McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade has no intention of returning to Los Angeles after his brief stint as a consultant on mega-star Lyle Tarpin’s latest action flick. Not even for Natasha Black, Tarpin’s sexy personal assistant who’d gotten under his skin. Why would he, when Tasha made it absolutely clear that–attraction or not–she wasn’t interested in a fling, much less a relationship. But … when Riley learns that someone is stalking her, he races to her side. Determined to not only protect her, but to convince her that–no matter what has hurt her in the past–he’s not only going to fight for her, he’s going to win her heart. Forever.
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“It wasn’t the first time Riley had invaded my fantasies over the years.”
I love crossover series that introduce me to new characters and give me the opportunity to catch up with well-loved characters that I’ve spent time with in the past. It was my love for J. Kenner’s writing that put Justify Me on my radar, but I admit to being intrigued about the Masters & Mercenaries series now that I’ve met #BigTag.
I knew going into this short story that Riley and Natasha already knew each other and that for some reason she had her walls up, keeping him in the friend zone. I had a suspicion that she was equally attracted to him but there was some hidden reason keeping her from taking him up on his obvious desire for more. There’s nothing like a secret to get my attention and have me panting for more details. And let me tell you, that’s not the only thing that had me panting during this sexy story.
I also enjoyed the thrill of ‘stalking the stalker’ who was after Natasha. I got to wear my virtual profiler cap and throw my impressive skills into the hunt. Too bad I was totally useless and the author managed to surprise me with the outcome. Now I’m even more in love with J. Kenner. I’m also looking forward to reading more of this crossover collection. The line forms here…
This was simply sinfully good.
J. Kenner is one of my favorite authors and lately I’ve been really obsessed with Lexi Blake’s writing. So getting a story that combines the two together is like a dream come true. When I first read Lyle and Sugar’s story, I was definitely intrigued by the history between Riley and Natasha. So my expectations were pretty high to begin with. And let just say that the book was everything I hoped it would be, and so much more.
For me, this was a beautiful romantic story of discovering oneself again. A story of healing and finding love again. Natasha and Riley’s story is marked by an awful tragedy that has scarred them so deep that years later, it still rules their lives. Until an unknown danger threatens the safe and tidy world they build for themselves.
I am not going to reveal anything more but in my opinion, this is a must read. Especially if you are a J. Kenner or Lexi Blake fan 🙂
4.5 stars
I love these two series on their own but combined….WOW! This is Riley and Natasha’s story and a chance for them to reconnect. Natasha is Lyle’s assistant and lately she has been receiving some threatening letters. Lyle, looking to do all he can to protect her, reaches out to get a referral in order to find a bodyguard for Natasha while he is out of town. Riley works for McKay-Taggart Security Services and luckily, he has not left Los Angeles yet so he shows up at Natasha and Lyle’s doorstep to take the case. Lyle fills Riley in on Natasha’s stalker. Natasha takes one look at Riley and old feelings start to come back and she is the one he could never forget. Will he be able to keep her safe? Can they make things work out this time between them? This is one enjoyable, sexy, and sweet read from start to finish. Get your copy now!
I volunteered to read an arc of this book.
Short and good
I liked this story, it was short but held feelings and some suspense.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
The storyline is good and has a natural progression to a happy ending
Well written characters but I didn’t get the intense feelings of knowing them.
I still enjoyed reading this story
4 stars
I was really looking forward to reading Justify Me. Being familiar with both the Stark world, and the Makay-Taggart world, mixing the two should be perfect. Instead, it was just alright. I didn’t really connect with either Riley or Natasha, and everything felt very forced with them. I’m glad I read it, but it’s noting I would reread.
This is an almost second chance romance. Riley and Natasha not only have a connection due to a past assignment but also one with her family. The connection to her father and a traumatic event has always made Natasha push the one man she wanted away. When Natasha attracts the attention of a stalker there will be nothing she can do this time to push Riley away. In true Masters and Mercenaries tradition and also that of what we expect from J Kenner their story is action packed and as hot and steamy as they come.
I love J Kenner’s Stark World/International, and I really enjoy Lexi Blake’s Masters and Mercenaries series. You don’t have to have read books in either series to enjoy this quick read. As a novella, the story must be fast paced. You have to trust the back story details the author provides on the previous meeting between our Hero, Riley, and heroine, Natasha, in order to jump into the present day action. Since the story is told from a dual POV, each character can provide insights into their thoughts/feelings when they first met, and the conflicted issues that face them in this story today. Typical of crossover novellas, you don’t get a lot of exposure to the central characters from the authors’ primary novels, e.g. Ian Taggart or Damian Stark, but the casual mention has fans, like me, smiling when they are named. Would have enjoyed it more if it were longer, but I hope to see Riley and Natasha again in another Stark International novel or novella.
