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Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits #4
No More Spies
Kala Taggart has known she was in love with Cooper McKay since she was a young girl. But her wild-child ways sometimes clashed with Coop’s apple pie, all-American persona. After the worst night of Kala’s life, she decided to give up on having any kind of normalcy. She focused on her future and let the idea of Cooper go.
Cooper knows he screwed up with Kala when they were young, but the adult Cooper is unwilling to let their past rob them of a future. He joins her CIA team not for the thrill of the job but to be close to the woman he’s always loved. He spends night after night with her at the club, trying to fulfill her needs, to prove he doesn’t need some perfect partner. All he needs is her.
When Cooper and Kala are assigned to a mission in Sweden, they find themselves locked together and forced to face their problems. As the truth of that long-ago night slowly comes to the surface, Cooper has to admit that Kala might be further from him than ever. And all his plans come crashing down as the elusive terrorist they’ve been hunting makes a move no one is expecting, but the real threat might come from within.
Cooper knows he screwed up with Kala when they were young, but the adult Cooper is unwilling to let their past rob them of a future. He joins her CIA team not for the thrill of the job but to be close to the woman he’s always loved. He spends night after night with her at the club, trying to fulfill her needs, to prove he doesn’t need some perfect partner. All he needs is her.
When Cooper and Kala are assigned to a mission in Sweden, they find themselves locked together and forced to face their problems. As the truth of that long-ago night slowly comes to the surface, Cooper has to admit that Kala might be further from him than ever. And all his plans come crashing down as the elusive terrorist they’ve been hunting makes a move no one is expecting, but the real threat might come from within.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published March 18, 2025
190 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
183 books6,385 followersNY 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.
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
March 8, 2025
Wow! Once again, Lexi stole my breath and made me cry before the story even began. Her passionate acknowledgement was so heartfelt and these characters have truly felt like my family after all these years, so it's hard not to be moved as this second generation has overcome heartbreak, found love, and felt their own growing pains. So while my heart was swimming in my stomach before I even started reading chapter one I also was feeling an overwhelming wave of nostalgia. The kids of McKay-Taggart have grown from babies into adults, right alongside my own. It's within these beautiful found families of the McKay-Taggart world where time can stand still, for just a few precious hours, where through these characters I have a moment to feel ageless. So...I knew this book would rock my world and I wasn’t wrong. I'm moved, I'm touched, and I'm emotionally forever changed. ❤️😍
Kala Taggart is one of the few character stories that I've been dying to read. Like her father, Ian, she's the anchor of which the new recruit group centers around and I knew her story was going to shred my emotions. I cried more during this book than I have in a combined total reading all of Lexi's books. 😭 Kala had all the hard hitting emotions and anyone that knows this woman...yeah, that says a lot right there. What Kala experienced absolutely slayed me. It's almost hard to express how much I identified with Kala and her teenage self, but the young girl who fell hard for a boy, only to be devastated by him, hit extremely close to home. Older Kala may have had an easier time keeping a lid on her emotions, but it didn't mean she didn't feel them...oh, did I understand this Kala too. It isn't easy being a woman, especially one in today's world, but add in one who is born to lead, a mini Ian at that, and then add in all the layers womanhood she is truly amazing. She's also deeply complex and everything I ever could have hoped for in her story. I'm still getting teary eyed as I'm thinking about her, so...um...yeah.😭
Cooper McKay may have grown up and known Kala from birth, but like all teenagers, he is also the guy who lets her down when youth is known for making dumb decisions. Everyone refers to him as Captain America and all I'll say is, he's never malicious and he is genuinely a good guy, he's just a kid and doesn't know how to handle Kala and her fragile teenage heart. It takes years of separation between them and coming to the realization that he is the one man who had the power to destroy her, but he is also the one man who has loved Kala and will always love her forever. He knows she's intense, but she's also the kind of intense he craves. She is his dream girl and he will never stop at the chance to make her his.
Each book in this new recruit series has gotten better and better and with the highly suspenseful ending in this one I cannot wait for the next book to arrive! I realize at some point the overall plot to catch the bad guy will end, but I'm secretly hoping it goes on and on and on because I want ALL the second generation kiddos to have their stories told. I can't help it I'm greedy. 😍
Kala Taggart is one of the few character stories that I've been dying to read. Like her father, Ian, she's the anchor of which the new recruit group centers around and I knew her story was going to shred my emotions. I cried more during this book than I have in a combined total reading all of Lexi's books. 😭 Kala had all the hard hitting emotions and anyone that knows this woman...yeah, that says a lot right there. What Kala experienced absolutely slayed me. It's almost hard to express how much I identified with Kala and her teenage self, but the young girl who fell hard for a boy, only to be devastated by him, hit extremely close to home. Older Kala may have had an easier time keeping a lid on her emotions, but it didn't mean she didn't feel them...oh, did I understand this Kala too. It isn't easy being a woman, especially one in today's world, but add in one who is born to lead, a mini Ian at that, and then add in all the layers womanhood she is truly amazing. She's also deeply complex and everything I ever could have hoped for in her story. I'm still getting teary eyed as I'm thinking about her, so...um...yeah.😭
Cooper McKay may have grown up and known Kala from birth, but like all teenagers, he is also the guy who lets her down when youth is known for making dumb decisions. Everyone refers to him as Captain America and all I'll say is, he's never malicious and he is genuinely a good guy, he's just a kid and doesn't know how to handle Kala and her fragile teenage heart. It takes years of separation between them and coming to the realization that he is the one man who had the power to destroy her, but he is also the one man who has loved Kala and will always love her forever. He knows she's intense, but she's also the kind of intense he craves. She is his dream girl and he will never stop at the chance to make her his.
Each book in this new recruit series has gotten better and better and with the highly suspenseful ending in this one I cannot wait for the next book to arrive! I realize at some point the overall plot to catch the bad guy will end, but I'm secretly hoping it goes on and on and on because I want ALL the second generation kiddos to have their stories told. I can't help it I'm greedy. 😍
April 1, 2025
4.5⭐️
I wasn’t expecting this book to be as emotional as it was.
We finally got Kala and Cooper’s story (feels like we’ve been waiting forever), and we finally found out what really happened between them. When they were fifteen, Kala and Cooper were at completely different stages of what they wanted. Kala, with her strong and unwavering personality, wanted Cooper and Cooper only. She wanted them to become more, to become everything. Meanwhile, Cooper was still just a kid—one who didn’t know how to deal with his insecurities, the perfect image he was trying to maintain for everyone, and the overwhelming love he felt for Kala. So, he made the brilliant decision to break her heart. Unknowingly, he set off a chain reaction that would alter their relationship forever. Now, twelve years later, they have one last chance—to try again or say goodbye to those feelings for good.
This book was slowly breaking and repairing my heart. I didn’t sob, but every now and then, a tear definitely fell. Kala’s character was so complex—dark, hurt, filled with so much love and brutal honesty. I ached for her, for the pain brought on by the voices in her head and, unintentionally, by the people around her. And Cooper… while he’s a man now, he’s still one hell of an idiot. A surprisingly sensitive idiot for a Dom. But if there’s one thing I cannot fault him for, it’s his love for Kala—because he fights for her on every single page of this book.
I’ll be honest, I was annoyed by parts of the plot. I just wanted to read about Kala and Cooper opening up to each other instead of dealing with everything else happening around them. And honestly, I am so sick of Huisman. I know he’ll probably be dealt with in Ben and Kenzie’s book, but right now, he feels like a cockroach that just will not die. And we still have to suffer through him for at least two more books.
Anyway, I loved this book, this series, this universe. One of my ultimate comfort reads—now and forever! 💖 Second Chance 💖 Spy Romance 💖 Light BDSM 💖 Fourth book in a series (book 30 in the universe!) 💖 3rd Person POV
I wasn’t expecting this book to be as emotional as it was.
We finally got Kala and Cooper’s story (feels like we’ve been waiting forever), and we finally found out what really happened between them. When they were fifteen, Kala and Cooper were at completely different stages of what they wanted. Kala, with her strong and unwavering personality, wanted Cooper and Cooper only. She wanted them to become more, to become everything. Meanwhile, Cooper was still just a kid—one who didn’t know how to deal with his insecurities, the perfect image he was trying to maintain for everyone, and the overwhelming love he felt for Kala. So, he made the brilliant decision to break her heart. Unknowingly, he set off a chain reaction that would alter their relationship forever. Now, twelve years later, they have one last chance—to try again or say goodbye to those feelings for good.
This book was slowly breaking and repairing my heart. I didn’t sob, but every now and then, a tear definitely fell. Kala’s character was so complex—dark, hurt, filled with so much love and brutal honesty. I ached for her, for the pain brought on by the voices in her head and, unintentionally, by the people around her. And Cooper… while he’s a man now, he’s still one hell of an idiot. A surprisingly sensitive idiot for a Dom. But if there’s one thing I cannot fault him for, it’s his love for Kala—because he fights for her on every single page of this book.
