Tag Archives: MMA

BREAKING PHOENIX (Underground Bruisers 2) by EC Land & Rae B Lake

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BREAKING PHOENIX (Underground Bruisers 2) by EC Land & Rae B Lake

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 18, 2023

Pain has always been my safe place. I understand hurt. I flourish in it. Phoenix Growing up in foster care I learned to roll with the punches and give as good as I got. I joined the Navy as soon as I could just to get away from the hell that was my life…of course the pain followed me there as well. Now I’m back home and all the years I’ve spent with my back against the wall fighting for my life has made me cold as ice. Impenetrable to the happiness and love others try to show me. Only Skyla, the popular girl from high school and the one woman who can break me with just a smile, can see through my mask. Too bad she doesn’t want me how I want her. Or so I thought. When a ghost from my past time in foster care shows back up in my life will I be able to survive the pain those memories bring or will this fight be the one to break me.

•••••

REVIEW: BREAKING PHOENIX is the second full-length instalment in the contemporary, adult UNDERGROUND BRUISERS erotic, dark, MMA/boxing romance series co-authored by EC Land and Rae B Lake. This is former US sailor turned fighter turned renovator Phoenix Seller, and masseuse Skyla Harrell’s story line. BREAKING PHOENIX can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual omniscient first person perspectives (Skyla and Phoenix) BREAKING PHOENIX follows the building relationship between former US sailor turned fighter turned renovator Phoenix Seller, and masseuse Skyla Harrell. Phoenix Seller doesn’t do relationships, doesn’t date but his heart has been set on Skyla Harrell since they met in high school. Phoenix Seller grew up in the foster care system, a system that let him down too many times. Believing himself unworthy, Phoenix keeps his distance but Skyla tends to place herself in the direct line of fire, and Phoenix finds himself rescuing our heroine at every turn. Skyla is a serial dater but a woman who picks the wrong kind of man. Assaulted and attacked on more than one occasion, Skyla struggles with her attraction to Phoenix, a man she doesn’t trust, and he in return. What ensues is the building but tempestuous relationship between Skyla and Phoenix, and the potential fall-out as Skyla is targeted, and Phoenix finds himself facing the demons from his past.

The relationship between Skyla and Phoenix is a friends to lovers but a relationship in which both struggle with secrets and lies. Skyla has a stalker but is quick to accept dates from strangers, and keeps hidden the ‘gifts’ bequeathed by an unknown source. Phoenix believes he is unworthy of friendships and love, and in this, uses fighting to make himself numb from the pain but the only bright light in Phoenix’s life is the woman who battles between head and heart, a woman who is often a little bit TSTL (too stupid to live) finding herself in dangerous situations at every turn. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including all of the couples we have met in the previous story lines: Rhett and Christine, Kai and Marcella, Karter, Haven and Brooklyn. The requisite evil has many faces.

BREAKING PHOENIX is a story of betrayal and trust, power and abuse, acceptance, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is heart breaking and infuriating; the romance is intense; the characters are broken, desperate and struggling in their daily lives.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Caging Dyer
Facing Kai
Finding Reese

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Caging Dyer/Finding Reese by EC Land & Rae B Lake -reviews

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Caging Dyer/Finding Reese (underground Bruisers ) by EC Land & Rae B Lake -reviews

FINDING REESE
Underground Bruisers
by EC Land & Rae B Lake
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MMA, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 19, 2023

With one wrong move, I lost it all.
Reece
For years I worked to get where I am only to screw it all up. I lost my way along with what I love most. I’ll do anything to get back in the ring. But it comes at a cost of never being in the same light I once was.
I don’t know if I can do it. Or so I thought until she showed me differently. Finding who I am isn’t what I thought I’d find by her showing me the way. The lights might be different, but what do they say about having your cake and eating it too? I want both and I’ll fight like hell to keep it this time around.

