Protected

Masters and Mercenaries #16.5

by Lexi Blake

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…

A second chance at first love

Years before Wade Rycroft fell in love with Geneva Harris, the smartest girl in his class. The rodeo star and the shy academic made for an odd pair but their chemistry was undeniable. They made plans to get married after high school but when Genny left him standing in the rain, he joined the Army and vowed to leave that life behind. Genny married the town’s golden boy, and Wade knew that he couldn’t go home again.

Could become the promise of a lifetime

Fifteen years later, Wade returns to Broken Bend, Texas for his brother’s wedding and walks into a storm of scandal. Genny’s marriage has dissolved and the town has turned against her. But when someone tries to kill his old love, Wade can’t refuse to help her. In his years after the Army, he’s found his place in the world. His job at McKay-Taggart keeps happy and busy but something is missing. When he takes the job watching over Genny, he realizes what it is.

As danger presses in, Wade must decide if he can forgive past sins or let the woman of his dreams walk into a nightmare….

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Contemporary Romance, Novella, Second Chance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2018

About the author

NY 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).

Reviews

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

My home, my heart, everything I have is yours. You only have to ask for it. You need someone to hold you, I’m here. You want kisses, these lips are yours. And I’ll be more patient than you can imagine because this is the most important fight of my life.

I will never, ever get enough of Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series. This novella may have been on the shorter side, but it was as satisfying as a full length novel. If you've never read a book in this series and you're looking to dip your toes into the BDSM romance genre, this book is perfect! While it's 16.5 in the series, you can easily jump in and not be lost. As a fan that has read the entire series, I greedily devoured the character cameos of some of my absolute favorites (*cough* Ian *cough*)

Protected is a highly emotional second chance romance with a delicious grovel and a romance that's sure to tug at every heart string. I absolutely loved it!

Fifteen years ago, Genny was Wade's entire world. Young, naive, and thinking they have the world in their hands, they looked forward to forever together...until it all came crashing down. Wade has hated Genny since and avoided his hometown because of her. Now he's back for his brother's wedding and forced to come face to face with the woman that broke his heart. Only everything he thought he knew about why she did what she did couldn't be further from the truth. And now Wade will do anything to protect Genny from the threat against her and to try to work his way back into her heart again.

He wanted a woman who belonged to him, who he belonged to. He wanted disgusting, nasty, utterly committed sex.

I love a good grovel, and Wade didn't disappoint. The man knows that he screwed up and he screwed up big. He's not above begging for another chance and I absolutely loved the way he worked for Genny's heart. Genny was a phenomenal heroine. She's been through hell but she didn't let it break her. She's ferociously protective of the ones she loves and would do anything for them. I loved her core of strength even though she's not afraid to own up to her fears and show her vulnerabilities. But what I loved even more is the way that Wade holds her hand through all of it.

This is a book you'll devour in one sitting. It's emotionally charged with a sexy romance and plenty of action thrown in to spice things up. Ian Taggard's cameo and signature sarcasm thrown in a wonderful comedic touch that I couldn't get enough of.

Taggart let go of her hand and held one out to his wife. “This one claims she’ll come back as a ghost if I murder her. She’s rude and called me a moron. She’s perfect. I also think she’s a little bloodthirsty. She’s going to fit in. Now, Harris, I’m going to need you to do that Valkyrie thing we were talking about.”

Another fantastic addition to one of my absolutely favorite series!

ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review

Find me on:

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

To begin, I have to admit I only read this book because my friend Sabrina made me. That's right; she bullied me into it. She's a bully...boo! <-- I am just kidding. I love her. Seriously though, second chance romances can go either way for me. There are ones that are fantastic, and the plots work. Then we have the ones that have these unbelievable long separations that just don't work on any level. Such was the case with this book.





