Tag Archives: MMA

Review: Take Down (Blood and Glory #2) by Harper St. George & Tara Wyatt

Posted on November 20, 2017 by Amy-OUABB

The second novel in the sizzling Bloody and Glory series—perfect for fans of Katy Evans’s REAL series and Sidney Halston’s Worth the Fight series—reveals that fighting for your heart is sometimes the only way to beat the demons in your soul.

MMA champion Gabriel “The Sandman” Maddox prefers to live his life quietly and intensely. He plays by the rules, respects the sport, and trains harder than any other fighter. It’s this unwavering focus that helps him block out the pain from a devastating loss in his past. He spends his days slaying his monsters in the octagon, and his evenings numbing himself with sexual conquests. With his painful baggage, he’s not looking for anything beyond his no-strings-attached lifestyle.

But journalist Megan Sinclair won’t leave him alone. She’s intensely drawn to Gabe from the moment she meets him, and wants to know more about the secretive man who both intrigues her and makes her heart race. As she gets to know the quiet, brooding fighter, she realizes that giving in to their intense chemistry could mend her scars. Will these two be able to heal each other, or will ghosts from the past keep them apart?

My Review

“All your training builds to this one moment where you’re not simply a human anymore. That all falls away and what you’re left with is a single-minded purpose. To be the best, to beat the other guy, to vanquish your opponent. To be victorious, at any cost. In that moment in the cage, nothing else matters.”

“He liked the idea or her belonging to him. It fed something primal inside him that he hadn’t even know existed.”

“Somehow she’d found something in him worth loving. He wanted to be that man for her. He didn’t know if it was possible, but, after living in survival mode all this time, it was a start.”

Fun, Sexy and a whole lot of Thrilling! Take Down is fast paced and the story sucks you in from the very first page. I fell in love with Gabe and Megan instantly and was excited to see how their story would go. I am a total sucker for those sex only arrangements that you know will turn into more. I love a good second chance romance and this one kept me glued to the pages.

Take Down is very well written and very hard to put down. Gabe and Megan gave me a run for my money. I was totally intrigued by both of them. They were both haunted by demons of the past and were both broken by things they could not change…The chemistry between Gabe and Megan was intense and just begged to be explored. There was so much more to these characters than meets the eye and they both had so much to give if only they’d be willing to open themselves up to more. I enjoyed watching Gabe and Megan navigate their way through all the things. Their push and pull led to some seriously sexy moments and some delicious angst.

Overall, I really enjoyed Take Down. This story intrigued me, captivated me and kept me begging for more. I enjoyed the plot and fell in love with the characters. Overall a terrific read and very enjoyable second chance romance. This is my first book by this duo and look forward to checking out more from them in the future.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Amy, Contemporary Romance, Reviews and tagged MMA, NetGalley. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Fight For Me by Jessica Linden

Posted on August 30, 2016 by Amy-OUABB

Raised in the streets, Knox is a battle-worn MMA fighter with no past, present, or future. Fighting every day just to survive, Knox owns nothing but the pride in his victories and the scars on his hands. When his control snaps and he must flee the city to keep his life, he runs into a stunning woman with the same intent. All big eyes and delicate features, she’s not cut out to survive on her own. And when finding her own inner strength leads to a shocking act of violence, Knox knows he must protect her at all costs…

Natalie couldn’t spend another day under her father’s lock and key. Raised to be the perfect picture of wealth and sophistication, she detests the dark, ugly side of her father’s greed. Refusing to be held captive by her life a moment longer, she escapes his fortress – and runs right into the arms of the strongest, most dangerous, most desirable man she’s ever met. As instant attraction leads to explosive passion, Natalie finds she cannot leave his side. But as their pursuers loom closer and threaten to tear them apart, Natalie and Knox have to decide: is it easier to stand apart? Or is a love this strong worth the fight?

My Review

“She was going to destroy him, and she had no fucking clue.”

Fight for Me is a quick and easy read. This book is pretty intense and hits the ground running. The story-line is intriguing and filled with lots of danger and mystery. Fight for Me will certainly keep you on your toes and will have you wondering what will happen next.

Overall, I thought this book was an ok read. I liked Natalie and Knox. Natalie really took me by surprise. She was not what I was expecting at all. I loved her feisty attitude and that she give as good as she gets. Knox is rather intense. He’s a fighter and hasn’t lived a good life. When he meets Natalie, he can’t help but be drawn to her and feels insanely protective of her. Together, the two of them have some really explosive chemistry.

