Tag Archives: first to Fight

Fight to The Finish (First to Fight #3) by Jeanette Murray-Review & Giveaway

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FIGHT TO THE FINISH (First to Fight #3) by Jeanette Murray-Review and Giveaway

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FIGHT TO THE FINISH
First To Fight 3
by Jeanette Murray
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense

Fight to the Finish

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 1, 2016

Kara is a single mom working hard to keep life running smoothly for herself and her son, but a custody battle is wearing her down. When her friend suggests asking a JAG officer for some unofficial advice, Kara agrees—and soon finds herself officially head over heels…

As a Judge Advocate, Graham has seen his share of nasty custody disputes—and he plans on keeping his distance from this one. But this purposeful, passionate woman has a way of drawing him ever closer to the edge. And when Kara’s ex starts to throw his weight around, Graham will have to choose between toeing the line or stepping into the ring.

•••••••

REVIEW: FIGHT TO THE FINISH is the third and final installment in Jeanette Murray’s contemporary, adult FIRST TO FIGHT romance series focusing on a group of US Marines’ boxing team. This is Judge Advocate Graham Sweeney, and single mom/yoga instructor Kara Smith’s story line. FIGHT TO THE FINISH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing story line of attack against the Marines that runs through each of the installments.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kara and Graham) FIGHT TO THE FINISH is the culmination of three stories; three couples, and the increase in vandalism against the Marines in question. Graham Sweeney is a Judge Advocate with the Marines, and a member of their boxing team whose attraction to yoga instructor Kara Smith does not go unnoticed by everyone around. Kara is a single mother to ten year old Zach-a young boy with multiple food allergies that forces our heroine into a rigid lifestyle when it comes to protecting her son. What ensues is Graham’s seduction of Kara Smith, and Kara’s struggle to keep Zach’s father from destroying their lives.

The relationship between Kara and Graham is one of immediate attraction but Kara knows that their time together is limited. Graham will one day be shipped out of state, and Kara does not have the ability to move at will. The $ex scenes are impassioned and intense.

There is a secondary story line running through the series following a number of minor vandalism cases that have been increasing in damage and danger. The Marine’s appear to be the target of these attacks but the attacks have become more personal and dangerous. The person(s) responsible is becoming obvious, but the twist, is the reason why.

All of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles. The world building continues to focus on the boxing team, their friendships, their loves, the struggles both in and out of the ring. The action takes place behind the scenes, outside the ring, and of course, during their tournament play.

FIGHT TO THE FINISH is an emotional story line about friendship and family; betrayal and revenge; moving forward and letting go of the past. The premise is revealing, entertaining, and heart warming especially as it pertains to Kara’s son Zach and his relationship with Graham. The characters are charismatic, energetic, fun and animated; the romance is passionate and alive.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Giveaway Gold and Black

The Reading Cafe and Jeanette’s publisher are offering a paper copy of FIGHT TO THE FINISH to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from March 1-5, 2016

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Against the Ropes (First to Fight #2) by Jeanette Murray-a review

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AGAINST THE ROPES (First to Fight #2) by Jeanette Murray- a review

Against the Ropes

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 6, 2015

As a troubled teen, Gregory Higgs channeled his energy into boxing instead of breaking the law. The ring gave him purpose and something to strive for. So did the Marines. Combining the two seemed like a natural fit.

Another natural fit? Reagan Robilard, the sweet athlete liaison who keeps all the fighters out of trouble and manages their PR—a job that gets more challenging when someone digs up the truth about Greg’s not-so-shiny past after equipment is vandalized at the gym.

Even if it wasn’t her job, Reagan can’t let Greg take the fall. Because passion doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to matters of the heart

••••••••••••

REVIEW: AGAINST THE ROPES is the second instalment in Jeanette Murray’s contemporary, adult FIRST TO FIGHT military, romance series focusing on a group of Marine Corps boxers and the women they love. This is Marine/boxer Gregory Higgs, and PR representative Reagan Robilard’s storyline.

Told from several third person points of view AGAINST THE ROPES continues to focus on the destruction, and threats against the Marine boxing team with the attacks becoming more personal and aggressive. As the PR representative for the boxing team, it is Reagan’s job to spin the press but the continued attacks and threats against their own find Reagan falling behind when the attacks become personal and Greg Higgs is a target for both the press and the harassment. Several purposefully planted clues take aim at Greg and his ‘colourful’ past, and Reagan’s job is on the line when she is unable to keep a handle of the negative PR.

The relationship between Greg and Reagan is one of mutual attraction that finds our couple trying to keep secret their liaisons and personal life. While Reagan continues to push Greg for information about his earlier life, Reagan soon discovers that the man with whom she has fallen in love has a secret and dangerous past she knew nothing about. The $ex scenes are intimate and romantic; there are no erotic sexual situations and no graphic sexual language.

AGAINST THE ROPES is an ensemble storyline with several of the previous storyline characters playing supporting and secondary roles. Marianne and Brad (Below the Belt #1) have a strong presence throughout the story, as does Marine Graham who begins to take an interest in Kara-the team’s yoga instructor. The banter and camaraderie between the boxers is friendly; there is a definite support system in place.

