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Masters and Mercenaries #18.5
Enchanted
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series… A snarky submissive princess Sarah Stevens’s life is pretty sweet. By day, she’s a dedicated trauma nurse and by night, a fun-loving club sub. She adores her job, has a group of friends who have her back, and is a member of the hottest club in Dallas. So why does it all feel hollow? Could it be because she fell for her dream man and can’t forgive him for walking away from her? Nope. She’s not going there again. No matter how much she wants to. A prince of the silver screen Jared Johns might be one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, but he lost more than a fan when he walked away from Sarah. He lost the only woman he’s ever loved. He’s been trying to get her back, but she won’t return his calls. A trip to Dallas to visit his brother might be exactly what he needs to jump-start his quest to claim the woman who holds his heart. A masquerade to remember For Charlotte Taggart’s birthday, Sanctum becomes a fantasyland of kinky fun and games. Every unattached sub gets a new Dom for the festivities. The twist? The Doms must conceal their identities until the stroke of midnight at the end of the party. It’s exactly what Sarah needs to forget the fact that Jared is pursuing her. She can’t give in to him, and the mysterious Master D is making her rethink her position when it comes to signing a contract. Jared knows he was born to play this role, dashing suitor by day and dirty Dom at night. When the masks come off, will she be able to forgive the man who loves her, or will she leave him forever? **Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2019
531 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
185 books6,386 followersNY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.
In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.
In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.
Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
June 18, 2019
4 STARS
FINALLY! After what feels like a forever of a wait, we get the story for Jared and Sarah. I've been looking forward to this book ever since we first meet Jared in his older brother's book From Sanctum with Love. Although, in that book, you didn't get quite the full effect of the man in that book. You get Jared John, famous actor. But this book gives you Jared Ferguson, the man.
Jared and Sarah had a brief...something...before it ever got the chance to go anywhere. But then so much happened; Jared discovered his career is flailing and his best friend is a serial killer. He didn't have anything to offer Sarah, so he left. But it didn't take him long to figure out she's the woman he needs. The only problem is, she's not quite as open for anything with him now.
Sarah is taking things one day at a time while dealing with life altering news. She doesn't have anything to offer Jared, but he's determined to wear her down. Even if he has to do it behind a mask if only to prove to her what they have between them.
This was definitely a satisfying HEA for the couple, but I couldn't help but wish we got more of them. Although to be be honest, I'm not sure if there was enough story there to make a novel rather than the novella it was, so this is more of a selfish thing than a book thing. I loved Jared's sweetness and Sarah's sassiness. I loved the two of them together. The majority of the story is Jared and Sarah dealing with everything between them and finally coming to terms with their feelings for each other and Sarah's secret. The epilogue packed a tearfully emotional punch. All in all, another fantastic addition to the story.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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There was no other woman he wanted to see, no relationship he wished to get a feel for. There was only her, and it had been that way for a long time.
FINALLY! After what feels like a forever of a wait, we get the story for Jared and Sarah. I've been looking forward to this book ever since we first meet Jared in his older brother's book From Sanctum with Love. Although, in that book, you didn't get quite the full effect of the man in that book. You get Jared John, famous actor. But this book gives you Jared Ferguson, the man.
Jared and Sarah had a brief...something...before it ever got the chance to go anywhere. But then so much happened; Jared discovered his career is flailing and his best friend is a serial killer. He didn't have anything to offer Sarah, so he left. But it didn't take him long to figure out she's the woman he needs. The only problem is, she's not quite as open for anything with him now.
Sarah is taking things one day at a time while dealing with life altering news. She doesn't have anything to offer Jared, but he's determined to wear her down. Even if he has to do it behind a mask if only to prove to her what they have between them.
This was definitely a satisfying HEA for the couple, but I couldn't help but wish we got more of them. Although to be be honest, I'm not sure if there was enough story there to make a novel rather than the novella it was, so this is more of a selfish thing than a book thing. I loved Jared's sweetness and Sarah's sassiness. I loved the two of them together. The majority of the story is Jared and Sarah dealing with everything between them and finally coming to terms with their feelings for each other and Sarah's secret. The epilogue packed a tearfully emotional punch. All in all, another fantastic addition to the story.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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June 18, 2019
I was SOOO excited to read this book. I have been waiting for this couple since Kai and Kori's book. It ended up just being OK for me. I wanted more time spent with the couple. I don't think it was necessary to have cameos of practically every character (and kids) from every single book this author has written (slight exaggeration...but not by much). It made the story feel chaotic and took the focus away from Jared and Sarah. I also struggled with the humor. One thing I used to love about this author was her ability to add humor to her stories. Her last few books the humor has felt forced. The characters I used to love have now become caricatures. It is just too much. Last, I wasn't a fan of the situation with Sarah. It was super cliché and has been done a billion times before. I know this review sounds like I hated most of the book. I really didn't. I just wish there would have been more focus on Jared and Sarah's second chance. That is what I was looking forward too.
June 27, 2019
This was a
"Masters and Mercenaries Novella"
and a book that I have been waiting to read. For Charlotte Taggart’s birthday, Sanctum becomes a fantasyland of kinky fun and games. Every unattached sub gets a new Dom for the festivities. The twist? The Dom's must conceal their identities until the stroke of midnight at the end of the party. Jared Johns might be one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, but he lost more than a fan when he walked away from Sarah. Jared who is Kai's little brother his best friend turned out to be a serial killer and many people thought it was Jared. Sarah Stevens’s life is pretty sweet. By day, she’s a dedicated trauma nurse and by night, a fun-loving club sub. She and Jared were getting close when he walked away from her they continued to talk until she pulled away from him Sarah has a secret that she is not only hiding from him but also her friends she doesn't realize that the people in the club are her family with her bestfriend Kori who is married to Kai. This was a really good book that I wish was longer. The sex scenes were hot. This is one of my favorite authors this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
June 19, 2019
”She was it. She was the one, that mystical part of himself that had been missing all along.”
If you have been following my blog for a while, then you know I am a big Lexi Blake fan. Since forever, I have been addicted to her incredible stories. She writes magnificently and she pulls you deep in her web. A web of cleverly crafted romances meant to entice the heart and mesmerize the soul. Whether it is a sensual standalone novella or a suspenseful story with an espionage twist. Lexi Blake definitely delivers heart stopping romances.
