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Stonewall Trilogy #1
Extraction
From the author of the bestselling Broken Trilogy and Dark Water Series comes Extraction—the first book in Stonewall, a dangerous suspense series in the World of Mayhem, where brotherhood runs deep, and the fight for what matters most only gets harder when the heart is on the line.
Agent Paul is a soldier of many faces—
a ghost, an undercover operative, a team leader.
But those are just titles.
When a letter lands in his hands, everything changes. The past he buried resurfaces with a single revelation—his son.
Returning to the cartel world he barely escaped is a mission he can’t face alone. His brothers rally behind him, shifting their current operation to follow a trail that leads into the darkest corners of Mexico. What they encounter is far more than intel.
A pawn.
An heir.
A child.
Nicole Winter is a war correspondent with a reputation for chasing the truth. Smart. Relentless. And already three steps ahead. When their paths collide, she’s holding the one document Paul needs—and carrying secrets of her own.
As trust is tested and loyalties blur, the mission spirals. When Paul vanishes mid-operation, Nicole is left with one impossible task—to get the boy out alive.
Even if it costs her everything.
Agent Paul is a soldier of many faces—
a ghost, an undercover operative, a team leader.
But those are just titles.
When a letter lands in his hands, everything changes. The past he buried resurfaces with a single revelation—his son.
Returning to the cartel world he barely escaped is a mission he can’t face alone. His brothers rally behind him, shifting their current operation to follow a trail that leads into the darkest corners of Mexico. What they encounter is far more than intel.
A pawn.
An heir.
A child.
Nicole Winter is a war correspondent with a reputation for chasing the truth. Smart. Relentless. And already three steps ahead. When their paths collide, she’s holding the one document Paul needs—and carrying secrets of her own.
As trust is tested and loyalties blur, the mission spirals. When Paul vanishes mid-operation, Nicole is left with one impossible task—to get the boy out alive.
Even if it costs her everything.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2025
About the author
J.L. Drake
43 books2,876 followersInternational best selling author J. L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she lives with her husband and two children.
Be sure to check out her bestselling trilogy, Broken!
All of her books link in someway, here is her
"Suggested Reading Order."
BROKEN
SHATTERED
MENDED
HONOR
ESCAPE
TRIGGER
DEMONS
UNLEASHED
FREEDOM
OMERTA - Short story (Mafia)
COURAGE
DARKNESS LURKS
DARKNESS FOLLOWS
DARKNESS FALLS
BEHIND MY WORDS
CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN - Short Story
ALL IN
QUIET WEALTH
QUIET SECRETS
QUIET POWER
QUIET EMPIRE
SHADOWS
WHISKEY
ALPHA
TANGO
GRIM
HAVOC
SINS
EXTRACTION
EMBEDDED
BREACHED
Other places to find her:,
Facebook ⭐️ https://bit.ly/3bRG7Vp
Instagram ⭐️ https://bit.ly/341eEh8
TikTok⭐️ https://bit.ly/3wZGSck
Reader Group ⭐️https://bit.ly/3TOBIJ0
Email ⭐️ JLDrake@AuthorJLDrake.com
Newsletter ⭐️ http://bit.ly/2QZZEut
Website ⭐️ https://bit.ly/34b4OcN
Be sure to check out her bestselling trilogy, Broken!
All of her books link in someway, here is her
"Suggested Reading Order."
BROKEN
SHATTERED
MENDED
HONOR
ESCAPE
TRIGGER
DEMONS
UNLEASHED
FREEDOM
OMERTA - Short story (Mafia)
COURAGE
DARKNESS LURKS
DARKNESS FOLLOWS
DARKNESS FALLS
BEHIND MY WORDS
CHRISTMAS AT THE CABIN - Short Story
ALL IN
QUIET WEALTH
QUIET SECRETS
QUIET POWER
QUIET EMPIRE
SHADOWS
WHISKEY
ALPHA
TANGO
GRIM
HAVOC
SINS
EXTRACTION
EMBEDDED
BREACHED
Other places to find her:,
Facebook ⭐️ https://bit.ly/3bRG7Vp
Instagram ⭐️ https://bit.ly/341eEh8
TikTok⭐️ https://bit.ly/3wZGSck
Reader Group ⭐️https://bit.ly/3TOBIJ0
Email ⭐️ JLDrake@AuthorJLDrake.com
Newsletter ⭐️ http://bit.ly/2QZZEut
Website ⭐️ https://bit.ly/34b4OcN
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 25, 2025
Extraction (Stonewall #) by J.L Drake Paul aka Noah is part of an elite special ops team who has found himself getting pulled back into a life in Mexico he thought was far behind him When Paul gets a message from a long-lost love, he finds himself on a dangerous adventure that could cost him his life. I was surprised to see a character from a previous series I read from this author. Hacov of Sins was the series, and I really enjoyed it. When Paul is back in Mexico, he runs across Nicole. She is a reporter for a prominent newspaper, and she basically writes about the Cartel in Mexico. Paul knows about that life all too well, so he needs to be very careful while in Mexico. One wrong move or should I say one person recognizing him can cost him his life. Somehow, Paul and Nicole end up working together to find this kid. Each wants to find the child for different reasons . Each has their own secrets. Regardless their is an attraction they can not deny. There are definitely sparks between the two. One doesn't date army guys, and the other hasn't had a desire for the opposite sex in a while. The story ended on a cliffhanger that has me wanting more. What will happen next is anyone's guess. This was a really good start to this series. I hope I do not have to wait to long till the next book. This was a solid 4.
