Stefan Talbot let Jennifer Waters run from him once. He knew she was far too young for him, but he kept a watchful eye on her, protecting her from afar. When she’s arrested for a crime she didn’t commit, Stef knows the time has come to get close again. In the middle of the Winter Festival, Stef and Jen find themselves fighting for their love and their lives because danger has followed them back … back to Bliss.
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Jennifer is a painter and is arrested for stealing a painting, she knows nothing about it. A lawyer shows up and was sent by Stefan. She left Stefan six months ago in Bliss because after they had sex he said it was a mistake. Stefan is handsome, wealthy and a Dom. He’s thinks Jennifer is too young for him and will eventually leave like his mother did. He gets her released from jail and hauls her back to Bliss. The charges are dropped but then the Russian mafia shows up wanting one of Jennifer’s paintings. Can Stefan finally admit Jennifer is perfect for him or will he lose her when the Russians take her hostage?
Funny, sexy, and a little spanking involved. Russian mobsters, a father returns, and lots of friends in this little town. I love Lexi’s books and will always purchase them. They are so entertaining.
5 Star Review One To Keep (Love In Bliss #3) by Sophie Oak
Where do I start? I have been intrigued by the dynamic between Stefan Talbot and Jennifer Waters from the first time they appeared in this series.
Jennifer ran from Stefan once before and now that circumstances have brought her back to him, he has no intention of letting her go again. Offering his assistance when Jennifer is falsely accused of theft, Stef knows that it is time to swoop in and save the day, but at what cost?
Stef is a totally a Dominant and when he hurt Jennifer, by trampling on her feelings she ran from Bliss. Will Jennifer dare to open herself up to him again? Can Jennifer trust Stef or is she destined to be forever alone?
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was learning about Stef’s past and why it turned him into the man he has become. It was also great to catch up with previous couples and see how they are travelling.
One To Keep is full of passion, hope, strength, BDSM scenes, some humour and determination. This was a well written, strong story with characters that are easy to relate too, not to mention loveable. The scenes are smoking hot and the danger and suspense had me invested from the start.
I look forward to reading more in the series.
One to Keep by Sophie Oak/Lexi Blake is the third book in her Nights in Bliss, Colorado Series. Every book, while connected is about another couple and can easily be read as standalones.
The previous books are Three to Ride and Two to Love.
One to Keep is Stefan and Jennifer´s story.
Stefan Talbot is a few years older than Jen, a successful businessman and Dom. They spend one night, but then he casts her away.
Jennifer Walters loved Stefan for a long time. Her hopes are high when they spend one night, but she´s devastated when he lets her down, and it´s not kindly.
But now she needs his help. She´s accused of a crime she didn´t commit and he´s the only one who can keep her safe.
Stefan is a honest character, he has flaws and weaknesses, but strength at the same time. He knows what he wants, but fears to get it. The King of Bliss isn´t so powerful when it comes zto a certain brunette.
The book has everything I love in a good story, drama, action, danger, great characters, not only the main characters, I love the sidekicks too – calling dibs on Ian Taggart. Ian Taggart from McKay-Taggart in all his glory. I give 4,5 stars and can´t wait for the next book, Lost in Bliss.
One to Keep was the best Bliss book so far. Stefan, while having the sexy Dom thing going for him, was still human and not so sure of himself. He was perfect because he was so imperfect.
I have read this series completely out of order. Luckily, each of these books, while having lead characters from other books as side characters, each book can stand on its own story without the reader being confused or missing anything.
One to Keep is the dominant, meddling, artist Stefan Talbot and the young woman, Jennifer who came to Bliss to learn from him. Instant attraction coupled with Stefan’s determination that Jennifer too young for commitment doe not make for an easy time. Jennifer finally gives up and takes herself to Dallas to heal her broken heart. Unfortunately for Jennifer, a job at a gallery leaves her in hot water and has Stefan on his white horse to save her, despite his “good” intentions.