Enchanted is emotionally sensual standalone in the Master and Mercenaries series. Packed up with low angst and passion, Enchanted is a wickedly addictive story that pulls your heart strings and make your knees weak at the same time. I was deeply mesmerized. I was entranced. I was plunged into an amazingly hot romance with heart touching storyline. Soul Entrancing. Fiery. Wickedly Hot. Enchanted is a perfectly tantalizing story with a second chance feels that will melt the heart. Am erotic romance with all the sexiness and sedution packed in delicious story. Lexi Blake gave me all the heart, sweet and passion that I craved with fantastic writing from beginning to end.
Finally!!!!Jared and Sarah’s book is here. I waited for their story since they were introduced in From Sanctum with Love. Jared and Sarah gave me FEELS with beautiful chemistry. Jared and Sarah absolutely enchanted with their vulnerable love and sweet romance. Jared is a protective and caring man who loved Sarah so deeply. Sarah is a sassy and strong woman that made her so admirable to read. Jared and Sarah truly were perfect.
It is so good to get back in the Masters and Mercenaries world. To reconnect with all the characters. They become so much like family to me and Lexi Blake just makes me fall in love with them deeply. If you haven’t started this series, you need to. Yes, 20+ books seems to be a lot but you will definitely become invested in them like I did.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
If you have been following my blog for a while, then you know I am a big Lexi Blake fan. Since forever, I have been addicted to her incredible stories. She writes magnificently and she pulls you deep in her web. A web of cleverly crafted romances meant to entice the heart and mesmerize the soul. Whether it is a sensual standalone novella or a suspenseful story with an espionage twist. Lexi Blake definitely delivers heart stopping romances.
Enchanted is emotionally sensual standalone in the Master and Mercenaries series. Packed up with low angst and passion, Enchanted is a wickedly addictive story that pulls your heart strings and make your knees weak at the same time. I was deeply mesmerized. I was entranced. I was plunged into an amazingly hot romance with heart touching storyline. Soul Entrancing. Fiery. Wickedly Hot. Enchanted is a perfectly tantalizing story with a second chance feels that will melt the heart. Am erotic romance with all the sexiness and sedution packed in delicious story. Lexi Blake gave me all the heart, sweet and passion that I craved with fantastic writing from beginning to end.
Finally!!!!Jared and Sarah’s book is here. I waited for their story since they were introduced in From Sanctum with Love. Jared and Sarah gave me FEELS with beautiful chemistry. Jared and Sarah absolutely enchanted with their vulnerable love and sweet romance. Jared is a protective and caring man who loved Sarah so deeply. Sarah is a sassy and strong woman that made her so admirable to read. Jared and Sarah truly were perfect.
It is so good to get back in the Masters and Mercenaries world. To reconnect with all the characters. They become so much like family to me and Lexi Blake just makes me fall in love with them deeply. If you haven’t started this series, you need to. Yes, 20+ books seems to be a lot but you will definitely become invested in them like I did.
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2021
Well, I've been excited to finally get to the rest of Jared and Sarah's story, and I thought this would be a perfect relaxing Friday night read. Unfortunately, I was very wrong.
This started out fine, if underwhelming. I wasn't really into the masquerade as a way to trick Sarah into speaking to Jared again as a way to get them back together, but ehhhh, I could have gotten over that since she realized who he was the second she saw him the second night. But basically everything after the official reveal of what was going on with Sarah's health (I had guessed breast cancer, so I wasn't far off with the preventative hysterectomy/ovarian cancer genes) was badly handled. From Jared revealing it to Deke, to then Kori telling the rest of the women (Kori gets to tell people on her own goddamn terms, thank you VERY MUCH), to them all coming over for brunch, and ESPECIALLY at that brunch, Erin going on about her plans for giving birth. Then just the entire resolution was so fast (I did NOT like the entire Sanctum scene or his marriage proposal), and suddenly Kori offers to be a surrogate and poof everything's fine, we're gonna just get this all dealt with in the span of literally a weekend and barely any page space.
Just horribly, horribly handled on issues that are very personal and difficult even if you give them proper page space. Blake doesn't usually miss, but this one really upset me.
This started out fine, if underwhelming. I wasn't really into the masquerade as a way to trick Sarah into speaking to Jared again as a way to get them back together, but ehhhh, I could have gotten over that since she realized who he was the second she saw him the second night. But basically everything after the official reveal of what was going on with Sarah's health (I had guessed breast cancer, so I wasn't far off with the preventative hysterectomy/ovarian cancer genes) was badly handled. From Jared revealing it to Deke, to then Kori telling the rest of the women (Kori gets to tell people on her own goddamn terms, thank you VERY MUCH), to them all coming over for brunch, and ESPECIALLY at that brunch, Erin going on about her plans for giving birth. Then just the entire resolution was so fast (I did NOT like the entire Sanctum scene or his marriage proposal), and suddenly Kori offers to be a surrogate and poof everything's fine, we're gonna just get this all dealt with in the span of literally a weekend and barely any page space.
Just horribly, horribly handled on issues that are very personal and difficult even if you give them proper page space. Blake doesn't usually miss, but this one really upset me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2019
***ARC Provided by the Author***
3.5 Stars
Sarah and Jared have a complicated, messy, serial killer in their past kind of history. And, well, that's going to make anything they try to build together just a little...well, messy.
Add in the secret she is keeping, the reason she thinks that her life will never be compatible with his, even if they do get back together, and you have a story where 2 people want the same things but are so afraid of hurting one another that they hold parts of themselves back.
The bulk of this title was watching each of them realize that they want the other, but not being sure how to go about that, how to make it happen, and if it is fair to the other person to even try.
I loved the resolution, the way they worked it out and that both of them felt stronger for the support of the other. This is how romance should work...and, while there were some heavier themes, the overall feeling of this is that they got their well-deserved happily ever after...even if it maybe wasn't the way they originally thought it would be.
3.5 Stars
Sarah and Jared have a complicated, messy, serial killer in their past kind of history. And, well, that's going to make anything they try to build together just a little...well, messy.
Add in the secret she is keeping, the reason she thinks that her life will never be compatible with his, even if they do get back together, and you have a story where 2 people want the same things but are so afraid of hurting one another that they hold parts of themselves back.
The bulk of this title was watching each of them realize that they want the other, but not being sure how to go about that, how to make it happen, and if it is fair to the other person to even try.
I loved the resolution, the way they worked it out and that both of them felt stronger for the support of the other. This is how romance should work...and, while there were some heavier themes, the overall feeling of this is that they got their well-deserved happily ever after...even if it maybe wasn't the way they originally thought it would be.
June 24, 2019
We are really loving this series and we are so loving these characters that grace the pages each and every time in a brand new tale.
