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Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits #1
Love the Way You Spy
Tasha Taggart isn’t a spy. That’s her sisters’ job. Tasha’s support role is all about keeping them alive, playing referee when they fight amongst themselves, and soothing the toughest boss in the world. Working for the CIA isn’t as glamorous as she imagined, and she’s more than a little lonely. So when she meets a charming man in a bar the night before they start their latest op, she decides to give in to temptation. The night was perfect until she discovers she’s just slept with the target of their new investigation. Her sisters will never let her hear the end of this. Even worse, she has to explain the situation to her overprotective father, who also happens to be their boss.
Dare Nash knew exactly how his week in Sydney was going to go—attending boring conferences to represent his family’s business interests and eating hotel food alone. Until he falls under the spell of a stunning and mysterious American woman. Something in Tasha’s eyes raises his body temperature every time she looks at him. She’s captivating, and he’s committed to spending every minute he can with her on this trip, even if her two friends seem awfully intense. His father will be arriving in town soon, and he’s excited to introduce him to a woman he could imagine spending the rest of his life with.
When Dare discovers Tash isn’t who she seems, the dream turns into a nightmare. She isn’t the only one who deceived him, and now he’s in the crosshairs of adversaries way out of his league. He can’t trust her, but it might take Tasha and her family to save his life and uncover the truth.
Dare Nash knew exactly how his week in Sydney was going to go—attending boring conferences to represent his family’s business interests and eating hotel food alone. Until he falls under the spell of a stunning and mysterious American woman. Something in Tasha’s eyes raises his body temperature every time she looks at him. She’s captivating, and he’s committed to spending every minute he can with her on this trip, even if her two friends seem awfully intense. His father will be arriving in town soon, and he’s excited to introduce him to a woman he could imagine spending the rest of his life with.
When Dare discovers Tash isn’t who she seems, the dream turns into a nightmare. She isn’t the only one who deceived him, and now he’s in the crosshairs of adversaries way out of his league. He can’t trust her, but it might take Tasha and her family to save his life and uncover the truth.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2023
536 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
183 books6,370 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 266 reviews
September 24, 2023
4 STARS
When I saw that there will be a spinoff with all the kids of the original characters, I may have peed myself in excitement. And I'm not particularly a lover of second generation spin offs but boy was I chomping at the bit for this one. Why? Because I never want this series to end, for one. And also because I will never tire of Ian, and daddy Ian of adult children who give him a run for his money? Sign me up.
Tasha Taggart is the eldest of Ian's brood and I just knew her story would be good. This is a bit of a flip on the usual, where we have a kick ass female spy and the unseeing business man who she falls for. The set up was utterly delicious. Tasha wants a night off for some fun before going all in on a mission. She meets a handsome man at the bar and is all the more excited to discover that he's a Dom. They spend one unbelievable night together and she sneaks out of his room, only to discover the next day that he's also her new target. She may have some concerns but she's also eager to jump at the chance to see Dare again.
Dare is just coming off a nasty divorce that was arranged by his even nastier father. To say that the man has some trust issues, is saying it mildly. But he's also 100% golden retriever energy when he's not a big bad Dom in the bedroom. He falls hard and fast for Tasha and he doesn't even try to fight it. That is, until he finds out that his Tasha is not who he thought she was.
The entire gang is back, and seeing Ian in protective daddy mode is even more entertaining than in his friend mode. There are some new secondary characters introduced who I can't wait to read more about. There are some cameos from old favorites. And all of it is wrapped up in a suspenseful and sinfully sexy romance that I devoured from beginning to end.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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He was the perfect amount of nasty Dom and sweet potential boyfriend.
When I saw that there will be a spinoff with all the kids of the original characters, I may have peed myself in excitement. And I'm not particularly a lover of second generation spin offs but boy was I chomping at the bit for this one. Why? Because I never want this series to end, for one. And also because I will never tire of Ian, and daddy Ian of adult children who give him a run for his money? Sign me up.
Tasha Taggart is the eldest of Ian's brood and I just knew her story would be good. This is a bit of a flip on the usual, where we have a kick ass female spy and the unseeing business man who she falls for. The set up was utterly delicious. Tasha wants a night off for some fun before going all in on a mission. She meets a handsome man at the bar and is all the more excited to discover that he's a Dom. They spend one unbelievable night together and she sneaks out of his room, only to discover the next day that he's also her new target. She may have some concerns but she's also eager to jump at the chance to see Dare again.
Dare is just coming off a nasty divorce that was arranged by his even nastier father. To say that the man has some trust issues, is saying it mildly. But he's also 100% golden retriever energy when he's not a big bad Dom in the bedroom. He falls hard and fast for Tasha and he doesn't even try to fight it. That is, until he finds out that his Tasha is not who he thought she was.
The entire gang is back, and seeing Ian in protective daddy mode is even more entertaining than in his friend mode. There are some new secondary characters introduced who I can't wait to read more about. There are some cameos from old favorites. And all of it is wrapped up in a suspenseful and sinfully sexy romance that I devoured from beginning to end.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
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September 2, 2023
⤅ Lexi Blake is SUCH a comfort author for me.
I've been reading her books now for almost a decade, and even where the romances themselves aren't necessarily enthralling or the plots that solid, this series still has such humour and verve that I'm dying for the next one. This particular book gets 2.5/3 stars for Dare and Tasha's romance alone, but makes it up to 4 stars purely on the strength of the immaculate characterisation and dialogue.