So first off, I couldn't stand Wade AT ALL. Here we have a guy who "claims" to be in love with a girl. They plan on marrying. They plan on being together forever. He gets a letter while he is away at boot camp. A letter that he knew was totally out of character for the heroine, and what does he do? Does he take the first opportunity to get home and see what has happened? NO. Does he call her to ask what the fuck? No. You know what he does? He thinks the absolute worst of her and almost immediately starts partying and fucking everything that walks for FIFTEEN STRAIGHT YEARS. Not ONCE in fifteen years does he think "hey maybe I should look Genny up and talk to her." Not ONCE does he wonder why the love if his life, his soulmate, dumped him via a letter and was marrying a guy she had NO interest in??!! Wade was a fucking douche and didn't deserve Genny.

And don't even get me started on the fact that he was so OTT butthurt and mean to her in chapter one, then BAM it takes ONE conversation...O-N-E, and he is all "I have always loved you. I want you back" blah...blah...blah. No dude, because if you loved her, REALLY loved her, you would have moved mountains to figure out what happened. You most certainly wouldn't have thought the worst of her and then went off to fuck and party for fifteen LONG years.





He could have saved himself fifteen years of being a bitter betty by having said conversation when he first received her letter. Or you know, at ANY other point in the previous fifteen fucking years. Twatwaffle...Next up, let us talk about the thirteen-year-old kid that acted like a thirty-year-old. The swearing. The talk about his ass in jeans. It was so ridiculous the things this kid would do and say. He was like some weird old Yoda stuck in a kids body. He even DRUGGED his mother for crying out loud. <--- Like WTF? Although, this shouldn't have surprised me as this author struggles to write age appropriate dialogue for kids (IMO). I still remember the short story with the three-year-old (?) twins that started fires by breaking up furniture and loading adult sized crossbows.





NOW, I will say it wasn't ALL bad. I did really like Genny. I thought she should never have taken Wade back, but hey, it is a romance book, so c'est la vie. She wasn't a doormat though. She had spunk. I also loved seeing Ian and Charlotte, and a lot of the older gang again. There were also some humorous parts, so I gave the book an extra star for that. Plus, even though I never liked Wade, he did provide some good grovel. Finally, the ending was solid, and probably the best part of the book. AND...now I am dying to know what the hell happened in Munich!

[Sabrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really have much to say about this book since honestly there wasn't much to it. It started off with this angst and intrigue into Wade and Genny's relationship but that quickly dissipated. It soon turned in to Genny and Wade having a mostly established relationship that seemed to come out of nowhere and all of that angst just went away. And Genny was a big problem for me since she was supposed to have all this pain and heartache yet I just didn't feel any of it. Her character came off as very one dimensional and I couldn't connect to her.

Genny's son Ash was also an odd character to read about since he was supposed to be a 13 year old boy who grew up in a very strict home yet that is not how he acted at all. He came off more as a 33 year old than 13 and it was throwing me off. I'm all for mature kids in books but Ash wasn't just mature, he was an old mad stuck in a young boys body.

Overall, not my favorite book from this author but I'll definitely still be reading this series in the future.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected, by Lexi Blake, was a novella in the Masters and Mercenaries series. It was the first book I read by the author.

I met Wade Rycroft in a crossover series book, Say You Won’t Let Go by Corinne Michaels. He was former military and a security guard with a well known Security firm in Dallas, Tx. He was home for his oldest brother’s wedding when he ran into the girl who held his heart at eighteen but shattered it and never looked back. He hadn’t seen her in fifteen years and the hate hadn’t lessened.

Genny was currently ostracized from just about everyone in her home town. She was recently divorced and her ex husband was currently in jail for embezzlement. She only showed up at the wedding because she needed Wade’s security expertise.

Protected was a journey that mingled secrets, abuse, evil, and misunderstandings with forgiveness, freedom, healing and second chances. It was a tough read at times but had some funny and bright spots mixed in.

Although it was written as a stand-alone, many of the characters already had stories told and although not necessary, I would have preferred reading them first - which I’ll do next. All in all, it was a quick, well written and enjoyable read.

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 2 out of 5]

RTC

[Shayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tell me I don’t have to be gentle with you.”

Protected by Lexi Blake is a second chance love story that will make you MELT! This sexy standalone novella is a quick read that packs an emotional punch that would rival a full blown romance novel. Wade and Genny’s story is a heart wrenching journey about first love, hope, and sacrifice. It will make you shed some tears, both happy and sad. It will break your heart and soothe your soul. Lexi Blake never fails when it comes to emotional and sexy romantic suspense. Her entire Masters and Mercenaries series is a testament to that.