My only issue with this story was the pacing. Now, I am normally a huge fan of fast paced stories. I love when they just hit the ground running and there is never a dull moment. That part of the pacing is not the issue. My issue with the pacing has to do with the speed of Natalie and Knox’s relationship. This book is not a novella, so I had a hard time wrapping my mind around the speed of their relationship. I mean, it took insta-love to a whole other level. They were practically in the kissing, I can’t live without you phase within minutes of meeting each other and that just didn’t feel believable to me. Also and this is a bit of a spoiler, Natalie is a virgin in the story, so I had a super hard time believing that she waited as long as she did to have sex, just to give it up to a guy she barley knows. So, while I do think they had some great chemistry, the speed of their relationship just didn’t work for me.

Fight for Me is a fast-paced, action packed story. It’s filled with lots of drama, steam and danger. Fight for Me is the debut novel by author Jessica Linden. I do feel that this author does have a lot of potential, so even though this book was not a 100% hit for me, I would be open to checking out more from her in the future.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 3 Stars, Adult, Amy, Reviews and tagged MMA, NetGalley. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Day Blitz: The Fighter by Harper Bentley

Posted on April 16, 2016 by Amy-OUABB

Title: The Fighter (The High Rise #1)

Author: Harper Bentley

Release Date: April 16, 2016

Find on Goodreads

When I find out the hard-bodied, tattooed god from the gym lives down the hall from me you’d think I’d be thrilled, right?

Um, how about not.

Heath Noble, construction project manager, MMA fighter and resident hottie, seemed charming at first. But after introducing myself, it was all goodbye Mr. Nice Guy, hello Sir Jerkface.

I don’t know what his problem is but guys who look like him are usually jackholes anyway, so I’m out.

Except he won’t let me be out.

Now I’m sure he’s hitting on me and I’m as confused as ever.

But I know people and I’m not fooled.

I’ve got to find out what his game is before the line between my suspicion and my attraction to him becomes blurred and I do something stupid like fall for him.

Because I’ve done stupid before and I’ve only ended up getting hurt.

The minute I find out who Laney Kyle is I want her to pay for what the Kyles have put my family through.

I’m only here to get my brother out from under the Kyle’s hold by fighting in an underground ring run by her family. And if I can take all the Kyles down while I’m at it, well, so much the better.

But I have to be smooth. And believe me, I’m all about being smooth.

Or so I thought.

She’s got me so tangled up I’m not sure what I’m doing anymore.

And by the time I realize she’s an innocent bystander, I know I’ve lost her.

Now I’m going to get her back.

But she’s not giving me the chance.

Two people plus one apartment building equals one big messy situation.

And love, as usual, will just make everything messier.

Welcome to the High Rise where tenants get a new lease on love…

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

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USA Today Best Selling author Harper Bentley writes about hot alpha males who love hard. She’s taught high school English for 23 years, and although she’s managed to maintain her sanity regardless of her career choice, jumping into the world of publishing her own books goes to show that she might be closer to the ledge than was previously thought.

After traveling the nation in her younger years as a military brat, having lived in Alaska, Washington State and California, she now resides in Oklahoma with her teenage daughter, two dogs and one cat, happily writing stories that she hopes her readers will enjoy.

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Posted in Adult, Amy and tagged Fighter Romance, MMA. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Day Blitz with Review: Legend (Real #6) by Katy Evans

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Amy-OUABB

Meet Maverick “The Avenger” Cage in Legend, the newest stand alone in the REAL series releasing February 9th!

AVAILABLE NOW

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Maverick “the Avenger” Cage wants to rise to the top and become a legend in the ring. Though he keeps his identity well guarded, he’s known on the fighting circuit as the new kid with a chip on his shoulder and a tattoo on his back that marks him as trouble. He’s got a personal score to settle with the Underground’s one and only Remington “Riptide” Tate.

As Mav trains, he meets a young girl—the only other new person in the town–and sparks fly. When things get heated between them, he finds out she’s none other than Reese Dumas, the cousin of Remington Tate’s wife. A girl who’s supposed to root against him and a girl he’s supposed to stay away from.

But Maverick fights for the woman in his heart, and the monsters in his blood. The world’s eyes are on them and the victor will go down in history as the ultimate fighting champion; the ultimate LEGEND.

My Review

“He looks at me as if he’s been waiting for me for a long time. I feel like I too have been waiting for him for long time. It makes no sense. It’s just a look, and just a feeling. You never know what really lies under a look and you can’t apply reason to every feeling. But it’s all there. Tangible, palpable. As though there’s a string between us, one end in him, and the other end in me.”

“I want to be a legend. Legends never die. Even if they die alone.”

