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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I wasn’t sure about Wade and Genny’s story, which is probably why my subconscious pushed it back in my TBR. I should have known Lexi would handle the story so well, that I am now wondering why I was worried. Second chance romances where the separation didn’t make sense anger me, and this seemed like that is what it was. It was to a degree, but as the story moved on from what they lost to who they were going to be together, I loved it! The realities of love lost and sacrifices made weren’t glossed over. The pain endured wasn’t magically fixed. The healing, the growth, and the effort that needed to be put into all those things was there in the story, on the pages, and our characters allowed us this glimpse into their private lives and what it takes to have the happily ever after for real
A women’s sacrifice
This was a heartbreaking story about a woman sacrificing herself for the people she love and the man that she now has a second chance with…..or those she?
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues
Well written characters that’s made realistic and has individual personalities
The suspense is there but not overwhelming
I love this series still after so many books and the author has created something unique here.
5 stars
When you love someone you protect them at all costs and that is exactly what Genny did when she walked away from Wade and married someone else. Now 15 years have gone by and the man who she married is not only hurt her but is on the verge of being let out of jail. Her one hope to save herself and her son Asher is to confront Wade and ask for help. But can you forgive and forget the actions of the one person you cannot seem to stop loving? Will confronting her ex-husband be one more thing that keeps them apart? I fell in love with these characters from the opening pages and could not put the book down. In true Lexi Blake fashion this was the perfect combination of love and honor.
***ARC Provided by the Author***
3.5 Stars
Sarah and Jared have a complicated, messy, serial killer in their past kind of history. And, well, that’s going to make anything they try to build together just a little…well, messy.
Add in the secret she is keeping, the reason she thinks that her life will never be compatible with his, even if they do get back together, and you have a story where 2 people want the same things but are so afraid of hurting one another that they hold parts of themselves back.
The bulk of this title was watching each of them realize that they want the other, but not being sure how to go about that, how to make it happen, and if it is fair to the other person to even try.
I loved the resolution, the way they worked it out and that both of them felt stronger for the support of the other. This is how romance should work…and, while there were some heavier themes, the overall feeling of this is that they got their well-deserved happily ever after…even if it maybe wasn’t the way they originally thought it would be.
A Finally Wade and Geneva’s story. Young love that didn’t work but never went away. Several lies by family and heartache kept these two from each other. But as we know Lexi finds a way to bring them back together. In a spectacular way.
This is a second chance romance in the world of Masters and Mercenaries surrounding one of the bodyguards, Wade Rycroft and his high school sweetheart. Their story is surrounded by lies, deception, loyalty, guilt and anger. Protected is a story that will have you laughing as Big Tag shows us why we have loved this man from the start, it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you wait to see how their story will unfold and you will fall under the spell as this big man holds the heart of a teenage boy that he now wants to call son. Wade and Genny’s story is not an easy one and at times it will frustrate you and even make you angry, but the connection between these two is undeniable and the determination of Wade to bring this woman happiness is one of pure unconditional love. A beautiful love story packed full of action and lots of passion.
YEAH!!!
If you enjoy second chance romance stories then you will like Protected by Lexi Blake. It can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend that you read her other books in the Masters and Mercenaries series since so many of characters and their past stories are included in this book.
As always, Lexi brings us a well written romantic suspense story with just the right amount of angst and intrigue combined with memorable characters. Protected does bring up the issue of domestic abuse with Genny. She married her husband because he blackmailed her and at the same time gave up her true love, Wade. When they finally find each other again there are hurdles they both need to overcome in order to heal and find their happily ever after.
It’s only been a few months since I read the last Masters and Mercenaries book, and it’s already been too long since I’ve been in that world. Protected came along at the right time, and it was everything I’ve come to expect from this world that’s become one of my all-time favorites.
Wade Rycroft is the current Dom in Residence at Sanctum. He’s vaguely hinted in previous books that he’s loved and lost, and now we get the full story. Wade was going to marry his high school sweetheart, but ended up getting a dear john letter while he was away and found out that she married his childhood nemesis instead. That hurt him so badly that he only returned home a handful of times over the next 15 years so that he didn’t have to see her. But, Wade’s oldest brother’s wedding has brought him home for the weekend and to an inevitable showdown with the girl who broke his heart.
The thing is, Genny Harris has spent the past 15 years in absolute hell, and now that she’s divorced, she needs help from the man she crushed – Wade. The scene between them where all the events that led up to their break-up came out was heartbreaking. In fact, much of this book was pretty sad. The things that Genny has endured are horrific. The fact that she and Wade lost so much time is devastating. The secrets that were kept from Wade and the choices that were taken out of his hands are infuriating. There’s so much emotion packed into this novella.
