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Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten #1
Lost Hearts
Six men with no memories of the past
One leader with no hope for the future
A man without a past
Jax woke up in a lab, his memories erased, and his mind reprogrammed to serve a mad woman's will. After being liberated from his prison, he pledged himself to the only thing he truly knows-his team. Six men who lost everything they were. They must make certain no one else gets their hands on the drugs that stole their lives, all while hiding from every intelligence organization on the planet. The trail has led him to an unforgiving mountainside and a beautiful wilderness expert who may be his only hope of finding the truth.
A woman with a bright future
River Lee knows her way around the Colorado wilderness. She's finally found a home in a place called Bliss after years lost in darkness. The nature guide prefers to show her clients the beauty found in the land, but she also knows the secrets the mountains hold. When she meets Jax, something about the troubled man calls to her. She agrees to lead him to the site of an abandoned government facility hidden deep in the forest. She never dreamed she was stepping into the middle of a battlefield.
A love that could heal a broken soul
Spending time with River, Jax discovers a peace he's never known. Their passion unlocks a side of himself he didn't even know he was missing. When an old enemy makes his first move, Jax and River find themselves fighting for their lives. But when his past is revealed, will River be caught in the crosshairs of a global conspiracy?
One leader with no hope for the future
A man without a past
Jax woke up in a lab, his memories erased, and his mind reprogrammed to serve a mad woman's will. After being liberated from his prison, he pledged himself to the only thing he truly knows-his team. Six men who lost everything they were. They must make certain no one else gets their hands on the drugs that stole their lives, all while hiding from every intelligence organization on the planet. The trail has led him to an unforgiving mountainside and a beautiful wilderness expert who may be his only hope of finding the truth.
A woman with a bright future
River Lee knows her way around the Colorado wilderness. She's finally found a home in a place called Bliss after years lost in darkness. The nature guide prefers to show her clients the beauty found in the land, but she also knows the secrets the mountains hold. When she meets Jax, something about the troubled man calls to her. She agrees to lead him to the site of an abandoned government facility hidden deep in the forest. She never dreamed she was stepping into the middle of a battlefield.
A love that could heal a broken soul
Spending time with River, Jax discovers a peace he's never known. Their passion unlocks a side of himself he didn't even know he was missing. When an old enemy makes his first move, Jax and River find themselves fighting for their lives. But when his past is revealed, will River be caught in the crosshairs of a global conspiracy?
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2018
713 people are currently reading
1474 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
183 books6,371 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 319 reviews
August 31, 2018
Originally I was planning on giving this book a pass. I use to wait with baited breath for every book this author released, but her latest ones just haven't been that great. Or maybe my tastes have changed, I don't know, but like a bad drug habit I was jonesing for a fix, so I dove in and hoped for the best.
And...I enjoyed it. Was it as good as the early M&M books (that I still reread often), honestly? Not really, but it was undoubtedly one of the better ones she has written of late. Still, there were a few issues with it. It was super slow to get started. Snails move faster than the pace of the first 100 pages of this thing. Lucky for us the book is like 1000 pages long (I exaggerate, it was only 452 pages) and the pace does eventually pick up.
One of the other issues I had was with a secondary character. In previous books, I LOVED the character of Ezra Fain, and couldn't wait to read more about him. In this book, Miz Blake pretty much turned him into a mean, whiny, short-sighted asshole. There is just no way the author can get me to root for a happily ever after for him and a certain other person. Not after his reaction, or should I say the total nonreaction to something that happens to said person near the end. On top of that, the set up for his story seems to be a rehash of the same plot used for Alex and Eve's book.
On the more positive side, I LOVED Jax. He wasn't an over the top manwhore. In fact, he hadn't had sex since he was saved 18 months ago. He wasn't an over the top asshole <--- both these things were amazing since over the top whores and assholes seems to be all this author can write lately. But, don't get too excited, she pretty much ruined a couple of the other lost boys with unnecessary details about how they sleep around and use prostitutes. Which apparently is a big joke through a few books now. I don't find it particularly funny, more nasty, but whatevs. One of them was even treated for syphilis, which I hope like hell was a joke, because if not...ewww.
I even liked River. Oh, she was still annoying here and there, but I liked her for the most part. Which is saying something since I have very hard on my heroines. I also found parts laugh out loud funny. I cried in parts. I loved seeing cameos of former characters. My heart broke for Nell. I really hope her and Henry are getting a conclusion to their story soon.
Which brings me to my conclusion and a little "side note." First I will say this wasn't an issue for me since I have read pretty much every book Lexi Blake has written and didn't affect my rating in the least, but I felt I should bring this up for potential readers. In my opinion, there is NO way someone who hasn't at the very least read this authors Masters & Mercenaries series, and to the lesser extent, her Bliss series could read this book without being completely confused about what was going on. This cannot be read as a standalone, and as much as "I" enjoy all the interconnecting of characters, books, series, I am starting to feel like this author is painting herself into a very tight corner where only her most loyal fans will be able to pick these books up and enjoy them thoroughly.
Anyway, just MY two cents on the matter. As I said, I enjoyed it. I am not sure if I will read Owen's book or not (he is one of the lovely manwhore boys), but we'll see.
August 20, 2019
The start of the book had me curious to read on, but I have to say at times the writing and dialogue between characters didn’t flow as well as it should have. I didn’t find myself entranced, and there was just something a little off about the author’s depiction of Jax – the balance between wide eyed wonder/innocence when it came to the world and then him as a full-grown man with desires wasn’t in my view done well. The heroine in this River, was ok , she's had a hell of a time in recent times, so when she meets Jax she is more than a little wary.
I did want to DNF at 55% but my need to see how things would progress ensured I read on – although my attention wasn’t completely on what I read.
Don’t see myself ever re-reading this one, I do have the second book in the series but I won’t be picking it up any time soon.
99p on amazon 14th August 2019
I did want to DNF at 55% but my need to see how things would progress ensured I read on – although my attention wasn’t completely on what I read.
Don’t see myself ever re-reading this one, I do have the second book in the series but I won’t be picking it up any time soon.
99p on amazon 14th August 2019
August 20, 2018
Boo '2 Stars for this one bumped up to 3 Stars' Why? Well because I can.
This is tough to rate. It started off strong and then I was stuck at 24%. It sucked. And I stopped reading. I read another book in between and stuck this sucker on hold.
The Lost Boys/Forgotten were saved by Taggart/McKay and are now trying to adjust to having no memory and not knowing that happened only when they were 'born' in a lab. They are in Bliss Colorado as they have found a former research facility to find out more to what happened to the Forgotten and if they know who they are.
The Hero in this book takes on a new name formally known as Harvey he is now Jax. A somewhat lost puppy with no idea about the real world but retaining some things like fighting and his computer skills etc. Jax is too lost for my liking. But he is celibate so bonus point there.
Up until then it was okay.
Then I met the heroine. River is a tour guide of the area and has had s shoddy time lately. Her "husband" cleared out all her accounts and stole anything of value. Two years later she is still ashamed. But now her "husband" is pushing her into more trouble. I felt for her but in a way I also didn’t. Cold hearted I know.
Jax & Tucker get a night off and go to Trio. As soon as River walks in he is smitten. River is all ‘he can’t find me attractive’ bla, bla, bla, ‘he must mean Heather’ bla, bla, bla. But somehow she overcomes her issues and they spend the night together. Or they are meant to.
Until…
Tucker and Dante break into River's house. They all have an argument that Jax needs to come back to the operation base as he has a curfew. For Christ sakes he is a grown man. All through this River must be dead because she doesn't hear anything at ALL.
What do they do to make him come with them? Yes they drug him and take his clothes and shit. He promised he would stay the night, she wakes up and her issues kick in once again. See the above bla, bla, bla.
