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A man who gave up on love...
Mitch Bradford is an intimidating man. In his professional life, he has a reputation for demolishing his opponents in the courtroom. At the exclusive BDSM club Sanctum, he prefers disciplining pretty submissives with no strings attached. In his line of work, there’s no time for a healthy relationship. After a few failed attempts, he knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister.
A woman who always gets what she wants...
Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. He’s smart and sexy, and it doesn’t matter that he’s a few years older and has a couple of bitter ex-wives. Watching him in action at work and at play, she knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be.
A killer lurking in the shadows...
Assigned to work together on an important case, Mitch and Laurel are confronted with the perfect opportunity to explore their mutual desire. Night after night of being close breaks down Mitch’s defenses. The more he sees of Laurel, the more he knows he wants her. Unfortunately, someone else has their eyes on Laurel and they have murder in mind.
Mitch Bradford is an intimidating man. In his professional life, he has a reputation for demolishing his opponents in the courtroom. At the exclusive BDSM club Sanctum, he prefers disciplining pretty submissives with no strings attached. In his line of work, there’s no time for a healthy relationship. After a few failed attempts, he knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister.
A woman who always gets what she wants...
Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. He’s smart and sexy, and it doesn’t matter that he’s a few years older and has a couple of bitter ex-wives. Watching him in action at work and at play, she knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be.
A killer lurking in the shadows...
Assigned to work together on an important case, Mitch and Laurel are confronted with the perfect opportunity to explore their mutual desire. Night after night of being close breaks down Mitch’s defenses. The more he sees of Laurel, the more he knows he wants her. Unfortunately, someone else has their eyes on Laurel and they have murder in mind.
7 pages, Audible Audio
Published January 26, 2016
274 people are currently reading
1654 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
169 books6,349 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 207 reviews
August 16, 2015
3.5 adorable STARS
Here is the thing about Lexi Blake books. I love them. A new release from the Masters&Mercenaries series always gets an immediate read from me. I just can't stay away.
Now, the novellas are no exception...BUT...for me they don't hold as much of a punch as the main books usually do. There really is nothing better than Ian Taggart and his merry men and women being the centre of the story. The side characters are lovely as well, but argh...way too little Tag. Although we got this little gem...
Much appreciated, btw. ;D
So, a 3.5 Star rating for this book isn't a bad thing. It's just that in comparison to the main full length novels it falls a little short, that's all. I still loved Adored and I had a great time reading, it's just that something is missing to warrant a higher rating.
Now story!
We have Mitch Bradford, the lawyer. That being Ian Taggart's lawyer. It all has to tie in with McKay-Taggart, of course. Now Mitch also happens to be Will's best friend. Will we already know from Cherished. Now Will has a bunch of sister, one of them is Laurel. And Laurel Daley started working for Mitch six months ago as an office manager and in the meantime became a para-legal.
Laurel has always had a thing for Mitch and everyone including Mitch knows that. In fact they kissed once in Hawaii (back in Cherished when Will got married). The thing with Mitch is, he was already married twice and he is cured from the whole institution. In fact, he is trying hard not to get himself into a relationship and especially not with Laurel. Who is not only his best friend's sister, but also ten years younger and who -in his opinion- deserves someone better than him.
What I really liked about this book was the whole dynamic between Mitch and Laurel. She constantly pushes him to change. Renewing his office furniture or even changing up his meals. Mitch gets grumpy like no ones business. But that's part of the fun. Because normally he likes his women submissive and he is one hell of a control freak.
Laurel also has a thing for D/s relationships and in order to learn more about the lifestyle and maybe get her boss' attention she joined Sanctum, Ian Taggart's BDSM club. The Dom in Mr. Bradford doesn't take too kindly to that little move.
It even might have been one push too far...
So, things happen...accidents occur...relationships get very difficult and people need to face facts and maybe get over themselves.
The writing is as always exceptional. The story is really sweet and the chemistry is great. But the thing I'm about to put in a spoiler tag didn't really do anything for me... . Don't get me wrong, it's all well done, but my personal preference just gets in the way. A case of - it's me, not you!
At last but not least. Let's talk about the elephant in the room. I actually wanted to start my review with this, but I had to restrain myself. What the hell was that BOMB Ms. Blake detonated at the end? I had a perfectly good read and then you do this? And Master No is months away. How on earth? ... ...and yes, the shouting was more than necessary within the spoiler tag.
Suffice it to say, I can't wait to get my hands on Master No. Is it August yet?
“When he kissed her, when he put his hands on her like he would die if he didn't, it felt like love.”
Here is the thing about Lexi Blake books. I love them. A new release from the Masters&Mercenaries series always gets an immediate read from me. I just can't stay away.
Now, the novellas are no exception...BUT...for me they don't hold as much of a punch as the main books usually do. There really is nothing better than Ian Taggart and his merry men and women being the centre of the story. The side characters are lovely as well, but argh...way too little Tag. Although we got this little gem...
“Big Tag is only capable of sarcasm and sitting perfectly upright while he naps.”
Much appreciated, btw. ;D
So, a 3.5 Star rating for this book isn't a bad thing. It's just that in comparison to the main full length novels it falls a little short, that's all. I still loved Adored and I had a great time reading, it's just that something is missing to warrant a higher rating.
Now story!
We have Mitch Bradford, the lawyer. That being Ian Taggart's lawyer. It all has to tie in with McKay-Taggart, of course. Now Mitch also happens to be Will's best friend. Will we already know from Cherished. Now Will has a bunch of sister, one of them is Laurel. And Laurel Daley started working for Mitch six months ago as an office manager and in the meantime became a para-legal.
Laurel has always had a thing for Mitch and everyone including Mitch knows that. In fact they kissed once in Hawaii (back in Cherished when Will got married). The thing with Mitch is, he was already married twice and he is cured from the whole institution. In fact, he is trying hard not to get himself into a relationship and especially not with Laurel. Who is not only his best friend's sister, but also ten years younger and who -in his opinion- deserves someone better than him.
What I really liked about this book was the whole dynamic between Mitch and Laurel. She constantly pushes him to change. Renewing his office furniture or even changing up his meals. Mitch gets grumpy like no ones business. But that's part of the fun. Because normally he likes his women submissive and he is one hell of a control freak.
Laurel also has a thing for D/s relationships and in order to learn more about the lifestyle and maybe get her boss' attention she joined Sanctum, Ian Taggart's BDSM club. The Dom in Mr. Bradford doesn't take too kindly to that little move.
It even might have been one push too far...
So, things happen...accidents occur...relationships get very difficult and people need to face facts and maybe get over themselves.