•••••••

REVIEW: FINDING REESE is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult UNDERGROUND BRUISERS erotic, MMA romance series co-authored by EC Land and Rae B Lake. This is disgraced champion boxer Reece Dyer, and social worker Haven’s story line. FINDING REESE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. There are two prequel instalments CAGING DYER by EC Land, and FACING KAI by Rae B Lake.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Reese and Haven) FINDING REESE follows in the after of the take down of our story line hero. Reese Dyer has been set up to take a fall but when he refuses , punches are thrown, law enforcement is called, and a hearing finds Reese without his license to box. Looking for an outlet to work off his anger, Reese finds himself at the local gym where he will come face to face with his future in the guise of social worker Haven, who works at the local community centre with at risk children, a centre that is struggling to keep afloat. Desperate to keep the youth involved, Haven makes Reese an offer, an offer that pushes our couple together but Reese’s past refuses to let go, forcing haven to question where everything went wrong. As Reese and Haven’s relationship quickly becomes something more, the past demands a second chance, placing Reese in the direct line of fire. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Haven and Reese, and the potential fall-out as Haven struggles with Reese’s history, and the people that have come before.

The relationship between Haven and Reese is one of immediate attraction but Reese isn’t in a good place having lost his license to box, and his sense of purpose and self esteem. Meeting Haven gives Reese purpose especially as it pertains to the local community centre but Reese’s past continues to affect his present, and his future going forward. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate but I dislike the use of certain four-letter words in my romance story lines.

We are reintroduced to Reese’s brother Rhett and Christine (Caging Dyer), attorney and underground fighter Kai Yang (Facing Kai), as well as Reese’s sister Reyna, fighters Karter and Phoenix, community centre manager Lucas; at risk youth including Benny; boxer Niko, shady promoter Ezra as well as several other promoters and agents. Phoenix’s story line is next.

FINDING REESE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, misunderstanding and forgiveness, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is engaging and exciting; the romance is steamy and provocative; the characters are struggling, broken, determined and dynamic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

_______

CAGING DYER
(Underground Bruisers 1)
by EC Land
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, MMA, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2022

Fighting is my life. But so is she.

Rhett

The day my life changed was when I stepped into the ring. I followed my own path and do what I do best. Fighting is in my blood.

A fight is coming up and training is a must. That doesn’t mean I don’t take notice of her. I shouldn’t have. She’s off limits. Everyone knows it. But if not for her, I’m screwed. She’s my saving grace. I’ll fight for her as much as anything else.

••••••

REVIEW: CAGING DYER by EC Land is a contemporary, adult, MMA erotic, romance story line focusing on MMA fighter Rhett Dyer, and college student Christina Bright’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Christina and Rhett) CAGING DYER follows the friends to lovers relationship between  MMA fighter Rhett Dyer, and college student Christina Bright. Rhett Dyer knows his coach’s daughter Christina Bright is off limits but discovering Christina at the opening of a new nightclub pushes Rhett to break all of his rules but a night spent together is the perfect alibi when our hero is the prime suspect at his place of work. Christina must come clean to verify Rhett’s alibi but revealing the truth mean revealing her relationship with our story line hero.

We are introduced to Rhett’s coach Corey Bright, his son Travis, as well as Rhett’s brother Reese.

CAGING DYER is a very quick read; a fast paced story of insta-lust to love; an erotic and steamy forbidden romance with limited character development as the story line covers a few days in the life. The premise is entertaining; the characters are charismatic and fun.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Titan (Phoenix Fighters 1) by Chantal Fernando-a review

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Titan (Phoenix Fighters 1) by Chantal Fernando-a review

 

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 19, 2022

Forgiveness has never been my strong suit–even when it comes in the form of a temptress with brown eyes and a sweet smile.

But that smile wasn’t always sweet.

My name is Titan, and I’m one of the best muay thai fighters of my time.

It wasn’t always like this, I wasn’t always on top of the world.

Once upon a time, I was beneath it.

But what do I do when the woman from my hell meets me in my heaven?

What I do best.

Fight.