If you're new to this series, DO NOT START HERE. Go straight to book 1 and thank me later. While I'm generally indifferent to reading a series out of order (as I've said before on here, I read the HARRY POTTER SERIES out of order with nary a hitch) Blake is a big fan of building up interactions and character histories through successive books, to the point where reading their own book feels incredibly rewarding. Tasha is Ian and Charlotte's adoptive daughter from like book 10; this is book 28 in the series. So, as I said, serious history.
I will admit her romance with Dare isn't really all that. The two meet in a pub, fall madly in lust, then Tasha discovers he's meant to be the target in an op. He obviously finds out in the worst possible way and then has to work through his anger to reach forgiveness. This is a classic Blake plot which she's done many times, occasionally switching up the genders of the betrayer and betrayee. I don't mind the plot recurrence, but I do mind the fact that Dare and Tasha didn't really seem to have any chemistry, and their love for each other felt flat. Dare also feels like... a beta male? I don't know, I don't really like this term, but he was just so retiring and wrong-footed at every turn that I couldn't see him as a Dom. It's not that Tasha had to protect him, because that also happens in JT/Nina's book and David/Tessa's book without emasculating the heroes. Somehow it didn't work the same way here.
Tasha also didn't entirely deliver on the promise of her earlier characterisation. For a girl who was always so incisive and put-together, her total abandonment to emotion surprised me. That's it on my characterisation complaints though. TJ and Lou, Kala and Cooper, and Ben and Kenzie all stole the show from our supposed main couple without even trying. I cannot WAIT for their books now. Blake knows how to write realistically hilarious and sarcastic dialogue, and her characters are so damn funny it's unreal. She's also the master of the angsty slow burn (one of the reasons Dare and Tasha didn't work so well).
Plot-wise, this was slightly all over the place, and I can't pretend I followed it particularly well (although that may also have been because I was skimming towards the end somewhat). Overall, I fully admit I'm rating this so high mostly because of how much I love the series as a whole, but it's a damn good series (I've read almost every one of those 28 books!) so there are worse crimes.
September 19, 2023
The next generation of Taggart’s followed in Big Tag’s footsteps, and this first book of the series was phenomenal. Dare and Tasha are magnificent together.
The chemistry between Dare and Tasha is sublime, and I would venture to say it's close to what her adoptive parents have. If you have read any of the M&M series, whether it was the Original Masters and Mercenaries Series, the Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten Series, or any of the other spin-off series, you'll want to read this book (series) as well. It has all of the action of the Forgotten Series, and all of the Heat of the M&M Series rolled into one.
𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewLTWYS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
The chemistry between Dare and Tasha is sublime, and I would venture to say it's close to what her adoptive parents have. If you have read any of the M&M series, whether it was the Original Masters and Mercenaries Series, the Masters & Mercenaries: The Forgotten Series, or any of the other spin-off series, you'll want to read this book (series) as well. It has all of the action of the Forgotten Series, and all of the Heat of the M&M Series rolled into one.
𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewLTWYS
**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with BooksYou can find me here: https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
September 8, 2023
This is the next generation within the Masters and Mercenaries world and Ian Taggart's daughter, Tasha, is the specific focus of this book. Personally, I loved that we were starting with one of his offspring and I was giddy the entire way through. I have no better words to describe the overwhelming feeling aside from absolute joy, pride, and abundant happiness for this next generation to even begin aside from giddiness and that feeling didn't dissipate once.
It's not only Ian's daughters we get in this first book, but interaction between a team of next gen kids. Well, I guess they are no longer kids, but I loved how Lexi formed this group that works together, similar to their parents, but also uniquely their own. Their energy that bounced off of one another also bounced off of the pages. This cast is locked and loaded to go and I really can't wait to dive into every single character as this series progresses.
While Ian Taggart has long laughed and joked about his children taking over the world, I also can't imagine a prouder father than him, especially when it comes to his kids. Oh, and by the way...that moment is finally here. At least in this world. I can't express enough how much I enjoyed reading all of the McKay-Taggart kids working as a team in this book. I mean these kids have been growing up for years together and while we got snippets of them in the past it was a total joy to witness their potential as they find their way as young adults. Working a case now, each one having their own unique skill set, and especially watching Tasha fall in love. It was the frosting on a delicious cake.
Tasha was such a treat to read, especially knowing her history. As a young woman, she's come a long way from the girl the Taggart's adopted. To say she was absolute pure joy to read seems an understatement, but she was. She was the perfect partner for Dare Nash and her mashed up family made his life that much sweeter.
Dare has his sweet quirks which made him an adorable Top, but more than that were the secondary characters around him. I'm hoping we don't see the last of his best friend, Brian or the other people in his life...I'll just say...reasons for now.
So, here we are, this is finally the moment we've all been waiting for, knowing that Ian and the rest of his found family would train their children right, they'd be properly prepared for basically anything, except for maybe matters of the heart. I mean they did birth humans and even they mess up and forget condoms. That is Ian's favorite grumble and gift to give. He should look into branding. Regardless, this next generation has all kinds of love lessons and rules that they learned from Big Tag and you can honestly feel the love every time they recite one. You know he's a man who loves his family hard, even when they make their own mistakes. This group of kids has the excitement and energy to work very well together for the long haul and I think that bodes very well for the continuation of this series.
Lexi Blake has once again written a story that proves family is more than relation. It's ties, it's love, it's sticking together when times are hard. This is why this story and series is pure magic!!