To help with the mission of finding the facility The Ranch they need a tour guide and whose company just happens to be used? Bingo. River’s!
After numerous messaging with my bestie Eve. She somehow encouraged me to continue and well it didn’t completely suck. But I am disappointed.
I decided to give it another try and it got better. But it isn’t the LB I’m used to. The whole series isn’t what it is meant to be anymore. This can only be considered to be mercenaries as there is hardly any BDSM. So that doesn’t really fit anymore either. It also all seems to be the same. For me it has lacked its spark. The same chess pieces but with a similar game. With Levi Green and the CIA.
I managed to finish the book but that was because I ignored River and well I also skimmed. Mainly the sex scenes the plot was solid-ish.
This is just me so take my review with a pinch or a truck of salt that is up to you.
This is tough to rate. It started off strong and then I was stuck at 24%. It sucked. And I stopped reading. I read another book in between and stuck this sucker on hold.
The Lost Boys/Forgotten were saved by Taggart/McKay and are now trying to adjust to having no memory and not knowing that happened only when they were 'born' in a lab. They are in Bliss Colorado as they have found a former research facility to find out more to what happened to the Forgotten and if they know who they are.
The Hero in this book takes on a new name formally known as Harvey he is now Jax. A somewhat lost puppy with no idea about the real world but retaining some things like fighting and his computer skills etc. Jax is too lost for my liking. But he is celibate so bonus point there.
Up until then it was okay.
Then I met the heroine. River is a tour guide of the area and has had s shoddy time lately. Her "husband" cleared out all her accounts and stole anything of value. Two years later she is still ashamed. But now her "husband" is pushing her into more trouble. I felt for her but in a way I also didn’t. Cold hearted I know.
Jax & Tucker get a night off and go to Trio. As soon as River walks in he is smitten. River is all ‘he can’t find me attractive’ bla, bla, bla, ‘he must mean Heather’ bla, bla, bla. But somehow she overcomes her issues and they spend the night together. Or they are meant to.
Until…
Tucker and Dante break into River's house. They all have an argument that Jax needs to come back to the operation base as he has a curfew. For Christ sakes he is a grown man. All through this River must be dead because she doesn't hear anything at ALL.
What do they do to make him come with them? Yes they drug him and take his clothes and shit. He promised he would stay the night, she wakes up and her issues kick in once again. See the above bla, bla, bla.
To help with the mission of finding the facility The Ranch they need a tour guide and whose company just happens to be used? Bingo. River’s!
After numerous messaging with my bestie Eve. She somehow encouraged me to continue and well it didn’t completely suck. But I am disappointed.
I decided to give it another try and it got better. But it isn’t the LB I’m used to. The whole series isn’t what it is meant to be anymore. This can only be considered to be mercenaries as there is hardly any BDSM. So that doesn’t really fit anymore either. It also all seems to be the same. For me it has lacked its spark. The same chess pieces but with a similar game. With Levi Green and the CIA.
I managed to finish the book but that was because I ignored River and well I also skimmed. Mainly the sex scenes the plot was solid-ish.
This is just me so take my review with a pinch or a truck of salt that is up to you.
August 28, 2018
Lexi Blake can charm her reader's socks off, even when dealing with dark subjects, including death and torture. Memento Mori is the book that combines two of the author's series, the Bliss series with the Masters and Mercenaries. The result is an exciting book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, but one that is also a bit darker than some of her work. Yes, we have Ian Taggart's funny brand of snark, but the overall tone isn't as light, and the overall theme of the inevitability of death pervades the book, starting with the title. But she also draws the conclusion that love makes living worthwhile.
This is the story of Jax, one of the lost boys-young men whose memories were wiped by evil doctor Hope McDonald-and River, a nature guide in Bliss, Colorado, who's life has been on hold for years as she cares for her terminally ill father.
Jax wants someone who sees him, not a victim, and as a result, he doesn't tell River the entire truth about what little he knows of his past. River, still trying to recover from the damage done to her finances by a con man, isn't willing to forgive someone else who lies to her.
But the need to find the secret facility where Hope McDonald conducted her research overrides the emotional pain of the two people involved. Can Jax overcome their botched beginning and convince River to take a chance on him-and keep her safe from the various factions battling for McDonald's results-and for the lost boys themselves?
We get to catch up with some of our favorite characters from Bliss and catch glimpses of some of the issues they are facing. And of course, the sex scenes between River and Jax are scorching. Wrap it up with a surprise ending, and you have a captivating read with suspense, romance, and great characterizations.
August 27, 2018
3.5 Stars
Sooooooo.....I had been dying for the "Lost Boys" series to finally come out. Memento Mori is the first in the series and I will be totally honest, I am not sure where I sit on this one. I feel a tad bit let down.
This story has a lot of the Lexi Blake elements that we can come to expect - great plotline with some good characters. However, parts felt a bit too similar to her other books and I had a hard time connecting to the characters. River really bugged me the most with her "I can't believe he's into me, etc, etc" vibe and that turned me off on her quickly.
I have to say that I truly wish there were more BDSM elements in this since it is tied to the Masters and Mercenaries series. I think that is what also hurt me with this book - I had a lot of expectations from Lexi in regards to this area of the book and there wasn't much. :/
Anyway, overall is wasn't a terrible read, just not as enticing as I had anticipated. I will continue with the series as the plotline is always intriguing and keeps me glued to the book.
Sooooooo.....I had been dying for the "Lost Boys" series to finally come out. Memento Mori is the first in the series and I will be totally honest, I am not sure where I sit on this one. I feel a tad bit let down.
This story has a lot of the Lexi Blake elements that we can come to expect - great plotline with some good characters. However, parts felt a bit too similar to her other books and I had a hard time connecting to the characters. River really bugged me the most with her "I can't believe he's into me, etc, etc" vibe and that turned me off on her quickly.
I have to say that I truly wish there were more BDSM elements in this since it is tied to the Masters and Mercenaries series. I think that is what also hurt me with this book - I had a lot of expectations from Lexi in regards to this area of the book and there wasn't much. :/
Anyway, overall is wasn't a terrible read, just not as enticing as I had anticipated. I will continue with the series as the plotline is always intriguing and keeps me glued to the book.
August 23, 2018
“Tell me I don’t have to let you go.”
Memento Mori by Lexi Blake is jammed packed with so much GOODNESS, I don’t even know where to begin! This is the start of a brand new spin-off series: Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten. It features Jax and River and OMG! I’m in LOVE with them both! So much action, suspense, passion, and romance, you won’t even know what hit you! This book is like a gathering of all of Lexi’s greats! Past characters, past worlds, past storylines…I’ll tell you right now, this book is an ABSOLUTE GODSEND to the hardcore fans of Ms. Blake! That’s not to say you couldn’t read this as a standalone romance, because you totally could, but I’m begging you to dive in to her backlist and immerse yourself in romantic greatness!
The Lost Boys…The Forgotten…I’m so excited to see where this author takes us with these gorgeous, troubled, and precarious men. Each one brings something dangerous and exciting to the table, and I’m thrilled to find out where their journey will take them. I was ecstatic to see that my favorite Taggart makes himself known on MANY occasions and I hope that continues through the rest of the series. His sarcasm…his little jabs that he makes, out of love of course, are what brings me life. Some Bliss characters (as well as the town) make an appearance, as well as, some name dropping from other series. You guys, I could go on and on because you know how much I adore this author, these characters, and her impeccable writing, but I’ll digress and just tell you that you MUST pick up this book! This is romantic suspense with an emotional edge that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I loved it! You will love it! Take a chance and fall HARD for The Forgotten!
