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Masters & Mercenaries: Reloaded #2
The Dom Identity
A man with everything
Michael Malone seems to have it all. A wealthy, loving family. A job that fulfills him. Friends he can count on. But something is missing. He’s spent years watching his brother and close friends get married and start families, but it hasn’t happened for him. When an assignment comes up to investigate fallen Hollywood star Vanessa Hale, he jumps at the chance. She’s gorgeous and potentially deadly. Playing the spy game with her might be just the thing to take his mind off his troubles.
A woman with nothing left to lose
Vanessa Hale had big dreams that ended in scandal. She returned home with nothing but heartache and the desire to find her mother’s killer. The trail points to someone at Lodge Corp, so taking a job with Julian Lodge’s mysterious company is her best option for finding the truth. While she hunts for a killer during the day, she hopes to find some solace at night in The Club. Meeting the gorgeous, sexy and seemingly kind Michael Malone, their chemistry sparks in a way she’s never felt before, and Vanessa thinks maybe her luck has finally changed.
A love that might save them both
When Michael’s true motives are revealed, she will have to find a way to forgive his betrayal. The killer has made Vanessa their next target. Working together and stopping this monster is the only chance for them to have the real love they both deserve.
Michael Malone seems to have it all. A wealthy, loving family. A job that fulfills him. Friends he can count on. But something is missing. He’s spent years watching his brother and close friends get married and start families, but it hasn’t happened for him. When an assignment comes up to investigate fallen Hollywood star Vanessa Hale, he jumps at the chance. She’s gorgeous and potentially deadly. Playing the spy game with her might be just the thing to take his mind off his troubles.
A woman with nothing left to lose
Vanessa Hale had big dreams that ended in scandal. She returned home with nothing but heartache and the desire to find her mother’s killer. The trail points to someone at Lodge Corp, so taking a job with Julian Lodge’s mysterious company is her best option for finding the truth. While she hunts for a killer during the day, she hopes to find some solace at night in The Club. Meeting the gorgeous, sexy and seemingly kind Michael Malone, their chemistry sparks in a way she’s never felt before, and Vanessa thinks maybe her luck has finally changed.
A love that might save them both
When Michael’s true motives are revealed, she will have to find a way to forgive his betrayal. The killer has made Vanessa their next target. Working together and stopping this monster is the only chance for them to have the real love they both deserve.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2021
About the author
Lexi Blake
167 books6,241 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 181 reviews
September 12, 2021
5 STARS
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I will never get enough of this world. No matter how long the series, no matter the amount of spin-offs, this world and these characters will always be my favorite comfort.
This is book two in the new Masters and Mercenaries spinoff. If you haven't read that series, you're seriously missing out. But you can also dive into this one if you're intimidated by the amount of books in the M&M series. Though I highly recommend you at least read Treasured before this one to get a bit more Malone. And if you want to be fully engrained in this world, I recommend you also read Siren Enslaved to meet Julian, Finn and and Dani.
Now let's talk about this book. This was absolute trope candy for me and no one delivers on this quite like Lexi Blake.
I love when a story sets the scene to a major betrayal that everyone but the MCs see coming. You know it's coming. You know it's going to be good. You're foaming at the mouth until it happens because you know there will be a grovel to beat all grovels and you're so here for it. GOD. When I tell you this was utterly delicious. I mean it was FINGER LICKING GOOD.
Now I also love a good cross over, and this had the mother of all cross overs between M&M and Texas Sirens and Sanctum meets The Club. Vanessa Hale is a fallen Hollywood star with an infamous reputation. Painted by media as a difficult star and gold digger who married an old man for his money, she finds herself in the small town working for Julian's wife. She's also interested in finding out about the D/s lifestyle and wants to join The Club. But Julian doesn't trust that her reasons for being there are genuine, and so he hires Ian to get to the bottom of it. And so Michael Malone is assigned to be her Dom in training with an agenda to get to the bottom of the real reason Vanessa is there.
I don't have the words to describe to you how much I loved this story. Both Vanessa and Michael have their own demons from their past. Vanessa is used to no one seeing past what the gossip magazines and rumor have painted her image to be. The vain, gold digger. Michael is used to no one seeing past his family's money. Michael definitely judges a book by it's cover when it comes to Vanessa. But it doesn't take long for him to question himself when he starts to see the woman beneath the infamous Hollywood image. Of course being the stupid man that he is, he doesn't tell her anything and continues on with his mission while sleeping with her...because chemistry. And I couldn't wait for that other shoe to drop.
When I tell you I loved this book, I mean I LOVED this book. I devoured it in one sitting. Between the cross over, we also get a little more insight into the mysterious and tortured Kyle and GAH, I cannot wait for his book. But I digress. This book had everything; the suspense, the romance, the chemistry, the feels. ALL OF THE FEELS. I loved Michael and Vanessa together and when inevitably Michael screws up, I loved the grovel and how Vanessa made him work for it. Then of course in usual Lexi fashion she drops a chapter at the end that leaves you salivating for the next book.
If you're looking for a pulse pounding romantic suspense with a dash of sizzling BDSM and a story that's going to suck you in from page one and keep you at the edge of your seat until the end, READ THIS BOOK!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
He’d gone still, the tiniest bit predatory, and she hated the fact that it did something for her.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I will never get enough of this world. No matter how long the series, no matter the amount of spin-offs, this world and these characters will always be my favorite comfort.
This is book two in the new Masters and Mercenaries spinoff. If you haven't read that series, you're seriously missing out. But you can also dive into this one if you're intimidated by the amount of books in the M&M series. Though I highly recommend you at least read Treasured before this one to get a bit more Malone. And if you want to be fully engrained in this world, I recommend you also read Siren Enslaved to meet Julian, Finn and and Dani.
Now let's talk about this book. This was absolute trope candy for me and no one delivers on this quite like Lexi Blake.
Gay, straight, bi, it’s all the same. Suddenly big bad operative is all The bad girl isn’t so bad and if she did something wrong, my penis will fix it.”
I love when a story sets the scene to a major betrayal that everyone but the MCs see coming. You know it's coming. You know it's going to be good. You're foaming at the mouth until it happens because you know there will be a grovel to beat all grovels and you're so here for it. GOD. When I tell you this was utterly delicious. I mean it was FINGER LICKING GOOD.
Now I also love a good cross over, and this had the mother of all cross overs between M&M and Texas Sirens and Sanctum meets The Club. Vanessa Hale is a fallen Hollywood star with an infamous reputation. Painted by media as a difficult star and gold digger who married an old man for his money, she finds herself in the small town working for Julian's wife. She's also interested in finding out about the D/s lifestyle and wants to join The Club. But Julian doesn't trust that her reasons for being there are genuine, and so he hires Ian to get to the bottom of it. And so Michael Malone is assigned to be her Dom in training with an agenda to get to the bottom of the real reason Vanessa is there.
I don't have the words to describe to you how much I loved this story. Both Vanessa and Michael have their own demons from their past. Vanessa is used to no one seeing past what the gossip magazines and rumor have painted her image to be. The vain, gold digger. Michael is used to no one seeing past his family's money. Michael definitely judges a book by it's cover when it comes to Vanessa. But it doesn't take long for him to question himself when he starts to see the woman beneath the infamous Hollywood image. Of course being the stupid man that he is, he doesn't tell her anything and continues on with his mission while sleeping with her...because chemistry. And I couldn't wait for that other shoe to drop.
When I tell you I loved this book, I mean I LOVED this book. I devoured it in one sitting. Between the cross over, we also get a little more insight into the mysterious and tortured Kyle and GAH, I cannot wait for his book. But I digress. This book had everything; the suspense, the romance, the chemistry, the feels. ALL OF THE FEELS. I loved Michael and Vanessa together and when inevitably Michael screws up, I loved the grovel and how Vanessa made him work for it. Then of course in usual Lexi fashion she drops a chapter at the end that leaves you salivating for the next book.
If you're looking for a pulse pounding romantic suspense with a dash of sizzling BDSM and a story that's going to suck you in from page one and keep you at the edge of your seat until the end, READ THIS BOOK!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
September 15, 2021
I’m not sure why I ever strayed away from the Masters and Mercenaries world. I was an avid reader of them for some time, and then inexplicably they somehow they fell off my radar screen. The Dom Identity has me questioning why I ever stopped reading these amazing stories, and has me making a backlist of all the books I need to catch up on! Lexi Blake is truly a master storyteller, pulling the reader into an entire existence where governments can be toppled at the flick of a mouse, smart women can bring strong, domineering men to their knees, and mothers still save the day. I loved these James Bond-esque romps through the high powered world of corporate security and the dungeons of the filthy rich, and The Dom Identity was the perfect story I needed to get me back into this world. Even having missed a number of books in between, I felt right at home once I started in on Michael and Vanessa’s story. I felt as if I hadn’t missed a beat and had no trouble following along with this pair that were so headstrong and just simply right for one another. As an actress labeled as a difficult, money hungry starlet, Vanessa was much more complicated than she initially appeared, and proved that looks could be deceiving. I loved this strong woman who always stayed true to herself and those that loved her, despite the crappy hand life had dealt her. Trying to solve the mystery of her sister’s murder by stepping into the life she had lived, both at work for Lodge Corp. and at play in the dungeons of The Club, Vanessa seemed to be finally accepted for the first time in her life. It almost broke my heart that she viewed this as a performance and that the people around her were actually using her at the same time they grew to care for her. For his part in the charade, Michael was so sweet. He knew he had a job to do for McKay-Taggart, investigating Vanessa for the suspicious owner of Lodge Corp., but he was never loose with his emotions. Michael may have also been playing a role when he was assigned as a training Dom to the new club member in an attempt to keep tabs on her, but his feelings were always true, and the way in which he handled Vanessa was always from his heart. I adored Michael and felt for him based on the untenable position he found himself in. Surrounded by a cast of crazy Doms, brilliant and driven women, an inappropriate Ian Taggart and one Julian Lodge who I was so surprised and happy to see again from Sophie Oak’s books, this book was such a treat for me. I loved every moment of this smart, sexy story, and the way it flowed right into the next has me hungry for more!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
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May 24, 2022
Read this one because it has a trope I hate-love: the hero who seduced the heroine for ulterior motives and then has to grovel when she finds out, because he's fallen in love with her.
