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Freedom #3

Unbound

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When Larke met Droje his whole world changed. Now he's left behind everything he's ever known to join Droje's band of freedom fighters. Life on the run is full of perils but Larke doesn't care so long as he's by Droje's side. Every day he's discovering more -- about who he is, who he can become, and the unprecedented feelings he has for Droje. But when an enemy from within nearly costs Larke his life, Droje's efforts to protect him could end their relationship and rob Larke of his chance to help the rebellion as only he can. In this third volume of the Freedom series, Larke learns that before he can free others, he must first free himself.

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2014

25 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Freely

34 books110 followers
Jessica Freely can't resist a wounded hero. As a reader and a writer, her favorite stories are of soul mates finding redemption in each other's arms. Married to the love of her life in a beautiful relationship based on mutual goofiness, Jessica also warps minds as an instructor in Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction MFA program. Her dog, Ruthie, doesn't seem to care that Jessica's an award-winning and best-selling author in multiple genres. She just wants to play tug of war with Jessica's pages.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Roger - president of NBR United -.
712 reviews28 followers
February 10, 2014
I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review throgh M/M Romance group's DBML program.

I found myself engaged by Jessica Freely moving prose and clear unadorn description of where she had her characters. And even though I am not a fan of bondage or furry sex. Her descriptions of the scenes were moving and arousing.



I will have to go and read the other two book in this series as I found the back story interesting and want to get more details about it the the limited mentions in Unbound.

This book is plot driven and is intense in it plot. I hope to read more about Droje, Larke, Fel (feline based humanoid), and Gar.

I feel this book is a great read for any who love M/M romance and especially Sci Fi, or BDSM of this variety.
Profile Image for Jackie.
53 reviews20 followers
February 24, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars Author Jessica Freely and her Freedom series about Larke and Droje in an alternate universe where the Corporation rules all - contracted employees and slaves throughout the galaxy, is an faced paced sexy action piece told through the three stories: Unlawful (Freedom #1), Unbound (Freedom #2), and Undaunted (Freedom #3). Each story can be a standalone short story, but the story is best told in sequence. To that effect I am including all three in this review.

Unlawful (Freedom #1),
Unlawful tells the story of how the two main characters meet, when Larke saves Droje’s life while on the run for Corp Sec. The chemistry between the two is instant - the author’s sex scenes sizzle, with a little bit of mild BDSM thrown in the mix. Balancing his unhappy life where Larke’s life and status of contracted employee are at constant risk; Larke decides to help and join Droje in his fight for justice for the enslaved peoples of the Corporation’s worlds.

Unbound (Freedom #2)
Unbound has Larke and Droje struggling to escape the planet while all Corp Sec is looking for him. Through Larke’s ingenuity, the manage to escape to the rendez-vous point. Seen through Larke’s eyes, we see the condition of the those Droje are fighting for and Larke finds new resolve to join Droje into outlaw status. We meet the second couple - Fel and Gar, also freedon fighters, and the four make their way to the escape ship. Again through Larke’s inventiveness they make it to safety and away.

Undaunted (Freedom #3).
The four characters’ flight to safety is described in Undaunted. Throughout the story, the characters must make it to safety, face betrayal, test and strengthen the bonds of friendship. Larke is faced with the inner struggle to fit in and decide what his role will be. A fitting end to the trilogy, if it is the end?

Ms. Freely does an amazing job throughout the series. The characters feel real, the action is exciting, the pace fluid, and the sex is steamy! The characters are likeable, each for their own sake. Larke especially takes a journey of self discovery, where he learns about inner strength in both his submission, and his strength of character outside the bedroom. All in all a really good read.
Profile Image for Amanda.
71 reviews
February 23, 2014
I received my copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review through the "Don't Buy My Love" event hosted by the M/M Romance Group on Goodreads.

Quick Note: The first book in this series is available for free (Unlawful) and the author provided me a copy of the second book (Undaunted). Although this can be read without reading the first 2, I highly recommend reading them to understand more of the background about the MCs.

