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Love to the Extreme #3
Winning Love
Mac "The Snake" Hannon, a former top chef, lost his wife and unborn child in a monster tornado. His home and restaurant demolished, his life shattered, he moved from Tornado Alley to Atlanta, Georgia and threw himself into cage fighting as a way to take out his anger, helplessness, and depression on the men in the ring. With only one goal in mind: to forget. When an old friend begs Mac for his help in training for an upcoming fight, he returns to the place his life was ruined—at the height of tornado season.
Gayle Andrews’ small town was leveled by a tornado, killing her family and her fiancé. She now has one goal: understand tornadoes better so she can save others. Her new neighbor, a handsome fighter, intrigues her and they hit it off. But Mac has difficulty dealing with Gayle’s job. She courts disaster by chasing storms.
An accident on a chase almost kills Gayle and Mac knows he has to walk away. Yes, he loves her, but he can’t go through worrying he might lose someone he cares for again. Until he’s injured while training and realizes that coming home to Gayle each night is worth risking his heart.
Gayle Andrews’ small town was leveled by a tornado, killing her family and her fiancé. She now has one goal: understand tornadoes better so she can save others. Her new neighbor, a handsome fighter, intrigues her and they hit it off. But Mac has difficulty dealing with Gayle’s job. She courts disaster by chasing storms.
An accident on a chase almost kills Gayle and Mac knows he has to walk away. Yes, he loves her, but he can’t go through worrying he might lose someone he cares for again. Until he’s injured while training and realizes that coming home to Gayle each night is worth risking his heart.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2014
30 people are currently reading
1960 people want to read
About the author
Abby Niles
15 books690 followersEver since Abby Niles picked up her first Sweet Valley High book in sixth grade and fell in love with Elizabeth and Todd, she’s been hooked on romance. By the time she reached high school, she was devouring meatier romances with pirates, cowboys and knights. She never imagined that those years of reading would one day lead to her becoming a published author.
In her late twenties, after having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. Next thing she knew, she was actually submitting to publishing houses. And was immediately rejected. That didn’t stop her though. She found some kickass critique partners, honed her craft, and continued submitting.
And eventually sold.
Today, she juggles work, being a single mom, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?
Abby is the author of the contemporary MMA romance, Extreme Love, the first book in her Love to the Extreme series. Fighting Love is scheduled to release in December of 2013 and Winning Love is scheduled for 2014. She is also the author of the dark paranormal romance series The Awakening: Aidan and the The Awakening: Liam and The Awakening: Britton. Both series are with Entangled Publishing. She also has a geeky romantic comedy, Defying Convention, with Carina Press.
She is represented by Maureen Walters at Curtis Brown, LTD.
In her late twenties, after having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. Next thing she knew, she was actually submitting to publishing houses. And was immediately rejected. That didn’t stop her though. She found some kickass critique partners, honed her craft, and continued submitting.
And eventually sold.
Today, she juggles work, being a single mom, and writing. It’s not always easy, but hey, who said life was easy?
Abby is the author of the contemporary MMA romance, Extreme Love, the first book in her Love to the Extreme series. Fighting Love is scheduled to release in December of 2013 and Winning Love is scheduled for 2014. She is also the author of the dark paranormal romance series The Awakening: Aidan and the The Awakening: Liam and The Awakening: Britton. Both series are with Entangled Publishing. She also has a geeky romantic comedy, Defying Convention, with Carina Press.
She is represented by Maureen Walters at Curtis Brown, LTD.
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July 30, 2014
4 stars
Returning to Kansas, Mac is only there temporarily. Mac has his baggage. Gayle doesn't make attachments. Are they willing to risk it all?
The start was shaky because I didn't like the way Mac (an MMA fighter) was intimidated by Gayle. When he came out his shell, it was much better. Gayle was very outgoing and her occupation is one I've not read in a book before.
Its not a new formula. You know, two people with issues helping each other finding love. Maybe a little forgetable but I liked it
ARC provided by NetGalley
Returning to Kansas, Mac is only there temporarily. Mac has his baggage. Gayle doesn't make attachments. Are they willing to risk it all?
The start was shaky because I didn't like the way Mac (an MMA fighter) was intimidated by Gayle. When he came out his shell, it was much better. Gayle was very outgoing and her occupation is one I've not read in a book before.
Its not a new formula. You know, two people with issues helping each other finding love. Maybe a little forgetable but I liked it
ARC provided by NetGalley
September 2, 2014
3.75 STARS
Mac Hannon is going to Kansas from Atlanta to help his friend Lance with his training. Four years ago he lost his pregnant wife when a tornado destroyed their home. He is still struggling with his feelings and he practically doesn't have a life. Now he’s a different man and he's coping fighting as a MMA fighter. He feels guilty for his wife and child’s death, feeling angry all the time. The pain is still there.
Gayle knows what means to lose someone you love. Years ago she lost her family and her boyfriend because of a tornado. Now, she’s living in the moment. She is a meteorologist, researching tornados and helping others.
Gayle is determined to help Mac, to forget his past, to heal.
Mac is determined also to not get attached because he doesn’t want to feel anymore. All he wants is to be left alone, he wants his privacy.
They are attracted with each other, but Mac tries to fight his attraction. He doesn’t want this attraction, he wants to be just friends, but she menages to get under his skin.
Gayle help him be in the moment, with her he start to feel, he start to smile and laugh again. Soon he doesn’t want to fight he’s attraction anymore, so he decides to have some fun, but keeping the distance emotionally. “Some fun” becomes more and they start to have feelings for each other.
Everything changes when Mac finds out what Gayle do for a living…
I liked both main characters. Gayle is tenacious, she doesn’t hold back and she knows what she wants. She’s anything but predictable and very bold in every way. I really felt for Mac, but he needed someone to push his boundaries.
At some point I really got frustrated with Gayle. She says in the past she’d hated being ask questions about her drama and her pain, but she does the exactly same thing with Mac. Sometimes she was too pushy. What I really liked is the fact they actually know how to communicate with each other. They open about their past and about their fears. I liked how they help each other heal.
I like that Gayle has an unusual job, it wasn’t something new, but it was interesting. The storyline was predictable, of course, but still I wanted to continue with this story. I also enjoyed the chase in the beginning and the banter between Mac and Gayle.
All in all I liked Winning Love. Emotional and funny at times, it was a good read about love, loss and moving on.
Mac Hannon is going to Kansas from Atlanta to help his friend Lance with his training. Four years ago he lost his pregnant wife when a tornado destroyed their home. He is still struggling with his feelings and he practically doesn't have a life. Now he’s a different man and he's coping fighting as a MMA fighter. He feels guilty for his wife and child’s death, feeling angry all the time. The pain is still there.
Gayle knows what means to lose someone you love. Years ago she lost her family and her boyfriend because of a tornado. Now, she’s living in the moment. She is a meteorologist, researching tornados and helping others.
Gayle is determined to help Mac, to forget his past, to heal.
“Come on, handsome. Pick the present. If I can do it, so can you.”
Mac is determined also to not get attached because he doesn’t want to feel anymore. All he wants is to be left alone, he wants his privacy.
They are attracted with each other, but Mac tries to fight his attraction. He doesn’t want this attraction, he wants to be just friends, but she menages to get under his skin.
Gayle help him be in the moment, with her he start to feel, he start to smile and laugh again. Soon he doesn’t want to fight he’s attraction anymore, so he decides to have some fun, but keeping the distance emotionally. “Some fun” becomes more and they start to have feelings for each other.
“Gayle was good for him. Not only for letting go of the past, but also thinking of a future…with her.”
Everything changes when Mac finds out what Gayle do for a living…
I liked both main characters. Gayle is tenacious, she doesn’t hold back and she knows what she wants. She’s anything but predictable and very bold in every way. I really felt for Mac, but he needed someone to push his boundaries.
At some point I really got frustrated with Gayle. She says in the past she’d hated being ask questions about her drama and her pain, but she does the exactly same thing with Mac. Sometimes she was too pushy. What I really liked is the fact they actually know how to communicate with each other. They open about their past and about their fears. I liked how they help each other heal.
I like that Gayle has an unusual job, it wasn’t something new, but it was interesting. The storyline was predictable, of course, but still I wanted to continue with this story. I also enjoyed the chase in the beginning and the banter between Mac and Gayle.
All in all I liked Winning Love. Emotional and funny at times, it was a good read about love, loss and moving on.
September 19, 2014
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 3, 2016
Simplesmente apaixonada!
Aiiiiii ♥ *suspiros eternos*
É sério que só posso dar 5 estrelinhas?!
Que livro lindo, que história linda, que personagens lindos... aiiii amei demais!
Gostaria de saber onde estava a minha sanidade e dignidade por não ter lido este livro antes, pqp às vezes eu faço cada idiotice que só gzuis na causa!
Desde quando eu realizei a leitura dos dois primeiros livros dessa série no comecinho do ano passado eu queria muito pegar no livro do Mac. Sabe quando um personagem te seduz só nas raras aparições dele?! É sempre fiquei doida pra pegar de vez nessa gostosura e eis que finalmente me rendi (já estava mais do que na hora). Como nesses dias li o livro FENOMENAL da Andy Collins e minha vontade de ler apenas um livro de lutador não foi o suficiente, tive que pegar mais um.
Ai ai Mac... que tal casarmos e termos vários mini Mac's lutando pela a casa?! Vc fazendo essas comidas bláh-blee-blue bem gastronômicas, andando pela a casa sem camisa, sensualizando e eu só apreciando a vista (não sou boba nem nada), que tal?! Super topo! Ai ai Jessica, vc caiu da cama e acordou :’( triste!
Perae, 1 min para admirar essa capa, benzadeus! Calor senhor... ow calor...
Enfim... voltando ao livro, nos livros anteriores a autora dá umas dicas de como o Mac é, que ele saiu do Kansas e se mudou para Atlanta sem nenhuma explicação, que sofreu algum trauma bem pesado no passado e que desistiu da sua carreira de chef para virar o Mac "The Snake" Hannon, um lutador de MMA. Nas suas breves aparições vc fica curioso para saber o que aconteceu realmente com ele.
Já nesse livro Mac retorna para Kansas depois de 4 anos para ajudar o seu amigo de infância Lance a treinar para uma luta. Ele ainda não superou toda a sua dor e culpa pela a morte de sua esposa e filho, levando-o a manter todas as pessoas à distância. Porém, ele não esperava que com esse retorno, Lance teria uma vizinha bem danada, atrevida, divertida, inteligente e determinada. Gayle é uma meteorologista e caçadora de tempestades, ela não dá ponto sem nó, tem espirito livre e é tudo que o grande lutador precisa para a sua vida. Ambos têm muito em comum, sofreram uma grande perda no passado, e ela vê isso como um desafio para ajuda-lo e trazer a vida de volta para o lutador, tirando da sua concha. E Mac fica assustado com os sentimentos que a Gayle traz de volta a ele.
Gayle vive a sua vida ao máximo cada dia, e trabalhando arduamente nas pesquisas dos tornados ajudando outras pessoas para que não sofram a mesma perda que ela. A descrição que a autora faz nos momentos das caças aos tornados é uma coisa de louco, parece que vc está ali do lado dos personagens e sentindo tudo que eles estavam sentindo naquele exato momento.
Nesse livro o romance não surgiu do nada, foi aparecendo aos poucos com a amizade entre eles, como a forma que ela entende o que Mac está passando, mostrando compaixão, paciência e forças para continuar. Eu amei que ambos tinham tragédias bem complicadas em comum, porém um lidando de maneiras tão diferentes. Fora que os desafios e as camaradagens entre eles que eram sensacionais.
O que eu mais gosto nesses livros da Abby Niles é que as mocinhas não são sonsas, tapadas e chatas, elas são fortes, determinadas, independentes, destemidas, divertidas e com um leve toque de sarcasmo. Que fazem o que elas quiserem, sem nenhum idiota tentar muda-las. Fora que os mocinhos não são aqueles chatos mandões, que se acham os melhores fodões da galáxia.
