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Masters and Mercenaries #10
From Sanctum with Love
Psychologist Kai Ferguson has had his eye on Kori Williamson for a long time. His assistant is everything he’s ever wanted in a partner—smart, caring, witty, and a bit of a masochist. More than a little, actually, but that’s the problem. Kori won’t admit her own desires. She’s afraid of him and what he has to offer. Luckily for her, helping patients face their fears is one of his specialties.
Kori knows she wants Kai. Her boss is the most amazing man she’s ever met. She’s also smart enough to stay away from him. Having been down this road before, she knows it only leads to heartache. She’s just found a place where she can belong. Another failed relationship is the last thing she needs. It’s better to guard her heart and let Kai think she’s frightened of his dark, dominant nature.
When Kai is recruited for an operation with McKay-Taggart, everything is turned upside down. Kai’s brother, international superstar Jared Johns, is in town and Kai must juggle his family issues along with a desperate hunt for a serial killer. The investigation throws Kori and Kai together, and they quickly discover the chemistry between them is undeniable. But even if their new found love can survive his secrets and her lies, it may not be enough to save them both from a killer’s twisted obsession.
Kori knows she wants Kai. Her boss is the most amazing man she’s ever met. She’s also smart enough to stay away from him. Having been down this road before, she knows it only leads to heartache. She’s just found a place where she can belong. Another failed relationship is the last thing she needs. It’s better to guard her heart and let Kai think she’s frightened of his dark, dominant nature.
When Kai is recruited for an operation with McKay-Taggart, everything is turned upside down. Kai’s brother, international superstar Jared Johns, is in town and Kai must juggle his family issues along with a desperate hunt for a serial killer. The investigation throws Kori and Kai together, and they quickly discover the chemistry between them is undeniable. But even if their new found love can survive his secrets and her lies, it may not be enough to save them both from a killer’s twisted obsession.
362 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2016
418 people are currently reading
1588 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
182 books6,379 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
February 17, 2016
4 Stars
Lexi Blake's romances are an addiction I never want a cure from. I don't care how many books this woman writes in this series because I will read each and every single one of them with the fervor of a kid at a candy store for the very first time. Yes. They're that good. Her Masters and Mercenaries has been my biggest addiction for years now. And with ten novels into the series, I still hope it never ends. Each book continues to be just as good if not better than the last; keeping me on the edge of my seat one minute, and uncomfortably squirming in it and fanning myself in the next. It's the perfect combination of romance and suspense, espionage and action, all topped with sizzling hot BDSM that together makes for one unputdownable read.
After the events of Master No, there's one book I've been practically salivating to get my hands on. But of course, Lexi being the sadist that she must truly be, she'll just keep dangling that carrot in front of me for at least another book. And I'll just keep frothing at the mouth for it like a rabid bunny because GIMME.
While this book was still as action packed and entertaining as it's predecessors, it was also quite different too. Yes, the team of McKay-Taggart is still hunting the shadowy Collective and trying to find those responsible for the death of their two team members during the op that went to hell. But this is not the focus of this book. Instead you get the mystery of a serial killer all tied in with the story of the resident psychologist, Kai and his secretary, Kori. Admittedly, Kai never piqued my interest much in the previous books. Sure he raised a mild curiosity, but it wasn't that I'll-die-if-I-don't-get-it-soon kind of need. But that certainly changed when I got a true sense of the delicious sadist that this man is at his very core.
Kori is a masochist that's been hiding her true nature for years after a relationship almost cost her everything that she is. She knows who Kai is and what his kinks are, but she knows she can never show him her true self because he'll demand nothing short of everything.
When an FBI investigation into a serial killer forces a movie star into their midst, things begin to get sticky. The fact that the movie star also happens to be Kai's estranged brother certainly doesn't help matters. The investigation throws Kori and Kai together and it's not long before their desires get too much for either one of them to deny.
Kori and Kai together burned up the pages. I loved them as individual characters but I absolutely adored them as a couple. They may not have had a strong presence in the previous books, but they were still a dynamic couple in their own. Sadism isn't typically my cuppa either, but something about just did it for me here. Possibly because Kai was such a great balance of loving and sweet with that demanding Dom persona with his sadistic urges.
While Kori is a true sub and masochist, emotionally she was one of the strongest heroines. I loved her sass and smart mouth. The girl could take hits and keep coming back swinging and I couldn't get enough of her.
There's a lot of things happening in this book and all of them tie together for quite a few twists. There's a few secondary characters introduced that I'm hoping will be getting a book, and one that I already know will (and I'm itching to get my hands on). We also get some more Case and you get to meet the heroine for his book which certainly makes for an interesting combination. I can't wait to see how that turns out. And of course there's also Erin and you know who that I'm hoping will follow short after because I can't take much longer for that.
From Sanctum With Love didn't feel like it fit the series at first. I kept thinking maybe it should have been a novella as some of the others less dynamic couples from Sanctum have been. But the more I read, the more I understood the need for this book. It served as a powerful transition to quite a few plot twists, new character introductions and a great story of it's own. I couldn't stop reading it. And while I do wish it was Case or my beloved , I loved every single page of this. If you haven't read this amazing series yet, I can't recommend it enough. But do yourself a favor and read it in order, because while each book focuses on a different couple and their HEA, the story ARC continues throughout the series and you'd be missing out on the full effect of it by not reading it in order.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don't share without permission
Find me on:
He wanted to tie her up in ropes and contracts and legal bindings. He wanted to possess her, to own a piece of her soul and give her a part of his.
Lexi Blake's romances are an addiction I never want a cure from. I don't care how many books this woman writes in this series because I will read each and every single one of them with the fervor of a kid at a candy store for the very first time. Yes. They're that good. Her Masters and Mercenaries has been my biggest addiction for years now. And with ten novels into the series, I still hope it never ends. Each book continues to be just as good if not better than the last; keeping me on the edge of my seat one minute, and uncomfortably squirming in it and fanning myself in the next. It's the perfect combination of romance and suspense, espionage and action, all topped with sizzling hot BDSM that together makes for one unputdownable read.
After the events of Master No, there's one book I've been practically salivating to get my hands on. But of course, Lexi being the sadist that she must truly be, she'll just keep dangling that carrot in front of me for at least another book. And I'll just keep frothing at the mouth for it like a rabid bunny because GIMME.
While this book was still as action packed and entertaining as it's predecessors, it was also quite different too. Yes, the team of McKay-Taggart is still hunting the shadowy Collective and trying to find those responsible for the death of their two team members during the op that went to hell. But this is not the focus of this book. Instead you get the mystery of a serial killer all tied in with the story of the resident psychologist, Kai and his secretary, Kori. Admittedly, Kai never piqued my interest much in the previous books. Sure he raised a mild curiosity, but it wasn't that I'll-die-if-I-don't-get-it-soon kind of need. But that certainly changed when I got a true sense of the delicious sadist that this man is at his very core.
Kori is a masochist that's been hiding her true nature for years after a relationship almost cost her everything that she is. She knows who Kai is and what his kinks are, but she knows she can never show him her true self because he'll demand nothing short of everything.
Yes. She was terrified of him. He was everything she couldn't have...
When an FBI investigation into a serial killer forces a movie star into their midst, things begin to get sticky. The fact that the movie star also happens to be Kai's estranged brother certainly doesn't help matters. The investigation throws Kori and Kai together and it's not long before their desires get too much for either one of them to deny.
Do you want a sweet lover?"
"No, Sir."
"Do you want me to worship you with kisses and gentle caresses?"
"No, Kai. I don't want that."
"What do you want, sub?"
"I want you to hurt me."
Kori and Kai together burned up the pages. I loved them as individual characters but I absolutely adored them as a couple. They may not have had a strong presence in the previous books, but they were still a dynamic couple in their own. Sadism isn't typically my cuppa either, but something about just did it for me here. Possibly because Kai was such a great balance of loving and sweet with that demanding Dom persona with his sadistic urges.
While Kori is a true sub and masochist, emotionally she was one of the strongest heroines. I loved her sass and smart mouth. The girl could take hits and keep coming back swinging and I couldn't get enough of her.
"You're a bitch.
Kori sighed. "Yeah, I've heard that before. And now I'm bored again. Scurry off, sad woman, I'm not sure you've got something to do with your time."
There's a lot of things happening in this book and all of them tie together for quite a few twists. There's a few secondary characters introduced that I'm hoping will be getting a book, and one that I already know will (and I'm itching to get my hands on). We also get some more Case and you get to meet the heroine for his book which certainly makes for an interesting combination. I can't wait to see how that turns out. And of course there's also Erin and you know who that I'm hoping will follow short after because I can't take much longer for that.
