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Fight For You
A mafia prince who doesn't want the crown.
A girl who has secrets of her own.
One love that they'll both have to fight for.
Nicky Ragusa lives his life inside the cage, circuiting the underground ring to escape his fate as the mafia prince. When Jackie Marks crashes into his life, he’ll take the fight outside the cage.
But the battle for Jackie’s heart comes with a steep price. Nicky’s father has wanted him to take over the family business for years, and the time for running is over. Now Nicky is right where his father has always wanted him: in the middle of a war.
All Nicky has ever wanted to do was fight. Now all he has to do is fight for her.
A girl who has secrets of her own.
One love that they'll both have to fight for.
Nicky Ragusa lives his life inside the cage, circuiting the underground ring to escape his fate as the mafia prince. When Jackie Marks crashes into his life, he’ll take the fight outside the cage.
But the battle for Jackie’s heart comes with a steep price. Nicky’s father has wanted him to take over the family business for years, and the time for running is over. Now Nicky is right where his father has always wanted him: in the middle of a war.
All Nicky has ever wanted to do was fight. Now all he has to do is fight for her.
243 pages, ebook
First published April 6, 2014
13 people are currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Magan Vernon
85 books944 followersMagan Vernon has been living off of reader tears since she wrote her first short story in 2004. She now spends her time killing off fictional characters, pretending to plot while she really just watches Netflix, and she tries to do this all while her two young children run amok around her Texas ranch.
You can stalk or...er...find her online at all of these fun and happy places.
Amazon Author Link: http://amzn.to/1Mi23I9
Website Link: www.maganvernon.com
Facebook Page Link: www.facebook.com/authormaganvernon
Twitter: www.twitter.com/maganvernon
Instagram User Name: @maganvee
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FELL THE VERN (reader group): http://on.fb.me/1lVsZEo
You can stalk or...er...find her online at all of these fun and happy places.
Amazon Author Link: http://amzn.to/1Mi23I9
Website Link: www.maganvernon.com
Facebook Page Link: www.facebook.com/authormaganvernon
Twitter: www.twitter.com/maganvernon
Instagram User Name: @maganvee
Newsletter sign up: http://eepurl.com/qIJA5
FELL THE VERN (reader group): http://on.fb.me/1lVsZEo
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April 11, 2014DNF at 23%
I'll be honest; I hate DNF'ing a book. My newly found OCD will usually eat me up inside questioning if I gave it a fair chance and maybe it gets better later on. In the case here I just had to cut my losses. Was it a case of it's me and not the book? Maybe. Maybe not. All I know was there was zero connection to anything in this book for me. Since I didn't even get to the halfway point, I'll refrain from rating.
Minor Spoilers below
This had the worst case of insta-lust I've read in a while, and insta-anything just so happens to be my kryptonite.
We're introduced to the hero, Nicky, and it started promising. Then Nicky lays his eyes on the heroine that just punched her douchebag boyfriend in an alley for fucking another girl. She dumps him and gets on her bike to leave. Nicky is so enthralled with her, he proceeds to follow her motorcycle on his car, silently, in the shadows-like...you know...to make sure she's ok
But then she breaks in the middle of the road, and Nicky accidentally rear-ends her motorcycle, sending her flying. Whoopsy?
So he leaves her in the hospital when he hears she's going to make it, but makes sure to send her a new motorcycle to replace the one he totaled.
After Jackie gets out, she proceeds to find Nicky at his work and punch him for hitting her with his car...oh and to tell him she won't accept his gift. Not even 2 seconds later they're having sex in his office.
I tried to keep reading in the hopes it will get better and I'll find some sort of connection, but I just had to cut my losses at 23%.
I couldn't connect to the story. I couldn't connect with the characters. I couldn't see the connection BETWEEN the characters. I just couldn't find it in me to care.
Sometimes you just know when a book is not for you, and this was just that.
Thank you to the author for an ARC, and I'm sorry this book didn't work out for me. Hopefully others will enjoy it more than I did.
**ARC given to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
I'll be honest; I hate DNF'ing a book. My newly found OCD will usually eat me up inside questioning if I gave it a fair chance and maybe it gets better later on. In the case here I just had to cut my losses. Was it a case of it's me and not the book? Maybe. Maybe not. All I know was there was zero connection to anything in this book for me. Since I didn't even get to the halfway point, I'll refrain from rating.
Minor Spoilers below
This had the worst case of insta-lust I've read in a while, and insta-anything just so happens to be my kryptonite.
We're introduced to the hero, Nicky, and it started promising. Then Nicky lays his eyes on the heroine that just punched her douchebag boyfriend in an alley for fucking another girl. She dumps him and gets on her bike to leave. Nicky is so enthralled with her, he proceeds to follow her motorcycle on his car, silently, in the shadows-like...you know...to make sure she's ok
But then she breaks in the middle of the road, and Nicky accidentally rear-ends her motorcycle, sending her flying. Whoopsy?
So he leaves her in the hospital when he hears she's going to make it, but makes sure to send her a new motorcycle to replace the one he totaled.
After Jackie gets out, she proceeds to find Nicky at his work and punch him for hitting her with his car...oh and to tell him she won't accept his gift. Not even 2 seconds later they're having sex in his office.
I tried to keep reading in the hopes it will get better and I'll find some sort of connection, but I just had to cut my losses at 23%.
I couldn't connect to the story. I couldn't connect with the characters. I couldn't see the connection BETWEEN the characters. I just couldn't find it in me to care.
Sometimes you just know when a book is not for you, and this was just that.
Thank you to the author for an ARC, and I'm sorry this book didn't work out for me. Hopefully others will enjoy it more than I did.
**ARC given to Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
September 5, 2015
Complimentary copy received via net galley in exchange for an honest review!
*********
DNF at 15%
Oh, this started out so well! I loved the opening line!
Then I realised it was just an unfulfilled promise and in actual fact hinted at the whiny nature of the "hero"!
For a supposed undefeated fighter, he is a whiny man child.
I half expected a scene where he was sat in his bedroom that has black walls, sobbing as he listened to Paramore or something!
Not to mention the fact, he knocks the heroine off her motorbike, lifts and moves her and puts her into the car, takes her to the hospital and then thinks to himself he wont lift and move her as he does not know what her injuries are! Okkkaaaayyy
Then, there is an awful lot of internal musings about how he is a monster Just like his dad *sob sob* how he has to make it right, he is awful, he needs to make it right, he is terrible, he needs to make it right and can't let her down etc, she has no family, while he has a huge family, but his huge family makes him sad and causes him pain, she has no money, but he has loads of money, but all his money makes him sad and causes him pain etc.
Then the guy is terrified of his father and his knees shake etc!
I guess I just like the men I read about to be .......well, men!
Not sure how old he was meant to be, but I am guessing 14! Despite the fact he was meant to be some undefeated boxer who regularly terrified ppl in the ring, just could not see it myself!
