Fight Club – Books-n-Kisses

April 7, 2017April 2, 2017

Kimberly Fighting Attraction by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Fighting Attraction
SERIES #: Redemption #4
CHARACTERS: Penny & Jack
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
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:
4.25 Hearts Holy Smokes! This story is sweet, dark, sexy and intense. Penny and Jack both have a secret that they keep hidden from everyone including those closest to them. Both are into pain. Giving and receiving it. They seem perfect for each other but are they really?

This is really really dark and yet Sarah Castille manages to lighten it up. Penny has suffered since she was young at the hands of men she thought loved her and when she starts to feel she is not lovable or worthwhile she starts cutting to feel the pain. Her emotional pain is palpable and you hurt for her. Jack needs to give pain. He wants to inflict as much as he can to get out the stresses in his life. But are these the same kind of pain that they should be together?

The out of the bedroom/club scenes between Jack and Penny are so cute. He is so different in the real world and while overly protective and possessive he wants to care for the one woman who understands him. I loved the playfulness they have together. I love all the guys of Redemption to be honest. I just want to climb into the book and hang out with these guys and girls. While the couple is the main focus the others take care of their own.

Any fan of this series, of romance, of erotica/BDSM will love this story. But understand the darkness isn’t the bedroom/club scenes it is the inner turmoil and scenes of emotional to physical pain that pulls at the readers heart.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

February 13, 2017February 12, 2017

Kelly reviews The Hardest Hit by Jennifer Fusco

TITLE: The Hardest Hit
SERIES #: Ringside #3
CHARACTERS: Trevor Redding & Chelsea Fox
AUTHOR: Jennifer Fusco
PUBLICATION DATE: September 20, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Welcome to Vegas. You’ve got ringside seats to the world’s hottest boxing match. Watch fearless champions. Meet the women that knock them off their feet. Fans of Katy Evans, Jamie McGuire and RJ Prescott – let’s get ready to ruuummble.
Trevor Redding has two families: the boxers at Stamina Gym and the dancers at The Gentlemen’s Club, where he works as a bouncer. So when one of the dancers is attacked, he rushes to the rescue, winding up in the hospital himself. Being his own boss, he’s not interested in what Dr Chelsea Fox has to say, no matter how stunningly beautiful she is. Concussion or not, he has the biggest fight of his career coming up. Everyone at Stamina is counting on him.
When Chelsea discovers that Trevor will do anything to fight, including hiding his diagnosis, she decides to show her roguishly handsome patient who’s boss – and just how rewarding it is to follow this doctor’s orders.
Ready for another round? Don’t miss Books One and Two in the series, Fighting For It and Going The Distance.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I really enjoyed Trevor and Chelsea’s story. Both characters are tough and determined. But there is something holding them each back. For Trevor it is recent activities and his ability to not fight. For Chelsea it is trying to live up to the standard that everyone else sets on her. I did enjoy the struggle between these two. I do wish that Trevor had been a tad bit more open minded and listened more. And Chelsea while doing the right thing should have just been honest.
I have enjoyed this whole series and hope that this is not the last that we see of this world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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March 30, 2016March 27, 2016

Kelly reviews Going The Distance by Jennifer Fusco

TITLE: Going the Distance
SERIES #: Ringside #2
CHARACTERS: Michael Perez & Ava Phillips
AUTHOR: Jennifer Fusco
PUBLICATION DATE: March 15, 2016
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The most restricted boxer at Las Vegas’s Stamina gym lets himself unravel in the second Ringside novel from the author of Fighting For It…

A dedicated fighter, Middleweight Michael Perez is willing to do whatever it takes to reach the top, and with his next fight scheduled at Madison Square Garden he’s almost there. A self-proclaimed control freak, he plans to drive himself cross country to the fight. But when his manager insists a sports reporter tag along, thinking it will be good for public relations, Michael finds himself under the watchful eye of Ava Phillips.

