From the author of the bestselling Broken Trilogy and Dark Water Series comes Embedded—the second book in Stonewall, the heart pounding action and suspense series, where brotherhood binds them, and passion drives them even in perilous times.
Nicole Winter has many facets—a war correspondent, a protector, a mother in all but blood.
But those are just titles.
Nicole's relentless drive for the truth was forged in war zones and honed by years of experience. Her instincts catch the shifts others overlook, and what whispers now is clear— the Cartel is gathering strength, and war is coming. Once, she would have chased the story, but for the first time, she is in a position more dangerous than she has ever faced.
A secret. A bond. A betrayal.
Paul is recovering from his wounds, but the scars no one can see cut deepest. He can’t forgive Nicole for putting his son in the spotlight, yet the child he never claimed is bound to her. She’s a risk he can’t afford, yet the only one who can protect his future.
Fueled by vengeance and ambition, Bruno Perez’s recklessness gives Nicole the chance to do the unthinkable and return to the viper’s pit, even if it costs her life.
As the team closes in and loyalties fracture, the green light unleashes the unimaginable. Blood is shed in the most unlikely places, and no one is beyond the line of fire.
* Intended for 18+, may contain triggers, ends with a cliffhanger *
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
Embedded picks up where Extraction left off. The intensity does not let up, Bruno and the cartel are still chasing Nicole, she is trying to protect herself and the baby. She is trying to get herself back to US soil.
Paul/Eric, who is full of secrets, and struggling whether to expose them to Nicole, and he might have feelings for her. Then there is his duty to Blackstone. Bruno has not gone away.
The suspense and intrigue are not letting up, as the drama unfolds, secrets revealed, and Bruno is still playing games. We are getting set up for the conclusion, and this book does end on a cliffhanger.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Jodie, you know how to write a suspenseful trilogy, and it can not wait 6 how it ends. I even embedded the heroine Nicole, who is a journalist. I was making notes at every detail... pay attention to the little clues. I LOVE that we are learning with the Blackstone team along the way....HOWEVER even the military there are ranks, and they are limiting the info & movements....
We pick up with Nicole & Chase the most important baby boy that the mafia world wnat to get their hands on. This is VERY dangerous, and she had to do some risky moves... no spoilers. And new fav character Chilli... no spoilers but I promise you will love ❤️
" “Anyone ever tell you that you look exactly like Rip from Yellowstone in that outfit?” I tried to lighten his mood. "
Now I recommend you read the previous book so understand more about Paul. My heart broke for Paul because his head is stuck between Himself and Eric. That character he created for info in that world still tickling at the back of his head. Nicole, somehow, calms him down, and she knows not to ask questions. Even in the military world, secrets stay silent, and it's a risk to share. these secrets can kill people, especially for... no spoilers
What i love about this world is the banter between the Blackstone family that just makes me smile. They do tense missions, and when they wind down, they have the perfect family that brings them back. I just Mark so much he explains Paul & Nicole relationship that is developing
" “Christ,” Mark who I’d seen slip into the room to sit quietly by the door, piped up. “I feel like I’m watching Ross and Rachel. We’re on a break!” He chuckled but stopped when Cole looked at him, confused. “Sorry, Mia makes me watch it.” "
NOW, I don't want to say anymore because it will spoil the pilot that Jodi has created beautiful. Just get ready for a villain that has plans for Nicole & Blackstone that we learn....ahhh, no spoilers. Blackstone family is still full of banter, and you can feel how important that haven they created.
" “I just need to get back on our mountain so I can breathe.” " 🏔
My brain is blown with the suspense. This is Jodi at the top of her game. and thank you for Chapter 11... no spoilers. If you like me a fan of Jodi work, our fav bad men turn up. I love that Nicole calls them the horsemen 💀👑 like I said, if you like me a fan of her world, you will scream, ahhhh, things are going to be blood in the future 😈
Suspense and action, Nicole & Paul love story and a love story of a start of a family bound with precious Chase. A family a.k.a Blackstone that will support you and give amazing wisdom like they are like Ross & Rachel "we are one a break" haha thank for that Mark 🤣 just get ready for that banter that helps break up the tension
EMBEDDED is the second instalment in JL Drake’s contemporary, adult STONEWALL romantic, military suspense trilogy set in the author’s WORLD OF MAYHEM focusing on war correspondent Nicole Winter, and Stonewall Agent Paul. EMBEDDED should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one EXTRACTION. If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my 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) EMBEDDED follows in the aftermath of the rescue of Nicole Winter, and Chase, a small child she rescued from the Mexican Cartel.Having eluded the Cartel, with the help of the agents from the dark Ops group known as Stonewall, Nicole will come face to face with a man she thought was dead but upon their return to the US, and a debrief by the man in charge, Nicole is forced to reveal her own secrets, secrets that will see our heroine poised on the precipice of returning to the scene of the crime. Paul is a man with secrets of his own, secrets of which very few people are aware, and in this, Nicole struggles to trust the man with whom she will fall in love but against Paul’s objections, Nicole is sent back to the Cartel in an effort to retrieve information she left behind.
