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Exit Strategy #3
Final Lover
Two assassins meet, don’t kill each other, and fall in love.
It’s happily ever after, right?
Not so fast.
Reformed mercenaries Justin Mallory and Gabriel Prescott have taken the big leap of living together. They’re even working together.
But “one last job” has them taking a falsely accused man and his young son into their home for safe keeping.
While dodging bullets and fellow hitmen out for the $27 million bounty, Justin and his G Love realize that falling in love was the easy part. Building a life together might be more than they bargained for.
Join Justin and Gabriel for their final adventure as they protect an innocent man and uncover the missing piece to their forever.
246 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2019
183 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Jocelynn Drake
141 books2,889 followersNew 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
July 17, 2021
3.5✨
I devoured this series so quickly. I didn’t even stop to review the books separately. This was just so much fun; the moment I heard about the series where two assassins fall in love, I knew I needed it. I’ve always been a sucker for romances about two alpha men with pride and egos as big as their dicks. The romance between Justin and Gabriel was definitely on the softer side for me. While there was definitely angst between them, they acknowledged their feeling for each other pretty early on in the series.
“You’re not a job. I don’t want to act with you, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been me around someone. I don’t know what to say. I’m afraid you’re to think I’m a complete idiot. Or boring.”
This series was a forced proximity trope. Justin and Gabriel were reluctant to work with each other after their life long career in assassination. This was definitely not an enemies to lovers like I expected. Though they had trouble in the beginning, it had more to do with their lack of trust for eachother, which is understandable. This was pretty much insta-lust. Both of them were very descriptive in their inner monologues on their attraction to eachother. And while that continues throughout the series, we read pretty little on their problems with each other.
They blurt out every bottled emotion they had during their fights, which left me surprised too since I had no idea the protagonist was having troubles.
“Do you honestly think you’re not capable of keeping me safe?” “No one is as incredible as you. No one can get past you. No one will touch me…ever.”
This was also very action packed. Obviously. So much killing and mysteries and gruesome murder. Satisfying murders. But it was balanced out with the fluffy-cutesy scenes between The MC’s. Was I truly interested in their cases? Not really. I was only interested in the ones with a direct connection to either one of their families because honestly it brought out a protective side of the MC’s and fuck if it was hot.
“He was your friend.”
Justin placed both of his hands on Gabriel’s cheeks, cradling his face. “And you’re my heart. You win every time.”
The relationship itself was pretty slow. Though they started sleeping together very early on in the first book. We only start to know of their past through the course of the second book. And Justin’s past comes up in book three. I am, however, extremely happy that it wasn’t just sex with them. We read scenes of them actually try to make it work despite almost always being targeted.
I’m really looking forward to having the dog versus cat argument with you.”
“What are you talking about? Is that an American sex thing?”
“God, no. Dogs and cats. You know, furry animals you keep as pets.”
“Of course I know what they are. Why are we arguing about them?”
“Because we have to decide what we’re going to have when we live together.”
“That’s ridiculous. We’re going to have cats.”
Overall this was fun and exciting to read. I honestly felt like this could’ve been a duology if written properly, because the third book went very quickly. But still. I thoroughly enjoyed this series.
I devoured this series so quickly. I didn’t even stop to review the books separately. This was just so much fun; the moment I heard about the series where two assassins fall in love, I knew I needed it. I’ve always been a sucker for romances about two alpha men with pride and egos as big as their dicks. The romance between Justin and Gabriel was definitely on the softer side for me. While there was definitely angst between them, they acknowledged their feeling for each other pretty early on in the series.
“You’re not a job. I don’t want to act with you, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been me around someone. I don’t know what to say. I’m afraid you’re to think I’m a complete idiot. Or boring.”
This series was a forced proximity trope. Justin and Gabriel were reluctant to work with each other after their life long career in assassination. This was definitely not an enemies to lovers like I expected. Though they had trouble in the beginning, it had more to do with their lack of trust for eachother, which is understandable. This was pretty much insta-lust. Both of them were very descriptive in their inner monologues on their attraction to eachother. And while that continues throughout the series, we read pretty little on their problems with each other.
They blurt out every bottled emotion they had during their fights, which left me surprised too since I had no idea the protagonist was having troubles.
“Do you honestly think you’re not capable of keeping me safe?” “No one is as incredible as you. No one can get past you. No one will touch me…ever.”