I’ll be honest, I was annoyed by parts of the plot. I just wanted to read about Kala and Cooper opening up to each other instead of dealing with everything else happening around them. And honestly, I am so sick of Huisman. I know he’ll probably be dealt with in Ben and Kenzie’s book, but right now, he feels like a cockroach that just will not die. And we still have to suffer through him for at least two more books.
Anyway, I loved this book, this series, this universe. One of my ultimate comfort reads—now and forever! 💖 Second Chance 💖 Spy Romance 💖 Light BDSM 💖 Fourth book in a series (book 30 in the universe!) 💖 3rd Person POV
![Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1647896333i%2F31792110._UX200_CR0%2C96%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 9, 2025
Blake delivers another thrilling installment in her Masters and Mercenaries: Reloaded series with No More Spies, a gripping mix of romance, action, and suspense. 15 pages in and my heart broke for you Kala (I may have also wanted to kick Cooper in the balls 😂) A few more pages and I knew this was one of those books; the book that you feel implicitly done to your marrow, the one that you look back on and you really wish you could read it for the first time all over again just to have those feelings and reactions again.
Blake excels at balancing high-stakes action with emotional depth. Kala is a strong, dynamic heroine who refuses to back down, while Cooper is a complex hero, still guilty about his past and how it led to their brief estrangement. Their banter is sharp, their passion intense, and their emotional struggles feel authentic. The novel is packed with fast-paced sequences, unexpected twists, and plenty of the signature heat that fans of the series have come to love.
While No More Spies can be read as a standalone, readers familiar with the Masters and Mercenaries universe will appreciate the returning characters and the overarching intrigue. The blend of spy-thriller elements and deep emotional connections makes this book a standout in the genre.
For fans of romantic suspense with strong heroines, alpha heroes, and plenty of action, No More Spies is an exciting, satisfying read that proves Lexi Blake is a master at weaving together passion and espionage. Thank you Lexi Blake for this world. It makes me immeasurably happy 😊
Blake excels at balancing high-stakes action with emotional depth. Kala is a strong, dynamic heroine who refuses to back down, while Cooper is a complex hero, still guilty about his past and how it led to their brief estrangement. Their banter is sharp, their passion intense, and their emotional struggles feel authentic. The novel is packed with fast-paced sequences, unexpected twists, and plenty of the signature heat that fans of the series have come to love.
While No More Spies can be read as a standalone, readers familiar with the Masters and Mercenaries universe will appreciate the returning characters and the overarching intrigue. The blend of spy-thriller elements and deep emotional connections makes this book a standout in the genre.
For fans of romantic suspense with strong heroines, alpha heroes, and plenty of action, No More Spies is an exciting, satisfying read that proves Lexi Blake is a master at weaving together passion and espionage. Thank you Lexi Blake for this world. It makes me immeasurably happy 😊
March 11, 2025
I’ve loved Kala ever since we learned the meaning behind her name! I was so excited for her book & it was so worth the wait! To be honest I’ve been unsure about Cooper & honestly he didn’t win me over till like 75% through the book. But Kala had so so so much character growth throughout the book. My heart broke for everything she went through & I could also relate to her in a lot of ways. Their story wasn’t easy in the least but it made for an amazing read! Seriously I loved it from the first word to the last.
March 27, 2025
There will be spoilers, and this review will be honest and unflattering like the character Kala Taggart.
To begin, I headed into this novel as an avid Lexi Blake fan. I read the heartfelt and deeply personal foreword, and I commend anyone who takes that leap and divulges an incredibly traumatic life-incident in order to heal. I cannot emphasise this enough: Lexi Blake wrote a personal story about a personal experience through characters like an artist would with paintbrushes. Being able to transfer complex emotions to hundreds--if not thousands--of readers with simple words is a talent worth its respect, and Lexi Blake always has my respect. Additionally, Kala has been a very contentious character since her conception back in Masters & Mercenaries the OG series. She is a ball-buster and an extremely well written character. While I have many qualms about this newest instalment in Lexi Blake's M&M-New Recruits Series, I will give credit where credit is due: Kala Taggart is an excellently written character with unique strengths and struggles, background story, and a well-established arch.
HOWEVER--HOWEVER, this is the first Lexi Blake novel that missed the mark...BY A MILE. My main objections to this novel's existence are as follows:
1) "Consent is for me but not for thee",
2) Being sexist towards men is fine, apparently?
3) Read like an advertisement for Lexi Blake's earlier novels,
4) Characters lacked dimension---almost as if they were caricatures of popular tropes not characters with a worthwhile story.
Firstly, the big elephant hanging by the McKay's pool with two (borderline) pubescent children is the biggest and arguably the most egregious decision ever: SEX. As a former child myself, I believe that it is an universal rite of passage to wonder, want, and have sexual growth. Kala, who begins the novel with a bold declaration that she wants to have sex with Cooper, fails to account for their biggest obstacle yet: AGE. Both Cooper and Kala are children under the age of 17 (which is also the legal age for consent in the state of Texas) and one feels wildly different about sex than the other. Kala, having grown up with sexually liberal (and oversharing) parents accept that sex is a part of life and something to be enjoyed with intimate partners. Cooper, on the other hand, is striving for parental validation and social approval from his peers. It is very apparent to me, the reader, that Kala is at a different stage of her sexual development, while Cooper is concerned about jumping too hard too fast into a relationship he labels as, "intense." Herein lies my greatest displeasure with Lexi Blake this time: Cooper has a right to feel that the relationship is too intense. Cooper has the right to refuse consent for sex. Cooper also retains the right to want to step away from a romantic relationship. I do not respect the way the adults in the story handled Kala's feelings versus Cooper's. While the ensuing (yet unrelated) kidnapping of Kala is concerning, well-beloved characters like Ian and Charlotte behaved disgustingly. Is Kala hurt? Yes. Is Cooper right in standing up for himself? 100% yes. No matter the reason or cause for Cooper to retract his consent for a romantic relationship, Cooper's consent was not respected when it should have been. Ian--the biggest man-child in this universe--goes as far as to blame Cooper for Kala's kidnapping, almost as if it was some 15 year old's duty to parent HIS DAUGHTER. Throughout the Masters & Mercenaries books, I find that Ian makes some very strange parental decisions, and while I can often overlook them, I cannot, for the life of me, understand why Ian expects someone else's son to prioritise Kala's feelings, all the while, refusing to teach Kala the importance/meaning of consent. Furthermore, I find Alex and Eve McKay's response to the ensuing chaos as underwhelming, if not downright alarming. Not once in this entire novel does Cooper get the respect or courtesy he deserves. While Alex does defend Cooper (only ONE F***ing TIME), Alex McKay fails as a father when he allows his community to isolate Cooper and delegate blame onto his SON for crimes he did not commit. Mind you, I do not find Cooper's personal feelings towards Kala to be a crime.
Speaking of crimes, I find that the societal expectations that are prevalent in most Lexi Blake novels to be downright outrageous in this one, and although that is clearly mentioned, several times, Lexi Blake fails to deliver adequate solutions or treatments. As mentioned early on by another irrelevant character, Kala demonstrates traits that are firmly in line with her father's. While Ian does not face harsh criticisms for his questionable behaviours, Kala is often targeted as the "difficult one" among her siblings, going as far as to receive misogynistic treatment. The gender disparity in respect and tolerance is transparent. Kala is a mini-Ian; understood. The novel briefly tackles this issue and makes is abundantly clear that the disparity in treatment between father and daughter by their community is unfair. Still, I am rather put out that while gender-related expectations for women are challenged in this novel, Cooper (and even Seth, at one point) endures unjust treatment simply for being boys/men. I find it hilariously hypocritical that Kala gets respect for demonstrating "macho" behaviours (sexual dominant, protector) but Cooper is berated for demonstrating (socially accepted) feminine behaviours (i.e., refusing consent, seeking validation), even though their respective behaviours are not limited to any or either sex. Ian makes fun of "p***ies" throughout the series, but to treat his (almost) son-in-law (who was a minor at the start of this book, btw) like that was awful to read. You cannot be a feminist and claim that femininity is limited to the female sex, on the basis that feminine traits are actually stupid unless you're a pansy, then its okay. I would not otherwise find a fault this critical if not for the fact that Lexi Blake often portrays her novels as a vouch for "girl power" then condemns femininity by depriving colloquially feminine-acts from respect and dignity, like Finn Taylor who is a sexual bottom, and its okay, except he doesn't get to have his children carry his name, or Sam Barnes, another submissive, who isn't permitted to have a motorcycle because he "cannot be trusted."