The writing is as always exceptional. The story is really sweet and the chemistry is great. But the thing I'm about to put in a spoiler tag didn't really do anything for me... . Don't get me wrong, it's all well done, but my personal preference just gets in the way. A case of - it's me, not you!
At last but not least. Let's talk about the elephant in the room. I actually wanted to start my review with this, but I had to restrain myself. What the hell was that BOMB Ms. Blake detonated at the end? I had a perfectly good read and then you do this? And Master No is months away. How on earth? ... ...and yes, the shouting was more than necessary within the spoiler tag.
Suffice it to say, I can't wait to get my hands on Master No. Is it August yet?
July 15, 2015
3.5 Stars
I love this series. Lexi Blake never fails to deliver a sexy and suspenseful romance in her Masters and Mercenaries series. Though these novellas are a part of the series, they're slightly different from the actual books. The characters in each novella are not predominant characters in the series story arc. They're secondary characters that mainly stand on their own, so you can easily read these novellas out of order even if you haven't read the rest of the series. As a matter of fact, you're better off reading the novellas in order as those are closer tied together than they are to the full length books, if that makes sense.
Adored is the story of Mitch and Laurel. Laurel Daley is the younger sister of Will from Cherished and Mitch is his best friend. Now I love me that falling for the older brother's best friend trope, so I was really looking forward to this. And while it may not have packed the same punch as the full length books for me, it still gave me my fix of the M&M series.
Laurel has been in love with Mitch for years, but unfortunately for her, Mitch doesn't see her that way. She's too young for him and he's too jaded. Two failed marriages under his belt, he's not looking to add another one. He can't give Laurel what she needs, but that doesn't mean she doesn't tempt him. So one night where the passion between them burns too hot to resist, they give into the temptation. Only for Mitch to completely go back into his jaded shelf immediately after and forcing Laurel to completely give up hope on any sort of future with him.
But not everything is so simple. When an unexpected turn of events after their one night of passion forces them together, it allows them to further explore the passion between them.
Of course it wouldn't be a Masters & Mercenaries book without an appearance by some of my favorite characters (cough Ian cough). But this really focused more on the romance with a side of suspense. I really enjoyed this story, though it was missing that extra oomph that Lexi Blake's books usually carry for me. But this is mainly because I'm not a big novella fan. They are just too fast paced and short for me to truly get invested in the characters. But I can never pass up a book by this author, so I couldn't miss this one. So while it may not have a blow me away kind of read, it was a very enjoyable one. Quick, steamy, suspenseful. The perfect book to spend a sexy evening with.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
He was in deep and he was fairly certain that this time he would drown
I love this series. Lexi Blake never fails to deliver a sexy and suspenseful romance in her Masters and Mercenaries series. Though these novellas are a part of the series, they're slightly different from the actual books. The characters in each novella are not predominant characters in the series story arc. They're secondary characters that mainly stand on their own, so you can easily read these novellas out of order even if you haven't read the rest of the series. As a matter of fact, you're better off reading the novellas in order as those are closer tied together than they are to the full length books, if that makes sense.
Adored is the story of Mitch and Laurel. Laurel Daley is the younger sister of Will from Cherished and Mitch is his best friend. Now I love me that falling for the older brother's best friend trope, so I was really looking forward to this. And while it may not have packed the same punch as the full length books for me, it still gave me my fix of the M&M series.
Laurel has been in love with Mitch for years, but unfortunately for her, Mitch doesn't see her that way. She's too young for him and he's too jaded. Two failed marriages under his belt, he's not looking to add another one. He can't give Laurel what she needs, but that doesn't mean she doesn't tempt him. So one night where the passion between them burns too hot to resist, they give into the temptation. Only for Mitch to completely go back into his jaded shelf immediately after and forcing Laurel to completely give up hope on any sort of future with him.
But not everything is so simple. When an unexpected turn of events after their one night of passion forces them together, it allows them to further explore the passion between them.
Of course it wouldn't be a Masters & Mercenaries book without an appearance by some of my favorite characters (cough Ian cough). But this really focused more on the romance with a side of suspense. I really enjoyed this story, though it was missing that extra oomph that Lexi Blake's books usually carry for me. But this is mainly because I'm not a big novella fan. They are just too fast paced and short for me to truly get invested in the characters. But I can never pass up a book by this author, so I couldn't miss this one. So while it may not have a blow me away kind of read, it was a very enjoyable one. Quick, steamy, suspenseful. The perfect book to spend a sexy evening with.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
For more reviews visit
June 11, 2017
I've said it before but it bears repeating..I love this series.
Mitch and Laurel are all kinds of hot and yummy together. Mitch has a major stick up his arse and Laurel is just the one to help him get rid of it. So loved seeing the previous couples.
Now what happened on the op that has upset Big Tag. I really need to win one of these Amazon giveaways I enter, so I can buy all the books in this series.
Mitch and Laurel are all kinds of hot and yummy together. Mitch has a major stick up his arse and Laurel is just the one to help him get rid of it. So loved seeing the previous couples.
Now what happened on the op that has upset Big Tag. I really need to win one of these Amazon giveaways I enter, so I can buy all the books in this series.
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May 11, 2022
⤅ My MASSIVE Lexi Blake binge - eleven days and still going strong - all began with this unprepossessing novella.
I've loved Lexi Blake (and her alter ego Sophie Oak) for almost a decade now. Bliss, CO is the series I'm most familiar with, but I've tried a couple of McKay-Taggart books before and enjoyed them, so I figured I'd get down to them seriously and see what's up.
This particular book is actually about a couple of very peripheral M/T characters. Essentially, the series revolves around a bunch of mercenaries and operatives at the McKay-Taggart Security business who also happen to be big-time BDSM practitioners. Our hero Mitchell Brady is the twice-divorced lawyer to Ian Taggart, M/T's founder. Laurel Daley is his sweet little paralegal. She's been chasing after him for a while, and he finally gives in - but it all goes pear-shaped, even more so when she unexpectedly falls pregnant.
Now, the unplanned pregnancy trope is possibly my LEAST favourite in all of Romancelandia. I gritted my teeth and got through this one because it was pretty short, but I was not a happy bunny. Still, why three stars? Because Mitch wasn't totally a heartless bastard and did care for Laurel, who's decent (if a little unfortunate in her taste in men).
Really, this is 2.5 stars, but rounded up because of Lexi Blake's signature blend of humour, BDSM sex, and drama.
I've loved Lexi Blake (and her alter ego Sophie Oak) for almost a decade now. Bliss, CO is the series I'm most familiar with, but I've tried a couple of McKay-Taggart books before and enjoyed them, so I figured I'd get down to them seriously and see what's up.
