I'll Stand By You

Alex Drakos #8

by Mallory Monroe

Alex Drakos and Kari Grant-Drakos are celebrating wonderful news. Kari is pregnant with their first child together and Alex could not be more excited. Those bad weather days that once clouded their relationship appeared poised to break.
But their enemies weren’t waiting for the weather to break. When news spread about the pregnancy, they knew it would be far tougher to pry Kari away from Alex, and thereby make inroads into his fortune for themselves, if they didn’t act and act as if their lives depended on it.

They came for Kari with both barrels blazing.

From scandalous allegations that threatened her freedom, to a woman from Alex’s past seeking to right wrongs he didn’t know existed, to serious and credible threats to Kari’s very life: they came out of the woodwork.

But they came for the wrong woman.

Because billionaire industrialist Alex Drakos, the head of the Drakos empire and a man who would lay down his life for his family and destroy anybody who sought to destroy them, was having none of it.

If they were coming for Kari, he was coming for them.

In the latest episode of the Alex Drakos Romantic Suspense Thriller series, Alex gives a master class in what it truly means to stand by your woman, and to take no prisoners at the same time.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2020

About the author

Mallory Monroe, a pseudonym of award-winning, bestselling literary author Teresa McClain-Watson, has well over a hundred bestselling books under her name. They include MaeBelle Marie, the Alex Drakos Romantic Suspense series, the Oz Drakos series, the Reno Gabrini (Mob Boss) series, the Mick Sinatra series, the Sal Gabrini series, the Tommy Gabrini series, the Big Daddy Sinatra series, the Trevor Reese series, the Rags to Romance series, the Teddy Sinatra series, the Boone and Charly series, the Monk Paletti series, the President's Boyfriend series, and the President's Girlfriend/Dutch and Gina series. She has also worked as an executive editor for many years and as an investigator for three. Recently widowed, she has attended Florida State University, Florida A & M. University, the University of North Florida, and the University of Mississippi at Oxford Summer Law Institute. A law school dropout, she holds a Master's degree in history and education and credits God Almighty for ALL of her success. Visit mallorymonroebooks.com or austinbrookpublishing.com for updates and more information on all of her titles. See also amazon.com/author/teresamcclainwatson.

Reviews

[Nancy L Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plenty of Action....But!!

I have 1question, in the end....did Alex get the money??? There was non-stop action from start to finish. I loved it!! But my question is the only hold ( I felt) was left in the whole story

[Lynda Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Man

So in this installment Alex and his lady Kari is once again being targeted by haters in the worst ways....by people in his innermost circle.....they have been carrying this hatred for years.....and years....but wait...there's more....now they have colluded with new enemies...no no no....not the Russians😜....now they are targeting Kari 100 percent...just to get Alex to leave her due to news that can threaten his empire....but Alexio is no chump....he rather lose the world than lose his Kari....especially since she's about to expand his future.......diaper time..

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one day! Whew! Mallory Monroe has done it again! I love Alex Drakos and his brother Oz and of course, Kari! I suspected (not giving the story away) that the person behind trying to hurt Kari, was who it was! Amazing! This is truly a must read! Also, I enjoy the comedy in the story as well especially with Oz. I hope that Oz and Gloria will have another book on them and the progress in their relationship. A very good book!

[Brenda Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Good and Suspenseful Interracial Romantic Thriller

Alex Drakos: I' ll Stand By You is a very good and suspenseful interracial romantic thriller that earned a rating of five stars . Alex and Karena are having a baby and after their announcement to friends and family all hell broke loose. Alex and Kari had to fight for their lives and their love. This installment of the Alex Drakos series is just as exciting and enjoyable to read as the other episodes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading very good suspenseful romantic thrillers.

[Kashi Ashley-Ann Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read.

[sjoyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Standing By Kari

Alex and Kari have to deal with someone not happy that they're together. There's always a woman out to get Kari because she got Alex or was there a different set of characters out to get Alex by bringing Kari down? Would they be successful this time or would Alex stand by Kari? Would Alex leave Kari because of the drama or would he understand what was going?

This is one of the best Drakos' novel. There were very few editing errors in this book. This wasn't just the usual interracial romance but was a romantic suspense thriller, full of action, drama and intrigue. The sex was over the top as usual for Alex and Kari. As a side note, there's the ongoing romance between Gloria Sinatra and Oz Drakos. Will Oz give up his bigger than life playboy style for Gloria?

There were some loose ends that kept me from rating this a five star. What game was Herman Sloan, the Drakos' Events Coordinator, playing? Was he really all in for Kari and Alex? Was he the witness that Priska thought would hear a commotion and back up her claim that it was Kari who attacked her? Were the Clarke's in it for the money or was revenge a factor? Why would Glickman, the Drakos' Chief Negotiator, work against Alex and Kari? I was left with too many questions even though it could have easily been a five star read.