It's not only Ian's daughters we get in this first book, but interaction between a team of next gen kids. Well, I guess they are no longer kids, but I loved how Lexi formed this group that works together, similar to their parents, but also uniquely their own. Their energy that bounced off of one another also bounced off of the pages. This cast is locked and loaded to go and I really can't wait to dive into every single character as this series progresses.
While Ian Taggart has long laughed and joked about his children taking over the world, I also can't imagine a prouder father than him, especially when it comes to his kids. Oh, and by the way...that moment is finally here. At least in this world. I can't express enough how much I enjoyed reading all of the McKay-Taggart kids working as a team in this book. I mean these kids have been growing up for years together and while we got snippets of them in the past it was a total joy to witness their potential as they find their way as young adults. Working a case now, each one having their own unique skill set, and especially watching Tasha fall in love. It was the frosting on a delicious cake.
Tasha was such a treat to read, especially knowing her history. As a young woman, she's come a long way from the girl the Taggart's adopted. To say she was absolute pure joy to read seems an understatement, but she was. She was the perfect partner for Dare Nash and her mashed up family made his life that much sweeter.
Dare has his sweet quirks which made him an adorable Top, but more than that were the secondary characters around him. I'm hoping we don't see the last of his best friend, Brian or the other people in his life...I'll just say...reasons for now.
So, here we are, this is finally the moment we've all been waiting for, knowing that Ian and the rest of his found family would train their children right, they'd be properly prepared for basically anything, except for maybe matters of the heart. I mean they did birth humans and even they mess up and forget condoms. That is Ian's favorite grumble and gift to give. He should look into branding. Regardless, this next generation has all kinds of love lessons and rules that they learned from Big Tag and you can honestly feel the love every time they recite one. You know he's a man who loves his family hard, even when they make their own mistakes. This group of kids has the excitement and energy to work very well together for the long haul and I think that bodes very well for the continuation of this series.
Lexi Blake has once again written a story that proves family is more than relation. It's ties, it's love, it's sticking together when times are hard. This is why this story and series is pure magic!!
November 15, 2023
DNF at 55%
September 19, 2023
3.5 stars!
I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in. Was the book bad? No. Was it good? That’s subjective. At the very least, I expected to be entertained and I was definitely entertained. Sometimes it felt a bit all over the place and there were so many characters that it got a bit overwhelming to keep them all straight but honestly this was a quick, fun read! I love a good spy trope, I love a little dirty spice, and it had a well-rounded HEA so that’s all I could really ask for reading a book from an author I haven’t read before.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the arc opportunity!
I honestly didn’t know what to expect going in. Was the book bad? No. Was it good? That’s subjective. At the very least, I expected to be entertained and I was definitely entertained. Sometimes it felt a bit all over the place and there were so many characters that it got a bit overwhelming to keep them all straight but honestly this was a quick, fun read! I love a good spy trope, I love a little dirty spice, and it had a well-rounded HEA so that’s all I could really ask for reading a book from an author I haven’t read before.
Thank you to Valentine PR for the arc opportunity!
September 26, 2023
I'm not normally a second generation fan, but (as usual) Lexi Blake does it so well that I was invested long before this book even released. Tasha has been such an amazing character from the beginning and I loved seeing her all grown up and getting her HEA! This book has everything we love about M&M books - spies, action, badass women, bossy men, hot kink, and shrewdly crude advice from everyone's favorite fairy godmother. Watching Ian's daughters falling in love is definitely going to be a highlight of the New Recruits, but I'm just as invested in everyone else and I know I'm going to be re-reading this one while I wait for the next!
September 14, 2024
“I promised I would hold you when you cry. Even if I’m the reason for it. I promised.”
This book ... I am at a loss for words because it was just that good!! Considering this is book #27 in the Masters and Mercenaries series (and really #47 once you include the spin-offs and novellas), I wasn't expecting it to feel so new and fresh - and yet it is absolutely amazing!! This is the first book that has the kids we have watched grow up in the previous books taking centre stage. First up is Tasha and what an incredible young woman she has grown up to be. Her love interest, Darren "Dare" Nash, is a man who sweeps her off her feet one minute and then becomes the target of her investigation with her team the next. The amount of call backs to the OG M&M characters was soooooooo good and then all the hints dropped about the other characters and their potential books and issues .... it has be super excited for this next instalment series. And for the continuation of the M&M world!!
I will finish this with some out of context quotes that refer back to the OGs:
This book ... I am at a loss for words because it was just that good!! Considering this is book #27 in the Masters and Mercenaries series (and really #47 once you include the spin-offs and novellas), I wasn't expecting it to feel so new and fresh - and yet it is absolutely amazing!! This is the first book that has the kids we have watched grow up in the previous books taking centre stage. First up is Tasha and what an incredible young woman she has grown up to be. Her love interest, Darren "Dare" Nash, is a man who sweeps her off her feet one minute and then becomes the target of her investigation with her team the next. The amount of call backs to the OG M&M characters was soooooooo good and then all the hints dropped about the other characters and their potential books and issues .... it has be super excited for this next instalment series. And for the continuation of the M&M world!!
I will finish this with some out of context quotes that refer back to the OGs:
One was the top who simply used the power exchange to control his or her partner without any thought to what the submissive needed. For some reason her dad called these the Storms of the world. She’d also been told to stay away from anyone who called themselves Storm.