What an amazing ride. Legend is the sixth book in the Real series and it reminded me of exactly why I fell in love with this series. The Real Series was my first venture into MMA romances. From the moment I picked up that first book, I was hooked. And with each book, I fell more in love with this series. Legend is no exception. Legend is a truly special read. The writing pulled me in from the very first page and reminded me of exactly why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

Legend follows the story of Maverick and Reese and is told from dual points of view. Maverick has struggled with who is and what he will become, his entire life. He’s always felt broken because he had a father who didn’t want him. Yes, he had an amazing mother, but he wanted to prove to his father and to the world that he was worth something. Only proving himself might be harder than Maverick ever thought possible. The identity of who is father is, is hurting him, more than helping him. No one wants to take a chance on him. And all Maverick wants is that chance. The chance to rise above what everyone thinks of him….Reese Dumas is trying to figure out her life. She’s at a crossroads and desperately wants to find who Reese really is. So, when she gets an opportunity to help out her cousin and her husband Remy, she jumps on it. A change of scenery might just be what she needs. What she didn’t plan on was Maverick. She’s drawn to him in a way that she’s never been drawn to a man before. She knows she should stay away, but she just can’t. The chemistry between the two of them is undeniable. They both have demons that they are trying to fight and deserve a HEA. When the truth about who Maverick really is comes out, will Reese stay in his corner??

What can I say about Legend? Here’s what I can tell you…This book is well-written and captivating. It pulls you in instantly. The story-line is refreshing and makes you believe in second chances and to not judge someone based on who their family is. I loved Reese and Maverick together. Reese gave Maverick a chance when no one else did. She gave him hope and made him want to fight for the things that he wanted. She showed him that he deserved more and that she could look past who his family was. I adored Maverick. He had so much rejection in his life and instead of letting it get him down, he worked hard to prove everyone wrong and make something of himself. And the chemistry between Reese and Maverick was off the charts. I loved their dynamic and the push & pull they had.

I loved every single second of Legend. It exceeded my expectations. This story is filled with angst, romance, and drama. The characters are real and complicated. They are so easy to connect with and so easy to root for. I really enjoyed spending more time with Remy and Brooke. It warmed my heart to see just how far those two have come. Legend is a fantastic addition to the Real Series. It not only gave me an amazing story, but it gave me the best possible ending to one of my favorite series.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review*

EXCERPT

At Tate’s corner, outside the ropes, his coach whistles. “You two get some headgear on. Stat.”

Tate’s lips curl rebelliously, and he looks at me with challenge in his eyes.

I smile back, a feral curl of my lips.

We tap gloves.

No headgear.

I jab. He swings his arm, blocks the hit, leaps back, and I jab again, blocked again.

We space apart and jump in place, shaking our shoulders, loosening up. I pull my gloves back up, narrow my eyes, and he asks, “You think you’re the shit because you’re fast and strong? I got news for you. I’m faster, I’m stronger, and I’m disciplined. Your coach isn’t doing you any favors.”

“He’s in my corner, and that’s enough for me.”

He swings, I duck fast and come up behind him. He straightens and faces me again. “If you settle for that, then you should settle for second place.”

“What the fuck. You want me to win?”

“I want a good fight. I like keeping things real. Reminds me I’m a man. Mortal.”

“I want to be a legend. Legends never die. Even if they die alone.”

He swings again, and I duck, come up, and jab three times.

He blocks repeatedly, then hooks with his right; I deflect. He grins and jabs again. I block, then I duck before he puts me up against the ropes, and I head back to center. He follows.

“To be a legend you need to fall seven times, get up eight,” he says.

I remember a final a few years ago when my father kicked Tate to a pulp. “Or not fall at all.”

He backs up his arm and then smacks the smirk right off me. “Before you stop falling, you need to embrace the fact that you’re going to hit the ground.”

I clean the blood from my mouth, glowering.

We take positions again, and he watches me as if waiting for my next move as we start dancing around, jumping, waiting for the other to strike.

“Do you want the headgear now?”

I lunge and start hitting, and he blocks, deflects, blocks. “Fuck you,” I grit out.

“Getting angry doesn’t help. You control the anger, not let it control you.”

I want to prove him wrong; I loop out my arm and aim for his head.

He ducks and hooks, his knuckles cracking into my jaw. I spurt blood and bounce against the ropes.

I shake my head, wipe the blood away, grit my teeth and straighten, narrowing my eyes. “My turn,” I growl, and I swing. My fist connects: a kidney punch.

He blocks my next hit, frowning in thought. “You’re cocky for someone who just lost yesterday.”

He jabs.

I dive my upper body to the side, evading. “You got to play it to become it.”

“I’m the champion, not you.”

“You won’t live forever, champ.”

He jabs three times, then leaps back, flexes his arm and looks at it.

“Muscle memory. You hit enough times, you fight on instinct; part of your brain works on your assault, the other is focused on the other’s assault. Let your muscle memory work for you and consciously stay focused on your opponent’s eyes.”

I laugh mockingly. “I don’t need your pointers.”

“Go back home to daddy, then.”

“When I’m finished with you.” I punch him, then raise my left hook and connect hard enough to stun him.