[Lanetta Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I just do not understand why Karen was drinking twice in this book when everyone knows once you find out your pregnant drinking alcohol is Off limits. Just food for thought.

[Tella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!!!!!

I just love this series of books I hoping this this not the last one. I need to know what happen to Dez and all them other maids. How is Alex doing with been a new father. Is the hotel and casino doing better. Is Oz getting his love life together. Is J getting a car. There is so much more needed to be told.....

[Mary Ecoleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Alex and Kari's story. They go thru ups and downs but make to together. This story was a little slow and dragged out, and was a bit hard to stick to in the early chapters. Story lined picks up after the half way point and takes off. I really am glad that the author is starting to phase out Kari's friends because they are not true to her and are adding little to the story line with the exception of being naysayers. Benny is the only true friend to both Kari and Alex.

[Vivian Byfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

As always a good read, enjoy Alex and Kari's journey. New life how nice. Good his author does not disappoint, enjoying this series

[cyta billingy]

Ten stars

If I could give this book ten stars I would. Ms. Monroe is a master storyteller who writes action packed, exciting stories about this family that readers will fall in love with. I love the rapport between Alex and Oz . The love between these two is evident. The touches of humor had me in stitches . I love this family and can't wait for the next installment. WELL DONE!! I highly recommend this book you will not be disappointed.

[Connie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one

Thumbs up for this book. As usual it's got the right amount of everything, drama, intrigue, and jealously to keep you glued to your seat. I really like this author and will continue to purchase her books.

[Mildred Carter Grueninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non stop action start to finish and for me a big surprise I never would have guessed someone that close to them would go that far. The last scene was funny and crazy. I'm looking forward to more of Oz and Gloria.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

They thought they knew him

They just knew their plan would work to finally get rid of Kari Grant Drakos out of Alex Drakos' life. They wanted his money, they wanted his power, they wanted his influence, they wanted him but Kari was in the way. What they didn't know was that billionaire industrial magnet, Alexio Drakos really loved his Karena and her son he adopted, Jordan. They were the best people to ever come into his life that made him a better man. Jordan was a better child than his two own spoiled biological brats. Now that Kari was pregnant, he wondered what kind of father he would be to this new life. But he knew that Kari, the woman, and mother she already was, he and this new baby would be fine.

Poor Oz still has to get his life together. He wants his cake and eat it too. He wants Gloria but he just does not know how to go about wooing a woman he's truly interested in. He still has some maturing to do. Glo's not putting up with his half-heartedness. She can't be bothered until he puts forth more of an effort to commit more time together.

Mallory, as always, adds lots of suspense and action in her stories. I just could not believe who was ultimately behind the "takedown Kari at all cost" plans. It goes to prove that good help is hard to find in more ways than one. Even people you think are your long time employees and friends turned for money. I wanted to hear about what happened to all those maids that made that faux claim. Alex was madder and hotter than a firecracker and was ready to suit everyone involved. He wasn't spending a penny for anyone trying to take out his wife. That was what the perpetrator did not count on. He fought for Kari. Their plan A, B, C and D failed. I just love how Mallory writes about these bad-tempered powerful playboy men that are just putty for that one woman he loves and would protect her against all who would dare to harm her. I just love, love, loved this story. I never would have guessed who the mastermind was behind this tale.They just knew their plan would work to finally get rid of Kari Grant Drakos out of Alex Drakos' life. They wanted his money, they wanted his power, they wanted his influence, they wanted him but Kari was in the way. What they didn't know was that billionaire industrial magnet, Alexio Drakos really loved his Karena and her son he adopted, Jordan. They were the best people to ever come into his life that made him a better man. Jordan was a better child than his two own spoiled biological brats. Now that Kari was pregnant, he wondered what kind of father he would be to this new life. But he knew that Kari, the woman, and mother she already was, he and this new baby would be fine.

Poor Oz still has to get his life together. He wants his cake and eat it too. He wants Gloria but he just does not know how to go about wooing a woman he's truly interested in. He still has some maturing to do. Glo's not putting up with his half-heartedness. She can't be bothered until he puts forth more of an effort to commit more time together.

Mallory, as always, adds lots of suspense and action in her stories. I just could not believe who was ultimately behind the "takedown Kari at all cost" plans. It goes to prove that good help is hard to find in more ways than one. Even people you think are your long time employees and friends turned for money. I wanted to hear about what happened to all those maids that made that faux claim. Alex was madder and hotter than a firecracker and was ready to suit everyone involved. He wasn't spending a penny for anyone trying to take out his wife. That was what the perpetrator did not count on. He fought for Kari. Their plan A, B, C and D failed. I just love how Mallory writes about these bad-tempered powerful playboy men that are just putty for that one woman he loves and would protect her against all who would dare to harm her. I just love, love, loved this story. I never would have guessed who the mastermind was behind this tale.

