Unbreakable Stories: Lucas

Unbreakable Bonds #1.5

by Jocelynn Drake, Rinda Elliott

A collection of six short stories following the romantic adventures and misadventures of millionaire Lucas Vallois and Romanian bodyguard Andrei Hadeon.

This collection is more than 30,000 words long and contains stories such as:

The Meeting
Perfect
Te Iubesc
I Want More
Homecoming
Thanksgiving

***Note: These short stories take place after Shiver (Unbreakable Bonds #1) and should be read after the first book.***

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Novella

152 pages, ebook

First published June 21, 2016

About the author

New York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.

This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.

When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.

She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.

Reviews

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread - August 2022
*********************

-Best thanksgiving ever.

-This book is funny 🤣🤣

-Andrei's parents are the best

-This book is HOOOOOOOT!

And:

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might contain spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱

Re-read: 09.05.2019
I gotta admit that this ‘book’ is adorable. Probably more so the second time reading it. My view of it is a little different from before, probably because it's 2 years reading gap, and I'm changed. I like Lucas and Andrei. They are absolutely great together and I love how you can see them falling in love with each other without them really knowing it themselves. I hope we get at least four books on this couple. Overall, it was a good re-read.
New Rating: 3.5 stars

“Every time with you…” he started, but his voice drifted off.
“What?” There was something in Lucas’s voice that caused Andrei’s heart to speed up. Something soft and vulnerable as if he’d dropped his hard outer shell for just a moment.
“Every time with you, I come so hard it’s like my whole being shatters and I have to put myself back together again.”
Andrei lifted one eyebrow, not sure how to take his confession. “Is that good or bad?”
“Better. I get the chance to come back as something better than I was because of you.”
Still clinging to his smile, Andrei dropped his eyes down to the floor for a second, gathering his emotions together. He hadn’t expected Lucas to say something like that and it sent an ache through his chest.

First read review:
I want more! More Lucas Vallois (38) and more Andrei Vladislava Hadeon (29) and more of them as a couple. I was also expecting more of Lucas and Snow's friendship, which were amazing in the first book (though I wanted more there as well, not just glimpse of it), but we didn't get it. We also didn't get a full closure, and now I hear that I have to read all of the books in the series (which has different main characters) to get a closure for this couple. I had hoped we would have gotten it in this one, but nooo. But at least we got more from the couple, and we got to see them get closer.

“...I want…more.”

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book 1.5
Love triangle? - No.
Cheating? - No.
HEA? - In a way.
Favorite character? - Lucas Vallois.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Sure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Sure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Don't think so.
Rating - 3 stars.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read 10th May 2019.

Original review.

It’s a while since I read Shiver and Shatter, I’m still not sure why I didn’t read this at the time but anyway.

This is a fabulous collection of shorts where we get to spend time with not only (but mainly) Lucas and Andrei but the rest of the gang as well.
A special shout has to go out for Andrei’s amazing parents Sonja and Milos especially Sonja who’s the cool mum everyone wishes was there’s.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 5 out of 5]

***4.5 Stars***

A fabulous set of six short stories showing the growth of something deeper between Lucas and Andrei. This was the perfect blend of sweet and sexy, with a dash of heartfelt emotion and a helping of the humor you've come to expect from this gang. As an added bonus, we're introduced to Andrei's parents....and damn are they just awesome!

Each story moved Lucas and Andrei's relationship a little more forward, while not spoiling what's to come in Shatter, so no need to worry about that.

This was the perfect snack to keep me satisfied until we get more in this series, which has quickly become an addicting favorite!

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars!

This was just perfect because we this short stories we get to see these guys as a couple and coming to terms with their feelings for each other. I like how they battle with their doubts and insecurities just like any other couple do. Their words may not come out easily but theirs no denying the passion and love they share.

Seeing the rest of the guys is always a plus and I loved Andrei’s Mom she was a hoot definitely brought on the laughs. Rowe, I wanted to smack on the head what are you 13?! Lol! It was so great to see the guys in a lighter mood enjoying and joking with each other. Couldn’t be happier to have more of Luca and Andrei and the gang.❤️

[Barbara➰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread January 2019

Just love these two so much!

Reread October 2018

I absolutely love these two...obviously since I just read this series and I reread it a couple of months later..

Originally read August 2018

*sigh* More kissing. I just can’t get enough of these two. Love it!

[Dia · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I've read all the full length books in this wonderful series, but I didn't know what I was missing when I skipped these short stories.
This one was amazing. HOT. Delicious!

Lucas and Andrei are still my favorites.

