Showing posts with label New Recruits Series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Recruits Series. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

The Bodyguard and the Bombshell by Lexi Blake Release Blitz

She’s chaos and he’s just the man to handle her.

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

The Bodyguard…

Nate Carter left Australia’s elite SASR unit after a tragic accident. Shattered by the experience, he thought taking a job in the States might be a good way to start over. His father’s former employer, McKay-Taggart, has a position for him in the bodyguard unit. He never imagined himself risking his life for celebrities and the wealthy, but it will do for now. It will also give him a chance to reconnect with old friends, including the girl who’d been like a little sis to him ten years before.

These days, however, his feelings for Daisy O’Donnell are anything but brotherly.

The Bombshell…

Daisy O’Donnell is a girl on a mission, and it does not include falling for one of her brother’s best friends. She has plans, and while chaos always seems to follow her, she’s determined to see this through. Daisy finds herself in need of a bodyguard when a job goes terribly wrong. She’s sure her dad will find someone suitable, but she didn’t expect a big, gloriously masculine Aussie to show up ready to take a bullet for her. Maybe spending some time with Nate Carter won’t be so bad after all.

An explosive match…

Thrown together by danger, Nate and Daisy can’t resist the insane chemistry between them. But when his past and her present collide, they must decide if they can hold it together or go their separate ways forever.

**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.**

Don’t miss our reviews of other Masters & Mercenaries Sanctum Nights novella!
For book #8, Protected, click HERE.
For book #11, Treasured, click HERE.
For book #13, Delighted, click HERE.
For book #14, Tempted, click HERE.

Click HERE to peruse our reviews of other books in the Masters & Mercenaries Universe!

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

The Bodyguard and the Bombshell by Lexi Blake

Book 28.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Releases November 26th
Narrated by Ryan West

 

 

Excerpt


“I was helping out a client,” she began.

“Uhm, Mr. Taggart, I would like to make it clear we didn’t hire Daisy as a private investigator.” Her bosses were here, too. Harlow and Ruby sat at the opposite end of the table, and Harlow seemed to be the one who wanted to set the record straight.

“She was supposed to answer the phones.” Ruby frowned her way.

She was going to have to soothe her bosses. Things had done what they so often did in Daisy’s life. They had gone awry.

To top things off, her brother was somewhere in the building. Aidan had been the one to drive her up, and he’d told her he needed to go talk to his newest roommate.

Nathan Carter. Big, gorgeous Nathan Carter, who’d barely known she’d existed past being his friend’s obnoxious sister.

She hadn’t seen Nate in years. Was he still stunning? He probably had a girlfriend.

“Daisy?” Her mother’s voice brought her out of her reverie. “Uncle Ian asked you a question.”

Of all the grave faces around the table, it was her aunt and uncle who broke the mold and looked highly amused.

“I asked how you went from answering the phones to taking down a drug cartel,” Uncle Ian said, his lips curling up. He leaned in like he was ready for this story.

 

 

He held a hand out, and when she placed hers in it, he knew the night would change everything.

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Mary☆☆☆☆☆
Daisy O'Donnell is trying to figure out where she fits in. When she gets in over her head, she needs a bodyguard and Nate Carter is all too happy to do it.

Daisy and Nate are the perfect couple, she seems to be ditzy and he is the strong one. But Daisy comes out on top when she needs to.

This story is filled with laughter, family, love, and a little chaos, ultimately leaving this novella one of my favorites.


Ruthie☆☆☆☆
This is part of the Masters & Mercenaries series, and whilst the 1001 Dark Nights series is to give newbies a chance to taste a series new to them, I do think that one could be a little lost with so many people being in this novella. As an ardent fan, I was absolutely delighted to enjoy the sass and snark from nearly the whole crew!

Nate and Daisy haven't seen each other since they were children, so it is no surprise that he doesn't recognise her with a mask on at The Hideout. But Daisy knew just what she was doing, and even if it were just for one night, she would not miss the opportunity to spend time with him.