From Sanctum With Love didn't feel like it fit the series at first. I kept thinking maybe it should have been a novella as some of the others less dynamic couples from Sanctum have been. But the more I read, the more I understood the need for this book. It served as a powerful transition to quite a few plot twists, new character introductions and a great story of it's own. I couldn't stop reading it. And while I do wish it was Case or my beloved , I loved every single page of this. If you haven't read this amazing series yet, I can't recommend it enough. But do yourself a favor and read it in order, because while each book focuses on a different couple and their HEA, the story ARC continues throughout the series and you'd be missing out on the full effect of it by not reading it in order.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Graphic is stock purchased and created by me for DGR blog. Please don't share without permission
Find me on:
February 21, 2016
Kori ran from her life in Hollywood when it all got to be too much. She's much safer from emotional pain being a secretary for Kai Ferguson, a psychologist that works out of a BDSM club. Crazy, right? But for Kori, it's the perfect escape seeing as she's a masochist. She hides that part of herself from her friends, and definitely from her boss, though, because she's afraid of being hurt again.
Kai has had his eye on his secretary for awhile, but he's too afraid to try anything with her since he thinks he isn't what she needs. But when the Feds need his help catching a serial killer, who they happen to think is his brother, it leads to both Kai and Kori's past coming back, and pushes them together. Soon they realize that the secrets they were both hiding, make them closer than they ever thought.
I can sometimes get bored with a series once it goes on for too many books, but this is the tenth book and the series is still going strong. Each book focuses mainly on the two important characters so there isn't any going back to catch up with old characters, that frankly, after their book is done, I don't care about anymore. I think that's why this is one of my favorite series and this author is an automatic read for me.
This series is always very action packed and suspenseful, and while this book was the same in that aspect, it was also very different at times. McKay-Taggert is still a big part of the story, but not as focused on like in previous books. We still got to see the team kicking some ass, but it was more focused on the mystery of the killer, and Kai and Kori figuring out their relationship.
I really liked the characters, probably more than I thought I would, and I enjoyed getting to know them more. Both Kai and Kori have been in the earlier books but we never knew much about them, so I really liked seeing their relationship develop and learning more about their characters. They were both interesting, and had me wanting more of them until the very end of the book.
Overall, I loved this book and it was a great addition to this series. There's one person's story that I am dying for so I was a little disappointed when I learned that it was Kai and Kor's book next, but now that I've read it, I'm happy that it was. But it did get me ten times more excited for the upcoming books.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Kai has had his eye on his secretary for awhile, but he's too afraid to try anything with her since he thinks he isn't what she needs. But when the Feds need his help catching a serial killer, who they happen to think is his brother, it leads to both Kai and Kori's past coming back, and pushes them together. Soon they realize that the secrets they were both hiding, make them closer than they ever thought.
I can sometimes get bored with a series once it goes on for too many books, but this is the tenth book and the series is still going strong. Each book focuses mainly on the two important characters so there isn't any going back to catch up with old characters, that frankly, after their book is done, I don't care about anymore. I think that's why this is one of my favorite series and this author is an automatic read for me.
This series is always very action packed and suspenseful, and while this book was the same in that aspect, it was also very different at times. McKay-Taggert is still a big part of the story, but not as focused on like in previous books. We still got to see the team kicking some ass, but it was more focused on the mystery of the killer, and Kai and Kori figuring out their relationship.
I really liked the characters, probably more than I thought I would, and I enjoyed getting to know them more. Both Kai and Kori have been in the earlier books but we never knew much about them, so I really liked seeing their relationship develop and learning more about their characters. They were both interesting, and had me wanting more of them until the very end of the book.
Overall, I loved this book and it was a great addition to this series. There's one person's story that I am dying for so I was a little disappointed when I learned that it was Kai and Kor's book next, but now that I've read it, I'm happy that it was. But it did get me ten times more excited for the upcoming books.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2016
4.5* for you, Lexi Blake STARS!!
You know, I couldn't keep my hands off from all Lexi Blake series especially this one. There are so many BDSM books for me but one of the suspense I'm craving for. After what's left from Master No (which is disappointed me very much), I'm so surprised to see Kai's story. Honestly, I didn't feel connected with him along the series, maybe because he isn't an agent or McKay-Taggart?
Kai Ferguson is a famous sadist in Sanctum and an amazing psychologist. When his past came for 'asking' help and forgiveness, he shoved it away. He didn't want anything to do with his brother, Jared. But the thing is more complicated than Jared's new movie who needs him to learn about BDSM. There is a killer hiding in the crews and Jared is one of the main suspect. Kori Williamson has been Kai's assistant for a long time before left her old life in LA. Her attraction towards Kai couldn't be denied anymore but they need to reminds professional, she said to herself.
I never found Kai and Kori are interesting but they made it as the main book. Surprise! It seems Kai is the only person who isn't agent and field person. His job mainly in Sanctum for screening new members. I didn't know much about Kai and Kori beyond their job because they rarely made appearance. They're lusting after each other but never make a move. It was an interesting case when Lexi put this couple as the main character because they're fresh addition with so much potential especially Kai.
I only found out Kai is freakin' HOT when he played with Kori for the first time. Damn girl, I couldn't forget their scene. Everybody has flaws. They're still hiding skeleton at this point. Kai was trying to more open with Kori since he claimed her. Kori wasn't a saint either. She was afraid that Kai will turn to be her old Master who deceiver. Smart Kori left that horrible life and moving on. I admired Kori so much. She's smart brat beside Charlotte. I enjoyed both their vanilla and BDSM relationship very much. It was lustful, fun and nurturing. They're really completed each other.
Aside the romantic relationship Kai and Kori, let's not forget the suspense here. Jared is the one who intrigued me. Outside his playful and flirty attitude, he's longing for his brother. It seems he has his own skeleton. He's really loved his brother even when Kai kinda ignored him. There are so much feeling between their family ties.
I really liked how balanced the romantic-suspense in From Sanctum with Love. McKay-Taggart still hunting the Collective as usual. Oh oh!!! I know there's a lot new people in this book but I don't wanna spoiler they made the first appearance here! Who?? And that ending... that spoiler... GAH!!! Just give me the next book. I kinda hope Erin will kill that bitch Hope and avenge her man. Pretty please...
*I thought Kai was a Japanese. Lol.. After the full name revealed, he's true to be the sexiest man alive! (Beside my Ian :p)
You know, I couldn't keep my hands off from all Lexi Blake series especially this one. There are so many BDSM books for me but one of the suspense I'm craving for. After what's left from Master No (which is disappointed me very much), I'm so surprised to see Kai's story. Honestly, I didn't feel connected with him along the series, maybe because he isn't an agent or McKay-Taggart?
Kai Ferguson is a famous sadist in Sanctum and an amazing psychologist. When his past came for 'asking' help and forgiveness, he shoved it away. He didn't want anything to do with his brother, Jared. But the thing is more complicated than Jared's new movie who needs him to learn about BDSM. There is a killer hiding in the crews and Jared is one of the main suspect. Kori Williamson has been Kai's assistant for a long time before left her old life in LA. Her attraction towards Kai couldn't be denied anymore but they need to reminds professional, she said to herself.
"I'll mark you any way you'll let me, baby. I'll bite you a hundred fucking times because I love how you taste."
I never found Kai and Kori are interesting but they made it as the main book. Surprise! It seems Kai is the only person who isn't agent and field person. His job mainly in Sanctum for screening new members. I didn't know much about Kai and Kori beyond their job because they rarely made appearance. They're lusting after each other but never make a move. It was an interesting case when Lexi put this couple as the main character because they're fresh addition with so much potential especially Kai.
I only found out Kai is freakin' HOT when he played with Kori for the first time. Damn girl, I couldn't forget their scene. Everybody has flaws. They're still hiding skeleton at this point. Kai was trying to more open with Kori since he claimed her. Kori wasn't a saint either. She was afraid that Kai will turn to be her old Master who deceiver. Smart Kori left that horrible life and moving on. I admired Kori so much. She's smart brat beside Charlotte. I enjoyed both their vanilla and BDSM relationship very much. It was lustful, fun and nurturing. They're really completed each other.
"I want you. I want you every minute of every day, and don't think I'll be easy on you. You're mine now. You're mine to torture and tease and torment and love. Mine"
Aside the romantic relationship Kai and Kori, let's not forget the suspense here. Jared is the one who intrigued me. Outside his playful and flirty attitude, he's longing for his brother. It seems he has his own skeleton. He's really loved his brother even when Kai kinda ignored him. There are so much feeling between their family ties.