•••••

REVIEW:TITAN is the first instalment in Chantal Fernando’s contemporary, adult PHOENIX FIGHTERS MMA romance series. This is champion muay Thai fighter Titan Chase, and physio-therapist Saskia Day’s story line.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Titan and Saskia) TITAN follows the enemies to lovers relationship between champion muay Thai fighter Titan Chase, and physio-therapist Saskia Day. High school was h*ll for our story line hero. Bullied and beaten, Titan would push himself to become the world’s best fighter but no matter how rich or famous, the little boy within continues to feel bullied by the woman who is about to steal his heart. Saskia Day was an emotional bully, directing much of her anger and animosity towards our story line hero. School mates and enemies, Saskia stood by and watched as her friends and acquaintances attacked a young man, leaving behind a broken and batter boy, a boy who would one day rule the fighting ring. Fast forward to present day wherein, champion muay Thai fighter Titan Chase is in need of a physio-therapist, and Saskia Day has been hired to work on his injury. Old memories and pain are hard to forget, as Titan struggles with what was and what will never be, again. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Saskia and Titan, and the potential fall-out as the past returns targeting our story line heroine in the process.

The relationship between Saskia and Titan is an enemies to lovers relationship in which Titan struggles to forgive, and Saskia battles between head and heart knowing she helped to destroy the heart of a frightened young man. Misunderstanding, miscommunication, and a world of hurt, continue to beat at the heart and mind of our hero, a man who is willing to emotionally attack back in defense of his heart using any method including quickly moving on. The $ex scenes are intimate but limited without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Saskia’s best friend Destiny; fellow muay Thai fighter and Titan’s best friend Shepherd, as well as Titan’s mother, and Saskia’s ex boyfriend Rick.

TITAN is a story of bullying and discrimination; power and control, perceived betrayal and retaliation; acceptance, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is fast and furious; the characters are broken, struggling but moving on.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times, Amazon & USA Today Bestselling Author Chantal Fernando is thirty years old and lives in Western Australia.

Lover of all things romance, Chantal is the author of the best selling books Dragon’s Lair, Maybe This Time and many more.

When not reading, writing or daydreaming she can be found enjoying life with her three sons and family.

Chantal loves to hear from readers.

Follow Chantal: Website/ Facebook/ Twitter/ Goodreads

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Sick Heart by J. A. Huss -Review, Excerpt & Giveaway tour

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Sick Heart by J. A. Huss – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

 

 

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 30, 2021

DARK MMA FIGHTER ROMANCE

Cort van Breda has won 35 death matches as a fighter in an MMA circuit so deep underground there are no rules and only the winner gets out alive.
They call him the Sick Heart.
They say he’s a shameless monster.
They say he’s a ruthless killer.
They say he’s as twisted as the man who owns him.
They say a lot of things about Cort van Breda.
But in our world violence is money, and money is winning, and winning is life, and life is the only thing that matters.
Except… he wasn’t meant to win that last fight.
And I wasn’t meant to be his prize.
But he did.
And I am.
And now his sick heart owns me.

WARNING: This is a sweet love story adrift in an ocean of evil. It is about two survivors dealing with their darkest secrets while they fight to change their lives. It is for mature readers only and has descriptions of deeply disturbing situations. There will be pearl clutching.

••••••

REVIEW: SICK HEART by JA Huss is a contemporary, adult, dark, romance stand alone set in the author’s work of Rook and Ronin, and The Company. This is twenty-seven year old, underground MMA fighter Cort van Breda aka Sick Heart, and Anya’s story line. SICK HEART is a stand alone but as yet, has no direct connection to the other series.

WARNING: Due to the graphic nature and content of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Cort and Anya) SICK HEART is a tragic story of ultimate survival in a world of permeating evil. Cort van Breda has been trained from a young age to kill in a world of illegal fight clubs involving children and child slavery. His last fight was meant to free him from a twenty-two year bondage but Cort never expected to meet another warrior, another survivor, a young woman, whose own life was fodder for the corrupt and malevolent. One month together in virtual silence meant one month of watching the other persevere but all was about to come crashing down when someone else had plans to destroy them all.