Memento Mori by Lexi Blake is jammed packed with so much GOODNESS, I don’t even know where to begin! This is the start of a brand new spin-off series: Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten. It features Jax and River and OMG! I’m in LOVE with them both! So much action, suspense, passion, and romance, you won’t even know what hit you! This book is like a gathering of all of Lexi’s greats! Past characters, past worlds, past storylines…I’ll tell you right now, this book is an ABSOLUTE GODSEND to the hardcore fans of Ms. Blake! That’s not to say you couldn’t read this as a standalone romance, because you totally could, but I’m begging you to dive in to her backlist and immerse yourself in romantic greatness!
The Lost Boys…The Forgotten…I’m so excited to see where this author takes us with these gorgeous, troubled, and precarious men. Each one brings something dangerous and exciting to the table, and I’m thrilled to find out where their journey will take them. I was ecstatic to see that my favorite Taggart makes himself known on MANY occasions and I hope that continues through the rest of the series. His sarcasm…his little jabs that he makes, out of love of course, are what brings me life. Some Bliss characters (as well as the town) make an appearance, as well as, some name dropping from other series. You guys, I could go on and on because you know how much I adore this author, these characters, and her impeccable writing, but I’ll digress and just tell you that you MUST pick up this book! This is romantic suspense with an emotional edge that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I loved it! You will love it! Take a chance and fall HARD for The Forgotten!
Want to read
August 7, 2018Woohoo it's here!!I can't wait to start it!!
January 24, 2019
Me when reading this book:
Soo... this one was a bust for several reasons.
- It's not a standalone, but is heavily interwoven with prior series. So if you like me haven't read any of them you'll feel like you've just been thrown into the middle of a story and will be playing catch up for the rest of it.
- I just couldn't with the dialogue. It felt stilted, and child-like. Characters trying to impress with their utter coolness - it just fell flat.
- It felt like this book was trying too hard to be something it wasn't. It wasn't badass, kickass or anything remotely suspenseful. You know that overeager feeling you get at times when someone is trying their best to impress, but failing miserably. That's the feeling I got from this book.
- Drama for the sake of drama - no thank you, I’ve got better things to do.
- An utterly unbelievable plot and characters I didn’t care for pretty much sealed the deal for me.
This was my first Alexi Blake novel and for sure it will be my last. Plenty more books in the sea to read.
Soo... this one was a bust for several reasons.
- It's not a standalone, but is heavily interwoven with prior series. So if you like me haven't read any of them you'll feel like you've just been thrown into the middle of a story and will be playing catch up for the rest of it.
- I just couldn't with the dialogue. It felt stilted, and child-like. Characters trying to impress with their utter coolness - it just fell flat.
- It felt like this book was trying too hard to be something it wasn't. It wasn't badass, kickass or anything remotely suspenseful. You know that overeager feeling you get at times when someone is trying their best to impress, but failing miserably. That's the feeling I got from this book.
- Drama for the sake of drama - no thank you, I’ve got better things to do.
- An utterly unbelievable plot and characters I didn’t care for pretty much sealed the deal for me.
This was my first Alexi Blake novel and for sure it will be my last. Plenty more books in the sea to read.
August 28, 2018
Memento Mori is the first book in a spin off from Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series featuring a group of men known as "The Lost Boys" who were previously rescued by Taggart and the McKay crew in the original books. I have to admit I'm fairly new to Lexi's work, I fell in love with her writing this year when I discovered her rereleases of the Nights in Bliss and Texas Sirens series previously written under the pen name of Sophie Oak and I'm slowly catching up on her urban fantasy Thieves series but I've not actually read the Masters and Mercenaries books yet (they're on my list but she has a huge backlist so it's going to take me a while to get fully caught up!).
Anyway, that means I've met Taggart and some of his men in the series I've already mentioned but I don't know any of the background history of the Lost Boys so I was worried I might be a little lost starting this book. Luckily Lexi Blake does a great job of catching new readers up and even though I'm now even more excited about reading the previous stories I didn't have any problem diving in here. I think it helps that all of her books are so interconnected, the setting for this story is actually Bliss so we get to catch up with characters from that series and it was good to see some familiar faces.
Jax is one of the Lost Boys I've previously mentioned. Alongside his brothers he has no memories of his life until approximately 3 years ago when they woke up in a lab after having their memories wiped in a sick experiment. The men have no pasts and before their rescue they were regularly tortured as their captor tried to reprogram them into perfect soldiers. Now they're on the run from some very powerful people but at the same time they're trying to track down more information about what was done to them and find out about their lives before they were initially captured. Their research has led them to Bliss where they believe that a secret government lab is hidden in the wilderness that may contain the key to their missing memories. River is an experienced tour guide who knows the area like the back of her hand so Jax and his brothers need her help desperately to find the secret laboratory, but can they find the information they're searching for before their past catches up with them?
Jax and his brothers are great, I loved getting to meet everyone and see how much they've all been affected by what they suffered and I'm looking forward to all of their stories. The brothers are all totally different but have been bonded by their shared experiences and they have some powerful allies in Taggart and his team. I really hope they're all going to get a book because I want to know more about all of them. Jax is a really sweet guy, he's been through so much but somehow still manages to put his trust in River and show her how much she means to him. He's ashamed of things he did in captivity but has done his best to move forward with his life and just really wants to find a place to call home.
River is quite a prickly character at first, she had a pretty bad experience with her ex that left her understandably wary of men and the recent death of her father has left her worn down and struggling to cope. I found her very easy to relate to and although there was a point where I wanted her to trust in Jax and not listen to a complete stranger I did understand where she was coming from and felt it made her character even more realistic. I enjoyed the chemistry between her and Jax, they hit it off immediately before they know they're going to be working together, and things are only made complicated thanks to a mistake on his brother's part and the fact that River has huge trust issues. Jax is very patient with her though and when River makes up her mind she puts her all into helping Jax and his family.
I really enjoyed this story and I'm definitely excited to continue this series, it's also left me even more eager to catch up with the original Masters and Mercenaries books too so Lexi Blake has definitely gained a fan in me this year!
Anyway, that means I've met Taggart and some of his men in the series I've already mentioned but I don't know any of the background history of the Lost Boys so I was worried I might be a little lost starting this book. Luckily Lexi Blake does a great job of catching new readers up and even though I'm now even more excited about reading the previous stories I didn't have any problem diving in here. I think it helps that all of her books are so interconnected, the setting for this story is actually Bliss so we get to catch up with characters from that series and it was good to see some familiar faces.
Jax is one of the Lost Boys I've previously mentioned. Alongside his brothers he has no memories of his life until approximately 3 years ago when they woke up in a lab after having their memories wiped in a sick experiment. The men have no pasts and before their rescue they were regularly tortured as their captor tried to reprogram them into perfect soldiers. Now they're on the run from some very powerful people but at the same time they're trying to track down more information about what was done to them and find out about their lives before they were initially captured. Their research has led them to Bliss where they believe that a secret government lab is hidden in the wilderness that may contain the key to their missing memories. River is an experienced tour guide who knows the area like the back of her hand so Jax and his brothers need her help desperately to find the secret laboratory, but can they find the information they're searching for before their past catches up with them?
Jax and his brothers are great, I loved getting to meet everyone and see how much they've all been affected by what they suffered and I'm looking forward to all of their stories. The brothers are all totally different but have been bonded by their shared experiences and they have some powerful allies in Taggart and his team. I really hope they're all going to get a book because I want to know more about all of them. Jax is a really sweet guy, he's been through so much but somehow still manages to put his trust in River and show her how much she means to him. He's ashamed of things he did in captivity but has done his best to move forward with his life and just really wants to find a place to call home.
