Two of Noah’s Army buddies are dead. Someone has taken shots at Noah. And now Noah’s former lover, JB, is a target.Noah, Rowe, and JB team up to track down a killer trying to take out all of Noah’s old Army team in hopes of covering up a dark secret. But this trip to Washington, D.C. threatens to unravel the perfect life that Rowe and Noah have built over the past three years. JB’s arrival in … past three years. JB’s arrival in their lives have Rowe and Noah wondering if they want the same thing for their happily ever after.
Rowe is sure of one thing—nobody threatens his man. And he sets out to show anyone with a hidden agenda what a bad decision that was.
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I would rate this 4.25 stars.
In this series the first four are a unit with a shared plot, the fifth is a wedding, the sixth is a misstep adventure (in my opinion), and this one is more related to the spin-off, Ward Security. In fact, if you haven’t tried the spin-off series, this might make you want to as it highlights all the characters.
While everyone in the group of friends is getting married and starting families, this book focuses on Rowe and Noah’s relationship and what they want. They would know if they actually talked about it honestly. It takes an old Army buddy and former lover of Noah’s showing up for them to acknowledge all the things they don’t know about each other, which is a major source of tension in the book. I found the balance between the personal interactions and the action sequences really well done. The love scenes between Noah and Rowe are always hot, and as they deepen their relationship they get hotter. Although Rowe stews in his own jealousy juice, Noah never does anything to make him feel that way. This is not really about JB, he is just a catalyst for moving them forward.
The other source of tension is intrigue with mercenaries and government agencies linked back to a traitor during their time in the service. JB shows up after the other two guys in their unit are killed. With someone gunning for Noah and JB, Rowe wants to get to the bottom of who is behind the murders and why. He doesn’t want to lose Noah like he lost Mel. There is only so much vigilantism most people can take before the good guys are the bad guys, so this uses creative ways to walk that line, until there is very clear evidence and they are on a sanctioned mission. With all the gun violence in the news lately, it seems wrong to have fun while people are shooting each other and blowing things up…and the authors do acknowledge that, but anyone familiar with the series will be used to the gallows humor and coping mechanisms involved. Now that Rowe and his people are on the CIA’s radar, I wonder how Ward Security will change. Will Rowe be allowed to keep turning down Black Ops work as he has since Mel’s death? I’m not sure having everything just go away moving forward is believable. He has also mooted expanding Ward Security, possibly on the West Coast to work security for Hollywood types. These seem like two very different moves forward in different directions so I suspect another spin-off series.
This is classic Drake and Elliot in top form. I do feel like this was a Ward Security book rather than an Unbreakable Bonds book, but does it matter? No. This is a fun, sexy action adventure with likeable characters and a brief check-in on old favorites.
The cover art by Stephen Drake of Design by Drake. It is eye catching and matches the mood of the book. I am not sure what it has to do with the story. There are grenades and some bombs, a lot of fire power, but not in largely populated downtown areas like this photo.
I must say it’s almost impossible for me to review this book separate from the series. A few years ago the authors started us on a journey and from the book one I wanted it to last. They introduced us to the wonderful array of unique (and did I mention extremely hot) characters with all their flaws, strengths and insecurities that made us laugh, cry and teach us what a family is all about. Not necessarily a family by blood but family chosen. This series definetly lives up to its title – Unbreakable Bonds. Ignite focuses on Rowe and Noah their path to their HEA. Insecurities and sometimes fear to communicate them along with some gosts from the past (some of them carry guns) could be their ending in more ways than one. Once again the characters are very well fleshed out, but at this point in the series they’ve taken a life of their own. And what a life it is! If you’re looking for action, crack you up humor and some serious love and heat this is your next read. In theory this could be read as standalone but don’t do it. You’ll be missing out big time.
BTW, I sure hope JB is getting his own book. It could be a start to a new spin off.
Even though I have pledged my undying love to Hollis (don’t worry my lovely, I won’t cheat)… I have to admit that Rowe and Noah are definitely my favorite couple. I just love the way they love each other and how they just grab life by the balls !!
When I first started this series I never would have expected them to turn out as my favorite pairing, but their book is definitely the one I re-read the most. Now I have this one to add to that, and let me tell you: it is awesome !!!
It has been a couple of years since Rowe pulled his head out of his ass and realized he was head over heels in love with Noah. He still very much is and Noah loves him back just as much.
No relationship is perfect though, and insecurities are just a step around the corner. But when Noah is personally threatened, and a piece of his past shows up in their lives…there is no room or time for doubt.
Soon bullets and code names are flying and these boys once again show, how well they “perform” under pressure 😛 Thank god for duct-tape 😉
These two definitely still burn the sheets together !!!
I had an awesome time reading this one and I was extremely satisfied (hehehe) when I reached the end !!
Can’t wait for Hollis and Ian’s book. Though I would be very pleased if Jocelynn and Rinda could set JB up with a HEA of his own 😉 How about it ladies ???
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
What a great addition to one of my favorite series. I loved getting to revisit with Rowe and Noah. This story will take you on quite the ride. There is enough action to keep the pages turning. What I loved most about this story is seeing the absolute love and devotion these two guys have for each other. They are ride or die for one another and I love it!
Getting to see all our favorites together again also adds so much to the story. I don’t ever want this series to end!
What a Rollercoaster Ride this is……
Shootings, explosions, chaos and mayhem, a security agency that also doubles as a dating service , a typical day in the lives of Rowe, Noah and Ward Security!
These boys are always fun, amidst the chaos and mayhem, they always try to find laughter and fun in the things they do. This time, Rowe after losing his wife Mel, is determined to keep his Noah with him, forever if he can! Noah has only one goal in life, to make Rowe as happy and as content as he can make him. They are perfect for each other, but with their friends marrying off one after another, they become doubtful about what the other wants, if the other wants marriage and kids.
Add to that, a past that Noah did not expect to come back, government contracts, all the alphabet agencies, conspiracies and you have an exciting, edge-of-your-seat kind of mayhem only from the boys of Unbreakable Bonds! But with your whole family right beside you, you can overcome any obstacle in your path! This series is an all-time favorite, ABSOLUTELY GREAT WRITING Ms. Jocelynn Drake and Ms. Rinda Elliott, featuring characters that you laugh with, cry with, fight with and love with! Absolutely FANTASTIC!