SICK HEART focuses on survival and endurance; on child trafficking and slavery; on power, control, malevolence and death. J.A. Huss pulls the reader into a dark and brutal world of illegal underground fights to the death, a world fuelled by breeders and killers, perversions and control. SICK HEART is also a story of, not only existing but, of consciousness, viability, and the mortality of life. A dark, gritty, raw and haunting story that is dramatic and intense in both presentation and back story.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

I put one hand up and slowly sign, Talk to me. It’s an easy sign and she gets it, because she goes tense again, then shakes her head no. But then she repeats my signs back with modifications, pointing at me, tapping her chin with a sideways hand, and then pointing to herself. You talk to me.
I already did.
She shakes her head and makes a sign for ‘whisper.’
And now it’s my turn to go tense and just stare at her for a moment.
Because she got it right. The sign is ‘talk,’ but if your other hand is cupped on the side of your mouth, it means ‘whisper.’ Like you’re gonna whisper in someone’s ear.
Did she just… I squint at her and she frowns in response. Has she taught herself sign language?
That’s not possible. Not this fast. It hasn’t even been a week.
Then whisper to me, I sign.
She shakes her head again. And then she touches my lips with the edge of her fingertips and slowly drags them up my cheek before pulling away.
‘Kiss.’ That was the sign for ‘kiss.’
She wants me to kiss her.
I know this is a distraction. I know who I’m dealing with. A girl who has been silent so long, no one remembers her last spoken words. A girl who should be dead, but isn’t. A girl who should be anywhere but here with me, but is. A girl who four days ago didn’t know a single bit of sign language, and now knows enough to stun me silent.
So I should really know better.
I should push her. Keep going. Because I could make her talk. I know I could.
But then she leans towards me. And we’re not that far apart, so that kiss she just asked for is now an absolute guarantee.
Our lips touch and just… linger there for a breath.
And so many things go through my mind in that breath. I want to resist her offer. Push her down, roll over, and forget where I’m at and who I’m with.
But that’s just fucking stupid. I like this girl. A lot.
I want to kiss her.
And all those other thoughts earlier about not wanting sex… well. This seems like more than sex. So that’s something I am interested in.
When our lips touch everything that happens next—whether it’s today, tomorrow, or next year—everything that happens next is preordained. And there’s no way to stop it.
I cup my hands around her face, my thumbs caressing small circles on her cheeks as her mouth opens and her tongue touches mine.
There is maybe one more moment. One more chance to stop the car crash that’s coming, but it’s such a small moment, so short and tiny, it barely exists.
And what comes next is pure lust.
I open my mouth, kiss her hard. Bite her lip, grab her breasts as I drop my full weight over her.
She kisses me back. But her kiss isn’t urgent, like mine. It’s soft. And even though we’re stained with salt water, and sweat, and the wind, she tastes so sweet, I want this kiss to last forever. 


 

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J.A. Huss never wanted to be a writer and she still dreams of that elusive career as an astronaut. She originally went to school to become an equine veterinarian but soon figured out they keep horrible hours and decided to go to grad school instead. That Ph.D wasn’t all it was cracked up to be (and she really sucked at the whole scientist thing), so she dropped out and got a M.S. in forensic toxicology just to get the whole thing over with as soon as possible.

After graduation she got a job with the state of Colorado as their one and only hog farm inspector and spent her days wandering the Eastern Plains shooting the shit with farmers. After a few years of that, she got bored. And since she was a homeschool mom and actually does love science, she decided to write science textbooks and make online classes for other homeschool moms. She wrote more than two hundred of those workbooks and was the number one publisher at the online homeschool store many times, but eventually she covered every science topic she could think of and ran out of shit to say.

So in 2012 she decided to write fiction instead. That year she released her first three books and started a career that would make her a New York Times bestseller and land her on the USA Today Bestseller’s List eighteen times in the next three years. Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie award in 2016 and 2017 respectively, her audiobook Mr. Perfect was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017, and her book, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Johnathan McClain is her first (and only) writing partner and even though they are worlds apart in just about every way imaginable, it works.

She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.

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Sage (Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy 2)by Lane Hart-a review

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Sage (Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy 2)by Lane Hart-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 30, 2021

Sage Abrams has been training for years with one goal in mind – to win a welterweight championship title, just like his father Linc. That’s why, unlike his twin brother Talon, he keeps to a strict regimen. He doesn’t ever date, drink, or party.

