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Masters and Mercenaries #7

A View to a Thrill

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A Spy without a Country

Simon Weston grew up royal in a place where aristocracy still mattered. Serving Queen and country meant everything to him, until MI6 marked him as damaged goods and he left his home in disgrace. Ian Taggart showed him a better way to serve his fellow man and introduced him to Sanctum, a place to pursue his passion for Dominance and submission. Topping beautiful subs was a lovely distraction until he met Chelsea, and becoming her Master turned into Simon’s most important mission.

A Woman without Hope

Chelsea Dennis grew up a pawn to the Russian mob. Her father’s violent lessons taught her that monsters lurked inside every man and they should never be trusted. Hiding in the shadows, she became something that even the monsters would fear—an information broker who exposed their dirty secrets and toppled their empires. Everything changed when Simon Weston crossed her path. Valiant and faithful, he was everything she needed—and a risk she couldn’t afford to take.

A Force too Strong to Resist

When dark forces from her past threaten her newfound family at Sanctum, Chelsea must turn to Simon, the one man she can trust with her darkest secrets. Their only chance to survive lies in a mystery even Chelsea has been unable to solve. As they race to uncover the truth and stay one step ahead of the assassins on their heels, they will discover a love too powerful to deny. But to stop a killer, Simon just might have to sacrifice himself…

A Masters and Mercenaries Novel

394 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2014

451 people are currently reading
2020 people want to read

About the author

Lexi Blake

121 books6,371 followers
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).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 317 reviews
Profile Image for Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾.
2,313 reviews13.7k followers
August 25, 2014
3.75 Stars


From the moment he'd seen her all those months ago, he'd been utterly fascinated. She was a mystery to him. Closed off, with more barricades around her than he could count, she still pulled him in the minute she walked inside a room.


When I think of romantic suspense with some kinky hot BDSM thrown in and some scorching romance and sex, the only series that comes to mind is Masters and Mercenaries. No one does that sexy little combination better than Lexi Blake. While each book can probably be read as a standalone, I wouldn't recommend it as each book builds off of each other. The characters of this book (like all the rest) are first introduced in the previous 2 and their story continues until their own book. It just wouldn't be the same to jump straight into this book without first reading the last 6. Besides, each book has been great, so why miss out? Now on to Simon and Chelsea.

Chelsea is many things; she's Charlotte's younger sister, Ian's (or as she calls him The Satan) sister in law, the daughter of the head of the biggest mob syndicate in Moscow, and The Broker. She's one of the best hackers in the world and she's definitely made quite the name for herself since her and her sister escaped their father's brutal and sadistic hold. Now she uses her powers for good...mostly. Weary of men in general due to her history, she's not looking for any entanglements. Especially not with a certain British Dom and past MI6 agent in a 3 piece suit that now works for Ian's firm.

But when Chelsea's life is on the line, no matter how hard she's avoided Simon in the past, he's the only one she can turn to for help. But he's not going to be easy on her. He has a requirement of his own, one he's been waiting for the right opportunity to take.

What?"
"That's my requirement for protecting you. I don't want money. You'll sign a contract making me your Master or I can call your brother-in-law back. How is the broccoli beef? I've never tried it before. Would you like some wine?"

Simon's combination of protective and demanding definitely worked for me. He was very sweet and understanding with what Chelsea needed. He's been halfway in love with her since he first met her and now he just needs to convince her that they'll be good together.

...I'm not going to take your virginity because you're curious. I'll take it when you can't think about anything but me. I'll take it when you cry out my name and tell me there's no other man you'll ever love the way you love me. Then and only then will I take what belongs to me.

This book wasn't as heavy on the BDSM or the sex either to be honest. The suspense and the emotional relationship development between the H/h took center stage. The romance was still in the center of the story, of course, but it wasn't quite as steamy as the previous books in the series. But don't get me wrong, while it may not have been as frequent, when it did happen it was definitely HOT.

Oh, my god."
"No. You say my name when I'm fucking you, love. Say it. Say 'fuck me hard, Simon."


In usual Lexi Blake fashion there were lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end, plenty of action, and lots more Ian and the rest of the team.

Unfortunately there was just something about the romance between Simon and Chelsea I never fully connected with. I can't even put my finger on what it was exactly, but it was probably my least favorite in the series. There was almost too much of a focus on their emotional issues and triggers than there was on the actual romance, at times even during the sex scenes.

I would still recommend this book for fans of the series. And if you've been curious about Jesse's story, you're definitely in for a treat here. That last chapter? Oh my GAWD. I don't think I've been that excited to read a book since Ian's story. This book really introduces Jesse and all his fucked up glory and I can't wait to get my hands on his book in February.

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Profile Image for Flo.
204 reviews585 followers
August 16, 2015
4 shaken, not stirred STARS



*melts into a puddle of goo*

What can I say? I've had a rather unhealthy obsession with James Bond ever since I was a little girl and reading about a British aristocratic ex-spy turned Mercenary just hits all of the right spots for me.

Remember this scene from Love and Let Die?

“Simon hauled himself onto the ramp, standing gracefully and straightening his tie. The fucker even swam in a tie. He slicked back his hair and sounded as though he’d come for tea instead of just drowned a man. “Sorry I’m late.”
Ian pointed at him. “You I like.”