River is quite a prickly character at first, she had a pretty bad experience with her ex that left her understandably wary of men and the recent death of her father has left her worn down and struggling to cope. I found her very easy to relate to and although there was a point where I wanted her to trust in Jax and not listen to a complete stranger I did understand where she was coming from and felt it made her character even more realistic. I enjoyed the chemistry between her and Jax, they hit it off immediately before they know they're going to be working together, and things are only made complicated thanks to a mistake on his brother's part and the fact that River has huge trust issues. Jax is very patient with her though and when River makes up her mind she puts her all into helping Jax and his family.
I really enjoyed this story and I'm definitely excited to continue this series, it's also left me even more eager to catch up with the original Masters and Mercenaries books too so Lexi Blake has definitely gained a fan in me this year!
August 31, 2018
Memento Mori is the first book in Lexi Blake's newest series, Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten, if you haven't read the original series you're fine because this spin-off can be read on its own and if you have read it you're in for a treat. The Forgotten, I think this is a horrible term for the six men desperate to regain their memories because they aren't Forgotten just their memories are. They are also referred to as the "Lost Boys" which makes a little more sense to me because even they are grown men their minds have been erased of vital memories so there are a lot of new experiences for them to navigate around. For instance, Jax is like a young teenager with his first crush when he meets River, he knows he wants her but is hesitant because he is unsure on how is supposed to act. I found this rather refreshing, here we have a hunk of a man that could kill a person with his bare hands but he turns into a self conscious boy when he's near River at the beginning. I think this is one of the reasons I totally fell for Jax.
River has been through so much in the last year and a half, her father became very ill and she was his only care taker, her husband left her and wiped out her both her personal and business bank accounts....lets just say things have been rough. Then she meets Jax, and this is where I really began to understand everything that she had been through. Let me explain, no matter how pretty you think someone is if they have been wronged it tears them down and if they have been wronged enough it can break them. Brooke might be a beautiful woman but because of everything she had been through with her ex she doesn't believe Jax truly wants her, she thinks that may be it just a game, or that he got stuck with her because his brother wanted Heather, or a million other reasons because why would a guy that looks like Jax be interested in her. I know some of you will think this is bull and she's just playing him but believe me, that shit is real you can really do harm to a persons self esteem by verbally degrading them on a daily basis.
OK, enough of that...I enjoyed Jax and River's story and I look forward to reading about the other Lost Boys. There are one or two that I am looking forward to more than others but I will be reading them all that's for sure. If you have read Nights in Bliss, Colorado Series you'll be in for a treat as some of the townsfolk make their way into this book. I recommend this book to anyone that has read Lexi Blake's work before and if you haven't this is a great place to start. Happy Reading!!!
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
River has been through so much in the last year and a half, her father became very ill and she was his only care taker, her husband left her and wiped out her both her personal and business bank accounts....lets just say things have been rough. Then she meets Jax, and this is where I really began to understand everything that she had been through. Let me explain, no matter how pretty you think someone is if they have been wronged it tears them down and if they have been wronged enough it can break them. Brooke might be a beautiful woman but because of everything she had been through with her ex she doesn't believe Jax truly wants her, she thinks that may be it just a game, or that he got stuck with her because his brother wanted Heather, or a million other reasons because why would a guy that looks like Jax be interested in her. I know some of you will think this is bull and she's just playing him but believe me, that shit is real you can really do harm to a persons self esteem by verbally degrading them on a daily basis.
OK, enough of that...I enjoyed Jax and River's story and I look forward to reading about the other Lost Boys. There are one or two that I am looking forward to more than others but I will be reading them all that's for sure. If you have read Nights in Bliss, Colorado Series you'll be in for a treat as some of the townsfolk make their way into this book. I recommend this book to anyone that has read Lexi Blake's work before and if you haven't this is a great place to start. Happy Reading!!!
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with Books
January 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
This is my first Lexi Blake book. I read Lost Hearts on my library app. I don't know why the name is different. It must be a spin-off series. From a few passages, I believe the original series must have some BDSM vibes. This book has some spicy bits but not at that level, which is good for me. Those who like more of that vibe are likely disappointed.
I enjoyed the Lost boys and their interaction with each other. I would slap my forehead and laugh out loud. They are my favorite part of the story.
I like the Jax character. All six lost boys struggle with lost memories, but this book focuses on Jax's storyline. All six were rescued from the experiments by some secret government agency. Their hope to learn who they were in their past led them to the colorado wilderness.
River, a wilderness expert, was hired to guide the team, and she was caught in the crosshairs of multiple intelligent organizations. She was an ok character. I was more fond of her character in the last quarter book. When she became more confident and determined.
This is my first Lexi Blake book. I read Lost Hearts on my library app. I don't know why the name is different. It must be a spin-off series. From a few passages, I believe the original series must have some BDSM vibes. This book has some spicy bits but not at that level, which is good for me. Those who like more of that vibe are likely disappointed.
I enjoyed the Lost boys and their interaction with each other. I would slap my forehead and laugh out loud. They are my favorite part of the story.
I like the Jax character. All six lost boys struggle with lost memories, but this book focuses on Jax's storyline. All six were rescued from the experiments by some secret government agency. Their hope to learn who they were in their past led them to the colorado wilderness.
River, a wilderness expert, was hired to guide the team, and she was caught in the crosshairs of multiple intelligent organizations. She was an ok character. I was more fond of her character in the last quarter book. When she became more confident and determined.
August 28, 2018
Memento Mori is the start of a new series by Lexi Blake and it had me completely enthralled. The very beginning was gripping, the middle held me spell bound and the ending had me desperate for more. I also felt completely in awe and in love with the story I had just read.
Jax was such a fantastically written character. Through all the horrors he'd been through, he still retained so much kindness inside. He was a little bit nerdy, had a whole lot of capacity to be dangerous, but still had a good heart. The moment he met River was like a whole new world opened up for him.
The strength River shows as she handles the many issues thrown at her was awe inspiring. I loved that even as I screamed aloud because I wished she was making a different choice, I also completely understood where she was coming from. I could respect her actions even if I wanted her to do it another way.
If this book is a taste what this series has in store, I will be excitedly looking out for each new release and reading it the moment I can get my hands on it.
August 29, 2018
5 Star Review of Memento Mori (Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten #1) by Lexi Blake
The first in a new series spin off from the hugely popular Masters and Mercenaries. When I heard about this series I jumped at the chance to read.
Rescued by McKay Taggart, 6 men wander the world no longer knowing their true identities. Used as experiments they have had their memories stripped from them and they all react in varying ways.
This is Jax’s (formally known as Harvey)story and that of the woman who comes into his life River Lee.
Now in the town of Bliss to investigate a long abandoned research facility Jax is tormented by his lack of a past and what he did while under the control of the mad doctor. However in Jax has found a little peace in Bliss.
However when his past comes back to haunt him, danger will rear it’s head. Will Jax be able to keep River safe or will he lose the woman who has come to mean so much to him?
Nobody does romantic suspense books like Lexi Blake. Memento Mori is filled with suspense, danger, intrigue and the growth of a deep and committed love; one that made my heart pound at times. Lexi Blake always ensure 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.
I cannot wait to see what Ms.Blake has in store for the rest of The Lost Boys, The Forgotten… as they seek to find their past and in doing so find their future.
The first in a new series spin off from the hugely popular Masters and Mercenaries. When I heard about this series I jumped at the chance to read.
Rescued by McKay Taggart, 6 men wander the world no longer knowing their true identities. Used as experiments they have had their memories stripped from them and they all react in varying ways.
This is Jax’s (formally known as Harvey)story and that of the woman who comes into his life River Lee.
Now in the town of Bliss to investigate a long abandoned research facility Jax is tormented by his lack of a past and what he did while under the control of the mad doctor. However in Jax has found a little peace in Bliss.
However when his past comes back to haunt him, danger will rear it’s head. Will Jax be able to keep River safe or will he lose the woman who has come to mean so much to him?
