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Masters & Mercenaries: Topped #1
Luscious
From Book 1: *** Previously included in the Sweet Seduction boxed set. ***
A man who lost his future�
Macon Miles knows what it means to make sacrifices for his country. Married to his high school sweetheart, he once had a promising future in the military and everything seemed complete. All that changed when a routine patrol in Afghanistan turned into a nightmare. When the dust settled, Macon had lost his career, his wife, and his leg. Lost and alone, his only comfort comes from his newfound love of cooking. When his estranged brother, Adam, offers him a new home and a chance to work at a friend’s restaurant in Dallas, it’s an offer he can’t refuse.
A woman searching for the past�
Allyson Jones made her foster mother a deathbed promise. She would find out what really happened to Ronnie in Afghanistan. Ally doesn’t believe the Army’s reports about her foster brother’s death, and she knows only one man can tell her what really happened—Macon Miles. Following him to Dallas, she gets a job working alongside him at Top, Sean Taggart’s decadent new restaurant. She is sure Macon is hiding something about Ronnie’s death, and she’ll do whatever it takes to unravel the mystery.
When circumstances force Macon and Ally together, their chemistry is hotter than any dish at Top. But when Ally’s deception is exposed and the truth about Ronnie’s death is revealed, will they be able to reclaim the love they’ve lost?
A man who lost his future�
Macon Miles knows what it means to make sacrifices for his country. Married to his high school sweetheart, he once had a promising future in the military and everything seemed complete. All that changed when a routine patrol in Afghanistan turned into a nightmare. When the dust settled, Macon had lost his career, his wife, and his leg. Lost and alone, his only comfort comes from his newfound love of cooking. When his estranged brother, Adam, offers him a new home and a chance to work at a friend’s restaurant in Dallas, it’s an offer he can’t refuse.
A woman searching for the past�
Allyson Jones made her foster mother a deathbed promise. She would find out what really happened to Ronnie in Afghanistan. Ally doesn’t believe the Army’s reports about her foster brother’s death, and she knows only one man can tell her what really happened—Macon Miles. Following him to Dallas, she gets a job working alongside him at Top, Sean Taggart’s decadent new restaurant. She is sure Macon is hiding something about Ronnie’s death, and she’ll do whatever it takes to unravel the mystery.
When circumstances force Macon and Ally together, their chemistry is hotter than any dish at Top. But when Ally’s deception is exposed and the truth about Ronnie’s death is revealed, will they be able to reclaim the love they’ve lost?
167 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2015
255 people are currently reading
1,556 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Blake
160books6,278followersNY 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 .
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page () or her website ().
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 .
For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page () or her website ().
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
December 29, 2016
3* not so luscious STARS!
Master and Mercenaries series always be my favorite. Lexi Blake started a new series called Topped as a novella or side story. It started when Sean Taggart open his own restaurant called Top. It still involved with BDSM and the dungeon, Sanctum but not really intense like the M&M series.
Though the main characters is new people aside from the group, they still make appearance as cameo. Macon Miles is a veteran soldier who discharged because the lost of his leg. He also lost everything include his wife. Macon works as a pastry chef at Top and met Allyson Jones. She's a mysterious woman with shady past who works at Top as well. But Ally has a mission to discover secrets from Macon.
Although I enjoyed Master and Mercenaries, I hardly enjoy this one. Such a shame. A wee bit boring and slow paced. Maybe it's-me-not-you kind of. It was over-the-top romance for my taste. I couldn't feel the chemistry between Macon and Ally. Their BDSM scene seems off and unreal.
The story was really sweet lovely. I liked it but not enough to love it. Ian will be always my favorite in everywhere especially with his addiction with Lemon. Of course, Macon has became his favorite person.
Master and Mercenaries series always be my favorite. Lexi Blake started a new series called Topped as a novella or side story. It started when Sean Taggart open his own restaurant called Top. It still involved with BDSM and the dungeon, Sanctum but not really intense like the M&M series.
Though the main characters is new people aside from the group, they still make appearance as cameo. Macon Miles is a veteran soldier who discharged because the lost of his leg. He also lost everything include his wife. Macon works as a pastry chef at Top and met Allyson Jones. She's a mysterious woman with shady past who works at Top as well. But Ally has a mission to discover secrets from Macon.
Although I enjoyed Master and Mercenaries, I hardly enjoy this one. Such a shame. A wee bit boring and slow paced. Maybe it's-me-not-you kind of. It was over-the-top romance for my taste. I couldn't feel the chemistry between Macon and Ally. Their BDSM scene seems off and unreal.
The story was really sweet lovely. I liked it but not enough to love it. Ian will be always my favorite in everywhere especially with his addiction with Lemon. Of course, Macon has became his favorite person.
