Tag Archives: MMA

Until We’re More (Fighting For Her #2) by Cindi Madsen-a review

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UNTIL WE’RE MORE (Fighting For Her #2) by Cindi Madsen-a review

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2018

Chelsea is smart, funny, gorgeous, and the best friend I’ve ever had. Ever since she left, I’ve been a wreck. I’ve been focused on keeping my family’s MMA gym afloat while I train and coach fighters, anything to not miss her more. But now she’s finally back, along with her grumpy, possessive cat, and things are weird between us.

By weird, I mean I can’t stop thinking about her in that way. She’s in the room next door, and it takes all my control not to storm in there, sweep her up, and bring her back to my bed. Even stranger, I’m pretty sure she’d be into it.

And this time, I’m not going to stop fighting until we’re more.

••••••••

REVIEW: UNTIL WE’RE MORE is the second instalment in Cindi Madsen’s contemporary, adult FIGHTING FOR HER, MMA romance series focusing on the Roth family- Finn, Liam and Brooklyn Roth who, along with their father Blake, own and operate the Team Domination professional MMA Club. This is MMA fighter Liam Roth, and PR consultant Chelsea Jessop’s story line. UNTIL WE’RE MORE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Chelsea and Liam) UNTIL WE’ RE MORE focuses on the friends to lover relationship between MMA fighter Liam Roth, and PR consultant Chelsea Jessop. Liam Roth and Chelsea Jessop have been friends since the day the Jessop’s moved next door to the Roth’s, and Chelsea has been in love with Liam since she was twelve years old. Six months ago, Chelsea was offered a prestigious management position in Denver, Colorado a position she was willing to forego if Liam Roth begged her to stay. With her return to San Diego for work, meant the opportunity to see the man who has starred in all of her fantasies and dreams, but a return that came with the anxiety and tumultuous relationship with her mother and step-father. When Liam offers up a room, to his bestie for the foreseeable future, Chelsea hopes to move past the friend zone into something more. What ensues is the palpable sexual attraction and denial between Chelsea and Liam, and the potential fall-out as Liam’s family history forces our hero to push Chelsea out of his life.

Liam Roth doesn’t want to ruin his friendship with the woman that calls to his heart, a friendship that has spanned all of his adult life but a friendship that means more than any other relationship in his life. Living with Chelsea forces Liam to reconsider his friends-only rule, a rule that will be broken when jealousy, and family pressure push Liam into Chelsea’s arms. Chelsea Jessop’s earlier years were spent focusing on her less than attentive mother, a woman whose co-dependency on our heroine has been going on for far too long. Chelsea knows she has been enabling her mother’s dependency, and years of feeling beaten down and unable to push back, finds Chelsea taking a stand, one final time. A bookworm at heart, her less than aggressive, accepting personality finds Chelsea struggling to move forward on her chosen path.

The relationship between Liam and Chelsea is a friends to lovers romance that struggles in the face of denial and the potential loss of friendship. Liam isn’t willing to risk his friendship for a temporary fling; Chelsea wants a chance at a happily ever after with the man she has always loved. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic, and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are colorful and charismatic. We are reintroduced to Liam’s brother and fellow MMA fighter Finn Roth; their sister Brooklyn and her MMA fighter boyfriend Shane, their father Blake, their mother Jennifer and her husband Larry Hendricks ; MMA promoter and fighter Carlos Guerra, as well as Chelsea’s cat George.

UNTIL WE’RE MORE is a story of family and friendship; denial and acceptance; heart break and love. The premise is realistic and delightful; the romance is provocative and flirty; the characters are sexy, sassy and spirited. UNTIL WE’RE MORE is an energetic and uplifting tale of lovers and friends.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one UNTIL YOU’RE MINE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Cindi Madsen is a USA Todaybestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a pretty new pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music and dancing and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband, three children, and one overly-dramatic tomcat.

You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books. Follow her on Twitter @cindimadsen.

 

Connect with Cindi:

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Fighting Hearts (Hearts So Fine #1) by Annabeth Saryu-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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Fighting Hearts (Hearts So Fine #1) by Annabeth Saryu-Review, Interview & Giveaway

FIGHTING HEARTS
Hearts So Fine #1
by Annabeth Saryu
Release Date: June 4, 2018
Genre: adult,contemporary, MMA, romance

FREE ebook Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

“Sometimes big secrets come in even bigger packages…”

Stressed-out trauma nurse Louise Becker gets a gigantic surprise when a locker room mix-up results in an up close and very personal encounter with MMA heavyweight fighter “Madman” Markovski. Finding herself helplessly drawn to his warrior body and quiet strength, Louise buries her feelings until she suddenly needs a place to crash and Madman comes to her rescue. Confined to close quarters, their urgent needs can no longer be denied, despite Louise knowing that Madman is hiding something from her…

Usalv “Madman” Markovski has lived a lifetime of rejection and loss. While part of him craves love and stability, he knows it doesn’t last. In the end, everyone leaves. His longing for Louise is all-consuming, but that complicates things even more. Can she handle all he has to offer, or will the depths of his need scare her away? When his continued denial puts Louise in a dangerous situation, Usalv must make a choice—to trust in their love or to fight against his own heart’s desire.

••••••••••

REVIEW: Who would’ve thought that a small series of honest mistakes would’ve led to a very enjoyable love story? First Coach Rodgers mistakes Louise as a male when he is looking for a teacher to hire at his gym. And then to make things interesting, Louise uses the wrong locker room where she meets our rugged but chivalrous hero, Usalv. And then our fun begins…

The scene where Louise and Usalv meet was very amusing though it must’ve been awkward and embarrassing for Louise. Despite the awkward situation Louise found herself in, Usalv was a total gentlemen to Louise. For Starters, Usalv did not act like a creeper peeping tom in the locker room despite them being alone in the locker room. Knowing a class was finishing up and a bunch of guys would be coming in, Usalv held off the guys to get Louise extra time and privacy to change and run out without it being even more embarrassing for her. I liked Usalv right away right there.

As far as heroes go, I really liked Usalv. Seeing him in action in his fight and sparring sessions are a thing of beauty. I mean he is a bad ass fighter. Despite his bad ass-ery, he is a gentleman both inside and outside the bedroom. Bluntly put Usalv is a very large man through and through *let that thought sink in*. Aware that he is very well endowed below the belt, Usalv always makes sure Louise is ready to take him without any pain. It’s the principle that gets to me, to put someone else’s happiness, wants, and well-being over your own is one of the most romantic things in the world.