Protected is a standalone story in her FANTASTIC Masters and Mercenaries world. If you haven’t fallen in love with Ms. Blake’s writing yet, pick this bad boy up and I guarantee this will start your addiction. It’s sensual, passionate, emotional, and chock-full of so much heart. I loved Wade’s story. It was EVERYTHING I thought it would be and so much more!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, funny, touching, and satisfying, Protected is about the final unattached member of Ian Taggart's original team at McKay-Taggart, Wade Rycroft.

Wade has never totally recovered from his betrayal by high school girl friend Genny Harris. What he doesn't know is that Genny was blackmailed into marrying the wealthiest guy in town and as a result was delivered into a nightmare for years. The only good thing to come from her marriage is her son, Ash, and in order to protect him from his father, she asks for Wade to make sure he isn't hurt. But once Wade discovers what really happened , he is resolved to protect not just Ash, but also Genny, and moves them both into his home. But Genny isn't ready for another relationship, and the threat of her ex-husband getting out of prison puts even more of a strain on their attempt to rekindle their romance. Can Wade protect his new family and have the patience to work through Genny's issues?

As always, when Ian Taggart is involved, there is plenty of humor, along with wisdom and the deep need to create fully functional families. Not only Ian, but Hutch, and the other members of the team help Wade in his quest to protect Genny and Ash and give them the time and help they need to heal.

There are some hints about upcoming books, which move away from the McKay-Taggart team and cross over into Bliss, but basically this is a finale to the Masters and Mercenaries series. Expect some hot sex scenes, but mostly a caring, novel about people struggling to survive in a world where evil has far more power than it should.

[Serial Romance Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a cluster. The whole premise of the plot really made no sense. An entire family was okay with sacrificing an 18 yo girl’s entire life to marry her to a psychopath so they could save their ranch? What disgusting, irredeemable people. She was blackmailed into marrying an abusive man who broke her bones and basically tortured her and her son. She’s also the town pariah. Everyone in that town is horrible. Why the heck she would ever set foot there again is inconceivable.

Wade, the H, believed the worst of his fiancée and so after getting a very out-of-character Dear John letter he moved on and became a man whore.

After a 15 year separation, Wade learns the truth and feels remorse. Oh, and he’s a Dom at a club called Sanctum, but other than a few offhand references, we don’t see this aspect of his personality. Our h is TSTL for a lot of the book with her Brock problem—even plotting to murder him at one point. Her son Ash makes no sense. The author clearly has never been around kids. His dialogue is like a 30 yo woman, rather than a hormonal teenage boy.

Overall this book confused me and did not give me the feels one bit.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

In my opinion, there’s nothing like a second chance romance; the fact that there’s a history between the main characters and an already established foundation, even if it’s tenuous, allows readers to understand just how much love was between the hero and heroine and why they can’t help but want another shot with their first love.

I’ve read a lot of romances where either the hero or the heroine broke the other’s heart for unexplainable reasons - ones that forced a deep divide between them, making it extremely difficult when they come face-to-face regardless of how much time has passed, and while they thought at the time that they would never have a chance to make things right, that day does come and the revelations always seem to negate the anger and hurt feelings from the past.

This scenario is exactly what happens to Wade Rycroft and Geneva Harris, and while they’ve spent the last 15 years apart, when Genny’s life is threatened and the reasons behind Genny’s decision to break Wade’s heart are unraveled, Wade’s professional and personal lives collide and he vows to protect the only girl he’s ever loved as well as prove to her that what they used to have is still there and worth a second chance.

It’s more than obvious that Wade and Genny belong together, and while their reunion seems inevitable, I appreciate how Blake crafted their new beginning, ensuring that they work through the past, healing old wounds and forging a new connection - one that can withstand anything that’s thrown their way and with the threats surrounding Genny, Wade has plenty of opportunities to prove that he can protect and love her, which is all Genny has ever wanted.

