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Making Him Sweat
She's hitting below the belt…
Round 1
In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who’s inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business…provided she can take on the very intimidating—and wickedly hot—boxer who stands in her way!
Round 2
In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He’s the only one who can protect his “home”—even if it is a little run-down— from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere…
Round 3
This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it....
Round 1
In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who’s inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business…provided she can take on the very intimidating—and wickedly hot—boxer who stands in her way!
Round 2
In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He’s the only one who can protect his “home”—even if it is a little run-down— from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere…
Round 3
This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it....
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 19, 2013
17 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
Meg Maguire
31 books270 followersSince she began writing in 2008, Meg Maguire has published nearly forty romances and erotic novels with a variety of publishers, sometimes under the pen names Cara McKenna and C.M. McKenna. Her stories have been acclaimed for their smart, modern voice and defiance of convention. She was a 2015 RITA Award finalist, a 2014 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award winner, a 2012 and 2011 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award nominee, and a 2010 Golden Heart Award finalist. She lives with her husband and baby son in the Pacific Northwest, though she’ll always be a Boston girl at heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
January 27, 2013
Making Him Sweat is a sexy story, the first book in a new series and Meg Maguire’s first multi-book deal. Harlequin Blaze is the publisher, and those of you who’ve read this line in the past know that the stories are definitely hot! This book introduces us to some very interesting characters, people whose stories promise to be exciting, fun, and very sexy.
From the cover:If you've had the pleasure of reading Meg Maguire’s stories, you know that she gives a lot of attention to detail; the simple, everyday goings on in her heroes and heroines lives. It’s these things that help us see them as people, rather than just characters we’re reading about. It draws us in, has us invested, and keeps us coming back for more.
She's hitting below the belt…
Round 1
In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who’s inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business…provided she can take on the very intimidating—and wickedly hot—boxer who stands in her way!
Round 2
In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He’s the only one who can protect his “home”—even if it is a little run-down— from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere…
Round 3
This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it....
I thoroughly enjoyed Mercer Rowley! He’s intelligent, witty, passionate, and what I loved most about him – he’s grounded. He’s real. No angst, no drama, no deep dark secrets to be revealed. He’s the kind of “everyday hero” I can love.
I almost feel bad for the heroines in the books I read because I'm not as easily invested in them as I am the heroes. They have to work for my support, and then work even harder for my stamp of approval on their happily ever after. I'm telling you this because, unfortunately, for the life of me I couldn’t figure out what he saw in Jenna Wilinski. She blew into town thinking she’d just shut down the boxing gym Mercer trying to make into a profitable business. Granted, she had some false impressions that had her feeling less than benevolent about it all, but there was something about her I can’t put my finger on, something … off. I didn’t fully buy into her “coming around” but hey… Mercer loves her, so who am I to complain?
The bottom line: If you enjoy reading about super sexy boxers who like to get down and dirty, then definitely give this book a try. It’s an easy, entertaining story and I’m looking forward to reading the next installment, Taking Him Down.
3.5/5 stars
My thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book for review.
February 20, 2013
Check out this review and others like it at BadAssBookReviews
I loved this book!
I am picky about the romance novels I read and if I were honest, which I guess I should be, many romance novels fail to pull me in. But there are some exceptions. Cara McKenna (here writing as Meg Maguire) is forever going to be one of my favorite writers for her novella Willing Victim and now again for the novel Making Him Sweat. What do I want in my romance? Character depth. Rational scenarios. Please NO evil villains and please never an evil villain’s point of view. No virgins (I hate the ideal, bleh let’s just get rid of it forever please; and a sexually inexperienced character does nothing for me — although, Cara McKenna does have a very interesting twist on the sexually inexperienced woman in her novella series Curio but that is for another post ….) No stalking. No scary possessiveness and no bossiness (please no telling the heroine when to sleep, what she should eat, what she should wear – basically no daddy role playing). No pitting women against women just for “fun” to create a false sense of tension. Okay, that is my list of what I hate to read in my romance novels. And Making Him Sweat has none of these; rather, Making Him Sweat has so much to offer.
Character development in Making Him Sweat is deep and well-done. Maguire introduces the two main characters – Mercer and Jenna – who are at odds with each other but also deeply connected. Maguire gradually builds their background until I felt that I knew Jenna and Mercer. I love when an author takes her time in telling the story and allows the story to unfold at a good pace. Nothing conveniently happens in Making Him Sweat, there is a gradual build to everything.
Jenna and Mercer share some delicious sexual tension, but thankfully Ms. Maguire does not torture her readers. Once the characters are established and the tension is created, readers are rewarded – - no angstily waiting pages and pages to get to the consummation. Thank goodness! But the completion of the first sex scene does not spoil the tension, the novel still progresses at a lovely pace. We see the characters cooking, eating, living and working – all normal stuff most of us can relate to. I loved the setting, the characters and their dialogue with each other – witty, sexy and flirtatious. Most of all the characters have hope about their respective futures and real life pressures. Despite being a romance novel, the book and the world created felt so real.
My conclusion? Making Him Sweat is a very sweet romance between two likable and sexy characters. I definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the sequel.
I loved this book!
I am picky about the romance novels I read and if I were honest, which I guess I should be, many romance novels fail to pull me in. But there are some exceptions. Cara McKenna (here writing as Meg Maguire) is forever going to be one of my favorite writers for her novella Willing Victim and now again for the novel Making Him Sweat. What do I want in my romance? Character depth. Rational scenarios. Please NO evil villains and please never an evil villain’s point of view. No virgins (I hate the ideal, bleh let’s just get rid of it forever please; and a sexually inexperienced character does nothing for me — although, Cara McKenna does have a very interesting twist on the sexually inexperienced woman in her novella series Curio but that is for another post ….) No stalking. No scary possessiveness and no bossiness (please no telling the heroine when to sleep, what she should eat, what she should wear – basically no daddy role playing). No pitting women against women just for “fun” to create a false sense of tension. Okay, that is my list of what I hate to read in my romance novels. And Making Him Sweat has none of these; rather, Making Him Sweat has so much to offer.
Character development in Making Him Sweat is deep and well-done. Maguire introduces the two main characters – Mercer and Jenna – who are at odds with each other but also deeply connected. Maguire gradually builds their background until I felt that I knew Jenna and Mercer. I love when an author takes her time in telling the story and allows the story to unfold at a good pace. Nothing conveniently happens in Making Him Sweat, there is a gradual build to everything.
Jenna and Mercer share some delicious sexual tension, but thankfully Ms. Maguire does not torture her readers. Once the characters are established and the tension is created, readers are rewarded – - no angstily waiting pages and pages to get to the consummation. Thank goodness! But the completion of the first sex scene does not spoil the tension, the novel still progresses at a lovely pace. We see the characters cooking, eating, living and working – all normal stuff most of us can relate to. I loved the setting, the characters and their dialogue with each other – witty, sexy and flirtatious. Most of all the characters have hope about their respective futures and real life pressures. Despite being a romance novel, the book and the world created felt so real.
My conclusion? Making Him Sweat is a very sweet romance between two likable and sexy characters. I definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the sequel.
February 21, 2013
3.5 Stars
In this corner…. We have Jenna Wilinski and her soon to be upscale matchmaking business, Sparks of Boston. She’s arrived to inhabit the building and business left to her by her estranged father. The only drawback is the stipulation he made in his will, that she keep the Academy open until the New Year. It may be an inconvenience, but she can easily set up shop and work around the two businesses for a short amount of time.