November 1, 2015
Confession time...In addition to being a romance junkie, I am an all out foodie. So, when Lexi Blake announced this spin-off series from the Masters & Mercenaries series that I adore, I shrieked with excitement. LUSCIOUS is book 1 in the TOPPED series and is centered around TOP, the influential restaurant owned by the one and only Sean Taggart. Don't you freaking love the play on words here! Most of the people who are hired at TOP is involved in the BDSM lifestyle! Do you see a play on words here people? I can't get over how giddy I am about this! All your favorite characters from the Masters & Mercenaries series is in attendance in this one! So therefore, you know absolute CRAZINESS ensues!
Macon Miles...recognize the last name? Well, that is because Macon is Adam Miles brother! Macon has sacrificed dearly for his country. He has the lost limb to prove it. He is a damaged man with a secret that haunts him every single day. With the help of his brother, he is picking himself up one day at a time. This soldier turned pastry chef sets his sights on a newcomer to TOP and is instantly smitten with her. She looks at him like he is a normal man. She doesn't see the missing piece. He craves normal and she makes him feel needed and wanted, something he hasn't felt in a long time.
Allyson Jones is on a mission. She has her sights set on the target. She never meant to fall for that target. She experiences first hand how amazing Macon is and her mission takes a detour. She has a huge secret that could tear them apart. Will she choose newfound love over her family?
Betrayal and love runs deep in this TOPPED novella by Lexi Blake. Macon and Allyson's smoldering connection takes on a whole new level when Macon introduces Allyson to the lifestyle. With Macon being new to the lifestyle himself, they have a chance at something real, something that will have them both surrendering to their feelings for each other. No matter what series Lexi is writing in, she always brings the HEAT, the PASSION, and the SUSPENSE! Picking up one of her stories is like reuniting with your family. These characters, their lives, their achievements, their shenanigans, will always have a place in my heart.
Macon Miles...recognize the last name? Well, that is because Macon is Adam Miles brother! Macon has sacrificed dearly for his country. He has the lost limb to prove it. He is a damaged man with a secret that haunts him every single day. With the help of his brother, he is picking himself up one day at a time. This soldier turned pastry chef sets his sights on a newcomer to TOP and is instantly smitten with her. She looks at him like he is a normal man. She doesn't see the missing piece. He craves normal and she makes him feel needed and wanted, something he hasn't felt in a long time.
Allyson Jones is on a mission. She has her sights set on the target. She never meant to fall for that target. She experiences first hand how amazing Macon is and her mission takes a detour. She has a huge secret that could tear them apart. Will she choose newfound love over her family?
Betrayal and love runs deep in this TOPPED novella by Lexi Blake. Macon and Allyson's smoldering connection takes on a whole new level when Macon introduces Allyson to the lifestyle. With Macon being new to the lifestyle himself, they have a chance at something real, something that will have them both surrendering to their feelings for each other. No matter what series Lexi is writing in, she always brings the HEAT, the PASSION, and the SUSPENSE! Picking up one of her stories is like reuniting with your family. These characters, their lives, their achievements, their shenanigans, will always have a place in my heart.
August 25, 2015
Lexi Blake once again has brought together family and friends from the amazing Masters and Mercenaries series. I love Lexi Blake! This book was a great introduction to Lexi's new series Topped, revolving around Sean Taggart's restaurant Top.
Macon Miles is Adam Miles' little brother, who was injured in the military. Macon lost a good portion of his right leg, returns home to find that he lost his wife too, to his oldest Alan.. Macon has drowned himself in booze and saddens. After wife divorced him he just about gives up when his brother Adam brings his back home with him and gives him a reason to fight.
Ally is searching for the truth of how her brother died in the overseas . She believes Macon is the key! She wants answers that only he can provide and she's vowed to do anything necessary to get her questions addressed. But she never expected to actually fall for the man who holds the secrets to she's desperate to have revealed.
Lexi Blake � Masters and Mercenaries Series Reading Order
� 1- The The Dom Who Loved Me
� 2- The Men with the Golden Cuffs
� 3- A Dom is Forever
� 4- On Her Master’s Secret Service
� 4.5 Sanctum
� 5- Love and Let Die
� 5.5-Unconditional:
� 6- Dungeon Royale
� 6.5 Dungeon Games: (1001 Dark Nights)
� 7- A View to a Thrill
� 7.5-Cherished:
� 8- You Only Love Twice
� 8.1-Sweet Child O'Mine
� 8.25-Luscious ( Topped #1)
� 8.5- Adored
� 9- Master NO
� 10- From Sanctum With Love Expected publication: February 23rd 2016
Macon Miles is Adam Miles' little brother, who was injured in the military. Macon lost a good portion of his right leg, returns home to find that he lost his wife too, to his oldest Alan.. Macon has drowned himself in booze and saddens. After wife divorced him he just about gives up when his brother Adam brings his back home with him and gives him a reason to fight.
