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Masters and Mercenaries #12
Submission is Not Enough
A fallen hero reborn
Theo Taggart lost everything the night he died. His family, his beautiful Erin, and worst of all, he lost himself. A twisted doctor brought him back from the brink of death, but reprogrammed his identity to serve her will. Rescued by his brothers, he must fight to reclaim the man he was and the life, and love, that were stolen from him.
A love worth fighting for
Erin Argent thought she’d lost Theo forever. When he walked back into her life, it was nothing short of a miracle. Months of torture and conditioning at the hands of Dr. Hope McDonald have done damage to Theo that may never be mended. He has no memory of her or the life they shared. Breaking through to him, and helping him rediscover all he lost, will be the toughest mission she’s ever faced. Luckily for Theo, Erin loves a good fight.
Their reunion under siege
Unfortunately, Hope is far from done with Theo Taggart. Obsession with her prize experiment, she will do anything to get him back. If the only way to finally break him of his past life is to kill Erin and his son, then she’s only too happy to oblige…
Theo Taggart lost everything the night he died. His family, his beautiful Erin, and worst of all, he lost himself. A twisted doctor brought him back from the brink of death, but reprogrammed his identity to serve her will. Rescued by his brothers, he must fight to reclaim the man he was and the life, and love, that were stolen from him.
A love worth fighting for
Erin Argent thought she’d lost Theo forever. When he walked back into her life, it was nothing short of a miracle. Months of torture and conditioning at the hands of Dr. Hope McDonald have done damage to Theo that may never be mended. He has no memory of her or the life they shared. Breaking through to him, and helping him rediscover all he lost, will be the toughest mission she’s ever faced. Luckily for Theo, Erin loves a good fight.
Their reunion under siege
Unfortunately, Hope is far from done with Theo Taggart. Obsession with her prize experiment, she will do anything to get him back. If the only way to finally break him of his past life is to kill Erin and his son, then she’s only too happy to oblige…
417 pages, ebook
First published October 25, 2016
562 people are currently reading
1351 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
182 books6,380 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 280 reviews
October 27, 2016
This is going to be a bit of a hard review for me to write. I ADORE everything Lexi Blake writes, and the Masters & Mercenaries series is one of my ALL time favorite series. And while I did VERY much enjoy this one. I was also disappointed. If that makes sense?
"I’m real, baby. I’m not ever going to play mind games with you. I’m going to be honest. I want you and not only in bed. I want you for selfish reasons. I think you’re good for me. I don’t want you simply because I think you’re gorgeous. I like you. You make me laugh. You put me on my ass when I need it. I’ve never known a woman like you"
So first, what I LOVED.
-Miz Blake can WRITE. How she keeps all these intertwining plots and characters straight and continues to come up with stories that never bore me, is beyond my understanding.
-I loved seeing all the old gang from McKay-Taggart. As well as the London office gang. Loved hearing about the babies, and Ian getting a new son.
-LOVED Robert. In fact, I liked him more than I did Theo (sigh) Can't wait for Nick's book as well. Also, Simon's brother needs his own book, especially since it was stated he is into menage.
-LOVED Erin. Such a fabulous heroine. Strong, but soft and vulnerable at the same time.
-Great action and some smokin hot sex scenes (mostly in the flashbacks)
So what didn't I love...
-The Theo pity party went on WAY too long. I knew going in that this book was going to be heavy. I KNEW that the Theo we were going to get wasn't going to be the same after being tortured and losing his memory. That said, the Theo we got was, dare I say, a whiny self-centered asshole. He in NO WAY resembled a TAGGART (IMO). Even when his SON was in danger, he showed not an ounce of caring. He remained that way until 80% into the book. I just DID NOT LIKE HIM in any way. I never connected with him, and that made me SO sad because the old Theo was such a sweet and funny character. I would have liked at least a GLIMPSE of that.
-Which leads me to my other issue. I HATED the way he behaved towards his son (TJ) or rather DIDN'T, as in until 80% into the book he referred to TJ as "THE BOY" or "IT" We get ONE tiny scene near the beginning where he holds him for like a second. Then NOTHING until 80%. Oh, we get to hear OVER and OVER and OVER again how he "doesn't feel a connection to THE BOY" But any loving father stuff, no. Again, this had the unfortunate effect of causing me to disconnect from Theo even MORE.
-Lastly, I didn't feel the connection between Erin and Theo. Caused pretty much from the above issues. Plus there was SO much going on storywise, that I felt they never really got any "alone" time. In fact (and I may have forgotten) but I don't think they actually have intercourse in the present time in this book at all. We only get a glimpse of that in the flashbacks.
So see what I mean? Confused, because overall I enjoyed it and it kept me turning the pages. But disappointed because I was SO looking forward to Theo's book, and just really never warmed up to this "new" Theo.
Still, overall this is definitely worth the read. So two slightly confused thumbs up from your truly.
October 23, 2016
4.5 Stars
My heart! MY COLD BLACK HEART! It hurts dammit! It hurts so bad. This book twisted me inside out. Never have I been more invested in a character since Theo Taggart. I can't tell you the amount of tears I've shed over this man. As much as I love every single book in this series, this was easily one of my most anticipated. We've been getting teased with Theo's book for what feels like forever, and I felt like my heart would damn near explode if I didn't get my grabby little hands on his story soon.
First of all, if you're reading my review and you haven't read Master No yet, stop right now! Don't even read this blurb for god sakes! Seriously. You're doing yourself a great disservice. This is a series that needs to be read in order to truly appreciate the amount of forethought this author put into all her characters and their books. And it would also make you appreciate the tight bond that is Taggart and Co.
This was easily the most emotional book in the series. It was beyond powerful. It was passion and pain in a way that only Lexi Blake could write it. It was equal parts satisfying and painful. It was everything I'd hoped it would be and so SO much more.
I've always rooted for Theo and Erin. The more Erin fought their connection the harder I rooted for Theo. His always sunny disposition, his quick smiles and humor, and all around easy going demeanor. That is not the man he is anymore.
Tortured. Brainwashed. Drugged. Theo is a shell of the man he used to be. His memories gone, every day is a struggle to remember his old life and be the man that everyone remembers him to be. My heart broke for him even if at times his actions had me wanting to shake him.
Erin was just as amazing in this book as she's been. This is a woman with a soft heart but a steel strength. She's not afraid to fight for the man she never stopped loving even if she did spend most of their time together pushing him away. Man. Watching her go through everything she does for Theo was absolutely heart wrenching.
Lexi Blake is one of my go-to authors when it comes to sexy romantic suspense, but with this book she proved that she can wring emotion from her readers like no other. It's so much more than just romance. Twelve books into the series and I'm still as invested as ever if not more so with these characters and find myself eagerly anticipating the next book. It's so far beyond just sexy BDSM romance and high octane action. Starting one of these books is like getting reacquainted with a gang of friends. I fall hard for each of them every single time and with the snippet of the next book I'm practically salivating for Nick already.
If you're hoping this book lives up to all your expectations, it does. It goes beyond it. It blows all the expectations away. I loved every page!
Me before reading
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
She’d been his prize. She was still the prize. He simply didn’t deserve her anymore.
My heart! MY COLD BLACK HEART! It hurts dammit! It hurts so bad. This book twisted me inside out. Never have I been more invested in a character since Theo Taggart. I can't tell you the amount of tears I've shed over this man. As much as I love every single book in this series, this was easily one of my most anticipated. We've been getting teased with Theo's book for what feels like forever, and I felt like my heart would damn near explode if I didn't get my grabby little hands on his story soon.
First of all, if you're reading my review and you haven't read Master No yet, stop right now! Don't even read this blurb for god sakes! Seriously. You're doing yourself a great disservice. This is a series that needs to be read in order to truly appreciate the amount of forethought this author put into all her characters and their books. And it would also make you appreciate the tight bond that is Taggart and Co.