And in this corner… We have Mercer Rowley, boxer, trainer, and general manager to Jenna’s inheritance, Wilinski’s Fight Academy. Jenna may not have known her father, but Mercer Rowley sure did. Monty Wilinski became his mentor and later his boss. The Academy means much more to Mercer than just a business and he’s hoping Jenna will give him the time and chance needed to turn it around into a more productive establishment.
Talk about opposites! Meg Maguire has penned a couple whose personalities and lifestyles are completely different and yet cupid’s arrow still finds its mark in spite of it all. The book started slowly for me but soon picks up as Jenna and Mercer face the challenges set before them.
One of the best things about this story is Mercer Rowley. He’s all athletic male, sexy boxer, intelligent, patient; a down to earth guy. I liked him immediately and was in his corner throughout the entire book. Jenna may never understand Mercer’s love of fighting, but it’s not long before she realizes the error of her preconceived judgments. This changes everything for her. I liked her honesty and her openness.
Meg Maguire gives a sweet, warm, fun romance without contrived misunderstandings making this a very realistic and easy read. I enjoyed the opposite attracts theme. The next installment, Taking Him Down, features the cocky upcoming MMA fighter, Rich Estrada and the lovely Lindsay Tuttle, Jenna’s assistant. I’m sure sparks will be flying between these two and I’m looking forward to getting their story as well as a few questions answered!
My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Steam: 2.5
***ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley***
In this corner…. We have Jenna Wilinski and her soon to be upscale matchmaking business, Sparks of Boston. She’s arrived to inhabit the building and business left to her by her estranged father. The only drawback is the stipulation he made in his will, that she keep the Academy open until the New Year. It may be an inconvenience, but she can easily set up shop and work around the two businesses for a short amount of time.
And in this corner… We have Mercer Rowley, boxer, trainer, and general manager to Jenna’s inheritance, Wilinski’s Fight Academy. Jenna may not have known her father, but Mercer Rowley sure did. Monty Wilinski became his mentor and later his boss. The Academy means much more to Mercer than just a business and he’s hoping Jenna will give him the time and chance needed to turn it around into a more productive establishment.
Talk about opposites! Meg Maguire has penned a couple whose personalities and lifestyles are completely different and yet cupid’s arrow still finds its mark in spite of it all. The book started slowly for me but soon picks up as Jenna and Mercer face the challenges set before them.
One of the best things about this story is Mercer Rowley. He’s all athletic male, sexy boxer, intelligent, patient; a down to earth guy. I liked him immediately and was in his corner throughout the entire book. Jenna may never understand Mercer’s love of fighting, but it’s not long before she realizes the error of her preconceived judgments. This changes everything for her. I liked her honesty and her openness.
Meg Maguire gives a sweet, warm, fun romance without contrived misunderstandings making this a very realistic and easy read. I enjoyed the opposite attracts theme. The next installment, Taking Him Down, features the cocky upcoming MMA fighter, Rich Estrada and the lovely Lindsay Tuttle, Jenna’s assistant. I’m sure sparks will be flying between these two and I’m looking forward to getting their story as well as a few questions answered!
My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Steam: 2.5
***ARC courtesy of Harlequin via NetGalley***
February 26, 2014
I love fight books…especially where old school boxing meets the more
modern MMA style. This cute book had so many great characters and a
good old fashion romance. Both Mercer and Jenna were apprehensive about
the other due to their predicament: namely Jenna’s estranged father who
left his gym to Jenna but also left Mercer in charge of the gym and
living in his apartment.
As the two dance around each other, they also learn a thing or two about
their lives, their relationships with Jenna’s father (Mercer’s surrogate
father) and their futures. I loved how Mercer was so even keeled and
calm while Jenna tended to be rash and excitable. I loved how they gave
in to their shared passion and didn’t over analyze it, but went with it.
And finally, I loved how they were in each others corner when the
“fight” is on. That is what makes a relationship and bonds people: a
common goal.
As many fellow readers know, I love Harlequin Blaze books. While I hit
a few bummers in the fall, this book is a winner! Enjoy!
My review is up!
http://www.nocturnereads.com/2013/02/...
Hot little Blaze I will be reviewing for www.nocturnereads.com
modern MMA style. This cute book had so many great characters and a
good old fashion romance. Both Mercer and Jenna were apprehensive about
the other due to their predicament: namely Jenna’s estranged father who
left his gym to Jenna but also left Mercer in charge of the gym and
living in his apartment.
As the two dance around each other, they also learn a thing or two about
their lives, their relationships with Jenna’s father (Mercer’s surrogate
father) and their futures. I loved how Mercer was so even keeled and
calm while Jenna tended to be rash and excitable. I loved how they gave
in to their shared passion and didn’t over analyze it, but went with it.
And finally, I loved how they were in each others corner when the
“fight” is on. That is what makes a relationship and bonds people: a
common goal.
As many fellow readers know, I love Harlequin Blaze books. While I hit
a few bummers in the fall, this book is a winner! Enjoy!
My review is up!
http://www.nocturnereads.com/2013/02/...
Hot little Blaze I will be reviewing for www.nocturnereads.com
February 20, 2013
MAKING HIM SWEAT is the first book in a brand new series by Meg Maguire. It’s a series that centres around MMA. You know what that means, right? Hot, sweaty, half naked men. I’m there.
Another big reason why I decided to read this book is because of the author. I’m a huge fan of Maguire’s authorial voice. A lot of detail is spent on the everyday goings of life and how a hero and a heroine discover chemistry and passion within each other. A Meg Maguire book also explores the past in slow detail, outlining the events in their lives that have made them who they are today.
Jenna Wilinski is hoping to start her new matchmaking business where her father made a home for his MMA fighters. Mercer Rowley is one of them and the man whom her father trusted with his pride and joy. With Jenna’s plans to take over, there seems to be a little tension in there. But that also includes the sexual kind.
To be honest, Jenna felt a little overshadowed by Mercer. He really stole the show for me. I absolutely adored him! I loved the way he handled Jenna. As someone who is uptight and unsure of her place in her father’s surroundings, Mercer really digs deep and finds the true person beneath. I loved how her father seemed to play a part in bringing them together in a way.
I’m very excited to get my hands on TAKING HIM DOWN, which will be Rich’s story. I can expect only good things from Maguire!
*ARC provided by Netgalley
March 3, 2013
3.5
Meg Maguire has won me over with her endearing, real heroes and heroines, and the believable dialogue within her books. Making Him Sweat was no different. I found myself grinning while reading the interaction between Jenna and Mercer. I couldn't get enough of the fun, flirty banter between them and wanted more, more, more.
The first 50% of this book had me sucked in, rooting for Jenna and Mercer's relationship, feeling strongly for these two characters, and even at one point, bringing me to surprising tears.
However, she lost me a bit in the second half. It felt dragged out, something that allowed the tension I felt within the relationship to fizzle. It became too focused on Jenna's match making business and a party rather than what I was there to read--the romance between Jenna and Mercer. Unfortunately, here I think this was a case of more isn't always better. As much as I love full length novels, I actually think this particular story might've been better suited to a novella where the tension could've stayed ramped on high rather than strung along and left by the wayside.
While not my favorite MM book, this was still a cute read, and I loved the realism the author provided with the MMA circuit. Especially after some less than realistic books I've read in the past with heroes that are a bit too...effeminate. I'm excited for book two (Rich and Lindsey, perhaps?), and look forward to reading more in this setting.
Meg Maguire has won me over with her endearing, real heroes and heroines, and the believable dialogue within her books. Making Him Sweat was no different. I found myself grinning while reading the interaction between Jenna and Mercer. I couldn't get enough of the fun, flirty banter between them and wanted more, more, more.