With an undefeated record, Sage is finally going to get his chance at a belt. The only thing that stands in the way of him becoming the best welterweight fighter in the world is his opponent, Cyrus Cutler, and an illegal hit that knocks him unconscious.

When Sage wakes up in the hospital, he doesn’t remember the fight or anything else that’s happened in the last few years. The one person he wants by his side as he recovers is Eden, his ex-girlfriend.

Eden is suddenly caught up in a love triangle. After Sage’s injury, he doesn’t remember dumping her and pushing her into his brother Tal’s arms in order to concentrate on his training.

Will Eden pick Sage, the sweet, determined brother who has already broken her heart once, or will she stay with Tal, the tattooed, bad boy who is only looking for a good time?

••••••••

REVIEW:  SAGE is the second instalment and novella in Lane Hart’s contemporary, adult COCKY CAGE FIGHTER: LEGACY erotic, romance series, a spin off /next generation from the author’s COCKY CAGE FIGHTER series. This is twenty-six year old MMA fighter Sage Abrams, and business woman Eden Duncan’s story line Sage is Linc Abrams’ son, and Eden is Senn Duncan’s daughter.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Sage and Eden) SAGE follows the second chance romance between twenty-six year olds MMA fighter Sage Abrams, and business woman Eden Duncan. Eight years earlier, high school sweethearts Sage Abrams and Eden Duncan had their entire lives in front of them but as Eden prepared for college, Sage wanted to concentrate on training for the MMA, pushing Eden away without looking back. Fast forward to present day wherein Eden, now in a ‘friends with benefits, relationship with Sage’s twin brother Talon finds herself still in love with the man that broke her heart, but a man whose memories have been destroyed by an illegal hit to the head during a championship match. As Eden struggles with her continued attraction to Sage Abrams, Sage believes he and Eden are still a happy couple. What ensues is the rebuilding romance and relationship between Sage and Eden,and the potential fall-out as Sage’s memories return, and Eden may become collateral damage, again.

The relationship between Sage and Eden is a rekindling romance; a teenaged sweethearts relationship destroyed by Sage’s need to become number one, and Eden’s need for the man that she loved. For eight years, Eden and Sage’s brother Talon fell into a comfortable friendship and relationship that was about to come under question as Sage reconsiders his future, going forward. The $ex scenes are intimate without he use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are reintroduced to Eden’s father Senn Duncan (Senn),Sage’s parents Linc and Claire (Linc), all from the original Cocky Cage Fighter series, as well as Sage’s twin brother Talon, and cage fighter Cyrus Cutler.

SAGE is a story of family and relationships, friendships and love, forgiveness and happily ever after. The premise is emotional and engaging; the romance is seductive and captivating; the characters are broken, determined, yet moving on. I did have an issue with the quick resolution, I was hoping for a little more conflict and rekindling angst.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Xavier (Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy #1) by Lane Hart-a review

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Xavier (Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy #1) by Lane Hart-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 7, 2020

Xavier Malone returned to Maryland for his ten-year high school reunion to get away from all the drama in Seattle.

He never thought he would spend the week second-guessing every decision he’s ever made or seriously consider trading in his suit and tie for a chance to get in the cage.

Most of all, he wasn’t supposed to fall for Cassidy, his childhood best friend.

As Xavier makes plans to pursue his lifelong dream, following in the footsteps of his father Jax, a legend in the fighting world, he convinces himself that he needs Cass in his corner more than he needs her in his bed.

But Cass has longed for Xavier to see her as more than a friend for years and is tired of waiting. Now that he’s back, she’s not going to waste her chance to finally tell him how she feels.

There’s only one thing that can stand in the way of Xavier and Cass’s happiness, and that’s Xavier’s unfinished business with his estranged wife.

••••••••

REVIEW:XAVIER is the first instalment in Lane Hart’s contemporary, adult COCKY CAGE FIGHTER LEGACY erotic, romance series-a spin off and second generation series from the author’s Cocky Cage Fighter series. This is attorney and son of Jaxson and Page (JAX #1) Xavier Malone, and sport’s store owner Cassidy Brooks’ story line. XAVIER and the Cocky Cage Fighter Legacy series can be read as a stand alone. You do not have to have read the previous series to follow or understand the current timeline.