There was something almost too simplistic and wooden about the writing. There was no subtlety, no depth to it.
My first read by this author, and sadly, it did not inspire me to read anything more of hers!
*********
DNF at 15%
Oh, this started out so well! I loved the opening line!
Then I realised it was just an unfulfilled promise and in actual fact hinted at the whiny nature of the "hero"!
For a supposed undefeated fighter, he is a whiny man child.
I half expected a scene where he was sat in his bedroom that has black walls, sobbing as he listened to Paramore or something!
Not to mention the fact, he knocks the heroine off her motorbike, lifts and moves her and puts her into the car, takes her to the hospital and then thinks to himself he wont lift and move her as he does not know what her injuries are! Okkkaaaayyy
Then, there is an awful lot of internal musings about how he is a monster Just like his dad *sob sob* how he has to make it right, he is awful, he needs to make it right, he is terrible, he needs to make it right and can't let her down etc, she has no family, while he has a huge family, but his huge family makes him sad and causes him pain, she has no money, but he has loads of money, but all his money makes him sad and causes him pain etc.
Then the guy is terrified of his father and his knees shake etc!
I guess I just like the men I read about to be .......well, men!
Not sure how old he was meant to be, but I am guessing 14! Despite the fact he was meant to be some undefeated boxer who regularly terrified ppl in the ring, just could not see it myself!
There was something almost too simplistic and wooden about the writing. There was no subtlety, no depth to it.
My first read by this author, and sadly, it did not inspire me to read anything more of hers!
January 9, 2019
Every now and again, I have this goal to start clearing some of the older books on my devices and I start flicking back to something - anything that will catch my eye. Fight for You by Magan Vernon had been one that lately I kept wondering, I should get around to reading it and I finally did. It was actually a pretty good book as a few years back I went off Mafia/ Fighting type stories as they all started to feel like the same story over and over again. I think that I enjoyed this one more as I had taken that longer break. I also am a fan of Magan Vernon's books, so that probably helped a lot too in regards to my enjoyment of Fight For You. In Fight for You, we meet Nick Ragusa who is a boxer in the world of underground fighting but to the rest of the world, he is the son of the Mafia Mob Boss and next in line for the family business. Yet, of course, he doesn't want it but will be thrust into it sooner than he expected when retaliation strikes on his family and their name by a rival gang all because of a girl. Nick had to fall for Jackie who once belonged to Emilio who is part of the rival gang and she isn't like any of the girls he has had before, she is special and he is willing to risk his whole life for her. Will she understand what she is getting herself into with Nick Ragusa and accept the consequences of loving him? Fight for You has a few heart-stopping moments and is a good read if you are a fan of Mobster romances, Fighter stories, are wanting to get a taste of that trope or like me moving back into it after a break.
August 6, 2016
DNF.
I'm sorry but I HATE insta romances and plots that have no point or direction and are completely unbelievable.
I just couldn't connect with any of the characters and the male protagonist's burden of being the El Principe, or Mafia prince. It just was unrealstic and quite frankly just did not do it for me whatsoever.
And as for the girl, she was just there existing. No presence or personality whatsoever. Sorry but I just had to quit. Please don't hate me!! ; (
*An ARC was provided to be via the blog for for an honest review.*
I'm sorry but I HATE insta romances and plots that have no point or direction and are completely unbelievable.
I just couldn't connect with any of the characters and the male protagonist's burden of being the El Principe, or Mafia prince. It just was unrealstic and quite frankly just did not do it for me whatsoever.
And as for the girl, she was just there existing. No presence or personality whatsoever. Sorry but I just had to quit. Please don't hate me!! ; (
*An ARC was provided to be via the blog for for an honest review.*
April 12, 2014
21/2 - 3 Stars.
“I’ll never stop fighting for you.”
Gitte: Well Jenny, Fight For You certainly started full on didn’t it?! So much happened in the first few pages I was immediately intrigued, though I have to admit to being slightly put off by the insta love we had going on with Nick and Jackie. I always find it hard to fully believe in and connect with a romance where we haven’t learnt or spent time with the characters apart in order to feel the intensity of their attraction before they embark upon a romance. So, for me this had quite an impact on my overall feeling of Fight For you, sadly.
“This is what matters to me. That thing that’s beating inside of you. You have so much heart, so much life.”
Now, I loved the raw and gritty fighter and mafia element in this story and thought Nick was a really strong and intriguing character. He was a fierce fighter and a mafia man yet had a gentle heart and a strong sense of right and wrong, though he was either reluctant or unable to act upon this. Reason being, Nick is knee deep into the doing’s and traditions of his famiglia so has a position and a belief to live up to. Nick wants to do the right thing but faces obstacles from the family and a rival gang.
“Everyone makes you out to be this powerful and elusive man, but I’ve seen the compassionate soul…”
As for Jackie, she had quite a strong personality too by not taking any nonsense from anyone or anything; though she did display a vulnerability. I didn’t feel as if we got to know Jackie really; her character wasn’t fleshed out to forge that important connection with the reader, in my opinion. This was exacerbated by having Nick’s POV throughout, until the epilogue, when sadly it was too late for me. In that same breath though, I have to say I loved having Nick’s POV and I think this is why I became absorbed in the story. For me, Nick made this journey what it was and he’s the reason for why I enjoyed it. I loved his reasons for cage fighting and his stance in the family line of business.
“Usually I just feel numb. Like nothing can get to me….”
Thinking about it, I actually enjoyed the mafia and cage fighting elements more than the romance. How did you feel, Jenny?
Jenny: I felt the same as you Gitte, in that I did enjoy the mafia, famiglia and cage fighting aspects of Fight For You and oh goodness, didn’t I just love Nicky, he was divine! Nicky is what kept me reading until the end. Here was a guy who showed so much vulnerability, so much heart, a man bound by birth to a life he doesn’t necessarily want but has no choice but to accept and I felt his internal struggle as he was torn between desire and duty.
“You’re your father’s son, Nicky.”
‘I stared at him. He didn’t mean the words as an insult but they hit me harder than a punch ever could. My father was never who I wanted to be.’
He was feared and revered and could show ruthlessness at the flick of a switch when the situation arose and his intense and passionate feelings for Jackie were without question.
However, like you, I felt as if I wasn’t afforded the chance to really get to know them, especially Jackie, before they plunged head long into a heart pouring love affair. It was too insta love and didn’t allow me the chance to saviour the build up before they were professing their love for one another. More story and character development was needed to draw me into their relationship and have me feeling their connection, because I didn’t feel it and yes, the romance took a back seat to other aspects of the story.
