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Masters and Mercenaries #11

Dominance Never Dies

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An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.

A loss he can’t forget
 
Since losing his twin brother, Theo, in the line of duty, Case Taggart has felt dead inside. The former Navy SEAL has dedicated himself to his family and their business but he can’t help but feel stuck as he watches everyone else move on with their lives. Only meeting the beautiful Mia brings Case out of his misery, until he discovered she was just a reporter looking for a story. Betrayed, he turned his back on her and never looked back.
 
An attraction she can’t deny
 
Mia Danvers can’t get Case Taggart out of her head. Though they hadn’t been lovers, she’d felt more for him than for any man she’d ever met. Growing up in the shadow of her over-protective, older brothers, she felt free when she was with Case and she longs to feel that way again. She knows that if she can find any trace of Theo Taggart, Case will be forced to let her back into his life. Months of searching have finally paid off and she knows this is her second chance.
 
A desperate search
 
Case and Mia follow the clues they hope will lead them to Theo and the villainous Hope McDonald, but the search becomes increasingly dangerous. From Dallas to South America and beyond, dark forces work against them and threaten their lives. With each step forward, Case and Mia are pulled closer together and forced to confront their mutual attraction. But when the truth about Theo is revealed, Case may have to make a choice between his brother and the only woman he’s ever loved.

A Masters and Mercenaries Novel by Lexi Blake

395 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 14, 2016

474 people are currently reading
1471 people want to read

About the author

Lexi Blake

182 books6,378 followers
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.

In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.

In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.

Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....

For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
Profile Image for Flo.
204 reviews585 followers
June 15, 2016
4 **crazy shenanigans** STARS



“You’ve got issues. You see something shiny and you take off after it. I need you to understand that I might not be the shiniest thing you ever chased after, but I’m the thing that caught you and I’m going to keep you. Even if it means tying you up.”


Finally another M&M book. Those who follow my reviews might know my slightly problematic obsession with these delicious Doms and Ian Taggart in particular. This time around we get the story of Case Taggart, one of his younger brothers and Mia Danvers, sister of the Lawless brothers who will be getting their own spin-off series, soon-ish.

Case and Mia’s story already began in From Sanctum With Love, the 10th instalment of the Masters and Mercenaries series. They were left on bad terms, caused by mutual betrayal and miscommunication. Now Mia and Case are forced to work together in an effort to find a certain McKay-Taggart character whose name I won’t mention so I won’t spoil people who haven’t read the last few books. Their journey leads the reluctant lovers to South America.

What could possibly go wrong? It's not like Mia is the sister of a tech-billionaire, making her a target in those parts of the world. Not to mention the bad guys they are after. Really a lot of smooth-sailing and holiday like adventures ahead.

*cough* sarcasm *cough* ;)



I don't even care, I suck these books up like hot coffee. I am addicted to both. I love the suspense, the action, the hot as hell sex and the love stories tested by extraordinary circumstances. This is guilty pleasure galore. And when you put Ian Taggart - hands down my favourite sarcastic alpha dom - into the mix, I'm a happy camper.

In hindsight I don't even care that Mia had a tendency to jump first and ask questions later. You go girl. And don't apologize for any of it. A rich girl, who happens to be a journalist, who has an abundance of street smarts, who can handle herself in a third world country and who will surprise you at every turn always gets my vote. Even though while I was reading she frustrated me to no end. All forgiven. After all, Case is just as bad with his emotions and temper. Really a match made in heaven.

I love this world and all the characters in it. I’m amazed how eleven books (plus countless novellas) down the line my excitement is still there and the plot is constantly evolving. Getting more dangerous if you can believe it. It’s just such a wonderful place to escape to, full with spies, doms, scheming family members and did I mention danger? It’s fun.

All in all, fantastic writing, suspenseful story, complicated characters and that last scene in the bar? Ms. Blake, you just about killed me….I’m getting all teary thinking about it. Can’t wait for the next M&M book, oh and the Lawless series of course. The newly introduced characters really have me intrigued.

I’m fangirling again, aren’t I? Ok, shutting up now. ;P


**ARC very kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.




Profile Image for Sabrina.
4,309 reviews2,398 followers
June 14, 2016
Dominance Never Dies picks up where the last book left us. Basically flailing about trying to figure out what was going to happen between Mia and Case. The story opens up with Mia breaking into Case's place to let him know that she has new intel on the whereabouts of his brother. Case still isn't over the fact that Mia lied to him, and he isn't ready to forgive her. But when it comes to his brother he'll do anything to bring him home, even getting in bed with the enemy.

Mia is still heartbroken that Case won't forgive her, and she's also pissed. But not enough to keep him from the help he needs to hunt down his brother. Now that the two are back to working together they have to put the past hurt between them away and learn to forgive each other. Their feelings for each other never went away, though, and when they land right in the middle of danger they both realize just how much they care.



This book took my expectations and blew them out of the water, I knew it would be a good book, but I had no idea I would get so involved in it. The action that was involved in the book didn't shock me, but it was definitely more intense than the rest of the series. I don't know what Lexi Blake was doing different while writing this, but she needs to keep it up. Case and Mia's story had everything I could ask for with the Dom sexiness, the action packed fights, and the lovable sweet moments between the two.



