Took me a long time to get to this one, but I enjoyed the mystery, suspense and romance. I appreciated that Bran was honest with Carly from the beginning. Things were wrapped up with this couple but the ongoing story with the brothers continues into the next one.

A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.

This is one of those stories I liked but didn’t love but felt invested enough that I wanted to continue reading but felt no sense of urgency to do so. Overall I liked the storyline and found the characters interesting. Sometimes it did feel a bit too fast-paced and some things were glossed over making me feel disconnected. I liked the emotion and drama. This one falls into the "good" category for me.

Satisfaction is the second book in the Lawless series. The first, Ruthless, introduced us more in depth to the siblings who appeared in the Masters & Mercenaries series. From the first moment I met the Lawless siblings I was intrigued. Not only was I interested in them as characters, but in the mystery and danger surrounding their parents' death. In the first book we saw Riley attempting to use Ellie as a means to finding more information, but he never made it. He realized that his love for her was much greater than his willingness to use her.

Brandon was a sibling I was intrigued about, mostly because he seemed to be so different from the rest. I knew he had some issues and I was excited to delve into them. Unfortunately, for me, it seemed those issues weren't fully explore. Yes, we were told why, but I wanted more. Carly herself seemed very insecure and it never seemed like she got past her fears. She was constantly doubting Brandon's feelings for her. I completely understand feeling insecure, but being insecure seemed to be the focus. For her as well, it seemed that she (and Brandon) never fully discussed her issues. There was also a situation where Carly needed some money and in the midst of this insecurity and doubt, she accepted quite a sum from Brandon. I, personally, didn't care for that.

Overall I've been enjoying the story. There's no question that there is intrigue and suspense at every turn. The end of this book ... well, let's just say you'll be dying for the next one to release. Although I couldn't jump on board entirely with the characters, I'm still following the story and I CANNOT WAIT for the next one!

I wanted to love this book. I truly did, but I just couldn’t get into it. I love this author and expected great things and I found myself putting this book down and walking away. I’m a binge reader and this just doesn’t happen with my favorite authors. The characters fell flat and the chemistry just wasn’t up to par with what I know Blake can deliver.

Satisfaction (Lawless #2), Lexi Blake

I am a HUGE fan of this series, but I have to say, Satisfaction was a bit hard for me to get into at first. There are so many details in this book that you really need to pay attention. If you are in a mindset for a fun, light hearted book, this is NOT the book for you. If you are wanting a mystery of sorts with one hot love story intertwined, this entire series is for you!

You saw that I mentioned a hot love story…. It would not be a Lexi Blake book without a hot, steamy couple. In Satisfaction we get Brandon Lawless’ story with Carly Hendricks. These two are such opposites. It was fun to read how they navigate through their relationship.

I will tell you, once I was about half through Satisfaction, I was sucked in. Lexi did not fail me!!! I am so excited to read Drew Lawless story in Revenge! He has been such an interesting character throughout this entire series.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review Satisfaction. In the end, I loved it.

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1706692022
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R30S9G0BRF3N6M?ref_=glimp_1rv_cl

This is one of my blogger shame books - a review that fell through the cracks back the first of the year when I had to get one of those dreaded eye injections. So I apologize to Lexi and Berkley for this being so late. I definitely wish I would have gotten to it sooner than now! Things have gotten very interesting in the Lawless family.

The next mark for the Lawless siblings is Carly Fisher, personal assistant to the evil television homemaker, Patty Cain. Carly got conned by an embezzling ex-husband and is being blackmailed to stay in her job with Patty, so her life is fairly miserable. When the country girl escaped from Alabama to join the glitzy team with Patricia's Paradise, things didn't turn out quite like she hoped. Despite her friendly and caring personality, things with Patty and the ex instilled Carly with self-esteem and adequacy issues. When she is approached by Brandon Lawless, with his movie star good looks and mesmerizing smile, Carly's perceived inadequacies often went into overdrive and had her second-guessing his motives, words and attraction.

Brandon Lawless, the youngest brother, had the roughest time of all the Lawless siblings. Left in foster care until a traumatic event when he was 16, Bran was left with anger problems and his own self-esteem and adequacy issues. This particular quote summed him up perfectly:
Something deep and dark had happened to Bran. Something that made him think he wasn't worthy of being loved. It made him wary of conflict and always looking to be the one who got pushed away.
My heart really went out to Brandon, and I thought he was great hero. He was one of the broken, broody and dangerous characters that you want to protect and shield from further harm, while going all swoony at his protective instincts. Add to that some serious steamy skills, and I fell for Bran hook line and sinker.