The world building is detailed, complex yet slow as the agents at Stonewall, as well as our story lie heroine find themselves journeying towards danger as the Mexican Cartel is determined destroyed them all.
The relationship between Paul and Nicole continues to be contentious as Nicole struggles to trust a man she does not know, a man whose secrets are dangerous and dark. As Nicole battles between head and heart, the truth may be something she is unable to believe. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including many crossing over from the Broken, Blackstone and Blackwater series, as well as several members of the Mexican Cartel.
EMBEDDED is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The character driven premise is detailed, complex and dramatic; the romance is edgy; the characters are desperate and dynamic. EMBEDDED end on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.
This plot continues the intense story from the first book. Nicole is on a mission to protect herself and the baby from the dangerous cartel and Bruno Perez, who is relentlessly pursuing her. Meanwhile, Paul, also known as Eric, is torn between his loyalty to Blackstone, his newfound son, and his growing feelings for Nicole.
We enjoyed the diverse cast of characters at the Stonewall compound, particularly the men and women who shared their stories. Nicole stood out as an intelligent and feisty. Paul was portrayed as moody and protective. The chemistry between them was intense, especially in their interactions with one another was pure fire and spicy.
The plot was filled with intrigue and suspense, keeping us engaged and on the edge of our seats. Secrets were revealed, drama unfolded, and emotional moments tugged at our heartstrings. The story was a captivating page-turner that we couldn't put down. with a mix of laughter and tears. Nicole's spiciness added a touch of humor to the intense narrative.
As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the cat-and-mouse game with Bruno escalates, leading to unexpected betrayals and dangerous encounters. The presence of familiar characters like Grim and Trigger adds depth to the story.
The book sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the series, leaving readers eager for the final installment. Bruno's menacing character adds a chilling element to the narrative, keeping the suspense high. The book ends with a gripping cliffhanger, promising an explosive finale.
Embedded (Stonewall Trilogy Book 2) by JL Drake. This book basically picks up where book 1 left off. Nicole is trying to get herself and the baby back on US soil and to safety. The cartel is after the baby and Bruno Perez is hot on her trail. He wants Nicole for himself and the baby is just a pawn in all of this. Paul aka Eric is trying to deal with his duty to Blackstone, his newly discovered son and his ever growing feelings for Nicole. She knows all about the terrible things Eric has done however she doesn't know Paul is Eric and Paul is the baby's father. Paul is struggling with exposing these secrets to Nicole. While the two are struggling with their sexual attraction, Bruno is still in the background stirring up trouble and he still needs to be dealt with. The game of cat and mouse continues. There is definitely signs of betrayal. Grim and Trigger make an appearance in this story. I was glad to see them. If you haven't read their series, please do. Oh so good. Havoc of Sins Series and Devil's Reach series. There are so many things going on in this book and it has me looking forward to the conclusion of this series. Yes the story ends with a bang and a cliffhanger. I don't want to give anything away. However Bruno is something else. He is cruel, crazy and a complete sociopath. Hopefully the wait for the last book will not be too long. 4 stars for me.
J.L. Drake is back with another dark military suspense. The fight between Blackstone and their teams against the cartels are at an all time high. Listen very carefully when I say this: NO ONE and NO LOCATION is safe!!!
Paul thought the Mexico mission was done, he was back home and with his team, but that’s not the case. His reasons for going back into the character that was supposed to be dead is something he hadn’t imagined. The cartel bargaining chip isn’t an item, it’s something far more precious. Something life changing. The Blackstone boys and their teams are not as safe as they think.
If you’ve been a fan of Drake’s books, you know she is a master with suspense, cliffhangers, and throwing curveballs at you. Every book drops more clues, and no character is just random. But I will say this, Drake did two things in this book that I have never seen, and I’ve been reading her books since Devils Reach MC came out. There are two spots that there was no warning, no hints. I had to put the book down twice and really let it sink in what just happened. I’m actually scared to read the next one, and not much scares me as a reader lol. Hold on for this adventure!!!
I've loved every one of this author's books - this one was especially harsh.
Despite the terrible misdeeds the poor people of the area were subjected to, at the hands of the cartel - these 'slaves' were still descent human beings - helping when they could - be it giving what little information they had or shared resources - it sure helped Nicole, and Paul along the way.