Rating: This is somewhere between a 3.5 and 4 for me.

World building: The world-building is honestly the only real thing keeping this from being a full 4 stars. Even having read all the books in the series, I'm left with lots of questions about the worlds involved and how everything works. The shortness of the story doesn't leave a lot of room for in-depth exploration of the universe without sacrificing the character development.

Main Characters: Larke and Droje are a really good match. They each have their own flaws and insecurities, and it can certainly lead to misunderstandings. When they actually talk to each other, the relationship works, but every time they try to do things without actually talking I wanted to slap them upside the head.

Side/Secondary Characters: Fel and Gar were my favorite part of the book. I absolutely loved them. I think it would be great to have a full novel focused on them. Fel is a Bastani, which has some feline basis, and I wish there was more on his race/background. Gar gives some insight into Droje's background, which I appreciated. Although there are some hints into their background, I wish I knew more about how they met.

There is another book based in this universe, His Own Devices (that is being added to my TBR list), but I'm hoping the author will continue in this universe.
Profile Image for Veronica of V's Reads.
1,528 reviews44 followers
February 4, 2014
In this third episode of The Freedom Series, Droje and Larke have found safe haven aboard the Valiant, a spacecraft belonging to Droje's longtime family friend, Capt. Zerne.

Zerne had been a mate on Droje's parents' trading vessel years ago--and barely survived the blast that killed Droje's parents. Along for the ride are fellow freedom fighters Gar and Fel, both male. Gar had been Droje's lover previously, but now he and Fel are intimate.

Larke is just beginning to learn what it means to live with and grow attached to people. He'd never been close to his family, and it seemed that schoolmates and co-workers all suspected his 'drake' (gay) status. Being with Droje is intoxicating, but can Larke accept the love so freely lavished on him?

Of course, when one of the crew turns treacherous, calling Corp Sec for Droje's bounty, and Larke's life is threatened Droje decides--rather imperiously I must say--that putting Larke off at the next port is the best plan. Sure, it'll kill Droje who already cares quite deeply for Larke, but anything that keeps Larke out of harm's way is a good plan in Droje's mind.
Will Larke go along with it? Well, that depends...

This episode is a good bit longer (~75 pages) and still proceeds at light speed. Yes, it has a complete story arc, with supersmexytimes and fun male gossip, but it's clear that the series arc is being advanced. I just really admire how introspective the characters are--and how willingly Larke opens to Droje. It's not easy for him to admit his real emotions--having needed to conform at all cost--but he really fights to gain what he desires: A life with Droje, and whatever danger that entails. The feline-man assassin, Fel, is a nice foil to Droje's heroism and Gar's overprotectiveness. Plus, a male in a kilt gets me every time. I'm enjoying the books so far.

I received a review copy of this book in return for my honest opinion via Goodreads' Don't Buy My Love.
Profile Image for Optimist ♰King's Wench♰.
1,837 reviews3,979 followers
February 4, 2014
Reviewed for Prism Book Alliance

Unbound focuses primarily on the relationship development between Droje and Larke. They begin to know each other better and work out the ah… kinks in their relationship. We find out quite a bit about Larke's history and upbringing; the question of what would motivate him to leave it all behind is answered. Both Gar and Fel contribute to the relationship development as well in positive ways.

The action/adventure component compliments the story arc. I still feel like there are questions left unanswered and I've no idea if this is the final installment of the series or not. I will say the zero gravity sexy times was AMAZING. Truly. Ms. Freely has skill in this department. I'd give Unbound a solid 3 Stars.

The series overall I would rate 3.25 Stars. I think you'd be doing it a disservice if you don't read them all, although the series might be better served by reducing down to one book instead of three installments. Then again that may be me projecting my increasingly apathetic attitude toward this growing serialization trend.