As for the relationship between Usalv and Louise, I will say it was realistic yet romantic. I appreciated that it was a relationship that grew slowly. They did start out as friends who train or teach at the same gym. They showed one another great respect for each other’s fighting abilities even though they use different fighting styles. They have time demanding lifestyles with Louise being a trauma nurse and going to school to Usalv’s training schedule. With that being said, while they do not get to spend as much time together as they want they were often creative on making things work. The only thing I did not like about the book was the fight between Usalv and Louise. For starters, I really did not like Coach Rodgers intervening on Usalv and Louise’s personal lives pretty much proposing a 3 week dry spell before Usalv’s big fight. Let’s get real here, when you are getting good sex only to go on a dry spell for several weeks, getting irritable and short-tempered on one another was bound to happen.

If you’ve ever had fantasies about MMA fighters or you just have a thing for them, I recommend reaching for this book. This book has something for everyone. Realistic romance filled with enough love as any other romance novel. Couple with different schedules and commitments but able to somehow make it work can bring hope to those couples living that reality. Awesome fight scenes for those who love their action novels. And of course a cliché but totally swoon worthy ending with satisfying closure. I enjoyed this book immensely and I hope you will too if you give this book a shot.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Xtina

TRC: Hi Annabeth and welcome to The Reading Café.

Annabeth: It’s nice to be here. Thanks for hosting me.

TRC: Congratulations on the recent release of your first book FIGHTING HEARTS.

Annabeth:I appreciate that. I still can’t believe it’s out there.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

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Annabeth: I’m a native Mid-Westerner, who moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend school. I’d won an essay contest in a fairly prestigious publication, which probably had a lot to do with me getting admitted. I’ve always loved writing, and the ‘day jobs’ I’ve thrived at were those that had a huge writing component to them.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Annabeth: My grandmother. She not only had great stories of her own, but she was a great storyteller.  She was also tirelessly supportive of my writing.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your first novel?

Annabeth: I think the biggest challenge was the ever-changing landscape of romance publishing itself. Fighting Hearts was a finalist in an RWA chapter writing contest. After I finished the book, I was faced with the question: traditional or self publish?In the end, I chose self-publishing. The book was done, and I wanted it out there! That’s just my personality. It’s also nice to be able to chose your editor and cover designer. I’ve been fortunate to find great, great people and that makes this experience even more fun.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of FIGHTING HEARTS and the Hearts So fine series?

Annabeth: Fighting Hearts is an opposites attract, friends-to-lovers  steamy romance about a trauma nurse who moves in with an MMA fighter after losing her apartment.  They meet in a locker room mix-up at the gym he trains at when she takes  a side job as a martial arts instructor, something she’s trained in since childhood.

The Hearts So Fine series follows a group of Chicago-based nurses, their friends and the fighting men who fall in love with them. All books in the series are stand alone stories.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Annabeth: Right now, seven.  The second book in the series, Crazy Hearts, will be out in the fall.

TRC: Did you pull from your experiences in the health care field for the story
line premise?

Annabeth: Somewhat. Many nurses I know speak with a blunt candor that sometimes  carries over into non-clinical conversations. Louise (my heroine) definitely  has that personality trait. It’s both a surprise and a turn-on for the hero (Usalv). It also makes for some lively, fun-to-read exchanges between them!

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning FIGHTING HEARTS?

Annabeth: Not much before I started. Over time, I’ve had both active and passive interests in martial arts. Because of my day job working in hospitals, I knew something about hospital life,  The locker room scene, where the hero and heroine first meet, came to me in the middle of the night and I just started writing it. Then on a day-to-day basis, as the story unfolded I’d do the necessary research before and during the writing of the chapters. That method was very, very slow. It’s  hard to quantify how much time I spent researching vs writing that way.

TRC: What was the hardest scene to write?

Annabeth:The HEA. You think that would be easy, because we all know how it’s supposed to end, right? But by that point in the story, my characters had been through a lot, and I didn’t want to just end things because it was time to wrap-it-up. So I tried hard not to trivialize their feelings for the sake of expediency. I wanted the characters to remain their authentic selves–.just happier.

Remember the old school romances, where the hero would propose to the heroine on the last page of the book, and she was shocked to learn he felt that way about her, too? That type of HEA is a lot easier to write, but it can be a jarring experience when a character does something out-of-the-blue like that for the sake of preserving the plot.

My editor, Holly Atkinson was a great help  making sure that things stayed authentic.

TRC: How will publishing FIGHTING HEARTS affect your writing style going forward?

Annabeth: When I started the book I was a panster, but by the end I was more of a plotter. With my second book, Crazy Hearts, I started out a plotter and have remained that way.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Annabeth:Absolutely. Especially in the age of digital publishing. It’s really the primary way a reader determines if a book is the ‘type’ they’re looking for. If people aren’t interested in the cover art, they’ll never get to the book blurb.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Annabeth: On a good writing day, it’s like I’m taking dictation from them.  On a bad writing day, it feels like they’ve ghosted me and I’ve got to figure out how to get them talking  again.. When I start writing, I know the journey that the characters have to go on, but they choose the path forward. Writer’s block for me is when the characters stop to ask for directions. Are you sure that’s how I feel right now? Are you sure we want to do this here?”

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Annabeth: Strong world building. The stories’ world needs to be treated like a character itself. The physical setting, its cultural norms, and the people who occupy it, must act and react to the characters. And the characters must do the same. These interactions should help motivate them along their journey, and provide another vehicle for characters to reveal their thoughts and emotions.

As a writer, I think it can be risky to produce pages of passive description of the characters world, at least in this genre. Even having the characters react emotionally to the setting can leave a reader wondering why they are being given this information right now.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Annabeth: Never while I’m working on a manuscript. Cold stone silence is best for me. But when I plotting, or working through a troublesome scene I do like music. If it’s an upbeat scene, like the meet cute or a first kiss, then I’ve probably got Carly Rae Jepson playing. If it’s a dark scene, like a break up or big black moment, I’m playing something more dark or angsty. Like Chainsmokers or  even nineties grunge sometimes.  It all depends.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Annabeth: That we live stress-free, easy-going lives with no deadlines or pressure. That it’s not a real job.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Annabeth: I love old jewelry from yard and estate sales.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Annabeth: Crazy Hearts, the second book in the Hearts So Fine Series. It’s Zoe and Mike’s story.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

My email address is author@annabethsaryu.com if you just want to say hi or comment on the books.