Nobody does romantic suspense books like Lexi Blake. Memento Mori is filled with suspense, danger, intrigue and the growth of a deep and committed love; one that made my heart pound at times. Lexi Blake always ensure 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.
I cannot wait to see what Ms.Blake has in store for the rest of The Lost Boys, The Forgotten… as they seek to find their past and in doing so find their future.
October 7, 2018
4.5 - Holy Shizzzle! Like any fan of the M&M series, I’ve been dying for the Lost Boys stories, and I knew my expectations were high going in - shouldn’t have worried, Jax & River’s story delivered. Their connection and chemistry was a sweet and it was sexy.
Solid set up & pacing (I will say as this is book one of the new spin off be patient through some “backtracking” for newbs).
Instant intrigue, my mind was sorting through plot hints and potential “bad guys in disguise” from page one.
Delicious sarcasm from the big blonde dude (fk I love Big Tag) and once the action/reveal hits started coming, boy did they come hard and fast!
Couple of “oh shit” reveals, but as always with Lexi, soooooo many more questions left unanswered.
Bring on Tabula Rasa!!
Solid set up & pacing (I will say as this is book one of the new spin off be patient through some “backtracking” for newbs).
Instant intrigue, my mind was sorting through plot hints and potential “bad guys in disguise” from page one.
Delicious sarcasm from the big blonde dude (fk I love Big Tag) and once the action/reveal hits started coming, boy did they come hard and fast!
Couple of “oh shit” reveals, but as always with Lexi, soooooo many more questions left unanswered.
Bring on Tabula Rasa!!
abandoned
December 2, 2018On hold for now as I wasn't getting into it, I felt like I'd been dropped into something. This is Lexi Blake, I love her writing, so maybe I need time to readjust my mood and come back to this in the new year.
September 25, 2023
fan-freaking -tastic fort installment to this spin off series! I cannot wait for more.
August 30, 2018
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.
This is the first book in a series that I have been waiting eagerly for Ms. Blake to write – this is all about The Lost Boys – men who were part of an experimentat; lost all their memories and were made into killing machines until they were rescued along with Theo Taggart in
Their journey starts off with Jax – the “problematic” one; the one who still had a sense of empathy within him, a sense of hope even when being made to do all the criminal activities against his own will.
Now these Lost Boys are finally on their own journey to find out the truth about their past lives; lives that were erased but they need to know who or what they were before they were born again.
This journey takes Jax and his brothers along with Ezra Fain to the small town of Bliss, Colorado (yes, it’s the same town from Nights in Bliss Series) – where he and his brothers are trying to find out a shut down government research facility that remained under the radar.
On a night out with his brothers; he bumps into River – River who has had her own personal hell; her father passed away from cancer and she lost everything to her ex – husband who turned out to be a con man.
Jax and River have an instant connection – but due to circumstances out of their control – their relationship starts off rocky. But the beguiling innocence of Jax does more to counteract the cynical attitude of River than anything else. His innocence and straightforward style was the perfect anti – thesis of the cynicism of River.
I adored Jax – there is innocence in him that even experiments and years of torture couldn’t erase. Plus, the gentleness that he showed with River almost hurt to read about- and since River learnt the hard way not to trust words, the struggle she had to differentiate between lies and truth was hurtful to read about; but definitely worth the effort.
But it was the plot itself that had my heart racing throughout – the twists and turns that never stopped coming; the revelations that had my jaw dropping in surprise; everything with this book makes me impatient for the next one to be written and in my hand already! This was the perfect roller coaster ride that I have loved Ms. Blake for and I am so excited to to see where she takes the Lost Boys off to!
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August 28, 2018
3.75-4 stars. This was a good book! Memento Mori is the first book about the Lost Boys and a spin-off of the Masters & Mercenaries series. The Lost Boys are a group of men that were captured, had their memories erased and tortured at the hands of the evil doctor Hope McDonald. Because one of the boys was Theo Taggart, his brother Ian who runs McKay-Taggart Security has taken the men under his wing to try to get them back on their feet. None of them know who they were prior to being captured by Mcdonald and don't even know their names. Now, they are investigating leads to find information about their true identities. Memento Mori finds Ian and the Lost Boys in Bliss, CO following a lead that McDonald did some of her experiments at a secret lab nearby. Heading this investigation and search for the lab is Jax, one of the Lost Boys. River owns a guide service where she leads hiking and rafting adventures in Bliss. Jax has never had a relationship that he remembers, but is attracted to River as soon as he meets her. River feels a connection to him too, but has been hurt in the past and is afraid to trust anyone. McKay-Taggart hires River to help them find the secret lab, which leads to Jax spending more time with her. They fall for each other along the way and have to figure out how they can have a future together when Jax doesn't even have a past.
This book was fast paced, suspenseful and action-packed. I really liked the story and I liked both Jax and River. Jax was adorable in his cluelessness about relationships. It was nice seeing River regain her confidence lost from her past relationship and get the HEA they both deserve. There is a good bit of angst and there is not as much romance and happy times as I prefer in the first half of the book. But there is more happy times in the second half and a connection that made me believe in River and Jax's romance fully. I felt like the pacing was off a little bit. Still, I liked seeing River and Jax's relationship develop and I believed in their love. I also enjoyed seeing old faces from the M & M series and in Bliss.
This was a great start to this new series! Lots of suspense, intrigue and room to grow. I can't wait to see where Ms. Blake goes with the on-going series story arc. I also can't wait to find out more about Ezra's past relationship and if the Lost Boys ever find out their identities. I am intrigued and anxiously waiting for more from the Lost Boys!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
This book was fast paced, suspenseful and action-packed. I really liked the story and I liked both Jax and River. Jax was adorable in his cluelessness about relationships. It was nice seeing River regain her confidence lost from her past relationship and get the HEA they both deserve. There is a good bit of angst and there is not as much romance and happy times as I prefer in the first half of the book. But there is more happy times in the second half and a connection that made me believe in River and Jax's romance fully. I felt like the pacing was off a little bit. Still, I liked seeing River and Jax's relationship develop and I believed in their love. I also enjoyed seeing old faces from the M & M series and in Bliss.
This was a great start to this new series! Lots of suspense, intrigue and room to grow. I can't wait to see where Ms. Blake goes with the on-going series story arc. I also can't wait to find out more about Ezra's past relationship and if the Lost Boys ever find out their identities. I am intrigued and anxiously waiting for more from the Lost Boys!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
September 21, 2018
After having his brain wiped and implanted with specific functions by "Mother," Jax isn't sure if he wants to know his true past or not. But he and the McKay-Taggart team are in Colorado to search for clues anyway. While there, Jax meets wilderness guide River Lee, whose expertise they're going to need if they're going to find the black ops site in the wilderness. River got screwed, in a really bad way, and she's got some serious trust issues. Turns out she wasn't actually married, which is a good thing considering he was a dirty rotten con man who stole everything. She's having a hard time trusting the weird man who's busted into her life…but damn, she wants to. When River finds out the truth about the man who rocked her world, will it crush her fragile soul, or will she be able to look beyond the lies to forgive…and help him find the answers he seeks?
I have mixed feelings about MEMENTO MORI, the first book in the Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten series by Ms. Blake. I was so excited to read the Lost Boys' stories, and I did like River and Jax together, but I was not a fan of a few things. The instalove was strong in this one, as were the extreme emotions after a few hours together. Also, I can't stand when a female lead goes on about her insecurities to a dude WHEN THEY'RE NEKKED. No no no. Save it for a dinner discussion, please, sexy time is the time for sexy talk, not for sharing your perceived faults. That said, Jax was adorably clueless, and having River's career would be a dream job for this reviewer. The sex scenes were warm verging on hot, but nothing exciting or super special about it. The action took way too long to get to, but when it came it was solid, like all the books in the Masters and Mercenaries world. The best part of the book, for me, was the ending, which set up the premise for the next book (if not the whole spinoff series)…I can't wait for more!
