XAVIER COLD (Hard Knocks #2) by Michelle A. Valentine-Review and Book Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 20, 2016

The conclusion to the New York Times bestselling romance that began in Phenomenal X, about one woman’s pulse-pounding relationship with a notorious bad-boy wrestler.

“What’ll it be, Anna Cortez? Are you in, or are you out?”
One momentary loss of control has now ruined everything Xavier Cold had going for himself. With his world unraveling fast, he’s willing to do anything to save not only his job but his relationship with the only woman he’s ever loved.

Anna Cortez, still reeling from shock, tries desperately to save the man that’s consumed her heart, body and soul. She’ll have to dig deep and find courage she never knew she possessed to help Xavier fight demons from his past—a past that’s even more haunted than she ever imagined.

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REVIEW: XAVIER COLD is the second installment in Michelle A. Valentine’s contemporary, adult HARD KNOCKS erotic romance duology focusing on professional wrestler Xavier Cold, and the woman he loves Anna Cortez. XAVIER COLD should not be read as a stand alone because the story line picks up immediately upon the events and cliff hanger of book one–PHENOMENAL X.

Told from dual first person points of view (Anna and Xavier) the focus continues on the relationship between Anna and X, but also on the repercussions of his beat down of an opponent who pushed one too many of Xavier’s buttons. To appease his boss in the Tension Wrestling Association, Xavier agrees to a three month suspension wherein Anna finds herself playing a larger role in the professional wrestling arena that pushes Xavier close to the edge. What ensues is Xavier and Anna’s return to Detroit where Xavier’s past demons continue to rear their ugly and dangerous heads.

XAVIER COLD was a bit of a frustrating read as our leading couple continued to place themselves in danger; in harm’s way; and in the direct line of fire. The stupidity of their choices is a bone of contention for this reader as it related to the reality of their situation. There was something about Xavier’s childhood home that pushed all of our couple’s buttons, and in the end, they still opted to remain in a house that held too many bad memories and heartbreaking secrets. Any opportunity for safe housing was refused one too many times and our couple paid a price for their stubborn pride. Xavier’s earlier years will break your heart.

The relationship between Xavier and Anna continues to take a battering from both inside and out. Xavier’s suspension meant too much time away from the woman he loves, and with it comes the realization that Anna may be better of without X by her side. There is plenty of push and pull; heartbreak and sorrow; regret and second chances. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

All of the previous secondary and supporting characters return in Xavier Cold including X’s number one enemy both in and out of the ring Rex the ‘Assassin’. Rex’s role in Xavier’s suspension becomes much more than a professional altercation but a threat to his relationship with Anna as well. Old ‘demons’ from Xavier’s earlier days are front and center with X and Anna’s return to Detroit when threats against Anna are taken seriously by our leading man.

XAVIER COLD is a story about a man who struggles from within. A champion in the ring but a frightened boy when the reality of life threatens to take away the only things he has ever loved. The premise is intriguing and suspenseful; the characters are definitely colorful and charismatic; the romance is a fight to the finish. There are moments of heartbreak and betrayal; vengeance and pain; loving and letting go. My one issue was the neatly wrapped conclusion to the story line conflict and Xavier’s childhood demons-too clean, too neat, too cut and dry in the final few pages of the story.

Copy supplied by the tour promoter

Reviewed by Sandy

99¢ ebook special: PHENOMENAL X (Hard Knocks #1)

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Michelle A. Valentine is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Rock the Heart. Wicked White is the first novel in her Wicked White romance series. She attended college as a drafting and design major, but her love of people soon persuaded her to join the nursing field. It wasn’t until after the birth of her son that she began her love affair with romance novels, and she hasn’t looked back since. When she’s not writing, she feeds her music addiction, dabbles in party planning, and expresses herself by working with arts and crafts. She currently lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband, son, and two beloved dogs.

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