Ava Phillips has made a career out of exposing the underbelly of professional sports. Her instincts tell her that sexy, moody Michael Perez’s squeaky clean image is a cover for something more intriguing. Sharing the drive from Nevada to New York, Ava’s interest turns physical. But as their relationship heats up and Ava unearths his past, will she expose Michael’s darkness or succumb to the passions of a relationship she’s only ever read about?

REVIEW:
Another excellent installment in Ms. Fusco’s Ringside series. I just love this series!!! I love Michael and Ava. I loved the tension between these two. Both are stubborn and want to win. But sometimes in a game of will’s you don’t have a clear winner. Well unless you count us readers. We win big with Going The Distance.
I can’t wait to see what Ms. Fusco has in store for us next!!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

February 24, 2016February 20, 2016

Kimberly reviews Fighting Dirty by Lori Foster

TITLE: Fighting Dirty
SERIES #: Ultimate #4
CHARACTERS: Merissa & Armie
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/23/16
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
With the life he’s led and the muscles he’s gained, Armie Jacobson isn’t afraid of anything. Except maybe Merissa Colter’s effect on him. It’s not just that she’s his best friend’s little sister. Fact is, she deserves better. Women pursue him for one night of pleasure, and that’s all he wants to offer. Until rescuing Merissa from a robbery leads to the most erotic encounter of his life.

Good girl meets bad boy. It’s a story that rarely ends well. But Merissa is taking matters into her own hands. No matter how he views himself, the Armie she knows is brave, honorable and completely loyal. And as past demons and present-day danger collide, they’re both about to learn what’s truly worth fighting for…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This might be my favorite from the series. Maybe it was because of Armie or Maybe because of Rissy but most likely because from book one we knew these two had a connection. Yeah it was the typical “can’t be with my best friends little sister” kind of story… but there is so much more to it.

Armie has been the playboy of the series. Sure the other guys were too but Armie was more so but once we, as the reader, knew where his heart really belonged it was sweet torture waiting for their story to come out. But it was well worth the wait. Merissa is adorable. She is sweet but also a fighter and I don’t mean in the MMA way. She wants to be independent but is just so head over heels in love that she is almost starry eyed for Armie. They belong together.

I also enjoyed the suspense part of the story. It’s not a who dun it kind of suspense since the reader knows pretty quickly but it keeps the story really moving and while a lot happens it is not overdone. The story really flows well and keeps your attention.

But the best part of this story is the bro-romance. The guys from the gym are family. They have each other’s backs and no questions asked are there to support them and yet the ribbing they give each other is sweet in a masculine way. And the connection between Cannon and Rissy and Cannon and Armie are beyond wonderful. Everyone should have a brother and friend like Cannon. The humor that Lori Foster puts in her books makes me smile which doesn’t happen a lot.

I look forward to the new series with some familiar faces. As much as I love Armie. I think Leese just may steal my heart away and I can’t wait.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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September 15, 2015September 13, 2015

Kelly reviews Fighting For It by Jennifer Fusco

TITLE: Fighting For It
SERIES #: Ringside #1
CHARACTERS: Jack Brady & Daniella Chambers
AUTHOR: Jennifer Fusco
PUBLICATION DATE: September 15, 2015
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The first in a sexy new series where the hard-hitters of Las Vegas’s Stamina boxing gym are K.O.-ed by the women they never saw coming…
After suffering a devastating loss during his last fight, heavyweight boxer Jack Brady’s whole career went down for the count. Now, his late manager’s daughter has inherited his contract and Jack is pleased to discover that the girl he fell in love with as a kid has grown into a strong, sexy woman—until she makes it clear that Jack has no choice but to get in the ring.
Daniella Chambers is determined to get her father’s failing gym back on track with Jack’s upcoming fight. She knows Jack’s got the talent to become champion and decides to force the unmotivated fighter away from the neon lights of Vegas to train in the seclusion of her lake house. But when they take a time out from their sessions to steam up the bedroom, the urge to win gets all tangled up with their desires.
Now, Jack’s fight is swiftly approaching, and the fate of the gym isn’t the only thing on the ropes.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts First: Congrats to Jennifer on her debut contemporary novel. And second: Thank you for Jack and Daniella. I had the honor of reading this book early and let me just say that I loved these two!!!!
Jack Brady was an up and coming boxing star. But Jack played life a little too fast and way too loose one too many times. But sometimes when you are at your lowest point all you need is someone to open the curtain and kick your butt into gear.
Daniella Chambers is back in Las Vegas, not by choice but because she has to honor her father’s wishes. Sadly all she has to work with is a failing gym and a washed up boxer that likes booze and broads too much.
Jack and Daniella are great together. I loved that this story was a second chance at life. not just romance (but that was great too). But a second chance for both Jack and Daniella to put their life back together and to honor RL’s memory. The road is bumping and filled with potholes but together they can do anything. I will say that Jack is a bit of an asshat at times in this story. But grows on you and you want to be sitting ringside cheering him on. Daniella is tough, confident and not willing to take crap from anyone, especially Jack.
If you are looking for a new author, a new series or a new champion make sure to pick up a copy of FIGHTING FOR IT!!!!! Jennifer knocked it out of the park!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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September 11, 2015September 7, 2015