My website is https://www.annabethsaryu.com

I’m launching my author newsletter this fall, before the release of Crazy Hearts. Readers can sign up  to receive the latest news on the Hearts So Fine Series, including free content, release dates, giveaways and contests. https://www.annabethsaryu.com/contact

amazon: amazon.com/author/annabethsaryu

goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/goodreadscomannabethsaryu

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annabeth.saryu.9

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Fresh shellfish.

Favorite Dessert: Fruit pie, especially  my mother’s blueberry pie recipe.

Favorite TV Show:Toss up between Peaky Blinders and Ballers.  Make more episodes please!

Last Movie You Saw: Hollywood Dirt, starring Emma Rigby on that new Passionflix channel.

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush: Dwayne Johnson

Last Vacation Destination:Jaipur, India.

Do you have any pets?: Two dogs. One standard poodle and one rough collie.

Last book you read: Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell.

TRC: Thank you Annabeth for taking the time to answer our questions.  Congratulations on your the release of FIGHTING HEARTS. We wish you much success.

 

Annabeth Saryu is offering a $25 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) commenter and an ebook copy of FIGHTING HEARTS to ONE (1) commenter.

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10. Giveaway runs from July 7-12, 2018

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Strong Hold (Redemption #5) by Sarah Castille-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway Tour

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STRONG HOLD (Redemption #5) by Sarah Castille-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

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

ABOUT HE BOOK: Release Date July 3, 3018

“Shayla?”
For the longest moment Zack’s brain couldn’t process the sight in front of him.
Seven years, ten months and twenty-seven days. That was how long it had been since he’d seen her. That was how long it had been since he’d lived a life without regret.

Fight promoter Zack Grayson is on the prowl for a rising star. As the top recruiter of a prestigious MMA promotion company, he wants to take someone where he will never be able to go again: the top of the professional league. He didn’t expect that someone to be the woman he loved…and left.

Top-ranked MMA amateur fighter Shayla “Shilla the Killa” Tanner built walls around her heart when Zack left her seven years ago–and again when her husband turned violent. Now, seeing Zack is nearly enough to send those walls crumbling. But she can’t risk the exposure of the limelight, and she definitely can’t risk another heartbreak.

As Shayla and Zack grow closer, though, business turns personal. And once their passion unleashes, there’s no going back…

•••••••

REVIEW: STRONG HOLD is the fifth instalment in Sarah Castille’s contemporary, adult REDEMPTION erotic, MMA, romance series focusing on the men and women of the MMA Club Redemption. This is thirty-year old MMA fighter and promoter Zack ‘Slayer’ Grayson, and twenty-five year old, former ballerina turned MMA fighter Shayla Tanner’s story line. STRONG HOLD can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from first person point of view (Shayla), and third person perspective (Zack) STRONG HOLD follows the second chance romance between MMA fighter and promoter Zack ‘Slayer’ Grayson, and former ballerina turned MMA fighter Shayla Tanner. Zack and Shayla were childhood best friends, and high school sweethearts but on the night Shayla gave Zack her most prized possession, Zack walked away without a second glance. Fast forward to present day, wherein Shayla will come face to face with the man that broke her heart, and destroyed her soul. Enter MMA fighter and promoter Zack ‘Slayer’ Grayson, and the man with whom Shayla was still in love. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Zack and Shayla, as Zack takes control of Shayla’s training, in an effort to get closer to the woman he loves.

Zack had no idea that Shayla Tanner, his Shayla Tanner, was on the amateur circuit of the MMA. Heading into Redemption to recruit possible new talent, Zack will have to face the wrath of the woman from whom he walked away but a woman who has lost and suffered more than Jake could ever have imagined. Shayla struggled in the years following Zack’s ill-timed escape but none more so than into the arms of an abusive man who all but destroyed what was left of our heroine’s life.

The relationship between Zack and Shayla is one of second chances; a rekindling romance between former best friends, and sweethearts but a romance that suffers with too many memories from the past. Zack is determined to prove himself worthy of Shayla’s trust and respect even if it means protecting her from herself. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense but, once again, I take issue with a certain four-letter word that I find unnecessary in a romance story line. Used only once, I felt it was more for shock value than descriptive narration.

Most of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles, some byway of mention or cameo appearance: Blade Saw, Renegade, Rampage, Torment, Homicide Hank, Fuzzy and Doctor Death (all of the nick names must be used in the arena and at the gym), as well as the only other female fighter at Redemption Sandy, and Shayla’s nemesis in the ring Carla Gordon.

STRONG HOLD is a dramatic, intense and captivating story. The premise is energetic and impassioned; the characters are dynamic and vigorous; the romance is provocative and fated. Sarah Castille writes tantalizing romances, strong heroes, and sassy heroines.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Against the Ropes
In Your Corner
Full Contact
Fighting Attraction