This was also very action packed. Obviously. So much killing and mysteries and gruesome murder. Satisfying murders. But it was balanced out with the fluffy-cutesy scenes between The MC’s. Was I truly interested in their cases? Not really. I was only interested in the ones with a direct connection to either one of their families because honestly it brought out a protective side of the MC’s and fuck if it was hot.
“He was your friend.”
Justin placed both of his hands on Gabriel’s cheeks, cradling his face. “And you’re my heart. You win every time.”
The relationship itself was pretty slow. Though they started sleeping together very early on in the first book. We only start to know of their past through the course of the second book. And Justin’s past comes up in book three. I am, however, extremely happy that it wasn’t just sex with them. We read scenes of them actually try to make it work despite almost always being targeted.
I’m really looking forward to having the dog versus cat argument with you.”
“What are you talking about? Is that an American sex thing?”
“God, no. Dogs and cats. You know, furry animals you keep as pets.”
“Of course I know what they are. Why are we arguing about them?”
“Because we have to decide what we’re going to have when we live together.”
“That’s ridiculous. We’re going to have cats.”
Overall this was fun and exciting to read. I honestly felt like this could’ve been a duology if written properly, because the third book went very quickly. But still. I thoroughly enjoyed this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
***Not quite 4 but better than the rest Stars***
That was more like it! ;-)
For me, Final Lover was the most enjoyable one in this series. Well, at least until about 70% when the eye-rolls got heavier again. I still think these two wannabe-assassins should contemplate their career choices more thoroughly...
Maybe it's just me being picky, but let me ask you a question: if you want to check a house for any intruders and possible ambushes waiting for you, how do you proceed?
a) sneak up to the house, keep your mouth shut and be as quiet as possible or
b) stomp to the house like a bull in a china shop, argue loudly and only after opening the door act all stealthy as if any intruders wouldn't have heard you coming a mile away
Yeah, guess which choice Justin and Gabriel opted for... Lucky them, the coast was clear.
But like I said above, for me this was still better than the previous ones, I was invested in the story, maybe because the focus was a bit more on the relationship development and an adorable kid, some cute puppies and two dignified cats didn't hurt either to make me enjoy it more. :) The ending was a tad too lovey-dovey for me, but at least both guys got their well-deserved HEA. Now I'm looking forward to Dev and Kai's story. :)
That was more like it! ;-)
For me, Final Lover was the most enjoyable one in this series. Well, at least until about 70% when the eye-rolls got heavier again. I still think these two wannabe-assassins should contemplate their career choices more thoroughly...
Maybe it's just me being picky, but let me ask you a question: if you want to check a house for any intruders and possible ambushes waiting for you, how do you proceed?
a) sneak up to the house, keep your mouth shut and be as quiet as possible or
b) stomp to the house like a bull in a china shop, argue loudly and only after opening the door act all stealthy as if any intruders wouldn't have heard you coming a mile away
Yeah, guess which choice Justin and Gabriel opted for... Lucky them, the coast was clear.
But like I said above, for me this was still better than the previous ones, I was invested in the story, maybe because the focus was a bit more on the relationship development and an adorable kid, some cute puppies and two dignified cats didn't hurt either to make me enjoy it more. :) The ending was a tad too lovey-dovey for me, but at least both guys got their well-deserved HEA. Now I'm looking forward to Dev and Kai's story. :)
August 26, 2019
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4.5 FOREVER stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Another great series by Jocelyn Drake has come to an end, sad to say goodbye to Justin and Gabriel.
Final Lover is the last chance to go on one more adventure with Justin and Gabriel, they are settling down into their new lives as a couple, a new home with a fur family but when a contract comes their way putting an innocent father and son in danger, they go into assassin mode.
A Justin and G Love mission would not be complete without a few shoot outs, knife fights and punch ups along the way and this one does not disappoint, even one of Gabriel’s hook ups from years ago turn up, another assassin Kai, I loved Justin being jealous.
Having Devlin and little Jake staying with them has both Justin and Gabriel thinking about their future together and a few What Ifs.
These two get bossier and dirtier in the bedroom each time, WOW my kindle was burning up in my hand.
Final Lover was full of action, hot sex, funny banter and a few wonderful surprises, a perfect ending for G Love and Special Sauce.
P.S.
I am super excited for Kai and Devlin’s story, as the sexual chemistry between these two was STRONG.