There were a lot of different characters brought into the book, and it has me so damn curious about all of them. Mia's brothers I already knew were getting a spin off series but Drew Lawless is in this book enough that it has me begging for his story already. I love how Lexi can do such a wide range of characters without losing any of the importance from the main story. She also set up Ruthless, the first book in the spin off series with Mia's family, perfectly and I applaud her for being able to do that.

I can't get over how perfect Mia and Case were together. I've pretty much loved all of the couples that come from this series, but Case and Mia were something special. The fighting that would happen between them was this kind of foreplay almost, and when they finally fought it out in the bedroom, the chemistry sizzled right off of the pages. I have to say, right now, this is being listed as my favorite Masters and Mercenaries couple.



Bottom line, if you like a sexy Dom and a sassy sub, you need to pick up with book. Or even if you just like an action packed, fighting, book. I'm not lying when I say this story has it all, it's seriously perfect for everyone. It's highly recommended to be read as a series, so you have ten other books to read and love too!

ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elle ✟ Søren's ♡ (i'm too old for this shite).
690 reviews481 followers
October 29, 2016
3.5* anything for you STARS!!

I'm surprised when Lexi Blake released this book very close to the last. Usually it takes 6 months or up to 2 full length volumes/year. But it didn't matter! I want this as soon as possible because we all itchy for the Taggart twins and wondering with what the hell happened with Theo.

A bit recap, Case Taggart met Mia Lawless Denvers in Kai's book and everything's backfired, he doubt her. Even Case admits that he's interested with Mia, he stayed far away from her especially with the threats from the Lawless brothers. Present day, Mia has info about Theo's whereabouts also Hope McDonald with her evil medicine. Case whose still in denial about Mia, 'kick' her out but it didn't take a long time to realize that Case wants their things to work out especially BDSM. In depth of Colombia, they have to survive against Mia's attempt kidnapping and to catch Hope McDonald.

Both Case and Mia really frustrated me with their hot headed and stubbornness. Mia's childish acts almost cost everything without her thinking about the risk. Case use his dominance to tame Mia's impulsiveness to keep them save. At first, I was pessimist that they could work together. But Case has Michael and Hutch on his side and they're like his counselors. For Mia, she doesn't have friends to talk on this moment. She was surrounded with testosterone from Case's team and her bodyguard.
I want to be your lover. Do you understand what I mean by that? I don’t want to be your boyfriend. I want to be your Dom. It’s different. A boyfriend can take you or leave you. A Dom is responsible for you. It means something deeper to me.
description

Their chemistry always on-off the chart. Sometimes it's burning like crazy when they couldn't hands off each other. They could be stone cold when they're each other throats. Case is never the charming kind and more intense and emotional. I never think their BDSM could work from the beginning. Yeah, Mia has adventurous streak but she's not submissive enough and Case isn't true Dominant. They're enjoying BDSM as a spices for the relationship, I think.
I’ll be demanding and I’ll need you more than you can know. I’m willing to give it some time, but eventually I’ll want you to move to Dallas and be with me. I’ll want you to sleep with me. You’ll go to sleep after I’ve fucked you senseless and you’ll wake to my cock in your pussy. That’s what it’s going to mean to be my woman. So you think about it because once we start this, I won’t hold back again.

Overall, the story has more suspense than the romance itself. The main problem here are to bring Theo's back also catch Hope McDonald. Case and Mia's relationship isn't memorable and easily replaced. I didn't really remember about their togetherness but I still enjoy how they're working together. Also there are some 'things' that didn't catch my attention even I have my prejudice. Their ending was okay but I hope Theo and Erin could unite once again and ended the evil bitch once and for all.

description
Profile Image for ⭐ Emerson ⭐.
328 reviews203 followers
July 3, 2016
I LOVE the Masters and Mercenaries Series. I've read every single one of them including the novellas and the Topped Series.
Lexi Blake is one of my favorite authors.
But.... this installment was a huge disappointment imo.
What happened to the BDSM? Where was my Alpha male?
Dominance never dies...? It never existed in this book.
Hopefully, Theo and Erin's story will have more of the elements I've come to expect in Lexi Blake novels.

Profile Image for Aly is so frigging bored.
1,705 reviews266 followers
June 6, 2016
!!!!!!!!!SPOILERS FOR EARLIER BOOKS IN THE SERIES!!!!!!!

Main characters:
Mia Lawless Danvers
Case Taggart

What I Liked:
I love the world Ms. Blake has created and I love returning to it. Mia and Case’s story is fraught with drama and misunderstandings. This is both a good and bad thing, yes, at the same time. The bad thing is that I’ve kind of got enough of characters not communicating, seriously not that hard. The good thing: you just need some drama from time to time and Ms Blake knows how to deliver.
In this book they got Theo back, mostly, and Mia was a big part of it. She has some contacts the Taggarts don’t have and she totally took advantage of this(not in a bad way). Unfortunately Case really didn’t see Mia’s true motives, and the girl herself, until he managed to really blow it.
Mia is a really though chick and she has some interesting skills. I didn’t expect her to be soo cool under pressure. Case keeps underestimating her and himself. He has some self-esteem problems that I didn’t see coming. I appreciated how they managed to make each other better, if not for themselves, for the other person.
The humor in this books is one of the best things they have going. Ms Blake knows just how to create comic relief.