He raises his head, shakes it to clear it, and wipes blood from his nose. I catch my breath, satisfied I got some blood. At least I won’t be the only one with an ice pack tonight.

He sees the blood on his arm and looks at me, impressed.

“TIME!” his coach yells out from the corner. “You two won’t have shit for the fight if you keep up this nonsense.”

Tate grins at him, then turns back and glowers at me. “You get enough?”

“Barely warming up here.” I squint the blood out of one eye and raise my gloves. “Come get it, Riptide,” I growl.

Real (Book One) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1CHl6sS

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1w35g8N

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iBooks: http://bit.ly/1tHrTct

Mine (Book Two) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1I2nbzy

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1tHrdns

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1zmq1cT

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1yhymBF

Remy (Book Three) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1vOn8T2

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1w35lcN

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1ynVnBv

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1vlqhom

Rogue (Book Four) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1vOnjh8

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1FOFfJy

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1wvpqI6

iTunes: http://bit.ly/12xnylU

Ripped (Book Five) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Bfzsi

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1yia714

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/11X9CAG

iBooks: http://bit.ly/1ynQ9FV

About the Author:

Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

Website: www.katyevans.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatyEvans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkatyevans

Email: authorkatyevans@gmail.com

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Posted in 5 Stars, Amy, NA, Reviews and tagged MMA, NetGalley, Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Excerpt Reveal: Fighting Solitude by Aly Martinez

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Amy-OUABB

EXCERPT

“Jesus Christ, Quarry! Calm down. You’re making it worse.” Till pointed toward the building where the woman I loved lay dead in a coffin.

Oh, God.

My eyes, tunneled by rage, flashed around the mob of reporters before landing on the front steps of the funeral home, where an even bigger crowd of Mia’s friends and family were watching me violently break down—again.

“I need to get out of here,” I mumbled, straightening my shirt.

“Good idea,” he replied, shoving me toward my car. “I’ll drive.”

“No. I want to be alone.”

“You can’t drive right now, Q.”

“Watch me.”

“You cannot be behind the wheel…” He carried on with some explanation, but I was more than done listening. The silence had never sounded so good.

Looking up at the sky, I sucked in a breath so deep that it caused my lungs to ache. I refused to release it though.

Don’t exhale.

Ignoring Till’s protests, I dug my keys from my pocket and folded into my car. Barely managing to squeeze around the relentless reporters, I started toward the exit.

This is not happening.

Don’t breathe.

My lungs were on fire, but it felt a hell of a lot better than what was going on in my heart, so I bit my lip and let it blaze—praying that it would eventually engulf me.

Glancing in my review mirror, I saw the cops rolling into the parking lot, but that wasn’t what made me stop. My breath left me on a rush as I slammed on the brakes the moment she came into view.

Liv was standing in the middle of the road, staring at my taillights.

Her big, brown eyes were as empty as I felt, and her face was painted with absolute anguish. Without out a single second of hesitation, I leaned over and pushed the passenger’s side door open in invitation. In a pair of heels and a short, black dress, she sprinted forward, not slowing until her ass hit my leather seat. Her door hadn’t even shut before I was off again.

After turning her cell phone off, she tossed it in the glove box. Mine quickly followed. She didn’t ask any questions as I pulled onto the highway in the exact opposite direction of both of our apartments. She didn’t want to go home any more than I did.

Our destination was unknown, and that alone made it infinitely better than the one we’d just left.

I drove.

And drove.

Then, when I was sick and tired of aimlessly driving, I drove some more.

With the exception of Liv flipping the radio on when the sun went down, we sat in absolute silence for over four hours.

Alone, yet still together.

Finally, around ten p.m., with an empty tank of gas and sleepy eyes, I slipped into a parking space in front of the apartment Liv and Mia shared. Liv didn’t delay in pushing the door open, but that’s the only effort she put into getting out.

Dropping her head against the headrest, she whispered at the windshield, “Her parents told me she left letters for us. We can pick them up whenever we’re ready.”

“I don’t want a fucking letter. She lied. She’s sorry. I got it. Nothing left to say.”

“Maybe it will explain stuff though. It might help.”

My angry gaze jumped to her, but she was still staring out the window.

“Will it bring her back?” I asked. “No? Then I don’t need a goddamn letter. Fuck that. Fuck her parents too. I don’t want shit from them.”

“They didn’t kill her, Quarry.”

“How can you say that?”

Her eyes finally met mine. “It was what Mia wanted. She signed the Do Not Resuscitate order, not them.”

“What the fuck are you doing here? Please, God, tell me you are not actually siding with them? Because, if I recall correctly, we both begged them not to give up on her. They didn’t give a shit about anyone. Liv, they didn’t even get a second opinion.”

“I’m not siding with anyone but Mia. She made a choice. We have to respect it.” Her expression was emotionless, even though her voice trembled.

