Tag Archives: Masters and Mercenaries

Lexi Blake Multi-Authored Masters & Mercenaries Cross Over Series- Review Tour

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Lexi Blake Multi-Authored Masters and Mercenaries Cross Over Series-Review Tour

A note from Lexi Blake…

Who doesn’t love a crossover? I know that for me there’s always been something magical about two fictional words blending and meeting in a totally unexpected way. For years the only medium that has truly done it well and often is comic books. Superman vs. Batman in a fight to the finish. Marvel’s Infinite Universe. There’s something about two crazy worlds coming together that almost makes them feel more real. Like there’s this brilliant universe filled with fictional characters and they can meet and talk, and sometimes they can fall in love.

I’m a geek. I go a little crazy when Thor meets up with Iron Man or The Flash and Arrow team up.

So why wouldn’t we do it in Romanceland?

There are ways out there. A writer can write in another author’s world, giving you her take on it. There’s some brilliant fanfiction out there, but I wanted something different. I wanted to take my time and gradually introduce these characters from other worlds, bring you in slowly so you don’t even realize what I’m doing. So you think this is McKay-Taggart, nothing odd here. Except there is…

Welcome to the Lexi Blake Crossover Collection.

••••••••••

NOTE: My reviews cover CLOSE COVER, JUSTIFY ME, HIS TO PROTECT and RESCUING SADIE

CLOSE COVER
(Masters and Mercenaries #16)
by Lexi Blake

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

To read the first chapter, click here.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10,2018

Remy Guidry doesn’t do relationships. He tried the marriage thing once, back in Louisiana, and learned the hard way that all he really needs in life is a cold beer, some good friends, and the occasional hookup. His job as a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart gives him purpose and lovely perks, like access to Sanctum. The last thing he needs in his life is a woman with stars in her eyes and babies in her future.

Lisa Daley’s life is finally going in the right direction. She has finally graduated from college after years of putting herself through school. She’s got a new job at an accounting firm and she’s finished her Sanctum training. Finally on her own and having fun, her life seems pretty perfect. Except she’s lonely and the one man she wants won’t give her a second look.

There is one other little glitch. Apparently, her new firm is really a front for the mob and now they want her dead. Assassins can really ruin a fun girls’ night out. Suddenly strapped to the very same six-foot-five-inch hunk of a bodyguard who makes her heart pound, Lisa can’t decide if this situation is a blessing or a curse.

As the mob closes in, Remy takes his tempting new charge back to the safest place he knows—his home in the bayou. Surrounded by his past, he can’t help wondering if Lisa is his future. To answer that question, he just has to keep her alive.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: CLOSE COVER is the sixteenth full-length instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for the McKay-Taggart and Knight Security Agency. This is security specialist Remy Guidry, and twenty-nine year old accountant Lisa Daley’s story line. CLOSE COVER is part of the Lexi Blake multi-authored cross-over series. CLOSE COVER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: CLOSE COVER is an erotic romance story line with sexually explicit, light BDSM scenarios that may not be suited for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lisa and Remy) CLOSE COVER focuses on the building relationship, a second chance romance between accountant / submissive Lisa Daley, and security specialist /Dominant Remy Guidry. Months earlier Lisa offered herself as submissive to Remy Guidry but our hero wasn’t interested breaking Lisa’s heart in the process but desperate times call for desperate measures, and Lisa is the primary witness in a money laundering case, and Remy has drawn the short straw to protect the woman that calls to his heart. What ensues is the re-building relationship between Remy and Lisa, and the potential fall-out as their time together draws to a close.

Remy doesn’t do relationships: with a failed marriage, and a crazy family back in the Bayou of Louisiana, Remy was putting in time until he could return home and take over the family bar. Lisa has struggled since reporting her boss for laundering money for the mob, struggled in more ways than one, and with no money our heroine was desperate to make ends meet but what she never expected was to find the man that she loved offering her a second chance-with an end date and short term contract.

The relationship between Lisa and Remy is one of second chances. Lisa was humiliated and heartbroken when Remy refused her offer of submission but Remy knows his time in Texas is limited as he heads back to the Bayou, and the family he left behind. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense with some light BDSM scenarios including rope play.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including many of the couples from the earlier instalments as well as DS Maia Brighton, Dom and Top’s bar manager Lincm and bodyguard Shane Landon. CLOSE COVER brings together the characters we love as the author heads into her new spin –off focusing on the Lost Boys.

CLOSE COVER is an edgy and sexy story line with a sassy heroine, and a driven hero. The premise is intense and dramatic; the romance is emotional and provocative; the characters are familiar, sensual and inspiring. CLOSE COVER is a thrilling and exquisite ride.

Follow Lexi Blake: FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

____________

JUSTIFY ME
(Stark International / Masters and Mercenaries Crossover Collection)
by J. Kenner

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2018

McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade has no intention of returning to Los Angeles after his brief stint as a consultant on mega-star Lyle Tarpin’s latest action flick. Not even for Natasha Black, Tarpin’s sexy personal assistant who’d gotten under his skin. Why would he, when Tasha made it absolutely clear that—attraction or not—she wasn’t interested in a fling, much less a relationship.

But when Riley learns that someone is stalking her, he races to her side. Determined to not only protect her, but to convince her that—no matter what has hurt her in the past—he’s not only going to fight for her, he’s going to win her heart. Forever.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: JUSTIFY ME by J. Kenner is a contemporary, adult, erotic, romantic suspense novella in the author’s Stark International series that crosses over with Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series. This is McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade, and PA Natasha Black’s story line. For fans of Kenner’s Stark series, we were first introduced to Natasha and Riley in Wicked Dirty.

Told from first person point of view (Natasha), and third person perspective (Riley) JUSTIFY ME follows the rekindling romance between Hollywood PA Natasha Black, and McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade. On a layover at LAX Riley will discover that the woman from his past, Natasha Black, has been targeted by an unknown stalker. Not leaving anything to chance, Riley volunteers his time and knowledge to protect the woman he has always loved. What ensues is the second chance relationship between our leading couple, and the potential fall-out as Natasha’s stalker makes good on their threats.

JUSTIFY ME is a quick, erotic read with some light BDSM sexual scenarios; another sexy and sassy story line about second chances, jealousy, betrayal and a happily ever after. J. Kenner adds another dimension to her Stark International series as Riley and Natasha discover the kink in their growing relationship. The premise is captivating; the romance is edgy; the characters are colorful and energetic.

Follow J. Kenner: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YouTube | Amazon Author Page

_________

HIS TO PROTECT
(Bodyguard Bad Boys 2.5/ Masters and Mercenaries Cross-over Series)
by Carly Phillips

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 10, 2018

Talia Shaw has spent her adult life working as a scientist for a big pharmaceutical company. She’s focused on saving lives, not living life. When her lab is broken into and it’s clear someone is after the top secret formula she’s working on, she turns to the one man she can trust. The same irresistible man she turned away years earlier because she was too young and naive to believe a sexy guy like Shane Landon could want her.