[L S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Alex and Karena are my favourite characters. I liked this one because it showed a fragile side of all characters including Oz who is one of my favourite characters.

[Tracy Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

OMG 😲WTF😒
Who is this chick and who is the publisher.
Oh and I want my money back!
Not to be grotesque but I don't remember my sex or breasts being red after pleasure! Do any of you that sounds kinda scary to me! Mallory Monroe has worked my nerves for the absolute last time!
I cannot believe how quickly that baby came. And Alex delivering his own daughter, without Kari, whose doing the delivering without a sound. No labor pain at all. And Oz and Jordan, passing out...priceless😁😮. This book was not one of the finest by a long shot. For one, Kari didn't stop drinking, while pregnant. She was drinking whiskey in one science weeks or maybe less after she found out that she was pregnant. And then again she was sipping wine on her Penthouse terrace. Not once did she say no I can't because I'm PREGNANT!!! She even drank coffee! Not once did she say DECAF, because I 'm PREGNANT!!! WTF?! What message were they trying to say here, it's ok to drink alcohol, and regular coffee while pregnant?! With that being said, the storyline. Lack luster. The plot had too many loose ends. Like why did Kari forgive her Office Mgr, Dez so easily for lying and throwing her under the bus?! Nothing came of it. She was just forgotten for telling such a horrendous lie on Kari. And Dillon Glickman, Alex's Chief Negotiator, back stabbing him, then get shot. Another loose end, as to why he crossed Alex his boss, in the first place. And Priska Rahm, Alex Executive Assistant, just came right out of left field as the villain. It's like she was an after thought. They just threw her in there because they ran out of ideas. The only good scene in this story was the ones with Oz. You just gotta love him. I hope that he and Gloria gets to work out their differences. Because I like them together. He just have to come to his own realization that she's the one and he's truly in love. And stop his flirting ways with the ladies. I love all this Author 's books especially the ones with the Gabrini and the Sinatra families. Even this series, until this book. What a let down?! Just not one of it's finest moment in this series. Not feeling it. Plus I wish that they could finally let Jordan get a growth spurt like most children and a new decent fitting pair of glasses that fits his face "Yeesh". So she will quit saying he is a teenager who looks like an 11 year old boy and he doesn't have to keep pushing up his glasses on his nose in every scene of every book. I am not looking forward to the next book, that's coming out. I am not feeling good about this author.

[Patricia H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Omg 😲

I cannot believe how quickly that baby came. And Alex delivering his own dai.ughter, without Kari, whose doing the delivering without a sound. No labor pain at all. And Oz and Jordan, passing out...priceless😁😮. This book was not one of the finest by a long shot. For one, Kari didn't stop drinking, while pregnant. She was drinking whiskey in one science weeks or maybe less after she found out that she was pregnant. And then again she was sipping wine on her Penthouse terrace. Not once did she say no I can't because I'm PREGNANT!!! She even drank coffee! Not once did she say DECAF, because I 'm PREGNANT!!! WTF?! What message were they trying to say here, it's ok to drink alcohol, and regular coffee while pregnant?! With that being said, the storyline. Lack luster. The plot had too many loose ends. Like why did Kari forgive her Office Mgr, Dez so easily for lying and throwing her under the bus?! Nothing came of it. She was just forgotten for telling such a horrendous lie on Kari. And Dillon Glickman, Alex's Chief Negotiator, back stabbing him, then get shot. Another loose end, as to why he crossed Alex his boss, in the first place. And Priska Rahm, Alex Executive Assistant, just came right out of left field as the villain. It's like she was an after thought. They just threw her in there because they ran out of ideas. The only good scene in this story was the ones with Oz. You just gotta love him. I hope that he and Gloria gets to work out their differences. Because I like them together. He just have to come to his own realization that she's the one and he's truly in love. And stop his flirting ways with the ladies. I love all this Author 's books especially the ones with the Gabrini and the Sinatra families. Even this series, until this book. What a let down?! Just not one of it's finest moment in this series. Not feeling it. Plus I wish that they could finally get Jordan a pair of glasses that fits his face. So he doesn't have to keep pushing up his glasses on his nose in every scene of every book. Looking forward to the next book, that's coming out. I need to feel good about this author again.

