From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series… A second chance at first love Years before, Wade Rycroft fell in love with Geneva Harris, the smartest girl in his class. The rodeo star and the shy academic made for an odd pair but their chemistry was undeniable. They made plans to get married after high school but when Genny … school but when Genny left him standing in the rain, he joined the Army and vowed to leave that life behind. Genny married the town’s golden boy, and Wade knew that he couldn’t go home again.
Could become the promise of a lifetime
Fifteen years later, Wade returns to his Texas hometown for his brother’s wedding and walks into a storm of scandal. Genny’s marriage has dissolved and the town has turned against her. But when someone tries to kill his old love, Wade can’t refuse to help her. In his years after the Army, he’s found his place in the world. His job at McKay-Taggart keeps him happy and busy but something is missing. When he takes the job watching over Genny, he realizes what it is.
As danger presses in, Wade must decide if he can forgive past sins or let the woman of his dreams walk into a nightmare….
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.
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4.5 Stars
Reviewed For I’m A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore
There is something about a Lexi Blake book that makes them stand out from all of the rest, they are a bit suspenseful, they are sexy, they are dramatic at times and most importantly, they are some of my favorite books to read. Protected may be a novella but it is not lacking at all. I couldn’t put Protected down once I started it.
Genny and Wade have a connection and chemistry that is undeniable. Wade held onto his anger to Genny for breaking his heart, but once he learns the truth to her betrayal, the truth not only breaks his heart for what she has gone through but it also increases his protective instincts towards her and her son Ash. I will say this though it did take me a bit to warm up to Genny, I felt that while I understood her reasons for keeping her grudge against Wade it also came across as very immature because when it happened they were both kids. Once I warmed up to her any reservations I had went away. My heart did break for Genny, the abuse she suffered leaves more than physical scars but emotional and mental ones as well. My ex-husband was abusive to me. I still have anxiety over certain things that he did, but like Genny who has Wade to protect her now, I found my own version of Wade. Even though he was deployed during the last time my ex put his hands on me, he made sure I was safe and called in favors from friends to make sure I stayed safe until he was home.
Protected really hit home with me for more than the reasons I mentioned above. It reminds us that we don’t know the reasons why an abuse victim stays with her abuser, it reminds us to not judge because we never know what one is going through. It reminds us that even at our weakest points we can become strong, that while we will never forget we can heal especially when we have those who love and support us. Lexi Blake once again has written a book that I will not soon forget and needs to be on your TBR lists now.
In my opinion, there’s nothing like a second chance romance; the fact that there’s a history between the main characters and an already established foundation, even if it’s tenuous, allows readers to understand just how much love was between the hero and heroine and why they can’t help but want another shot with their first love.
I’ve read a lot of romances where either the hero or the heroine broke the other’s heart for unexplainable reasons – ones that forced a deep divide between them, making it extremely difficult when they come face-to-face regardless of how much time has passed, and while they thought at the time that they would never have a chance to make things right, that day does come and the revelations always seem to negate the anger and hurt feelings from the past.
This scenario is exactly what happens to Wade Rycroft and Geneva Harris, and while they’ve spent the last 15 years apart, when Genny’s life is threatened and the reasons behind Genny’s decision to break Wade’s heart are unraveled, Wade’s professional and personal lives collide and he vows to protect the only girl he’s ever loved as well as prove to her that what they used to have is still there and worth a second chance.
It’s more than obvious that Wade and Genny belong together, and while their reunion seems inevitable, I appreciate how Blake crafted their new beginning, ensuring that they work through the past, healing old wounds and forging a new connection – one that can withstand anything that’s thrown their way and with the threats surrounding Genny, Wade has plenty of opportunities to prove that he can protect and love her, which is all Genny has ever wanted.
Wade and Genny’s novella is an emotionally charged second chance love story; it’s one that addresses sensitive topics that readers can relate to and Blake also brings in a bit of comic relief by a character we know and love, which is a fantastic way to lighten the intensity while still developing the overall arc of the story.
It amazes me that Protected is book 16.5 in Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series because most series that reach that number of stories sound repetitive, but that is definitely not the case with Masters and Mercenaries, which hopefully means that there’s still a slew of stories to tell.
4.5 Poison Apples
4 Getting All the Answers and Love Again Stars!!
There isn’t one thing I didn’t love about this book. It’s a perfect addition to the Masters and Mercenaries series by Ms. Blake. Wade and Genny have a history and while their plans didn’t work out when they were high school sweethearts…and the reasons are so heartbreaking and emotionally devastating. Because of this Wade hasn’t found a forever love because in my mind his heart still belongs to Genny.
Well, fast forward fifteen years and these two will get the chance they were deprived of all those years ago. Along with this second chance there’s a mystery that needs to be solved….someone is coming after Genny and Wade will not only protect her from whoever this is, he’s going to get all the answers he’s been waiting for.
This book is perfectly paced and is full of the heat and action Ms. Blake so expertly delivers in her books. I for one hope this series never ends!!