What I didn't like:
Mia had some really idiotic moments and I wanted to kick her, the same for Case. His temper dispelled the brain-to-mouth barriers, and he had some very assholish things to say. I would have loved more McKay-Taggart agency time, rather than then 1/2 of the MCs introspections.

Favorite character:
Ian always stole the show when he had some book-time, he’s my all time fave. For this book though, I think Malone, he really spoke “girl”. With that I mean that he always understood what Mia was saying when Case was not, and he interpreted what Mia would get from Case’s talk :D It was really fun to see him translating

My least favorite character:
It’s a spoiler so I’ll keep you in suspense :D

Favorite scene:
The voicemails

Would I recommend the book:
If you’re an M&M fan, don’t miss it. If you’re not, start with book 1, you don’t know what you’ve been needing.

Final rating:4.5*
Profile Image for Kate.
2,282 reviews358 followers
November 30, 2016
I think my expectations for this book were just too high. Although initially after reading this I was going to give it 3 Stars but after reading my review I’ve decided to go with 4 Stars instead.

I first met Case and Mia in Riley’s book and I loved them. I added their book to my list but decided to start with the series right from the beginning. This is where my OCD comes through.

I then met Mia Danvers in Kai & Kori’s book. I like Mia she is overprotective of her friends and genuinely a nice person. But there were some things she just didn’t plan on.

She’d come in undercover in order to get close to Jared Johns and his entourage. She hadn’t expected to fall madly in love with a Taggart. Taggarts, it seemed to Mia, were their own special class of gorgeous, heroic, and sexy as hell men.

Case has been having some difficulties after adjusting to him not being the biggest Tag of the bunch and after losing his twin Theo he has been lost no one that that he could be suffering as much as the others. That all changes when he meets Mia.

His whole soul softened the minute she walked in the room the first time.

Generally in his life he has been waiting for that one thing to make it complete without him really knowing it.

“I knew from the minute I saw you something good might happen to me.” “Is that silly? You walked out of the locker room and you smiled at me that first day of your trying class and I thought maybe I could have one good thing.”

But he isn’t alone. Mia feels the same.

“I could use something good, too.”

One problem with that Mia deceived them all. Well not really they did lie to one another for different reasons though. It hit Case harder than he wanted to admit.

All because she might have lied to him the slightest little bit. It had been a teeny tiny lie while in search for the greater truth. No Mia it was a huge arsed lie woman.

What does Mia do it get back into his good graces? Give them the one thing that he wants most of all Hope McDonald on a silver platter with to sweeten the pot she has also found Theo. What’s a man to do but follow Mia and the lead to Columbia. Might I add without getting into trouble but she has been known for trouble in the past.

“You tell Case to call me. All right? I’ll keep my mouth shut, but god Mia, try not to blow anything up. Or bring down the whole country.” That had only been once and it had been a small country with a terrible dictator. It was good it had come down. “I promise.”

Case thinks that she is untitled rich and pampered princess. But she has a tragic backstory. Mia is persistent and a force to be reckoned with.

The plot once again goes to show you what Ms. Blake can pull out of her sleeve. We have a psychopathic woman on the loose who needs money to fund her experiments. Bank robberies and if there are no dead people then that is boring. A kidnapping gone wrong.

We got ourselves a hostile situation.
The pilot dropped his weapon and fell to one knee. Case stood over him with a gun. “Don’t fucking move. Both your partners are dead.” “You did such a good job, babe.” Mia sounded bouncy and happy. “Really awesome. But you could have mentioned to Ezra about the blood on the carpet thing.”

They are slightly out of their depth here but Ian saves the day because of the lost puppy chip. Case jumps the gun and majorly screws up but I do like Erin’s perspective of things.

“So basically Mia got caught during the op. Dumbass here ran in and got himself shot by memory deprived but ridiculously hot boy. My man still has enough Theo in him that he wouldn’t kill Mia, but he very likely threatened Dumbass. Mia loves Dumbass and didn’t want Dumbass to die, so she protected him. When Dumbass found out, he screwed everything up with her.”

Case’s strategy in winning Mia back? Beautiful. I loved the messages that he left of his love and his everyday life.

We’re dressing TJ up for Halloween. Erin managed to find a costume that makes him look like a live grenade. Yeah I’m worried for that kid.

I’m going to be in your world. I’ll be there when you need a kiss. When you need strong arms around you, holding you close, I’ll offer mine.

But he can top it with each and every present he gives Mia.

Case had been the one to send her those stories. Not flowers or candy. Those were easy. He’d given her adventures and he’d done it knowing he wouldn’t be there to protect her, to gain anything from it. It had been a purely selfless act of love.

I love the world that she has created. I crave it. I find it addicting. I really want to go back to the beginning of the series and read them all again. I can’t though as all the other books I want to read her piling up.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews490 followers
June 21, 2016
This series just keeps getting better…

This is the eleventh—eleventh—book in this series, and by now I figured the premise was going to wear itself out. The characters were going to be predictable, their stories just blurring together in sameness. Happily, that did not happen! This outing was, once again, jam-packed with everything I’ve come to love about these books—including emotion and drama to spare—as Case Taggart and Mia Danvers worked their way into the “my new favorite couple” of the series.

“You’ll go to sleep after I’ve fucked you senseless and you’ll wake to my cock in your pussy. That’s what it’s going to mean to be my woman.”