Ally is searching for the truth of how her brother died in the overseas . She believes Macon is the key! She wants answers that only he can provide and she's vowed to do anything necessary to get her questions addressed. But she never expected to actually fall for the man who holds the secrets to she's desperate to have revealed.
Lexi Blake � Masters and Mercenaries Series Reading Order
� 1- The The Dom Who Loved Me
� 2- The Men with the Golden Cuffs
� 3- A Dom is Forever
� 4- On Her Master’s Secret Service
� 4.5 Sanctum
� 5- Love and Let Die
� 5.5-Unconditional:
� 6- Dungeon Royale
� 6.5 Dungeon Games: (1001 Dark Nights)
� 7- A View to a Thrill
� 7.5-Cherished:
� 8- You Only Love Twice
� 8.1-Sweet Child O'Mine
� 8.25-Luscious ( Topped #1)
� 8.5- Adored
� 9- Master NO
� 10- From Sanctum With Love Expected publication: February 23rd 2016
October 4, 2016
This series spin off is sexy, tasty and sweet. I had to test it out because it was at a reasonable price. I liked it. I love the story of reintegration of veterans into civilian life. What I really liked is how this showcased an alpha male who was patient and who isn't physically perfect. He is missing part of his leg and he's trying to let it all go and die. Because of a guilty secret, he doesn't feel as if he should live. When Macon's brother, Adam comes to save him, it takes a turn for the better.
I enjoyed Macon's courting of Allyson Jones. The chemistry between the two is vanilla with a little chocolate twist. I have to admit the sex in this story isn't really my style. It's now a bit too tame for me so I skimmed through most of it. The kinky parts are sugarkinky delightful.
This erotica novel is recommend to kinky romance lovers who love happily ever afters.
I enjoyed Macon's courting of Allyson Jones. The chemistry between the two is vanilla with a little chocolate twist. I have to admit the sex in this story isn't really my style. It's now a bit too tame for me so I skimmed through most of it. The kinky parts are sugarkinky delightful.
This erotica novel is recommend to kinky romance lovers who love happily ever afters.
April 8, 2022
OH. MY GOD!!!
This book was so good. It was also so very emotional. There were parts that you knew were coming that kept you in the moment but on edge as well.
Man, when he found out, which anybody who read the blurb saw coming. I Bawled! I felt so sorry for how broken he was.
Even Big Tag said so ...
Thank God Lexi Blake breaks up all the hard stiff by giving us Big Tag! He gives us all the snark & all the laughs!
This book was so good. It was also so very emotional. There were parts that you knew were coming that kept you in the moment but on edge as well.
Man, when he found out, which anybody who read the blurb saw coming. I Bawled! I felt so sorry for how broken he was.
Even Big Tag said so ...
Ian Taggart's eyes narrowed as he looked at her. His wife had joined him, but it looked like the twins had been put down for a nap. "You broke the pie maker."
Charlotte Taggart slapped at her husband's muscular arm. "Ian. Tact, please." Baby, I don't have any of that," he admitted." She broke the dude who makes the pies. She's got to fix him."
Thank God Lexi Blake breaks up all the hard stiff by giving us Big Tag! He gives us all the snark & all the laughs!
Oh, I think she came here to try to sleep with your man, Jones,� Big Tag said. “Stop,� Jake nagged. “Come on. Tell me you don’t want to see what happens when her inner redneck makes an appearance. Ain’t no redneck like a Georgia redneck. Her accent’s already gotten deeper. Look at the way her hands have that slight shake to them. She’s thinking about killing Miss New York,� Taggart explained. “I’m going to lay a hundred on Georgia there.�
I’m not blind. Daddy sees everything. Including how you look at that Tristan kid. Stay away from him.� “Ian, she’s eight weeks old,� Serena pointed out. “Tristan recently turned one. I hardly think they’re planning to date.� “Yeah, well, it’s never too early to start. I know what your boy’s going to think. He’s going to think Mom didn’t have to pick, why should I, and then suddenly my sweet baby girls are in some weirdo relationship where they have to worship the boy.� Jake flipped him off but smiled down at Kenzie.
August 1, 2016
I really liked this book. I haven't yet read any of the Masters and Mercenaries series so I was a little bit lost with some of the people they were bringing in and some of the comments from incidents that happened in the previous books. This is the start of a new offshoot of that series probably all focused on the hot military guys that work at the restaurant Top which Sean Taggert owns and is the head chef.
I really like Macon Miles. This story seems a bit more real since even though he is kind of an alpha male he has a disability, no money, and had only been with one woman which was his ex-wife so he is not a manwhore. It was a bit refreshing reading this because even though I do love billionaire arrogant alpha males it is a nice change of pace to read about someone like Macon who is a bit down on his luck. Though Ally Jones is typical down on her luck heroine and character isn't as original I still liked her. She wasn't as annoying as some of the heroines I've recently been reading.