“For being the guy with a certain reputation, you’re sure failing at this tough guy thing, you know that.” – Jackie
There was one particular scene in the story which irked me and this isn’t a spoiler so I’ll mention it. Nicky came across Jackie during an exchange with her ex-boyfriend who is a member of a Gang, where it was obvious he had been repeatedly cheating on her for a long time. Nicky and Jackie proceed to have sex without a condom where she assures him she’s on the pill. The lack of a condom between them at that point didn’t sit right with me considering Jackie’s ex’s past and current exploits and this didn’t sit right with me.
I did enjoy the exchanges between the family when they were all together, you could just picture the Italian Aunties fawning over Nicky and pinching his cheeks. These parts of the story allowed me to see more of the person Nicky was and I relished those moments. So whilst I enjoyed aspects of this story, the lack of story development and the insta love left me feeling a little flat.
J&G: So despite a few issues, we did enjoy Fight For You; if only there’d been more depth to the characters as well as story development before the romance started, it would have been more than just okay. The slightly unusual direction of this story, Nick’s POV as well as the mafia element was ensured we stayed until the end. This story could have been fantastic but something was missing for us sadly. It was a good read but it didn’t wow us.
**Pre-edited ARC received for an honest review**
Check out more reviews and news at http://totallybookedblog.com/
Drop by and say hi on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Totall...
“I’ll never stop fighting for you.”
Gitte: Well Jenny, Fight For You certainly started full on didn’t it?! So much happened in the first few pages I was immediately intrigued, though I have to admit to being slightly put off by the insta love we had going on with Nick and Jackie. I always find it hard to fully believe in and connect with a romance where we haven’t learnt or spent time with the characters apart in order to feel the intensity of their attraction before they embark upon a romance. So, for me this had quite an impact on my overall feeling of Fight For you, sadly.
“This is what matters to me. That thing that’s beating inside of you. You have so much heart, so much life.”
Now, I loved the raw and gritty fighter and mafia element in this story and thought Nick was a really strong and intriguing character. He was a fierce fighter and a mafia man yet had a gentle heart and a strong sense of right and wrong, though he was either reluctant or unable to act upon this. Reason being, Nick is knee deep into the doing’s and traditions of his famiglia so has a position and a belief to live up to. Nick wants to do the right thing but faces obstacles from the family and a rival gang.
“Everyone makes you out to be this powerful and elusive man, but I’ve seen the compassionate soul…”
As for Jackie, she had quite a strong personality too by not taking any nonsense from anyone or anything; though she did display a vulnerability. I didn’t feel as if we got to know Jackie really; her character wasn’t fleshed out to forge that important connection with the reader, in my opinion. This was exacerbated by having Nick’s POV throughout, until the epilogue, when sadly it was too late for me. In that same breath though, I have to say I loved having Nick’s POV and I think this is why I became absorbed in the story. For me, Nick made this journey what it was and he’s the reason for why I enjoyed it. I loved his reasons for cage fighting and his stance in the family line of business.
“Usually I just feel numb. Like nothing can get to me….”
Thinking about it, I actually enjoyed the mafia and cage fighting elements more than the romance. How did you feel, Jenny?
Jenny: I felt the same as you Gitte, in that I did enjoy the mafia, famiglia and cage fighting aspects of Fight For You and oh goodness, didn’t I just love Nicky, he was divine! Nicky is what kept me reading until the end. Here was a guy who showed so much vulnerability, so much heart, a man bound by birth to a life he doesn’t necessarily want but has no choice but to accept and I felt his internal struggle as he was torn between desire and duty.
“You’re your father’s son, Nicky.”
‘I stared at him. He didn’t mean the words as an insult but they hit me harder than a punch ever could. My father was never who I wanted to be.’
He was feared and revered and could show ruthlessness at the flick of a switch when the situation arose and his intense and passionate feelings for Jackie were without question.
However, like you, I felt as if I wasn’t afforded the chance to really get to know them, especially Jackie, before they plunged head long into a heart pouring love affair. It was too insta love and didn’t allow me the chance to saviour the build up before they were professing their love for one another. More story and character development was needed to draw me into their relationship and have me feeling their connection, because I didn’t feel it and yes, the romance took a back seat to other aspects of the story.
“For being the guy with a certain reputation, you’re sure failing at this tough guy thing, you know that.” – Jackie
There was one particular scene in the story which irked me and this isn’t a spoiler so I’ll mention it. Nicky came across Jackie during an exchange with her ex-boyfriend who is a member of a Gang, where it was obvious he had been repeatedly cheating on her for a long time. Nicky and Jackie proceed to have sex without a condom where she assures him she’s on the pill. The lack of a condom between them at that point didn’t sit right with me considering Jackie’s ex’s past and current exploits and this didn’t sit right with me.
I did enjoy the exchanges between the family when they were all together, you could just picture the Italian Aunties fawning over Nicky and pinching his cheeks. These parts of the story allowed me to see more of the person Nicky was and I relished those moments. So whilst I enjoyed aspects of this story, the lack of story development and the insta love left me feeling a little flat.
J&G: So despite a few issues, we did enjoy Fight For You; if only there’d been more depth to the characters as well as story development before the romance started, it would have been more than just okay. The slightly unusual direction of this story, Nick’s POV as well as the mafia element was ensured we stayed until the end. This story could have been fantastic but something was missing for us sadly. It was a good read but it didn’t wow us.
**Pre-edited ARC received for an honest review**
Check out more reviews and news at http://totallybookedblog.com/
Drop by and say hi on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Totall...
May 3, 2014
Received a copy of this book from Netgalley for a fair review.
There are so many issues with the plot lines in this story!!!! I've expressed my feelings below as I read the book.
At 19%
I'm a little baffled by this book so far. The story goes from A to D but not telling us B and C. There is no build up in the story. It's as basic as boy meets girl, girl hates boy, girl now wants boy and boy also wants girl. Ummm... Who is the girl??? They don't even know each other!!!!
At 25%
I've noticed the author spends a lot of time giving us descriptives of objects that don't add to the storyline.. A Bentley, 90 inch TV, the unused top shelve bar, Prada shoes. .. Mentioning things is a great way to give us an impression about the character. Yet the message falls flat. I see these descriptions as simple nik naks. Pretty decorations but little to no meaning.
At 31%
How worried is he about Emilio if she didn't try to find where they disappeared too???? She could be in big trouble
At 48%...
Well I was starting to think this really wasn't a romance novel but a story more about Nicky's struggles. Well, I think I'm wrong. So my earlier comments still stand :(
End... Nick is the worst mafia prince ever!!! Oh let's blow up a building to get an ultimate revenge??? To end the feud, let's have a fight??? How unrealistic. And the very end??? Not good and there are unfinished storylines and this book doesn't need a followup book!!
The only good parts of this book was when the family got together.
Random thoughts... Girl is nasty and skanky... Has sex with Nicky w/o condom, had been with Emilio and I'm sure they didn't use them either and he'd been cheating on her.. Again, how often did he use protection??? Normally no condoms doesn't bother me because we don't know their sexual background. In this case we do and I see her as just nasty.