Shane Landon’s bodyguard work for McKay-Taggart is the one thing that brings him satisfaction in his life. Relationships come in second to the job. Always. Then little brainiac Talia Shaw shows up in his backyard, frightened and on the run, and his world is turned upside down. And not just because she’s found him naked in his outdoor shower, either.

With Talia’s life in danger, Shane has to get her out of town and to her eccentric, hermit mentor who has the final piece of the formula she’s been working on, while keeping her safe from the men who are after her. Guarding Talia’s body certainly isn’t any hardship, but he never expects to fall hard and fast for his best friend’s little sister and the only woman who’s ever really gotten under his skin.

•••••••••

REVIEW: HIS TO PROTECT in instalment 2.5 (and novella) in Carly Phillips’ contemporary, adult, BODYGUARD BAD BOYS romantic suspense series, and a part of the multi-authored cross-over series Masters and Mercenaries by Lexi Blake. This is McKay-Taggart bodyguard and security specialist Shane Landon, and scientist Talia Shaw’s storyline. HIS TO PROTECT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives ( Talia and Shane) HIS TO PROTECT focuses on the protection of scientist Dr. Talia Shaw. With the development of a new heart drug on the horizon our heroine is targeted for the formula by an unknown source. Desperate for help, she calls her brother Tate, who calls in a favour from his childhood friend. Enter McKay-Taggart bodyguard Shane Landon, and the man with whom Talia will fall in love. What ensues is a cross-country road trip wherein our couple find themselves in the direct line of fire, as the struggle to stay one step ahead of the people intent on taking them down.

The relationship between Talia and Shane is one of second chances, of sorts. Talia has been in love with her brother’s best friend for most of her life but Shane has kept his distance in respect of his best friend’s younger sister. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

HIS TO PROTECT is a quick read; a suspense-filled, sexy and edgy story line. The premise is dramatic and energetic; the romance is intimate and provocative; the characters are inspiring and engaging.

Follow Carly Phillips: Website /  Mailing List  /  Newsletter /  Goodreads /  Amazon /  Facebook /  Twitter / Text Updates of New Releases /  Carly’s Corner!  / Instagram. / Blog & Website Updates  / Bookbub

Copies supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Say You Won’t Let Go: A Return to Me/Masters and Mercenaries Novella

by Corinne Michaels

I’ve had two goals my entire life:

1. Make it big in country music.

2. Get the hell out of Bell Buckle.

I was doing it. I was on my way, until Cooper Townsend landed backstage at my show in Dallas.

This gorgeous, rugged, man of few words was one cowboy I couldn’t afford to let distract me. But with his slow smile and rough hands, I just couldn’t keep away.

Now, there are outside forces conspiring against us. Maybe we should’ve known better? Maybe not. All I know is that I want to hold on, but I know the right thing to do is to let go…

 Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

__________

Her Guardian Angel: A Demonica Underworld/Masters and Mercenaries Novella

by Larissa Ione

After a difficult childhood and a turbulent stint in the military, Declan Burke finally got his act together. Now he’s a battle-hardened professional bodyguard who takes his job at McKay-Taggart seriously and his playtime – and his playmates – just as seriously. One thing he never does, however, is mix business with pleasure. But when the mysterious, gorgeous Suzanne D’Angelo needs his protection from a stalker, his desire for her burns out of control, tempting him to break all the rules…even as he’s drawn into a dark, dangerous world he didn’t know existed.

Suzanne is an earthbound angel on her critical first mission: protecting Declan from an emerging supernatural threat at all costs. To keep him close, she hires him as her bodyguard. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that she’s in over her head, defenseless against this devastatingly sexy human who makes her crave his forbidden touch.

Together they’ll have to draw on every ounce of their collective training to resist each other as the enemy closes in, but soon it becomes apparent that nothing could have prepared them for the menace to their lives…or their hearts.

Amazon | iTunes | B&N | Kobo |GooglePlay

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Rescuing Sadie (Delta Force Heroes 7.5/ Masters and Mercenaries Cross Over) by Susan Stoker-Review & Excerpt Tour

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RESCUING SADIE (Delta Force Heroes 7.5 / Masters and Mercenaries Cross Over) by Susan Stoker-Review and Excerpt Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play/ ibooks

About the book: Release Date April 10, 2018

Sadie Jennings was used to being protected. As the niece of Sean Taggart, and the receptionist at McKay-Taggart Group, she was constantly surrounded by Alpha men more than capable, and willing, to lay down their life for her. But when she learns about a friend in trouble, she doesn’t hesitate to leave town without a word to her uncle to help. After several harrowing weeks, her friend is now safe, but the repercussions of her rash act linger on.

Chase Jackson, no stranger to dangerous situations as a captain in the US Army, has volunteered himself as Sadie’s bodyguard. He fell head over heels for the beautiful woman the first time he laid eyes on her. With a Delta Force team at his back, he reassures the Taggart’s that Sadie will be safe. But when her past catches up with her, Chase has to use everything he’s learned over his career to keep his promise…and to keep Sadie alive long enough to officially make her his.

••••••••

REVIEW: RESCUING SADIE is instalment 7.5 in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult DELTA FORCE HEROES romantic, suspense series, and crosses over with Lexi Blake’s Master and Mercenaries series. RESCUING SADIE is also part of the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights anthology series. This is twenty-seven year old US Army captain Chase Jackson, and twenty-five year old McKay-Taggart receptionist Sadie Jenning’s story line. We were first introduced to Sadie and Chase in Justice for Milena (Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes by Susan Stoker). Sadie is Sean Taggart’s niece-Ian and Sean Taggart can be found in Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series.

SOME BACKGROUND: Working at the Bexar County School and Orphanage for Girls, Milena Reinhardt (Justice for Milena) and Sadie Jennings found themselves captive and imprisoned by proprietors Jeremiah and Jonathan Jones- a father and son duo, pedophiles h*ll bent on spawning their own harem of useful children. Milena and Sadie were rescued but Jeremiah and Jonathan escaped into the unknown.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Sadie and Chase) RESCUING SADIE focuses on the continuing protection of Sadie Jennings-a young woman who is being stalked by a sexual deviant. Sadie, the niece of security specialist Sean Taggart, is taken into protective custody where her safety and security is overseen by former members of the US military. Enter US Army Captain Chase Jackson, and the man with whom Sadie will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Chase and Sadie, and struggle to stay one step ahead of a psychopath determined to make Sadie his own.

RESCUING SADIE is an action-packed, edgy, suspenseful and energetic story as Sadie’s safety and lives of the men and women of the Delta Force heroes are threatened by a sadistic mind. Jonathan Jones is desperate to reacquire Sadie for his twisted plans, and will stop at nothing to reclaim Sadie as his own.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including a number of previous story line couples introduced in the authors Delta Force Heroes including Fletcher, Emily and their precocious daughter Annie. Chase Jackson will soon discover that he is no longer the lone survivor of a mission that went all to h*ll; and Fletcher’s compound is not as secure as he had hoped it to be.