Yup. He is that kind of 007 awesome and at that moment I was in love. So, what is he up to these days? Well, nothing much, just saving little Brokers, killing bad guys in style and of course in a three piece suit. Would expect nothing less from a proper Englishman.

After an operation gone wrong Simon Weston quit MI6 and joined Mackay-Taggert, doing Mercenary work and occasionally dealing with international spy-shenanigans and lusting after Chelsea, Charlie's sister and Ian Taggert's sister-in-law. You know that's trouble, right? Well, the man wants a sub and unfortunately he has poor taste in women. Happens to the best of them. LOL.



I give A View to a Thrill 4 Stars because of this man. He is the best and I won't be persuaded otherwise. Poor judgment be damned.

“You’re my type. I didn’t know I had a type until I met you. Now I know what I need. I need a Brit who’s half aristocrat and half cowboy. I need a man who carries a full three-piece suit in his bug-out bag. I need a man who craves afternoon tea and thinks any Scotch under fifteen years is a travesty.”


Chelsea Dennis is a lot of things. Mostly she is a genius-level hacker with a slightly warped sense of right and wrong. She has been on the run for most of her life and finally settling down and living a normal life is very hard for her. Add to that the sexy British gentleman and all bets are off.

“From the moment he'd seen her all those months ago, he'd been utterly fascinated. She was a mystery to him. Closed off, with more barricades around her than he could count, she still pulled him in the minute she walked inside a room.”


Giving into Simon, accepting his help and taking a chance on another human being who isn't her sister is one of the hardest things she has ever done and she deserves an award for that. Seeing her inexperience at life, human interaction as well as intimacy is both heart-warming and hilarious. Chelsea doesn't know a lot of things the rest of us take for granted and the world she has built for herself has a completly different set of rules than the ones we life with. She never had to take responsibility for her actions before and that's about to change...oh boy!

“Do you understand what a fucking brat you are?”


Her priorities and reasoning’s are a bit warped sometimes and the back and forth about what she wants and doesn't want gives me a whiplash. She isn't my favourite heroine of all time, but I learned to live with her for Simon's sake, because he is marvellous.



Simon and Chelsea are the definition of bad timing and miscommunication! I'm still not sure if they should be together. There were times when I bought their relationship and others I just shook my head in total disbelieve. I have to say reading this book took way longer than I had anticipated. I was sick for a few days, but then the book dragged on a bit as well...oh I don't know.

There was very little BDSM in this one but a lot of deception and intrigue. I guess one made up for the other. And then they went to Venice...Casino Royale anyone? I'm so easy sometimes. *shrugs*

Here is something I liked a lot...the side-characters. Love Aunty Ava!! Satan, a.k.a Ian is the best and together with the lost puppy Jesse he is comedy gold. Little things like that just make all the difference in the world. All in all an enjoyable read, but it could have been better.

....oh, and that epilogue. HOLY SHIT!

I'm so looking forward to read the next book.




Profile Image for Kate.
2,277 reviews356 followers
November 12, 2016
4 Spy Shenanigan Stars.

Simon & Chelsea’s book was the one book I wasn’t sure about.

Turns out it is just as good as the others. A surprise read.

“Someone is trying to kill me.”

Well no shit Chelsea you are known as The Broker.

Simon sees his chance to finally get Chelsea under a contract to protect her and to do very dirty and nasty things to her. He has been fascinated by Chelsea since she punched him in Charlie & Big Tag’s book.

He finally gets what he wants.

“You need a play partner” “You don’t. You play with everyone” So the little brat was jealous? “I wouldn’t need to if I could play with you.” That was about as bold as he was going to get.

They have tough adversaries though. The Collective and The Agency. Personally I still do not like Ten. I don’t care who he bloody looks like.

We see how Chelsea starts to stand on her two feet and not constantly run to her sister. And finally Tag puts his foot down. At bloody last.

Somehow with their different backgrounds they worked together. Although their communication was difficult to watch at times. But they also have a lot in common.

I don’t usually go for the smooth and polished kind of guys but there just something about Simon. I still prefer the rugged, tough, grumpy teddy bears of the world though. But Simon deep down is still the lonely boy of his childhood he has just learnt to hide it well.

There is everything in this book that makes it have the overall package. The twists and the turns. Refreshing really as I didn’t see them coming. Nice for a change. Ms. Blake sucks me in with her writing style and I just can’t get enough of the characters in this series and the banter and the unity the whole team has. They are a family. Ian does love his strays.

I really am quite addicted to this series. Whereas I wasn’t sure to begin with and had it on my radar. Silly me for not starting sooner.

What I loved? I got see the other Tags.

"You did your penance. I'm working on mine. Let's have a cup of tea shall we? Tea fixes almost everything, my mother used to say. A bullet tends to fix the rest."
Profile Image for Namera [The Literary Invertebrate].
1,432 reviews3,759 followers
May 17, 2022
I LOVE the bad girl/good boy trope.

27-year-old Chelsea Weston is known as the Broker. She may be physically disabled, with scarred and twisted legs, but behind a computer screen she's invincible, a world-famous hacker. Unfortunately, she's been on a leash ever since her sister Charlotte married security guy Ian Taggart (in the last book). Suddenly she's no longer allowed to blackmail people, or hack them, and she's really feeling the strain.

