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Masters and Mercenaries #5.5
Unconditional
A curious woman Ashley Paxon understands responsibility. After her fiance left her alone and pregnant, she forged a new life for herself and her daughter. Moving to Dallas, she went back to school and found a job at a club called Sanctum. As one of the BDSM club's waitresses, she watches the Doms and their submissives every night. She yearns to explore their lifestyle of discipline and power exchange, but she knows she wouldn't belong. A wounded man Keith Langston believes in living in the moment. Haunted by the past, he moves from one casual relationship to the next and never looks back. But the moment he lays eyes on Ashley, something primal and possessive takes over. He can't stop thinking about her and yet he knows he can't offer her what she needs. Having her seems impossible until Sanctum's owner, the mysterious Ian Taggart, makes him an offer he can't refuse. The perfect contract Offered the chance to train Ashley and initiate her into the D/s lifestyle, Keith is delighted to accept. Under the guidelines of a carefully crafted contract, they lose themselves in the pleasures and intimacies of being Master and submissive. But when Ashley and her daughter are threatened, Keith realizes she needs much more than a part-time Dom. To protect her, he will have to break through the barriers of their contract and finally face the demons haunting his heart.
170 pages, Paperback
First published January 21, 2014
222 people are currently reading
1808 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
183 books6,386 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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May 15, 2022
A quick little novella about a single-mum heroine who falls in with a hero tormented by the loss of his own child. It's on the angsty side, but this is only a novella so it's resolved without the hero being too much of an arse.
April 14, 2025
My Review:
Unconditional was such an addictive ride of a read. I honestly couldn't put this one down. I absolutely loved this book so dearly. This was the sister of the heroine in "Sanctum" and she was such a sweet soft heroine who is in such pain and struggling with self confidence. She is a single mom, having been abandoned by the father of her child, and his parents wanting her to have an abortion so it wouldn't create any scandal. She refused to give into them and barely is making it by. She is working as a waitress of the club Sanctum, when the head of the club convinces her to be a sub for a Dom they want in the club. What she doesn't realize is that being a sub is her destiny, and falling in love with her dom would be forbidden as he is suffering from his own past sins and torment. I loved both characters so much. But especially the heroine. I loved that she wasn't afraid to take the leap of faith into falling into love but also not afraid to fight for them even when he spurns her I just admired her devotion and courage. Something I do like about Lexi Blake is sometimes she writes the most endearing softer heroines that I just gravitate towards.
Overall I had a blast with Unconditional and even though I have technically read Ian Taggert's book I am tempted to do a reread of it.
Unconditional was such an addictive ride of a read. I honestly couldn't put this one down. I absolutely loved this book so dearly. This was the sister of the heroine in "Sanctum" and she was such a sweet soft heroine who is in such pain and struggling with self confidence. She is a single mom, having been abandoned by the father of her child, and his parents wanting her to have an abortion so it wouldn't create any scandal. She refused to give into them and barely is making it by. She is working as a waitress of the club Sanctum, when the head of the club convinces her to be a sub for a Dom they want in the club. What she doesn't realize is that being a sub is her destiny, and falling in love with her dom would be forbidden as he is suffering from his own past sins and torment. I loved both characters so much. But especially the heroine. I loved that she wasn't afraid to take the leap of faith into falling into love but also not afraid to fight for them even when he spurns her I just admired her devotion and courage. Something I do like about Lexi Blake is sometimes she writes the most endearing softer heroines that I just gravitate towards.
Overall I had a blast with Unconditional and even though I have technically read Ian Taggert's book I am tempted to do a reread of it.
February 3, 2014
Ashley Paxon is damaged goods, or so she's been told. Abandoned by her baby's birth father, Ashley is getting by partly because of the generosity of her sister and Ian Taggart.
Working at Sanctum allows her to make enough money to support her daughter while attending school but her timid personality and fear of the Doms are a major roadblock. When Ian suggests a possible solution to getting over her debilitating fear while helping him test the skills of a new potential Dom she reluctantly agrees.
Keith Langston is up for Dom membership/privileges at the exclusive Sanctum. The owner, Ian Taggart, proposes a make or break skills test of taking a vanilla employee at the club and train her as a submissive over a six week period. The problem is that said female is is the very girl that Keith has secretly lusted over since coming to the club but as she's the sister-in-law of his best friend AND has a child he knows she isn't for him. This would be his chance to enjoy the little sub for the short haul though to get her out of his system as he doesn't do long term relationships, especially with women who have kids which is a hard limit for him.