“Tell me I don’t have to be gentle with you.”
Protected by Lexi Blake is a second chance love story that will make you MELT! This sexy standalone novella is a quick read that packs an emotional punch that would rival a full blown romance novel. Wade and Genny’s story is a heart wrenching journey about first love, hope, and sacrifice. It will make you shed some tears, both happy and sad. It will break your heart and soothe your soul. Lexi Blake never fails when it comes to emotional and sexy romantic suspense. Her entire Masters and Mercenaries series is a testament to that.
Protected is a standalone story in her FANTASTIC Masters and Mercenaries world. If you haven’t fallen in love with Ms. Blake’s writing yet, pick this bad boy up and I guarantee this will start your addiction. It’s sensual, passionate, emotional, and chock-full of so much heart. I loved Wade’s story. It was EVERYTHING I thought it would be and so much more!
I will never, ever get enough of Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series. This novella may have been on the shorter side, but it was as satisfying as a full length novel. If you’ve never read a book in this series and you’re looking to dip your toes into the BDSM romance genre, this book is perfect! While it’s 16.5 in the series, you can easily jump in and not be lost. As a fan that has read the entire series, I greedily devoured the character cameos of some of my absolute favorites (*cough* Ian *cough*)
Protected is a highly emotional second chance romance with a delicious grovel and a romance that’s sure to tug at every heart string. I absolutely loved it!
Fifteen years ago, Genny was Wade’s entire world. Young, naive, and thinking they have the world in their hands, they looked forward to forever together…until it all came crashing down. Wade has hated Genny since and avoided his hometown because of her. Now he’s back for his brother’s wedding and forced to come face to face with the woman that broke his heart. Only everything he thought he knew about why she did what she did couldn’t be further from the truth. And now Wade will do anything to protect Genny from the threat against her and to try to work his way back into her heart again.
“He wanted a woman who belonged to him, who he belonged to. He wanted disgusting, nasty, utterly committed sex.
I love a good grovel, and Wade didn’t disappoint. The man knows that he screwed up and he screwed up big. He’s not above begging for another chance and I absolutely loved the way he worked for Genny’s heart. Genny was a phenomenal heroine. She’s been through hell but she didn’t let it break her. She’s ferociously protective of the ones she loves and would do anything for them. I loved her core of strength even though she’s not afraid to own up to her fears and show her vulnerabilities. But what I loved even more is the way that Wade holds her hand through all of it.
This is a book you’ll devour in one sitting. It’s emotionally charged with a sexy romance and plenty of action thrown in to spice things up. Ian Taggard’s cameo and signature sarcasm thrown in a wonderful comedic touch that I couldn’t get enough of.
“Taggart let go of her hand and held one out to his wife. “This one claims she’ll come back as a ghost if I murder her. She’s rude and called me a moron. She’s perfect. I also think she’s a little bloodthirsty. She’s going to fit in. Now, Harris, I’m going to need you to do that Valkyrie thing we were talking about.”
PROTECTED by Lexi Blake is instalment 16.5 in the author’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES erotic, romantic, suspense series, and the latest addition to the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is thirty-three year old, security specialist Wade Rycroft, and Geneva Harris’ story line. PROTECTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Wade and Geneva) PROTECTED follows the second chance romance between security specialist Wade Rycroft, and his high school sweetheart Geneva Harris. Fifteen years earlier Geneva Harris destroyed Wade Rycroft’s heart; obliterated his soul when she sent him a ‘Dear John’ letter stating he wasn’t the man she was going to marry. Fast forward to present day wherein Wade will come face to face with the woman he despises more than anything else, a woman whose past is mired in betrayal, abuse, secrets and lies. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Geneva and Wade, and the potential fall-out as Geneva’s past threatens everyone she loves, including the man whose heart she broke.
Geneva has never stopped loving Wade Rycroft but in order to protect the people she loved, Geneva was force into a marriage that all but destroyed her life. Now a divorced, single mother of a thirteen year-old son, Geneva is desperate enough to make contact with Wade Rycroft, knowing Wade’s feels nothing by contempt and hatred for our story line heroine. Wade Rycroft’s actions and attitude towards Geneva Harris is nothing short of acrimonious and wrong but Wade is unaware of the truth about what happened fifteen years earlier, a truth his brother Clint kept hidden from them all.
The relationship between Geneva and Wade is a second chance romance that continues to struggle with demons from the past. From the outset Wade is unable to forgive and forget until his brother Clint forces an increasingly agitated Wade to listen to the truth. Geneva battles between her head and her heart including her first priority of protecting her son. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive with some light D/s scenarios.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including a number of security specialists who have worked or are currently working for McKay-Taggart, as well as referencing the upcoming characters in the author’s new Lost Boys spin-off series. We are introduced to Geneva’s thirteen year old son Asher, a boy who has experienced more than most children his age.