This particular book is actually about a couple of very peripheral M/T characters. Essentially, the series revolves around a bunch of mercenaries and operatives at the McKay-Taggart Security business who also happen to be big-time BDSM practitioners. Our hero Mitchell Brady is the twice-divorced lawyer to Ian Taggart, M/T's founder. Laurel Daley is his sweet little paralegal. She's been chasing after him for a while, and he finally gives in - but it all goes pear-shaped, even more so when she unexpectedly falls pregnant.
Now, the unplanned pregnancy trope is possibly my LEAST favourite in all of Romancelandia. I gritted my teeth and got through this one because it was pretty short, but I was not a happy bunny. Still, why three stars? Because Mitch wasn't totally a heartless bastard and did care for Laurel, who's decent (if a little unfortunate in her taste in men).
Really, this is 2.5 stars, but rounded up because of Lexi Blake's signature blend of humour, BDSM sex, and drama.
May 11, 2025
My Rating: 3 Stars
This was an okay read, not my favorite. I also wasn't in the mood for a BDSM like this one, so it wasn't a book I probably would have enjoyed no matter what. It was a average read. Not horrible or anything just didn't do much for me when I read it. But very eager to continue the series.
This was an okay read, not my favorite. I also wasn't in the mood for a BDSM like this one, so it wasn't a book I probably would have enjoyed no matter what. It was a average read. Not horrible or anything just didn't do much for me when I read it. But very eager to continue the series.
May 6, 2019
Spoiler Ahead This was a good book and I love reading this series. Mitchell Bradford is a man that has given up on love he has been married twice and both of his ex wives cheated on him. Laurel Daley knows what she wants and she wants Mitch Laurel is his paralegal and office manager she has been waiting six months for Mitch and she has had enough. When Kai calls Mitch to tell him that Laurel has been in the sub training program and he has matched her up with a temp Dom Master T aka Tennessee he loses his cool he doesn't want Laurel to be with anyone else. Laurel has had enough and when the two argue after someone tries to shoot her the two have sex without a condom he tells her it was a mistake and she leaves she also quits her job. A few weeks go by and Mitch is upset someone is threating him so he upgrades his security and puts a bodyguard on Laurel. Both Laurel and Mitch have been hurt by their parents who weren't their for them Laurel's mother who was a drug addict in and out of jail was raised by her brother Will and her sister. While Mitch was raised by a mother that man hopped and a father he felt neglected him because he was a product of an affair his father had with his mother plus being hurt by his ex wives he doesn't trust women outside of the subs he plays with at Sanctum. When Laurel is rushed to the hospital everyone gets a surprise and the cat is out of the bag. Laurel also gets a visit from Mitch's little brother a brother that she didn't know that he had and Mitch let's his jealousy show. Both of them were very stubborn. This was a good book as also Lexi doesn't just give us a book with hot sex scenes there is danger and suspense. This book was well written like all of Lexi's books with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
May 12, 2015
There is NOTHING quite like the feeling of having a brand new Masters and Mercenaries book to devour! Fans of the series who have been jonesing for a quick Lexi Blake fix, ADORED is sure to be your drug of choice. New to Lexi Blake? New to the incredible Masters and Mercenaries series? ADORED is a great book to get your feet wet, to find out what all the fuss is about, to find out why THIS series and THIS author is at the top of ALL of my book lists: Favorite Series, Favorite Author, Favorite BBF, Top Fave Auto-buy. You name it, Lexi Blake and her wonderful series has made it to the top one way or another. Get ready to travel to Club Sanctum, and take a journey as yet another Dom is brought to his knees by the woman he didn't see coming.
In this fantastic installment of the Masters and Mercenaries series, Lexi Blake weaves together an emotional, sexy, and suspenseful tale of woman who isn't shy to the fact that she wants to surrender to a certain stubborn Dom. It's extremely difficult when said Dom is pushing her away one minute, and yanking her up on his desk to devour her the next. Mitch Bradford has been through his share of divorces so trust and commitment is a huge issue with him. Laurel Daley knew she wanted to reach Mitch's heart from the moment they met. With her brother in the lifestyle, she knows dominant men, and she holds her own against the gorgeous and intimidating lawyer. Laurel lives in the present, hoping for a future that looked so out of reach. With the darkness looming over him from his past, Mitch Bradford has been cold for so long. He just needs to push away his doubts and his fears and realize that he has finally found the woman who would end up thawing his heart.
With moments of passion, heartbreak, tension, and excitement, ADORED kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages like a mad woman; hoping and craving for that happily every after that Ms. Blake gives us time and time again. Tantalizing and extremely thrilling, Ms. Blake brought out all the feels in this one, leaving me longing for more. Don't be shy ladies. If you are a newbie, ADORED is the book to pop your M&M cherry. You will not only be satisfied, you will be utterly lost in this world and you will NEVER want to leave.
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
In this fantastic installment of the Masters and Mercenaries series, Lexi Blake weaves together an emotional, sexy, and suspenseful tale of woman who isn't shy to the fact that she wants to surrender to a certain stubborn Dom. It's extremely difficult when said Dom is pushing her away one minute, and yanking her up on his desk to devour her the next. Mitch Bradford has been through his share of divorces so trust and commitment is a huge issue with him. Laurel Daley knew she wanted to reach Mitch's heart from the moment they met. With her brother in the lifestyle, she knows dominant men, and she holds her own against the gorgeous and intimidating lawyer. Laurel lives in the present, hoping for a future that looked so out of reach. With the darkness looming over him from his past, Mitch Bradford has been cold for so long. He just needs to push away his doubts and his fears and realize that he has finally found the woman who would end up thawing his heart.
With moments of passion, heartbreak, tension, and excitement, ADORED kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages like a mad woman; hoping and craving for that happily every after that Ms. Blake gives us time and time again. Tantalizing and extremely thrilling, Ms. Blake brought out all the feels in this one, leaving me longing for more. Don't be shy ladies. If you are a newbie, ADORED is the book to pop your M&M cherry. You will not only be satisfied, you will be utterly lost in this world and you will NEVER want to leave.
*Gifted copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
May 8, 2015
We met the characters some many books and novellas ago and I, for one, couldn’t wait to see what Lexi did with them :D
Mitch is emotionally stunted. His mum sucked and so did his 2 ex-wives. He recognizes a good thing when he sees it(Laurel), but he doesn’t really know what to do with it. He has a funny way of getting in touch with his wants and needs, especially with a woman: his penis tells him. I love when his penis talks to him. LOVE. IT! He’s afraid to believe something amazing is happening to him so he really puts his foot in when he feels threatened by his feelings for Laurel.