September 27, 2026
Well, this was one heck of a ride! 🔥 Extraction pulled me in from the beginning with its mix of military action, cartel danger, suspense, and just enough emotional moments to make me completely invested. When Paul discovers he has a son he never knew existed, he and the Stonewall team are thrown into a dangerous mission to find and protect him. Enter Nicole Winter, a fearless war correspondent who becomes an important part of the mission. Between cartel threats, unexpected twists, and the constant danger surrounding them, I was hooked and needed to know how everything would unfold.
But what really made this book stand out for me was the Stonewall team and their brotherhood. The loyalty, protectiveness, and willingness to risk everything for one another made me love these characters so much. I was invested in Paul’s story, intrigued by his connection with Nicole, and completely drawn into the world J.L. Drake created. And that ending?! I immediately needed Embedded because there was no way I could stop there! 😂 Five stars for the action, suspense, characters, and the kind of cliffhanger that makes you grateful the next book is already waiting. If you love military romantic suspense with found-family vibes, add this series to your TBR! ❤️
June 27, 2025
EXTRACTION by JL Drake is the first instalment in JL Drake’s contemporary, adult STONEWALL dark, suspense series set in the author’s WORLD OF MAYHEM. This is Stonewall Agent Paul and war correspondent Nicole Winter’s story line.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers from more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Paul, Nicole and Bruno) EXTRACTION follows in the wake of a notification for Agent Paul. A couple of years earlier, while undercover in Mexico with the Mexican Cartel, Paul fathered a child he knew nothing about. A letter arrived from the woman he left behind, letting Paul know she gave birth to his son but Paul will not be the only person searching for the child-the Cartel is determined to claim the child as their own, and no one will stand in their way. War correspondent Nicole Winter has found herself at the mercy of the Cartel, having befriended numerous members and controlling parties but Nicole has been ordered to find the missing child, and return the child to the Cartel. Along the way, Nicole encounters Agent Paul, and with the help of the Blackstone organization,find themselves on the hunt but at every opportunity, someone else is ready to take them down.
The world building is detailed and complex as the Blackstone soldiers must rescue a child they have never seen but a child that belongs to one of their own. Nicole Winter never expected to come face to face with the group of former soldiers who will lay down their lives to protect the innocent but Paul’s past is about to come full circle, and Nicole has no idea as to the depths of his secrets.
The relationship between Paul and Nicole is slow to build as most of the time is spent on the run, trying to stay one-step ahead of the Mexican Cartel. Paul and his team are working from one side, while Nicole is forced to operate within the parameters of the Mexican Cartel.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several characters from the Broken, Blackstone and Blackwater series. We are introduced to war correspondent Nicole Winter, her cameraman Benjamin Bale, and several members of the Mexican Cartels.The requisite evil has many faces.
EXTRACTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, power and control, secrets and lies, deseperation and determination. The premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the characters are strong-willed and stubborn. EXTRACTION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers from more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Paul, Nicole and Bruno) EXTRACTION follows in the wake of a notification for Agent Paul. A couple of years earlier, while undercover in Mexico with the Mexican Cartel, Paul fathered a child he knew nothing about. A letter arrived from the woman he left behind, letting Paul know she gave birth to his son but Paul will not be the only person searching for the child-the Cartel is determined to claim the child as their own, and no one will stand in their way. War correspondent Nicole Winter has found herself at the mercy of the Cartel, having befriended numerous members and controlling parties but Nicole has been ordered to find the missing child, and return the child to the Cartel. Along the way, Nicole encounters Agent Paul, and with the help of the Blackstone organization,find themselves on the hunt but at every opportunity, someone else is ready to take them down.