This was a fill in installment for the series that any fan who has followed the "Masters & Mercenaries" series will enjoy. There is a suspense factor that includes a twist that I did appreciate and a few laughs that only the crew from "McKay/Taggart Security" can get away with. Love love love the flavor of writing style of the author in portraying alpha guys who have that macho playfullness in a high stress work environment.
The adult content is definitely glitterkink BDSM and play scenes are consistent with a Dom introducing a vanilla female to the submissive role so don't expect any intense play scenes or elements. I will say that spankings, toys, and squirming is involved though. :D
I do feel that this isn't a stand alone installment only because characters from previous installments are featured throughout the story so you would loose the flavor if you aren't familiar with them. It is possible to read this if you haven't if you're curious enough but do realize that some of the characters referenced were featured in earlier installments.
As for those who follow this series. This is a read that will tide you over until "Dungeon Games" comes out in May/2014. Enjoy.
Working at Sanctum allows her to make enough money to support her daughter while attending school but her timid personality and fear of the Doms are a major roadblock. When Ian suggests a possible solution to getting over her debilitating fear while helping him test the skills of a new potential Dom she reluctantly agrees.
Keith Langston is up for Dom membership/privileges at the exclusive Sanctum. The owner, Ian Taggart, proposes a make or break skills test of taking a vanilla employee at the club and train her as a submissive over a six week period. The problem is that said female is is the very girl that Keith has secretly lusted over since coming to the club but as she's the sister-in-law of his best friend AND has a child he knows she isn't for him. This would be his chance to enjoy the little sub for the short haul though to get her out of his system as he doesn't do long term relationships, especially with women who have kids which is a hard limit for him.
This was a fill in installment for the series that any fan who has followed the "Masters & Mercenaries" series will enjoy. There is a suspense factor that includes a twist that I did appreciate and a few laughs that only the crew from "McKay/Taggart Security" can get away with. Love love love the flavor of writing style of the author in portraying alpha guys who have that macho playfullness in a high stress work environment.
The adult content is definitely glitterkink BDSM and play scenes are consistent with a Dom introducing a vanilla female to the submissive role so don't expect any intense play scenes or elements. I will say that spankings, toys, and squirming is involved though. :D
I do feel that this isn't a stand alone installment only because characters from previous installments are featured throughout the story so you would loose the flavor if you aren't familiar with them. It is possible to read this if you haven't if you're curious enough but do realize that some of the characters referenced were featured in earlier installments.
As for those who follow this series. This is a read that will tide you over until "Dungeon Games" comes out in May/2014. Enjoy.
January 30, 2014
Another great addition to the series, but I have to say, I swear if I could just follow Ian Taggart around all day and listen to the crazy shit he says, I would be a happy woman for the rest of my life.
I know she can't include everyone from past books, so I'll just be thankful for the glimpses I got of previous, much loved characters and am looking forward to the new ones I see peeking around the corner.
I usually share my favorite highlights from the books, but since half the book is highlighted I'm passing on that this time.
Has one of the best/WORST proposals ever.
Ends at 95% on my Kindle. Approx 2215 locations.
Standalone novella, but really you should ALL The books in the series.
Cock count = 42 - very impressive for a novella!
I know she can't include everyone from past books, so I'll just be thankful for the glimpses I got of previous, much loved characters and am looking forward to the new ones I see peeking around the corner.
I usually share my favorite highlights from the books, but since half the book is highlighted I'm passing on that this time.
Has one of the best/WORST proposals ever.
Ends at 95% on my Kindle. Approx 2215 locations.
Standalone novella, but really you should ALL The books in the series.
Cock count = 42 - very impressive for a novella!
March 28, 2018
A quick and easy read. Its been a while since I've read a Master and Mercenaries book so it was nice to get another little piece into Sanctum and the men and women who are intriguing and make the BDSM world fascinating.
August 1, 2017
I usually don’t read novellas or take a look at the .5 books that are always on offer. Ms. Blake is the exception to my rule it seems.
We meet Keith & Ashley in Sanctum. I liked Ashley. Wasn’t entirely sure what my take on Keith was but I gave him a chance.
Unconditional is a pleasure to read. A story of second chances. It is sweet yet extremely sexy.
I liked Keith in this book and I understood his past and why it was hard for him to move on with his future but he is stuck and Ashley helped him with the healing process.