“Respect it? Fuck her shitty choice. She should have respected me enough to let me have a say.”

She laughed without humor. “You never would have let her go, Q.”

I slammed the heel of my palm against the steering wheel. “You’re goddamn right I wouldn’t have!”

“She had brain cancer. It was going to happen one way or another. She knew it. And she made a decision. We don’t get to be mad about that.”

“Get the fuck out of my car.”

“No. Listen to me—”

“I’ll start listening the moment you stop spouting the bullshit her parents shoved down your throat tonight.”

She raised her voice for the first time all day. “It’s the truth!”

“It’s bullshit! All of it. How am I supposed to respect the fact that she lied to me for six months? Six fucking months that I could have used to prepare for this.”

“Oh my God, Quarry!” she yelled, exasperated. “Do you seriously think six months could have ever prepared you for this? I could have known since the day I met her and I still wouldn’t have been ready to lose her.”

“I could have tried! I could have spent that time devoted to being with her instead of traveling to fights. Jesus Christ, Liv, last weekend, I went out with the guys from the gym to play pool. The last fucking Saturday night of her life on this Earth and I was shooting pool with a bunch of assholes I can barely stand. Six months she kept the fact that she was dying a secret. Six. Fucking. Months. You’re right. I wouldn’t have been ready to let her go, but at least I could have figured out how to say goodbye. Instead, all I got was to squeeze her hand, say, ‘I love you,’ and then be escorted out of the hospital by security. Fuck!”

“That’s because you were acting like a fool and threatening her family! That was your choice!”

“Get the fuck out of my car. Now!”

“And it’s also the reason you got thrown out of the visitation tonight. Get your shit together or you won’t be allowed at the funeral tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to go to the funeral!” I shouted at the top of my lungs, making her flinch. “I don’t want there to be a funeral at all. Now, I’m serious. Get. The fuck. Out. Of my car.”

Through gritted teeth, she seethed, “You know what I’ll never understand? How you claim to be so in love with her, but in this entire conversation, I haven’t heard you say a single word that wasn’t about you. How this affects you. How this hurt you. Last time I checked, you aren’t the one being buried tomorrow.”

“I wish I were!”

“Fuck you! The world doesn’t revolve around Quarry Page!” With that, she jumped out and slammed the door.

I didn’t even wait for her to make it to the sidewalk before I was peeling out of the parking lot.

Fighting Solitude is Book Three in the On The Ropes Series by Aly Martinez and is Quarry’s highly anticipated story releasing February 2nd!

Now Available for Pre-order

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**Each book in the series can be read as a standalone**

Blurb

**Special Pre-order Pricing!**

I was born a fighter. Abandoned by my parents, I spent my life forging my own path—one guided by my fists and paved with pain.

Untouchable in the ring, I destroyed everyone who faced me, but that’s where my victories ended. Outside the ropes, I repeatedly failed the few people who loved me. Including my best friend, Liv James—the one person I’d die to protect.

Even though I didn’t deserve her, Liv never stopped believing in me. Never gave up. Never let go. After all, she understood what I’d lost, because she’d lost it too.

Liv was everything to me, but she was never truly mine.

That was going to change.

I lost my first love, but I refused to lose my soulmate.

Now, I’m on the ropes during the toughest battles of my life.

Fighting to be the man she deserves.

Fighting the solitude of our pasts.

Fighting for her.

Fighting Silence (Book One) On the Ropes

ONLY $0.99

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Fighting Shadows (Book Two) On The Ropes

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Kobo: http://bit.ly/1LKEurE

iBooks: http://apple.co/1TcpHIa

About the Author

Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in South Carolina, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. Five books later, she shows no signs of slowing. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

STALK HER: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Posted in Amy, NA and tagged MMA. Bookmark the permalink.

Excerpt Reveal: Legend by Katy Evans

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Amy-OUABB

SEATTLE

Maverick

‘Not in a million years, kid.’

‘No.’

‘NOT INTERESTED.’

‘Get the fuck out of my face!’

Four cities in two days, and more doors slammed in my face than I can count. I sling my backpack over my shoulder and scratch another name from my list.

Hopping on to a bus and hopping off thirty minutes later, I scan the mix of both commercial and apartment numbers down the block, then knock on my last door.

“Coach Hennesy?”

He’s a tall man, his hair like pepper, clad in sweats, with a yellow timer hanging from his neck. He gives me a questioning look.

“I’m your next champion.”

He laughs, but then he must see something on my face. In my stance. Thirst, resoluteness, guts. Maybe I’m wearing my balls in my eyes. He falls sober and swings the door wide-open. “Come on in.”

He doesn’t ask for my name.

I guess with one look, he knows he’ll find my name in the dictionary, right next to “determined.”