Laurel is a sweetheart. She’s kind and OCD in organizing stuff:
”You can’t go around destroying my files.”
“Good god, Mitchell. I didn’t destroy the files. I scanned them in. Please tell me you don’t think that involves the computer eating the files or something.”
She also has amazing sarcasm. She fell in love with Mitch and doesn’t know how to really make him see her and accept her love. She likes to take care of people and she has an amazing moral compass. Laurel has some thoughts of giving up on the complicated and emotionally repressed Mitch, but she always sees how good it can be between them.
Lexi delivers another entertaining, fun and dazzling story. It has humor, action, great sex *wink wink* and the characters we’ve come to love. She also threw a glimpse worthy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I can’t wait to see what the hell happened that she refered in the epilogue! The wait is going to kill me.
Mitch is emotionally stunted. His mum sucked and so did his 2 ex-wives. He recognizes a good thing when he sees it(Laurel), but he doesn’t really know what to do with it. He has a funny way of getting in touch with his wants and needs, especially with a woman: his penis tells him. I love when his penis talks to him. LOVE. IT! He’s afraid to believe something amazing is happening to him so he really puts his foot in when he feels threatened by his feelings for Laurel.
Laurel is a sweetheart. She’s kind and OCD in organizing stuff:
”You can’t go around destroying my files.”
“Good god, Mitchell. I didn’t destroy the files. I scanned them in. Please tell me you don’t think that involves the computer eating the files or something.”
She also has amazing sarcasm. She fell in love with Mitch and doesn’t know how to really make him see her and accept her love. She likes to take care of people and she has an amazing moral compass. Laurel has some thoughts of giving up on the complicated and emotionally repressed Mitch, but she always sees how good it can be between them.
Lexi delivers another entertaining, fun and dazzling story. It has humor, action, great sex *wink wink* and the characters we’ve come to love. She also threw a glimpse worthy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I can’t wait to see what the hell happened that she refered in the epilogue! The wait is going to kill me.
June 6, 2015
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Sexy novella that introduces two characters who have some major issues to overcome and a lot of growing up to do.
Opening Sentence: Mitchell Bradford stared down at the phone and wondered if he could somehow manage to reach through it and strangle the man on the other end of the line.
The Review:
Adored is a sexy novella set in the Masters and Mercenaries world by Lexi Blake. This is a world where mercenaries spend their free time participating in the BDSM culture, a few even own businesses that help support it. The two main characters in this novella are only participants of the BDSM culture. They do refer to the mercenaries as the story goes along. Adored is also a part of the 1001 Dark Nights series. This series is a collection of naughty, steamy tales that Scheherazade tells her King in order to prolong her life. I have enjoyed this series as it has introduced me to any authors I may not have normally read.
Mitchell Bradford is a high priced lawyer who mainly deals with corporations. Laurel Daley is his assistant who helps him keep his practice and health in check. Laurel is Mitchell’s best friends’ sister. He gave her a job after she left school at her brother’s request. He never expected her to be so attractive or so good at her job. Mitchell doesn’t want to compromise his friendship with Will if he sleeps with Laurel so he fights off the attraction. Laurel doesn’t make it easy on Mitchell. She wants him to give in. She even joins Sanctum, the BDSM club that Mitchell belongs too in hopes that he will become her Master. Then one night the pull of the attraction is too much. Laurel’s life is threatened and they give in to the passion they have been fighting.
Mitchell is a broken man. He doesn’t believe in relationships anymore and he believes Laurel deserves better than him. Mitchell is a complicated character. He is hard, then he is loving. He alternates back and forth with his feelings towards Laurel. His relationships have always ended badly so he believes that Laurel will turn on him too, it’s only a matter of how fast she will hurt him. I felt bad for Mitchell but I had problems with him giving Laurel the appearance of freedom but secretly hiring a bodyguard to follow her around. Mitchell’s life is the one that is threatened but Laurel is bearing the brunt of the fallout.
Laurel didn’t have the best of upbringings either but she always had her brother and sisters by her side. Mitchell has also help Laurel through some schooling that she otherwise wouldn’t have had without his help. She owes him a lot. Laurel is one of those characters that believes that she can “fix him” and help him get over some of the issues he has. Although, she does contemplate giving up and that he can’t “be fixed”. She also tries to make him jealous quite often. One of them is by joining the BDSM club Sanctum.
Adored is really hard for me to classify because it is one of those life lesson stories and the couple has to decide whether they can make it together or separate. This novella worked for the couple, speeding up the events and the time they spent together. I’m not sure I could have taken Mitchell’s possessiveness much more than that. The novella does go between Mitchell’s and Laurel’s perspectives, letting us know why they make the decisions they make.
I really enjoyed different aspects of this story. The beginning really did hook me in. Although, I do think some events happened predictably, there were still some surprises. I really enjoyed the supporting characters, one character in particular whose story I would like to see. Because of these wonderful side characters who filled a lot of this story, I do want to go back and learn more about them. This novella even foreshadowed a future event that really hooked me.
Notable Scene:
“Come on, baby.” He started to help her to the stairs.
“This is the main stage.”
“Yes, and this is a teaching scene. The new Doms are all expected to attend. We wouldn’t want to be late, would we?”
There were a lot of people and they were about to watch Mitch tie her up. What was she doing? She was pregnant. She was going to be a mom. She shouldn’t be out here.
“Laurel?”
She realized she was standing there and everyone was watching them. Mitch was going to be angry. He’d planned this whole scene and he wouldn’t like her messing it up.
“Laurel?” He stepped back down and stared at her for a moment. His eyes were cold and she felt frozen in place.
He was going to give her an ultimatum now. It was what he did. It was how they seemed to work, or rather how he worked. She’d figured out that she had to adapt to him if she wanted to be with him.
Maybe that wasn’t the best way to live.
He stepped up close and she waited for him to tell her to get on the stage or accept whatever punishment he was going to give her, and then she would have to make a choice. God, the moment was here and she wasn’t ready for it. She wasn’t ready to leave him, but she also wasn’t sure she wanted to go on that stage.
His hands sank into her hair, but instead of tugging on it and forcing her to look at him, he pulled her close and settled her against his chest. “Baby, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Shhh. If you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to. We can spend the rest of the evening watching scenes and then go down and have a nice dinner. It’s going to be alright.”
FTC Advisory: Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated provided me with a copy of Adored. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Sexy novella that introduces two characters who have some major issues to overcome and a lot of growing up to do.
Opening Sentence: Mitchell Bradford stared down at the phone and wondered if he could somehow manage to reach through it and strangle the man on the other end of the line.