Wade and Genny’s novella is an emotionally charged second chance love story; it’s one that addresses sensitive topics that readers can relate to and Blake also brings in a bit of comic relief by a character we know and love, which is a fantastic way to lighten the intensity while still developing the overall arc of the story.

It amazes me that Protected is book 16.5 in Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series because most series that reach that number of stories sound repetitive, but that is definitely not the case with Masters and Mercenaries, which hopefully means that there’s still a slew of stories to tell.

4.5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

[Marishka · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like that she is bringing in characters from her old series Texas Sirens by Sophie Oak. It makes me feel left out like that I'm missing something when they are introduced in these books. Which I totally am - I am missing their backstories. And no I have no desire to read the old books. It's just going to get worse with the spin off series of Masters and Mercenaries - Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten . Because she is taking that series to Bliss, Colorado. Which is another place where an old series takes place. Nights in Bliss, Colorado by Sophie Oak . Tis very annoying and sounds like a cluster fuck. Annoying enough to make me consider dropping this author. I feel like it's a ploy to make me spend more money on something I had no interest in to begin with.

Safety -
* They had a 15 year separation. They were 18 at the time and just graduated and were each others first love.
* She was forced into marriage and lied to him about it right after he left for boot camp. She lied to save his family. He didn't even come back home or try to call when he could to really see what was happening when this was out of character for her. And when he did come back years later he totally avoided her. This was the girl he loved and they were planning on getting married and not once did he try to figure anything out.
* She was only with her ex husband. She also has a kid with her ex husband.
* He was angry and thought she betrayed him. On his FIRST break from boot camp he went out with his buddies to party and slept with others. He was with multiple people after her by the sounds of it.
* He has although been celibate for the last two months before they meet again.
* None of this is on page. Except to mention it.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I have said a thousand times before, I am not a big fan of second chance romances. This book proves the point. The "hero" spend 15 years hating Geneva and in the end, he was the one who wronged the other party. He never tried to fight for her and for the last 15 years he was partying and sleeping with other women, while she was having an awful marriage. More on that front will be revealed early in the book when Wade realizes that he made a lot of mistakes. The blurb says that he is the one who will do the forgiving and that actually happens, but in my opinion, he should have been the one who was begging for Geneva's forgiveness.

I found Ash to be very mature for his age. I have seen adults in books act more childlike than him and that bothered me. I wanted to see a kind and not a mini version of an adult. On the other hand, he is going to be a good member of Ian's squad one day. And speaking of Ian, I have to say that once again it was a joy to have him in a story. That man makes everything better hence the 3-star rating. We have a lot of characters appearing once again in this novella and I liked that. I always enjoy the parts where characters from the previous books join the characters from the book I am currently reading. Tess was the funniest.

In this book, we have great secondary characters and mains that lack the spark I needed, so I feel like a 3-star rating is the best for this book. I am a fan of Lexi Blake, but this book was a disappointment for me.

[Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This book was pretty good, but it had a few hiccups for me. This is Wade and Genny's book. They were high school sweethearts. Wade graduated before Genny and joined the army. They made plans to get married as soon as he got back from training. But something terrible happens leaving them broken up. Now, many years later, Wade is back, for the first time since, in their small hometown for his brother's wedding. Genny is a guest at the wedding and currently divorced from a very rich, evil man in their town. Wade is very hurtful towards her but she wants to ask him for protection from her ex. The two have a lot to work through, misunderstandings to get over, but are able to work their way back to each other.

I liked the story in this book. I was curious about Wade's story after reading about him as a side character in other books in the series. In general, I liked Wade and Genny, but I had a hard time with both characters at different points. I didn't feel very much chemistry between them either. Wade was very cruel to Genny at first when they met again. It made it hard for me to forgive him. I needed way more grovel sooner, once he understood the situation and everything she had been through. We do get some grovel later, anger on Genny's fault and her forgiveness, but I need it sooner, even if I did eventually forgive him myself. There is a two month separation at 82%, which I hate because it stops the momentum of the relationship. The pacing was definitely off for me in general in this book. I ended up liking the first half better than the second. The romance built up a momentum but it petered out and I never really felt the love again.