The relationship between Chase and Sadie is one of immediate attraction. Chase knows Sadie is his happily ever after, and claims ‘ownership’ of the woman within days of her rescue but Sadie refuses to become of the McKay-Taggart’s overprotected clients. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

RESCUING SADIE is a quick read; a novella length story line that sees another Delta Force Hero rescuing the woman that he loves. The premise is thrilling and engaging; the romance is intimate; the characters are spirited, sassy and animated.

Copy supplied for review

Revewied by Sandy

Sadie faced the man in front of her without trepidation.
Sean Taggart might know twenty ways to kill without making a sound thanks to his time as a Green Beret, but to her, he was just Uncle Sean. She’d only known him for six years, ever since Aunt Grace got married, but he’d always supported her no matter what she wanted to do and treated her and her aunt Grace like princesses.
Not this time.
“Uncle Sean, this is ridiculous.”
Sean crossed his arms, giving her what she knew was his “displeased” face. Brows drawn, lips pressed together, eyes narrowed. “It’s not and you know it.”
“Why can’t I just go back up to Dallas with you?”
Her uncle sighed. They’d been over this before, but Sadie couldn’t let it go.
“Because Jonathan is still missing. Captain Jackson said he’d continue to look after you until he’s caught.”
Sadie shook her head. “But if I came home, you could keep me safe.”
Sean looked down at her with love in his eyes. His voice gentled. “I could, you’re right. But I think we both know that you wouldn’t like my kind of protection. Or Ian’s. Or anyone else we could find.”
She knew what he meant without him coming right out and saying it. Sean was overprotective. As was Ian, and probably most of the other men who worked for McKay-Taggart. She could handle their overprotectiveness and bossiness…but only to a point. If she had to endure it twenty-four seven, it could damage their relationship. And that was the last thing she wanted.
“I can go stay with Milena’s parents again,” Sadie volunteered almost desperately. Maybe she’d even make it in time for Milena’s surprise engagement party. She might not want to become one of McKay-Taggart’s overprotected clients, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to be in close quarters with Chase Jackson anymore either.
From the second she’d laid eyes on the man, she’d wanted him. It was as if her body had said, This is it. This is the man I want.
Unfortunately, he’d been in the middle of rescuing her from a crazed, perverted pedophile at the time, and now she was afraid he felt responsible for her, rather than wanting her back.

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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Nobody Does It Better (Masters and Mercenaries #15) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

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NOBODY DOES IT BETTER (Masters and Mercenaries #15) by Lexi Blake-Review and Excerpt  Tour

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER
Masters and Mercenaries #15
by Lexi Blake
Release Date: February 20, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / iTunes / Google Play / Smashwords

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 20, 2018

A spy who specializes in seduction

Kayla Summers was an elite CIA double agent, working inside China’s deadly MSS. Now, she works for McKay-Taggart London, but the Agency isn’t quite done with her. Spy master Ezra Fain needs her help on a mission that would send her into Hollywood’s glamorous and dangerous party scene. Intrigued by the mission and the movie star hunk she will be shadowing, she eagerly agrees. When she finds herself in his bed, she realizes she’s not only risking her life, but her heart.

A leading man who doesn’t do romance

Joshua Hunt is a legend of the silver screen. As Hollywood’s highest paid actor, he’s the man everyone wants to be, or be with, but something is missing. After being betrayed more than once, the only romance Josh believes in anymore is on the pages of his scripts. He keeps his relationships transactional, and that’s how he likes it, until he meets his new bodyguard. She was supposed to keep him safe, and satisfied when necessary, but now he’s realizing he may never be able to get enough of her.

An ending neither could have expected

Protecting Joshua started off as a mission, until it suddenly felt like her calling. When the true reason the CIA wanted her for this assignment is revealed, Kayla will have to choose between serving her country or saving the love of her life.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  NOBODY DOES IT BETTER is the fifteenth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for the McKay-Taggart and Knight Security Agency. This is CIA double agent Kayla Summers, and Hollywood action star Joshua Hunt’s story line. NOBODY DOES IT BETTER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary although there are references to ongoing scenarios from previous investigations and the continuing fall out from a mission that saw the rescue of the ’Lost Boys’- men whose minds and memories were wiped clean of their pasts. The Lost Boys will get their own spin-off series Master and Mercenaries: The Forgotten starting in August 2018.

NOTE: LOVE ANOTHER DAY contains sexually, graphic scenes of Domination, submission, and discipline.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kayla and Joshua) NOBODY DOES IT BETTER follows the building relationship between CIA double agent Kayla Summers, and Hollywood leading man Joshua Hunt. Thirteen years earlier, rookie CIA agent Kayla Summers turned double agent when the twin sister she never knew, Jiang Kun, was murdered by the MSS, China’s version of the CIA. Five years undercover with the MSS taught our heroine that the world as we know it is nothing compared to the truth. Fast forward to present day wherein Kayla, who now works for McKay-Taggart and Knight Security Agency finds herself assigned to the security detail of Hollywood action star Joshua Hunt, a man whose sexual proclivities tend towards Domination to our heroine’s submissive side, and a man whose friendship with the leader of the Mexican cartel questions his involvement at a deeper level. A number of stalkers including a blackmailing scheme have threatened to destroy our story line hero, a man whose past remains secret and dark. What ensues is the building relationship between Joshua and Kayla, as Kayla and the team at McKay-Taggart work undercover to ferret out our hero’s connections to the Mexican cartel; the search for a blackmailer; and the potential fall-out when Joshua discovers the truth about both his blackmailer, and the woman with whom he is falling in love.

Joshua Hunt doesn’t do relationships and the last thing he wanted was to be guarded by a woman who played the role of his girlfriend and submissive. A dark and tormented history prevents our hero from revealing the truth about the who, where and why of his past-a past mired in abuse, neglect and sexual assault. Kayla Summers is the adopted daughter of two American men who are fiercely protective of the young woman they call their own but Kayla’s history proves she is very capable of looking after herself and the people she loves including Joshua Hunt-the man for whom she is willing to sacrifice her own life and her love as an international spy. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. There are some scenes of spanking, as well as some questionable acts of discipline dealt in anger and contempt.

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER is a detailed, complex and captivating story line that follows several intersecting paths involving a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters who will struggle against blackmail, betrayal, deception and lies. Allegiances are questioned; lines are blurred; friendship, family, McKay-Taggart and the CIA are double-crossed in a game of international espionage, intrigue, betrayal, power and control. The premise is entertaining and inviting; the characters are numerous, intelligent and charismatic; the romance is provocative and intense.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Watch the trailer: Direct link: https://video214.com/play/X9d2hkhA1efXNQwHVL0fOg/s/dark