The world building continues to focus on the preparation for the upcoming boxing matches, but begins to aggressively turn its’ attention to the investigation into who or what is responsible for the acts of violence and betrayal against the Marine boxing team. I do have an issue with the unreality as it pertains to a lack of security and closed circuit monitors on a Marine base with visible MPs who apparently are not doing their job. The situation is disconcerting under the circumstance and what could very well be terrorist threats at another time seems to be all but ignored by the people in charge-they are quick to blame a PR rep for the trouble and not actively looking into the who, what and why. The situation, as presented, is not believable as it pertains to the investigation and blame.

AGAINST THE ROPES is an entertaining storyline. The premise is engaging with colourful and charismatic characters. The romance is predictable but seductive; the happily ever after has yet to be revealed as the Marine Corps boxing team continues to struggle with threats from an unknown source. There are no active military scenes or sequences; the series focuses on the boxing team and the person(s) responsible for the attacks.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy
Series spotlight

Below the BeltBelow The Belt
First To Fight #1
by Jeanette Murray
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, military romance

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7, 2015

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of BELOW THE BELT

There’s more than one way to win in the debut of the First to Fight series…

Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.

First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.

As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize…

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Below the Belt (First to Fight #1) by Jeanette Murray-Review & Giveaway

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Below the Belt (First to Fight #1) by Jeanette Murray-Review and Giveaway

Below the Belt Banner

Below The Belt
First To Fight #1
by Jeanette Murray
Release Date: April 7, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, military romance

Below the Belt

Amazon.com / B&N / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 7, 2015

There’s more than one way to win in the debut of the First to Fight series…

Athletic trainer Marianne Cook is ready to do whatever it takes to turn the men of the Marine Corps boxing team into fighting machines. After all, her ultimate goal is to land a job training professional athletes. But when she notices a certain hard-bodied marine trying to hide an injury, Marianne realizes that she’ll have to use covert tactics to get him talking.

First Lieutenant Brad Costa has waited years for the chance to fight for a spot on the Marine Corps boxing team, knowing he has to push twice as hard to get half as far as his younger counterparts. Brad tries to downplay his injuries to the attractive trainer who has his dreams in her hands, but Marianne isn’t buying it. Maybe it’s time to deploy some targeted flattery.

As Brad and Marianne’s attraction turns red-hot, there’s more than one person having a hard time keeping their eyes on the prize…

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BELOW THE BELT is the first installment in Jeanette Murray’s new contemporary, adult First to Fight military, romance series focusing on a group of Marine Corps boxers and the women they love. This is First Lieutenant Brad Costa and athletic trainer Marianne Cook’s storyline.

Marianne Cook has been hired as the physical therapist and trainer for the Marine’s new boxing team, and there is an instant chemistry between herself and First Lieutenant Brad Costa. At twenty nine years old Brad is the ‘elder statesman’ amongst the current team of Marines and with it comes some existing injuries that he is a little reluctant to share. As Brad continues to hide the extent of his pain and suffering, Marianne is all too aware that Brad hasn’t been truthful with his coach or his trainer.

The storyline follows two paths: the training, the comaraderie, and building friendships between a group of men thrown together with a common goal-to make the Marine Corps boxing team. Brad has been selected as one of three team leaders, and in this his skills and previous experience bring together the motley crew under his care. Brad and Marianne’s attraction to one another is immediate; Marianne has never before been involved with one of the men; Brad is a dedicated Marine who doesn’t do long term relationships. When our couple hit a rough patch, the Marines get together to push their friends in the right direction. The $ex scenes are intimate, provocative and romantic.

There is a secondary storyline building throughout the novel, one that focuses on a series of harassing threats and destruction of property aimed at the Marine Corps boxers. Reagan Robilard is brought in as the athletic liaison and PR consultant, and it is her job to help with the investigation into the threats and damage. Reagan’s story is next –AGAINST THE ROPES- where the search for the culprit(s) continues.

The colorful and charismatic supporting characters include the coaches, the boxers, family, friends and potential lovers. We are introduced to several Marines whose aim it is to qualify for the team. The developing friendships are amusing, refreshing and supportive. Some will not make the team, while others struggle on a daily basis. Marianne and Brad’s families play a supporting and sometimes humorous role throughout the story-Marianne’s mother is a Marine groupie who loves the attention and flirting with the men. The world building follows the Marine Corps boxing team through their training, determination and after hours play.

BELOW THE BELT is a delightful read with a fascinating and engaging cast of characters. Although BELOW THE BELT focuses on the Marine Corp boxing team we do not see any military action-it is all about the athletes and the competition. Jeanette Murray’s BELOW THE BELT was a delight to read.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

about the author

Follow : Goodreads /Website /Facebook /Twitter

Jeanette MurrayJeanette spends her days surrounded by hunky alpha men…at least in her imagination. In real life, she’s a wife and a mother, keeping tabs on her husband of seven years, her four year old daughter (often called Tot) and the family dog, a lovable (but completely stupid) Goldendoodle named Clyde. Hang around long enough and you’re guaranteed to hear at least one or two stories about these three. She and her family currently live just outside of St. Louis.

What’s with the two names? Great question. Jeanette writes for a few different publishers. And due to the timing of some releases, two names just seemed like the right option. But Jeanette can assure you, no matter which pen name you’re reading, you’re going to get sexy contemporary love.

Giveaway beige

Jeanette and her publisher are offering a paper copy of BELOW THE BELT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jeanette Murray on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on TSU for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from April 8-13, 2015

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