Besides the romance issues, I had a few other issues. Genny has a thirteen year old son that doesn't act his age. I understand that he was supposed to be an old soul, but he acted like a grownup and was often treated like one. The suspense storyline involving Genny's ex is built up throughout the book, but is resolved very anticlimactically.

Overall, while I liked this book, I didn't totally love it. Still, I do love this series and I can't wait to find out what happened to the Lost Boys in future books. Looking forward to more from Lexi Blake in the future!

*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Tanaka K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a confession. 1 100% legit would cross the ocean to see Lexi Blake. Her stories have managed to put me out of a lot of dark clouds. They managed to put me in a spell that I am still under. Her books just make my heart swell 10 times bigger. I am filled with a sense of happiness and glee. The Master and Mercenaries is one of my favourite series of all time; I have been a fan of it for 4 years since I started reading it. Even if she writes 50 books, I know I will always read them. I will never get enough of the Masters and Mercenaries because they make my soul whole.

Protected warmed my heart. Protected melted my soul. From the beautiful storyline to the striking characters, my whole self was sliced open to a book that gave me highs and shivers. Protected is a short story that packed a punch straight to my gut. It is heart wrenching. It is honest. It is powerful. It is emotional. Lexi Blake totally gave what I needed. A good novella that will rock your life. An amazing and gorgeous read. Protected is an alluring romance of second chances, suspense, danger and strength. A sexy and delightful read that will stroke your heart. Lexi Blake knows how to write a good suspense to keep you up your toes and make your heart pound hard with anticipation.

Wade and Genny’s love journey will break your heart. I felt their emotions that split me into two. Wade is a protector. He will protect his family to the ends of the earth. Genny is strong. Her life made me so emotional. Filled with so much heartache, she rised above the ashes. Wade and Genny absolutely stirred my heart.

If you haven’t read the Masters and Mercenaries, then you need to fix that soon/

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Cheryl Whitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed by http://bookaddict.live,
Another emotional romance from Lexi Blake, Wade and Genny were childhood sweethearts and madly in love. Until Brock Howard from the town’s wealthiest family decides Genny is going to marry him. So after the break up Wade has managed to avoid Genny each other.
Fast forward fifteen years and Wade see’s Genny for the first time in 15 years. Wade is shocked at the changes in Genny since her divorce. Still very bitter over the break-up Wade is not happy when his brother asks him to protect Genny and her son Asher.
Genny has suffered all through her marriage, now the only thing she needs is protection for her son.
This is a novella with the punch of a full length novel. Wade takes them to his home in Dallas and to his fellow team members of McKay-Taggart security and his 2nd family.
This is not a pretty tale, but it felt so real and Lexi Blake had me hooked right from the beginning to end. I love Asher, so old for his age, looking out for mother at all times
Abused women need to learn to live for themselves, before they can start a happy relationship. Wade was lovely supporting Genny all the way
Loved Asher great kid, brought into the protective family of McKay-Taggart when his mum starting working there. This was a heartfelt story that I loved, and can’t wait to read more from the members of McKay-Taggart.

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

We have previously gotten the stories of all the bodyguards for McKay Taggert, but now we finally get Wade’s story and his HEA. Wade returns home for his brother’s wedding and is shocked to find out that his high school sweetheart, the woman who broke his heart while he was in boot camp, is surrounded by scandal. What follows is the story of a strong but broken woman, a son she will do anything for and the man that needs to be patient so he can take care of the woman he never got over and the boy he will grow to love as a son. Geneva’s story is heartbreaking but inspiring. She is one of the strongest heroines I have read but what makes her so realistic is how emotionally shattered she is and the road she must travel to heal. Lexi Blake has again given us a love story full of suspense and intense emotions with just the right amount of that Taggart humor and sarcasm thrown in so you laugh along the way.