Whew… Passionate and intense, Case and Mia’s story has been a long time coming. I’m not kidding when I say I’ve been waiting, lurking and stalking for this book. Their relationship has been percolating for a while and everything is going to come to a head.

Case is a dominant but wears the label easily. He has the balls, and everything else, to back it up. Loyalty and family are everything so when he loses his twin, and Mia seems to be involved only for personal gain, he retaliates with coldness and hostility.

Mia is anything but superficial or selfish, and her determination to do the right thing for the Taggarts, even if her heart is going to get pummeled again and again, had my heart hurting along with hers. Just when you think these two are getting somewhere, another spanner gets thrown into the works. A roller coaster ride? More like a runaway freight train!

While this story focused on Case and Mia, it definitely was an ensemble cast once again. The Taggart brothers are alphas in every aspect; cool under pressure, born leaders, handsome, arrogant and absolutely delicious. Each one is different and unique in their own way, and the women they love match and complement them. They are strong, empowered, loyal, and able to support and kick butt in turn—whatever is needed they have it! They hold their own in a world that feeds on weakness and still manage to be mothers, lovers, and sisters.

They all sound perfect, right? Well, that’s part of the reason I love them so much—they are far from perfect. They squabble, tease and torment each other, but at the end of the day, they are there for each other and that shines through again and again.

“They were obnoxious and loud and insane and they were his freaking family. Every single one of them.”

I couldn’t put this story down and reading until two in the morning was a price I was happy to pay. Suspenseful, action-packed and surprisingly funny, the stories, dialogue and characters will keep me coming back as long as this series continues. And I hope it continues for a really long time! I can’t wait for more! ~ Diane, 5 stars
Profile Image for BookAddict  ✒ La Crimson Femme.
6,917 reviews1,440 followers
August 15, 2016
Been waiting for this story for a while. So happy it came out and I sucked it down like a drug addict frenetic for my next high. When do they finally find Theo, Case's twin? There have been hints and hints in the past couple of books. But this book isn't about Theo exactly. It's about Case and his desperate need to find his brother that he will use anyone at his disposal.

I liked this one. Forget the BDSM in this story because it's kind of a tongue in cheek element for me now. The story is really about the suspense and getting Theo back. Case and Mia started off really badly. In this story, I can't say that it gets that much better for the majority of it. Mia is smart and determined. Or, that is how she is presented. I have to give her props to determined. As far as smart, not so much. She is book smart but when it comes to common sense, slap the girl upside the head!

I enjoyed the wild ride in this story as the two race to get Theo back before he is too damaged. The scenes with Theo in here are disturbing. What is done to him is abhorrent and cruel. It breaks my heart a little as he fights so hard to regain what he lost and he knows there is something wrong but he can't seem to do much about it. I read this book in one sitting and ended up with a book hangover the next day. I can't wait for the next book. This book is recommended for romantic suspense lovers. Those who are kinky and expect to have BDSM in the book, forget about it. Read it for the suspense not the kink.
Profile Image for Edna.
313 reviews20 followers
June 23, 2016
I was a bit disapointed by this one. But can't wait for Theo and Erin's book.
Profile Image for Shayna.
1,812 reviews615 followers
June 14, 2016
OMG! I'm nothing but a HUGE pile of feels right now! The ending....THE ENDING! My heart is broken! I don't know what I would do without this series in my life...without these characters is my life! I love them all to death! I can ALWAYS count on Lexi Blake's sexy and suspenseful stories to leave me breathless, speechless, and in a euphoric daze. Sensual and passionate love scenes mixed with toe-curling drama and suspense, made DOMINANCE NEVER DIES a favorite of the series for me. There isn't a page that's not full of emotion or heart. This scorching HOT page-turner will leave you gasping for air and craving for what happens next. Mia and Case are a match made in heaven! Their banter, their sexy as sin chemistry exploded off of every single page. There's not much more I can say, only to tell you if you haven't started this INCREDIBLE series yet? I so urge you to start. It's simply AMAZING and has EVERYTHING you could possible want in a romance series. Sexy, exciting, adventurous, erotic, and downright HILARIOUS...DOMINANCE NEVER DIES and the rest of the Masters and Mercenaries series, will leave you in a constant state of bliss, wishing you could crawl inside of these books and be a part of their world.

And without further adieu, I give you the dirty mouth of our gorgeous hero, Case Taggart...

"I'm going to eat your pussy like no one's eaten it before. All that arousal you're putting out right now, that's going to be my dinner. All your sweetness, I'm going to lap it up. I'll lick you everywhere, spread you wide so I don't miss a drop, and then do you know what I'll do?"

Ok, ok, ok...no MORE for you! But HOLY SHIT ladies! Makes you want to jump in the closest cold shower, am I right?

What did you say? You want a little taste of our favorite frustrating Dominant, Ian Taggart? Ha! You got it!

"Ian, I'm going to have to call you back."

"Condom. Don't forget the condom. She's naked isn't she? I can hear it in your dumbass voice. Use that condom. I can't handle another kid right now. My life is full of poop and crying Taggart babies."


I can't close out a review until I post an Ian Taggart quote! DAMN! I love the hell out of that man!