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing of the main characters; mixed condom use; very mild BDSM/kink (some silk ties); no sexual assault; violence and murder.
I have mixed feelings about MEMENTO MORI, the first book in the Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten series by Ms. Blake. I was so excited to read the Lost Boys' stories, and I did like River and Jax together, but I was not a fan of a few things. The instalove was strong in this one, as were the extreme emotions after a few hours together. Also, I can't stand when a female lead goes on about her insecurities to a dude WHEN THEY'RE NEKKED. No no no. Save it for a dinner discussion, please, sexy time is the time for sexy talk, not for sharing your perceived faults. That said, Jax was adorably clueless, and having River's career would be a dream job for this reviewer. The sex scenes were warm verging on hot, but nothing exciting or super special about it. The action took way too long to get to, but when it came it was solid, like all the books in the Masters and Mercenaries world. The best part of the book, for me, was the ending, which set up the premise for the next book (if not the whole spinoff series)…I can't wait for more!
Bottom Line: No OM/OW or sharing of the main characters; mixed condom use; very mild BDSM/kink (some silk ties); no sexual assault; violence and murder.
May 11, 2023
https://celebrityreaders.com/2023/05/...
4 stars — This was totally entertaining, and while I bet I would have enjoyed the cameos more if I’d read the original Masters & Mercenaries series, I didn’t feel lost. Just like I don’t think anyone would be lost without reading the Nights in Bliss series, but you definitely got some fun cameos out of it if you knew it. Heck, it’s been awhile since I read those books, and so I kind of forgot certain bits, but it was still fun.
I worried I’d get annoyed with River with her walls protecting her heart, but it felt like they made sense and the author didn’t drag out too many back and forths based on her history with her ex. Just enough to see her vulnerability and understand that she’d been burned and was still wary. I appreciated the point where she finally let herself grieve her father’s death, it hit for me.
Jax was pretty solid too. I appreciated the mix of innocence and definitely NOT innocence in him. I thought his character balanced that line well.
And I enjoyed them together. It was quick, sure, but I still felt the connection and as it developed. It worked for me.
There were a lot of little plot lines concerning the Lost Boys, from what they went through, the different factions of the CIA, the other stuff from books in other series, and hints of where it would go. It almost felt a bit much for me. But I’m still interested in checking out the next book.
Obviously, as Ms. Blake does so well, there were a ton of fun secondary characters in this one, from background to strong secondary. The other lost boys are interesting, though I’m wary of a few.
And Mr. West’s narration was solid, he even did a good job with River’s POV. Occasionally it would take me a minute to understand the POV had shifted, but I think that’s because I sped up the narration a teensy bit.
I might go back and read the M&M series since I already have a few of those books before reading more in this. I feel like I would just get a bit more out of it, you know? Otherwise it was fun, funny, tense, and steamy goodness.
4 stars — This was totally entertaining, and while I bet I would have enjoyed the cameos more if I’d read the original Masters & Mercenaries series, I didn’t feel lost. Just like I don’t think anyone would be lost without reading the Nights in Bliss series, but you definitely got some fun cameos out of it if you knew it. Heck, it’s been awhile since I read those books, and so I kind of forgot certain bits, but it was still fun.
I worried I’d get annoyed with River with her walls protecting her heart, but it felt like they made sense and the author didn’t drag out too many back and forths based on her history with her ex. Just enough to see her vulnerability and understand that she’d been burned and was still wary. I appreciated the point where she finally let herself grieve her father’s death, it hit for me.
Jax was pretty solid too. I appreciated the mix of innocence and definitely NOT innocence in him. I thought his character balanced that line well.
And I enjoyed them together. It was quick, sure, but I still felt the connection and as it developed. It worked for me.
There were a lot of little plot lines concerning the Lost Boys, from what they went through, the different factions of the CIA, the other stuff from books in other series, and hints of where it would go. It almost felt a bit much for me. But I’m still interested in checking out the next book.
Obviously, as Ms. Blake does so well, there were a ton of fun secondary characters in this one, from background to strong secondary. The other lost boys are interesting, though I’m wary of a few.
And Mr. West’s narration was solid, he even did a good job with River’s POV. Occasionally it would take me a minute to understand the POV had shifted, but I think that’s because I sped up the narration a teensy bit.
I might go back and read the M&M series since I already have a few of those books before reading more in this. I feel like I would just get a bit more out of it, you know? Otherwise it was fun, funny, tense, and steamy goodness.
August 28, 2018
I knew going in to this book that there was a strong connection the the Masters and Mercenaries series by this same author. I had an idea of the general principal of the series. But I had no idea how much of an impact this story would have on me as I read! This was an amazing introduction to his series, and a book that was definitely worthy of its place on my recommend list!
Jax and the lost boys were rescued from a mad woman by the M&M guys, but they have no idea who they are, where they came from, or where they belong. They have no past, except what she gave them, their brains were programmed to do despicable things at her word. She even programmed them to kill themselves, instead of get caught! Even though that part of their life is over, they are still dealing with the ramifications. Jax seems to be equal parts naive and mischievous. He has no clue how to survive in the world, but it seems as if he would cause all kids of havoc if he were turned loose. He knows what his strengths are, but that is all. When he runs into River, she is at a low point in her life. She was deceived by a man she though she would spend her life with, who turned out to be a con artist. She has no self esteem, and thinks he can't possibly be looking at her. There is an immediate attraction, that kinda explodes when they are thrown together again.
This book was full of action, adventure, danger. But there is also a lot of mistrust, that has to be worked through. Both characters have a lot of issues that they have to get past to make their way to their HEA. I enjoyed the book, and look forward to future visits with the "Lost Boys"!
Jax and the lost boys were rescued from a mad woman by the M&M guys, but they have no idea who they are, where they came from, or where they belong. They have no past, except what she gave them, their brains were programmed to do despicable things at her word. She even programmed them to kill themselves, instead of get caught! Even though that part of their life is over, they are still dealing with the ramifications. Jax seems to be equal parts naive and mischievous. He has no clue how to survive in the world, but it seems as if he would cause all kids of havoc if he were turned loose. He knows what his strengths are, but that is all. When he runs into River, she is at a low point in her life. She was deceived by a man she though she would spend her life with, who turned out to be a con artist. She has no self esteem, and thinks he can't possibly be looking at her. There is an immediate attraction, that kinda explodes when they are thrown together again.
This book was full of action, adventure, danger. But there is also a lot of mistrust, that has to be worked through. Both characters have a lot of issues that they have to get past to make their way to their HEA. I enjoyed the book, and look forward to future visits with the "Lost Boys"!
August 28, 2018
Gosh, I don’t even know where to start with this review!! Seriously, Memento Mori is one of the best romantic suspense books I’ve read—ever! And I real a lot of romantic suspense!
I adored Jax and his Lost Boys brothers. I can’t imagine what Jax and the others are going through just to trying to make it through the day, not really knowing who they are, what they were, where they’ve been. All while trying to prevent what happened to them from happening to others!
And River’s just trying to take things one day at a time. She’s trying to keep her business afloat and that means taking on the job to guide Jax and his team into the wilderness as they search for the government facility Jax believes holds the link to all their pasts and their memories.
But all is not easy in this relationship. Jax’s relationship knowledge is nil. He knows nothing about love, until he realizes that the feelings he has when he’s with River are much different than what he’s used too—there’s a sense of peace and comfort. Neither of which he’s willing to give up.