Esse livro tinha de tudo para se tornar uma história clichê, mas a autora fez um trabalho extraordinário com esses personagens, suas lutas e perdas sendo tão sinceras e reais. O livro é muito bem escrito, tendo descrições nos momentos necessários e certos. Com uma química maravilhosa entre eles, enredo fofo e intenso, sendo uma das melhores leituras de 2016.
Correndo pra pegar no livro do Lance *_*
Se recomendo?! ÓBVIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Livro emocionante, divertido, que faz jus aos sentimentos de confiança, perdão e superação. ♥
Nota: 5 ♡♡♡♡♡ favoritaço!
Aiiiiii ♥ *suspiros eternos*
É sério que só posso dar 5 estrelinhas?!
Que livro lindo, que história linda, que personagens lindos... aiiii amei demais!
Gostaria de saber onde estava a minha sanidade e dignidade por não ter lido este livro antes, pqp às vezes eu faço cada idiotice que só gzuis na causa!
Desde quando eu realizei a leitura dos dois primeiros livros dessa série no comecinho do ano passado eu queria muito pegar no livro do Mac. Sabe quando um personagem te seduz só nas raras aparições dele?! É sempre fiquei doida pra pegar de vez nessa gostosura e eis que finalmente me rendi (já estava mais do que na hora). Como nesses dias li o livro FENOMENAL da Andy Collins e minha vontade de ler apenas um livro de lutador não foi o suficiente, tive que pegar mais um.
Ai ai Mac... que tal casarmos e termos vários mini Mac's lutando pela a casa?! Vc fazendo essas comidas bláh-blee-blue bem gastronômicas, andando pela a casa sem camisa, sensualizando e eu só apreciando a vista (não sou boba nem nada), que tal?! Super topo! Ai ai Jessica, vc caiu da cama e acordou :’( triste!
Perae, 1 min para admirar essa capa, benzadeus! Calor senhor... ow calor...
Enfim... voltando ao livro, nos livros anteriores a autora dá umas dicas de como o Mac é, que ele saiu do Kansas e se mudou para Atlanta sem nenhuma explicação, que sofreu algum trauma bem pesado no passado e que desistiu da sua carreira de chef para virar o Mac "The Snake" Hannon, um lutador de MMA. Nas suas breves aparições vc fica curioso para saber o que aconteceu realmente com ele.
Já nesse livro Mac retorna para Kansas depois de 4 anos para ajudar o seu amigo de infância Lance a treinar para uma luta. Ele ainda não superou toda a sua dor e culpa pela a morte de sua esposa e filho, levando-o a manter todas as pessoas à distância. Porém, ele não esperava que com esse retorno, Lance teria uma vizinha bem danada, atrevida, divertida, inteligente e determinada. Gayle é uma meteorologista e caçadora de tempestades, ela não dá ponto sem nó, tem espirito livre e é tudo que o grande lutador precisa para a sua vida. Ambos têm muito em comum, sofreram uma grande perda no passado, e ela vê isso como um desafio para ajuda-lo e trazer a vida de volta para o lutador, tirando da sua concha. E Mac fica assustado com os sentimentos que a Gayle traz de volta a ele.
Gayle vive a sua vida ao máximo cada dia, e trabalhando arduamente nas pesquisas dos tornados ajudando outras pessoas para que não sofram a mesma perda que ela. A descrição que a autora faz nos momentos das caças aos tornados é uma coisa de louco, parece que vc está ali do lado dos personagens e sentindo tudo que eles estavam sentindo naquele exato momento.
Nesse livro o romance não surgiu do nada, foi aparecendo aos poucos com a amizade entre eles, como a forma que ela entende o que Mac está passando, mostrando compaixão, paciência e forças para continuar. Eu amei que ambos tinham tragédias bem complicadas em comum, porém um lidando de maneiras tão diferentes. Fora que os desafios e as camaradagens entre eles que eram sensacionais.
O que eu mais gosto nesses livros da Abby Niles é que as mocinhas não são sonsas, tapadas e chatas, elas são fortes, determinadas, independentes, destemidas, divertidas e com um leve toque de sarcasmo. Que fazem o que elas quiserem, sem nenhum idiota tentar muda-las. Fora que os mocinhos não são aqueles chatos mandões, que se acham os melhores fodões da galáxia.
Esse livro tinha de tudo para se tornar uma história clichê, mas a autora fez um trabalho extraordinário com esses personagens, suas lutas e perdas sendo tão sinceras e reais. O livro é muito bem escrito, tendo descrições nos momentos necessários e certos. Com uma química maravilhosa entre eles, enredo fofo e intenso, sendo uma das melhores leituras de 2016.
Correndo pra pegar no livro do Lance *_*
Se recomendo?! ÓBVIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Livro emocionante, divertido, que faz jus aos sentimentos de confiança, perdão e superação. ♥
Nota: 5 ♡♡♡♡♡ favoritaço!
August 21, 2014
3 - "We sure as hell aint in Kansas anymore." Stars.
Winning Love by Abby Niles is the third book in the Love in the Extreme series. It follows the same easy-going romance themes as it predecessors, so if you are looking for a dark, dirty, gritty MMA fighter romance, I would probably say this isn’t the book you are looking for.
”I’m not going to ask” … “If or when you want to talk about it is up to you, but I’m a good listener, Mac… if you ever need an ear.”
Although Mac ‘The Snake’ Hannon, is a MMA fighter this book doesn’t really offer the reader much in the way of cage-fighting. He has travelled back to Kansas, to train his old friend Lance for his upcoming fights, his plan is to get-in, get the job done and get-out again, revisiting the past is not something he is looking to do, unfortunately it hits him head on in the form of Gayle Matthews.
”You haven’t experienced the full
Gayle yet. I’m all kinds of trouble.”
This story is less about fighting and more about Mac dealing with his past, and trying to move on with a woman who in essence represents the thing that took everything good from his life 4 years previously. Gayle also has secrets, secrets that help Mac to try and understand why she does what she does, but it is a battle for him to see past the loss and pain he has already experienced, especially when he has to watch Gayle face that danger willingly on a regular basis.
I liked this book, I didn’t love it… there is a lot of what I call action – reaction – response, going on in it, Mac is very much a ‘react and respond’ to Gayle’s actions, and Gayle is usually the one ‘acting and the responding’ to Mac’s reactions…
”For a man who can be so predictable, you keep surprising me.”
I liked that this is a couple that are both in their thirties, they have life experience and the drama for the most part wasn’t overplayed. I found warming to Gayle a little bit of a struggle; she is zesty, spunky and full of life, all good things but I also found her at times to be a little too pushy and aggressive as well. This did work with regards to her interactions with Mac though, I think he needed someone to push his buttons and pull him out of the rut that he had sunk into over the past four years.
”Even crazy Gayle knows when to back off.”
If you liked the first two books in the Love in the Extreme series, I have no doubt you will enjoy this installment too. Looking forward to seeing where Abby takes this series next.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
Winning Love by Abby Niles is the third book in the Love in the Extreme series. It follows the same easy-going romance themes as it predecessors, so if you are looking for a dark, dirty, gritty MMA fighter romance, I would probably say this isn’t the book you are looking for.
”I’m not going to ask” … “If or when you want to talk about it is up to you, but I’m a good listener, Mac… if you ever need an ear.”
Although Mac ‘The Snake’ Hannon, is a MMA fighter this book doesn’t really offer the reader much in the way of cage-fighting. He has travelled back to Kansas, to train his old friend Lance for his upcoming fights, his plan is to get-in, get the job done and get-out again, revisiting the past is not something he is looking to do, unfortunately it hits him head on in the form of Gayle Matthews.
”You haven’t experienced the full
Gayle yet. I’m all kinds of trouble.”
This story is less about fighting and more about Mac dealing with his past, and trying to move on with a woman who in essence represents the thing that took everything good from his life 4 years previously. Gayle also has secrets, secrets that help Mac to try and understand why she does what she does, but it is a battle for him to see past the loss and pain he has already experienced, especially when he has to watch Gayle face that danger willingly on a regular basis.
I liked this book, I didn’t love it… there is a lot of what I call action – reaction – response, going on in it, Mac is very much a ‘react and respond’ to Gayle’s actions, and Gayle is usually the one ‘acting and the responding’ to Mac’s reactions…
”For a man who can be so predictable, you keep surprising me.”
I liked that this is a couple that are both in their thirties, they have life experience and the drama for the most part wasn’t overplayed. I found warming to Gayle a little bit of a struggle; she is zesty, spunky and full of life, all good things but I also found her at times to be a little too pushy and aggressive as well. This did work with regards to her interactions with Mac though, I think he needed someone to push his buttons and pull him out of the rut that he had sunk into over the past four years.
”Even crazy Gayle knows when to back off.”
If you liked the first two books in the Love in the Extreme series, I have no doubt you will enjoy this installment too. Looking forward to seeing where Abby takes this series next.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
December 24, 2014
FIVE-PLUS-STARS FOR WINNING LOVE
Sometimes a book comes along that just gets you to feel so much that it makes you want to go back and re-rate all of the other books-- Knock them down a score or two, because they really can't be in the same category as the this one. Seriously. If I could give this more than 5-stars, I would.
I kind of think I need someone to hold me right now.
Winning Love is the 3rd book in the Love to the Extreme series, but it absolutely can be read as a standalone. Dante and Tommy (from books 1 & 2) make a brief appearance near the end of this book, but that's really all that ties them all together. I remember reading book 2 and thinking Mac must have one doozy of a story, but I really wasn't prepared to get so swept up in the pain and anguish that he's gone through.
When the book opens, Mac Hannon is going to Kansas to help his friend, Lance train for an upcoming amateur fight. Lance has hopes of making it to a professional level and Mac feels like he owes his friend a debt for saving him when tragedy struck four years earlier. Mac isn't happy about returning to the state that holds such extremely painful memories. All those years ago he lost his wife and unborn child when an EF-5 tornado raged through their town.
Mac is nearly completely devoid of spark. He seems to only feel anger and guilt and torment. He doesn't allow himself to enjoy much from life. But then, he meets Gayle.
Gayle is the yin to Mac's yang. She's the other side of the coin. She too has lost everyone she loved because of a tornado. But she lives her life to the fullest each day, and has dove head-first into researching weather patterns and tornadic activity to help others avoid the same horrible fate as her family.
Gayle pushes all of Mac's buttons. Annoys him, amuses him and arouses him when the last thing he wants is to feel anything. But her humor and her patience and persistence starts to create chinks in his armor. Needless to say, Mac thinks Fate is a cruel bitch when he discovers that the one person in the world who has been able to stir feelings in him in four years spends months of every year looking into the eye of the beast that torments his dreams each night. How can he let himself care for another wonderful woman who could very well be taken from him? Can he take that risk for love?
I know what you are thinking: Tortured hero starts really living after vivacious, hot chick shows him how fun life can be. Been there, read that.
But, NO. There was the real possibility of this becoming a cliched story, but Abby Niles made these characters and their struggles and their devastation so completely realistic and heartfelt. Her research and portrayal of tornado victims was moving and gut-wrenching.
Though there was plenty of HEAVY in this book, there was a good amount of funny and sexy scattered in there--thanks to Gayle and her indubitably sunny and mischievous personality.
"And my abs are on fire. I will never speak ill of Zumba again. It's a thorough workout."
"For your first time, you're doing pretty well."
"Seriously?" Skepticism rang clear in his voice.
"No." She shook her head, laughing at his mock-hurt expression. "You look like a deranged animal."
I have to say that I LOVED that Mac couldn't Zumba. Not only could he not Zumba, but he could cook. Boy, could he cook. Pre-tornado Mac had been a 5-star chef, and when he donned the chef's jacket for Gayle, she was impressed.
"Damn, Baby, we need to do a little roleplaying." She motioned up and down with a finger. "You wear that, and I'll be the disgruntled customer, and you're willing to do whatever the customer wants to make her happy. Mmm-hmmm That'll be fun. That jacket is rrawr." She made a feline motion with her fingers.