The first 50% of this book had me sucked in, rooting for Jenna and Mercer's relationship, feeling strongly for these two characters, and even at one point, bringing me to surprising tears.
However, she lost me a bit in the second half. It felt dragged out, something that allowed the tension I felt within the relationship to fizzle. It became too focused on Jenna's match making business and a party rather than what I was there to read--the romance between Jenna and Mercer. Unfortunately, here I think this was a case of more isn't always better. As much as I love full length novels, I actually think this particular story might've been better suited to a novella where the tension could've stayed ramped on high rather than strung along and left by the wayside.
While not my favorite MM book, this was still a cute read, and I loved the realism the author provided with the MMA circuit. Especially after some less than realistic books I've read in the past with heroes that are a bit too...effeminate. I'm excited for book two (Rich and Lindsey, perhaps?), and look forward to reading more in this setting.
did-not-finish
February 26, 2013I will refrain from rating since I didn't finish this one...
I found this book to be really boring. I had a hard time connecting with the characters nor did the story captivate my interest. I couldn't make myself finish this short book. And I really did try. I could see that this story had potential, but I think personally this story just isn't my cuppa.
December 16, 2014
3.5 stars
So good and dayum that was hot!
And Mercer ahhh such a good fine man, so kind and thoughful plus he has a fine ripped body through the years of training and bouts of MMA fights, he's a trainer now so sigh and also he's a great kisser and great in bed... Yum the perfect package.
So good and dayum that was hot!
And Mercer ahhh such a good fine man, so kind and thoughful plus he has a fine ripped body through the years of training and bouts of MMA fights, he's a trainer now so sigh and also he's a great kisser and great in bed... Yum the perfect package.
dnf
July 28, 202326% and I'm out.
I've been trying to get back into this story for months but I can't get past the casual stereotypical misogynistic comments because that shit is not tolerable anymore.
There is grumpy hero - and there is an insecure asshat who thinks he's all independent but then falls in love and become the perfect one and only. Fuck that. I'm not in the mood.
I've been trying to get back into this story for months but I can't get past the casual stereotypical misogynistic comments because that shit is not tolerable anymore.
“Do you have a girlfriend?”- what in the hellish past century bullshit is that??
“No way. You’re all more hassle than you’re worth.” [...] “If I had a fight coming up, I’d opt for a broken rib over a clingy girlfriend. No contest which is more crippling.”
“Now that’s just mean.”
“Nah, it’s just true. You’re distracting. With all your worrying and your phone calls and your...shapely parts.”
There is grumpy hero - and there is an insecure asshat who thinks he's all independent but then falls in love and become the perfect one and only. Fuck that. I'm not in the mood.
July 2, 2015
What happens when the world as you once knew it comes crashing down around you and everything you thought was true about your life turns out to be a big-fat lie?
Jenna Wilinski is a romantic at heart. She is awesome at pairing up perfect love matches for everyone around her, but when it comes to her own love life…not so fantastic. When her estranged father suddenly passes away, she inherits the bedraggled old boxing club that he made into a home for many wayward boys and up and coming fighters, immediately, she knows this is her golden opportunity to fulfill her life long dream of becoming a professional matchmaker. Without much thought, she sets her plans in motion to close the gym and give the site a facelift worthy of an upscale match-making business. What she doesn’t count on is being punched in the gut by a strong case of lust when she first lays eyes on former pro-boxer turned boxing coach, Mercer Rowley.
Determined to make her dreams come true, Jenna dons her boxing gloves and intends to rumble with any of the rugged, sweaty male members of the club who attempt to sway her opinion – no matter how charming or sexy they may be. Well, you know what they say: ”the road to hell was paved with good intentions.” When Jenna finally removes the blinders for a moment, she catches a glimpse of what the gym and her father was really all about and begins to see the unrefined and sometimes intimidating fighters in a totally different light.
MAKING HIM SWEAT is the first installment in what I anticipate being a very popular, contemporary romance series. The characters are fantastic! Every last one of them will tug at even the most resistant heartstrings. Go ahead - snatch it up! If you enjoy a good story with a little sport theme thrown in and great chemistry among the characters, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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Jenna Wilinski is a romantic at heart. She is awesome at pairing up perfect love matches for everyone around her, but when it comes to her own love life…not so fantastic. When her estranged father suddenly passes away, she inherits the bedraggled old boxing club that he made into a home for many wayward boys and up and coming fighters, immediately, she knows this is her golden opportunity to fulfill her life long dream of becoming a professional matchmaker. Without much thought, she sets her plans in motion to close the gym and give the site a facelift worthy of an upscale match-making business. What she doesn’t count on is being punched in the gut by a strong case of lust when she first lays eyes on former pro-boxer turned boxing coach, Mercer Rowley.
Determined to make her dreams come true, Jenna dons her boxing gloves and intends to rumble with any of the rugged, sweaty male members of the club who attempt to sway her opinion – no matter how charming or sexy they may be. Well, you know what they say: ”the road to hell was paved with good intentions.” When Jenna finally removes the blinders for a moment, she catches a glimpse of what the gym and her father was really all about and begins to see the unrefined and sometimes intimidating fighters in a totally different light.
MAKING HIM SWEAT is the first installment in what I anticipate being a very popular, contemporary romance series. The characters are fantastic! Every last one of them will tug at even the most resistant heartstrings. Go ahead - snatch it up! If you enjoy a good story with a little sport theme thrown in and great chemistry among the characters, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
**Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
______________________________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
January 11, 2013
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
*I received Making Him Sweat through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
What I loved about Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire:
Intriguing, entertaining story. I absolutely loved how the main character landed herself with two polar opposite companies: a boxing gym and a matchmaking business. I also love how Jenna's match was her polar opposite. It definitely made things interesting.
Light, easy read. I wouldn't say that this story is a mindless read because that sounds negative and I mean this as a compliment. So let me just say that I enjoyed how this story was a light and refreshing romance novel as opposed to an angsty, emotional roller coaster. It was exactly what I was in the mood for.
Great characters. Jenna and Mercer are wonderful characters. Personally, I loved Mercer. Surprise! Surprise! What can I say, the sexy boxer really did it for me. I sort of expected him to be a domineering macho man, but surprisingly, Mercer is a softie! He's kind and open. He's a great hero!
SEXY. I love sexy, feel-good romance novels. They are my absolute favorite kind of reads and Making Him Sweat definitely falls in this category.
A few minor complaints about Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire:
Very predictable. That's not really a big negative in my opinion because most romance novels are predictable. I just would have liked a few more surprises throughout this story.
Not enough conflict. I'm trying to think of what the major conflict was in this novel and I'm coming up short. It was a great love story but the character's never really fought or had to overcome anything. There was something pretty big that should have been a pretty major conflict but the characters just kind of accepted things.
Overall, I really enjoyed Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire. The positives definitely outweighed the negative. I look forward to reading more novels in this companion series and by this author in the future.
I gave Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire 4 STARS (3.5 STARS). I recommend this novel to adults who are looking for a sweet and sexy romance novel.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
*I received Making Him Sweat through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
What I loved about Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire:
Intriguing, entertaining story. I absolutely loved how the main character landed herself with two polar opposite companies: a boxing gym and a matchmaking business. I also love how Jenna's match was her polar opposite. It definitely made things interesting.
Light, easy read. I wouldn't say that this story is a mindless read because that sounds negative and I mean this as a compliment. So let me just say that I enjoyed how this story was a light and refreshing romance novel as opposed to an angsty, emotional roller coaster. It was exactly what I was in the mood for.
