Blog Tour: Lexi Blake Crossover + Reviews & Excerpt!

 

Discover the Lexi Blake Crossover Collection Release Date: April 10, 2018

   

CLOSE COVER by Lexi Blake

Remy Guidry doesn’t do relationships. He tried the marriage thing once, back in Louisiana, and learned the hard way that all he really needs in life is a cold beer, some good friends, and the occasional hookup. His job as a bodyguard with McKay-Taggart gives him purpose and lovely perks, like access to Sanctum. The last thing he needs in his life is a woman with stars in her eyes and babies in her future. Lisa Daley’s life is finally going in the right direction. She has finally graduated from college after years of putting herself through school. She’s got a new job at an accounting firm and she’s finished her Sanctum training. Finally on her own and having fun, her life seems pretty perfect. Except she’s lonely and the one man she wants won’t give her a second look. There is one other little glitch. Apparently, her new firm is really a front for the mob and now they want her dead. Assassins can really ruin a fun girls’ night out. Suddenly strapped to the very same six-foot-five-inch hunk of a bodyguard who makes her heart pound, Lisa can’t decide if this situation is a blessing or a curse. As the mob closes in, Remy takes his tempting new charge back to the safest place he knows—his home in the bayou. Surrounded by his past, he can’t help wondering if Lisa is his future. To answer that question, he just has to keep her alive.

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HER GUARDIAN ANGEL by Larissa Ione

After a difficult childhood and a turbulent stint in the military, Declan Burke finally got his act together. Now he’s a battle-hardened professional bodyguard who takes his job at McKay-Taggart seriously and his playtime – and his playmates – just as seriously. One thing he never does, however, is mix business with pleasure. But when the mysterious, gorgeous Suzanne D’Angelo needs his protection from a stalker, his desire for her burns out of control, tempting him to break all the rules…even as he’s drawn into a dark, dangerous world he didn’t know existed. Suzanne is an earthbound angel on her critical first mission: protecting Declan from an emerging supernatural threat at all costs. To keep him close, she hires him as her bodyguard. It doesn’t take long for her to realize that she’s in over her head, defenseless against this devastatingly sexy human who makes her crave his forbidden touch. Together they’ll have to draw on every ounce of their collective training to resist each other as the enemy closes in, but soon it becomes apparent that nothing could have prepared them for the menace to their lives…or their hearts.

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JUSTIFY ME by J. Kenner

McKay-Taggart operative Riley Blade has no intention of returning to Los Angeles after his brief stint as a consultant on mega-star Lyle Tarpin’s latest action flick. Not even for Natasha Black, Tarpin’s sexy personal assistant who’d gotten under his skin. Why would he, when Tasha made it absolutely clear that—attraction or not—she wasn’t interested in a fling, much less a relationship. But when Riley learns that someone is stalking her, he races to her side. Determined to not only protect her, but to convince her that—no matter what has hurt her in the past—he’s not only going to fight for her, he’s going to win her heart. Forever.

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SAY YOU WON'T LET GO by Corinne Michaels

I’ve had two goals my entire life: 1. Make it big in country music. 2. Get the hell out of Bell Buckle. I was doing it. I was on my way, until Cooper Townsend landed backstage at my show in Dallas. This gorgeous, rugged, man of few words was one cowboy I couldn’t afford to let distract me. But with his slow smile and rough hands, I just couldn’t keep away. Now, there are outside forces conspiring against us. Maybe we should’ve known better? Maybe not. Even with the protection from Wade Rycroft, bodyguard for McKay-Taggart, I still don’t feel safe. I won’t let him get hurt because of me. All I know is that I want to hold on, but know the right thing to do is to let go…

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HIS TO PROTECT by Carly Phillips

Talia Shaw has spent her adult life working as a scientist for a big pharmaceutical company. She’s focused on saving lives, not living life. When her lab is broken into and it's clear someone is after the top secret formula she’s working on, she turns to the one man she can trust. The same irresistible man she turned away years earlier because she was too young and naive to believe a sexy guy like Shane Landon could want her. Shane Landon’s bodyguard work for McKay-Taggart is the one thing that brings him satisfaction in his life. Relationships come in second to the job. Always. Then little brainiac Talia Shaw shows up in his backyard, frightened and on the run, and his world is turned upside down. And not just because she’s found him naked in his outdoor shower, either. With Talia's life in danger, Shane has to get her out of town and to her eccentric, hermit mentor who has the final piece of the formula she’s been working on, while keeping her safe from the men who are after her. Guarding Talia's body certainly isn't any hardship, but he never expects to fall hard and fast for his best friend’s little sister and the only woman who’s ever really gotten under his skin.