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have been a little distracted while listening this audiobook. Therefore, I'm pretty sure I could have enjoyed it more if I had payed more attention to what was happening. I wanted to do something else at the same time and it's my fault. It was ok but I'll forget what I listened easily. Now Protected followed Wade fifteen years after he was dumped by his ex-girlfriend whom he wanted to marry and have his babies etc etc etc. It's only a long time after that he'll find out what actually happens and she was actually doing it for protecting his family. Now she has a child from the asshole that she married and I liked seeing them growing closer with Wade.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good addition to the series expect that I didn't like how long it took to get back together after that long of a separation.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

From 1001 Dark Nights and Lexi Blake comes the story of Genny and Wade, high school sweethearts pulled apart by time, distance, and some pretty horrible circumstances. This is part of the Masters and Mercenaries series of books. While it can be read as a standalone, there are lots of characters (pretty much almost all of them) that are from previous books, and there are several references to previous books that won't be understood. Each book in the series adds to the M&M world, and they are much better when read in order. (IMHO)

Genny is a sweet, small town girl who has her entire life in front of her. She has the love a wonderful man, and a plan for their future. Then everything falls apart, and she finds herself living in a hell not of her own choosing. Years later, she finds Wade again, asking for his help. The question is, will he help her, when he thinks she betrayed him?

Wade is a hard man. Life, the military, then private security have shaped him in to who he is. But then he finds out that what he thought happened, really didn't. Where does that leave him? What does he want now? And can he have it?

This book was action packed, and at times, heart breaking. Genny is such a strong woman, determined to stand on her own, and find out who she was and what she wanted from life. The chemistry between Wade and Genny was off the charts, but I wasn't sure, at some points, if he was what was best for her. This book was about redemption, new beginnings and family. Lexi Blake, and the M&M family have once again satisfied my love for romance and adventure, and at the same time, left me wanting more!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Geneva Harris broke things off with Wade Rycroft back in high school, he left the ranch for the Army and didn't look back. Now a McKay-Taggart operative, when he comes home to attend his brother's wedding and finds out the town has alienated his ex, and now someone wants to kill her, there's no way he's not going to help her. It's a risk he's willing to take to keep the woman he once loved safe. When he finds out the truth of why she said goodbye all those years ago, Wade's world is rocked, and he'll do whatever it takes to protect Genny and her son Ash from what is certainly coming their way. Oh, and maybe convince her of how great they were together all those years ago.

PROTECTED is a novella in the Masters and Mercenaries series, and also a stand-alone addition to the innovative and fun 1001 Dark Nights series featuring sensual and erotic stories by a variety of popular authors inspired by the classic The Arabian Nights tale.

I'm a huge fan of this series, and it's always a great surprise when they find their way to my Kindle for review! I absolutely adored Wade and Genny's story, it made me feel every single one of the feels. And Ash?! How freakin' cute is that kid!? Ms. Blake creates an innate sense of danger by the brutality Genny's character faced at the hands of her ex-husband, but tempers the suspense with a healthy dose of heat, heart and humor. Witness:

"We need to talk about some of the things I've done in the last fifteen years."

"Like gotten into whips and chains?" She hopped out of the truck, her face flushed. "I totally went through your closet. You have a lot of lube. Why is it flavored? I would think cherry or grape would be better than ginger, but it's an interesting choice. Are you the one who uses the whip or did you find out you like getting your ass beat? I'm cool with either way, though I don't know how much I want to get paddled. The tying-up thing might be fun. But right now I'm running on a high, babe, and I want to ride your d***, so could you please lie down and let me use you? I'll tell you how pretty you are later. I stole a condom out of the kit because I wanted to be ready."

Lawdy, I love this author!! I highly recommend every single story in the Masters and Mercenaries series, and these offerings in the 1001 Dark Nights collection are the perfect way to sample what's out there before deciding whether to commit (pro tip: you will).

Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; condom use; mild BDSM/kink; discussions of sexual assault; violence, no murder.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's only been a few months since I read the last Masters and Mercenaries book, and it's already been too long since I've been in that world. Protected came along at the right time, and it was everything I've come to expect from this world that's become one of my all-time favorites.

Wade Rycroft is the current Dom in Residence at Sanctum. He's vaguely hinted in previous books that he's loved and lost, and now we get the full story. Wade was going to marry his high school sweetheart, but ended up getting a dear john letter while he was away and found out that she married his childhood nemesis instead. That hurt him so badly that he only returned home a handful of times over the next 15 years so that he didn't have to see her. But, Wade's oldest brother's wedding has brought him home for the weekend and to an inevitable showdown with the girl who broke his heart.