I track the puppies I don’t give a shit about, Tash. I’m damn straight going to track my daughters.
“The Huisman Foundation. Yes, I certainly know who Emmanuel Huisman is.”
“I think paranoid is not a word we should be using. As my father would say, it’s only paranoia if they aren’t out to get you.”
“The owner is a Russian immigrant,” Lou said with a shrug. Tash could guess. “He’s got Denisovitch connections.”
The last thing she needed was Dare to want some afternoon fun and, oops, she sedated him on accident. Not something that would likely happen. She would have to prime the sucker, but it wasn’t unheard of.
“If I could get your father back and have all these beautiful years with him, I promise you can convince Dare...
“I think it’s time for me to play fairy godmother again. I’m pretty good at it.
“Did he offer you a condom? You have to understand. He’s a sex-positive guy, and he’s always been open about safe sex. And did I mention that my brother’s ex-girlfriend had his baby and dumped the kid in a car seat with the receptionist at my father’s office? Being a grandpa wasn’t something he was expecting for a couple of years. He’s sensitive about condoms right now.” “He did not offer me protection. He told me not to put my penis in you.” She felt a smile cross her face. “Then he likes you. Wow. He really likes you.”
Don’t think I didn’t see how Ian took him under his demonic wing.” It was a joke in her family. Aunt Chelsea still called her dad Satan from time to time.
“Hello..I’m Doctor Federov.
And the twins had Bud 2, Even More Bud, a big rescue mutt they adored but who needed a sitter when they went on an op.
October 9, 2023
I was just bored. Too many characters introduced too quickly, and I just wasn't invested enough to try to keep track of them. All the female characters felt the same.
Took me a while to figure out who "Kara" was. I thought the author just forgot the character's name was Kala, until it was made clear that "Kara" was the identity the twins shared when on a mission.
When the MMC is introduced, he comes across as a bit of a douche.
At times I felt like I was being lectured to about embracing your sexuality.
I was confused about how the FMC's parents were the team's bosses at the CIA. I thought in the previous books there was a big thing about how they refused to work for the government - so how did that all come about? It might have been explained at some point. I really couldn't get interested enough to pay too much attention.
Another 2nd generation romance series. Not a fan of them to begin with, this just confirms my feelings about that. Unfortunately, as this is the first book in a new series it looks like I'll be avoiding this author for a while.
Took me a while to figure out who "Kara" was. I thought the author just forgot the character's name was Kala, until it was made clear that "Kara" was the identity the twins shared when on a mission.
When the MMC is introduced, he comes across as a bit of a douche.
At times I felt like I was being lectured to about embracing your sexuality.
I was confused about how the FMC's parents were the team's bosses at the CIA. I thought in the previous books there was a big thing about how they refused to work for the government - so how did that all come about? It might have been explained at some point. I really couldn't get interested enough to pay too much attention.
Another 2nd generation romance series. Not a fan of them to begin with, this just confirms my feelings about that. Unfortunately, as this is the first book in a new series it looks like I'll be avoiding this author for a while.
December 22, 2023
3.5 stars- I think it definitely sped up for me at the end but I had a little bit of trouble keeping all the characters straight since I hadn’t read any of the others in the series. But by the end I was invested in Tash and Dare’s story. Thank you Valentine PR for the advanced copy.
November 17, 2023
3.5/5 stars, I think
This book was more setup for this arc, and that meant the Tasha/Dare relationship suffered. There's a lot of potential in the relationships that were set up in this one (both those that have been a long time coming and the new ones), but my favorite relationship moments here were definitely the Taggart family ones.
This book was more setup for this arc, and that meant the Tasha/Dare relationship suffered. There's a lot of potential in the relationships that were set up in this one (both those that have been a long time coming and the new ones), but my favorite relationship moments here were definitely the Taggart family ones.
September 25, 2023
Tasha wanted to spend a night without worrying about her team and her mission. Choosing the bar was random, yet somehow it led her to Dare Nash. The new target. She didn’t think she would have a connection with him, but one night wasn’t enough. Now she has to lie to the first guy who made her feel like falling in love is worth the fight.
Dare Nash has allowed his father to dictate his life. Meeting Tasha was the first taste of freedom he had experienced in years. She’s the first woman who makes him feel like himself. But their time together has an end date.
Their relationship might end too soon because of lies and betrayals. Can they find a way to make it right and have a chance at forever?
There is a lot of mystery, thriller, and steamy scenes in this romance suspense. It’s filled with lies, betrayal, and secrets. Like all of Lexi’s books, this one will pull you into a world of spies and sexy chemistry. With bdsm relationship dynamics adding the spice to the spy romance ;)
The next generation of the Masters and Mercenaries family takes off in this suspenseful book. And it’s off to an intense and thrilling start. The reader gets glimpses of the other characters and their dynamics in the team and family. With a lot of would-be couples, I wish their books had come out sooner. I can’t wait to read more books in this series.
It’s been a long time since I picked up a book by Lexi Blake book. Lately, I’ve been eyeing her books, hoping to reread the ones I’ve read and dive into the ones I haven’t. So when I saw the opening in signing for an ARC, I jumped at it without hesitation. I knew that by starting this book I might miss out on the complete experience if I read the other books first, but I couldn’t wait. I had to read it, even though I’d hate not having read the previous books. Turns out I didn’t need to. This book can be enjoyed on its own. It reminded me why I love Lexi Blake’s writing style.