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RESCUING SADIE: A Delta Force Heroes/Masters and Mercenaries Novella by Susan Stoker

Sadie Jennings was used to being protected. As the niece of Sean Taggart, and the receptionist at McKay-Taggart Group, she was constantly surrounded by Alpha men more than capable, and willing, to lay down their life for her. But when she visits her friend in San Antonio, and acts on suspicious activity at Milena’s workplace, Sadie puts both of them in the crosshairs of a madman. After several harrowing weeks, her friend is now safe, but for Sadie, the repercussions of her rash act linger on. Chase Jackson, no stranger to dangerous situations as a captain in the US Army, has volunteered himself as Sadie's bodyguard. He fell head over heels for the beautiful woman the first time he laid eyes on her. With a Delta Force team at his back, he reassures the Taggart's that Sadie will be safe. But when the situation in San Antonio catches up with her, Chase has to use everything he's learned over his career to keep his promise...and to keep Sadie alive long enough to officially make her his.

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EXCERPT

Justify Me by J. Kenner

Riley sits up and leans forward, his elbows on his knees. “Dammit, Natasha, you know I’m good at what I do—and with all the work I’ve been doing with McKay-Taggart, I’m even better at the bodyguard gig than I was before. I can keep you safe. Don’t be an idiot and turn down my offer.” He aims those dark eyes at me, and I swallow. With that piercing gaze and his sexy swath of five-o’clock shadow over a strong, rugged jaw, the man really does ooze sensuality. More than that, though, he gives the impression of strength. Of solidity. Of safety, pure and simple. And, yeah, some part of me wants to know that he has my back. I’m going to cave—I know it. I’m not stupid, and now that I’ve seen Riley again, up close and personal, I don’t want Lyle to give in and hire me a rent-a-cop. I want Riley. I just don’t want Riley. But I’m damn sure not going to admit it just yet. Do that, and I’ll never manage to erase his smug expression. He says he wants the job? Fine. He can work to convince me. At least then we’ll be on somewhat even footing. Not that I’ve ever felt like I’m on even ground around Riley. I’m far too attracted to the man, and always have been. I’ll let Riley watch over me. But that’s as far as things will go between us. I’ll tell him the same thing I told him when he consulted with Lyle. No passes. No flirting. Business only, or else I’ll shut it down and find my own damn bodyguard. I don’t say a word, but he must have picked up on my acquiescence, because he looks between Lyle and me and then says, “So fill me in, and we can talk about the best approach.” I meet Lyle’s eyes, and when my cheeks start to heat with a rising blush, I nod, silently urging him to tell the story.  

     

REVIEWS:

Close Cover

4-4.25 stars

****

 This was a really good book! This is Remy and Lisa's story. Lisa is the sister of Will and Laurel Daley, who both had previous books in this series. She is an accountant who discovered that her boss was cooking the books and doing business with the mob. She turned them into the police, but it put her in the limelight and possibly in danger with some very bad guys. Remy works for McKay-Taggart, but will be soon be moving home to Louisiana to buy the family business and hopefully save it from a big corporation. Lisa and Remy have been attracted to each other for awhile, having seen each other around Sanctum. But Remy has some preconceived (wrong) notions about Lisa being a spoiled rich girl, so he rejected her interest in him. Worried about her safety, Lisa's family hires Remy through McKay-Taggart to be Lisa's bodyguard. Quickly he sees that he was wrong about her and they begin to fall for each other as they spend so much time together. There is some sexy times, lots of suspense, some humor and emotional moments as their relationship develops and they head to Remy's hometown to hide out. 

I loved Remy and Lisa. They had a strong emotional connection and forever feelings early on in the book. It took them quite awhile to figure out how they could be together long term. Their love was palpable and it was obvious they were meant to be together. I definitely felt their love. They were sexy and sweet. There was so much goodness going on in this book. To me, it was a blend of the suspense Masters and Mercenaries series with the craziness of the Bliss series. Remy's small Louisiana hometown of Papillon was such a fun setting! Cooky townfolk that were intriguing and fun. I hope Ms. Blake decides to make a series around Papillon. There were so many characters introduced that I wanted to know more about. 

Overall, I think this might be one of my favorite books from this series. There was not a lot of frustrating pushing away or misunderstandings. There was just Lexi's trademark sexiness, suspense, a strong sense of family and love. I just love this series and can't wait for more from Ms. Blake!