Just because Genny’s past comes out early and she and Wade end up at his house in Dallas, doesn’t mean that they are on the road to their HEA. The threats on Genny’s life notwithstanding, these two can’t mow down 15 years of abuse and anger and frustration overnight, and I’m glad Lexi Blake didn’t make it that way. It’s frustrating to read, because you just want them to be together and okay, but at the same time, it’s cathartic and realistic for them to not have it easy. And who knew that the voice of reason and understanding would come from one Ian Taggart?
Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, there are moments of levity. They come from Ian and Charlotte, Adam and Jake, Simon and Chelsea and other members of the MT gang. They also come from the intimate times between Wade and Genny. The lighthearted and sexy moments were welcome and perfectly timed.
Getting Wade’s story seems like icing on the cake. I feel like I can now move on to the new spin-off series that Lexi Blake has planned and know that all of the Sanctum and MT couples are happy and healthy.
I have a confession. 1 100% legit would cross the ocean to see Lexi Blake. Her stories have managed to put me out of a lot of dark clouds. They managed to put me in a spell that I am still under. Her books just make my heart swell 10 times bigger. I am filled with a sense of happiness and glee. The Master and Mercenaries is one of my favourite series of all time; I have been a fan of it for 4 years since I started reading it. Even if she writes 50 books, I know I will always read them. I will never get enough of the Masters and Mercenaries because they make my soul whole.
Protected warmed my heart. Protected melted my soul. From the beautiful storyline to the striking characters, my whole self was sliced open to a book that gave me highs and shivers. Protected is a short story that packed a punch straight to my gut. It is heart wrenching. It is honest. It is powerful. It is emotional. Lexi Blake totally gave what I needed. A good novella that will rock your life. An amazing and gorgeous read. Protected is an alluring romance of second chances, suspense, danger and strength. A sexy and delightful read that will stroke your heart. Lexi Blake knows how to write a good suspense to keep you up your toes and make your heart pound hard with anticipation.
Wade and Genny’s love journey will break your heart. I felt their emotions that split me into two. Wade is a protector. He will protect his family to the ends of the earth. Genny is strong. Her life made me so emotional. Filled with so much heartache, she rised above the ashes. Wade and Genny absolutely stirred my heart.
If you haven’t read the Masters and Mercenaries, then you need to fix that soon/
Loved everything about this book! I have enjoyed all of the related characters/stories to this story and have read and reread many of them! Steamy, sexy escapist romps all!
This book is going to be a little bit hard for me to review. Why you may ask? Well, because in reading this book I became Big Tag. I am not ready for the changes to come (leaving behind the Masters and Mercenaries series) and yet excited about the future to come.
Protected is a book about second chance love but it is also a book about change and acceptance. One of those I throughly enjoy, the other makes me a tad bit nervous, ha. I loved getting to know the two main characters in this story. We’ve already met Wade but to know how broken he really was and honestly how much more broken he becomes as each new discovery comes to light for him in this book was an emotional ride. I truly felt for him. Of course his pain in the end was nothing compared to what Geneva endured in her attempt to protect the man she was meant to love for a lifetime. It makes you wonder exactly what you would do for the people you love. Sidenote: I have to say like Wade, I am not sure I can ever forgive his brother. Oh and I adored, ADORED Geneva’s son!
As usually happens with a novella there isn’t much I can talk about with out giving away the story so I won’t delve deep into the plot, but know that it is totally intriguing and page turning. The character development of these two while most of that happens individually for them before they get together watching their characters grow together was totally swoon worthy and as with any Lexi Blake book the steaminess is just right. This book doesn’t delve as much into the BDSM world as many of her Masters and Mercenaries books but its there and you won’t feel as though you are missing out since it isn’t as prominent to the storyline. Out of all the Masters and Mercenaries couples, this one may be the most vanilla of the group and that’s just fine.
While you can totally pick this up and read without having read any of the other books in the series, which 1,001 Dark Nights Novellas do so well, I would say that you will be missing out on the little of the heart in this book if you don’t know the back story and why Big Tag is feeling the way he does. So if you are able please give the entire series a go, I know it’s a long one, you won’t regret it and if this is your first Masters and Mercenaries read, well, welcome to the club, we’re happy you’ve joined us!
~ HAPPY READING ~
Wade Rycroft and Geneva Harris were highschool sweethearts planning to marry as soon as Wade finished basic training . . . until life got in the way. When Wade discovered Genny married the local golden boy, he knew he’d never go home again.
Fifteen years later, when his brother’s wedding brings him home, Wade’s given a second chance at love if he can only seize it. Genny’s marriage is over after she turned her husband in for embezzlement and the town has turned against her. Wade’s still angry, but when he’s confronted with what really happened all those years ago, his entire world comes crashing down.