I really liked how balanced the romantic-suspense in From Sanctum with Love. McKay-Taggart still hunting the Collective as usual. Oh oh!!! I know there's a lot new people in this book but I don't wanna spoiler they made the first appearance here! Who?? And that ending... that spoiler... GAH!!! Just give me the next book. I kinda hope Erin will kill that bitch Hope and avenge her man. Pretty please...
*I thought Kai was a Japanese. Lol.. After the full name revealed, he's true to be the sexiest man alive! (Beside my Ian :p)
February 23, 2016
3.5 Stars!
Nothing excites me more then a new Master & Mercenaries book by Lexi Blake.
I've been waiting for a book about that dirty sadist Kai for awhile now, because lord knows I LOVE a good sadist and Kai has always been an intriguing character. Plus it's always great to catch up with the gang from M&M.
SO, why only 3.5 stars you ask?
This book was busy, like really busy. With Kai's brothers serial murder stuff, with the introduction of Mia that connects to the next M&M, and the new series LAWLESS..https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... Plus the stuff relating to Erin. So busy in fact that it felt like Kai and Kori's relationship took a backseat. Unfortunately because of that I never connected with them as a couple. My other issue was that Kai just never came off like the dirty sadist he has been referred to in earlier books. This could be because of the lack of sex scenes between them (it seemed like there were less of them then usual) in any case I was left wanting the bad ass sadist Kai from previous books. Also, a lot of the "core" M&M group were missing from this one, which was a bummer. Someone else in another review mentioned that without all the extra story lines this felt like it was more along the lines of the novellas in this series. I have to agree with sentiment!
Overall though Lexi Blake can really do no wrong in my eyes, and although this wasn't one of my favorites in the series it progressed the series nicely, and sets up all kinds of new potential couples, and situations.
Nothing excites me more then a new Master & Mercenaries book by Lexi Blake.
I've been waiting for a book about that dirty sadist Kai for awhile now, because lord knows I LOVE a good sadist and Kai has always been an intriguing character. Plus it's always great to catch up with the gang from M&M.
SO, why only 3.5 stars you ask?
This book was busy, like really busy. With Kai's brothers serial murder stuff, with the introduction of Mia that connects to the next M&M, and the new series LAWLESS..https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... Plus the stuff relating to Erin. So busy in fact that it felt like Kai and Kori's relationship took a backseat. Unfortunately because of that I never connected with them as a couple. My other issue was that Kai just never came off like the dirty sadist he has been referred to in earlier books. This could be because of the lack of sex scenes between them (it seemed like there were less of them then usual) in any case I was left wanting the bad ass sadist Kai from previous books. Also, a lot of the "core" M&M group were missing from this one, which was a bummer. Someone else in another review mentioned that without all the extra story lines this felt like it was more along the lines of the novellas in this series. I have to agree with sentiment!
Overall though Lexi Blake can really do no wrong in my eyes, and although this wasn't one of my favorites in the series it progressed the series nicely, and sets up all kinds of new potential couples, and situations.
November 27, 2016
Never have I ever read so a fantastic series. The unthinkable has happened never ever did I think that I would come to love this series. I am addicted to it, I crave it. The characters, the plots, the feels all of it wraps into something so unforgettable that you can’t help but stop reading. You forget the world around you and immerse yourself completely into the McKay-Taggart world.
I’m peeved at myself that it has taken me so long to read this series. It has been caught up in its web and I never want to leave.
I wasn’t sure about this book out of the reasons that Kai is sadist and Kori is masochist and I had preconceived notions of this kind of kink. From the start I was pushed out of my comfort zone. It is refreshing from time to time and here it was no different.
There are two plots to this story there is the overall plot of trying to find out more about The Collective and trying to find Theo. But the subplot is of a serial killer that travels around the world with an entourage. Enter Kai’s brother movie star Jared Johns. A suspect in the murders or at least someone in this team.
I adored both Kai and Kori although I didn’t think that I would. They are perfect for one another. They are evenly matched both in the lifestyle and out of it.
Although at the beginning I felt I was out of my comfort zone that changed throughout the book. Ms. Blake has the talent of making anything she writes amazing. There is also a seriousness to the book compared to the other books that have come before now.
When it got to the good part I had to put this book on hold I had 30 minutes left to read. I had a prior engagement in the RL. I had my suspicions of who it is but in the end that didn’t matter. It always depends on how the author gets to the spectacular ending of the book.
My interest in this series was when I read Ruthless by Lexi Blake and Mia and Case featured in this book and I just loved them together. Finally I can read their book.
My verdict is I need more and would we all love a M&M the new generation.
____________________________________
"Kai has a strong sadist streak. He controls it by finding partners who enjoy the pain he gives them." He’d been gorgeous, a blond God of a man in leather, but he made her shiver a bit. "Holy shit, he's like the Dom version of Dexter."
I’m peeved at myself that it has taken me so long to read this series. It has been caught up in its web and I never want to leave.
I wasn’t sure about this book out of the reasons that Kai is sadist and Kori is masochist and I had preconceived notions of this kind of kink. From the start I was pushed out of my comfort zone. It is refreshing from time to time and here it was no different.
There are two plots to this story there is the overall plot of trying to find out more about The Collective and trying to find Theo. But the subplot is of a serial killer that travels around the world with an entourage. Enter Kai’s brother movie star Jared Johns. A suspect in the murders or at least someone in this team.
I adored both Kai and Kori although I didn’t think that I would. They are perfect for one another. They are evenly matched both in the lifestyle and out of it.
Although at the beginning I felt I was out of my comfort zone that changed throughout the book. Ms. Blake has the talent of making anything she writes amazing. There is also a seriousness to the book compared to the other books that have come before now.
When it got to the good part I had to put this book on hold I had 30 minutes left to read. I had a prior engagement in the RL. I had my suspicions of who it is but in the end that didn’t matter. It always depends on how the author gets to the spectacular ending of the book.
My interest in this series was when I read Ruthless by Lexi Blake and Mia and Case featured in this book and I just loved them together. Finally I can read their book.
My verdict is I need more and would we all love a M&M the new generation.
____________________________________
"Kai has a strong sadist streak. He controls it by finding partners who enjoy the pain he gives them." He’d been gorgeous, a blond God of a man in leather, but he made her shiver a bit. "Holy shit, he's like the Dom version of Dexter."
February 23, 2016
Shadow's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Kai Ferguson, club psychologist and sadist for the BDSM club Sanctum, relies on his assistant, Kori, to keep his life organized. He admires her beauty but won't touch her physically-until the day he has to do a scene with her and discovers she's been lying about her needs as a sub.
For her part, Kori lost a large part of herself during a relationship with a bad Dom, who took credit for her work. As a result, she hid her masochism under the guise of light playing with the unattached Doms at the club.
When Kai's brother, Jared, shows up at the club to make a movie, he recognizes Kori. What neither Kori nor Jared realize is that a federal agent believes Jared is behind a series of murders that have taken place when he tours for his hit television show. With a background of intrigue, sibling rivalry, and Kori's deception, can she and Kai actually develop a real relationship?
As usual with the Masters and Mercenaries series, I loved the characters. Kori was strong enough to walk away from a damaging relationship and start over. Kai is a caring Dom who loves to provide the pain that true masochists need. But he's not perfect, either and it takes him a while to realize his mistakes. Once he understands how he has screwed up, he takes steps to rectify his errors.
As always, the crew from McKay-Taggart, who employs Kai, provides the entertainment. The sex scenes are hot, and a bit more hard core BDSM than is usual for Lexi Blake, We also get hints that Theo, who was killed in the last book, may not be dead, but this is not his story.
This book still has dark elements in it, but is lighter than the last couple of episodes in the series. It was an entertaining read, with fascinating characters, hot sex, and a plot that never quits.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Kai Ferguson, club psychologist and sadist for the BDSM club Sanctum, relies on his assistant, Kori, to keep his life organized. He admires her beauty but won't touch her physically-until the day he has to do a scene with her and discovers she's been lying about her needs as a sub.
For her part, Kori lost a large part of herself during a relationship with a bad Dom, who took credit for her work. As a result, she hid her masochism under the guise of light playing with the unattached Doms at the club.
When Kai's brother, Jared, shows up at the club to make a movie, he recognizes Kori. What neither Kori nor Jared realize is that a federal agent believes Jared is behind a series of murders that have taken place when he tours for his hit television show. With a background of intrigue, sibling rivalry, and Kori's deception, can she and Kai actually develop a real relationship?
As usual with the Masters and Mercenaries series, I loved the characters. Kori was strong enough to walk away from a damaging relationship and start over. Kai is a caring Dom who loves to provide the pain that true masochists need. But he's not perfect, either and it takes him a while to realize his mistakes. Once he understands how he has screwed up, he takes steps to rectify his errors.