Then she's targeted by a bunch of bad guys. Not wanting to bother Charlotte and Ian, she goes to 35-year-old Simon Weston for help. The son of a British duke, he's an ex-MI6 agent and all-around good guy who's been into Chelsea for a while, but whom she's never allowed to get close to her. That all changes now. Seeing his chance, Simon agrees to protect Chelsea - if she signs a BDSM contract with him.

Okay, so as I mentioned above, I adore this dynamic. Chelsea is such a great antiheroine, with genuinely unpleasant character traits: she's a bit selfish, closed off, and ambitious. While love does make her better over the course of the book, she never becomes an entirely different person.

Simon is also great. A disgraced agent who now works for McKay-Taggart security, he's totally besotted with Chelsea even when he thinks she's betrayed him. I didn't even mind really that she's a virgin and he isn't, because he places far more weight on their emotional relationship from the start.

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Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
August 17, 2014
Lexi Blake continues to shock and amaze me with her all-consuming, incredibly erotic, sensational stories. I've said this time and time again, but Ms. Blake's Masters & Mercenaries Series is an ALL TIME FAVORITE series of mine. Heart-pounding, hilarious, and full of kinky goodness, A View to a Thrill, had me up until 4 in the morning devouring page by page, like it was the last thing I would ever read. Lexi Blake is a MASTER at setting the scene with her gorgeous, possessive Doms and her strong, bratty subs; constantly putting us in a cloud of euphoric bliss with their heated chemistry that practically jump off the pages. I don't know if I've ever read a series, where I felt so emotionally connected with these wonderful, dynamic characters. Even after the last page has turned, I find myself laughing, sighing, and just thinking about specific events, hilarious quotes, and the mind-blowing BDSM/Sex scenes. A story that sticks with you long after the happily ever after, is a story that is worth so much praise, and I can never give enough praise to such an incredibly talented romance author, like Lexi Blake.

I've loved Simon's character ever since I can remember, and when Chelsea came onto the scene, I connected with her instantly. Apart these two are a hot mess, but together, with their unspoken, intense chemistry and connection, they can accomplish amazing things. The sarcastic quips, and the hearty banter had me throwing my head back, laughing so hard, that tears were flowing freely. Ms. Blake's writing style leaves me in awe every single time, She has a way of having her characters say just the right thing that helps us to connect more with the storyline, and the characters themselves.

Finally learning about Simon and Chelsea's childhoods had my heart breaking piece by piece. Simon, being abandoned at such a young age, and Chelsea, being horribly abused by her father...it is just devastating and explains so much when you are trying to get in the mind of these characters in the present. Simon has been intrigued by Chelsea ever since she threw that uppercut at him. Studying her with such precision, Simon knew Chelsea more than Chelsea knew Chelsea. When her life is in danger, she knew whose comfort and protection she wanted instantly. Simon is a mystery to her, but he is the only man that makes her feel safe. But Simon's protection comes with a price. A price that is in the form of a BDSM contract. After a few curse words, kisses, and sarcastic comments later, AND especially to avoid 'Satan,' err, excuse me, I mean Big Tag, Chelsea signs on the dotted line without even reviewing the damn thing, which I don't have to tell you, but could really end up biting her in the ass in the future. Let the sexy, suspenseful journey begin!

*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

Review will also be posted on Shayna Renee's Spicy Reads
156 reviews40 followers
August 19, 2014
If there was ever a series that needed to be made into a movie or television show it is the Masters and Mercenaries series by Lexi Blake. The action, suspense, and intrigue will keep your knuckles white as you grip your e-reader eagerly anticipating what will happen next. Lexi is masterfully writes a new genre I call James Bond BDSM. Her heroes are sinfully sexy and hot alpha males and the women they fall for are strong, highly intelligent, and quick witted, and sexy as hell. I absolutely adore the fact that Lexi’s heroines are not skinny but are full of luscious curves that their men can’t get enough of.

I have been eagerly awaiting Simon and Chelsea’s story since Love and Let Die. Simon has been such a mystery to me and Lexi unveils so many things about him that I would have never expected he experienced in his past. I was amazed at how much in common Chelsea and Simon share with each other. All of Lexi’s books in this series can be read as a standalone, however I might suggest that you will enjoy this story much more if you pick up Love and Let Die first. That is the first book that Chelsea and Charlotte are featured in.

Chelsea narrowly escaped the Russian Mob a few years back only to find herself captured by her most unlikely enemy. Chelsea is very well known in the cyber community as the number one hacker. She can hack into any security system and for a long time she caused major chaos to several agencies just for fun. Unfortunately her ability to do this put a mark on her head and it seems that Simon may be the only man that can save her besides her brother-in-law that she adorably coins as Satan.

Simon has had it bad for Chelsea since the moment she sucker punched him. He has wanted to be her Dom and to play with her at Sanctum, but for Chelsea BDSM is all about pain relief, not love, and definitely not sex. Simon can see the emotional pain she is hiding because he knows it all too well. He just needs her to submit to him so he can show her how good things can be and that he will love her and care for her like no one ever has. Chelsea is stubborn. She has always made it on her own and does not want any help. The only reason she came to Simon is because she has nowhere else to go and well, he the sexiest man she has ever known so she is a little curious what Simon would be like as a lover. When Chelsea approaches Simon with her problem he sees it as the perfect time to get what he has always wanted. A BDSM contract with Chelsea one that includes things she would never let him give. Will she take him up on his offer or will she drag her feet to Ian and Charlotte for help?

