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Masters and Mercenaries #13
For His Eyes Only
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.
A Masters and Mercenaries Novel by Lexi Blake
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.
A Masters and Mercenaries Novel by Lexi Blake
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
About the author
Lexi Blake
151 books5,562 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 247 reviews
February 26, 2017
4 STARS
Why is it that every single time I finish a Lexi Blake book and feel so satisfied to get another hit of her awesome, I'm STILL left a drooling and twitching mess in anticipation of the next one?! It's not fair! NOT FAIR I TELLS YA!
This series is my crack and I will never, EVER, grow tired of it. It's high-octane suspense with sizzling romance in a way that no other author but Lexi Blake could pull off.
This series is one giant tease of what's to come. The amount of forethought this author puts into all of her characters is downright mind-blowing. She begins to develop their stories long before they get their own book and this couldn't be more true than with Nick. I've been anticipating his story ever since Master No. The moody Russian badass that lost his lover in a mission gone wrong has been lost in a cloud of regret and grieving since. I couldn't wait to see who the heroine will be. I was also a little afraid that whoever she'll be wouldn't quite live up to what he had with Des. This book definitely disabused me of that fear. It was so much juicer than anything I could have hoped for. We already got a peak into the beginning of this story in the end of Submission is Not Enough but the true reality of the connection between Nick and Hayley is so much better than the small taste we initially got.
Nick and Des's relationship was a volatile one filled with more lies than truth. Nick has never stopped pining for the woman that he walked away from, Des's cousin, Hayley. She was too young, too naive, too sweet for him five years ago. Having her show up on his door step three years after Des died and demanding his protection from an unknown threat is not something he expected. He'd give his life to protect the woman he never stopped caring for, even if the chemistry between them is just potent as it was five years ago, he's still not good enough for Hayley. He's seen too much, done too much, and still carries the stain of his mistakes and actions.
The push and pull between Nick and Hayley was equally delicious and frustrating. At times I wanted to shake him for being a stubborn ass.
I loved watching Hayley come into her own. She's not the naive girl Nick left all those years ago. She's a woman that knows what she wants, and she's not afraid to tear down his walls to get to it.
Of course all my favorites are back for this book, and can we even have a Masters and Mercenaries novel without Ian freaking Taggard?!
I've come to think of these characters as family after all these books. I'll never get enough of them.
As for Nick and Hayley, I loved these two together. I was afraid that Hayley may be drowned out a bit by the memory of Des, but the author did a fantastic job in weaving her in perfectly. She never felt like a consolation prize. She always felt like exactly what she was, his first and only choice.
For His Eyes Only was everything you've come to expect from this author; non-stop action, twisty suspense, sizzling hot romance, and a gang of characters that you only love more with each new book. I can't wait for more. I hope this series never ends!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
I missed you. God, how I missed you.” She’d been a hole inside him and only now could he see it. For years she’d been a friend, maybe his only real friend. He’d ruined it all.
Why is it that every single time I finish a Lexi Blake book and feel so satisfied to get another hit of her awesome, I'm STILL left a drooling and twitching mess in anticipation of the next one?! It's not fair! NOT FAIR I TELLS YA!
This series is my crack and I will never, EVER, grow tired of it. It's high-octane suspense with sizzling romance in a way that no other author but Lexi Blake could pull off.
This series is one giant tease of what's to come. The amount of forethought this author puts into all of her characters is downright mind-blowing. She begins to develop their stories long before they get their own book and this couldn't be more true than with Nick. I've been anticipating his story ever since Master No. The moody Russian badass that lost his lover in a mission gone wrong has been lost in a cloud of regret and grieving since. I couldn't wait to see who the heroine will be. I was also a little afraid that whoever she'll be wouldn't quite live up to what he had with Des. This book definitely disabused me of that fear. It was so much juicer than anything I could have hoped for. We already got a peak into the beginning of this story in the end of Submission is Not Enough but the true reality of the connection between Nick and Hayley is so much better than the small taste we initially got.
Nick and Des's relationship was a volatile one filled with more lies than truth. Nick has never stopped pining for the woman that he walked away from, Des's cousin, Hayley. She was too young, too naive, too sweet for him five years ago. Having her show up on his door step three years after Des died and demanding his protection from an unknown threat is not something he expected. He'd give his life to protect the woman he never stopped caring for, even if the chemistry between them is just potent as it was five years ago, he's still not good enough for Hayley. He's seen too much, done too much, and still carries the stain of his mistakes and actions.
The push and pull between Nick and Hayley was equally delicious and frustrating. At times I wanted to shake him for being a stubborn ass.
I loved watching Hayley come into her own. She's not the naive girl Nick left all those years ago. She's a woman that knows what she wants, and she's not afraid to tear down his walls to get to it.
Of course all my favorites are back for this book, and can we even have a Masters and Mercenaries novel without Ian freaking Taggard?!
Taggart pointed. “See. That’s what I’m talking about. I don’t know why you people are so concerned with bugs, and my cock is totally getting used tonight. Big time used.”
Owen simply stood and dropped his towel, turning and giving Taggart a view of his naked backside. He slapped it. “Bite me arse, Tag.”
“That’s very Braveheart of you.”
I've come to think of these characters as family after all these books. I'll never get enough of them.
As for Nick and Hayley, I loved these two together. I was afraid that Hayley may be drowned out a bit by the memory of Des, but the author did a fantastic job in weaving her in perfectly. She never felt like a consolation prize. She always felt like exactly what she was, his first and only choice.
For His Eyes Only was everything you've come to expect from this author; non-stop action, twisty suspense, sizzling hot romance, and a gang of characters that you only love more with each new book. I can't wait for more. I hope this series never ends!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
February 19, 2017
The Masters & Mercenaries series is one of my favorites, which is why writing this review is so hard. Because as much as I like this series, I didn't like this book. For His Eyes Only takes place in London and follows the McKay-Taggart gang there. Mainly Nick, as a woman from his past shows up needing his help.
Nick was a character that had intrigued me before I read this book, but sadly his story just wasn't the one for me. He and Hayley didn't work together in my opinion, and I blame most of that on Nick's dead ex, who was also Hayley's cousin. Des was brought up way too much in this book and I felt like she took over the story. I actually searched it and she was brought up roughly 388 times. 388! That is way too much for a dead ex.
Now in all honestly, if Des had been brought up because of the danger she brought on Hayley, that would have been fine. But the fact that her past with Nick was also brought up a ton of times really made me mad. It made it seem like Nick would have still been with her and ignoring Hayley if Des was alive. It made it hard to believe there was any connection between Nick and Hayley.
On top of that, the story seemed to drag for awhile and I got a little bored while reading it. There wasn't a big amount of action with this story and I think that's why it felt so long. Especially with the fact that there also wasn't an abundance of intimate scened with Nick and Hayley.
Overall, this book wasn't the one for me. The dead ex plot isn't the type of story I'm usually drawn to and that was a huge factor in me not enjoying it. I'm still a big fan of these characters and I can't wait to read more from them, especially Brody's story which is the next one.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Nick was a character that had intrigued me before I read this book, but sadly his story just wasn't the one for me. He and Hayley didn't work together in my opinion, and I blame most of that on Nick's dead ex, who was also Hayley's cousin. Des was brought up way too much in this book and I felt like she took over the story. I actually searched it and she was brought up roughly 388 times. 388! That is way too much for a dead ex.
Now in all honestly, if Des had been brought up because of the danger she brought on Hayley, that would have been fine. But the fact that her past with Nick was also brought up a ton of times really made me mad. It made it seem like Nick would have still been with her and ignoring Hayley if Des was alive. It made it hard to believe there was any connection between Nick and Hayley.
On top of that, the story seemed to drag for awhile and I got a little bored while reading it. There wasn't a big amount of action with this story and I think that's why it felt so long. Especially with the fact that there also wasn't an abundance of intimate scened with Nick and Hayley.
Overall, this book wasn't the one for me. The dead ex plot isn't the type of story I'm usually drawn to and that was a huge factor in me not enjoying it. I'm still a big fan of these characters and I can't wait to read more from them, especially Brody's story which is the next one.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2017
What I liked....
-- Same fabulous writing I've come to expect from Miz Blake.
-- I ADORE the comradery of the McKay-Taggart group.
-- Loved that this one was set in the London offices.
-- Loved seeing Damon and the "lost boys."
-- Anything Ian and Charlotte is ALWAYS a bonus.
-- LOVED Ezra...that man needs a book ASAP.
-- The mystery and suspense concerning Hayley keep me turning the pages.
-- Can't WAIT for Brody's story.
What I didn't like...
-- This one felt LONG. It literally took me 6 hours STRAIGHT to read this one!
-- Didn't feel the connection between Nick and Hayley (I will explain in my next point.)
-- WAY TOO MUCH Des...I am not usually one to have a problem with dead exes AT ALL, but Des's shadow hung over this one like a suffocating cloak. It was DES this and DES that. And "I loved Des" but she was toxic. DES...DES...DES...ad nauseum.
-- I had a hard time warming up to Nick. I was SO looking forward to this hot Russian Dom, but he came off a bit like a wimp to me. This is a man who had a fight with Des...they break up...he then sleeps with Hayley (taking her virginity.) Des shows up...apologies...gives him some info he wants for revenge and he basically goes back into the hotel room and dumps Hayley and goes back to fucking Des. Leaving Hayley in the dust.