Great characters. Jenna and Mercer are wonderful characters. Personally, I loved Mercer. Surprise! Surprise! What can I say, the sexy boxer really did it for me. I sort of expected him to be a domineering macho man, but surprisingly, Mercer is a softie! He's kind and open. He's a great hero!
SEXY. I love sexy, feel-good romance novels. They are my absolute favorite kind of reads and Making Him Sweat definitely falls in this category.
A few minor complaints about Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire:
Very predictable. That's not really a big negative in my opinion because most romance novels are predictable. I just would have liked a few more surprises throughout this story.
Not enough conflict. I'm trying to think of what the major conflict was in this novel and I'm coming up short. It was a great love story but the character's never really fought or had to overcome anything. There was something pretty big that should have been a pretty major conflict but the characters just kind of accepted things.
Overall, I really enjoyed Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire. The positives definitely outweighed the negative. I look forward to reading more novels in this companion series and by this author in the future.
I gave Making Him Sweat by Meg Maguire 4 STARS (3.5 STARS). I recommend this novel to adults who are looking for a sweet and sexy romance novel.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
March 6, 2013
When Jenna inherits a boxing gym from her estranged father she has no intention of keeping it running but it does give her the perfect opportunity to open the matchmaking agency that she has always dreamed of. She just needs to find a way to run the two businesses together until the end of the year when she can legitimately close the gym. She hadn't planned on having to deal with Mercer though, Mercer has been running the gym since her father got sick and he has plans to give the run down old place a makeover and rebuild it's reputation. He is shocked when his mentor's long lost daughter arrives on the scene saying that she is planning on closing it down. Mercer is prepared to fight for the gym but how can he go against Jenna's wishes when he knows her father would want whatever made her happy?
This is the first book I've ever read by Meg Maguire but it definitely won't be the last, I can't wait to continue reading this series and I'm planning on working my way through her back list as soon as possible because I absolutely loved Making Him Sweat. I never expected to find myself so attracted to a hot sweaty boxer but Mercer pushed all the right buttons and I completely fell in love with him. Jenna couldn't be more different to Mercer and this is definitely a case of opposites attract but they work so well as a couple and I didn't have the slightest problem believing they could be happy together.
Jenna is a sweet girl with a romantic heart who is looking for her perfect man. She always thought that her father didn't care about her and she blamed the gym and its fighters for taking all of his attention so the last thing she wants is to help keep it running. Financially the gym is struggling and that gives her the perfect excuse to close it and focus on her matchmaking business. She arrives in Boston with a very prejudiced outlook towards the gym and the people who use it but once she meets Mercer and starts to get to know the other guys she starts to realise that her first impressions couldn't have been more wrong. I loved the fact that she is brave enough to admit her mistake and has the guts to do something about it.
Mercer is cocky and arrogant but he is also sexy as hell. I have to include my favourite quote here to prove my point:
"All men think they're great kissers. Just like you think you're the only decent driver on the road."
"Maybe, but I am. Amazing kisser. Dangerously amazing. Your panties would, like, disintegrate, I'm such an awesome kisser."
He says all the right things but he has the skills to back them up and this scene turned into one of the hottest kissing scenes I've read in ages. He was right about the melting panties! As much as I loved Mercer for his banter I loved him even more for the way he was so protective and caring towards Jenna. She arrives on the scene determined to turn his whole world upside down but Mercer never once shows any anger towards her. He is so calm and collected about things even when he is asking for a chance to show her that he can turn the gym around and make it profitable again. I loved the fact that he doesn't try to pressure Jenna into anything, he accepts the choices she makes even when he really doesn't want to. He takes the slow approach to winning her over and it really works for him.
Making Him Sweat has everything I want in a good romance, a great couple with fantastic chemistry who are able to make things work both between the sheets and outside them, scorching hot sex scenes that left me in need of a cold shower and fab side characters who I can't wait to get to know better as the series continues. If you like your men muscled and powerful and your sex gritty and raw then you're going to love this book. Now I just want to know where I can find myself a guy like Mercer!
This is the first book I've ever read by Meg Maguire but it definitely won't be the last, I can't wait to continue reading this series and I'm planning on working my way through her back list as soon as possible because I absolutely loved Making Him Sweat. I never expected to find myself so attracted to a hot sweaty boxer but Mercer pushed all the right buttons and I completely fell in love with him. Jenna couldn't be more different to Mercer and this is definitely a case of opposites attract but they work so well as a couple and I didn't have the slightest problem believing they could be happy together.
Jenna is a sweet girl with a romantic heart who is looking for her perfect man. She always thought that her father didn't care about her and she blamed the gym and its fighters for taking all of his attention so the last thing she wants is to help keep it running. Financially the gym is struggling and that gives her the perfect excuse to close it and focus on her matchmaking business. She arrives in Boston with a very prejudiced outlook towards the gym and the people who use it but once she meets Mercer and starts to get to know the other guys she starts to realise that her first impressions couldn't have been more wrong. I loved the fact that she is brave enough to admit her mistake and has the guts to do something about it.
Mercer is cocky and arrogant but he is also sexy as hell. I have to include my favourite quote here to prove my point:
"All men think they're great kissers. Just like you think you're the only decent driver on the road."
"Maybe, but I am. Amazing kisser. Dangerously amazing. Your panties would, like, disintegrate, I'm such an awesome kisser."
He says all the right things but he has the skills to back them up and this scene turned into one of the hottest kissing scenes I've read in ages. He was right about the melting panties! As much as I loved Mercer for his banter I loved him even more for the way he was so protective and caring towards Jenna. She arrives on the scene determined to turn his whole world upside down but Mercer never once shows any anger towards her. He is so calm and collected about things even when he is asking for a chance to show her that he can turn the gym around and make it profitable again. I loved the fact that he doesn't try to pressure Jenna into anything, he accepts the choices she makes even when he really doesn't want to. He takes the slow approach to winning her over and it really works for him.
Making Him Sweat has everything I want in a good romance, a great couple with fantastic chemistry who are able to make things work both between the sheets and outside them, scorching hot sex scenes that left me in need of a cold shower and fab side characters who I can't wait to get to know better as the series continues. If you like your men muscled and powerful and your sex gritty and raw then you're going to love this book. Now I just want to know where I can find myself a guy like Mercer!
March 3, 2013
"You're the Mr. Right that I've been picturing all wrong my whole life." *sigh*
This is another cover that I just love and makes me want to sigh!! lol ;) Meg Maguire is another new-to-me author that I will definitely be looking for more from. She won me over with Making Him Sweat and I am a BIG fan now. I'm not so patiently waiting for the next book in this series!! Rick *sigh* His book is going to be so good and I am hoping to read more about Mercer and Jenna!! Can't wait!!
Mercer Rowley...what a great name!! He is definitely sigh worthy!! I just loved him. His personality won me over from the start~he was so calm and reassuring. Such a soothing male hero that was perfect for Jenna. He was exactly what she needed and I loved the affect he had on her. He protected and supported her so much through out the story and was willing to sacrifice so much for her without even thinking twice about it or how much his life would have to change. He was a great character. I just couldn't help but fall in love with him. He definitely made my heart ache with how much he was willing to sacrifice what he wanted~especially how much he wanted Jenna~to make her happy. He was so sweet without being a pushover or weenie of a hero!! lol I also really liked Jenna. I loved how she eventually came to love the gym and fought for what she wanted. I especially loved that she fought for Mercer and the gym to stay open as she knew how important it was to him. I also loved that she was opening a dating service. Rick wanting to be her client cracked me up. Rick was such a lovable funny character. Jenna's relationship or non~relationship with her father was sad~especially when she found the letters. But I loved how reading those letters better helped her to change her mind and priorities. And of course, I was so rooting for HEA for Mercer and Jenna.