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

A disturbance near the door draws our attention. Zack is here. How irritating. This was supposed to be my night to get drunk and forget he ever walked back into my life. But chances are he’ll never make it to our table. Already, the crowd is three deep around him with no end in sight, and there are fangirls clinging to him like flies.
Zack’s star power keeps him occupied and away from our table for the next hour. He signs napkins, arms, cheeks, and even the curve of one woman’s ass. Before long, he is steered to the wall bearing the Protein Palace logo to pose for pictures with his fans. I don’t want to watch him, but I do. I’ve never loved anyone the way I loved Zack. I opened myself fully to him. I gave him everything, and he filled me so completely, I never wanted more. Every time I see him, the memories come flooding back. Ten years of happiness destroyed by one night of pain.
“He’s been checking you out,” Doctor Death says, a scowl marring the perfection of his handsome face as he stares at Zack, posing with two eager fangirls.
Zack looks devastatingly gorgeous tonight in his tight, black skull-print T-shirt, stretched deliciously over his muscular chest, and a pair of well-worn jeans, snug in all the right places. From the way the fangirls have latched on to his biceps, I’m not the only one to notice.
“I heard a rumor you had a history together,” Doctor Death continues.
“We’re just friends.”
Zack catches me watching him, and in that second when our gazes connect, I remember every reason why I loved him. The way the gold flecks sparkled in his dark eyes when he was happy, the way he watched over me, his easy laughter, the feel of his body against mine, his lips on my lips, his breath on my skin, his hands—God, the things he could do with his hands—the steady beat of his heart as we lay together making dreams for a future we would never have.
After Zack finishes posing for pictures, Fred “Bulldog” Jenner, a heavyweight fighter from a rival gym and one of Sadist’s fiercest competitors, challenges Zack to an arm wrestle. Such is how fighters entertain themselves when they’re training. No fights in case of injury, no excessive drinking because of calories. But when fighters are pumped, as they usually are at this time of day, they need an outlet, and the Protein Palace has a special table set aside for the occasion.
Zack graciously accepts the challenge. Although he and Bulldog are evenly matched in height—two or three inches over six feet—Bulldog is actively training and must outweigh Zack by at least fifty pounds of solid muscle. Still, Zack clearly hasn’t let himself go as many retired fighters do. There isn’t an inch of fat on his toned body. And God, those biceps…
Not wanting to be left out, I join the crowd around their table. Although this is just for fun, there is more at stake than just a friendly arm wrestle. Zack was a big, big name in the sport, and Bulldog is shooting for the pros. A win over Zack sends a message that Bulldog is the man to beat. Out with the old and in with the new.
My heart thuds in my chest when Bulldog clasps Zack’s hand. Although it makes no sense, I want Zack to win. He started from nothing and worked hard to get to where he is, and no one knows that better than I do. Despite what happened between us, I am a secret Slayer fangirl, too.
Biceps flex. Hands grip. A hum of excitement winds its way through the crowd. Bulldog grunts, and his arm shakes. Sweat beads on his forehead. He shifts in his seat, and his chair scrapes over the tile floor. The air thickens with the primal scent of testosterone. I’m surprised I don’t suddenly grow a beard.
Someone turns up the music, and the Black Keys’ “Everlasting Light” plays through the speakers. Zack’s lips turn up at the corners. He lifts his gaze and smiles at me.
Because this was our song. We had both loved this band with its steady beats, old-time sound, and meaningful lyrics. “Everlasting Light” was the song Zack had strummed on his bass while I practiced at the studio late into the night. It was the song he had asked the band to play when he had danced with me at my grad. It was the song he had sung softly to me after we had made love. And I had believed the lyrics as if they were his words. I had believed he wanted to be my sun in the darkness and my everlasting light. They were the last words I had heard him say. They are the last words I want to hear now.
A sigh escapes my lips, and although there is no possible way he could have heard me over the music or the chant of the crowd, his face tightens, and the gold in his eyes fades to black.
Wham. Bulldog’s hand goes down. Sandy lifts Zack’s arm in a victory salute. The crowd cheers, and people surge forward to congratulate the victor.
“Who’s next?” someone shouts.
The crowd hoots and hollers, and names get bandied about. The noise makes my headache worse, and I turn back to the Redemption corner, looking for Doctor Death. Maybe I will take that ride.
A chair scrapes over the floor. And then a table. People shift to the side as if to give way.
My pulse kicks up a notch, and I know, without being able to see through the crowd, that he’s coming for me.

 

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New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Sarah Castille, graduated with a B.A Honors degree in History and an LL.B. (law degree) and practiced law on the West Coast for several years before succumbing to the lure of foreign travel. She obtained a Masters Degree in Law from the University of Edinburgh and then practiced at one of the world’s largest law firms in London, England during which time she traveled extensively, wrote moderately, and developed a taste for tea, European footwear and Greek cuisine.

She traded in her life of European glamor for the comforts of the frozen North and the excitement of home renovation, during which time she wrote extensively, never traveled, and developed a taste for beef jerky, Tim Horton’s coffee and Sorels.

After her first book, Legal Heat, won prizes in nine Romance Writers’ Association chapter contests, including the Grand Prize in the Valley of the Sun Hot Prospects Contest, Sarah decided to take a break from high heels and legal practice to write about red-hot alpha males and the women who tame them. Her second book, Against the Ropes, was named as one of Publishers Weekly’s Top Ten Picks for Romance & Erotica for fall 2013, and her third book, Unraveled, hit the New York Times Bestseller’s list. Sarah’s current release, Barely Undercover, was named as the “Must Read Erotic Romance of the Year” in the Sneak Peek Reader’s Choice Awards (2013). She hasn’t dusted off her briefcase yet!

Sarah lives with her husband, munchkins and a family of owls in the shadow of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, where she is currently working on her next novel.

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Fighting For Everything (Warrior Fight Club #1) by Laura Kaye-Review & Excerpt Tour

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FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING (Warrior Fight Club #1) by Laura Kaye-Review & Excerpt tour

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 22, 2018

Loving her is the biggest fight of his life…

Home from the Marines, Noah Cortez has a secret he doesn’t want his oldest friend, Kristina Moore, to know. It kills him to push her away, especially when he’s noticing just how sexy and confident she’s become in his absence. But, angry and full of fight, he’s not the same man anymore either. Which is why Warrior Fight Club sounds so good.

Kristina loves teaching, but she wants more out of life. She wants Noah—the boy she’s crushed on and waited for. Except Noah is all man now—in ways both oh so good and troubling, too. Still, she wants who he’s become—every war-hardened inch. And when they finally stop fighting their attraction, it’s everything Kristina never dared hope for.

But Noah is secretly spiraling, and when he lashes out, it threatens what he and Kristina have found. The brotherhood of the fight club helps him confront his demons, but only Noah can convince the woman he loves that he’s finally ready to fight for everything.

•••••••••••

REVIEW:  FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING is the first instalment in Laura Kaye’s contemporary, adult WARRIOR FIGHT CLUB military hero, MMA, erotic romance series. This is twenty-seven year old wounded Marine Noah Cortez, and twenty-five year old primary school teacher Kristina Moore’s story line

Told from dual third person perspectives (Kristina and Noah) FIGHTING FOR EVERTHING follows the friends to lovers romance between wounded Marine Noah Cortez, and primary school teacher Kristina Moore. Noah’s return from active duty came with too many scars both physical and emotional: from PTSD, TBI, and the added benefits of damage to his hearing and his sight, seven months home and Noah continues to struggle with every day life. Keeping his best friend Kristina Moore at a distance, Noah battles between his head and his heart as his attraction to Kristina is hampered by the negative thoughts and inner turmoil of the man he is no longer. What ensues is the building relationship between Noah and Kristina, and the fall-out as Noah continues to push away the woman that he loves.

Noah Cortez fights an ongoing battle with PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Needing an outlet, Noah will be invited to the local Warrior Fight Club (WFC) where he will learn to channel his aggression and need to destroy. Kristina Moore has loved Noah Cortez for most of her life but Noah has changed and Kristina is often the target of both his desires and his pain.