Another great series by Jocelyn Drake has come to an end, sad to say goodbye to Justin and Gabriel.
Final Lover is the last chance to go on one more adventure with Justin and Gabriel, they are settling down into their new lives as a couple, a new home with a fur family but when a contract comes their way putting an innocent father and son in danger, they go into assassin mode.
A Justin and G Love mission would not be complete without a few shoot outs, knife fights and punch ups along the way and this one does not disappoint, even one of Gabriel’s hook ups from years ago turn up, another assassin Kai, I loved Justin being jealous.
Having Devlin and little Jake staying with them has both Justin and Gabriel thinking about their future together and a few What Ifs.
These two get bossier and dirtier in the bedroom each time, WOW my kindle was burning up in my hand.
Final Lover was full of action, hot sex, funny banter and a few wonderful surprises, a perfect ending for G Love and Special Sauce.
P.S.
I am super excited for Kai and Devlin’s story, as the sexual chemistry between these two was STRONG.
August 20, 2019
***** Our two rough and tough assassins, Justin and Gabriel, have a new adventure with a scientist and his son's lives on the line. One death has already wreaked havoc in their lives.
The bounty is enormous, so the men take no chances.
They investigate, plan, and act accordingly. The best place to protect the two, Devlin and 6 yr. old Jake, will be at the lover's stronghold of high tech security, and a defend-able safe place.
Justin, no more disguises for either man...
Gabriel...
We get to see the two huge Norwegian cats and the two highly trained, protective German Shepherds, also.
Pete and Repeat...
Our men are just as hot as ever. It is a year as officially together. So, we see an attack, a rally, more planning and decisions made. Even after the contract is lifted from Devlin's head, someone is still lurking.
I love this author's grasp of her characters, the action packed story,
and the incredible searing hot sexiness.
This series is fantastic, and each tale can stand alone. I am glad I've read them all to see their progression.
There is more action, injury, and a rescue. The ending has an awesome surprise, and fabulous epilogue. Plus, we get a hint about the next book.
I highly recommend this one. ENJOY !
=======
The bounty is enormous, so the men take no chances.
They investigate, plan, and act accordingly. The best place to protect the two, Devlin and 6 yr. old Jake, will be at the lover's stronghold of high tech security, and a defend-able safe place.
Justin, no more disguises for either man...
Gabriel...
We get to see the two huge Norwegian cats and the two highly trained, protective German Shepherds, also.
Pete and Repeat...
Our men are just as hot as ever. It is a year as officially together. So, we see an attack, a rally, more planning and decisions made. Even after the contract is lifted from Devlin's head, someone is still lurking.
I love this author's grasp of her characters, the action packed story,
and the incredible searing hot sexiness.
This series is fantastic, and each tale can stand alone. I am glad I've read them all to see their progression.
There is more action, injury, and a rescue. The ending has an awesome surprise, and fabulous epilogue. Plus, we get a hint about the next book.
I highly recommend this one. ENJOY !
=======
January 19, 2021
Big bad assassins go soft for each other
I'm a bit late getting to this one but it's another fabulous entry in this series from Jocelynn Drake.
I loved how these two deadly men found each other and began to trust and then fall for the other.
Here they're on one last mission which makes them both re-evaluate what comes next.
Hot as ever but packed with all the emotional feels too.
I'm a bit late getting to this one but it's another fabulous entry in this series from Jocelynn Drake.
I loved how these two deadly men found each other and began to trust and then fall for the other.
Here they're on one last mission which makes them both re-evaluate what comes next.
Hot as ever but packed with all the emotional feels too.
January 7, 2020
this was a perfect ending to the series and i'm crying
May 13, 2023
I should have stopped at book 2. This one got progressively worse. Soooooo over the top sappy. Lost all edge. Ugh.
August 20, 2019
This was a great final installment in this series with G Love and Secret Sauce.
Their love is so deep and passionate and sweet that you can almost forget that they are assassins, with how lovey dove-y they are with each other.
Sure, they're looking to hang up their guns, so to speak, but they both can't resist taking some odd jobs here and there from Marilyn if they're helping innocent people and/or taking out some real bad guys.