I loved the ending and I'm hoping to read more about Jenna and Mercer through out the continuing series. Mercer was so cute in how he showed Jenna the pamphlet and told her what his plans were for them in the future. They were so much fun to read. They were both such a cute, sweet, funny couple who also had some SPICY HOT sex!! One of my favorite parts is when he drives back in the middle of the night to comfort her because she was upset about the letters!!
A short, sweet, fun read that left me smiling at the end and definitely wanting more. Great way to spend a few hours reading. 5 out of 5 rating.
***ARC provided by NetGalley.
This is another cover that I just love and makes me want to sigh!! lol ;) Meg Maguire is another new-to-me author that I will definitely be looking for more from. She won me over with Making Him Sweat and I am a BIG fan now. I'm not so patiently waiting for the next book in this series!! Rick *sigh* His book is going to be so good and I am hoping to read more about Mercer and Jenna!! Can't wait!!
Mercer Rowley...what a great name!! He is definitely sigh worthy!! I just loved him. His personality won me over from the start~he was so calm and reassuring. Such a soothing male hero that was perfect for Jenna. He was exactly what she needed and I loved the affect he had on her. He protected and supported her so much through out the story and was willing to sacrifice so much for her without even thinking twice about it or how much his life would have to change. He was a great character. I just couldn't help but fall in love with him. He definitely made my heart ache with how much he was willing to sacrifice what he wanted~especially how much he wanted Jenna~to make her happy. He was so sweet without being a pushover or weenie of a hero!! lol I also really liked Jenna. I loved how she eventually came to love the gym and fought for what she wanted. I especially loved that she fought for Mercer and the gym to stay open as she knew how important it was to him. I also loved that she was opening a dating service. Rick wanting to be her client cracked me up. Rick was such a lovable funny character. Jenna's relationship or non~relationship with her father was sad~especially when she found the letters. But I loved how reading those letters better helped her to change her mind and priorities. And of course, I was so rooting for HEA for Mercer and Jenna.
I loved the ending and I'm hoping to read more about Jenna and Mercer through out the continuing series. Mercer was so cute in how he showed Jenna the pamphlet and told her what his plans were for them in the future. They were so much fun to read. They were both such a cute, sweet, funny couple who also had some SPICY HOT sex!! One of my favorite parts is when he drives back in the middle of the night to comfort her because she was upset about the letters!!
A short, sweet, fun read that left me smiling at the end and definitely wanting more. Great way to spend a few hours reading. 5 out of 5 rating.
***ARC provided by NetGalley.
February 18, 2013
**ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 Stars!
What a breath of fresh air!! As much as I love romance novels, they have a pretty typical story line. Making Him Sweat was in a category all on its own which caught my attention from the first chapter!
First of all, there aren't too many books about boxing... I'm not sure why. Its pretty sexy when you think about it. Boxers kind of have that sexy bad boy image but they are disciplined and controlled. Yeah, I can work with that.
Mercer was so controlled. God love him! Jenna was pretty flaky. At times too flaky. But he was always there where she needed him. He had his world ripped away when she walked into it but he just took it in stride.
I'm not so gracious, I would have been more like:
This is a real "growing" book. What I mean by that is that all of the characters grow throughout the 300 or so pages. Mercer realizes that there is more to life and that it is okay to take a risk with a woman, Jenna learns that there was more to her father than what met the eye, and the other various background characters seemed to mature as the time went on as well.
I really LOVED that premise of this book. You know, the whole, she inherited this sweaty decrepit gym from a man that she thought never loved her, so she took her whole life savings and poured it into a franchise that planned to put in the building that currently houses said gym.... But come on, a dating service?? LAME!! I really wish the author utilized a different business, equally pretentious to create the tension that the gym must close, but not so stupid, haha. Perhaps a wedding planner? A designer? But not "Spark"....
Last words, Mercer babe, that use some work in the romance dept...
4.5 Stars!
What a breath of fresh air!! As much as I love romance novels, they have a pretty typical story line. Making Him Sweat was in a category all on its own which caught my attention from the first chapter!
First of all, there aren't too many books about boxing... I'm not sure why. Its pretty sexy when you think about it. Boxers kind of have that sexy bad boy image but they are disciplined and controlled. Yeah, I can work with that.
Mercer was so controlled. God love him! Jenna was pretty flaky. At times too flaky. But he was always there where she needed him. He had his world ripped away when she walked into it but he just took it in stride.
I'm not so gracious, I would have been more like:
This is a real "growing" book. What I mean by that is that all of the characters grow throughout the 300 or so pages. Mercer realizes that there is more to life and that it is okay to take a risk with a woman, Jenna learns that there was more to her father than what met the eye, and the other various background characters seemed to mature as the time went on as well.
I really LOVED that premise of this book. You know, the whole, she inherited this sweaty decrepit gym from a man that she thought never loved her, so she took her whole life savings and poured it into a franchise that planned to put in the building that currently houses said gym.... But come on, a dating service?? LAME!! I really wish the author utilized a different business, equally pretentious to create the tension that the gym must close, but not so stupid, haha. Perhaps a wedding planner? A designer? But not "Spark"....
Last words, Mercer babe, that use some work in the romance dept...
September 21, 2014
I have to say that I very much enjoyed the simplicity of this book. It was just two people who were content with their lives finding love when and where they least expected it.
Jenna's inheritance is a piece of property that happens to be the perfect place for her new business venture. It also happens to be a place that Mercer's poured his heart and soul into--a MMA training facility geared toward getting young men off the streets to teach them discipline and turn them away from violence.
Mercer and Jenna were both uncomplicated characters who each had a single focus--their work. When fate brings them together, it upends Mercer's life in a way that could change it forever.
But here's what I like about Mercer--not only can the guy fight, but he can roll with the punches. It would have been so easy to pit these characters against each other and toss in that spark of anger that turns to lust, but I really feel like the author gave us a much better story by having Mercer be so kind and understanding. It was very telling about his character that though his life was about to be upended, he respected his mentor's wishes and did what he could to be there for Jenna.
Jenna's character was incredibly likable as well, because though she breezes into Mercer's life with every right to do whatever she wants with the facility, she's able to see things from his perspective and begins to appreciate what he's doing for these young men.
The sex in this book was hot, and in all honestly, some of the most realistic I've ever read.
Though they fall in love with a matter of weeks, I felt like the pacing was spot on, and the events were so every day that I could picture them in my head as I was reading them.
I loved that on the cover of this book, the hero's hands were wrapped in tape, because it was one of the things Jenna found incredibly sexy about Mercer when he was in the gym. I love it when the cover actually reflects what's behind it!
This was a sweet, tender love story. I'd definitely recommend it if you are looking for a quick, satisfying read!
Jenna's inheritance is a piece of property that happens to be the perfect place for her new business venture. It also happens to be a place that Mercer's poured his heart and soul into--a MMA training facility geared toward getting young men off the streets to teach them discipline and turn them away from violence.
Mercer and Jenna were both uncomplicated characters who each had a single focus--their work. When fate brings them together, it upends Mercer's life in a way that could change it forever.
But here's what I like about Mercer--not only can the guy fight, but he can roll with the punches. It would have been so easy to pit these characters against each other and toss in that spark of anger that turns to lust, but I really feel like the author gave us a much better story by having Mercer be so kind and understanding. It was very telling about his character that though his life was about to be upended, he respected his mentor's wishes and did what he could to be there for Jenna.
Jenna's character was incredibly likable as well, because though she breezes into Mercer's life with every right to do whatever she wants with the facility, she's able to see things from his perspective and begins to appreciate what he's doing for these young men.