The relationship between Kristina and Noah is a friends to lovers romance that is quick to build once they rekindle their friendship following Noah’s return home. Noah believes he is no good for the woman he loves and Kristina knows that the man that she loves is fighting a battle within. The sex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Noah’s fellow Warrior Flight Club members: PI Billy Parrish, Ranger Moses Griffin, MMA coach John ‘Mack’ McPherson, Leo ‘Hawk’ Hawkins, Tara Hunter, Navy man Sean Riddick, Army nurse Daniela ‘Dani’ England and Colby Richmond; Kristina’s best friend Kate Arnold, Noah’s father Elias Cortez and Noah’s brother Josh.

The world building focuses on the struggles of returning veterans; the need for organized involvement, and the support of family, friends and the people they love.

FIGHTING FOR EVERYTHING is a realistic look at one man’s battle with PTSD and the paralyzing effects of traumatic brain injury. Not only does our hero struggle with the mind numbing pain and emotional fall-out but the physical scars and permanent injuries add another dimension to an already fragile return home. The premise is heartbreaking, sensitive and profound; the characters are energetic, flawed and inspiring; the romance is dramatic and intense. Laura Kaye’s impassioned heroes are edgy, strong and determined.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers 18+ due to strong language and sexual contact.

 

“All done,” Noah said. He gently applied tape to hold the bandage in place, but with the way the back of her hand was swelling, there wasn’t any safe place to press. Sonofabitch. He couldn’t believe this had happened to her. And on his watch.

“You’re taking really good care of me, Noah. Thank you,” Kristina said with a small smile.

“I will always take care of you,” he bit out. And then he realized what he said, and just how vehemently he’d said it. And damn if it hadn’t sounded a whole lot more than friendly. He chanced a glance at Kristina, and it was clear that she’d registered something in his tone, too. He threw away the trash and sat against the edge of the desk. “Why don’t you sit with the ice for a few minutes?”

She rose and stood right in front of him, her pretty eyes even with his given how he was leaning. “I don’t need to sit,” she said in a low voice, her gaze boring into his.

“Well, I need you to sit. So sit.”

Her eyebrow went up. Just the one.

Under other circumstances it might’ve made him laugh. Could she ever just fucking listen to him? But he was wound so tight over witnessing her getting hurt, over the idea that it could’ve been so much worse, over seeing her spilled blood, that it was all he could do not to redecorate Mr. Johnson’s office along the lines of his shower wall. He was nearly vibrating with pent-up frustration.

And now Kristina was boxing him in, observing him too closely, not giving him an out.

“Here’s the part where I’m gonna say ‘thank you,’ and you’re going to say ‘you’re welcome.’ Ready? Thank you for protecting me and taking care of me, Noah.” Her expression was expectant, and not a little amused.

Something about her playfulness wound him a notch tighter. Because he wasn’t playing. His gaze dropped from her eyes to her full pink lips, and desire sucker-punched him so hard he nearly gasped. “Does your mouth hurt?” he rasped.

“Why would my—”

Noah was on her in a flash. Hand cupping the side of her face, arm hauling her tight up against him, mouth claiming hers on a deep, needful, soul-healing kiss. Kristina’s muscles braced in surprise, but then she melted against him, going soft and pliant against all his hardness. And he was hard. So hard, so on edge, so in need of release, that he could’ve spun her around, lifted her onto the desk, and buried himself deep right here and right now.

He needed to be more gentle with her, but the need roaring through him wouldn’t allow him to slow down or back off. And her eager responsiveness didn’t help, either.

Her good hand fisted in his hair, her mouth sucked maddeningly at his tongue, and her body writhed against his erection. And goddamn the noises she was making, because the desperate moans and little mewls of need were hot as fuck, every one stroking his cock and making him harder.

Instinct told Noah that Kristina wouldn’t hinder him playing out his little fantasy on the desk.

Except she was hurt. And they were in a fucking sub shop. Annnd, he couldn’t forget about what was behind door number three—they were supposed to be Just. Friends.

“Shit,” he rasped. “I did it again.”

She grasped at his face. “Yes, thank you for that, too. Keep doing it.” Kristina went in for another kiss. This time, her tongue penetrated him, like she wanted to fight him for control. And hell if that didn’t set off all kinds of heat inside him.

He flipped them around and pinned her to the desk, nearly leaning her backwards over it. The position brought his hard-on flush with that sweet, hot spot between her legs. She cried out and tried to grind against him, but his weight and her skirt kept her pinned tight.

Hurt. Sub shop. Friends.

“Shit, wait.” He stepped back, putting space between them. Because he didn’t think he’d have the strength to resist a third time. Especially when she stared at him with such abject fucking need, her cheeks flush with desire, her hair mussed from his hands, her luscious breasts heaving under that clingy V-neck top. “You’re hurt.”

“And?” Kristina asked.

Noah glared. “Kristina, I’m kinda on the edge here, if you can’t tell.”

She slipped up onto the desk and spread her legs, just the little bit the skirt allowed.


 

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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Until You’re Mine (Fighting For Her #1) by Cindi Madsen-a review

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UNTIL YOU’RE MINE (Fighting For Her #1) by Cindi Madsen-a review

Until You're Mine

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 22, 2018

You might’ve heard of me, Shane Knox, the guy who rose quickly through the MMA fighter ranks, only to crash just as fast. No one cares about personal reasons when it comes to losing fights and money. I’m determined to get back to where I was. For you to hear my name again. I’ve finally convinced the owner of Team Domination to take a chance and get me back in fighting—and winning—shape. What I didn’t bargain for is the guy’s spitfire of a daughter. Factor in her two professional-fighter brothers who are acting as my coaches and the fact that my career hangs in the balance, and Brooklyn’s the last girl I should be fantasizing about.

The closer we get, the more I want Brooklyn. The stakes are high, and I know there’s a big chance of both of us getting hurt, but I won’t stop until she’s mine.