We loved this novella as it was fun and flirty and we really enjoyed reading it.You have to love Charlotte and her meddling ways and her mission is to get Sarah and Jared back together and a 3 day Theme party at their club will do just the trick.
Sarah is a submissive who plays occasionally in the club and decides to play one last time before her life is turned upside down and perhaps she will find a dom who wants to play one last time.
Jared has returned to visit family and to also win Sarah back and what a better way than a Masquerade party that is his in he just needs to be paired with her in order to win her over under disguised.
This was really a fun tale with great characters.Sarah is keeping secrets and her friends are worried about her and whatever she is hiding is serious.Sarah's emotions are all over the place and you feel for her about the decisions she has made and what her future holds.Not only is she shouldering a lot the man she loved once is back and they have unfinished business just adds to the stress she is already under.
Sarah despite her current situation I found her to been fun and flirty and had a really great personality and she made us laugh time and time again not only that she was no pushover.
Jared is a movie star /director who is in bit of a rut career wise but, he is thinking about his future and one thing he regrets is walking away from Sarah all those years ago but, not once did he stop loving her.We really loved Jared he was a Dom but, one that is perfect for Sarah as she is not the perfect submissive all the time and he is the type of Dom who willing to let a few things slide every now and then but, knows actually what Sarah needs and it is him.
We found him to be a bit lost ,possessive and protective and fun and flirty to and Omg! we melted at the commanding Dom voice of his.We loved how he opened up and laid everything on the line to try and get Sarah back.We loving seeing the emotional side of Jared it made his character feel all so real.
Overall we loved the tale although it had a seriousness to it it was a lot of fun to and made us laugh.We loved the support and the amazing friendships that this couple had.We loved seeing a lot of the character revisit in this on going tale and how everyone is getting on and how their building there families of their own but, still have one big family that always had you back.Best part of the story had to be the ending and I have to say I balled by eyes out and reminded me of an episode on Grey's Anatomy one of my favorite shows.To sum things up we loved it from beginning to end and everything in between and Lexi Blake remains being one of my top favorite authors.
Recommended read to all!
Goes into the keeper pile!
We loved this novella as it was fun and flirty and we really enjoyed reading it.You have to love Charlotte and her meddling ways and her mission is to get Sarah and Jared back together and a 3 day Theme party at their club will do just the trick.
Sarah is a submissive who plays occasionally in the club and decides to play one last time before her life is turned upside down and perhaps she will find a dom who wants to play one last time.
Jared has returned to visit family and to also win Sarah back and what a better way than a Masquerade party that is his in he just needs to be paired with her in order to win her over under disguised.
This was really a fun tale with great characters.Sarah is keeping secrets and her friends are worried about her and whatever she is hiding is serious.Sarah's emotions are all over the place and you feel for her about the decisions she has made and what her future holds.Not only is she shouldering a lot the man she loved once is back and they have unfinished business just adds to the stress she is already under.
Sarah despite her current situation I found her to been fun and flirty and had a really great personality and she made us laugh time and time again not only that she was no pushover.
Jared is a movie star /director who is in bit of a rut career wise but, he is thinking about his future and one thing he regrets is walking away from Sarah all those years ago but, not once did he stop loving her.We really loved Jared he was a Dom but, one that is perfect for Sarah as she is not the perfect submissive all the time and he is the type of Dom who willing to let a few things slide every now and then but, knows actually what Sarah needs and it is him.
We found him to be a bit lost ,possessive and protective and fun and flirty to and Omg! we melted at the commanding Dom voice of his.We loved how he opened up and laid everything on the line to try and get Sarah back.We loving seeing the emotional side of Jared it made his character feel all so real.
Overall we loved the tale although it had a seriousness to it it was a lot of fun to and made us laugh.We loved the support and the amazing friendships that this couple had.We loved seeing a lot of the character revisit in this on going tale and how everyone is getting on and how their building there families of their own but, still have one big family that always had you back.Best part of the story had to be the ending and I have to say I balled by eyes out and reminded me of an episode on Grey's Anatomy one of my favorite shows.To sum things up we loved it from beginning to end and everything in between and Lexi Blake remains being one of my top favorite authors.
Recommended read to all!
Goes into the keeper pile!
July 16, 2019
I'm sort of on the fence with the big plan that Jared had to get Sarah back. Part of me loves that he would task the M&T guys, especially Ian and Charlie, to go to such lengths to allow him to spend time with Sarah. But another part of me thinks that it was too much, that he held all the cards because he knew, but Sarah was in the dark, literally at one point. What ultimately made things ok for me was during the second night Jared was going to come clean, but before he could Sarah figured things out and that the first night was just talking, no sex despite being at a sex club.
That second night after the big reveal it seemed like things could end, Sarah let out her secret, Jared responded like how you thought, as did the rest of them. But it was this last part where things were great! I loved the support that Sarah got, loved that she realized she didn't have to face things alone, loved that Jared let her know in no uncertain terms that she was it for him and finally that Sarah let herself grieve quickly, then got on with her life filled with love, family and friends.
That second night after the big reveal it seemed like things could end, Sarah let out her secret, Jared responded like how you thought, as did the rest of them. But it was this last part where things were great! I loved the support that Sarah got, loved that she realized she didn't have to face things alone, loved that Jared let her know in no uncertain terms that she was it for him and finally that Sarah let herself grieve quickly, then got on with her life filled with love, family and friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2019
Jared and Sarah’s story was an emotional ride that tugged on my heart! Sarah has a big problem to deal with and I’m so glad she reached out. Jared has matured a lot since his last appearance and I’m happy he had his own story! Ian, of course, was his typical sarcastic self and you have to love a guy who goes to the lengths he does to keep his family happy!
June 18, 2019
4 stars--
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 18, 2019
A snarky submissive princess
Sarah Stevens’s life is pretty sweet. By day, she’s a dedicated trauma nurse and by night, a fun-loving club sub. She adores her job, has a group of friends who have her back, and is a member of the hottest club in Dallas. So why does it all feel hollow? Could it be because she fell for her dream man and can’t forgive him for walking away from her? Nope. She’s not going there again. No matter how much she wants to.
A prince of the silver screen
Jared Johns might be one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, but he lost more than a fan when he walked away from Sarah. He lost the only woman he’s ever loved. He’s been trying to get her back, but she won’t return his calls. A trip to Dallas to visit his brother might be exactly what he needs to jump-start his quest to claim the woman who holds his heart.