The Review:
Adored is a sexy novella set in the Masters and Mercenaries world by Lexi Blake. This is a world where mercenaries spend their free time participating in the BDSM culture, a few even own businesses that help support it. The two main characters in this novella are only participants of the BDSM culture. They do refer to the mercenaries as the story goes along. Adored is also a part of the 1001 Dark Nights series. This series is a collection of naughty, steamy tales that Scheherazade tells her King in order to prolong her life. I have enjoyed this series as it has introduced me to any authors I may not have normally read.
Mitchell Bradford is a high priced lawyer who mainly deals with corporations. Laurel Daley is his assistant who helps him keep his practice and health in check. Laurel is Mitchell’s best friends’ sister. He gave her a job after she left school at her brother’s request. He never expected her to be so attractive or so good at her job. Mitchell doesn’t want to compromise his friendship with Will if he sleeps with Laurel so he fights off the attraction. Laurel doesn’t make it easy on Mitchell. She wants him to give in. She even joins Sanctum, the BDSM club that Mitchell belongs too in hopes that he will become her Master. Then one night the pull of the attraction is too much. Laurel’s life is threatened and they give in to the passion they have been fighting.
Mitchell is a broken man. He doesn’t believe in relationships anymore and he believes Laurel deserves better than him. Mitchell is a complicated character. He is hard, then he is loving. He alternates back and forth with his feelings towards Laurel. His relationships have always ended badly so he believes that Laurel will turn on him too, it’s only a matter of how fast she will hurt him. I felt bad for Mitchell but I had problems with him giving Laurel the appearance of freedom but secretly hiring a bodyguard to follow her around. Mitchell’s life is the one that is threatened but Laurel is bearing the brunt of the fallout.
Laurel didn’t have the best of upbringings either but she always had her brother and sisters by her side. Mitchell has also help Laurel through some schooling that she otherwise wouldn’t have had without his help. She owes him a lot. Laurel is one of those characters that believes that she can “fix him” and help him get over some of the issues he has. Although, she does contemplate giving up and that he can’t “be fixed”. She also tries to make him jealous quite often. One of them is by joining the BDSM club Sanctum.
Adored is really hard for me to classify because it is one of those life lesson stories and the couple has to decide whether they can make it together or separate. This novella worked for the couple, speeding up the events and the time they spent together. I’m not sure I could have taken Mitchell’s possessiveness much more than that. The novella does go between Mitchell’s and Laurel’s perspectives, letting us know why they make the decisions they make.
I really enjoyed different aspects of this story. The beginning really did hook me in. Although, I do think some events happened predictably, there were still some surprises. I really enjoyed the supporting characters, one character in particular whose story I would like to see. Because of these wonderful side characters who filled a lot of this story, I do want to go back and learn more about them. This novella even foreshadowed a future event that really hooked me.
Notable Scene:
“Come on, baby.” He started to help her to the stairs.
“This is the main stage.”
“Yes, and this is a teaching scene. The new Doms are all expected to attend. We wouldn’t want to be late, would we?”
There were a lot of people and they were about to watch Mitch tie her up. What was she doing? She was pregnant. She was going to be a mom. She shouldn’t be out here.
“Laurel?”
She realized she was standing there and everyone was watching them. Mitch was going to be angry. He’d planned this whole scene and he wouldn’t like her messing it up.
“Laurel?” He stepped back down and stared at her for a moment. His eyes were cold and she felt frozen in place.
He was going to give her an ultimatum now. It was what he did. It was how they seemed to work, or rather how he worked. She’d figured out that she had to adapt to him if she wanted to be with him.
Maybe that wasn’t the best way to live.
He stepped up close and she waited for him to tell her to get on the stage or accept whatever punishment he was going to give her, and then she would have to make a choice. God, the moment was here and she wasn’t ready for it. She wasn’t ready to leave him, but she also wasn’t sure she wanted to go on that stage.
His hands sank into her hair, but instead of tugging on it and forcing her to look at him, he pulled her close and settled her against his chest. “Baby, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Shhh. If you don’t want to do this, you don’t have to. We can spend the rest of the evening watching scenes and then go down and have a nice dinner. It’s going to be alright.”
FTC Advisory: Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated provided me with a copy of Adored. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
May 28, 2015
This is an excellent addition to the Masters and Mercenaries series!! It is a novella, so shorter than the others, but it's a very intense read!! Can't wait for Master NO..... Anxiously awaiting for next book 9
I like that more characters are being added to the Masters and Mercenaries series. This story was intriguing but the insecurities got to be a little too much for me.
I like that more characters are being added to the Masters and Mercenaries series. This story was intriguing but the insecurities got to be a little too much for me.
May 25, 2015
The in-between novellas in this series is usually a hit or miss for me. This one is definitely a HIT! Devoured this in less than 24 hours. There is not much to say except I absolutely adored the characters and the story line. Can't wait for Master No!
December 11, 2017
I enjoyed this story, but it was a little frustrating seeing Laurel throw herself at Mitch and even though he didn't want her he didn't want her with anyone else.
December 20, 2019
This was really cute.
Adored is, I have no idea what book within the 1001 Dark Nights Series, a story about Mitch and Laurel. They were honestly pretty cute and I couldn't help shipping them from the first moment we met. Plus, anytime I get a teeny tiny forbidden relationship I'm hooked. Still don't see the big deal about a best friend dating a younger sibling.. but hey - it was good.
Yes, they were cute; However, I just wanted more. Probably would've loved this if it was a full book and not just a little novella. You win some and you lose some and I will most definitely continue on with this series.
Adored is, I have no idea what book within the 1001 Dark Nights Series, a story about Mitch and Laurel. They were honestly pretty cute and I couldn't help shipping them from the first moment we met. Plus, anytime I get a teeny tiny forbidden relationship I'm hooked. Still don't see the big deal about a best friend dating a younger sibling.. but hey - it was good.
Yes, they were cute; However, I just wanted more. Probably would've loved this if it was a full book and not just a little novella. You win some and you lose some and I will most definitely continue on with this series.
January 21, 2024
Rating: 3.25/5
I enjoyed the reading, but since it wasn't long, I didn't get attached to the characters enough. I think if it had been a longer book, not everything would have looked like it went way too fast. I just felt disconnected with the characters, but I did enjoy it enough that I plan on reading it the first books (I got this book at Apollycon a few years ago and I just got around to read it, but didn't know it was so far in the series).
Some characters I was intrigued by and I want to read their stories.
I enjoyed the reading, but since it wasn't long, I didn't get attached to the characters enough. I think if it had been a longer book, not everything would have looked like it went way too fast. I just felt disconnected with the characters, but I did enjoy it enough that I plan on reading it the first books (I got this book at Apollycon a few years ago and I just got around to read it, but didn't know it was so far in the series).
