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.
International 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
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.
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.
Returning to the World of Mayhem with Agent Paul and Nicole Winter in Extraction did not disappoint! Agent Paul blew my expectations out of the stratosphere! Pure dopamine for my heart and soul, an injection of epinephrine straight into the bloodstream. Extraction was a thrilling read that kept me on tenterhooks for every page, unable to guess what twist would greet me next. The sound of bullets whizzing past my ears, the reverberation of bombs detonating to rival my heartbeat racing, the shot of adrenaline rushing through my veins. These are just a few of the many reactions I had while reading Extraction. J.L. Drake is a master writer when it comes to penning her characters' fights for justice. Whether a personal struggle or combat against a foreign foe, each page brought some new challenge to overcome, and I was right there with Paul and Nicole for every step.
I've never read another author who rivaled J.L. Drake's creativity, realism, and accuracy. When you read any book by this talented author, you finish with no doubt that you have just witnessed how to write a masterpiece.
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!
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
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!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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!
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!!
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!!
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.
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.
The J.L. Drake universe feels like home. I could not put this down. The suspense, action and the cliffhanger ending. I need the next book released asap.