-- I felt Hayley was second best to Des through the WHOLE damn book. Des had been dead for over two years and Nick never once went to look up Hayley. Had she not went to him for help because someone was trying to kill her Nick would still be wallowing over how he lost the woman he loved.
-- I also not sure what is going on but the last few books the sex scenes and BDSM seem to have taken a backseat to the suspense in this series. Because of that I find myself not connecting to the couples like I did in the earlier books. The Dom/sub relationship was such an intricate part of the earlier books and I have really been missing that.
So as you can see this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Everything apart from the actual relationship between Nick and Hayley I enjoyed. I just wished Miz Blake would have used a lighter hand with the dead ex-stuff.
March 2, 2017
It's LIVE & on Blog Tour!!
This read like an episode right out of a soap opera. If a soap opera had characters that were spies and had a secret dungeon for BDSM activities in their home base. Guy was being tortured by the SVR (formerly the KGB). He gets rescued by gorgeous MI6 agent. They become lovers and share affection with one another over time. But the girl wants to maintain an open relationship. They fight. They eventually break up. Guy falls into the arms of MI6 agent's willing cousin, who's in love with him. After one night of passion with the cousin, he starts to imagine a different type of future with her. On that same night, the MI6 agent swoops in to manipulate him back to her and like a sad sap (PU$$Y) he went, breaking the cousin's heart.
Now five years later, Des (the MI6 agent) is dead and Hayley (the cousin) is in danger. She seeks out Nikolai (the guy) to help her. While he is apparently lusting over Hayley, he's still grieving and loving Des. Which was completely MESSED UP!! Unfortunately, as much as I liked Hayley, I hated how pathetic she was. Even if I overlooked how she slept with her cousin's ex, he still repeatedly chose Des over her. REPEATEDLY!! It was humiliating and extremely hurtful. Why then was she oh so willing to keep throwing herself at him? Poor thing.
And as much as I liked Nikky, I hated how much he obviously didn't care about Hayley in the last 5 years. I wasn't convinced. He continuously waxed poetic about how amazingly sexy Des was and spent a lot of his internal musings reminiscing over their times together. If Des were still alive, would he even be giving Hayley the time of day? I kept waiting for that question to come up, but it never did. Hmmmmm....
There was tons of action. The suspenseful plot was intense and I loved every scene with these characters in motion. The author also sensitively covered the topic of BDSM as a lifestyle. Not too descriptive but the intimate scenes were still sensual and hot. This story touches on loss, betrayal, intrigue, conspiracies, espionage, hope and love.
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 4 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 13 of the Masters & Mercenaries series with character crossover
This read like an episode right out of a soap opera. If a soap opera had characters that were spies and had a secret dungeon for BDSM activities in their home base. Guy was being tortured by the SVR (formerly the KGB). He gets rescued by gorgeous MI6 agent. They become lovers and share affection with one another over time. But the girl wants to maintain an open relationship. They fight. They eventually break up. Guy falls into the arms of MI6 agent's willing cousin, who's in love with him. After one night of passion with the cousin, he starts to imagine a different type of future with her. On that same night, the MI6 agent swoops in to manipulate him back to her and like a sad sap (PU$$Y) he went, breaking the cousin's heart.
Now five years later, Des (the MI6 agent) is dead and Hayley (the cousin) is in danger. She seeks out Nikolai (the guy) to help her. While he is apparently lusting over Hayley, he's still grieving and loving Des. Which was completely MESSED UP!! Unfortunately, as much as I liked Hayley, I hated how pathetic she was. Even if I overlooked how she slept with her cousin's ex, he still repeatedly chose Des over her. REPEATEDLY!! It was humiliating and extremely hurtful. Why then was she oh so willing to keep throwing herself at him? Poor thing.
And as much as I liked Nikky, I hated how much he obviously didn't care about Hayley in the last 5 years. I wasn't convinced. He continuously waxed poetic about how amazingly sexy Des was and spent a lot of his internal musings reminiscing over their times together. If Des were still alive, would he even be giving Hayley the time of day? I kept waiting for that question to come up, but it never did. Hmmmmm....
There was tons of action. The suspenseful plot was intense and I loved every scene with these characters in motion. The author also sensitively covered the topic of BDSM as a lifestyle. Not too descriptive but the intimate scenes were still sensual and hot. This story touches on loss, betrayal, intrigue, conspiracies, espionage, hope and love.
Release Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
POV: Dual - 3rd person
Steam: 4 out of 5
Book Type: Standalone - Book 13 of the Masters & Mercenaries series with character crossover
March 3, 2017
3* not for my eyes STARS!
Why oh why.. this one left HUGEEE disappointment among other books. A very hard book to finish and ended up just okay. The story picked up five years later after Nikolai 'Nick' Markovic lost his partner, Desiree on a rescue mission in Master No (Ten's book) with McKay-Taggart's crew. I always fascinated about this Russian guy but reality sucks.
Nick never expect to saw Des's cousin, Hayley Dalton again. In London. Shocked indeed. Hayley didn't have other choice because Nick is the only one who can help her. It appears her problems bigger than it seems. Now, Hayley become the most wanted person and Nick decided to protect her at all cost.
Let's get to the point...
⇒ Nick and Hayley have a past together. Then came Des, run her train on Nick and he left her.
⇒ As an academic professor, Hayley is very immature and stupidly judgmental. Definitely a brat. Also Hayley couldn't read seriously fucked up situation that she will be a dead woman soon.
⇒ As an professional agent, Nick supposed to know better. He used to be ruthless and calculate. Apparently it's only his exterior. In this story, Nick turn into hot-headed and reckless. Sometimes an ass.
⇒ For a dead woman, Des loaded up tons of problem to Hayley and Nick.
⇒ With Des, Nick has dysfunctional relationship. They're not compatible but still work out somehow. With Hayley, I couldn't feel anything. No chemistry, no passion.
⇒ Suddenly Nick wants to take control with BDSM with her really out of nowhere. Yeah, he kinda warned her about his 'sadistic' side but I'm not convinced. Honestly, I never saw Nick participate on BDSM directly. Only through words.
⇒ Those two really frustrated me with the martyr syndrome. Over and over again. I wanna smack them both. I'm sick of "I'm not good enough for you" shit.
⇒ It was freakin' boring without Ian, Charlie, Damon and the rest. The gang really cracked me up.
⇒ I think this book has less BDSM activity compare with the previous. Maybe it isn't their lifestyle which is okay.
⇒ The story took too freakin' long to catch the bad guys. I was confused with so many players. There's A, B, C and Z. Hmph.
⇒ In the end, The only thing held my interest are the mysterious Ezra Fain, Kayla and Brody (The Australian).
Overall, I'm not a big fans of Hayley and Nick's relationship. I didn't enjoy the dead-ex' plot. Too much mentioned about Desiree. Those two are still trapped in the past with all the drama. Their progress was really slow to realize how much they're meant to be together. However, in the end Ms. Blake gave us a glimpse of her next books. It was King of Loa Mali and Brody's. Can't wait! ;)
Why oh why.. this one left HUGEEE disappointment among other books. A very hard book to finish and ended up just okay. The story picked up five years later after Nikolai 'Nick' Markovic lost his partner, Desiree on a rescue mission in Master No (Ten's book) with McKay-Taggart's crew. I always fascinated about this Russian guy but reality sucks.
Nick never expect to saw Des's cousin, Hayley Dalton again. In London. Shocked indeed. Hayley didn't have other choice because Nick is the only one who can help her. It appears her problems bigger than it seems. Now, Hayley become the most wanted person and Nick decided to protect her at all cost.
“I would get protection, too. I would get safety from murderers and I would get orgasms. I’m sorry, Nicky. You’re going to have to explain how that’s a bad deal for me.”
Let's get to the point...
⇒ Nick and Hayley have a past together. Then came Des, run her train on Nick and he left her.
⇒ As an academic professor, Hayley is very immature and stupidly judgmental. Definitely a brat. Also Hayley couldn't read seriously fucked up situation that she will be a dead woman soon.
⇒ As an professional agent, Nick supposed to know better. He used to be ruthless and calculate. Apparently it's only his exterior. In this story, Nick turn into hot-headed and reckless. Sometimes an ass.
⇒ For a dead woman, Des loaded up tons of problem to Hayley and Nick.
⇒ With Des, Nick has dysfunctional relationship. They're not compatible but still work out somehow. With Hayley, I couldn't feel anything. No chemistry, no passion.
⇒ Suddenly Nick wants to take control with BDSM with her really out of nowhere. Yeah, he kinda warned her about his 'sadistic' side but I'm not convinced. Honestly, I never saw Nick participate on BDSM directly. Only through words.
⇒ Those two really frustrated me with the martyr syndrome. Over and over again. I wanna smack them both. I'm sick of "I'm not good enough for you" shit.
⇒ It was freakin' boring without Ian, Charlie, Damon and the rest. The gang really cracked me up.
⇒ I think this book has less BDSM activity compare with the previous. Maybe it isn't their lifestyle which is okay.
⇒ The story took too freakin' long to catch the bad guys. I was confused with so many players. There's A, B, C and Z. Hmph.