“Kayla?”
Her eyes came up, a flash of recognition there. “Yes?”
“Are you going to sign the contract or do you have more questions?”
She picked up the pen sitting on top of the contracts that would bind the two of them together for the next six months. They would reevaluate the relationship at that point in time, but for the next six months, she was his. His bodyguard. His submissive.
Bought and properly paid for. He would take care of her and she would give him what he needed.
She signed with a flourish and sat back, a gleam of curiosity in her eyes.
He was curious, too, and there was zero reason to not satisfy their curiosity. Hard and soft limits had been gone over. They would find their communication style as they went along. But first she should understand that he was in control.
“Come sit on my lap.”
She didn’t hesitate. She stood and turned, shifting so she could maneuver her way onto his lap.
Her weight came down on him and he wrapped an arm around her waist. Damn but she made him feel big. He’d seen her take out a man twice her size, but sitting here in his lap she felt small and vulnerable, and fuck but that did it for him.
He slid a hand along her knee, letting himself indulge in the silky-smooth feel of her skin against his palm. “Did you do as I asked?”
He was well aware his voice had gone husky, deeper than normal.
“Yes, Joshua.” She squirmed the tiniest bit, as though trying to find a comfortable position. It might be difficult for her because she was sitting right on his cock, and it was harder and thicker than he could ever remember it being.
“How can I trust you?” This was all part of the game he loved. Here he could let go and play out the darker of his impulses—to control, to take, to possess.
See. Want. Have.
“You’ll have to check,” she replied. “Though shouldn’t we go inside?”
He reached out and picked up his cell with his free hand, pushing one number and connecting to the security room. He put them on speaker. She needed to understand what she was up against in order for the game to be fair. “Landon?”
“This is Burke,” the deep voice replied. “Shane’s on patrol. What can I do for you?”
“Burke, I would like to fuck my submissive on the third-floor balcony. Is anyone watching us? Can you see any cameras pointed our way?”
A low, masculine chuckle came across the line. “No, Mr. Hunt. And given the angle relative to the beach, you should enjoy your evening without worry. The only peepers I would worry about would be your next-door neighbor, and Jared is out for the night.”
“I wouldn’t care if he wasn’t. Keep up the good work.” He hung up and his hand tightened. “I would prefer when we’re playing that you don’t question me like that. I know where I want to fuck you. I know when I want to fuck you, and I’m in charge. If I want you in the middle of a crowded freeway, your only response is a yes or a no. Not to question me.”
She seemed to relax back against him, as though she was giving up the struggle and choosing to submit. “Yes, Joshua. Yes, I understand, and yes to the sex. Please.”
He liked the breathy please and loved how she squirmed. Still, he wasn’t absolutely sure she’d obeyed him, and he was a man who required proof. He slid his hand up her thigh. “Spread your legs for me.”
Her knees fell apart, and he could feel the heat from her core. He slipped a hand up until he made contact with her softest skin. No panties. Nothing but wet heat waiting for him, and it was obvious the play had cranked her up, too. His free hand eased one button on her shirt free, and then another and another until he could move in like a soldier conquering territory. No bra. Her breasts were like the rest of her. Soft and delicate. One nipple rolled against his palm, hardening then and there.
“I can see you’ve been an obedient sub,” he said, his mouth against her ear. “You need to stay that way or there will be punishment. I’m not a sadist, Kayla. I truly don’t get off on your pain, but I will give it to you if you need it. I am a disciplinarian. I gain satisfaction from your obedience. In exchange, I’ll show you how good it can be to obey me.”

Lexi BlakeNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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At Your Service (Topped 4: Masters and Mercenaries 14.5) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

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AT YOUR SERVICE (Masters and Mercenaries 14.5: Topped 4) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

At Your Service Banner

AT YOUR SERVICE
Topper #4/ Masters and Mercenaries 14.5
by Lexi Blake
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Genre:adult, contemporary, erotic,romance

At Your Service

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / iBooks / Google Play /Smashwords

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 14, 2017

Juliana O’Neil’s promising future was burned away in the heat of battle. She had been an officer with a bright future in the military, but now she is struggling to survive. Her husband gone and her career in shambles, she finds a job at Top as a hostess and tries to put together the pieces of her life. The last thing she needs is any kind of male attention, but she can’t help but be amused at her neighbor and coworker’s lothario antics. Not that she would have anything to do with him, at least not for more than one night.

Javier Leones doesn’t understand monogamy. No woman could ever be enough for his endless libido, but he has to admit Juliana has his attention. For reasons he doesn’t fully understand, he can’t seem to get the gorgeous redhead with the sad eyes out of his head. After one scorching night together, he realizes he’ll never be able to get her out of his system. But with his reputation, he fears she’ll never see him as more than a one-night stand.

When their passions collide, these new lovers will be forced to confront Juliana’s past and come to terms with Javier’s present. Will they find their way or will this reservation be cancelled at the last minute?

••••••••••

REVIEW: AT YOUR SERVICE by Lexi Blake is the latest novella in the author’s contemporary adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: Topped BDSM romance series. This is naval officer and amputee Juliana O’Neil, and chef Javier Leones’ story line. AT YOUR SERVICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Juliana and Javier) AT YOUR SERVICE follows several paths including the building romance and relationship between co-workers and neighbors Juliana O’Neil, and Javier Leones, as well as the destructive nature of loss and war. Juliana is a naval veteran who lost her dominant hand while on deployment over seas, and has found a bit of a kindred spirit in her neighbour Javier Leones, whose older brother continues to struggle with the loss of his legs. What ensues is the back and forth between Javier and Juliana as our heroine battles between her head and her heart, and the loss of a future she longed to explore; and the potential destruction of Javier’s brother when the demons come knocking on Javier’s door.

Javier Leones, a former military man, is a manwhore whose doesn’t do relationships; whose reputation with the ladies precedes his introduction to our story line heroine. A Master at the BDSM Club Sanctum, as well as a chef at Sean Taggart’s TOP restaurant, Javier also faces an uphill battle with his older brother who has struggled since the loss of his legs while on deployment over seas. A series of unexplained break-ins, and threats to his brother’s life find Javier stepping back to protect the woman he loves.

A one-time chef, Juliana now works as a hostess at TOP due to the difficulty using the tools required for the job but Javier is determined to push our heroine to take the steps to further a career long thought lost. Juliana is a woman afraid of losing her heart, and accepts that a relationship with Javier means there is always someone else waiting in the wings.

The relationship between Juliana and Javier is one of friends/co-workers to lovers; a relationship that struggles on preconceived notions, a past riddled with too many one-night stands, and a woman who battles some ghosts of her own. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive; the D/s and BDSM scenarios are limited and light involving some spanking, and show and tell. Juliana’s constant back and forth, yes and no, up and down was a little disconcerting; her jealousy, anger and indecisiveness juxtaposed with her easy going concern for Javier’s brother. The author’s need to constantly remind the reader about Javier’s past indiscretions is bothersome and annoying.I struggled with the numerous mentions from family, friends and the woman he loved.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several previous story line couples as well as a number of TOP employees, and SANCTUM members, Javier’s ex Kristy, and his brother Rafe Leones; and nosy neighbors Mrs. Gleeson and Mr. Cassidy.

The world building continues to look at the friendships and relationship at TOP and SANCTUM, as well as the ongoing struggles for the military personnel who continue to do battle upon returning home.