This was easily the most emotional book in the series. It was beyond powerful. It was passion and pain in a way that only Lexi Blake could write it. It was equal parts satisfying and painful. It was everything I'd hoped it would be and so SO much more.
I've always rooted for Theo and Erin. The more Erin fought their connection the harder I rooted for Theo. His always sunny disposition, his quick smiles and humor, and all around easy going demeanor. That is not the man he is anymore.
Tortured. Brainwashed. Drugged. Theo is a shell of the man he used to be. His memories gone, every day is a struggle to remember his old life and be the man that everyone remembers him to be. My heart broke for him even if at times his actions had me wanting to shake him.
Erin was just as amazing in this book as she's been. This is a woman with a soft heart but a steel strength. She's not afraid to fight for the man she never stopped loving even if she did spend most of their time together pushing him away. Man. Watching her go through everything she does for Theo was absolutely heart wrenching.
Lexi Blake is one of my go-to authors when it comes to sexy romantic suspense, but with this book she proved that she can wring emotion from her readers like no other. It's so much more than just romance. Twelve books into the series and I'm still as invested as ever if not more so with these characters and find myself eagerly anticipating the next book. It's so far beyond just sexy BDSM romance and high octane action. Starting one of these books is like getting reacquainted with a gang of friends. I fall hard for each of them every single time and with the snippet of the next book I'm practically salivating for Nick already.
If you're hoping this book lives up to all your expectations, it does. It goes beyond it. It blows all the expectations away. I loved every page!
Me before reading
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
October 27, 2016
This review kills me just a little because I wanted to love this book so much. I've been waiting for Theo and Erin to get their story for what seems like forever and I had high expectations for them. I mean, he's a Taggart, so how can Theo not be all of that and a bag of chips? But sadly this story just didn't live up to what I thought it would be like.
I still adore Ms. Blake's writing and I had many good moments while reading this. I loved that she gave us moments from Theo and Erin's past and showed us how they originally got together. It was great to see them exploring one another both in the past and in the present. They had both changed after the tragedy that happened, Erin becoming even stronger than before from being a single mother and Theo, well you know, lost his memory and all so of course he's different. It was fun to see them as they used to be and them as they are now while in similar situations of getting to know one another.
With that being said, Theo was a little too different for me. It was like he became this emotionless person that wasn't even trying to regain a at least some of the life he lived with Erin. There were few moments that he actually seemed to want to be with Erin and his son, but they were few and far between. And soon after he would be back to being an asshole. The constant back and forth between him and Erin gave me whiplash and I wish they had worked it out sooner so we could see more of a connection between them.
I have mixed feelings about all the action and suspense going on during this one. Usually I love how Lexi Blake can incorporate so much action into a book and still keep the romance. But while I liked getting to hear about the other characters and learning about the fight between McKay-Taggart and the psycho Doctor, I didn't like how it overshadowed Erin and Theo. I felt like theirs was a book that needed a lot of focus on them alone, without so many other things going on. It was one of the main reasons I didn't see a connection between them and was disappointed in their story.
Overall, I am still a huge fan of this series and I will definitely be reading anything else this author will bring us from his group. This one was clearly not my favorite, but even with the issues I had I still enjoyed the book and I can't wait to see what will happen with the next one.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
I still adore Ms. Blake's writing and I had many good moments while reading this. I loved that she gave us moments from Theo and Erin's past and showed us how they originally got together. It was great to see them exploring one another both in the past and in the present. They had both changed after the tragedy that happened, Erin becoming even stronger than before from being a single mother and Theo, well you know, lost his memory and all so of course he's different. It was fun to see them as they used to be and them as they are now while in similar situations of getting to know one another.
With that being said, Theo was a little too different for me. It was like he became this emotionless person that wasn't even trying to regain a at least some of the life he lived with Erin. There were few moments that he actually seemed to want to be with Erin and his son, but they were few and far between. And soon after he would be back to being an asshole. The constant back and forth between him and Erin gave me whiplash and I wish they had worked it out sooner so we could see more of a connection between them.
I have mixed feelings about all the action and suspense going on during this one. Usually I love how Lexi Blake can incorporate so much action into a book and still keep the romance. But while I liked getting to hear about the other characters and learning about the fight between McKay-Taggart and the psycho Doctor, I didn't like how it overshadowed Erin and Theo. I felt like theirs was a book that needed a lot of focus on them alone, without so many other things going on. It was one of the main reasons I didn't see a connection between them and was disappointed in their story.
Overall, I am still a huge fan of this series and I will definitely be reading anything else this author will bring us from his group. This one was clearly not my favorite, but even with the issues I had I still enjoyed the book and I can't wait to see what will happen with the next one.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2016
4.5* the lost puppy STARS!!
Finally! I couldn't believe this book published so quickly. Surprisingly, this book was better than I've anticipated. After Case's story in Dominance Never Dies, finally Theo Taggart back to his family but he isn't the same man as before. Erin must move quickly or she will lose him.
It has been months but Theo still couldn't control his mind. Since his kidnapping and drug abuse by Hope McDonald, there is no funny and flirty Theo. Just a walking hollow case. Even he couldn't admit his own son, TJ. The therapy is still working, but Erin always the problem. Theo's mind always takeover when her name mentioned. He lose control. There is another way, Ian believe Theo still could be a dominant, and there is Erin. They're trying to get together through BDSM. Again, their love must face another challenge when TJ is in danger. Whether Theo will come or not, Erin must protect her only love.
This is the most depressing story in the entire series. After everything he has been through, the old Theo already gone and I missed him! There were some past memory when Theo with Erin and it was heart-breaking. How hard Theo finally get his woman. Be her Dominant. Planning future together. Convince Erin to love him. Oh man...
Growing up in military family and failed marriage, Erin Argent vowed never fallen for another man. She's the most bad-ass woman I've ever know (beside Charlotte). Strong and independent. Erin never wooed by any man beside Theo. This man will do anything for her even learning BDSM so he could be her Dominant. Of course, Erin is in denial with her feeling for Theo. She's falling for him slowly.
There isn't much BDSM scenes but their chemistry is really intimate. Long lost loves really break my heart. How Theo changed into harsh person. How Erin's longing for Theo to come back for her and TJ. However, they're running in circles with desperation and uncertainty. It hurts me when Theo wants to leave his family because he's too broken. Oh baby, there is no such thing. I loved how they're threading back their life because the evil doctor.
There will be always catching the bad guys in this series. Of course, they're still after Hope McDonald with her universal soldier. Also, there are some new additional characters that makes me curious. Some cameos made appearance like Ten Smith and Damon Knight and the rest McKay-Taggart's crews. It was almost perfect, but the bad guys defeated too easily. After everything they have been through? Hmph. Overall, I'm satisfied beyond words! The story has slow-burn paced and I couldn't stop myself to know more.
Finally! I couldn't believe this book published so quickly. Surprisingly, this book was better than I've anticipated. After Case's story in Dominance Never Dies, finally Theo Taggart back to his family but he isn't the same man as before. Erin must move quickly or she will lose him.
It has been months but Theo still couldn't control his mind. Since his kidnapping and drug abuse by Hope McDonald, there is no funny and flirty Theo. Just a walking hollow case. Even he couldn't admit his own son, TJ. The therapy is still working, but Erin always the problem. Theo's mind always takeover when her name mentioned. He lose control. There is another way, Ian believe Theo still could be a dominant, and there is Erin. They're trying to get together through BDSM. Again, their love must face another challenge when TJ is in danger. Whether Theo will come or not, Erin must protect her only love.