Although Paul is having a hard time dealing with his feelings for Nicole - she rescued the little boy the cartel was so desperately after -Chase is after all, part cartel via his mother, Talya, and part Blackstone -> of course being Paul's son, he is giant bargaining chip.
The soldiers, their women, Nicole and Chase settle in, and the attraction and chemistry between Paul and Nicole really heats up - one they talk and put their suspicions behind them, the journey down the road of their relationship really begins - so good, so hot!!!
Of course trouble is not far off - with another trip to Mexico for Blackstone and Nicole - they barely make it out....
Tragedy strikes more than once at home - ummm I'm not crying.....
This is the second book in this impressive trilogy, and Paul and Nicole’s journey continues. Nicole is relentless in her pursuit of the truth, which places her in danger, while Paul is a single dad, who is recovering from his wounds. Paul finds it impossible to forgive Nicole. This story ends in a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the conclusion! This is a well written action packed, slow burn, easy to read, emotional roller coaster, with found family, friendships, challenges, danger, suspense, intrigue, secrets, betrayal, loyalty, secret identity, enemies/ lovers, forced proximity, redemption, forbidden love, and undeniable chemistry, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, and unpredictable, military romance, and this is not a story for the faint-at-heart. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
I received an arc for this book. Okay let me get myself together here. I am still reeling from the roller coaster ride this book had me on. After reading book one, Extraction, I knew I needed more from JL Drake. And believe me I got it and more. Action packed! Balled my damn eyes and almost broke my heart. Paul and Nicole are truly beautiful characters. I’m already chewy at the bits for more to come!
Can I just say JL Drake can pull you with the Blsckstone and then leave you gobsmacked with a killer cliffhanger because what the actual Sam heck lady. Bruno is a vindictive dude and brutal not going to give it away but dude needs to be taken out. Eric/Paul gets to Nicole before something real bad goes down. The whole book not only has me on edge but is unpredictable, engrossing and I was unable to put down once I started. Then that cliffhanger was jaw dropping. Good grief. Next book please.
Earth Shattering!!! I am not ok and at a loss of words on how to explain this book! It is ABSOLUTELY EPIC & BRILLIANT!!!! This book never stops! Its action packed, heartbreaking and will make you ball your eyes. Grab your comfort beverage and a blanket, go to your book nook and escape into a world you may not come back from.
Holy ****!! J.L. Drake has done it again! Every book I fall more and more in love with this family. I've said it before however, THIS book has you going every which way trying to figure out what next could be done and JL Drake has made it one helluva ride you can't and do NOT want to get off of. Make sure you head over and purchase it, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!
I’m not even sure where to begin one this book just wrecked me! It keeps you on your toes and you can’t put it down, the twist that embedded takes Holy Crap! I was invested from the beginning so many things happen and I felt like I was right in the thick of it but the ending OMG I just can’t Snuggle up and get ready for a ride you didn’t know you were going to take
OMG! Amazing doesn’t even explain how good this book is and that cliffhanger hold onto pants people. As always we got the most action packed, earth shattering book from J.L. and always it leaves you wanting more. If anyone needs me I’ll be nursing my book hangover in the corner with my emotional support blanket. Go read Embedded you won’t regret it.
Oh. My. Gosh! Warning – this epic book is addictive. Might want to settle in for the action-filled ride; it will pull you in for sure. Love to see how Nicole and Paul navigate the obstacles thrown their way while stepping into some of my favorite places with them.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left of and then you are off to the races ... Action packed , non -stop , holding breath to the very end. As I read the last page of this book I found myself asking how long do we have to wait for the next one.
What an emotional ride Embedded took me on: Joy. Fear. Rage. Hope. Anticipation. Sorrow. There were so many more feelings, all tangled up, that I couldn't list them all. Embedded is not for the faint of heart, a powerhouse of military might and intrigue. Twist and turns that leave you gasping for air, your breath stuck in your throat, and unbelievable characters with strength and valour. Written with so much detail, you feel a part of the action. I wanted to accompany Agent Paul and his team on their mission. Intricately woven together, the nuances of Paul and Nicole's growing romance are palpable. With the cliffhanger that J.L. Drake is known for, you won't see the ending coming until it smacks you in the face. The secrets Paul and Nicole have been hiding are about to explode. Now I need strength to wait for Breached: Book 3 after I climb back up the cliff I am hanging off. Unputdownable and outstanding in its genre and tropes, you won't regret a single moment of reading the second book in the Stonewall Trilogy if you are a fan of J.L. Drake's World of Mayhem.