Such a great start to this steamy and engaging story. I loved that Liam, Daisy's dad, had to reevaluate his relationship with his daughter and both he and Aidan had to see what damage they were doing to her self-confidence. That she now has Nate at her side, his point in life suddenly revealed to him when he sees her. I love his certainty about his presence in her future.

I am not going to say more about the drama, as it is best read fresh, but it is definitely typical of a Masters & Mercenaries plot, which Liam finds a way to solve, and everyone gathers together to ensure safety and success.

Delicious as always, and every time I read a new one, I am delighted at the mastery shown by Lexi Blake at forging forward with the next generation and giving us such great stories, time and again.


Avid Reader☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Nate is a man looking for a new purpose. He knows that leaving his home isn't ideal, but he can't help but feel a little lost. When his friend offers him a job, he jumps at it. His best friend lives in the states and it's just a place to start anew.

Daisy is always trying to do the right thing. She has a heart of gold and a soft spot for people. She knows how to read people well and can get things done. However, she also, in the process, finds herself in trouble. Through no fault of her own, her family also doesn't see a grown woman, but a woman in need of protecting.

When Nate is assigned to Daisy's protection, it will be an eye-opening experience for all involved. Daisy will learn that she can be trusted to be herself, Nate will find an anchor, and all the family and friends will learn that sometimes, trouble is exactly what you need to move forward.

It's a sweet and spice story about trusting yourself, learning to love, and letting go of the past and moving forward. You won't be disappointed.

 

 

"You are the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen. You walked into the room and there was no one else in it for me."

 

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LEXI BLAKE lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

Connect with Lexi Blake!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lexi’s Literary Universe

 

 

“Yeah. Yes, I would, Sir. If you’re the partner, I would like very much to play.”

For more information about the 1,001 Dark Nights releases, follow them at:

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website & Newsletter Sign-Up


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Bodyguard and the Bombshell (Masters & Mercenaries #28.5; Sanctum Nights #15; New Recruits #2.5) by Lexi Blake to read and review.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Live, Love, Spy by Lexi Blake Release Blitz

What happens when the sweet, quiet girl grows up to become a CIA special ops squad leader? She rescues her childhood sweetheart after he’s been kidnapped.

Life can often be awkward when you’re a child genius. For Louisa Ward, that came in the form of meeting her one true love at the age of 12. TJ Taggart was perfect. But being a year younger and a full grade ahead of him in school always made things weird. Working in the CIA has turned her into a strong and capable woman. Until TJ walks into a room. Fifteen years later, she still gets butterflies every time she sees the gorgeous soldier, but she’s tired of waiting and ready to find love, even if it can’t be with him.

TJ Taggart always knew he wanted to be a soldier. But joining the Army would require a sacrifice. Since meeting Louisa, TJ knew she was the one for him, but they had different paths in life. Lou was meant to change the world at some prestigious research job or maybe teach at an Ivy League school. There would be a chance to sweep her off her feet when his time in this dangerous life was done, and their happily ever after could begin.

Before he can make it home on his latest leave, TJ is kidnapped by an unknown adversary. As he waits to die, all he can think of is the time he wasted and how badly he wants to be with Lou. He’s more than a little surprised when his sweet, quiet girl shows up leading a CIA special ops squad to bust him out. Back in Dallas, it’s time to claim the woman of his dreams. He has a plan to win her over, until the adversary who almost killed him returns to finish the job.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits series!
For book one, Love the Way You Spy, click HERE.

Click HERE to peruse our reviews of other books in the Masters & Mercenaries Universe!

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Live, Love, Spy by Lexi Blake

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
Paperback (US)

Audiobook (US)
Narrated by Ryan West

 

 

He lowered his lips to hers and attempted to satisfy over a decade’s worth of longing.

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book on the new series, but unbelievably book 28 in the whole Masters & Mercenaries collection – and I have loved them all. It is such fun seeing the original crew watching their children make similar mistakes on the job and fall deeply in love, just as they did. I also find myself giggling every time they embarrass their children with their very own brand of PDAs!