A masquerade to remember
For Charlotte Taggart’s birthday, Sanctum becomes a fantasyland of kinky fun and games. Every unattached sub gets a new Dom for the festivities. The twist? The Doms must conceal their identities until the stroke of midnight at the end of the party. It’s exactly what Sarah needs to forget the fact that Jared is pursuing her. She can’t give in to him, and the mysterious Master D is making her rethink her position when it comes to signing a contract. Jared knows he was born to play this role, dashing suitor by day and dirty Dom at night.
When the masks come off, will she be able to forgive the man who loves her, or will she leave him forever?
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: ENCHANTED by Lexi Blake is instalment 18.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, BDSM, romantic, suspense series, and the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is actor /Dominant Jared Johns Ferguson, and nurse/submissive Sarah Steven’s story line. ENCHANTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is a slight crossover with the author’s TEXAS SIRENS series. Jared was first introduced in FROM SANCTUM WITH LOVE (M&M #10).
Told from several third person perspectives including Jared and Sarah ENCHANTED follows the rekindling relationship between actor /Dominant Jared Johns Ferguson, and nurse/submissive Sarah Steven. Two and half years earlier, just as the relationship between Jared and Sarah was starting to bloom, Jared Johns’ life spiralled out of control. Leaving behind the woman he loved, Jared walked away in order to protect our story line heroine. Fast forward two years where their friendship slowly turned into something more but quickly died when Sarah refused any further personal contact. Present day finds neither one has moved forward in their life, in fact, Jared’s career has come to a stand still due to the fall-out of previous betrayal and lies. With the approach of Charlotte Taggart’s birthday party at Sanctum , Jared Johns, along with Big Tag and Charlotte, sets the perfect opportunity to seduce the woman he has always loved but going in under devious circumstances could backfire for everyone involved. As Sarah struggles with her own personal demons, Jared must tread carefully not to lose Sarah, a second time around. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Jared and Sarah, and the potential fall-out as Sarah keeps a secret that could destroy any chance of a happily ever after between our leading couple.
ENCHANTED is a story of second chances; of a rekindling romance, seduction and a happily ever after but a happily ever after that comes with a price. Sarah is about to change the direction of her life, a direction that she isn’t willing to compromise or reveal.
The relationship between Sarah and Jared has prior history that destroyed our couple when Jared walked away, and the ensuing rejection by our story line heroine. To recapture and rekindle the relationship with the woman he loves, Jared sets into motion a Dom/sub seduction in the hopes of something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic including several spanking and disciplinary scenarios.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Jared’s brother Kai and his wife Kori, Ian ‘Big Tag’ and Charlotte Taggart, and their precocious children, Sean and Erin Taggart, JT Malone, Alex McKay, as well as The Club’s Julian Lodge, Trevor McNamara and the mention of several other Texas Sirens characters.
ENCHANTED is a story family, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are familiar, sassy, sexy and fun. ENCHANTED is an energetic and sensitive story of love and loss. I will also note the familiarity of one of the final scenes ala Grey’s Anatomy, a scene meant to show support and understanding.
Copy supplied for review
see all of my reviews at : www.thereadingcafe.com
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 18, 2019
A snarky submissive princess
Sarah Stevens’s life is pretty sweet. By day, she’s a dedicated trauma nurse and by night, a fun-loving club sub. She adores her job, has a group of friends who have her back, and is a member of the hottest club in Dallas. So why does it all feel hollow? Could it be because she fell for her dream man and can’t forgive him for walking away from her? Nope. She’s not going there again. No matter how much she wants to.
A prince of the silver screen
Jared Johns might be one of the most popular actors in Hollywood, but he lost more than a fan when he walked away from Sarah. He lost the only woman he’s ever loved. He’s been trying to get her back, but she won’t return his calls. A trip to Dallas to visit his brother might be exactly what he needs to jump-start his quest to claim the woman who holds his heart.
A masquerade to remember
For Charlotte Taggart’s birthday, Sanctum becomes a fantasyland of kinky fun and games. Every unattached sub gets a new Dom for the festivities. The twist? The Doms must conceal their identities until the stroke of midnight at the end of the party. It’s exactly what Sarah needs to forget the fact that Jared is pursuing her. She can’t give in to him, and the mysterious Master D is making her rethink her position when it comes to signing a contract. Jared knows he was born to play this role, dashing suitor by day and dirty Dom at night.
When the masks come off, will she be able to forgive the man who loves her, or will she leave him forever?
•••••••••••••
REVIEW: ENCHANTED by Lexi Blake is instalment 18.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, BDSM, romantic, suspense series, and the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is actor /Dominant Jared Johns Ferguson, and nurse/submissive Sarah Steven’s story line. ENCHANTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. There is a slight crossover with the author’s TEXAS SIRENS series. Jared was first introduced in FROM SANCTUM WITH LOVE (M&M #10).
Told from several third person perspectives including Jared and Sarah ENCHANTED follows the rekindling relationship between actor /Dominant Jared Johns Ferguson, and nurse/submissive Sarah Steven. Two and half years earlier, just as the relationship between Jared and Sarah was starting to bloom, Jared Johns’ life spiralled out of control. Leaving behind the woman he loved, Jared walked away in order to protect our story line heroine. Fast forward two years where their friendship slowly turned into something more but quickly died when Sarah refused any further personal contact. Present day finds neither one has moved forward in their life, in fact, Jared’s career has come to a stand still due to the fall-out of previous betrayal and lies. With the approach of Charlotte Taggart’s birthday party at Sanctum , Jared Johns, along with Big Tag and Charlotte, sets the perfect opportunity to seduce the woman he has always loved but going in under devious circumstances could backfire for everyone involved. As Sarah struggles with her own personal demons, Jared must tread carefully not to lose Sarah, a second time around. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Jared and Sarah, and the potential fall-out as Sarah keeps a secret that could destroy any chance of a happily ever after between our leading couple.
ENCHANTED is a story of second chances; of a rekindling romance, seduction and a happily ever after but a happily ever after that comes with a price. Sarah is about to change the direction of her life, a direction that she isn’t willing to compromise or reveal.
The relationship between Sarah and Jared has prior history that destroyed our couple when Jared walked away, and the ensuing rejection by our story line heroine. To recapture and rekindle the relationship with the woman he loves, Jared sets into motion a Dom/sub seduction in the hopes of something more. The $ex scenes are intimate and erotic including several spanking and disciplinary scenarios.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Jared’s brother Kai and his wife Kori, Ian ‘Big Tag’ and Charlotte Taggart, and their precocious children, Sean and Erin Taggart, JT Malone, Alex McKay, as well as The Club’s Julian Lodge, Trevor McNamara and the mention of several other Texas Sirens characters.