AT YOUR SERVICE is a story of family and friendship, and the daily struggle for American veterans whose lives have been destroyed or forever altered. Both the H/h have issues and vulnerability that need to be addressed, hopefully their happily ever after isn’t compromised by ghosts from the past. The premise is captivating and inviting; the characters are energetic and lively; the romance is provocative and intense.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

At Your Service teaser

Excerpt

All alone with the storm. Maybe she should call Kai. And ask him to get out in the middle of this? That seemed pretty selfish especially since she knew exactly how poorly driving in storms could go.
A hard flash of white light made her jump back.
Nope. She wasn’t going there. She was going to stay in the here and now, and that meant finding a flashlight and trying to get some candles lit. Someone was out there working on getting the power back on, and then she would ride out the storm watching rom coms and falling asleep on the couch. It was going to be okay. Deep breath. It was going to be okay.
A few moments later she’d found her one flashlight and had a nice set of candles out, and she was faced with the problem of lighting the suckers. Oh, she had a big box of matches, but she’d never struck a match without her left hand.
A lighter would be easier. She could figure out a lighter maybe. Jules tried holding the box against the table with her stump while she struck the match with her right hand. She fumbled, the action so unnatural it made her slip up and break the match.
And the second one.
And the third one.
Tears pierced her eyes, but she wasn’t going to shed them. She was going to figure this out or she would make due with the flashlight. It was all about adapting. That was what she had to do. Adapt.
She wasn’t going to let this beat her. Normally she was tough. It had happened and she dealt with it, but between the storm and the conversation with Suzanne the day before about her mother and the sweetness of flirting with a handsome man she couldn’t have, she was feeling awfully vulnerable. She wasn’t going to sit here in the dark and cry.
A knock on the door made her gasp and jump.
Fuck. She wasn’t like this. She hated this…this anxiety she got when it rained. It was weakness and she couldn’t abide it.
If you walk away from this you’ll ruin your life, Juliana. Don’t think I’ll watch you do it. You go through with this and you do it on your own. Am I understood?
Sometimes she felt like she was still seven years old, and if she could just get her mom’s attention everything would be okay.
Jules gripped the flashlight and walked across her apartment to the door. It was likely one of the neighbors coming to check on her. Actually, that was an excellent idea. She could go down and see if Mrs. Gleeson needed some company. There were some elderly residents she could check on and a single mom she’d met at the end of the hall. She could see if she could be of any assistance and that would get her through the night.
She opened the door expecting to see anyone but the man she saw standing there.
Javier Leones. He had a flashlight in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. He was wearing jeans and a button down that he’d left undone enough she could see a nice swath of golden brown skin. His hair was deliciously mussed, as though he’d taken a shower and simply rubbed a towel over it to get it dry.
He was big and male and so sexy it hurt to look at him, and Jules realized she could do something else to take her mind off things.
Those plump, sensual lips of his broke into a bright smile. “I thought you might like some company. I know I would. I actually don’t have any candles, so I was sitting in my living room with this sad one flashlight. You look like a woman who likes some candles.”
But she couldn’t light them. She hadn’t figured that part out.
His face fell and he walked into her place, closing and locking the door behind him. “Hey, what’s wrong? It’s okay if you don’t have any candles. It’s cool. Two flashlights are better than one.”
He set the flashlight and wine bottle down and moved into her space, his hands coming up to cup her shoulders. “Jules, what’s wrong?”
She had to be stronger than this. She shook her head. “Nothing. I’m fine.”
His jaw tightened. “Don’t. Please don’t. I live with a stubborn asshole who won’t let me help him in any way. I get that we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, but I thought we were friends. You help me out all the time. You’re kind to me. Fucking let me be kind to you. I spend every day trying to help someone who won’t let me. Please let me feel like I’m worth something.”
If he’d said anything else, joked about the weather or told her to suck it up, she could have, but he’d opened a door. He’d been vulnerable and honest, and she found she couldn’t pay that back with stubbornness.
“I have candles and I can’t figure out how to light them.” Tears rolled down her face. She was vulnerable. All the time. Even when she pretended like she wasn’t.
“You can’t…” he began and then he looked down. Instead of stepping back and giving her space, he drew his hand down her arm, warming her skin where he touched her. It was dark but the moon was full and gave enough light to see the outline of his face. There was no look of horror there. He caressed her arm until he got to the place where she’d been split apart and sewn back together unwhole. He brought it up and wrapped it against his palm, his fingers closing around it until the whole thing was surrounded with his warmth. “You haven’t figured out how to do it yet. Probably hasn’t come up or you would know what to do. How long since you lost your hand?”
“A year and a half,” she said. He was touching her there. No one had touched her there except her doctors and therapists.
Come to think of it, no one had touched her at all since before the accident. Had it really been so long since she’d felt warm flesh against her own? He was so close, close enough that all she would have to do was go up on her toes to brush her lips against his.
Would that be wrong? As long as she remembered who she was dealing with, why couldn’t she take a few moments of respite for herself? If he wanted her.

About the author

Lexi BlakeNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Love Another Day (Masters and Mercenaries #14) by Lexi Blake

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LOVE ANOTHER DAY (Masters and Mercenaries #14) by Lexi Blake-Review and Excerpt Tour

 

LOVE ANOTHER DAY
Masters and Mercenaries #14
by Lexi Blake
Release Date: August 22, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, romantic suspense

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks / Google Play  / Smashwords/

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 22, 2017

A man born to protect

After a major loss, Brody Carter found a home with the London office of McKay-Taggart. A former soldier, he believes his job is to take the bullets and follow orders. He’s happy to take on the job of protecting Dr. Stephanie Gibson while the team uses her clinic in Sierra Leone to bring down an international criminal. What he never expected was that the young doctor would prove to be the woman of his dreams. She’s beautiful, smart, and reckless. Over and over he watches her risk her life to save others. One night of pure passion leads him to realize that he can’t risk his heart again. When the mission ends, Brody walks away, unwilling to lose another person he loves.

A woman driven to heal

Stephanie’s tragic past taught her to live for today. Everything she’s done in the last fifteen years has been to make up for her mistakes. Offering medical care in war-torn regions gives her the purpose she needs to carry on. When she meets her gorgeous Aussie protector, she knows she’s in too deep, but nothing can stop her from falling head over heels in love. But after one amazing night together, Brody walks away and never looks back. Stephanie is left behind…but not alone.

A secret that will change both their lives

A year later, Stephanie runs afoul of an evil mercenary who vows to kill her for failing to save his son. She runs to the only people she trusts, Liam and Avery O’Donnell. She hasn’t come alone and her secret will bring her former lover across the world to protect her. From Liberia to Dallas to Australia’s outback, Brody will do whatever it takes to protect Stephanie from the man who wants to kill her, but it might be her own personal demons that could destroy them both.

•••••••••

REVIEW:  LOVE ANOTHER DAY is the fourteenth installment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women who work for the McKay-Taggart and Knight Security Agency. This is former SASR (Special Air Service Regiment –Australia) soldier and security specialist Brody Carter, and Dr. Stephanie Gibson’s story line. LOVE ANOTHER DAY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary although there are references to ongoing scenarios from previous investigations and the continuing fall out from a mission that saw the rescue of too many men whose minds and memories were wiped clean of their pasts.