I was provided a copy of this book so that I could leave an honest review.
This book is part of the Masters & Mercenaries crossover. I have not read the other books in the series, but was able to read this without any issues
It took me 3 attempts to actually get into the book, but once I finally got into it, I was able to read it quickly as it was a short book. I liked the relationship between Riley and Natasha.
Great job!!!
Loved Riley and Natasha
I’ve read some of the Masters and Mercenaries series, but while J. kenner’s Stark books have been on my radar for a while, I hadn’t actually read any before. So Stark series fans may have a little different take on this one than I do.
I loved the characters and the set-up: I like bodyguard stories in general; add in the previous relationship between Natasha and Riley, and there was plenty of tension and heat to help drive the story. I really loved the chemistry between the two, but it wasn’t chemistry alone: “Hold me,” I say. “Hold me, and then find me in your dreams.” Le sigh!
That said, I found the choice to use the first person POV for Natasha and third person for Riley perplexing. I like dual POVs and I’m happy with either first or third person, but both within the same story…I’m not a fan. While I have read a book where it worked because of the characters, it tends to throws me out if the story flow with every switch, which is what happened here. Given a longer story, I could have adjusted as it was getting better at about 80% but with the short length, I just didn’t feel like I ever really got into the rhythm of the story.
So while I really enjoyed the relationship between Riley and Natasha, between my newness to the Stark world and my dislike of the tense changes, I just wasn’t as into the story as I wanted to be. Changing either of those things would have probably been enough to bring my rating up by at least half a star, maybe even one full star. I’d still like to give the original series a try as I don’t think this story is really a fair trial for the series or the author. 3.5 to 4 stars
B2B Kelly
When McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade finishes his latest job he can’t wait to get out of LA. And nothing would make him go back not even the sexy assistant of Lyle, Natasha Black she shot him down and made it clear nothing would ever happen between them.
But when Riley gets word someone is stalking the feisty assistant he finds himself heading back to LA to protect her, and he will stop at nothing to keep her safe, even when Natasha’s hurt from the past keeps pushing him away?
Will Riley win over Natasha?
Whew!! I love all things J. Kenner and Lexi Blake, so basically this is the perfect book to me! It has everything you ever want from J. Kenner in a Lexi Blake world! LOVED!!
Stubborn women are my favorite characters to read, probably because I am one. Natasha is one of the most stubborn women in the Stark universe and I love the way Riley comes in and takes over her world to break down those walls. I would’ve loved more backstory on these two and their history. It is mentioned, but I’d love to see it written. As it is, these two are hot and so right for each other. Can’t wait to see how the rest of this crossover collection with Lexi Blake turns out.
A fast paced, smoking hot read with likable characters and a plot that engages and draws you in! J. Kenner put forth a good story in this Masters & Mercenaries crossover. Riley and Natasha have a spark that is undeniable and appeals to me. The sex was steamy, especially with those BDSM elements and the banter is witty and the story itself compels you to sit back and enjoy.
Justify Me I do think was a bit shorter but it was no less entertaining than the others. I really liked how the story came together, how Riley and Natasha came together and how there wasn’t any major drama. It was a clear cut romance with the slightest bit of suspense and a really great add to the crossover.
I give Justify Me a FIERCELY HOT FOUR SHOOTING STARS!
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader –
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller Romance with BDSM
Triggers: Stalker
Riley is a hard man. He has lusted and loved Natasha for a long time. When he was an operative, he worked with her father a lot. When the worst happened, Natasha had to cut him out of her life – it was just too painful for her.
Natasha is loving her life. She has a great job, a great boss, and she just loves where she is. The one caveat is that she misses Riley. Even when she is working closely with Riley, since he was helping her boss on a movie, she knows that she needs to keep her distance. Her boss and good friend doesn’t truly understand why, but he doesn’t push her.
When Natasha picks up a stalker, her boss asks Riley if he knows someone who can help protect Natasha. Riley immediately changes his plans and heads for Natasha.
This was fast paced and had some very hot scenes in it. The chemistry between Natasha and Riley was great and I felt that because they had history, it made their connection that much stronger. The mystery was great and it kept you guessing. The suspense was great too. I really enjoyed this short story.
Ruthie –
This is part of the Masters and Mercenaries crossover series that is being released by a number of super talented authors. I am so happy to be reading these books and reviewing them. I am huge M&M fan, and this was another great addition to the series. In this book we get to revisit LA and Stark International, as this ties in with the Wicked Dirty book about Lyle Tarpin. Riley was on loan from McKay Taggart and discovered Natasha, the one that got away, but still means everything. Now we get their story.
