The Sentinel

Dominion Hall #2

by Jack Flynn, Lainey Ray, Jacqui Winters (Narrator)

Marcus Dane is danger incarnate—a billionaire ex-soldier with a body built for sin and a gaze that promises ruin. In the sultry depths of Charleston, he’s the silent sentinel of Dominion Hall, guarding secrets that could burn his empire to ash.

Enter Claire Dixon, a relentless podcast journalist chasing the truth behind the Folly Beach Pier explosion—a blaze that wasn’t an accident. She’s all sharp edges and fearless fire, and she’s about to ignite everything Marcus controls.

He warns her to back off, pinning her against walls with gravel-rough threats and a touch that sears. She dares him to try harder, digging deeper into a war she doesn’t understand—one that’s already claimed lives. But when their clashes turn to molten nights, enemies become lovers, and Marcus’s possessive need to protect her battles Claire’s hunger for answers, the lines blur. Department 77 is closing in, and every kiss, every secret, could be their last.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Spicy

Audible Audio

First published April 8, 2025

About the author

Jack Flynn co-writes dark billionaire military romance with Lainey Ray.

Jack is a former military man with a sharp mind, a devilish smirk, and a habit of taking control—in fiction and otherwise. He likes his books like he likes his combat strategies: fast-paced, explosive, and leaving no survivors. When he’s not crafting tactical missions and deadly antiheroes, you can find him reading action thrillers, watching war movies, or engaging in other kinds of action we won’t discuss here.

Jack brings the precision, the danger, and the raw intensity to every Jack & Lainey book. He knows exactly how to build a hero who commands a room, claims a woman, and takes down anyone who dares to stand in his way.

Rumor has it, Jack never loses control … unless Lainey’s involved.

Reviews

[Laurie]

I honestly don't understand the high ratings, I almost DNFd so many times.

25%
The not really spoilers:

He is the most boring militant ever.

They are hot for each other, but only plan to use each other as a means to an end, that's it, they swear.

Oh, and in case you didn't catch it, he's one of 7 brothers.

50%
He's in really 'deep' now, as he tells us at the end of each of his chapters.

She follows the dark and dangerous Marcus through a secret tunnel for sexy time, but practically causes a car accident to get away from him later because she's so scared after someone hands her a note saying his family is all liars. WTF??

At least we have a couple of decent spicy scenes.

75%
They are magically working together now, and if you didn't read book one, you start to get caught up.

His reverence for her brains and beauty are almost too much - 20 mentions of it is more than enough. Isn't he supposed to be murdery and depraved? Only grudgingly admitting that shit?

Spoiler - Her friend is dead, and not once does she bemoan the fact they didn't do anything the night before, like she asked him to, to prevent it.

Number of times Department 77 is mentioned - 5000?

100%
At last, some great action, and I don't hate both MCs for it.

I don't feel the love, but I may be too jaded at this point in the book.

Finally, neither of these authors has ever gotten spicy with bruised ribs, never mind broken ones. There is no flipping happening, there is no taking of another's body weight - or even snuggling - she's not getting on her hands and knees for him.

Ugh!!!

This was definitely not the Navy Seal / 50 Shades crossover event BookToK promised me.

Also, what happened with Sasha? Why didn't we get at least a flash of her sass or acknowledgment of her and Marcus in book 1?

And I guess Izzy left her personality back there, too?

Where's Will?

The second star is for myself, for finishing.

[Mel]

Excellent for free!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🤌🏼❤️‍🔥

[Dianne Smith]

Another book in the series draws you further into the mystery surrounding Dominion Hall and its occupants. Now we add journalist Claire Dixon to the mix. She doesn’t play safe, Claire will dig deep until she finds the truth, and she’s after the truth about why the Folly Beach Pier was blown sky-high! Marcus knows who she is; they call her the best of her generation, but he and his brothers do not want her digging into their business.

I absolutely loved the storyline and I am so impressed with how well the story was laid out. The authors did a superb job. This series is very well written and continuously captures my attention.

I highly recommend this series!

[Nikki Brackett]

Diva at her finest

Holy Smokes- I want to be Claire when I grow up!!!! Man, she was fabulous with her girl power. She is what all women need to strive for. Her stubborness was fun to watch- especially going up against Marcus but when stood up to him- showed her power- I knew this book was going to be fantastic!!! I was not disappointed- I loved how strong Claire was and how she just took control and brought o’ Marcus to his knees….. I fell in love with Marcus, too. He just grabs you and won’t let go. Marcus is the silent- quiet- but powerful type. But when he loves he loves hard!!!