Ashley was left high and dry when she was pregnant she is now a Mum and feels lonely. Her choice to sub for Keith is a choice she doesn’t regret. She is patient and shows Keith that he is worth unconditional love.
Keith was willing to lose millions to protect Ashley from her in-laws as they were only after their granddaughter after their son died. Keith works through his demons but obviously after he royally screwed it up.
If I find it so perfect why didn’t I give it 5 stars? Ian & Charlie are a tough act to follow.
We meet Keith & Ashley in Sanctum. I liked Ashley. Wasn’t entirely sure what my take on Keith was but I gave him a chance.
Unconditional is a pleasure to read. A story of second chances. It is sweet yet extremely sexy.
I liked Keith in this book and I understood his past and why it was hard for him to move on with his future but he is stuck and Ashley helped him with the healing process.
Ashley was left high and dry when she was pregnant she is now a Mum and feels lonely. Her choice to sub for Keith is a choice she doesn’t regret. She is patient and shows Keith that he is worth unconditional love.
Keith was willing to lose millions to protect Ashley from her in-laws as they were only after their granddaughter after their son died. Keith works through his demons but obviously after he royally screwed it up.
If I find it so perfect why didn’t I give it 5 stars? Ian & Charlie are a tough act to follow.
February 11, 2014
Short, well-written book.,
This was a good re-visit of the Masters and Mercenaries world, by Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak. It was very typical in the style of SO and that is why I wanted to read it. I felt a little let down by the way Keith was portrayed, he was almost too laid-back for most of the book and only seemed to perk up when he found out that Ashley had a stalker. Then he went back into turtle-mode and the book was almost over before he had his own revelation. I think that Ashley deserved better but she loved him so she rolled over and begged for Keith whenever she could. But it was well-written and for the length, I usually don't see the point in these short stories, it was an acceptable read.
This was a good re-visit of the Masters and Mercenaries world, by Lexi Blake/Sophie Oak. It was very typical in the style of SO and that is why I wanted to read it. I felt a little let down by the way Keith was portrayed, he was almost too laid-back for most of the book and only seemed to perk up when he found out that Ashley had a stalker. Then he went back into turtle-mode and the book was almost over before he had his own revelation. I think that Ashley deserved better but she loved him so she rolled over and begged for Keith whenever she could. But it was well-written and for the length, I usually don't see the point in these short stories, it was an acceptable read.
October 18, 2019
This is part of the Masters and Mercenaries series. They should probably be read in order so you know all the characters, but this book was so short it might be able to be read as a standalone.
This book should not have been a novella, it should have been written into a full-length book. The first part of the book, the setup, was great. The author knows how to develop her characters and I was feeling a connection with Ashley and Keith. The struggles Keith was having made my heart hurt. The author was able to describe in such detail that I feel I know what Keith was going through. Once I got to the middle of the book, the confrontation, I felt everything was rushed like the author had to finish the book and was cutting corners. This left the resolution of the book a little lacking.
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the story. I feel that if it had to be a novella then Keith’s situation should have been left out. The couple could have gone through much of the same turmoil. Keith didn’t necessarily need his background to not want a committed relationship.
One of my favorite parts of reading BDSM books is that Dom’s don't allow their subs to self-shame. If they do, they get a punishment.
I would recommend this book. I am just hoping to read more about Keith and Ashley later.
This book should not have been a novella, it should have been written into a full-length book. The first part of the book, the setup, was great. The author knows how to develop her characters and I was feeling a connection with Ashley and Keith. The struggles Keith was having made my heart hurt. The author was able to describe in such detail that I feel I know what Keith was going through. Once I got to the middle of the book, the confrontation, I felt everything was rushed like the author had to finish the book and was cutting corners. This left the resolution of the book a little lacking.
Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoyed the story. I feel that if it had to be a novella then Keith’s situation should have been left out. The couple could have gone through much of the same turmoil. Keith didn’t necessarily need his background to not want a committed relationship.
One of my favorite parts of reading BDSM books is that Dom’s don't allow their subs to self-shame. If they do, they get a punishment.
I would recommend this book. I am just hoping to read more about Keith and Ashley later.
October 9, 2018
Revisiting this family of kinksters is always a great read!
October 18, 2025
love it ❤️
February 23, 2018
Fantastic 😁
And that ending, *sigh*
And that ending, *sigh*
September 2, 2021
This is the second shorter story in this series and while it fits with the whole series it is also set a bit out of the time line, though it does mention what happened to Damon and him struggling to deal with the aftermath. This also picks up the two minor characters from the first short story; the sister and the best friend.