The world building is detailed and complex as the Blackstone soldiers must rescue a child they have never seen but a child that belongs to one of their own. Nicole Winter never expected to come face to face with the group of former soldiers who will lay down their lives to protect the innocent but Paul’s past is about to come full circle, and Nicole has no idea as to the depths of his secrets.
The relationship between Paul and Nicole is slow to build as most of the time is spent on the run, trying to stay one-step ahead of the Mexican Cartel. Paul and his team are working from one side, while Nicole is forced to operate within the parameters of the Mexican Cartel.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including several characters from the Broken, Blackstone and Blackwater series. We are introduced to war correspondent Nicole Winter, her cameraman Benjamin Bale, and several members of the Mexican Cartels.The requisite evil has many faces.
EXTRACTION is a story of betrayal and vengeance, obsession and madness, power and control, secrets and lies, deseperation and determination. The premise is dark, dramatic and edgy; the characters are strong-willed and stubborn. EXTRACTION ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
copy supplied for review
September 26, 2026
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I love this trope and the series sounded right up my alley.
Extraction is the first book in this series, but it’s set in the author’s previous World of Mayhem universe. That could have been confusing, but thankfully it wasn't! I always appreciate when an author considers new readers and provides enough background to make the story stand on its own while still making you want to go back and read the original series.
The main MMC, Agent Paul, is a "ghost." He worked as an undercover operative and is technically dead. He’s worked out a system to lead his men behind the scenes without putting his face out in the world where it could be caught on surveillance—a setup that really highlights how modern tech like smartphones, social media, and CCTV has made the world of covert operations so much more complicated.
When Paul finds out he’s a father and that his son is in danger, his old life comes back to haunt him. He risks everything to join his team on the ground, following a trail that leads straight into the Mexican cartels. Paul’s situation is so heavy—he carries immense trauma and guilt from his undercover days. Having to sit back and let others take the lead in his own son's rescue was agonizing. Reading his POV made my heart hurt as he reflected on his relationship with Talya and their missing boy.
Our FMC is Nicole Winter, a war correspondent with a reputation for chasing the truth. Thanks to her contacts, she’s already three steps ahead of Paul. She gets caught up in a dangerous situation with one of the cartels while searching for the child, and when her path collides with Paul’s, the tension jumps off the page. Both can’t deny their attraction, but with a child's life hanging in the balance as an heir and pawn of the cartel, they have to focus on what matters—even as the mission spirals.
The situation Nicole ends up in when Paul disappears led to some of the most intense scenes in the book for me. The struggle, the sheer exhaustion... I felt every bit of it as I read. To me, that’s what makes a fantastic book: when you’re so invested in the characters and story that you feel like you’re right there beside them (or in their shoes) as they fight to survive.
Favorite quote:
"My world had just been shaken like a snow globe, and I still waited for all the flakes to settle."
If you like enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, military romance, romantic suspense, slow burns, and redemption arcs, this book will be right up your alley!
Extraction is the first book in this series, but it’s set in the author’s previous World of Mayhem universe. That could have been confusing, but thankfully it wasn't! I always appreciate when an author considers new readers and provides enough background to make the story stand on its own while still making you want to go back and read the original series.
The main MMC, Agent Paul, is a "ghost." He worked as an undercover operative and is technically dead. He’s worked out a system to lead his men behind the scenes without putting his face out in the world where it could be caught on surveillance—a setup that really highlights how modern tech like smartphones, social media, and CCTV has made the world of covert operations so much more complicated.
When Paul finds out he’s a father and that his son is in danger, his old life comes back to haunt him. He risks everything to join his team on the ground, following a trail that leads straight into the Mexican cartels. Paul’s situation is so heavy—he carries immense trauma and guilt from his undercover days. Having to sit back and let others take the lead in his own son's rescue was agonizing. Reading his POV made my heart hurt as he reflected on his relationship with Talya and their missing boy.
Our FMC is Nicole Winter, a war correspondent with a reputation for chasing the truth. Thanks to her contacts, she’s already three steps ahead of Paul. She gets caught up in a dangerous situation with one of the cartels while searching for the child, and when her path collides with Paul’s, the tension jumps off the page. Both can’t deny their attraction, but with a child's life hanging in the balance as an heir and pawn of the cartel, they have to focus on what matters—even as the mission spirals.
The situation Nicole ends up in when Paul disappears led to some of the most intense scenes in the book for me. The struggle, the sheer exhaustion... I felt every bit of it as I read. To me, that’s what makes a fantastic book: when you’re so invested in the characters and story that you feel like you’re right there beside them (or in their shoes) as they fight to survive.