[Avid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant update on Kari and Alex Drakos

Well written, deserved 5star rating given
Kari and Alex moving on in their life as hotel and casino moguls. Kari still running her Maids for Mom cleaning service and then she is attached unexpectedly. Great news for Alex and Kari expecting their first child together, Alex anxious he is not a good father, remembering his last attempt with his previous marriage and how his son and daughter behaved.

I liked Alex thinking that his last relationship/marriage with his children was due to being married to wrong woman and that having a child with Kari will be a lot different because of Kari and how she will raise their child, such confidence in his woman and such faith in her abilities to nurture and grow his offspring and he will be a better father as she is in his life to ensure this.

Oz is still the playboy even thou he wants Gloria in his life, Alex is trying to tell him what he needs to do to keep her but he is still being play boy Oz. He is a good support to Alex in time of crisis, a brother that stands firm with Alex when guns are needed.

Loved the story and what a quick birth of his daughter in the storyline! I look forward to hearing more from Drakos household and new baby! ;)

[Elizabeth Rogers? · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising!!!

Alex and Kari finally get their family,long overdue but finally .I was very disappointed in the number of people that had been in this series that betrayed a!ex and kari. I don't know who dez or priss hurt the most when it came to the betrayal. They came at the Drakos every way they could and they still didn't break them .I thought Alex lie about Julie was uncalled for even tho I get it but was it worth the distrust Kari now has for him worth it in the end.Oz has to get his stuff together if he wants to keep Goo and to keep Mick from killing his was about his daughter.Ok,let's talk about Jordan and we please get the kid contacts because I'm so sick of hearing about how he keeps pushing his glasses up on his nose.Let's be fair to,Kari announce that they were pregnant and has the baby all in the same book but Jordan seems like is need growing up in looks or in a mental compatibility either.Jordan starting to remind me of dommi gabrini in that sense.All in all another o e fails when it comes to messing with Alex Drakos.I can't wait to see what happens next with this series,I would highly recommend this series and any of mallory's books

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stand Together

I have that, it amazing how this author can take a character from the beginning of the series to 8 books later to find out who is behind all of the traps to get rid of Kari from Alex life. I had my suspicions of Priss from the beginning, especially after she spoke tHat I in the first book. I said this before I don't like how Kari continues to doubt Alex after he had proven over and over again how much he love her, it just shown her insure she was in her love for him, she and her friends containing on my nerve.

I am sure DayVon mother will show up at some point for revenge against Alex and kare, because she is going to blAme them for killing her beloved son, and now two of her other son's are dead. This only leave her with one son a d a nephew

[Caroline Bartee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tick Tock

I'm such a Drakos fan, I just love the brothers bond and their loyalty to one another. OZ and Gloria Sinatra, I can't wait to read

the next book on this couple. It such a shame about Priska, I really liked she a trusted friend and assistant to Alex and now

she's gone. Please never destroy Benny character in this story, I appreciate the love and respect he has for Kari and her marriage.

Till the next Drakos Book

[Theresa Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Did It Again!

Loved it! Loved the best in a while. I laughed until my nose was running. Is is a mess! I want him and Gloria to have their story. Big brother don't play when it comes with his family! The ending
D is the best I wish it was longer and Mallory went into more details about when Oz and the son woke up after passing out. Don't wait so long to release the next one.

[Jo Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Kari have a baby girl

The continuing drama of Alex and Karena. When playboy billionaire Alex Drakos married Black single mother Karena many people thought it would never last. But when it thrived they took steps to destroy Kari by murder or character assassination.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's the baby's name ????

This book kept me excited to read from start to finish. I literally busted out laughing when Oz passed out! Hilarious! Looking forward to the next installment 👏

[Debra Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not easy being married to Alex

Nothing but trouble being married to Alex but the problems get solved. Oz provided some funny and interesting moments. Can't wait for his emotional growth.

[Mae Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drakos

Very good story! The lengths people go to in order to get what isn't theirs is mind boggling. You can't force love on anyone. Great ending with the new addition to the family!

[Karan Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously good and surprising ending!

I loved the Alex Drakos series. They really developed the characters, and made me want to read all 7 books in the series. And I enjoyed them all tremendously.

[Diana La · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Drakos

Great series, I enjoyed all seven books, they were extremely exciting, mysteries at each turn. I can’t wait until I read the rest of Malloy’s books. Keep up the good work Girl.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this entire series, although this last addition felt a bit rushed to me. The story was good but some parts leave you with mixed emotions. Ready to see if this series continues, with the daughter that got away!

[Takashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read

This was an enjoyable book. Kari and Alex has been through so much but their love was still strong. This book depicts that it’s always the ones closest to you or the one you least expect who betrays you. I’m happy everything worked out fine for them in the end