I should have written this review a few day ago but it got crazy and I lost track of time, so my feeling on the book have slipped a bit.
I do know that I was frustrated with Keith a lot of the moments. He was good at the start but his own demons were hindering him from being a whole person and caring for his sub fully.
I enjoyed getting to know Derek and Karina better. I LOVED that Karina stepped up and helped Ashley with her first punishment. I also ABSOLUTELY loved that Ashley cried during that and struggled through it. That is not something that is seen a lot in BDSM books. I don't want a pain slut, I want the sub who struggles through it and it might not be arousing for her, that is more realistic.
I did really like the very end of the story.
I do have a question for the over all story. The Locker rooms: are they divided by Dom and Sub or girls and guys? There are guy subs and girl doms, so what would be more strange, or uncomfortable for each party to mix? I did enjoy the locker room scenes through out this series and how they talk in each. but would a male sub be able to cut up among a bunch of male doms. and would the "what's said in the locker room stay in the locker room" moto of the female sub still work if there is a female dom present?
I should have written this review a few day ago but it got crazy and I lost track of time, so my feeling on the book have slipped a bit.
I do know that I was frustrated with Keith a lot of the moments. He was good at the start but his own demons were hindering him from being a whole person and caring for his sub fully.
I enjoyed getting to know Derek and Karina better. I LOVED that Karina stepped up and helped Ashley with her first punishment. I also ABSOLUTELY loved that Ashley cried during that and struggled through it. That is not something that is seen a lot in BDSM books. I don't want a pain slut, I want the sub who struggles through it and it might not be arousing for her, that is more realistic.
I did really like the very end of the story.
I do have a question for the over all story. The Locker rooms: are they divided by Dom and Sub or girls and guys? There are guy subs and girl doms, so what would be more strange, or uncomfortable for each party to mix? I did enjoy the locker room scenes through out this series and how they talk in each. but would a male sub be able to cut up among a bunch of male doms. and would the "what's said in the locker room stay in the locker room" moto of the female sub still work if there is a female dom present?
July 9, 2016
I love reading Lexi Blake books I know that they will be well written they will have hot sex scenes and suspends with a little actions. I also love the characters in this series and Ian Taggart is one of my favorite Doms. Unconditional is the story of Ashley and Keith. Ashley who is Jillian's sister from (Sanctum) is trying to gain self confidence and realize that she is worthy of so much more than the raw deal she’s been dealt. Keith is running from his past and doesn’t let anyone get close enough to learn his secret. He is looking for a casual no strings attached, D/s relationship. They are two people who need each other more than they realize to understand that their past does not define them. Their individual stories are heartbreaking. At times I wanted to slap Keith because although he thought that he wasn't good enough for Ashley he didn't want to get close to her child due to his past. When the baby's fathers family tried to take her baby he stepped up and did something to help her. Ashley was patient with him she knew that he had feelings for her Keith realized that you can be a father to a child even if it is not made with your DNA and it was heartwarming for me personally because I am a mother to a child that I didn't give birth to.
November 10, 2015
Keith & Ashley's story was short being a .5 book but it was still good. He's a troubled Dom with a past nobody knows about, not even his friend Ryan & she's a young mother trying to raise her infant daughter on her own while going to school & working part-time at Sanctum. He's looking for entry as a Master @ Sanctum & Ian puts Ashley in his care. They've had eyes for each other but think no one's noticed...Ian & Charlotte did hence putting them together. Their pasts come back to collide together & force them to face each other & try to help each other out. One accepts, one fights it & the battle heats up. Very nicely done, I love Lexi Blakes' stories & cant' wait for the next ones in the series to come out. Definite recommend for my friends that are into this genre.
January 29, 2014
This book was such a surprise....When I saw it on Amazon I pretty much did the happy dance of all happy dances....See I did not even know this book was coming out....I have been holding out for Dungeon Royale on the 18th Feb...In fact I have been doing a freaking count down till that book, so this one was a very welcome and happy surprise.
Loved the story of Keith and Ashley!!! As usual my darling Ian Taggart stole the show with his witty humor and one liners....
I love this series.... I mean I really love this series....
Roll on 18th Feb....shit I think I am pretty much gonna go back and do a re-read of all the books in this series, because seriously best series EVER!!!!
Loved the story of Keith and Ashley!!! As usual my darling Ian Taggart stole the show with his witty humor and one liners....