The thing is, Genny Harris has spent the past 15 years in absolute hell, and now that she's divorced, she needs help from the man she crushed - Wade. The scene between them where all the events that led up to their break-up came out was heartbreaking. In fact, much of this book was pretty sad. The things that Genny has endured are horrific. The fact that she and Wade lost so much time is devastating. The secrets that were kept from Wade and the choices that were taken out of his hands are infuriating. There's so much emotion packed into this novella.

Just because Genny's past comes out early and she and Wade end up at his house in Dallas, doesn't mean that they are on the road to their HEA. The threats on Genny's life notwithstanding, these two can't mow down 15 years of abuse and anger and frustration overnight, and I'm glad Lexi Blake didn't make it that way. It's frustrating to read, because you just want them to be together and okay, but at the same time, it's cathartic and realistic for them to not have it easy. And who knew that the voice of reason and understanding would come from one Ian Taggart?

Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, there are moments of levity. They come from Ian and Charlotte, Adam and Jake, Simon and Chelsea and other members of the MT gang. They also come from the intimate times between Wade and Genny. The lighthearted and sexy moments were welcome and perfectly timed.

Getting Wade's story seems like icing on the cake. I feel like I can now move on to the new spin-off series that Lexi Blake has planned and know that all of the Sanctum and MT couples are happy and healthy.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

All Masters and Mercenaries fans will surely ADORE this book - full of our old friends, catching up on just where they are right now, with wonderful hints at how they are still as in love and happy as they were when they first got together ... which is 6 or 7 years ago now! And yet, a new reader would only get the slightest hints of what that all means, and hopefully be enticed to start at the beginning and find out ... and I almost envy them finding it all out new! Without a doubt this is a series which is always on my reread list, as each story is so good, and the whole is just perfect.

This particular story is heart-breaking, asks many questions of both leads and in particular of the actions of Wade's family. It may have all happened 15 years ago, but it is all new to Wade, and the way it is told means that we too are as hurt and confused as him. Being along for the ride as he and Genny come to terms with the past, and try and imagine a brighter future is incredibly moving. And then we have her son, Ash. He is possibly the coolest teenager I have ever read in a book - just so positive, so funny, and so grown up. Distressing as his childhood has been, he has been shown the very best of love by his Mum, and has a way of living which can only make Wade love him from the beginning.

Really, just read this, and get to go through every emotion - teary, laughing, hot, sad, happy and hopeful to name but a few. I keep thinking of little touches which make me smile, and how important the team were in helping these two people reach the place that we all wanted them to be. Delicious from page one to the very end. *sigh*

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review of Protected (Masters and Mercenaries #16.5) by Lexi Blake
Protected is book 16.5 in Lexi Blake’s Masters & Mercenaries series which is one of my all-time favourite series.
Protected is a second chance at love story about Wade Rycroft and Geneva (Genny) Harris. Although a stand alone I really feel it would be more beneficial if you were to have read the previous books in the series as you will get a greater understanding of their history and the references to other situations that the men and women of the Masters & Mercenaries world have been in.
Wade is a man hardened by his life and time in the military, whilst Genny is the one who got away. She broke his heart many years ago and because of that he has hardened into the man he is today.
When Genny finds herself right in the middle of a nightmare, she knows she needs to find Wade and ask him to help her, but will he? That is the question!
Nobody does romantic suspense books like Lexi Blake. Protected is filled with suspense, danger, intrigue and the growth of a deep and committed love; one that made my heart pound at times. Lexi Blake always ensure that her characters are never one dimensional or superficial and I was engrossed from the first chapter to the last. As always it was great to see some familiar faces pop into the book.
Can Wade do what he does best and protect Genny? Or will the past come back and destroy them once and for all? One click now and find out.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so lucky with my recent reads - the past several have been absolutely amazing! And I am totally including this book in that statement. It took all the will power I had to put my Kindle down when my lunch break was over. I loved this, so much. I tend to love Lexi Blake for her delicious steamy scenes, but this book dragged me in on a whole other level. I was so emotionally invested in this story. Wade, Genny, and Ash both broke and healed my heart. The family they made for themselves, and the lengths they were willing to go for each other.. well, don't get me started, because I already teared up once today.