⇒ In the end, The only thing held my interest are the mysterious Ezra Fain, Kayla and Brody (The Australian).
Overall, I'm not a big fans of Hayley and Nick's relationship. I didn't enjoy the dead-ex' plot. Too much mentioned about Desiree. Those two are still trapped in the past with all the drama. Their progress was really slow to realize how much they're meant to be together. However, in the end Ms. Blake gave us a glimpse of her next books. It was King of Loa Mali and Brody's. Can't wait! ;)
February 27, 2017
I wanted to do a big ranting review about how much I hated this book, but I think this was the nail in the coffin that is seriously making me reconsider reading the romance genre.
Hayley loses her virginity to Nick. Moments later, he leaves her in the motel for Hayley's cousin, Des, without looking back. Fast forward five years and the author tries to make us believe that Nick has always regretted how things ended up with Hayley and how he wished he would have chosen her. Bullshit! Because if he felt that way, he would have gone back for her. But nope. Not even when his darling Des dies, he still doesn't look for her. Hayley is the one who chases him down. Hayley is the one how falls all over herself doing whatever he wants her to do because she just loves him so much! Too bad he didn't love her back the same.
But in the end, Hayley wins Nick's love by default, only because his true love is dead.
The end.
P.S. No doubt Brody's story will run along the same lines as this one (i.e. not romantic in the least with a hero who has a great life while the heroine stays pathetic) so I'll more than likely not be reading that one. At least I know now not to pre-order anything from this author again. Waste of $7!!
Hayley loses her virginity to Nick. Moments later, he leaves her in the motel for Hayley's cousin, Des, without looking back. Fast forward five years and the author tries to make us believe that Nick has always regretted how things ended up with Hayley and how he wished he would have chosen her. Bullshit! Because if he felt that way, he would have gone back for her. But nope. Not even when his darling Des dies, he still doesn't look for her. Hayley is the one who chases him down. Hayley is the one how falls all over herself doing whatever he wants her to do because she just loves him so much! Too bad he didn't love her back the same.
But in the end, Hayley wins Nick's love by default, only because his true love is dead.
The end.
P.S. No doubt Brody's story will run along the same lines as this one (i.e. not romantic in the least with a hero who has a great life while the heroine stays pathetic) so I'll more than likely not be reading that one. At least I know now not to pre-order anything from this author again. Waste of $7!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2017
Going to be honest here. Mentally I had to prepare myself with the dead girlfriend trope/triangle because you know that is never going to work. IMO. Now in saying that after about a two week mental preparation going on it wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be. Quite the opposite really.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Des, the despicable woman apparently beautiful on the outside but a sick and cruel individual on the inside. Des manipulated both of them to do what she wanted and needed. She used every weapon she had to her advantage. She dangled a carrot in front of Nick he choose vengeance and not a life, a good life that he could have had.
Nick is a bit of a wanker, then a martyr and then a frigging pansy. I mean he is Russian, he is meant to be the Butcher. You need to let it out.
When it came to a lot of things he is torn on what to do. He didn’t love Des it was more loyalty than anything else. Which made it hard for all involved. But Des’s deceitfulness runs deeper than anyone expected.
Hayley was young and naïve she is now in trouble and her magnanimous dead cousin Des has sent her to Nick for help. It’s tough going for these two. They had a connection at the beginning of the book but the connection when they met again wasn’t that effortless. Actually they had to work quite hard at it and once it was on somewhat solid ground Nick comes a long and screws it all up.
Lies are uncovered and secrets are revealed and it all comes to an end. I got to say that the ending was slightly somewhat anti-climactic. Don’t get me wrong we still have murder, mayhem and suspense galore but I felt as if something was missing. It was all a too little too late IMO.
Where does Ms. Blake always let the females assume the worse when they hear BDSM it annoys me.
I adore Ms. Blake’s writing style and here it is no different. I was tempted to count how many times Des was mentioned or Desiree but in the grand scheme of things mainly regarding the plot, Des is a key figure. I really didn’t want her to be but hey Ms. Blake has her reasons.
If I really think about it I can’t justify the 4 stars so I’m just not going to think about it. I enjoyed seeing the London offices and the lost boys and other players in the book. Thank god for the Taggarts in the book and the London operatives. Compared to other books this book is quite demure in the hotness and sexual chemistry as well as the BDSM factor in the book. Maybe that was what was missing as well.
I don’t like the CIA constantly butting in I find them annoying. I found Ten annoying but in the end he did kind of grow on me the same goes for Ezra Fein. Yes he mostly certainly does need a book cause he needs to know what it is like to fall for a woman.
I really do not want to think about what would have happened to Hayley and Nick if Des hadn’t snuffed it. Nick would probably be The Siberian Husky and Hayley? Well who bloody knows. Would they have found back to one another? A question that will never be answered.
Now a book I can’t wait for his Brody and Stephanie. And dude you better not be such a wuss it would be a crying shame you know. Let the Aussie not disappoint me.
February 26, 2017
We head back to London, England at McKay-Taggart and Knight, for Nick and Hayley's happily ever after. I was so ecstatic to travel back to the Masters and Mercenaries world that Lexi Blake has so cleverly created. This world, right here, is and always will be my happy place. I can always count on Ms. Blake to bring the action, passion, and suspense to her romances. In FOR HIS EYES ONLY, there is page after page of delicious kink and beautiful passion. Ms. Blake makes it SO DAMN EASY to fall in love with her characters. This is a story of second chances and of a passion that just won't quit. Mix in a little suspense and a little mob action, and we got ourselves another WINNER from the ever-so-talented Lexi Blake.
"I was a different man back then. I was capable of tenderness. I don't think I am today. I would be rough and I would take my pleasure from you."
Five years have gone by, but the love and devotion never died. Hayley Dalton needs help, and the only one she can trust is the man who left her after one night of beautiful passion. When Hayley Dalton steps into his office, all of the love, pain, and heartache return full-force. With vengeance no longer a factor in his life, is he ready for the possibility of Hayley and him? Can he finally find peace in a life with her? When he discovers that she is in grave danger, all thoughts of a happily ever after get replaced with an unyielding urge to protect her at all costs. Nothing dark will touch Hayley on his watch. But the passion is still there, and the urge to connect with her on every single level is not going away. He will show Hayley how to surrender, and maybe then, will he find the control within himself to be at peace for good.
"What you might call love, I call passion. It's hot and it rages and it doesn't fill a man. This...what we have right here and right now...this fills me. This completes me in a way I've never been complete before. Throw out your notions of wild passion. Give me peace, Hayley. Give me joy."
I absolutely LOVED the brooding Nick Markovic. The HOT possessive Russian with a dirty and commanding mouth just did it for me on every single level! And when he finds peace with his dushka, it's just a beautiful thing to read over and over again.
"I was born to love you, Hayley."
Lexi Blake has done it again! She made me fall HARD for this couple! If you are looking for a big dose of SWOON in your BDSM romance, look no further, FOR HIS EYES ONLY needs to be your next read! Alpha men, hilarious banter, sensual and mouth-watering love scenes, and suspense at every turn of the page, what more could you ask for in a Lexi Blake romance?
"I was a different man back then. I was capable of tenderness. I don't think I am today. I would be rough and I would take my pleasure from you."
Five years have gone by, but the love and devotion never died. Hayley Dalton needs help, and the only one she can trust is the man who left her after one night of beautiful passion. When Hayley Dalton steps into his office, all of the love, pain, and heartache return full-force. With vengeance no longer a factor in his life, is he ready for the possibility of Hayley and him? Can he finally find peace in a life with her? When he discovers that she is in grave danger, all thoughts of a happily ever after get replaced with an unyielding urge to protect her at all costs. Nothing dark will touch Hayley on his watch. But the passion is still there, and the urge to connect with her on every single level is not going away. He will show Hayley how to surrender, and maybe then, will he find the control within himself to be at peace for good.
"What you might call love, I call passion. It's hot and it rages and it doesn't fill a man. This...what we have right here and right now...this fills me. This completes me in a way I've never been complete before. Throw out your notions of wild passion. Give me peace, Hayley. Give me joy."
I absolutely LOVED the brooding Nick Markovic. The HOT possessive Russian with a dirty and commanding mouth just did it for me on every single level! And when he finds peace with his dushka, it's just a beautiful thing to read over and over again.
"I was born to love you, Hayley."
Lexi Blake has done it again! She made me fall HARD for this couple! If you are looking for a big dose of SWOON in your BDSM romance, look no further, FOR HIS EYES ONLY needs to be your next read! Alpha men, hilarious banter, sensual and mouth-watering love scenes, and suspense at every turn of the page, what more could you ask for in a Lexi Blake romance?
March 5, 2017
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
In For His Eyes Only, Lexi Blake seductively weave passion, suspense, second chances, and action into one gritty and riveting read. We also cannot forget the fact that Lexi Blake has a way of integrating the BDSM lifestyle while keeping this book classy and enjoyable for the readers. With Blake’s raw and emotional writing, I was able to feel the connection that was brewing between Hailey and Nick. The history was there. The bond was there. And it was only a matter of time, till Blake beautifully laid out and showcased the depth of their feelings for one another. So if you are looking for a romance that was dramatic and suspenseful then I would recommend you to read this book.