I love this series.... I mean I really love this series....
Roll on 18th Feb....shit I think I am pretty much gonna go back and do a re-read of all the books in this series, because seriously best series EVER!!!!
January 5, 2024
Ian Taggart once again works his magic in pairing a Dom and sub. Ashley Paxon and Keith Langston have both known heartache in their lives, maybe they can give each other comfort. The only problem is that he can't or won't give her anything more than a D/s relationship. But when a threat is made he goes out of his way to neutralize it and give Ashley peace of mind. Then he'll walk away. It's what he does. What he doesn't account for is Ashley's resolve and resourcefulness. What he gets in the end is the woman he loves and the family he's always wanted.
April 24, 2014
Thanks, Ms Blake for this precious little jewel. As usual you give us a great story.
Ashley Paxon is beginning her training at Sanctum. She already works here and Ian Taggart thinks he already has the right Dom for her, Keith Langston.
She's a lovely lady with a little daughter, no husband, her life full of responsability. Keith seems to reject every responsability except being a Dom. He seems to be the stronger but in the end, that little sub has some surprises for him!
Great!
Ashley Paxon is beginning her training at Sanctum. She already works here and Ian Taggart thinks he already has the right Dom for her, Keith Langston.
She's a lovely lady with a little daughter, no husband, her life full of responsability. Keith seems to reject every responsability except being a Dom. He seems to be the stronger but in the end, that little sub has some surprises for him!
Great!
May 22, 2015
5 unreserved stars!!!!!
I needed a short book starting with U for a challenge so I dived into this although it was 5.5 of a series!!!
TOTALLY ENJOYED THIS!!!!!
Well developed characters nice story, sexy read....
Not too much of anything!!!
Just enough of the good stuff.
Now I cannot wait to dive into the whole series. This story was chock full of alpha males whose stories are told elsewhere.... I'm going Lexi shopping!!!
I needed a short book starting with U for a challenge so I dived into this although it was 5.5 of a series!!!
TOTALLY ENJOYED THIS!!!!!
Well developed characters nice story, sexy read....
Not too much of anything!!!
Just enough of the good stuff.
Now I cannot wait to dive into the whole series. This story was chock full of alpha males whose stories are told elsewhere.... I'm going Lexi shopping!!!
May 3, 2016
Huh, well, I have to say, this one went down easy and fast. This was totally glitterkink and it was so sweet. The story is predictable. Keith is a good guy and he does a good job of coaxing timid ashley to the dark side. For those who are hungry for the next full novel in this series, this little teaser is satisfying.
own-under-diff-title-or-anthology
March 12, 2019
August 19, 2014
A friend handed me this book and said read it you'll love it. I did and I do. Now I must find the rest of the series cause I really loved Ian and must know more about him.
September 1, 2022
God short story
December 20, 2021
Ashley was first introduced in Sanctum as Jillian's little sister. And Keith was also introduced as Ryan's friend.
Click here for Sanctum review.
So we know a little about these character going into this book. Like Ashley has a baby girl and has had some bad experiences with men, hence her baby daddy.
All we really know about Keith is that he is a successful business man, that likes the ladies.
Both Keith and Ashley are now at Sanctum (the fetish club that Ian Taggart and Alex McKay own) and Ian and Charlotte decide to meddle.
"Taggart grinned, a look that lit up his normally dark face. "Don't forget the blow jobs.""
And lets not forget Ian's wisdom. He cracks me up every time. Thank god at this point Charlotte is there to smooth out his rough edges.
"Dom's get into the life style for different reasons, Charlotte explained. Some are complete buttfuck assholes who want to have absolute control over every aspect of a woman's life and cant accept anything less.
We prefer the term total power exchange to buttfuck assholes. Ian didn’t crack a smile this time."
I love when Ian is other books, he offers very sage advice.
Ian want to pair Ashley and Keith up for training at sanctum but they both refuse profusely. But somehow Ian and Charlotte talk them both in it working together
Ashley has been through a lot especially with her stupid ex, so she doesn’t really think much of herself. And since she's a mom her main focus is on her daughter. She also didn’t have a great relationship with her mom so she's pretty beaten up.
Keith has his own demons and doesn’t feel like he's worthy. And he is completely against relationships, commitment and marriage. And he just knows that Ashley is the type of girl that wants to get married.
Keith has had to deal with the unthinkable and doesn’t want to get too attached to Ashley. So he's extra stubborn about it but Ashley's not a quitter.