I’m not sure how Lexi Blake does it but her talent at taking a repeating setting and spinning tales of danger and rescues, villans and good guys without any of them feeling like the same story different character names is what keeps me coming back, book after book. Stefan is a millionaire determined to make sure all around him are taken care of, an artist, and a broken man who needs to let the past go. Jennifer, while young, is a woman who knows what she wants and while she has what it takes to get it, she is also smart enough not to continue to bang her head against the wall.
One to Keep has the signature Blake balance of action and heat, humor and serious that makes for a page-turning, enjoyable read with a side story of love delayed that just makes the book that much better.
One to Keep is still full of the quirky characters set in the town of Bliss. We get Stefan and Jen’s story who have been side characters in books 1 and 2. Stef has played a big part in getting our couples together in both books 1 and 2. In fact, he is a big reason why the town of Bliss is so successful. He’s great with seeing what others need, just not good at what he needs. This book was good but I hated to see Stef constantly push away Jen because he felt she was too young to make up her own mind about them. The author did a great job of explaining why Stef felt the way he did and what really drove him to keep Jen at a distance, but unfortunately it’s my least favorite type of romance. I still very much enjoyed everything else that was going on in Bliss. This town is full of some strange characters and I like them.
We finally get Stefan story. And I have to say I was a little on the border with this one. With how strong of a character Stefan is I actually expected a lot more of a harder man. I did read Lexi’s letter to us at the beginning about how hard it was to write his story and how people were a little hard on her about his story, and now I can see why. His story to me did not do him justice. And it wasn’t because there wasn’t that much BDSM since he is supposed to be this master Dom, but because he seems to become this insecure child when it comes to Jennifer.
There is an age difference between these two but at times it was like reading about two children instead of a young adult and a master Dom. Although I gave this book 4 stars because, in the end, I did enjoy it and will continue to read the series, I still have unresolved issues with the characters.
4 STARS FOR ONE TO KEEP!! Bliss oh Bliss…..I love visiting this place. I enjoyed Stefan and Jennifer story it was a great addition to this series. This author keeps us readers wanting more.
One longtime resident of a quirky community, who thinks of himself as a puppet master to all, finds a woman who touches his life, heart and town. He doesn’t think it is possible to have a permanent relationship, being tainted from his parents warped example of marriage and divorce.
The might Stefan Talbot finally meets his match in love. Granted it takes him a while to get with the program. So long that Jennifer runs. But ever the hero Stefan comes in on his white horse to save her when trouble strikes. So maybe she’s not all that happy about it. Watching him fall and get what he’s always wanted is a pleasure. Gotta love the alpha hero get brought to his knees for his queen.
Stefan is a poor little rich boy who never grew up. Jennifer is a poor girl who had to grow up too soon dealing with a mother who had rather pick up and move than deal with life. Jennifer is Stefan’s weakness but he is afraid to give in and make a life with her. Life get complicated for Jen when she is arrested in Texas for art theft and Stef comes to her rescue and hauls her back to Bliss. The Russian Mob shows up and lives are in danger. There are lots of laughs, tears and action in this book and I get lost in the books when I’m reading about my favorite residents of my favorite fictional town.
After the delicious push and pull between Stefan and Jennifer in the last two books, I was absolutely dying to get my grabby little hands on their book. But I was also hoping for two things from this book; a grovel from Stefan, and for Jennifer to grow a little more. Jennifer has always been incredibly open in her desire for Stefan, that at times I almost felt like she made it too easy for him.
And while I did spend a large chunk of this book wanting to punch Stefan in the eye and shake him until he sees reason, I’m happy to report that I absolutely LOVED Jennifer.
These are both incredibly multi-layered characters. But while Jennifer doesn’t let her past dictate her future, Stefan uses his as a crutch and his answer of why he can never be with Jennifer. Considering he spends the entire book thinking that her age makes her not know her own mind because of the demons of his past, it was an exercise in frustration to say the least. And while a part of me gets it, another part of me wanted to slap him. Continuously.
There’s a suspense plot that runs parallel to the romance that adds a much needed edge and entertainment factor. With the Russian mafia after Jennifer for a painting that may be in her possession, there’s a character that’s introduced that I absolutely fell in love with. Alexei Markov, with his gentle soul, violent past and broken english absolutely stole my heart. I cannot wait for his book. The set up is AMAZING!