In this one they're looking to retire for good, but a case Marilyn tells them about is not one they can stay away from. The guy, Devlin, has a six year old kid. And another assassin, Kai, doesn't have all the details from his handler and would be orphaning a little kid. Kai also has a code he lives by (and yes, these two are totally getting their own book, the author confirmed it at the end :D) and that is never harming kids, so Justin and Gabriel make it their mission to not only tell Kai the truth and get him to stop hunting for them, but to also protect Devlin and his son, Jake.
Justin and Gabriel also have some things to think about regarding their future in this one, and it all works out well in the end because we do get a HEA.
Also, goddamn the sex was hot AF between these two in this book. Top notch sex scenes, like whew...their passion for each other never wavers.
I loved this final installment so much, and I loved small hint of something we get with Devlin and Kai, and I eagerly away their book or series as well.
For now, I am super happy that after the main events of this book, these two get their happy ending with their own little family that both didn't have at the beginning of this series.
Two massive thumbs up from me. What an awesome way to end the series. Highly recommend! <333
Their love is so deep and passionate and sweet that you can almost forget that they are assassins, with how lovey dove-y they are with each other.
Sure, they're looking to hang up their guns, so to speak, but they both can't resist taking some odd jobs here and there from Marilyn if they're helping innocent people and/or taking out some real bad guys.
In this one they're looking to retire for good, but a case Marilyn tells them about is not one they can stay away from. The guy, Devlin, has a six year old kid. And another assassin, Kai, doesn't have all the details from his handler and would be orphaning a little kid. Kai also has a code he lives by (and yes, these two are totally getting their own book, the author confirmed it at the end :D) and that is never harming kids, so Justin and Gabriel make it their mission to not only tell Kai the truth and get him to stop hunting for them, but to also protect Devlin and his son, Jake.
Justin and Gabriel also have some things to think about regarding their future in this one, and it all works out well in the end because we do get a HEA.
Also, goddamn the sex was hot AF between these two in this book. Top notch sex scenes, like whew...their passion for each other never wavers.
I loved this final installment so much, and I loved small hint of something we get with Devlin and Kai, and I eagerly away their book or series as well.
For now, I am super happy that after the main events of this book, these two get their happy ending with their own little family that both didn't have at the beginning of this series.
Two massive thumbs up from me. What an awesome way to end the series. Highly recommend! <333
August 16, 2019
G-Love and Justin are now living a life of domestic bliss, sort of, but still taking occasional contracts when Marilyn hands them a unique one. Protecting Devlin and his son Jake leads the guys into danger and flying bullets once again, punctuated by many hot interludes and contemplating what their future together will look like. I liked this a little bit more than even the first two books with the extra characters and even more action scenes. Also dogs to go with the cats! I will say that some plot details weren’t entirely believable but I’m a nit picker sometimes. Threads from the second book are wrapped up and the ending will satisfy the most demanding romance lover. The direction of Gabriel and Justin’s future plans still isn’t entirely clear but I’m hoping a book for Devlin and Kai, another assassin, will include the couple.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
October 16, 2022
🥰
Pete and Repeat 😂😂 only Justin can come up with dog names like that
I loved the story, somehow I felt like it lacked something not enough for me to give it less the three stars ⭐️.
♡ I’m not satisfied with not knowing where Justin comes from, it’s like he has no past and he wasn’t comfortable sharing his past with the man who is supposed to be his soulmate. I don’t like that Gabriel was laid bare warts and all but Justin continues to be the Chameleon
♡ I feel like Justin’s character development was not as good as Gabriel’s (and that’s not my infatuation talking 😂🤭) he is lacking somehow
♡ The action was minimal in this book but it was still so fun to read, I liked it all in all even if I still have a lot of unanswered questions
♡ I don’t know but expected a different ending for these two, it fell flat and it’s as though the Author couldn’t wait to conclude the book, it would’ve been better if there was a 3.5 mini book just so that everything didn’t feel too crammed, I didn’t even get the chance to celebrate one important surprise that was added and you know what let me end here before I spoil this because I’m a bit frustrated 🤦🏽♀️
I can’t wait to read about Kai , I just hope it will also be a fun and interesting story to read
Pete and Repeat 😂😂 only Justin can come up with dog names like that
I loved the story, somehow I felt like it lacked something not enough for me to give it less the three stars ⭐️.