•••••••••

REVIEW: UNTIL YOU’RE MINE is the first instalment in Cindi Madsen’s contemporary, adult FIGHTING FOR HER romantic, MMA series focusing the Roth family: Finn, Liam and Brooklyn Roth who, along with their father Blake, own and operate the Team Domination professional MMA Club. This is artist and only daughter Brooklyn Roth, and MMA fighter Shane Knox’s story line.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Shane and Brooklyn) UNTIL YOU’RE MINE follows the forbidden relationship between Team Domination’s newest acquisition, MMA fighter and champion Shane Knox, and Brooklyn Roth, a struggling artist and the only daughter of Team Domination owner Blake Roth. With the finances and paperwork a mess, artist and painter Brooklyn Roth is called home to San Diego to clean up the mistakes of the previous bookkeeper and accountant. From their first meeting, Shane and Brooklyn’s reaction to one another is palpable; their sexual attraction to one another is sizzling and hot, and does not go unnoticed by the men in charge but Brooklyn is in a committed relationship, a relationship that will suffer as Brooklyn is pulled into the whirlwind that is Shane Knox. What ensues is the building relationship between Brooklyn and Shane, and the potential fallout as their time together comes to an end with Shane’s approaching championship fight.

Brooklyn Roth is no stranger to heartache; a previous relationship with an MMA fighter ended badly, and too many memories of her parents’ disastrous marriage leave our heroine struggling between head and heart as it pertains to our story line hero. Shane Knox had it all once and needs a championship fight to bring back the glory of what once was. Partnering with Team Domination meant Shane had another chance at the top prize including a shot at a happily ever after with the woman he loved.

The relationship between Shane and Brooklyn is one of forbidden love: Brooklyn is the boss’s daughter, in a committed relationship (or so she claims) but Shane is persistent and struggles to accept the boundaries Brooklyn has drawn between our leading couple. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. Addressing the elephant in the room, there is no cheating per say but the emotional affair between Shane and Brooklyn, and Shane’s pursuit of Brooklyn, and his persistent flirting and sexy banter will be the death of her current relationship back home. The early one on one banter is rife with nasty innuendo and cut downs that felt more like two siblings fighting to get the upper hand.

We are introduced to Team Domination and the Roth family of MMA fighters: father and patriarch Blake Roth, and his sons Liam and Finn; Shane’s mother Tammy Oliver, his best friend Hector; and Brooklyn’s boyfriend Trey, and her ex (MMA fighter) Conrad ‘Croc’ Rochenski. Liam and Chelsea’s story line is next in UNTIL WE’RE MORE.

The world building looks at the battle to be number one, and the fractured dynamics of one family pulled apart and pushed together by the world of the MMA.

UNTIL YOU’RE MINE is an energetic story line. The premise is exciting and realistic; the romance is sensual and passionate; the characters are spirited and colorful.

Copy supplied by the publisher for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Fighting Attraction (Redemption #4) by Sarah Castille-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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FIGHTING ATTRACTION (Redemption #4) by Sarah Castille-Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

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FIGHTING ATTRACTION
Redemption #4
by Sarah Castille
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, BDSM

Fighting Attraction

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2017

My sweet, sexy Penny has a dark side. Just like me.
I will have her. And then I will lose her, and suffer a lifetime of regret.

Rampage. Everyone loves him. He is Redemption’s top heavyweight fighter and the biggest gossip in the gym. But he isn’t the teddy bear everyone thinks he is. He’s hiding a dark secret-and he hates himself for it.

Twice a week, Rampage transforms into Master Jack, a notorious Dom only the most hard-core submissives will play with. How can he-a Southern gentleman, bred to respect and protect women-want to dominate them?

But Penny Worthington wants him. Beneath her pearls, kitten heels, and prim British exterior beats a tortured heart…Master Jack is the only one who can set her free.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: FIGHTING ATTRACTION is the fourth instalment in Sarah Castille’s contemporary, adult REDEMPTION erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the MMA Club Redemption. This is MMA fighter Jack ‘Rampage’ Caldwell, and PA Penny Worthington’s story line. FIGHTING ATTRACTION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from previous story line is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: FIGHTING ATTRACTION contains graphic scenes of BDSM focusing on the sadistic and masochistic, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual first person points of view (Penny and Jack) FIGHTING ATTRACTION focuses on the atypical relationship between MMA fighter Jack ‘Rampage’ Caldwell, and PA Penny Worthington. When the firm for which Penny works serves notice to the local BDSM club to vacate the premises Penny finds herself facing down not only the man who stars in her fantasies, but the man who is able to give Penny so much more. Enter Jack Caldwell, MMA fighter and Club Sin Dom. What ensues is the building love between Penny and Jack, and the couple’s struggle to accept the who and what of their unusual relationship.

Jack is a sadist-a man who likes to inflict pain on others. Penny is a masochist-a woman who needs pain to release the demons buried deep within. Together Jack and Penny are the perfect couple until Jack believes he has gone too far and hurt the woman with whom he has fallen in love.

The relationship between Jack and Penny is based on a mutual need. Jack believes his wants and needs are deviant, and past experiences point to a self-fulfilling prophecy. Penny not only desires the pain but needs the hurt to stop the ongoing darkness that threatens to consume. The $ex scenes are erotic and intense; the BDSM scenes are not for the lighthearted.

All of the previous story line couples play secondary and supporting roles. We are re-introduced to Master Damien Stone, the owner of Club Sin as well as one of Club Sin’s submissives Kitty, and an assortment of MMA fighters and wannabes.

FIGHTING ATTRACTION deviates from Sarah’s usual MMA story line as it focuses on the S&M relationship between Jack and Penny. FIGHTING ATTRACTION reads more like an introductory story line to a new series; perhaps the author has plans for a spin off about the members of Club Sin. All of the MMA fighters are alpha, over protective, and not without some questionable means to protect the people they love. The premise is passionate and entertaining; the characters are colorful, dynamic and broken; the romance is intense and unique. FIGHTING ATTRACTION is an intimate look at two people whose relationship deviates from the norm but a relationship that is perfect for one another.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Against the Ropes
In Your Corner
Full Contact
Fighting Attraction

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Redemption 1-4

 

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AGAINST THE ROPES (Redemption #1)

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IN YOUR CORNER (Redemption #2)

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Excerpt beige

Excerpt intended for mature readers only 18+

 