When danger comes around Keith cant stay out of it like he wants to, he has to help her.
One thing I love about Lexi's books are she always makes me love the characters, even if I don’t at first. By the end I'm sure I will.
I get so caught up with the character that I feel like I know them. And I just want to know what happens with their lives.
I don’t know how Lexi Blake continues to do it but everything she writes I want to read.
Her book are now an automatic preorder for me.
Would I Recommend:
I would recommend this book. I love the way the character start to connect and continue to do so. I also love how they make each other better.
Lexi does a great job of bringing back some of the previous characters and letting us get to know what's going on in their lives.
McKay-Taggart is a family and even though there not all blood related they all take care of each other. And they all give each other shit like family's do too.
Click here for Sanctum review.
So we know a little about these character going into this book. Like Ashley has a baby girl and has had some bad experiences with men, hence her baby daddy.
All we really know about Keith is that he is a successful business man, that likes the ladies.
Both Keith and Ashley are now at Sanctum (the fetish club that Ian Taggart and Alex McKay own) and Ian and Charlotte decide to meddle.
"Taggart grinned, a look that lit up his normally dark face. "Don't forget the blow jobs.""
And lets not forget Ian's wisdom. He cracks me up every time. Thank god at this point Charlotte is there to smooth out his rough edges.
"Dom's get into the life style for different reasons, Charlotte explained. Some are complete buttfuck assholes who want to have absolute control over every aspect of a woman's life and cant accept anything less.
We prefer the term total power exchange to buttfuck assholes. Ian didn’t crack a smile this time."
I love when Ian is other books, he offers very sage advice.
Ian want to pair Ashley and Keith up for training at sanctum but they both refuse profusely. But somehow Ian and Charlotte talk them both in it working together
Ashley has been through a lot especially with her stupid ex, so she doesn’t really think much of herself. And since she's a mom her main focus is on her daughter. She also didn’t have a great relationship with her mom so she's pretty beaten up.
Keith has his own demons and doesn’t feel like he's worthy. And he is completely against relationships, commitment and marriage. And he just knows that Ashley is the type of girl that wants to get married.
Keith has had to deal with the unthinkable and doesn’t want to get too attached to Ashley. So he's extra stubborn about it but Ashley's not a quitter.
When danger comes around Keith cant stay out of it like he wants to, he has to help her.
One thing I love about Lexi's books are she always makes me love the characters, even if I don’t at first. By the end I'm sure I will.
I get so caught up with the character that I feel like I know them. And I just want to know what happens with their lives.
I don’t know how Lexi Blake continues to do it but everything she writes I want to read.
Her book are now an automatic preorder for me.
Would I Recommend:
I would recommend this book. I love the way the character start to connect and continue to do so. I also love how they make each other better.
Lexi does a great job of bringing back some of the previous characters and letting us get to know what's going on in their lives.
McKay-Taggart is a family and even though there not all blood related they all take care of each other. And they all give each other shit like family's do too.
November 23, 2021
When Ashley and Keith were introduced in Ryan and Jill's book/novella, I liked both of them and was excited to see what would happen.
I liked the fact that after Ashley got over some surprise/hesitation, she really embraced things. Liked how she took what Keith was doing and embraced what she needed. Did kind of laugh at the way she thought she'd be able to get away with certain things. I mean, she was warned that Dom's don't tend to like subs bad-mouthing themselves, yet she seemed surprised when Keith disciplined her. I loved the friendship she developed with Karina, and the way Karina was so willing to help out. The way all the girls were but Karina seemed to be the main focus in this one.
Keith was interesting, even if I wanted to smack him for most of the book. I loved how he was with Ashley, how he realized what she needed/wanted even if she wouldn't voice it herself (mostly because it seemed like she didn't know how but that's besides the point). And he did want to protect her and help her, even if he was an ass about it. I could understand him not wanting to talk about things, but he made a lot of assumptions about what Ashley would want and when she pushed him (because he needed it), he gave her what he thought would scare her off. I did like how he went after Reid though; I was giggling up a storm when that happened.
Loved getting to see the various members of McKay-Taggert around. Loved that Tag ended up essentially playing fairy god-mother again. And I laughed when they were talking about catching Harper and the various accidents that had befallen his equipment.