Lexi Blake always manages to write a steamy and exciting book. The problem is that after reading her books for a while, some scenarios start to feel similar, just with different genders. But that doesn’t take away from the books and it says a lot about the way she writes, with each being its own unique read.
I loved everything about the relationship between Dare and Tasha. They had their struggles, but they overcame them. I cried a few times, especially when the truth came out. It was an emotional read. I loved how Dare is so gentle, yet such an alpha dom. He promised, and he kept his word even when he felt betrayed. Tasha is a strong, kind, and caring person. She was the missing piece in Dare’s life. The way Dare found a family in hers is touching and heartwarming.
September 19, 2023
4.25 stars. This was so good! Love the Way you Spy is book one in the New Recruits series, starring the McKay-Taggart kids all grown up. I loved this start to a new series! This book is Tasha Taggart, Ian's daughter, and Dare's book. Tasha works for the CIA on a team with her sisters and other family friends. She works more behind the scenes, trying to keep everyone in line. The night before their operation, she goes out with the group, looking for a one-night-stand to blow off some steam, which is out of character. She meets Dare and they have an amazing night, with them both wishing they could have more time together, but not imagining it would work out. When Tasha goes into her operation the next day, though, she finds Dare is entangled in the company they are looking into. This makes the situation complicated and leads her to have to lie to him, all while falling for him in the meantime.
This is one of my favorite Lexi Blake books so far. I loved all the Easter Eggs into the McKay-Taggart kids lives and relationships to play out in future books. It is so exciting and there are so many possibilities. I may go back and re-read this to take notes about those tidbits. I love all of the kids and all of the new characters. I loved Tasha, especially, and Dare too. Tasha is not an operative. She is on the backside of the operations for her group, while her sisters are out in the field. She is softer, but still strong. I loved seeing Ian and Charlie as parents of grown kids. And I loved that there is therapy going on to work out problems between Dare and Tasha. Their romance was sweet, sexy and suspenseful. This book was so fun.
Ahh, I'm so excited about this series! I can't wait to see where it is headed. I hope Ms. Blake writes fast and never stops writing in this world!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
This is one of my favorite Lexi Blake books so far. I loved all the Easter Eggs into the McKay-Taggart kids lives and relationships to play out in future books. It is so exciting and there are so many possibilities. I may go back and re-read this to take notes about those tidbits. I love all of the kids and all of the new characters. I loved Tasha, especially, and Dare too. Tasha is not an operative. She is on the backside of the operations for her group, while her sisters are out in the field. She is softer, but still strong. I loved seeing Ian and Charlie as parents of grown kids. And I loved that there is therapy going on to work out problems between Dare and Tasha. Their romance was sweet, sexy and suspenseful. This book was so fun.
Ahh, I'm so excited about this series! I can't wait to see where it is headed. I hope Ms. Blake writes fast and never stops writing in this world!
*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
October 3, 2023
5 ⭐️ drama, romance and snark from the kids!
Lexi’s first book Love the Way You Spy in her new series Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits is everything I expect from her original series: drama, romance, and snark. This is the first of the second generation featuring Tasha Taggert. The kids have followed their parents into the spy business and are their own team, with Ian acting as their handler. 🙄This is not their first mission and it seems things go awry in the beginning, almost like usual. Tasha just wants a one night stand and how was she to know that the guy Dare she picked up in the bar is now their new mark. She’s analyst not a field agent, not that she isn’t trained. But she prefers being behind the scenes guiding the mission and now she’s thrown into the role of operator and is becoming too close and too attached.
Dare finally meets a woman he feels he can be his self with and let his dominant side come out. Tasha seems perfect for him, too good to be true maybe. As with all Lexi’s books, things go astray quickly, there’s double agents, friends that might not be whom they seem and a huge family that will pick you up when you fall down and are not afraid of giving advice. Charlie Taggert’s cameos are so perfect in this story I think she steals the show from Ian. They’re just so much to unpack with this generation that this going to be fun journey. Love, love, love the new recruits!
Lexi’s first book Love the Way You Spy in her new series Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits is everything I expect from her original series: drama, romance, and snark. This is the first of the second generation featuring Tasha Taggert. The kids have followed their parents into the spy business and are their own team, with Ian acting as their handler. 🙄This is not their first mission and it seems things go awry in the beginning, almost like usual. Tasha just wants a one night stand and how was she to know that the guy Dare she picked up in the bar is now their new mark. She’s analyst not a field agent, not that she isn’t trained. But she prefers being behind the scenes guiding the mission and now she’s thrown into the role of operator and is becoming too close and too attached.
Dare finally meets a woman he feels he can be his self with and let his dominant side come out. Tasha seems perfect for him, too good to be true maybe. As with all Lexi’s books, things go astray quickly, there’s double agents, friends that might not be whom they seem and a huge family that will pick you up when you fall down and are not afraid of giving advice. Charlie Taggert’s cameos are so perfect in this story I think she steals the show from Ian. They’re just so much to unpack with this generation that this going to be fun journey. Love, love, love the new recruits!
April 21, 2024
4.5⭐ for Dare and Tasha!