The sex in this book was hot, and in all honestly, some of the most realistic I've ever read.
Though they fall in love with a matter of weeks, I felt like the pacing was spot on, and the events were so every day that I could picture them in my head as I was reading them.
I loved that on the cover of this book, the hero's hands were wrapped in tape, because it was one of the things Jenna found incredibly sexy about Mercer when he was in the gym. I love it when the cover actually reflects what's behind it!
This was a sweet, tender love story. I'd definitely recommend it if you are looking for a quick, satisfying read!
February 13, 2013
This new Blaze title is by Meg Maguire, who I first got to know as Cara McKenna. I was shocked by how much I loved McKenna's (very edgy, be ye warned) erotic romance, so when I heard that there was a wider market serial romance title being released under the Maguire name, I was super excited to read it. Happily for me, I was approved for a title under NetGalley. And I wasn't disappointed!
While Making Him Sweat is much less racy than the titles I've read by Cara McKenna, it still offers some of the hallmarks that those fans love and look for. We've got the smart heroine, of course. But it's the hero that stands out. Working class, tough, fighter, looks intimidating but is a decent man. Thick Boston accent. These things are, in my experience, unusual, and McKenna/Maguire have got me desperate to see more of them. These are memorable heroes.
In addition, this story has some very emotional moments, and the characters make themselves very vulnerable at times. There are complicated family relationships, and the romance is threatened by forces outside of their control, leaving both main characters feeling a bit powerless. I wouldn't say it's the driving force behind the story, but if you like your characters to be a bit off balance, a bit emotionally buffeted, then this story could work for you. In addition, this book ends with the more traditional HEA, complete with I-love-you's. I've heard some readers complain about the ambiguous ending of some of the McKenna stories (something that doesn't personally bother me), so if you fall in that camp this could be a better fit for you. Although I have to say, erotic romance fans looking for something that's so wrong it shouldn't work, and yet somehow really, really does, check out Willing Victim.
Can't wait for the next installment from Maguire!
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
While Making Him Sweat is much less racy than the titles I've read by Cara McKenna, it still offers some of the hallmarks that those fans love and look for. We've got the smart heroine, of course. But it's the hero that stands out. Working class, tough, fighter, looks intimidating but is a decent man. Thick Boston accent. These things are, in my experience, unusual, and McKenna/Maguire have got me desperate to see more of them. These are memorable heroes.
In addition, this story has some very emotional moments, and the characters make themselves very vulnerable at times. There are complicated family relationships, and the romance is threatened by forces outside of their control, leaving both main characters feeling a bit powerless. I wouldn't say it's the driving force behind the story, but if you like your characters to be a bit off balance, a bit emotionally buffeted, then this story could work for you. In addition, this book ends with the more traditional HEA, complete with I-love-you's. I've heard some readers complain about the ambiguous ending of some of the McKenna stories (something that doesn't personally bother me), so if you fall in that camp this could be a better fit for you. Although I have to say, erotic romance fans looking for something that's so wrong it shouldn't work, and yet somehow really, really does, check out Willing Victim.
Can't wait for the next installment from Maguire!
**A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
April 15, 2013
ABOUT THE BOOK:
She's hitting below the belt... Round 1
In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who's inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business...provided she can take on the very intimidating-and wickedly hot-boxer who stands in her way!
Round 2
In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He's the only one who can protect his "home"-even if it is a little run down-from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere...
Round 3
This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it...
REVIEW:
You know, this has been on my ‘to-be-read’ list for a few weeks and I’m officially kicking myself for not reading it sooner. Once I picked it up, I was unable to tear away from the pages. It was so full of just the right amount of chemistry, and the perfect dose of drama. I loved how the author wasn’t afraid to hold back, and made the characters seem so real.
The steamy scenes were a pure bonus in this piece as well, and I love how Ms. Maguire crafted the entire piece so perfectly.
If you are looking for a book that is unlike anything else on the market, one that will set the bar for others to follow, make sure you pick this piece up TODAY.
Five out of five stars for a job well done.
She's hitting below the belt... Round 1
In this corner is admittedly romantic Jenna Wilinski, who's inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. With it, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business...provided she can take on the very intimidating-and wickedly hot-boxer who stands in her way!
Round 2
In the far corner is former pro boxer Mercer Rowley. He's the only one who can protect his "home"-even if it is a little run down-from his determined and feisty little opponent. But man, once the gloves come off, his hands just want to touch her everywhere...
Round 3
This matchup is too close to call. But no matter which contender comes out on top, the other is sure to enjoy every minute of it...
REVIEW:
You know, this has been on my ‘to-be-read’ list for a few weeks and I’m officially kicking myself for not reading it sooner. Once I picked it up, I was unable to tear away from the pages. It was so full of just the right amount of chemistry, and the perfect dose of drama. I loved how the author wasn’t afraid to hold back, and made the characters seem so real.
The steamy scenes were a pure bonus in this piece as well, and I love how Ms. Maguire crafted the entire piece so perfectly.
If you are looking for a book that is unlike anything else on the market, one that will set the bar for others to follow, make sure you pick this piece up TODAY.
Five out of five stars for a job well done.
April 3, 2013
Wow, what can I say? I really enjoyed reading this story. It definitely has an underlying message of don't judge a book by its cover, and people really need to practice that more often.
Jenna wants nothing to do with the gym that her father left her. I mean he left when she was four and she never heard from him again. Now that he's gone and left her the legacy of a boxing gym with a bad reputation, that could be a misunderstanding. She meets Mercer and listens to the love that he has for her father, and she really just can't understand why he could tend to Mercer and nurture a relationship with him but not her.
There is so much going on with this relationship, Mercer and Jenna are owner and manager, landlord and tenant. Adding lovers to the list can complicate things but does it? Run, don't walk to read this book. Watch Jenna go through all the emotions that she has about her dad, the gym and her new business. I can't wait to read the next in the series!!
Jenna wants nothing to do with the gym that her father left her. I mean he left when she was four and she never heard from him again. Now that he's gone and left her the legacy of a boxing gym with a bad reputation, that could be a misunderstanding. She meets Mercer and listens to the love that he has for her father, and she really just can't understand why he could tend to Mercer and nurture a relationship with him but not her.
There is so much going on with this relationship, Mercer and Jenna are owner and manager, landlord and tenant. Adding lovers to the list can complicate things but does it? Run, don't walk to read this book. Watch Jenna go through all the emotions that she has about her dad, the gym and her new business. I can't wait to read the next in the series!!
May 2, 2022
Cara McKenna pasó por fase harlequinera, en concreto para la línea Blaze, que era la más sexi, con el seudónimo este de Meg Maguire. La cosa va de una herencia un poco torcida, un edificio que Jenna Wilinski recibe de su padre y en el que quiere montar un negocio casamentero. El problema es que allí hay un gimnasio, el Wilinski's, y no creáis que es de esos fashion que parece que ni siquiera se suda. No, esto es más bruto y arrastrado, un antro en plan El club de la lucha, con gente como Mercer Rowley, boxeador de artes marciales mixtas. Estos dos no se llevan bien porque tienen intereses confrontados, lo que no les impide tener diálogos sexis, flirtear, alardear, oponerse... Al final, a McKenna le sale un harlequín sombrío y sexi, muy propio de ella, con eso que yo llamo «erotismo Ikea», es decir, muy de andar por casa. Destacaría esa habilidad que tiene la autora de captar la voz masculina, algo que no he visto en muchas autoras de romántica.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
February 8, 2013
I enjoyed this story but the plot was hard to swallow in several places.