As always, the crew from McKay-Taggart, who employs Kai, provides the entertainment. The sex scenes are hot, and a bit more hard core BDSM than is usual for Lexi Blake, We also get hints that Theo, who was killed in the last book, may not be dead, but this is not his story.
This book still has dark elements in it, but is lighter than the last couple of episodes in the series. It was an entertaining read, with fascinating characters, hot sex, and a plot that never quits.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
February 25, 2016
I couldn’t decide how to write this review so I went with the easy way out… I made a Pros and Cons list :D
Pros:
-Kai: he is a great character. I loved his little OCD problems(the order thing, yhea, couldn’t do it) and his fear of birds :D He was an asshole with his brother, but in the end he saw the light
-Jared: Kai’s brother was so much better than I expected! Lexi created a 3D person, no washed out, one characteristic people for her. I hated what he went through when he was younger and what he went through in the book and I can’t wait to read more about him
-Kori: she was a strong, smart and compassionate heroine. She took care of everyone and did it with a smile. And, in no way was she a washed out or no personality chick. She had a wicked sense of humor as well.
-I loved seeing the other characters
-the story progressed
-Kai’s office ladies’ bath, I totally want one
-the female friendship
-Ian <3
Cons:
-Jared’s entourage: I didn’t get why he needed it
-the story didn’t progress as much as I wanted :D
-I didn’t see Kai as being that much of a sadist
-the killer: I was about 70% sure I knew who he was from the first few chapter
-the book ended *sigh*
Pros:
-Kai: he is a great character. I loved his little OCD problems(the order thing, yhea, couldn’t do it) and his fear of birds :D He was an asshole with his brother, but in the end he saw the light
-Jared: Kai’s brother was so much better than I expected! Lexi created a 3D person, no washed out, one characteristic people for her. I hated what he went through when he was younger and what he went through in the book and I can’t wait to read more about him
-Kori: she was a strong, smart and compassionate heroine. She took care of everyone and did it with a smile. And, in no way was she a washed out or no personality chick. She had a wicked sense of humor as well.
-I loved seeing the other characters
-the story progressed
-Kai’s office ladies’ bath, I totally want one
-the female friendship
-Ian <3
Cons:
-Jared’s entourage: I didn’t get why he needed it
-the story didn’t progress as much as I wanted :D
-I didn’t see Kai as being that much of a sadist
-the killer: I was about 70% sure I knew who he was from the first few chapter
-the book ended *sigh*
February 23, 2016
Dr. Kai Ferguson is desperately attracted to his admin, Kori Williamson, but he’s a sadist and he doesn’t know if she can handle his darkness. Kori, on the other hand, is a closet masochist, deeply into pain for her release, but after being burned by her last Dom (emotionally, not physically), well, she’s a bit gunshy. However, when Kai’s estranged tv/movie star brother shows up showing an interest in Kori, guess what happens? Yep, that would be some BDSM romance. All of this plus more Mackay-Taggart drama and I was a pretty happy camper.
Long standing series: I’ve enjoyed reading Ms. Blake’s series since the very beginning, so I’m pretty familiar with the Masters & Mercenaries ‘verse. There’s a longstanding overarching storyline involving a secret villainous group named the Collective and while this book is slightly outside the main group, there are plenty of updates on the original gang. Add to this a serial killer subplot, and the action keeps things humming and the BDSM keeps it all sexy.
Not really a standalone: Starting a series like this can feel like Jumping onto a moving carousel. It can be exciting, there are some recaps, but you could end up pretty dizzy trying to keep all the characters straight. Add to that the little moments, such as the fact that they’re making a movie series based on a book series based on the Doms of this ‘verse, and yeah, I think it’d be a challenge. For longtime readers, though, should love these little inside touches that really make the ‘verse come alive.
Every pot has its lid: This is a freaky deaky love affair, and there’s no shame in that. Kai loves inflicting pain on a willing participant and Kori needs it like air, so I thought they made a perfect pair. There’s moments of tension and obstacles, but they’re handled in a pretty adult manner, which I always appreciate.
Kori is a solid heroine, fairly pragmatic and I loved that she wasn’t easily rattled, and she holds her own against those who would try to shame her for her looks or what she likes. Kai is a good hero, and I like the contrast of the potentially stuffed shirt intellectual having that kinky edge. He’s much more relaxed though, so if you’re searching for a caveman alpha, he doesn’t quite fit that bill. He more than captured my attention during their first scene at Sanctum, though. *fans self*
BDSM soap opera: By now, the series has a life of its own and if anything, the focus felt divided between Kai and Kori and the tragedy of what happened to one of the Taggart brothers, Theo. The serial killer was very easy to spot and the tension is more about when the characters would catch up and realize who it was than a true surprise. Add to that some of the more fantastical elements of the plot and it’s definitely getting a soapy feel to it all. I happen to love that, so I was entertained. The epilogue and the teaser for future books certainly has potential. There’s some life in this series yet.
I enjoyed this latest entry in the Masters & Mercenaries world. If you’re a fan of the series, I think you’ll enjoy yourself. If you’re interested in dipping your toes in the BDSM world, I think this is a good series to check out - it gives you that dirty sexy fun without forgetting the romance at the heart of it all.
**ARC provided by author for review**
For more reviews, visit
Long standing series: I’ve enjoyed reading Ms. Blake’s series since the very beginning, so I’m pretty familiar with the Masters & Mercenaries ‘verse. There’s a longstanding overarching storyline involving a secret villainous group named the Collective and while this book is slightly outside the main group, there are plenty of updates on the original gang. Add to this a serial killer subplot, and the action keeps things humming and the BDSM keeps it all sexy.
Not really a standalone: Starting a series like this can feel like Jumping onto a moving carousel. It can be exciting, there are some recaps, but you could end up pretty dizzy trying to keep all the characters straight. Add to that the little moments, such as the fact that they’re making a movie series based on a book series based on the Doms of this ‘verse, and yeah, I think it’d be a challenge. For longtime readers, though, should love these little inside touches that really make the ‘verse come alive.
Every pot has its lid: This is a freaky deaky love affair, and there’s no shame in that. Kai loves inflicting pain on a willing participant and Kori needs it like air, so I thought they made a perfect pair. There’s moments of tension and obstacles, but they’re handled in a pretty adult manner, which I always appreciate.
Kori is a solid heroine, fairly pragmatic and I loved that she wasn’t easily rattled, and she holds her own against those who would try to shame her for her looks or what she likes. Kai is a good hero, and I like the contrast of the potentially stuffed shirt intellectual having that kinky edge. He’s much more relaxed though, so if you’re searching for a caveman alpha, he doesn’t quite fit that bill. He more than captured my attention during their first scene at Sanctum, though. *fans self*
BDSM soap opera: By now, the series has a life of its own and if anything, the focus felt divided between Kai and Kori and the tragedy of what happened to one of the Taggart brothers, Theo. The serial killer was very easy to spot and the tension is more about when the characters would catch up and realize who it was than a true surprise. Add to that some of the more fantastical elements of the plot and it’s definitely getting a soapy feel to it all. I happen to love that, so I was entertained. The epilogue and the teaser for future books certainly has potential. There’s some life in this series yet.
I enjoyed this latest entry in the Masters & Mercenaries world. If you’re a fan of the series, I think you’ll enjoy yourself. If you’re interested in dipping your toes in the BDSM world, I think this is a good series to check out - it gives you that dirty sexy fun without forgetting the romance at the heart of it all.
**ARC provided by author for review**
For more reviews, visit
February 23, 2016
Another OUTSTANDING installment of one of my all-time favorite series! When I read a Masters and Mercenaries novel, I'm transported to my happy place. Nothing puts a smile on my face fast enough like Lexi Blake release! And with this being Kai's story...OH MY HELL! I was freaking ecstatic! It seems like I've been waiting on Kai Ferguson's story for a while now and my GOD did Lexi do it justice! It was amazing! It was smoking hot! It was emotional! It was just EVERYTHING I wanted it to be!
Blake's heroes just DO IT for me, ya know? Something about them just rocks my freaking world! And the heroines that they are paired up with always complement them in the BEST WAY POSSIBLE!
Kai's past came to the forefront, and with it came Kori's truth.
I simply ADORE all of these characters, but Kai and Kori are probably at the top of my list of favorite couples. Their banter was ridiculous! Check it out:
"You've waded in to your ankles with your water wings on, little girl. If you scene with me you better know how to swim."
Oh boy, that Kai! He is just YUMMY isn't he? And you know what are lovely kick-ass heroine fires back with:
"I'm a freaking Olympic gold medalist when it comes to this particular pool, Sir. And I'm a woman, not a little girl, as you're about to find out."