Oftentimes, Lexi Blake advertises her novels on social media by listing off tropes and themes to attract readers who may prefer one trope to another. That, in and of itself is perfectly fine. However, there are times when her plots feel less plot-heavy and more like a bizarre attempt as a sexually provocative SNL monologue. And I say its bizarre because the reason why Lexi Blake is such a prominent romance author is her adventurous, witty, and plot-directed storytelling, and anything outside of that is a sad mockery of the Lexi Blake we all love. In "No More Spies," Kala is a beautiful Agency operative and has multiple layers, but characters like her parents, friends and/or co-workers are remind me of background noise in a highly disturbing way. It's almost as if there is some cognisance about the dryness of the New Recruits. Much like Natasha's, Daisy's and Carys's stories, this one lacked a sense of personality usually present in older M&M novels. Ian is sarcastic, and, I, a repeat reader, do not need reminding of how "sarcastic" Ian is. Neither do I need a reminder in EVERY. SINGLE. NOVEL. about how Eve & Alex got together, or Adam & Jake & Serena got together. Honestly, I could not care less. I want to read about Kala and Cooper, not the entirety of a community I have already read about. If I was a first time reader (which I was at one point), I would choose to read more novels by the same author if I like the initial reading experience. It's like choosing an item at a restaurant: I go in, I order a dish, I eat said dish, I like it, I go back, I order something new, I like that, I go back, rinse and repeat. I do not go into restaurants and request bite-size pieces of every dish--I think that would be confusing and a bad strategy if I wanted to enjoy a meal. Similarly, I want to read a book about Kala and Cooper. If I like this novel, I am more than likely to read about Ian and Charlotte or Eve and Alex. I just did not appreciate having random and unnecessary character (along with their novel-sized stories) taking up such a big portion of a book I am trying to enjoy.
That's it.
To begin, I headed into this novel as an avid Lexi Blake fan. I read the heartfelt and deeply personal foreword, and I commend anyone who takes that leap and divulges an incredibly traumatic life-incident in order to heal. I cannot emphasise this enough: Lexi Blake wrote a personal story about a personal experience through characters like an artist would with paintbrushes. Being able to transfer complex emotions to hundreds--if not thousands--of readers with simple words is a talent worth its respect, and Lexi Blake always has my respect. Additionally, Kala has been a very contentious character since her conception back in Masters & Mercenaries the OG series. She is a ball-buster and an extremely well written character. While I have many qualms about this newest instalment in Lexi Blake's M&M-New Recruits Series, I will give credit where credit is due: Kala Taggart is an excellently written character with unique strengths and struggles, background story, and a well-established arch.
HOWEVER--HOWEVER, this is the first Lexi Blake novel that missed the mark...BY A MILE. My main objections to this novel's existence are as follows:
1) "Consent is for me but not for thee",
2) Being sexist towards men is fine, apparently?
3) Read like an advertisement for Lexi Blake's earlier novels,
4) Characters lacked dimension---almost as if they were caricatures of popular tropes not characters with a worthwhile story.
Firstly, the big elephant hanging by the McKay's pool with two (borderline) pubescent children is the biggest and arguably the most egregious decision ever: SEX. As a former child myself, I believe that it is an universal rite of passage to wonder, want, and have sexual growth. Kala, who begins the novel with a bold declaration that she wants to have sex with Cooper, fails to account for their biggest obstacle yet: AGE. Both Cooper and Kala are children under the age of 17 (which is also the legal age for consent in the state of Texas) and one feels wildly different about sex than the other. Kala, having grown up with sexually liberal (and oversharing) parents accept that sex is a part of life and something to be enjoyed with intimate partners. Cooper, on the other hand, is striving for parental validation and social approval from his peers. It is very apparent to me, the reader, that Kala is at a different stage of her sexual development, while Cooper is concerned about jumping too hard too fast into a relationship he labels as, "intense." Herein lies my greatest displeasure with Lexi Blake this time: Cooper has a right to feel that the relationship is too intense. Cooper has the right to refuse consent for sex. Cooper also retains the right to want to step away from a romantic relationship. I do not respect the way the adults in the story handled Kala's feelings versus Cooper's. While the ensuing (yet unrelated) kidnapping of Kala is concerning, well-beloved characters like Ian and Charlotte behaved disgustingly. Is Kala hurt? Yes. Is Cooper right in standing up for himself? 100% yes. No matter the reason or cause for Cooper to retract his consent for a romantic relationship, Cooper's consent was not respected when it should have been. Ian--the biggest man-child in this universe--goes as far as to blame Cooper for Kala's kidnapping, almost as if it was some 15 year old's duty to parent HIS DAUGHTER. Throughout the Masters & Mercenaries books, I find that Ian makes some very strange parental decisions, and while I can often overlook them, I cannot, for the life of me, understand why Ian expects someone else's son to prioritise Kala's feelings, all the while, refusing to teach Kala the importance/meaning of consent. Furthermore, I find Alex and Eve McKay's response to the ensuing chaos as underwhelming, if not downright alarming. Not once in this entire novel does Cooper get the respect or courtesy he deserves. While Alex does defend Cooper (only ONE F***ing TIME), Alex McKay fails as a father when he allows his community to isolate Cooper and delegate blame onto his SON for crimes he did not commit. Mind you, I do not find Cooper's personal feelings towards Kala to be a crime.
Speaking of crimes, I find that the societal expectations that are prevalent in most Lexi Blake novels to be downright outrageous in this one, and although that is clearly mentioned, several times, Lexi Blake fails to deliver adequate solutions or treatments. As mentioned early on by another irrelevant character, Kala demonstrates traits that are firmly in line with her father's. While Ian does not face harsh criticisms for his questionable behaviours, Kala is often targeted as the "difficult one" among her siblings, going as far as to receive misogynistic treatment. The gender disparity in respect and tolerance is transparent. Kala is a mini-Ian; understood. The novel briefly tackles this issue and makes is abundantly clear that the disparity in treatment between father and daughter by their community is unfair. Still, I am rather put out that while gender-related expectations for women are challenged in this novel, Cooper (and even Seth, at one point) endures unjust treatment simply for being boys/men. I find it hilariously hypocritical that Kala gets respect for demonstrating "macho" behaviours (sexual dominant, protector) but Cooper is berated for demonstrating (socially accepted) feminine behaviours (i.e., refusing consent, seeking validation), even though their respective behaviours are not limited to any or either sex. Ian makes fun of "p***ies" throughout the series, but to treat his (almost) son-in-law (who was a minor at the start of this book, btw) like that was awful to read. You cannot be a feminist and claim that femininity is limited to the female sex, on the basis that feminine traits are actually stupid unless you're a pansy, then its okay. I would not otherwise find a fault this critical if not for the fact that Lexi Blake often portrays her novels as a vouch for "girl power" then condemns femininity by depriving colloquially feminine-acts from respect and dignity, like Finn Taylor who is a sexual bottom, and its okay, except he doesn't get to have his children carry his name, or Sam Barnes, another submissive, who isn't permitted to have a motorcycle because he "cannot be trusted."
Oftentimes, Lexi Blake advertises her novels on social media by listing off tropes and themes to attract readers who may prefer one trope to another. That, in and of itself is perfectly fine. However, there are times when her plots feel less plot-heavy and more like a bizarre attempt as a sexually provocative SNL monologue. And I say its bizarre because the reason why Lexi Blake is such a prominent romance author is her adventurous, witty, and plot-directed storytelling, and anything outside of that is a sad mockery of the Lexi Blake we all love. In "No More Spies," Kala is a beautiful Agency operative and has multiple layers, but characters like her parents, friends and/or co-workers are remind me of background noise in a highly disturbing way. It's almost as if there is some cognisance about the dryness of the New Recruits. Much like Natasha's, Daisy's and Carys's stories, this one lacked a sense of personality usually present in older M&M novels. Ian is sarcastic, and, I, a repeat reader, do not need reminding of how "sarcastic" Ian is. Neither do I need a reminder in EVERY. SINGLE. NOVEL. about how Eve & Alex got together, or Adam & Jake & Serena got together. Honestly, I could not care less. I want to read about Kala and Cooper, not the entirety of a community I have already read about. If I was a first time reader (which I was at one point), I would choose to read more novels by the same author if I like the initial reading experience. It's like choosing an item at a restaurant: I go in, I order a dish, I eat said dish, I like it, I go back, I order something new, I like that, I go back, rinse and repeat. I do not go into restaurants and request bite-size pieces of every dish--I think that would be confusing and a bad strategy if I wanted to enjoy a meal. Similarly, I want to read a book about Kala and Cooper. If I like this novel, I am more than likely to read about Ian and Charlotte or Eve and Alex. I just did not appreciate having random and unnecessary character (along with their novel-sized stories) taking up such a big portion of a book I am trying to enjoy.
