Larke didn't know Droje was a rebel when he found him beaten and bruised in an alley. Now they're on the run and there's no going back. While Larke can't get enough of Droje's hot body, the man's radical ideas -- like freedom and justice for all -- challenge his whole worldview. Could there be more to life than sex and survival?
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.
Undaunted is a much better effort. The story arc starts to unfold and we learn that Droje is a Freedom Fighter for the Movement which essentially means he's fighting for the equality of all species not just in a class sense but on the sexuality front as well since it's illegal to be a "drake" (gay) in this world. We're introduced to some of the other species in Gar and Fel as well. There is also a bit of action/adventure which kept the pacing up.
Larke begins to question his sanity and realizes how little he knows of Droje which facilitates the relationship development nicely. Other than his angst filled insights, we still know very little about his life and what would propel him to run away from it. We begin to learn a bit more about Droje, his past and the genesis of his involvement with the Movement.
The prose didn't read as choppy in this episode. There could still stand to be a bit more world building in my opinion, but I did enjoy this episode more than the first. It's a solid 3 stars, possibly 3.5.
A copy of Undaunted was provided by the author as a free bonus book in addition to a review copy of book 3 Unbound.
This trilogy of futuristic/sci-fi short stories gets better as it progresses. Undaunted continues to build on the charismatic characters that were first introduced in book 1 Unlawful. Freely adds depth and breadth to the existing Hanovan story line, introduces new characters, and turns up the sexual heat between Droje and Lark as the plot thickens. This is a serialized trilogy that must be read in order; due to the increased sexual content, I would not recommend this book to readers under the age of 18. Everyone else... go for it, because this title is hot, hot HOT!!!
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.
In this second episode from the Freedom Series, contract employee Larke aids freedom fighter Droje to escape Hanova. The first episode introduced the two men--both gay--and the homeworld of Hanova. This planet is under the control of Zenesco Corp and their security acts as police. In this world homosexulaity is illegal, and Larke was at serious risk of detection, losing his contract job, and becoming a naked slave--and this is only exacerbated by Larke's rescue of Droje.
The men shared a night of passion, after which Larke learned of the evils of slavery committed by Zenesco Corp from Droje. Knowing his days as a contract employee are numbered, Larke decided to follow Droje and escape to a (potentially) more gay-hospitable planet. Oh, and he's smitten with Droje, so why not tag along?
Well, in THIS episode, Droje's having second thoughts. Not because he doesn't want Larke--he so totally does--Droje's simply scared that he'll get Larke caught by Corp Security, and likely executed. He tries to push Larke to return home, but Larke is undaunted, refusing to abandon Droje, or his dream to escape Hanova. In fact, it's a good thing Droje's got Larke at his side. His quick wit and resourcefulness enable Droje to rendevous with his comrades at the safe house, and again to get them to their waiting ship.
Still, there are some tensions. Droje's comrades, Gar and Fel, think that Larke's useless and only coming along to 'service' Droje. Larke's unexpected assistance earns him respect, and a place in the Resistance. If he wants it.
Of course, Larke isn't sure. And this uncertainty sets up some tension for Episode 3, Unbound.
This short format is perfect for readers who can only snatch a lunch-break read. Each episode is fast-paced and interesting, with complete plot arcs that resolve while still building the overall story. I am enjoying the relationship building--and the multiple view points. it is good to see the vulnerability within each of these desperate characters, and I cheer for them to persevere. Oh, and I adore a good M/M story--so BONUS! Droje and Larke are molten together.
I received a free copy of this book via the Don't Buy My Love program in exchange for an honest review.
A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Well who said that Larke wasn't hiding some serious smarts going on in his head. He took one huge chance by leaving behind everything he knows to join the movement with Droje. Having to stay in the shadows and hidden Larke and Droje take off to get to the safe house to meet up with Gar and Fel. Thankfully Larke is able to figure out a way to hide Droje and get him the safe house undetected. Pretty smart and fast thinking for Larke considering he has never been to the uncon section before and had no idea what it would be like. Larke meeting Gar and Fel was pretty sketchy at first and I had to doubt whether or not they would allow Larke to join them otherwise they would be saying goodbye to Droje as he wouldn't leave Larke. Luckily Larke is able to smuggle Droje, Gar, and Fel to the docks to board ship so they can officially leave for safety. Can't wait to start book 3.
This story of Larke and Droje is a wonderful continuation from Unlawful. I believe this author is going to make this a serial story, and IMOP the author is doing a wonderful job. It has great world and character building which really sucks you into the story. This is not a stand alone book, you really need to read Unlawful first to get an understanding of who Larke and Droje are, and how they met. With the story picking up with Larke now leaving with Droje to help with his mission, and we meet two new characters in this story who are quite interesting. I can't give to much away, just give this new author a chance, it's a great read. I can't wait for the next installment of this series, I am definitely a fan.
As with the first book in this series (Unlawful) I was pleasantly surprised at how much story Ms Freely managed to squeeze into so few pages. There were even some nice little sex scenes to spice up a really interesting piece within a continuing storyline about two great characters. I don't want to tell you more as it would include spoilers and besides I want you all to go out and get it to read for yourselves.
(A free copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.) Book 1: Unlawful (available free through Friskbiskit: Gay Romance with Jessica Freely) Continuation of Freedom series. Helpful to read book 1 before reading this one as the story picks up immediately where it left off in book 1. Story line unfolds of a freedom fighter movement. Additional characters and aliens introduced. Action and subterfuge. Well-written and fast-paced.
Part 2 of Freedom series, sequel to Unlawful ( a must read!) Larke is determined to forsake everything to escape with Droje off world. Another scorching hot, hot chapter