OH NO SHE DIDN'T! Gotta love the mouth on Kori! She is Kai's PERFECT match! I feel like a mic should have been dropped after that statement! WOW! This book had everything I could ever want in a romance read! Blazing hot office sex...Passionate and intense BDSM scenes...sexy and witty banter and dirty talk that will set your eReader ablaze! There was just absolutely NO putting this down! After devouring every book in this series I feel a sense of contentment, of complete satisfaction, and then 10 minutes later, I want MORE! I will ALWAYS want more!
*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Blake's heroes just DO IT for me, ya know? Something about them just rocks my freaking world! And the heroines that they are paired up with always complement them in the BEST WAY POSSIBLE!
Kai's past came to the forefront, and with it came Kori's truth.
I simply ADORE all of these characters, but Kai and Kori are probably at the top of my list of favorite couples. Their banter was ridiculous! Check it out:
"You've waded in to your ankles with your water wings on, little girl. If you scene with me you better know how to swim."
Oh boy, that Kai! He is just YUMMY isn't he? And you know what are lovely kick-ass heroine fires back with:
"I'm a freaking Olympic gold medalist when it comes to this particular pool, Sir. And I'm a woman, not a little girl, as you're about to find out."
OH NO SHE DIDN'T! Gotta love the mouth on Kori! She is Kai's PERFECT match! I feel like a mic should have been dropped after that statement! WOW! This book had everything I could ever want in a romance read! Blazing hot office sex...Passionate and intense BDSM scenes...sexy and witty banter and dirty talk that will set your eReader ablaze! There was just absolutely NO putting this down! After devouring every book in this series I feel a sense of contentment, of complete satisfaction, and then 10 minutes later, I want MORE! I will ALWAYS want more!
*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
August 4, 2025
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
From Sanctum with Love feature's Kai and Kori. Kai is the psychologist at Sanctum, but is also ex military. This is an office romance, dealing with sadism kink that these both individuals have, and there is a really good suspense plot and we are finally getting to the connections of this series and the Lawless series. As this is where we get a glimpse into future couples including Case and Mia (Mia is the sister of the Lawless brothers) which was my prime motivation to get caught up on this series. From Sanctum With Love is about Kai and Kori connecting to each other and we do get to see a good take of sadism. Not the best I have seen but very solid in many ways. The suspense plot is what really made this book sing though and I didn't want to put it down once that really picked up pace.
First Line
Kai Ferguson looked at the rundown house and felt an odd longing sink into his bones.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Kai Ferguson
The Heroine: Kori Williamson
Summary
Kai Ferguson has been wanting to pursue something more with Kori, who is his office assistant for quite some time. When he learns that she is a true masochist, his heart wants to sing because that calls to his sadist nature and he knows he can give her what she needs. But while Kai and Kori are trying to figure out this new change in their relationship, Kai's younger brother who is a famous actor, is staying with him and he is having to face mistakes of the past and is suspected by the FBI for being a serial killer. But not everything is as it seems and he along with the boys of Sanctum will have to discover who is at risk...
What I Loved
There were quite a few aspects that I really enjoyed. The first was being I really liked seeing this couple explore sadism. The heroine was a hoot but she deserved what she got. It was interesting to see how she had been deceiving everyone at Sanctum but Kai knew she was deceiving everyone because for Kori she didn't want dom's to know the truth about what she truly needed. I really admired Kai for being able to sense what she needed, and give her that in the end. The suspense plot was what especially I was all in for. I adored seeing how everything unraveled in this one. Seeing the connections that Mia and her brothers have to the Sanctum men was truly fascinating. And the truth being revealed about Theo not being dead. I really loved the brother being a good man too and seeing the facets to this character and seeing Kai and his brother connect truly for the first time.
What I Struggled With
The pacing was a bit slow in the first half so I do wish the pacing had been way better than it was. And the heroine could be a bit annoying with wanting to deceive others constantly.
Overall View
From Sanctum With Love was a brilliant and engaging read that delivers on a edgy plot, thrills and sensations from beginning to end with a good exploration of a kink not covered often within BDSM romance.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Alpha Hero, Writer Heroine, Ex Military/Veteran Hero
Themes: Danger/Suspense, BDSM-Sadism, Spicy
Tropes: Office Love, Boss & Employee
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Shayla Black
Maya Banks
J. Kenner
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes I would recommend reading this series in order due to serial plot aspects (but I don't think the novella's you need to read in order necessarily, as they seem to not be connected solely on the serial plots)
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
June 15, 2021
the absolute BEST sadist/masochist book i've ever read
July 14, 2017
Spoiler Ahead Read At Your Own Risk This was book 10 in the" Masters and Mercenaries series". This book was a little different than the others first it took place at home Dallas, Tx. The book was about resident Psychologist Kai Ferguson and his office manager Kori Williamson both Kai and Kori have been interested in each other for awhile. Kai who is a sadist as always thought that Kori was afraid of him and in a way she was just not the way that he thought. Kori who was hurt by a former Master has hidden the fact that she is a masochist at the Sanctum she only played with weak Dom's. Kai's brother Jared who is a TV star who Kai hasn't seen in 12 years is shooting a movie at Sanctum it's one of Serena's books it's the one about Ian and Charlie he request that Kai train him as a Dom. Jared who is also under investigation by the FBI they think he is a serial killer and the FBI came to McKay-Taggart for help and they are willing to help Ian find Hope McDonald and his brother Theo. This book introduces us to some new players also like Mia who they think is working for the Collective turns out she thought they were. Mia is a reporter and the sister of a billionaire who owns a tech company she is following up on story her friend what killed after meeting Jared she thinks he is a serial killer also. I really liked Mia and when she got up in Erin's face letting her know that she wasn't scared of her she won them over except Case who has a crush on her and she on him, but he is hurt because she lied. Kai uses Kori to show his brother some things in the dungeon he realizes that she has lied to everyone and that she is the perfect masochist to is sadism. Jared who has an entourage and Kai doesn't believe that his brother is a killer and it must be someone in his crew. Jared's people were funny and they were getting on Ian's nerves. As Kai and Kori get closer they both have feelings for each other but Kori thinks that Kai is only playing with her and when she overhears him talking to Case she panics and think that he is using her and she runs right into the killer who is trying to kill her best friend and roommate Sarah because she got close to Jared. This was a really good book one of the best in the series too me although there are no bad books in this series. This book was well written like the other books in this series the sex scenes were hot. Both kai and Kori learned to let go of the past hurts that they both suffered so they can have a future together. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series Mia and Case I am looking forward to watching them fall in love. If you like a little BDSM with your action romance than I recommend that you read this series.
February 28, 2016
totally loved Kai and Kori, but I totally missed out on Ian's sarcasm.
July 4, 2020
I wasn't a fan of Lexi Blake's early Masters and Mercenaries books (even going back and re-reading, I don't like them), but somewhere along the way, they became something I really adore reading. Psychologist Kai Ferguson and his assistant, former screenwriter Kori Williamson are a match made in BDSM heaven, and while Kai is still a bit too much of a jerk for my taste (especially in regards to his brother), all of the relationships in the book shine. Whether friendships, romantic relationships, or family dynamics, the characters all relate to each other in a real (albeit a heightened reality) way. I also love the pop culture references (Dart as a not-so-subtle in-world version of Arrow, for example). It's a really great book. The main problem is that it almost didn't feel complete. Like a lot of books in the middle of a series, it relies heavily on information from previous books and leads up to several sequels.
June 25, 2024
kori and kai's book, kai is a therapist for soldiers who com back from war with pstd , hes leading a happy life incharge of his own practise , things are about to change when McCay Taggart ask him for help in theyre investigation , the person they are investigating is some one close to kai
Kori is the secretary who works for kai at his practise , shes always had a thing for kai, but because of events from her past she shies away from relation ships , she doesnt want to run again , shes happy where she is
this book is fast pace full of spice and very addictive
Kori is the secretary who works for kai at his practise , shes always had a thing for kai, but because of events from her past she shies away from relation ships , she doesnt want to run again , shes happy where she is
this book is fast pace full of spice and very addictive
February 26, 2016
Title: From Sanctum With Love
Author: Lexi Blake
Series: Masters and Mercenaries series, Book 10
Publisher: DLZ Entertainment
Release Date: February 23rd, 2016
Genre(s): Romance
Page Count: 330 pages
Heat Level: # 5 flames out of 5
Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
I'll be the first to come out and freely admit that I'm not a fan of series where there are is a continuous and seemingly never ending number of instalments (novels) that will be added to it, but as I found myself digging into From Sanctum With Love written by Lexi Blake, I wondered if maybe I should revise my 'distaste'. Very few authors have the capacity of being able to write a long standing series and still manage to keep hold of their readers but if there's one thing I can say: had those series having lost their readers along the way added more suspense, action and more panty-dropping-oh-my-goodness-hose-me-down-moments, I know for myself, I'd've been coming back running for more. And I say this as absolutely no insult to the authors or their work itself, but rather on the fact that it gets monotonous after a certain time. Kai Furgesson is a psychologist, a d@mn good one at that, with peculiar tastes who has had his eye on his admin Kori for more than a while. Kori is the type of woman who knows the boundaries of professionalism and desperately tries to keep her distance from him even though her desires are the type that speak out to Kai. Recruited by McKay-Taggart for an operation, Kai and Kori are forced to face their attraction for one another and find out how they will deal with the fact that they are perfectly matched for one another. There are simply too many ways for me to say how and which parts captured my attention and had me wishing there was more to the story - more pages, more action and so much more Kai and Lori. These two could melt event the most hardened of romantics, making them yearn for the connection that exists between the two of them. It's the type of novel that can appeal to a certain group of readers because of the BDSM aspects and yet, Lexi Blake writes it in such a way that I found it sexy as all heck and can't wait to see what the next book will be.