Told form dual first person perspectives (Xavier and Cassidy) XAVIER follows the friends to lovers relationship between twenty-eight year old attorney Xavier Malone, and sports store owner Cassidy Brooks. For close to twenty years Xavier and Cassidy have been best friends but Xavier had placed our heroine in the friend zone, leaving a heart broken Cassidy to continually pick up the pieces of her shattered heart. College, law school and marriage meant Xavier moved on with his life, only keeping in touch with his best friend a few times per year. With their high school tenth anniversary just days away, Xavier returns to his home town in Maryland, without his wife, considering a future in the MMA. Spending his days and nights with Cassidy forced Xavier to see the bigger picture including a life with Cassidy Brooks, and the pending divorce from his estranged wife Camilla. What ensues is the friends to lovers romance and relationship between Cassidy and Xavier, and the potential fall-out as Xavier’s lies by omission place our heroine in a precarious situation, breaking her heart, all over again.

Xavier Malone is tired of the daily grind of legal proceedings, and hopes to enter the world of the MMA, as his father and uncle, and sister before him but his failed marriage is a problem for his family, and his attraction to his best friend Cassidy Brooks may interfere in his training regimen. Cassidy Brooks has been in love with her best friend for as long as she can remember. Hoping to keep their relationship platonic, Cassidy struggles to keep her feelings for Xavier in the friend zone until a drunken night reveals the truth.

The relationship between Xavier and Cassidy is a friends to lovers wherein Xavier’s current relationship status becomes a bone of contention between our leading couple. Xavier knows that his marriage is over but convincing his soon to be ex-wife is another matter. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. We are reintroduced to Xavier’s parents Jax and Page (Jax #1), his uncle Jude (Jude #2), his sister and fellow MMA fighter Macy, as well as a number of Cassidy’s ‘friends with benefits’ and her Fantasy Football players.

XAVIER is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and trust. A story of unrequited love, revelations, secrets and struggle. The premise is entertaining and spicy; the romance is arousing and lively; the characters are sexy and inspiring.

If you are interested in reading the original COCKY CAGE FIGHTER series, all nine books are currently available in a boxset for ONLY 99¢ at Amazon.

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sin and Ink (Sweetest Taboo) by Naima Simone-a review

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SIN AND INK (Sweetest Taboo) by Naima Simone- a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 15, 2018

There’s sin, and then there’s literally going-straight-to-hell sin…
Being in lust with my dead brother’s wife pretty much guarantees that one day I’ll be the devil’s bitch. But Eden Gordon works with me, so it’s getting harder and harder to stay away. I promised my family—and him—I would, though.

My days as an MMA champion are behind me. But whenever I see her, with those wicked curves and soft mouth created for dirty deeds, it’s a knock-down fight to just maintain my distance. “Hard Knox” becomes more than just the name of my tattoo shop. However, surrendering to the forbidden might be worth losing everything…

•••••••••

REVIEW: SIN AND INK is the first instalment in Naime Simone’s contemporary, adult SWEETEST TABOO erotic, romance series. This is former MMA fighter and tattoo artist Knox Gordon, and receptionist Eden Gordon’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Knox and Eden) SIN AND INK follows the forbidden relationship between former MMA fighter and tattoo artist Knox Gordon, and receptionist Eden Gordon. Five years earlier, Knox and his brother Connor came face to face with their future but Connor married Eden, and Knox remained on the sidelines lusting after his brother’s wife. A tragedy in the MMA arena made Eden a widow, and Knox grieving the death he blamed on himself. Fast forward to present day wherein Knox’s feelings for Eden continue to grow, as Eden slowly becomes aware of their burgeoning attraction to one another. What ensues is the building but forbidden relationship between Eden and Knox, and the potential fall-out as Knox’s guilt over his brother’s death continues to ride heavily on our leading couple.

Knox Gordon struggles to get past the guilt of his brother’s death, a guilt that is exacerbated by his mother’s accusations and inability to let go, as well as his attraction, and love for his late brother’s wife. Eden Gordon knows it is time to move on but moving means letting go of what was, and into a future of what will be.