As for this book, while I did spend a good part of it frustrated with Stefan’s inability to see reason, I still enjoyed it. Admittedly, I was kind of expecting an uber Dom with him, but what I got was slightly different. I can’t say I’m complaining, though. This is a man that’s not perfect, has faults, and is not afraid to admit to them by the end. I did wish he groveled a bit more, but I was still satisfied with how things wrapped up. Jennifer was the perfect balance. I appreciated her strength and her will to fight for him even when he gave her every reason not to.
All in all, another wonderful addition to the series and as always, I can’t wait for more!
Loved this book! It was full of action, heat, and sass. I loved how this book ties in to the M&M series. Stefan needs to get over his past. He is so afraid that everyone is going to leave him that he pushes people away on one instance and tries to buy them in another. Hence the nickname by Jennifer of King Stefan. He is also the one man that Jennifer wants and is tired of being pushed away. What will it take to get him to come around? Her life being in danger? The Russian Mob?
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and was just wow! I did not want to put it down because I was hooked!
3.5 Stars
What do art thefts, small towns, and controlling Dom’s have in common?
More than you’d think, actually.
Stef and Jennifer have a past. One that she ran from, and he let her, because of her age. But, when she needs him, when her world seems to fall apart, there’s nowhere else he’d think of being than with her.
I can’t say I totally loved Stefan. He’s a little controlling, even for a Dom, and there were parts that had me thinking it might be a little much, that he was over the top. But, it worked. And, more importantly it worked for the characters in the story, so I was able to move past that and enjoy this title.
I recommend this latest in the Bliss Colorado series of titles.
What a super sweet, extra sexy, heart-string pulling, but still including all the wildness that is Bliss story this is! Watching the King of Bliss, Mr. has-everything-under-control, and I-know-everything, have the entire town call him out, cheer him on, and have his back while he loses his mind was a beautiful thing. Stef knew he met his match with Jen, but instead of looking at the reality of the situation, he focused on what he thought would happen. It takes time and a lot of effort for him from his family, of all kinds, for him to finally see what is right in front of him. By then it is nearly too late on a couple of fronts. Of course, a happily ever after is a guarantee, so it all works out, finally! This book also gives us a two-fer, with another romance 20 years in the making
“I think it’s pancakes and sausage” is the line that always sticks with me from this book. It isn’t from our main characters, but a side character, and it is the last thing he says before he world completely changes. This book begins the journey of Logan, and his innocence and carefree life is forever changed in it.
We also get to meet Hope, James Glen, and Cassidy, mama of two very important half-alien men, and partner to Mel. Dr Caleb Burke comes to Bliss, Holly Lang is now working at Stella’s, and dear-sweet, wondrous english-language mixer-upper Alexei comes to town. In other words, we get to know more of the townsfolk, more of the workings, and more of the people who will give us more Bliss in the future!
note – the updated version has a bit from Ian, but the bulk of the added content is from the former SVR MT team member
I just fall harder and harder with each of these books that Lexi Blake re-releases from her Sophie Oak days. I wish in a way that I had found these sooner so I could have enjoyed them before we knew it was Lexi under Sophie’s pen name and then reading them again with the little tweaks that Lexi gives each book.
I was really happy to get to Stef’s book. He’s been such a major fixture in all the Night’s in Bliss stories, what with being the town proclaimed ‘King’ of Bliss. Stef controls every aspect of his life and his life revolves around the town of Bliss, his happiness revolves around the town of Bliss so he controls Bliss (don’t think tyrant or dictator just a man in control, in need of control.) and the people who live there with him. He has the means to take care of his little town and he doesn’t hesitate to do it. He is exactly the person that I expected him to be, though a little more broken. Luckily he has a woman who refuses to give up on him and teaches him that love doesn’t have to be shown by using ‘giving’ your cash, but by giving your heart.
I will say that the back and forth between Jennifer and Stefan did get a little frustrating there for a bit but once you know the whole story it is easier to understand and accept and the moments when they are together and not worried about the world around them are the best moments. I loved that Stefan does what he feels he needs to do no matter when or where it happens. I so enjoyed meeting Stef’s dad and I would love (and maybe it happens and I just don’t know it yet) to get a book for him with more back story. I was ENTHRALLED with Alexei! Honestly, he took over the story just a little bit, he’s such a compelling character. I am THRILLED to know that we will be getting his story.