Another great addition to the M&M world! Blake does a great job of writing engaging, adventurous, fun characters and captivating storylines with a mix of excitement, action and humor. In this third iteration of the Masters and Mercenaries series it was fun to see the growth and evolution of the McKay/Taggert family. With the focus on the more adult children whose tales of childhood mischief were scattered throughout their parent's stories over the years I enjoyed the new perspective combined with scattered cameos from old favorite characters. My only beef is my long enduring pet peeve with how Blake uses her epilogues to tease and set up the next book in the series. This is especially frustrating to me when the next installment is not readily available and I've yet to understand how many books it will take to complete the current phase of the series. I'm one of those people who needs to know the ending once I start. So I can handle a duet or trilogy series. But the long ongoing series that are connected in such a way that I'm left with a cliffhanger as opposed to a complete ending drive me bonkers. Usually I won't even start in cases where there's a cliffhanger warning. But Blake sucked me in in the early days then it was too late to get out. Hers is one of the few series set up that way I make an exception for since I enjoy her stories and characters so much.
Another great addition to the M&M world! Blake does a great job of writing engaging, adventurous, fun characters and captivating storylines with a mix of excitement, action and humor. In this third iteration of the Masters and Mercenaries series it was fun to see the growth and evolution of the McKay/Taggert family. With the focus on the more adult children whose tales of childhood mischief were scattered throughout their parent's stories over the years I enjoyed the new perspective combined with scattered cameos from old favorite characters. My only beef is my long enduring pet peeve with how Blake uses her epilogues to tease and set up the next book in the series. This is especially frustrating to me when the next installment is not readily available and I've yet to understand how many books it will take to complete the current phase of the series. I'm one of those people who needs to know the ending once I start. So I can handle a duet or trilogy series. But the long ongoing series that are connected in such a way that I'm left with a cliffhanger as opposed to a complete ending drive me bonkers. Usually I won't even start in cases where there's a cliffhanger warning. But Blake sucked me in in the early days then it was too late to get out. Hers is one of the few series set up that way I make an exception for since I enjoy her stories and characters so much.
September 24, 2023
This one was fun to read, mostly for the chaos that happened. Things started out pretty normal, the girls out for a fun night, then they would dive into their next assignment. But things changed the next day and they all realized the fun Tasha has the night before was the best way forward with the assignment. You knew things would implode when Dare found out what was going on and it did, but this is where the fun and the chaos started.
Dare realized just how badly he was taken when Tasha and Brian weren't what he thought, then you add Big Tag and Charlie in, there to both ripped the team a new one and cover their mistakes, you can just see the level of chaos rising. I was surprised at how honest Ian was with Dare, how he shared some big secrets with Dare and how despite giving him a load of crap, he actually liked him and gave his stamp of approval in his own Big Tag way.
The action/drama at the end, helped speed Dare from being pissed at how things went down to not really giving a crap, he just wanted his girl back. I think it also helped the heart to heart that Dare and Charlie had, she helped see that if he was willing to take the leap, the crazy Taggart clan would be a great place for him to land and finally find a home.
Dare realized just how badly he was taken when Tasha and Brian weren't what he thought, then you add Big Tag and Charlie in, there to both ripped the team a new one and cover their mistakes, you can just see the level of chaos rising. I was surprised at how honest Ian was with Dare, how he shared some big secrets with Dare and how despite giving him a load of crap, he actually liked him and gave his stamp of approval in his own Big Tag way.
The action/drama at the end, helped speed Dare from being pissed at how things went down to not really giving a crap, he just wanted his girl back. I think it also helped the heart to heart that Dare and Charlie had, she helped see that if he was willing to take the leap, the crazy Taggart clan would be a great place for him to land and finally find a home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
5 Stars
The new recruits have arrived!
The moment fans of Masters and Mercenaries have been waiting for is here! The arrival of the next generation…and it is just what everyone has wanted and more! We start out with Tasha Taggart, the older of Ian and Charlie’s kiddos, and she has always been the one who reels in her siblings. Tasha is quiet, works behind the scenes and manages her siblings well, especially the twins, so of course the first time she decides to be a little “wild” it results in causing their current mission to have to change course a bit, placing her in the starring role. Having a good time and figuring out how to work with the target without hurting him (because he seems to be fairly innocent) doesn’t seem to be too difficult. Falling in love was never part of the plan….
Readers of the M&M series know nothing is ever simple in the world of spies and their loved ones, but the next generation is about to carry on that tradition with dangerous and intense action and results. Sit down with a few hours on your hands because as you get to know the kids of the characters you already are in love with, you will fall in love all over again! Of course, expect appearances from Ian and Charlie, beloved by all fans of Lexi Blake, and I fully expect to see appearances by the rest of the “OG” crew as well!
Cara- Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
The new recruits have arrived!
The moment fans of Masters and Mercenaries have been waiting for is here! The arrival of the next generation…and it is just what everyone has wanted and more! We start out with Tasha Taggart, the older of Ian and Charlie’s kiddos, and she has always been the one who reels in her siblings. Tasha is quiet, works behind the scenes and manages her siblings well, especially the twins, so of course the first time she decides to be a little “wild” it results in causing their current mission to have to change course a bit, placing her in the starring role. Having a good time and figuring out how to work with the target without hurting him (because he seems to be fairly innocent) doesn’t seem to be too difficult. Falling in love was never part of the plan….
Readers of the M&M series know nothing is ever simple in the world of spies and their loved ones, but the next generation is about to carry on that tradition with dangerous and intense action and results. Sit down with a few hours on your hands because as you get to know the kids of the characters you already are in love with, you will fall in love all over again! Of course, expect appearances from Ian and Charlie, beloved by all fans of Lexi Blake, and I fully expect to see appearances by the rest of the “OG” crew as well!