Kimberly reviews Tough Love by Lori Foster

TITLE: Tough Love
SERIES #: Ultimate #3
CHARACTERS: Vanity & Stack
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/25/15
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
She’s playing hard to get…to win the MMA fighter of her ultimate fantasies in a sultry new novel from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster

Vanity Baker loves a good, clean match, but she’s not above playing a little dirty. She’s wanted Stack “The Wolf” Hannigan from day one. Seems as though the best way to corral the famously commitment-phobic fighter is to insist on keeping it casual. And her plan works—deliciously well—until Stack’s past steps out of the shadows.

Stack learned early to stay free of attachments. But with sexy, forthright Vanity, he’s the one always left wanting more. Then his troublemaking family comes back into the picture, threatening everything Stack cares about—Vanity included. Suddenly he realizes they’re much more than friends with benefits. He’s ready to go to the mat for her…but will it be in time to protect the woman who’s tamed him for good?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I have read all three books in this series and once again I loved this book. Stack and Vanity are perfect. Stack is so “sweet” even though he is a tough as they come MMA fighter. Vanity is loving and giving and perfect for Stack.

The story is wonderful. I am not into MMA so I have to say I was happy there was not much about the fighting. And we got to attend Cannon and Yvette’s wedding (No Limits Book 1). Vanity is and has been in love with Stack since she first saw him but played a game of catch with him, propositioning him to be her date to the wedding for a night of bedroom fun. He falls for it and so the romance begins. But the thing is there is more to this story. Vanity’s background plays a big part in who she is and Stack’s family plays a big part in this story. And they are wonderful.

I can’t wait for Armie’s story with Rissy. They have a connection that is burning up the pages. And then I hope to see Stack’s sister, Tabitha, get her own story with one of the guys. Crossing my fingers!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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June 1, 2015May 31, 2015

Kimberly reviews Yield To Me by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Yield To Me
SERIES #: Club Excelsior #1
CHARACTERS: Marcy & Jax
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
No-holds-barred attraction…

Amateur MMA fighter, Marcy Foster is determined to win the state championship. But dark secrets and a broken trust mean there’s one submission she just can’t master. Fortunately Club Excelsior has hired a coach who knows all the right moves.

Sexy, confident and commanding, fight consultant Jax demands control, both in and out of the ring. But once he has Marcy against the ropes, Jax knows he’s in too deep. He has the dominance to give her what she needs, but once he unleashes her hidden passions, there’s no going back.

Under Jax’s skilled hands, Marcy submits to her deepest desires. But when her personal and professional worlds collide, she is forced to face a brutal truth — yielding to her darkest needs may be the one thing that costs her the fight…and her heart.

*This novella was originally published in the New York Times bestselling anthology, Unraveled, and now contains 50% new content*

REVIEW:
OK so this book was just ok for me. I am not big on MMA but sometimes enjoy the stories and since I have liked this author I thought I would try it but now I realize not only am I not much into MMA but I really am not a fan when the fighter is the woman.