If you like a lot of sizzle with lots of action and suspense you will love A View to a Thrill by Lexi Blake. This is a book you will not be able to put down until you have finished it. So get comfortable and enjoy this epic rollercoaster ride.
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,935 reviews279 followers
December 20, 2015
4.5 Stars

I really adore this series. The characters are my kind of snarky and I like that while the stories are about the female lead being in trouble, the women don't go around damseling (ie helpless).

In this one, we have Simon, the "spare" to a British dukedom (I think) and Chelsea, the younger sister of Ian's wife Charlotte. Both Simon and Chelsea have that 'living in the shadow of an older sibling' thing in common. They both feel like they have always had more to prove and that more often than not they were disposable. Of course perception is not always reality and their perceptions are a bit skewed. None the less they are products of their experiences and trust does not come easily. They both have often felt like they weren't "necessary".

Simon is a very sweet Dom, when given a chance. I really adore him -- suit wearing, tea drinking, aristocratic deliciousness. Plus, he is kind of a bad ass.

Chelsea is a super smart chick that can hack anything and is light on the social skills. Her life experiences haven't exactly taught her that men can be good to have around, so she's pretty much just kept to herself and focused on computers.

I liked them together. Simon needs a woman that is willful and strong. Chelsea needs a man that will encourage her and support her. They both need to feel needed and wanted. So they have common ground and they will likely never have a dull moment.

A very enjoyable installment in this series.

Profile Image for Mamacita aka MawMaw .
394 reviews169 followers
March 25, 2022
Finally! We Finally got Simon & Chelsea book.




So... was it worth the wait?




Truthfully, I think the book would have been better without all the buildup. If you're going to lead the characters on that much hype...



If I hadn't been dying for their story, it would probably have been a 5* or at least a 4.5*. I think even if you would have given more of her back story of all the trauma she went from her dad It would have rated higher.


I more than just liked it. I just expected more. You did that to me Susan Stoker, so I'm removing a star.






The Next Book is Jesse's book. Don't fuck this one up!


105 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2022
Omg is all I can say! I wanted Chelsea and Simon's as badly as I wanted Ian's. This was no disappointment. So many twists and turns, hot and cold. Ugh it was perfection. 😍
Profile Image for Nichole.
350 reviews16 followers
August 20, 2014
I am always pretty aggravated when a character does a 180 on their plans due to a single conversation with someone else. Previously they had this super strongly held belief in X, but a 5 minute scolding later and they were all set to go with Y. It feels ... poorly plotted? Unlikely? Inconsistent? Meh.
Profile Image for Matthew Cross.
422 reviews39 followers
May 9, 2024
i have been waiting to read Chelsea's book for a while , shes fascinating , shes a hacker so every thing ( to me) is different about her , add how her father treated her when she was a child and how that makes her react to men in presnet time , how she reacts to simon in earlier books , to get to know what shes thinking is amazing.
an amazing start to the book , with how chelsea is , to ask simon for help must have took a lot of courage , and then what simon says to get that help 👀👀 , this book is so fast paced , and the steam , the way chelsea is , with how patient simon has been until now and what she says to try and hurry him up and take her 👀👀 and simon , who pretty much sticks to him self and the team , always dressed impeccably smart in suit and tie , who never talks about his family is going to be in for a shock . what you find out in this book , events that have been in play since the series began , things that ian finds out ! i thought that this was my favourite book but ... lexi some how makes me think that for all the books because already where i am in the next book you only love twice , the crazy thats happened 👀
and omg jesse , when he hulked out with his PTSD !!! 😮😮
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews92 followers
December 4, 2025
Simon has been drawn to Chelsea’s feisty personality since they met however all his attempts to get closer have been rebuffed. He wasn’t sure how to break through the walls that she created to distance herself from him until she comes to him looking for help to protect her from her past.

Chelsea has escaped her past, but the emotional and physical scars remain. She is genius when it comes to hacking however she has been forced to put that life on hold until her past resurfaces with a vengeance. Even though she finds Simon intriguing she wasn’t about to let him into her life until she needs help which he is willing to offer with a caveat.

Chelsea is a woman who has been shaped by her past which creates its own set of problems, but Simon is supportive, protective and loves her just the way she is as they take us on a suspenseful and romantic ride. Ryan West was a perfect choice to narrate as he brings out the humorous banter, the great chemistry and the intrigue of this entertaining story.
Profile Image for  Rosebud.
1,052 reviews194 followers
August 20, 2014
Chelsea Dennis has had to resign herself to being the sister-in-law of 'Satan' though she has to admit that Ian and her sister belong together. That would be fine if only 'Satan' and his demon sidekicks, who include one overbearing controlling British PITA, wouldn't get into HER business.

When a blast from her past resurfaces, Chelsea is forced to enlist Simon's help if she has any chance of surviving. But, will his terms, that are spelled out in an iron clad contract, be too much for her to handle?

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Simon Weston knew the importance of serving Queen and country which he did until a bungled mistake forced him to leave MI6 and sign on with the McKay-Taggart security firm. Though his life's not perfect, he has found a place where he can continue to fight the evils of the world and explore his sexual lifestyle as a Dom. When Chelsea shows up asking for his help Simon decides to mix business and pleasure to finally got Chelsea where he's always wanted her.