There are so many issues with the plot lines in this story!!!! I've expressed my feelings below as I read the book.
At 19%
I'm a little baffled by this book so far. The story goes from A to D but not telling us B and C. There is no build up in the story. It's as basic as boy meets girl, girl hates boy, girl now wants boy and boy also wants girl. Ummm... Who is the girl??? They don't even know each other!!!!
At 25%
I've noticed the author spends a lot of time giving us descriptives of objects that don't add to the storyline.. A Bentley, 90 inch TV, the unused top shelve bar, Prada shoes. .. Mentioning things is a great way to give us an impression about the character. Yet the message falls flat. I see these descriptions as simple nik naks. Pretty decorations but little to no meaning.
At 31%
How worried is he about Emilio if she didn't try to find where they disappeared too???? She could be in big trouble
At 48%...
Well I was starting to think this really wasn't a romance novel but a story more about Nicky's struggles. Well, I think I'm wrong. So my earlier comments still stand :(
End... Nick is the worst mafia prince ever!!! Oh let's blow up a building to get an ultimate revenge??? To end the feud, let's have a fight??? How unrealistic. And the very end??? Not good and there are unfinished storylines and this book doesn't need a followup book!!
The only good parts of this book was when the family got together.
Random thoughts... Girl is nasty and skanky... Has sex with Nicky w/o condom, had been with Emilio and I'm sure they didn't use them either and he'd been cheating on her.. Again, how often did he use protection??? Normally no condoms doesn't bother me because we don't know their sexual background. In this case we do and I see her as just nasty.
April 16, 2014
3.5 * STARS!
When I first saw blurb,I was fangirling.
Book has promising plot ,and fighter...damn!
I just know I had to read it fast.
And now...agh...I don't know how to rate this one!
I'm angry cuz book ruin excellent blurb and what I have in mind.
See,I love fighters and when they are mobsters too,I'm in 7th heaven!
I just love love love them!
Some of my babes have soft spot on bikers or fancy CEO's...
but mine is on fighters,and I was really looking forward to this book!
But...yes,there is but...this book was little disapointing.
I dont fall for some insta love,and this one has insta love writen all over it.
In fact,our heroine don't even spoke two lines to the hero ,and already was humping him!? Really!?
So,we have here one mafia prince and cage fighter,Nicky Ragusa.
He's lean,sexy,rich and poverful,and the main part,he don't want any of that mafia shit in his life.
One night he sees Jackie,biker chick,arguing with her ex,and fell for her that moment,and decide to follow her.
Her ex is some gangbanger,and his gang started war with Nicky's famiglia...yeah,so here hell breaks loose...
I was missing fighting scenes which I love in generaly,and all story development before they started dating...
This was nice read,but not for straight 4*
When I first saw blurb,I was fangirling.
Book has promising plot ,and fighter...damn!
I just know I had to read it fast.
And now...agh...I don't know how to rate this one!
I'm angry cuz book ruin excellent blurb and what I have in mind.
See,I love fighters and when they are mobsters too,I'm in 7th heaven!
I just love love love them!
Some of my babes have soft spot on bikers or fancy CEO's...
but mine is on fighters,and I was really looking forward to this book!
But...yes,there is but...this book was little disapointing.
I dont fall for some insta love,and this one has insta love writen all over it.
In fact,our heroine don't even spoke two lines to the hero ,and already was humping him!? Really!?
So,we have here one mafia prince and cage fighter,Nicky Ragusa.
He's lean,sexy,rich and poverful,and the main part,he don't want any of that mafia shit in his life.
One night he sees Jackie,biker chick,arguing with her ex,and fell for her that moment,and decide to follow her.
Her ex is some gangbanger,and his gang started war with Nicky's famiglia...yeah,so here hell breaks loose...
I was missing fighting scenes which I love in generaly,and all story development before they started dating...
This was nice read,but not for straight 4*
April 7, 2014
The moment fighter and mafia prince, Nicky Ragusa saw Jackie Marks he was infatuated. Jackie was her own brand of fighter and witnessing her with a mixture of fear and hurt, Nicky knew he wanted to protect her. If it had been anyone else, it would have been easy but with Nicky's father wanting Nicky to take over the reins and Jackie's ex causing trouble along the way. The only ray of light in Nicky's life becomes Jackie and if he is not careful it will all be taken away.
Gritty, spell bounding and unpredictable. There is a darkness to this story that pulls you in. You have Jackie who is "white trash" and Nicky who has had everything handed to him. Nicky doesn't see Jackie as anything other than perfect, to him she is his everything. I loved that you were not sure where this story would go, great book.
Gritty, spell bounding and unpredictable. There is a darkness to this story that pulls you in. You have Jackie who is "white trash" and Nicky who has had everything handed to him. Nicky doesn't see Jackie as anything other than perfect, to him she is his everything. I loved that you were not sure where this story would go, great book.
February 25, 2014
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Note: This book does contain sex, violence and over all ugly crying. This isn't your typical boy meets girl NA romance.
August 5, 2016
G&J: 2.5 Stars
“I’ll never stop fighting for you.”
Gitte: Well Jenny, Fight For You certainly started full on didn’t it?! So much happened in the first few pages I was immediately intrigued, though I have to admit to being slightly put off by the insta love we had going on with Nick and Jackie. I always find it hard to fully believe in and connect with a romance where we haven’t learnt or spent time with the characters apart in order to feel the intensity of their attraction before they embark upon a romance. So, for me this had quite an impact on my overall feeling of Fight For you, sadly.
“This is what matters to me. That thing that’s beating inside of you. You have so much heart, so much life.”
Now, I loved the raw and gritty fighter and mafia element in this story and thought Nick was a really strong and intriguing character. He was a fierce fighter and a mafia man yet had a gentle heart and a strong sense of right and wrong, though he was either reluctant or unable to act upon this. Reason being, Nick is knee deep into the doing’s and traditions of his famiglia so has a position and a belief to live up to. Nick wants to do the right thing but faces obstacles from the family and a rival gang.
“Everyone makes you out to be this powerful and elusive man, but I’ve seen the compassionate soul…”
As for Jackie, she had quite a strong personality too by not taking any nonsense from anyone or anything; though she did display a vulnerability. I didn’t feel as if we got to know Jackie really; her character wasn’t fleshed out to forge that important connection with the reader, in my opinion. This was exacerbated by having Nick’s POV throughout, until the epilogue, when sadly it was too late for me. In that same breath though, I have to say I loved having Nick’s POV and I think this is why I became absorbed in the story. For me, Nick made this journey what it was and he’s the reason for why I enjoyed it. I loved his reasons for cage fighting and his stance in the family line of business.
“Usually I just feel numb. Like nothing can get to me….”
Thinking about it, I actually enjoyed the mafia and cage fighting elements more than the romance. How did you feel, Jenny?