Lexi Blake
In For His Eyes Only, Lexi Blake seductively weave passion, suspense, second chances, and action into one gritty and riveting read. We also cannot forget the fact that Lexi Blake has a way of integrating the BDSM lifestyle while keeping this book classy and enjoyable for the readers. With Blake’s raw and emotional writing, I was able to feel the connection that was brewing between Hailey and Nick. The history was there. The bond was there. And it was only a matter of time, till Blake beautifully laid out and showcased the depth of their feelings for one another. So if you are looking for a romance that was dramatic and suspenseful then I would recommend you to read this book.
Lexi Blake
Read
March 4, 2017****DNF....SPOILER ALERT****
This may totally be just me but I could not get into this book. The more i read the more it irked me. About 1/4 way in knew it's just not my cup of tea. I heard so many wonderful things about this series and read many great reviews so when I had a chance to pick this up I did. This is probably my fault as I didn't read any of the previous books I just jumped right into this one. But I digress.
The writing flowed very well, however the way the hero was written, his characteristics and personality , inner monologues ...I didn't like. The night he took the heroines virginity he of course had second thoughts, how he's bad for her and doesn't deserve her..yada yada I can understand that but he's willing to try because he cares for her enough to try to be a better man. Same night he meets with her cousin Desiree who he's been sleeping with, while she's sleeping with other guys.1-her cousin???!! ewww! 2) and she knew of their relationship so double ewww!!! where's your pride woman??!! He tells her he wants to try with Hayden etc than she tells him she has a lead on the bad guys who killed his sister. okay I see where this is going he doesn't want to put her in danger but he has to avenge his sister so he breaks it off. Ok I can dig that. BUT no! Desiree is all over him coaxing him to the darkside, saying he belongs with her. like gets with like. so he basically dumps Hayden and goes back with her cousin! What in the heck is this shit???!! isn't this book about Nick and Hayden? ....im still trudging along mind you.
next chapter...Years later, Desiree is dead but she managed to lead the 2 back to see each other. What I got from this chapter, Hayden is a bumbling, naive, judgemental, idiot. Nick is still going on his inner monologue about Desiree and how he wanted to marry her etc. AGAIN people! here my guess is he about always chooses Desiree over Hayden. which frankly Hayden kinda annoys me so I'm happy If no one gets a happy ending because there is 0 chemistry, nothing pulls me to the main couple and isn't that the main point? so I quit.
This may totally be just me but I could not get into this book. The more i read the more it irked me. About 1/4 way in knew it's just not my cup of tea. I heard so many wonderful things about this series and read many great reviews so when I had a chance to pick this up I did. This is probably my fault as I didn't read any of the previous books I just jumped right into this one. But I digress.
The writing flowed very well, however the way the hero was written, his characteristics and personality , inner monologues ...I didn't like. The night he took the heroines virginity he of course had second thoughts, how he's bad for her and doesn't deserve her..yada yada I can understand that but he's willing to try because he cares for her enough to try to be a better man. Same night he meets with her cousin Desiree who he's been sleeping with, while she's sleeping with other guys.1-her cousin???!! ewww! 2) and she knew of their relationship so double ewww!!! where's your pride woman??!! He tells her he wants to try with Hayden etc than she tells him she has a lead on the bad guys who killed his sister. okay I see where this is going he doesn't want to put her in danger but he has to avenge his sister so he breaks it off. Ok I can dig that. BUT no! Desiree is all over him coaxing him to the darkside, saying he belongs with her. like gets with like. so he basically dumps Hayden and goes back with her cousin! What in the heck is this shit???!! isn't this book about Nick and Hayden? ....im still trudging along mind you.
next chapter...Years later, Desiree is dead but she managed to lead the 2 back to see each other. What I got from this chapter, Hayden is a bumbling, naive, judgemental, idiot. Nick is still going on his inner monologue about Desiree and how he wanted to marry her etc. AGAIN people! here my guess is he about always chooses Desiree over Hayden. which frankly Hayden kinda annoys me so I'm happy If no one gets a happy ending because there is 0 chemistry, nothing pulls me to the main couple and isn't that the main point? so I quit.
Read
March 4, 2017Self Note:
The title is: "For his eyes only".... maybe "For his dead lover only" is more fitting!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The title is: "For his eyes only".... maybe "For his dead lover only" is more fitting!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 9, 2017
After the frenetic pace of the last couple of books in this series, there was a major need to slow the tempo down and let us breathe, which this book does, relatively. I also like that this story is separate from the overarching story-line of the series, again, so my brain can get a breather. Which brings me to this book. People and relationships are complicated and messy at the very best of times, but this book took it to a whole new level.
Filled with intrigue and espionage combined with an emotionally charged romance and complex characters, FOR HIS EYES ONLY is some really good writing that will evoke two strong responses from most readers - love or hate, but after reading most of this series I've learned to keep an open mind and just go where the story takes me.
For Hayley and Nick to have a chance at a future, they have to reach into the past, but not everything is as it seems. Their past is filled with lies, betrayals and pain that cast a large shadow over their relationship, but is also the key to the future they deserve.
I loved Hayley's strength and that even though she had been knocked down so many times in life, she didn't give up and never failed to find the silver lining in every situation. Nick was a very tortured and difficult man and some of his choices made no sense to me. I think he made his life very difficult with his misguided sense of honor and loyalty and his guilt.
This story was very intense but the secondary characters provided the levity needed and I would pay good money for a front row seat to the take-down of Ezra Cain by love.
As usual Ms. Blake writes a really engrossing story, but with the added element of humanizing the anti-hero in a major way and I do have my reservations about her central role in this story but I can see that it would not be the same without her.
You can never go wrong with this series and as usual, I'll recommend starting from the beginning.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
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Filled with intrigue and espionage combined with an emotionally charged romance and complex characters, FOR HIS EYES ONLY is some really good writing that will evoke two strong responses from most readers - love or hate, but after reading most of this series I've learned to keep an open mind and just go where the story takes me.
For Hayley and Nick to have a chance at a future, they have to reach into the past, but not everything is as it seems. Their past is filled with lies, betrayals and pain that cast a large shadow over their relationship, but is also the key to the future they deserve.
I loved Hayley's strength and that even though she had been knocked down so many times in life, she didn't give up and never failed to find the silver lining in every situation. Nick was a very tortured and difficult man and some of his choices made no sense to me. I think he made his life very difficult with his misguided sense of honor and loyalty and his guilt.
This story was very intense but the secondary characters provided the levity needed and I would pay good money for a front row seat to the take-down of Ezra Cain by love.
As usual Ms. Blake writes a really engrossing story, but with the added element of humanizing the anti-hero in a major way and I do have my reservations about her central role in this story but I can see that it would not be the same without her.
You can never go wrong with this series and as usual, I'll recommend starting from the beginning.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely mine.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
March 7, 2017
Ms Blake brought us back in the Masters and Mercenaries world. In this book, she wrote a second chance romance about the hunky Russian, Nikolai Markovic.
Nick was Des'(SPOILER for those who haven't read book 9 and more, she died) lover and sometimes partner in crime. The thing is. he fell in love with Des' cousin but because of reasons it didn't work out. Now, after Hayley, Des's cousin, got a part of her cousin's estate her house was blown up and she is being hunted by people unknown. The only thing that comes to mind is to run to London, to Nick, and to convince him to help a girl out.
The story starts with a bang, when Hayley gets to the Garden and kind of cons her way in. Nick is ecstatic when he sees her, until he finds out what happened. The thing is, both of them are still hung up on each other, but both of them are kind of hiding it and not recognizing their feelings. I don't understand why this is one of the most used plot device in Romancelandia, it got so old! People I know it's hard, but if you recognize your feelings you're not week or stupid or whatever comes to mind! Being honest about your emotions is the strongest thing in the world, IMHO.
Anyway, Hayley is partially horrified and partially curious and partially jealous when she finds out that Nick is into BDSM and he's living in a club. Unfortunately she has a meltdown where she's being judgy(she's usually not) and he takes her to a hotel. As you can imagine, they're almost assassinated and Hayley sees the error of her way and agrees that living at the Garden is not a bad thing. After they get there, they find out that Ian and Charlotte and Damon and Penny came back from vacation. Reading more about this group was my favorite part of the book, they are hilarious!
All in all stuff blows up, figuratively and literally, they fight and make up multiple times, they jump to conclusions, but Ms Blake writes a lovely happily ever after.
Nick was Des'(SPOILER for those who haven't read book 9 and more, she died) lover and sometimes partner in crime. The thing is. he fell in love with Des' cousin but because of reasons it didn't work out. Now, after Hayley, Des's cousin, got a part of her cousin's estate her house was blown up and she is being hunted by people unknown. The only thing that comes to mind is to run to London, to Nick, and to convince him to help a girl out.
The story starts with a bang, when Hayley gets to the Garden and kind of cons her way in. Nick is ecstatic when he sees her, until he finds out what happened. The thing is, both of them are still hung up on each other, but both of them are kind of hiding it and not recognizing their feelings. I don't understand why this is one of the most used plot device in Romancelandia, it got so old! People I know it's hard, but if you recognize your feelings you're not week or stupid or whatever comes to mind! Being honest about your emotions is the strongest thing in the world, IMHO.
