Tag Archives: MMA Fighter

Full Contact / Below the Belt (Worth the Fight 2 &3) by Sidney Halston-a review

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Full Conact / Below the Belt (Worth the Fight #2 & 3) by Sidney Halston-a review

Worth the Fight Series

FULL CONTACT
(Worth the Fight 2)
by Sidney Halston
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance, MMA

Full Contact

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About the book: Release Date October 28, 2014

How could she have been so stupid? When Jessica Cross decides to give her violently jealous boyfriend—the otherwise influential and charming Dennis Stavros—a second chance, she very nearly becomes a statistic. After weeks of healing from a broken rib and collapsed lung, and with Dennis behind bars, Jessica finally feels ready to come out of hiding. But will she ever be able to take a chance on love again with someone new?

Mixed martial arts fighter Slade Martin knows he has a bad reputation. Hell, he’s probably earned it. So it won’t be easy to convince beautiful, vulnerable Jessica that she can trust him—that from the moment she walked into his life, she’s been the only one he’s wanted. Powerful and confident, Slade knows he can honor his vow to protect Jessica body and soul. Winning her heart will be another matter . . . but a woman like Jessica is worth the fight.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: FULL CONTACT is the second installment in Sidney Halston’s adult, contemporary Worth the Fight erotic romance series focusing on the men of MMA and the women that they love. This is thirty three year old MMA fighter Slade Martin and bartender Jessica Cross’s storyline. Although FULL CONTACT is the second in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. The series follows the MMA fighters at Worth the Fight Academy in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Told from dual third person points of view the storyline focuses on Jessica’s recovery following a near fatal beating by her ex boyfriend Dennis Stravos. Slade, always the protector, finds himself falling for Jessica ensuring her recovery is under his care-at his home- and in his bed. What ensues is a developing friendship that grows into something more but Slade’s ‘harem’ of women throws Jessica’s emotions into a frenzy; jealousy, betrayal, insecurity and threats against the people she loves, follow Jessica from work to home. In order to protect everyone, Jessica knows it is time to move back home. Breaking Slade’s heart is the only way to protect the man with whom she has fallen in love.

The relationship between Jessica and Slade is a friends to lovers storyline; their attraction to one another is immediate but Slade’s reputation with the ladies precedes his introduction to Jessica and she is unsure about any stable relationship with a man whose one night stands are many. The $ex scenes are captivating, provocative and intense-Slade knows how to please a woman in bed. There is plenty of push and pull throughout the story as Jessica must consider the future-with or without the man that she loves.

The secondary and supporting characters include Jack and Chrissy (Slade’s sister) from book one as well as Francesca Silva-Slade’s new partner at the gym and the woman who catches the eye of Worth the Fight’s newest fighter-Tony Marino. Cain, Violet, Jamie Lynn, Jett, and Travis add color, humor and an interesting take on life and love both in and out of the cage. We are also introduced to Jessica’s parents-two people who wish more for their daughter than to settle in Tarpon Springs; and Dennis Stravos-an up and coming political wannabe with a quick temper and a quicker fist.

The world building takes the reader from the Worth the Fight Academy to the local pub known as the Pier, behind the scenes and into the bedrooms of the MMA fighters. We get an up close view of their training, after hours play, and what goes between fights.

Sidney Halston’s FULL CONTACT is a passionate look the fighters of the MMA- their loves and lives; their failures and wins. Worth the Fight is an imaginative series with romance, love, betrayal and revenge. There are moments of intense drama, and painful realizations followed by intimate and sensual scenes of love. If you are a fan of the MMA storylines, where the hero always gets the woman that he loves, then WORTH THE FIGHT is the series for you.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

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Below the Belt
Worth the Fight #3
by Sidney Halston
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary,erotic, romance, MMA

Below the Belt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 10, 2015

Once one of the most sought-after names on the mixed martial arts circuit, Antonio “Scarface” Marino watched his career go down for the count as he chased skirts and made tabloid headlines. Now he’s finally making a comeback, and it’s all thanks to Francesca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell as tough as any of her fighters. But who’s the real Francesca: the trash-talking trainer who rides him hard, or the vulnerable woman who blushes at his touch?

Francesca went to the mat to sign Tony because she believes he still has the potential to bring big success to her gym—if she can keep his head in the cage and out of her personal life. After a short-lived marriage soured her on love, a one-night stand is all she can handle. Now Tony’s kisses are stirring up complicated feelings—especially when he agrees to face her ex in the ring. Francesca’s used to freezing guys out. But Tony’s tempting her to give in to the heat.