Jenny: I felt the same as you Gitte, in that I did enjoy the mafia, famiglia and cage fighting aspects of Fight For You and oh goodness, didn’t I just love Nicky, he was divine! Nicky is what held me until the end in Fight For You. Here was a guy who showed so much vulnerability, so much heart, a man bound by birth to a life he doesn’t necessarily want but has no choice but to accept and I felt his internal struggle as he was torn between desire and duty.
“You’re your father’s son, Nicky.”
‘I stared at him. He didn’t mean the words as an insult but they hit me harder than a punch ever could. My father was never who I wanted to be.’
He was feared and revered and could show ruthlessness at the flick of a switch when the situation arose and his intense and passionate feelings for Jackie were without question.
However, like you, I felt as if I wasn’t afforded the chance to really get to know them, especially Jackie, before they plunged head long into a heart pouring love affair. It was too insta love and didn’t allow me the chance to saviour the build up before they were professing their love for one another. More story and character development was needed to draw me into their relationship and have me feeling their connection, because I didn’t feel it and yes, the romance took a back seat to other aspects of the story.
“For being the guy with a certain reputation, you’re sure failing at this tough guy thing, you know that.” – Jackie
There was one particular scene in the story which irked me and this isn’t a spoiler so I’ll mention it. Nicky came across Jackie during an exchange with her ex-boyfriend who is a member of a Gang, where it was obvious he had been repeatedly cheating on her for a long time. Nicky and Jackie proceed to have sex without a condom where she assures him she’s on the pill. The lack of a condom between them at that point didn’t sit right with me considering Jackie’s ex’s past and current exploits and this didn’t sit right with me.
I did enjoy the exchanges between the family when they were all together, you could just picture the Italian Aunties fawning over Nicky and pinching his cheeks. These parts of the story allowed me to see more of the person Nicky was and I relished those moments. So whilst I enjoyed aspects of this story, the lack of story development and the insta love left me feeling a little flat.
J&G: So despite a few issues, we did enjoy Fight For You; if only there’d been more depth to the characters as well as story development before the romance started, it would have been more than just okay. The slightly unusual direction of this story, Nick’s POV as well as the mafia element was ensured we stayed until the end. This story could have been fantastic but something was missing for us sadly. It was a good read but it didn’t wow us.
*Pre-edited ARC received for an honest review**
July 29, 2016
Review: Jo Book Gifted for Honest Review
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"Fight For You" is the first Megan Vernon book I've read and I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed Nicky and Jackie's story. Not only did I get romance but I got action and drama with the mafia element incorporated into the story line.... a winning combination if ever there was one.
So what was it about? Nicky was the son of a mafia don. He was born into a life of gangs and fighting but it was a life he wanted no part of. The only fighting Nicky did was in the cage and he was determined to keep it that way. That is until his path crossed with Jackie. From their first encounter, there was an attraction and Nicky knew he wanted this woman in his life:
The couple quickly fell in love but it was their love that opened up a can of worms, forcing Nicky to follow his fathers wishes and join the family as the mafia prince!!!
The more I read of this story, the more I found myself falling for Nicky. He really wasn't the bad boy I was expecting. Instead I found a man who would fight for his woman, a man who would protect her at all costs. A man who would stop at nothing to keep her safe... just the kind of man I like!!! He was like her own personal knight in shining armor.
Jackie's character left me conflicted. Initially I really liked her but when certain situations led her to question the choices she had made, my opinion of her definitely changed.
The life Jackie had come from hadn't been an easy one and I assumed that when she got together with Nicky, she knew exactly what she was getting herself into. Obviously not judging from some of her reactions to said situations and this just infuriated me. There were moments my heart truly went out to Nicky because of the way she was behaving. This was a man who would do anything and everything for her... was she really refusing to stand by him? For the love of god, I just didn't get her.
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"Fight For You" is the first Megan Vernon book I've read and I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed Nicky and Jackie's story. Not only did I get romance but I got action and drama with the mafia element incorporated into the story line.... a winning combination if ever there was one.
So what was it about? Nicky was the son of a mafia don. He was born into a life of gangs and fighting but it was a life he wanted no part of. The only fighting Nicky did was in the cage and he was determined to keep it that way. That is until his path crossed with Jackie. From their first encounter, there was an attraction and Nicky knew he wanted this woman in his life:
"I want to know about the girl behind those gorgeous green eyes. I want more of you. All of you."
The couple quickly fell in love but it was their love that opened up a can of worms, forcing Nicky to follow his fathers wishes and join the family as the mafia prince!!!
"I wasn't the guy that chased girls, but for her, I'd fight until the end."
The more I read of this story, the more I found myself falling for Nicky. He really wasn't the bad boy I was expecting. Instead I found a man who would fight for his woman, a man who would protect her at all costs. A man who would stop at nothing to keep her safe... just the kind of man I like!!! He was like her own personal knight in shining armor.
All I wanted to do was protect her. Jackie was the first person who really ever bought out the fighter in me. This girl was it for me.
Jackie's character left me conflicted. Initially I really liked her but when certain situations led her to question the choices she had made, my opinion of her definitely changed.
"I don't need you to protect me! I need to be protected from you! You say you don't want to be like your Father, but you're exactly the same."
The life Jackie had come from hadn't been an easy one and I assumed that when she got together with Nicky, she knew exactly what she was getting herself into. Obviously not judging from some of her reactions to said situations and this just infuriated me. There were moments my heart truly went out to Nicky because of the way she was behaving. This was a man who would do anything and everything for her... was she really refusing to stand by him? For the love of god, I just didn't get her.
"You mean everything to me. I've never cared about someone so much until the day you crashed into my life. And if you walked away now and never wanted to see me again, I'd completely understand. But know this; I'll never stop fighting for you."I whole heartedly got caught up in the story in "Fight for You" and there were moments I I felt like I'd been transported to the middle of a West Side Story production. I just hoped the ending wasn't as tragic. At times though, it did seem to be heading that way and I found my heart was in my mouth, and my blood pressure going through the roof. Yup, be prepared for some edge of seat reading ladies because this one will really give you a run for your money. I give "Fight For You" 4 hearts.
April 9, 2014
REVIEW:
The story:
Fight For You is not your average NA romance. We have a Mafia prince, cage fighting, drugs, and gang wars with shootings and murder. Nicky Ragusa is the son of the Mafia boss and is expected to take over the family business. He has family money, an expensive car and a lavish apartment. The problem is Nicky has no interest in it all and would rather continue his career in cage fighting. But after Nicky hits Jackie with his car and takes her to hospital his life things gets even more complicated. And soon his not only fighting in the cage, but fighting for his family and for the love of Jackie. The question is, how far will Nicky go to protect the ones he loves?