I've always enjoyed Abby Niles' stories, but I think this one has caused me to reset my standards and raise the bar. I loved the emotion this book pulled from me and I appreciate the work she has put into it to bring it to us. Also, if you are reading this review during release week: 8/25/14 bear in mind that a portion of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross. So, go one-click today!
Sometimes a book comes along that just gets you to feel so much that it makes you want to go back and re-rate all of the other books-- Knock them down a score or two, because they really can't be in the same category as the this one. Seriously. If I could give this more than 5-stars, I would.
I kind of think I need someone to hold me right now.
Winning Love is the 3rd book in the Love to the Extreme series, but it absolutely can be read as a standalone. Dante and Tommy (from books 1 & 2) make a brief appearance near the end of this book, but that's really all that ties them all together. I remember reading book 2 and thinking Mac must have one doozy of a story, but I really wasn't prepared to get so swept up in the pain and anguish that he's gone through.
When the book opens, Mac Hannon is going to Kansas to help his friend, Lance train for an upcoming amateur fight. Lance has hopes of making it to a professional level and Mac feels like he owes his friend a debt for saving him when tragedy struck four years earlier. Mac isn't happy about returning to the state that holds such extremely painful memories. All those years ago he lost his wife and unborn child when an EF-5 tornado raged through their town.
Mac is nearly completely devoid of spark. He seems to only feel anger and guilt and torment. He doesn't allow himself to enjoy much from life. But then, he meets Gayle.
Gayle is the yin to Mac's yang. She's the other side of the coin. She too has lost everyone she loved because of a tornado. But she lives her life to the fullest each day, and has dove head-first into researching weather patterns and tornadic activity to help others avoid the same horrible fate as her family.
Gayle pushes all of Mac's buttons. Annoys him, amuses him and arouses him when the last thing he wants is to feel anything. But her humor and her patience and persistence starts to create chinks in his armor. Needless to say, Mac thinks Fate is a cruel bitch when he discovers that the one person in the world who has been able to stir feelings in him in four years spends months of every year looking into the eye of the beast that torments his dreams each night. How can he let himself care for another wonderful woman who could very well be taken from him? Can he take that risk for love?
I know what you are thinking: Tortured hero starts really living after vivacious, hot chick shows him how fun life can be. Been there, read that.
But, NO. There was the real possibility of this becoming a cliched story, but Abby Niles made these characters and their struggles and their devastation so completely realistic and heartfelt. Her research and portrayal of tornado victims was moving and gut-wrenching.
Though there was plenty of HEAVY in this book, there was a good amount of funny and sexy scattered in there--thanks to Gayle and her indubitably sunny and mischievous personality.
"And my abs are on fire. I will never speak ill of Zumba again. It's a thorough workout."
"For your first time, you're doing pretty well."
"Seriously?" Skepticism rang clear in his voice.
"No." She shook her head, laughing at his mock-hurt expression. "You look like a deranged animal."
I have to say that I LOVED that Mac couldn't Zumba. Not only could he not Zumba, but he could cook. Boy, could he cook. Pre-tornado Mac had been a 5-star chef, and when he donned the chef's jacket for Gayle, she was impressed.
"Damn, Baby, we need to do a little roleplaying." She motioned up and down with a finger. "You wear that, and I'll be the disgruntled customer, and you're willing to do whatever the customer wants to make her happy. Mmm-hmmm That'll be fun. That jacket is rrawr." She made a feline motion with her fingers.
I've always enjoyed Abby Niles' stories, but I think this one has caused me to reset my standards and raise the bar. I loved the emotion this book pulled from me and I appreciate the work she has put into it to bring it to us. Also, if you are reading this review during release week: 8/25/14 bear in mind that a portion of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross. So, go one-click today!
August 17, 2014
4.5 Stars
Winning Love by Abby Niles is the third book in her Love to the Extreme series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I haven’t read the previous books but I can tell you that after reading this one I want to. I really liked Winning Love. It drew me in completely until I was immersed in the story, the characters and the romance. I enjoyed every minute of it. It made me laugh. At one point, the visual in my head of a dare that Gayle had proposed was so hilarious, that I had to stop reading for a minute until I quit laughing. I felt the choke of tears more than once. This novel dug deep with the emotion. The scenes of the aftermath of a tornado were particularly poignant.
I loved the romance between Gayle and Mac. Gayle is such a vibrant, lively and vivacious character. She’s a meteorologist and is working to research and document tornados. Mac is an MMA fighter and has returned to Kansas after being gone for 4 years, to help his friend train for a fight. He hasn’t gotten over the pain or guilt from the death of his wife and it has driven him to shut out emotions and keep people at a distance. Gayle and Mac become temporary neighbors and Gayle makes it her mission to bring a spark of life back to Mac.
Gayle was tenacious and managed to pull Mac from the dark, angry and depressing funk he had been wallowing him. I liked them both and I loved seeing them come together. It was sexy with moments of affection and tenderness. Their romance wasn’t without bumps along the way but they handled them well. They discussed problems and tried to work through them as opposed to ignoring them or brushing them aside.
The story is quite interesting and told in a way that compels you to keep reading. I found Gayle’s job and storm chasing trips to be an exciting, emotionally driven aspect to the story. The tornado portions of the book are skillfully written and intense. I felt as if I was there, seeing what the characters were seeing.
Winning Love is very well done. There is fun, laughter, anger and heartache. The romance felt genuine and I cared about the characters. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
I highly recommend Winning Love to fans of contemporary romance.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from Entangled Publishing LLC - Select via NetGalley.
Winning Love by Abby Niles is the third book in her Love to the Extreme series but it can easily be read as a stand-alone novel. I haven’t read the previous books but I can tell you that after reading this one I want to. I really liked Winning Love. It drew me in completely until I was immersed in the story, the characters and the romance. I enjoyed every minute of it. It made me laugh. At one point, the visual in my head of a dare that Gayle had proposed was so hilarious, that I had to stop reading for a minute until I quit laughing. I felt the choke of tears more than once. This novel dug deep with the emotion. The scenes of the aftermath of a tornado were particularly poignant.
I loved the romance between Gayle and Mac. Gayle is such a vibrant, lively and vivacious character. She’s a meteorologist and is working to research and document tornados. Mac is an MMA fighter and has returned to Kansas after being gone for 4 years, to help his friend train for a fight. He hasn’t gotten over the pain or guilt from the death of his wife and it has driven him to shut out emotions and keep people at a distance. Gayle and Mac become temporary neighbors and Gayle makes it her mission to bring a spark of life back to Mac.
Gayle was tenacious and managed to pull Mac from the dark, angry and depressing funk he had been wallowing him. I liked them both and I loved seeing them come together. It was sexy with moments of affection and tenderness. Their romance wasn’t without bumps along the way but they handled them well. They discussed problems and tried to work through them as opposed to ignoring them or brushing them aside.
The story is quite interesting and told in a way that compels you to keep reading. I found Gayle’s job and storm chasing trips to be an exciting, emotionally driven aspect to the story. The tornado portions of the book are skillfully written and intense. I felt as if I was there, seeing what the characters were seeing.
Winning Love is very well done. There is fun, laughter, anger and heartache. The romance felt genuine and I cared about the characters. I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
I highly recommend Winning Love to fans of contemporary romance.
*ARC (Advanced Review Copy) received from Entangled Publishing LLC - Select via NetGalley.
December 7, 2014
Review Copy Provided by Publisher
It has been a while since i’ve read anything by Abby Niles, but after I started Winning Love, I remembered why I enjoyed her stuff. One of the things that I enjoy the most about her books is that the conflict that exists between the hero and heroine seems real, and not manufactured like other conflicts appear to be. In this instance, it was conflict between the survivor of a natural disaster and a researcher of said natural disaster (specifically tornado’s). I also loved that Gayle wasn’t the weak TSTL heroine that so many authors seem to rely on for their storyline to advance – in fact, I think at times, she was almost a stronger character than Mac.
I also liked the Mac being a MMA fighter didn’t take over the story and that the way the story was developed, it allowed the reader to see his weaknesses as a human. But I will say, that his motivations for going that route weren’t really explored – why MMA from his previous life? And then he basically takes a leave of absence to help his friend out (not saying there is anything wrong with that, just that part of the story needed more development).
The ending had a slightly sappy quality to it, but when taken in relation to the whole story, I could deal with that. I thought that it was well-researched – you could tell the author had done a lot of reading/studying on storm chasers. I think the biggest weakness (to me) was that I wanted more of Lance’s story – it seemed like he started off as a strong character and then kind of fizzled out as the story progressed – maybe he’ll be featured in a later book – who knows…
Overall, I gave Winning Love a solid 3.5 stars (but rounded it up to 4 on Goodreads). I’m intrigued enough that I want to go back and read the previous 2 books in the series – since those characters appeared briefly in Winning Love (but it can function as a stand-alone as well).
It has been a while since i’ve read anything by Abby Niles, but after I started Winning Love, I remembered why I enjoyed her stuff. One of the things that I enjoy the most about her books is that the conflict that exists between the hero and heroine seems real, and not manufactured like other conflicts appear to be. In this instance, it was conflict between the survivor of a natural disaster and a researcher of said natural disaster (specifically tornado’s). I also loved that Gayle wasn’t the weak TSTL heroine that so many authors seem to rely on for their storyline to advance – in fact, I think at times, she was almost a stronger character than Mac.
I also liked the Mac being a MMA fighter didn’t take over the story and that the way the story was developed, it allowed the reader to see his weaknesses as a human. But I will say, that his motivations for going that route weren’t really explored – why MMA from his previous life? And then he basically takes a leave of absence to help his friend out (not saying there is anything wrong with that, just that part of the story needed more development).
The ending had a slightly sappy quality to it, but when taken in relation to the whole story, I could deal with that. I thought that it was well-researched – you could tell the author had done a lot of reading/studying on storm chasers. I think the biggest weakness (to me) was that I wanted more of Lance’s story – it seemed like he started off as a strong character and then kind of fizzled out as the story progressed – maybe he’ll be featured in a later book – who knows…
Overall, I gave Winning Love a solid 3.5 stars (but rounded it up to 4 on Goodreads). I’m intrigued enough that I want to go back and read the previous 2 books in the series – since those characters appeared briefly in Winning Love (but it can function as a stand-alone as well).
Want to read
April 23, 2014Ooh!! I want this!! ♥
Winning Love (Love to the Extreme #3) by Abby Niles
Expected publication: August 26th 2014 by Entangled: Select
Mac “The Snake” Hannon has spent years throwing himself into cage fighting as a way to lash back at the natural disaster that destroyed his future. A call for help has Mac returning to the one place he swore never to return: Kansas—in the height of tornado season.
There he meets free-spirited Gayle Andrews. At first he wants nothing to do with the infuriatingly, persistent woman, but the crazy challenges she tosses his way are impossible to resist. As she thaws years of bitterness, bringing back the Mac he believed long gone, he starts to make peace with the past and see the future again. Until he learns she chases his worst nightmare, then he can’t get away fast enough.
Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Andrews is no stranger to being left behind and now believes in living in the moment. She wants to do just that with the handsome extreme fighter with the achingly sad eyes. As she works to replace the sorrow with desire, she finds herself breaking her one rule: have fun, but don’t fall in love. When he suddenly pushes her away and she discovers the horrifying reason why, she issues one more challenge: face his fear and come on a chase with her.
Will squaring off with the past lead to a victory for heartache or love?
Winning Love (Love to the Extreme #3) by Abby Niles
Expected publication: August 26th 2014 by Entangled: Select
Mac “The Snake” Hannon has spent years throwing himself into cage fighting as a way to lash back at the natural disaster that destroyed his future. A call for help has Mac returning to the one place he swore never to return: Kansas—in the height of tornado season.
There he meets free-spirited Gayle Andrews. At first he wants nothing to do with the infuriatingly, persistent woman, but the crazy challenges she tosses his way are impossible to resist. As she thaws years of bitterness, bringing back the Mac he believed long gone, he starts to make peace with the past and see the future again. Until he learns she chases his worst nightmare, then he can’t get away fast enough.
Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Andrews is no stranger to being left behind and now believes in living in the moment. She wants to do just that with the handsome extreme fighter with the achingly sad eyes. As she works to replace the sorrow with desire, she finds herself breaking her one rule: have fun, but don’t fall in love. When he suddenly pushes her away and she discovers the horrifying reason why, she issues one more challenge: face his fear and come on a chase with her.
Will squaring off with the past lead to a victory for heartache or love?
March 24, 2015
It was a'right. Beginning was familiar. Middelish was good. End was skippy. Just a'right overall.
July 5, 2023
I loved this book so much. Gayle and Mac, along with their past and how it wove them together, was phenomenal.
August 29, 2014
In Winning Love, Mac travels back to his home state of Kansas, to help his friend Lance train. Enter Gayle. We know right away that Mac has some issues going on from the way he acts. He is not the nicest guy we have met in a romance novel. Gayle isn’t put off by his attitude. She’s rather forward and doesn’t take no for an answer.
Gayle has her own history that is quite painful, it has been what turned her into who she is. While typically it is the guys we think of as the love em and leave em type, that’s been Gayle’s motto for quite awhile. Have fun, don’t fall in love.
These two go through a lot and I learned more about tornadoes than I have after living in Iowa for 39 years. It was cool.
Abby Niles did an excellent job with writing their emotions, the fear, the heartbreak in different situations, I felt the same things that the characters were feeling. I don’t want to give away too much detail because I hate spoilers, but the way the storms were written, and their reactions to them were amazing.
Then there was the mud run.
That was my favorite scene in the book. I have never done a mud run before, but Gayle’s enthusiasm had me wanting to sign up for the Warrior Dash that is coming here soon. It sounded like so much fun.
All in all, great book! I really enjoyed it and would definitely pick up more books by Abby!
Thank you so much for my copy of Winning Love.
Gayle has her own history that is quite painful, it has been what turned her into who she is. While typically it is the guys we think of as the love em and leave em type, that’s been Gayle’s motto for quite awhile. Have fun, don’t fall in love.
These two go through a lot and I learned more about tornadoes than I have after living in Iowa for 39 years. It was cool.
Abby Niles did an excellent job with writing their emotions, the fear, the heartbreak in different situations, I felt the same things that the characters were feeling. I don’t want to give away too much detail because I hate spoilers, but the way the storms were written, and their reactions to them were amazing.
Then there was the mud run.
That was my favorite scene in the book. I have never done a mud run before, but Gayle’s enthusiasm had me wanting to sign up for the Warrior Dash that is coming here soon. It sounded like so much fun.
All in all, great book! I really enjoyed it and would definitely pick up more books by Abby!
Thank you so much for my copy of Winning Love.
July 28, 2014
A thrilling, emotional romance, Winning Love was a wonderful read. I really liked this book. From the dark pasts of the characters, to the danger of the tornadoes, there was never a dull moment with this book and I enjoyed it.
Gayle and Mac were both great. Gayle was strong and determined to live life to the fullest. But, after being burned by love more than once, she kept a part of herself hidden from her vivacious lifestyle. Mac, on the other hand, was up front about the walls he constructed for himself. And, it was a formidable one. But, beyond it, he was a sweet and intensely loyal man who felt everything deeply. When he loved, he loved all the way. I thought they were both excellent characters.
The romance was wonderful. I liked how they both helped each other move on, not by trying to change each other, but by each accepting the other entirely. And, they definitely had a lot of steamy chemistry. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was well paced and I was kept interested the entire way through. The deep emotions and threat of danger from the tornadoes kept the story engaging. I enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
Winning Love was a wonderful contemporary romance that I really enjoyed reading. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Gayle and Mac were both great. Gayle was strong and determined to live life to the fullest. But, after being burned by love more than once, she kept a part of herself hidden from her vivacious lifestyle. Mac, on the other hand, was up front about the walls he constructed for himself. And, it was a formidable one. But, beyond it, he was a sweet and intensely loyal man who felt everything deeply. When he loved, he loved all the way. I thought they were both excellent characters.
The romance was wonderful. I liked how they both helped each other move on, not by trying to change each other, but by each accepting the other entirely. And, they definitely had a lot of steamy chemistry. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was well paced and I was kept interested the entire way through. The deep emotions and threat of danger from the tornadoes kept the story engaging. I enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
Winning Love was a wonderful contemporary romance that I really enjoyed reading. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
February 27, 2015
Pretty good. Characters were truly likeable and their hang ups were realistic. Their responses to anything that challenged their 'walls' was really interesting and almost polar opposites. What I liked is that neither tried to delude themselves of their feelings or turn to a-hole behaviour just to protect themselves.
I will say, that I doubt I'll find this particularly memorable. I know this won't be a book I think about much longer than it takes to write this review. It's not that it was badly written, or the characters weren't interesting. I just don't think the book set itself apart other than the unique careers.
I will say, that I doubt I'll find this particularly memorable. I know this won't be a book I think about much longer than it takes to write this review. It's not that it was badly written, or the characters weren't interesting. I just don't think the book set itself apart other than the unique careers.
Want to read
March 10, 2014 Anyone know when this book is going to be released?
August 26, 2014
Hmmm...gonna have to think on this review...
May 1, 2021
La sinopsis de este libro fue la que originó que comenzase esta serie de libros. La idea de personajes con importantes conflictos emocionales y la evolución hacia la recuperación me suele llamar la atención. Sin embargo, al final es el libro que más me ha costado terminar. Llegado un punto de la historia se me hizo un poco aburrido y repetitivo. Me gustó la idea de la chica cazadora de tormentas (me puse a ver películas de tornados y todo del subidón que me transmitió la historia) pero es como si no me convenciese del todo la forma en que evoluciona la historia entre los dos protagonistas. Me gustó mucho el comienzo, pero se fue desinflando poco a poco.
En cualquier caso, al igual que los dos primeros libros, muy agradable de leer en general.
En cualquier caso, al igual que los dos primeros libros, muy agradable de leer en general.
November 3, 2021
I've enjoyed previous book in the series and this one was no different. Mac and Gayle were interesting characters to get to know and I enjoyed their story immensely, especially seeing Mac allowing himself the chance to explore what was developing between him and Gayle. Their connection was brought to the page and their chemistry was palpable, which I appreciated because it helped me become invested in their romance. I liked the secondary characters and what they brought to the page. I felt like the author did a great job in balancing the different elements she brought to the page without taking away from the romance.
All in all, a great entertaining read.
All in all, a great entertaining read.
August 22, 2014
A tough MMA cage fighter needs a GAYLE force twister to detonate the shell around his heart!
Mac "The Snake" Hannon is a MMA cage fighter, who lives to beats out all his feelings out on his opponents. Just 4 years old, he was happily married, had his 1st child on the way & loved his job as a Chef at famous foody restaurant. That all changed after a tornado whipped thru town & trapped him at work under a sink looking at a car bumper above his head. As he was resuced, he was surrounded by destruction, dead bodies & totally carnage everywhere. When he saw the debris left of his home, he slowly dug his beautiful & dead pregnant wife out & left his heart buried with her. Now he just a shell of a man with nothing, but the man who pulled him out of the ashes, Lance, begs him to come back home & help him, so he is.
Gayle Matthews is a leap & then look kind of girl who grabs life by the horns & never looks back. She just moved in behind Lance & helps with his little girl, Skylar, as a fill in sitter. Since she is a big kid at heart, she enjoys every moment of it. To look & see Gayle, you couldn't guess she lost her whole family & her high school sweetheart by a tornado. She hides her abandonment issues by hiding it will her carefree & free spirit life.
Mac meets Gayle at the wet end of a water gun & she keeps trying to crack his forged shield with laughter, sexual teasing & she is willing to take him to her bed if she has too! Mac tries so hard not to let her smile, laugh & playfulness knock him back into the land of living, but Gayle starts to chip away his harden shell. They start with pizza making, a sexy PG rated game of Twister (HELLO small girl playing), Zumba hilariousness & sexy, not PG rated, choke hold session to bring slow simmer & then boiling over lust fest between these 2. But on the Mud Run, Mac turns a corner & is ready to take the hellion to any available surface via a home cooked meal from his hands. When they get down & dirty, he worships her body like he is reading braille & she loves his dominating, take charge & hard against the table & wall style.
All that changes the next morning when she answer a call & goes storm chasing & Mac is horrified, pissed off & wants nothing to do with her. How can he be with someone who chases what devastated his whole life? How can Gayle give up helping & saving people with better storm information? Talk about being between a rock & a hard place. These 2 go on a soul search, greatest fear embracing, heart wrenching & frenzied fever of sexy passions filled journey thru a cruel & sometimes vengeful Mother Nature. Can Mac embrace her world or walk away forever? Can Gayle give up her work of saving & helping lives for his heart? How will Mother Nature kick them in the a$$?
I requested this book because my inner Cover HO did her HAPPY DANCE for the amazing cover. Everyone should look at the TRUST tattoo across his sexy abs & I love a cover that reflects the storyline. Mac had the word TRUST tattooed because his dead wife always TRUSTED everything. The tat did become a gravestone around his neck thou, but Gayle removed that weight. I did think a meteorologist name Gayle was a "Up Yours" to the movie Scream & can tell Ms. Niles loves to laugh. She had such great kooky moments in her story & I totally feel that laughter does heal open wounds. Mac is a hero who has a heart that has been duct taped together again & to heal it Gayle had to RIP it all off. Can you say, "OUCH!" The heroine Gayle was a smart a$$, but she loved to hide all her pain behind her free spirit attitude. Gayle was a character that I could relate to & loved because I had a great friend after my mom died just like her, full of life given brightness that I truly needed. That great friend was my sister, who also hide her own personal guilt & pain behind her fake sunny self. This storyline was hard to read with all the emotion flowing out of me. I had many totally ugly cries, big belly laughs, once I even hyperventilated & scared my furry grandbaby, scream naughty words at Mac stupidity & I had to shared my Hello Kitty tissues with Gayle because she was so heart broken. Ms. Niles is a new-to-me author (insert pompoms here) & I have already "friend requested" her Facebook page & LIKED her Amazon page (I am #56) because I will be grabbing as many of her books my itsy bitsy payday can handle! The small look at Dante & Tommy in this book has just whetted my book COSMOS for more! I love to find a new AWESOME author & Abby Niles is on my list now, but don't worry Ms. Niles I only STALK the best one, so WATCH OUT! I must give her my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this emotional filled carnal feed romance read!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review!
Mac "The Snake" Hannon is a MMA cage fighter, who lives to beats out all his feelings out on his opponents. Just 4 years old, he was happily married, had his 1st child on the way & loved his job as a Chef at famous foody restaurant. That all changed after a tornado whipped thru town & trapped him at work under a sink looking at a car bumper above his head. As he was resuced, he was surrounded by destruction, dead bodies & totally carnage everywhere. When he saw the debris left of his home, he slowly dug his beautiful & dead pregnant wife out & left his heart buried with her. Now he just a shell of a man with nothing, but the man who pulled him out of the ashes, Lance, begs him to come back home & help him, so he is.
Gayle Matthews is a leap & then look kind of girl who grabs life by the horns & never looks back. She just moved in behind Lance & helps with his little girl, Skylar, as a fill in sitter. Since she is a big kid at heart, she enjoys every moment of it. To look & see Gayle, you couldn't guess she lost her whole family & her high school sweetheart by a tornado. She hides her abandonment issues by hiding it will her carefree & free spirit life.
Mac meets Gayle at the wet end of a water gun & she keeps trying to crack his forged shield with laughter, sexual teasing & she is willing to take him to her bed if she has too! Mac tries so hard not to let her smile, laugh & playfulness knock him back into the land of living, but Gayle starts to chip away his harden shell. They start with pizza making, a sexy PG rated game of Twister (HELLO small girl playing), Zumba hilariousness & sexy, not PG rated, choke hold session to bring slow simmer & then boiling over lust fest between these 2. But on the Mud Run, Mac turns a corner & is ready to take the hellion to any available surface via a home cooked meal from his hands. When they get down & dirty, he worships her body like he is reading braille & she loves his dominating, take charge & hard against the table & wall style.
