to make it work:
“We come from very different worlds, Mike,” she whispered sadly. “Worlds that I don’t know can coexist.” “Then let’s create our own and see what happens,” I challenged, not giving her an out. “Mike.” “Catalina.” ”
I truly think my ovaries exploded about 10 times reading this book. I couldn’t even write the review until I had time to process this. I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved these characters, I loved the story, I loved the love! I don’t give a lot of 5 stars out….but this one got to me and I think I will be reading it again and again. So do I recommend? That would be a great big yes! I have one final quote to leave you with:
““I thought I was one of those men who was destined to live my life through the happiness of others.” She leaned up and gently kissed my lips before she lay back down. “Then one night, I heard this woman on the phone, and when she looked at me, she really looked at me. No fear, no assumptions. She just saw me.””
Catalina and Mike forever! Swoon, swoon, swoon! I got everything I wanted out of this book and then some! Happy reading!
I love this book so much. I waited forever for Mike’s story and was not disappointed at all.
4.5 stars of freedom.
I loved this book for so many reasons. I’m always looking forward to read about characters that haven’t had a great childhood or life overall but there’s always something good going to happen to them.
Mike is the kind of men that gives you chills for his bear appearance but we all know they have a heart and underneath are soft and caring and so loveable.
Catalina is a woman that will always fight before bend to anyone’s rules and together they make a perfect match. Sparks are always in between them and also nothing goes as smoothly as one wishes because there’s always a trust issue, an obstacle to get over or just ones decisions to realise what’s in front of them and what will take to have that happily ever after with the perfect person.
Loved it and can’t recommend it enough.
5 Stars
Review by: Alysia
Late Night Reviewer
Up all night with books blog
Wow! Once again JL Drake has wooed me, grabbed me and wouldn’t let me go until the end.
Mike is a large scary guy, think of the hulk, not green, and covered in colorful tattoos. Catalina is the girl running from her past and trying to be a better person then what her family believes her to be.
When Mike and Catalina have a formal introduction at his family’s BBQ its love at first sight for him. Catalina on the other hand is drawn to him but is scared that if their worlds collide it would be an explosion and not the good kind. Yet, with a little coaxing from Mike she gives him a shot. She is the woman of his dreams.
When a trip to Mexico for a retrieval of a victim, Mike realizes he has to save more than just that victim. And although it messes with his head, knowing he can’t shut off the emotions during a job like normal, he knows what he has to do.
Catalina goes back to her family, to face the enemy and to get answers. She now sees more than she ever did before and she will do whatever it takes to achieve her revenge for all the bloodshed and hate that her father has caused.
I loved this book just as much as the last one. Each character has their own personality, and I love how you get that with each book and basically follow this one group through it all. Ups and downs, happiness and sadness. They feel like a family that you would want to be a part of and never leave.
I can’t wait for the next one!!!
Mike is with his team in Mexico and when he returns he meets Catalina. She warns him that things between them can’t go anywhere due to her past and his. Mike isn’t going to let Catalina go that easy. These two were magic together. Their story is a storm of epic proportions that I couldn’t get enough of and kept me on edge til the last page. A wonderful read and great characters in this series.
The 3rd installment of JL Drakes Blackstone Series is here. The story is action pack and fast-paced from the start. Mike is sexy, kind and protective like all our Blackstone men but he is certainly not the shy man we thought! Cat is strong, kind, and loyal like all our Blackstone woman.
Cat & Mike are a pair that strengthens and complements each other; however, their story is a true testament to the writing ability of our beloved J.L. Drake. She has done it again with a well-written story of love and acceptance through the kindness and growth of her characters. Well Done… Bravo!
OMG is all I can say.. Wow Freedom takes you back to all the feels we love with the Blackstone boys and our Devils Reach friends. This book had me laughing so hard I had tears and parts left my heart racing reading faster to see what’s going to happen.. I LOVE how all our favorites come back to tell Mike’s story. I won’t spoil anything for you but this is A MUST READ for sure… Jodi you are simply amazing!!!
The long-awaited tale of beloved Drake character Mike Irons has finally come to life!!! Freedom, Blackstone series book 3, is a standalone story. Though it is book 3 and can be read as a standalone, it is best to be read after the last Devil’s Reach Book, Unleashed. The author provides a reading order list on her website for those wishing to have the full experience.
J.L. Drake is easily my favorite author and Freedom once again has confirmed that. The story of Mike and Catalina had everything a steamy romance needs. Strong Hot Alpha Male…check!
Sweet, sassy and totally relatable heroine…check!!
Fire hot romance…check!!!
Gut punching drama…check!!!!
Perfectly poised HEA….check!!!!!
Though I love this author for her amazing cliffhangers, this one wraps everything up in one neat little present. But grab the Kleenex because this story will bring the tears.
Your past can free you!!
The. Wait. Is. OVER!!!! His story has finally been written!!!! I’ve waited for this book ever since Savi first ran into Mike in Broken. It’s an amazing journey about battling through your past to finding the freedom you deserve, even when you think you’ll never make it.
Jodi totally raised the bar with Freedom.
Mike was one of my first book boyfriends and I’m so happy he finally gets his girl!! This book is EPIC!!
#Freedom
#Blackstone
#FutureMrsIrons
Mike’s story is finally here! I repeat, Mike’s story is finally here!!
The wait seemed like forever, but the 3rd installment of JL Drakes Blackstone Series is here, and she isn’t pulling any punches. This story is action-packed from the prologue to the very end, and I’m not just referring to dangerous situations either…wink, wink. The banter between everyone is hilarious and welcomed comedic relief *cough* Nan *cough* and true to Jodi form, there are plenty of cameos from her other books…Can we say hello Trigger and Tess! When I first met Mike in the Broken series, I thought he was going to be a dark, broody man who had a difficult childhood because of how quiet and mysterious he was, but man was I way off the mark. Mike is still a huge, scary man, but he has a heart of gold and a love for his family and friends that rivals no other. Throw in a feisty Catalina, and you have a match made in heaven, but like with any great love story, it’s not always easy. They both have a huge secret that they are keeping from each other that could potentially destroy everything they have worked for.
Reading Jodi’s books, for me, is like coming home to family. She has a way with words that draw you in and immerses you into their world. You share such a connection with these characters that you sometimes wonder what they are doing. I highly recommend all her books and can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!
It’s like going home….
Freedom is book 3 in the Blackstone Series which is standalone books based off her Broken Trilogy.
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And while this book started off a little on the slow side for me it was like a slow burn…..Jodi dose not disappoint. And best of all we get to revist some old friends. But beware….Nan is lurking and we all know what happens when Nan is loose. We get to see Trigger and Tess and and more depth into how Mike and Trigger came to be. And finally just what makes this mysterious gentle giant tick…….oh and what about the troll dolls you may ask…….read on to find out…..Happy Reading Folks.
Freedom kept me captivated from the first page. I absolutely loved every second of it! J.L. has a way of making you feel like you’re coming home when you read one of her stories and freedom Is no exception. I would highly recommend this book it will not leave you disappointed!