The relationship between Knox and Eden is one of the forbidden but a relationship that has been developing for several years. Knox’s guilt, not only for his brother’s death, but also his attraction towards his brother’s wife is compounded by the promise he made to keep his distance from the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.

We are introduced to Knox’s brothers Jude and Simon, as well as their parents Dan and Katherine Gordon; and Knox’s former trainer Jake Reece. I am hoping the author has plans for future story lines focusing on Jude and Simon.

The world building follows the building relationship between Eden and Knox, as Knox tries desperately to stay clear of his late brother’s wife. The MMA story line focuses on Knox’s return to the ring, a return met with controversy and grief.

SIN AND INK is a dramatic tale of death and loss, lust and love, forgiveness and moving forward. The premise is engaging and emotional; the characters are broken, colourful and dynamic; the romance is a second chance at happiness, seductive and heart breaking. The story line ends on a happily ever after -for now-here’s hoping, once again, the author has plans to further their story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Fighting For What’s His (Warrior Fight Club #2) by Laura Kaye-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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Fighting For What’s His (Warrior Fight Club #2) by Laura Kaye-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S HIS
Warrior Fight Club #2
by Laura Kaye
Release Date: September 7, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / iBooks

Add to your Goodreads: http://bit.ly/KayeGRWFC2

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 7, 2018.

Resisting her only makes him want her more…

Private investigator Billy Parrish is good at three things—fighting, investigating, and sex. MMA training with the other vets in the Warrior Fight Club keeps his war-borne demons at bay—mostly, and one night stands ensure no one gets too close. But then his best friend from the Army Rangers calls in a favor.

Shayna Curtis is new to town, fresh out of grad school, and full of hope for the future. With a new job starting in a month, she’s grateful when her brother arranges a place for her to stay while she apartment hunts. But she never expected her roommate to be so brooding. Or so sexy.

Billy can’t wait for Shay to leave—because the longer she’s there, the more he wants her in his bed. To stay. He can’t have her—that much he knows. But when fight club stops taking off the edge, Billy lets down his guard…and starts fighting for what’s his.

•••••••••

REVIEW: FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S HIS is the second instalment in Laura Kaye’s contemporary, adult WARRIOR FIGHT CLUB erotic, military, romance series focusing on a number of retired military personnel who meet at the local WFC headed by Army Ranger Moses Griffin. This is twenty-six year old, professional photographer Shayna Curtis, and thirty-three year old private investigator and retired Army Ranger Billy Parrish’s story line. FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S HIS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Shayna and Billy) FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S HIS follows the forbidden romance between twenty-six year old, professional photographer Shayna Curtis, and thirty-three year old private investigator and retired Army Ranger Billy Parrish. Billy Parrish is a broken man; a physically and emotionally scarred Army veteran who has agreed to do a favor for his best friend Ryan Curtis, still on assignment in the Middle East. Enter Shayna Curtis, Ryan’s younger sister, and the woman with whom Billy will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Billy and Shayna, and the potential fall-out as Billy is unable to come to terms with the demons that continue to ‘poke the bear’ as Shayna keeps secrets some demons of her.

Shayna Curtis is a strong-willed and independant professional photographer assigned to DC’s Washington Gazette. Needing a place to stay, Shayna’s brother Ryan calls in a favor for his sister, a favor that places temptation at arm’s reach for out story line couple. Shayna has lusted after Billy since the first time they met but as Ryan’s younger sister, Shayna was off-limits to the man with whom she would fall in love. Billy Parrish struggles with PTSD and the physical affects of the injuries received in an explosion, and needing an outlet to vent his frustrations Billy joined the WFC in order to work out his anger and aggression. Hoping to keep temptation at bay, Billy throws himself into the ring, not always considering the who, where or why.