PLOT: 5/5
CHEMISTRY: 5/5
PACING: 5/5
ENDING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5
Find this book on Goodreads
Purchase this book on Amazon
Follow the author on Facebook
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
Author: Lexi Blake
Series: Masters and Mercenaries series, Book 10
Publisher: DLZ Entertainment
Release Date: February 23rd, 2016
Genre(s): Romance
Page Count: 330 pages
Heat Level: # 5 flames out of 5
Rating: # 5 stars out of 5
Blurb:
Psychologist Kai Ferguson has had his eye on Kori Williamson for a long time. His assistant is everything he’s ever wanted in a partner—smart, caring, witty, and a bit of a masochist. More than a little, actually, but that’s the problem. Kori won’t admit her own desires. She’s afraid of him and what he has to offer. Luckily for her, helping patients face their fears is one of his specialties.
Kori knows she wants Kai. Her boss is the most amazing man she’s ever met. She’s also smart enough to stay away from him. Having been down this road before, she knows it only leads to heartache. She’s just found a place where she can belong. Another failed relationship is the last thing she needs. It’s better to guard her heart and let Kai think she’s frightened of his dark, dominant nature.
When Kai is recruited for an operation with McKay-Taggart, everything is turned upside down. Kai’s brother, international superstar Jared Johns, is in town and Kai must juggle his family issues along with a desperate hunt for a serial killer. The investigation throws Kori and Kai together, and they quickly discover the chemistry between them is undeniable. But even if their newfound love can survive his secrets and her lies, it may not be enough to save them both from a killer’s twisted obsession.
I'll be the first to come out and freely admit that I'm not a fan of series where there are is a continuous and seemingly never ending number of instalments (novels) that will be added to it, but as I found myself digging into From Sanctum With Love written by Lexi Blake, I wondered if maybe I should revise my 'distaste'. Very few authors have the capacity of being able to write a long standing series and still manage to keep hold of their readers but if there's one thing I can say: had those series having lost their readers along the way added more suspense, action and more panty-dropping-oh-my-goodness-hose-me-down-moments, I know for myself, I'd've been coming back running for more. And I say this as absolutely no insult to the authors or their work itself, but rather on the fact that it gets monotonous after a certain time. Kai Furgesson is a psychologist, a d@mn good one at that, with peculiar tastes who has had his eye on his admin Kori for more than a while. Kori is the type of woman who knows the boundaries of professionalism and desperately tries to keep her distance from him even though her desires are the type that speak out to Kai. Recruited by McKay-Taggart for an operation, Kai and Kori are forced to face their attraction for one another and find out how they will deal with the fact that they are perfectly matched for one another. There are simply too many ways for me to say how and which parts captured my attention and had me wishing there was more to the story - more pages, more action and so much more Kai and Lori. These two could melt event the most hardened of romantics, making them yearn for the connection that exists between the two of them. It's the type of novel that can appeal to a certain group of readers because of the BDSM aspects and yet, Lexi Blake writes it in such a way that I found it sexy as all heck and can't wait to see what the next book will be.
PLOT: 5/5
CHEMISTRY: 5/5
PACING: 5/5
ENDING: 5/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: 5/5
Find this book on Goodreads
Purchase this book on Amazon
Follow the author on Facebook
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen from Alpha Book Club
February 24, 2016
This was my first book by this author and from this series, as much as I enjoyed it I really wish I had read the whole series in order. These can be read alone, but it was obvious I'd missed out on quite a lot with all the different characters. This book was focused mostly on Kai and Kori, but there were still many other background stories playing along at the same time. These were things that looked like they had been taking place for several books and would continue on in the future ones. It was those stories that I felt left out of...I had no idea what they were talking about.
Kai runs the BDSM club Sanctum, as well as running a security company. Kori has been his assistant for a few years and they've grown into really close friends. They both have denied the attraction they feel for the other, in fear of ruining their work relationship.
The plot is extremely complex and there are twists at every page. During it all Kai and Kori finally realize that they are perfect for each other: Kai is a hardcore sadist and is never satisfied with the subs he scenes with. Kori needs pain but has denied herself due to painful circumstances in her past. She scenes with doms at the club but none of them give her the level of pain that will send her into the subspace she craves. Kai is the only one that can do that, and she's the only one that can take and enjoy the level of pain he needs to give his sub. Once Kai realizes Kori is his perfect sub he refuses to let their relationship stay the way it has been.
Their scenes are SO hot together! I've never read a more erotic spanking in my entire life. That scene alone made me want to read the whole series. Besides scorching and sensual BDSM scenes, there's a serial killer on the loose, secrets being kept, people out to sabotage other people in the story...there's so many things going on it's impossible to tell it all. You just need to read it, and even though you WOULD love this book alone I'd suggest starting at the beginning. I hate missing out on the whole picture, but I'm so glad I read this and discovered the Masters and Mercenaries series!
Kai runs the BDSM club Sanctum, as well as running a security company. Kori has been his assistant for a few years and they've grown into really close friends. They both have denied the attraction they feel for the other, in fear of ruining their work relationship.
The plot is extremely complex and there are twists at every page. During it all Kai and Kori finally realize that they are perfect for each other: Kai is a hardcore sadist and is never satisfied with the subs he scenes with. Kori needs pain but has denied herself due to painful circumstances in her past. She scenes with doms at the club but none of them give her the level of pain that will send her into the subspace she craves. Kai is the only one that can do that, and she's the only one that can take and enjoy the level of pain he needs to give his sub. Once Kai realizes Kori is his perfect sub he refuses to let their relationship stay the way it has been.
Their scenes are SO hot together! I've never read a more erotic spanking in my entire life. That scene alone made me want to read the whole series. Besides scorching and sensual BDSM scenes, there's a serial killer on the loose, secrets being kept, people out to sabotage other people in the story...there's so many things going on it's impossible to tell it all. You just need to read it, and even though you WOULD love this book alone I'd suggest starting at the beginning. I hate missing out on the whole picture, but I'm so glad I read this and discovered the Masters and Mercenaries series!
February 26, 2016
Cool, calm and professional… and sexy in leathers…
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Kai Ferguson! Okay, proverbial hands. I can still wish, can’t I? Kai is cool, almost too cool, but very capable, and caring from a distance. While he prided himself on his self-control, Sanctum was a place he could let loose the dark side of himself. I knew there was hidden depths and they certainly came out to play here.
Enter Kori Williamson. Beautiful and smart, she could have written the book on professionalism. She may be a lot like him on the surface but she liked vanilla, which meant she was not someone he could be interested in. Not everything is as it seems, though, as Kori keeps her past and much of herself a secret. When Kai’s brother enters the world of Sanctum, both Kai and Kori are going to be thrown into situations that will require honesty above all else. In and out of the dungeon… Secrets will need to be revealed—their lives may depend on it…
Whew, I’m still catching my breath! This author knows how to blend action and intrigue with love and sex to create a whirlwind story from start to finish. Kai is panty-melting and heart-stopping as he comes out of his shell in the face of family, and love. When these two start to open up about what their true desires are the heat builds and builds to an incredibly, hot climax. No pun intended.
If you haven’t read this series before you may be a bit lost with the number of characters, and who they are to each other. You will want to start at the beginning as each story builds to make a complete picture. This instalment is all about Kai and Kori but there’s so much more. Surprises continue and, given this is number ten in the series, that’s a testament to an author that keeps my attention. Sexy and suspenseful, this is a story to mull and savor… ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Kai Ferguson! Okay, proverbial hands. I can still wish, can’t I? Kai is cool, almost too cool, but very capable, and caring from a distance. While he prided himself on his self-control, Sanctum was a place he could let loose the dark side of himself. I knew there was hidden depths and they certainly came out to play here.