Anyway, Hayley is partially horrified and partially curious and partially jealous when she finds out that Nick is into BDSM and he's living in a club. Unfortunately she has a meltdown where she's being judgy(she's usually not) and he takes her to a hotel. As you can imagine, they're almost assassinated and Hayley sees the error of her way and agrees that living at the Garden is not a bad thing. After they get there, they find out that Ian and Charlotte and Damon and Penny came back from vacation. Reading more about this group was my favorite part of the book, they are hilarious!
All in all stuff blows up, figuratively and literally, they fight and make up multiple times, they jump to conclusions, but Ms Blake writes a lovely happily ever after.
February 19, 2017
Full review to come.
March 6, 2017
If Lexi Blake could stop ending her books with a scene that sets of the next book I would be very happy. I don't even know Brody and his mission, but now I am begging for his story. On the other hand I wanted to know less about Des and her relationship with Nick and Haley. I didn't like her and I don't believe I will even if I go and read a book where she is alive. I would have liked less focus on her and more on other important things. Like the romance and the kind of relationship Nick and Haley had. I wanted to see more of those two. Or maybe see the other people who work on the European branch. The author is slowly setting the stories for the other characters and I want to see how everything is going to evolve. I still want Owen's story and I hope I will get it soon. Ezra is also a good option. Each book in the series only makes me to want to read more.
Even though I gave this book 4 stars, I am a little torn about saying an instant yes if someone asks me if this book is worth its price. A lot of people will have a problem with the ghost of Des like I did. I feel like Nick didn't do justice to the Russian guys I love (mainly Dimka) and Haley needed a better backbone. These factors would have made me give a lower rating to this book, but the secondary characters and something in the author's writing kept me reading and liking the book.
Even though I gave this book 4 stars, I am a little torn about saying an instant yes if someone asks me if this book is worth its price. A lot of people will have a problem with the ghost of Des like I did. I feel like Nick didn't do justice to the Russian guys I love (mainly Dimka) and Haley needed a better backbone. These factors would have made me give a lower rating to this book, but the secondary characters and something in the author's writing kept me reading and liking the book.
July 8, 2017
This was book 13 in the
"Masters and Mercenaries"
series. Nick Markovic has spent the last year drinking his life away because he couldn't protect Des someone who used him who he thought he loved. Five years before he spent the night with her cousin Hayley she was everything he was looking for until tell Des showed up with some news that he has been looking for so he left Hayley after deflowering her. When someone blows up her house are tries to kill her Hayley runs to Nick for help that's what Des told her to do in the letter that she sent her. I wanted to slap both of these character's I liked that Hayley found her backbone and started standing up for herself. The police that was suppose to protect Harley were training to kill her and they blamed her for a police officer dying so she was wanted foe murder. Nick feels like he has felted the women in his life first his sister and then Des and he was afraid of felling Hayley. What he didn't realize that his team had his back. I loved that we got more of Ian and Charlie in this book they were both helpful and funny and Hayley didn't let Ian intimidate her. The sex scenes in this book were good and Hayley who didn't think she would like submitting to Nick found that she loved it. Her father was a jerk for what he did to her. I liked that the team was their for both of them. I also wanted to slap Brody this book ties into the next book and Stephanie was calling Brody but he doesn't think he is good enough for her. I am really looking forward to reading the next book. This book was well written like all of Ms. Blake's books with no errors in grammar or spelling. If you like reading hot BDSM with hot Alpha males and the women that they fall hard for and with action thrown in for fun than I recommend that you read this series.
Nick
Nick
March 8, 2017
I volunteered to review an ARC.
I am a huge fan of military romance, men in uniform, the likes. That's why when I read the blurb of the book and got lucky to read an early copy, I was so excited to get to it. Only it didn't live up to my expectations.
This book is the 13th in the series and it stands alone. It's about Nick and his love interest Hayley, who's the cousin of his now-dead-ex, Des. Nick and Des work as spies and were in an open relationship. Des convinced Nick to let Hayley go because he's no good for her and because Des had an intel about the death of Nick's sister, whom he's avenging. So that leaves poor Hayley and her broken, naive heart.
Now, I wasn't really a fan of the dead ex trope especially if said ex had brought a lot of trouble in the plot which could've been a potential actually, if she wasn't dead. But she was and the book felt like it revolved around her dealings in the past that's now showing up and going after Hayley.
Hayley, for her character as an academic professor, was just too frustrating, too annoying, very childish to me. I knew I wouldn't like her the moment she was introduced in the book and it was only just the opening of the story.
I wouldn't say I liked Nick either. Yes, I loved how protective he got because the love of his life, even when he was the one who got away, was in danger. But something didn't add up to his character. Like the BDSM stuff. It didn't feel like him. It was like they were two different people (two Nicks) and they didn't mesh well at all.
I had a really hard time finishing the book because I got bored so many times I had to put it down (I almost DNF!) and move on to my next ones. The story was kind of a drag, lacked that adrenaline high that I loved in this type of romance and there wasn't really much romance going for the two of them. It was overpowered by the action (or the lack thereof).
It was fun to know about the other characters, though. Though they're a huge bunch and I felt like lost sometimes, they were entertaining to say the least.
Overall, had the book did not focus on the past much less with a dead character who's done a lot of things in the story (so much for being dead–I know), I think it could've worked. I'm convinced with a trope like this one, it is so not for me.
I am a huge fan of military romance, men in uniform, the likes. That's why when I read the blurb of the book and got lucky to read an early copy, I was so excited to get to it. Only it didn't live up to my expectations.
This book is the 13th in the series and it stands alone. It's about Nick and his love interest Hayley, who's the cousin of his now-dead-ex, Des. Nick and Des work as spies and were in an open relationship. Des convinced Nick to let Hayley go because he's no good for her and because Des had an intel about the death of Nick's sister, whom he's avenging. So that leaves poor Hayley and her broken, naive heart.
Now, I wasn't really a fan of the dead ex trope especially if said ex had brought a lot of trouble in the plot which could've been a potential actually, if she wasn't dead. But she was and the book felt like it revolved around her dealings in the past that's now showing up and going after Hayley.
Hayley, for her character as an academic professor, was just too frustrating, too annoying, very childish to me. I knew I wouldn't like her the moment she was introduced in the book and it was only just the opening of the story.
I wouldn't say I liked Nick either. Yes, I loved how protective he got because the love of his life, even when he was the one who got away, was in danger. But something didn't add up to his character. Like the BDSM stuff. It didn't feel like him. It was like they were two different people (two Nicks) and they didn't mesh well at all.
I had a really hard time finishing the book because I got bored so many times I had to put it down (I almost DNF!) and move on to my next ones. The story was kind of a drag, lacked that adrenaline high that I loved in this type of romance and there wasn't really much romance going for the two of them. It was overpowered by the action (or the lack thereof).
It was fun to know about the other characters, though. Though they're a huge bunch and I felt like lost sometimes, they were entertaining to say the least.
Overall, had the book did not focus on the past much less with a dead character who's done a lot of things in the story (so much for being dead–I know), I think it could've worked. I'm convinced with a trope like this one, it is so not for me.
March 1, 2017
4.5 Stars
I have to say, usually when an author is releasing book # whatever in a series, I sometimes get bored with the repetitiveness that usually follows. Well, let me tell you that Lexi Blake comes nowhere close to that problem!!
For His Eyes Only is the 13th book, yes book numero trece (don't ask me why I went Spanish there when Russian would have been more appropriate with this book). Anyway, I digress. Lexi still keeps me on my toes and leaving me breathless with this book. It a series I know I can always count on to give me more than I anticipate.
I love how Lexi builds these characters up in previous books, but even without that knowledge, these books are still amazing. And sometimes, it's even better not having any knowledge and going in blind, which is what happened for me in this book. And hot damn, I had many mixed feelings on Nick and enjoyed the hell out of Hayley.
Nick lost his lover, Des in a mission that went awry. Nick and Des' relationship is one you get to see throughout this book, so I won't go through that. Hayley is Des's cousin who met Nick many years ago, the woman he walked away from. One he never stopped caring for. The one he is not good enough for. The one who is now coming to him for help.
Hayley tends to come across as naïve and mousy. But never undermine the ones who know how to blend in well and keep to themselves. She is force to be reckon with. I really thought Hayley would be overshadowed by Des' ghost but Hayley was able to shine through and prove herself.
I won't go into much detail about the plot lines other than it's pretty intense. Lexi does focus more on the suspense and action and not too much BDSM, but it's still an amazing read. Hayley does get one interesting lesson in BDSM and I think that's what helps brings out the feisty side that's been hidden away.
Overall, I loved this book. It's true to Lexi's amazing story telling. Then ending has left me begging for the next book. And I am truly intrigued about these lost boys, Ezra and Damon. What will Lexi bring us next in her erotic, romantic suspense?!?
I have to say, usually when an author is releasing book # whatever in a series, I sometimes get bored with the repetitiveness that usually follows. Well, let me tell you that Lexi Blake comes nowhere close to that problem!!
For His Eyes Only is the 13th book, yes book numero trece (don't ask me why I went Spanish there when Russian would have been more appropriate with this book). Anyway, I digress. Lexi still keeps me on my toes and leaving me breathless with this book. It a series I know I can always count on to give me more than I anticipate.
I love how Lexi builds these characters up in previous books, but even without that knowledge, these books are still amazing. And sometimes, it's even better not having any knowledge and going in blind, which is what happened for me in this book. And hot damn, I had many mixed feelings on Nick and enjoyed the hell out of Hayley.