This is the most depressing story in the entire series. After everything he has been through, the old Theo already gone and I missed him! There were some past memory when Theo with Erin and it was heart-breaking. How hard Theo finally get his woman. Be her Dominant. Planning future together. Convince Erin to love him. Oh man...
Growing up in military family and failed marriage, Erin Argent vowed never fallen for another man. She's the most bad-ass woman I've ever know (beside Charlotte). Strong and independent. Erin never wooed by any man beside Theo. This man will do anything for her even learning BDSM so he could be her Dominant. Of course, Erin is in denial with her feeling for Theo. She's falling for him slowly.
This was happening now. She was here. She was open and waiting for his touch.
She was his prize for coming through hell alive.
There isn't much BDSM scenes but their chemistry is really intimate. Long lost loves really break my heart. How Theo changed into harsh person. How Erin's longing for Theo to come back for her and TJ. However, they're running in circles with desperation and uncertainty. It hurts me when Theo wants to leave his family because he's too broken. Oh baby, there is no such thing. I loved how they're threading back their life because the evil doctor.
“... I need you to understand one thing, Theo. I love and adore you and that means we’re going to make it through this because we’ll find our way together. It means we have to hold on tight and not let her break us.”
“And if I’m already broken?”
“Then I put you back together. You might not be exactly the same as before, but you’ll still be beautiful to me. You’ll still be the center of my world.”
There will be always catching the bad guys in this series. Of course, they're still after Hope McDonald with her universal soldier. Also, there are some new additional characters that makes me curious. Some cameos made appearance like Ten Smith and Damon Knight and the rest McKay-Taggart's crews. It was almost perfect, but the bad guys defeated too easily. After everything they have been through? Hmph. Overall, I'm satisfied beyond words! The story has slow-burn paced and I couldn't stop myself to know more.
October 27, 2016
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
Erin Argent has my heart and so does Lexi Blake. As my much anticipated book from Lexi Blake, I couldn’t wait for Submission Is Not Enough. Seriously, this book was a culmination of raw emotions, love, and brutal honesty. There are not enough words to describe how powerful and poignant this love story was. It was as if Lexi Blake had to pull the strings of our hearts in this twelfth installment.
Personally, I loved the heroine, Erin so much. She was a perfect blend of a strong heroine and yet had that gentle aspect to her. Her fierce love for Theo made this book really hard to put down. I honestly think she was the IT factor as to why I was able to love and enjoy this book so much.
Submission Is Not Enough is hands down the most emotional book of the series. So if you are looking for a story where the author beautifully and masterfully crafted a journey of love and second chances then I beg you to submit to this book and fall in love with Lexi Blake’s emotional and stunning prose.
Lexi Blake
Erin Argent has my heart and so does Lexi Blake. As my much anticipated book from Lexi Blake, I couldn’t wait for Submission Is Not Enough. Seriously, this book was a culmination of raw emotions, love, and brutal honesty. There are not enough words to describe how powerful and poignant this love story was. It was as if Lexi Blake had to pull the strings of our hearts in this twelfth installment.
Personally, I loved the heroine, Erin so much. She was a perfect blend of a strong heroine and yet had that gentle aspect to her. Her fierce love for Theo made this book really hard to put down. I honestly think she was the IT factor as to why I was able to love and enjoy this book so much.
Submission Is Not Enough is hands down the most emotional book of the series. So if you are looking for a story where the author beautifully and masterfully crafted a journey of love and second chances then I beg you to submit to this book and fall in love with Lexi Blake’s emotional and stunning prose.
Lexi Blake
March 29, 2019
Well thank f@ck that storyline is over.
December 30, 2016
After thinking about this one and sleeping a night on my thoughts I’m still torn although I’ve given it 4 Stars I’m still not exactly I am attributing the 4 Stars for.
Ms. Blake has written one of my favourite series that I have read in 2016. I’m a huge fan. This was the one book I wasn’t sure about after reading him in Mia & Case’s book and seeing him as the ray of sunshine that he was in the other books I wasn’t convinced that this would work.
Theo is back and trying to acclimatise to the life he had before he nearly died, he was tortured and giving experimental drugs to make him into a super soldier. Yeah he was dealt a shitty hand but his family and friends did everything in their power to get Theo back.
Theo, Theo, Theo WTF is wrong with you? Do you actually know how lucky you are? What about Robert the poor sod? Yeah I know it is tough but you’re not the man I thought you were. Working through what could be real and what isn’t real was tough but for me personally it took him to long to get there.
I know setting the scene of seeing them together before Theo was taken was important but it showed us how much Theo had changed. He is harder not necessarily a bad thing if you ask me but he frustrated me to no end. A lot of things were repetitive in the book of what he was constantly chewing. NO. ONE. LIKES. A. EFFING. MATYR.
I actually had problems with Erin in the previous books but here she actually saved it from going completely downhill. She is the epitome of cool, with the patience of a saint. With her ingenuity what it comes to plans for punching Theo into his place and well also being a kick arse Mum.
Oh we still have the modern day espionage going on so the plot added a lot to the rating. McKay-Taggart trying to find Hope McDonald or as she likes to be called Mother. She is a psychotic bitch. Nice Erin with that.
I would’ve loved to have seen a showdown with Erin’s family and the Taggart’s that would be fucking awesome.
One thing though I was desperate to find out Damon & Penelope’s sons name.
He closed his eyes and dreamed of a red haired beauty.
October 31, 2016
In the twelfth (yes, twelfth) book in the Masters and Mercenaries series, Theo is a shell of the man he was. Brought back home with no memory of his life and love, he struggles to connect with his woman, child and family. Erin must find a way to reconnect with the man she loves who may no longer exist. This is when emotionally charged romance happens.
-Broke my heart within the first few pages. Theo’s final moments and the choices he made, were a harbinger of things to come and hooked fast and strong. Full of love, regret, pain and hope, there’s lots of feels to be processed and if you’re into amnesia/second chance at love stories, this would be a good read. Ms. Blake managed to strike a balance between the old Theo and the new through flashbacks, helpful for a lapsed M&M fan (more on that later). Even with this, I thought there was plenty of the trademark banter for the M&M gang, as well as revisiting past favorites as they played their part in Theo and Erin’s love lost and found.
-Theo and Erin’s second chance romance. Erin’s heartbreak at Theo’s missing memories and Theo’s frustration at being unable to recall anything without immense pain was certainly a huge, believable obstacle. Their reconnection was nothing but feels and just what I was in the mood for. Even when Theo could be an idiot.
-Frustrations, by both Theo and myself. Theo’s frustration and subsequent kind of butthead moments were understandable, but no less aggravating. If there was anything that dropped my rating, it would be this.
-Missed a few and it affected this read. Now this may or may not be due to the fact that I haven’t read all of the books in the M&M series, but it helped that I didn’t have strong memories of Theo pre-resurrection. I’ll admit I thought the series was getting a bit long in the tooth and as a result, I wasn’t in a rush to read every book as they came out. Time passed, and I realized I missed about 3-4 key books in the middle of this series, including the one where he originally died. The series has definitely bounced back though, even if the backstory is more unwieldy than ever.
-The BDSM is pretty light with this one. This isn’t bad or good, but it is noteworthy. As the series has progressed, I think the sex has, understandably, taken a back seat to story. Not to say that there isn’t sex and that it doesn’t have that kinky edge, there’s just not alot of it. What there is remains high quality so I’m not complaining.
I really enjoyed myself. I think Ms. Blake has found a way (much like Theo’s resurrection) to breathe life in this long-running series and get me hooked once more. The romance, as well as the suspense worked well, a rare combination. Mental note, I need to catch up on the books I’ve missed.