That's it.
March 21, 2025
The fact that Lexi can keep this series so fresh, so relevant and so emotional is just more proof that she is a creative genius.
I knew Kala and Cooper would send me on an emotional rollercoaster ride, and it didn't dissapoint!
Not only did Lexi write a beautiful character in Kala, but also this amazing family that supports eachother and let's them thrive. Ian and Charlotte are fictional couple goals!! If only everyone had parents like that!
Cooper, oh Cooper... I loved him and loved seeing his character unfold in this book. So much depth to him and how perfectly he understood Kala and still managed to mess up. Loved that dose of reality because real life isn't always violet wands and boxes of chocolate.... love is messy !
I knew Kala and Cooper would send me on an emotional rollercoaster ride, and it didn't dissapoint!
Not only did Lexi write a beautiful character in Kala, but also this amazing family that supports eachother and let's them thrive. Ian and Charlotte are fictional couple goals!! If only everyone had parents like that!
Cooper, oh Cooper... I loved him and loved seeing his character unfold in this book. So much depth to him and how perfectly he understood Kala and still managed to mess up. Loved that dose of reality because real life isn't always violet wands and boxes of chocolate.... love is messy !
July 9, 2025
Another fantastic book in this series. I've waited for Kala's book and Lexi Blake did not disappoint.
This story starts out when Kala and Cooper are 15. They've been close friends forever and things are heating up. Kala thinks she is ready but Cooper is not and tells her that. Kala leaves and gets kidnapped by evil Julia. Of course, her parents save the day. Fast forward to 12 years later. Cooper has forever been trying to make things up to Kala. He's not giving up. It's great how these two move closer and closer. But there has to be problems with them finally being together as we all know they will. The whole team gets involved. I really love this entire series and all the characters. It's fantastic how the author has all these twists and turns until we get to the end. I love her books!
This story starts out when Kala and Cooper are 15. They've been close friends forever and things are heating up. Kala thinks she is ready but Cooper is not and tells her that. Kala leaves and gets kidnapped by evil Julia. Of course, her parents save the day. Fast forward to 12 years later. Cooper has forever been trying to make things up to Kala. He's not giving up. It's great how these two move closer and closer. But there has to be problems with them finally being together as we all know they will. The whole team gets involved. I really love this entire series and all the characters. It's fantastic how the author has all these twists and turns until we get to the end. I love her books!
March 10, 2025
Did you think you knew Kala? Because I’m pretty sure no one expected the depth that this woman hides behind her snark! The reasons for her deliberate cool politeness toward Cooper are now all ours to know, and I promise you one thing. Those reasons hurt. They’re 100% valid, too. But Cooper isn’t giving up hope. No way. He loves Kala and he’s determined to prove that to her. Even if it means facing down Ian Taggart and his protectiveness to do so.
Trust me when I say that you’re also going to see other sides of many favorites. Eve disappoints due to miscommunication, Ian brings his truths and unabashed emotions to help Kala, Zach brings revelations nobody expected, and Cooper? Well, he learns that words hurt in ways he KNOWS, and his father is instrumental in reminding him that cutting someone verbally in anger could cause lasting scars.
As for Kala. I promise, she’s far more than anticipated. I’d expected that she’s hiding a lot, but oh, how I felt for her. Her lost feelings. Her certainty that she doesn’t really belong and is a drain. But also how much she cares and how deeply loyal she is to all who earn it. I might adore her more than anyone else in this family, and that’s saying something. She’s come through the hardest stuff and is not only still standing, but is also still swinging and protecting others.
I already want more. Honestly. Because we’re thiiiiiiis close to thwarting someone for good, and I can’t wait for it!
Trust me when I say that you’re also going to see other sides of many favorites. Eve disappoints due to miscommunication, Ian brings his truths and unabashed emotions to help Kala, Zach brings revelations nobody expected, and Cooper? Well, he learns that words hurt in ways he KNOWS, and his father is instrumental in reminding him that cutting someone verbally in anger could cause lasting scars.
As for Kala. I promise, she’s far more than anticipated. I’d expected that she’s hiding a lot, but oh, how I felt for her. Her lost feelings. Her certainty that she doesn’t really belong and is a drain. But also how much she cares and how deeply loyal she is to all who earn it. I might adore her more than anyone else in this family, and that’s saying something. She’s come through the hardest stuff and is not only still standing, but is also still swinging and protecting others.
I already want more. Honestly. Because we’re thiiiiiiis close to thwarting someone for good, and I can’t wait for it!
March 20, 2025
The best in the series by far.
March 6, 2025
There were just so many characters in this that I couldn’t keep up. It got so confusing and the plot just felt like a lot but also the same shit just kept happening.
March 2, 2025
Set aside some time for this one, because once I started, I couldn’t stop! Everything that happened was eye-opening, and led to the next thing, and the next thing, and so on. There was no way to find a place to take a break and set it down, I needed to know what would happen and how this story unfolded. So many questions are answered, so much insight into characters we didn’t realize we didn’t know, so much growth and self-awareness achieved for our characters. There were definitely some lol moments interspersed with all the action and intrigue, and it had some deeply emotional moments as well, so have the tissues close. But in the end, with all that happened before and now, having Kala and Cooper get their HEA was meant to be, and a joy to be part of <3
May 19, 2025
4.5 SAY WHAT Stars
April 1, 2025
4.5 Stars ⭐️
First of all, I ABSOLUTEY LOVE this series, which is a spin off of another series - well, actually I LOVE the entire world that has been built around these characters and the world of McKay and Taggart. We have been teased for the last couple - actually probably for the last several - books on finally finding out what happened between Kala and Cooper. I have been patient knowing that EVENTUALLY, we'd get their story.
Oh, I need to stop for a second and just compliment Ryan West. He is the narrator and HAS been the narrator for this entire world of books and at this point, we are probably at close to 50 books. So when I say he is the voice of the series....he really is. Another fantastic job Mr. West. So well done.
Okay, back to the story. Without going into spoilers, something happened to Kala when she was 15 years old that I'm not sure if we were aware of or not as the reader. Maybe we were, but it's been so many books that I honestly couldn't tell you. She was kidnapped and held for days, before being rescued by her family. Unfortunately, the kidnapping happened on the night that she had had an awful fight with and had "broken up" with Cooper (even though they were never dating publicly). She was so upset and hurt by Cooper that she wasn't paying attention and that led to the kidnapping. Would they still have kidnapped her at another time? Probably. But it was hard to not connect the two events in her mind.
Cooper on the other hand was a very stupid immature 15 year old who was dealing with issues of his own. It is public knowledge that he was adopted, but its never really been expressed that he struggled with feelings of inferiority - thinking that if he wasn't perfect, he wasn't worthy of their love. We all know that nothing was farther than the truth, but as a 15 year old boy - he still felt those feelings. That was why he wasn't emotionally ready for a relationship with Kala at that time. Kala was already extremely mature and always a bit different. The things that make an adult "brilliant" and commended are things that kids and bullies will focus in on because they are "different".
So, we finally get that back story and honestly, some really amazing emotionally perceptive parenting by Big Tag (man I love that guy). We now jump to the present and dive into the storyline that has been evolving for the last several books. Cooper has been biding his time. He knows that he loves Kala, he knows he was stupid when he was younger, but he also knows that Kala is his.
Kala, on the other hand, is stubborn. Very stubborn. But she is being worn down. Finally, she decides that she doesn't have to marry the guy, maybe she can just try him out one time.....see what its like..? (there is a whole other back story revolving around that that is a spoiler, so can't talk about it...so there is that).
Anyway, they have their night - it does NOT go well. At the same time, things go haywire regarding a certain mission and Kala and Cooper are forced to have to work together. This is where Ms. Blake just excels. Seriously. She rocks.
What makes this series so fantastic is the characters that have been developed so perfectly throughout the years. The way these people work so well together is just awesome. The level of humor sometimes comes out of nowhere to deescalate a situation. The plot lines are great - there are always really bad "bad guys" and as a reader, you are invested in the storyline itself, the relationship of the characters, the hilarity of the Taggarts......it's all just a great big bag of fun.
So - another winner. While it wasn't my favorite book of this spin off series, I still enjoyed the heck out of it. At first, I couldn't believe that we were already jumping to the adult kids of our favorite characters. Now, I'm afraid we are going to run out of characters period. Thank goodness, we still have a few of those stubborn ones to mess with :)
First of all, I ABSOLUTEY LOVE this series, which is a spin off of another series - well, actually I LOVE the entire world that has been built around these characters and the world of McKay and Taggart. We have been teased for the last couple - actually probably for the last several - books on finally finding out what happened between Kala and Cooper. I have been patient knowing that EVENTUALLY, we'd get their story.