Nick lost his lover, Des in a mission that went awry. Nick and Des' relationship is one you get to see throughout this book, so I won't go through that. Hayley is Des's cousin who met Nick many years ago, the woman he walked away from. One he never stopped caring for. The one he is not good enough for. The one who is now coming to him for help.
Hayley tends to come across as naïve and mousy. But never undermine the ones who know how to blend in well and keep to themselves. She is force to be reckon with. I really thought Hayley would be overshadowed by Des' ghost but Hayley was able to shine through and prove herself.
I won't go into much detail about the plot lines other than it's pretty intense. Lexi does focus more on the suspense and action and not too much BDSM, but it's still an amazing read. Hayley does get one interesting lesson in BDSM and I think that's what helps brings out the feisty side that's been hidden away.
Overall, I loved this book. It's true to Lexi's amazing story telling. Then ending has left me begging for the next book. And I am truly intrigued about these lost boys, Ezra and Damon. What will Lexi bring us next in her erotic, romantic suspense?!?
March 6, 2017
3.5-3.75 stars. This was a pretty good book. This is Nick and Hayley's book. Nick and Hayley met years ago. Nick was the long term boyfriend and partner of Hayley's cousin, Desiree. They worked together at Damon Knight's company and with various agencies like M16. At family functions and holidays, Nick would always hang out with Hayley. They enjoyed each others company and just clicked. One night, 5 years ago, Nick and Desiree had a big fight and broke up, which sent Nick running to Hayley. She brought him peace and they had one amazing night together in which they talked about having a future together. But Desiree showed up with news that took Nick away from Hayley on a path towards revenge on his sister's death. Des and Nick's relationship continued for three more years, before Des was killed on a mission. Now, two years later, even though Hayley hasn't seen him since their night together, she must run to Nick when her house is blown up as threats from Desiree's past criminal activity come back to haunt them. Hayley knows Nick can help protect her and help her find out who is trying to kill her, but she's not sure if she's ready to forgive him for breaking her heart. Nick isn't sure he can be around Hayley without being with her. But he also doesn't think he deserves her love and he is still grieving and confused about his feelings towards Des. As Nick helps Hayley and they spend time together, they can't keep their feelings platonic and he opens up a world for her in BDSM. But Nick isn't sure if they can have a future together, with his enemies coming back to haunt them, and it won't matter anyway, if the people trying to kill Hayley succeed. Can they work everything out and defeat their enemies so that they can have a happy future together?
I really liked both Hayley and Nick. I did feel like they were a good match. I could see them being happy in the future. I liked seeing their relationship develop, Hayley being introduced to BDSM, and seeing her come into her own person. I enjoyed watching her find herself and her backbone, make new friends and become tougher with all that she had to deal with. I also liked seeing Nick learn to accept Hayley's love instead of martyring himself.
But I was bothered by the Desiree aspect. Nick was with Des for years. Their tumultuous relationship was messy and dysfunctional, at times toxic even. Des was a piece of work. A wild, sexy and manipulative bitch who ran on both sides of the law, blackmailed people, worked with criminals, etc. (In comparison to Hayley's sweet innocent girl-next-door). She was close to being brought up on criminal charges from the British government when she was killed. Nick describes his relationship with Des as being passionate, as compared to his feelings for Hayley, who he said brought him peace. Des saved Nick from being killed by the Russian government so he felt like he owed her. They became partners and eventually worked for Damon Knight doing security and investigative work together. Nick let her rule the relationship and in some ways his life for years. They loved each other in their own ways. Even though she is dead, Des is a huge part of this book. Nick has a lot of baggage from their relationship. He feels guilty that he couldn't keep Desiree from getting killed on a mission. He constantly compares his feelings for Hayley to Des and thinks of Des all the time. It really bothered me after awhile that she was a ghost in the room whenever they were together. Hayley loved Des as a cousin so she thought of her often too and compared herself to her constantly, finding herself lacking in beauty and excitement. I kept waiting for Nick to come out and say that Hayley was his "one" and that his feelings for her were more than what he felt in comparison to Des. With Desiree being such a huge part of the book, mentioned on almost every page, I just expected more closure to their relationship and it never quite got there for me. If it weren't for that, I would have rated the book higher.
At Desiree's request, she and Nick were not monogamous and both of them took advantage of that. But it is never brought up whether it crosses Hayley's mind that he might not want to be monogamous with her. It seems like something she would at least ask him about. I do think they would be monogamous with each other, but I still wanted it addressed.
Overall, though, I did enjoy the book. The story was very good and I enjoyed seeing glimpses of the Taggart and Knight crew. I am definitely looking forward to more from this series and Lexi Blake in the future.
I really liked both Hayley and Nick. I did feel like they were a good match. I could see them being happy in the future. I liked seeing their relationship develop, Hayley being introduced to BDSM, and seeing her come into her own person. I enjoyed watching her find herself and her backbone, make new friends and become tougher with all that she had to deal with. I also liked seeing Nick learn to accept Hayley's love instead of martyring himself.
But I was bothered by the Desiree aspect. Nick was with Des for years. Their tumultuous relationship was messy and dysfunctional, at times toxic even. Des was a piece of work. A wild, sexy and manipulative bitch who ran on both sides of the law, blackmailed people, worked with criminals, etc. (In comparison to Hayley's sweet innocent girl-next-door). She was close to being brought up on criminal charges from the British government when she was killed. Nick describes his relationship with Des as being passionate, as compared to his feelings for Hayley, who he said brought him peace. Des saved Nick from being killed by the Russian government so he felt like he owed her. They became partners and eventually worked for Damon Knight doing security and investigative work together. Nick let her rule the relationship and in some ways his life for years. They loved each other in their own ways. Even though she is dead, Des is a huge part of this book. Nick has a lot of baggage from their relationship. He feels guilty that he couldn't keep Desiree from getting killed on a mission. He constantly compares his feelings for Hayley to Des and thinks of Des all the time. It really bothered me after awhile that she was a ghost in the room whenever they were together. Hayley loved Des as a cousin so she thought of her often too and compared herself to her constantly, finding herself lacking in beauty and excitement. I kept waiting for Nick to come out and say that Hayley was his "one" and that his feelings for her were more than what he felt in comparison to Des. With Desiree being such a huge part of the book, mentioned on almost every page, I just expected more closure to their relationship and it never quite got there for me. If it weren't for that, I would have rated the book higher.
At Desiree's request, she and Nick were not monogamous and both of them took advantage of that. But it is never brought up whether it crosses Hayley's mind that he might not want to be monogamous with her. It seems like something she would at least ask him about. I do think they would be monogamous with each other, but I still wanted it addressed.
Overall, though, I did enjoy the book. The story was very good and I enjoyed seeing glimpses of the Taggart and Knight crew. I am definitely looking forward to more from this series and Lexi Blake in the future.
March 1, 2017
Every time I read about Des and Nick in the last books , I thought that their was a great love story, so I was puzzled to read who big bitch was Des and how weak and naive was Nick...maybe a badass Dom in the dungeon but sure, was his sub Des who topped him everywhere also. And Deb is been the truly protagonist of this book, not the sweet Hayley nor her attraction and love for Nick, hundreds of pages for their quarrels , more Nick changing mood and mind...because Hayley was smart and she saw all his bullshits. The mystery and the actions were mere background and in the end pretty rushed . I have see also little passion and chemistry , and however I didn't understand very well Nick's character, loyal yes but wrong in so much things. I liked all other protagonists though, Taggart crew are awesome always...and Brody, I look forward to read his book.
April 1, 2019
I must confess I’m a big fan of James Bond,
but Ian Fleming has nothing on Lexi Blake!
Mostly I’ve been listening to this series on Audible, but I’ve enjoyed this story as an Ebook. It doesn’t matter in what format, I always enjoy the full stories Mrs. Blake comes up with.
A spoonful of suspense, add colorful characters - with flaws and quirks, but loyal to the bone - and a sprinkle of (kinky) steamy sex are the ingredients that keeps me selecting Masters and Mercenaries books.
but Ian Fleming has nothing on Lexi Blake!
Mostly I’ve been listening to this series on Audible, but I’ve enjoyed this story as an Ebook. It doesn’t matter in what format, I always enjoy the full stories Mrs. Blake comes up with.
A spoonful of suspense, add colorful characters - with flaws and quirks, but loyal to the bone - and a sprinkle of (kinky) steamy sex are the ingredients that keeps me selecting Masters and Mercenaries books.
April 6, 2018
Bout time the big sexy broody Russian found his HEA, so to say I’ve been looking forward to this book is an understatement. Nikolai & Hayley’s story is full of the twists and turns and “oh shiz” reveals we love about this action-adventure BDSM romance series & has the mandatory heaping side of steamy feels.
As always with this series, the heroines are as strong or as skilled (sometimes both) as the heroes - which I love. With plenty of sub-plot snippets (by which I mean storylines, not plots cooked up by bratty subs... though these are in there too - LOL) that intrigue now but won’t come to fruition until future books, you can’t help but to continually want more with each book you finish. I also love that we continue to get interaction with so many characters we’ve loved from past books & they’re still true to who we know (and love) them to be. One big blond king of snark and his badass Mrs come to mind - and in this book, they’re both on point AF. Loved it.