NOTE: LOVE ANOTHER DAY contains sexually, graphic scenes of Domination and submission.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Stephanie and Brody) LOVE ANOTHER DAY follows the building but acrimonious relationship between former SASR soldier and security specialist Brody Carter, and Dr. Stephanie Gibson. Approximately one year earlier Brody was assigned security detail to Stephanie Gibson and her crew who worked and operated out of a medical clinic near Freetown Sierra Leone, South Africa. Stephanie’s attraction to Brody is immediate and palpable but our hero is reluctant to start anything knowing there time together is limited and coming to an end. One night together finds Brody walking away from the woman he will never forget. Fast forward to present day and Brody will come charging back into Stephanie’s life when our heroine is targeted for something she knows nothing about. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Stephanie and Brody, no promises for the future, and Stephanie’s dogged determination to make reparations for sins of the past-reparations that place Stephanie in the direct line of fire on more than one occasion.

Dr. Stephanie Gibson suffers with survivor’s guilt; PTSD that pushes our heroine to risk her life without consideration of others or the people she leaves behind. A past shrouded in tragedy, Stephanie’s ongoing guilt and need to risk her life, placing herself in danger gets old, very fast. Our heroine tries to sacrifice herself (on multiple occasions) for the sake of others but a sacrifice that would destroy the man that she has grown to love. Brody Carter doesn’t do relationships; his line of work as a security specialist places him in dangerous situations and a relationship would only add further complications to a lifestyle rarely conducive to family and love but Stephanie Gibson keeps secret a very important part of her life-one that places Brody front and center, for now and into the future.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including security expert and former SASR solider Alfi Dauterre, Ian and Theo Taggart, and many of the previous story line couples, as well as Tucker and all of the ‘lost boys’ whose memories have been wiped by Dr. Hope McDonald. The requisite evil has many faces including several members of the Ukrainian mob.

LOVE ANOTHER DAY struggles with the ongoing self-sacrificing actions of our story line heroine. Stephanie’s need to ‘martyr’ herself for sins of the past was anything but heartbreaking as I endeavored to accept her actions as anything but a cry for attention. For me, the heroine’s continuous need to place herself in danger, risking not only her life but the life of those who had to constantly step in to search and rescue, made for too many anxious moments-moments I felt were unnecessary and over the top. In short, I had a difficult time sympathizing with Stephanie Gibson; her attitude and relentless efforts to get herself killed was disconcerting and disappointing. The premise was engaging but at times distressing; the characters were colorful and dynamic but the heroine’s actions affected my overall enjoyment.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

excerpt

 

The door slammed and she suddenly found herself with her back against it. Brody crowded in, taking up all the space and staring down at her. His body brushed hers and she found both her wrists captured in one of his. He dragged them over her head, forcing her chest to come out, breasts skimming along his body. “I shouldn’t do this.”
Tough chick was winning. Steph let her take over. It was surely better than the desperate girl who lived inside her. She kept asking for love and affection and getting swatted away. This was the next best thing, possibly the only thing she would ever get. “Then don’t. Let me go and I won’t bother you again.”
“No, you’ll go find Ezra Fain and bother him,” Brody said on a growl.
“Somehow, I don’t think he’ll find me a bother.” She’d barely spoken two words to the man, but she wasn’t going to admit it. It was better to let Brody think she wasn’t a love-starved girl.
“He won’t fucking find you anything at all. If you’re determined to not sleep alone tonight, you can damn well do it with me.” His mouth came down on hers and every inch of her skin came alive. His kiss was overwhelming, hungry. There was no slow meshing of mouths. He took her, his tongue surging inside and dominating her own. He let go of her hands and started to explore her body. His hands were on her hips when he came up for air. “I’m leaving in the morning. I’m going back to London and I can’t come back.”
She’d known that would probably be his answer. She’d known he wouldn’t want to stay and she couldn’t leave.
“One night. That’s all I want.” It was all she could have. It had been foolish to think it could be any different.
His mouth came down on hers again and she let herself get swept away. One night and her life would go back to normal. One night and then she would be alone again. His hands started to roam over her and she tried to forget all the reasons why this was a bad idea.
He stepped back, his entire body set in hard lines. He strode over to the bed and sat down. “Take off the gown. It’s pretty, but I want to see you.”
She hesitated, all her insecurities coming to the forefront. Somehow, she’d thought he would simply take her. “Let me get the lights.”
He was back in her space again, his hand wrapping around her wrist. “I didn’t say turn off the lights. I said take off the gown. How am I going to see you if you turn off the lights?”
“Brody,” she began.
He was having none of it. “You got on your knees in front of me and you said you knew what you were offering me. The first thing you were offering me was obedience. The second was your body. You’re giving me neither right now.”
His voice had gone midnight dark and something about the tone made her soften. He was right. She did know what she’d offered him and now she was trying to have it all her way.
There was nothing wrong with her body. It was feminine and she was healthy. What was she afraid of? “All right.”
He let go of her wrist and sat back down, looking like a damn king waiting on his concubine’s performance. For all his “I’m nothing but a grunt” talk, the man could be incredibly arrogant, and damn if she didn’t find it sexy as hell.
Something about that voice let her know that everything was going to be fine. He was past the point of rejection. He was in and that meant he would play her Dom for the night. He would take care of her. She was as safe with him in the bedroom as she’d been in the field.
At least she was safe for the night. In the morning she would be in a world of hurt, but she wasn’t thinking past tonight. 

 

about the author

Lexi BlakeABOUT LEXI BLAKE:

NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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Arranged (Masters and Mercenaries 13.5) 1001 Dark Nights by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

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ARRANGED (Masters and Mercenaries #13.5) by Lexi Blake-Review and Excerpt Tour

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ARRANGED
Masters and Mercenaries 13.5
1001 Dark Night
by Lexi Blake
Release Date: April 25, 2017
Genre: adult,contemporary, BDSM, erotic,romance

Arranged

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 25, 2017

Kash Kamdar is the king of a peaceful but powerful island nation. As Loa Mali’s sovereign, he is always in control, the final authority. Until his mother uses an ancient law to force her son into marriage. His prospective queen is a buttoned-up intellectual, nothing like Kash’s usual party girl. Still, from the moment of their forced engagement, he can’t stop thinking about her.

Dayita Samar comes from one of Loa Mali’s most respected families. The Cambridge-educated scientist has dedicated her life to her country’s future. But under her staid and calm exterior, Day hides a few sexy secrets of her own. She is willing to marry her king, but also agrees that they can circumvent the law. Just because they’re married doesn’t mean they have to change their lives. It certainly doesn’t mean they have to fall in love.

After one wild weekend in Dallas, Kash discovers his bride-to-be is more than she seems. Engulfed in a changing world, Kash finds exciting new possibilities for himself. Could Day help him find respite from the crushing responsibility he’s carried all his life? This fairy tale could have a happy ending, if only they can escape Kash’s past…

•••••••••

REVIEW: ARRANGED by Lexi Blake is the latest addition to the mult-authored 1001 Dark Nights series, and #13.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult Masters and Mercenaries erotic, BDSM romance series. This is King Kashmir Kamdar of Loa Mali, and scientist Dayita Samar’s second chance story line.