For more reviews, visit
-Broke my heart within the first few pages. Theo’s final moments and the choices he made, were a harbinger of things to come and hooked fast and strong. Full of love, regret, pain and hope, there’s lots of feels to be processed and if you’re into amnesia/second chance at love stories, this would be a good read. Ms. Blake managed to strike a balance between the old Theo and the new through flashbacks, helpful for a lapsed M&M fan (more on that later). Even with this, I thought there was plenty of the trademark banter for the M&M gang, as well as revisiting past favorites as they played their part in Theo and Erin’s love lost and found.
-Theo and Erin’s second chance romance. Erin’s heartbreak at Theo’s missing memories and Theo’s frustration at being unable to recall anything without immense pain was certainly a huge, believable obstacle. Their reconnection was nothing but feels and just what I was in the mood for. Even when Theo could be an idiot.
-Frustrations, by both Theo and myself. Theo’s frustration and subsequent kind of butthead moments were understandable, but no less aggravating. If there was anything that dropped my rating, it would be this.
-Missed a few and it affected this read. Now this may or may not be due to the fact that I haven’t read all of the books in the M&M series, but it helped that I didn’t have strong memories of Theo pre-resurrection. I’ll admit I thought the series was getting a bit long in the tooth and as a result, I wasn’t in a rush to read every book as they came out. Time passed, and I realized I missed about 3-4 key books in the middle of this series, including the one where he originally died. The series has definitely bounced back though, even if the backstory is more unwieldy than ever.
-The BDSM is pretty light with this one. This isn’t bad or good, but it is noteworthy. As the series has progressed, I think the sex has, understandably, taken a back seat to story. Not to say that there isn’t sex and that it doesn’t have that kinky edge, there’s just not alot of it. What there is remains high quality so I’m not complaining.
I really enjoyed myself. I think Ms. Blake has found a way (much like Theo’s resurrection) to breathe life in this long-running series and get me hooked once more. The romance, as well as the suspense worked well, a rare combination. Mental note, I need to catch up on the books I’ve missed.
For more reviews, visit
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June 3, 2022
This is a second-chance romance where unfortunately, the second time round is a lot less interesting than the first.
First: ADORABLE blond military man Theo Taggart chasing divorcee Erin, who's almost a decade older than him and works as a mercenary.
Second: He's lost his memory and totally at sea when confronted with Erin, who's since given birth to his son. Far from chasing, he's (understandably) lost and confused.
While I obviously understand that having amnesia can do a number on a guy, the re-do of their romance was so much less interesting than the first go, it was sad.
First: ADORABLE blond military man Theo Taggart chasing divorcee Erin, who's almost a decade older than him and works as a mercenary.
Second: He's lost his memory and totally at sea when confronted with Erin, who's since given birth to his son. Far from chasing, he's (understandably) lost and confused.
While I obviously understand that having amnesia can do a number on a guy, the re-do of their romance was so much less interesting than the first go, it was sad.
October 31, 2016
This book poses an interesting question: is it better to lose someone you love to death or to have them survive but not remember anything about their life? There is no good answer.
When Theo Taggart was rescued after being presumed dead, he was 50 Shades of Fucked Up. Brainwashed by a madwoman, Theo struggles to recall even basic information about himself, and it kills him to know that the redhead who haunted his every minute in captivity is someone he can't wholly remember his real time with.
Erin Argent was devastated when Theo died, especially since she was there when the bullet took him down. She struggled through pregnancy, but it's nothing compared to having the man she loves back from the dead and not remembering who she is...was...to him. Now she's a single mother whose man can barely look at her, who avoids their son at every opportunity, who put everything she believed in on the line for love and came out the big loser.
The literal pain that comes with just looking at Erin knocks Theo on his ass. He can't remember anything about her, but he's pretty sure she's not the right woman for him. She's too sweet, too gentle. He'll hurt her. Erin knows the time for coddling Theo is now gone, it's time to wake his ass up and make him realize how good they are together.
Ooooh, ya'll, I've been waiting for this one!! SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH is book 12 in the Masters and Mercenaries series by the fabulous Ms. Blake, and I've been chomping at the bit to get to Theo's side of the Hope McDonald kidnapping/brainwashing/reprogramming saga. Erin's character was so terribly sad in the last book, my heart absolutely broke for her. Theo was interesting, so strong and capable in body, but totally broken on the inside as he struggles to recall even the most basic portions of his life BH (before Hope).
If my heart broke for Erin before, it was absolutely crushed for Theo in SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH, as the man just knew nothing about his past, who he was or what his hopes and dreams were. And the scenes where he couldn't/wouldn't connect with baby TJ just killed me. Of course it all worked out in the end, leaving the series open for loads of new London players (and the "lost boys" they collected).
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; some condom use (with conversation); BDSM/kink (spanking, bondage, pain); no sexual assault (but attempt is kind of implied); violence/murder (lots).
When Theo Taggart was rescued after being presumed dead, he was 50 Shades of Fucked Up. Brainwashed by a madwoman, Theo struggles to recall even basic information about himself, and it kills him to know that the redhead who haunted his every minute in captivity is someone he can't wholly remember his real time with.
Erin Argent was devastated when Theo died, especially since she was there when the bullet took him down. She struggled through pregnancy, but it's nothing compared to having the man she loves back from the dead and not remembering who she is...was...to him. Now she's a single mother whose man can barely look at her, who avoids their son at every opportunity, who put everything she believed in on the line for love and came out the big loser.
The literal pain that comes with just looking at Erin knocks Theo on his ass. He can't remember anything about her, but he's pretty sure she's not the right woman for him. She's too sweet, too gentle. He'll hurt her. Erin knows the time for coddling Theo is now gone, it's time to wake his ass up and make him realize how good they are together.
Ooooh, ya'll, I've been waiting for this one!! SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH is book 12 in the Masters and Mercenaries series by the fabulous Ms. Blake, and I've been chomping at the bit to get to Theo's side of the Hope McDonald kidnapping/brainwashing/reprogramming saga. Erin's character was so terribly sad in the last book, my heart absolutely broke for her. Theo was interesting, so strong and capable in body, but totally broken on the inside as he struggles to recall even the most basic portions of his life BH (before Hope).
If my heart broke for Erin before, it was absolutely crushed for Theo in SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH, as the man just knew nothing about his past, who he was or what his hopes and dreams were. And the scenes where he couldn't/wouldn't connect with baby TJ just killed me. Of course it all worked out in the end, leaving the series open for loads of new London players (and the "lost boys" they collected).
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing; some condom use (with conversation); BDSM/kink (spanking, bondage, pain); no sexual assault (but attempt is kind of implied); violence/murder (lots).
October 25, 2016
Shadow's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
I looked forward to this book with such anticipation-and dread-it more than fulfilled both emotions. Submission is not enough is Theo’s story after he is rescued from evil doctor Hope McDonald. Author Lexi Blake has been teasing readers for the past few books in the Master and Mercenaries series, first killing off Theo, then giving hints that he might be still alive-and now she brings him back to his family. The problem is, thanks to the drugs he was given, he has no memory of his life before. He connected to his girlfriend Erin, but he doesn’t really remember her, and he wants nothing to do with the son she bore him. At first, even thinking her name brings on migraines that literally make him sick. But ever so slowly, he has flashes of memory.
Everyone treats Theo with kid gloves, including Robert, who shared his captivity-and doesn’t have a family looking after him. Erin has been patient, but when she finally snaps, the fiery warrior turns him on in a way no one else can. But before they can resolve their relationship, McDonald resurfaces, with her sights set on bringing Theo back under her control. The entire Taggart-McKay team, along with a few others, pits their full resources into bringing down not only McDonald, but the Collective, the group that funded the doctor’s research. Can Erin and son TJ reach Theo emotionally before McDonald recaptures him?