“You’re so fucking soft,” he breathes. “So sweet.” He presses a kiss to my neck as his hands move over my body. I wrap my arms around his neck, pull him down for more. I want his full weight on top of me. I want to feel crushed, smothered, enveloped in hot, musky male.
Jack groans. His hips press into my stomach, his erection a delicious friction between my thighs. I part my legs wider, grind against him, seeking the delicious sensation of rough denim on my throbbing clit.
“Shh. Slow down. I want to enjoy you.” He trails kisses down my neck, over my throat. Shifting to the side, he cups and squeezes my breasts through my bra, his touch solid and strong. I writhe and wriggle, unable to stay still. He is driving me crazy with his touches, making me so wet it’s all I can do not to rip off his clothes and make him give me what I want.
His eyes darken, and he shoves my shirt up over my head, baring me to his heated gaze. “Ah, Pen.”
My hands find his back and smooth over his muscles, feeling them ripple beneath his shirt as he slides one bra strap over my shoulder. His breathing is heavy, his gaze intense as his head dips down to press a soft kiss to my bare skin.
He slides the other strap off, slowly, gently, carefully unwrapping me as if he is teasing himself. I arch my back, offer my breasts for the pleasure of his mouth. Beyond rational thought, I am lost in sensation, a seething, yearning mass of want.
Jack traces his finger along the edge of my bra, leaving a burning trail across my skin. With painful slowness, he eases the cups down, releasing my breasts from their restraint. I gasp when my burning skin comes into contact with the cool air, and my nipples bead so hard they ache.
I want his mouth on me, his lips, and his heat. But he doesn’t oblige. Instead, he traces a finger around my nipple. Around and around until I tangle my hands in his soft hair and pull him down to my breast. “Please.”
“You’re making it very difficult to go slow.” He feathers hot kisses across the curve of one breast, moving down to draw my left nipple between his teeth. I moan as he licks and sucks, nips and bites, while his other hand squeezes and caresses my right breast. My thighs fall open, inviting, and he lowers his hand to my leg and traces his finger slowly along the sensitive skin of my inner thigh.
I have never known lust like this, want so fierce I burn, need so intense I ache. He is a master of manipulation, a purveyor of pleasure. He knows just where to touch and how hard. He knows how to drive me up and take me down, when I can’t take any more and when it isn’t enough. I try not to think about where he gained all that knowledge, the countless women he’s been with, the things he has done to them in his room at the club. I pretend I am the only one he has caressed into a haze of lust, the only one he wants.
I open my eyes to see him watching me, assessing my reaction to his touch. I feel at once stripped bare and treasured by the intensity of his focus. He moves to my other breast, pulling down my bra cup, teasing and torturing my nipple with his mouth. He trails his fingers up my thigh and then cups the curve of my sex, over my wet knickers. I let out a guttural moan and in seconds he’s on top of me, as if I’ve broken his self-control. He kisses me hard, rough, grinds his hips against me as he presses me into the couch. I reach for him, and he grabs my wrists with one hand and pins them over my head. He pushes my knickers aside and strokes a thick finger along my labia while he sucks and bites my nipple until I am writhing and groaning beneath him.
“Please,” I moan. “Please. Please. Please.”
“Tell me what you want.” He buries his face in my neck, bites down on the sensitive skin at the top of my shoulder.
“Sex. I want to have sex. I want you inside me. Now. Take off my clothes.”
His hand tightens on my wrists so hard it hurts. “I don’t have normal sex,” he growls. “If I take off your clothes, I’m going to hurt you. I need your pain, darlin’. Can you give it to me?”


 

 

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Sarah CastilleNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, Sarah Castille, graduated with a B.A Honors degree in History and an LL.B. (law degree) and practiced law on the West Coast for several years before succumbing to the lure of foreign travel. She obtained a Masters Degree in Law from the University of Edinburgh and then practiced at one of the world’s largest law firms in London, England during which time she traveled extensively, wrote moderately, and developed a taste for tea, European footwear and Greek cuisine.

She traded in her life of European glamor for the comforts of the frozen North and the excitement of home renovation, during which time she wrote extensively, never traveled, and developed a taste for beef jerky, Tim Horton’s coffee and Sorels.

After her first book, Legal Heat, won prizes in nine Romance Writers’ Association chapter contests, including the Grand Prize in the Valley of the Sun Hot Prospects Contest, Sarah decided to take a break from high heels and legal practice to write about red-hot alpha males and the women who tame them. Her second book, Against the Ropes, was named as one of Publishers Weekly’s Top Ten Picks for Romance & Erotica for fall 2013, and her third book, Unraveled, hit the New York Times Bestseller’s list. Sarah’s current release, Barely Undercover, was named as the “Must Read Erotic Romance of the Year” in the Sneak Peek Reader’s Choice Awards (2013). She hasn’t dusted off her briefcase yet!

Sarah lives with her husband, munchkins and a family of owls in the shadow of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, where she is currently working on her next novel.

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If You Fight (Corrupted Love #2) by K.M. Scott-Review and Book Tour

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IF YOU FIGHT (Corrupted Love #2) by K.M. Scott-Review and Book Tour

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IF YOU FIGHT
Corrupted Love #2
by K.M. Scott
RELEASE DATE: March 29 , 2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, dark romance

If You Fight

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / Amazon. au / B&N / KOBO /ibooks

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33003077-if-you-fight

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: March 29, 2017

If you fight, will we last?

Serena
All my life, everyone around me made sure I was weak. My father. My sister. And now the man my father forced me to marry. But Oliver doesn’t know what I know. Strength can come even in the hardest times, and if you’re willing to fight for love, nothing can stand in your way.

For the first time in my life, I’m fighting back, and with Ryder by my side, I’m never letting myself be weak again.

Ryder
They want us to be their pawns, but I won’t let them use her like that. I promised I’d protect Serena, and if it costs me everything in this world, I will.

Even if it means returning to the one place I swore I’d never go back to again.

•••••••••••

REVIEW : IF YOU FIGHT is the second installment in K.M.Scott’s contemporary, adult CORRUPTED LOVE erotic, romance series focusing on former underground MMA fighter Ryder Rhodes, and twenty year old Serena Erickson. IF YOU FIGHT should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately upon the events of book one IF I DREAM.

Told from dual first person points of view (Ryder and Serena) IF YOU FIGHT focuses on the forbidden relationship between Ryder Rhodes and Serena Erickson-a relationship forbidden by Serena’s father –a man who controls every aspect of his daughter’s life. Forced to marry a man she didn’t love, Serena mistakenly believed that her love for Ryder would be enough for her to handle whatever her father and husband had planned. What ensues is a disturbing series of events that reveals that true extent of Serena’s father’s power and hatred for the family he is supposed to love.

IF YOU FIGHT is a story of one woman’s struggle to gain her independence from a man who uses his power to control the people he claims to love but saying that our heroine is weakened by the disappearance of her mother, and the love of a man whose life is owned by the father she hates. Ryder Rhodes battles his feelings for the woman that calls to his heart but a woman whose embittered life revolves around heartache and loss.