The relationship between Billy and Shayna is one of immediate attraction; a forbidden romance between ‘best friend’s younger sister’ but an attraction that has been building for several years. The $ex scenes are erotic, passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There are a large number of colorful and charismatic secondary and supporting characters including the members of the WFC: Marine Noah Cortez, Ranger Moses Griffin, Navy man Sean Riddick, Army nurse Daniela ‘Dani’ England, diving instructor Tara Hunter, MMA coaches John ‘Mack’ McPherson, Leo ‘Hawk’ Hawkins, and Colby Richmond. WE are introduced via Skype to Shayna’s brother Ryan Curtis, neighbor Reuben and his dog Ziggy, as well as several of Shayna’s co-workers at The Gazette.

FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S HIS is an emotional story of family, friendship, determination and strength. The premise is engaging, intelligent and edgy; the romance is spicy and hot; the characters are wounded, troubled, sassy and real. FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S HIS is an  energetic and inspiring addition to Laura Kaye’s WARRIOR FIGHT CLUB that will captivate your attention from the start.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

After she made Billy his sandwich, Shayna noticed that her brother had finally returned her email. She nearly gasped as she rushed to open it.

“Everything okay?” Billy asked.

Grinning, she nodded. “Yeah. Ryan wrote me.” She had to force her eyes not to hurry over the words.

Hey Shay. Shitnubbin is solid B- insult material. You can do better, squirt.

She grinned at his use of the million-year-old nickname. As a kid she’d hated it, but it didn’t bother her so much anymore. Shayna would gladly take any and all teasing her brothers had ever done if it would bring her other brother back again…

Focus. Right. She mentally shoved the thoughts back into the corner where they lived, always looming just on the edge of consciousness.

I’m glad you’re liking the job, but you don’t owe me a thing. You did this all on your own. All I did was tell you what you already knew. And Billy’s arm didn’t take any twisting. Though if he gives you any trouble, tell him I’ll kill him in his sleep.

She sniggered and grinned at Billy. “He says if you give me any trouble, he’ll kill you in your sleep. So, that’s a hello, I guess?”

He smirked around a bite. “Pretty much.”

Seriously though, take your time finding a place. You have a home there as long as you need it, trust me. I’d rather you find the right situation then rush into something with a roommate that doesn’t work out or a place that isn’t safe. You don’t need that kind of headache. And get Ryan to run a background check on any potential roommates, will ya?

She rolled her eyes as she talked to herself. “I don’t think so.”

“What?” Billy asked.

“Nothing. He’s being stupid.”

“Highly doubt that.”

Now she was the one smirking. “Ryan is capable of massive amounts of stupid. Trust me. He wants me to have background checks done on potential roommates.”

Billy’s expression grew thoughtful. “I can do that.”

She rolled her eyes again. “Omigod stahhhp.”

He chuckled and shrugged. “Makes sense to me.”

“Well there’s a big surprise, Ranger Parrish.” She continued on:

It’s hot as balls here and I’ve got sand in places no one fucking wants sand. Otherwise, everything’s good. Keeping busy and doing the job. Looks like we’re still on track for getting home before Thanksgiving. Fingers crossed. I’m glad you’re excited about your new job, Shayna. You deserve it. After everything.

A stinging sensation unexpectedly burned against the backs of Shay’s eyes. With those two words, Ryan had said so freaking much. More than they hardly ever even broached, as if talking about Dylan—and her role in his death—was a poison that neither of them wanted to drink. She blinked fast to force the threatening tears away as she read the rest.

Kick ass. Take names. And get up the next day and do it all again. Just, next time, don’t make me think of real burgers and fries, crotchfruit. All we have is mystery meat you know.

Take care, Shay. More soon. It’s good to hear from you when I’m over here so stay in touch. Ry

Not even the awesomeness of crotchfruit could fully chase away the impact of After everything. Shayna filled her water glass again and took a big drink just to have something else to focus on.

Finished with his dinner, Billy came around to the sink to rinse his plate and the knife she’d used to cut his sandwich.

Then they stood there. Facing each other. An arm’s reach apart. Just looking.

And, for her, once again wanting…

Obviously, the desire was all on her side. But she’d been there, done that, and had the sexual frustration to prove it.

Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty books in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, including the Hard Ink and Raven Riders series. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and monster puppy, Schuyler, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.

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