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Her Guardian Angel

4 stars

****

 A great addition to the Demonica world! This book is a crossover with Declan, from Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series, and Suzanne, from Larissa Ione's Demonica series. Declan works for McKay-Taggart in security. Suzanne is a young angel, specifically a Memitim, which is kind of like a guardian angel. She has just gotten her first Primori, the person she is charged with protecting, and it's Declan. Being a newbie to this situation, she is fascinated with watching Declan from afar and keeping him safe. Soon she sees that an evil force is out to get Declan. In order to keep him safe and be close by, she decides to come to earth and hire him to be her personal bodyguard. Their relationship develops on from there as Declan guards Suzanne, who is really guarding him. Soon they are falling for each other and Declan is about to find out he is in love with an angel. 

I had been looking forward to Suzanne's book. She has been in a few of the other Demonica books. She is one of the Grim Reaper, Azagoth's, many children (sister to Hawkyn, etc.). She was raised in the human world with a good family and so she is a happy, sunny person. I loved her outlook and personality. Suzanne was the perfect breath of fresh air to brighten up Declan's world. I really liked both her character and Declan's. They were a great match - cute, sweet and sexy together. Also, this book felt longer than some of the other Demonica books, which I enjoyed. I liked all of the side characters, Suzanne's siblings, etc., as well as the ongoing series story arc. 

Overall, this was a fun, suspenseful, and sexy book! There were moments of humor, excitement, sweetness and love. I really enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to more from Larissa Ione!

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Justify Me

4 stars

****

This was a good book! Justify Me is a crossover with Riley, from Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series, and Natasha, from J. Kenner's Stark International series. Riley and Natasha knew each other years ago, when Riley served in the military with Natasha's father. They had an attraction and even had a date set to go out to explore their connection. But Natasha's father died and she pushed him away. Now, it is years later. Riley works for McKay-Taggart in security. He is on his way to a well-deserved vacation and is on a stopover in LA, when he is contacted by his friend Lyle. A Hollywood star, Lyle asks Riley for some security help for his assistant. When Riley finds out that the security help is for Natasha, who has a stalker, he cancels his vacation and heads out to protect the woman he never forgot about. The two rekindle their relationship as they investigate who is stalking Natasha.

I liked Riley and Natasha a lot. They had an obvious connection and great chemistry. Once they reconnected, there was no pushing away or misunderstandings. The story was interesting and entertaining. Overall, Justify Me was an easy, fast paced, quick read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was my first book by J. Kenner, but I will definitely try more from her in the future. 

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Say You Won't Let Go

3.25 stars

***

 This was an okay read for me. Say You Won't Let Go is a crossover featuring Emily, who is mentioned Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series, and Cooper, from Corinne Michaels' Return to Me series. Emily and Cooper are friends who grew up together in the same small town with the same group of friends. Now, Emily is an up and coming country singer on tour opening for a big star. Cooper is a rancher running the family farm. He happens to be attending a ranching equipment convention in the same city in which Emily's tour is performing. He stops by to hang with his old friend, Emily, and they decide to take their relationship beyond friendship into romance. They decide to keep things low key and see how things go long distance. But when a stalker threatens Emily, Cooper gets serious about protecting her and about their relationship.

Emily and Cooper have a backstory that must have been explored in another book by this author. Cooper was evidently in a love triangle with another girl friend of theirs' and he wasn't chosen. I haven't read anything by Michaels before so I felt like I was missing a bit of the story there. 

This book was a little too over dramatic and angsty for my taste. I liked Emily and Cooper. I just didn't love the whole "lying and pushing away in order to keep you safe" routine. I hated that there was a dramatic breakup, which felt like was added just to add interest and angst. It left a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the book. Even the epilogue was emotional, angsty and depressing. I also didn't feel a lot of chemistry between Cooper and Emily. Their relationship develops really quickly in the first few pages of the book, so I just felt a little behind after missing their backstory. Although, I did like the country music star aspect. I also should note that Wade, mentioned in the blurb, who works for McKay-Taggart and is one of Blake's Masters and Mercenaries characters, is not the hero in this book. He plays a side character who Cooper hires as a bodyguard for Emily. 

Overall, this isn't a bad book. I enjoyed it in general. It just wasn't my personal favorite writing style. Still, the story was interesting, entertaining and suspenseful. If you like this author's work, I'm sure you will enjoy this book too!