I loved the relationship between Jax and River . . . once things got moving. I adored Jax and his learning to love, River and her ridiculously forgiving heart, and the menagerie of “family” and friends that were there to support them. I loved how Jax and his “brothers” worked together and truly treated each other like family—right down to the teasing and nosiness that only family can get away with. I can’t wait for more from this Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten series—Owen’s story is next. ~ Missy, 5 stars
I adored Jax and his Lost Boys brothers. I can’t imagine what Jax and the others are going through just to trying to make it through the day, not really knowing who they are, what they were, where they’ve been. All while trying to prevent what happened to them from happening to others!
And River’s just trying to take things one day at a time. She’s trying to keep her business afloat and that means taking on the job to guide Jax and his team into the wilderness as they search for the government facility Jax believes holds the link to all their pasts and their memories.
But all is not easy in this relationship. Jax’s relationship knowledge is nil. He knows nothing about love, until he realizes that the feelings he has when he’s with River are much different than what he’s used too—there’s a sense of peace and comfort. Neither of which he’s willing to give up.
I loved the relationship between Jax and River . . . once things got moving. I adored Jax and his learning to love, River and her ridiculously forgiving heart, and the menagerie of “family” and friends that were there to support them. I loved how Jax and his “brothers” worked together and truly treated each other like family—right down to the teasing and nosiness that only family can get away with. I can’t wait for more from this Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten series—Owen’s story is next. ~ Missy, 5 stars
August 29, 2018
I hope that I can effectively express how Memento Mori blew me away. I fell for this book in the acknowledgments. Memento Mori was not a term I had not heard before but the meaning could be felt throughout this book.
Jax is the perfect character to start this lost boys spin-off series. He is instantly likable in his dealings with other people and his brothers. He has been through so much and is learning with each interaction with everyone how to be a complete man again. When he falls for River, his world became more complex. He now is torn between his brothers and the person he loves.
River is a woman who has lost a lot. Her first husband turned out to a horrible human being and then she lost her father. She definitely has trust issues. Jax coming into her life confuses her that much more.
The beginning of Memento Mori instantly transported me back to Bliss before I knew Sophie Oak and Lexi Blake were one in the same. I love all the characters new and old. Getting to know Nell again was so much fun. She and Henry are perfect together. Also we were revisited by other residents of Bliss. I also really enjoy Ian Taggart. He has a way of adding his special brand of advice and commentary that makes everyone think.
I can't go into too much more without giving away major spoilers but I loved the Masters and Mercenaries series and this spin off series has captured the same magic for me. I can't wait to read about all the lost boys.
Jax is the perfect character to start this lost boys spin-off series. He is instantly likable in his dealings with other people and his brothers. He has been through so much and is learning with each interaction with everyone how to be a complete man again. When he falls for River, his world became more complex. He now is torn between his brothers and the person he loves.
River is a woman who has lost a lot. Her first husband turned out to a horrible human being and then she lost her father. She definitely has trust issues. Jax coming into her life confuses her that much more.
The beginning of Memento Mori instantly transported me back to Bliss before I knew Sophie Oak and Lexi Blake were one in the same. I love all the characters new and old. Getting to know Nell again was so much fun. She and Henry are perfect together. Also we were revisited by other residents of Bliss. I also really enjoy Ian Taggart. He has a way of adding his special brand of advice and commentary that makes everyone think.
I can't go into too much more without giving away major spoilers but I loved the Masters and Mercenaries series and this spin off series has captured the same magic for me. I can't wait to read about all the lost boys.
August 24, 2018
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is a fantastic new spin off from the Masters & Mercenaries series. I would highly recommend that you read that series as it is brilliant, and will also give you a better understanding of where this story is rooted. You will not regret it, as it is a brilliant series, combining thriller / espionage with some very hot and erotic romances.
As a newcomer, you will soon learn about the heinous crimes committed on the Lost Boys, and how they went on to commit crimes themselves. But one can only ever feel sympathy for these men, even if they are hardened and ruthless at times. The M&M team have been working hard to protect them, and to try and help them assimilate to civilian life. But first they have to try and find the research that caused them to be what they are, both to prevent it happening again, and possibly to help them regain their pasts.
Jax is one of the Lost Boys, and he is finding it strange not living as they had, but is also desperate for a more normal life. Even if on a mission, time in nature brings him comfort. Meeting River is like opening his eyes to the possibility of positive emotions and a brighter future. But he also knows that the road to a relationship is long and complicated, and fundamentally dangerous. However, he really has no choice but to pursue her, as she makes him feel.
As we follow the mission, and the romance, it is almost impossible not to become invested in the outcome and wish for it to work out well. There is still plenty of drama to play out in this complex, convoluted thriller, but it is a great start to a new series.
This is a fantastic new spin off from the Masters & Mercenaries series. I would highly recommend that you read that series as it is brilliant, and will also give you a better understanding of where this story is rooted. You will not regret it, as it is a brilliant series, combining thriller / espionage with some very hot and erotic romances.
As a newcomer, you will soon learn about the heinous crimes committed on the Lost Boys, and how they went on to commit crimes themselves. But one can only ever feel sympathy for these men, even if they are hardened and ruthless at times. The M&M team have been working hard to protect them, and to try and help them assimilate to civilian life. But first they have to try and find the research that caused them to be what they are, both to prevent it happening again, and possibly to help them regain their pasts.
Jax is one of the Lost Boys, and he is finding it strange not living as they had, but is also desperate for a more normal life. Even if on a mission, time in nature brings him comfort. Meeting River is like opening his eyes to the possibility of positive emotions and a brighter future. But he also knows that the road to a relationship is long and complicated, and fundamentally dangerous. However, he really has no choice but to pursue her, as she makes him feel.
As we follow the mission, and the romance, it is almost impossible not to become invested in the outcome and wish for it to work out well. There is still plenty of drama to play out in this complex, convoluted thriller, but it is a great start to a new series.
August 30, 2018
*I received a free copy to read & review for Wicked Reads*
Memento Mori is the first book in Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten series.
The "Lost Boys" are a group of men who've been abducted and used for nefarious purposes.
These men have no idea who they WERE, where they're from, or any important information.
To be completely honest, the beginning of this book was super confusing. There are multiple characters immediately introduced, we're in the middle of a rescue/extraction, and I had to read the 1st chapter a few times before I was able to get every thing/everybody straight. Once I was comfortable and proceeded on, I found the flow of the story was much easier to follow.
Jax is a lost soul. His adult memories consist of some horrendous abuse, terrible crimes, and being surrounded by his "brothers". NO family, no love or affection, no pleasant memories of any kind. He's ready to join the real world and experience life and love.
River has serious trust issues (well deserved, if I may say so). She's dealing with grief, has been screwed over, and is at a low point. When Jax notices her, she can't believe it's her that he's interested in.
This story contains sweet romance, action, intrigue, and a bit of suspense. There are so many characters that I can't mention all of them, but they each play their part in the story. I liked the "Lost Boys" story line and this is what kept my interest. I removed a star due to the heroine's antics.
I do want to know what happens next as I'm totally interested in each of these guys stories!
Memento Mori is the first book in Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten series.
The "Lost Boys" are a group of men who've been abducted and used for nefarious purposes.
These men have no idea who they WERE, where they're from, or any important information.
To be completely honest, the beginning of this book was super confusing. There are multiple characters immediately introduced, we're in the middle of a rescue/extraction, and I had to read the 1st chapter a few times before I was able to get every thing/everybody straight. Once I was comfortable and proceeded on, I found the flow of the story was much easier to follow.
Jax is a lost soul. His adult memories consist of some horrendous abuse, terrible crimes, and being surrounded by his "brothers". NO family, no love or affection, no pleasant memories of any kind. He's ready to join the real world and experience life and love.