There was a decent-ish grovel in this one, though Michael has been a strong character for like 15 books so it's a shame the book wasn't quite as strong as it could've been.
There was a decent-ish grovel in this one, though Michael has been a strong character for like 15 books so it's a shame the book wasn't quite as strong as it could've been.
September 25, 2021
As much as I love Lexi Blake's books, choosing a favorite is always incredibly hard, but I think this one is going to be in my top 5 if not right at the top of the list!
I've been waiting for Michael to get his happily-ever-after and I love love love how clueless so many of Blake's heroes are when it comes to thinking they can control everything, have their cake and eat it too. As much as I loved Liam coming clean early on to Avery, I love watching these Alpha males step in it and then have to work to make it up to their ladies even more.
And what a lady! Vanessa was an incredibly compelling heroine. I loved all the messages in this book around her and around how women are treated in general. Lexi Blake always has strong heroines, which is why I love her books, but Vanessa's particularly heartwrenching because of how much of the world has tried to tear away at her strength.
I loved every second of this book and I know this will be one of my top re-reads... over and over and over and over again!
I've been waiting for Michael to get his happily-ever-after and I love love love how clueless so many of Blake's heroes are when it comes to thinking they can control everything, have their cake and eat it too. As much as I loved Liam coming clean early on to Avery, I love watching these Alpha males step in it and then have to work to make it up to their ladies even more.
And what a lady! Vanessa was an incredibly compelling heroine. I loved all the messages in this book around her and around how women are treated in general. Lexi Blake always has strong heroines, which is why I love her books, but Vanessa's particularly heartwrenching because of how much of the world has tried to tear away at her strength.
I loved every second of this book and I know this will be one of my top re-reads... over and over and over and over again!
September 15, 2021
ETA: the more I think about it, the more it annoys me how easily the heroine folded. It didn't seem like she was the least bit hurt; it was more like she was embarrassed which was probably why she got over her snit in two-point-zero seconds. But I think that's just the way the heroines in this series are...
Downgraded to 2 stars.
******************************************************************************
2.5 stars rounded up.
It's a decent read but this was almost a DNF. My biggest pet peeve is when all the side characters guilt the heroine into forgiving the hero for fucking up. It kind of ruined the book for me, so I had to skip over it in order to get to the end.
Downgraded to 2 stars.
******************************************************************************
2.5 stars rounded up.
It's a decent read but this was almost a DNF. My biggest pet peeve is when all the side characters guilt the heroine into forgiving the hero for fucking up. It kind of ruined the book for me, so I had to skip over it in order to get to the end.
September 15, 2021
Delicious anticipation….
What happens when you mix a man who has it all with a woman who seems like she does? Well, you don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers or online, for starters. Words to live by as Michael found that out for himself in this D/S-tinged, romantic suspense. Michael was not keen on his new investigative assignment as he believed he knew everything he needed to know about Vanessa already. And what he thought he knew, tinged every early interaction they had. Vanessa, on the other hand, seemed to have more depth then he gave her credit for. Assigned as mentor/student, a cover for both of them, they were going to get personal very quickly and there wouldn’t be much room for lies…
I love revisiting the McKay-Taggart world and Michael and Vanessa provided the best catalyst for another family-centric, ensemble read. Make no mistake, Michael and Vanessa were the focus as they tried to concentrate on their hidden agendas. Darn those pesky feelings for getting in the way! I’m not a big fan of lies from the H and h but this author provided complex characters, a unique scenario and, above all, a great read. The lies were tempered with honesty (when you read you’ll understand!) that made the plot not only believable but had me completely invested in early on. Vanessa and Michael both had some explaining to do and that meant a wild ride that had me on the edge of the pages throughout. They weren’t the only ones nervous about how it was all going turn out…
I fell a little more in love with this ensemble cast as much-liked, and refreshing new, supporting characters had me laughing and misty, in turn. This is only the second in the spin-off series but I’m hoping (like the original) there will be many more to come…. ~Diane, 5 stars
What happens when you mix a man who has it all with a woman who seems like she does? Well, you don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers or online, for starters. Words to live by as Michael found that out for himself in this D/S-tinged, romantic suspense. Michael was not keen on his new investigative assignment as he believed he knew everything he needed to know about Vanessa already. And what he thought he knew, tinged every early interaction they had. Vanessa, on the other hand, seemed to have more depth then he gave her credit for. Assigned as mentor/student, a cover for both of them, they were going to get personal very quickly and there wouldn’t be much room for lies…
I love revisiting the McKay-Taggart world and Michael and Vanessa provided the best catalyst for another family-centric, ensemble read. Make no mistake, Michael and Vanessa were the focus as they tried to concentrate on their hidden agendas. Darn those pesky feelings for getting in the way! I’m not a big fan of lies from the H and h but this author provided complex characters, a unique scenario and, above all, a great read. The lies were tempered with honesty (when you read you’ll understand!) that made the plot not only believable but had me completely invested in early on. Vanessa and Michael both had some explaining to do and that meant a wild ride that had me on the edge of the pages throughout. They weren’t the only ones nervous about how it was all going turn out…
I fell a little more in love with this ensemble cast as much-liked, and refreshing new, supporting characters had me laughing and misty, in turn. This is only the second in the spin-off series but I’m hoping (like the original) there will be many more to come…. ~Diane, 5 stars
September 9, 2021
This was my first Lexi Blake read and I’ll be honest and tell you that I needed some time to get in the grove of the story and connect with everyone.
But when I did I was in for a ride; I’m not sure what I expected but this was not it. The mystery and danger was on point, chemistry was sizzling and you can't help but want to slap Michael because he should have known better and told her the truth the minute he sensed something was not right but also love him to death because he was not going to give up on her.
Now let’s talk about that epilogue; it will leave you wanting more so you bet your ass I’m coming back to this world because now I’m hooked.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
But when I did I was in for a ride; I’m not sure what I expected but this was not it. The mystery and danger was on point, chemistry was sizzling and you can't help but want to slap Michael because he should have known better and told her the truth the minute he sensed something was not right but also love him to death because he was not going to give up on her.
Now let’s talk about that epilogue; it will leave you wanting more so you bet your ass I’m coming back to this world because now I’m hooked.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
February 11, 2023
I was very into this. I've been waiting for Michael's book for a while now, and this did not disappoint. It was nice spending a little time with Simon and Chelsea again, and seeing JT and the rest of the Malone family. I really liked the approach to Vanessa's story too, and I appreciated that the central conflict between Michael and Vanessa happened close to the 2/3 mark in the book so there was still plenty of page space left to explore the conflict and come to a resolution.
Kyle is being very stubborn and ridiculous, and I hope MaeBe gives him a lot of hell for it when their book finally rolls around. (For the record, I'm into it.) In the meantime, I'm simultaneously very into the set up for Deke's book and annoyed at myself for being nearly caught up on this series enough that I have to wait until March to read it. As fun as it was to take a temporary detour to Julian's club, it seems like we should be back at Sanctum for Deke's book (just given the title).
My one real nitpick here is that I was really expecting the continued mention of Dana throughout the Weston/Malone books to have more payoff. Maybe it's because Blake doesn't usually plant seeds like that without seeing them through, and since I believe we got references to her several times in previous books dating all the way back to Simon's, I admit I was disappointed not to have gotten more of an answer other than mentions of her disappearance. Still, overall I got a lot of enjoyment from reading this one.
Reread 2/5/23: Yeah, I stand by my original review, right down to still being annoyed we never got more about Dana. Vanessa and Michael are both great leads. Love the Weston/Malone family dynamics.
Kyle is being very stubborn and ridiculous, and I hope MaeBe gives him a lot of hell for it when their book finally rolls around. (For the record, I'm into it.) In the meantime, I'm simultaneously very into the set up for Deke's book and annoyed at myself for being nearly caught up on this series enough that I have to wait until March to read it. As fun as it was to take a temporary detour to Julian's club, it seems like we should be back at Sanctum for Deke's book (just given the title).