As always with this series, the heroines are as strong or as skilled (sometimes both) as the heroes - which I love. With plenty of sub-plot snippets (by which I mean storylines, not plots cooked up by bratty subs... though these are in there too - LOL) that intrigue now but won’t come to fruition until future books, you can’t help but to continually want more with each book you finish. I also love that we continue to get interaction with so many characters we’ve loved from past books & they’re still true to who we know (and love) them to be. One big blond king of snark and his badass Mrs come to mind - and in this book, they’re both on point AF. Loved it.
March 12, 2017
I absolutely love the plots in this series. There's way more story than sex and its not just about getting in to someone's panties. This story delved a littlee into the past with Des and nick aeven though Des was killed off a couple of books ago. Her acts were the cause of the current predicament her cousin finds herself in. As much as I loved Nick and the action in the story.. in fact I loved the story line and the action I was upset at the ending.. I mean who is Helena, the story with her father was a little too convenient and everything wrapped up too easliy and nicely. I loved the pace ofthe book and then the ending was just there. I so wanted more!!!!!!!!!!
February 26, 2017
Lexi Blake is one of my favourite authors. She writes book that always turn into gold. He Masters and Mercenaries is by far my favourite series from her because she brings in so much suspense and sensuality in them that live you breathless. Her books always have that edge that makes me want to sink into its pages and live in them. When Lexi Blake releases a new book in the Masters and Mercenaries series, I am always overcome with joy and excitement. For His Eyes Only is a book filled with suspense and drama that makes definitely soaks you in from the first page to the last page. It is a superb.
For His Eyes Only is the 13th book in the Masters and Mercenaries series that follows Nick, a Russian operative for the British offices of MacKay-Taggart who is still grieving over the loss of Des. His former love flame Hayley appears asking for his help. But Nick starts having feelings for Hayley. This book messed with my emotions. It was a suspense book filled with so much action and angst. I loved it so much so much that I felt my heart rushing. It was a soul crunching, panty melting and titillating book with a sexy and culpable finish that set me on fire. My mind was so derailed that only I can think was this book. It played with my whole being and I wanted to enjoy being played. For His Eyes Only was a story about love and second chances. It told about letting someone in even though how painful it may be, that person can end that pain and you can be finally be happy. It was also about forgiveness. The story definitely touched me and moved me to the core.
However there was a reason why gave it four stars. I felt the story needed more on BDSM scenes. I felt like Lexi Blake concentrated more on the suspense instead of the hot BDSM scenes that this series is know for. I kinda of lost that in the book. I needed more passion and I felt lacked delivering the passion and that freedom and inhibitions of it.
Nick and Hayley had beautiful chemistry that needed to be explored more. Their relationship was a bit rushed. Hayley was such a sweet and naive woman but I loved her strength. I love when a woman discovers her sexuality and this made her develop her confidence which was sexy as hell. She was sometimes stubborn but I loved that she could stand her ground. Nick was a big and strong man with a protective edge. However he let Des obscure his relationship with Hayley. Move on, dude. Des was dead a long time ago. It was messing him up. I also find that he was too much in his feelings. He needed to man up. Sometimes I wanted to smack him because he was being an ass to Hayley.
For His Eyes Only was an enjoyable read and I simply adored. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I definitely want a book on Ezra Fain. Read this book to find out who he is.
ARC provided by an author via InkslingerPR in exchange for an honest review.
For His Eyes Only is the 13th book in the Masters and Mercenaries series that follows Nick, a Russian operative for the British offices of MacKay-Taggart who is still grieving over the loss of Des. His former love flame Hayley appears asking for his help. But Nick starts having feelings for Hayley. This book messed with my emotions. It was a suspense book filled with so much action and angst. I loved it so much so much that I felt my heart rushing. It was a soul crunching, panty melting and titillating book with a sexy and culpable finish that set me on fire. My mind was so derailed that only I can think was this book. It played with my whole being and I wanted to enjoy being played. For His Eyes Only was a story about love and second chances. It told about letting someone in even though how painful it may be, that person can end that pain and you can be finally be happy. It was also about forgiveness. The story definitely touched me and moved me to the core.
However there was a reason why gave it four stars. I felt the story needed more on BDSM scenes. I felt like Lexi Blake concentrated more on the suspense instead of the hot BDSM scenes that this series is know for. I kinda of lost that in the book. I needed more passion and I felt lacked delivering the passion and that freedom and inhibitions of it.
Nick and Hayley had beautiful chemistry that needed to be explored more. Their relationship was a bit rushed. Hayley was such a sweet and naive woman but I loved her strength. I love when a woman discovers her sexuality and this made her develop her confidence which was sexy as hell. She was sometimes stubborn but I loved that she could stand her ground. Nick was a big and strong man with a protective edge. However he let Des obscure his relationship with Hayley. Move on, dude. Des was dead a long time ago. It was messing him up. I also find that he was too much in his feelings. He needed to man up. Sometimes I wanted to smack him because he was being an ass to Hayley.
For His Eyes Only was an enjoyable read and I simply adored. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. I definitely want a book on Ezra Fain. Read this book to find out who he is.
ARC provided by an author via InkslingerPR in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2017
3 ropes and rubles for FOR HIS EYES ONLY.
When Nickolai Markovic loved and left Hayley Dalton 5 years ago, he couldn't resist the pull of her cousin Desiree and the promise of retribution for his sister. But now Des is dead, Nick drinks too much and Hayley's home has blown up, prompting her to seek out Nick in England for protection. Nick is stunned when he finds the one who got away begging for his help...he'd love nothing more than to use The Garden's extensive BDSM equipment to tie her sexy ass up and keep her safe. But Nick's got more baggage than Heathrow Airport, and there's no way he can give Hayley what she needs. So he'll protect her body, but he'll protect both of their hearts by keeping things simple between them. Easier said than done!
FOR HIS EYES ONLY is book 13 in the awesome Masters and Mercenaries series by Ms. Blake, and I was thrilled to finally get the story behind the unlikely couple of Nick and Des. Seems to me that Des was an epic bitch, but also that Nick let himself be utterly used by her over and over for years. He had the chance to get out from under her stilettos but chose retribution over peace. I hated hated hated that he slept with Hayley when he was with Des...even if they "technically" broke up hours before, and I hated that Hayley begged him to leave with her and start a life together.
That said, Nick and Des had an open relationship, so my anger was at Hayley more so than at Nick. I also hated that Hayley went into The Garden all judgy but put all that aside so she could sleep with Nick again. It stank of manipulation to me, which was the last thing Nick needed in his life again. The action that is typically present in a Masters and Mercenaries story was spotty in FOR HIS EYES ONLY, and I found myself not as engaged as I usually am by Ms. Blake's writing (since there wasn't enough of the suspenseful to offset my distaste for Hayley). Even so, this is one of my favorite series, and I'll most definitely be looking for future books to put on my 'read right now' pile.
Bottom Line: OM/OW or sharing (Nick and Hayley sleep together early in the story despite the dubious breakup between him and her cousin Des); condom use; BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; violence/murder. - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
- See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
When Nickolai Markovic loved and left Hayley Dalton 5 years ago, he couldn't resist the pull of her cousin Desiree and the promise of retribution for his sister. But now Des is dead, Nick drinks too much and Hayley's home has blown up, prompting her to seek out Nick in England for protection. Nick is stunned when he finds the one who got away begging for his help...he'd love nothing more than to use The Garden's extensive BDSM equipment to tie her sexy ass up and keep her safe. But Nick's got more baggage than Heathrow Airport, and there's no way he can give Hayley what she needs. So he'll protect her body, but he'll protect both of their hearts by keeping things simple between them. Easier said than done!
FOR HIS EYES ONLY is book 13 in the awesome Masters and Mercenaries series by Ms. Blake, and I was thrilled to finally get the story behind the unlikely couple of Nick and Des. Seems to me that Des was an epic bitch, but also that Nick let himself be utterly used by her over and over for years. He had the chance to get out from under her stilettos but chose retribution over peace. I hated hated hated that he slept with Hayley when he was with Des...even if they "technically" broke up hours before, and I hated that Hayley begged him to leave with her and start a life together.
That said, Nick and Des had an open relationship, so my anger was at Hayley more so than at Nick. I also hated that Hayley went into The Garden all judgy but put all that aside so she could sleep with Nick again. It stank of manipulation to me, which was the last thing Nick needed in his life again. The action that is typically present in a Masters and Mercenaries story was spotty in FOR HIS EYES ONLY, and I found myself not as engaged as I usually am by Ms. Blake's writing (since there wasn't enough of the suspenseful to offset my distaste for Hayley). Even so, this is one of my favorite series, and I'll most definitely be looking for future books to put on my 'read right now' pile.
Bottom Line: OM/OW or sharing (Nick and Hayley sleep together early in the story despite the dubious breakup between him and her cousin Des); condom use; BDSM/kink; no sexual assault; violence/murder. - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
- See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
March 5, 2017
I loved Hayley - she is one of the best M&M heroines in a while. She wasn't too strong, she wasn't too weak, she was just humanly fragile and normal. She doesn't know martial arts, self-defense, how to shoot a gun, and she hasn't participated in anything in the BDSM world. While she's had a bit of a hodge-podge upbringing, she was on the outside of the craziness
Nick was a wonderfully, tortured, ex-Russian military with the Russian mob out to get him. He has issues, big issues, and a lot of it centers around Des, the evil dead ex, Desiree. I've never minded reading about ex's, dead ex's, and second chances before. In this case, I wanted to smack everyone involved, especially Des.