The romance between these two was paced nicely within the confines of the story. I was glad that Bran approached Carly and laid everything on the table from the beginning, instead of making her a mark like Ellie in Ruthless. I liked them working together as a team toward a common goal, and I loved that Bran brought Carly out of her shell sexually and undid some of the damage done by her ex-husband. Sometimes the combined feelings of inadequacy did seem a bit much... but they were overcome by a certain point and stopped popping up at every turn.

The investigation into the murder of the Lawless parents ebbed and flowed in this installment. There wasn't quite as much action as I had expected, until the last 10-15% of the book. There were some good clues that had my mind churning, and several of my suppositions were confirmed by the end of the story. Even though I had guessed the twist before the end, I still think its a dynamic plot conflict and I am really looking forward to how this all plays out in the next book, Revenge. I still think that Drew is going to be my favorite Lawless character... particularly after a little more of his geeky side came out in this installment.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Berkley.

This is the second book in the "Lawless" series. I read the first book and I think I gave it either 4 or 5 stars. It was action packed and fast moving and I was really looking forward to getting the story on the next Lawless brother. Lexi Blake is a really good author but I have to admit, I didn't enjoy this installment in the series quite as much as the first one.

Bran is very different from the Lawless brother who stars in the first novel in this series. Instead of being as heartless as his brother, Bran is a bit more concerned about the havoc the Lawless brothers might visit on innocent bystanders as they seek to avenge the deaths of their parents. Bran is trying to protect Carly from getting trampled by the Lawless revenge plot in the way his Sister in Law once did. At the same time, if you read the first book, you know that Bran struggles with some issues of his own that he tries to lock down in this book.

Big brother Drew is working on part 2 of the Lawless revenge plan and it involves Carly. Carly is a divorcee who is trying to protect her little sister from a mess caused by her ex husband. Drew's plan involves some dating website shenanigans that Bran decides to undercut by approaching Carly directly. And that is the beginning of a cute but sexy romance.

I liked Carly's character because she seemed real to me. She wasn't super confident and that made sense given her life circumstances. She was in minor shock that someone like Bran wanted her but she turns out to be his perfect match. We find out that Bran has been traumatized by something that happened in the past. As a result, he thinks that he doesn't deserve to be loved. So if you have read any of my reviews, you know I love a story about redeeming love. That was this book. Carly basically drags Bran away from all his inner turmoil and shows him that he deserves love and even if he doesn't deserve it, he can't live without Carly.

This was a good book but the issue for me was the comparison between this one and the first one. The connection between the characters in the book was so intense and the characters were so strong that I kind of expected that in this book. It didn't happen that way. There was some hot sex scenes but I definitely didn't feel the compelling connection between Carly and Bran that I was expecting. Also, in general neither Carly or Bran were the dynamic characters that I was looking forward to seeing in this series. I was satisfied that the mystery moves forward in this book and there are some new plot twists. All in all, this was pretty good and I am definitely going to be back for Drew's story in the next book.

The horrors of his childhood, including separation from his siblings, have caused Bran to develop a strong protective sense and an explosive temper. Seemingly lighthearted most of the time, Bran has depth and shadows to his character that author Lexi Blake does a wonderful job exploring.

Unexpected twists and revelations drive the suspense plot surrounding the ultimate goal of justice and the mystery surrounding the death of the Lawless parents. The action scenes are intense and exciting, as they always are in a Lexi Blake book; same goes for the private action scenes between Bran and Carly.

In Satisfaction, Lexi Blake once again combines her special blend of intrigue and passion, for a compelling, and surprisingly tender, adventure.

The book had a steady pace from the first to the last page. The thing is that close to the end a huge (and when I say huge I mean HUGE) revelation happened and the book decided to end. Not cool. You can't reveal something like that and then expect me to wait until June when the third book will be released. Again, not cool. I really want to see where this story is going and how it will end. I got invested in the story of the four Lawless siblings. I am not okay with the way this book ended. I want the next book now. Not only it will give us all the answers, it will also feature Drew, the older sibling and the one who is set on the revenge plan. I want to see how his lady will affect him, considering his character and how he is acting. I am hoping she will be more likeable than Carly. I got tired of reading about her insecurities and how she thought that Bran was using her to get what he wanted and didn't truly want her.

Ian has appeared in every single book I have read so far and I still love him. The sad thing is that Ellie and Riley are almost always mentioned and I didn't get the chance to see them. I am starting to worry and think that Bran and Carly will also disappear in the next book and it will be only, Hatch, Drew and his lady, which doesn't make me happy. And the fact (which is almost a guarantee) that Ian will appear in Drew's book doesn't make me feel any better.