All that changes the next morning when she answer a call & goes storm chasing & Mac is horrified, pissed off & wants nothing to do with her. How can he be with someone who chases what devastated his whole life? How can Gayle give up helping & saving people with better storm information? Talk about being between a rock & a hard place. These 2 go on a soul search, greatest fear embracing, heart wrenching & frenzied fever of sexy passions filled journey thru a cruel & sometimes vengeful Mother Nature. Can Mac embrace her world or walk away forever? Can Gayle give up her work of saving & helping lives for his heart? How will Mother Nature kick them in the a$$?
I requested this book because my inner Cover HO did her HAPPY DANCE for the amazing cover. Everyone should look at the TRUST tattoo across his sexy abs & I love a cover that reflects the storyline. Mac had the word TRUST tattooed because his dead wife always TRUSTED everything. The tat did become a gravestone around his neck thou, but Gayle removed that weight. I did think a meteorologist name Gayle was a "Up Yours" to the movie Scream & can tell Ms. Niles loves to laugh. She had such great kooky moments in her story & I totally feel that laughter does heal open wounds. Mac is a hero who has a heart that has been duct taped together again & to heal it Gayle had to RIP it all off. Can you say, "OUCH!" The heroine Gayle was a smart a$$, but she loved to hide all her pain behind her free spirit attitude. Gayle was a character that I could relate to & loved because I had a great friend after my mom died just like her, full of life given brightness that I truly needed. That great friend was my sister, who also hide her own personal guilt & pain behind her fake sunny self. This storyline was hard to read with all the emotion flowing out of me. I had many totally ugly cries, big belly laughs, once I even hyperventilated & scared my furry grandbaby, scream naughty words at Mac stupidity & I had to shared my Hello Kitty tissues with Gayle because she was so heart broken. Ms. Niles is a new-to-me author (insert pompoms here) & I have already "friend requested" her Facebook page & LIKED her Amazon page (I am #56) because I will be grabbing as many of her books my itsy bitsy payday can handle! The small look at Dante & Tommy in this book has just whetted my book COSMOS for more! I love to find a new AWESOME author & Abby Niles is on my list now, but don't worry Ms. Niles I only STALK the best one, so WATCH OUT! I must give her my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes for this emotional filled carnal feed romance read!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review!
August 31, 2014
Winning Love is the third book in author Abby Niles’ Love to the Extreme series and the first in the series I have read. I’m a little sad I hadn’t picked up this series earlier because this book was amazing. Like read in a day, can’t put it down, ignore all responsibilities kind of amazing.
Mac “The Snake” Hannon has been running from his past for four long years. He’s tried to push the nightmare aside and ignore it every time it rears its ugly head. The problem is, you can never truly outrun your past. It always comes back to haunt you. Never before has that been more true than right now when he returns to the very place that holds those nightmarish memories. Kansas. Where his hopes and dreams were crushed when a tornado came through and took it all away from him. The only reason he was back was because his old friend needed him and he would never leave his friend hanging. Hopefully he could be distracted enough while he was here to ignore the ever-present pain of his broken past. Enter Gayle. The feisty, fun, entertaining and beautiful neighbor. She could certainly be a great distraction for Mac while he was here. But he didn’t do relationships of any kind. Not anymore. He just needed to look to his past to be reminded of why.
Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Andrews sure was intrigued by the handsome man staying with her neighbor…not only because he was built and gorgeous but because he had a permanent scowl that was just begging to be erased. Of course she would happily volunteer to do just that. She has learned the hard way to live life to the fullest, every day, because you never knew when it could be your last. She had a feeling he would be a tough nut to crack but she had plenty of time to work on it. Tornado season hadn’t started yet and even though she watched her neighbor’s, and Mac’s friend’s, daughter from time to time, she still had plenty of calendar to fill. Mac didn’t know it yet, but he’d be that filler, and he’d be doing it without a scowl…come hell or high water.
Together both Mac and Gayle have heartbreaking pasts and have both dealt with crushing loss in their own ways. Mac has tried to hide it, and shove it down inside while Gayle has tried to learn from it and come away stronger. With two very different ways of coping, can they be united in their grief and learn to live and love again?
I am typing this while in a serious book hangover. Man, I loved this book. This wasn’t the typical fighter book in the sense that Mac’s MMA fighting really took a back seat to the rest of the story. Mainly this was a story about healing and overcoming tragedy and it was done so damn well. (I don’t want to give away the reasons behind Mac and Gayle’s loss so bear with me) Mac has been trying, pretty unsuccessfully, to ignore his pain. He left his former career, got into fighting and hasn’t looked back. Which really only lead him in succeeding in letting the old wound fester and never truly heal.
Gayle has been through her own personal hell but has really risen above and turned it into the driving force behind her current work with tornadoes. Two very different ways of coping. Fitting because Gayle and Mac are two very different personalities. You know what they say, though…opposites attract. The attraction is almost immediate and even though Gayle has her work cut out for her, she didn’t give up on Mac. Little by little she worked her magic and it was beautiful to read Mac opening up. However there was that one subject that Mac had to warm up to sharing….his past. It almost proved to be the end of their yet-to-develop relationship. I was a nervous wreck that Mac would never be able to move on. But he had never had Gayle by his side, willing to help him, supporting him along the way. I went through so many emotions while reading this book. My heart broke for Mac. I wanted him to have his happy ever after and I wanted it to be with Gayle. Luckily Abby wrote one hell of a fantastic ending and it made all my angsting over the two of them worth it!
Also, another great aspect of this story was Abby’s writing on the storm chasing scenes. Whoa, they were intense and played out like a movie in my mind’s eye while I was reading. Well done, Abby.
Ok…hopefully I haven’t bored you with this really long review and you get an idea of just how amazing this story was. Full of emotion and intensity with just enough heat added in, Winning Love made it to my list of faves for this year. Thank you, Abby, for a phenomenal read.
Mac “The Snake” Hannon has been running from his past for four long years. He’s tried to push the nightmare aside and ignore it every time it rears its ugly head. The problem is, you can never truly outrun your past. It always comes back to haunt you. Never before has that been more true than right now when he returns to the very place that holds those nightmarish memories. Kansas. Where his hopes and dreams were crushed when a tornado came through and took it all away from him. The only reason he was back was because his old friend needed him and he would never leave his friend hanging. Hopefully he could be distracted enough while he was here to ignore the ever-present pain of his broken past. Enter Gayle. The feisty, fun, entertaining and beautiful neighbor. She could certainly be a great distraction for Mac while he was here. But he didn’t do relationships of any kind. Not anymore. He just needed to look to his past to be reminded of why.
Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Andrews sure was intrigued by the handsome man staying with her neighbor…not only because he was built and gorgeous but because he had a permanent scowl that was just begging to be erased. Of course she would happily volunteer to do just that. She has learned the hard way to live life to the fullest, every day, because you never knew when it could be your last. She had a feeling he would be a tough nut to crack but she had plenty of time to work on it. Tornado season hadn’t started yet and even though she watched her neighbor’s, and Mac’s friend’s, daughter from time to time, she still had plenty of calendar to fill. Mac didn’t know it yet, but he’d be that filler, and he’d be doing it without a scowl…come hell or high water.
Together both Mac and Gayle have heartbreaking pasts and have both dealt with crushing loss in their own ways. Mac has tried to hide it, and shove it down inside while Gayle has tried to learn from it and come away stronger. With two very different ways of coping, can they be united in their grief and learn to live and love again?
I am typing this while in a serious book hangover. Man, I loved this book. This wasn’t the typical fighter book in the sense that Mac’s MMA fighting really took a back seat to the rest of the story. Mainly this was a story about healing and overcoming tragedy and it was done so damn well. (I don’t want to give away the reasons behind Mac and Gayle’s loss so bear with me) Mac has been trying, pretty unsuccessfully, to ignore his pain. He left his former career, got into fighting and hasn’t looked back. Which really only lead him in succeeding in letting the old wound fester and never truly heal.
Gayle has been through her own personal hell but has really risen above and turned it into the driving force behind her current work with tornadoes. Two very different ways of coping. Fitting because Gayle and Mac are two very different personalities. You know what they say, though…opposites attract. The attraction is almost immediate and even though Gayle has her work cut out for her, she didn’t give up on Mac. Little by little she worked her magic and it was beautiful to read Mac opening up. However there was that one subject that Mac had to warm up to sharing….his past. It almost proved to be the end of their yet-to-develop relationship. I was a nervous wreck that Mac would never be able to move on. But he had never had Gayle by his side, willing to help him, supporting him along the way. I went through so many emotions while reading this book. My heart broke for Mac. I wanted him to have his happy ever after and I wanted it to be with Gayle. Luckily Abby wrote one hell of a fantastic ending and it made all my angsting over the two of them worth it!
Also, another great aspect of this story was Abby’s writing on the storm chasing scenes. Whoa, they were intense and played out like a movie in my mind’s eye while I was reading. Well done, Abby.
Ok…hopefully I haven’t bored you with this really long review and you get an idea of just how amazing this story was. Full of emotion and intensity with just enough heat added in, Winning Love made it to my list of faves for this year. Thank you, Abby, for a phenomenal read.
August 3, 2014
Two characters that have a second chance at love or they could be alone for the rest of their lives.
I absolutely loved this book and I have to say that this installment has become my favorite. From the moment that I started reading this story I could not stop I didn’t want to have a stopping point I just wanted to know what happened to Mac but then Gayle came into the picture and she was so bubbly and was goading Mac that there was no way I was going to stop reading. I just knew that he was going to have his hands full with a woman that had no filter in her mouth. She said what she wanted and did what she wanted and not even Mac could resist her. I love when I can connect to characters and I can get to know them in a deeper level.
Ms. Niles creative writing was bold and innovative. It was an emotional read and a read that will be reread later in the future. I believe that Mac “The Snake” Hannon has become my new favorite male character in this series.
Let me tell you a little bit of Mac “The Snake” Hannon, he is a man that lost everything. I could not believe what happened to him the day that he should have been at home with his wife. There was nothing that he could do, it was Mother Nature, but he blamed himself. Mac moved to Atlanta and never spoke to anyone about what happened that tragic day; his friends didn’t even know that he was married. So when the phone call came from his childhood friend, Lance, which he needed his expertise in marital arts and he needed a trainer he could not say no. Mac was a man that closed off from everyone and I mean everyone. He had not been with a woman since his wife and emotions what in the world are emotions.
Then there is Gayle Andrews a woman that has her own story. When I first met her she was this bubbly, spitfire woman that said what she wanted and did what she wanted. From the moment that she laid eyes on Mac she knew she wanted him and he was just in town until Lance got his training and then he would leave. That was just perfect for her because sooner or later people leave and from that moment I knew that something dark happened to her. Only that she had dealt with her loss, she healed at least that’s what I thought. She knows how to push Mac’s buttons but she actually makes him smile even though he tries to hide it. Gayle is great for Mac and it seems that they could have something but then it happens. She does something for a living that has Mac running for the hills. He doesn’t allow her to explain because at that moment I knew that they both had something in common and my heart went out to her or should I say to maybe both of them.
There were a couple of scenes in this story that had me cracking up because it was just too hard not to laugh. I could not believe Gayle and her sticky hands. I believe when Gayle smacked Mac’s butt I was even surprised but his reaction was priceless. Then there was twister the game and how she made it so erotic that Mac had no idea how to act. Love, love the nickname that she gives Mac “handsome” because he was a very handsome man.
Now that brings me to the attraction that these two characters have and can I say that it was explosive. The chemistry is intense and hot. I could not believe that he was able to hold back from touching her because I knew he wanted to. He had not wanted another woman as much as he wanted her and when they finally came together it was beautiful. At that point I agreed with Lance that Gayle was good for Mac and she would be the one to help him heal and in return help her heal.