My one real nitpick here is that I was really expecting the continued mention of Dana throughout the Weston/Malone books to have more payoff. Maybe it's because Blake doesn't usually plant seeds like that without seeing them through, and since I believe we got references to her several times in previous books dating all the way back to Simon's, I admit I was disappointed not to have gotten more of an answer other than mentions of her disappearance. Still, overall I got a lot of enjoyment from reading this one.
Reread 2/5/23: Yeah, I stand by my original review, right down to still being annoyed we never got more about Dana. Vanessa and Michael are both great leads. Love the Weston/Malone family dynamics.
November 10, 2021
4.5⭐️’s
The Dom Identity : Michael & Vanessa
It goes without saying it would not shock him in the slightest if he were to hear me say this, but, Big Tag is totally right. 🤣🤣
This younger generation of growly-alpha, know-it-all, dumb-asshats-with-hearts-disguised-as-assholes just need to follow the hard-learned advice shared by their (now) enlightened brethren, get out of their own way, and listen to the women-folk. Not, as they seem stubbornly inclined to do, the magic contained within their penises.
However, luckily for us, it’s as entertaining as hell when each dude (finally, in Michael’s case!) gets his turn…and turns out they think they’re the exception and that they know better.
Lawwd, I wanted to smack several of them upside the head (on several occasions) during this read, at the same time also wanting to pat their cheek and say, “aww, you’re so cute when you’re clueless!” 🤣🤣🤣.
The Dom Identity is another gripping, twisty, angsty, sweet, sexy and multi-plot layered instalment, and I am here for all of it!
And Lexi, as for the continued tension being built by the plot easter eggs regarding a certain tasty-but-damaged Hawthorne biscuit - I’m about to burst already woman! Sheeesh, I’d forgotten how good you were at this shiz!
This said, I’m ok with Deke being up next, because, we’ll, he’s Deke…but faaaarrrk - quit edging us would ya, and give us Kyle already!
The Dom Identity : Michael & Vanessa
It goes without saying it would not shock him in the slightest if he were to hear me say this, but, Big Tag is totally right. 🤣🤣
This younger generation of growly-alpha, know-it-all, dumb-asshats-with-hearts-disguised-as-assholes just need to follow the hard-learned advice shared by their (now) enlightened brethren, get out of their own way, and listen to the women-folk. Not, as they seem stubbornly inclined to do, the magic contained within their penises.
However, luckily for us, it’s as entertaining as hell when each dude (finally, in Michael’s case!) gets his turn…and turns out they think they’re the exception and that they know better.
Lawwd, I wanted to smack several of them upside the head (on several occasions) during this read, at the same time also wanting to pat their cheek and say, “aww, you’re so cute when you’re clueless!” 🤣🤣🤣.
The Dom Identity is another gripping, twisty, angsty, sweet, sexy and multi-plot layered instalment, and I am here for all of it!
And Lexi, as for the continued tension being built by the plot easter eggs regarding a certain tasty-but-damaged Hawthorne biscuit - I’m about to burst already woman! Sheeesh, I’d forgotten how good you were at this shiz!
This said, I’m ok with Deke being up next, because, we’ll, he’s Deke…but faaaarrrk - quit edging us would ya, and give us Kyle already!
September 13, 2021
This is a must read book. The foreword in this book is particularly meaningful and provides great insight into the characters in this book. I want to thank Ms. Blake for bringing awareness to a detrimental bias against women's body. I loved Vanessa and she is the bomb.
This book contains everything I love about romance, suspense and kink. We have two characters with hot chemistry - Vanessa and Michael. We have perception issues that cause hurtful conflict. We have an entitled jerk who feels perpetrates malicious rumours and horrible character defamation as well as commits acts of violence. We have urber Doms making guest appearances.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
This book contains everything I love about romance, suspense and kink. We have two characters with hot chemistry - Vanessa and Michael. We have perception issues that cause hurtful conflict. We have an entitled jerk who feels perpetrates malicious rumours and horrible character defamation as well as commits acts of violence. We have urber Doms making guest appearances.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
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September 16, 2021
A genuine D/s mystery. I'm glad Michael figured Vanessa out pretty quickly and I'm glad she didn't forgive him immediately. He had to do some groveling! 4 stars
September 18, 2021
Gratuitous slam on Monica Lewinsky undercut the books rather heavy handed emphasis on accepting the various choices women make about their lives and bodies.
September 16, 2021
Check out our full post for THE DOM IDENTITY on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
M/F BDSM Mystery
Triggers: Hidden because they may contain spoilers.
Michael Malone might come from money, but he doesn’t live his life in a manner that would suggest that. He loves his job working with the crew that’s become his second family. When an assignment comes up, the assumptions that Michael makes about his new assignment will show him exactly the kind of blinders he’s been wearing.
Vanessa Hale has had a lot dumped on her in her short lifetime. She was once idealistic, carefree, and wanting to take on the world. Now that she’s been walked over, criticized to within an inch of her life, and vilified, she can’t help but want to see something good come of all of her hurt. With her sister in her mind, Vanessa sets out to solve her sister’s death.
Michael and Vanessa complement each other. Both come from pasts they’d rather not show, but both also hold their cards close to the vest. Their chemistry is something that a lot of couples strive to obtain. But with the mission hanging in the way, can Vanessa and Michael find their happy ever after?
This is a great mix of romance, mystery, danger, and forgiveness. Men being men make decisions that ultimately prove to be the wrong choice and when the truth comes out, everyone will be scrambling to figure out the true mission.
Mary – ☆☆☆☆☆
Michael Malone is part of the McKay-Taggart team and he is part of the "club scene" too. When his next job is to be the dom to Vanessa and to find out what he can about her, he was not expecting to fall for her.
Vanessa Hale is an actress wanting to know who killed her sister and who is after her. Joining the club and her sister's job should get her closer to the people in her sister's life. What she wasn't expecting was Michael, the dom that would take her on.
As the two get closer and she learns more about her sister, things begin to change between them. When Vanessa learns the truth about Michael's involvement, she has to learn what else he has lied about. Now she doesn't know who she can trust.
Can Michael earn back her trust? Is there a future for them in the end? Will they find out who is after her?
I love this series and am so glad we got Michael and Vanessa's story. It is filled with suspense, intrigue, full of action, funny, loving, heartbreaking, and happily ever after. Author Lexi Blake has a way of pulling you into this series from the very first page and keeping you in this story until the end, you will not want to put it down. I cannot wait for more.
Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the new series, but there are over 20 books in this wonderful world created by the very talented Lexi Blake. I am always so excited when a new book is released, as it is a perfect opportunity to rejoin the McKay-Taggart world and catch up with all the family. If you have not read one before, then you are in for a huge treat – and I imagine you will be starting at the beginning and enjoy all the goodness in order.
Only a short while ago, Tessa ended her engagement to Michael and found love with another. Michael is genuinely happy for her, but he clearly thinks that was his only chance at love, and it didn't work. So, when he is given a task to investigate up close and personally with a discredited starlet, he is less than happy about it. We know that something is going to work out, as we trust the author to give us a love affair that will keep us on our toes.
Vanessa, reviled by the press for being the widow of a man old enough to have been her grandfather and taking all the family money, is hiding out in Dallas, working for her dead sister's boss. Linked to the McKay-Taggart family, when some money goes missing, they are called in to find out what is happening. Hence Michael is now involved... and when I say involved, he is going to be getting very close as he becomes her training dom at The Club. She is secretly looking into her sister's death, as she thinks it may be due to someone at The Club.
There are a number of crossing plots and twists thrown in to deflect and confuse – classic Blake techniques, which work really well as ever. There is a perfect mix of subterfuge, erotic encounters, and a nascent romance. Much as these two can't imagine their lives having a happy ending, everyone else can see what they are blind to!
Very enjoyable read, I recommend it to you.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
September 12, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
This is the second book in the new series, but there are over 20 books in this wonderful world created by the very talented Lexi Blake. I am always so excited when a new book is released, as it is a perfect opportunity to rejoin the MT world, and catch up with all the family. If you have not read one before, then you are in for a huge treat - and I imagine you will be starting at the beginning and enjoy all the goodness in order.
Only a short while ago, Tessa ended her engagement to Michael and found love with another. Michael is genuinely happy for her, but he clearly thinks that was his only chance at love, and it didn't work. So when he is given a task to investigate up close and personally with a discredited starlet, he is less than happy about it. We know that something is going to work out - as we trust the author to give us a love affair that will keep us on our toes.
Vanessa, reviled by the press for being the widow of a man old enough to have been her grandfather, and taking all the family money, is hiding out in Dallas, working for her dead sister's boss. Linked to the McKay-Taggart family, when some money goes missing, they are called in to find out what is happening. Hence Michael is now involved ... and when I say involved, he is going to be getting very close as he becomes her training Dom at The Club. She is secretly looking into her sister's death, as she thinks it may be due to someone at The Club.