I really like Macon Miles. This story seems a bit more real since even though he is kind of an alpha male he has a disability, no money, and had only been with one woman which was his ex-wife so he is not a manwhore. It was a bit refreshing reading this because even though I do love billionaire arrogant alpha males it is a nice change of pace to read about someone like Macon who is a bit down on his luck. Though Ally Jones is typical down on her luck heroine and character isn't as original I still liked her. She wasn't as annoying as some of the heroines I've recently been reading.
July 26, 2015
Novella introducing new series Top. Macon Miles and Ally. Best part of this book was revisiting previous characters, especially Ian. Macon's character was well thought out and lovable, but Ally's character lacked depth. Maybe due to the short book length, the connection between Macon and Ally was not convincing. Their conversations were sappy, and their D/s relationship was unbelievable and boring. Skimmed second half. While I am looking forward to the new series, this story surprisingly fell flat.
D+, re-read 2/5
D+, re-read 2/5
April 20, 2018
I love this series! This was a sweet addition. I liked Macon and Ally. They each had lots to overcome, but together they were better. I'm looking forward to more from this group!
I listened to the audio and enjoyed Lance Greenfield's narration.
I listened to the audio and enjoyed Lance Greenfield's narration.
September 1, 2017
Read in the anthology Sweet Seduction Boxed Set 08/31/17 rating Ally and Macon's story a solid 3.5*
July 16, 2015
(Read in anthology)
ETA: Woohoo! It is a spin-off ... New series ~ Topped
Luscious, Lexi Blake's short in Novak's anthology to benefit diabetes research, gives Masters and Mercenaries fans a look inside Sean Taggert's restaurant Top as well as telling Macon Miles and Ally Jones' love story.
Adam Miles' youngest brother, Macon, lost 3/4 of a leg in war and a cheating wife in divorce. Macon's at his lowest when Adam stops by to check in on him. After not standing up for Adam in the past, Macon is shocked into action when Adam insists he come to Dallas to live with he and his family, Jake, Serena and baby Tristan. This gesture gives Macon the courage to take the steps necessary to regain control over his life and make a fresh start.
Sarah Allyson Jones' foster brother, Ronnie, died in the war and the reports of how he died never set well with her. Her foster mother's dying wish to find out exactly what happened to Ronnie leads her to Dallas to track down Macon Miles, who has been avoiding her attempts at answers.
The pair meet for the first time at Sean Taggert's restaurant, Top, two months later. Allyson, upon first seeing Macon, is so flummoxed she says she's there looking for work instead of looking for answers. Macon, now an extremely talented pastry chef, can't help but fall for the luscious Ally. Privately, he becomes possessive of this quiet beauty. It's only after their safety is threatened, in two separate incidents, that they both begin to face their feelings for one another.
Macon is a much softer addition to the Masters and Mercenaries family. He was mentioned briefly in prior books ~ in and , where Macon's mentioned being treated as Ian's "personal bakery" and Adam's baby brother. So, it was a nice, sweet treat (pun intended) to get a closer look at this couple and their triumph over life's obstacles.
I truly enjoyed this short. There's some great set up for Ten's upcoming book, , as well as the sadist and M&M shrink, Kai, who I hope gets a book very soon. There are also some hilarious Ian moments . I loved having a brief look at the men working at Top, Sean's farm to table restaurant, and I cannot wait for more; I'm hopeful there's a spin-off series in the making.
ETA: Woohoo! It is a spin-off ... New series ~ Topped
Luscious, Lexi Blake's short in Novak's anthology to benefit diabetes research, gives Masters and Mercenaries fans a look inside Sean Taggert's restaurant Top as well as telling Macon Miles and Ally Jones' love story.
Adam Miles' youngest brother, Macon, lost 3/4 of a leg in war and a cheating wife in divorce. Macon's at his lowest when Adam stops by to check in on him. After not standing up for Adam in the past, Macon is shocked into action when Adam insists he come to Dallas to live with he and his family, Jake, Serena and baby Tristan. This gesture gives Macon the courage to take the steps necessary to regain control over his life and make a fresh start.
Sarah Allyson Jones' foster brother, Ronnie, died in the war and the reports of how he died never set well with her. Her foster mother's dying wish to find out exactly what happened to Ronnie leads her to Dallas to track down Macon Miles, who has been avoiding her attempts at answers.
The pair meet for the first time at Sean Taggert's restaurant, Top, two months later. Allyson, upon first seeing Macon, is so flummoxed she says she's there looking for work instead of looking for answers. Macon, now an extremely talented pastry chef, can't help but fall for the luscious Ally. Privately, he becomes possessive of this quiet beauty. It's only after their safety is threatened, in two separate incidents, that they both begin to face their feelings for one another.