Generally speaking, I liked the characters of Droje and Larke but I had trouble feeling engaged with them and their story; there's very little depth. There were a great many things that were creative about the series-things that I wouldn't necessarily consider which I enjoyed immensely. The world building could use some work in my opinion. However, Unbound does end on a vague note so perhaps there is more to come. It's worth a read and all three in the series are quick reads.
Profile Image for Eladio.
44 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from the author as part of the DBML review program in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book, and found that I could read it as a stand-alone. (I have books 1 and 2 to read and review in the near future.) My one very slight problem was that this book opens on an immediate extended sex scene, which was a slow starter for me because I didn't yet know either character and was not yet emotionally involved with them. But it was interesting because it was the first sex scene I've ever read set in zero gravity, and was well-described!

Larke and Droje come into focus quickly after this scene, and it's interesting that they both are in the first-infatuation-beginning-courtship phase where they don't yet know each other but are desperately attracted and afraid they might mess up the relationship before it even gets underway. Lots of great relationship tension and sexual tension here.

Larke is submissive to Droje's dominant role and they enjoy bondage elements in sex. Larke is also young and inexperienced in life, having come from a wealthy (if corrupt and repressive) planet. Now he is with a starship crew of rebels and freedom fighters, and he is rethinking his entire world view and hoping to make a good impression on them.

The story is told with third-person viewpoints that alternate by scene, mostly Larke and Droje. There is a tense stand-off in space with the authorities, and this provides a good book-specific plot while keeping the story arc open and flowing between this book and the others in the series. I plan to read the other two books soon, and I recommend this one.
Profile Image for Ali.
Author 5 books25 followers
February 22, 2014
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review**

Unbound is the third book centering around Droje and Larke, and in my opinion, its probably best read after the other two. The book begins approximately three days after the conclusion of the last book Undaunted. We are given a bit more insight into the characters thoughts, feelings and insecurities. We are also treated to some hot zero gravity sex. The relationship between the two MCs grows, yet still has its issues - misunderstandings and doubts.

Larke comes across angsty and almost a bit too much. In the previous books, he had his moments, but did not come across quite as whiny as he did in this book. Droje's reactions are pretty typical. Conflict arises and he does the typical male thing - he tries to push Larke away in order to protect him. And in the end, finally, Larke shows his strength.

The secondary characters, Gar and Fel, help to move the plot along. Both creating and solving issues. They are likeable, (honestly, I think I might have liked them more than Droje and Larke). I'm a bit surprised that they do not have their own book because I think it would be a good story to read.

Overall, this is a good read. I don't know if the story is over and the ending is left somewhat open - though it tidies things up enough. If there is another, I look forward to reading it.

Profile Image for Carly.
Author 5 books50 followers
September 1, 2016
A copy of Unbound was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Unbound is the powerful conclusion to Freely's explosive futuristic / science-fiction series. The Hanovan Universe is plagued with political unrest, slavery abounds, and the government's use of fear to control its citizens is beginning to backfire as the freedom revolution gains momentum.

The ongoing relationship between the charismatic leads, Droje and Lark, comes full circle with beautifully written love scenes and profound emotional revelations. As they explore the impact of the D/S components of their relationship, both in and out of the bedroom, each man is forced to face their own inner demons. Needing to accept the impact past relationships have had in making them who they are today plays a huge role in whether or not their relationship has the potential to develop into one that will last or if they will end up going in separate directions.

Supporting characters, Fel and Gar are given their own moments to shine, as readers are gifted a glimpse into the events that brought them together as a couple.

I noticed a few editing and grammar errors, but they were minor, and I did not feel they detracted from the overall quality of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and would not hesitate to recommend it to my friends!
Profile Image for A.L..
Author 6 books59 followers
September 7, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the M/M Romance group's DBML (Don't buy me love) program.

The story opens up as the main characters are already in space escaping Larke’s home planet. Larke was not accepted on his home planet for being a drake (aka being gay) so when he met Droje he decided to help Droje and his companions Gar and Fel. Droje, Gar and Fel are part of a rebellion that is helping the uncontracted labor (aka slave labor) force and also helping other “drakes” like Larke.