The main character, Jenna Wilinski,has inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. By closing the gym, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business which seems like a good plan until she meets Mercer Rowley. He's the one her father left in charge of the gym and he has big plans for it—--even if it is a little run-down.
When Jenna arrives, she finds that Mercer is living in the little apartment above the gym, where she herself plans to live. In order to give him some time to find a new place, she moves into the apartment with him and of course, in no time the two of them become lovers. (Who didn't see that coming?) Jenna never knew her father, who apparently was a second father to Mercer and many of the other boxers who frequent the gym. Jenna starts off hating her father and bit by bit under Mercer's tutelage, comes to love and understand him better than she ever expected.
Several parts of the story are unresolved. Jenna's mother raised her to believe that her father didn't care about her at all but she finds out this wasn't true, that her father was trying to reach her all along and her mother wouldn't let him. Jenna is angry but almost immediately lets go of her fury towards her mother and understands her motives. Really? With no recrimination? And the author expects us to believe this?
In the same vein, Jenna has come to town to close the gym but almost immediately decides to keep it open and invest money in it. Again, rather hard to swallow such a fast about face and even though she has a limited bank account, she seems to have plenty of money to make repairs when she needs it. Also, none of the boxers in the gym ogle her at all, not even once, they all treat her with respect and deference. Again, so hard to believe.
I liked this story and the parts about the fight industry and the matchmaking service were interesting but the story itself was so implausible that it got in the way of my respect for the author's work.
The main character, Jenna Wilinski,has inherited a rather seedy boxing gym from her estranged father. By closing the gym, she can realize her dream of launching an upscale matchmaking business which seems like a good plan until she meets Mercer Rowley. He's the one her father left in charge of the gym and he has big plans for it—--even if it is a little run-down.
When Jenna arrives, she finds that Mercer is living in the little apartment above the gym, where she herself plans to live. In order to give him some time to find a new place, she moves into the apartment with him and of course, in no time the two of them become lovers. (Who didn't see that coming?) Jenna never knew her father, who apparently was a second father to Mercer and many of the other boxers who frequent the gym. Jenna starts off hating her father and bit by bit under Mercer's tutelage, comes to love and understand him better than she ever expected.
Several parts of the story are unresolved. Jenna's mother raised her to believe that her father didn't care about her at all but she finds out this wasn't true, that her father was trying to reach her all along and her mother wouldn't let him. Jenna is angry but almost immediately lets go of her fury towards her mother and understands her motives. Really? With no recrimination? And the author expects us to believe this?
In the same vein, Jenna has come to town to close the gym but almost immediately decides to keep it open and invest money in it. Again, rather hard to swallow such a fast about face and even though she has a limited bank account, she seems to have plenty of money to make repairs when she needs it. Also, none of the boxers in the gym ogle her at all, not even once, they all treat her with respect and deference. Again, so hard to believe.
I liked this story and the parts about the fight industry and the matchmaking service were interesting but the story itself was so implausible that it got in the way of my respect for the author's work.
March 21, 2013
Rating: C-
Well, I finished it. It took far too long to read for a Blaze. I can't say I ever really got into the story or the hero or heroine. I was interested in the setting of the fight school and the people it attracted. The matchmaking business didn't do anything for me. It felt like Jenna could have started any business, it was only there for conflict with the gym.
Jenna Wilinski knows very little about her father, only that he loved his gym more than her or her mother. Or so she thought. Jenna learns her father isn't necessarily the man she thought he was and while the revelations are important to her character development, it's the development of Jenna and Mercer's relationship that I was more interested in seeing develop in a more believable scenario.
Mercer Rowley is a man with a rough exterior that holds an intelligent, kind-hearted man a woman can appreciate. I liked Mercer up to a point. He is a man loyal to a fault, who stands up for his friends but he didn't stand up for himself. If a person won't stand up for themselves, why should anyone else? That really bugged me. I wanted him to get mad about the situation he finds himself in. At the unfairness of working so hard for someone and something and then having it giving away to someone (Jenna) who doesn't appreciate what it truly is. I think Mercer just wasn't alpha enough for me.
Unfortunately, Jenna and Mercer never really clicked for me. I just couldn't see them together. Mercer was too rough around the edges, needing a woman who could hold her own. Jenna came across as too needy when it came to men and relationships.
While Jenna and Mercer's story didn't work for me, what I saw of the hero and heroine of the next book sparked my interest. Hopefully, they will come through where Jenna and Mercer didn't.
Well, I finished it. It took far too long to read for a Blaze. I can't say I ever really got into the story or the hero or heroine. I was interested in the setting of the fight school and the people it attracted. The matchmaking business didn't do anything for me. It felt like Jenna could have started any business, it was only there for conflict with the gym.
Jenna Wilinski knows very little about her father, only that he loved his gym more than her or her mother. Or so she thought. Jenna learns her father isn't necessarily the man she thought he was and while the revelations are important to her character development, it's the development of Jenna and Mercer's relationship that I was more interested in seeing develop in a more believable scenario.
Mercer Rowley is a man with a rough exterior that holds an intelligent, kind-hearted man a woman can appreciate. I liked Mercer up to a point. He is a man loyal to a fault, who stands up for his friends but he didn't stand up for himself. If a person won't stand up for themselves, why should anyone else? That really bugged me. I wanted him to get mad about the situation he finds himself in. At the unfairness of working so hard for someone and something and then having it giving away to someone (Jenna) who doesn't appreciate what it truly is. I think Mercer just wasn't alpha enough for me.
Unfortunately, Jenna and Mercer never really clicked for me. I just couldn't see them together. Mercer was too rough around the edges, needing a woman who could hold her own. Jenna came across as too needy when it came to men and relationships.
While Jenna and Mercer's story didn't work for me, what I saw of the hero and heroine of the next book sparked my interest. Hopefully, they will come through where Jenna and Mercer didn't.
January 29, 2013
My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for an advanced copy of this book.
I didn't know what to expect from Meg Maguire when I fired up my Kindle to start this book. Then I got to meet Jenna Wilinski and Mercer Rowley. Jenna inherits a somewhat dilapidated gym in Chinatown, Boston from her late father from whom she was estranged for the past 25 years. She has a plan for the gym - shutting it down, unless it miraculously turns profit by the end of the year. She wants to open a matchmaking service on the grounds.
Mercer Rowley was pretty much raised by Jenna's father. He admired and loved his mentor, and by extension loves the gym and wants it to see many more years. He hopes that once Jenna is in the picture, he'll get some financial assistance to renovate the place and turn it profitable and not just hanging in there.
The story is sexy, just as the title implies. It's full of clever puns, humor, sexy moments and one very swoony Mercer.
"Let's just call that research or something, for your business."
She nodded vigorously. "The, good. I was just, um, comparing kissing data on East-versus West-Coast men. To better understand my new market."
Meg Maguire's writing is fun and fresh. It's sexy and light, and more often than not makes you squirm in your seat:
"You were right. You're even better at sex than you are at kissing."
Yes, the story was a little predictable, but it's not a thriller with twists and turns. The characters are sweet and compelling. My only "complaint" about Mercer is that he's TOO considerate and understanding. And for a professional boxer - that's both admirable and infuriating.
Sweet romance for some weekend swoons.
I didn't know what to expect from Meg Maguire when I fired up my Kindle to start this book. Then I got to meet Jenna Wilinski and Mercer Rowley. Jenna inherits a somewhat dilapidated gym in Chinatown, Boston from her late father from whom she was estranged for the past 25 years. She has a plan for the gym - shutting it down, unless it miraculously turns profit by the end of the year. She wants to open a matchmaking service on the grounds.