Cara- Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
October 12, 2023
I don’t even have the right words for this one. Lexi’s story telling is otherworldly.
The second generation of Taggarts start off with a bang. Tasha and her CIA team are on a mission in Australia, where she ends up falling for the unplanned target of their op. It wouldn’t be a true Masters and Mercenaries story if it was as simple as that.
Throw in a kidnapping or two, a few bad guys, and of course an appearance from Ian and Charlotte Taggart and you get one heck of a romantic suspense story. Ian’s sarcasm and way with words and support of his children (even if they’re dumba**es) makes me want to go back and start from the beginning all over again. The Taggarts are my favorite wolf pack.
I need more stories about the children, and there are so many, which makes me really excited for the future. I’ll be anxiously awaiting TJ and Louisa’s story in March.
Thank you Valentine PR for my ARC of this book.
The second generation of Taggarts start off with a bang. Tasha and her CIA team are on a mission in Australia, where she ends up falling for the unplanned target of their op. It wouldn’t be a true Masters and Mercenaries story if it was as simple as that.
Throw in a kidnapping or two, a few bad guys, and of course an appearance from Ian and Charlotte Taggart and you get one heck of a romantic suspense story. Ian’s sarcasm and way with words and support of his children (even if they’re dumba**es) makes me want to go back and start from the beginning all over again. The Taggarts are my favorite wolf pack.
I need more stories about the children, and there are so many, which makes me really excited for the future. I’ll be anxiously awaiting TJ and Louisa’s story in March.
Thank you Valentine PR for my ARC of this book.
September 4, 2023
That was so good! I mean, I had high expectations going into it, and it met every one. It was fast-paced, it was hot, and it had all the snark and sarcasm you’d expect from this crew. It hit me at times right in the emotions, making me burst into tears at unexpected moments. It had me yelling out in discovery, as I figured out a plot twist before it was revealed. I was caught up in the mystery to be solved, my eyes never leaving the pages as time ticked by without my realizing. I loved Dare and Tash, all the moments when a couple meets, connects, and then all the joy, heartache, and love that follows. I loved all the set-ups for future stories and romantic links. I loved the moments with our original couple, Ian and Charlotte, and where their life has taken them, and how amazing they still are. And I really want to meet this Master Colin now, he sounds like all sorts of fabulous fun 😊
September 9, 2023
4⭐️the end has me weak. lexi blake please go ahead and publish the next book before march or I will be stealing that manuscript. this was really good and definitely something that I never expected to love. this was the first time I’ve read books by lexi blake, and I will be reading more! there was only one thing that I didn’t love in this book, and it’s that all the characters were pretty much introduced at one time. I liked the fact there was a family line chart but it was confusing no matter what. like I constantly found myself asking, “who is this?,” and “is she/he related to this person or no.” other than that I truly recommend this and hope everybody enjoys it!
September 21, 2023
First of all, I would like to thank Lexi Blake and Valentine PR for the sending me this ARC.
I really wish that I would have read the books in the original series prior to reading the next generation, but that’s on me. I don’t think that it really affected my ability to read this one as it is the start of the next generation. But it really bothers me that I might be missing something important.
This story has so much in it. Tasha is a leader in the CIA and is sent on on OP mission. She is out at a bar and meets Dare. They immediately have lust for each other.
Surprise surprise, he’s the target for her OP.
How will it play out??
I really wish that I would have read the books in the original series prior to reading the next generation, but that’s on me. I don’t think that it really affected my ability to read this one as it is the start of the next generation. But it really bothers me that I might be missing something important.
This story has so much in it. Tasha is a leader in the CIA and is sent on on OP mission. She is out at a bar and meets Dare. They immediately have lust for each other.
Surprise surprise, he’s the target for her OP.
How will it play out??
September 26, 2023
Reading this I realized that I don’t read a lot of spy centered novels, and I definitely should! I really enjoy the trope/theme as I feel it adds an element of suspense to the romance. Also I do not read a lot of BDSM books, and very much appreciated the author’s breakdown of certain terms, habits, and things such as the clubs and a kit. Like wow, what a world! The writing was also great; I really enjoyed Lexi Blake’s other novel, the Start Up, and though this one is different, because I loved The Start Up so much, I thought I’d give it a chance, and let’s just say, Lexi Blake has done it again!
Thank you Valentine PR for an early copy of this read!
Thank you Valentine PR for an early copy of this read!
September 20, 2023
I couldn’t read this book fast enough! I loved Tasha’s story! I was excited to see the kids’ stories. I was here for the op Tasha and her team were a part of. I wanted things to go well for their crew. And I liked the chemistry between Tasha and Dare. Things moved quickly between them but it worked for them. I enjoyed the banter among the team and I liked how Tasha and Dare’s relationship was seamless and the ease they had with one another. I didn’t want to put this book down! Another fantastic read from Lexi! Looking forward to Live, Love, Spy!
September 25, 2023
Love the Way You Spy (Masters & Mercenaries: New Recruits, #1; Masters & Mercenaries, #27) by Lexi Blake
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is a great story. You are given Tasha who normally is a behind the scenes type of agent. But, when her siblings convince her to live a little and go wild, nobody knew how crazy life was about to get.
Tasha is level headed, steady and most of all, trustworthy. But, when her one night stand becomes her target, she'll have to throw away her emotions and let her mind drive the bus. Saying that is one thing. Living that is another. Tasha finds herself struggling with what is being asked of her and when new players come onto the scene, she'll really have to fight for what she wants.