♡ I’m not satisfied with not knowing where Justin comes from, it’s like he has no past and he wasn’t comfortable sharing his past with the man who is supposed to be his soulmate. I don’t like that Gabriel was laid bare warts and all but Justin continues to be the Chameleon
♡ I feel like Justin’s character development was not as good as Gabriel’s (and that’s not my infatuation talking 😂🤭) he is lacking somehow
♡ The action was minimal in this book but it was still so fun to read, I liked it all in all even if I still have a lot of unanswered questions
♡ I don’t know but expected a different ending for these two, it fell flat and it’s as though the Author couldn’t wait to conclude the book, it would’ve been better if there was a 3.5 mini book just so that everything didn’t feel too crammed, I didn’t even get the chance to celebrate one important surprise that was added and you know what let me end here before I spoil this because I’m a bit frustrated 🤦🏽♀️
I can’t wait to read about Kai , I just hope it will also be a fun and interesting story to read
December 13, 2019
This book was fun to read. I loved the first one, liked the second and adored now the third.
Justin and Gabriel have settled into life together and I really liked how that turned out.
Their handler fives them information on a bad contract and they try to help
The story was well developed with a lot of emotional moments and newly developed friendships.
I love that there is a chance for a next book (don't know why I was convinced that it will be a trilogy ..🤔) as well as another book with 2 (if you count Jake 3) side characters and I really look forward to reading that.
Justin and Gabriel have settled into life together and I really liked how that turned out.
Their handler fives them information on a bad contract and they try to help
The story was well developed with a lot of emotional moments and newly developed friendships.
I love that there is a chance for a next book (don't know why I was convinced that it will be a trilogy ..🤔) as well as another book with 2 (if you count Jake 3) side characters and I really look forward to reading that.
August 18, 2019
Great end to this couple! Loved it!
March 4, 2023
In this final instalment of this amazing series Justin and his G Love are settling in their new house, building a life together and occasionally doing a job for Marilyn.
Their honeymoon, newlywed phase while doing normal, homeowner-type shit is interrupted by Marilyn's phone call, requesting them to take a "bodyguard" job for materials engineer, Devlin Relic and Jake, his six-year old son. There is a contract out for the engineer of twenty-seven million and assassin Kai is hot on his tail.
Keeping Devlin & Jake safe in their home, Justin and Gabriel start wondering about their own future. Especially when things heat up at Devlin's home.
I loved this series, Justin's character is funny and likeable, while Gabriel is equally likeable but more sedated making them two perfect halves of one awesome whole.
I wonder if this series is gonna get an extra instalment with Devlin and Kai's story.
Part of the Exit Strategy Series and must be read in order:
September 4, 2019
4.5 stars - G Love and Special Sauce are back in this final installment of the series. The guys are working on renovating their home and adjusting to life together as they try to phase themselves out of the mercenary business. Unfortunately, their handler is still giving them little jobs, although they are now more on the keeping people alive side of the spectrum, as opposed to the taking people out side of the business. The latest job is something they feel drawn to accept. A young man is on the run with his young boy (Devlin and Jake) after Devlin's husband was murdered. There is an absurdly large contract out for him, and the guys need to find them before someone else carries out the contract.
There is a lot more to the story surrounding Devlin and Jake - Devlin and his deceased husband were scientists involved with a groundbreaking green environmental project which is believed to be the cause of the threats. In addition to keeping Dev and Jake safe, Justin and Gabriel must get to the bottom of who actually ponied up that much money for the contract in the first place, as well as thwart any other mercenaries/assassins who couldn't resist that kind of money, even if it meant taking out an innocent man and child.
I love these guys. They are so much fun, and it is easy to see how they've changed each other and their lives for the better. Things ramp up a bit when one of the mercs looking for Devlin and Jake happens to be Kai, someone Gabriel had hooked up with once in the past. Justin's jealousy is sparked which makes things a bit more interesting, but not in such a way that it causes any major issues. Their solid relationship never wavers even with Kai's presence. When Kai is told that he received misinformation and took on a contract involving a child, he decides to help keep them safe instead. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of what Justin was seeing with Kai and Devlin but I am definitely interested in seeing that play out in another story.