He leads me to his garage. “Where’d you train before?” he asks.

“Self-taught. I watch videos.”

He scoffs, then shrugs. “Okay, let’s see what you’ve got.”

I eye the equipment across the room. The heavy bag hangs from the ceiling, the leather worn from other fighters before me. There’s a boxing dummy at the corner. Speed bag. Weights. A whole private gym set up here. I drop both my bags, then zip open my backpack and start to put on the gloves without bothering to remove my hoodie.

“Take that off; I need to know what you’ve got. Need to see your form,” Hennesy says.

I clench my jaw. Slowly unzip my hoodie. Take it off and glance past my shoulder, shifting to keep my back from the coach’s view. The guy is clearing the fighting area. Good. We can get down to business. He walks to me when I face him.

“Give it over.” I hand him my hoodie and he tosses it aside, then crosses his arms and looks at me. “Speedball first.”

I inhale, position myself before the speedball, and hit. Wham.

I keep on hitting, lightning fast, my fists making the bag fly.

I would have warmed up first, but I’ve been doing this for days, and I won’t stop until I’ve got myself a coach—and not even then.

I’ve got momentum now, and I pick up speed, my arms moving back and forth, working the speed bag until it’s moving so fast you can’t even see it.

I’m starting to sweat; it’s stuffy in here, but I can’t stop. I need him to take me on. I need one yes to get me in the ring. Just one yes and I’ll do the rest.

“Time.” Hennesy stops me. He signals to the boxing dummy and the heavy bag. “Let’s see you pound the bag.”

I swing out and slam my knuckles on the bag, putting everything into my fists. Thack, thump, thud.

Hennesy’s composure starts to crumble with excitement. “Holy shit, boy!”

I’m getting in to it. I’m in the zone—where it’s just me, the leather brown bag, my fists, and nothing else but slamming the spot I’m looking at.

“I’ve seen enough.” He stops the bag from swinging. His eyes glassy. “Fill this out.”

I pull off my right glove and grab a pen as he slaps a paper onto a desk at the corner. I bend down to fill out my name and contact information and realize, too late, that I exposed the tattoo on my back.

“You’re his boy.”

I freeze midsignature.

A second ticks by. Then two.

I slowly set the pen down and take one last look at the paper. I might not get to fill it out after all. I turn.

His face has paled.

I wait it out for a few beats. Maybe he’s different. Maybe he can deal with it.

He tosses my jacket at me. “Get out. Nobody wants to see you fight.”

I frown fiercely as I catch my jacket in my fist and edge forward, equally mad now. “That’s too damn bad. ’Cause I’m fighting anyway.”

I keep my eyes on him as I pull off my left glove, shove my arms into my hoodie, and zip up.

I walk out and the door slams behind me. I clench my jaw, and I shove my gloves into my bag and spot the old, black gloves inside too. I push them down into the bottom of the duffel bag and zip it up.

The season starts in a week and a half. No coach? No fight. I can’t even get into a gym.

But I won’t let anyone or anything keep me from the ring.

I pick up a penny from the ground.

And I spot a girl in workout clothes across the street, tying her shoelaces. She’s a step away from the gym door. I straighten, pull my hoodie over my head, and cross the street, following after her like I belong.

Meet Maverick “The Avenger” Cage in Legend, the newest stand alone in the REAL series releasing February 9th!

PRE-ORDER NOW

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Blurb

* LEGEND is the 6th and final installment of the REAL series, but it can also be read as standalone or after the three Remington and Brooke books (Real/Mine/Remy.)

Real (Book One) The Real Series

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1CHl6sS

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Mine (Book Two) The Real Series

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Remy (Book Three) The Real Series

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Rogue (Book Four) The Real Series

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Ripped (Book Five) The Real Series

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Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1yia714

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About the Author:

Website: www.katyevans.net

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatyEvans

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorkatyevans

Email: authorkatyevans@gmail.com

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Posted in Adult, Amy and tagged Excerpt Reveal, MMA. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Breaking A Legend by Sarah Robinson

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Amy-OUABB

Perfect for fans of Katy Evans and Monica Murphy, Sarah Robinson’s blistering-hot series debut introduces the Kavanagh brothers—mixed martial arts fighters who work hard, play hard, and love with all their hearts.

As one of the big names at his family’s gym, Legends, MMA star Rory Kavanagh is used to being in the spotlight—until a gruesome leg injury knocks him out of the cage. Rory is left feeling sidelined in more ways than one, battling the inner demons that come with losing the one shot at his dreams. Then Clare walks into his life and gives him a new dream: winning her heart. There aren’t many new faces in Woodlawn these days, but this tough, beautiful stranger makes Rory want to get his life back into fighting shape.