Apparently this was part of a anthology which was added to and released last year. Maybe it is having the next part come out so they re-released it with more content. The story is only about 90 pages and some seemed to go on way too long with the same lines about “we shouldn’t do this but I can’t help it” and then the ending rushed through the last chapter.

Just not my cup of tea.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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April 20, 2015April 19, 2015

Kimberly reviews Full Contact by Sarah Castille

TITLE: Full Contact
SERIES #: Redemption #3
CHARACTERS: Sia & Ray
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/07/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When you can’t resist the one person who could destroy you…

Sia O’Donnell can’t help but push the limits. She secretly attends every underground MMA fight featuring The Predator, the undisputed champion. When he stalks his prey in the ring, Sia is mesmerized. He is dominant and dangerous and every instinct tells her to run.

Every beautiful thing Ray “The Predator” touches he knows he’ll eventually destroy. Soft, sweet and innocent, Sia is the light to Ray’s darkness-and completely irresistible. From the moment he lays eyes on her, he knows he’s going to have to put his dark past behind him to win her body and soul.

REVIEW:
Another hot and steamy read from Castille. I have really enjoyed this series and this is another one that I really enjoyed. Sia has been through some stuff that causes her to have trouble with relationships and yet she is mesmerized by Ray. Ray feels like he has the opposite of the Midas touch. But something about Sia makes him realize that he needs to take the chance.

I really am not into the whole MMA reads but I have enjoyed this series very much. While in that world every other page is not about the fight which I appreciate. I think anyone would enjoy this book and series even if you are not into the MMA world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

April 2, 2015March 30, 2015

Kimberly reviews Holding Strong by Lori Foster

TITLE: Holding Strong
SERIES #: Ultimate #2
CHARACTERS: Denver & Cherry
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/31/15
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
An up-and-coming MMA fighter wants more than just one night from a woman fleeing her past in New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster’s irresistible new novel
Heavyweight fighter Denver Lewis plays real nice, but he doesn’t share. That’s why he’s been avoiding top-notch flirt Cherry Peyton. But a man can only resist those lush curves for so long. Their encounter surpasses all his fantasies, bringing out protective urges that Cherry’s about to need more than she knows…
Denver’s combination of pure muscle and unexpected tenderness has been driving Cherry wild. Yet no sooner does she get what she’s been craving than old troubles show up on her doorstep. And this time, Cherry can’t hide behind a carefree facade. Because the man by her side is one who’ll fight like hell to keep her safe…if only she’ll trust him enough to let him…

REVIEW:
I really enjoy this series. I know it is only the second one but I just love these books.

I really enjoyed that Denver is the “one woman” man type but Cherry is the one with the reputation and yet she has been wanting Denver for a while now and for more than just a quick romp. And of course trouble comes in and Denver is there to rescue. And who doesn’t enjoy a good rescue from a hot guy?

If you are a fan of hunky men, MMA, or romance you will enjoy this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 5, 2014August 31, 2014

Kimberly reviews Take Down by Mallery Malone

TITLE: Take Down
SERIES #: Billionaire’s Club #3
CHARACTERS: Karina & Gabriel
AUTHOR: Mallery Malone
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/02/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Powerful. Dominant, Unforgettable. He commands submission at all costs.
Cage fighter, Gabriel Devereaux, a man of barely leashed power, is known as the Bayou Beast.
There is one woman he will do anything , pay any amount to possess.
Karina Armistead, has come a long way from the innocent girl Gabriel used to know. An internationally known singer, she can have anything she wants. But everything tells her that getting involved with the Bayou Beast may leave her wrecked beyond repair.
Little does Karina Armistead know, but Gabriel has decided that she will be his.
He will destroy anything or anyone who stands in his way.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but can most certainly be read as a stand alone. It is a short story of less than 90 pages so it is a quick read but yet a sweet read. Gabriel is a fighter and has a vendetta against Karina and her father. Karina doesn’t understand why Gabriel left her without a word a decade before.
This story as well as the rest of the series is well written and an enjoyable quick read. Great stories to have between novels for a little romance.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 29, 2014August 18, 2014