ENCHANTED is a story family, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The premise is engaging and entertaining; the romance is passionate and seductive; the characters are familiar, sassy, sexy and fun. ENCHANTED is an energetic and sensitive story of love and loss. I will also note the familiarity of one of the final scenes ala Grey’s Anatomy, a scene meant to show support and understanding.
Copy supplied for review
see all of my reviews at : www.thereadingcafe.com
June 15, 2019
At first I was confused because I didn't understand what the hell had happened with Jared and his former best friend (I think it was from Kori and Kai's book, but I haven't read all the Masters and Mercenaries books). However, it wasn't a huge deal because its all just background. Jared and Sarah have a bit of a second chance story of sorts. Sarah is dealing with LIFE ALTERING news. No lie-I cried through like the last 25% of the book because she was breaking my heart. However, I thought this was really well done!
COYER: Erotic read (HOT HOT HOT)-3 points
COYER: Erotic read (HOT HOT HOT)-3 points
July 16, 2019
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via Inkslinger PR and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Would you believe that one of my all time favourite series has more than 18 books set in its world; and they do not include any of the spin off series that have evolved from – The Masters and Mercenaries Series is still going strong; and somehow not a single of the books have lost their charm; or their magic for me.
ENCHANTED is a novella based in the Masters and Mercenaries world; but on the peripheral characters – Jared Johns, a successful actor and heartthrob and Sarah Stevens, a trauma nurse by day and a submissive by night.
Jared and Sarah once shared something special between them, but the fact they were involved in a serial killer situation. Consequently, Jared broke the heart of the only woman he has ever loved, and Sarah lost the trust and easiness of opening herself to any romantic possibility since.
With the realisation of what he has exactly lost, Jared goes all out to win back the woman he loves, the only woman he has ever loved when Sanctum, a club they both are part of, provides the only opportunity he just might ever have.
Enchanted is all about missed opportunities, communication, the want and need of a love that is pure and oh so desired and badasses going all out for the happiness of people they care about.
Also, the fact that we get some hilarious, adorable and delightful cameos by some of the favourite characters; characters we have journeyed with from the start as well as a glimpse of their lives – it felt like I was finally home.
Enchanted is another brilliant addition to a series that somehow just keeps getting better and better!
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March 27, 2024
5* HANDS DOWN!!! NO DENYING!!
DAMN YOU, @Lexi Blake. DAMN YOU. YOU WRECKED ME with this one!
Like, seriously wrecked me. I Freakin Bawled & almost had to take to the bed on this one. If I didn't love you so much I'd hate your guts right now.
I had a challenge where I was supposed to read a 'funny' book. I thought to myself go for Lexi Blake, she's always good for a laugh.
Well thank God for Ian Taggart and his team & their smart-ass mouths, (see some of the quotes I shared). They saved my kindle. I only had to throw my Kindle 3x.
Needless to say this book was priceless. I was speechless and just cried and cried and cried most of the way through it. It will go down as one of my favorites. Bravo Girl. Bravo.
DAMN YOU, @Lexi Blake. DAMN YOU. YOU WRECKED ME with this one!
Like, seriously wrecked me. I Freakin Bawled & almost had to take to the bed on this one. If I didn't love you so much I'd hate your guts right now.
I had a challenge where I was supposed to read a 'funny' book. I thought to myself go for Lexi Blake, she's always good for a laugh.
Well thank God for Ian Taggart and his team & their smart-ass mouths, (see some of the quotes I shared). They saved my kindle. I only had to throw my Kindle 3x.
Needless to say this book was priceless. I was speechless and just cried and cried and cried most of the way through it. It will go down as one of my favorites. Bravo Girl. Bravo.
June 18, 2019
Jared is a successful movie star who met Sarah at a time in him life that he felt it would be safer for her if they weren’t together. There was no denying the chemistry and connection between them, but he did what he thought was right at the time and now that she wants nothing to do with him he is determined that she will give him a second chance.
Sarah thrives on her high stress career as a nurse but also needs the release of being a sub so that she can have balance in her life. In Jared she had thought she had found her future but after the pain of their ended relationship she is not about to go through that again.
With the help of the members at Sanctum he has the perfect plan to win back the only woman he has ever loved but once all is revealed will it bring them closer or tear them apart?
It is always fun to visit the Master and Mercenaries world and although it is a novella it still packs quite the emotional punch. Not only do we get to see the evolution of Sarah and Jared’s relationship, but we also get to catch up with the other characters that we know and love.
Sarah thrives on her high stress career as a nurse but also needs the release of being a sub so that she can have balance in her life. In Jared she had thought she had found her future but after the pain of their ended relationship she is not about to go through that again.
With the help of the members at Sanctum he has the perfect plan to win back the only woman he has ever loved but once all is revealed will it bring them closer or tear them apart?
It is always fun to visit the Master and Mercenaries world and although it is a novella it still packs quite the emotional punch. Not only do we get to see the evolution of Sarah and Jared’s relationship, but we also get to catch up with the other characters that we know and love.
June 23, 2019
Another smokin' hot read in the fabulous McKay-Taggart world! What's hotter than a three day birthday bash with masked Doms and Subs? Not much in this quick, easy read with the BDSM Sanctum club backdrop and the super sexy spies that come with this Masters and Mercenaries series. There are lots of folks to keep up with and super couples to catch up on with this Sanctum bunch. One sub has a surprise coming her way in Hollywood hunk, Jared. He let their love connection wane when he was sidetracked by a tragedy and now hopes to reel in the sassy sub, Sarah, at the bash. But will she buy his reasons for leaving their budding romance behind and overcome her hurt feelings? Or will her secret stand in the way? As usual with the terrific storytelling from this wonderful author, there's the always seductive BDSM play, intrigue and danger that seems to find these fantastic heroes and their fierce women, plus the sexy romance between two gorgeous characters in Jared and Sarah. I can't get enough of Masters and Mercenaries! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
January 26, 2022
Ever read a much anticipated book by an author you enjoy and experience the dreaded moment of disappointment where you are confused about what you just read? The Masters and Mercenaries series is a fun, silly ride if you don't take it too seriously. Sarah and Jared were introduced in Jared's brother Kai's book and I had this book in my wishlst for a while waiting for audible to put it on sale. I was thrilled to see it included in the $5 winter deal and I'm extra happy I didn't waste a credit on it. It was absolutely not the storyline I expected from the previous set-up and beyond that the book barely included the couple. There was so much other stuff happening with established couples and the club and crossovers from her Texas Sirens series, that honestly the romance of it all got overshadowed and other than a few hot scenes it was just muddy, then wrapped up in a neat happy bow 2.5⭐ based purely on the appearances of Kori and Kai one of my fave M&M couples.