Clare Ivers doesn’t think she’ll be able to tell anyone what really brought her to the close-knit Bronx neighborhood where she just started bartending. But her life’s on pause and her past is catching up fast, try as she might to move on—with new friends, steady work, and a chiseled alpha male trying to get her attention. Even though Rory’s more than a little intense, she can’t deny that her heart beats faster when he looks at her with those soulful silver eyes. Clare thought she was done with love, but Rory might just be man enough to show her she thought wrong.

My Review

Breaking A Legend is the debut novel for author Sarah Robinson. Breaking A Legend is told from dual points of view and follows the story of Claire and Rory. Claire wants nothing more than to forget about her past and start over. Everything is going to plan: new job, new friends, and some interest from ex-MMA fighter, Rory Kavanagh. While at first Claire tries to deny any feelings for Rory, it quickly becomes harder and harder to pretend….Rory had it all: fame, fortune and an exciting career. That is until one day, Rory gets a major injury and looses everything within a matter of minutes. Then Claire comes into his life and is like a breath of fresh air. She makes him want to fight for the life he once had. Will these two get the HEA they both want and deserve?

I really like Claire. I felt like she was a strong character, who had been through a lot and was just looking for a chance to start over. Her struggles and fears were real and easy to connect with. I adored Rory. I just wanted to give him a big hug. His life sorta went downhill after he got injured. He turned to alcohol and drugs to dull his pain. And then Claire came into his life. Claire woke up something in him that he thought was gone. She made him want to be a better man and to get back the life that he thought he lost.

Claire and Rory had some really great chemistry. Claire really brought out the alpha/possessive side in Rory. They complimented one another well and really came into each other’s lives at just the right time.

I also really loved Rory’s family. They are exactly what I think of when I think about an Irish family. They are close, in each other’s business, they give each other crap, but you can tell that they really love and care about each other.

One of the issues that I had was that I felt like the end of the story was a little bit rushed. I would have liked to have seen the book maybe be just a tad longer, so that the pacing would make more sense. Also, and this is something that I rarley have issue with; I felt like everything was wrapped up a little too neatly in the end, making it seem unrealistic. I felt every issue this couple had was wrapped up in a matter of just a few pages. Please don’t get me wrong, I like when things get wrapped up, but this just didn’t work for me.

Overall, I thought that this was an ok read. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. This story had a lot of good things working for it and I think this series has a ton of potential.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 3 Stars, Adult, Amy and tagged MMA, NetGalley, Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Blitz and Review: Love Burns (Caged Love #2) by Mandi Beck

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Amy-OUABB

Synopsis

Love.

It’s my name. It’s what I fight for. It’s Frankie.

I’m a fighter. Trained to always keep my cover. To anticipate, see the next hit coming. I never expected her past to come at us swinging like it has.

I’m about to take on two of the most important fights of my life. My girl and the belt. I know that I can handle it. That I’ll never stop fighting. But, what do you do when your life, your love is threatened and you can’t take the hits – she has to? You shut your eyes and fucking pray like hell that she’s strong enough, fierce enough to come out on top.

I went to war for her. Now it’s her turn.

Goodreads

My Review

Love Burns is the satisfying follow up to Mandi Beck’s debut novel, Love Hurts. Now, I don’t know about you, but I have been waiting on pins and needles waiting for this book to come out. Love Hurts ended on one heck of a brutal cliffhanger, that left us all gasping and wondering what would happen next. And let me tell you, Love Burns does not disappoint.

Love Burns picks up right where the last book left off. Frankie and Deacon are both seeing just how hard love can really be. Love is not easy. It’s hard and frustrating at times. At times, it takes a lot of work. But, if you love someone and I mean really love someone, you are going to have to fight. You’re going to have to put in the work and the time. Anything worth having is worth the time and effort. Yes, you will make mistakes. Yes, you will screw up. But, if it’s meant to be, then the end result is worth it. Frankie and Deacon are about to see for themselves just how true and real those statements are. They are in for the fight of their lives and will have many obstacles to overcome in their journey for HEA….

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It pulled me in from the very first page and kept me begging for more. Deacon really stepped things up in this book. Yes, he is still 100% alpha male, but he finally has seen the light and is ready to fight for what he wants. Frankie has also come a long way since we first met her in Love Hurts. Her character has grown and now that she knows what it’s like to love Deacon, she’s not going to give up on him no matter what. I felt even more connected with Deacon and Frankie this time around. They have such great push and pull. They frustrate me, but when they love, they both love so fiercely. They both made mistakes, but also learned just how important communication is.

Love Burns was one of my most anticipated duet sequels of the year and it did not disappoint. I loved everything about Deacon and Frankie’s story. The passion and love the two of them feel is intense,but so real. Their emotions so easy to get caught up in, as if they are your own. Love Burns has plenty of angst, romance, sexy times, action and suspense. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat just wondering how everything will work out in the end.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio

Mandi Beck has been an avid reader all of her life. A deep love for books always had her jotting down little stories on napkins, notebooks, and her hand. As an adult she was further submerged into the book world through book clubs and the epicness of social media. It was then that she graduated to writing her stories on her phone and then finally on a proper computer.