Kimberly reviews No Limits by Lori Foster

TITLE: No Limits
SERIES #: Ultimate #1
CHARACTERS: Cannon & Yvette
AUTHOR: Lori Foster
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/26/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A surprise inheritance reunites a mixed martial arts fighter with the woman he’s never forgotten in the first in a smoldering new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster…
Cannon Colter is quintessential hero material: chiseled jawline, shredded body—the works. He’s also the guy who rescued Yvette Sweeny from kidnappers, only to put an end to her romantic dreams. These days, she’s older, smarter, determined to face whatever life throws her way. Even the prospect of sharing a house and business with Cannon.
Cannon knew Yvette wanted him three years ago. But she was young—and some things are worth waiting for. Thrown together by her grandfather’s legacy, he realizes how deep Yvette’s scars really go, and how much danger lurks in their quiet town. As pent-up desire explodes between them, protecting her becomes the only fight that matters. And he’ll break all the rules to do it…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I absolutely loved this story. First I enjoyed the writing very much. It really held my attention and seeing as I stated up way too late I didn’t want to put it down until I was done. I really loved Cannon. Besides he is a sweet guy there is something about him that really attracts the reader. He is not the alpha male that most MMA fighters are portrayed as. He is a protective possessive guy but he is such so loving and sweet. He is called The Saint because of the way he treats the ladies with respect and it really comes through in the writing. He really doesn’t ever come across as being a jerk to any woman even when he would rather not have her attention. I liked how he was willing to take the time Yvette needed. He is just wonderful.

Now Yvette, well I ended up liking her (mostly). She has been through some horrible things and you can understand why she is skittish about the world around her but there were some things that didn’t sit right. Yes she is skittish but she almost seems naive sometimes. But that being said I would be her friend. What she does have is gumption. She knows she needs to step up sometimes and hold her head up high and she does. I can appreciate that about her.

I enjoyed the background characters as well. Armie is such a jerk sometimes and yet the sweetest guy at others. The care he shows to Yvette is so adorable. And I can not wait to read his and Rissy’s story.

This is a great new series by Foster and I am so looking forward to the rest of the stories to come.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 14, 2014August 10, 2014

Kimberly reviews In Your Corner by Sarah Castille

TITLE: In Your Corner
SERIES #: Redemption #2
CHARACTERS: Amanda & Jake
AUTHOR: Sarah Castille
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“You have to go. I won’t be able to control myself. I’ve wanted you so bad for so long and after I’ve been in the cage…I can’t think straight.” He gives a guttural groan and his fist clenches on my hip.
Primitive. Primal. His need speaks to me. I tighten my grip on his neck and rock up to kiss him. He takes over. His kiss is hard and demanding.
“Mine.” His voice is raw, savage and for a moment I truly believe he may lose control.
He rules in the ring
Two years ago, Jake and Amanda were going hot and heavy. But when Jake wanted more, Amanda walked away. Jake immersed himself in mixed martial arts, living life on the edge. But that didn’t dull the pain of Amanda’s rejection-until a chance encounter throws them together.
A high-powered lawyer, Amanda was a no-strings-attached kind of girl. But two years after her breakup with Jake, she still hasn’t found anyone who gets her heart pumping the way he did. And then he shows up in her boardroom, hot as sin and needing help…
But can he rule her heart?
Jake is darker, sexier, and impossible to resist. As their chemistry builds, Amanda’s not sure if she can stay in control, or if she’s finally willing to let him claim her body and soul.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the second in the series and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it. WOW Jake is just so alpha he can burn you alive. Amanda is the perfect person for him to be with it. They compliment each other so well.

I wasn’t sure if I could enjoy this as much as the first in the series but this is hands down better. The problems the characters have are real. They are intense and they are true. Jake is darker and sexier as the synopsis says and Amanda is real and someone I would want to be friends with.

I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait for the next one in the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.