Oh and I loved all the Romanian words!

Te iubesc, amazing book!!! ❤️

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!

Getting more of Lucas and Andrei is never a bad thing!

[Tanu Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute extension of the main story!! Lots of hot sex, insane family time, crazy as well as emotional confessions, and, of course, more of the four friends and Andrei. What’s not to like? I just wish that Lucas does not invite an early death for himself with his excessive drinking habits! 😳

[Lyndy Ann ♫ · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****5 GREEDY FOR MORE STARS*****

2020 Re-read - After all the adventures and shenanigans I have shared with the whole gang throughout this series these little sexanigans, I had forgotten all about and it was fun rediscovering them again.

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

I loved this collection of short stories spending some more time with Lucas and Andrei doing normal couple stuff without all the car chases and shoot ups.

Having plenty of hot sex even in Ian's closet - don't ask LOL.

I loved Thanksgiving with all the gang and Andrei's parents are a blast.

These two are defiantly more than just two guys having monogamous sex.
I hope I am there when they tell each other those 3 little words.

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 4 out of 5]

March 2023: Audiobook = ***3.5 Stars***

***********************
Original review September 2016:

Great addition to the series that made me crave for more.

Six amazing stories with sometimes swoonworthy moments,
alternately making me laugh out loud – I just love these guys!!! -
and fan myself because, you know...

… lots of sexy times. ;-)

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

A must read for those wanting a proper romantic evolution to Lucas and Andrei.

Through a series of shorts, this shows how they took their “no strings attached” sex to something so much more, and it was romantic and sweet and hot!

I’m smiling hard here because I knew this dynamic of friends (including Snow, Rowe, Ian, and now Andrei) had huge potential to show off their brand of crazy and off kilter hilarity. This absolutely did not disappoint!

[Darien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great addition to the series because I was getting a very HFN vibe from Shiver and this really did a splendid job of bringing it all together.

Lucas and Andrie are hot, hot, hawt. And bringing their family in the mix just made it all wholesome.

Caution: Hide yo kids, Hide, you wife, and hide your mom and dad cus Snow out here snatching panties and briefs.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just some Lucas & Andrei pictures. They were yummy.

Lucas



Andrei

"Luc's always got our back and we've always got his. Just glad he finally found someone he can trust with his heart."

After Shiver I longed for more Lucas and Andrei.

It was great to see their relationship deepening!!!

[Vanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!! 😍 🤩Loved it! Loved Lucas and Andrei and this long epilogue with insights into how their relationship is progressing.

[Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Sweet, romantic stories that helped solidify the shaky HFN Shiver left us with.

[Marte - Thunderella · Rating 4 out of 5]

***** 5 together stars *****

"Say something in Romanian."
Andrew tensed, drawing a shaky breath before he finally whispered.
"Cred că... cred că... te iubesc."

Is it possible to enjoy these short stories almost more than the full length novel? Yes, yes it is! I was just happy all the way through reading these glimpses of Lucas and Andrei's relationship deepening. So screw it, I'm 5 star-ing it. Just because I can.

"Fine, but you stay over there until the blood gets back to your brain. You're all handsy and horny."

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A better ending for Lucas and Andrei than we were left with in Shiver.

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now, this was utterly delightful! If this had been part of book 1 I would have had virtually no niggles at all! This is exactly what I wanted to see! Lucas and Andrei clearly in love and falling in love more by the second.
Each story was pure romance, and I was kind of whooping with joy watching as Lucas and Andrei's emotions were getting deeper and more meaningful with every step along the way - and their sex got hotter yet!
And I think we can all guess what Andrei's mysterious Romanian words meant! Am I'm NOT talking about the monkey sentence!
So glad I read this before book 2. It really adds a huge layer to Lucas and Andrei's relationship and I finally really connected with the two of them as a couple.

Recommended.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this ! It really is a must read straight after Shiver as it pieces many pieces of the first story together. Lucas and Andrei are smokin hot and it's sweet to watch these tough guys dance around the edge of vulnerability fearing any rejection should they show their heart. Supporting characters made this even more fun and I must say Andrei's parents were a hoot ! Really enjoyable book

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This great collection of short stories served as the absolute ideal follow up to Lucas and Andrei's story in Shiver.

Here, each segment was full of romance, sex, friendship and laughs, cementing just how perfect Lucas and Andrei truly are together.

I can't wait to read more about the lives of each member of this awesome group of friends.