Ok, back to the story. DOMINANCE NEVER DIES gets us closer to Theo Taggart. AND....that is all I'll say about that because I don't want to spoil anything, but just know...fans of this series will be jumping and screaming and shouting from the rooftops with what happens next.

Hands On Muscular Chest

*Gifted copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Deanie Nelder.
1,131 reviews24 followers
July 7, 2020
Actually 3.5 stars

Within her Masters and Mercenaries series Lexi Blake has written some novels I adore (the entire Topped series), and some that I can't stand (like the first two books). This one is somewhere in the middle. At this point in the series the storytelling is so dense with plot and complications that it can take work to slog through it. There are definite good parts to the story, but there are so many characters and so much going on that the book feels overstuffed. It has to serve as a sequel to the other M&M books, prequel to the Lawless series, and prequel to the Forgotten books. Mia and Case's story gets lost among all of the rest of the book.
Profile Image for Lynn Thinking out loud .
1,483 reviews64 followers
August 30, 2017
Mia had me laughing so hard I had tears coming out of my eyes with her inner dialogue.

Case, oh boy, Case was a handful let me tell you that. He is definitely a hardheaded Taggert.

Ian is still funny as hell. He's become more unreserved with each book.

Laugh, cry, laugh, cry. I don't know  which way is up and which way is down anymore. Dominance never Dies had my emotions on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster.

There is not a single one of these books that I haven't loved. These are the books that are worth buying in paperback.
I highly recommend this book, this series, this author.
Profile Image for Kate.
Author 4 books30 followers
March 24, 2018
Gah, I missed reading this series. So happy I’ve started it back up again!

Loved Case & Mia’s story - all the good stuff we’ve come to love from this series is included, and given Case is a Taggart, you just know there’s going to be extra scoops of snark & alpha-stupidity.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,895 reviews
July 18, 2019
OMG! I love the latest installment of the Masters and Mercenaries series. I couldn't put it down.

Case and Mia are on the hunt for Theo, Case's missing twin. Their relationship started out rough and now they have chance to start over. Mia knows she made a mistake but has spent months trying to find any clue on the person who is believed to have killed Theo but instead finds Theo. Mia and Case goes to the last location he is but in the process foil an attempted kidnapping on Mia. Things go from bad to worse with a botched mission. Between her brothers, his family and the Agency, they are running out of time to say Theo. Case and Mia must learn to overcome their trust issues in order to have their ever after.

I would highly recommend this series and this author. I love her work!
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,722 reviews1,127 followers
September 19, 2025


This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.

Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻‍♂️
Heroine:🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️🦸🏻‍♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Narration:🎧🎧🎧🎧
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧.5
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨.5


First Impressions
This was a book I have been super eager to read the most. I really wanted to get to Mia's books. She is the sister to the Lawless Brothers (there is a trilogy for their books I had started to read). And so I have been working on getting caught up on this series because I knew I would need to read it in order from the research I did on it. And in the previous book, we saw the tension and complexity to their relationship here. And we see it truly fleshed out in this book. I loved all the heart and deep impactful emotion that is displayed. There is some heavier focus of the serial plot in this one, so some of the more BDSM elements we have had in past books, are more faded in this book. But it actually fit this couple more for me. I really admired what the author did in this one here.

First Line
Mia stepped out into the club, her eyes wide with curiosity.

The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Case Taggert
The Heroine: Mia Danvers

Summary
Dominance Never Dies is a story that features Case and Mia. Mia had worked undercover because she had suspicions on the Taggert's. Those suspicions were cleared out of course, but she burned a important bridge...the love and trust of a good man. Mia is determined to get Case back but she is going to have to play a big card to rebuilt what they had. His brother is claimed to be dead, but she knows he is alive and will throw that wild card at Case to prove that she is there for the long haul. The road though to finding his long lost brother will be more challenging than they will expect. But the matters of trust in a relationship is delicate and both Case and Mia will be tested fully...

What I Loved
This book was a true delight. I had so much fun with this audio especially. I just didn't want to put it down. I was completely swept away by the heroine doing the grovel, how determined she was to win over Case and seeing the torment she felt over her past. The heroine was truly the focal point in this story. I enjoyed what she was doing in her determination for Case. Case was such a delicious hero in this one. He is a bit of a alpha jerk at times, but loved how he interacted with Mia. He had so many flaws but it completely worked for me. The plot of the story was fascinating and kept me on the edge of my seat. I felt so hard for Theo and Hutch. My heart just broke for what they both had to go through here but we do see some hope for them. I honestly can't wait for their books and seeing their path to healing.

What I Struggled With
I will be honest...the ending felt a bit anti climatic. It was rushed and I didn't like what happened there with Hutch, it was kinda confusing and which it had been more satisfying.

Narration
Really drew me in so quickly. I liked how the narration really delved so beautifully on the emotional tension of this one here.

Overall View
Dominance Never Dies is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, bring your heart to the surface with vibrant emotion and will curl your toes in the delicious sensual moments!

Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Erotic Romance
Character Types: Alpha Male, Jerk Hero, Spy Heroine
Themes: Danger/Suspense, Heart/Emotionally Touching, Barrels of Laughs
Tropes: Redemption/Reconciliation, Second Chance

Book Perspective
Duo POV

Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both

If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Shayla Black
Beth Kery
Susan Stoker

Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes

Steam/Spice Explanations

Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.