The characters are delightful, the story totally captivating, and as always, Blake emphasis the importance of family. The glimpses we get of Big Tag are as enlightening as always. Erin is the perfect foil to Theo’s Alpha male, dark or light. She is strong, and has bloomed because of Theo. Can she possibly give up on him after a few months of him distancing himself.
This is one of those books that’s hard to read because the emotions are so strong, but it will stay with you forever. It is totally a five star read by a fabulous author.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
I looked forward to this book with such anticipation-and dread-it more than fulfilled both emotions. Submission is not enough is Theo’s story after he is rescued from evil doctor Hope McDonald. Author Lexi Blake has been teasing readers for the past few books in the Master and Mercenaries series, first killing off Theo, then giving hints that he might be still alive-and now she brings him back to his family. The problem is, thanks to the drugs he was given, he has no memory of his life before. He connected to his girlfriend Erin, but he doesn’t really remember her, and he wants nothing to do with the son she bore him. At first, even thinking her name brings on migraines that literally make him sick. But ever so slowly, he has flashes of memory.
Everyone treats Theo with kid gloves, including Robert, who shared his captivity-and doesn’t have a family looking after him. Erin has been patient, but when she finally snaps, the fiery warrior turns him on in a way no one else can. But before they can resolve their relationship, McDonald resurfaces, with her sights set on bringing Theo back under her control. The entire Taggart-McKay team, along with a few others, pits their full resources into bringing down not only McDonald, but the Collective, the group that funded the doctor’s research. Can Erin and son TJ reach Theo emotionally before McDonald recaptures him?
The characters are delightful, the story totally captivating, and as always, Blake emphasis the importance of family. The glimpses we get of Big Tag are as enlightening as always. Erin is the perfect foil to Theo’s Alpha male, dark or light. She is strong, and has bloomed because of Theo. Can she possibly give up on him after a few months of him distancing himself.
This is one of those books that’s hard to read because the emotions are so strong, but it will stay with you forever. It is totally a five star read by a fabulous author.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
October 21, 2016
This was one of the most anticipated books in the series! Thank you Lexi Blake for writing it so fast! We finally got Erin and Theo's book. Yay! They had such a difficult journey ahead of them.
!!!!SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
We have almost the whole crew in this one, Liam and Avery, Kai, Ian, Hutch and the European guys predominantly. Ms Blake manages to write everything that I wanted to read in this one! I don't know how she does it, but she's an amazing author. Action, drama, old characters, a satisfying HEA, some really hot sex... everything's here. Don't miss this latest installment in the series! It's totally worth it!
!!!!SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
We have almost the whole crew in this one, Liam and Avery, Kai, Ian, Hutch and the European guys predominantly. Ms Blake manages to write everything that I wanted to read in this one! I don't know how she does it, but she's an amazing author. Action, drama, old characters, a satisfying HEA, some really hot sex... everything's here. Don't miss this latest installment in the series! It's totally worth it!
April 4, 2019
This had potential, but it was probably 300 pages too long. It's the same, repetitive, self beating, yet hoping, thing, going and going in cirrrrrcleessss.........
October 28, 2016
This book was an emotional roller coaster for me! I have love each and every book in this series and when Theo died I felt like a part of me died as well. Now he is back and I don't even know where to begin. If you haven't read Master No yet then you really should at the least read it before you read this one. I would suggest that you read the entire series in order because it will help you understand the relationships ans humor much better.
Theo is trying his best to reconnect with the man that he was before his mind was wiped clean. He is having a really hard time doing that on top of being told that Erin is the woman he loves and they have a child together. Erin had fought Theo for so long before they finally came together and now she must fight Theo to even be together. Add in the crazy woman who thinks that Theo is hers and will do nothing to stop at getting him back and you have the typical day with Taggart and Company.
Theo struggled and love when he finally pulls his head out of his dairy air and discovered that the son he has been hiding from because he was afraid he would disappoint him didn't care. All that small child cared about was Theo the way he was now. That moment made me cry so hard and made me fall in love with Theo all over again. Erin was strong as always and this book really showed how far the old Theo brought her out of herself. He helped her find her footing.
Ian is in rare form in this book and I have to tell you all that Ian has always been my favorite in these books. I love when he makes an appearance and the moments when he talks about the cotton candy machine and not having enough single men to seduce women for information were wonderful. I could see him all giddy about one moment and pouting about the other. As always Lexi Blake delivers a book full of suspense and action with plenty of erotic submission. The Doms in these books know just how to make their subs fall to their knees.
Theo is trying his best to reconnect with the man that he was before his mind was wiped clean. He is having a really hard time doing that on top of being told that Erin is the woman he loves and they have a child together. Erin had fought Theo for so long before they finally came together and now she must fight Theo to even be together. Add in the crazy woman who thinks that Theo is hers and will do nothing to stop at getting him back and you have the typical day with Taggart and Company.
Theo struggled and love when he finally pulls his head out of his dairy air and discovered that the son he has been hiding from because he was afraid he would disappoint him didn't care. All that small child cared about was Theo the way he was now. That moment made me cry so hard and made me fall in love with Theo all over again. Erin was strong as always and this book really showed how far the old Theo brought her out of herself. He helped her find her footing.
Ian is in rare form in this book and I have to tell you all that Ian has always been my favorite in these books. I love when he makes an appearance and the moments when he talks about the cotton candy machine and not having enough single men to seduce women for information were wonderful. I could see him all giddy about one moment and pouting about the other. As always Lexi Blake delivers a book full of suspense and action with plenty of erotic submission. The Doms in these books know just how to make their subs fall to their knees.
This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/submission-i....
A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
October 27, 2016
To be honest I thought Theo and Erin already had a book of their own, but after a little search I realized that they got together in Faith and Tens book or somewhere close to that timeline. That is actually a relief because the idea of Theo and Erin growing as characters after their first book ended bothered me. Erin mostly (since Theo had his memory whipped) mentions that Theo's absence forced her to grow up on some aspects of her life for example. I have to begin the series from the start soon because I am missing so many things. One thing is certain though. I will read every new book in the series from now on. Even with a couple of things that bothered me in this one I cannot say that I didn't enjoy reading Submission is not enough.
After Dominance never dies I knew I had to read this story. Theo and Erin's story continues and begins at the same time. Theo is not the man he was before and Erin still loves and fights for that man. He is broken and doesn't think he is suitable for the job of Erin's husband and TJ's father. He feels a strong attraction towards her, but on the other hand he is not making a move while he is avoiding his son. He develops a lot as a character as it is expected. Erin doesn't develop a lot as a character, but she is already strong, feisty and ready to punch which makes things better.
The book had I twist I saw coming, but it finally did I squealed from the excitement. It's a big spoil, so I have to seal my lips. I got a little tired of Theo pushing Erin away with every chance he got and him being so inclined on keeping her safe and away from him. He was acting as a jealous alpha male and he wasn't claiming her which frustrated me after a while. I can only take so much pushing away before I reach my limit. I loved seeing Theo with his son even if it was for a tiny amount of time.
I know I have to read Nicks which is coming next. I wonder what the author has planned for him. I hope we will see poor Owen getting better, but though I don't want him to find out what Faith's evil sister did. That little tease in the end was good enough for me to make me search when the next book is going to be released.
After Dominance never dies I knew I had to read this story. Theo and Erin's story continues and begins at the same time. Theo is not the man he was before and Erin still loves and fights for that man. He is broken and doesn't think he is suitable for the job of Erin's husband and TJ's father. He feels a strong attraction towards her, but on the other hand he is not making a move while he is avoiding his son. He develops a lot as a character as it is expected. Erin doesn't develop a lot as a character, but she is already strong, feisty and ready to punch which makes things better.