There are a number of crossing plots and twists thrown in to deflect and confuse - classic Blake techniques, which works really well as ever. There is a perfect mix of subterfuge, erotic encounters, and a nascent romance. Much as these two can't imagine their lives having a happy ending, everyone else can see what they are blind to!
Very enjoyable read, I recommend it to you.
This is the second book in the new series, but there are over 20 books in this wonderful world created by the very talented Lexi Blake. I am always so excited when a new book is released, as it is a perfect opportunity to rejoin the MT world, and catch up with all the family. If you have not read one before, then you are in for a huge treat - and I imagine you will be starting at the beginning and enjoy all the goodness in order.
Only a short while ago, Tessa ended her engagement to Michael and found love with another. Michael is genuinely happy for her, but he clearly thinks that was his only chance at love, and it didn't work. So when he is given a task to investigate up close and personally with a discredited starlet, he is less than happy about it. We know that something is going to work out - as we trust the author to give us a love affair that will keep us on our toes.
Vanessa, reviled by the press for being the widow of a man old enough to have been her grandfather, and taking all the family money, is hiding out in Dallas, working for her dead sister's boss. Linked to the McKay-Taggart family, when some money goes missing, they are called in to find out what is happening. Hence Michael is now involved ... and when I say involved, he is going to be getting very close as he becomes her training Dom at The Club. She is secretly looking into her sister's death, as she thinks it may be due to someone at The Club.
There are a number of crossing plots and twists thrown in to deflect and confuse - classic Blake techniques, which works really well as ever. There is a perfect mix of subterfuge, erotic encounters, and a nascent romance. Much as these two can't imagine their lives having a happy ending, everyone else can see what they are blind to!
Very enjoyable read, I recommend it to you.
September 10, 2021
5 Star Review of The Dom Identity (Masters and Mercenaries Reloaded #2) by Lexi Blake
I know when I start a book by Lexi Blake that I am in for a riveting read and The Dom Identity was exactly that. This is Michael Malone and Vanessa Vale’s story. Michael is a man of secrets and after watching his brother and close friends fall in love he has to wonder if there is something missing in his life?
When his latest assignment sees him up close and personal with Vanessa he has no idea of the havoc that is about to reign down on his life. Vanessa is a woman on a mission, determined to find a killer. Infiltrating Lodge Corp to investigate her suspects, she also plays at The Club, a BDSM club run by Julian Lodge which is where she meets Dom, Michael.
As they explore BDSM together a relationship develops, although neither are aware of the secrets they hold. What happens when all is revealed? Will Vanessa be able to forgive Michael?
The chemistry and passion that sizzles between Michael and Vanessa is steamy. When danger rears it’s head and Vanessa is in the killer’s sight, Michael will have to use all his training to save Vanessa.
This is a fast paced story filled with suspense, danger, angst, intrigue, heat and emotions that had me on the edge of my seat with a number of twists and turns. The journey that Michael and Vanessa embark on is rocky but oh how it was worth it.
Another phenomenal read from Lexi Blake.
I know when I start a book by Lexi Blake that I am in for a riveting read and The Dom Identity was exactly that. This is Michael Malone and Vanessa Vale’s story. Michael is a man of secrets and after watching his brother and close friends fall in love he has to wonder if there is something missing in his life?
When his latest assignment sees him up close and personal with Vanessa he has no idea of the havoc that is about to reign down on his life. Vanessa is a woman on a mission, determined to find a killer. Infiltrating Lodge Corp to investigate her suspects, she also plays at The Club, a BDSM club run by Julian Lodge which is where she meets Dom, Michael.
As they explore BDSM together a relationship develops, although neither are aware of the secrets they hold. What happens when all is revealed? Will Vanessa be able to forgive Michael?
The chemistry and passion that sizzles between Michael and Vanessa is steamy. When danger rears it’s head and Vanessa is in the killer’s sight, Michael will have to use all his training to save Vanessa.
This is a fast paced story filled with suspense, danger, angst, intrigue, heat and emotions that had me on the edge of my seat with a number of twists and turns. The journey that Michael and Vanessa embark on is rocky but oh how it was worth it.
Another phenomenal read from Lexi Blake.
September 21, 2021
OMG! I love this author so much! The McKay & Taggart world she has created is bloody brilliant!!
Although this is book 2 of the Masters & Mercenaries, Reloaded series, it’s also part of her whole world of books, the Reloaded series is following the younger generation but we get the best of both worlds by having Ian Taggart & gang, and in this book Julian Lodge and family from the Bliss series (don’t worry if you’ve not read them, it can be read as a stand-alone, but be prepared to search back for their books!!)
I didn’t think I would like Vanessa at first, but as the saying goes never judge a book by its cover, the author certainly won me over with this character. She was brave, strong, kind and so lonely, I really felt those emotions jumping out of the book. Her past hasn’t been pretty, and those struggles are heartbreaking to read.
Michael Malone has been sent in to investigate Vanessa, but not all is what it seems. Michael is protective, kind and after his engagement ended he is feeling out of place, and also lonely, but when the two come together there’s a connection you can feel through the pages, with secrets and facts being omitted at the beginning of their relationship can they forgive each other to find their HEA/HFN.
There is danger, action, suspense & romance, oh and not forgetting Ian Taggart’s wit and wisdom 😂😂 loved catching up with our old favourite Masters and Mercenaries, and also loved seeing the ‘younger’ operatives find their own way of bonding. The small glimpses we’ve been getting of Kyle’s history and story is intriguing, I can’t wait for his book, sounds like it’s going to be an epic story!
Long may Lexi Blake’s Masters & Mercenaries world continue!! Every book is a winner!
Although this is book 2 of the Masters & Mercenaries, Reloaded series, it’s also part of her whole world of books, the Reloaded series is following the younger generation but we get the best of both worlds by having Ian Taggart & gang, and in this book Julian Lodge and family from the Bliss series (don’t worry if you’ve not read them, it can be read as a stand-alone, but be prepared to search back for their books!!)
I didn’t think I would like Vanessa at first, but as the saying goes never judge a book by its cover, the author certainly won me over with this character. She was brave, strong, kind and so lonely, I really felt those emotions jumping out of the book. Her past hasn’t been pretty, and those struggles are heartbreaking to read.
Michael Malone has been sent in to investigate Vanessa, but not all is what it seems. Michael is protective, kind and after his engagement ended he is feeling out of place, and also lonely, but when the two come together there’s a connection you can feel through the pages, with secrets and facts being omitted at the beginning of their relationship can they forgive each other to find their HEA/HFN.
There is danger, action, suspense & romance, oh and not forgetting Ian Taggart’s wit and wisdom 😂😂 loved catching up with our old favourite Masters and Mercenaries, and also loved seeing the ‘younger’ operatives find their own way of bonding. The small glimpses we’ve been getting of Kyle’s history and story is intriguing, I can’t wait for his book, sounds like it’s going to be an epic story!
Long may Lexi Blake’s Masters & Mercenaries world continue!! Every book is a winner!
September 15, 2021
Smutember continues with a highly entertaining who-done-it/undercover mystery with a healthy dash of BDSM. Lexi Blake is an instant buy author for me. She isn't exactly writing highbrow dramas that make you question the meaning of life but with the exception of the books she writes under a pseudonym, I am always left pleased and entertained. These are also wonderful books to go back to when you are bored or can't get my brain to stop.
This is the 2nd book in the Masters Reloaded series, for someone who hasn't read the original extremely long series the name dropping and mentions of children/couples might be frustrating however, I find this new series to be a bit more nuanced in the emotional relationship elements. That does mean that the dominant/submissive angles and the spy/action side stories are a bit less center stage however, for me makes them more enjoyable overall. This couple had a lot of individual emotional and mental walls to break through but by the end I bought their Happily Ever After more than some other couples in the series
This is the 2nd book in the Masters Reloaded series, for someone who hasn't read the original extremely long series the name dropping and mentions of children/couples might be frustrating however, I find this new series to be a bit more nuanced in the emotional relationship elements. That does mean that the dominant/submissive angles and the spy/action side stories are a bit less center stage however, for me makes them more enjoyable overall. This couple had a lot of individual emotional and mental walls to break through but by the end I bought their Happily Ever After more than some other couples in the series
September 20, 2021
What a ride!
Michael and Vanessa started out as a lie but situations change and feelings develop, leading to problems as we all know a relationship can't stand on lies.
I love tho how these two worked together and played their part in figuring out their relationship and also trying to survive a killer.
These two make a great couple..obviously there is plenty of heat and plenty of issues they have to work through.
I really felt for Vanessa but I was also proud of her character and her attitude.
A suspense and wild ride that kept me glued to my kindle!
Michael and Vanessa started out as a lie but situations change and feelings develop, leading to problems as we all know a relationship can't stand on lies.
I love tho how these two worked together and played their part in figuring out their relationship and also trying to survive a killer.
These two make a great couple..obviously there is plenty of heat and plenty of issues they have to work through.
I really felt for Vanessa but I was also proud of her character and her attitude.
A suspense and wild ride that kept me glued to my kindle!
September 18, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Her books just seem to be getting better and better. I loved the way Michael grovelled at the end. Vanessa is misunderstood and misrepresented. Poor girl hasn’t had someone she can trust properly.