Needless to say, things are good for these guys, and they definitely needed some peace after what they've each been through. We get a happy ending, closure on a number of fronts and while I am sad to say goodbye to Justin and Gabriel, this was a nice ending to a fun and exciting series that I'm sure fans of Ms. Drake will enjoy. You can't go wrong with any of Ms. Drake's series/books, but this would also make a great start for anyone looking for a new author to try.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
There is a lot more to the story surrounding Devlin and Jake - Devlin and his deceased husband were scientists involved with a groundbreaking green environmental project which is believed to be the cause of the threats. In addition to keeping Dev and Jake safe, Justin and Gabriel must get to the bottom of who actually ponied up that much money for the contract in the first place, as well as thwart any other mercenaries/assassins who couldn't resist that kind of money, even if it meant taking out an innocent man and child.
I love these guys. They are so much fun, and it is easy to see how they've changed each other and their lives for the better. Things ramp up a bit when one of the mercs looking for Devlin and Jake happens to be Kai, someone Gabriel had hooked up with once in the past. Justin's jealousy is sparked which makes things a bit more interesting, but not in such a way that it causes any major issues. Their solid relationship never wavers even with Kai's presence. When Kai is told that he received misinformation and took on a contract involving a child, he decides to help keep them safe instead. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of what Justin was seeing with Kai and Devlin but I am definitely interested in seeing that play out in another story.
Needless to say, things are good for these guys, and they definitely needed some peace after what they've each been through. We get a happy ending, closure on a number of fronts and while I am sad to say goodbye to Justin and Gabriel, this was a nice ending to a fun and exciting series that I'm sure fans of Ms. Drake will enjoy. You can't go wrong with any of Ms. Drake's series/books, but this would also make a great start for anyone looking for a new author to try.
Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
August 25, 2019
4.5 loved it - G Love & Justin had a perfect conclusion to their story ... looking forward to a Kai spin off ❤️
August 29, 2019
4.25 stars.
August 9, 2020
Series Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/02/04/...
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
August 15, 2025
Final Lover - Jocelynn Drake - (Washington mostly/Ohio)
Exit Strategy Series Book #3
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
Two assassins meet, don’t kill each other, and fall in love. It’s happily ever after, right? Not so fast. Reformed mercenaries Justin Mallory and Gabriel Prescott have taken the big leap of living together. They’re even working together. But “one last job” has them taking a falsely accused man and his young son into their home for safe keeping. While dodging bullets and fellow hitmen out for the $27 million bounty, Justin and his G Love realize that falling in love was the easy part. Building a life together might be more than they bargained for.
Justin And Gabriel have bought a house and have settled down...well...settled down as far as these two will ever be. They still take contracts, but they're working on the side of the "good guys" now.
The book starts out with a rather humorous scene where our heroes are taking out killers, in all their glorious fashion, in order to get to a drug dealer they need to kill...if that sounds harsh to you, that's what they do...or rather did... all the while they're killing bad guys they're discussing the renovations they want to make on the second bathroom in their new house. This may seem to you as a tad "unusual"...but if this isn't your first read in this series you know that this is just "normal" for them and it sets just the right "tone" for the book. They once discussed the merits of meatloaf vs. chicken while taking out a cartel.
While our two heroes are also discussing putting an end to this contract, they get a call about a man in trouble. There’s a $27 million price on his head, he’s on the run with his six year old son, and his husband has already been killed. Someone very much does not want him to finish his revolutionary research in alternative energy. Gabriel and Justin need to find him, keep him and his son alive, keep away any other assassins and figure out who took out the contract, to serve justice and make sure the man and his son stay safe. All a days work to these two...beat of all they're doing it all>i>together.
As usual, Jocelynne Drake does a fantastic job of setting the scene and developing the characters. Even the secondary characters get a sufficient level of development to make you feel like they really are an integral part to the story. If you have read the second book, you know our guys talked about buying a house...well, in this one they have bought the house and they now have, not one, but two...two dogs and two cats with very definite personalities. I love what this author has done with our two sexy heroes. Her writing is so clever. As always the story moves along well and there is a good blend of action, humor, emotions and feelings...everything a good romantic suspense story should have.
Also, what we would expect are great actions scenes...it has them. Snappy dialog...check! Assassin soul searching and a fantastic ending....right on target. Still, I am a bit sad...I hate to see this series come to an end because I really, really love these characters. The ending was a good way to wrap things up...it tied up the loose ends and left us with a sense that Justin and Gabriel will continue to have a wonderful life together while enjoying their well earned "happy ever after". If you want to check these guys out, you absolutely need to read the books in order to completely understand and appreciate the characters and their back stories. I'm happy that I have the books nestled on my bookshelf...so I can revisit them any time I want.