"... between the two of us, we are practically a fully functional human being."Each is struggling with hidden secrets they feel protect themselves yet could risk ruining the life they both dream of having together.
Macon is a much softer addition to the Masters and Mercenaries family. He was mentioned briefly in prior books ~ in and , where Macon's mentioned being treated as Ian's "personal bakery" and Adam's baby brother. So, it was a nice, sweet treat (pun intended) to get a closer look at this couple and their triumph over life's obstacles.
I truly enjoyed this short. There's some great set up for Ten's upcoming book, , as well as the sadist and M&M shrink, Kai, who I hope gets a book very soon. There are also some hilarious Ian moments . I loved having a brief look at the men working at Top, Sean's farm to table restaurant, and I cannot wait for more; I'm hopeful there's a spin-off series in the making.
August 1, 2017
Before I start my review there is one thing that I need to say and that is I should never have doubted Ms. Blake when it comes to Ian Taggart. I love him. He is one of the best heroes of all time. He puts a smile on my face and he is just a fantastic character. Enough fangirling now let’s get down to business.
We walk a road no matter how twisted and broken it is. It leads us to where we need to be.
Macon Miles is having a bad year. He lost a part of his leg thanks to IED. He lost his whole team. He came home to find that his wife had slept with his oldest brother Alan. She took half of the insurance money and give him half of her credit card debt. He is living in a cockroach motel on his best way to becoming an alcoholic till he drink dials Adam without remembering it.
Adam Miles wronged by his family can’t leave Macon by himself. He drags Macon back down to Dallas and helps him get on his feet. He begins working at Top and then becomes an assistant pastry chef.
Ally has never had a lot but has lost everything. Her brother who died in Afghan. Her foster mother who died of cancer. But they never really believed the report that the Army gave them. Should you really grant a dying woman her last wish? All will it just bring more pain and hardship. She wants answers and the only person who can give them to her has decided not to talk to her.
Her plan has changed and she has decided to get closer to Macon and gets a job at Top. What she never thought? Is that she would he attracted to Macon. There were no qualms when it came to their relationship they wanted each other, Macon may or may not have forgotten to tell her that he is a Dom and that his brother Adam was throwing a grownup party. The lifestyle is very misunderstood especially to Ally.
Adam is too hasty and only wants to protect his brother. They both screw up. Secrets can’t be kept.
I read Just One Taste (Topped 2) before I read this book. I didn’t like Deena but this book is completely different. And Ms. Blake is on top form here once again.
We walk a road no matter how twisted and broken it is. It leads us to where we need to be.
Macon Miles is having a bad year. He lost a part of his leg thanks to IED. He lost his whole team. He came home to find that his wife had slept with his oldest brother Alan. She took half of the insurance money and give him half of her credit card debt. He is living in a cockroach motel on his best way to becoming an alcoholic till he drink dials Adam without remembering it.
Adam Miles wronged by his family can’t leave Macon by himself. He drags Macon back down to Dallas and helps him get on his feet. He begins working at Top and then becomes an assistant pastry chef.
Ally has never had a lot but has lost everything. Her brother who died in Afghan. Her foster mother who died of cancer. But they never really believed the report that the Army gave them. Should you really grant a dying woman her last wish? All will it just bring more pain and hardship. She wants answers and the only person who can give them to her has decided not to talk to her.
Her plan has changed and she has decided to get closer to Macon and gets a job at Top. What she never thought? Is that she would he attracted to Macon. There were no qualms when it came to their relationship they wanted each other, Macon may or may not have forgotten to tell her that he is a Dom and that his brother Adam was throwing a grownup party. The lifestyle is very misunderstood especially to Ally.
Adam is too hasty and only wants to protect his brother. They both screw up. Secrets can’t be kept.
I read Just One Taste (Topped 2) before I read this book. I didn’t like Deena but this book is completely different. And Ms. Blake is on top form here once again.
March 15, 2016
This was just an ok read for me. Although I really
Inked Macon. I guess the sex just wasn't has hit as the Master and Mercenaries series.
Inked Macon. I guess the sex just wasn't has hit as the Master and Mercenaries series.
September 28, 2015
One of my favorite authors!
October 18, 2022
A well written, steamy romance novella, dabbling into the world of BDSM, with an interesting back story involving an injured veteran and the sister of the man he served with and watched die. There's some angst, some lighthearted moments with Big Tag - love it when he makes an appearance. I enjoyed Ally's and Macon's story. It can be read as a stand alone, but it's much better if you've read at least some of the Masters and Mercenaries and Nights in Bliss series, as some of the main characters from those stories appear in this one. Did I mention Big Tag was fun... LOL 🤣😍🍰
February 27, 2018
Oh, I think I'm really going to enjoy the Topped Series, if Luscious is anything to go by.