Little do the two realize that there are forces in play that could potentially alter the present and future of the world if allowed to go unchecked. And that Chelsea, otherwise known as The Broker, is a key player if that plan is to succeed. It's a true test if Chelsea and Simon can outwit this new evil or if Chelsea will be tempted to go over to the dark side......


I had waited for Love and Let Die which I felt would be a good way to end this series only to find that it needed to continue as Chelsea and Simon were the next couple I HAD to know about. Happy happy joy joy I was to finally get my grubby little paws on this book as soon as it was released.

Upfront. Lexi Blake writes stories that have twists and turns galore with a blindside or two which basically means her books will appeal to the thinking man/woman reader. She NEVER publishes a straightforward story line. Nope. She provides a total reading experience that challenges the reader to figure out where's she's headed only to pull the rug out in new and different directions when you think you have it figured out. And her final climatic scene? They're basically Columbo moments where you find out if you had it figured out early on or were fooled. It's for that reason that I'm a fan (which includes her Sophie Oak stories).

I loved the main characters Simon and Chelsea as they had been featured in short glimpses previously. The trick was to give them a story that lived up to that potential. I'm a sucker for an enemies to lovers premise (though that might be one sided and if you have read previous installments in this series you know which one I'm referring to) so the snarky sexual tension slant that was building was good stuff, if you know what I mean. When things finally slid into place, I was in reader heaven yet the author didn't cooperate as she threw in a few monkey wrenches that had me wondering if this installment would have a TBC (to be continued) ending. Sorry. Non-spoiler code of conduct. hehehe

As for the adult content. Strictly m-f with some sugarkink quality BDSM play action but Lexi knows how to give her readers what they want so be prepared for some serious sensual mind blowing action that will curl your toes. My only gripe (if you can call it that) is that I wanted more ....

A good time to bring up the secondary cast of characters. Jesse. That dude is working his way into my heart so I'm thrilled his story is next. There is one scene in this book that totally rocked when he and Ian got into it about his past and present. I did the mental equivalent of giving that scene a standing ovation. Many of the other characters from previous installments make cameo appearances to different degrees yet I do believe that if you haven't read any of the other installments you could read this one as a standalone. I did appreciate that Ian didn't steal this installment as when he's featured he pretty much becomes the focal point - hugs Ian :D

One last point I wanted to include. This book totally rocked for me. But. The one thing I did notice is that there were editorial issues. One very very non-spoiler example is that it's hard to remove a condom when there was no mention it had been placed in the first place....

I love love love this series and the reading adventure the author provided. Looking forward to You Only Love Twice which isn't due to come out til Feb/2015.
** sigh
Profile Image for Steph.
993 reviews89 followers
July 19, 2016
Mmmhmmm! Mama's got a new book boyfriend! Make sure you grab some tissues to wipe up the drool before you dig into this one!

Somebody wants Chelsea Dennis dead. Well, it's likely that a whole lot of somebody's want her out of the picture since she's an information broker on the dark web for more than a few unsavory characters. Out of options, Chelsea turns to McKay-Taggart Security's Simon Weston, the man who makes her body feel more in danger than any of her sketchy "clients" ever have.

Simon has been fascinated by the surly, broken Chelsea since he met her, and he wants nothing more than to have the brave, independent woman submit to him. Chelsea's childhood was the stuff of horror movies, but she's survived…so what if her world exists in the bowels of the dark web. She wants Simon fiercely, but with someone trying to kill her, there's no way she can be the meek little woman he needs. But Simon doesn't want to kill her spirit, just show her how to embrace her spirit and live a full and fulfilling life. Can the two of them learn to compromise, or will their budding relationship be over before it even starts?

I've been looking forward to Simon and Chelsea's story, and Ms. Blake didn't disappoint in A VIEW TO A THRILL, book 7 in the Masters and Mercenaries series. Simon is a fabulous character, he's the guy who gets tortured and bloodied and his first movement when getting free is to straighten his tie. He's got the British accent, the royal lineage, the intelligence and the looks, and he's a sweet guy (with a dominant streak) who only wants his woman to love him back. The depth of his character made him lovable rather than pathetic, and that totally could've happened with the crazy-cakes Chelsea in his life! Naïve but genius, Chelsea goes through stages of martyrdom and self-pity to go along with her god complex she throws out there occasionally. I should hate her, but Simon balanced her out nicely and I just drooled over their story.

The action was well done too, as usual! Ms. Blake has romantic suspense down to a science and I really feel sucked into the works and battling right along with the McKay-Taggart team. Ms. Blake also does BDSM-light like a BOSS too! Ropes, floggers and plugs, oh my! Thrown all together, and A VIEW TO A THRILL is up there for one of the best of the series.

Bottom Line: Ms. Blake can do no wrong, and I'll just reiterate the recommendation to get your dirty little paws on anything that this author releases. - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...

The Romance Review

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Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,712 reviews1,123 followers
April 21, 2025
My Review:

A View to a Thrill was the story that involves Chelsea and Simon. Simon was once a British agent but also has American roots and now works for the the Taggerts. Chelsea is a young woman who is emotionally lost. She is the daughter of a Russian Mob and was tortured and has a lame leg. She is prickly and on edge and doesn't know who to trust and has made some mistakes in her life. But Simon is a man that is willing to fight for her. When she finds a bomb on her porch and under her car, she comes to Simon for help, not wanting to drag all of Sanctum into her "drama". From the beginning she and Simon and with his partner Jesse, are on the run. There are multiple groups that are after them and they all know how important it is that they find out the source of the danger and eliminiate it. But there are some complications in and out of the bedroom.