June 22, 2019
Oh my, I’m so Enchanted by this latest book in the dead sexy Masters and Mercenaries series!
I loved the slow burn between Jared and Sarah. The undeniable attraction—the need, the want, the desire. The love. Yep, love that simmered between them.
They both had things in their pasts that drove their futures—or what they perceived to be their futures. Potentially lonely as hell futures. But Fate—and love—isn’t patient. And Fate definitely had plans for them! And it was wonderful watching it all unfold—how Jared and Sarah finally couldn’t stand to be apart. And that love and trust ultimately won. Sure, at times, I wasn’t necessarily sure that their happily ever after would come about. But I shouldn’t have been worried, not with Charlie and Ian working their behind the scenes shenanigans.
I love this series and cannot wait for more! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
I loved the slow burn between Jared and Sarah. The undeniable attraction—the need, the want, the desire. The love. Yep, love that simmered between them.
They both had things in their pasts that drove their futures—or what they perceived to be their futures. Potentially lonely as hell futures. But Fate—and love—isn’t patient. And Fate definitely had plans for them! And it was wonderful watching it all unfold—how Jared and Sarah finally couldn’t stand to be apart. And that love and trust ultimately won. Sure, at times, I wasn’t necessarily sure that their happily ever after would come about. But I shouldn’t have been worried, not with Charlie and Ian working their behind the scenes shenanigans.
I love this series and cannot wait for more! ~ Missy, 4.5 stars
June 23, 2019
LB, what are trying to do to me?! I was an emotional mess reading this story and I didn't think this book would do that to me. Sarah and Jared are series regulars in the M&M universe. Sarah is a sub at Sanctum that also helps out by babysitting the various Sanctum kids but primarily, Ian and Charlotte's kids. Jared is Kai's little brother and he just came out of another M&M story that you don't need to read but it will help so that you know why he's in the emotional state he is in when this story starts. Aaaaaanyway, just when you are trying to get over Jared's issues, LB kicks you in the feels with Sarah's story. OMG, someone hold me because the gut punch is real and the girl needs more than a hug. Luckily, she has the M&M women and they take care of their own. Pick this one up and have tissues at hand.
June 21, 2019
Enchanted was a fairytale in the making and one that gives you such an amazing happily ever after. Jared and Sarah’s story is one that I have been waiting for and Lexi Blake did not disappoint. The storyline was something I didn’t see coming but it touched my heart and at times made me emotional. However it wasn’t all about the tears because when Big Tag is involved you know there is going to be some hilarious moments. Who needs a Disney Princess story when you can have the Masters and Mercenaries.
July 1, 2019
"Sarah loves Jared, but can’t forgive him for walking away. He has grown up a lot and realized she is the one he never should have walked away from. But she won’t talk to him.
I love the Masters and Mercenaries series. The characters are always fun, flirty and Alpha. This book was no different. I enjoyed getting to see the old characters and seeing Ian and Charlotte manipulating things.
If you haven’t read this series, this would be a good taste of the series. They are funny, filled with drama and hot sex thrown in!"
I love the Masters and Mercenaries series. The characters are always fun, flirty and Alpha. This book was no different. I enjoyed getting to see the old characters and seeing Ian and Charlotte manipulating things.
If you haven’t read this series, this would be a good taste of the series. They are funny, filled with drama and hot sex thrown in!"
February 22, 2024
This might be my favorite book from the series because it’s not overly long and wasn’t action paced. I enjoyed Jared in From Sanctum with Love and I was happy he got his own story. Seeing how much he grew since the whole serial killer business really made me happy. I love how he fought for Sarah and refused to let her get away from him no matter what the issue was. Not to mention the smut was spectacular.
June 18, 2019
A MOUTH-WATERING, WEAK IN THE KNEES, MADE ME PANT ROMANCE FROM LEXI BLAKE THAT EXPLODED WITH SENSUALITY AND SIZZLING CHEMISTRY ALONG WITH A STORY THAT WAS TO DIE FOR! Everything about this story I EFFING LOVED. It was sexy, sweet, sensual and utterly addicting to read. The characters were stupendous and the story amazing. A MUST READ!
June 20, 2019
Finally, finally, finally I feel like I've been waiting FOREVER for this one Sarah and Jared will, they won't they, will they won't they omg its nail-biting drama Mackay Taggert style I just needed popcorn.
As always I seriously love me some Ian he always makes me laugh out loud and this book was no exception I think we need a list of pranks for Ian to try out on Adam I wonder how big we could make the database...lol
But back to Jared and Sarah, I was honestly starting to lose hope with these two and I hate to lose hope when two people are clearly meant for each other so thank goodness for meddling friends/family... right???
A great story with a few laughs and more tears than I wished for but they suited the theme...
As always I seriously love me some Ian he always makes me laugh out loud and this book was no exception I think we need a list of pranks for Ian to try out on Adam I wonder how big we could make the database...lol
But back to Jared and Sarah, I was honestly starting to lose hope with these two and I hate to lose hope when two people are clearly meant for each other so thank goodness for meddling friends/family... right???
A great story with a few laughs and more tears than I wished for but they suited the theme...
March 2, 2026
We had seen these characters in a previous entry, but I didn't remember much about them. It was nice to have a second-chance romance that didn't have tons of betrayal or anger about why they broke up or moved away from each other the first time. I really enjoyed being back in the club in Dallas in this one and hanging out with people I have loved for years. Just a lot of fun.
June 18, 2019
5 Star Review of Enchanted (Masters and Mercenaries #18.5) by Lexi Blake
Enchanted is a second chance at love story about Jared Johns and Sarah Stevens’s set in the Masters and Mercenaries world.
Jared is a successful actor, a man used to being in the spotlight and not always for the good. Sarah is a trauma nurse by day and a submissive by night. He broke her heart many years ago and because of that she will not put herself out there again. Jared realises what he lost when he walked away from Sarah and wants her back.
When an opportunity arises at Sanctum, the club they both attend, Jared leaps at the chance but can the woman he loves forgive him?