With Genny and her son Ash’s lives at stake, Wade agrees to do anything to not only keep them safe, but also to win Genny back . . . but is Genny willing to give her heart back to the man who devastated her fifteen years ago? And, will they all survive the nightmare that’s coming for them when Genny’s ex is released from jail?
I’m pretty sure every time I read a Lexi Blake book, I feel it’s the best one yet, and Protected is no exception. Yes, there is amazing suspense and intrigue, but the characters in this book are so phenomenally written that they steal the show.
Genny may be one of the strongest and self sacrificing characters I have ever read. Everything she has done in her entire life is for someone she loves. She’s been through more than is imaginable and is left only with a son that her ex wants to use to continue to control her.
When Wade learns the truth, he is truly devastated ad vows then and there to make it up to Genny in any and every way he can. He carries tremendous guilt, but wants the second chance at the love and family he never got to have with Genny.
What I loved best about their relationship was Genny learning to put herself first for the first time in her life and Wade learning to give Genny what she needs, even if it isn’t him. It’s a beautiful give and take.
Genny’s son Ash is a fabulous character that is truly unique. He’s been controlled his entire life with only Genny to love him and now suddenly he gets to experience things for the first time . . including having a positive role model. I’d love to see him in a future book once he grows up a bit more.
Fans of the series will adore both Ian and Hutch in this book. Big Tag is always a master manipulator, but is truly phenomenal in this book. He’s as sarcastic as ever, but beneath it all, shows how much he cares about those he considers family. Hutch was also surprisingly eloquent in this book even while eating his licorice and chocolates.
Lexi’s also given some hints of what is coming our way with the Lost Boys, and let me tell you, I am feeling crazy anxious, and excited, and slightly terrified at what is coming for those men.
Protected was one of Lexi’s best books yet in my opinion. Fans of the series will adore it and new readers can jump in and enjoy the story as well. 5 Stars!
This story grabbed me by my emotions and didn’t let go
A novella in the Masters and Mercenaries series, while this story stands on its own, there are a lot of familiar characters and brief references to earlier storylines, so you’re going to get maximum enjoyment if you’ve read at least a few of the earlier books.
For a minute at the beginning, I thought this was going to a standard second chances, guy pushes the girl away for her own good story, but I should have trusted this author to put a different spin on things. My heart was breaking for Genny and Wade from the start, and I was on the edge of my seat cheering for them to get their HEA. Genny is actually kind of bada$$: “You gave Tag boundaries?” I loved seeing that side of her, and I especially loved the character development she showed over the course of the story. She and Wade still have plenty of chemistry together, but like I said, with this author, things never quite go down the path you expect.
There are some great laughs here too; there’s a scene with Genny and Wade, and Charlotte and Ian Taggert that had me rolling. And Tess! I literally had to cover my mouth with my hands to keep from waking up the house.
With so many great characters, and a perfect mix of suspense, humor and chemistry along with some pain and heartbreak, this story grabbed me by my emotions and didn’t let me go. 5 stars
B2B Kelly
Wade Rycroft is bitter and he has every right to be. He and his high school sweetheart, Genny Harris had it all figured out — he’d enlist in the service and they’d marry after he finished boot camp. They were young and their love could conquer everything.
But something went terribly wrong — Genny sent Wade a Dear John letter while he was in training and the heartbroken soldier decided to turn his back on the woman and his hometown.
Fifteen years later, Wade returns to Broken Bend for the wedding of his brother. Genny, now divorced is at the wedding and a confrontation ensues. Wade Finally finds out the shocking truth behind her abrupt actions fifteen years earlier, and he vows to make both their worlds right again.
Lexi Blake’s Protected is the latest offering from the folks at 1001 Dark Nights and is book 16.5 in her fabulous Masters and Mercenaries Series.
Wade and Genny’s story comes with a warning — it contains themes of domestic abuse, and if that is a trigger for the reader, proceed with caution. Once Wade discovers the truth behind Genny’s behavior all those years ago, the action takes off; the McKay-Taggart folks get moving and it makes for a terrific story.
Jam-packed full of characters from the author’s Revenge series, the Topped series, and references to the upcoming Lost Boys series abound; it’s nothing short of delightful to read their interactions. Of course, this reader applauded every appearance of Big Tag (his diatribe regarding women and his prostate exam justifies the purchase of this book).
A wonderful segue into her next series, and a quick-fix for those of us who love the McKay-Taggart family, pick up a copy of Lexi Blake’s Protected and enjoy some family time with the whole gang. You won’t be disappointed.