A nursing student, mother to two rambunctious and somewhat rotten boys, and stepmom to two great girls away at college, she shares her time with her husband in Chicago where she was born and raised. Mandi is a diehard hockey fan and blames the Blackhawks when her deadlines are not met.

Love Hurts is her debut novel and she is currently working on the next in the series along with whatever other voices are clamoring for attention in her mind.

Social Media Links

Facebook ~ www.facebook.com/authormandibeck

Facebook Group ~ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1023028511060131/

Twitter ~ https://twitter.com/authormandibeck

Instagram ~ https://instagram.com/authormandibeck/

Goodreads Group ~ https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/168070-mandi-beck-s-fan-and-reader-group

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Amy and tagged MMA, Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Tough Love (Ultimate #3) by Lori Foster

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Amy-OUABB

She’s playing hard to get… to win the MMA fighter of her ultimate fantasies in a sultry new novel from New York Timesbestselling 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?

My Review

Tough Love is the third book in the Ultimate series but can totally be read as a stand-alone.

Tough Love was a quick and easy read for me. I love a good MMA story, so when you throw in the promise of a good alpha male, I can’t resist picking it up. The synopsis is what really drew me into this story. It intrigued me, pulling together not only my love for MMA stories, but also adding in a friends with benefits plot; I knew I had to check it out.

I was captivated by Vanity and Stack from the moment I was introduced to them. The two of them had excellent chemistry. It just oozed off the pages. You knew when the two of them finally hooked up, that it would be explosive. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.

Vanity was a very interesting character. She was super independent and had a good head on her shoulders. The only thing missing in her life was love. I was intrigued by how she interjected herself into Stack’s life and how many different ways she tried to hook up with him…Stack was very entertaining to watch. He was a total alpha male with a bad case of jealousy. That being said, he had a really sweet side that was just begging to come out. I really loved how the both of them said they wanted a friends with benefits relationship, but they both really wanted more.

Overall, I thought this was an ok read. My only complaint was the pacing of the story. It started off really strong, pulling me into the story. But, then when I got to the middle, it started to slow down. For me, pacing is a big deal. When it’s too slow, I start to get sidetracked and loose interest. However, with this book, I am happy that I stuck with it. The pacing did pick back up and I found the rest of the story to be very enjoyable.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.*

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Posted in 3.5 Stars, Adult, Amy and tagged Edelweiss, MMA, Sports. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Brave: A Contemporary MMA Romance (Oni Fighters #1) by Natalie Gayle

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Amy-OUABB

Brave

A moment in time, that’s all it took. Beauty, pain and tragedy.

Xander “Pretty Boy” Todd was a demon in the ring. A professional MMA fighter with a career that had the world a buzz—but now it’s gone. Or is it?

Eden Sommers had her dreams of an international modelling career within her grasp—and lost it. Gone within a few seconds, leaving nothing but pain.

How do you go on, when the one thing that defines you is suddenly ripped away—only to leave scars and a hollow shell in its place? Has the beauty gone forever? Or has it just retreated—to now be hidden, and dormant; guarded by the inner demons?

Can these two wounded souls find the inner strength to fight back the demons together and find the beauty in their lives once again?

To do this, they must first accept—The hardest demons to defeat are the ones inside. They’ll have to be BRAVE.

My Review

So, I’m just going to keep this review short and sweet. I have been hearing a lots of great things about this book. When I first read the synopsis of this story, I was intrigued. It sounded right up my alley. So, when I saw that this book was available on NetGalley, I didn’t hesitate to request it. Brave started off with a very promising start. It was a beauty and the beast sort of tale. I really liked the idea of the story and found myself intrigued by Eden and her past.

Sadly, this book just didn’t work for me. I had a lot of issues with the pacing of this story. It started off kinda slow, which isn’t normally a big deal for me. However, I kept waiting for the pace to pick up and it just never happened. It just felt like the story was dragging and that nothing was really happening. Honestly it was way too long of a book to be this slowly paced. I found myself getting bored really easily and contemplated DNFing the book quiet a few times.

Even thought Brave did not quite work for me, there were some things that I did like. The characters were likable and interesting. I liked how Xander treated Eden. He worked very hard to earn her trust and make her come out of her shell. This book did have some really sweet moments, but it just wasn’t enough for me. I know that I am in the minority here and that a lot of people really enjoyed this book. This is just my opinion.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.*

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Posted in Adult, Amy and tagged 2 Stars, MMA, NetGalley. Bookmark the permalink.