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: BELOW THE BELT is the third installment in Sidney Halston’s adult, contemporary Worth the Fight erotic, romance series focusing on MMA fighters and the women that they love. This is thirty five year old MMA fighter Antonio (Tony) Marino and gym owner Francesca Silva whom we first met in FULL CONTACT (book 2). Although this is the third novel in the series, BELOW THE BELT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

The premise focuses on Tony’s upcoming fight and the building relationship between Tony and Francesca. Francesca and Slade Martin (Full Contact book 2) bought the rights to Tony’s contract, and ‘Worth the Fight’ gym/fight club is hoping to make their money back and more. What ensues is Tony’s pursuit of both the title and Francesca-a woman with a cold façade and an even colder attitude. Francesca’s history with men is limited and full of heartbreak. She is an independent heroine with a fragile ego who hides behind a business suit that screams nothing but professional.

The storyline and the relationship are slow to build. As Francesca and Slade work to rebuild the gym, Francesca continues to push Tony away at every opportunity and she is a woman who likes to run when the going gets tough. Francesca and Tony both have a quick temper and are even quicker to jump to conclusions as it pertains to their relationship jealousy and other contenders for their heart. As Tony’s championship fight draws near their personalities, egos, wants and need begin to clash until Tony walks away giving Francesca the space she needs to deal with her past. The sex scenes are intimate, passionate and hot.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include the previous storyline couples (Slade and Jessica/ Chrissy and Jack) as well as Tony’s large extended family -mother, four sisters, six nieces and a house full of kittens that kept Tony on his toes. We are also introduced to Tony’s next competitor in the ring-a man whose connection to Francesca is a little more than Tony is willing to accept.

The author notes on several occasions the distinction between Tony and Francesca’s heritage. Francesca is Brazilian and Tony is Cuban and this seems to be a bit of a bone of contention or at the very least, a delineation or characterization that necessitated several reminders. The writing style was a little choppy early on; I didn’t quite feel invited into the story but once the storyline began to unfold, the flow was smooth with a more welcoming and engaging style.

BELOW THE BELT is a story about an alpha male who falls in love with a strong, independent woman whose previous relationship and lack of experience sets the tone for her current dilemma. Francesca knows that to fall in love will only bring heartbreak and sorrow-in this, she is a woman determined never to fall in love again.

Sidney Halston invites the reader into the cage, onto the mat, and behind the doors of the MMA fighter. Not only do they fight for their life but they fight for love and a happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Worth the Chance (MMA Fighter #2) by Vi Keeland-a review

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WORTH THE CHANCE (MMA Fighter #2) by Vi Keeland

worth-the-chance-cover.Feb 14jpg

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 17, 2014

Meet Liv Michaels
It may have been seven years, but I’d know him anywhere. Sure, he’s grown, filled out in all the right places, but his captivating blue eyes and cocky grin are exactly the way I remember. Even though I’d much rather forget.

Liv Michaels is almost there. She’s smart, determined and weeks away from landing the job she’s dreamed about for years. Time healed old wounds, even her broken heart from the devastation of being crushed by her first love.

Meet Vince Stone
Women love a fighter, especially a good one. Lucky for me, I’m damn good. But there’s one woman that isn’t interested. Not again, anyway.

Vince ‘The Invincible’ Stone is every woman’s fantasy…strong, sexy, confident and completely in control. Growing up surrounded by chaos, he’s learned never to get too attached. Love will drag you down. He adores women, treats them well, puts their own needs before his own…for the night anyway. With the biggest fight of his life coming up, his focus should be on training.

When fate brings Vince & Liv back together again, there’s no denying the chemistry is still there. But can Vince erase the old scars their past left behind? Or will Liv hurt him instead?

REVIEW: WORTH THE CHANCE is the second storyline in Vi Keeland’s contemporary, new adult, erotic romance MMA Fighter series. This is Liv and Vince’s storyline and one that advances the series by several years. Vince is the young street kid from the first storyline Worth the Fight.

The focus of Worth the Chance is a second chance at romance for our leading couple. Liv was Vince’s high school tutor and their past relationship was destroyed the night Vince refused to make love to a much younger Liv and walked away –never to be heard from again. Fast forward several years and Vince and Liv will get a second chance when Liv has been assigned (by her editor) to write a story about the successful MMA fighter Vince Stone.

As the storyline progresses, so too, does Vince and Liv’s relationship. There is an immediate attraction-one not forgotten in the ensuing years-but one that is more mature both sexually and emotionally.

Vince’s success as a fighter is quelled by his past-his mother’s history of drug abuse; the death of his father; and a life in the hardened world of mixed martial arts. But Vince’s life will darken once again when the truth behind Liv’s assignment will break his heart and push him over the edge of control.

The storyline is written from two distinct first person points of view-Liv and Vince including a couple of flashbacks about the past. The relationship between our couple is hot, sexy and spiced with a little bit of jealousy. The reader is pulled into an emotional story where the past meets the present and, comes full circle when a young man discovers that his entire life has been based on a lie. The world building continues from book one with the inclusion of Nico, Elle and Preacher that gives it a familiar feel.

Vi Keeland writes an engaging and intense story of second chances and discovering the truth. When your entire life has been built around a lie the only place to turn is to the future-and a new life with the people who love and support the person that you have always been.