Favorite quote:
"My world had just been shaken like a snow globe, and I still waited for all the flakes to settle."
If you like enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, military romance, romantic suspense, slow burns, and redemption arcs, this book will be right up your alley!
October 1, 2026
Paul’s cover was blown on an undercover mission when his special ops team took out the Castillo cartel and the Canos moved up to take their place.
Now he stepped out of the pod located in their safehouse in the US, tired, but exhilarated their team’s mission was completed and their extraction was on his way safely back to the US.
The drone he had built with a few extra surprises was integral in getting his team safely in and out of cartel territory with only minor injuries. The best part is that he could still be leading his team even from hundreds of miles away.
As the team were returning from a local bar celebrating, their team leader was waiting. Bruno Perez, whom Paul had personally killed looked to be alive on the drone footage and chaos was reining between the two cartels.
Then he gets a call to meet with the man who helped him escape Mexico. His ex-lover, who he met while undercover, was dead and left him a letter. Telling him they had a baby begged him to get him safely out of Mexico.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is book one is the Stonewall trilogy so expect a cliffhanger, or two… This book has a lot of characters. We have all the members of the special ops team, including doctors, and family members. There are several cartels actively at war and killing each other and searching for the same item that would give them control over the others.
Paul insisted that he be part of the next mission as it was hitting him on a personal nature. After seeing war correspondent, Nicole Winter, at some of their search points, they realized they needed her help getting access the cartels for intel.
This book is action-packed and full of danger and the Stonewall team and Nicole search while trying to avoid the cartel. This is a dark special ops romance with on page violence in case you have any triggers and is full of surprises. This is an adrenaline read with wonderful characters and men who put their lives on the line every day.
Highly, highly recommend this romantic suspense thriller and can’t wait to start reading book two. Something tells me that there are more shocking things to come.
Now he stepped out of the pod located in their safehouse in the US, tired, but exhilarated their team’s mission was completed and their extraction was on his way safely back to the US.
The drone he had built with a few extra surprises was integral in getting his team safely in and out of cartel territory with only minor injuries. The best part is that he could still be leading his team even from hundreds of miles away.
As the team were returning from a local bar celebrating, their team leader was waiting. Bruno Perez, whom Paul had personally killed looked to be alive on the drone footage and chaos was reining between the two cartels.
Then he gets a call to meet with the man who helped him escape Mexico. His ex-lover, who he met while undercover, was dead and left him a letter. Telling him they had a baby begged him to get him safely out of Mexico.
I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is book one is the Stonewall trilogy so expect a cliffhanger, or two… This book has a lot of characters. We have all the members of the special ops team, including doctors, and family members. There are several cartels actively at war and killing each other and searching for the same item that would give them control over the others.
Paul insisted that he be part of the next mission as it was hitting him on a personal nature. After seeing war correspondent, Nicole Winter, at some of their search points, they realized they needed her help getting access the cartels for intel.
This book is action-packed and full of danger and the Stonewall team and Nicole search while trying to avoid the cartel. This is a dark special ops romance with on page violence in case you have any triggers and is full of surprises. This is an adrenaline read with wonderful characters and men who put their lives on the line every day.
Highly, highly recommend this romantic suspense thriller and can’t wait to start reading book two. Something tells me that there are more shocking things to come.
June 16, 2025
Agent Paul has returned home to the team, but, unknowingly leaves a piece of himself behind, after a 'stint' in Mexico; since finding some things out, after coming home, he's on a mission (with the boys) to reclaim his life, all of it.
Nicole Winter is a war correspondent, who knows a little about everything, has friends down in Mexico, and some enemies too. Tasked by one particular nasty acquaintance - she is to find the link that is connecting the two most important cartel families - each family is working against her, trying to get there first.
Paul and Nicole happen to meet, of course the chemistry is off the charts - she bonds with the team, they like her, Paul likes her.... they agree to help each other out - trying to outsmart the cartels.
This book is filled with exciting, breath holding scenes - romance and hot hot interactions; Nicole is put in danger, but mostly, the team has her back - sticky situations occur, but Paul is there to b.s. his way out of it, whew!
Cliffhanger, of course, but not unexpected.
Nicole Winter is a war correspondent, who knows a little about everything, has friends down in Mexico, and some enemies too. Tasked by one particular nasty acquaintance - she is to find the link that is connecting the two most important cartel families - each family is working against her, trying to get there first.
Paul and Nicole happen to meet, of course the chemistry is off the charts - she bonds with the team, they like her, Paul likes her.... they agree to help each other out - trying to outsmart the cartels.