Some characters I was intrigued by and I want to read their stories.
February 28, 2018
Loved it!
I even thought I was right about where something was going, and it turned out that Ms. Blake actually tricked me! I love that!
Super sweet, always sexy.
I even thought I was right about where something was going, and it turned out that Ms. Blake actually tricked me! I love that!
Super sweet, always sexy.
July 15, 2016
Title: Adored
Author: Lexi Blake
Series: 1001 Dark Night, Bundle Five
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: July 12th, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:100 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Review:
I've read a few from the Master's and Mercenaries series and loved them instantly, wanting to know more about the BDSM club Sanctum. During Cherished, we briefly met Mitch and Laurel, the duo who happens to be working together in a law firm where Laurel is Mitch's secretary. As Mitch's best friend's sister, Laurel was always considered off limits to him but when she joins Sanctum, she's out to prove something and won't leave until she gets what she wants. As part of the 1001 Dark Nights fifth bundle, Adored by Lexi Blake is a novella of roughly 100 pages and even though the storyline is quick and doesn't allow the same full complete enjoyment that a full length would provide, I still loved the journey to Mitch's and Laurel's story since I could still feel the chemistry and the raw passion between them. The drama, or rather, the climax of the story, was completely unexpected and I never would have expected it in the first place, making it one part of the bundle that I couldn't put down at all. The Masters and Mercenaries series are one series that are on my top ten for many reasons - incorporating drama, action, mystery, suspense, romance, BDSM and erotica, but if nothing else, Lexi Blake always manages to keep me guessing until the very last minute and I'm always looking forward to the next release in the series.
Review Copy of Adored provided by the Author, Lexi Blake for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
Author: Lexi Blake
Series: 1001 Dark Night, Bundle Five
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts
Reviewer: Kathleen
Release Date: July 12th, 2016
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Page Count:100 pages
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
Blurb:
A man who gave up on love
Mitch Bradford is an intimidating man. In his professional life, he has a reputation for demolishing his opponents in the courtroom. At the exclusive BDSM club Sanctum, he prefers disciplining pretty submissives with no strings attached. In his line of work, there’s no time for a healthy relationship. After a few failed attempts, he knows he’s not good for any woman—especially not his best friend’s sister.
A woman who always gets what she wants
Laurel Daley knows what she wants, and her sights are set on Mitch. He’s smart and sexy, and it doesn’t matter that he’s a few years older and has a couple of bitter ex-wives. Watching him in action at work and at play, she knows he just needs a little polish to make some woman the perfect lover. She intends to be that woman, but first she has to show him how good it could be.
A killer lurking in the shadows
When an unexpected turn of events throws the two together, Mitch and Laurel are confronted with the perfect opportunity to explore their mutual desire. Night after night of being close breaks down Mitch’s defenses. The more he sees of Laurel, the more he knows he wants her. Unfortunately, someone else has their eyes on Laurel and they have murder in mind.
Review:
I've read a few from the Master's and Mercenaries series and loved them instantly, wanting to know more about the BDSM club Sanctum. During Cherished, we briefly met Mitch and Laurel, the duo who happens to be working together in a law firm where Laurel is Mitch's secretary. As Mitch's best friend's sister, Laurel was always considered off limits to him but when she joins Sanctum, she's out to prove something and won't leave until she gets what she wants. As part of the 1001 Dark Nights fifth bundle, Adored by Lexi Blake is a novella of roughly 100 pages and even though the storyline is quick and doesn't allow the same full complete enjoyment that a full length would provide, I still loved the journey to Mitch's and Laurel's story since I could still feel the chemistry and the raw passion between them. The drama, or rather, the climax of the story, was completely unexpected and I never would have expected it in the first place, making it one part of the bundle that I couldn't put down at all. The Masters and Mercenaries series are one series that are on my top ten for many reasons - incorporating drama, action, mystery, suspense, romance, BDSM and erotica, but if nothing else, Lexi Blake always manages to keep me guessing until the very last minute and I'm always looking forward to the next release in the series.
Review Copy of Adored provided by the Author, Lexi Blake for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
July 4, 2016
Laurel Daley may work for Mitch Bradford and may also want him to be her Dom, but she refuses to allow him to treat her like dirt or make her question her choice to be a submissive simply because Mitch can’t get his head out of his ass and let go of the baggage of his past.
I’m always intrigued by strong willed women who crave to submit and to be dominated behind closed doors. That dichotomy, at first, seems illogical, but when looked at more closely, it’s ultimately a freeing experience because in a D/s relationship, submission is actually a very powerful position to have, and Laurel proves that when she goes to war against the stubborn man who owns her heart but feels unworthy of it.
As much as I adored Laurel’s feistiness and the banter between her and Mitch, I seriously disliked Mitch for much of the story. Intellectually, his actions and issues made complete sense to me, but his treatment of Laurel, even when he was willing to try, didn’t impress me at all. I have to say he does redeem himself in some ways, and he is the man that Laurel wants, but it was still hard for me to forgive his previous actions.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
I’m always intrigued by strong willed women who crave to submit and to be dominated behind closed doors. That dichotomy, at first, seems illogical, but when looked at more closely, it’s ultimately a freeing experience because in a D/s relationship, submission is actually a very powerful position to have, and Laurel proves that when she goes to war against the stubborn man who owns her heart but feels unworthy of it.
As much as I adored Laurel’s feistiness and the banter between her and Mitch, I seriously disliked Mitch for much of the story. Intellectually, his actions and issues made complete sense to me, but his treatment of Laurel, even when he was willing to try, didn’t impress me at all. I have to say he does redeem himself in some ways, and he is the man that Laurel wants, but it was still hard for me to forgive his previous actions.
A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
June 1, 2015
It's a good thing that I liked Laurel because often in this one Mitchell made me want to slap him. He had so many issues and projected them on Laurel instead of trusting what she told him. I actually agreed with Laurel the first time she walked away, Mitchell needed the wake up call. I thought things got better after that, but he kept screwing up. It surprised me that a Cajun was able to get Laurel to see things in a different light, it made all the difference.
On a side note, some of the best parts of this one was all the guys chatting like old ladies about life and relationships. Not was you expect from this bunch.
On a side note, some of the best parts of this one was all the guys chatting like old ladies about life and relationships. Not was you expect from this bunch.
October 29, 2019
This is the 8.5 book in the Masters and Mercenaries series.
I kept going back and forth with this book. It held my attention and was a quick read. I was happy that it was a complete book. The beginning, the wind-up, was long but then I think it needed to be to really get the character development down. This is when I found that Mitch is a whiny and annoying bitch. Thank goodness he found Laurel who was able to straighten him out and make him tolerable. I met Mitch in previous books, and I didn’t get the feeling he was going to be so whiny.