The book had I twist I saw coming, but it finally did I squealed from the excitement. It's a big spoil, so I have to seal my lips. I got a little tired of Theo pushing Erin away with every chance he got and him being so inclined on keeping her safe and away from him. He was acting as a jealous alpha male and he wasn't claiming her which frustrated me after a while. I can only take so much pushing away before I reach my limit. I loved seeing Theo with his son even if it was for a tiny amount of time.
I know I have to read Nicks which is coming next. I wonder what the author has planned for him. I hope we will see poor Owen getting better, but though I don't want him to find out what Faith's evil sister did. That little tease in the end was good enough for me to make me search when the next book is going to be released.
November 15, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was a good book. This was book 12 in the"Masters and Mercenaries" series and I love reading this series and this author. In book 10 Theo Taggart was kidnapped and held by psycho doctor Hope McDonald who is Faith's sister. Theo was held for 18 months by the psycho who gave him a drug to erase his memory but he couldn't forget about Erin. Theo was found in book 11 and this was his and Erin's story. Erin has been alone raising her son TJ with the help of the McKay-Taggart family. Theo returned he has no memory he wants Erin but he is afraid that he would hurt her and he is not sure that he could love TJ. Too me Theo whines too much he tries hard to push Erin away but he doesn't want anyone else to have her. As always Ian is there for his family. This book also introduces some new members to the team like Simon's brother who is a Lord who was in a ploy relationship until the other two were killed. They also visited the London office with Damon and the team at The Garden. I love reading Ms. Blake's books the sex scenes are hot the books are always well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. The next book is about Nick the Russian who heartbroken about Desirée who was killed when Theo was taken and her cousin. If you like reading hot BDSM with action and hot sexy alpha males than I recommend that you read this series.
"We get what we get and we choose how we handle it. We let it go or we hold on. We rise or we choose to fall."
"We get what we get and we choose how we handle it. We let it go or we hold on. We rise or we choose to fall."
November 27, 2017
Oh, the angst. I'm not a fan of heavy angst in the best of circumstances and having pages devoted to a special forces operative bemoaning 'I'm not good enough for her' was the worst. I'm a fan of Lexi Blake, but this one needed better editing to eliminate the repetitious refrain. Even the sexy bits were a bit angst ridden, reducing the hotness level.
October 25, 2016
THEO AND ERIN'S STORY!! WOOOOOHOOOOO!!! YES! YES! YES!
I have been waiting to read their story since I picked up this series. This is one book that you CANNOT read without reading the previous ones to truly understand and respect this story. Theo and Erin have had a hard and difficult journey to this point. And damn, it was so worth the wait.
I don't even know where to being or what to say. As with every other book in this series, the story is packed of full of emotions and action. There isn't any shortage of suspense or drama as Theo returns home without any memory after being held captive by the deranged Doctor Hope.
Erin will stop anything to get her Theo back. She is determined to reunite her family. Lexi seriously put me through a lot with these two. Theo and Erin are very deep characters in this series and this book will only bind you more to these characters. While Theo is trying to regain who he was before, Erin struggles past her fears as she navigates this path for her family.
We get to see everyone else from this series plus a few newbies to add in to the mix. But there is deceit and a traitor amongst them and this just adds to the suspense of everything. Dr. Hope is still on the run and establishing her army and finally get Theo back in her grasp.
It's an exhilarating ride and I loved every word of this book!!
I have been waiting to read their story since I picked up this series. This is one book that you CANNOT read without reading the previous ones to truly understand and respect this story. Theo and Erin have had a hard and difficult journey to this point. And damn, it was so worth the wait.
I don't even know where to being or what to say. As with every other book in this series, the story is packed of full of emotions and action. There isn't any shortage of suspense or drama as Theo returns home without any memory after being held captive by the deranged Doctor Hope.
Erin will stop anything to get her Theo back. She is determined to reunite her family. Lexi seriously put me through a lot with these two. Theo and Erin are very deep characters in this series and this book will only bind you more to these characters. While Theo is trying to regain who he was before, Erin struggles past her fears as she navigates this path for her family.
We get to see everyone else from this series plus a few newbies to add in to the mix. But there is deceit and a traitor amongst them and this just adds to the suspense of everything. Dr. Hope is still on the run and establishing her army and finally get Theo back in her grasp.
It's an exhilarating ride and I loved every word of this book!!
October 27, 2016
NOTE: Submission is Not Enough is the 12th full length story in the Masters and Mercenaries series. I personally feel that reading Dominance Never Dies (the previous book in the series) at a minimum would provide a better understanding of how Theo and Erin got to this point. That being said, it is not necessary and Submission is Not Enough can be read as a standalone if desired because it does contain sufficient details to fill you in on their backstory.
Theo may be back in Dallas in the McKay- Taggart fold, but he is not really back. His identity has been stripped away along with his memories, and although everyone seems to know him, he has very little recollection of anyone around him. It is extremely disconcerting to know that he should feel something for these people but now there is only numbness where there used to be love and affection. There is one exception for him though. Something about Erin still calls to him instinctively despite the programming the nasty doctor used on him to try to make him forget about her. He struggles with the fact that every time he closes his eyes, visions or memories of her drift into his dreams and he ends up waking up screaming and in a cold sweat after dream-Theo murders her.
His whole existence is basically a struggle at this point. Trying to remember his old life causes him physical pain to the point of migraines and nausea thanks to the memory-erasing drug and mental programming courtesy of Hope. Add in that he is constantly surrounded by people who remember who he used to be and who are silently judging him for not wanting to meet the child he fathered but doesn't know, and he is drowning under the weight of crushing expectations. The only one who has a prayer of truly understanding what he is going through is Robert, one of Hope's supersoldiers that escaped with Theo and a man who has become his only friend. While Theo is experiencing flashes of memories, Robert remembers nothing at all and he is embracing learning about the world again. He tries his best to help Theo but even he cannot completely fathom the turmoil his friend is experiencing.
What Robert didn’t understand, couldn’t possibly, was that he was free. Yes, he’d been through something horrible and he had no memory of his past, but Robert also didn’t have this crushing sense of letting everyone down because he couldn’t possibly feel for them what they felt for him.
They loved a ghost, a Theo he couldn’t possibly be again.
Erin and Theo have been working with Kai for therapy sessions, but clearly it isn't working as they had hoped so Erin decides it is time to change things up. Everyone, including her, has been treating Theo with kid gloves, but it is time for the gloves to come off and let him see the real her: the ball busting badass who can put him on his butt as easily as smiling at him and who won't let him get away with anything or walk all over her. That version of Erin definitely gets a spark of recognition and response from Theo, so his big brother gets an idea. It's time for Master Theo to make a comeback in attempt to regain control in some aspect of his life; of course Big Tag will also stack the deck in Erin's favor if at all possible so that they have a chance to reconnect in another way without the pressure of the past getting in the way.
Experiencing Theo's struggle was painful to read for me and I had to try to put into perspective along the way. Like his family, I had the perception of the more carefree and happy man he used to be, and the new version of Theo is very different. He is darker after everything he has been through, and without the lens of his memories and experiences, he doesn't react or feel the same way that he used to. The drugs and torture left him a shadow of the man he used to be although glimpses of pre-Hope Theo still shine through now and then. The one constant through it all is his connection with Erin. It cannot be severed despite the madness and uncertainty all around them and their chemistry is still off the charts as they experience some seriously scorching moments between the fear and uncertainty creeping into Theo's mind. But the question remains: can she live with the man who returned to Dallas knowing that the man she fell in love with will never completely return?
As they get to know each all over again, it isn't easy particularly since the thought of TJ still terrifies him and he won't even go near the boy if he can avoid it. His instinct to protect is still ingrained in his psyche, and he worries constantly about hurting Erin or the baby, either physically or emotionally, without realizing that his reactions are already causing pain. There was one moment that happened that was just SO Erin that it made me chuckle even as Theo marveled at it.