This book is filled with exciting, breath holding scenes - romance and hot hot interactions; Nicole is put in danger, but mostly, the team has her back - sticky situations occur, but Paul is there to b.s. his way out of it, whew!
Cliffhanger, of course, but not unexpected.
July 2, 2025
🎖Extraction
🏞 Stone Well 1
Jodi never disappoints when it comes to her stories. I really recommend to read the previous book Blackstone & Broken Trilogy so you understand HOW HAPPY I AM Paul is alive and back with his family.
Paul has been undercover as Eric. That series is called Dark Water and this Trilogy is the after events. Paul settling back in however it's past & heart break keeps coming to the present HOWEVER their is someone very special that needs him...no spoilers
"People might think my story ended, but really, it had just begun."
Nicole is a kickass heroine especially with her job. What i love about her she came at the perfect time to help Paul and the team. It feels natural their relationship and I can not wait to learn more about them and I wonder if she will change her mind about dating a certain type of career men 😜
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
🧡P.S sorry my review is short. With my MS acting up I don't want to make mistakes especially when it's to do with the fantastic story I just read. I support the authors works and I don't want to make a mistake on the plot etc
🏞 Stone Well 1
Jodi never disappoints when it comes to her stories. I really recommend to read the previous book Blackstone & Broken Trilogy so you understand HOW HAPPY I AM Paul is alive and back with his family.
Paul has been undercover as Eric. That series is called Dark Water and this Trilogy is the after events. Paul settling back in however it's past & heart break keeps coming to the present HOWEVER their is someone very special that needs him...no spoilers
"People might think my story ended, but really, it had just begun."
Nicole is a kickass heroine especially with her job. What i love about her she came at the perfect time to help Paul and the team. It feels natural their relationship and I can not wait to learn more about them and I wonder if she will change her mind about dating a certain type of career men 😜
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
🧡P.S sorry my review is short. With my MS acting up I don't want to make mistakes especially when it's to do with the fantastic story I just read. I support the authors works and I don't want to make a mistake on the plot etc
June 12, 2025
JL Drake took our beloved Blackstone team into a whole new side of enemy territory. The Blackstone guys are used to fighting the cartels, and saving their victims. This time a line they never knew about has been crossed. One of their own finds out there’s a baby, and now all the major cartel families are after him because they know the dad is part of Blackstone. The one person that can help the team isn’t military, she’s a war correspondent working in Mexico to expose the cartel activity.
The wild chase scenes, the close calls, the addition of new characters, Extraction is jam packed and doesn’t let up, even on the last page I was ready to lose my mind when I read the last sentence lol.
Buckle up JL Drake fans, Drake has stepped up her game (seriously, idk how she keeps getting better but she does lol) this new series is going to be explosive. Blackstone is going to be in the fight for their lives in this series and I’m dying to see what happens next!!!
The wild chase scenes, the close calls, the addition of new characters, Extraction is jam packed and doesn’t let up, even on the last page I was ready to lose my mind when I read the last sentence lol.
Buckle up JL Drake fans, Drake has stepped up her game (seriously, idk how she keeps getting better but she does lol) this new series is going to be explosive. Blackstone is going to be in the fight for their lives in this series and I’m dying to see what happens next!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2025
This is the first in a new trilogy, and this is Agent Paul and Nicole’s journey.
Paul is in an elite special ops team, and is a man of many faces, a ghost, an undercover operative, and a team leader. Nicole is smart, relentless, and is a war correspondent, who is focused on seeking out the truth. When Paul and Nicole cross paths she has secrets, and when he opens a letter, he finds out he has a son, which changes everything.
This is a well written action-packed story, with found family, friendships, emotions, grief, military suspense, enemies / lovers, redemption, loyalties, danger, intrigue, secrets, trust, challenges, engaging and realistic characters, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this thrilling trilogy!
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Paul is in an elite special ops team, and is a man of many faces, a ghost, an undercover operative, and a team leader. Nicole is smart, relentless, and is a war correspondent, who is focused on seeking out the truth. When Paul and Nicole cross paths she has secrets, and when he opens a letter, he finds out he has a son, which changes everything.
This is a well written action-packed story, with found family, friendships, emotions, grief, military suspense, enemies / lovers, redemption, loyalties, danger, intrigue, secrets, trust, challenges, engaging and realistic characters, which leads to an entertaining, twisted, and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I cannot wait to read the next book in this thrilling trilogy!