I loved how interlinked this book was, with the next film Lyle is doing, being Serena’s book, the BDSM angle that they have investigated for that purpose, and Riley’s dom tendencies coming to the fore. It was brilliant fun to connect the dots, but at the same time want to race through what is a romantic and very hot story. The drama is just right and gives Riley and Tasha the chance to move forward and do it together.
Another good story in this collection, thank you, Ms. Jenner.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Justify Me (Stark Trilogy #4.5) by J. Kenner to read and review for this tour.
HOT FOR THE LEATHER–SMOKING HOT! I felt the heat from my head to my toes and everywhere in between. When Riley Blade, the operative from the McKay-Taggart Security team is contacted by Lyle Tarpin because Natasha Black the gorgeous love of his life is needing protection, he just can’t walk away. No matter how much he knows its not the right thing to do….. Riley worked with her dad, was there when thngs turned bad and was always reminded of the past when she saw him. Determined to fine her stalker they are both but to the test….desire, BDSM, sex, love, lust, heat….. Can they survive this game of smoke and mirrors of feelings or will their chemistry combust before their own eyes. A true page turner……. A sizzling story of two people who have history but chemistry that in Dynamite….. loved this one.
A short, suspenseful and surprising romance that delivers all the chills, thrills and feels…
I am a massive fan of Lexi Blake, so when I saw that Julie Kenner was writing as part of worlds crossover, I just had to get involved. Firstly I need to just say that all the authors taking part of this Lexi Blake crossover project are just insanely brilliant. They are authors that I read regularly with the exception of Susan Stoker, which has been on my TBR for what seems like forever…because it’s been forever since I put her on there. I feel so sheepish right now, especially after reading her book in this series.
So, Justify Me is really short. Like, I read it in about two hours short. Yes, I have a talent for devouring books quicker than a hamster can stuff its cheeks with it’s bowl, but I think even a slower than erosion reader could finish this book in hours. Saying that, it is very well written as per Julie’s usual standards and it is freaking hot. You may need to set a breathing reminder on your phone because I can guarantee that you will forget your common human functions. This is very much a romantic suspense with a very generous erotic serving of chills and thrills…I love a BDSM romance and this will not disappoint! In true Julie fashion the plot is deliciously followed through and I really can’t fault it. I mean for such a short story a lot happens and it doesn’t feel rushed to me. If you haven’t read the other books in the Stark International series, I’d urge you too before going in. Justify Me does read well as a standalone but there are certain elements of Riley and Natasha’s backstory that, in my opinion, you will make more sense of if you read the books prior to it.
The characters themselves were brilliantly likeable and their chemistry as off the charts. The plot was verging on flawless and although I had my suspicions…I was still massively and pleasantly surprised at the end. This is one of those boos that you cannot go wrong with and it will leave you wanting more.
4.5 Star Review of Justify Me by J Kenner
This is part of the current Lexi Blake Crossover Collection and written by an an author I am familiar with J Kenner.
Although I have read numerous books from J Kenner, I am yet to read her Stark series so I was a tad anxious that I would not be able to follow the characters who were unfamiliar to me. I needn’t have worried as I had no issues.
Justify Me is a quick second chance at love story, with elements of light BDSM and features Riley Blade (M & M) and PA Natasha Black (Stark). I loved the glimpse into the world of Stark with the chemistry between Riley and Natasha intense and at times overwhelming.
There was suspense, drama and intrigue and the story was well written.
Riley Blade and Natasha Black are HOT together. I loved this book. It had a little of everything, suspense, BDSM, denial, love and the happy ending. The denial they shared was killing me. When they finally gave into each other is was intense. J. Kenner did not disappoint, very well written.
Smart. Sexy. Sensational. Three simple words to convey just how fantastic Justify Me is as an addition to the Masters & Mercenaries Crossover Collection.
I devoured Riley and Tasha’s story in one sitting! They’re amazing together. Riley’s fierce proactive nature and Tasha’s smart independence should have clashed. But didn’t. Their shared history adds so much depth to their story. Their love. Their hot AF sexy times. There was so much going on around them and the catching of Tasha’s stalker the utmost important facet . . . but there was also their romance. Their inability to stay away from each other—the draw, the connection too much to fight. And it was sheer perfection for me!
Sultry, sexy, steamy and suspenseful!!! J. Kenner reunites readers with the Stark world and of course Lexi Blake’s mercenaries series. A great crossover combination in my opinion. Justify Me was about two people who shared a history and so their transition to a romantic couple was believable in this quick novella read. A must read