[Christine Logan]

3.25 ⭐️’s / 3 🌶’s

This is book 2 in the series and it is Marcus’s story. There are 7 brothers in the family and they all work together for a company they created that does security/ secret military type jobs. There is an underlying bigger mystery that is progressing in each book and that is fun to follow and keeps you as a reader coming back for more books.
The female main character in this story is a crime solving podcaster and has set her sights on an explosion that happened in the first book that she can tell is being covered up. She meets Marcus and they are at odds at first, and then find themselves on the same side fighting a common enemy.
This book was more graphic and a bit more violent than the previous book so reader beware. I felt like the MMC and FMC could have used more time and interaction to have reached the love level they reached in the book. It felt too quick for me and too glossed over in an attempt to move the storyline along. Regardless I am invested in the bigger story and will read book 3.

[Donna Goretski]

The Sentinel picks up the Dominion Hall storyline with confidence, carrying the emotional weight of Dane’s father’s arc while opening the door to a new MMC and MFC who immediately feel essential to the world. The transition is impressively smooth — no jarring shift, no loss of momentum. Instead, the authors weave the new romance directly into the existing series arc, creating a layered story that feels both fresh and deeply connected.

The new couple brings their own spark, danger, and emotional stakes, and their storyline intertwines with the main trope in a way that enriches both threads. The pacing is tight, the tension is steady, and the overarching plot continues to build toward something big.

A strong, engaging installment that expands the Dominion Hall universe while keeping its heart firmly intact. Fans of the series will be very satisfied.

[Jessie Wallace]

3.5 ⭐️… maybe close to 4? UGH. I won’t lie, I almost gave up on this book. Then the masquerade ball happened and I was all in… then I was almost out again but then it caught my attention and I liked it a lot through the end. I also told myself I wasn’t going to continue the series but what’s currently on my kindle, the next book 😂 The book (especially the beginning) was so repetitive. Like literally the same phrases during and at the end of multiple chapters?! For example, “I’m so deep” was said by Marcus multiple times and was at the end of like 5 chapters in a row. THIS ONE BOTHERED ME because it should have been “I’m IN so deep” and every time I read it, I got more annoyed lol.
BUT, here I am ready to read the next one so I guess the book pulled through haha.

[Linda]

A Force to Be Reckoned With 🔥

Marcus Dane is a force to be reckoned with, and Claire Dixon is not one to back down. Their chemistry is undeniable, with banter, personalities, and sexual tension that perfectly captures their intense relationship. The story continues the theme of Department 77, with a mysterious group causing chaos and destruction. But Marcus and Claire are fighters, and their love rises out of the darkness. I was eager to see if this book would live up to the first, and I struggled with the first few chapters but after that I was hooked. I'm enjoying reading the Dominion Hall series and excited for the next story. 🤓

[Katelyn Trout]

The audio book version of this book annoyed the hell out of me. The female voice actress tried too hard and the male voice did not match the "Surfer boy" vibe they claim the male lead had, instead he sounded like he should be narrating the rancher in an old western. The book itself was decent with the exception of the Female lead getting her ass handed to her, then still being down for some very passionate love making. I understand it's a work of fiction but in no world are you getting your ribs cracked one day and then having your bones jumped the next.

[Sharon]

Meet the second Dane brother, Marcus.
When Claire, a podcaster arrives in Charleston, Marcus decides to "use" her to unearth information on Department 77. Then her producer and friend Diego is found dead in the hotel pool. Alas, their instant connection, quick to develop sexual relationship and desire to find Diego's killer has them joining forces. Claire uses her podcast to unearth the mayor who has disappeared and her connections to Department 77. But, then Claire is abducted and Marcus goes all out to find her.

[Whitney]

2.5 stars. Thank fuck the main characters in this were better than the first. I really liked Claire & Marcus the plot was a bit better in this one, kept you on your toes a bit wanting to find out what was happening. But I still hate the insta love this book was like in the span of a week maybe? It doesn’t say but it doesn’t seem very long. Am I gonna have to read all these books to get to the point of department 77 cause RIP to my brain if so.

[Sarah]

Gripping, Hard to Put Down, But Only A 4 For Me.

The series is good so far. Great storyline and characters. I can't wait to uncover all the secrets. However, on the same note the repetitive inner monologs are annoying. The first half of each chapter repeats what just happened in the previous chapter only in the other person's pov. I have a feeling the rest of the books will be this way, but I'm in to deep to quit now.