Sure, it was light on the BDSM. But it was full of the feels. It was sexy and sad and sweet and uplifting. Basically, it was erotic romance awesomeness.
Sure, it was light on the BDSM. But it was full of the feels. It was sexy and sad and sweet and uplifting. Basically, it was erotic romance awesomeness.
May 25, 2018
I like all the Masters & Mercenaries books and I enjoyed this story. Macon & Allyson were great characters. Macon is, Adam's brother & a wounded vet who can't bring himself to talk to his fallen buddy's family. Unbeknownst to him the new waitress at the restaurant where he works is the buddy's sister who came there looking for him to get answers about her brother's death. But she doesn't know how to approach him and when she is offered a job she takes & thinks to get to know him & then ask. But events overtake them & they become attached to one another. Allyson dithers about admitting who she is, getting in deeper & deeper with Macon & the group. Then things go the way these things go.
Overall I liked the story except for one thing & it's the one thing that irritates me about the whole series. They bring a vanilla woman to a BDSM party/club & of course she is a bit 'thrown' as it were, by what all she is seeing & she says something like "I'm not sure what to think about that" at some scene or other & is immediately shut down. "Why do you need to think anything about it? It's nothing to do with you." Which would make me turn around and leave right there. So, automatic unthinking acceptance is expected and nothing else is tolerated? She's not allowed to take a few moments and decide whether she finds it appealing/unappealing to watch, how it might feel to participate, whether she's turned on by it, etc. Just "No. No thinking allowed. This is how it is period." Seems sort of cultish to me. And is a massive turn off. I always have to put the books down at that part because I'm too busy thinking what huge assholes the doms & subs are right then to keep reading.
But I get over it and enjoy the rest of the story.
Overall I liked the story except for one thing & it's the one thing that irritates me about the whole series. They bring a vanilla woman to a BDSM party/club & of course she is a bit 'thrown' as it were, by what all she is seeing & she says something like "I'm not sure what to think about that" at some scene or other & is immediately shut down. "Why do you need to think anything about it? It's nothing to do with you." Which would make me turn around and leave right there. So, automatic unthinking acceptance is expected and nothing else is tolerated? She's not allowed to take a few moments and decide whether she finds it appealing/unappealing to watch, how it might feel to participate, whether she's turned on by it, etc. Just "No. No thinking allowed. This is how it is period." Seems sort of cultish to me. And is a massive turn off. I always have to put the books down at that part because I'm too busy thinking what huge assholes the doms & subs are right then to keep reading.
But I get over it and enjoy the rest of the story.
January 7, 2016
Shadow's review posted at
Luscious is a short story with a lot of titles. It is book 8.5 in the Master and Mercenaries series; it is also the first book in the Topped series by Lexi Blake and as such lives up to her usual standard of intriguing, funny, and hot as sin.
Macon lost a leg fighting in Afghanistan, but almost lost is life. When he returns home he finds betrayal as his wife has divorced him and is about to marry his brother and he buries himself in a bottle. His brother Adam takes him in and gets him a job at Top, the restaurant owned by BDSM player Sean Taggart. Macon takes to becoming a chef as born to the role and things only get better when Ally shows up. But Ally is hiding a big secret that is its own form of betrayal. Can Macon find a way to move past the pain of the past to embrace his future?
I liked both Macon and Ally-both were good people who had overcome traumatic childhoods-although for different reasons-and become likable adults. The plot was good and as always when Ian Taggart is involved, the snark is hilarious.
Overall this is a delightful addition to one series, and a great start to a second.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Luscious is a short story with a lot of titles. It is book 8.5 in the Master and Mercenaries series; it is also the first book in the Topped series by Lexi Blake and as such lives up to her usual standard of intriguing, funny, and hot as sin.
Macon lost a leg fighting in Afghanistan, but almost lost is life. When he returns home he finds betrayal as his wife has divorced him and is about to marry his brother and he buries himself in a bottle. His brother Adam takes him in and gets him a job at Top, the restaurant owned by BDSM player Sean Taggart. Macon takes to becoming a chef as born to the role and things only get better when Ally shows up. But Ally is hiding a big secret that is its own form of betrayal. Can Macon find a way to move past the pain of the past to embrace his future?
I liked both Macon and Ally-both were good people who had overcome traumatic childhoods-although for different reasons-and become likable adults. The plot was good and as always when Ian Taggart is involved, the snark is hilarious.
Overall this is a delightful addition to one series, and a great start to a second.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
July 6, 2021
This book was so heteronormative that is jarred in several points. All the women are subs and all the men are hyper masculine doms, and the gender roles were reinforced constantly, even to the point of mentioning how a man holding a baby wrapped in a pink blanket "didn't make him look less manly."