I don’t think that anything fazes that woman. I woke up screaming my head off and she hit me with a pillow and told me to stop crying like a girl and go back to sleep. I tried to explain to her that I’d murdered her in my dreams and she snorted and said that was the only place I would ever be doing that. Then she cuddled against me and started snoring again.
Before they know it, danger is invading their world again, and this time TJ is a target too. Hope has no intention of letting Theo escape her clutches, and she is back in the picture all too soon. The whole McKay- Taggart team scrambles to try to protect Theo, Erin and the baby as the action ramps up. Theo has to make a choice: does he send Erin and TJ away for their own protection and his own peace of mind? Or does he finally find a reason to reclaim his life and the future that is being offered to him?
I enjoyed Erin and Theo's journey to reconnect even as I had to try to wrap my mind around the new Theo at times. There was plenty happening in parallel to their story too as both old and newfound friends have to face their painful pasts and look for a way to move forward. The foundation for future relationships is being laid along the way, and I am looking forward to the continuation of this wonderful series!
Theo may be back in Dallas in the McKay- Taggart fold, but he is not really back. His identity has been stripped away along with his memories, and although everyone seems to know him, he has very little recollection of anyone around him. It is extremely disconcerting to know that he should feel something for these people but now there is only numbness where there used to be love and affection. There is one exception for him though. Something about Erin still calls to him instinctively despite the programming the nasty doctor used on him to try to make him forget about her. He struggles with the fact that every time he closes his eyes, visions or memories of her drift into his dreams and he ends up waking up screaming and in a cold sweat after dream-Theo murders her.
His whole existence is basically a struggle at this point. Trying to remember his old life causes him physical pain to the point of migraines and nausea thanks to the memory-erasing drug and mental programming courtesy of Hope. Add in that he is constantly surrounded by people who remember who he used to be and who are silently judging him for not wanting to meet the child he fathered but doesn't know, and he is drowning under the weight of crushing expectations. The only one who has a prayer of truly understanding what he is going through is Robert, one of Hope's supersoldiers that escaped with Theo and a man who has become his only friend. While Theo is experiencing flashes of memories, Robert remembers nothing at all and he is embracing learning about the world again. He tries his best to help Theo but even he cannot completely fathom the turmoil his friend is experiencing.
What Robert didn’t understand, couldn’t possibly, was that he was free. Yes, he’d been through something horrible and he had no memory of his past, but Robert also didn’t have this crushing sense of letting everyone down because he couldn’t possibly feel for them what they felt for him.
They loved a ghost, a Theo he couldn’t possibly be again.
Erin and Theo have been working with Kai for therapy sessions, but clearly it isn't working as they had hoped so Erin decides it is time to change things up. Everyone, including her, has been treating Theo with kid gloves, but it is time for the gloves to come off and let him see the real her: the ball busting badass who can put him on his butt as easily as smiling at him and who won't let him get away with anything or walk all over her. That version of Erin definitely gets a spark of recognition and response from Theo, so his big brother gets an idea. It's time for Master Theo to make a comeback in attempt to regain control in some aspect of his life; of course Big Tag will also stack the deck in Erin's favor if at all possible so that they have a chance to reconnect in another way without the pressure of the past getting in the way.
Experiencing Theo's struggle was painful to read for me and I had to try to put into perspective along the way. Like his family, I had the perception of the more carefree and happy man he used to be, and the new version of Theo is very different. He is darker after everything he has been through, and without the lens of his memories and experiences, he doesn't react or feel the same way that he used to. The drugs and torture left him a shadow of the man he used to be although glimpses of pre-Hope Theo still shine through now and then. The one constant through it all is his connection with Erin. It cannot be severed despite the madness and uncertainty all around them and their chemistry is still off the charts as they experience some seriously scorching moments between the fear and uncertainty creeping into Theo's mind. But the question remains: can she live with the man who returned to Dallas knowing that the man she fell in love with will never completely return?
As they get to know each all over again, it isn't easy particularly since the thought of TJ still terrifies him and he won't even go near the boy if he can avoid it. His instinct to protect is still ingrained in his psyche, and he worries constantly about hurting Erin or the baby, either physically or emotionally, without realizing that his reactions are already causing pain. There was one moment that happened that was just SO Erin that it made me chuckle even as Theo marveled at it.
I don’t think that anything fazes that woman. I woke up screaming my head off and she hit me with a pillow and told me to stop crying like a girl and go back to sleep. I tried to explain to her that I’d murdered her in my dreams and she snorted and said that was the only place I would ever be doing that. Then she cuddled against me and started snoring again.
Before they know it, danger is invading their world again, and this time TJ is a target too. Hope has no intention of letting Theo escape her clutches, and she is back in the picture all too soon. The whole McKay- Taggart team scrambles to try to protect Theo, Erin and the baby as the action ramps up. Theo has to make a choice: does he send Erin and TJ away for their own protection and his own peace of mind? Or does he finally find a reason to reclaim his life and the future that is being offered to him?
I enjoyed Erin and Theo's journey to reconnect even as I had to try to wrap my mind around the new Theo at times. There was plenty happening in parallel to their story too as both old and newfound friends have to face their painful pasts and look for a way to move forward. The foundation for future relationships is being laid along the way, and I am looking forward to the continuation of this wonderful series!
March 24, 2018
Laaawdddd, have mercy.
This book is everything I wanted and so much more.
Loved it.
This book is everything I wanted and so much more.
Loved it.
October 23, 2016
YOU GUYS!!! I'm trying to find the words to do this book justice, but my God it's hard! SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH by Lexi Blake was POWERFUL, PASSIONATE, and POIGNANT! Believe me, there are a million other words for it, but those three P's sealed the deal for me. Lexi has always been, and will continue to be one of my favorite romantic suspense authors. She gets me invested in her characters, and they become a family to me. I just know it was a tough journey, but Ms. Blake did Theo and Erin's HEA justice.
"Tell me you're real."
I can't say much about Theo and Erin's story because it is so complex and there are so many moving parts and I'm not risking spoiling anything. But if you are a fan of this series and you are all caught up, I know what you've been waiting for with this couple, and just be prepared to fall and fall HARD! Ms. Blake delivers on every single level with SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH. We see different sides of characters that we all know and love. The suspense is on point and everything you have come to expect with a Masters & Mercenaries novel. The intensity...the passion...the incredible sense of family in this book is just astounding. With each book released in this series, comes a new level of respect for this author. Lexi Blake gives us all that she has in this book and you can feel it with every turn of the page. I didn't want this book to end. I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters again, but I know we will be reunited with these AMAZING characters in the future.
"Tell me you're real."
I can't say much about Theo and Erin's story because it is so complex and there are so many moving parts and I'm not risking spoiling anything. But if you are a fan of this series and you are all caught up, I know what you've been waiting for with this couple, and just be prepared to fall and fall HARD! Ms. Blake delivers on every single level with SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH. We see different sides of characters that we all know and love. The suspense is on point and everything you have come to expect with a Masters & Mercenaries novel. The intensity...the passion...the incredible sense of family in this book is just astounding. With each book released in this series, comes a new level of respect for this author. Lexi Blake gives us all that she has in this book and you can feel it with every turn of the page. I didn't want this book to end. I didn't want to say goodbye to these characters again, but I know we will be reunited with these AMAZING characters in the future.
October 25, 2016
*4.5 out of 5 stars*
I haven’t read the other books in this series but I had heard very good things about them so I decided to read this as a standalone. I wasn’t sure if it was okay to do so, but I went ahead with it anyway. I felt pretty lost in the beginning and during the first 10% I kept thinking I probably made a mistake. There were so many names and a lot of people thrown in the mix all at once. I also didn’t quite understand what they were doing (what kind of operation it was) and who was the bad doctor, etc.. I thought there was no way I was going to catch up to 11 books worth of information. Well let me tell you that you can totally catch up, and after some reading I was fully invested.