Enchanted is filled with meddling matchmakers and the growth of a deep and committed love; one that made my heart pound at times. Lexi Blake always ensures that her characters are never one dimensional or superficial and I was engrossed from the first chapter to the last.
As always it was great to see some familiar faces pop into the book. Ian and Charlotte Taggart are such a powerhouse couple and I freely admit just the mention of Ian brings a smile to my face.
The writing was strong , the characters engaging and it was fabulous to watch the fire and passion between Jared and Sarah burn bright. The BDSM scenes were hot and intense and the love of family and friendship was heart warming.
A fantastic addition to one of my all time favourite series.
Enchanted is a second chance at love story about Jared Johns and Sarah Stevens’s set in the Masters and Mercenaries world.
Jared is a successful actor, a man used to being in the spotlight and not always for the good. Sarah is a trauma nurse by day and a submissive by night. He broke her heart many years ago and because of that she will not put herself out there again. Jared realises what he lost when he walked away from Sarah and wants her back.
When an opportunity arises at Sanctum, the club they both attend, Jared leaps at the chance but can the woman he loves forgive him?
Enchanted is filled with meddling matchmakers and the growth of a deep and committed love; one that made my heart pound at times. Lexi Blake always ensures that her characters are never one dimensional or superficial and I was engrossed from the first chapter to the last.
As always it was great to see some familiar faces pop into the book. Ian and Charlotte Taggart are such a powerhouse couple and I freely admit just the mention of Ian brings a smile to my face.
The writing was strong , the characters engaging and it was fabulous to watch the fire and passion between Jared and Sarah burn bright. The BDSM scenes were hot and intense and the love of family and friendship was heart warming.
A fantastic addition to one of my all time favourite series.
June 21, 2019
Wow! Stunning!
This is another awesome, emotional, sexy read by Levi Blake. All of my favourite characters from the series put in an appearance in this second chance romance.
I truly beautiful, kinky, heart clenching story!!!
Totally love every second off it!
Highly recommendef.
This is another awesome, emotional, sexy read by Levi Blake. All of my favourite characters from the series put in an appearance in this second chance romance.
I truly beautiful, kinky, heart clenching story!!!
Totally love every second off it!
Highly recommendef.
February 11, 2023
Sweet story with the whole crew involved. I really enjoyed it and loved Ryan West's narration.
June 27, 2019
Jared and Sarah have a very complicated history, they fell in love but Jared walked away from her during a particularly terrible moment in both of their lives. He had good reasons for leaving but Sarah still finds it very hard to forgive him for abandoning her. Now, just as they started to reconnect for the first time in months, Sarah has been given some pretty devastating news and it's her turn to pull away from him. Jared isn't willing to let her leave without giving him some answers though, he knows she loves him and he wants them to build a future together so he's determined to figure out why she is holding back and prove that they can work through anything as a couple.
I think Jared and Sarah are characters that have already made an appearance in previous books of the Masters and Mercenaries series but I'm not quite up to date with the series yet so they were new to me and it didn't lower my enjoyment of this story at all. I really enjoyed getting to know both of them and it was also great to spend time with so many other familiar faces at Sanctum. These two have a very messy history that I don't really want to go into too much detail about in my review. Suffice to say they've been through a lot and the fallout from a certain event has had a massive impact on Jared's life and his career. He needed time to get his head together before coming back for Sarah but even though he knows he loves her he is still worried about bringing his baggage back into her life.
For her part Sarah is keeping a big secret, I'd actually guessed what it was pretty early on but again I don't want to give spoilers here. It was something that had a huge impact on her both mentally and physically though and I thought the whole situation was written incredibly well. It was so easy to put yourself into Sarah's position and understand exactly what she was going through.
The story mainly centres around a party weekend thrown at Sanctum to celebrate Charlotte Taggart's birthday. Jared is determined to win Sarah back but she's refusing to take his calls so he decides to go in disguise. I'll admit I'm always a little worried when I see a story that involves hiding a main character's true identity from someone because it can skate along the lines of non-consensual if the other person wouldn't agree to the situation if they knew who they were really involved with but that wasn't an issue at all here. Sarah almost immediately figures out who Master J really is so although Jared thinks he's hiding from her in reality she's fully aware of the situation.
The two have absolutely fantastic chemistry but the most important part of their story is the emotional connection. I also loved that it wasn't just about the two of them finding each other but also about them both finding unconditional support from other members of the club. They both come to realise that their family, by choice if not by blood, is much larger than they realised and that is something that pretty much carries through this entire series. These books may be kinky and there may be a lot of sex but there's also a lot of heart and strong bonds of friendship throughout and that's one of the reasons I love them so much.
I think Jared and Sarah are characters that have already made an appearance in previous books of the Masters and Mercenaries series but I'm not quite up to date with the series yet so they were new to me and it didn't lower my enjoyment of this story at all. I really enjoyed getting to know both of them and it was also great to spend time with so many other familiar faces at Sanctum. These two have a very messy history that I don't really want to go into too much detail about in my review. Suffice to say they've been through a lot and the fallout from a certain event has had a massive impact on Jared's life and his career. He needed time to get his head together before coming back for Sarah but even though he knows he loves her he is still worried about bringing his baggage back into her life.
For her part Sarah is keeping a big secret, I'd actually guessed what it was pretty early on but again I don't want to give spoilers here. It was something that had a huge impact on her both mentally and physically though and I thought the whole situation was written incredibly well. It was so easy to put yourself into Sarah's position and understand exactly what she was going through.
The story mainly centres around a party weekend thrown at Sanctum to celebrate Charlotte Taggart's birthday. Jared is determined to win Sarah back but she's refusing to take his calls so he decides to go in disguise. I'll admit I'm always a little worried when I see a story that involves hiding a main character's true identity from someone because it can skate along the lines of non-consensual if the other person wouldn't agree to the situation if they knew who they were really involved with but that wasn't an issue at all here. Sarah almost immediately figures out who Master J really is so although Jared thinks he's hiding from her in reality she's fully aware of the situation.
The two have absolutely fantastic chemistry but the most important part of their story is the emotional connection. I also loved that it wasn't just about the two of them finding each other but also about them both finding unconditional support from other members of the club. They both come to realise that their family, by choice if not by blood, is much larger than they realised and that is something that pretty much carries through this entire series. These books may be kinky and there may be a lot of sex but there's also a lot of heart and strong bonds of friendship throughout and that's one of the reasons I love them so much.