Winning Love is the third installment in the Love to the Extreme Series and my all time favorite. Readers get ready to laugh and cry but most of all get ready to fall in love with both Mac and Gayle. Two strong characters that healed each other and found love again.
I truly recommend this read to all readers and if you haven’t ready Love to the Extreme Series pick it up today.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
I absolutely loved this book and I have to say that this installment has become my favorite. From the moment that I started reading this story I could not stop I didn’t want to have a stopping point I just wanted to know what happened to Mac but then Gayle came into the picture and she was so bubbly and was goading Mac that there was no way I was going to stop reading. I just knew that he was going to have his hands full with a woman that had no filter in her mouth. She said what she wanted and did what she wanted and not even Mac could resist her. I love when I can connect to characters and I can get to know them in a deeper level.
Ms. Niles creative writing was bold and innovative. It was an emotional read and a read that will be reread later in the future. I believe that Mac “The Snake” Hannon has become my new favorite male character in this series.
Let me tell you a little bit of Mac “The Snake” Hannon, he is a man that lost everything. I could not believe what happened to him the day that he should have been at home with his wife. There was nothing that he could do, it was Mother Nature, but he blamed himself. Mac moved to Atlanta and never spoke to anyone about what happened that tragic day; his friends didn’t even know that he was married. So when the phone call came from his childhood friend, Lance, which he needed his expertise in marital arts and he needed a trainer he could not say no. Mac was a man that closed off from everyone and I mean everyone. He had not been with a woman since his wife and emotions what in the world are emotions.
Then there is Gayle Andrews a woman that has her own story. When I first met her she was this bubbly, spitfire woman that said what she wanted and did what she wanted. From the moment that she laid eyes on Mac she knew she wanted him and he was just in town until Lance got his training and then he would leave. That was just perfect for her because sooner or later people leave and from that moment I knew that something dark happened to her. Only that she had dealt with her loss, she healed at least that’s what I thought. She knows how to push Mac’s buttons but she actually makes him smile even though he tries to hide it. Gayle is great for Mac and it seems that they could have something but then it happens. She does something for a living that has Mac running for the hills. He doesn’t allow her to explain because at that moment I knew that they both had something in common and my heart went out to her or should I say to maybe both of them.
There were a couple of scenes in this story that had me cracking up because it was just too hard not to laugh. I could not believe Gayle and her sticky hands. I believe when Gayle smacked Mac’s butt I was even surprised but his reaction was priceless. Then there was twister the game and how she made it so erotic that Mac had no idea how to act. Love, love the nickname that she gives Mac “handsome” because he was a very handsome man.
Now that brings me to the attraction that these two characters have and can I say that it was explosive. The chemistry is intense and hot. I could not believe that he was able to hold back from touching her because I knew he wanted to. He had not wanted another woman as much as he wanted her and when they finally came together it was beautiful. At that point I agreed with Lance that Gayle was good for Mac and she would be the one to help him heal and in return help her heal.
Winning Love is the third installment in the Love to the Extreme Series and my all time favorite. Readers get ready to laugh and cry but most of all get ready to fall in love with both Mac and Gayle. Two strong characters that healed each other and found love again.
I truly recommend this read to all readers and if you haven’t ready Love to the Extreme Series pick it up today.
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
September 22, 2014
Why…why am I less than enthralled with this book, which took me over a week to read! Yes, seriously. So many of my goodreads friends LOVED this book and yet for me it dragged on a bit in places and repeated a few times. The Killer was that I so loved Mac and I totally felt his pain.
Losing your spouse is one thing, but losing your soul mate and your whole life in one fell swoop is quite another. Mac picked up and left everything and everyone when his wife was killed. His only solace had been channelling all his rage into the cage.
Seven years ago, Gayle lost her family and her boyfriend. Here was my status update and I do believe it captures my frustration…
“So let me get this straight…you wandered for 5 years lost and alone and discovered life in random sex…but Mac is supposed to just snap out of it after 4 years??? Seriously!?!?!?”
Random hookups with no attachment and no love, that is how to survive pain? I have had review readers critique my comments in the past for a review about mourning and loss and that perhaps I know not of what I speak…well you would be very wrong. But, I am a huge advocate of therapy and I do firmly believe that even a moment of love, peace and connection are gifts to behold, not to covet! So on this point alone, I was ticked off at Gayle. If she had just wanted random hook ups for the sake of having fun, then I would have been great with that…own your sexuality. But she wasn’t doing that, she was hiding herself and burying her feelings…sex was her drug of choice, while fighting was Mac’s.
While I was happy to see these two get their peace and HEA, I was not attached to either of them…and that for me makes a book okay. Others may connect with two and love it (as 6 of my GR friends did)…so if broken, sexy tornado chasers are your thing…have at it! Enjoy!
Here is something funny…I reviewed this book 2X and they are similar yet different…So, here is my first review!
Karia rants…
Gayle is a free spirit…yes. But she is also a pushy, myopic, shallow hoe…ya, I said it…You are a hoe…how do you know, cause I told you so! She seeks to soothe her pain, anger and loss in the temporary arms of whatever piece of man candy she can find. The big caveat: no relationship/love/or attachment on her side (to me that is the very definition…I am not saying you can’t be with men or many, many, many men…just love something about them. If you are sharing your body with them, then I do believe you should want something of them. The very mixing of the soul).
Gayle mourned and lost herself for 5 years and had her come to Jesus moment when she realized she can just live with gusto. The past two years have been spent telling everyone and anyone what she really thinks, doing as she pleases, wearing whatever she feels like and most of all, having sex with any man, any time and for any reason just because it gives her pleasure. So the take home message of how to deal with trauma…become a hedonist!
And then there is Mac…Mac seeks to soothe his pain by inflicting it upon others. When he lost everything…he left everything and everyone behind and moved thousands of miles away and began fighting seriously…and became “The Snake”. His cold, calculated, rage was his calling card and sadly, it has also become his persona. While I did want Mac to come back to himself and stop suppressing who and what he really was inside…I was super pissed at Gayle for most of the middle of the book. She has had 7 years to “recover” and Jake has had 4…who says 4 years is enough mourning? Who says when is long enough and when it is time to move forward? Both of these two needed some intensive group therapy…mourning is long processes…that can take months, to years, to decades…
Losing your spouse is one thing, but losing your soul mate and your whole life in one fell swoop is quite another. Mac picked up and left everything and everyone when his wife was killed. His only solace had been channelling all his rage into the cage.
Seven years ago, Gayle lost her family and her boyfriend. Here was my status update and I do believe it captures my frustration…
“So let me get this straight…you wandered for 5 years lost and alone and discovered life in random sex…but Mac is supposed to just snap out of it after 4 years??? Seriously!?!?!?”
Random hookups with no attachment and no love, that is how to survive pain? I have had review readers critique my comments in the past for a review about mourning and loss and that perhaps I know not of what I speak…well you would be very wrong. But, I am a huge advocate of therapy and I do firmly believe that even a moment of love, peace and connection are gifts to behold, not to covet! So on this point alone, I was ticked off at Gayle. If she had just wanted random hook ups for the sake of having fun, then I would have been great with that…own your sexuality. But she wasn’t doing that, she was hiding herself and burying her feelings…sex was her drug of choice, while fighting was Mac’s.
While I was happy to see these two get their peace and HEA, I was not attached to either of them…and that for me makes a book okay. Others may connect with two and love it (as 6 of my GR friends did)…so if broken, sexy tornado chasers are your thing…have at it! Enjoy!
Here is something funny…I reviewed this book 2X and they are similar yet different…So, here is my first review!
Karia rants…
Gayle is a free spirit…yes. But she is also a pushy, myopic, shallow hoe…ya, I said it…You are a hoe…how do you know, cause I told you so! She seeks to soothe her pain, anger and loss in the temporary arms of whatever piece of man candy she can find. The big caveat: no relationship/love/or attachment on her side (to me that is the very definition…I am not saying you can’t be with men or many, many, many men…just love something about them. If you are sharing your body with them, then I do believe you should want something of them. The very mixing of the soul).
Gayle mourned and lost herself for 5 years and had her come to Jesus moment when she realized she can just live with gusto. The past two years have been spent telling everyone and anyone what she really thinks, doing as she pleases, wearing whatever she feels like and most of all, having sex with any man, any time and for any reason just because it gives her pleasure. So the take home message of how to deal with trauma…become a hedonist!
And then there is Mac…Mac seeks to soothe his pain by inflicting it upon others. When he lost everything…he left everything and everyone behind and moved thousands of miles away and began fighting seriously…and became “The Snake”. His cold, calculated, rage was his calling card and sadly, it has also become his persona. While I did want Mac to come back to himself and stop suppressing who and what he really was inside…I was super pissed at Gayle for most of the middle of the book. She has had 7 years to “recover” and Jake has had 4…who says 4 years is enough mourning? Who says when is long enough and when it is time to move forward? Both of these two needed some intensive group therapy…mourning is long processes…that can take months, to years, to decades…
August 26, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
5 STARS
Review copy provided for a honest review
Sometimes you read a book and you think “did I just really read that?” That’s how I feel after reading Winning Love by Abby Niles. This book took me by surprise, came very close to home, and really made my brain and heart work overtime. Yes this is part of her Extreme (MMA) series, but this book is way more and I’m still trying to process it. This is also one of those reviews that is hard to write because I don’t want to give any of the plot away. Winning Love isn’t an easy romance and this couple goes through many ups and downs and I’ll admit there were times I didn’t think they’d come out on the other side but it is also one of those books that you can’t put down, that gets your heart pounding, that engages your brain, and makes you feel so much and Abby Niles has once again proven that she is a careful and masterful storyteller.
The last place Mac “The Snake” Hannon wants to be in Kansas, he left there four years ago and never had any intention of returning but when his best friend and the man he owes his life to, Lance, needs his help to train for an upcoming fight and so he has come back knowing he’ll have demons he must face. However he never expects to be confronted by a balls to the wall woman the minute he steps foot out of the car.
After a tragedy three years ago Gayle Matthews is determined to live life to the fullest and she’s done just that. Upon meeting her neighbor’s friend, Mac, she decides to make him her next project but she has no clue the demons in his closet and what she unleashes when she tries to get past all the walls he’s erected.
I really loved Gayle’s attitude and the way she goaded Mac into doing some of the most outrageous things all because he refuses to back down from a challenge. It was interesting watch her wiggle her way past his barriers and get to him. The attraction between them is apparent from the beginning and only increases as they spend more time together and as they get closer Gayle’s profession as a meteorologist and storm chaser pulls them apart but for reasons most people can’t fathom.
Living in tornado alley, I found the storm chasing scenes and the fallout after a tornado touchdown to be intriguing but also accurate. Living in an area that was hit a couple years back (and not near as bad as the one in the book), I won’t forget the destruction, confusion, and the feeling of helplessness that followed.
This is an excellent book but it isn’t a pretty romance; these are two people whose issues have issues, and while they might take a step forward they then seem to take three steps back. They do a lot of healing together, learn to accept the things they can’t change, learn to trust, and eventually learn to love again. There is so much more I would love to discuss about this book but can’t because I do not want to give away any of the plot. In Winning Love author Abby Niles has written a story that will tear your heart open but it also makes your remember as Frank Lane said, “If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.”
5 STARS
Review copy provided for a honest review
Sometimes you read a book and you think “did I just really read that?” That’s how I feel after reading Winning Love by Abby Niles. This book took me by surprise, came very close to home, and really made my brain and heart work overtime. Yes this is part of her Extreme (MMA) series, but this book is way more and I’m still trying to process it. This is also one of those reviews that is hard to write because I don’t want to give any of the plot away. Winning Love isn’t an easy romance and this couple goes through many ups and downs and I’ll admit there were times I didn’t think they’d come out on the other side but it is also one of those books that you can’t put down, that gets your heart pounding, that engages your brain, and makes you feel so much and Abby Niles has once again proven that she is a careful and masterful storyteller.