A View to a Thrill is a story that will be tough for some readers and some readers probably won't mind it, it truly depends on how you view Chelsea. She is a tough nut to crack. Throughout the series since Charlotte's book, she is very unlikeable. She has her own set of rules, she doesn't like to be told what to do, she is stubborn and not willing to take care of herself and has major self worth issues. I really struggled with her character in the first half of the book, and then in the second half of the book I do think the hero could have been a bit more understanding. I did love that there was groveling from the heroine, she needed to do it. Its something I do respect about Lexi Blake.....when her heroine's do wrong, they have to atone for those wrongs (which is normal and healthy) and I love that she is willing to represent those aspects. I had such a ball of fun with this one here, it was a bit different than I was expecting if I am being honest. The author really kept me on my toes and I enjoyed the conclusion but what a teaser for the next book.....I might have to rearrange my TBR for it lol
296 reviews3 followers
October 25, 2019
This is the 7th book in the Masters and Mercenaries series. These should be read in order.

OMG, Simon sounds like such an English hunk. Someone I’d really like to know. It must be amazing to have someone risk their life for you and to do it in a three-piece suit. I liked reading about Simon’s and Chelsea’s childhood. The struggles they went through to become the people they are today was fun to read.

There was one part that I feel the author messed up on. At one point the author wrote making it sound like a character was dying but then literally the next paragraph this character wakes up. I don’t understand the point of the paragraph. I would have liked it better if there was a page or two between this character sounding like they died to when this character wasn’t dead. My thoughts were ‘OMG OMG’ to ‘that was lame’ within a matter of seconds. Other than that, this was a great book. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Profile Image for QuinnReads.
3,715 reviews205 followers
December 10, 2025
Lexi Blake Masters and Mercenaries bk 07 A View to

"I Love My Brit."

I loved Chelsea Dennis/Denisovitch and Simon Weston's installment. They're both broken in different yet very similar ways and how they manage their attraction while also trying to stay alive does make for some highly entertaining reading.

He only wanted one woman. He had since the moment he’d seen her.
-- Simon Weston

Both deserve a swift kick in the backside on occasion, but I loved how it all came together. Add in Jesse, Charlotte, Ian, and other members of the McKay-Taggart family and it lived up to my expectations!

I received an author's copy of the audio book. I do love the narrator, Ryan West, and his general presence in an audiobook. He's got some accent skills and simply does a good job. 🎧🩵🎧

Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

H = 30s?; h = 25
Profile Image for Aղցela W..
4,518 reviews319 followers
July 14, 2017
This book took me a day longer to read because of my kindle challenges "getting a new fire soon". I love reading Lexi Blake's books and I love reading this series this book had the danger and the kink of this series and I was so happy. Simon Weston grew up royal in a place where aristocracy still mattered. Serving Queen and country meant everything to him, until MI6 marked him as damaged goods and he left his home in disgrace. Ian Taggart showed him a better way to serve his fellow man and introduced him to Sanctum, a place to pursue his passion for Dominance and submission. Chelsea Dennis grew up a pawn to the Russian mob. Her father’s violent lessons taught her that monsters lurked inside every man and they should never be trusted. Hiding in the shadows, she became something that even the monsters would fear—an information broker who exposed their dirty secrets and toppled their empires. When here past comes calling Chelsea turns to Simon to keep her safe. Chelsea was really frustrating at times and I wanted to slap her. Simon has watched and wanted her for months, but she has always been cold as ice to him living behind her wall or her computer, now she has people coming after her wanting to pull her back into her old life as "The Broker". Chelsea is hunted by The Collective and The Agency and it's a race against time to find out who sent her the bomb and what was up with her friend Al. This book was well written like all of the books in this series and these two had some hot D/s scenes they were mad for each other. I was also glad to get in update on my favorite Dom Ian and Charlotte and I am happy for them. I love this series and I can't wait to read the next book in this series. If you like hot Alpha males with a lot of action and hot sex thrown into the mix than I recommend that you read this series.
Profile Image for Grace.
1,380 reviews44 followers
February 22, 2022
Chelsea is one of the more difficult heroines in the series, but I found her story very compelling and I really loved her and Simon together. Simon is one of my favorite heroes too, and I loved his partnership with Jesse and how everything with his family was handled. This one really seemed to open up the universe in terms of new characters and expanding relationships, and that was well done. I am especially interested to read more about

Reread 2/20/22: I feel like Simon and Chelsea, and by extension this book, are a bit underrated in the series. I stand by everything I said in my original review. This sets up the expansion of the world so nicely. I am wondering when we are going to get a novella about Simon's brother though. He clearly belongs to the Garden, and I am just saying, it feels very necessary.
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,439 followers
April 26, 2021
When I was first told of the Masters and Mercenaries series, I was skeptical in how a civilian defense contractor/private security firm could incorporate BDSM without it being ... clunky and ridiculous. I stand corrected, over and over again. When it comes to sexy kink, with a Glitterkink club, Ms. Blake delivers consistently and frequently. In book 7 of this series, it features another burned agent, this time from serving the UK in MI6.

To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website on or after April 29, 2021.