I liked the fact that after Ashley got over some surprise/hesitation, she really embraced things. Liked how she took what Keith was doing and embraced what she needed. Did kind of laugh at the way she thought she'd be able to get away with certain things. I mean, she was warned that Dom's don't tend to like subs bad-mouthing themselves, yet she seemed surprised when Keith disciplined her. I loved the friendship she developed with Karina, and the way Karina was so willing to help out. The way all the girls were but Karina seemed to be the main focus in this one.
Keith was interesting, even if I wanted to smack him for most of the book. I loved how he was with Ashley, how he realized what she needed/wanted even if she wouldn't voice it herself (mostly because it seemed like she didn't know how but that's besides the point). And he did want to protect her and help her, even if he was an ass about it. I could understand him not wanting to talk about things, but he made a lot of assumptions about what Ashley would want and when she pushed him (because he needed it), he gave her what he thought would scare her off. I did like how he went after Reid though; I was giggling up a storm when that happened.
Loved getting to see the various members of McKay-Taggert around. Loved that Tag ended up essentially playing fairy god-mother again. And I laughed when they were talking about catching Harper and the various accidents that had befallen his equipment.
March 29, 2018
Unconditional by Lexi Blake is book 5.5 in the Masters and Mercenaries world.
Ashley Paxon is a single mom with a rough past. She lives with her sister and brother-in-law, works as waitress at Sanctum and cares for her daughter. She goes to college and that about all her social life.
When Ian Taggart wants her to be sub for a limited time, she wants to refuse, but the temptation and curiosity are stronger than her fear.
Keith is a very wealthy man. He´s a investor and makes billions. He´s new in Dallas and wants to attend Sanctum, Ian Taggart´s BDSM club. To receive Master rights at Sanctum he has to train a submissive, Ashley.
Ashley and Keith have issues and Keith has demons. But both have this crazy insta chemistry. They could be so good together and everyone around them knows it, the only blind ones are Ashley and Keith. When Ashley and her daughter are threatened by her past, Keith jumps in and keeps them safe. He´s the knight in shining armor. Now they could have their HEA, but Keith is stubborn. He breaks up with her and is miserable, what else.
Ashley doesn´t give up and fights for her HEA. Go Girl !!
I can´t say how much I love Laex Blake´s Masters and Mercenaries world. Every time a new book releases I´m giddy with high expectations. And Unconditional doesn´t dissapoint. The story is great, I could easily connect with the characters and the writing is excellent. I loved meeting characters from previous books ( winks to Serena and Adam ). And now I can´t wait to read the next installment, Dungeon Royale.
Ashley Paxon is a single mom with a rough past. She lives with her sister and brother-in-law, works as waitress at Sanctum and cares for her daughter. She goes to college and that about all her social life.
When Ian Taggart wants her to be sub for a limited time, she wants to refuse, but the temptation and curiosity are stronger than her fear.
Keith is a very wealthy man. He´s a investor and makes billions. He´s new in Dallas and wants to attend Sanctum, Ian Taggart´s BDSM club. To receive Master rights at Sanctum he has to train a submissive, Ashley.
Ashley and Keith have issues and Keith has demons. But both have this crazy insta chemistry. They could be so good together and everyone around them knows it, the only blind ones are Ashley and Keith. When Ashley and her daughter are threatened by her past, Keith jumps in and keeps them safe. He´s the knight in shining armor. Now they could have their HEA, but Keith is stubborn. He breaks up with her and is miserable, what else.
Ashley doesn´t give up and fights for her HEA. Go Girl !!
I can´t say how much I love Laex Blake´s Masters and Mercenaries world. Every time a new book releases I´m giddy with high expectations. And Unconditional doesn´t dissapoint. The story is great, I could easily connect with the characters and the writing is excellent. I loved meeting characters from previous books ( winks to Serena and Adam ). And now I can´t wait to read the next installment, Dungeon Royale.
May 7, 2021
Ashley has been heartbroken and not just by boys. Her father left when was just a kid and her died before she could even gradate high school. She only had one boyfriend and they had gotten engaged, but then when Trevor found out that she was pregnant he left her. So, her sister Jill came back to help her with her daughter. Keith owned his own business before he graduated college. So, his next steps where to get married and start a family. But little did Keith know that something was wrong with his DNA, Keith and his wife had a son named John Michael because of what was in his DNA. He couldn't believe that his parents didn't tell him about it. So, he got divorced 6 months later and stopped talking to his parents. He also gotten a vasectomy so that he couldn't have anymore kids. He thought that he didn't deserve love from anyone. One day he saw Ash and he wanted her but she has a daughter and he didn't want any part of that. Keith wanted to be apart of Sanctum, and Ian Taggart's Charlie had a plan to get Ash a Dom and get Keith a membership to Sanctum. Ian wrote up a contact that said that they would only see each other at the club. Keith would help with her confidence & sexuality. He also help her with discipline when it comes to her cussing because she didn't want her daughter would start speaking soon and Ash didn't want her to say those words. He also made it that she spent 2 hours doing her homework from college so that she would do well and graduate from college.