Told from several third person perspectives including Kash and Day, ARRANGED looks at the rekindling relationship and romance between King Kashmir Kamdar and scientist Dayita Samar. Fifteen years earlier Kash and Day were students at a prestigious university in Oxford, England. As the ‘spare to the heir’ Kash always believed that he was never expected to amount to anything special but a fatal accident claimed the life of his father and his elder brother leaving Kashmir Kamdar the next in line to the throne of Loa Mali. Fast forward to present day wherein Kash’s reputation as a ‘manwhore’ forces his ailing mother to ‘arrange’ a bride for her wayward son. Enter Dayita Samar, the woman who stole Kash’s heart fifteen years earlier, but a woman whose life experiences reveal a side to our heroine that threatens her relationship with the man that she loves. What ensues is the second chance at love for two people whose lives went in opposite directions but directions that will come full circle when our couple becomes the target of someone hoping to destroy them both.

Dayita Samar is a Domme; a woman whose secret will come between the man that she loves and the life that she hides from the people in charge. Kashmir has spent the last fifteen years ‘whoring’ his way throughout the world but the time has come to return home, to a throne for which he was never prepared. Day’s BDSM lifestyle will complicate the relationship between our leading couple; Kash struggles with his feelings for a woman he believes wants to control every aspect of his life; his misunderstanding of the D/s relationship adds anxiety and conflict to an already tentative friendship and growing love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. The BDSM scenarios are light; Dayita’s attempts to secretly dominate the man that she believes is a submissive will backfire both in and out of the bedroom.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several previous MASTERS AND MERCENARIES story line couples, as well as the royal servants, royal family, and a woman who wants a second chance with Kash Kamdar.

ARRANGED is a fast paced, suspense filled story that will help educate the reader as to the nature of a D/s relationship: no coerced power; no gender specific roles; only the limitations set by an uneducated mind. The premise is entertaining and spicy; the characters are realistic, dynamic and colorful; the romance is provocative but struggles in the face of secrets and mistaken beliefs. ARRANGED is a passionate and imaginative look at second chances and emotional reactions.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt Black and Hot Pink

 

“Did you enjoy the dessert? They had been planning on serving crème brûlée, but I remembered you like gelato. Strawberry.”
She turned and Kash was standing in the doorway, the tie to his tuxedo undone and the first few buttons of his shirt open, showing off golden skin.
Oh, how the girls must swoon over that man.
Unfortunately for him, she was a woman and not a girl. She curtseyed, recalling her etiquette classes and going down deep, to show her respect for the crown. “I thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Come now, Day. I asked you not to call me that long ago, and now it appears there’s even less reason. We were friends then. We’re going to be husband and wife in a week. Shocking how quickly that woman can move when she wants to.”
He looked so composed, but she couldn’t forget that he’d only found out his mother was dying this afternoon. That was when she’d seen the real man. She’d interrupted them with her silly dress and she’d seen the shock and pain on Kash’s face before he’d smoothed it out and gone back to being the polite royal he’d become.
“Are you all right?” She asked the question for two reasons. First, she wanted to know the answer and second, to see if they really were still friends.
His lips curved up slightly. “I’m faring quite well. We Kamdars are made of sterner stuff than this. Did you enjoy the dinner?”
So, not so friendly he would talk about private things with her. It was good to know where they stood. They needed to have a long conversation about how this was going to work. They might be marrying to protect the Kamdar line and to give his mother some peace, but they needed a plan of action about how best to achieve their goals.
Partners. That was how she’d decided to look at this. They were partners. And if she ended up governing the kingdom while he was out fucking around with supermodels, she wouldn’t get her heart broken.
Just humiliated.
Yes, they needed a talk and perhaps a contract.
“I enjoyed the meal very much. The company left something to be desired, but I suspect I’ll get used to dining with windbag politicians.” She turned back to the balcony, leaning against it. The view from here was spectacular. Beyond that, it was soothing in a way.
“Yes, Mother told me they’re giving you trouble.” He joined her, leaning beside her, their bodies so close but not touching. “I’ll talk to them, ensure you have your funding.”
“Don’t. It can wait a few weeks. I need to go back to them and introduce myself as their new queen.” She wasn’t about to let them think she sent her husband in. If he behaved as he so often did, he wouldn’t be around much and it would be up to her to keep everyone in line.
“Is that why you agreed to this arrangement? Because you wanted power?”
“I agreed because I care about this country. I’ve spent the last ten years of my life working here and trying to ensure that our children get what they need to make it out in the world. I agreed because your mother is excellent at putting one in a corner. I agreed because someone has to and I wasn’t sure who you would bring home if given the chance.” She shuddered at the idea of some brainless model attempting to be a role model for Loa Malian girls.
“Ah, you don’t think I have good taste in women.”
“I think you have an unquenchable appetite for them, Your Majesty, and that is something we should talk about.”
“Ah, the wifely lectures begin,” he said with a sigh. “Please proceed. I’m anxious to get this over with so I can be properly chastened.”
“I only ask that you attempt some discretion, Kashmir. I don’t expect you to be faithful in any way, but I do expect you to not humiliate me.”
He turned, frowning a bit as though she’d surprised him. “You don’t expect me to be faithful?”
It was time for some honesty. “I don’t think you can be. How long have you kept a single woman? A month? Three?”
“Six,” he replied. “I was with Tasha Reynolds for six months before we went our separate ways.”
“And were you faithful to her?” She already knew the answer to that question.
“We had an agreement.” He frowned as though the conversation wasn’t going at all as he’d expected. “She was on set much of the time. She knew I had a highly stressful job, so she was understanding. I gave her the same options.”
“Excellent, then let’s be fair with each other. As long as we’re both discreet, this marriage of ours doesn’t have to mean the end of our lives.”


 

 

About the Author Black and rose

Lexi BlakeNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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For His Eyes Only (Masters and Mercenaries #13) by Lexi Blake-Review & Excerpt Tour

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FOR HIS EYES ONLY (Masters and Mercenaries #13) by Lexi Blake-Review and Excerpt Tour

For His Eyes Only banner

FOR HIS EYES ONLY
Masters and Mercenaries #13
by Lexi Blake
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romantic suspense

For His Eyes Only

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / B&N / KOBO /ibooks / Google Play/
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 28, 2017

A night he can’t forget

Five years ago, Nick Markovic found himself consumed by his quest for vengeance. The one time he managed to find peace was in the arms of Hayley Dalton. Being with her was like bathing in sunlight, and he ached to feel that again, but he couldn’t. He gave his oath to Hayley’s cousin Desiree, his partner at McKay-Taggart and Knight, that he’d never let his darkness infect Hayley’s innocent world.

A spark she can’t put out

It was years before that Hayley offered everything she had to Nick. After that one amazing night, all she wanted was to be his forever. Unfortunately, Nick’s reaction was to walk away from her and never look back. The warm and caring man she’d discovered was gone, and after Des’s death, he’d only grown colder. But when Hayley finds herself in mortal danger, she’s forced to seek protection from the man who broke her heart.