Mercer Rowley was pretty much raised by Jenna's father. He admired and loved his mentor, and by extension loves the gym and wants it to see many more years. He hopes that once Jenna is in the picture, he'll get some financial assistance to renovate the place and turn it profitable and not just hanging in there.
The story is sexy, just as the title implies. It's full of clever puns, humor, sexy moments and one very swoony Mercer.
"Let's just call that research or something, for your business."
She nodded vigorously. "The, good. I was just, um, comparing kissing data on East-versus West-Coast men. To better understand my new market."
Meg Maguire's writing is fun and fresh. It's sexy and light, and more often than not makes you squirm in your seat:
"You were right. You're even better at sex than you are at kissing."
Yes, the story was a little predictable, but it's not a thriller with twists and turns. The characters are sweet and compelling. My only "complaint" about Mercer is that he's TOO considerate and understanding. And for a professional boxer - that's both admirable and infuriating.
Sweet romance for some weekend swoons.
May 6, 2013
I am so into this book. It is probably my favorite harlequin of a long long time.
Some of you may notice that I started Real by Katy Evans and I was super into it until the last few chapters where some plot turns made me completely lose my interest. I was still completely craving books about boxers and sexy fighters. This is probably the best boxing hero I have read.
What really made this book come to life for me was that Mercer was such a real person. I think any author could make you fall in love with a fighter who is always smart, funny, cocky and who wins every fight without effort. However, to me Mercer is sexy because he is such a real person, not an idealized romance hero. Older, beat up, not conventionally attractive, he fights because he loves the sport, not because he is a millionaire who never loses. The hero and heroine of this story are real people you could imagine meeting in real life and being friends with. Getting in touch with the real world and showing how amazing love can change the lives of ordinary people are my favorite things about this author's books whether she is writing as Meg Maguire or Cara McKenna. I would highly recommend this one to anyone.
Some of you may notice that I started Real by Katy Evans and I was super into it until the last few chapters where some plot turns made me completely lose my interest. I was still completely craving books about boxers and sexy fighters. This is probably the best boxing hero I have read.
What really made this book come to life for me was that Mercer was such a real person. I think any author could make you fall in love with a fighter who is always smart, funny, cocky and who wins every fight without effort. However, to me Mercer is sexy because he is such a real person, not an idealized romance hero. Older, beat up, not conventionally attractive, he fights because he loves the sport, not because he is a millionaire who never loses. The hero and heroine of this story are real people you could imagine meeting in real life and being friends with. Getting in touch with the real world and showing how amazing love can change the lives of ordinary people are my favorite things about this author's books whether she is writing as Meg Maguire or Cara McKenna. I would highly recommend this one to anyone.
March 31, 2013
Una storia veramente carina!
Jenna eredita dal padre, che non vedeva da venticinque anni, una edificio in Chinatown, Boston, e l'attività che ne risiede: una palestra di arti marziali. Peccato che lei sia una ragazza romantica a cui il sangue e la violenza fanno paura. Decide quindi di chiudere tutto e di realizzare il suo sogno: aprire una compagnia di matchmaker, per far incontrare i single della città.
Peccato che Mercer, istruttore della famosa palestra e pupillo del padre di Jenna, non sia proprio convinto della scelta...
... e se poi ci mettiamo le scentille che scoccano quando questi due sono nella stessa stanza, gli ingredienti per un bel romanzo ci sono tutti! Mercer è veramente un uomo e un personaggio meraviglioso.
Voto: 4 stelle.
Si ringrazia NetGalley e Harlequin per la gentile preview.
Jenna eredita dal padre, che non vedeva da venticinque anni, una edificio in Chinatown, Boston, e l'attività che ne risiede: una palestra di arti marziali. Peccato che lei sia una ragazza romantica a cui il sangue e la violenza fanno paura. Decide quindi di chiudere tutto e di realizzare il suo sogno: aprire una compagnia di matchmaker, per far incontrare i single della città.
Peccato che Mercer, istruttore della famosa palestra e pupillo del padre di Jenna, non sia proprio convinto della scelta...
... e se poi ci mettiamo le scentille che scoccano quando questi due sono nella stessa stanza, gli ingredienti per un bel romanzo ci sono tutti! Mercer è veramente un uomo e un personaggio meraviglioso.
Voto: 4 stelle.
Si ringrazia NetGalley e Harlequin per la gentile preview.
August 11, 2016
I loved this Harlequin, though I'm not at all a Harlequin reader. Meg Maguire (AKA Cara McKenna) really brought it in this spicy romance, and there were shades of Flynn (from Willing Victim) in Mercer which made me devour this book in one big gulp. In other words, Mercer is the thuggish looking brute with a heart of gold—and ding-dong of titanium ;)
As always, it's the original use of language (no lazy cliches in this writing), supernova hot sex and brilliant dialogue which made me love this story. I leave you with a quote from Mercer:
"Your panties would, like, disintegrate, I'm such an awesome kisser."
As always, it's the original use of language (no lazy cliches in this writing), supernova hot sex and brilliant dialogue which made me love this story. I leave you with a quote from Mercer:
"Your panties would, like, disintegrate, I'm such an awesome kisser."
June 1, 2013
Audible version.
Heh...this was okay.
I'm gonna stop reading McKenna / Maguire now though. Her writing, for me, is way too familiar, predictable, scripted and similar.
Also, her heroes are like a feminist's dream of the wild side, which is starting to register fakely and transparently to me. I'm done seeking another Flynn. God, Flynn...
Anyway...
Besides such, this was half chick-litty-ish and I hate chick lit. So others may enjoy because the story isn't bad and there is a happy ending. But the most it served me was some company while I cooked.
Heh...this was okay.
I'm gonna stop reading McKenna / Maguire now though. Her writing, for me, is way too familiar, predictable, scripted and similar.
Also, her heroes are like a feminist's dream of the wild side, which is starting to register fakely and transparently to me. I'm done seeking another Flynn. God, Flynn...
Anyway...
Besides such, this was half chick-litty-ish and I hate chick lit. So others may enjoy because the story isn't bad and there is a happy ending. But the most it served me was some company while I cooked.
August 23, 2013
Enjoyable read to pass the time. The conflict and resolution was rather obvious I cringed a bit when the baddie was introduced. Everything was a bit too convenient for my liking.
Hero was a surprisingly easy-going guy, and the heroine was likeable and generally rational. (This is somehow rare.)
Would have gotten 4 stars if second half of the book was more interesting (not saying it was bad, but could have been more enjoyable). Pretty good for a Harlequin Blaze, though. (I normally get bored with them somewhere along the way.)
Hero was a surprisingly easy-going guy, and the heroine was likeable and generally rational. (This is somehow rare.)
Would have gotten 4 stars if second half of the book was more interesting (not saying it was bad, but could have been more enjoyable). Pretty good for a Harlequin Blaze, though. (I normally get bored with them somewhere along the way.)
January 14, 2016
I adore this book. It's not as filthy as I usually like but so earthy and funny and perfect. You can really picture the gym in all its masculine glory and Jenna is a lovely female lead, sweet and friendly without being a pushover and Mercer? Oh my god. To coin a phrase, what a complete ride. The chemistry between these two is world class and the flirting scenes read like you're standing in the room with them, feeling the sparks fly. Recommend x 10
April 7, 2013
I liked the couple in this book a great deal. They had interesting life histories and fabulous chemistry. However, the book itself dragged. It has far too much extraneous information in it about things that, for me, slowed the plot rather than advanced it.
dnf
February 20, 2013This story is dry as a bone. No spark or attraction between the characters. And the heroine is annoying from page 1.
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