Droje and Larke are working out issues in their budding relationship when a traitor in their midst causes Droje to push Larke away because he’s afraid of getting Larke hurt with the rebellion. Larke has other ideas though and decides to join the cause and help out where he can.

The story is okay as a standalone, but you really get a better sense of the characters if you read the entire series in order. As a sci-fi buff, I’m always interested in good sci-fi stories. This one ranks up there in realistic descriptions of sci-fi related stuff (you know things like hover craft, and zero gravity activities (including some interesting sex).
Profile Image for Seiran.
429 reviews18 followers
February 17, 2014
I received a free copy by the author for an honest review, through the Goodreads M/M DBML program.

Unbound is the third installment of The Freedom Series and is a great continuance of the second book. As a whole, the story takes place on the Valiant, which is captained by Zerne who is an old family friend of Droje's.

We get to see a growth in the relationship between Larke and Droje as they both learn to navigate their relationship. We also get to see Larke come into his own, as he learns to have confidence in himself and that he has real worth to others. Droje on the other hand, is still sweet and loving, but you get to see his stubborn, asshole side as well. He also has to face the betrayal of a friend, which hurt's him deeply.

Gar and Fel are part of this installment and we get to experience parts of their personalities and relationship as well.

As a whole I like this series, the world building is amazing. There is a bondage kink, and a light dom/sub aspect to the sex. This book is not really a stand alone, you really do need to read the first two books or you will have no real understanding of what's going on.
Profile Image for Janie.
1,702 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2014
A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Holy shit! The sex scene in the beginning of this book was incredible. The author describes everything with so much detail that you literally feel if not like one of the characters, but that you are watching it as a movie in vivid detail. I might have even started sweating while reading it, lol.

And Gar is a nosy ass. He needs to get off Larkes ass and worry about his own relationship with Fel and let Droje and Larke work through their own issues. At this point of the book I'm sure deep down Larke knows that he is in love with Droje, he just doesn't know how to process it yet.

Wow, I kinda sorta knew who the bad guy was but wasn't a hundred percent certain. Even though it was who I thought, it still really shocked the hell out of me. And Droje, Droje, Droje, you stubborn asshole, lol. Should have guessed he'd try and protect Larke without thinking of how Larke would feel. But thankfully I got my H.E.A. and now am anxiously awaiting to see if there will be a book 4 to this series, I sure hope so!
Profile Image for Alicia.
79 reviews7 followers
February 14, 2014
(This book was provided free in return for an honest review.)

This is book 3 in the Freedom series. While it could stand alone, it is worth it to read the first two shorter stories before starting this one. The stories all flow quickly together with little back history given in the subsequent books. Lite bondage and Dom/sub theme between the two sets of main characters: Droje and Larke, and Gar and Fel. Each book is “hotter” than the one before, and Unbound is no exception. There is a violent scene in the book and emotional dealings of betrayal and death, which leads to typical male drama of ‘I don’t want him to get hurt, so I’ll push him away.‘ This added an emotional layer to Droje whose character slightly lacking in that area before. The end sets up for another book: His Own Devices.
Profile Image for Ilona Fenton.
1,066 reviews33 followers
January 26, 2014
Book three was written just as well as the first two books, with plenty of story for such a short piece. In fact my only complaint about this series is that I don't have a longer story to read. What I especially liked with this one that Ms Freely used characters from her previous book, His Own Devices, which gives it a nice united feel about the galaxy it is set in. Again I advice reading it for yourself if you enjoy m/m science fiction romance, though I also advice reading them in order to get the most out of the storyline.
Profile Image for DeeNeez.
2,037 reviews13 followers
October 4, 2015
Part 3 of the Freedom short story series. I just love this couple, Larke and Droje. This one has lots of character growth for Larke as he overcomes his self doubt and worth in his relationship with Droje and the freedom fighters.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews