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
Dear Ms Drake, You did NOT just do that to me..... You have once again put me through another Book Hangover thinking, "What did I just Read" and that ending HOLY COW!!!! Literally this book is full of emotions. Like heart stopping from Schmexy times to some intense action makes you worried/scared and thinking OH NO..... PHEW!!! I will have you know no matter how many times you got me going you also had me in tears of laughter. To end this letter.....TAG......now give me TANGO Love, Romance Reader Obsession
J. L. Drake will have you in tears. She will have you laughing and yelling did I just read that? This is by far the most heart wrenching story yet by her. Ivy and Ty will steal your heart as they stole mine. I could not put this book down for sure. If you want your heart ripped out and stomped on while also getting some good laughs and enjoying the love these characters have for each other this is a must read.
This deserves more than 5 stars! J.L. Drake!!!!! You completely ripped my heart out while blindsiding me with that ending!!! I am most definitely going to suffer from a book hangover for sure!!!! If you are reading the e-book version, be sure to have whatever you are reading it on flat and just stand and hover over it….or just make sure you have a good shatterproof case…my mind will BLEW and I dropped my phone!
Check the trigger warnings if you have any. This is the third book of this series, told in multiple first person POVs and leaves you on a cliffhanger.
I love that Ty and Ivy are getting closer, even when their past’s threaten to tear them apart. I love that they both are finding their “home” and growing closer with everyone. We were granted some answers from the previous book and left waiting for some more that I am curious to see the answers to.
Eric, the “villain” from the previous book had me intrigued from the get go. I have always wondered what goes through the mind of the bad guys and Eric was giving me that. Then my mind BLEW, I dropped my phone from shock and then yelled “oh shioot!” ( you know cause little ears were around 🤣) I had my suspicions about him, but it most definitely was not that!
I will close this review by saying I stand with Mark on the cookie debate as well as….TAG!!! Can’t wait for Tango!
These thoughts and opinions are my own and left voluntarily after reading for my own personal enjoyment.
Ivy and Ty continue to build on their relationship in this book. Their mission is to free one of their own that has been captured. Meantime, they both deal with problems from each of their pasts. Ty cares deeply for Ivy and protects her. You are on a roller coaster of emotions and the cliffhanger is a shocker! Can’t wait for the next book!
Nope, No, No - we did not just end on another cliffhanger?!? This is not fair I need to know what happens next immediately!!
If you thought Whiskey was a ride this is the next level! Ty and Ivy are now very much part of the Shadow’s family but they still have a lot of work out - both have their pasts which are impacting their now and possibly their future.
At the same time, Lexi has been taken by the Cartel and time is running out to save her. Eric is holding her on behalf of Castello but I knew there was more to his story when we met him in the last book.
And the ending. THE ENDING!!!
Yet again, this book had me gripped with the balance of intrigue, mystery, spice and storytelling.
Wow, Jodi has blown me away with this book. There is so much going on, Ty and Ivy are pulled in opposite directions not only by their exes but trouble from Ivy’s past. The Blackstone team are struggling with their own problems, Keith’s wife is still missing. Everyone is fighting to bring her home, and old friends from the past are brought in to help. Great nail biting book. Will be up to knuckles waiting on what happens next.
Completely and utterly SPEECHLESS! For someone known for her cliffhangers, she absolutely topped herself. It was great to get to know more about Ty and Ivy, visit with Blackstone and be pulled into all the drama going on in the house. To cap it, Trigger is getting involved as well! What more could you ask for?!?!?
I have a love cry relationship with this book, I love ty and Ivy, The way they fit right in with everybody in the house, the way ty is with Ivy and her past I love how we get a look from others on how the house operates and how all the kids wife’s pets and Blackstone men are doing! I don’t want to give to much away because you have to read it to believe it but the ending is where the love hate cry parts come in I personally loved the ending ( cliffhanger/ want to throw the book yes) but all in a good way because just wow Jodi you sure know how to keep us on our toes!
If you thought Whiskey left you reeling, just wait. Alpha takes it to a whole different level.
I've always wondered how the "vilians" in her story actually lived- weird I know. But man did it open up a whole new view to her world building. Alpha is a race to the finish, but watch out for that last leg, you might just end up broken.
Warning- put a shatter proof case on the device you might be reading this on!
What a journey! There was a lot going on in this book and it kept you hooked from start to finish.
We follow Ivy and Ty again to see their relationship grow and build and them fight their inner demons and struggles to lean on each other. Getting a look at their relationships within the house growing as well. Some stories closed and others are left wide open. I love their story and their relationship building.
Eric - oh my goodness ERIC. We find a member of Blackstone in trouble and Eric being in the center of it all. Working with the Mafia and knowing there had to be a back story to him. Seeing him fight his inner thoughts and demons.
You get to the end of this book and are left staring at the last words. I am still reeling after reading this! This book took you through all emotions- you laughed, you cried, you swooned, you had to put her knees together, you cried some more, and then in true Jodi fashion, you ended wanting to through your book/kindle/phone against the wall. This cliffhanger left you speechless or uttering a few WTFs, but I cannot wait for the rest of this story. We know Jodi can tear us apart but piece us back together again at the end.
I totally love the characters in this series, along with the ones mentioned from this author's other books.
Ty and Ivy, together are HOT!!! The chemistry is off the charts, they are so compatible and really care about each others well being. Ty is a new member at Blackstone, and Ivy is there for protection; she is a psychiatrist and in need of help with a stalker, Ty is having a problem with a ex member of a team he led in Afghanistan - and Ivy has the means to get him some answers.
Along with those problems, Keith's estranged wife, Lexi, is missing, and targeted by the Cartel. The team is mobilized, but come up empty - this has put a dark cloud over the group - they won't stop, but surprises pop up when least expected - you just never know who is who, and where connections past, present and future are leading.
Once again, the end of the book brought a cliffhanger :( my jaw hits the floor.......
I’ve been reading JL Drake for years and Alpha’s ending is by far the most shocking cliffhanger. But before that… Alpha’s three points of view gives the reader unique perspectives as the story unfolds, especially through the eyes of the villain. Ty and Ivy continue to grow while dealing with their pasts and trying to fit in at Shadows. But nothing will prepare you for the ending. Enjoy!
Another wonderful book created in this world. I actually had to reread some parts of this book, like ‘what did I just read? Really?’. It was amazing, add some tears and even some inside yelling. These books just keep getting better and better, and this ending, I couldn’t believe I was already at the end of the book. I need more, I need answers… Just pick up this series and start reading them.
From the very first book, Broken J.L Drake has been building a team, a family, and a hell of a good story. Alpha starts off with us wondering what is going to happen to a very important member of that family. The story that unfolds is mindblowing. It's a long twisting road of emotions, and it's exactly what it should be. The huge curve ball this author threw at the readers has you questioning everything you thought you knew, and all at the moment that she leaves us with that signature cliff hanger!! I am shook, mind blown, well played!
Wow, all I can say is that I have been on roller coaster rides that have less twists and turns. Alpha will take you on a deliciously addicting adventure Grab your favorite drink and sit back and enjoy the ride.
Immersing myself in the Blackstone world again to learn more about Ivy and Ty. Their chemistry is off the charts, but they both have issues keeping them from commitment. Adding in the Lexi element to the story let's us welcome some much loved Devil's Reach and a touch of Capri mafia that we all love. I have to say that I always expect the infamous cliffhangers from JL Drake, but this one took the cake! I literally stared at my book with my mouth hanging open, speechless!!
There is no way I can possibly write a review that will do justice to what I just read. Alpha is raw, emotional, gritty, heart-pounding, intense, bone-chilling, action-packed, and one hell of a ride. I had tears falling down my face as I finished the last page. While being fully immersed in this book, I had moments where I laughed and others where I just about chewed my nails off from the suspense. If I had been reading a physical copy of the book, I might have thrown it across the room. I needed a box of tissues for the heartbreaking moments that were both happy and sad. All I can tell you is this: Get ready to feel every freaking emotion there is when you read Alpha.
Book three in the Dark Water series, I swear each book is better that the last. Alpha will have you laughing, squealing, and possibly throwing your kindle/book once or twice. I would highly suggest having a shatter proof case if you plan on reading this on your kindle. Be prepared to have your heart ripped out and stomped on and let's not forget that book hangover you are likely to have as well. I'm pretty sure I said "WTF" like 10 times after that cliffhanger. Ugh, I need Tango immediately.
This book continues the story of Ty Beckett. He and Ivy are still dancing around their feelings. Lots of action and intrigue in this one. More to come I am afraid.