Overall, I was satisfied with the book (see what I did there). I didn't feel like the main couple had any chemistry and I wasn't a big fan of Bran and Carly, but to be honest I was mostly focused on the revenge plot. It didn't bother me that the romance aspect didn't work for me. What bothered me is the waiting for the third book after the big bomb was dropped.

I did not particularly like this book too much. The first couple of chapters were slow and just seemed to drag. And then I could not really find to much interest in the book.

SATISFACTION - Lexi Blake
Lawless, Book 2
Berkley
ISBN: 9780425283585

January 2017
Contemporary Romance

Multiple locations - Present Day

Brandon Lawless is the nice brother, so he’s not about to let his family use Carly in their schemes. Instead of manipulating her into doing what they want, Bran explains the situation and offers Carly help with her own troubles in exchange. And if that means that Bran has to pretend to be her boyfriend in order to get close to Carly’s boss, well, he’s perfectly fine with that. He’s never been good enough for a real relationship in the past, but she’s the first woman that makes him want to really try to be better.

Carly is stuck in a job she hates working for a woman she loathes - but she can’t escape, not while her boss has leverage over her. So when Bran offers his help in exchange for some insider information and a chance to get into her office, she jumps at the chance. But Bran’s family is more than a little intimidating, and his issues stemming from his youth spent in foster care are out of control. And when the schemes start to get deadly, is Bran going to be on her side, or stick with his family?

The second book in the Lawless series is just as action-packed as the first. While Carly’s role seems innocent and safe at first, it gets lethal fast. Bran and Carly have a lot of challenges to face, both externally and internally. And Bran’s relationship with his family just adds another speed bump on his road to happiness.

Each book in this series works as one part of a whole. The Lawless family’s machinations against their parents’ old business partners is a complex, multi-step plan. So the series must be read in order, and there’s no way you can just stop, especially not after the major reveals at the end of SATISFACTION.

SATISFACTION follows RUTHLESS (August 2016), and the trilogy concludes with Drew’s book, REVENGE, coming June 2017.

This review will be posted on Romance Reviews Today in March 2017.

Satisfaction by Lexi Blake brings us back to the Lawless family who is just wanting a second chance to redeem their name. We saw in the beginning how each one got separated but there is one person who got the brunt of this separation and that is Brandon. Here is a guy that didn`t have the best luck and now he is trying to be good. Carly shows him the possibility of being loved for who he is and not what he can do.This love scares him and loved it that Lexi Blake shows us a side of him that not even his family really knew. The attraction these two share is unique and yet it is one you don`t see often. The woman showing the man that with hope love can be possible with hope in it. Loved it.

*4.5 stars*

Hold onto your seats… it’s getting bumpy….

This author knows just how to bring me to my reading knees! I’m guaranteed a well-written story no matter what the storyline or what characters inhabit them and this series, this book, had me glued to the pages…

The Lawless family are on a mission and it is Brandon’s turn to lead the charge. When he crosses path with Carly Hendricks she may be friend or foe but he is going to treat her as a means to an end. A very beautiful, potent, sexy… means to an end. Carly finds herself in an impossible situation however, that doesn’t stop her from trying to do the right thing…

Complicated. In one word that would describe their relationship. Trust is at the heart and when there is none, well, hang onto your kindles as this is going to be bumpy! Carly is confident in her work yet is a mix of uncertainty and lack of confidence when it comes to the compelling and ‘out of reach’ Brandon. Brandon knows what is at stake and love can’t be a factor. While not a recipe for disaster there is also no smooth sailing as the family’s mission continues amidst half-truths and secrets…

“Maybe he was satisfied that they were going to do the job and then they would shake hands and say good-bye.”

While I couldn’t be more satisfied with how Carly and Brandon’s story played out, the author couldn’t leave it at that. Oh no, wouldn’t want to get the readers too complacent… That ending? That jaw dropping, ‘what the @#$% just happened’ twisted ending will have me stalking the shelves for Drew’s story!

I absolutely loved this book. This is the best book I've read this year. I know it's only been a month, but I couldn't put this book down. Bran. Brandon. Bran. Bran. Bran. Bran. Oh how I love thee. I really thought I would want Drew's book because he was so nerdy in a hot kind of way, but Bran really snuck up on me and just smacked me in the face.