Enter Kori Williamson. Beautiful and smart, she could have written the book on professionalism. She may be a lot like him on the surface but she liked vanilla, which meant she was not someone he could be interested in. Not everything is as it seems, though, as Kori keeps her past and much of herself a secret. When Kai’s brother enters the world of Sanctum, both Kai and Kori are going to be thrown into situations that will require honesty above all else. In and out of the dungeon… Secrets will need to be revealed—their lives may depend on it…
Whew, I’m still catching my breath! This author knows how to blend action and intrigue with love and sex to create a whirlwind story from start to finish. Kai is panty-melting and heart-stopping as he comes out of his shell in the face of family, and love. When these two start to open up about what their true desires are the heat builds and builds to an incredibly, hot climax. No pun intended.
If you haven’t read this series before you may be a bit lost with the number of characters, and who they are to each other. You will want to start at the beginning as each story builds to make a complete picture. This instalment is all about Kai and Kori but there’s so much more. Surprises continue and, given this is number ten in the series, that’s a testament to an author that keeps my attention. Sexy and suspenseful, this is a story to mull and savor… ~ Diane, 4.5 stars
March 6, 2016
Seriously, how come Kai gets a book? He isn't an operative in MT, he's a psychologist who screens Sanctum prospects, shouldn't he get a novella not a novel? What kind of name is Kai anyways? And please, not another storyline of a Dom and sub staying away from each other because it is better for one or the other to save the other from themselves
So all these questions had me hesitant when starting this book. I mean, I was reading it, this series is crack to me, so not going there wasn't an option. Things feel into place so quickly, Kai is the set up for the continuing of the story. He needs to be explained, he needs to have his moment, because he will play a very important part going forward. Kai is short for his full name, which is really funny, and will have him teased in books to come. No hesitation, no new, both experienced, in the lifestyle, and both comfortable with who they are and what they want. In other words, perfect for each other and a story of how their relationship grows together
This book really sets up the next part of the series. The original characters are still there, but they are on the side. We have some new people stepping up, taking action, and being in the spotlight. The stories are maturing, the characters growing up, and the series is in it's teen years now, and that shows.
Really this just makes me want more, because it isn't tired, it isn't worn, it is growing and I like where it is heading and want to come along with it now, as much as I did at the start!
So all these questions had me hesitant when starting this book. I mean, I was reading it, this series is crack to me, so not going there wasn't an option. Things feel into place so quickly, Kai is the set up for the continuing of the story. He needs to be explained, he needs to have his moment, because he will play a very important part going forward. Kai is short for his full name, which is really funny, and will have him teased in books to come. No hesitation, no new, both experienced, in the lifestyle, and both comfortable with who they are and what they want. In other words, perfect for each other and a story of how their relationship grows together
This book really sets up the next part of the series. The original characters are still there, but they are on the side. We have some new people stepping up, taking action, and being in the spotlight. The stories are maturing, the characters growing up, and the series is in it's teen years now, and that shows.
Really this just makes me want more, because it isn't tired, it isn't worn, it is growing and I like where it is heading and want to come along with it now, as much as I did at the start!
February 28, 2016
While I enjoyed reading about Kai and Kori I was more interested in the background story, the one where Ian thinks that Theo is alive and is doing everything in his power to find Theo. I thought it was interesting that anything included Kai's brother, Jared. I didn't really care for Jared, hated how he came off "all about me" even after learning about his past and how he tracked Kai, he still gave off that vibe. I have a feeling that with how things ended with Kai and Jared they aren't done, that at some point Jared will need help and big brother will be there to help him.
Kori's past was mildly interesting, if only because it exposed her past on BDSM. It was a nice comparison with things at MT and Sanctum.
The little tidbit at the end with Case and Mia had me screaming at the book, I hate ending on a cliff hanger, but like that we seem to have confirmation that Theo is indeed alive. Good thing too because Erin and TJ need him. They will probably be the reason that he comes back to himself.
Kori's past was mildly interesting, if only because it exposed her past on BDSM. It was a nice comparison with things at MT and Sanctum.
The little tidbit at the end with Case and Mia had me screaming at the book, I hate ending on a cliff hanger, but like that we seem to have confirmation that Theo is indeed alive. Good thing too because Erin and TJ need him. They will probably be the reason that he comes back to himself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2016
I vowed I would not go to sleep last night until I finished this book. And even though I am soooo tired this morning, it was worth every single second.....To say that I love this series, would be a grave understatement, it is one of my all time fave's. Lexi Bake is one of my top 3 Authors..... I loved Kai and Kori's book. They were perfect for each other.....and even though when I read BDSM books, I am not a fan of sadist Dom....Kai was perfect and not to OTT!!!! I of course devour every scene with Big Tag as he is still my go to guy....his sense of humor is wicked.......I almost cried when I got to the end and saw Case was up next....not because I don't want his story but because I need Theo's book so badly.....I want him and Erin's book like yesterday....Please, Please Lexi Blake let his book still come out this year........ We need Theo!!!!!!
October 3, 2016
When Kai the psychologist gets roped into helping McKay-Taggart with an investigation, he didn´t know what he signed up for. His secretary, that he´s secretly longed for, also gets drafted, and this leads to more than either bargained for.
Not to mention, the one Kai needs to investigate, is his estranged baby brother.
Kori left a bad relationship behind, and knows better than to trust without insurance. But her boss is just what she wants, and when the chance comes along to get to know him up close and personal, she can´t resist. Kai turns out to be just what Kori needs.
What´ll happen when the mission is over? What if Kai´s brother is the murderer? Can they get through this together?
Contemporary romance, action and smutty fluff in an awesome combo. Love this series!
Not to mention, the one Kai needs to investigate, is his estranged baby brother.
Kori left a bad relationship behind, and knows better than to trust without insurance. But her boss is just what she wants, and when the chance comes along to get to know him up close and personal, she can´t resist. Kai turns out to be just what Kori needs.
What´ll happen when the mission is over? What if Kai´s brother is the murderer? Can they get through this together?
Contemporary romance, action and smutty fluff in an awesome combo. Love this series!
February 29, 2016
Review to follow
September 13, 2019
Enjoyable as ever
Another great read; suspense, love, action and some BDSM, I loved it all.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues
Characters that’s developed in to realistic personalities and I feel like I know them.
Fantastic world building, the author has created something great here.
Happy ending for this couple too.
Can’t wait to start reading the next one....
Another great read; suspense, love, action and some BDSM, I loved it all.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues
Characters that’s developed in to realistic personalities and I feel like I know them.
Fantastic world building, the author has created something great here.
Happy ending for this couple too.
Can’t wait to start reading the next one....
June 4, 2024
It’s book 10, and this family has been through a lot! I cannot wait for the next book after the information that was dropped at the end of this one! We also got more info on another company who may be allies in the future. All working against the syndicate! Such a great overarching plot line to follow.
March 29, 2019
Another good one in this series, I'm really enjoying them! This focuses on an area of BDSM I am not as comfortable with, but when well written, I can appreciate that different folks like different strokes. I am looking forward to more in this series - really looking forward to where things go from here!
I listened to the audio and thoroughly entertained by Ryan West's performance!
I listened to the audio and thoroughly entertained by Ryan West's performance!
July 7, 2022
Love love this series!!
June 14, 2016
Kai Ferguson has been watching his beautiful assistant Kori Williamson since she started working for him. She’s stunning, funny and he has grown to depend on her office skills and her friendship. However he is also physically attracted to her in a way he shouldn’t be he is a sadist and there is no way she can handle that side of him. So he keeps his distance, until one day fate throws them together and Kai learns Kori has been keeping secrets from him and that just won’t do.
Kori wants her boss Kai in the worst way, her masochist side cries out for his dominance. But she can’t let any man have that control over her again. The last master she let in abused her and her trust. She knows Kai is different but her fears are stopping her from being with the man who seems to be made just for her. A chance encounter at Sanctum one night pushes these two people together and they both realize they can’t hide their feelings for each other anymore.
I can’t say enough about this series, when Lexi puts out a new book with the Masters and Mercenaries fellas I literally drop everything to read it. I love every minute, the action, the suspense and the hot as hades sex keep my attention glued to the pages. I find myself sneaking chapters as I run errands or do household chores because I MUST know what will happen next. I have to admit when I heard Kai was getting his own story I didn’t think I would love it. When Kai was introduced he seemed nice enough but Lexi gave us so little of him (the tease that she is) I just thought he seemed nice enough. Boy did she prove me wrong. I did not expect to love Kai so much, from his sad childhood to his strained relationship with his brother—oh my god I can’t wait for his story, all the emotions broke my heart. Kori was Kai’s perfect match in every way, their chemistry was undeniable—once they both learned to let go and feel.