4.25stars--ALPHA is the third instalment in JL Drake’s contemporary, adult DARK WATER romantic suspense series, a spin off series, interconnected with the author’s BLACKSTONE and BROKEN worlds. This is the continuing story of Major Ty Beckett, and psychiatrist Dr. Ivy Knight. ALPHA should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two WHISKEY, referencing numerous past missions and plot lines, as well as focusing on the embattled relationship between Lexi and Keith (ESCAPE: Blackstone series 2).
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from three first person perspectives (Ty, Ivy and Eric) ALPHA follows in the aftermath of the abduction of one of their own, and the return of Major Ty Beckett to the team at Blackstone at the Shadows. Dr. Ivy Knight is working temporarily with the Blackstone Special Ops team, at one of their safehouses known as the Shadows but her relationship with Major Ty Beckett is struggling in the face of his inability to let go of the past, a past that wants something more from our story line hero. Meanwhile, a Code Red has been activated, one of their own is missing, and the team is struggling to get information on the who, why or how. The Mexican Cartel is once again taking aim at the Blackstone Operatives, abducting and threatening anyone who gets in the way.
The world building continues to focus on the previous missions, sins of the past, and a need for vengeance against the Blackstone team. I would strongly recommend reading the previous two books in the Dark Water series, and if able, reading ESCAPE (Blackstone 2) and the author’s BROKEN trilogy. Several of the events in the current timelines are as of a direct result from the events in the aforementioned books/series .
The relationship between Ivy and Ty is one of second chances, of a sort. At any given point Ty Beckett is on the run, into danger and precarious situations, often forgetting about the people he has left behind. Ivy continues to struggle with Ty’s need to save everyone else, a need that is a constant pressure to save our story line heroine. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and dynamic characters most of whom were introduced and played a significant role in both the BLACKSTONE series and BROKEN trilogy. The past refuses to let go; vengeance is an obsession; betrayal may come at the cost of someone’s life.
ALPHA is a complex, detailed and dramatic story of secrets and lies, power and control, obsession and vengeance, understanding and love. The premise is edgy and intense; the romance is seductive but struggles in the face of mistrust; the characters are desperate and broken. ALPHA ends on a cliff hanger-there is no happily ever after at this point in the series.
This book is a continuation of the Dark Water Series and continues to follow the relationship between Dr. Ivy Knight and Major Ty Beckett as well as other members of their team and Blackstone. The previous books need to be read in order and I do not recommend reading the review unless you have read the previous books.
I am really enjoying this story as we watch Ivy and Ty really start to figure out what they want from each other and how they feel about a real relationship.
This book gets really tense when one of their own is taken and Blackstone is forced into Code Red as everyone must play their part and keep safe.
At the same time Ivy must confront her past as she knows it’s the only way she will keep safe yet she is surprised when an individual comes to her confronting her with the past and she has to walk a real fine line in order to keep certain people safe.
Ty is still struggling with his own past and the rumors that are beginning with the past death of his best friend, Brown. Can Ty deal with everything he is up against while treading a fine line when he knows what is being said against him.
Then will someone help figure out what is happening in Mexico? Will Frank’s contact be able to do what they need to without anyone getting hurt?
This book is so full of action and tense moments that you want more and more!
This book is a continuation of the Dark Water Series and continues to follow the relationship between Dr. Ivy Knight and Major Ty Beckett as well as other members of their team and Blackstone. The previous books need to be read in order and I do not recommend reading the review unless you have read the previous books.
I am really enjoying this story as we watch Ivy and Ty really start to figure out what they want from each other and how they feel about a real relationship.
This book gets really tense when one of their own is taken and Blackstone is forced into Code Red as everyone must play their part and keep safe.
At the same time Ivy must confront her past as she knows it’s the only way she will keep safe yet she is surprised when an individual comes to her confronting her with the past and she has to walk a real fine line in order to keep certain people safe.
Ty is still struggling with his own past and the rumors that are beginning with the past death of his best friend, Brown. Can Ty deal with everything he is up against while treading a fine line when he knows what is being said against him.
Then will someone help figure out what is happening in Mexico? Will Frank’s contact be able to do what they need to without anyone getting hurt?
This book is so full of action and tense moments that you want more and more!