Exit Strategy Series Book #3
Genera: M/M Romance
5★
Two assassins meet, don’t kill each other, and fall in love. It’s happily ever after, right? Not so fast. Reformed mercenaries Justin Mallory and Gabriel Prescott have taken the big leap of living together. They’re even working together. But “one last job” has them taking a falsely accused man and his young son into their home for safe keeping. While dodging bullets and fellow hitmen out for the $27 million bounty, Justin and his G Love realize that falling in love was the easy part. Building a life together might be more than they bargained for.
Justin And Gabriel have bought a house and have settled down...well...settled down as far as these two will ever be. They still take contracts, but they're working on the side of the "good guys" now.
The book starts out with a rather humorous scene where our heroes are taking out killers, in all their glorious fashion, in order to get to a drug dealer they need to kill...if that sounds harsh to you, that's what they do...or rather did... all the while they're killing bad guys they're discussing the renovations they want to make on the second bathroom in their new house. This may seem to you as a tad "unusual"...but if this isn't your first read in this series you know that this is just "normal" for them and it sets just the right "tone" for the book. They once discussed the merits of meatloaf vs. chicken while taking out a cartel.
While our two heroes are also discussing putting an end to this contract, they get a call about a man in trouble. There’s a $27 million price on his head, he’s on the run with his six year old son, and his husband has already been killed. Someone very much does not want him to finish his revolutionary research in alternative energy. Gabriel and Justin need to find him, keep him and his son alive, keep away any other assassins and figure out who took out the contract, to serve justice and make sure the man and his son stay safe. All a days work to these two...beat of all they're doing it all>i>together.
As usual, Jocelynne Drake does a fantastic job of setting the scene and developing the characters. Even the secondary characters get a sufficient level of development to make you feel like they really are an integral part to the story. If you have read the second book, you know our guys talked about buying a house...well, in this one they have bought the house and they now have, not one, but two...two dogs and two cats with very definite personalities. I love what this author has done with our two sexy heroes. Her writing is so clever. As always the story moves along well and there is a good blend of action, humor, emotions and feelings...everything a good romantic suspense story should have.
Also, what we would expect are great actions scenes...it has them. Snappy dialog...check! Assassin soul searching and a fantastic ending....right on target. Still, I am a bit sad...I hate to see this series come to an end because I really, really love these characters. The ending was a good way to wrap things up...it tied up the loose ends and left us with a sense that Justin and Gabriel will continue to have a wonderful life together while enjoying their well earned "happy ever after". If you want to check these guys out, you absolutely need to read the books in order to completely understand and appreciate the characters and their back stories. I'm happy that I have the books nestled on my bookshelf...so I can revisit them any time I want.
August 16, 2019
The perfect end to the G-Love and Justin trilogy!
This was the low-angst, action-packed, super steamy conclusion I had hoped for. I'm so happy that Jocelynn didn't throw in unnecessary drama between Justin and Gabriel, because this book didn't need it. I thought the plot was really intriguing and left me very curious about how . As with all of Jocelynn's characters, I can really feel the love between Justin & Gabriel, which made their happily-ever-after even more satisfying. Another amazing read!
**I received an ARC of this book. I am under no obligation to review it, and all opinions are my own.
This was the low-angst, action-packed, super steamy conclusion I had hoped for. I'm so happy that Jocelynn didn't throw in unnecessary drama between Justin and Gabriel, because this book didn't need it. I thought the plot was really intriguing and left me very curious about how . As with all of Jocelynn's characters, I can really feel the love between Justin & Gabriel, which made their happily-ever-after even more satisfying. Another amazing read!
**I received an ARC of this book. I am under no obligation to review it, and all opinions are my own.
December 11, 2019
This concludes the trilogy of "Lover" books from Jocelynn Drake. It is not short on action and has plenty of the hot steamy stuff you expect from Drake. There is a lot of closure here and since I do NOT do spoilers, just know that no question will remain unanswered as our two semi-retired assassins try to help keep a man and his young son safe from a contract.
My only wish was that we got a bit more of the mysterious Marilyn.
My only wish was that we got a bit more of the mysterious Marilyn.
August 17, 2019
Amazing. Simply amazing
I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for Gabriel and Justin. I seriously need to get an extra epilogue for a look into the future because I need to see them with kids. I’m also officially obsessed with the idea of Kai and Devlin and I need to get their story as soon as possible. This was simply an amazing series!!!