This is another wonderful addition to the series and is a total ‘wet your appetite’ book getting you ready for more of Bliss. One thing, all these books can be read as standalones, though it’s nice to meet each character as they are introduced but totally not necessary. So jump on in where ever you want and just enjoy the fun of Bliss!
~ HAPPY READING ~
Lexi Blake neatly packages a cast of quirky characters, a case of art theft, the Russian mob, a world renowned artist who is also a Dom and the woman who wants nothing more than to be his submissive and the woman he loves into a marvelous romance. Add in some mystery, intrigue, a bit of danger and some spice; you’ve got a absolutely tantalizing reading experience.
Jen Waters ran away from Bliss and Stephan Talbot once. Now, six months later, Steph is whisking her back to Bliss after she’s been accused of stealing a priceless work of art. He is willing to be her champion in all things legal, her Dom when they play but unwilling to give her the one thing she wants, his love. Like with everything else in his life, Steph bestows his money and benevolence to all those around him but keep the walls he’s erected around his heart and his emotions firmly in place. It takes a serious threat to Jen to finally wake him up and bring down his walls.
4 Their Masterpiece Is So Much More Than A Painting Stars!!
Stefan and Jennifer have intrigued me since I started this series for them to finally get their own book was a treat. This man has an attraction to Jennifer as both a woman and an artist but because he loves control, he’s a Dom in every sense of the word, a woman that lives life to it’s fullest with no real solid outline or plan, really doesn’t fit into his life…but how long can he deny her pull to him?
I loved so much that Jennifer took her life by the horns and decided to move on. Not trying to fit into his mold of what he wants. It takes a strong woman to do this and as much as it hurt her heart, she deserves to find someone who will love her just as she is no matter how chaotic her life may seem at times.
Well, things don’t go exactly as planned for Jennifer in Dallas and before she knows it, she’s being accused of a crime she’d never contemplate committing and her knight on a white horse swoops in to save her, which in this case is bailing her out of jail. Having Stefan come to her, is, in my mind him admitting that maybe he’s loosening up a little bit because he wants this woman more than he wants his next breath!
Jennifer’s “problems” follow her back to Bliss and just may prevent her from having her HEA….but not if Stefan has anything to say about it!! I fell more in love with him when he finally acquiesced that if he wanted Jennifer he was going to have to give up some of the control!!!
I’m so happy Ms. Blake has decided to update and re-release these books because I’m loving the world that she’s created in Bliss, Colorado!!
The big, bad artist loses control when all hell breaks loose in Bliss, Colorado in One to Keep, the third addition to the Nights in Bliss series by Lexi Blake. One of the more powerful Bliss novels that Lexi has written!
A time to gain incite into King Stefan’s realm, the true man behind the artist and the ever strict Dom who has the lustful heart for Jennifer Watson, but his childhood past holds him back to fully letting his heart soar with her.
Jennifer’s heart has always belonged to Stef, but her love for him was never received… when she is saved by him after being gone 6 long months can her heart withstand the heartache again with his stone cold walls?
…her stomped-on and busted-up heart, was already softening. It had been burst and broken, and at the slightest sign of hope, it perked up and held out it’s stupid hands and wanted a hug from the same man who’d damaged it in the first place.
The chemistry between Jennifer and Stefan is remarkable. Lexi has never let me down with the lust, erotic nature between her characters. As well with bringing all her past characters into scene in rounding out the humor and well being of the setting. For example, the humorous scene of Stefan’s father experiencing the ‘guesthouse’… laughed out loud! I have fallen in love of Bliss and I don’t ever want to leave.
“Where’s my place, Stef?”
“This is your place. Right here. Right now. Bound and waiting for me.”
I have been waiting for Stefan’s book for what seems like forever and I am so happy with it! I knew Stefan was going to be an emotional story, but it was so beautiful! This is a huge FIVE STAR READ!!