KM Scott weaves of story of betrayal, revenge, power and control; a tale about two people whose love for one another is strengthened by their togetherness but weakened by the invisible bonds of a man who has threatened to destroy their lives. The premise is heartbreaking and tense; the characters are broken, passionate and fated; the romance is a tragedy as two disillusioned people struggle for their freedom when freedom no longer exists.IF YOU FIGHT ends on an epic cliffhanger; you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one- IF I DREAM

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

If You Fight Teaser

about the author

A writer for years in other genres, K.M. Scott writes sexy contemporary romances like the ones that she loves. In love with love from the moment she picked up her first romance novel, she considers herself blessed that she has the chance to tell her own characters’ stories now. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, feeding her addiction to TV, or cooking a new dish for family and friends. She loves to hear from readers, so drop by her Facebook page and say hi or e-mail me at kmscottauthor@gmail.com.

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Hard Justice (Body Armor#2) by Lori Foster-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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HARD JUSTICE (Body Armor #2) by Lori Foster-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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HARD JUSTICE
Body Armor #2
by Lori Foster
Genre : adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense
Release Date: March 21, 2017

Hard Justice

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 21, 2017

Playing it safe has never felt so dangerous…
Justice Wallington knows how to harness his strength and intimidating size—skills he put to good use first in the MMA cage, and now as a bodyguard at the Body Armor agency. But no opponent has ever left him feeling as off balance as his new client, heiress Fallon Wade. Far from a spoiled princess, she’s sweet and intriguingly innocent. It’s a risk-free assignment, until he’s required to fake a relationship with her in order to blend in.

Sheltered from the world after a family tragedy, Fallon longs to experience life—going to bars, dancing, talking to strangers. Not easy with a huge, lethal-looking bodyguard shadowing her every move. Justice seems like her polar opposite, but pretending to be a couple stirs undeniable heat. And when danger strikes again, it’s not just her safety in jeopardy, but a passion that’s real, raw and absolutely against the rules…

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: HARD JUSTICE is the second installment in Lori Foster’s contemporary, adult BODY ARMOR erotic, romance series focusing on the men and women of the Body Armor Security Team. This is former MMA fighter Eugene ‘Justice’ Walington, and interior designer/heiress Fallon Wade’s story line. The BODY ARMOR series is a spin off from Lori Foster’s MMA romance series ULTIMATE. Several of the Ultimate characters cross-over for cohesion and familiarity. You do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow Body Armor.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Justice and Fallon) HARD JUSTICE focuses on the building relationship between bodyguard Justice Wallington and sheltered heiress Fallon Wade. Fallon is a twenty four year old young woman who has been sheltered from the outside world for several years following a tragedy that all but destroyed her family and her life. Enter Justice Wallington, a bodyguard from the Body Armor security agency, and the man with whom Fallon will fall in love. When a series of accidents and threats against our couple becomes personal, Justice and his fellow Body Armor and Ultimate MMA fighters set up a sting to take down the people responsible for threatening their lives. What ensues is the building love between Justice and Fallon, and Justice’s struggle to keep separate business and pleasure.

The relationship between Justice and Fallon begins as a business arrangement by Fallon’s father. Hoping to protect his daughter from everything and everyone, Fallon’s father hires Justice Wallington, then immediately fires him when things don’t go according to plans. Throughout the story Justice views Fallon more than a job but a woman that calls to his heart. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top sexually graphic language and text.

There are a large number of secondary and supporting characters including Leese Phelps and Catalina Nicholson (Under Pressure #1), MMA fighter Tom ‘Tomahawk’ Nelson who wants a do-over with Justice, fighters Brand and Miles, Fallon’s ex boyfriend Marcus, Fallon’s parents, Justice’s mother and grandmother, and the boss and owner at Body Armor Sahara Silver. Several members of the Ultimate MMA fighters cross over for cohesion and familiarity. The requisite evil has many faces.

The world building looks at the family and friendships between the Ultimate MMA and Body Armor security guards; the fights, the fighters, and the camaraderie; the loves, the laughter and the happily ever afters. The premise is moving; the characters are realistic and tangible; the romance is a quick build to love and forever. HARD JUSTICE is a provocative look at one woman’s struggle to move on with her life.

Reading Order and previous reviews
Under Pressure
Hard Justice

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Hard Justice teaser

excerpt

When she reached the landing at the top of the curv¬ing staircase, she saw that he stood there at the bottom.
Waiting.
Again his gaze trapped her. He had a way of staring that consumed a person. Beside him her father looked small, even though Clayton Wade stood nearly six feet tall and looked very distinguished with his silver-tipped hair and impeccable manner.
Holding the handrail and attempting a smile, Fal¬lon started down.
“You will remember your place,” her father said to the man.
Oh, dear God. Mortified, Fallon wailed, “Dad.”
“My place?” the man asked.
“As an avuncular escort who will, at all costs, en¬sure her safety.”
Fallon wanted to disappear. Did her father honestly think that massive hunk of macho man would be at¬tracted to her?
He looked merely confused, not insulted, so she rushed to move beyond her father’s awkward reprimand.
“You’re my protection detail?”
“Afraid so.”
What did that mean? Did he regret the assignment already—or was he expecting her to regret him? She waited, but he said nothing else, just tracked her every step as she descended.
Her father broke the silence. “Justice Wallington, meet my daughter, Fallon Wade. Fallon, Mr. Wallington is the security I’ve hired from the very respected Body Armor Agency.”
As she got closer, she said, “Mr. Wallington,” in for¬mal acknowledgment.
“Justice will do, Ms. Wade.” His gaze skipped quickly down her body, then forcefully back to her face. He looked to be concentrating.
Did he just check me out? Fallon wasn’t at all sure, but it felt like it and her voice went squeaky again. “All right. Then you must call me Fallon.”

About The Author Black and Blue

Lori FosterLORI FOSTER is a New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than 55 titles, beloved for her contemporary romance novels revolving around alpha males and the women they fall for. Lori has been a recipient of the prestigious RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award for Series Romantic Fantasy, and for Contemporary Romance. For more about Lori, visit her website at LoriFoster.com, or check out these online locations where she interacts with readers: Facebook.com/LoriFoster, Twitter.com/LoriLFoster, Goodreads and Pinterest.com/lorilfoster.

You can also sign up for her monthly newsletter at LoriFoster.com/Newsletter.

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