This may be a shorter book (technically it's a novella), but I think it's just moved to my favorite Lexi Blake book. This was just so good, so emotional, and.. deep. Special? I don't know, man.. it was just something extra. I can't recommend this one enough. If you love romantic suspense, you need to read this ASAP!

See my full review on my blog, Novel Addiction.

[Avid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Protected (Masters and Mercenaries #16.5) by Lexi Blake
4 stars
M/F Romance - second chance
Triggers: Domestic Abuse
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

Geneva and Wade were so in love as teenagers. They knew that their love would last a life time. Geneva was going to wait for Wade. Wade was going to serve his country. If only it had been that simple.

Geneva's dad was a piece of work and not in a good way. I really wish that there had been some kind of retribution for her through him. Geneva lived a hard life. She was a pawn in a much larger scheme and there was no way that she was going to allow someone else to help.

Wade lived a lifetime with anger and hatred in his heart towards the one woman that he ever loved. Geneva betrayed him in the most basic way and whenever he found himself having to be in town, he avoided her at all costs. However, when he's home for his brother's wedding, Geneva is also in attendance and Wade sees something in her eyes that he can't quite figure out.

Geneva is in desperate need of Wade's help - she needs to protect her son. When she turns to Wade, right away she knows this could be a huge mistake. Wade has hated her most of their life. But, Geneva is willing to endure his hatred if it means that her son will be protected. She, on the other hand, has a score to settle.

When the truth is revealed, loyalties will be tested and lines will be drawn. Whether or not Geneva will take a risk on Wade is a question that can only be answered in this story. It is a story about heartbreak, love and sacrifice.

I want to see what happens next - will there be healing? or just more pain?

[Franci N (Franci's Fabulous Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Getting All the Answers and Love Again Stars!!

There isn't one thing I didn't love about this book. It's a perfect addition to the Masters and Mercenaries series by Ms. Blake. Wade and Genny have a history and while their plans didn't work out when they were high school sweethearts...and the reasons are so heartbreaking and emotionally devastating. Because of this Wade hasn't found a forever love because in my mind his heart still belongs to Genny.

Well, fast forward fifteen years and these two will get the chance they were deprived of all those years ago. Along with this second chance there's a mystery that needs to be solved....someone is coming after Genny and Wade will not only protect her from whoever this is, he's going to get all the answers he's been waiting for.

This book is perfectly paced and is full of the heat and action Ms. Blake so expertly delivers in her books. I for one hope this series never ends!!

[Ｋａｔｅ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked & enjoyed.
Teenage sweethearts + lies, deception & stubborn arseholiness support this second chance romance set in the M & M world. Has the usual drama / action / romance fans of the series know & love, and the snark cameos from the big blonde Taggart bastard are A-1, but for whatever reason I didn’t (couldn’t) quite get to the point where I was head over heels, heart-eyes for this couple & their head fought HEA - and with this series, for me, it’s usually a given.

[Cyn Mistress Kitty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave this 4 stars but Genny got on my nerves. She was too wishy-washy and such a martyr.
Also, what 13 year old boy acts and talks like this one. Very unrealistic.
Wow, Wade's family and Genny's father were a piece of work. I don't blame Wade for having a hard time forgiving his brother.

[MountainKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this second chance story! Loved reading more in the Masters and Mercenaries world! Well narrated by Ryan West.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars, rounding up

I was surprised at how well this ended up working, given the seriousness of the issues that Geneva and Wade had to work through and the constraints of a novella, but this did a pretty good job of walking that line. The expanded timeline helped a lot, although it did result in a little more telling than showing than I would have liked, but this worked overall. I guess I'll need to search out the spinoff stories, but I'm also anxious to get to the Lost Boys subseries.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t know if this completely works as a stand alone but I like Blake’s writing and I would definitely go back and read other books in this series.