The characters:
Nicky, son of a Mafia boss, is a total bad boy. Now I'm not talking about a guy with a few tatts that's man whored it around a bit, but is essentially a big softy. That's not Nicky. He has done some very bad things in the past and even more throughout the story. He's a complicated character, often having to make to decision between doing the right thing or the doing the right thing for his family - two very different things. Let's not forget he is in the Mafia after all.
Jackie, the ex girlfriend of a rival gang boss, is a pretty tough chick on the outside. She doesn't take anybody's crap and doesn't like to rely on anybody, especially not a man. But Nicky brings out a vulnerable side to her - one of which I wanted to see more of.
The romance:
I felt the romance was a little quick to develop. While it certainly wasn't insta-love, I would have liked to of seen them spend more time together and develop their feelings more. But once the romance got going you could really start to feel the connection between them. I like that Jackie doesn't let him call all the shots, they where equals in the relationship, and that's always important for me!
The Writing:
I commend Magan for taking somewhat of a risk with this book. It doesn't follow the usual conventions of the NA romance genre and she pushes the limits with Nicky's character. Being written from Nicky's POV worked beautifully, as it gave a real insight into his thoughts and reasons behind his actions. I also loved the Mafia 'voice' she used. Whenever Nicky's father talked I swear I could hear Marlon Brando speaking it in my head!
FINAL WORD:
This is not your regular fluffy romance. Fight For You is dark and gritty and challenges the reader with unconventional characters and a gutsy storyline. Read at your own risk Capeesh?
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / sex scenes
Violence: medium / gang violence, shootings and murder (not overly descriptive)
Language: strong / frequent f words
Drugs & alcohol: medium / several references to drug dealing and use
More reviews at The Reading Realm
The story:
Fight For You is not your average NA romance. We have a Mafia prince, cage fighting, drugs, and gang wars with shootings and murder. Nicky Ragusa is the son of the Mafia boss and is expected to take over the family business. He has family money, an expensive car and a lavish apartment. The problem is Nicky has no interest in it all and would rather continue his career in cage fighting. But after Nicky hits Jackie with his car and takes her to hospital his life things gets even more complicated. And soon his not only fighting in the cage, but fighting for his family and for the love of Jackie. The question is, how far will Nicky go to protect the ones he loves?
The characters:
Nicky, son of a Mafia boss, is a total bad boy. Now I'm not talking about a guy with a few tatts that's man whored it around a bit, but is essentially a big softy. That's not Nicky. He has done some very bad things in the past and even more throughout the story. He's a complicated character, often having to make to decision between doing the right thing or the doing the right thing for his family - two very different things. Let's not forget he is in the Mafia after all.
Jackie, the ex girlfriend of a rival gang boss, is a pretty tough chick on the outside. She doesn't take anybody's crap and doesn't like to rely on anybody, especially not a man. But Nicky brings out a vulnerable side to her - one of which I wanted to see more of.
The romance:
I felt the romance was a little quick to develop. While it certainly wasn't insta-love, I would have liked to of seen them spend more time together and develop their feelings more. But once the romance got going you could really start to feel the connection between them. I like that Jackie doesn't let him call all the shots, they where equals in the relationship, and that's always important for me!
The Writing:
I commend Magan for taking somewhat of a risk with this book. It doesn't follow the usual conventions of the NA romance genre and she pushes the limits with Nicky's character. Being written from Nicky's POV worked beautifully, as it gave a real insight into his thoughts and reasons behind his actions. I also loved the Mafia 'voice' she used. Whenever Nicky's father talked I swear I could hear Marlon Brando speaking it in my head!
FINAL WORD:
This is not your regular fluffy romance. Fight For You is dark and gritty and challenges the reader with unconventional characters and a gutsy storyline. Read at your own risk Capeesh?
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / sex scenes
Violence: medium / gang violence, shootings and murder (not overly descriptive)
Language: strong / frequent f words
Drugs & alcohol: medium / several references to drug dealing and use
More reviews at The Reading Realm
April 15, 2014
I'm a really big fan of this author, so when I saw information about this book, I knew I wanted to read it! I do have to be honest and say that it's not really my typical book though as I haven't really read any mafia books, but because I love this author, I gave it a shot! I really, really enjoyed this book! It was a dark and gritty read with awesome characters and a solid plot! The plot of this book was so, so good! There was suspense, there was action, there was romance! It had everything it needed to make it an awesome book! So why did I take it down a star? Well, it took me ages to read! And I don't mean page wise! It took me about two weeks to actually read it start to finish! I found that once I put it down, I had a hard time picking it back up! I still enjoyed it, but it just took me a while to get into every time I picked it back up! The characters were awesome! Nicky was the main character and he was so hot! Nicky was from a family who had money, so I was kinda expecting him to be a bit arrogant and a bit up himself, but he wasn't! I guess that it was kinda the mafia side that made him not arrogant and stuck up! Nicky was a great character and I adored how protective he was of his family and love interest! I could see how far he would go to protect them, but all he really wanted was the war with the rival gang to come to an end! Jackie was the love interest of Nicky and I just adored her! Jackie was pulled into the danger in this book, but she did play a part by being the ex-girlfriend of the rival gang boss! Jackie was quite a dependent character and she was completely different to Nicky in some aspects e.g. she came from a family with little money, but I actually think this made their relationship stronger! Jackie also had a backbone which I loved! She told Nicky when he was in the wrong, which made her a strong character in my eyes! There were also quite a few other characters in this book and they all added a lot to the story! I was expecting quite a few other characters because of what happens in the book and there were! I have to admit that I wasn't really sure about this book when I heard that it was going to be written from only a male characters point of view! I normally detest books written from only a male point of view, but I felt that it helped me connect more with the Nicky and I loved getting to read this book through his eyes! I can completely understand why this book is a standalone! Well, I think it is lol! I think I heard that the author is writing a book for another character from this book! Well, if it's true then I can say that I'll definitely be reading it! The cover for this book is so hot! I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it! I love how well the models on the front suit the characters of Nicky and Jackie too! Big thank you to Magan for an ARC of Fight For You and to Twinsie Talk for having me on the Blog Tour!
August 3, 2016
*free copy provided by the publisher via netgalley*
I had to quit reading this book, as it was becoming more and more frustrating, which made me more and more angry. Did nobody edit this book? Did nobody notice the wooden language?
I couldn’t connect with the story, with the characters, with anything.
Some scenes were plain ridiculous: he crashes into her car and suddenly knows her name? He knows her name BEFORE reading her ID? When he makes it clear she’s a complete stranger? Is he a mind reader?
And the sex…it was completely out of the blue, they’d just met for 5 minutes, and there was no spark, no sexual attraction, no chemistry. That whole scene was very…dry, in the way that it was written. And the dialogue is pretty dry too, even a little (a lot) forced.
The guy keeps resenting his family, his inheritance, the family business, but doesn’t do anything to get away from it. And then he goes and orders someone killed. He’s a bad guy deluding himself that he’s good.