[Mskalola]

Love, trust, belongings

This series takes you away. The broken family , the love that they find. The protection they give. The mystery of it all, how it plays out. It is definitely a page-turner.I can't wait for the next book. I literally read almost to a day. The authors have you right there, standing next to them. The pain they feel you feel , the love they feel, i feel. I cried, I laughed. I can't wait to find out how these end. Thank you for taking me away.

[Dawn Leister]

My newest addiction

Wow! Totally worth the read! The authors combined high paced action with very intense pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed the “push and pull “ between Marcus and Claire. I could not put the book down. It combines incredible intrigue with powerful character development. You feel like you are being let in on something private and priceless. Looking forward to Book 3.

[Sara Duran]

I did not like how easily Marcus was ok with using Claire to flush out who was behind Department 77. I think I like the FMC, at least so far better than the MMC. The story line is pretty ok, get some answers but have a lot more questions. It is pretty spicy, but I felt like it happened at inappropriate times.

[Charli Mae]

This book follows Marcus and Claire. Claire is a internet reporter. She has come to Charleston to uncover the story behind the Dane brothers. Marcus thinks he's gonna play her and send her on a different trail. He ends up obsessed with her. I love her producer/ friend Diego. I also loved her telling the bad guys enforcer that he hits like a bi*ch.

[Elizabeth]

It was a good book but lacking a little. Felt some repetitiveness from the first one. (The scout) overall liked the characters and the plot. Was super sad about a character that died. Easy quick read. Especially in between my longer reads. Listened to on audible and did not like the country accent of Marcus.

[Whitney]

Yes, it’s fast paced, so a fast read. Yes, the passion is fire, spice, and consuming. Love that, but can we please get the authors a thesaurus?!?! The favorite word is “wrecked” in this book. There were several other repetitive phrases, but that word irked me the most. To the point I almost DNF’d the book.

[Deb Hughes]

Incredible book series!

Wow…action, sizzle, danger with several brawny brothers in one family! These books are thrilling to say the least and hard to but down. Being a military security company is an understatement. They are all gods with muscles and crazy, unbelievable skills!! Very protective!

[Susan]

This is another well written book in this series. The characters, the suspense, the action, and the romance all combine to make this a very entertaining book from start to finish. I am really enjoying this series. (There is some graphic violence and steamy sex in this book.)

[Heidi Foraker]

Truly an enjoyable series

I found this series 2 days ago and in those 2 days, I have read the 1st 2 books. I have truly enjoyed them. There is just the right amount of everything in these books. I look forward to seeing where books 3 takes Dane clan.

[Jennifer Loschiavo]

Again… audiobook worth it!!!! Let’s just say id pick the silver one… iykyk… i want to binge this series so bad but theres no more audio books and i am kind of addicted to the narrators voices AND the characters stories… and the spice GREAT spice…

[JoAnna VanDorn]

Idk who I love more in this book Marcus or Claire lol if you thought Isabel was feisty in book one then I’d like to welcome you to meet the lady who upped her lol

And Marcus was just as protective as Ryker, but would you expect any less from ex military brothers??

Spice level is a single pepper

[Ann M Dearnley]

Never a dull moment!

Second book in the series and I didn't think it could top the first one but it sure came close!
What a great read, couldn't put it down.
Looking forward to the next!

[Mandy Kero]

holy steaming hotness!

This book is an amazing second book in this series!
The characters are very different but likable, there’s sadness, anger, and control issues. This book’s description of Charleston makes me feel like I could see the businesses and house if I visited.

[Sara Mouriquand]

I did enjoy Clare in this book but Marcus was just okay. Could have been that I did not like the male narrator. I liked how strong Clare was. Similar to book one this one was just okay. I did enjoy how it picked up right after book one and continued the story. More questions answered and such.

[Jason Messer]

So I actually liked the book better than the first book. I just couldn't stand the mm character. I also listened to this book and hated the mm character voice. I didn't fit the character, to me, at all.

[Ron Slatton]

Intriguing fast paced fun series

Whoa 7 brothers and each one a force to be reckoned with! The mystery of their father and a huge conspiracy keeps you reading and the falling hard and fast couple in each story keeps the Charleston heat high. 🔥🔥🔥

[EvilAntie Jan]

tantalizing couple

This is a very sophisticated couple in the second book and I so enjoyed them together. The underlining threat or theme throughout all these books continues as it’s building to a crescendo.

[Vivianne TM]

Very meh. I picked up this one hopping the over all plot would interest me more but the truth is I don't care much about this series, the characters or the plot as a whole. So stopping here.

(((Another billionaire soldier. This time falling in love with a reporter.)))