A flame that threatens to consume them both

Haunted by the women he failed, Nick can’t allow himself to grow close to Hayley again. Running to stay ahead of the powerful forces that endanger their lives, they travel from the lush Garden in London to the glittering lights of Rio. As the threat against her becomes clearer, he realizes that to keep her safe he must confront the demons from his past, even if it costs him a future with the woman he loves.

••••••••••

REVIEW: FOR HIS EYES ONLY is the thirteenth full length installment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, romantic suspense series focusing on the men and women who work for McKay-Taggart and Knight Agency. This is former Russian agent Nick Markovic, and history professor Hayley Dalton’s story line. FOR HIS EYES ONLY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story lines is revealed where necessary although there are references to ongoing scenarios from previous investigations and fall out.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Nick and Hayley) FOR HIS EYES ONLY is a second chance romance between Nick Markovic and Hayley Dalton. Ten years earlier, a then fifteen year old Hayley Dalton fell in love with her cousin Desiree’s friend Nick Markovic; fast forward five years and twenty year old Hayley finds herself giving her virginity to the man that she loves only to learn that Desiree was the woman that Nikolai wanted. Five more years would pass before Hayley walked back into Nikolai’s life when her own life sat on the precipice of danger and death. Someone wanted Hayley dead and Nick is the man she turns to for protection and help. What ensues is the rekindling relationship between Nick and Hayley, and the search for the people responsible for threatening our heroine’s life.

FOR HIS EYES ONLY has a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters (most of whom were previously introduced in earlier story lines). The slow building premise finds Nick Markovic as both protector and lover to the woman that calls to his heart. Nikolai is a Dom, and as a member of The Garden BDSM Club he does not want Hayley a part of that life but attention from a number of other males, and fellow agents at McKay-Taggart and Knight finds Nick on the offensive as he slowly introduces Hayley to the role as his submissive. The $ex scenes are intimate; the BDSM scenarios are light with some limited spanking, rope play, and oral $ex.

Throughout the story line the reader is inundated with numerous references to Nick’s ex partner and girlfriend Desiree. Desiree is a former agent who got caught up in the game of power and greed, and when her life was forfeited, Hayley became the target of some powerful people hoping to acquire some information that Desiree kept hidden. Nick’s promise to protect Hayley comes with the guilt of his feelings for Desiree, and his continuing attraction to Hayley as well. For all intents and purposes, FOR HIS EYE ONLY felt more like a love triangle between Hayley, Nick and Desiree. Desiree was never out of mind for Nikolai, and in this I struggled with his attraction and love to our story line heroine. Nick’s need for Hayley was more of a power struggle with himself; a need to control that which he believed was his.

FOR HIS EYES ONLY is an infinitely detailed and comprehensive story of mystery, suspense, betrayal and regret that follows several paths converging in a final show down where secrets are revealed; lies are confessed; the truth is a hard pill to swallow. The copious number of references to Desiree made it difficult to like our story line hero; the constant reminders of his relationship with Desiree was troubling not only for Hayley but for this reader as well. The premise is intriguing; the romance is heartbreaking and spicy; the characters are colorful and sensational. FOR HIS EYES ONLY is a provocative tale of betrayal, intrigue and love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

For His Eyes Only teaser

excerpt

Nick went back to staring at the report. “Hayley’s not mine. She was Desiree’s cousin. Now she’s my client.”
Who had been tired the night before and that was why she’d said the things she’d said. This morning she’d seemed much more sensible. After she’d had some sleep and a shower and had straightened herself up, she’d been quiet and seemingly reflective. She was very likely embarrassed by what had been said the night before.
I would get safety from murderers and I would get orgasms. I’m sorry, Nicky, you’re going to tell me how that’s a bad deal for me.
He was going to make sure she understood that his protection wasn’t based on whether or not she slept with him.
Because he wasn’t sleeping with her. He couldn’t hurt her that way again.
“So she was your old lover’s cousin,” Owen mused. “The lover you weren’t exclusive with and who wouldn’t marry you. The pretty girl who looks at you like you’re the sun in the sky is her cousin.”
“She looks at me like she would look at man who can save her.”
“I can save her.” Owen’s eyes lit up, his brows waggling. “Maybe she’ll look at me like that.”
Anger flared through his system. “Don’t you dare. I told you I would take care of her.”
His arms crossed over his big chest and Nick knew he’d been had. “Well, that answers the question with more honesty. You can pretend, but you like the girl. And if you honestly don’t then you need to know that the boys got a good look at her last night. If she’s going to be hanging about, she should be ready for some serious male attention.”
“What are you talking about?”
“The lads talked it over last night and decided there’s no dibs on this one. They all saw her at pretty much the same time. They looked over that dead body and saw her walking in the hall and that was when the fighting started. We all sat down and decided no dibs on her. She’ll get to pick. You should know that Sasha and Jax have decided if she picks either of them, they’re willing to share. I don’t play that way. That’s something I do know about meself. No need for you to be telling me that tale. If there’s going to be some sharing in the bedroom, it’s going to be the traditional kind between a man and a woman and her stacked best friend. That’s what I say.”
“You tell those boys to stay away from her or they will be dealing with me. They will not like to be dealing with me. I will put up with many things from them. They can poke all the corpses they like. They can punch each other. I do not care. They touch Hayley and I will be caring.”
“Wow, now you do sound Russian. A scary Russian. Still, I think if you don’t want the girl, shouldn’t she be allowed to choose? Think about it. It could be fun.”
“Are we talking about the lost boys and their battle for the new chick?” Kayla strode in, her hair in a high ponytail. It bounced as she walked, a testament to her seemingly ever-sunny personality. “I had babysitting duty last night and they kept talking about her even after lights out. Bad boys. I had a plan though. I think we make them compete in a beauty pageant. Hayley gets to judge.”
“I’m judging a beauty pageant?” Hayley followed behind Kay, and both women were followed by Charlotte Taggart and Penelope Knight. It looked like Hayley was rapidly being accepted by the women on his team.
That was not necessarily a good thing. The women on his team could create chaos like no others.
“That sounds like fun,” Charlotte said with a smile. “I think we should require Speedos for the bathing suit competition. No boring board shorts. If Hayley’s picking a lover, she needs to see some booty.”
Hayley stopped, her cheeks going the sweetest color of pink. “Wait. What?”
Penelope put a hand on her arm. “They’re teasing you, dear. Don’t worry about it. The lads will be very polite. Though you should expect some suitors while you’re here. Especially if you come down to the dungeon.”
Now he was the one flushing. “Excuse me?”
Hayley shook her head as she joined him at the table. “It’s nothing. I was just talking to the girls. Did you get the report? Penny said the Dallas office had found something.”
He was all too aware that they weren’t alone. Damon and Ian walked in with Brody Carter and Walter Bennett. The four men settled into chairs as the women joined them. Nick held out a chair for Hayley. He would have to remember that he couldn’t leave her alone for a minute or someone would be whispering in her ear, giving her ideas she shouldn’t have.
Like visiting The Garden on a play night.
It wasn’t happening.

About the Author Black and Green

Lexi BlakeNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog int eh world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE / AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

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