[Moony Eliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really good follow up to Shiver!
Without a doubt, I'm all in on these characters. But I'm finding it really frustrating that the narrative is so misaligned with the relationship that is happening. The constant "it's just sex" yada yada when the relationship is CLEARLY not just sex... faux angst. So I hope that shit wraps up soon. /vent

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two words to describe this book:

HOT AND FUNNY.

That’s it.
I didn’t know thanksgiving could be so sexy, funny and cute at the same time.

[⚣ Marco ⚣ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much appreciated follow-up collection, which turns the HFN from the first book “Shiver” into a solid HEA during the course of 6 short stories.

This series is quickly becoming a favourite of mine, and I’m giddy with pleasure that I’m only at the beginning and that there are many more books left for me to read.

[Christelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

For all the fans of the “unbreakable bonds” series, here is a cute and very sexy short story about Lucas and Andrei, the MCs from book 1. After their shivering encounter in book 1, Lucas and his ex-bodyguard Andrei keeps exploring their relationship and their growing feelings for each other. It’s sexy as hell, and very funny, thanks for the presence of all Lucas’s group of friends and of Andrei’s parents.
A sweet way to wait between book 2 and 3, without spoiling anything for those who haven’t yet read book 2.

[Denise H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

**** This novella of small chapters is so wonderful.****

We get insight into Lucas and Andrei's relationship, from their insecurities to their total commitment. Lucas...

Andrei...

We met them in "Shiver" by Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliot, from her "Unbreakable Bonds" series, along with "Shatter" "Torch" and "Devour."

This novella gives us in depth feelings, deep conversations, and shows more of the camaraderie with their close friends.

It is romantic, erotic and loving.
There's lots of sexy times and sweet emotions.
ENJOY !

======

[~Kristin~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars
It was fun to spend some time with Lucas and Andrei again, not to mention this was sizzling hot!!

[Pianka *call me PIU* · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like all my prayers have been answered!!! After finishing Shiver (which was over far too soon for me) I wanted another dose of Lucas and Andrei.

This read was like a second phase of Lucas and Andrei's relationship. They had a very tough time in Shiver, what with dodging bullets, trying to squirrel out a madman trying to kill Lucas and what not. They did not get to have the sweet, sugary and the "over whelming love" and emotional stuff, which is an absolute necessary for such an unbelievably hot couple like Lucas and Andrei.

So, the author has gifted us with this awesome novella showing the progress of Lucas and Andrei's relationship from casual monogamous sex partners to "can't live or breathe without you" Boyfriends. And they totally did it with Lucas and Andrei style HOTNESS, which is "Nuclear", "Volcanic", "Scorching", "Exploding" and all the other words that you can think of while picturing two gorgeous alphas getting their freak on. HELL YES!!!

This book was hotness overload.

There was this:


and this:


and more of this:


Lucas and Andrei could not keep their hands off each other (and we would never want them to stop. EVER!!!)

This is a must read for all the fans of this series.

[haletostilinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

EEEP!!! oKAY, THIS! THIS IS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!!! I tagged it as both happy-for-now and happy ending because the ending to this could be taken either way, honestly. Because they just get to a place where they admit to being boyfriends at the end of this, that they want 'more' than just sex, but that's at the end of these short stories. They're happy at the end, so if we don't get any more of Andrei and Lucas, that's okay. But there soooo could be more to get to an even more secure place with them, and even happier place.

I see why these short stories weren't included in the first full novel, because these would have just dragged out the story, but these are also necessary to have gotten Lucas and Andrei to a committed relationship, and I'm sooo happy we got them.

I love these two so much, and they're soooo in love (which they haven't admitted yet. Which could be saved for a second full book with them...just saying *wink wink*) and so great together - and adorable. I really hope the other couples live up to these two, because DAMN. If you read the first book in this series, this is a must read.

It's light, fun, adorable, and sexy as hell, and we get so much with Lucas and Andrei's relationship, just...YES. I loved this! :D

[Rinda Elliott]

Hi! We've been getting questions about this collection. Yes, it is a prequel. It's listed as 1.5 here. Amazon won't let us label it that way, unfortunately. SHATTER was already in production when we decided to package these and put them out in a convenient bundle for Kindles. We'd had requests for that and we had also decided to write Thanksgiving for our reader's group. They asked so sweetly! That story kept growing and turned into a novelette. We also took a couple of the free short stories already posted on our website past their original PG13 rating to make them even spicier and added two more short stories we'd written for each other. Our editor called the collection fluffy, SEXY fun and that was our intent. More intimate times with Lucas and Andrei, an amusing visit with all the guys, and a little less angst. We put them through enough in the books. LOL. Hope you guys have fun!