Narrators:
Ryan West

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Profile Image for Chelsea Johnson.
1,189 reviews46 followers
January 17, 2022
3.75 Stars!
*throwing confetti in the air* Theo is back! I'll admit that I was worried for a minute that he was going to do something stupid and someone was going to have to make a choice (Case was close there at the end but thankfully Hutch stepped in (and we'll get to him in a sec; he'd better come back!)).

Overall, Case was kind of great. I did roll my eyes at him because he was very much trying to be a big-bad, I-know-what-I'm-doing leader, but unfortunately, he was just a little out of his depth here. And yes, he was too close emotionally, but in this situation, that gets a small pass. I did like everyone calling him on his crap after everything happened with Mia. Every time. Granted, most of the team knew "Case-speak", but Mia didn't. And even though I could figure out what he meant, even I was wanting to bash his head in after he yelled at her when Theo got away in the warehouse. Thankfully he took what people were saying to heart and he started working things out. I did like the messages he started leaving Mia.

Mia was great actually. I'll admit that I also got a little frustrated with her because while she thought most things through, she was still in a "I'll prove to them I'm useful" mindset that tended to get her in trouble 98% of the time. While I could understand wanting to protect Michael and Hutch on the plane, just really? I did like that she started to realize what Theo's triggers (for lack of a better word) were and how she started trying to reach him. While I could understand her being hurt at things Case said, it felt like she only jumped on the "well I was just a warm body" band-wagon because Tony said it's what would happen. Yes, Case said somethings in anger but he'd also said some stuff when he was happy and she'd claimed to believe it, but the second he showed he was emotional (and a guy), she's believing some crazy person? That sort of felt like a weird character deviation to me. Granted, both Mia and Case admitted that they'd needed the time apart to be able to grow (and I did like how they both grew/changed over that time). I liked Mia telling Case that he had to tell Erin. While I could see him wanting to spare her the pain of possibly using Theo a second time, that really only worked until everyone else knew they were looking for Theo.

Then we have the end and they're back. Focusing on Theo for a second, the introduction to Erin was beautiful and very bittersweet. Thankfully I have the next book on hand so I can dive in and watch Erin beat Hope to a pulp. I did like that even on the drugs, there were parts that Hope couldn't break. And then there's Hutch. Oh, please, please, please let him be okay! There's just...he has to come back to the team!
296 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2019
This is the 11th book in the Masters and Mercenaries series. The books should be read in the order that Lexi Blake suggests on her website lexiblake.net. If you don't read them in order the author does a good job in this book to get the reader up to date on what is happening.

What an amazing story. So much was told in this book. It had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. This story is about Case and Mia but you get a feel for so many other characters. If you don't read the stories in order you miss out on such good character development.

"He was naked. He’d tossed off that towel and his backside was the single most beautiful thing she’d ever seen. It was sculpted and muscular and freaking perfect but his back… What the hell had happened to his back? He had a deep scar that ran across the skin of his back from right under his left shoulder blade down to barely above those gorgeous cheeks." - the author knows how to describe a hot scene!!

I think the last few books have been a setup for this book and this book easily leads you into Submission is Not Enough. I can't wait to start it.
Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
November 29, 2019
Red hot chemistry

Case and Mia has chemistry that’s sizzling and they also have temper, it’s a bumpy journey to a happy ever after so how will they get there?
This series can be read as standalone books but for full enjoyment I recommend reading them in order.
I love that the characters from previous books is so heavily present in this book, in no way does it take away the focus on the main characters.
Good storyline that progresses nicely to a good ending
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Dialogues with meanings and that helps the story go forward naturally.
Sizzling chemistry and sweet love scenes between Mia and Case without taking over the storyline.
The characters is developed in to realistic personalities and I’ve met them in the previous book so they feel familiar.
The author has done a great job in creating a world and a family that’s not based on blood alone.

5 stars!
Profile Image for Teleri Anoram.
365 reviews
July 23, 2025
You definitely need to read from Sanctum with Love before this. I love how this one starts in chapter 1 with “After a whole bunch of stuff happened in From Sanctum with Love…”
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,616 reviews147 followers
June 17, 2016
3.75 stars. This is Case and Mia's story. Case and Mia have been circling each other for awhile, since Mia was trying to find her friend's murderer. They have both been attracted and had feelings for each other, but never really acted on them because they were both lying to each other to get information when they met. Case didn't know if he could trust Mia and he thought she was a spoiled rich girl. Mia still really liked Case, but couldn't get him to consider dating her. She finally found a way to get his attention, though, when she finds a lead on where Theo may be. Theo is Case's twin brother who was kidnapped, held and mind controlled by Hope McDonald (in the previous book in the series). Case doesn't want to let Mia go along on the trip to try to find out more, but he has no choice because her contact will only talk to her. So they go to Colombia. And they finally decide that they have more in common than Case thought and they make a really good match. They get together, consider a future together, and are happy for 4 days. They find Theo, but he doesn't know who they are. He is brainwashed and he nearly kills Case, by shooting him. It all goes wrong and Theo gets away. Case blames Mia for that and says really hurtful things to her, acting like he hates her, causing her to leave. Then they are apart for six months. Finally, Mia and Case get back together, Mia is kidnapped, and there is a successful attempt to rescue Theo and Mia.