I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for Gabriel and Justin. I seriously need to get an extra epilogue for a look into the future because I need to see them with kids. I’m also officially obsessed with the idea of Kai and Devlin and I need to get their story as soon as possible. This was simply an amazing series!!!
August 15, 2019
Perfect end to an awesome series. But I need more Justin and G Love! And maybe Kai? Spin-off, anyone? ❤️❤️❤️
September 20, 2019
5 stars for Justin and his G Love.
August 24, 2019
This book really brings Justin and Gabriel's story to an end in a great way. We start off with them discussing their new home and changes they want to make. Then work intrudes and as much as they don't want to work their morals won't let them pass up this job as it has an innocent kid involved.
Things picked up when the guys found the man and child and started to protect them. I found it funny how much the little boy threw Justin and Gabriel, the amount of "stuff" a kid needs, the bathroom breaks, the always being busy, the questions, things they weren't prepared for at all. Being around the man and kid also made both Justin and Gabriel start to question their own relationship, was there more, did they want more, some great things for the reader to see.
I hated the action at the end of this one, mostly because it seemed like they were safe, the bad guys defeated, but they came back and did so with a vengeance. It ended well in the end, but for a few moments I wondered.
I loved the ending, loved all of the surprises around and know that Justin and Gabriel will be living their HEA.
Things picked up when the guys found the man and child and started to protect them. I found it funny how much the little boy threw Justin and Gabriel, the amount of "stuff" a kid needs, the bathroom breaks, the always being busy, the questions, things they weren't prepared for at all. Being around the man and kid also made both Justin and Gabriel start to question their own relationship, was there more, did they want more, some great things for the reader to see.
I hated the action at the end of this one, mostly because it seemed like they were safe, the bad guys defeated, but they came back and did so with a vengeance. It ended well in the end, but for a few moments I wondered.
I loved the ending, loved all of the surprises around and know that Justin and Gabriel will be living their HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2019
4.5 STARS
This was my fave of the series! It was the perfect blend of action and sweet moments. These two together are sweet and HOT. I loved the relationship progression and surprise at the end. I can't wait for Devlin and Kai's story!
This was my fave of the series! It was the perfect blend of action and sweet moments. These two together are sweet and HOT. I loved the relationship progression and surprise at the end. I can't wait for Devlin and Kai's story!
September 29, 2024
The Final book in the series and I was very happy with the end. Great characters, both MC's and on the periphery. 5 hot, sexy, action packed stars.
June 7, 2021
Gabriel and Justin, once again becoming involved with a rescue job, unable to say no. To save a good man and his son, they are once again thrust in the thick of danger.
Nicely written (as always). Gabriel and Justin are wonderful characters. The author has given the (ex) hitmen a depth that has developed over the series length. Action is good and has a realism I enjoy. The MC’s snark is sometimes over the top but so are the characters so it all flows fine.
Good series.
I received an arc of this book.
Nicely written (as always). Gabriel and Justin are wonderful characters. The author has given the (ex) hitmen a depth that has developed over the series length. Action is good and has a realism I enjoy. The MC’s snark is sometimes over the top but so are the characters so it all flows fine.
Good series.
I received an arc of this book.
June 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this one. I liked seeing Justin and Gabriel's attempt at having a normal life. Of course this leads to them taking on a job to protect a man and his son who are being targeted and yet are total innocents. I liked seeing these guys interact with not only a "normal" human, but also his child. Neither Justin or Gabriel were really prepared for the feelings that would stir up and the kind of disruption it would be to their space. But once they'd gone there and opened themselves up to someone else...oh but it was lovely. These two aren't just isolated operatives anymore. They integrating back in with the world and there's a whole host of people who care about them now. I enjoyed their pets and their friendly neighbors. These guys are living a real life that only sometimes needs their specific expertise. I love seeing them happy and am totally interested in Kai now, this is going to be a great head on collision. :)
August 18, 2021
Fantastic finale
This was another beautiful love story with this lovely mm couple.
I must say I love this authors work and plan to read all their books on KU.
This was an easy 5 stars from me.
This was another beautiful love story with this lovely mm couple.
I must say I love this authors work and plan to read all their books on KU.
This was an easy 5 stars from me.
September 21, 2021
I think this was the best book yet in the series ❤ I wish the other 2 were on audible too...
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