Drew was supposed to be the one that went in and swooped Carly off her feet a la Riley and Ellie. Bran wasn't so keen on that plan, so he went in before Drew could and laid it out straight. Patricia Cain murdered his parents, he and his siblings were taking her down, could she please help? Cue the misbelief. Not that Patricia Cain was innocent. Carly didn't have blinders on when it came to her boss. She knew exactly what kind of woman she was. No, Carly thought that Bran was batshit crazy.

Carly was exactly the kind of woman that Bran was drawn to. A woman that needed help. Not to mention the hotness factor. Bran knows that his plan to lay it out for her was exactly right. Having Drew go in and manipulate her the way that Riley did to Ellie would never have worked out. This way, Bran could help her with her problems (which were many) and the Lawless siblings could take down Patricia Cain. If Bran could get some time with Carly between now and then, all the better.

When Carly leaves Bran, she still isn't sure. That all changes when her ex-husband's problems turn up on her doorstep quite literally. Suddenly she's calling Bran and he's sleeping on her couch. She's agreed to help him and he's pretending to be her boyfriend. Then they're not pretending. Carly is falling in love with a man that might not know how to love her back. It's readily apparent that Bran has issues that he refuses to acknowledge let alone discuss.

Bran had a serious case of PTSD stemming from his childhood. While the Lawless siblings are closer than most, they have more problems than most as well. Bran was left in foster care long after he should have been. Drew finally admits that it was easier for Bran to be left in the system while he was starting up 4L than to bring him home. He tells Bran that revenge came first. It was heartbreaking. Once that comes out in the open, it finally brings Bran some peace.

Carly and Bran are just perfect for each other. Carly has so little control in her life thanks to Patricia Cain that she grabs it where she can. Bran is glad to cede control to her in every place except for the bedroom. It works surprisingly well for them. I love it. Carly was a little insecure which got a little old, but Bran more than made up for it. He was so damaged, but he confronted it head on and that was refreshing. I loved him.

There was a twist at the end of the book that I didn't see coming and I can't wait until June!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

I really enjoyed this book and cant wait to read more from this author

I really enjoyed Bran and Carly’s romance and definitely recommend it. The twist at the end is such a doozy, I cannot wait to read Drew’s book next.


**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**

I give this book my glowing 4.5 stars. Loved the twists and turns and Bran, the hero. Highly recommended to fans of romantic suspense. Read my full length review at Scandalicious Book Reviews.

Lexi Blake is the master of sexy suspense! I probably sound like a broken record when it comes to Lexi Blake, but her writing is top notch! I am very picky about what Romantic Suspense I will read and review. For every 5 or 6 I start, one will be finished. Lexi is one of the few who has never let me down!

I was introduced to the Lawless family in Reckless, but this family and some of the characters are tie ins and crossovers from the Masters and Mercenaries series by Lexi. While I have not read all of that series yet, I might have to move them to the top of the reading list! I have been getting glimpses into the McKay-Taggart crew, and I am definitely intrigued.

I loved the love story between Brandon and Carly. I can enjoy a good insta-love story, but sometimes, I want something more believable a realistic. Their relationship didn't explode overnight. There was a build-up of trust, conversation, and stolen kisses. Once they finally gave in to the building passion, it was explosive! I loved it!

Brandon may have been underestimated by his siblings, but he shouldn't have been. He shows that he not only can pull his own weight with the family vengeance plan, but he can go above and beyond, making sacrifices for his family and loved ones. Fiercely loyal and driven.

Carly is a woman I can relate to well. Taken as a fool by a loved one, she has been burned in the past, but she refuses to give up or give in. She doesn't trust easily, but she still is willing to take a risk on love. She is living a false life, forced to work for a cruel woman. Her strength of character through all that she has had to endure is inspiring.

There were quite a few surprises in this book, and I was caught unaware. There are few things in books that make me happier than when I can be caught off-guard, as I've been know to predict plots in the first few chapters, but I love that Lexi can surprise me, over and over again! I loved this book, and cannot wait for more from Lexi!

WHOA. WHOA. WHOOOOOOAAAAAAAA. DID NOT SEE THAT COMING.
Full review after I process


Now that I've processed make sure you read this series in order! These are my first books by Lexi Blake and I am hooked. There's a ton of suspense and a plot that will keep you guessing until the end. Our two main characters are extremely likable and trapped in circumstances beyond their control. The romance is heavy even with the backdrop of this revenge drama. The Lawless family is well on their quest for revenge when they realize that not everything is as it seems. What they once knew gets turned on their head and I can't wait to see how it all wraps up. I highly recommend to anyone who likes romantic suspense novels.