Thank goddess that Hayley was so smart, because Nick would have messed everything up a million times over. Des was also reaching from the grave and stacking the cards against them at every turn. There were times I thought this was never going to work out, and that was most of the book
Nick finally gets things turned around late in the book. He actually takes a good look at who he is, was, and who he wants to be. He accepts where he was and makes peace, but man, it was a painful, drawn out ride to get there. Because of that, I just think he and Hayley will have one of those sweet HEA's that rot your teeth, and none are more deserving
Now, no M&M book ends without a peek at what is next, and it sounds amazing - finally, with all the 'fun' these boys have, a secret baby :) Oh, and the London crew, I hope we stay with them for a while. Michael and Hutch can wait, the cast over the pond need some attention. But the Ezra/Beck, I've decided he needs to be taken down soon by a pretty CSIS officer, maybe from one of the territories!
Nick was a wonderfully, tortured, ex-Russian military with the Russian mob out to get him. He has issues, big issues, and a lot of it centers around Des, the evil dead ex, Desiree. I've never minded reading about ex's, dead ex's, and second chances before. In this case, I wanted to smack everyone involved, especially Des.
Thank goddess that Hayley was so smart, because Nick would have messed everything up a million times over. Des was also reaching from the grave and stacking the cards against them at every turn. There were times I thought this was never going to work out, and that was most of the book
Nick finally gets things turned around late in the book. He actually takes a good look at who he is, was, and who he wants to be. He accepts where he was and makes peace, but man, it was a painful, drawn out ride to get there. Because of that, I just think he and Hayley will have one of those sweet HEA's that rot your teeth, and none are more deserving
Now, no M&M book ends without a peek at what is next, and it sounds amazing - finally, with all the 'fun' these boys have, a secret baby :) Oh, and the London crew, I hope we stay with them for a while. Michael and Hutch can wait, the cast over the pond need some attention. But the Ezra/Beck, I've decided he needs to be taken down soon by a pretty CSIS officer, maybe from one of the territories!
November 27, 2019
This is the 13th book in the Masters and Mercenaries series. I think Ian is my favorite character in all the books. His wit is so funny. If you don't read the books in order then you will miss out on this.
I love Nick. He is sensitive but brutal. It drives me crazy when he gets flustered and his Russian accent comes out more. The author is so good at character development that when I am reading I hear the voices in my head. I feel that I am listening to Nick talk and he's talking to me. What I wouldn't give to be Hayley. I would have liked more kink scenes but the ones that were there were hot.
There were many twists and turns in this book. I had to pay attention so I wouldn't get lost. The author did a good job at the 'push - pull' between Nick and Hayley. There was the right amount of tension between them the whole time. I could see myself feeling the way both did. The author is good at bringing real life feelings into her books.
I love Nick. He is sensitive but brutal. It drives me crazy when he gets flustered and his Russian accent comes out more. The author is so good at character development that when I am reading I hear the voices in my head. I feel that I am listening to Nick talk and he's talking to me. What I wouldn't give to be Hayley. I would have liked more kink scenes but the ones that were there were hot.
There were many twists and turns in this book. I had to pay attention so I wouldn't get lost. The author did a good job at the 'push - pull' between Nick and Hayley. There was the right amount of tension between them the whole time. I could see myself feeling the way both did. The author is good at bringing real life feelings into her books.
August 14, 2017
For His Eyes Only
Masters and Mercenaries series book #13
Release Date: February 18, 2017
I have been a fan of this series from book #1! It's like crazy sexy James Bond! There's tons of spy stuff and kick ass action. There's also a whole lot of scorching sheet yoga!
I have to be honest here, I struggled at the beginning because I couldn't get a feel for the chemistry between Nick and Hayley. It just wasn't there...at first. This book had a slow burn to it. I found that a bit frustrating, but in the end, I think that's how it needed to go. There were so many trust issues, it created a huge obstacle for them. It took some time, but I was eventually able to connect with Hayley and Nick.
Nick is broody. Like, really growly and broody! Does it make me weird that that makes me adore him? It makes me want to fix him, and to pick up the pieces of his life for him. He can also be really jerky. That wasn't so endearing, but it worked for the story.
I really liked Hayley. She has been dealt a shit hand, but she doesn't play the damsel in distress card. She wants to be part of the plan to help get her life back. She isn't willing to sit back and let Nick fix everything.
The verbal sparring scenes between these two was ridiculously funny. She keeps him on his toes, and he drives her batty. One of my favourite things about this series is that I get to "visit" with characters from previous books. Lexi Blake writes humorous dialogue like no one else. I find myself giggling often. I especially love the scenes with Ian Taggert and his wife, Charlotte. Those two never fail to light up the pages with their witty banter!
As with every book in this series, there's great attention to detail. I'm always shocked when I get to the end of a book by Lexi Blake, because I'm all like...I never saw that coming! I adore a book that keeps me guessing with all the twists and turns.
The kinky scenes in this book are spicy and succulent. Seriously, the heroes in this series will turn you inside out with their filthiness...yum!
While I struggled with the hero and heroines lack of chemistry at the beginning, I still really liked this book! It didn't take long before I was firmly immersed in the Masters and Mercenaries world, and enjoying the adventure with Nick and Hayley! I'm really REALLY looking forward to the next book! That little bit at the end of the epilogue was enough to have me completely intrigued about the next set of characters and their journey.
Masters and Mercenaries series book #13
Release Date: February 18, 2017
I have been a fan of this series from book #1! It's like crazy sexy James Bond! There's tons of spy stuff and kick ass action. There's also a whole lot of scorching sheet yoga!
I have to be honest here, I struggled at the beginning because I couldn't get a feel for the chemistry between Nick and Hayley. It just wasn't there...at first. This book had a slow burn to it. I found that a bit frustrating, but in the end, I think that's how it needed to go. There were so many trust issues, it created a huge obstacle for them. It took some time, but I was eventually able to connect with Hayley and Nick.
Nick is broody. Like, really growly and broody! Does it make me weird that that makes me adore him? It makes me want to fix him, and to pick up the pieces of his life for him. He can also be really jerky. That wasn't so endearing, but it worked for the story.
I really liked Hayley. She has been dealt a shit hand, but she doesn't play the damsel in distress card. She wants to be part of the plan to help get her life back. She isn't willing to sit back and let Nick fix everything.
The verbal sparring scenes between these two was ridiculously funny. She keeps him on his toes, and he drives her batty. One of my favourite things about this series is that I get to "visit" with characters from previous books. Lexi Blake writes humorous dialogue like no one else. I find myself giggling often. I especially love the scenes with Ian Taggert and his wife, Charlotte. Those two never fail to light up the pages with their witty banter!
As with every book in this series, there's great attention to detail. I'm always shocked when I get to the end of a book by Lexi Blake, because I'm all like...I never saw that coming! I adore a book that keeps me guessing with all the twists and turns.
The kinky scenes in this book are spicy and succulent. Seriously, the heroes in this series will turn you inside out with their filthiness...yum!
While I struggled with the hero and heroines lack of chemistry at the beginning, I still really liked this book! It didn't take long before I was firmly immersed in the Masters and Mercenaries world, and enjoying the adventure with Nick and Hayley! I'm really REALLY looking forward to the next book! That little bit at the end of the epilogue was enough to have me completely intrigued about the next set of characters and their journey.
March 11, 2017
This was not one of my favorite M and M books.
Though I appreciate all of these strong female characters they start to feel cookie cutter after awhile. Everyone is so darn wonderful and they all fall into the perfect boxes. Aren't there any women in the Taggart universe that work at a fast food place, don't have a perfect beach body, live in a trailer house and are struggling to get by living paycheck to paycheck? And all of these strong willed professional women are submissive? Really? Not a switch to be found. Can a manly Taggart man take as good as he gives? Alas, I digress.
Even though this book wasn't a favorite I still love reading about all the old characters and what they are doing. (Charlotte and Ian in a kinky scene together. WHOOT!)
Lexi Blake is a talented writer. I do so love her style. I am looking forward to book number #14.
Though I appreciate all of these strong female characters they start to feel cookie cutter after awhile. Everyone is so darn wonderful and they all fall into the perfect boxes. Aren't there any women in the Taggart universe that work at a fast food place, don't have a perfect beach body, live in a trailer house and are struggling to get by living paycheck to paycheck? And all of these strong willed professional women are submissive? Really? Not a switch to be found. Can a manly Taggart man take as good as he gives? Alas, I digress.
Even though this book wasn't a favorite I still love reading about all the old characters and what they are doing. (Charlotte and Ian in a kinky scene together. WHOOT!)
Lexi Blake is a talented writer. I do so love her style. I am looking forward to book number #14.
July 21, 2019
3.5 stars
Love the setting and group just didn't buy into the couple - there was a ghost constantly between them and I just couldn't get completely on board.
Love the setting and group just didn't buy into the couple - there was a ghost constantly between them and I just couldn't get completely on board.
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