Since this was an ‘in-between’ book I was afraid that the middle would be lacking, or the end would be rushed. Not in this book, the author did a very good job in tying the whole book together to make me feel like the story was complete when I finished. We are even introduced to some new characters where I can’t wait to read about them.
Although this was not one of my favorite I did enjoy reading it.
I kept going back and forth with this book. It held my attention and was a quick read. I was happy that it was a complete book. The beginning, the wind-up, was long but then I think it needed to be to really get the character development down. This is when I found that Mitch is a whiny and annoying bitch. Thank goodness he found Laurel who was able to straighten him out and make him tolerable. I met Mitch in previous books, and I didn’t get the feeling he was going to be so whiny.
Since this was an ‘in-between’ book I was afraid that the middle would be lacking, or the end would be rushed. Not in this book, the author did a very good job in tying the whole book together to make me feel like the story was complete when I finished. We are even introduced to some new characters where I can’t wait to read about them.
Although this was not one of my favorite I did enjoy reading it.
August 21, 2015
** Thanks to Lexi Blake and Inkslinger PR for the ARC **
To be honest, I'd never read Lexi Blake before this book. I applied to get the ARC when I saw this book was part of the 1001 dark nights series. That means that when I started reading it I had zero knowledge about the Masters and Mercenaries series...
Conclusion #1 after reading this book: I have to read this series ASAP.
Mitch is a very broken man that needs control, that's clear: his dad was nowhere to be seen while growing up, his mother was not mother at all and has 2 leeches as ex wives.
Laurel is Will sister which makes her the sister of Mitch's friend. She's this young lady, working as paralegal with Mitch, with a big heart and eyes set on Mitch. She likes him and everyone knows it, even him. She tries so hard to get his attention so hard that the line between crush and harass is really really thin. She even goes and start the training to be a sub at the club he assists, Sanctum. She's the kind of person that knows what she wants and tries her best of the best to get it and have her way.
He thinks he knows he's not good for her so he keeps his distance until the day something bad happens (can't say anything else without spoilers). So they find themselves trying something like a relationship; and this is what we have here in this book. He wanting something better for her and she wanting him.
I loved the book: the romance, the mystery, the suspense, the emotions (both good and bad) pouring from the characters. Lexi is a brilliant story teller. It's easy to get to the characters and understand why they act the way they do, it's also easy to feel what they feel at some point of the story.
The sex scenes? Absolutely amazingly written. There was no much room left for imagination in that area. Lexi did a great job describing this scenes.
Conclusion #2: Lexi is a brilliant story teller. I have to read more of her work!
On the other hand...I felt this is a pretty soft Dom for my taste. Maybe it's because I've reading lots of books about D/s relationships lately or I don't know why but I felt this Dom was not as dominant as he could be, having gone through what he's gone through in his life. It's not something bad, it's just that I feel some parts of him can be a little bit more, like the dominance in the bed. They guy is a perfect caretaker. And he's dominant and controlling; I don't know, I just need more (not sure more of what though).
Conclusion #3: I should read more vanilla stories so my hormones can come back to normal. I'll read this book again in a few months to see if I change my mind about this Dom opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. Today I came with beautiful big bags under my eyes because last night I stopped reading the second I hit the 100% on my kindle...and that was about 2am in the morning.
Go, read it.
To be honest, I'd never read Lexi Blake before this book. I applied to get the ARC when I saw this book was part of the 1001 dark nights series. That means that when I started reading it I had zero knowledge about the Masters and Mercenaries series...
Conclusion #1 after reading this book: I have to read this series ASAP.
Mitch is a very broken man that needs control, that's clear: his dad was nowhere to be seen while growing up, his mother was not mother at all and has 2 leeches as ex wives.
Laurel is Will sister which makes her the sister of Mitch's friend. She's this young lady, working as paralegal with Mitch, with a big heart and eyes set on Mitch. She likes him and everyone knows it, even him. She tries so hard to get his attention so hard that the line between crush and harass is really really thin. She even goes and start the training to be a sub at the club he assists, Sanctum. She's the kind of person that knows what she wants and tries her best of the best to get it and have her way.
He thinks he knows he's not good for her so he keeps his distance until the day something bad happens (can't say anything else without spoilers). So they find themselves trying something like a relationship; and this is what we have here in this book. He wanting something better for her and she wanting him.
I loved the book: the romance, the mystery, the suspense, the emotions (both good and bad) pouring from the characters. Lexi is a brilliant story teller. It's easy to get to the characters and understand why they act the way they do, it's also easy to feel what they feel at some point of the story.
The sex scenes? Absolutely amazingly written. There was no much room left for imagination in that area. Lexi did a great job describing this scenes.
Conclusion #2: Lexi is a brilliant story teller. I have to read more of her work!
On the other hand...I felt this is a pretty soft Dom for my taste. Maybe it's because I've reading lots of books about D/s relationships lately or I don't know why but I felt this Dom was not as dominant as he could be, having gone through what he's gone through in his life. It's not something bad, it's just that I feel some parts of him can be a little bit more, like the dominance in the bed. They guy is a perfect caretaker. And he's dominant and controlling; I don't know, I just need more (not sure more of what though).
Conclusion #3: I should read more vanilla stories so my hormones can come back to normal. I'll read this book again in a few months to see if I change my mind about this Dom opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. Today I came with beautiful big bags under my eyes because last night I stopped reading the second I hit the 100% on my kindle...and that was about 2am in the morning.
Go, read it.
May 14, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from InkSlinger PR in exchange for an honest review and as part of this book's blog tour promotions.
I love Lexi Blake's books. Her Masters and Mercenaries series is truly a great series to follow. It may feature a romanticized angle of BDSM, but that's what readers are mostly into, right? Personally, I love her books because of the entire plot. The heroes are alpha men who live dangerous, hard lives but all go out of their way to protect their women and keep them happy.
I liked this book, although I couldn't quite connect with the hero, Mitch Bradford. I think he was too cold for the most part of the book. I think the heroine was too sweet and too nice for him. I wish there was more grovelling from the hero before he won the girl back.
I liked the family angle of the book. I liked the the hero got closure and that he gained a new family aside from his friends at the club. The suspense was perfectly written. You could never guesss who really was behind all the threats. I think, in this angle, Lexi Blake just naturally excels.
I like this book for the simple fact that while it is only a novella, it was able to establish the personality and background of both main characters, inject a great suspense in the middle of it all, and present enough steamy scenes as well. Even if the story was short, it was still a great read. Then again, with Lexi Blake as an author, you couldn't expect any less.