I skipped through a lot of this just to find out what happened with the mystery sub plot and it was ok.
If you like super heterosexual books that go on and on about gender roles, and sex that reinforces the gender power imbalances, then you'll probably love it. It really wasn't for me.
The disabled rep was good though.
I skipped through a lot of this just to find out what happened with the mystery sub plot and it was ok.
If you like super heterosexual books that go on and on about gender roles, and sex that reinforces the gender power imbalances, then you'll probably love it. It really wasn't for me.
The disabled rep was good though.
November 3, 2018
This is the first in the M&M spin off series Topped but sadly it hasn't wowed me. The novella format makes this a shorter story and yet the pacing feels a bit pedestrian. Ally and Macon's relationship is of course destined to succeed but the secrets they are keeping are set to create challenges and obstacles.
I found this story surprisingly lightweight and forgettable. Macon is not the presence that his brother or any of the Doms of Sanctum are. Ally is no Charlie, Grace or Chelsea.
Not in anyway a bad book but it is not standout quality either.
I'm glad I read this, after all Macon is making lemon flavoured treats for Ian so will likely be a recurring character in M&M but if you are not so OCD as me in reading everything in a series, you won't miss much by saving your pennies for the main series.
I found this story surprisingly lightweight and forgettable. Macon is not the presence that his brother or any of the Doms of Sanctum are. Ally is no Charlie, Grace or Chelsea.
Not in anyway a bad book but it is not standout quality either.
I'm glad I read this, after all Macon is making lemon flavoured treats for Ian so will likely be a recurring character in M&M but if you are not so OCD as me in reading everything in a series, you won't miss much by saving your pennies for the main series.
January 21, 2019
Expected way more from it. Didn't like the writing style. It felt rushed. It didn't feel set up properly. The characters, and the setting wasn't properly introduced. The characters weren't developed and they didn't grow. It just didn't grab my attention. I really couldn't get in to it and I feel like I really tried.
Maybe if I read the series that this book is a spin off from, then I'd felt different regarding character introduction etc, but I didn't. I might be alone in this because this book has high rating here on goodreads. It might just be my state of mind right now. Anyhow don't let my review keep you from reading this book just because I don't like it, you might.
Maybe if I read the series that this book is a spin off from, then I'd felt different regarding character introduction etc, but I didn't. I might be alone in this because this book has high rating here on goodreads. It might just be my state of mind right now. Anyhow don't let my review keep you from reading this book just because I don't like it, you might.
February 3, 2016
As always, this author pleases my inner need for a dominant and kick butt military or ex-military and a woman who knows her mind. Except we have a spin off of sorts and have brought in Little Tag's restaurant, TOP. I love that we have all of our other people and we have new ones in the restaurant business. Macon is a man with a mission, Jake as a brother who practices menage, Ally who has hunted Macon down for the wrong reasons -- the whole gang is there and Macon has an ace in the hole. He is a master pastry chef with Lemon's protecting his future. Lets see if he can get the girl.
August 10, 2016
4.5 stars. I forgot how much I really like this series. I like the addition of the restaurant characters for this series. You can read this book as a stand alone, you just might not understand some of the relationships that are already established which would not take away from the story. Ian is such a stand out. I laugh out loud and some of his statements. His love of desserts was a standing theme so I think we will see more of Macon in the series of Ian is involved!! Macon and Ally were great together. Definitely being added to by go-to book selection when I am in a reading rut.
April 2, 2016
This was a really sweet and quick read. You can't help but love Macon and pull for Ally. Even though the story line and ending were very predictable I still loved it. I just can't get enough of these crazy Mercenary Doms and their subs!
September 24, 2017
I was drawn to the vulnerability and brokenness of these characters and the battles they were fighting. I enjoyed the friendly banter, humour and the passion they found. I liked where the story took me and how Macon and Allyson found themselves.
September 26, 2015
Very good. And a little too much on the sweet side but it was good.
Read
March 30, 2016More please
I love this series, and this new direction is already delicious. I look forward to more of the prolific Lexi Blake's writings.
I love this series, and this new direction is already delicious. I look forward to more of the prolific Lexi Blake's writings.
March 6, 2016
3.5 STARS
May 6, 2022
This book was predictable but good. The conflict between Ally and Macon is pretty obvious from the start given that Ally is there after planning on confronting Macon about her brother's death but not going through with it. Macon was in Ally's brother's unit when their humvee set off a roadside bomb. Macon lost his leg and Ally's brother lost his life, but she believes that he covered up the circumstances of her brother's death. Instead of confronting him, Ally settles in and realizes that Macon is a good man. The couple falls in love and the story continues from there.