River has serious trust issues (well deserved, if I may say so). She's dealing with grief, has been screwed over, and is at a low point. When Jax notices her, she can't believe it's her that he's interested in.
This story contains sweet romance, action, intrigue, and a bit of suspense. There are so many characters that I can't mention all of them, but they each play their part in the story. I liked the "Lost Boys" story line and this is what kept my interest. I removed a star due to the heroine's antics.
I do want to know what happens next as I'm totally interested in each of these guys stories!
September 2, 2018
Welcome to the world of Lost Boys. Here you get to meet tall, dark, handsome, somewhat-brooding, mostly crazy or innocent boys who are out there in the world to find more about their identity, which they lost because they were subjected to some crazy laboratory experiments.
Jax Seaborne, is one such lost soul, who is looking for a true connection in this world. Hence, when the Lost Boys visit Bliss, a small town, to find their secret past, and possibly a cure, Jax finds himself being drawn towards River, a resident and a local hiking guide.
But this is a world of secret, lies and manipulation, and Jax and River have a long road ahead to find their Happily ever after.
Lexi Blake has been one of my favorites, though I have never officially reviewed her work. The book doesn’t disappoint me either. There is a plot full of suspense and twists. The characters are complicated with a side of adorable. Each character has a past and the story switched between dark and happy sides. It is also a short and entertaining read, and I found myself engrossed in the plot more than once. The romance and the sex has been placed at regular intervals, but they didn’t sound unnecessary.
Memonto Mori is the first book of a series I am already looking forward too. Lexi Blake had written a great introduction and I would love to see the fate of the other characters and the mission in general.
Jax Seaborne, is one such lost soul, who is looking for a true connection in this world. Hence, when the Lost Boys visit Bliss, a small town, to find their secret past, and possibly a cure, Jax finds himself being drawn towards River, a resident and a local hiking guide.
But this is a world of secret, lies and manipulation, and Jax and River have a long road ahead to find their Happily ever after.
Lexi Blake has been one of my favorites, though I have never officially reviewed her work. The book doesn’t disappoint me either. There is a plot full of suspense and twists. The characters are complicated with a side of adorable. Each character has a past and the story switched between dark and happy sides. It is also a short and entertaining read, and I found myself engrossed in the plot more than once. The romance and the sex has been placed at regular intervals, but they didn’t sound unnecessary.
Memonto Mori is the first book of a series I am already looking forward too. Lexi Blake had written a great introduction and I would love to see the fate of the other characters and the mission in general.
May 7, 2021
The first book, Lost Hearts, follows lost boy Jax, a computer genius and River, a wilderness guide, as they search for a hidden lab that could hold the answers to the guys pasts. Of course they fall in love, have incredibly hot sex and the agency bad guys come after them.
I loved this book for a few reasons. Our main characters! Jax was the perfect mix of awkward but caring lover, the way he was there for River in the way that he knew how- going after her Ex, getting her a dog! River was the most capable heroine who had to deal with a stealing ex-husband and nursing her father through the end of his life. Together they were on fire!
Also, it was set in Bliss! It was so fun to have Henry/John and Nell back in the mix. And Ian, he is just amazing, the best mix of sarcastic - him at a nudist colony- but he cares deeply for the men on his team.
In typical Lexi Blake style the sex is super steamy with some BDSM elements, the character banter is perfect and the plot leaves you hanging with double crosses! I am diving into the next book!
I loved this book for a few reasons. Our main characters! Jax was the perfect mix of awkward but caring lover, the way he was there for River in the way that he knew how- going after her Ex, getting her a dog! River was the most capable heroine who had to deal with a stealing ex-husband and nursing her father through the end of his life. Together they were on fire!
Also, it was set in Bliss! It was so fun to have Henry/John and Nell back in the mix. And Ian, he is just amazing, the best mix of sarcastic - him at a nudist colony- but he cares deeply for the men on his team.
In typical Lexi Blake style the sex is super steamy with some BDSM elements, the character banter is perfect and the plot leaves you hanging with double crosses! I am diving into the next book!
March 22, 2023
Lost Hearts
Oh this series is going to be good, I already loved book 1. The fact that these men have been through h e l l and are still pretty normal is short of a miracle.
Sometimes book 1 is really heavy on world building but I felt this book had a good balance. We get great character development and we really learn who Jax is and the men he calls brothers.
River has also been through it, and her lack of trust is understandable but also a little frustrating too. At some point you have to figure out if you're going to let the actions of one dictated your life forever or if you're going to jump in with both feet.
Sometimes you just have to listen to your instincts.
The narration was perfect. I forget I am a fan of Ryan until I am listening again and then I think to myself why don’t I listen to him more!
Oh this series is going to be good, I already loved book 1. The fact that these men have been through h e l l and are still pretty normal is short of a miracle.
Sometimes book 1 is really heavy on world building but I felt this book had a good balance. We get great character development and we really learn who Jax is and the men he calls brothers.
River has also been through it, and her lack of trust is understandable but also a little frustrating too. At some point you have to figure out if you're going to let the actions of one dictated your life forever or if you're going to jump in with both feet.
Sometimes you just have to listen to your instincts.
The narration was perfect. I forget I am a fan of Ryan until I am listening again and then I think to myself why don’t I listen to him more!
October 10, 2019
Lost Hearts (Momento Mori) is the book that connects the Master and Mercenaries series to Lexi’s books that she wrote as Sophie Oak, the Nights In Bliss and Texas Sirens series. I really suggest reading both of those series before picking this up, or you might be confused as to who all of these new players are.
Lost Hearts started off slow for me, but I should of known better because Lexi Blake is a freaking genius. I adored Jax, and I loved the little nod to Sons of Anarchy. River, once she got past all of her bullshit, was a good character too. But what really set this into a 5 star read was that ending. Holy crap, all I will say is seriously Lexi Blake is a genius. I can’t wait to learn more about the Lost Boys.
Lost Hearts started off slow for me, but I should of known better because Lexi Blake is a freaking genius. I adored Jax, and I loved the little nod to Sons of Anarchy. River, once she got past all of her bullshit, was a good character too. But what really set this into a 5 star read was that ending. Holy crap, all I will say is seriously Lexi Blake is a genius. I can’t wait to learn more about the Lost Boys.
August 25, 2018
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This novel is classic Lexi Blake. I love being back in Bliss and catching up with old friends.
The life that Jax is living is not the one he had hoped to have had -- that is if he could remember what it was like to hope. He's been tortured, abused and coerced to kill on behalf of his "mother", the evil Dr. McDonald. Her death may have freed his body, but his mind and soul are still caged by what was done to him.
His one chance to find out who he was before "mother" took him, brings him to Bliss and into the path of River Lee. River has lived her own version of hell, which includes watching her father die of cancer and marrying a con man who stole all of her savings and is now threatening her further.
Ms. Blake has an uncanny ability to write stories that hook the reader from the paragraph to the last and immediately want more. I'm one of those readers, wondering what I'm going to read between now and March when book 2 comes out.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
This novel is classic Lexi Blake. I love being back in Bliss and catching up with old friends.
The life that Jax is living is not the one he had hoped to have had -- that is if he could remember what it was like to hope. He's been tortured, abused and coerced to kill on behalf of his "mother", the evil Dr. McDonald. Her death may have freed his body, but his mind and soul are still caged by what was done to him.
His one chance to find out who he was before "mother" took him, brings him to Bliss and into the path of River Lee. River has lived her own version of hell, which includes watching her father die of cancer and marrying a con man who stole all of her savings and is now threatening her further.
Ms. Blake has an uncanny ability to write stories that hook the reader from the paragraph to the last and immediately want more. I'm one of those readers, wondering what I'm going to read between now and March when book 2 comes out.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
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