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
July 2, 2025
One letter is all it would take for Paul to face the past he never expected to encounter again. When he realizes that a previous mission resulted in a child he doesn’t hesitate to return to Mexico to rescue the child he didn’t know he had
Nicole is an investigative report who has the same agenda as Paul however she finds herself caught between two dangerous rivals. She and Paul find themselves working as a team as they try to battle the feelings between them as well as the escalating danger around them as every step closer only increases the threats to them and the child.
Action, adventure, suspense and surprises all collide into an entertaining story that leaves you wanting more. Not only do we get to catch up with characters we know but the evil forces keep you on edge and the characters of Nicole and Paul are compelling.
Nicole is an investigative report who has the same agenda as Paul however she finds herself caught between two dangerous rivals. She and Paul find themselves working as a team as they try to battle the feelings between them as well as the escalating danger around them as every step closer only increases the threats to them and the child.
Action, adventure, suspense and surprises all collide into an entertaining story that leaves you wanting more. Not only do we get to catch up with characters we know but the evil forces keep you on edge and the characters of Nicole and Paul are compelling.
June 8, 2025
Paul! What a story you have! And Nicole i feel like there so much more to her story ( I can’t wait to see where j l drake takes you)
The blackstone men are back and in full force! Looks like some things have changed and some things are still the same or should I say up to there same stuff ( I sure did miss mark!) I was cracking up when they pulled up to Paul ( have to read it to know I don’t want to give anything away!) I want Paul to have it all I want him to have his friends, work life, team and a family he’s already gave up so much
This story definitely has started off strong and in thick of things as it should for someone that lived 10 yrs dead to his team
I can’t wait to see where Jodie takes Paul and Nicole
Oh and we get a little glimpse of Grim!!!
The blackstone men are back and in full force! Looks like some things have changed and some things are still the same or should I say up to there same stuff ( I sure did miss mark!) I was cracking up when they pulled up to Paul ( have to read it to know I don’t want to give anything away!) I want Paul to have it all I want him to have his friends, work life, team and a family he’s already gave up so much
This story definitely has started off strong and in thick of things as it should for someone that lived 10 yrs dead to his team
I can’t wait to see where Jodie takes Paul and Nicole
Oh and we get a little glimpse of Grim!!!
June 20, 2025
The story you wanted but did not realize how much you needed!
Extraction jumps straight into an action filled story of Paul’s return to the fold. We follow Blackstone’s transition and are introduced to Stonewall while on an adventures journey to save an innocent that is close to home. J.L. Drake continues to put us straight into the story with the realism, emotional dialogue, and character adventures that make us feel we are right on the sideline of the events. With the angst between Paul and Nicole it will be interesting to see how their future(s) unfold – combative or love interest? The Queen of cliffys leaves us desperately wanting that next chapter. I stayed engrossed in Paul’s story start to finish! Love it!
Extraction jumps straight into an action filled story of Paul’s return to the fold. We follow Blackstone’s transition and are introduced to Stonewall while on an adventures journey to save an innocent that is close to home. J.L. Drake continues to put us straight into the story with the realism, emotional dialogue, and character adventures that make us feel we are right on the sideline of the events. With the angst between Paul and Nicole it will be interesting to see how their future(s) unfold – combative or love interest? The Queen of cliffys leaves us desperately wanting that next chapter. I stayed engrossed in Paul’s story start to finish! Love it!
June 30, 2025
I was happy to jump into this new series by this author. Admittedly, I was not a fan of the most recent GRIM trilogy. But this book has us jumping back into the world of the Dark Water series.
Agent Paul didn't think he would be going back to the cartel until he gets word of a possible son living in the midst of it all. We see some angst about this for him but a wonderful look at his heart and trying to do what is right.
Along the way he meets Nicole and their relationship goes through twists and turns. Deciding who to trust and who not. Great seeing the Dark Water team active, in action and supporting their friend.
Looking forward to reading more like this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Agent Paul didn't think he would be going back to the cartel until he gets word of a possible son living in the midst of it all. We see some angst about this for him but a wonderful look at his heart and trying to do what is right.
Along the way he meets Nicole and their relationship goes through twists and turns. Deciding who to trust and who not. Great seeing the Dark Water team active, in action and supporting their friend.
Looking forward to reading more like this one.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 25, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I devoured this book. I already loved the Blackstone world, so getting to see familiar characters again immediately pulled me in, but Paul and Nicole completely hooked me on their own.
I loved that there was so much more going on than just the romance. The suspense, the danger, Paul’s past, and everything happening with Chase kept me turning pages, but I was just as invested in Paul and Nicole and where their relationship was going.
This felt like the J.L. Drake books I remember loving. I cared about the characters, I was invested in the story, and I did not want to put it down. An easy 5 stars for me.
And after that ending, obviously I’m going straight into book two.