Verdict: Don’t judge the book by the cover
Verdict: Don’t judge the book by the cover
September 18, 2021
The Dom Identity (Masters & Mercenaries: Reloaded #2) by Lexie Blake
5 stars
M/F BDSM Mystery
Triggers: Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Michael Malone might come from money, but he doesn’t live his life in a manner that would suggest that. He loves his job working with the crew that’s become his second family. When an assignment comes up, the assumptions that Michael makes about his new assignment will show him exactly the kind of blinder’s he’s been wearing.
Vanessa Hale has had a lot dumped on her in her short lifetime. She was once idealistic, care free and wanting to take on the world. Now that she’s been walked over, criticized to within an inch of her life and vilified, she can’t help but want to see something good come of all of her hurt. With her sister in her mind, Vanessa sets out to solve her sister’s death.
Michael and Vanessa compliment each other. Both come from pasts they’d rather not show, but both also hold their cards close to the vest. Their chemistry is something that a lot of couples strive to obtain. But, with the mission hanging in the way, can Vanessa and Michael find their happy ever after?
This is a great mix of romance, mystery, danger and forgiveness. Men being men make decisions that ultimately prove to be the wrong choice and when the truth comes out, everyone will be scrambling to figure out the true mission.
5 stars
M/F BDSM Mystery
Triggers: Stalking
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Michael Malone might come from money, but he doesn’t live his life in a manner that would suggest that. He loves his job working with the crew that’s become his second family. When an assignment comes up, the assumptions that Michael makes about his new assignment will show him exactly the kind of blinder’s he’s been wearing.
Vanessa Hale has had a lot dumped on her in her short lifetime. She was once idealistic, care free and wanting to take on the world. Now that she’s been walked over, criticized to within an inch of her life and vilified, she can’t help but want to see something good come of all of her hurt. With her sister in her mind, Vanessa sets out to solve her sister’s death.
Michael and Vanessa compliment each other. Both come from pasts they’d rather not show, but both also hold their cards close to the vest. Their chemistry is something that a lot of couples strive to obtain. But, with the mission hanging in the way, can Vanessa and Michael find their happy ever after?
This is a great mix of romance, mystery, danger and forgiveness. Men being men make decisions that ultimately prove to be the wrong choice and when the truth comes out, everyone will be scrambling to figure out the true mission.
September 14, 2021
Heart pounding suspense, love and forgiveness and some super sexy scenes!
Former Hollywood actress Vanessa Hale has been dealt a low blow by the media. They portray her as a difficult-to-work-with actress who is an undiscerning tramp. When she married eighty-year-old billionaire George Benedict they labeled her a gold digger. After George's death Vanessa moves to Dallas to live in the house her deceased sister Nicki left her. Vanessa had been kicked out of her former home by George's son who is contesting the will. She meets Dani Lodge, Julian Lodge's wife and accepts her offer to work as her assistant, Nicki's job prior to her death. Vanesa finds Nicki's journal which leads Vanessa to believe her sister had a stalker, a dom she met at Julian Lodge's club, The Club, who caused Nicki's death. Vanessa is determined to get access to The Club so she asks to be trained as a submissive to get that access. Julian Lodge suspects Vanessa of embezzling money from Dani's company so he goes to McKay-Taggart to have Vanessa investigated. Enter Michael Malone as Vanessa's training Dom.
Michael Malone comes from a very weathy Texas oil family. When he was younger he felt he didn't fit in so he joined the Navy. He ends up working for McKay-Taggart. Michael has mixed feelings about Vanessa Hale. She looks guilty and he tends to believe the media stories about her. When he gets to know her he begins to doubt her guilt. Michael didn't plan on falling for Vanessa but it always seems to work out that way for McKay-Taggart agents. How is he going to explain away his investigation of Vanessa though?
The Dom Identity by Lexi Blake is the second book in her Masters and Mercenaries: Reloaded series. This is the series about the younger generation of McKay-Taggart agents. There's still plenty of Ian Taggart in this series. Thank goodness! The storyline is filled with action, off-the-charts, heart pounding suspense, great characters, hot scenes and witty dialogue. Oh, and dumb guys who make dumb mistakes when it comes to their women. I like how Ms. Blake sets up future stories with hints about characters and what they will face. I love Lexi Blake's voice. She writes can't-put-down books!
I received an ARC and am happy to leave a honest review.
Former Hollywood actress Vanessa Hale has been dealt a low blow by the media. They portray her as a difficult-to-work-with actress who is an undiscerning tramp. When she married eighty-year-old billionaire George Benedict they labeled her a gold digger. After George's death Vanessa moves to Dallas to live in the house her deceased sister Nicki left her. Vanessa had been kicked out of her former home by George's son who is contesting the will. She meets Dani Lodge, Julian Lodge's wife and accepts her offer to work as her assistant, Nicki's job prior to her death. Vanesa finds Nicki's journal which leads Vanessa to believe her sister had a stalker, a dom she met at Julian Lodge's club, The Club, who caused Nicki's death. Vanessa is determined to get access to The Club so she asks to be trained as a submissive to get that access. Julian Lodge suspects Vanessa of embezzling money from Dani's company so he goes to McKay-Taggart to have Vanessa investigated. Enter Michael Malone as Vanessa's training Dom.
Michael Malone comes from a very weathy Texas oil family. When he was younger he felt he didn't fit in so he joined the Navy. He ends up working for McKay-Taggart. Michael has mixed feelings about Vanessa Hale. She looks guilty and he tends to believe the media stories about her. When he gets to know her he begins to doubt her guilt. Michael didn't plan on falling for Vanessa but it always seems to work out that way for McKay-Taggart agents. How is he going to explain away his investigation of Vanessa though?
The Dom Identity by Lexi Blake is the second book in her Masters and Mercenaries: Reloaded series. This is the series about the younger generation of McKay-Taggart agents. There's still plenty of Ian Taggart in this series. Thank goodness! The storyline is filled with action, off-the-charts, heart pounding suspense, great characters, hot scenes and witty dialogue. Oh, and dumb guys who make dumb mistakes when it comes to their women. I like how Ms. Blake sets up future stories with hints about characters and what they will face. I love Lexi Blake's voice. She writes can't-put-down books!
I received an ARC and am happy to leave a honest review.
September 17, 2021
It's so great to get The Club masters and the Sanctum masters in one book! Add in some action that only a McKay Taggart story can provide and it's even better. An op where the target is female and the operator falls while exploring D/s takes me back to the beginning of MT and is a great way to start off the reloaded series. I can't wait for more!
March 6, 2022
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Michael Malone is part of the McKay-Taggart team and he is part of the "club scene" too. When his next job is to be the Dom to Vanessa and to find out what he can about her, he was not expecting to fall for her.
Vanessa Hale is an actress wanting to know who killed her sister and who is after her. Joining the club and her sister's job should get her closer to the people in her sister's life. What she wasn't expecting was Michael, the Dom that would take her on.
As the two get closer and she learns more about her sister, things begin to change between them. When Vanessa learns the truth about Michael's involvement, she has to learn what else he has lied about. Now she doesn't know who she can trust.
Can Michael earn back her trust? Is there a future for them in the end? Will they find out who is after her?
I love this series and am so glad we got Michael and Vanessa's story. It is filled with suspense, intriguing, full of action, funny, loving, heartbreaking, and happily ever after. Author Lexi Blake has a way of pulling you into this series from the very first page and keeping you in this story until the end, you will not want to put it down. I can not wait for more.
Michael Malone is part of the McKay-Taggart team and he is part of the "club scene" too. When his next job is to be the Dom to Vanessa and to find out what he can about her, he was not expecting to fall for her.
Vanessa Hale is an actress wanting to know who killed her sister and who is after her. Joining the club and her sister's job should get her closer to the people in her sister's life. What she wasn't expecting was Michael, the Dom that would take her on.
As the two get closer and she learns more about her sister, things begin to change between them. When Vanessa learns the truth about Michael's involvement, she has to learn what else he has lied about. Now she doesn't know who she can trust.
Can Michael earn back her trust? Is there a future for them in the end? Will they find out who is after her?
I love this series and am so glad we got Michael and Vanessa's story. It is filled with suspense, intriguing, full of action, funny, loving, heartbreaking, and happily ever after. Author Lexi Blake has a way of pulling you into this series from the very first page and keeping you in this story until the end, you will not want to put it down. I can not wait for more.
September 3, 2021
Family, intimacy, spies, and all the loveable sarcasm I adore while reading my favorite series. Everything right and perfect was in The Dom Identity, including talk about body positivity....YESZZZZ...and finding joy before life passes you by.
Lexi Blake has never shied away from strong women or the leading men who bring out confidence in their partner or partners. In this newest addition to one of my all time favorite series, Michael Malone and Vanessa Jones crack open body image, self esteem and how it all ties in to how a person projects what they feel and what others actually see whether they are in person, on stage, in the tabloids, etc...
It's hard enough for an everyday person to navigate the world and enjoy the body we live in, but for people like Michael and Vanessa, who live more in the world's eye, criticism is an everyday occurance. These two also circle what is involved being a couple in the eye of the public. Love is work for a normal couple, but elevate it with paparazzi and constant social injustice and a relationship seems almost impossible.