This was a pretty good book, but I was slightly frustrated. The book was going really well from the beginning. Once Case and Mia got together, I was really happy and I was hoping that meant their relationship was going to be smooth sailing, with most of the drama having to do with getting Theo back. But once they got together, which was early-ish in the book, Case and Mia were together and happy for 4 or 5 days. Then they had an argument said hateful things to each other and had a six month separation! To me that really screwed up the momentum of the relationship and the book. Then they get back together for a few hours, only for Mia to be kidnapped. The rest of the book was her getting rescued. And that's it! So they were together for less than a week in the whole book. I really needed more Case and Mia. I needed to see them together and happy for more of the book. An epilogue would have helped me feel better too.

It was a shame because this was shaping up to be one of my/ if not my fave book in the series until they were separated. That was mostly because I really loved Case and Mia together. They were both great characters and were a perfect match for each other. Mia was an awesome spunky heroine. She was on par with Charlotte Taggart character-wise for me. Case was a charming, strong, dominant alpha. He had a temper and flew off the handle a few times, speaking before he thought, which hurt Mia. But he got anger management during the separation and it supposedly helped him. They had great chemistry and banter. Case really appreciated Mia's feisty, smart personality.

The argument that brought about the separation was a doozie based on Mia trying to save Case's life at the risk of letting Theo escape. Case said "How do you think for a second that I'll have anything to do with you after this? That we can have any kind of future when you do nothing but lie and manipulate?". So Mia took that at face value and left, thinking they were through with each other for good. She was heartbroken, of course, but she tried to keep busy and stayed away from him. He left her alone to heal from their argument while he worked on himself. But then, after six months, when circumstances brought them back together, Case tells Mia "I made a massive mistake, but you're the one who walked away. I never intended for those to be the last words we said to each other. Not once. Even when I was angry as hell at you, I knew I wouldn't let you go." He was apologetic, overall, but that he said that made me mad. He made it seem like it was partially her fault for walking away from his verbal abuse, when I felt he was mostly to blame. I felt like Mia should have made him grovel more after saying that an giving those mixed messages.

But I still liked the book despite those few things that bothered me. It had the series' trademark suspense, an intricate storyline, sexiness and intrigue. I liked the new characters introduced and I liked where the series story arc was going. I'm excited for the spinoff series based on Mia's brothers and I really look forward to seeing how Theo is when he reunites with Erin. I still really like this series and look forward to more from Ms. Blake!
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,213 reviews221 followers
June 15, 2016
5 Star Review of Dominance Never Dies (Masters and Mercenaries #11) by Lexi Blake

Dominance Never Dies is book 11 in Lexi Blake’s Masters & Mercenaries series and is one of my all-time favourite series. If you like sexy bad ass alpha males, some BDSM, smoking hot sex and characters that will melt your heart and your panties, then look no further.

Nobody does sexy suspense books like Lexi Blake. This book was phenomenal. I absolutely loved it from the first to the last page. There was so much happening in the book I don’t quite know where to start. I often wonder how she comes up with the storylines for this series; each book just seems to get better and better. This is one series I will mourn when she eventually runs out of ideas, but in my happy place I believe these characters will live on forever.

Case Taggart, just the name Taggart instantly makes me happy. I haven’t met a Taggart I didn’t fall for; Case is no exception. Case is lost, floundering, reeling from the death of his twin Theo, emotionally detached from everyone until he meets Mia Lawless Danvers. Finally he starts to feel a spark of life coming back into his empty soul, only to discover she is a reporter following a story and that she has lied to him.

Mia cannot get away from the feelings that Case invokes in her. Devastated when he totally withdraws from her, Mia will do whatever she can to get back into Case’s life, as such she is determined to find out what happened to his twin. When Mia uncovers confirmation that proves Theo is alive, she immediately knows that this is perhaps her last chance to get back into Case’s life.

What follows is a story filled with suspense, danger, intrigue and the growth of a deep and committed love; one that made my heart pound at times. This book just flows on so many levels; not to mention the humour that comes out in some extremely interesting situations. One of my favourite characters is Michael Malone. I really cannot wait to read more about him and hope that he gets a book or a novella.

But what happens if Case is forced to choose between his brother Theo and the woman whom he has come to love with such passion and devotion? One who means the world to him; will he do the unthinkable and destroy his brother to keep Mia safe?

This was one of the best books I have read this year. One of the things that I love about Lexi Blake is that her characters are never one dimensional, there are always so many layers and Case and Mia were no exception. I always knew I would love Case but Mia; she really came into her own and surprised me with her adaptability and her feistiness. She is one woman, I would be happy to have my back in a bad situation. The vulnerability that both Case and Mia showed was at times a tear jerker.

Have you ever anticipated a book so much that you were afraid to start reading it? That’s what happened to me with Dominance Never Dies, I knew if I started I wouldn’t stop and then where would I be? Suffering withdrawal yet again; this is a series that if the author released a book once a month, I would be incredibly happy. I cannot wait for the next book in the series Submission Is Not Enough which is releasing October 18, 2016

Although a stand-alone, in order to get the best from this book I would recommend that you read this series in order as I feel it would give you a better interpretation of the McKay-Taggart Family.
Profile Image for Steph.
993 reviews90 followers
June 24, 2016
Another awesome read courtesy of Lexi Blake with DOMINANCE NEVER DIES!