Anyway, I wanted to mention this for readers who haven’t read the whole series yet and were wondering. Even though I didn’t have much of the background information at first, I was completely hooked by the time it started focusing mostly on Theo and Erin. From there, the story had me enthralled and I can’t imagine how much I would’ve loved it if I had read all the previous 11 books! I don’t know if I missed out on part of Theo and Erin’s story, having showed up so late to the party. However, I had the benefit of flashbacks when Erin would think back to when they first met and all their important firsts.
I highly recommend the book, even if you are new to the series. Submission is Not Enough gave me all the feels. It was raw and emotional, at times sweet, sad and angsty all at once!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I haven’t read the other books in this series but I had heard very good things about them so I decided to read this as a standalone. I wasn’t sure if it was okay to do so, but I went ahead with it anyway. I felt pretty lost in the beginning and during the first 10% I kept thinking I probably made a mistake. There were so many names and a lot of people thrown in the mix all at once. I also didn’t quite understand what they were doing (what kind of operation it was) and who was the bad doctor, etc.. I thought there was no way I was going to catch up to 11 books worth of information. Well let me tell you that you can totally catch up, and after some reading I was fully invested.
Anyway, I wanted to mention this for readers who haven’t read the whole series yet and were wondering. Even though I didn’t have much of the background information at first, I was completely hooked by the time it started focusing mostly on Theo and Erin. From there, the story had me enthralled and I can’t imagine how much I would’ve loved it if I had read all the previous 11 books! I don’t know if I missed out on part of Theo and Erin’s story, having showed up so late to the party. However, I had the benefit of flashbacks when Erin would think back to when they first met and all their important firsts.
I highly recommend the book, even if you are new to the series. Submission is Not Enough gave me all the feels. It was raw and emotional, at times sweet, sad and angsty all at once!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
October 28, 2016
This has probably been the most anticipated book in the history of books. I have been waiting on tender hooks for ages for Theo and Erin's story......and as usual Ms Blake did not disappoint me. My heart literally broke for this couple and I admit to plenty of tears while reading it. I did think maybe Theo was a little cold at times, but again you know why he is.....This book was probably a bit more "darker" than the rest of the series as it was certainly not as light hearted as the other books usually are.....but that's because Theo has been to hell and back.... Erin is one hell of a women, and she really stood by her man.....she was strong, sassy and all around one of the best Heroines I have ever read....I loved her!!!!
I thought the book was so well written that you felt everything the characters were feeling....I mean the story with Hutch.....I was so distraught, I kept thinking no no no......Thank goodness it worked out....... 12 books in and they just get better and better.....Lexi Blake will always be in my Top 5 authors list, as I love her to death...
Cannot wait for Nick's book next.....Roll on February!!!!!
October 25, 2016
After so many books in this series, you would think there is nothing new to see here but once again Ms. Blake delivers another masterpiece! SUBMISSION IS NOT ENOUGH is intense and consuming, a brilliant combination of emotion and suspense, equal parts exhilarating and painful. It has the intrigue, the sense of family and the passion that we have come to expect from this series and has exceeded my expectations in every way.
With most of his memories gone, every day is a struggle for Theo, especially trying to come to terms with his past and what the present holds for him but one thing is certain: The fun, open and easygoing Theo is no more and he has to deal with the changes his captivity and torture have brought quickly if he wants a chance with the woman he loves.
Erin came across as tough and no nonsense in previous books even as she fought her feelings for Theo and spurned his advances, but she shines here like you wouldn't believe. A warrior fighting for her man and her future, up against the worst kind of soulless monster where all her skills with weapons are almost no good. She has to dig deep into herself to find what it takes to win this battle and it begins with her not giving up on Theo even though she can only find glimpses of the man she loves in him.
It's very obvious that the changes in her life were for the better, in ways that prepared her for this situation. Her core of steel helped her through all the challenges she faced in her life but it's her love for Theo that will give her what she needs to face the new threat to their happiness.
One thing I loved about this book is that Erin and Theo were at the center of the story, with little distractions from other characters. It was all about them finding each other again, just as it should be.
This book is the best of the series and that is saying a lot after so many preceding books. Ms. Blake has done an amazing job building up the characters and I think reading the entire series in order is the best way to go.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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With most of his memories gone, every day is a struggle for Theo, especially trying to come to terms with his past and what the present holds for him but one thing is certain: The fun, open and easygoing Theo is no more and he has to deal with the changes his captivity and torture have brought quickly if he wants a chance with the woman he loves.
Erin came across as tough and no nonsense in previous books even as she fought her feelings for Theo and spurned his advances, but she shines here like you wouldn't believe. A warrior fighting for her man and her future, up against the worst kind of soulless monster where all her skills with weapons are almost no good. She has to dig deep into herself to find what it takes to win this battle and it begins with her not giving up on Theo even though she can only find glimpses of the man she loves in him.
It's very obvious that the changes in her life were for the better, in ways that prepared her for this situation. Her core of steel helped her through all the challenges she faced in her life but it's her love for Theo that will give her what she needs to face the new threat to their happiness.
One thing I loved about this book is that Erin and Theo were at the center of the story, with little distractions from other characters. It was all about them finding each other again, just as it should be.
This book is the best of the series and that is saying a lot after so many preceding books. Ms. Blake has done an amazing job building up the characters and I think reading the entire series in order is the best way to go.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Author 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.
December 5, 2019
Finally
Theo’s story is something I’ve waited for a long time to read.
This series is so excellent, the author has created a world that’s intriguing, exiting, fun, emotional and most of all filled with love.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Lots of good dialogues
Sizzling chemistry between the couples
The Love and connection between all the characters is described in a way that makes me want to be part of this world. When reading the stories I feel like I’m a part of it all.
If you want a series to read that will have you longing for the next book as you finish the previous this is IT!!!!!
5 stars for Erin and Theo
Theo’s story is something I’ve waited for a long time to read.
This series is so excellent, the author has created a world that’s intriguing, exiting, fun, emotional and most of all filled with love.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Lots of good dialogues
Sizzling chemistry between the couples
The Love and connection between all the characters is described in a way that makes me want to be part of this world. When reading the stories I feel like I’m a part of it all.
If you want a series to read that will have you longing for the next book as you finish the previous this is IT!!!!!
5 stars for Erin and Theo
June 23, 2017
Great to see Big Tag back in action even though it was a short sequence. It was great to see the evolution of Erin and Theo's relationships both past and present. It was great catching up with The Garden and McKay-Taggert and Knight. And finally, Hope McDonald got what was coming to her.
March 22, 2019
3.5 stars, actually.
I’m going through the series on Audible and I love the performance by Mr. West (brilliant ‘Big Tag’, deep and dripping with sarcasm).
Sadly I wasn’t very impressed with the story this time.
I’m going through the series on Audible and I love the performance by Mr. West (brilliant ‘Big Tag’, deep and dripping with sarcasm).
Sadly I wasn’t very impressed with the story this time.
January 30, 2020
*4++ Stars*
Loved this! I didn't know how it was going to go and the drama towards the end was scary, but the ending was so, so wonderful! Love this series and am looking forward to the next one!
I listened to the audio and Ryan West's narrated was fabulous!
Loved this! I didn't know how it was going to go and the drama towards the end was scary, but the ending was so, so wonderful! Love this series and am looking forward to the next one!
I listened to the audio and Ryan West's narrated was fabulous!
July 13, 2022
THIS BOOK!!!! I knew it was going to be a rollercoaster on my emotions and man did this not disappoint. Lexi seriously knows how to write and it's so much more than just a romance book. Ugh I can't gush about this one enough, definitely one of my all time favorites for this series.
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