PROTECTED is a heart breaking, emotional and engaging story line. The premise is sensitive; the romance is tender and breath-taking; the characters are broken, flawed but healing. PROTECTED is an electrifying, spirited and encouraging story of second chances, and happily ever afters.
I absolutely LOVE any and all books in the Masters and Mercenaries series and I just cannot get enough of them. Protected is a great, quick and fast-paced novella about Wade and Genny and their emotional second chance romance. It’s action packed, filled with suspense and has the perfect amount of steamy sexy times that keeps the reader engaged.
Wade has been under the impression that for the last fifteen years, his high school sweetheart, Genny left him to marry another man. Upon his return to his hometown, not only does he learn the truth but he also learns Genny is danger and needs his protection. They rekindle their love affair and it’s off the charts hot!!! We also got a glimpse of Ian Taggart and his usual sarcasm and I loved it. I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Protected was a great second-chance romance from Lexi Blake. She always delivers excellent romantic suspense novels, and it was wonderful to finally get the last story from the bodyguards in her crossover collection, Wade Rycroft.
One of my favorite things about Ms. Blake’s stories is how strong and feisty her female characters are. Even when they have been through some of the most horrific things a human can experience, there is always a spark of fortitude that peeks through all the broken pieces, and Geneva was no exception to that pattern. She was fierce, and I loved her so much. She had sacrificed everything she’d ever known or wanted to protect the people she loved, knowing she may never find any reward for her actions. Wade, when he finally learned the life Geneva had been living wasn’t of her own choosing, was kindness and atonement. He was everything I hoped he could be in light of what Geneva had been through, and I was so happy to see him treat her so well.
While I adored how quickly Geneva and Wade first rekindled their relationship, I was so glad to see them all take the steps they needed to in order to find healing and forgiveness for all the stuff they’d gone through in the fifteen years they’d been apart. That part of their journey was so important and gave them such an important foundation to build their future on. Becoming independently strong and unencumbered by the lies and manipulations they’d suffered in the past allowed them to construct an impenetrable and healthy partnership.
I only wish this book had been a full-length novel. The story was complete, but I would have LOVED to have seen more of their relationship when they were kids, and I definitely would have loved to see more of them between the resolution of the issues at hand and the epilogue. I just wanted more of them together. Period.
Protected in a novella, billed as book 16.5 in Lexi Blake’s Masters & Mercenaries series. These books are all interconnected standalone, each focusing on a different couple. There are references to other stories in the series in this book, but they are used to garner interest in the series and do not detract from the understanding or enjoyment of this story. Protects is written in third-person limited perspective, alternatively following Geneva and Wade’s thoughts.
Lexi Blake is my guilty pleasure author. I read everything she releases as soon as I can get my hands on it. Her stories are always deep and satisfying, with wonderful emotional connections between her characters and lots of action and suspense. Her books always leave me wanting to go back to the beginning and lose myself in her world for weeks on end.
5 Star Review of Protected (Masters and Mercenaries #16.5) by Lexi Blake
Protected is book 16.5 in Lexi Blake’s Masters & Mercenaries series which is one of my all-time favourite series.
Protected is a second chance at love story about Wade Rycroft and Geneva (Genny) Harris. Although a stand alone I really feel it would be more beneficial if you were to have read the previous books in the series as you will get a greater understanding of their history and the references to other situations that the men and women of the Masters & Mercenaries world have been in.
Wade is a man hardened by his life and time in the military, whilst Genny is the one who got away. She broke his heart many years ago and because of that he has hardened into the man he is today.
When Genny finds herself right in the middle of a nightmare, she knows she needs to find Wade and ask him to help her, but will he? That is the question!
Nobody does romantic suspense books like Lexi Blake. Protected 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.
Can Wade do what he does best and protect Genny? Or will the past come back and destroy them once and for all? One click now and find out.
From 1001 Dark Nights and Lexi Blake comes the story of Genny and Wade, high school sweethearts pulled apart by time, distance, and some pretty horrible circumstances. This is part of the Masters and Mercenaries series of books. While it can be read as a standalone, there are lots of characters (pretty much almost all of them) that are from previous books, and there are several references to previous books that won’t be understood. Each book in the series adds to the M&M world, and they are much better when read in order. (IMHO)
Genny is a sweet, small town girl who has her entire life in front of her. She has the love a wonderful man, and a plan for their future. Then everything falls apart, and she finds herself living in a hell not of her own choosing. Years later, she finds Wade again, asking for his help. The question is, will he help her, when he thinks she betrayed him?
Wade is a hard man. Life, the military, then private security have shaped him in to who he is. But then he finds out that what he thought happened, really didn’t. Where does that leave him? What does he want now? And can he have it?
This book was action packed, and at times, heart breaking. Genny is such a strong woman, determined to stand on her own, and find out who she was and what she wanted from life. The chemistry between Wade and Genny was off the charts, but I wasn’t sure, at some points, if he was what was best for her. This book was about redemption, new beginnings and family. Lexi Blake, and the M&M family have once again satisfied my love for romance and adventure, and at the same time, left me wanting more!