I devoured this book. I already loved the Blackstone world, so getting to see familiar characters again immediately pulled me in, but Paul and Nicole completely hooked me on their own.
I loved that there was so much more going on than just the romance. The suspense, the danger, Paul’s past, and everything happening with Chase kept me turning pages, but I was just as invested in Paul and Nicole and where their relationship was going.
This felt like the J.L. Drake books I remember loving. I cared about the characters, I was invested in the story, and I did not want to put it down. An easy 5 stars for me.
And after that ending, obviously I’m going straight into book two.
July 11, 2025
Gripping . Addictive . Page Turner
Did I stay up almost all night reading Extraction? Yes, yes I did!
Will the wait for the next book kill me slowly? Yes, yes it will.
Extraction is Paul and Nicole's fast-paced / action filled journey
Paul is special ops and a man on a personal mission, while Nicole is a war correspondent who lives for seeking out the truth.
Instantly I found myself rooting for these two characters who have seen and experienced things no one ever should.
But... talk about resilient, brave, strong and determined. These two never give up and their journey is beyond bumpy.....
The plot is suspenseful, unpredictable, action-packed and filled with twists and turns.
While the characters gave banter, secrets, loyalty, emotion, friendship and found family.
This was a ride.... However, I feel it's just beginning...
Bring on Book 2! I need more of this addictive story...
I definitely recommend this book!
Did I stay up almost all night reading Extraction? Yes, yes I did!
Will the wait for the next book kill me slowly? Yes, yes it will.
Extraction is Paul and Nicole's fast-paced / action filled journey
Paul is special ops and a man on a personal mission, while Nicole is a war correspondent who lives for seeking out the truth.
Instantly I found myself rooting for these two characters who have seen and experienced things no one ever should.
But... talk about resilient, brave, strong and determined. These two never give up and their journey is beyond bumpy.....
The plot is suspenseful, unpredictable, action-packed and filled with twists and turns.
While the characters gave banter, secrets, loyalty, emotion, friendship and found family.
This was a ride.... However, I feel it's just beginning...
Bring on Book 2! I need more of this addictive story...
I definitely recommend this book!
April 30, 2026
Excellent
Absolutely brilliant highly recommended can't wait for next series a reference from a tv show friends don't put in the freezer just yet!! There is more to come !!
Intense action which every chapter felt like a setup for a trap ending right before the explosion of information, the author leaves you hanging on to dear life waiting for the journey that it will take you all.
Meet the characters and storyline witty,intense,action packed and plenty of suspense and surprises but you will definitely enjoy
Absolutely brilliant highly recommended can't wait for next series a reference from a tv show friends don't put in the freezer just yet!! There is more to come !!
Intense action which every chapter felt like a setup for a trap ending right before the explosion of information, the author leaves you hanging on to dear life waiting for the journey that it will take you all.
Meet the characters and storyline witty,intense,action packed and plenty of suspense and surprises but you will definitely enjoy
September 28, 2026
Extraction, book one in J.L. Drake’s Stonewall series, had everything I love about her books!
First, I absolutely loved seeing some of my favorite characters from Blackstone, Broken, and her other series pop up. There’s just something about being back in this world that feels like coming home.
And of course, this had all the edge-of-your-seat action and suspense the author does so well. Several times I had to turn back to double check what I had just read lol
The tension and slow burn between Paul and Nicole was PERFECTION. 🔥 Paul is dealing with so much—discovering he’s a dad and trying to figure out what his life looks like after spending a decade undercover. Meanwhile, Nicole has spent her life taking risks because she never really had anyone waiting for her to come home.
But now she’s realizing she has Chase, Paul. And little by little, she has the entire Shadows family.
First, I absolutely loved seeing some of my favorite characters from Blackstone, Broken, and her other series pop up. There’s just something about being back in this world that feels like coming home.
And of course, this had all the edge-of-your-seat action and suspense the author does so well. Several times I had to turn back to double check what I had just read lol
The tension and slow burn between Paul and Nicole was PERFECTION. 🔥 Paul is dealing with so much—discovering he’s a dad and trying to figure out what his life looks like after spending a decade undercover. Meanwhile, Nicole has spent her life taking risks because she never really had anyone waiting for her to come home.
But now she’s realizing she has Chase, Paul. And little by little, she has the entire Shadows family.
June 14, 2025
OMG you guys are not ready for this book!!
J.L. Drake is a genious and a mastermind at weaving worlds together, grabbing your heart and making you sit on the edge of your seat as you flip the pages.
Absolutely perfect!!!!