The last place Mac “The Snake” Hannon wants to be in Kansas, he left there four years ago and never had any intention of returning but when his best friend and the man he owes his life to, Lance, needs his help to train for an upcoming fight and so he has come back knowing he’ll have demons he must face. However he never expects to be confronted by a balls to the wall woman the minute he steps foot out of the car.
After a tragedy three years ago Gayle Matthews is determined to live life to the fullest and she’s done just that. Upon meeting her neighbor’s friend, Mac, she decides to make him her next project but she has no clue the demons in his closet and what she unleashes when she tries to get past all the walls he’s erected.
I really loved Gayle’s attitude and the way she goaded Mac into doing some of the most outrageous things all because he refuses to back down from a challenge. It was interesting watch her wiggle her way past his barriers and get to him. The attraction between them is apparent from the beginning and only increases as they spend more time together and as they get closer Gayle’s profession as a meteorologist and storm chaser pulls them apart but for reasons most people can’t fathom.
Living in tornado alley, I found the storm chasing scenes and the fallout after a tornado touchdown to be intriguing but also accurate. Living in an area that was hit a couple years back (and not near as bad as the one in the book), I won’t forget the destruction, confusion, and the feeling of helplessness that followed.
This is an excellent book but it isn’t a pretty romance; these are two people whose issues have issues, and while they might take a step forward they then seem to take three steps back. They do a lot of healing together, learn to accept the things they can’t change, learn to trust, and eventually learn to love again. There is so much more I would love to discuss about this book but can’t because I do not want to give away any of the plot. In Winning Love author Abby Niles has written a story that will tear your heart open but it also makes your remember as Frank Lane said, “If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.”
September 4, 2014
Title: Winning Love
Series: Love to the Extreme Book #3
Author: Abby Niles
Genre: Romance
Blurb: Mac “The Snake” Hannon has spent years throwing himself into cage fighting as a way to lash back at the natural disaster that destroyed his future. A call for help has Mac returning to the one place he swore never to return: Kansas—in the height of tornado season. There he meets free-spirited Gayle Matthews. At first he wants nothing to do with the infuriatingly persistent woman, but the crazy challenges she tosses his way are impossible to resist. As she thaws years of bitterness, bringing back the Mac he believed long gone, he starts to make peace with the past and see the future again. Until he learns she chases his worst nightmare—then he can’t get away fast enough.
Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Matthews is no stranger to being left behind and now believes in living in the moment. She wants to do just that with the handsome extreme fighter with the achingly sad eyes. As she works to replace the sorrow with desire, she finds herself breaking her one rule: have fun but don’t fall in love. When he suddenly pushes her away and she discovers the horrifying reason why, she issues one more challenge: face his fear and come on a chase with her.
Will squaring off with the past lead to a victory for heartache or love?
Thoughts: T. K.O. - Total Knock Out! This book was an amazing addition to the Love to the Extreme series! I have been a fine of Abby's ever since I read the first book in this series, Extreme Love, and quickly devoured every other book of hers. I will say, however, that upon starting this one I was having a few doubts - I didn't really care to much for either character (at least at the very first) - but I reminded myself that this was an Abby Niles book and I had to have faith that it would get better. And did it ever! These characters did a complete 180, and had me quickly spellbound into the lives and emotions of these characters. Once you begin figuring out some of their past, it really begins to come together - and to pull at your heartstrings.
While they seem so completely different at first, they each have more in common than either of them realize. They have both suffered through tragedy. The question is will they let their fears run their whole lives, too afraid to take a chance on love? Abby was a quirky character, but she was fun and exactly what Mac needed to bring him back to the land of the living. Their interactions were so amusing and brought so much life to the story - it left me with this amazing urge to go sign up for a mud race!...LOL
The plus side is that this is easily read as a stand alone. The down side? This one doesn't feature the MMA aspect very heavily in the storyline. Out of the three titles in the series, this one falls right in the middle for me.
Rate: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
Series: Love to the Extreme Book #3
Author: Abby Niles
Genre: Romance
Blurb: Mac “The Snake” Hannon has spent years throwing himself into cage fighting as a way to lash back at the natural disaster that destroyed his future. A call for help has Mac returning to the one place he swore never to return: Kansas—in the height of tornado season. There he meets free-spirited Gayle Matthews. At first he wants nothing to do with the infuriatingly persistent woman, but the crazy challenges she tosses his way are impossible to resist. As she thaws years of bitterness, bringing back the Mac he believed long gone, he starts to make peace with the past and see the future again. Until he learns she chases his worst nightmare—then he can’t get away fast enough.
Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle Matthews is no stranger to being left behind and now believes in living in the moment. She wants to do just that with the handsome extreme fighter with the achingly sad eyes. As she works to replace the sorrow with desire, she finds herself breaking her one rule: have fun but don’t fall in love. When he suddenly pushes her away and she discovers the horrifying reason why, she issues one more challenge: face his fear and come on a chase with her.
Will squaring off with the past lead to a victory for heartache or love?
Thoughts: T. K.O. - Total Knock Out! This book was an amazing addition to the Love to the Extreme series! I have been a fine of Abby's ever since I read the first book in this series, Extreme Love, and quickly devoured every other book of hers. I will say, however, that upon starting this one I was having a few doubts - I didn't really care to much for either character (at least at the very first) - but I reminded myself that this was an Abby Niles book and I had to have faith that it would get better. And did it ever! These characters did a complete 180, and had me quickly spellbound into the lives and emotions of these characters. Once you begin figuring out some of their past, it really begins to come together - and to pull at your heartstrings.
While they seem so completely different at first, they each have more in common than either of them realize. They have both suffered through tragedy. The question is will they let their fears run their whole lives, too afraid to take a chance on love? Abby was a quirky character, but she was fun and exactly what Mac needed to bring him back to the land of the living. Their interactions were so amusing and brought so much life to the story - it left me with this amazing urge to go sign up for a mud race!...LOL
The plus side is that this is easily read as a stand alone. The down side? This one doesn't feature the MMA aspect very heavily in the storyline. Out of the three titles in the series, this one falls right in the middle for me.
Rate: A
Review by: Sarah
http://www.thebookreadinggals.com
August 27, 2014
I was really excited to receive an ARC of Winning Love, because after reading Fighting Love a few months ago I was super eager to read Mac’s book. He was just one of those characters that I knew would have a great story, and let me just tell you Abby didn’t disappoint in the least! In the previous book, we catch a tiny glimpses that Mac was haunted by his past, but what I didn’t anticipate was just how truly damaged he was inside. I honestly couldn’t imagine the type of pain he was dealing with, but I have to say that being paired with Gayle was the perfect combination for them both. They each share a similar past that is affecting their everyday lives in two completely different ways. Mac has closed himself off from getting close to anyone, and has totally closed himself off from his past. Whereas Gayle has decided to live each moment of her life to the fullest, and she tries to help those that she can through her chosen profession. Now although these two have a bit of a rough start, I loved how they couldn’t help but challenge one another and how this led them to finding a common ground. But just when they reach it, they have the rug ripped out from beneath them once again.
Guys, parts of this book were just so achingly sad, and my heart hurt for all that Gayle and Mac have endured. If I were in their shoes, I’d find it hard to choose which one of them took the better route to handling that type of loss. I liked that Abby didn’t shy away from the type of conflict that Gayle’s job would present for Mac, but I also loved that Gayle stood her ground and tried to show him the reasons behind what she does, too. I think that it was handled in a fitting way for both of the characters, and I admired Mac’s ability to face his deepest fears. It was also touching how they each helped one another face down what they feared the most from their pasts. The romance aspect between these two was off the charts good, and you could just feel the intensity of their connection despite all the differences that they had. They really were a wonderful couple, and I was so happy they were able to work everything out in the end. Winning love was a thrilling, and oh so very emotional ride that had me on the edge of my seat too many times to count! I enjoyed every moment of it, and I’m definitely looking forward to where Abby takes this series in the future.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Check out this and more of my reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
Guys, parts of this book were just so achingly sad, and my heart hurt for all that Gayle and Mac have endured. If I were in their shoes, I’d find it hard to choose which one of them took the better route to handling that type of loss. I liked that Abby didn’t shy away from the type of conflict that Gayle’s job would present for Mac, but I also loved that Gayle stood her ground and tried to show him the reasons behind what she does, too. I think that it was handled in a fitting way for both of the characters, and I admired Mac’s ability to face his deepest fears. It was also touching how they each helped one another face down what they feared the most from their pasts. The romance aspect between these two was off the charts good, and you could just feel the intensity of their connection despite all the differences that they had. They really were a wonderful couple, and I was so happy they were able to work everything out in the end. Winning love was a thrilling, and oh so very emotional ride that had me on the edge of my seat too many times to count! I enjoyed every moment of it, and I’m definitely looking forward to where Abby takes this series in the future.
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
Check out this and more of my reviews on
Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
September 6, 2014
original post: http://ramblingsfromthischick.blogspo...
and http://booknerdloleotodo.blogspot.com/
Abby Niles never ceases to amaze me! Her books are always so creative and unique that they stay in my mind. Although I’ve read two other books by her she always tops herself. The minute I see her name I jump at the chance to review and read.
Winning Love was a wow-zer! First the heroine, Gayle Andrews. I have never read about a heroine like her. She really blew me away. She was completely uninhabited and had no reserve about holding ANYTHING back. I have to admit, I had to put the story down a couple of times. Gayle is a storm-chaser, which is really more sophisticated than it sounds, but it fit Gayle so perfectly that I thought the author couldn’t possible come up with a better occupation for her. Gayle was so layered and complex. She was a ball of constant and none-stop energy but she also had a lot of heart and soul. She also really got Mac Hannon.
Mac was such a difficult character for me. I really ached for him and his loss, and he did have a big loss. At the same time he was so short fused that he was also irritating. At first it seem that everything and anything set him off. Mac lost his wife while she was pregnant with their child. This horrible event happened four years ago and the pain and hurt is still very viable for him. He was a very accomplished chef but to deal with his anger and pain he returned to fighting. He is very numbed to his pain but at the same time he is still very pained. Although emotionally shut off he is so highly sensitive that really any conversation is a reminder of his loss.
Mac returns to Kansas, where he used to live to help his friend train. When he and Gayle meet he is very reserved and stand-offish but she is not the least bit intimated. Unlike the other people in his life, Gayle knows when to push and when to back off. One of the funniest scenes is when she is actively pursuing him and she makes a remark about just wanting a physical connection, not marriage. As Mac and Gayle spend more and more time together they quickly learn to love each other and they make a strong connection. Although the author doesn’t give these two tortured souls a quick fix (Gayle, although very carefree carries her own pain), it was really worth the journey that they travel. Once again, Abby Niles does not disappoint. This book is filled with fantastic scenes (chasing storms, mud races, just to name a few) and very tender moments. I really enjoyed and highly recommend this book.
and http://booknerdloleotodo.blogspot.com/
Abby Niles never ceases to amaze me! Her books are always so creative and unique that they stay in my mind. Although I’ve read two other books by her she always tops herself. The minute I see her name I jump at the chance to review and read.
Winning Love was a wow-zer! First the heroine, Gayle Andrews. I have never read about a heroine like her. She really blew me away. She was completely uninhabited and had no reserve about holding ANYTHING back. I have to admit, I had to put the story down a couple of times. Gayle is a storm-chaser, which is really more sophisticated than it sounds, but it fit Gayle so perfectly that I thought the author couldn’t possible come up with a better occupation for her. Gayle was so layered and complex. She was a ball of constant and none-stop energy but she also had a lot of heart and soul. She also really got Mac Hannon.
Mac was such a difficult character for me. I really ached for him and his loss, and he did have a big loss. At the same time he was so short fused that he was also irritating. At first it seem that everything and anything set him off. Mac lost his wife while she was pregnant with their child. This horrible event happened four years ago and the pain and hurt is still very viable for him. He was a very accomplished chef but to deal with his anger and pain he returned to fighting. He is very numbed to his pain but at the same time he is still very pained. Although emotionally shut off he is so highly sensitive that really any conversation is a reminder of his loss.