Oh, I need to stop for a second and just compliment Ryan West. He is the narrator and HAS been the narrator for this entire world of books and at this point, we are probably at close to 50 books. So when I say he is the voice of the series....he really is. Another fantastic job Mr. West. So well done.
Okay, back to the story. Without going into spoilers, something happened to Kala when she was 15 years old that I'm not sure if we were aware of or not as the reader. Maybe we were, but it's been so many books that I honestly couldn't tell you. She was kidnapped and held for days, before being rescued by her family. Unfortunately, the kidnapping happened on the night that she had had an awful fight with and had "broken up" with Cooper (even though they were never dating publicly). She was so upset and hurt by Cooper that she wasn't paying attention and that led to the kidnapping. Would they still have kidnapped her at another time? Probably. But it was hard to not connect the two events in her mind.
Cooper on the other hand was a very stupid immature 15 year old who was dealing with issues of his own. It is public knowledge that he was adopted, but its never really been expressed that he struggled with feelings of inferiority - thinking that if he wasn't perfect, he wasn't worthy of their love. We all know that nothing was farther than the truth, but as a 15 year old boy - he still felt those feelings. That was why he wasn't emotionally ready for a relationship with Kala at that time. Kala was already extremely mature and always a bit different. The things that make an adult "brilliant" and commended are things that kids and bullies will focus in on because they are "different".
So, we finally get that back story and honestly, some really amazing emotionally perceptive parenting by Big Tag (man I love that guy). We now jump to the present and dive into the storyline that has been evolving for the last several books. Cooper has been biding his time. He knows that he loves Kala, he knows he was stupid when he was younger, but he also knows that Kala is his.
Kala, on the other hand, is stubborn. Very stubborn. But she is being worn down. Finally, she decides that she doesn't have to marry the guy, maybe she can just try him out one time.....see what its like..? (there is a whole other back story revolving around that that is a spoiler, so can't talk about it...so there is that).
Anyway, they have their night - it does NOT go well. At the same time, things go haywire regarding a certain mission and Kala and Cooper are forced to have to work together. This is where Ms. Blake just excels. Seriously. She rocks.
What makes this series so fantastic is the characters that have been developed so perfectly throughout the years. The way these people work so well together is just awesome. The level of humor sometimes comes out of nowhere to deescalate a situation. The plot lines are great - there are always really bad "bad guys" and as a reader, you are invested in the storyline itself, the relationship of the characters, the hilarity of the Taggarts......it's all just a great big bag of fun.
So - another winner. While it wasn't my favorite book of this spin off series, I still enjoyed the heck out of it. At first, I couldn't believe that we were already jumping to the adult kids of our favorite characters. Now, I'm afraid we are going to run out of characters period. Thank goodness, we still have a few of those stubborn ones to mess with :)
March 17, 2025
Ohmygoshthisseries!
Kala and Cooper's book had me on the edge of my seat, y'all! I mean, I liked the 3 previous books, but this one? Blew them all away! I didn't want to stop reading once I'd started, sleep and work be damned ;)
I absolutely loved Kala and Cooper together, and she is hands down my favorite heroine of this series (I suppose I should say so far, but can anyone really top her???)--her inner (and outer) snark is absolute gold, and witnessing the inner workings of her mind? Absolutely gripping. Even when I was arguing with the conclusions she was coming to and the decisions she was making, seeing how she came to them was just gripping. And having a front row seat to Cooper responding to her and saying the absolute wrong thing (more than once!)? Equally fascinating. MCs having trouble communicating is not usually my favorite thing, but here it totally works and is 100% believable.
Once again the drama and danger here is pretty much nonstop, with Kala jumping in headfirst and Cooper following closely behind. The dynamics between them and the rest of their team (and their extended families and friends who aren't on the team) are absolute gold as usual. (Though goodness--I'm starting to need more background info than just a set of family trees at the start of the book--how about annotated family trees??? Either that or release all the books at once so I can just straight up binge ;))
Though Kala and Cooper do resolve their relationship at the end (thank goodness!) we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger with an escaped villain and missing MCs for the next book, so obviously #6 cannot come soon enough. I especially enjoyed the second half of the book's final chapter, which featured the OG heroines/matriarchs of the series enjoying some downtime. A lovely way to finish!
No More Spies continues the Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits series, which really should be read in order because the stories build on each other with the same main bad guy and events that stack up on one another. Do yourself a favor and start the series today if you haven't already--then maybe the wait until SEPTEMBER for Zach and Devi's book won't seem so long! ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Kala and Cooper's book had me on the edge of my seat, y'all! I mean, I liked the 3 previous books, but this one? Blew them all away! I didn't want to stop reading once I'd started, sleep and work be damned ;)
I absolutely loved Kala and Cooper together, and she is hands down my favorite heroine of this series (I suppose I should say so far, but can anyone really top her???)--her inner (and outer) snark is absolute gold, and witnessing the inner workings of her mind? Absolutely gripping. Even when I was arguing with the conclusions she was coming to and the decisions she was making, seeing how she came to them was just gripping. And having a front row seat to Cooper responding to her and saying the absolute wrong thing (more than once!)? Equally fascinating. MCs having trouble communicating is not usually my favorite thing, but here it totally works and is 100% believable.
Once again the drama and danger here is pretty much nonstop, with Kala jumping in headfirst and Cooper following closely behind. The dynamics between them and the rest of their team (and their extended families and friends who aren't on the team) are absolute gold as usual. (Though goodness--I'm starting to need more background info than just a set of family trees at the start of the book--how about annotated family trees??? Either that or release all the books at once so I can just straight up binge ;))
Though Kala and Cooper do resolve their relationship at the end (thank goodness!) we are left with a bit of a cliffhanger with an escaped villain and missing MCs for the next book, so obviously #6 cannot come soon enough. I especially enjoyed the second half of the book's final chapter, which featured the OG heroines/matriarchs of the series enjoying some downtime. A lovely way to finish!
No More Spies continues the Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits series, which really should be read in order because the stories build on each other with the same main bad guy and events that stack up on one another. Do yourself a favor and start the series today if you haven't already--then maybe the wait until SEPTEMBER for Zach and Devi's book won't seem so long! ;)
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
March 17, 2025
This is a story I have been looking forward to reading for a long time. Lexi did not disappoint me as I could NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!!!!
As we read further into the new generation so much information is coming together from Masters and Mercenaries books from the past.
The story begins back when Kala was kidnapped by Julia Ennis, Kyle's evil ex. A lot of traumatic things happened to Kala during her kidnapping. Things Kala would not like to talk about and just forget. She snuck out to Cooper's house, like she normally does, and wanted more from their relationship. Cooper turned her down as it seems he is more interested in making his adoptive parents happy be being popular in school, and Kala was not popular as most of the school thought she was a freak. So she ran away after her best friend hurt her so badly and ending up getting kidnapped.... She never forgave Cooper, even though it's been twelve years since he had hurt her, that night changed everything.
Now in the present, Kala and Cooper work together on their task force team and also work together at their club as Doms making their subs happy. They now have to work together in a mission to take down the evil Huisman, who abducted Kala previously and tortured her with his horrible experimental drugs. Cooper is now a man and has always known he made a huge mistake years ago hurting Kala and he will do anything he can to make her believe she is loved and not broken.
You will feel all the pain Kala has gone through over the years, and really root for this couple to come together as they both deserve their happiness.
The Masters and Mercenaries team is back with both generations working together to take down the bad guys. Lots of sexy times with Kala and Cooper and TONS of laughs as Big Tag is hating his age and dealing with the second generation. Excellent read!!!!!
As we read further into the new generation so much information is coming together from Masters and Mercenaries books from the past.
The story begins back when Kala was kidnapped by Julia Ennis, Kyle's evil ex. A lot of traumatic things happened to Kala during her kidnapping. Things Kala would not like to talk about and just forget. She snuck out to Cooper's house, like she normally does, and wanted more from their relationship. Cooper turned her down as it seems he is more interested in making his adoptive parents happy be being popular in school, and Kala was not popular as most of the school thought she was a freak. So she ran away after her best friend hurt her so badly and ending up getting kidnapped.... She never forgave Cooper, even though it's been twelve years since he had hurt her, that night changed everything.
Now in the present, Kala and Cooper work together on their task force team and also work together at their club as Doms making their subs happy. They now have to work together in a mission to take down the evil Huisman, who abducted Kala previously and tortured her with his horrible experimental drugs. Cooper is now a man and has always known he made a huge mistake years ago hurting Kala and he will do anything he can to make her believe she is loved and not broken.
You will feel all the pain Kala has gone through over the years, and really root for this couple to come together as they both deserve their happiness.