Welcome to My Dungeon
Profile Image for Trish R. Ali.
710 reviews18 followers
February 20, 2018
I'm kind of bummed that after 2 absolute great reads back-to-back, this book just took a nosedive for me. I was bored and yes, I skimmed through quite a few parts. I guess maybe because I couldn't quite relate to Chelsea? I like Simon just fine, I mean he's a Brit who wears the heck out of his suits so hell yeah, I like him just fine. I wanted a better heroine for him than Chelsea.

Oh well, hopefully the next book will be a winner for me.
Profile Image for Pamela.
88 reviews21 followers
August 21, 2014
FINALLY!!!!! I remember reading the very first masters & mercenaries. & falling in love with these character! 7 books later… nothing has changed if anything My.love has grown!! lexi you've once again out done yourself!!
Profile Image for WickedAddictons.
5 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2014
A View To A Thrill is Book 7 in the Series, If you haven't read the series I highly recommend it.  This is Simon and Chelsea's story.  This book is a bit different than the previous ones.   It's lighter on the BDSM and sex than the others. 

Simon Weston with his British accent, aristocratic manner and debonair style; dangerous killer or big bad Dom isn't what comes to mind.
" I don't get my suit dirty because I don't have to to take you down ."


A perfect example of Simon at his best.  From Love and Let Die :

There was a strangled scream and the sound of a body hitting the water...

Simon hauled himself onto the ramp, standing gracefully and straightening his tie. The fucker even swam in a tie. He slicked back his hair and sounded as though he’d come for tea instead of just drowned a man. “Sorry I’m late.” 

Chelsea Dennis is stubborn, argumentative, unaffectionate, often referred to as "the bitch from hell" or "raging bitch" all wrapped up in a fierce little petite package. 



She trusts one person in this world, her sister Charlotte.  Charlotte has protected Chelsea all her life.  Chelsea is trying to become less dependent on her sister since  Charlotte has begun her life with Satan.. errr, uhh, Ian, and they are trying to start a family.

Because if this desire to distance herself from Charlotte , she has found herself in quite the predicament. Someone is trying to kill her.



That leaves one person for her to turn to for protection.

"..your contract?  Let's Have it.  How much do you charge by the hour?" It couldn't be too much more than what Ian charged.


He was perfectly calm. "That's my requirement for protecting you.  I don't want money.  You'll sign a contract making me your Master or I can call you brother-in-law back.  How is the broccoli beef? I've never tried it before.  Would  you like a glass of wine?"


There's just one problem.
She is a twenty-seven year old virgin.


Chelsea and Simon are very unique, their stories are not quite like anyone else's. Their relationship has many obstacles to overcome before it can fully develop and you get a front row seat. One thing is for sure, they have been stalking each other since they met. 

He only wanted one woman.  He had since the moment he's seen her.



He was her kryptonite, her weakness.


Kiss Me."
A quick brush and she pulled away. "There."
"Now it's my turn."

"If you want to arrest him for something, arrest him for stealing my panties and giving them to a raccoon."


Then all hell breaks loose

This book is definitely full of danger and action.  In the last book we got a glimpse at Simon's cousins, we get a LOT more of them.
Ten makes his appearance, bringing a few blonde surprises.   

There may not be as much sex in this book but what is there is HAWT.  It does not disappoint.

"Is that good dirty talk?" He had trouble answering since all his available blood had just rushed to his cock. "Yes, I think that will do."


We get a lot more of awesome crazy Jesse.


Jesse leaned over, his voice low.  "It's good not to be the dumbest person in the room for once."



There are so many new developments plot twists and turns.
Chelsea and Ian even have their own special moment.



The Ending?




The Epilogue.  A little of this:

and then


until February ....UGH!!!  I love her books and can't wait to devour the next one.



http://wickedaddictions.blogspot.com/


Profile Image for sexy romance reads.
213 reviews5 followers
December 19, 2021
MY REVIEW:

OH. MY. GOD. I was waiting for this book for so long. Simon was introduced in book three “A Dom Is Forever” and Chelsea was introduced in her sisters book “Love And Let Die”.

When Chelsea came into the picture, Simon was in charge of watching her and making sure she was safe and that she behaved herself.

Even though I loved the book that came after Love and Let Die I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t Chelsea and Simon’s story.

So when this book finally came out I was so excited and couldn’t wait to finish it. I think I read it in a couple of days and that was only because I had thing like work that got in my way.

Chelsea and Simon have been so hurt and feel so unworthy. Chelsea was brutally hurt by her own father and any man that came into her life after that. She has trust issues and doesn’t understand why Simon would want someone like her. He so proper and attractive and she was clumsy and a hacker.

Simon understands that him and Chelsea have more in common than she wants to admit. He also knows a bit of family pain, although it was not as brutal as what Chelsea went through. Simon is so attracted to Chelsea and he cant help himself, but she keeps brushing him off.

“Indulgent. Loving. Kind. I want a sub who obeys me in the field because she understands I would never let anyone hurt her. I want the play to just be play. I want a sub who trusts me with her body, who wants me and not just some faceless Dom who’ll work her over and then walk away. And I certainly don’t want to be a curiosity.”

This book was everything I wanted it to be. I feel more in love with Simon and I really felt Chelsea’s pain for everything she’s had to deal with.

