Delighted: A Masters and Mercenaries Novella

Book excerpt: From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake comes a new story in her Masters and Mercenaries series… Brian “Boomer” Ward believes in sheltering strays. After all, the men and women of McKay-Taggart made him family when he had none. So when the kid next door needs help one night, he thinks nothing of protecting her until her mom gets home. But when he meets Daphne Carlton, the thoughts hit him hard. She’s stunning and hardworking and obviously in need of someone to put her first. It doesn’t hurt that she’s as sweet as the cupcakes she bakes. Daphne Carlton’s life revolves around two things—her kid and her business. Daphne’s Delights is her dream—to take the recipes of her childhood and share them with the world. Her daughter, Lou, is the best kid she could have hoped for. Lula’s got a genius-level intelligence and a heart of gold. But she also has two grandparents who control her access to private school and the fortune her father left behind. They’re impossible to please, and Daphne worries that one wrong move on her part could cost her daughter the life she deserves. As Daphne and Boomer find themselves getting closer, outside forces put pressure on the new couple. But if they make it through the storm, love will just be the icing on the cake because family is the real prize. **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.** Reviews for Delighted: “Funny, flirty and full of all the emotion, this is one of my favourites in a favourite series. If you haven’t met them yet you are in for a whole lot of stellar reading!” ~ Diane, 1-Click Addict Support Group “DELIGHTED was another wonderful romantic suspense story in this amazing series. It's seductive, sexy, sweet, and suspenseful, with characters that I fell for easily, and a story line that was thoroughly intriguing.” ~ Ria, Reading Is Our Satisfaction “This is by far the best short story I have read in a long time.” ~ Jen, Read. Review. Repeat Blog “I really loved this book! Delighted was a real treat.” ~ Janine, The World Was Hers for the Reading “Boomer and Daphne have a sweet and sexy story, a little bit of drama, and a whole lot of finding your match and enjoying life.” ~ Dar Gee Reads