He’s saying he’s lonely by himself in his million dollar apartment but it’s just empty words – unfortunately, the author fails at making us feel his loneliness or regret or whatever it is he’s supposed to be feeling, and that goes for the whole book. That’s all it is, words – with absolutely no feelings in them, no message, nothing.
I had to quit reading this book, as it was becoming more and more frustrating, which made me more and more angry. Did nobody edit this book? Did nobody notice the wooden language?
I couldn’t connect with the story, with the characters, with anything.
Some scenes were plain ridiculous: he crashes into her car and suddenly knows her name? He knows her name BEFORE reading her ID? When he makes it clear she’s a complete stranger? Is he a mind reader?
And the sex…it was completely out of the blue, they’d just met for 5 minutes, and there was no spark, no sexual attraction, no chemistry. That whole scene was very…dry, in the way that it was written. And the dialogue is pretty dry too, even a little (a lot) forced.
The guy keeps resenting his family, his inheritance, the family business, but doesn’t do anything to get away from it. And then he goes and orders someone killed. He’s a bad guy deluding himself that he’s good.
He’s saying he’s lonely by himself in his million dollar apartment but it’s just empty words – unfortunately, the author fails at making us feel his loneliness or regret or whatever it is he’s supposed to be feeling, and that goes for the whole book. That’s all it is, words – with absolutely no feelings in them, no message, nothing.
April 7, 2014
Nicky is such a hands on person, "instead of slapping me she leaned in, purring into my mouth, a sensation that caused every hair on my body to stand on end. I couldn't get enough of her. I lowered my hands to her a**, gripping onto and lifting her up." He doesn't like to mince words either, "what?" I asked, genuinely confused. "You just kissed me like you wanted to eff me then you tell me that. You're giving me some crazy signals." He can be such a gentleman, "I sighed. "Look, as much as I'd love to pull over right now and eff the sh** out of you in my backseat, I'm not going to. You say the word and I'd do it. But I'm not that guy. I actually do want to get to know you, not just eff you randomly." I love the chemistry between Nick and Jackie:
"You have a stubble," she whined.
I pulled her over until she was on top of me, her chest to mine. "That's not the only thing I have this morning." I bucked my hips to meet hers."
This story was okay, and was an interesting read, something was missing, I'm not sure what and I wish there had been a little more in the plot.
"You have a stubble," she whined.
I pulled her over until she was on top of me, her chest to mine. "That's not the only thing I have this morning." I bucked my hips to meet hers."
This story was okay, and was an interesting read, something was missing, I'm not sure what and I wish there had been a little more in the plot.
could-not-finish
April 14, 2014ARC provided by Author for an Honest Review
D-N-F at 36%
I just couldn't. I got to a point where I was wondering why I was still reading this and so I had to put it down. I couldn’t connect with the characters. In fact Nicky has too many issues and when he started purging his family meal I knew I would be stopping.
Everything felt convoluted and thrown together to me. I couldn't get into the writing which felt pieced together and almost amateurish... Don't even get me started on the character of Jackie who we know nothing about except he's enthralled by her and she has a crazy gang-member ex.
He follows her home one night (that's not creepy), hits her with his car, takes her to the hospital, leaves and she shows up at his office angry off her ass when he sends her a replacement motorcycle... Oh but wait, then within a few seconds her anger fades and they're going at it in his office... What????? Sorry, I just couldn't do it.
D-N-F at 36%
I just couldn't. I got to a point where I was wondering why I was still reading this and so I had to put it down. I couldn’t connect with the characters. In fact Nicky has too many issues and when he started purging his family meal I knew I would be stopping.
Everything felt convoluted and thrown together to me. I couldn't get into the writing which felt pieced together and almost amateurish... Don't even get me started on the character of Jackie who we know nothing about except he's enthralled by her and she has a crazy gang-member ex.
He follows her home one night (that's not creepy), hits her with his car, takes her to the hospital, leaves and she shows up at his office angry off her ass when he sends her a replacement motorcycle... Oh but wait, then within a few seconds her anger fades and they're going at it in his office... What????? Sorry, I just couldn't do it.
April 12, 2014
I was really excited to read this book when Magan was first talking about it. Who wouldn’t want to dive deep into a book that’s about an Italian Mafia prince, underground fighter turned lover? Well it was everything that I hoped for. This book is about Nicky Ragusa finding himself and facing the trials and tribunes of following thru as the next era of being the head guy of the Chicago Mafia, or going his own way. He wanted so bad not to have blood on his hands, and step away from the family business, he wanted nothing more to forget his past. Until he meets her- Jackie Marks. Something about her makes him want to protect her, and he will go to end to make sure she’s safe. Until he finds out that she is associated with the Mexican Mafia, a rival gangbangers girlfriend . When things go down, and deaths happen, he has to do what he has to do to make sure she’s safe, even if that includes blood on his hands, but can he live with himself? Will this be enough to keep them two together?
Read
December 10, 2014I decided not to finish this one. The hero's insta-investment in the heroine didn't follow logically with who I expected him to be, and it was a pretty big turn-off for me.
June 2, 2021
I give this 2.5⭐️ the characters weren’t all that compelling until the very end. It felt like the plot dragged for most of the book and then tons of stuff happened in the last 10%. I kept wishing that the author had spent more time giving us more in depth reactions to the last 10%. Also, I just felt like I was missing information about Nick and his background. I kept wondering why he was so against being involved in the family business. Things like that made me a bit frustrated with the narration of the book.
April 29, 2014
ARC RECEIVED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW - 3.5 stars
Nick Ragusa is the prince of the Chicago mob family, who is father is priming him to take over the "family business"
Jackie Marks is your average working girl, who has been involved with a gangbanger since high school.
The circumstances of their meeting are anything but normal and so is their relationship.
You will know that I a sooooooo NOT a fan of insta-love relationships. Insta-lust yeah sure ~ who hasn't seen a hottie while out and about and had dirty, lustful thoughts about them?
Nicky and Jackie's relationship took the insta-love to an all new level! Before I could blink there were declarations of love. This just really takes me right out of the story. When there is no build up to a relationship it just puts me right off.
The relationship started quite promising. Nicky sees Jackie in a crappy situation and is concerned about her. But then things just take off at warp speed. And I think that this is what irked me the most. If they had had more time to get to know each other rather than being "I love you but I don't know you and don't like you"? When characters go from not saying more than a couple of lines to each other, then are humping like rabbits, yeah, this doesn't work for me. This may just be me though.
Unfortunately I couldn't connect with Jackie ~ at all. She just seemed to be there but didn't really contribute to the story for me. In fact, at times I felt that the romance part of the story could probably been left out of things all together.
But I did like Nicky. There were things that I think we could all relate to. Sure, not the mob boss stuff, but living up to family expectations, even when they are not what we want for ourselves ~ yeah, of course.