This was an enjoyable second-chance-at-love romance. I love the 1001 Dark Nights Series because if you haven’t read the main series in which the book has come from – in this case the Masters and Mercenaries series, yet it doesn’t matter it’s like a little taste that will have you wanting more. This story was a great addition to both series!
I felt very protective of Genny right from the very beginning and to be quite honest I wasn’t sure if Wade deserved a second chance. Genny broke up with Wade fifteen years earlier through a DEAR JOHN letter but he never questioned why even knowing it wasn’t like her….WHATS UP WITH THAT???? Once Wade became aware of his wrongness in the situation he did grovel a bit, not enough if you ask me. What I did like was that he took Genny’s son Ash under his wing and not only did he show him how a man should really act with a woman but he definitely became the father figure the young man needed.
Domestic abuse not only effects the person being abused but others in their lives whether they are aware of it or not. I applaud Lexi Blake for giving us a true survivors story, Genny didn’t magically heal over night because after being abused for so many years it will take a long time to move on and remember it’s in your past. With all the men and women at McKay-Taggart and finally the love of the man that always held her heart I believe that Genny is well on her way to a better life for both her and Ash.
If you haven’t read the Masters and Mercenaries series yet, grab PROTECTED and give it a little taste I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Happy Reading!!!
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book**
Buying a Lexi Blake book is a guarantee that you will have a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. Her characters are dynamic, strong, interesting and multilayered. Her storylines have the perfect mix of romance and danger with just the right touches of humor added including a heavy dose of Ian Taggart’s sarcastic wit. The underlying sub-story here is one one of domestic abuse and how it colors everything in the victim’s life and how profoundly it also affects the children. Overcoming the effects of abuse is a long term and ongoing process.
Genny and Wade thought they had their lives mapped out until it was ripped from them through treachery and deceit. Now they must reconcile their pasts with their present; their feelings of betrayal, anger, hate, frustration, helplessness and love. No more running away. They have to face the problem of her ex head on. Genny’s 13 year old son Asher is smart and wise beyond his years despite growing up in a strictly contolled and oppresive household. He’s the reason she survived her horrendous marriage. Now Wade, Genny and Asher will stand together to fight a man bent on revenge.
A second chance that will keep you on your toes at full speed. Will Wade Rycroft get his redemption at love with his high school sweetheart, Geneva ‘Genny’ Harris?
Protected was nothing short of fast pace and thrilling. Lexi has brought all our favorite McKay-Taggert characters to help ‘protect’ Genny and her son, Ash from her abusive ex- Brock. She’s been through hell and back and it’s time to take her life back, but is it to late?
“if there is one thing I’ve learned its that you can put the pain off, but it has to be dealt with. It has to be felt or it lingers like that monster under the bed.”
I enjoyed it immensely.
Loved it completely.
100% unputdownable.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Wade Rycroft has returned home after a long absence. Geneva “Genny” Harris has an interesting way to get her point across. There is a secondary character named Asher that will tug at your heartstrings. He’s one of those that will grab your attention. You may find this story a little emotional.
Ever wonder what the term “mature beyond his years” means? Well as you get to know Ash it won’t take you long to make the connection. He does take my attention away from our main characters – just a little bit. A secret was revealed and I was hooked from that point on. It didn’t matter to me if this was a novella or not, I wasn’t going anywhere. Then I come upon another scene that lets me know that I was hooked good. Wade takes Genny to work and that scene gave me a good chuckle. It also had me wondering what else this author was going to surprise me with. And then she totally did it and I almost expected to hear her voice say “surprise!”
I read the book before this one and still have a lot in the Masters and Mercenaries series to catch up on. You can consider this one as a standalone but you may meet some couples that you want to know more about. You’ll have plenty of books to keep you busy for a while. If you’re still not sure, once you read Wade and Genny’s ending you will be.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
4.5 stars for – Protected – a Masters and Mercenaries novella by Lexi Blake. This book, like almost all the others can be read as a stand-alone but it is part of the 1001 Dark Nights series so it is at novella length. 15 years ago Wade and Genny were all set to marry when she left him and married someone else. Wade took off and joined the army. Now years later and a member of McKay-Taggart he has come back to town for his brother’s wedding and finds out that the woman who broke his heart needs some saving of her own. Wade quickly realizes everything he thought he knew back then was so wrong and decides he will do whatever it takes to win back the only woman he has ever loved.
This one has all the great things Lexi’s books are known for – dynamic, engaging characters that captivate you from the start mixed with insanely sexy kink, some “run for your life” type of danger and if were really lucky… someone with the last name Taggart will make an appearance too! While this book was short it truly lacked for nothing and I can’t wait to see who and what she gives us next!