Mac returns to Kansas, where he used to live to help his friend train. When he and Gayle meet he is very reserved and stand-offish but she is not the least bit intimated. Unlike the other people in his life, Gayle knows when to push and when to back off. One of the funniest scenes is when she is actively pursuing him and she makes a remark about just wanting a physical connection, not marriage. As Mac and Gayle spend more and more time together they quickly learn to love each other and they make a strong connection. Although the author doesn’t give these two tortured souls a quick fix (Gayle, although very carefree carries her own pain), it was really worth the journey that they travel. Once again, Abby Niles does not disappoint. This book is filled with fantastic scenes (chasing storms, mud races, just to name a few) and very tender moments. I really enjoyed and highly recommend this book.
September 19, 2014
I got a copy of this book from Entangled in exchange of an honest review.
This book was an absolute delight to read. I love it, mainly because of Gayle. The story was great to and the characters realistic and lovable.
Mac "The Snake" Hannon is a broken man. After losing his wife and unborn child to a tornado, Mac has lost his zest for life. He is just going through the motions rather than living. He doesn't laugh, he doesn't smile, he is pretty much like a dead man walking. He left his hometown, Kansas after losing his wife, but now he is back to help his friend out. He never even in his dreams expects to crash into someone like Gayle Andrews.
Gayle is a a free-spirited woman. She is fun, vivacious, flirty, happy and just wonderful. It is hard not to love Gayle. She just worms her way into your heart. Her wittiness and live life king size manner manages to cut through Mac's steel shields. Her persistent nature and crazy challenges thrown Mac's way helps him make peace with his past and look forward to a future. All is fine until the moment Mac realizes that Gayle chases the very thing that scares him shitless, the very thing that destroyed his life.
Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle is no stranger to loss and heartbreak. Having lost her whole family and high school sweetheart to a tornado, Gayle is determined to help people. She is determined to do whatever it takes to make sure no one else loses their family and loved ones like Gayle did. Heartbreak is nothing new to her either. She is no stranger to being abandoned by people she has loved. Even though it took years, she has learned to live in the moment and enjoy life rather than get involved long-term.
In teaching Mac to let go of the past and look forward to the future, Gayle learns she hasn't let her past go completely either. Together they have to find a way to help each other find a bright future. There were times where I thought Mac was acting like a fool. He did let his fears stop him from moving on and the consequence was another heart-break for Mac. But he redeemed himself in the end. There were times when he handled himself pretty well in the face of Gayle's profession and times when he faced his fears head-on. Those were the times I loved and respected him the most.
Overall a wonderful book dealing with love, loss, facing your fears and moving on. I loved Abby Niles' writing, the way she portrayed her characters and sucked you into the story. I'll be reading more of her book for sure. A truly well-done and amazing work.
This book was an absolute delight to read. I love it, mainly because of Gayle. The story was great to and the characters realistic and lovable.
Mac "The Snake" Hannon is a broken man. After losing his wife and unborn child to a tornado, Mac has lost his zest for life. He is just going through the motions rather than living. He doesn't laugh, he doesn't smile, he is pretty much like a dead man walking. He left his hometown, Kansas after losing his wife, but now he is back to help his friend out. He never even in his dreams expects to crash into someone like Gayle Andrews.
Gayle is a a free-spirited woman. She is fun, vivacious, flirty, happy and just wonderful. It is hard not to love Gayle. She just worms her way into your heart. Her wittiness and live life king size manner manages to cut through Mac's steel shields. Her persistent nature and crazy challenges thrown Mac's way helps him make peace with his past and look forward to a future. All is fine until the moment Mac realizes that Gayle chases the very thing that scares him shitless, the very thing that destroyed his life.
Meteorologist and storm chaser, Gayle is no stranger to loss and heartbreak. Having lost her whole family and high school sweetheart to a tornado, Gayle is determined to help people. She is determined to do whatever it takes to make sure no one else loses their family and loved ones like Gayle did. Heartbreak is nothing new to her either. She is no stranger to being abandoned by people she has loved. Even though it took years, she has learned to live in the moment and enjoy life rather than get involved long-term.
In teaching Mac to let go of the past and look forward to the future, Gayle learns she hasn't let her past go completely either. Together they have to find a way to help each other find a bright future. There were times where I thought Mac was acting like a fool. He did let his fears stop him from moving on and the consequence was another heart-break for Mac. But he redeemed himself in the end. There were times when he handled himself pretty well in the face of Gayle's profession and times when he faced his fears head-on. Those were the times I loved and respected him the most.
Overall a wonderful book dealing with love, loss, facing your fears and moving on. I loved Abby Niles' writing, the way she portrayed her characters and sucked you into the story. I'll be reading more of her book for sure. A truly well-done and amazing work.
August 26, 2014
A KNOCKOUT!….I freakin’ LOVED this book!
Winning Love by Abby Niles is about Mac “The Snake” Hannon, a cage fighter who goes back home to Kansas to help his friend Lance train. Mac hates Kansas. He’s avoided going home for four years. He’s a real grump, and people walk on eggshells around him, but Gayle, Lance’s fun-loving neighbor, calls him on it. Which pisses him off. That he can’t stop thinking about her annoys him even more. He accepts her challenges and begrudgingly starts to have fun. Gayle doesn’t expect anything from Mac and knows when to back off—she slowly break down his walls.
Gayle is awesome. She’s up for a good time, but underneath her carefree exterior is a fear of loss. She has a heart of gold. When Mac realizes what Gayle does, that she’s a storm chaser, all his fears come back, and he pushes her away. Until..she issues another challenge: Come with me. And he does. He realizes how much good she does and how she wants to help prevent the destruction of lives caused by a storm. Now, he has to decide…can he live with her chasing his worst nightmare?
We are huge Abby Niles fans, and I feel like with this book she takes it up a notch. She has funny moments where I laughed out loud and tender moments that had me reaching for a tissue. These characters are written so beautifully and the story is so well done that I thought about them for days after. Mac’s pain for the loss of his wife is palpable. I felt it and how hard it was for him to move on. Niles nailed it. Nothing is trite or superficial, it’s just a beautiful love story between two people who have both experienced loss who know and accept each other completely. They have lust and passion, but most of all, they have friendship and caring. You know they’re in it for the long haul. At one point Mac said, “Gayle, you put the Man of Steel to shame. Let me be strong for you for a change.” I loved that quote. Mac sees how Gayle puts everyone first; he sees the real her, not just the show. He’s a stand-up guy and exactly the type of man Gayle deserves.
How was the sex? Well, Mac is basically sex on a stick. So, just imagining that man naked makes me hot. That he likes to cook is an added bonus; that he knows how to rock a girl’s world is just the whipped cream with a cherry on top.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m putting it in the top five books I’ve read for this year and Abby Niles has moved right up our favorites list. Love her!
Winning Love by Abby Niles is about Mac “The Snake” Hannon, a cage fighter who goes back home to Kansas to help his friend Lance train. Mac hates Kansas. He’s avoided going home for four years. He’s a real grump, and people walk on eggshells around him, but Gayle, Lance’s fun-loving neighbor, calls him on it. Which pisses him off. That he can’t stop thinking about her annoys him even more. He accepts her challenges and begrudgingly starts to have fun. Gayle doesn’t expect anything from Mac and knows when to back off—she slowly break down his walls.
Gayle is awesome. She’s up for a good time, but underneath her carefree exterior is a fear of loss. She has a heart of gold. When Mac realizes what Gayle does, that she’s a storm chaser, all his fears come back, and he pushes her away. Until..she issues another challenge: Come with me. And he does. He realizes how much good she does and how she wants to help prevent the destruction of lives caused by a storm. Now, he has to decide…can he live with her chasing his worst nightmare?
We are huge Abby Niles fans, and I feel like with this book she takes it up a notch. She has funny moments where I laughed out loud and tender moments that had me reaching for a tissue. These characters are written so beautifully and the story is so well done that I thought about them for days after. Mac’s pain for the loss of his wife is palpable. I felt it and how hard it was for him to move on. Niles nailed it. Nothing is trite or superficial, it’s just a beautiful love story between two people who have both experienced loss who know and accept each other completely. They have lust and passion, but most of all, they have friendship and caring. You know they’re in it for the long haul. At one point Mac said, “Gayle, you put the Man of Steel to shame. Let me be strong for you for a change.” I loved that quote. Mac sees how Gayle puts everyone first; he sees the real her, not just the show. He’s a stand-up guy and exactly the type of man Gayle deserves.
How was the sex? Well, Mac is basically sex on a stick. So, just imagining that man naked makes me hot. That he likes to cook is an added bonus; that he knows how to rock a girl’s world is just the whipped cream with a cherry on top.
I can’t recommend this book enough. I’m putting it in the top five books I’ve read for this year and Abby Niles has moved right up our favorites list. Love her!
August 26, 2014
WINNING LOVE is the third instalment in Abby Niles contemporary adult Love to the Extreme romance series focusing on the men of the MMA and the women that they love. This is professional MMA fighter Mac Hannon and meteorologist Gayle Andrews’s storyline. When Mac returns home to Kansas (following a four year absence) to help train his best friend Lance for his upcoming fight he was not prepared for the spitfire known as Gayle Andrews-Lance’s neighbor; sometime babysitter and all woman. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any problems.
The storyline follows Mac as he tries to come to terms with everything that has destroyed his life. Kansas brings with it too many painful memories of loss, heartbreak and fear. The one shining spot is his best friend’s neighbor –a woman who doesn’t take no for an answer-but a woman with secrets of her own. As Gayle endeavors to get Mac to open she will soon discover that what she does for a living is the very thing that could send Mac back into the spiral from hell.
The relationship between Mac and Gayle begins as friends. She is the yin to his yang; she pushes Mac to step outside of his comfort zone and in doing so discovers that she is falling for the man with a heartbreaking past. The sex scenes are hot, seductive and sensual. But both Mac and Gayle know that neither one is in it for the long haul: Mac is a man who is unable to let go of the past and Gayle is a woman who has knows what Mac is trying so desperately to hide.
The world building continues as the series focuses on the men of the MMA fighting ring. When Lance enters a local competition, Mac finds himself in need of a fight to let off some aggression. What he doesn’t realize is that this fight will set into motion a series of events that could very well end his career.
WINNING LOVE is a captivating and emotional storyline where two people share more in common then they could have ever imagined. Their backstories are filled with love and loss; pain and sorrow; letting go and moving on. But only one person has been able to let go while the other still clings to a personal guilt that eats away one day at a time.
Abby Niles’s LOVE TO THE EXTREME series will captivate and compel. The romances are intimate and intense; the friendships are real; and the storylines are provocative and arousing.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
www.thereadingcafe.com
The storyline follows Mac as he tries to come to terms with everything that has destroyed his life. Kansas brings with it too many painful memories of loss, heartbreak and fear. The one shining spot is his best friend’s neighbor –a woman who doesn’t take no for an answer-but a woman with secrets of her own. As Gayle endeavors to get Mac to open she will soon discover that what she does for a living is the very thing that could send Mac back into the spiral from hell.
The relationship between Mac and Gayle begins as friends. She is the yin to his yang; she pushes Mac to step outside of his comfort zone and in doing so discovers that she is falling for the man with a heartbreaking past. The sex scenes are hot, seductive and sensual. But both Mac and Gayle know that neither one is in it for the long haul: Mac is a man who is unable to let go of the past and Gayle is a woman who has knows what Mac is trying so desperately to hide.
The world building continues as the series focuses on the men of the MMA fighting ring. When Lance enters a local competition, Mac finds himself in need of a fight to let off some aggression. What he doesn’t realize is that this fight will set into motion a series of events that could very well end his career.
WINNING LOVE is a captivating and emotional storyline where two people share more in common then they could have ever imagined. Their backstories are filled with love and loss; pain and sorrow; letting go and moving on. But only one person has been able to let go while the other still clings to a personal guilt that eats away one day at a time.
Abby Niles’s LOVE TO THE EXTREME series will captivate and compel. The romances are intimate and intense; the friendships are real; and the storylines are provocative and arousing.
Copy supplied by the publisher.
www.thereadingcafe.com
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