Michael Malone comes from a world of money, he's no stranger to what the media can get wrong, but he's also tried to live apart from it. Having a career outside of the oil business where the Malone name is tied too Michael sometimes feels disconnected from his blood relatives and the family he's tried to create. Some days he's so alone in the fact that he walks the line between two worlds he often wonders if he made the right decision, that is until he meets Vanessa Jones and sees that same loneliness in her.
Social media has given the world a way to project a very one dimensional view of any subject. People see what they want to see and let's face it, a lot of people are extremely harsh. Vanessa Jones, also known as Vanessa Hale on screen, hasn't had the best of luck when it comes to her career. Well, she has and she also hasn't. While she became famous with her looks, those looks also brought her criticism when it came to having a brain in her head as she sought out different roles. For her beauty, she must have used it to get ahead, probaby on her knees. If she asserts herself, then she's a cold, calculated b**ch and has emotional issues and her career suffered. Some days being a woman is not easy. It's lonely and becomes hard to trust those around you and Vanessa gives an excellent view into this life that many crave, but perhaps isn't all it's cracked up to be once you reach a high level of fame. Everyone thinks they know you, but do they really? Vanessa meets her other half and being with Michael is like coming home, until she learns the truth about why he's with her.
Michael is hired to investigate Vanessa, initially for Julian Lodge because Vanessa is working for his wife Dani. Michael should be honest and tell Vanessa why he's there, but once he gets to know her, the real her, he doesn't want to chance losing her. Where is Ian's inner monologue when he needs it, aside from the one telling him to wear a condom.
I loved returning to Julian's world and revisiting a lot of the members there while Michael and Vanessa are visiting The Club. Plus the younger generation, like Kyle, attend The Club because they don't want to see their parents parading around naked at Sanctum. It's too funny to hear them talk about it and fake gag, I giggle every single time. AND, the ongoing feud and frenemy status between Ian and Julian is always hilarious. I can't get enough of the sarcastic ribbing, so many good things in this reloaded series.
While the Malone family has been present in the last few novels and novellas, we get to know them even more along with the rambunctious grandchildren. The growing families is super exciting on every level and I wish I was better at keeping track of all the children, since I know there will be match ups within the McKay-Taggart agency or interconnected worlds. I can hardly wait to see each dad freak out when that happens.
Lasty, since I know I've already gone off tangent, while I still love Ian and his outlandish, yet honest, remarks "Michael did what all of my idiot employees do and fell for the client. Trust me. I've seen it a thousand times." As a secondary character, it was truly Kyle who stole the show in this book. Kyle reminds me of a young Tag, so I can't say Ian isn't far from my mind or still my favorite, but Kyle is sneaking up on Ian. Kyle is full of the Taggart sarcasm (most likely because he is the stepson of Sean Taggart and spent time with the entire Taggart clan as a child), but Kyle also has a very similar background to those he now works with. He's carrying a dark secret, which makes him hold back on friendship, love, deep connections of any kind, but he has these moments of honesty that are leading up to what will be a fantastic book. I can hardly wait!
Lexi Blake has never shied away from strong women or the leading men who bring out confidence in their partner or partners. In this newest addition to one of my all time favorite series, Michael Malone and Vanessa Jones crack open body image, self esteem and how it all ties in to how a person projects what they feel and what others actually see whether they are in person, on stage, in the tabloids, etc...
It's hard enough for an everyday person to navigate the world and enjoy the body we live in, but for people like Michael and Vanessa, who live more in the world's eye, criticism is an everyday occurance. These two also circle what is involved being a couple in the eye of the public. Love is work for a normal couple, but elevate it with paparazzi and constant social injustice and a relationship seems almost impossible.
Michael Malone comes from a world of money, he's no stranger to what the media can get wrong, but he's also tried to live apart from it. Having a career outside of the oil business where the Malone name is tied too Michael sometimes feels disconnected from his blood relatives and the family he's tried to create. Some days he's so alone in the fact that he walks the line between two worlds he often wonders if he made the right decision, that is until he meets Vanessa Jones and sees that same loneliness in her.
Social media has given the world a way to project a very one dimensional view of any subject. People see what they want to see and let's face it, a lot of people are extremely harsh. Vanessa Jones, also known as Vanessa Hale on screen, hasn't had the best of luck when it comes to her career. Well, she has and she also hasn't. While she became famous with her looks, those looks also brought her criticism when it came to having a brain in her head as she sought out different roles. For her beauty, she must have used it to get ahead, probaby on her knees. If she asserts herself, then she's a cold, calculated b**ch and has emotional issues and her career suffered. Some days being a woman is not easy. It's lonely and becomes hard to trust those around you and Vanessa gives an excellent view into this life that many crave, but perhaps isn't all it's cracked up to be once you reach a high level of fame. Everyone thinks they know you, but do they really? Vanessa meets her other half and being with Michael is like coming home, until she learns the truth about why he's with her.
Michael is hired to investigate Vanessa, initially for Julian Lodge because Vanessa is working for his wife Dani. Michael should be honest and tell Vanessa why he's there, but once he gets to know her, the real her, he doesn't want to chance losing her. Where is Ian's inner monologue when he needs it, aside from the one telling him to wear a condom.
I loved returning to Julian's world and revisiting a lot of the members there while Michael and Vanessa are visiting The Club. Plus the younger generation, like Kyle, attend The Club because they don't want to see their parents parading around naked at Sanctum. It's too funny to hear them talk about it and fake gag, I giggle every single time. AND, the ongoing feud and frenemy status between Ian and Julian is always hilarious. I can't get enough of the sarcastic ribbing, so many good things in this reloaded series.
While the Malone family has been present in the last few novels and novellas, we get to know them even more along with the rambunctious grandchildren. The growing families is super exciting on every level and I wish I was better at keeping track of all the children, since I know there will be match ups within the McKay-Taggart agency or interconnected worlds. I can hardly wait to see each dad freak out when that happens.
Lasty, since I know I've already gone off tangent, while I still love Ian and his outlandish, yet honest, remarks "Michael did what all of my idiot employees do and fell for the client. Trust me. I've seen it a thousand times." As a secondary character, it was truly Kyle who stole the show in this book. Kyle reminds me of a young Tag, so I can't say Ian isn't far from my mind or still my favorite, but Kyle is sneaking up on Ian. Kyle is full of the Taggart sarcasm (most likely because he is the stepson of Sean Taggart and spent time with the entire Taggart clan as a child), but Kyle also has a very similar background to those he now works with. He's carrying a dark secret, which makes him hold back on friendship, love, deep connections of any kind, but he has these moments of honesty that are leading up to what will be a fantastic book. I can hardly wait!
September 13, 2021
4.25 stars--THE DOM IDENTITY is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult MASTERS AND MERCENARIES: RELOADED erotic, romantic suspense series- a spin of from the author’s various interconnected Masters and Mercenaries series-fast forwarding the series several years. This is Dom/ security expert Michael Malone, and one-time Hollywood starlet, thirty-two year old, Vanessa Hale’s story line. THE DOM IDENTITY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line and series is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there are some scenes of bondage and discipline, domination and submission including spanking.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Michael and Vanessa) THE DOM IDENTITY follows the building romance and relationship between Dom/ security expert Michael Malone, and one-time Hollywood starlet, thirty-two year old, Vanessa Hale. Vanessa Hale’s sister Nicki is dead, and our heroine is determined to prove someone at The Club is behind her sister’s sudden demise. Hired by her sister’s former employer, Vanessa begins an investigation into the events leading up to her sister’s death including a membership at the exclusive BDSM The Club, where she will meet her future in the guise of Michael Malone. Not only will Michael becomes Vanessa’s Dom but Vanessa will have to submit to a man who is about to destroy her heart. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Michael and Vanessa, and the fall-out as Vanessa’s life continues to spiral out of control when her late husband’s family targets our heroine in a game of cat and mouse.
Michael Malone has been tasked with uncovering the truth about Vanessa Hale, an actress whose life has played out in the public domain following her marriage to, and the subsequent death of her aging, billionaire husband. Someone has stolen money from the Lodge Corporation, and thusly billionaire Dom Julian Lodge, and in this Vanessa is the prime suspect to everything that is about to go down. With no family or friends with whom she can trust, Vanessa finds herself the target of paparazzi, tabloids, gossip and innuendo, but never suspected the true heart break coming from the people with whom she works, and man with whom she will fall in love.
The relationship between Vanessa and Michael is predicted upon a number of lies. Vanessa is hoping to uncover the truth behind her sister’s unexpected death, and Michael is tasked with ensuing Vanessa is not a threat to the people he has come to call family and friends. As their D/s relationship begins to develop, Vanessa will discover that everything about her new life is a lie, and the people she trusted, are setting her up to fail. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense with some scenes of bondage and spanking.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have me in previous story lines including Charlotte and Big Tag, Julian, Finn and Danielle Lodge, McKay –Taggart agents David and Tessa, IT specialist Mae Beatrice Vaughn aka MaeBe, former CIA agent Kyle Hawthorne, Deke Murphy, Boomer, as well as Michael’s mother Ava Malone, and his brother JT. The requisite evil has many faces. Deke’s story is next in The Man From Sanctum. The members of The Club/Sanctum/and McKay Taggart are a family, such that each person is a part of the whole, a family that is often closer than blood.
