Tempted

A Masters and Mercenaries Novella (1001 Dark Nights)

By: Lexi Blake

Narrated by: Ryan West

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a story in her Masters and Mercenaries series…

When West Rycroft left his family’s ranch to work in the big city, he never dreamed he would find himself surrounded by celebrities and politicians. Working at McKay-Taggart as a bodyguard and security expert quickly taught him how to navigate the sometimes shark-infested waters of the elite. While some would come to love that world, West has seen enough to know it’s not for him, preferring to keep his distance from his clients—until the day he meets Ally Pearson.

Growing up in the entertainment world, Ally was always in the shadow of others, but now she has broken out from behind the scenes for her own day in the spotlight. The paparazzi isn’t fun, but she knows all too well that it’s part of the gig. She has a good life and lots of fans, but someone has been getting too close for comfort and making threats. To be safe, she hires her own personal knight in shining armor, a cowboy hottie by the name of West. They clash in the beginning, but the minute they fall into bed together something magical happens.

Just as everything seems too good to be true, they are both reminded that there was a reason Ally needed a bodyguard. Her problems have found her again, and this time West will have to put his life on the line or lose everything they’ve found.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

©2023 DLZ Entertainment, LLC. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Foreword © 2014 by M. J. Rose.

Critic reviews

“Deftly and expertly narrated by the rather impressive storytelling talents of Ryan West, the novella…is certain to be enduringly appreciated.”—Midwest Book Review

No D/s and it was still great. I loved that.

I love the world of masters and mercenary’s. Each time is more fun than the last. I’m glad Ali was a smart women who had doubts but didn’t dwell in them or let them over take her. Wes was by her side and didn’t let his ego get in the way of loving her.

Loved It!

Another amazing story by Lexi Blake, and Ryan West was phenomenal as he always is

Great Story!

This was a great shorter entry in the Masters and Mercenary’s series. The best part of this audio book is the excellent narration by Ryan West. Perfection! Five Stars across the board on this one! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great addition

Another romantic suspense story from Lexi Blake about the Taggert Security. West and Ally are great figuring our that first impressions aren't always right. Listening to Ryan West is a joy.

Anything with a Taggart

As usual, the performance was outstanding. The story was entertaining and fun. Ian Taggart was, as always, the highlight.

More please

I am a huge fan all of Lexi Blake’s book but the M&M series holds a special place in my heart and this book did not disappoint. West and Ally together was amazing. I loved to watch them both work through their own past baggage. Ian has long been my favorite character and getting to see him as not only his funny self but a sweet side with Ally was great. So good to see Kala and her character growth. I can’t wait for the new generation.

More McKay-Taggart Per Day!

Lexi Blake has written another fantastic story in the Masters and Mercenaries world! I love a good Hollywood starlet and bodyguard romance. Apropos of Lexi Blake’s storytelling, Tempted runs deeper than its surface tropes. Allyson and West are both searching for something more out of life. I enjoyed West & Ally’s love story, it’s a lovely addition to the MT family and 1001 Dark Nights Novella series!

Ryan West was spectacular in this solo narration of Tempted. Ryan’s ability to give each of Lexi’s characters in this series a unique voice never ceases to impress. As the voice of McKay-Taggart, Ryan’s cadence and storytelling pace is flawless. He performed Ally & West’s touching, passionate, suspenseful love story beautifully.

A hurried tale

Masters and Mercenaries is one of my favorite series of all time, and I was so very excited when this recording dropped into my inbox. However, I was mildly disappointed. The story building that I came to expect was not there. In comparison to other books in the series, this story feels heavily edited, like scenes were missing. This may be a result of being part of 1001 Nights, which are shorter than Lexi's norm for her series.

If you're a fan of the series, you'll enjoy the touches and connections with previously introduced MC characters. The storyline is enjoyable with a few plot twists but feels light on the danger expected in a suspense romance. As a light feelgood listen, it's entertaining. But it feels like an ending to this series; it's time to move on to the next generation.

Ryan West's performance is great as always. He is one of my favorite performers, and I can't imagine anyone else doing the Taggert voices.

I'd definitely listen to the book again when I'm in the mood for something a bit fun and light with familiar, quirky characters. West Rycroft has shown up in a few other books as the younger brother to Wade Rycroft. We first met Ally Pearson in the Butterfly Bayou series as a character in her sister Brynn's romance to Major Blanchard. This book draws pretty heavily on the previous stories as an introduction to the characters. Of your a fan of Lexi's, you'll enjoy that feature. If you are new to the series, don't start here. I'm not sure this book really works as a stand-alone. Lexi Blake has other stories that will delight you more.

Another great story

This sounds like the ending of this wonderful series, but hopefully we’ll get the kids stories that we’ve had glimpses of. This book is great whether you’ve read the series or not. It has a great romance of when you just find the correct one. Great narration by Ryan West.