The Masters and Mercenaries team is back with both generations working together to take down the bad guys. Lots of sexy times with Kala and Cooper and TONS of laughs as Big Tag is hating his age and dealing with the second generation. Excellent read!!!!!
March 17, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.7
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have not read the other books in this series and it’s hard to figure out who is who and what nicknames they have….
This starts with a 15 year old Kala being known as the difficult child, the one that chooses violence, the one who doesn’t have friends except for family members. She’s a twin and her twin is the complete opposite. But Cooper knows her. Problem is, that he doesn’t know himself.
Then the 12 years later part comes that has both Cooper and Kala on the same spy team. They’re also a Master/Mistress team in a BDSM club that belongs to the whole big family of spies….but they just came home from a mission that went wrong.
The writing sometimes felt like we skipped over things, scenes were not where they started, the intimate scenes were sometimes over before they even started.
All in all it was a good read with some drama, action and a bit of spice.
I would like to thank the author and Valentine PR for the opportunity to receive an advanced reading copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I have not read the other books in this series and it’s hard to figure out who is who and what nicknames they have….
This starts with a 15 year old Kala being known as the difficult child, the one that chooses violence, the one who doesn’t have friends except for family members. She’s a twin and her twin is the complete opposite. But Cooper knows her. Problem is, that he doesn’t know himself.
Then the 12 years later part comes that has both Cooper and Kala on the same spy team. They’re also a Master/Mistress team in a BDSM club that belongs to the whole big family of spies….but they just came home from a mission that went wrong.
The writing sometimes felt like we skipped over things, scenes were not where they started, the intimate scenes were sometimes over before they even started.
All in all it was a good read with some drama, action and a bit of spice.
I would like to thank the author and Valentine PR for the opportunity to receive an advanced reading copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 19, 2025
3.75-4 stars. This was a really good book! No More Spies is the long awaited romance of Kala Taggart and Cooper McKay. I have been waiting on their story since they were introduced and it did not disappoint. The two grew up together and were family friends, best friends, and at times more, but have a long and complicated history, the details of which were finally revealed in this book. I don't want to spoil anything, but will say that Kala has been through so much and is one tough cookie. I was happy to see her and Cooper work through their issues, for her to soften towards him and let him in, and for them to get their much fought-for HEA. I loved them together and the book's ending was very cute. I can't wait for the rest of the series to unfold, especially Kala's twin, Kenzie's book. I adore this series and I hope it never ends. I look forward to whatever Ms. Blake comes up with next.
*arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
*arc provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
March 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This was my first book by Lexie Blake and I was not disappointed. The depth to Cala’s character was written so well and she did a great job explaining her mental struggles. There were many times in this book my heart physically hurt for Cala and I loved watching her growth as a character throughout this story. Cooper is so sweet and goes through a lot to make it work for them both and he deserves all of the forehead kisses for that.
I found it hard to follow the story a bit because I haven’t read any of the previous ones so there were a ton of characters and a lot of things happening that I feel I would’ve understood more if I’d read the other books before this.
Overall, I really enjoyed it.
🌶️🌶️
This was my first book by Lexie Blake and I was not disappointed. The depth to Cala’s character was written so well and she did a great job explaining her mental struggles. There were many times in this book my heart physically hurt for Cala and I loved watching her growth as a character throughout this story. Cooper is so sweet and goes through a lot to make it work for them both and he deserves all of the forehead kisses for that.
I found it hard to follow the story a bit because I haven’t read any of the previous ones so there were a ton of characters and a lot of things happening that I feel I would’ve understood more if I’d read the other books before this.
Overall, I really enjoyed it.
March 18, 2025
First, let me say there is something really special when an author uses a book to heal and shares the story with their readers. No More Spies is that special kind of story. It transports the readers, guides them through a story that can be both painful and healing. Lexi Blake had heart in pieces with the forward and stitched it back together with book. Do not skip the forward.
This is book 4 in Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries New Recruits series and follows Kala and Cooper on their second chance at love and spy mission. This was my first Lexi Blake book and I am all here for it! These books do tell an interconnected and ongoing story, so if you jump into the series mid-stream like I did it might take a minute to catch up, but it won’t stop the reader from understanding or enjoying the story any less.
The characters have so much depth and growth that you can’t help but love this cast of characters. They are diverse and real. The adventure and action is nonstop. And the heat…wow.
This is book 4 in Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries New Recruits series and follows Kala and Cooper on their second chance at love and spy mission. This was my first Lexi Blake book and I am all here for it! These books do tell an interconnected and ongoing story, so if you jump into the series mid-stream like I did it might take a minute to catch up, but it won’t stop the reader from understanding or enjoying the story any less.
The characters have so much depth and growth that you can’t help but love this cast of characters. They are diverse and real. The adventure and action is nonstop. And the heat…wow.
March 20, 2025
I don’t know how it is possible but Mrs. Lexi Blake’s stories just keep getting better and better. Action. Friends to enemies to lovers. Secrets. Very steamy. I love Kala and Cooper. TJ still eats like he hasn’t eaten in years. The team needs to listen to Lou more. Bad guys. Teenage angst.
Kala and Cooper have known each other since they were young. Kala has been in love with Cooper about just as long. Cooper has trouble with Kala’s antics in high school and they have an argument. Kala leaves but gets kidnapped and it changes her. Now they are grown and have their own team, working for the Agency. Cooper joins the team to be closer to Kala. Cooper and Kala are sent to find a missing “friend” and Cooper sticks his foot in his mouth again and Kala leaves him. Can Cooper convince her to forgive him once again? When Kala is taken again, will she recover from this abduction?
Kala and Cooper have known each other since they were young. Kala has been in love with Cooper about just as long. Cooper has trouble with Kala’s antics in high school and they have an argument. Kala leaves but gets kidnapped and it changes her. Now they are grown and have their own team, working for the Agency. Cooper joins the team to be closer to Kala. Cooper and Kala are sent to find a missing “friend” and Cooper sticks his foot in his mouth again and Kala leaves him. Can Cooper convince her to forgive him once again? When Kala is taken again, will she recover from this abduction?
April 18, 2025
Coop and Kala. What angst, and finally we know what happened a long time ago. Another win for the new recruits. The narrator for these books is masterful. 😉
May 21, 2025
I have waited years for Kala's book and it did not disappoint. she is such a multifaceted character and she was written with so much depth.
January 16, 2026
I have been DYING for Kala's book - and it did not disappoint. I love her and Cooper's story.
Kala is the tough one - the hard a**. But she has a heart of gold. That heart has always belonged to Cooper Mckay, though she figured she would never let him truly have it. He broke her trust when they were kids. She had to move on with her life. But it's always been work - and her family.
Cooper knew he could never love anyone but Kala. He messed up a long time ago - and it let to the worse night of her life. He has spent the past 2 years with her team to try to prove to her that he was the one. He would never risk losing her again.
Of course, that doesn't go as smoothly as he hoped. Cooper still reacts badly to things - but Kala is always his top priority. Even as someone on the inside tries to manipulate Kala, and Cooper finds out some truths he didn't see coming, they try to work together is this relationship. They know they're meant to be.
I love this story!!
Kala is the tough one - the hard a**. But she has a heart of gold. That heart has always belonged to Cooper Mckay, though she figured she would never let him truly have it. He broke her trust when they were kids. She had to move on with her life. But it's always been work - and her family.
Cooper knew he could never love anyone but Kala. He messed up a long time ago - and it let to the worse night of her life. He has spent the past 2 years with her team to try to prove to her that he was the one. He would never risk losing her again.
Of course, that doesn't go as smoothly as he hoped. Cooper still reacts badly to things - but Kala is always his top priority. Even as someone on the inside tries to manipulate Kala, and Cooper finds out some truths he didn't see coming, they try to work together is this relationship. They know they're meant to be.
I love this story!!
March 18, 2025
Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google / Lexi’s Store / Audible
<When Kala was a teen, she thought she and Cooper were meant to be, but one very illuminating (and painful) night relieved her of that notion. She's spent years since letting herself believe something that in the present, Cooper has vowed to make her realize she's very wrong about. He has his work cut out for him, though, because the walls Kala has built around her heart could be too tough for Cooper to scale.
Cooper loves Kala. He was stupid as a kid, and led himself to believe differently, and he's been fighting to get her back ever since. But first he has to actually physically get her back - from the terrorist they've been chasing, before he does something they can't fix. Once he has his Kala back, he's not letting her go.