THE DOM IDENTITY is a complex and detailed story of betrayal, deception and vengeance, power and control, obsession and retribution, secrets and lies, forgiveness and love. The premise is heart breaking, and impassioned; the romance is intimate and dramatic; the characters are flawed, spirited and broken.
www. thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise there are some scenes of bondage and discipline, domination and submission including spanking.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Michael and Vanessa) THE DOM IDENTITY follows the building romance and relationship between Dom/ security expert Michael Malone, and one-time Hollywood starlet, thirty-two year old, Vanessa Hale. Vanessa Hale’s sister Nicki is dead, and our heroine is determined to prove someone at The Club is behind her sister’s sudden demise. Hired by her sister’s former employer, Vanessa begins an investigation into the events leading up to her sister’s death including a membership at the exclusive BDSM The Club, where she will meet her future in the guise of Michael Malone. Not only will Michael becomes Vanessa’s Dom but Vanessa will have to submit to a man who is about to destroy her heart. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Michael and Vanessa, and the fall-out as Vanessa’s life continues to spiral out of control when her late husband’s family targets our heroine in a game of cat and mouse.
Michael Malone has been tasked with uncovering the truth about Vanessa Hale, an actress whose life has played out in the public domain following her marriage to, and the subsequent death of her aging, billionaire husband. Someone has stolen money from the Lodge Corporation, and thusly billionaire Dom Julian Lodge, and in this Vanessa is the prime suspect to everything that is about to go down. With no family or friends with whom she can trust, Vanessa finds herself the target of paparazzi, tabloids, gossip and innuendo, but never suspected the true heart break coming from the people with whom she works, and man with whom she will fall in love.
The relationship between Vanessa and Michael is predicted upon a number of lies. Vanessa is hoping to uncover the truth behind her sister’s unexpected death, and Michael is tasked with ensuing Vanessa is not a threat to the people he has come to call family and friends. As their D/s relationship begins to develop, Vanessa will discover that everything about her new life is a lie, and the people she trusted, are setting her up to fail. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense with some scenes of bondage and spanking.
There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have me in previous story lines including Charlotte and Big Tag, Julian, Finn and Danielle Lodge, McKay –Taggart agents David and Tessa, IT specialist Mae Beatrice Vaughn aka MaeBe, former CIA agent Kyle Hawthorne, Deke Murphy, Boomer, as well as Michael’s mother Ava Malone, and his brother JT. The requisite evil has many faces. Deke’s story is next in The Man From Sanctum. The members of The Club/Sanctum/and McKay Taggart are a family, such that each person is a part of the whole, a family that is often closer than blood.
THE DOM IDENTITY is a complex and detailed story of betrayal, deception and vengeance, power and control, obsession and retribution, secrets and lies, forgiveness and love. The premise is heart breaking, and impassioned; the romance is intimate and dramatic; the characters are flawed, spirited and broken.
www. thereadingcafe.com
September 14, 2021
O.M.G….I love all of Lexi Blake’s books. The Dom Identity is no exception. Lexi Blake is one of my top five favorite authors. The Dom Identity has all of my favorite elements that I absolutely love. I have read The Dom Identity and also listened to it on Audible. I have to say while I love the storyline and everything about the book but listening to Ryan West, the narrator, is awesome. He does most of Lexi’s books and he just adds a little more sexiness to The Dom Identity. Lexi‘s books are always filled with lots of twists, turns, things going sideways, drama, angst, secrets, revelations, fantastic characters, awesome storyline, emotions (fun is a big one when it comes to the Taggert-McKay clan which is part of several of Lexi’s series), and lots and lots of heat🔥🔥🌡 (the panty dropping kind). The Dom Identity have several characters from some of my favorite series and it’s spin offs. Some I haven’t heard about in a while and loved hearing how they are doing for example, Julian and his partners Finn, and Danielle and Wolf Myers. I also loved the reference to The Club, Julian’s BDSM club, and Sanctum, Ian’s BDSM club. If you have not read the Masters and Mercenaries, The Sanctum Nights series, Nights in Bliss, Colorado, or the Texas Siren’s series you are definitely missing out. While readers can enjoy The Dom Identity without reading those series it does make reading The Dom Identity that much more enjoyable just because the characters are cross referenced and the whole op, Michael is part of, takes place in Julian’s The Club. If you haven’t figured it out yet Lexi Blake writes the absolute best BDSM series I have ever read!! If you love BDSM erotic romances (remember there is a difference between erotic romances and erotica), or RH romance, then you will love Lexi Blake’s books.I highly recommend The Dom Identity and Lexi Blake as an author. You, readers, will not be disappointed no matter which book you choose to read from Lexi. Well, if you would like my full recommendations then you can read below or it can be read here https://www.facebook.com/groups/98502...
but I will end here for The Dom Identity review 😉. Happy Reading!!
I recommend starting with any of the following Masters and Mercenaries, Texas Sirens, or Nights in Bliss, Colorado even if you read The Dom Identity and then going to any of the above mentioned series. The first book I have ever read from Lexi Blake was her Masters in Ménage series and the started to read her Masters and Mercenaries series (her biggest series as some of the spin offs are included as part of the Masters and Mercenaries series for example her Topped, Master Bits and Mercenaries Bits, Lost Boys or Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten, and Crossover Collection) then progressed to Nights in Bliss and Texas Sirens series simultaneously. Or you could go to her website and find her reading order and follow that which is what I started doing when I read Nights in Bliss, Colorado and Texas Sirens series. I wished I had followed it from the beginning but I had no complaints of starting all over and reading from the very beginning of the list. For those who want to follow her reading order here is where it can be found https://static1.squarespace.com/stati... . I still love reading some of them all over again 🥰.
but I will end here for The Dom Identity review 😉. Happy Reading!!
I recommend starting with any of the following Masters and Mercenaries, Texas Sirens, or Nights in Bliss, Colorado even if you read The Dom Identity and then going to any of the above mentioned series. The first book I have ever read from Lexi Blake was her Masters in Ménage series and the started to read her Masters and Mercenaries series (her biggest series as some of the spin offs are included as part of the Masters and Mercenaries series for example her Topped, Master Bits and Mercenaries Bits, Lost Boys or Masters and Mercenaries: The Forgotten, and Crossover Collection) then progressed to Nights in Bliss and Texas Sirens series simultaneously. Or you could go to her website and find her reading order and follow that which is what I started doing when I read Nights in Bliss, Colorado and Texas Sirens series. I wished I had followed it from the beginning but I had no complaints of starting all over and reading from the very beginning of the list. For those who want to follow her reading order here is where it can be found https://static1.squarespace.com/stati... . I still love reading some of them all over again 🥰.
September 13, 2021
Amazon / Amazon Worldwide / Apple Books / Kobo / Nook / Google Play / Amazon Paperback
Michael's watched those around him fall in love and settle down, including his former fiancée, who's marrying his brother. So his new assignment, to dig into the life of Hollywood star, Vanessa, should be just the trick to get him out of his head. He's not looking to fall in love, the opposite in fact, but if being her new Dom allows him into her bed, that would be icing on the cake of this already plum assignment. Perhaps he should have listened to his colleague, though, who suggested he wasn't up to the job, that he wasn't going into it with the right mindset, that prejudging the troubled Hollywood star would end up biting HIM in the ass. Because now he's stepped in it and hurt that very woman with his deception, with his prejudicial thinking, and he has no idea how to redeem himself. He might not even be able to do that, may spend the rest of his life loving, watching over, the woman who now has his heart, but doesn't want it, doesn't want him, all because he wasn't honest with her, and didn't stop to think first that he could be wrong about her before even meeting her.
First I have to admit that I have a hit or miss type relationship with BDSM fiction. Sometimes I've enjoyed it, sometimes I've hated it, most times it's just meh for me. Thank God for Lexi Blake, though, because her BDSM stories, especially this one, are the perfect blend of BDSM, story, heart, and heat. The characters, especially the main couple, are all fully fleshed out, with imperfections and flaws that make them all the more lovable, the feelings are intense and passionate, and the heart shines through even the intense heat between them. Add in a healthy dose of action and suspense, and The Dom Identity is the perfect BDSM story, the kind I love and get so little of.
ARC via Social Butterfly PR for an honest review.
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September 16, 2021
Overall Grade: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Like her prior stories in the Masters and Mercenaries universe, Lexi Blake flexes her universe and character building muscles in her newest story, The Dom Identity. Her stories are whirlwinds of characters. In fact, I often wonder how she keeps track of various characters in a variety of series, and The Dom Identity is no different.