I love Lexi Blake's books. Her Masters and Mercenaries series is truly a great series to follow. It may feature a romanticized angle of BDSM, but that's what readers are mostly into, right? Personally, I love her books because of the entire plot. The heroes are alpha men who live dangerous, hard lives but all go out of their way to protect their women and keep them happy.
I liked this book, although I couldn't quite connect with the hero, Mitch Bradford. I think he was too cold for the most part of the book. I think the heroine was too sweet and too nice for him. I wish there was more grovelling from the hero before he won the girl back.
I liked the family angle of the book. I liked the the hero got closure and that he gained a new family aside from his friends at the club. The suspense was perfectly written. You could never guesss who really was behind all the threats. I think, in this angle, Lexi Blake just naturally excels.
I like this book for the simple fact that while it is only a novella, it was able to establish the personality and background of both main characters, inject a great suspense in the middle of it all, and present enough steamy scenes as well. Even if the story was short, it was still a great read. Then again, with Lexi Blake as an author, you couldn't expect any less.
May 9, 2015
** This ARC was received in exchange for review on behalf of Bookalicious Babes Blog **
I'll start off first by saying that I hadn't read any of Lexi's books before, but this one grabbed my attention and held it all the way through. I couldn't put it down!
I love the fact Laurel is a strong willed woman who gives as much as she gets! And she definitely knows how to keep Mitch the HOT, controlling alpha Dom on his toes!
Now onto Mitch, he gave me so many mixed emotions during this book, one minute I loved him, then I didn't, then I wanted to shake him, then kiss him then.... Well ;)!!
I feel Lexi wrote him brilliantly and showed us why he acted the way he did! And may I just add that Mitch is panty melting HOT! Lexi sure knows how to write a sex scene!!!!
The story line was very good and kept me turning the pages until I read "the end"! It has the right amount of twists and turns! And definitely one to recommend!!!
I will definitely be reading more from Lexi in the future.
I'll start off first by saying that I hadn't read any of Lexi's books before, but this one grabbed my attention and held it all the way through. I couldn't put it down!
I love the fact Laurel is a strong willed woman who gives as much as she gets! And she definitely knows how to keep Mitch the HOT, controlling alpha Dom on his toes!
Now onto Mitch, he gave me so many mixed emotions during this book, one minute I loved him, then I didn't, then I wanted to shake him, then kiss him then.... Well ;)!!
I feel Lexi wrote him brilliantly and showed us why he acted the way he did! And may I just add that Mitch is panty melting HOT! Lexi sure knows how to write a sex scene!!!!
The story line was very good and kept me turning the pages until I read "the end"! It has the right amount of twists and turns! And definitely one to recommend!!!
I will definitely be reading more from Lexi in the future.
August 12, 2015
I feel like I was lied to by Lexi Blake Fans.
This was by far the worst addition to the M& M series. Mitchell was a complete douche bag. He has absolutely no redeeming qualities.
I get the whole submission stuff but damn couldn't she give Laurel a little strength, a little self respect. She was a door mat from start to finish. I don't know if the is anything worse than a doormat, but if there is then that describes Laurel. She's the type of women that a man could mentally abuse her and she would would say"ha ha ha,stop playing". At least the other women in the other book stood up for themselves. Not once did she assert what she wanted or her needs. It was always okay Mitch, whatever you want I will accept. Why would you want to bring a child in the world with someone as awful as Mitch? This was really painful to read. Do yourself a favor and skip this novella. It really doesn't add or take away anything from the series.
This was by far the worst addition to the M& M series. Mitchell was a complete douche bag. He has absolutely no redeeming qualities.
I get the whole submission stuff but damn couldn't she give Laurel a little strength, a little self respect. She was a door mat from start to finish. I don't know if the is anything worse than a doormat, but if there is then that describes Laurel. She's the type of women that a man could mentally abuse her and she would would say"ha ha ha,stop playing". At least the other women in the other book stood up for themselves. Not once did she assert what she wanted or her needs. It was always okay Mitch, whatever you want I will accept. Why would you want to bring a child in the world with someone as awful as Mitch? This was really painful to read. Do yourself a favor and skip this novella. It really doesn't add or take away anything from the series.
May 29, 2015
Amazing!!!! Loved Mitchell and Laurel's story. Sweet dominant, sexy, stubborn, funny, loving perfection. I'm so happy Mitch woke up and realized that the past is the past and he shouldn't paint Laurel with the same brush as everyone who's ever hurt him. Opening up his heart, letting go of his past, it has giving him the life he wanted and needed.
This was fantastic
This was fantastic
May 21, 2015
Brilliant
Once again another Masters and Mercenaries book is out of this world. Love and tears and of course the intrigue kept me riveted.
Now that the lovely author left a big hook toward the end I will be suffering a couple months until the next one is released. Good thing I love this series.
Once again another Masters and Mercenaries book is out of this world. Love and tears and of course the intrigue kept me riveted.
Now that the lovely author left a big hook toward the end I will be suffering a couple months until the next one is released. Good thing I love this series.
September 26, 2015
Well Mitch was a stupid bastard. Really stupid. The good thing is that Laurel had the courage to love him. Because he didn't deserve her.
Another short story. A bit confusing on the part of the villain. mmmh I cannot believe anyone had a doubt about the whole situation.
I love Laurel. Mitch still has to pay (IMO).
I loved Mitch's brothers. I hope to see them again ;)
Another short story. A bit confusing on the part of the villain. mmmh I cannot believe anyone had a doubt about the whole situation.
I love Laurel. Mitch still has to pay (IMO).
I loved Mitch's brothers. I hope to see them again ;)
April 17, 2016
Mitch is a jerk. This is the first book in this series that I really didn't enjoy. I want to drop kick Mitch. He felt Laurel needed someone better. Guess what? He is right. He is stubborn and an asshole. This whole story felt off for me. He is right, Laurel is too good for him. The BDSM in this story was not for me either. Didn't like any of it.
August 1, 2017
Grumpy male set in his ways? ✔
Surprise pregnancy? ✔
Suspense romance and kink? ✔
Ms. Blake can do no wrong with her books. Even her novellas are fantastic and I’m not a fan of novellas. Off to Ten’s book. I’m so excited.
Surprise pregnancy? ✔
Suspense romance and kink? ✔
Ms. Blake can do no wrong with her books. Even her novellas are fantastic and I’m not a fan of novellas. Off to Ten’s book. I’m so excited.
May 15, 2015
Loved it!!!! Bring on Tennessee's story and Hurry....Cant wait for Master NO
June 2, 2015
This was such an awesome book. I love the way Lexi Blake writes.
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