June 18, 2019
Enchanted, the newest novella in Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries, has two purposes: 1 - it allows readers who are fans of 1001 Dark Nights to introduce themselves to a new author/series; 2 - it allows fans of Blake’s already established series to check-in with the Taggart brood and all of the masters and submissives of Sanctum while also reading about the self-created obstacles that force Jared Johns to take things into his own hands when it comes to winning the heart of his one and only ‘snarky submissive princess’ Sarah Stevens.
Any kind of relationship that Sarah and Jared could have had ended before it even began due to outside circumstances - ones that sent Jared running and left Sarah heartbroken. But, thankfully, Jared saw the error of his ways and heads back to make things right between them, and hopefully, get a second chance to love and to collar Sarah, making her both his submissive and the love of his life. But this time around, Sarah’s the one running…the one who refuses to even listen to Jared’s plea to make a future with him, and while Blake doesn’t reveal Sarah’s reasons for offering the man she loves and wants desperately only friendship, it’s clear that Sarah’s afraid and blind to the fact that she doesn’t have to go through anything alone ever again.
Because Sarah and Jared’s story is meant to show potential readers the world that Blake created as well as the characters who reside in it, I did feel like the emphasis was more on the relationships and friendships that exist within Sanctum’s doors rather than the steps that Jared takes to reclaim his submissive, and while that’s not at all a bad thing because I loved witnessing the men and women of the club come together to help two of their own, I would have liked a bit more insight into everything that Jared needed to fight against to make it back to Sarah and what this second chance means to both of them.
I’m a huge fan of Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series; it could go on forever and I would still read each and every one - there’s just something about this group of characters’ camaraderie and the familial love that they have for one another and of course the scenes and play at the club add just the right amount of spice and steam to go along with the intrigue and suspense involved in this collection of stories.
3.5/4 Poison Apples
Any kind of relationship that Sarah and Jared could have had ended before it even began due to outside circumstances - ones that sent Jared running and left Sarah heartbroken. But, thankfully, Jared saw the error of his ways and heads back to make things right between them, and hopefully, get a second chance to love and to collar Sarah, making her both his submissive and the love of his life. But this time around, Sarah’s the one running…the one who refuses to even listen to Jared’s plea to make a future with him, and while Blake doesn’t reveal Sarah’s reasons for offering the man she loves and wants desperately only friendship, it’s clear that Sarah’s afraid and blind to the fact that she doesn’t have to go through anything alone ever again.
Because Sarah and Jared’s story is meant to show potential readers the world that Blake created as well as the characters who reside in it, I did feel like the emphasis was more on the relationships and friendships that exist within Sanctum’s doors rather than the steps that Jared takes to reclaim his submissive, and while that’s not at all a bad thing because I loved witnessing the men and women of the club come together to help two of their own, I would have liked a bit more insight into everything that Jared needed to fight against to make it back to Sarah and what this second chance means to both of them.
I’m a huge fan of Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series; it could go on forever and I would still read each and every one - there’s just something about this group of characters’ camaraderie and the familial love that they have for one another and of course the scenes and play at the club add just the right amount of spice and steam to go along with the intrigue and suspense involved in this collection of stories.
3.5/4 Poison Apples
June 19, 2019
Funny and touching, with wonderful characters and a fairytale feel
Part of the author’s Masters and Mercenaries and related Bliss, Colorado series, the author has created a complex world, with many complicated and intriguing characters. It’s a world I’m still exploding as I was a latecomer to the series, and while this works well as an intro, imo, you’ll get more enjoyment from it if you’re already familiar with at least some of the characters and their backgrounds.
I really liked both Jared and Sarah, and the author had me cheering for both of them right from the start. Jared has made some mistakes, but he’s also carrying some guilt for things outside of his control. One of those mistakes was not going after Sarah when he had a chance; it’s a mistake he’s determined to rectify, and with Sarah determined to keep him at arms length, if he has to be a little sneaky to do it, so be it. I have to say, Jared’s sneakiness is one of my favorite things about him, lol.
The setup of a masquerade gave the story a fairytale feel I loved, but don’t worry, there’s heat, too, and this is definitely a tale for grownups *grins*. Though there are some secrets driving the plot (I’m typically NOT a fan of extended secret keeping as a plot device), it worked extremely well here, partly because the secret Jared keeps from Sarah is relatively short term, and partly because this author is just that good.
While this series typically has suspense elements, that took a back seat here as it’s more about how family is what you make it, and accepting help when you need it. It’s a lesson both Jared and Sarah need, and there are a lot of appearances by familiar secondary characters to help make the point. There is some suspense, though, as while there are a lot of laughs to start out the book (I loved the chapter headlines and Ian Taggart is pretty much guaranteed to make me laugh), it’s clear pretty fast that something serious is going on with Sarah, and getting to the bottom (pun intended) is what drives both Jared and the story.
Funny and touching, with wonderful characters, this is a nice intro to the series and this author for newbies, and an even better story for long term fans. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
Part of the author’s Masters and Mercenaries and related Bliss, Colorado series, the author has created a complex world, with many complicated and intriguing characters. It’s a world I’m still exploding as I was a latecomer to the series, and while this works well as an intro, imo, you’ll get more enjoyment from it if you’re already familiar with at least some of the characters and their backgrounds.
I really liked both Jared and Sarah, and the author had me cheering for both of them right from the start. Jared has made some mistakes, but he’s also carrying some guilt for things outside of his control. One of those mistakes was not going after Sarah when he had a chance; it’s a mistake he’s determined to rectify, and with Sarah determined to keep him at arms length, if he has to be a little sneaky to do it, so be it. I have to say, Jared’s sneakiness is one of my favorite things about him, lol.
The setup of a masquerade gave the story a fairytale feel I loved, but don’t worry, there’s heat, too, and this is definitely a tale for grownups *grins*. Though there are some secrets driving the plot (I’m typically NOT a fan of extended secret keeping as a plot device), it worked extremely well here, partly because the secret Jared keeps from Sarah is relatively short term, and partly because this author is just that good.
While this series typically has suspense elements, that took a back seat here as it’s more about how family is what you make it, and accepting help when you need it. It’s a lesson both Jared and Sarah need, and there are a lot of appearances by familiar secondary characters to help make the point. There is some suspense, though, as while there are a lot of laughs to start out the book (I loved the chapter headlines and Ian Taggart is pretty much guaranteed to make me laugh), it’s clear pretty fast that something serious is going on with Sarah, and getting to the bottom (pun intended) is what drives both Jared and the story.
Funny and touching, with wonderful characters, this is a nice intro to the series and this author for newbies, and an even better story for long term fans. 5+ stars
B2B Kelly
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