Michael Malone has been a fixture in the past few books of this universe. Having a broken engagement has led him to a life of work and some play, but a lot of loneliness. In this story, he finds himself investigating a former movie star, Vanessa, who has fallen under the scrutiny of Julian Lodge. Michael is tasked with acting as Vanessa’s dom at The Club so that he can investigate the movement of money within Julian’s wife’s business and the attempted hacking of her systems. Julian suspects Vanessa is up to no good; however, much of his suspicion lies with the way she has been written about in the news. Michael too has preconceived notions of her which sway him before he meets her. At their meet-cute, Michael finds himself attracted to her, and he vacillates between his duty and his feelings for her. As their story progresses, Vanessa works to protect herself from her own feelings for Michael, and he falls more and more in attraction to her. However, his investigation is bound to become an issue. Is Vanessa guilty of the actions Julian accuses her of, or will she and Michael find a happy ending, even after she finds out about his investigation of her?
There is much to The Dom Identity. One of the most profound parts of Lexi Blake’s book lies in Acknowledgements. She talks of the challenge by a reader over judgments made by writers about women with fake breasts. This causes her to reconsider the way that we prejudge people on perceptions. As her story spins, Lexi Blake, over and over again, magnifies our willingness to judge people before knowing them. With Vanessa’s characterization, Blake illustrates the way that the media influences our understanding of people, something that is oftentimes skewed. Her fight to live her life on her own terms compels you further into her story. I love how the double-standards of women and men in power is also highlighted.
Now, Michael is a fair hero. Here’s the thing. He underwhelmed me because he makes choices that seem contrary to his characterization. His unwillingness to tell Vanessa about his investigation feels like a choice he wouldn’t normally make. However, as a Lexi Blake story goes, Michael falls hard and fast for his heroine, and he must make amends when their relationship falls apart.
Besides the unevenness of Michael’s characterization, I also became weary of Michael and Vanessa’s fight towards vulnerability. It seemed redundant as they played tug-a-war with their feelings. And as a standard of a Blake romance in this series, it takes a life or death situation to place perspective on their situation.
And yes...there is lots of steam in this book and the characters from other series and stories find purchase in The Dom Identity.
If you love romantic suspense with a little BDSM on the side, then Lexi Blake’s newest book is exactly what you need right now.
Like her prior stories in the Masters and Mercenaries universe, Lexi Blake flexes her universe and character building muscles in her newest story, The Dom Identity. Her stories are whirlwinds of characters. In fact, I often wonder how she keeps track of various characters in a variety of series, and The Dom Identity is no different.
Michael Malone has been a fixture in the past few books of this universe. Having a broken engagement has led him to a life of work and some play, but a lot of loneliness. In this story, he finds himself investigating a former movie star, Vanessa, who has fallen under the scrutiny of Julian Lodge. Michael is tasked with acting as Vanessa’s dom at The Club so that he can investigate the movement of money within Julian’s wife’s business and the attempted hacking of her systems. Julian suspects Vanessa is up to no good; however, much of his suspicion lies with the way she has been written about in the news. Michael too has preconceived notions of her which sway him before he meets her. At their meet-cute, Michael finds himself attracted to her, and he vacillates between his duty and his feelings for her. As their story progresses, Vanessa works to protect herself from her own feelings for Michael, and he falls more and more in attraction to her. However, his investigation is bound to become an issue. Is Vanessa guilty of the actions Julian accuses her of, or will she and Michael find a happy ending, even after she finds out about his investigation of her?
There is much to The Dom Identity. One of the most profound parts of Lexi Blake’s book lies in Acknowledgements. She talks of the challenge by a reader over judgments made by writers about women with fake breasts. This causes her to reconsider the way that we prejudge people on perceptions. As her story spins, Lexi Blake, over and over again, magnifies our willingness to judge people before knowing them. With Vanessa’s characterization, Blake illustrates the way that the media influences our understanding of people, something that is oftentimes skewed. Her fight to live her life on her own terms compels you further into her story. I love how the double-standards of women and men in power is also highlighted.
Now, Michael is a fair hero. Here’s the thing. He underwhelmed me because he makes choices that seem contrary to his characterization. His unwillingness to tell Vanessa about his investigation feels like a choice he wouldn’t normally make. However, as a Lexi Blake story goes, Michael falls hard and fast for his heroine, and he must make amends when their relationship falls apart.
Besides the unevenness of Michael’s characterization, I also became weary of Michael and Vanessa’s fight towards vulnerability. It seemed redundant as they played tug-a-war with their feelings. And as a standard of a Blake romance in this series, it takes a life or death situation to place perspective on their situation.
And yes...there is lots of steam in this book and the characters from other series and stories find purchase in The Dom Identity.
If you love romantic suspense with a little BDSM on the side, then Lexi Blake’s newest book is exactly what you need right now.
September 9, 2021
I'm always excited and eager to dive into any Lexi Blake new release, but I absolutely adore her Masters & Mercenaries series and this new spin-off. It's an all-time favorite, and I just love the entire McKay-Taggart family. This time, it's Michael Malone's story. Seeing glimpses of his character in several previous installments, he had me all curious and anxious to explore all of his secrets. Blake did not disappoint when penning Michael and Vanessa's BDSM romantic tale as The Dom Identity was another excellent and exceptionally written 5-star read jam-packed with passion, suspense and all "the feels." A truly nail-biting and emotional journey.
Former Navy officer, now an integral part of the M-T team, Michael walked away from his family's lucrative oil business and substantial wealth to become his own man. However, he feels a little lost in life as most of his friends have blissfully fallen in love, and that includes his ex-fiancé, Tessa. Seemingly hopeless, it's difficult for Michael to find the right woman to begin a D/s relationship to fulfill his needs and desires. And because of his wealth, it's become difficult for him to find someone trustworthy. But when the opportunity arises to investigate the scandalous former starlet, Vanessa Hale, this Dom's life is suddenly turned upside down - in a good way.
Vanessa's character seriously pulled on my heartstrings. A woman without family and hardly any friends, the world was unkind towards her. Ridiculed by all, targeted by her villainous stepson, accused of embezzlement by her current employer, I found myself tearing up several times throughout this read, seeing all of the misfortunes she had experienced. The cruelty she endured was totally undeserved.
Regardless, Vanessa was a heroine who possessed a tremendous amount of strength despite all of her hardships, and I admired her endless determination. Her unwavering focus on fulfilling her late husband's wishes and investigating the circumstances surrounding her sister's untimely death led Vanessa to "The Club," the BDSM world, and Michael Malone. The road this couple traveled was bumpy and riddled with obstacles, secrets and deceptions. But I adored how their relationship blossomed, how they each learned to trust and support each other, and how deeply they fell in love.
Michael was the perfectly flawed hero who went above and beyond to help Vanessa and worked hard to regain her trust and affections. In turn, Vanessa proved she fell for the man Michael had become and not after his family's fortune. In the end, this was a beautiful love story about forgiveness, redemption, the bonds of friendship, and family and two broken souls yearning to be healed.
The Dom Identity was another angst-filled steamy yet emotional romance from the talented Lexi Blake. With a cast of both familiar and new characters that I adore, along with some that I utterly despised, this romantic suspense had me on edge. It's always fun seeing Ian, Julian and the McKay-Taggart/Texas Sirens crew. I can't wait for the next installment in this incredible series.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review
Former Navy officer, now an integral part of the M-T team, Michael walked away from his family's lucrative oil business and substantial wealth to become his own man. However, he feels a little lost in life as most of his friends have blissfully fallen in love, and that includes his ex-fiancé, Tessa. Seemingly hopeless, it's difficult for Michael to find the right woman to begin a D/s relationship to fulfill his needs and desires. And because of his wealth, it's become difficult for him to find someone trustworthy. But when the opportunity arises to investigate the scandalous former starlet, Vanessa Hale, this Dom's life is suddenly turned upside down - in a good way.
Vanessa's character seriously pulled on my heartstrings. A woman without family and hardly any friends, the world was unkind towards her. Ridiculed by all, targeted by her villainous stepson, accused of embezzlement by her current employer, I found myself tearing up several times throughout this read, seeing all of the misfortunes she had experienced. The cruelty she endured was totally undeserved.
Regardless, Vanessa was a heroine who possessed a tremendous amount of strength despite all of her hardships, and I admired her endless determination. Her unwavering focus on fulfilling her late husband's wishes and investigating the circumstances surrounding her sister's untimely death led Vanessa to "The Club," the BDSM world, and Michael Malone. The road this couple traveled was bumpy and riddled with obstacles, secrets and deceptions. But I adored how their relationship blossomed, how they each learned to trust and support each other, and how deeply they fell in love.
Michael was the perfectly flawed hero who went above and beyond to help Vanessa and worked hard to regain her trust and affections. In turn, Vanessa proved she fell for the man Michael had become and not after his family's fortune. In the end, this was a beautiful love story about forgiveness, redemption, the bonds of friendship, and family and two broken souls yearning to be healed.
The Dom Identity was another angst-filled steamy yet emotional romance from the talented Lexi Blake. With a cast of both familiar and new characters that I adore, along with some that I utterly despised, this romantic suspense had me on edge. It's always fun seeing Ian, Julian and the McKay-Taggart/Texas Sirens crew. I can't wait for the next installment in this incredible series.
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review
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