I've been eagerly waiting for Kala's story, and she did not disappoint. I always wanted to know what was really going on inside her mind, and it was far more than I ever suspected. I shed tears at what she went through, and the effects of not just what her job caused, but what Cooper caused. But if anything, all the pain made her stronger than ever, made her into a fierce, amazing woman. Even though I wanted to smack Cooper more than once, he finally took his head out of his ass, and managed to do right by Kala. Cooper had to face down her family, and I have to admit, he had their respect for the way he went about redeeming himself, especially with Big Tag. Kala and Cooper's story was wrapped up in suspenseful style, with heavy doses of emotion, but the over-arcing story isn't done by any means. I'm very, very impatient to get further into the series when Zach gets his story next, Spy With Me.
ARC provided by Valentine PR for an honest review.
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April 30, 2025
5 Star Review No More Spies (Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits #4) by Lexi Blake
I could not wait to read No More Spies which is Kala Taggart and Cooper McKay ’s story and what a fantastic story it was.
Their history is complicated but Cooper is determined to make up for the past and in doing so forge a future with Kala.
The camaraderie, banter and interference from all their families, both blood and found, only added to the storyline and took this book to another level.
This was a well written, romantic suspense story with a good balance of suspense and romance.
There were times I was on the edge of my seat whilst reading. Ms. Blake draws you in and will keep you invested from the first to the last paragraph.
I could not wait to read No More Spies which is Kala Taggart and Cooper McKay ’s story and what a fantastic story it was.
Their history is complicated but Cooper is determined to make up for the past and in doing so forge a future with Kala.
The camaraderie, banter and interference from all their families, both blood and found, only added to the storyline and took this book to another level.
This was a well written, romantic suspense story with a good balance of suspense and romance.
There were times I was on the edge of my seat whilst reading. Ms. Blake draws you in and will keep you invested from the first to the last paragraph.
April 14, 2025
4.5 STARS
Truth be told, I wasn't sure how I would like Kala as an FMC. She's a fun secondary character, but I was worried she may feel like she would be too much as an FMC. I am now humbly eating my own words, but this may have been my favorite book in this series so far.
Kala has loved Cooper since they were just teenagers. She knew at 15 that he was the guy for her. But the fateful night that Cooper broke her heart is also the night that changed everything for Kala. It titled her world on its axis and years later, she's still fighting the demons it formed.
But Cooper is no longer the boy she knew. He's a man who knows what he wants and is prepared to fight for it. And after watching Kala almost die in Sweet Little Spies, he knows that he refuses to waste any more time and he will do anything to get Kala to be his. Even if she fights him at every turn and only agrees on a guise of it being physical only.
I adored Cooper and the way he fought for Kala. But I especially loved his dynamic with daddy Ian. Ian is a forever favorite character of mine, but him as a protective dad is something else entirely. I just gobble it up.
There is so much that happens and is revealed in this book that took me completely by surprise. Some of the twists were absolutely jaw dropping. If you were hoping for more Zach like I was, this will make you happy because you get a whole lot insight on the mystery that is Zach. I can't wait for his book next.
I adored Kala and Cooper together and I devoured this book in two days. It was a fast paced thrill ride with plenty of sizzle and a friends to lovers romance that had a splash of unrequited pining that I absolutely loved.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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I want to be the man you come to when you need, Kala.”
“When I need sex?”
“When you need anything.”
Truth be told, I wasn't sure how I would like Kala as an FMC. She's a fun secondary character, but I was worried she may feel like she would be too much as an FMC. I am now humbly eating my own words, but this may have been my favorite book in this series so far.
Kala has loved Cooper since they were just teenagers. She knew at 15 that he was the guy for her. But the fateful night that Cooper broke her heart is also the night that changed everything for Kala. It titled her world on its axis and years later, she's still fighting the demons it formed.
But Cooper is no longer the boy she knew. He's a man who knows what he wants and is prepared to fight for it. And after watching Kala almost die in Sweet Little Spies, he knows that he refuses to waste any more time and he will do anything to get Kala to be his. Even if she fights him at every turn and only agrees on a guise of it being physical only.
“What am I risking, Coop?”
“Me winning. You can try to fuck me out of your system, but the whole time I’ll be plotting and planning to find a way that I’m so burrowed in, you won’t ever be able to leave me behind. I’m going to make you love me, Kala Taggart. I’m going to be the one thing you can’t ever compromise on.”
I adored Cooper and the way he fought for Kala. But I especially loved his dynamic with daddy Ian. Ian is a forever favorite character of mine, but him as a protective dad is something else entirely. I just gobble it up.
Sometimes it was best to be upfront with the man. He sank back into his seat, too. “Nope. I know my last tests came back healthy, and quite frankly, if she wants to baby trap me, I’ll walk right into it. I’ll happily provide logistics for her ops with one of those baby carriers strapped to my chest.”
“Damn it. I want to hate you,” Ian admitted.
There is so much that happens and is revealed in this book that took me completely by surprise. Some of the twists were absolutely jaw dropping. If you were hoping for more Zach like I was, this will make you happy because you get a whole lot insight on the mystery that is Zach. I can't wait for his book next.
I adored Kala and Cooper together and I devoured this book in two days. It was a fast paced thrill ride with plenty of sizzle and a friends to lovers romance that had a splash of unrequited pining that I absolutely loved.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
March 18, 2025
4.5stars-NO MORE SPIES is the fourth instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: NEW RECRUITS erotic, BDSM, romantic suspense series, a spin off from the author’s numerous interconnected Masters & Mercenaries series, crossing over with the author’s Texas Sirens / Nights in Bliss (written as Sophie Oak). This is Ian ‘Big Tag’ Taggart and Charlotte’s daughter Kala, and Alex and Eve’s son Cooper McKay’s story line. NO MORE SPIES can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the NEW RECRUITS series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including D/s situations, spankings and violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Cooper and Kala, NO MORE SPIES follows several intersecting pathways including the heart breaking relationship between Kala and Cooper. At the ages of fifteen Cooper destroyed Kala’s heart and soul, rejecting her invitation for something more, and in doing so, set into motion years of anguish and grief for our story line couple. Fast forward twelve years, Kala has had to endure, and survive dangerous assignments that have left her broken and betrayed but Cooper wants nothing more than to have his best friend and the woman he loves back in his life. Kala Taggart is a no-nonsense operative with the ability to shut down when needed but her lack of emotion and stoic persona hide the reality of who and what she is.-the breakdown of a woman who rides the edge of reason and sanity, a woman who is the target of manipulation and control.
The world building is elaborate and meticulous, and follows several intersecting pathways that reveals a darkness that threatens to engulf our story line heroine as well as the betrayal and heartbreak of friendships and love. The past refuses to let go as secrets reveal the real world absoluteness of the who, how and why, and in this, the cycle of pain and deception comes full circle with the revelations of truth.
The relationship between Cooper and Kala is a best friends to frenemies to friends to lovers but a relationship in which the ups and downs are disquieting and hurtful. The number of times trust and understanding are betrayed leads to a friendship in which hurting one another suggests it is time to part ways. Kala struggles with understanding emotions of the heart-naïve to some extent but a woman who is struggling with what I can only believe is a neuro-divergent persona. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of familiar, energetic and charismatic characters most of whom we have met throughout the numerous interconnected series including, but not limited to, Big Tag and Charlotte Alex and Eve, as well as Captain Zach Reed, CSIS Agent Ben Parker, Kala’s twin Kenzie, their sisters Lou and Tasha, their cousins ‘Devi’ Devon Taggart, and TJ, and Dr. Emmanuel Huisman, and CIA psychologist Lena Gallagher. Devi and Zach’s story is next.
NO MORE SPIES is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, mistrust and misunderstanding, power and control, obsession and madness, family and friendships, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is detailed, complex and impassioned; the romance is heart breaking and emotional; the characters are determined and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including D/s situations, spankings and violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Cooper and Kala, NO MORE SPIES follows several intersecting pathways including the heart breaking relationship between Kala and Cooper. At the ages of fifteen Cooper destroyed Kala’s heart and soul, rejecting her invitation for something more, and in doing so, set into motion years of anguish and grief for our story line couple. Fast forward twelve years, Kala has had to endure, and survive dangerous assignments that have left her broken and betrayed but Cooper wants nothing more than to have his best friend and the woman he loves back in his life. Kala Taggart is a no-nonsense operative with the ability to shut down when needed but her lack of emotion and stoic persona hide the reality of who and what she is.-the breakdown of a woman who rides the edge of reason and sanity, a woman who is the target of manipulation and control.
The world building is elaborate and meticulous, and follows several intersecting pathways that reveals a darkness that threatens to engulf our story line heroine as well as the betrayal and heartbreak of friendships and love. The past refuses to let go as secrets reveal the real world absoluteness of the who, how and why, and in this, the cycle of pain and deception comes full circle with the revelations of truth.