READING ORDER
1. Worth the Fight
2. Worth the Chance

Reviewed by Sandy

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Remy (Real #3) by Katy Evans-a review

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Remy (Real #3) by Katy Evans-a review

Remy

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2013

Underground fighter Remington Tate is a mystery, even to himself. His mind is dark and light, complex and enlightening. At times his actions and moods are carefully measured, and at others, they spin out of control.

Through it all, there’s been one constant: wanting, needing, loving, and protecting Brooke Dumas. This is his story; from the first moment he laid eyes on her and knew, without a doubt, she would be the realest thing he’s ever had to fight for.

••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: REMY is the third instalment in Katy Evans contemporary, new adult Real series focusing on underground fighter Remington Tate and Brooke Dumas-the woman that he loves. REMY is a storyline that parallels the time line of both REAL (#1) and MINE (#2). It is told in flashbacks from Remington’s POV and some present day leading up to Remy and Brooke’s wedding.

The premise is identical to the previous two instalments but we are pulled into a darker world of one man’s obsession with the woman that he loves. Remy suffers with bi-polar disorder and the emotional fall out that affects everyone in his life. Refusing to be medicated, Remy suffers ‘black periods’ where he loses all concept of time and what is happening. REMY follows our hero through his tumultuous battle with the disease, his friends and himself.  Remy’s fears of losing Brooke consume his every thought and in this the reader is pulled onto a roller coaster ride of epic proportion.

Katy’s style of writing is pervasive through the storyline-her use of similar phrases and expressions is seen throughout the entire series; Remy’s need for Brooke; the continuous references to scent, smell and taste; as well as Remy’s dysfunctional jealousy and possession of the woman he loves; and the repetition of mine, Mine, MINE. Remy is a psychiatrist’s nightmare and yet he is unwilling to be medicated because it affects his emotional and physical stability.

There are few things in the series that are questionable and unbelievable including the degree to which Remy refuses help or medication for a disorder that controls and affects every aspect of his life. The character is a danger to himself and to others but the solution proposed (in Mine #2) is not necessarily the best choice-in fact, it is only used as a last resort. But saying that, it is after all, a fictional storyline, with fictional characters in a fictional world and who are we to question when the series is presented as entertainment for the enjoyment of the author’s readers and fans.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Worth The Fight (MMA fighter #1) by Vi Keeland-a review

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WORTH THE FIGHT (MMA Fighter #1) by Vi Keeland-a review

Worth The Fight

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ABOUT THE BOOK: October 3, 2013

It didn’t matter that the ref called it a clean hit. Nico Hunter would never be the same.

Elle has a good life. A job she loves, a great apartment, and the guy she’s been dating for more than two years is a catch and a half. But it’s boring…and she strives to keep it that way. Too many emotions are dangerous. Her own past is living proof of what can happen when you lose control.

Then Nico walks into Elle’s office and everything changes…for both of them. But what can the tattooed, hard-bodied MMA fighter and the beautiful and always steady attorney have in common? A lot more than they bargained for.

***Author’s note*** THIS IS A STAND-ALONE NOVEL. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

•••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: WORTH THE FIGHT is the first storyline in Vi Keeland’s contemporary new adult MMA Fighter series focusing on the men of MMA fighting and the women that they love. This is Nico and Elle’s storyline and one that is heartbreaking and full of guilt for a man who was only doing what he was trained to do. Although this is considered a stand-alone, and everything wraps up in the end, the second storyline involves some of the characters from Worth the Fight and fast forwards the series by several years.

The premise focuses on two people with deep, dark secrets in their past but for one the secret is darker and buried deeper. Nico is a champion MMA fighter who after a fight where everything went horribly wrong has pulled himself from the arena and competition. Trying to get himself out of a sponsorship contract, Nico’s attorney William enlists the aid of Elle, a fellow attorney and his (William’s) current girlfriend to research the intricacies of the contract. What ensues is Nico’s attempt to ‘woo’ Elle through dinners, dates and gentleness.

Worth the Fight is a storyline about two people who are unable to let go of the past. Both Elle and Nico suffer guilt and the ensuing nightmares that prevent either of them from moving forward. Both must learn to forgive themselves before they are able to accept that they are capable of loving and receiving love. Each guilt is based on similar yet different tragedies and until Nico is able to forgive himself, Elle fears she will never be able to reach the man beneath.

The relationship between Nico and Elle is sensual, sexual and erotic. Nico takes his time getting to know Elle: he doesn’t push for a sexual relationship but continues to build a foundation. When the two finally make it to the bedroom, the fireworks are bright and the love making is hot. This is a man who knows how to please a woman but he is also a man who is afraid to push too hard.

The world building takes the reader behind the scenes of MMA fighting, the arena and the gym. We are introduced to Nico’s trainer Preach and a young street kid Vinny whose story will be told in Worth the Chance in 2014.

Vi Keeland pulls the reader into a heartbreaking story where two people must learn to forgive themselves, let go of the part and move forward. Until one is able to forgive, the heart is closed to new adventures, new relationships and a future.

Reviewed by Sandy

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