Get ready for the roller coaster ride of your life… With the 3rd story in the Dark Water Series we get reunited with the men, wives, kids and those who run the Blackstone compound. New members join, Ivy is a welcome addition who easily fits in battling her own secrets and Ty joins to head up a second team and these two build a relationship with each other giving and taking what they need with a genuine heart of love for one another. When the unexpected trouble comes to one of their own things get crazy with trying to get them back safely and Ivy’s past appears front and center adding more pressure and unknowns. You will not be able to put this story down until you have fully read it then you’ll be blown away with how it ends and be sitting their wondering what the heck you just read! No it can’t be true?!? J.L. what have you done, this is absolutely an AMAZING AND INCREDIBLE story and Series! These men and women brought together to rid the evilness away are a wonderful, funny and loving family with a sprinkle of mischievous!
Alpha is book 3 in J.L. Drakes Dark Water series. It continues where book 2 Whiskey left off; Alpha continues with Dr. Ivy Knight and Major Ty Beckett. Their chemistry is sizzling but like all relationships, both Ivy and Ty are having issues. They both have enemies to face and Ty’s enemy is tied to his past, a past that shows up in Shadows territory. Can Ty and Ivy find their way back to each other or will this be the end of their relationship….?
Then One of Shadows own has been kidnapped…
While the shadows are scrambling to find more info and bring back one of their own. The cartel is brewing… The house of Shadows activated code red.
Eric (Mystery guy) is he friend or Foe?
All is not what it seems..
J.L. Drake will take you on one hell of a rollercoaster ride, so buckle up butter cup and hold tight. Alpha will have you twisting and turning from the very beginning to end.
P.S. The Cliffhanger will have you flabbergasted!
Dark Water series is interconnected with Broken Trilogy and Blackstone Series.
I love the Dark Water Series by J.L. Drake, and Alpha did not disappoint. It was a page turner and full of action, danger, and as always great characters.
I love Ty and Ivy and their story was perfect. This story had some twists that surprised me, but not all of them were in a bad way. I can't wait to read the rest of this series to come. I hope that J. L. Drake continues to write her dark, twisted stories and shares them.
Ivy is ready to put her past trauma behind her. However, she'll have to revisit some of it to put it to rest. She'll have help though and it could make her stronger in the end. Ty and Ivy have some hurdles to overcome, but they are both strong and determined.
I love J.L. Drake's stories and characters. While sometimes they break your heart, she has a way of healing it in a later book at times too. This is one reason why I love her books. I can't wait to read more.
Note: I recommend reading J.L. Drake's previous series. You may find her recommendation reading order on her website.
I loved this book! I could give a ton of reasons why, however some would be spoilers and I don't do those.
I love how her series and how characters intertwine throughout her "worlds". It's great visiting and getting updates on the Blackstone family and watching it grow is what J.L. Drake does fabulously.
Alpha does have some important topics that are touched on including mental health and human trafficking. These topics need to be discussed, in books and our communities. Thank you J.L. Drake for taking these subjects and bringing awareness to them.
I fell in love with all these characters and the ending...it's definitely her trademark, which is what I love the most.
This was absolutely brilliant. The plot was so good and the different characters really made it a must read. There was several layers to this book. Firstly, therapist Ivy who was with Blackstone agent Ty. Then there is human trafficker Eric holding Keith's ex wife for sale. Also the investigation Ty is doing on ex special forces buddies Hill and Rivera. Top that with all the non stop, fast paced action, drama, danger and suspense. I really enjoyed the special moments between Ivy and Ty that both added depth to their characters but also to the story. So well written, and even though it's the first book I've read in the series or by this Author, it was an easy read. I can't wait for more!!
The relationship between Ty and Ivy continues to strengthen but they have so many challenges to overcome. When a teammate’s loved one is in danger Ty doesn’t hesitate to jump in and try to help which leaves Ivy trying to do what she can to assist.
They find themselves not only dealing with their pasts but the clear danger in the present and it will take every member of the team if they are to emerge unscathed.
The characters are compelling, and the storyline is filled with so much suspense, chemistry and emotion that will captive you from beginning to end and leave you wanting more of this fabulous series.
Blackstone Special Ops always make for an excellent reading experience. We have Dr. Ivy Knight who currently needs protection, but in the meantime is providing counseling services to those around her. There is romantic interest with Ty, but both have unfinished business before they can consider moving forward.
The Cartel has taken a "Blackstone wife". They want Blackstone's location to remove them as a threat. Their choice of captive becomes a challenge for them.
Gritty and exciting, there are many layers of storyline to be found here - all worth devouring.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****