I felt how much Simon wanted her and wanted to care for her and I was annoyed when Chelsea kept pushing him away, but I understood why she did it.

“But the one thing you won’t get is my cock. You won’t get that because I’m not going to take your virginity because you’re curious. I’ll take it when you can’t think about anything but me. I’ll take it when you cry out my name and tell me there’s no other man you’ll ever love the way you love me. Then and only then will I take what belongs to me. Am I understood?”

Simon was just as swoon worthy as I thought he would be. Letting her know right away that she cant just use him for sex and get away with it. He wants more and he intends to get it.

This story takes use back to Europe. Italy specifically, this was such a romantic place for them to be.

“The boat floated toward the bridge where it was legend that if lovers kissed under the bridge at sunset in a gondola, they would be together forever.”

I definitely was not expecting the suspense part of the book. I had no clue until it all unraveled. Lexi is great at writing suspense and romance.

Chelsea and Simon together was too hot to handle! Under that perfect exterior was a badass Dom. And underneath Chelsea’s hard ass surface there was a sub who wanted to please her master. Master Simon.

I love these characters and that they were able to open up to each other and be what the other needed even though they had been hurt before or made mistakes.

I also love that we also got to learn a little bit more about Jesse who was introduced in book four On Her Master’s Secret Service. And we got to see his and Simon’s relationship, which was so cool. They are two are completely different people who have an amazing friendship. I can’t wait to read his book.

And of course Ian was there to meddle and Charlotte was there for her sister. I felt that it was only appropriate that they both are in this book since this is about Chelsea.

This book was everything I wanted and more we finally got to see Chelsea let down her guard a bit and let Simon in, and we finally got to see the real Simon.

WOULD I RECOMMEND:

I would give this book way more than 5 stars if I could! I couldn’t wait for this book and I loved every minute of it! These might be two of my favorite characters.

The hurt and pain that I can always feel with Ms. Blake’s characters was there and they way they both evolved through the book was exactly what I was looking for.

Lexi Blake always develops her characters so well every time I read a book and get a glimpse of a new character I want to learn everything about them and what makes them tic.

And with each new book she always delivers. I am always anticipating each new book and best believe they are always an automatic preorder.
Profile Image for Chris.
323 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2019
Happy Chelsea and Simon are together, but didn’t give me the feels like the others.
Profile Image for Christine.
1,889 reviews
August 24, 2014
I've enjoyed reading Blake's "Masters and Mercenaries" series, and had been waiting forever for "A View to a Thrill" to be released.

Simon Weston -- good-looking, suave, and related to royalty and Texas oil millionaires, is so lonely. Chelsea Dennis keeps the world at a distance with a barbed sense of humor and a cement shell around her emotions. Except at Sanctum, where she can embrace the pain of her past, especially when she plays with Simon. So when Chelsea's threatened, she finds herself running to Simon for help. As they chase down the mystery that's threatening Chelsea, they fall hard for each other, but find it difficult to let down their barriers.

I loved Simon. He's such a good guy! He's kind, decent, caring, hot, sexy, and all around pretty badass. Remote at times...absolutely. Difficult to read...certainly. But he has the White Knight thing down, and desperately wants to help Chelsea.

Chelsea..Hmmmm...She's one of those annoying heroines who agrees to what the hero proposes, and then refuses to cooperate, supposedly to protect him. I got really tired of her nonsense, and if I was Simon I'd be outta there. On the other hand, she's smart, brave, and loves her sister...and she's great when she's snarky.

And....I couldn't figure out why Blake decides to have Simon use a BDSM contract to convince Chelsea that she needs to stay with him for protection. It seemed totally bogus, since Chelsea basically ignores it, except when she feels like using it for leverage on those occasions when she decides she wants to have sex with Simon. I'm just not sure what it added to the story.

Otherwise, this is just a treat to read. There's plenty of action and suspense, and some surprises as well. I can't wait to learn more about Ten. And I wonder what's up with Jesse and Phoebe..she seems sketchy. And what will Tag do now that he's discovered his extended family?

Please Lexi, write faster!
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
August 19, 2014
Shadow‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

5 STARS

Review copy provided for a honest review


Author Lexie Blake has been teasing readers over the past several books in the Masters and Mercenaries series about Chelsea and Simon. In A View To A Thrill, she delivers their story with her usual flare for adventure, sizzling sex, pathos and humor.
Chelsea, damaged physically and mentally by her father, runs straight to Simon when someone tries to kill her. Simon, who has lusted after Chelsea since they met, rejoices at the opportunity to spend time with her, even on the run.
But the people trying to kill Chelsea are determined, and Simon ends up having to kill two of them, who turn out to be undercover cops. In a convoluted plot, Simon, Chelsea, and Simon’s partner Jesse end up as prisoners of the CIA and Tennessee Smith tries to recruit Chelsea into the Agency.
Chelsea and Simon finally consummate their passion but through a series of misunderstandings, end up estranged emotionally. Can this unlikely duo overcome their pasts, the present danger and meddling government agencies to form a lasting relationship?
This was a thrilling adventure story combined with a tender love story. I liked Chelsea’s snarky attitude and the way she finally realized how much her past was holding her back. I loved Simon and his patience with Chelsea as well as his insight into how she was feeling. His upper class British attitude combined with his western cowboy persona are delightful.
If you like spy games, sexy love stories and funny characters, run, don’t walk to read this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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