This story is very light on the angst in spite of some of the topics that are covered. The conflict is obvious from the start but I like the way it is handled. I find that Lexi Blake never leaves the conflict at the surface. She allows her characters to confront hard truths about themselves and grow as people when they are facing the external conflict in front of them. That is what I love about her as an author and this book specifically. The conflict is never just you lied, we argue, I forgive you; the characters always do intense soul-searching whether they were the ones who caused the conflict or not. I really enjoy that aspect.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the way that Ally is able to make Macon more confident in himself, even more confident of his prosthetic which he is self-conscious of before her influence. Ally shows Macon how much she loves every part of him, even the things that he sees as flaws, and he is able to see himself as the attractive, sexy man that Ally sees. I love that Lexi Blake does not just focus on female insecurity and she allows for men to be just as vulnerable in her stories. It is really excellent to see the emotion, good and bad, that characters go through and the way they learn to love themselves while loving someone else.
I did really enjoy this book. My only reason it is not 5 stars is because I know I like so many of Lexi Blake's books (and other book in this series) better than this one. But I would definitely reread this book when I am in the mood for a BDSM-lite story with great characters and romance.
This story is very light on the angst in spite of some of the topics that are covered. The conflict is obvious from the start but I like the way it is handled. I find that Lexi Blake never leaves the conflict at the surface. She allows her characters to confront hard truths about themselves and grow as people when they are facing the external conflict in front of them. That is what I love about her as an author and this book specifically. The conflict is never just you lied, we argue, I forgive you; the characters always do intense soul-searching whether they were the ones who caused the conflict or not. I really enjoy that aspect.
One of my favorite parts of this book is the way that Ally is able to make Macon more confident in himself, even more confident of his prosthetic which he is self-conscious of before her influence. Ally shows Macon how much she loves every part of him, even the things that he sees as flaws, and he is able to see himself as the attractive, sexy man that Ally sees. I love that Lexi Blake does not just focus on female insecurity and she allows for men to be just as vulnerable in her stories. It is really excellent to see the emotion, good and bad, that characters go through and the way they learn to love themselves while loving someone else.
I did really enjoy this book. My only reason it is not 5 stars is because I know I like so many of Lexi Blake's books (and other book in this series) better than this one. But I would definitely reread this book when I am in the mood for a BDSM-lite story with great characters and romance.
May 12, 2020
Luscious is an intersection of Lexi Blake's Topped and Masters and Mercenaries series.
Macon Miles served his country gladly, though his return to civilian life has not been easy, to say the least. A mission gone sideways costs him his leg, his wife, and his life as he knew it. As he struggles to find his place in the world again, he ends up working at Top as an assistant pastry chef. Cooking brings him a satisfaction and peace he now craves more than ever.
Allyson Jones is hired on as a waitress at Top, but she's really there for Macon. Or rather, for the answers only Macon can give her about her brother's death.
Lexi Blake does a terrific job with Macon and Ally. These two don't have an easy time of it, but the sense of connection they share and the community around them is incredible. While you don't have to have read previous stories to enjoy Luscious, you'll likely want to after!
Macon Miles served his country gladly, though his return to civilian life has not been easy, to say the least. A mission gone sideways costs him his leg, his wife, and his life as he knew it. As he struggles to find his place in the world again, he ends up working at Top as an assistant pastry chef. Cooking brings him a satisfaction and peace he now craves more than ever.
Allyson Jones is hired on as a waitress at Top, but she's really there for Macon. Or rather, for the answers only Macon can give her about her brother's death.
Lexi Blake does a terrific job with Macon and Ally. These two don't have an easy time of it, but the sense of connection they share and the community around them is incredible. While you don't have to have read previous stories to enjoy Luscious, you'll likely want to after!
May 15, 2018
Luscious features Macon Miles (brother to Adam Miles) and Allison Jones and is the first novella in Lexi Blake's Topped series, another interconnected spin off from her Masters and Mercenaries series.
Topped is a series of novellas about the men and women that work at Sean Taggart's restaurant.
Every book that I read in this series makes me feel grateful for the life that I have and feel immense respect and gratefulness for those who choose to serve.
The Topped novellas are a must read series and the first book really sets the tone for those that follow.
Macon and Allie's story is beautiful, heartwarming, angsty and emotional and is definitely a favourite of mine.
The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that all the cooking in the book made me feel very hungry.
Highly recommended
Topped is a series of novellas about the men and women that work at Sean Taggart's restaurant.
Every book that I read in this series makes me feel grateful for the life that I have and feel immense respect and gratefulness for those who choose to serve.
The Topped novellas are a must read series and the first book really sets the tone for those that follow.
Macon and Allie's story is beautiful, heartwarming, angsty and emotional and is definitely a favourite of mine.
The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that all the cooking in the book made me feel very hungry.
Highly recommended
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