When reporter Mia Lawless Danvers infiltrated the BDSM club Sanctum in order to try and catch a serial killer, she didn't expect Doms there to be so…AWESOME. Especially Case Taggart. After the fallout of honesty, Case wants nothing to do with the pretty little rich girl, and Mia is just about to give up on him.

When she has a lead on the whereabouts of his possibly still alive twin brother Theo, the two will have to work together to try and rescue him from a madwoman hell bent on mind control, as well as all the other players who would do anything to harvest that power. Case appreciates Mia's help, but she's not a trained operative and she has no business in the field. Plus, she's going to get a serious spanking for not listening to orders! Mia can only take so much from Case the Neanderthal, and she's about at her breaking point!

DOMINANCE NEVER DIES is the 11th installment in Ms. Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series, and while the beginning was a bit confusing since I haven't made it to the previous books in the series yet, once the story progressed, I was all in. Mia is especially kick ass, she's a reporter but also able to fight her way out of sticky situations. Case was devastated by the loss of his twin brother, but when he finds out Theo might be alive, he'll stop at nothing to rescue him. He was a real dick to Mia a lot of the book though, going from berating her to obsessing over her to blaming her. The hot and cold and clueless attitude did nothing to endear me to him, and as the book went on I wanted Mia to throw up a few one finger salutes and leave the douche behind. As the book went on, Case became a better man and one I wanted Mia to end up with (though I wouldn't have dismissed her with Ezra either). The action was well written and exciting and I loved how the end played out. I can't wait to pick up Submission is not Enough, book 12 in the Masters and Mercenaries series.

Bottom Line: Like all of Ms. Blake's books, DOMINANCE NEVER DIES was fast paced and hot as hell. - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...

The Romance Review - See more at: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/v...
Profile Image for Marie.
256 reviews177 followers
June 17, 2016
Dominance Never Dies picks up where the last book left us in that Mia is still heartbroken that Case won’t forgive and we are wondering what will happen with these two. Mia comes to Case with information about his brother and even though Case is still angry and hurt with Mia he will do whatever he has to in order to bring his brother home. So now Mia and Cash are working together and let me tell you their form of foreplay is HOT! They fight like you wouldn’t believe and I wondered just how much like Ian, Case could be at times. If you have read any of the other books then you already know that Ian Taggart is the DOM of all all doms. He can make every submissive in a four mile radius hit their knees with his commanding voice and attitude.

I love whenever Ian makes any sort of appearance in any of the books and he doesn’t disappoint here either. Every book always has multiple characters that leaves you wondering their story as well as bringing in old favorites so you are always up to date on them. I adored Mia in this book! This chick just goes at things full throttle never once thinking about the consequences of what might happen. Case was awesome as well even if he he is prone to misunderstanding. This is one series that should be on everyone’s to read list!

This review is the copyrighted property of Blushing Reads. To read the full review, click this link: http://blushingreads.com/dominance-ne....

A copy of the book was provided in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Profile Image for Le Ann Foster.
739 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2016
☆☆Reviewed for Hooked On Books and CherryOBlossoms Promotions ☆ ☆

I gave this book 4.5 stars!

This is the first book I have read in this series and I Floved it. Even though I haven't read the others I could easily keep up with the secondary characters and who was who and follow the story line that has been in place in previous books.

Mia is a reporter that is looking for the killer of her college roommate. She has went undercover at a sex club to try to bring the killer out. What she wasn't expecting was to meet Case. Case is a Dom, a undercover Op and has recently lost his twin brother Theo. He starts to open up to Mia, when he finds out that she has lied to him and that his brother might not be dead. Will Case be able to forgive Mia and save his brother or will he have choose between Mia or Theo?

Mia and Case have this amazing soul chemistry between them and their sexual encounters are steamy with a side of kink. I definitely will be checking out the rest of this series.
Profile Image for **Nicole.
424 reviews52 followers
June 21, 2016
4.5 stars!!!!!

Theo's situation pretty much breaks my heart but Case may be a dumbass but at least he learns when to pull it out his ass. I loved his and Mia's story especially since so much in the continuing plot line with the Collective and Hope McDaniels was ever present. This book had a lot less hot and steamy scenes and focused more on the plot of this story and the whole series.
This book was also one giant prologue for Mia's brothers spin off series, Lawless and Case and Mia will be right in there thick of things... apparently there will be a whole lot of revenge going on....
And of course there are always some new characters/ strays for Ian to pick up and keep for McKay Taggart so we'll have to wait and see how that pans out.. but all in all this series is full hot sex scenes, Ian's amazing sarcasm and lots and lots of black ops, CIA spy business... lots of fun

Profile Image for Spynonu.
490 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2016
Although this story is about Case Taggart and Mia, it seems the story's central focus is about saving Theo (and others). The rock solid Taggart team, unbeatable in early stories, is no longer able get the upper hand in every situation. Because this story was high in angst and action it wasn't really emotionally soothing or romantic as previous stories. Even Ian's bigger than life personality was toned back to the point that he seemed to blend in with the crowd. And I do mean the crowd -there were so many people involved and so much happening the story felt like Grand Central Station.

I love Lexi Blakes books and always look forward to the next one but... this just wasn't one of my favorites.
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