The relationship between Cooper and Kala is a best friends to frenemies to friends to lovers but a relationship in which the ups and downs are disquieting and hurtful. The number of times trust and understanding are betrayed leads to a friendship in which hurting one another suggests it is time to part ways. Kala struggles with understanding emotions of the heart-naïve to some extent but a woman who is struggling with what I can only believe is a neuro-divergent persona. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of familiar, energetic and charismatic characters most of whom we have met throughout the numerous interconnected series including, but not limited to, Big Tag and Charlotte Alex and Eve, as well as Captain Zach Reed, CSIS Agent Ben Parker, Kala’s twin Kenzie, their sisters Lou and Tasha, their cousins ‘Devi’ Devon Taggart, and TJ, and Dr. Emmanuel Huisman, and CIA psychologist Lena Gallagher. Devi and Zach’s story is next.
NO MORE SPIES is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, mistrust and misunderstanding, power and control, obsession and madness, family and friendships, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is detailed, complex and impassioned; the romance is heart breaking and emotional; the characters are determined and dynamic.
copy supplied for review
March 22, 2025
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️.5
In Short: I have yet to meet a Lexi Blake novel I didn't love. And this one was no different. Think Bond, James Bond, but with a lot more spicy stuff and a lot more bad FMCs who are not just sex objects or love interests.
General Impressions: Lexi Blake is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me. She's written so many good gems. I don't think I've rated one of her books less than 4 stars, and I've read dozens of books by her. Somehow, every single time I finish one of her books, I'm dying to read the next in the series, and every time, it doesn't disappoint. I don't know what kind of magic that is. I become invested in every couple and every book.
I've been waiting for this one for a long time! All in this series have been really good. I loved how the author explored so deeply into trauma and the effects of trauma with this one, neurodivergence, identity, and how we think of ourselves. There was a lot of character introspection in this one, and I thought it was well done. I have enjoyed Kala and Cooper for awhile, and I was happy to finally get their book. Now I can't wait for Devi and Zach.
Think James Bond but make it romance and sexy and not like the same guy just having a bunch of flings. I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and Valentine PR.
Reading Order: Lexi Blake's Masters & Mercenaries series is not new. It's been around for awhile. The New Recruits part of this series follows the children of the characters in the original book series. So there are a lot of cameos of older characters. But you could jump in with this portion of the series. They are all interconnected standalone, so you can jump in a lot of places.
Spice Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 It was definitely spicy and k1nky. But I thought less so than many others by her.
Romantic Tropes and Things:
-dual POV
-spies
-action/adventure romance
-second chance and last chance
-childhood crush
-neurodivergent FMC
You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
In Short: I have yet to meet a Lexi Blake novel I didn't love. And this one was no different. Think Bond, James Bond, but with a lot more spicy stuff and a lot more bad FMCs who are not just sex objects or love interests.
General Impressions: Lexi Blake is quickly becoming an auto-read author for me. She's written so many good gems. I don't think I've rated one of her books less than 4 stars, and I've read dozens of books by her. Somehow, every single time I finish one of her books, I'm dying to read the next in the series, and every time, it doesn't disappoint. I don't know what kind of magic that is. I become invested in every couple and every book.
I've been waiting for this one for a long time! All in this series have been really good. I loved how the author explored so deeply into trauma and the effects of trauma with this one, neurodivergence, identity, and how we think of ourselves. There was a lot of character introspection in this one, and I thought it was well done. I have enjoyed Kala and Cooper for awhile, and I was happy to finally get their book. Now I can't wait for Devi and Zach.
Think James Bond but make it romance and sexy and not like the same guy just having a bunch of flings. I received a review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks to the author and Valentine PR.
Reading Order: Lexi Blake's Masters & Mercenaries series is not new. It's been around for awhile. The New Recruits part of this series follows the children of the characters in the original book series. So there are a lot of cameos of older characters. But you could jump in with this portion of the series. They are all interconnected standalone, so you can jump in a lot of places.
Spice Meter: ❤️🔥❤️🔥.5 It was definitely spicy and k1nky. But I thought less so than many others by her.
Romantic Tropes and Things:
-dual POV
-spies
-action/adventure romance
-second chance and last chance
-childhood crush
-neurodivergent FMC
You can also find me on Insta @mylastromancenovel.
March 27, 2025
🌼 Cooper McKay was laid out on her bed. Naked. And there were daisies.
📚 No More Spies (Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits Book 4)
🖋 Authors ~ Lexi Blake
🖋 Features: Military romance, romantic suspense
⭐️ Rating: 5/5
⛓️Kala & Cooper — 3 weeks and a lifetime. For years, Kala Taggart dealt with the unknown. Desperately trying to cope with the fallout of a traumic event makes it nearly impossible for her to relate to her family, her friends, her peers. Cooper McKay is the only one who can equally shatter her and love her without boundaries. Together, they are a team. Separately, they are two halves of the same soul.
⛓️ Definitely read the author’s note. It’s sincere and impactful, making this book an emotional ride that is both thrilling and heartbreaking. It left me wrecked at times, crying as I related to the circumstances affecting Kala. In only one moment, a singular fateful decision, life can change, leaving a damage that can never be undone. Kala is a complex person, honest in her approach to life, decisions, her family, and friends. While Kala claims to be an emotionless, task-orientated person, choosing not to feel, she actually experiences the deepest well of feelings, giving her a unique insight into the people she loves most.
⛓️ As described by his family, Cooper is the typical Captain American popular guy. Athletic and good-looking, he is sometimes more involved with proving himself to the crowd than thinking about how he is with his closest friends. Cooper is at his best and worst when it comes to his love for Kala. While they are both maturing, it’s natural to hurt each other, make mistakes, break up. And come back together, because they are irrevocably tied to each other with a love that’s deeper than all the conflict around them.
⛓️ Kala is the one Cooper will never walk away from. He will never give up on having Kala in his life — forever — even if there have to be daisies. I love the sweet tenderness and vulnerability of daisies.
🖋 Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 5. Characters: 5.
🫦 Highlights:
He could see the split second when her heart had broken.
Kala was like flying sometimes. He had to get a feel for the air around her, find the good streams that swept them along, and know when turbulence was going to batter them.
He wanted to reach for her hand so she would know she wasn’t alone. So he would know he wasn’t alone.
Follow me: @ravenblackbird74
https://linktr.ee/ravenblackbird74
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #LexiBlake #MastersandMercenariesseries #NewRecruits #militaryromance #NoMoreSpies #romanticsuspense
📚 No More Spies (Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits Book 4)
🖋 Authors ~ Lexi Blake
🖋 Features: Military romance, romantic suspense
⭐️ Rating: 5/5
⛓️Kala & Cooper — 3 weeks and a lifetime. For years, Kala Taggart dealt with the unknown. Desperately trying to cope with the fallout of a traumic event makes it nearly impossible for her to relate to her family, her friends, her peers. Cooper McKay is the only one who can equally shatter her and love her without boundaries. Together, they are a team. Separately, they are two halves of the same soul.
⛓️ Definitely read the author’s note. It’s sincere and impactful, making this book an emotional ride that is both thrilling and heartbreaking. It left me wrecked at times, crying as I related to the circumstances affecting Kala. In only one moment, a singular fateful decision, life can change, leaving a damage that can never be undone. Kala is a complex person, honest in her approach to life, decisions, her family, and friends. While Kala claims to be an emotionless, task-orientated person, choosing not to feel, she actually experiences the deepest well of feelings, giving her a unique insight into the people she loves most.
⛓️ As described by his family, Cooper is the typical Captain American popular guy. Athletic and good-looking, he is sometimes more involved with proving himself to the crowd than thinking about how he is with his closest friends. Cooper is at his best and worst when it comes to his love for Kala. While they are both maturing, it’s natural to hurt each other, make mistakes, break up. And come back together, because they are irrevocably tied to each other with a love that’s deeper than all the conflict around them.
⛓️ Kala is the one Cooper will never walk away from. He will never give up on having Kala in his life — forever — even if there have to be daisies. I love the sweet tenderness and vulnerability of daisies.
🖋 Enjoyment: 5. Readability: 5. Writing: 5.
🖋 Setting: 5. Plot: 5. Characters: 5.
🫦 Highlights:
He could see the split second when her heart had broken.
Kala was like flying sometimes. He had to get a feel for the air around her, find the good streams that swept them along, and know when turbulence was going to batter them.
He wanted to reach for her hand so she would know she wasn’t alone. So he would know he wasn’t alone.
Follow me: @ravenblackbird74
https://linktr.ee/ravenblackbird74
#writer #editor #review #books #bookstagrammers #bookreviewer #reader #MustRead #bookclub #bookish #booklover #bookworm #readers #currentlyreading #readersofinstagram #brokenwingbookreviews #ravenblackbird74 #booktok #LexiBlake #MastersandMercenariesseries #NewRecruits #militaryromance #NoMoreSpies #romanticsuspense
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