So many other stories are introduced in this installment as well. Case and Mia their book is next and I can’t wait. Lots of stuff happens with the rest of the McKay / Taggart crew. I absolutely love Erin—her grief over Theo wrecked me. She is one tough cookie but seeing her vulnerable side was fascinating. We also get to meet Kai’s brother Jared, super stud actor but underneath all the drama beats the heart of a tortured soul. Jared and Sarah Kori’s best gal pal share some great moments that I hope to read about in their story later in the series. As always Ian is the ever present leader of the Alpha males and I still adore him.
All in all another great book from Lexi Blake featuring a group of characters that you will love and want to be a part of. There is drama, suspense, heartbreaking revelations, sex and a few laughs as well. If you have not read the series you need to grab it now, what’s stopping you go one click it.
RECEIVED AN ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
March 19, 2016
4.5 Stars
There is something deliciously titillating about workplace romances, especially between boss and employee and I have been waiting for Kai and Kori's story from the very first mention of them. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed because it's everything I expected from Ms. Blake.
Kori Williamson is everything Kai Ferguson wants - attractive, caring and most of all a masochist to his sadist, like two halves of a whole but as long as she doesn't own up to what she needs, he can't give it to her and he'll have to make do with letting her manage his life outside of Sanctum.
Kori has good reason to keep her feelings for Kai under wrap. Her last relationship cost her a lot and she's not willing to give up the family she's found if things with Kai go sideways. But she doesn't have the option of keeping him at an arm's length anymore because their relationship is about to go to the next level as they are drawn into the hunt for a serial killer as well as Kai's struggle to mend his broken relationship with his brother.
Kai is exactly my kind of guy, intellectual and controlled but very deep while Kori is sassy, strong and fearless and I loved the dynamics of their relationship. They were like an old married couple, easy and very comfortable with each other. In the office she was the boss and managed him, but the dungeon was his playground.
FROM SANCTUM WITH LOVE goes in a different direction than the previous books in the series. Even though Kai has a military background and there is some suspense and mystery, it's a departure from the action and intrigue that has been the central theme of the previous books. It's more about emotional connections and revelations but is just as engaging, with a good serving of the erotic scenes in Sanctum. If BSDM is not your thing, there is still a lot to love about this story. It was fun to finally get Kori and Kai's happy ending, catch up with old characters and meet new ones.
I CANNOT get enough of this series! The entire Masters and Mercenaries series is an experience that must not be missed and while this book can be read as a standalone, why miss out on the complete experience? If you are new to the series, I would recommend starting from the first book and reading in order because of how connected the stories are.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
There is something deliciously titillating about workplace romances, especially between boss and employee and I have been waiting for Kai and Kori's story from the very first mention of them. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed because it's everything I expected from Ms. Blake.
Kori Williamson is everything Kai Ferguson wants - attractive, caring and most of all a masochist to his sadist, like two halves of a whole but as long as she doesn't own up to what she needs, he can't give it to her and he'll have to make do with letting her manage his life outside of Sanctum.
Kori has good reason to keep her feelings for Kai under wrap. Her last relationship cost her a lot and she's not willing to give up the family she's found if things with Kai go sideways. But she doesn't have the option of keeping him at an arm's length anymore because their relationship is about to go to the next level as they are drawn into the hunt for a serial killer as well as Kai's struggle to mend his broken relationship with his brother.
Kai is exactly my kind of guy, intellectual and controlled but very deep while Kori is sassy, strong and fearless and I loved the dynamics of their relationship. They were like an old married couple, easy and very comfortable with each other. In the office she was the boss and managed him, but the dungeon was his playground.
FROM SANCTUM WITH LOVE goes in a different direction than the previous books in the series. Even though Kai has a military background and there is some suspense and mystery, it's a departure from the action and intrigue that has been the central theme of the previous books. It's more about emotional connections and revelations but is just as engaging, with a good serving of the erotic scenes in Sanctum. If BSDM is not your thing, there is still a lot to love about this story. It was fun to finally get Kori and Kai's happy ending, catch up with old characters and meet new ones.
I CANNOT get enough of this series! The entire Masters and Mercenaries series is an experience that must not be missed and while this book can be read as a standalone, why miss out on the complete experience? If you are new to the series, I would recommend starting from the first book and reading in order because of how connected the stories are.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
October 5, 2016
I can now say that I know what anal hooks, sadisticks and violet wands do. Thanks Google!
Kai Ferguson was gutted when he found out his fiancée was sleeping with his brother Jared while he was off getting shot at in Iraq. He's barely spoken to Jared in years. Kai's assistant Kori Williamson was gutted when her Master betrayed her in so many ways, so she left the movie business and her need for sadomasochism behind.
Even after working together for years, Kai has no clue that Kori is an experienced masochist…which would dovetail nicely with his sadist needs. Now that his brother is back in his life filming a movie and using Sanctum as the set, flirting with Kori and every other woman in the club, Kai has more motivation than ever to make a move on his lovely assistant. There's more going on beneath the surface of a movie shoot though, and Kai and Kori's relationship will be put to the test.
I was skeptical about FROM SANCTUM WITH LOVE. Kai's character hasn't been one of my favorites (more ambivalence than dislike) and I don't really care for heavy sadomasochistic scenes. I'm so glad I was wrong, because this book was really sexy and emotional for a lot of reasons. There was a LOT going on in this story…the strained relationship between Kai and his brother Jared, the fact that a serial killer is in their midst (and also an undercover reporter), the possibility that someone they thought was dead might be alive. Kai and Kori's story was more like a bridge novel, bringing back the focus on the McKay-Taggart team and away from the more Sanctum/CIA focused stories.
There were some wildly erotic sex scenes between Kai and Kori, and I didn't think I'd dig the harder-core pain slut storyline, but I really did. There were also a few funny nuggets that were thrown out there as per typical Lexi Blake fashion:
She seriously doubted he would walk in and make crazy demands. "If anyone tells you how to behave around him, it's probably coming from his creepy assistant chick. Apparently he's got an entourage, and one of them weighs five pounds and looks like she craps sadness. You won't be able to miss her. Well, unless she turns to the side and then you might be able to. But Jared himself seems cool."
Hahaha! There's always something in the Masters and Mercenaries series that cracks me up and breaks up the romantic suspense tension that all the books have.
Bottom Line: A busy but fantastic addition to the series, and while all the books can be read as standalones, this one has a nice little cliffhanger that'll drive you nuts!
Kai Ferguson was gutted when he found out his fiancée was sleeping with his brother Jared while he was off getting shot at in Iraq. He's barely spoken to Jared in years. Kai's assistant Kori Williamson was gutted when her Master betrayed her in so many ways, so she left the movie business and her need for sadomasochism behind.
Even after working together for years, Kai has no clue that Kori is an experienced masochist…which would dovetail nicely with his sadist needs. Now that his brother is back in his life filming a movie and using Sanctum as the set, flirting with Kori and every other woman in the club, Kai has more motivation than ever to make a move on his lovely assistant. There's more going on beneath the surface of a movie shoot though, and Kai and Kori's relationship will be put to the test.
I was skeptical about FROM SANCTUM WITH LOVE. Kai's character hasn't been one of my favorites (more ambivalence than dislike) and I don't really care for heavy sadomasochistic scenes. I'm so glad I was wrong, because this book was really sexy and emotional for a lot of reasons. There was a LOT going on in this story…the strained relationship between Kai and his brother Jared, the fact that a serial killer is in their midst (and also an undercover reporter), the possibility that someone they thought was dead might be alive. Kai and Kori's story was more like a bridge novel, bringing back the focus on the McKay-Taggart team and away from the more Sanctum/CIA focused stories.
There were some wildly erotic sex scenes between Kai and Kori, and I didn't think I'd dig the harder-core pain slut storyline, but I really did. There were also a few funny nuggets that were thrown out there as per typical Lexi Blake fashion:
She seriously doubted he would walk in and make crazy demands. "If anyone tells you how to behave around him, it's probably coming from his creepy assistant chick. Apparently he's got an entourage, and one of them weighs five pounds and looks like she craps sadness. You won't be able to miss her. Well, unless she turns to the side and then you might be able to. But Jared himself seems cool."
Hahaha! There's always something in the Masters and Mercenaries series that cracks me up and breaks up the romantic suspense tension that all the books have.
Bottom Line: A busy but fantastic addition to the series, and while all the books can be read as standalones, this one has a nice little cliffhanger that'll drive you nuts!
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