Dare isn't like his family. He wants to live a great life, sure, but he doesn't want the baggage that comes with it. When he sees Tasha, when he meets Tasha, he's intrigued. Dare's life has been a series of lies, mistrusting people and he's had to figure out how his own world works.
These two come from very different worlds and when those worlds collide, sparks fly, feelings fling and bullets whiz by. Tasha and Dare will have to work together, even when their emotions are running amok.
I loved how Blake was able to really weave this story using great characters. I can't wait for the next one. You won't be disappointed.
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is a great story. You are given Tasha who normally is a behind the scenes type of agent. But, when her siblings convince her to live a little and go wild, nobody knew how crazy life was about to get.
Tasha is level headed, steady and most of all, trustworthy. But, when her one night stand becomes her target, she'll have to throw away her emotions and let her mind drive the bus. Saying that is one thing. Living that is another. Tasha finds herself struggling with what is being asked of her and when new players come onto the scene, she'll really have to fight for what she wants.
Dare isn't like his family. He wants to live a great life, sure, but he doesn't want the baggage that comes with it. When he sees Tasha, when he meets Tasha, he's intrigued. Dare's life has been a series of lies, mistrusting people and he's had to figure out how his own world works.
These two come from very different worlds and when those worlds collide, sparks fly, feelings fling and bullets whiz by. Tasha and Dare will have to work together, even when their emotions are running amok.
I loved how Blake was able to really weave this story using great characters. I can't wait for the next one. You won't be disappointed.
September 24, 2023
This was a nice start to a new series. Each person seems to be hiding something and it kept this interesting to see what happens next. It did have a lot of characters either working upfront or just in the background so it was hard to keep up. Plus it seems that each one had some kind of personal involvement with one person per another.
May 5, 2024
The perfect mix of fun and sexy and adventure.
February 7, 2024
Actual rating 2.5
Not enough spying, not enough spice, too many characters I keep forgetting about and too much irrelevant stuff about people I couldn't bring myself to care about.
Not enough spying, not enough spice, too many characters I keep forgetting about and too much irrelevant stuff about people I couldn't bring myself to care about.
September 29, 2023
The only thing I didn’t like about this book is that we have to wait until March of 2024 for the next one. A fantastic story- think Mission Impossible with love, dom stuff and so many laughs (love the Taggerts and the extended clan!), this story had it all. And it was different in that Tasha was the operative while Dare is the damsel in distress. But this was so well done that they felt like partners in a well coordinated play that set up so many of the next gen’s stories. And so excited am I to read about their HEAs even though I read the first generation’s stories. I loved the foreword that Lexi Blake wrote to discuss some of her concerns about writing about the next gen when she went so deep with their parents. This was a job well done. A great intro to the book and this book is a fantastic entry into the series. Can’t wait till the next one!
July 31, 2025
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is the new series spinoff of Masters & Mercenaries called New Recruits. The new recruits are Big Tag's kids and other agency kids all grown up. This is Tasha and Dare's story and it is a great one. Tasha and the others are out at a bar and meet Dare and his friend when Tasha and Dare hit it off. The heat is off the charts and they spend the night together and it is one they will never forget. The next day Tasha finds out that Dare is the person they are looking for. Then everything hits the fan before she can tell Dare who she is. Along the way, Big Tag and her mother show up too. Now Tasha has to figure out how to keep Dare from hating her and Big Tag from being disappointed in her and her sisters.
This story is fast-paced, steamy, and sexy, with some BDSM action, and a whole lot of action action-packed awesomeness. I highly recommend this book and that you read the others in the Masters & Mercenaries series so you don't miss anything.
Mary @ Wicked Reads
This is the new series spinoff of Masters & Mercenaries called New Recruits. The new recruits are Big Tag's kids and other agency kids all grown up. This is Tasha and Dare's story and it is a great one. Tasha and the others are out at a bar and meet Dare and his friend when Tasha and Dare hit it off. The heat is off the charts and they spend the night together and it is one they will never forget. The next day Tasha finds out that Dare is the person they are looking for. Then everything hits the fan before she can tell Dare who she is. Along the way, Big Tag and her mother show up too. Now Tasha has to figure out how to keep Dare from hating her and Big Tag from being disappointed in her and her sisters.
This story is fast-paced, steamy, and sexy, with some BDSM action, and a whole lot of action action-packed awesomeness. I highly recommend this book and that you read the others in the Masters & Mercenaries series so you don't miss anything.
Mary @ Wicked Reads
January 2, 2024
I couldn't decide on a rating, but I'm going with 4-stars because I love this world, love that she's decided to continue on with the OGs' offspring and will keep reading the books in this world as long as she keeps writing them. I had a hard time keeping all the kid-parent matchups straight in my head, even though she provided (thank you!) family trees at the front of the book. I'm just too lazy and into the story to stop and go back to them.
Spin-off or not, Big Tag continues to steal scenes he's in 😆
Initial reaction to announcement ...
When Lexi's M&M: The Forgotten series ended, I was so bummed. Thrilled to see this one announced. YAY! Another spin-off! 🥳
Spin-off or not, Big Tag continues to steal scenes he's in 😆
Initial reaction to announcement ...
When Lexi's M&M: The Forgotten series ended, I was so bummed. Thrilled to see this one announced. YAY! Another spin-off! 🥳
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