TJ has always had low opinion of himself due to his brawn over brain nature – and when he falls in love as a teenager with Louisa, Boomer's super intelligent stepdaughter, he knows he has to stay away and let her find someone much more suitable. Annoyingly, he does not see in front of him in Boomer the very man who proved that everyone has different talents, and love is not determined by equality in all things. So, he joins the army and keeps Louisa at arm's length... although spends all his downtime with her, as a friend.

Louisa is sick to death of her unrequited love for TJ and has finally decided to move on... when everything kicks off in this book. I always love the spy crazy, it ties together so cleverly across all the series, so I am well aware of all the protagonists and just how merciless some of the baddies can be. Another very exciting move forward in the fight against evil.

As TJ and Louisa finally get together in their club, well away from their parents in Sanctum, TJ finally realises how he adds to her life, and just how big the challenge is to convince her he is serious.

Loved it from cover to cover and am already wishing time away for the next installment!


Mary☆☆☆☆☆
I love the way this series can continue from the original and the kids can get into their own kind of trouble. This author has a way of spinning a mystery and suspense that will keep you on the edge until the end. And that is why I love the Masters & Mercenaries and now the New Recruits.

Lou and TJ are the couple that no one thinks should end up together. But TJ knew she belonged to him since they were in high school. Lou has loved him since she was 12. But no one thinks the girl genius and the Army guy will make it, now it is time for TJ to prove to everyone that Lou belongs to him.

When TJ is kidnapped, he can't believe Lou is there to rescue him along with the rest of the special ops team. Now he has to show her they belong together, and she might be the hardest one to convince.

I love the way this team gets along, they are the perfect special ops team. This story is filled with suspense, a little mystery, soft BDSM, friendship, family, and love. Everything I find that makes a story awesome and I can't wait for more.


Avid Reader☆☆☆
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This is TJ's story. I really like TJ, despite him always being the butt of his family's jokes. He's loyal and an alpha, but he is also a great friend.

Louisa is a nerdy girl who has always felt a little out of place. When she is befriended by TJ and his family, Louisa finds her people. She loves her friends and family and has loved TJ for most of her life. When she needs someone, he's always there for her.

When TJ is under suspicion of being a foreign bomber, his family will rally around him and figure out who's targeting him. Louisa shows her true skills and shows TJ that she's ready for him and that he's worthy of her.

This was the slowest of the series so far, for me. It didn't really start to pick up until about 50% through. The back and forth between TJ and Lou was slow and a little annoying. It was the same argument for 30% of the story and it was an old argument.

Also, for me, the ending was super quick, and I was left wanting a little. I do really want to read the next book, but despite being excited for TJ's story, I was slightly disappointed.

 

 

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LEXI BLAKE lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

Connect with Lexi Blake!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lexi’s Literary Universe

 

 

“You want my fantasy? It’s you.”

 

Hosted by

Valentine PR & Literary Management.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Live, Love, Spy (New Recruits #2; Masters & Mercenaries #28) by Lexi Blake to read and review. Avid Reader received her copy via the author's ARC team.

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Love the Way You Spy by Lexi Blake Release Blitz

Dare can’t trust her, but it might take Tasha and her family to save his life and uncover the truth.

Tasha Taggart isn’t a spy. That’s her sisters’ job. Tasha’s support role is all about keeping them alive, playing referee when they fight amongst themselves, and soothing the toughest boss in the world. Working for the CIA isn’t as glamorous as she imagined, and she’s more than a little lonely. So when she meets a charming man in a bar the night before they start their latest op, she decides to give in to temptation. The night was perfect until she discovers she’s just slept with the target of their new investigation. Her sisters will never let her hear the end of this. Even worse, she has to explain the situation to her overprotective father, who also happens to be their boss.