You must read the other series before reading this one. It’s can’t be read as a standalone. Trust me go back and read from the beginning of this amazing world.
I cannot wait for the next one. I need way more than five stars!!
J.L. Drake is a genious and a mastermind at weaving worlds together, grabbing your heart and making you sit on the edge of your seat as you flip the pages.
Absolutely perfect!!!!
You must read the other series before reading this one. It’s can’t be read as a standalone. Trust me go back and read from the beginning of this amazing world.
I cannot wait for the next one. I need way more than five stars!!
June 26, 2025
Paul's story has been something that I've anticipated since the Dark Water series and JL Drake did not disappoint! This story is full of action with lots of suspense. The ending has me craving more and I need the next book as soon as possible. I will not spoil the book for you, but if you love the Broken Series and the Dark Water series then you MUST read this!!
**I received an ARC for this book, but my review is honest and I will be reading this story again because of how good it is!!**
**I received an ARC for this book, but my review is honest and I will be reading this story again because of how good it is!!**
August 23, 2025
ok but again a cliff hanger
I love Blackstone but all of these cliffhangers are a bit much. Broken is still my favorite. The book was good so far. We will see where it goes. My one Major problem is the child abuse done to this innocent child. I don’t want to read about it when she could have just ended it before it happened. Just my opinion but a problem for me. Hopefully the next one comes out quickly.
I love Blackstone but all of these cliffhangers are a bit much. Broken is still my favorite. The book was good so far. We will see where it goes. My one Major problem is the child abuse done to this innocent child. I don’t want to read about it when she could have just ended it before it happened. Just my opinion but a problem for me. Hopefully the next one comes out quickly.
June 15, 2025
I was so looking forward to this book and i absolutely loved it. I couldn’t put it down once i started it ( who need sleep anyway). It has everything you want from a J.L. Drake book and totally leaves you wanting ( and needing ) the next book. I can’t wait to read it again to see what twists and turns I could have missed in read one.
June 26, 2025
Extraction does not disappoint. It starts off with action and it is a rush Blackstone all the way. If you have not dived into J.L. Drake's world you need to especially if action and special ops is your thing. These guys are up against the Cartel and the detail writing is excellent. I don't expect anything less from J.L Drake.
July 18, 2025
When ever I read one of J.L. Drake's books i always get lost in the story, she has a way of writing a story with so much info that you never want the book to end and its even worst when its left on a cliffhanger and you have to wait for the next book to come out so the sooner the next book of Paul's story comes out the better cause the cliffhanger on this book OMG it's so good.
June 9, 2025
Absolute Masterpiece!
The long awaited book is finally here and OMG was it Perfection!!! It's non-stop action (Military vs Cartel), twists, turns, chemistry, addiction and a book you won't be able to put down! J.L. Drake NEVER disappoints and always leaves you hanging!
The long awaited book is finally here and OMG was it Perfection!!! It's non-stop action (Military vs Cartel), twists, turns, chemistry, addiction and a book you won't be able to put down! J.L. Drake NEVER disappoints and always leaves you hanging!
June 11, 2025
Could not have asked for a better story for Paul. It was a long time coming but so worth it. But the cliffhanger queen strikes again and has us on the edge of our seats once again. What will she put Paul through next. Read to find out.
June 26, 2025
Well I don't think I took a breath while reading this book. True to JL Drake we are left wanting more after she has taken us on the most spectacular ride. buckle up and dive in you are going to love this one!!
June 30, 2025
WOW
You did it again, another nail biter. I swear it’s like we were right there in Mexico with them, what a great story. But that ending…..I pray we don’t have to wait too long for the next book.
You did it again, another nail biter. I swear it’s like we were right there in Mexico with them, what a great story. But that ending…..I pray we don’t have to wait too long for the next book.
July 25, 2025
Jodie does it again
This book was exceptional. Jodie writes books that tear at your heart. From tears, to laughter and love and everything in between. Her characters are so real and raw, you can’t help but love them and their stories.
This book was exceptional. Jodie writes books that tear at your heart. From tears, to laughter and love and everything in between. Her characters are so real and raw, you can’t help but love them and their stories.
June 28, 2025
OMG does not cover what I fell...
I could not put the book down. Mark had me laughing, Paul had me in suspense and Nicole was a hero.. wow, wow, wow....
I could not put the book down. Mark had me laughing, Paul had me in suspense and Nicole was a hero.. wow, wow, wow....
June 28, 2025
The best again!
I don't know how she does it, but this one rivals my all time favorite (Broken of course). I can't wait for book 2!
I don't know how she does it, but this one rivals my all time favorite (Broken of course). I can't wait for book 2!
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