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His To Protect

3.75 stars

***

 This was a pretty good book. This book is a crossover with Shane, from Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series, and Talia, from Carly Phillip's Bodyguard Bad Boys series. Shane works for McKay-Taggart in security. Talia is a scientist for a pharmaceutical company who is working on a cure for a heart defect. Shane is Talia's brother's best friend and they grew up around each other. When someone breaks into Talia's lab where she works, killing a guard and attempting to steal her formula, she calls her brother, who is out of the country on work, and he sends her to Shane. He helps protect Talia and they go on the run together from the people who are chasing her in order to get her secret formula and kill her. The two have chemistry and an attraction, but both have a bad history with relationships. They agree to have a fling because neither of them see how they can fit a relationship into their lives when they are both workaholics. Still, they fall for each other while on the run, and afterwards, they are able to work through their issues and realize they don't want to live without each other. 

I have read a few other books by Ms. Phillips and enjoyed them in general, but I think this book is my favorite. It was good at capturing the Masters and Mercenaries feel. I liked Talia and Shane together. They had good chemistry and they fit each other well. I liked the fast pace and suspense of the book and felt it was well-balanced with the romance. While I did enjoy the book, it wasn't especially memorable or different. Still, it was an entertaining, sexy and suspenseful read, as well as a great addition to this crossover collection series. 

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Rescuing Sadie

3.5 stars

***

 This was a pretty good book. Rescuing Sadie is a crossover with Sadie, from Lexi Blake's Masters and Mercenaries series, and Chase, from Susan Stoker's Delta Force Heroes series. Sadie is Grace Taggart's niece and has worked as the receptionist at McKay-Taggart. She helped her friend Milena escape from some very bad, insane guys who are still on the loose and one of them, Johnathan, is now obsessed with finding her, stalking her and forcing her to bear his children. To keep Sadie safe, her uncle Sean Taggart has enlisted Chase as her personal bodyguard and to keep her safe. They begin to fall for each other as Chase keeps her safe and they catch the bad guys. 

I have read a few books by Ms. Stoker before and they were mostly just okay for me. But I decided to give her a try again for this crossover collection because I am a big fan of Lexi Blake and the Masters and Mercenaries series. This book was actually better than I expected and than other books I've read by this author. But I still didn't totally and completely love it. I felt like I was starting this book way behind on the storyline. Sadie's story begins in a previous book, Justice for Milena, which I had not read, and I honestly did not quite understand everything that happened. Sadie met Chase in that book so their relationship had already kind of begun before this book. I was pretty confused through much of the book and I didn't think this book read well as a standalone. Still, I liked Sadie and Chase in general. They did not have a lot of chemistry, but their story was interesting and enjoyable. There is insta-love on Chase's part, but Sadie took a little bit of convincing to give him a chance. 

Overall, though, this was an entertaining, suspenseful, easy read, as well as a great addition to this crossover collection series! 

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About the Authors

        About Lexi Blake: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. She began writing at a young age concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. Lexi believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome or foursome may seem. Facebook | Twitter | Website | Amazon          

              About Larissa Ione: Larissa Ione is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. An Air Force veteran, she traded in a career as a meteorologist to pursue her passion of writing. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her U.S. Coast Guard husband, her teenage son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhound, a King Shepherd named Hexe. 

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 About J. Kenner: Julie Kenner (aka J. Kenner and J.K. Beck) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres. Praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations,” J.K. writes a range of stories including super sexy romances, paranormal romance, chick lit suspense and paranormal mommy lit. Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, is in development as a feature film with 1492 Pictures. Her most recent trilogy of erotic romances, The Stark Trilogy (as J. Kenner), reached as high as #2 on the New York Times list and is published in over twenty countries. J.K. lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and several cats. 

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        About Corinne Michaels: New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Corinne Michaels is the author of nine romance novels. She’s an emotional, witty, sarcastic, and fun loving mom of two beautiful children. Corinne is happily married to the man of her dreams and is a former Navy wife. After spending months away from her husband while he was deployed, reading and writing was her escape from the loneliness. She enjoys putting her characters through intense heartbreak and finding a way to heal them through their struggles. Her stories are chock full of emotion, humor, and unrelenting love. 

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  About Carly Phillips: Carly Phillips is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of over 50 sexy contemporary romance novels, including the Indie published, Dare to Love Series. She is happily married to her college sweetheart, the mother of two nearly adult daughters and three crazy dogs. Carly loves social media and is always around to interact with her readers.

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 About Susan Stoker: New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country. She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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