Dare Nash knew exactly how his week in Sydney was going to go—attending boring conferences to represent his family’s business interests and eating hotel food alone. Until he falls under the spell of a stunning and mysterious American woman. Something in Tasha’s eyes raises his body temperature every time she looks at him. She’s captivating, and he’s committed to spending every minute he can with her on this trip, even if her two friends seem awfully intense. He doesn’t trust easily, but it’s not long before he can imagine spending the rest of his life with her.

When Dare discovers Tash isn’t who she seems, the dream turns into a nightmare. She isn’t the only one who deceived him, and now he’s in the crosshairs of adversaries way out of his league. He can’t trust her, but it might take Tasha and her family to save his life and uncover the truth.

Click HERE to peruse our reviews of other books in the Masters & Mercenaries Universe!

 

Add to Goodreads.

 

Love the Way You Spy by Lexi Blake

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo  ~  Smashwords
Paperback (US)

 

 

Reviews


Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team


Ruthie☆☆☆☆☆
I have loved the Masters & Mercenaries series for well over a decade now, and remember them all so clearly from the very first book with Sean and Grace... so I really LOVE that we still get to meet the original Taggart clan, but with a whole new generation to enjoy doing the groundwork and still Big Tag, Ian, and Charlotte come in and save the day !

I am loathed to mention any of the details of the story, as you need to let them unfurl as you read – but let’s say that a good grounding in previous Masters & Mercenaries books will help you understand some of the ramifications of the mission they are on, as well as give you deeper context to the lead characters too.

Tasha is such a loyal, loving person and will do anything for her adopted family – much as they would do for her – so being required to go out in the field to spy on someone she has just met but really likes... not great. But of course, she will do it. And what a lot of crazy unfolds as the young Taggart team try and do the right thing, but end up involving the older generation when it all gets a lot more dangerous. Loved the resolution and that Dare gained the one thing he never had – a family.

Already planning a free weekend for March '24, when the next installment is due!


Mary☆☆☆☆☆
This is the new series spinoff of Masters & Mercenaries called New Recruits. The new recruits are Big Tag's kids and other agency kids all grown up. This is Tasha and Dare's story, and it is a great one. Tasha and the others are out at a bar and meet Dare and his friend when Tasha and Dare hit it off. The heat is off-the- charts and they spend the night together and it is one they will never forget. The next day, Tasha finds out that Dare is the person they are looking for. Then everything hits the fan before she can tell Dare who she is. Along the way, Big Tag and her mother show up too. Now Tasha has to figure out how to keep Dare from hating her and Big Tag from being disappointed in her and her sisters.

This story is fast-paced, steamy, and sexy, with some BDSM action, and a whole lot of action-packed awesomeness. I highly recommend this book and that you read the others in the Masters & Mercenaries series so you don't miss anything.


Avid Reader☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance

This is a great story. You are given Tasha, who normally is a behind the scenes type of agent. But when her siblings convince her to live a little and go wild, nobody knew how crazy life was about to get.

Tasha is level-headed, steady, and, most of all, trustworthy. But when her one-night stand becomes her target, she'll have to throw away her emotions and let her mind drive the bus. Saying that is one thing. Living that is another. Tasha finds herself struggling with what is being asked of her and when new players come onto the scene, she'll really have to fight for what she wants.

Dare isn't like his family. He wants to live a great life, sure, but he doesn't want the baggage that comes with it. When he sees Tasha, when he meets Tasha, he's intrigued. Dare's life has been a series of lies, mistrusting people, and he's had to figure out how his own world works.

These two come from very different worlds and when those worlds collide, sparks fly, feelings fling, and bullets whiz by. Tasha and Dare will have to work together, even when their emotions are running amok.

I loved how Blake was able to really weave this story using great characters. I can't wait for the next one. You won't be disappointed.

 

 

Author Bio

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LEXI BLAKE lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.

Connect with Lexi Blake!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Lexi’s Literary Universe

 

 

Something about this woman brought out the beast in him.

 

Hosted by

Valentine PR & Literary Management.


Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Love the Way You Spy (Masters & Mercenaries #27; New Recruits #1) by Lexi Blake to read and review; Avid Reader received her review copy via the author’s ARC team.