This such an awesome story. Can't wait to see what happens next.
This such an awesome story. Can't wait to see what happens next.
April 6, 2020
I listened to this novella which was twice as long as the book about Ashley's sister Jill. The narration was excellent and provided two or three different accents.
Ashley and Keith both had difficulties to overcome but Ashley seemed to be able to handle hers much better. Keith didn't come across as very "dom-y" to me until he found out Ashley had been keeping a secret from him.
I liked Ashley's character. She had some self esteem issues. She referenced sexual acts and body parts like she was a little kid. BUT, Ashley was strong enough to want to work through her issues. Granted, being Keith's sub helped her. Her friendships with other subs also helped. One driving factor for Ashley was wanted to be better for her daughter Emily.
Keith had a much more difficult time working through his past. I'm glad he made sure to help Ashley resolve her problem even if he wasn't with her.
I enjoyed the lack of excessive dialogue in this book. The .5 books don't have as much action, but they also don't have as much of the tedious dialogue between couples.
I wish we could have seen a little more interaction between Keith and Emily, and Keith and his parents.
Ashley and Keith both had difficulties to overcome but Ashley seemed to be able to handle hers much better. Keith didn't come across as very "dom-y" to me until he found out Ashley had been keeping a secret from him.
I liked Ashley's character. She had some self esteem issues. She referenced sexual acts and body parts like she was a little kid. BUT, Ashley was strong enough to want to work through her issues. Granted, being Keith's sub helped her. Her friendships with other subs also helped. One driving factor for Ashley was wanted to be better for her daughter Emily.
Keith had a much more difficult time working through his past. I'm glad he made sure to help Ashley resolve her problem even if he wasn't with her.
I enjoyed the lack of excessive dialogue in this book. The .5 books don't have as much action, but they also don't have as much of the tedious dialogue between couples.
I wish we could have seen a little more interaction between Keith and Emily, and Keith and his parents.
May 15, 2018
Unconditional is the second novella in Lexi Blake's Sanctum Nights series which is a spin off and interconnected with her Masters and Mercenaries series.
This book features the sweet, sassy and strong, Ashley Paxton, the sister of Jill Paxton, the heroine of the previous book in the novella series, Sanctum.
Ashley's hero, who at times appears to be anything but a hero but in the end stands up as the strong man that he is, is Keith Langston.
Ashley and Keith's story is full of heartache, angst, pain and ultimately unconditional love.
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This book features the sweet, sassy and strong, Ashley Paxton, the sister of Jill Paxton, the heroine of the previous book in the novella series, Sanctum.
Ashley's hero, who at times appears to be anything but a hero but in the end stands up as the strong man that he is, is Keith Langston.
Ashley and Keith's story is full of heartache, angst, pain and ultimately unconditional love.
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May 1, 2022
I really liked the story of Keith and Ashley. Ashley is a single mother and she is a complete doormat at the beginning of the story. Through their relationship, Keith helps her to find her confidence and self-worth so that she can think about her own needs as well as the needs of others. However, Keith is unwilling to be around children due to the loss of his own child in his past (an event that he has never told anyone about). I enjoyed hearing about how Ashley was willing to fight for her relationship with Keith and the growth that they both went through as a result of the relationship. The only thing that I wish was that we had a little bit more story after the conflict was resolved. I would definitely reread this book though because I really enjoyed the journey.
Trigger warning: loss of a child.
Trigger warning: loss of a child.
August 16, 2019
I usually enjoy this series, but I didn't care for this book. I'm guessing the author wanted to show how through accepting her submissiveness, Ashley could grow a backbone and stop being a doormat, but I think she failed. Maybe she did learn how to stand up for herself, but she didn't stand up for her baby, and that ruined it for me. Keith wanted nothing to do with her child, was up front about it, made sure she understood he didn't want it, yet she was OK with bringing him into her home, when her child was awake, and was seemingly OK with him ignoring her, just hoping he'd change his mind. Why would someone subject their child to that? There are some things I can ignore and move past in a book, but that wasn't one of them.
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