Selfless love of our family, who we would do anything and everything for. I was a little jealous of the large extended family that he had, as coming from a small family we did not have lots of aunts and uncles, cousins etc who we could spend a lot of time with. I could practically hear the loud dinners, everyone trying to talk over each other.
I also did like the gang banger/mob war part of the story. I don't know if we needed Jackie to be the catalyst for this all starting, since the worlds of the two main protaganists overlapped so much anyway?
Plus, we also did not get much of the cage fighter side of Nicky. I am a bit partial to a sexy fighter, and since fighting is a big part of him and his life, it was disappointing that we got so little of it.
I do like Ms Vernon's writing and have read plenty of her other works, but unfortunately this one just did not do it for me. But this is just my opinion and the things that irritated me probably won't you!
Nick Ragusa is the prince of the Chicago mob family, who is father is priming him to take over the "family business"
Jackie Marks is your average working girl, who has been involved with a gangbanger since high school.
The circumstances of their meeting are anything but normal and so is their relationship.
You will know that I a sooooooo NOT a fan of insta-love relationships. Insta-lust yeah sure ~ who hasn't seen a hottie while out and about and had dirty, lustful thoughts about them?
Nicky and Jackie's relationship took the insta-love to an all new level! Before I could blink there were declarations of love. This just really takes me right out of the story. When there is no build up to a relationship it just puts me right off.
The relationship started quite promising. Nicky sees Jackie in a crappy situation and is concerned about her. But then things just take off at warp speed. And I think that this is what irked me the most. If they had had more time to get to know each other rather than being "I love you but I don't know you and don't like you"? When characters go from not saying more than a couple of lines to each other, then are humping like rabbits, yeah, this doesn't work for me. This may just be me though.
Unfortunately I couldn't connect with Jackie ~ at all. She just seemed to be there but didn't really contribute to the story for me. In fact, at times I felt that the romance part of the story could probably been left out of things all together.
But I did like Nicky. There were things that I think we could all relate to. Sure, not the mob boss stuff, but living up to family expectations, even when they are not what we want for ourselves ~ yeah, of course.
Selfless love of our family, who we would do anything and everything for. I was a little jealous of the large extended family that he had, as coming from a small family we did not have lots of aunts and uncles, cousins etc who we could spend a lot of time with. I could practically hear the loud dinners, everyone trying to talk over each other.
I also did like the gang banger/mob war part of the story. I don't know if we needed Jackie to be the catalyst for this all starting, since the worlds of the two main protaganists overlapped so much anyway?
Plus, we also did not get much of the cage fighter side of Nicky. I am a bit partial to a sexy fighter, and since fighting is a big part of him and his life, it was disappointing that we got so little of it.
I do like Ms Vernon's writing and have read plenty of her other works, but unfortunately this one just did not do it for me. But this is just my opinion and the things that irritated me probably won't you!
April 22, 2014
"If you love someone, let them know every day. There are things we cant control in this world; love and death are the two big ones. So make sure that you let those people you love know how much they mean to you every single day."
I loved this book! The whole story line caught my attention from the moment I read the synopsis. This is my first time reading a book where it involved the mafia and gangs and It intrigued me. It was action packed, romantic, funny and beautiful! All the different characters kept the story entertaining and had me turning the next page just to see what would happen next. There are quite a few shockers that will leave you heartbroken and crying like a baby but the ending will more then make up for it. It was heartbreaking, amazing and beautiful. Perfect ending for all the characters.
The story is told from the POV of Nicky. He is an underground fighter who wants more from his life that he was born into. He goes through so much and endures a lot throughout the book. What I liked about him a lot was that he was the perfect mixture of good and bad. He kicks butt when needed and doesn't take crap from nobody (well minus his dad). Then the night he meets Jackie is the night that changes everything. He is so sweet, protective, and sexy as hell. He learns and grows throughout this book. His relationship with Jackie I loved. They are perfect for eachother. They both learn to open up with each other and learn that things aren't always what they seem. Jackie was awesome. She is the type of girl, what you see is what you get. She tells it like it is. She has a rough exterior but a beautiful, caring, and sweet personality. She has her shy and vulnerable moments that made me feel for her. Then there is Dominique, Nicky's cousin. He was such a wonderful edition to the story. He made me laugh, cry and laugh again. He is such a great guy with a carefree personality. He was always there for Nicky when he needed him. I would love to read more about him. Last but not least his dad Vince. What can I say more than he was a crappy dad and treated his family like complete crap. He was very intimidating and cruel. The scenes between him and Nicky were intense and I wanted to jump through the book and tell him to back off. He really needed to learn when to walk away and act like a real husband and father to his family. I love when gets put in his place. That was Awesome! What a great group of characters that kept the story entertaining.
I will continue to read anything Magan Vernon writes. She tells such amazing stories that always leaves me wanting more. I recommend this book 100%. You will not be disappointed! Happy Reading!
I loved this book! The whole story line caught my attention from the moment I read the synopsis. This is my first time reading a book where it involved the mafia and gangs and It intrigued me. It was action packed, romantic, funny and beautiful! All the different characters kept the story entertaining and had me turning the next page just to see what would happen next. There are quite a few shockers that will leave you heartbroken and crying like a baby but the ending will more then make up for it. It was heartbreaking, amazing and beautiful. Perfect ending for all the characters.
The story is told from the POV of Nicky. He is an underground fighter who wants more from his life that he was born into. He goes through so much and endures a lot throughout the book. What I liked about him a lot was that he was the perfect mixture of good and bad. He kicks butt when needed and doesn't take crap from nobody (well minus his dad). Then the night he meets Jackie is the night that changes everything. He is so sweet, protective, and sexy as hell. He learns and grows throughout this book. His relationship with Jackie I loved. They are perfect for eachother. They both learn to open up with each other and learn that things aren't always what they seem. Jackie was awesome. She is the type of girl, what you see is what you get. She tells it like it is. She has a rough exterior but a beautiful, caring, and sweet personality. She has her shy and vulnerable moments that made me feel for her. Then there is Dominique, Nicky's cousin. He was such a wonderful edition to the story. He made me laugh, cry and laugh again. He is such a great guy with a carefree personality. He was always there for Nicky when he needed him. I would love to read more about him. Last but not least his dad Vince. What can I say more than he was a crappy dad and treated his family like complete crap. He was very intimidating and cruel. The scenes between him and Nicky were intense and I wanted to jump through the book and tell him to back off. He really needed to learn when to walk away and act like a real husband and father to his family. I love when gets put in his place. That was Awesome! What a great group of characters that kept the story entertaining.
I will continue to read anything Magan Vernon writes. She tells such amazing stories that always leaves me wanting more. I recommend this book 100%. You will not be disappointed! Happy Reading!
December 16, 2015
2 stars.
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool
Sadly, not so much.
Nicky Ragusa's the heir apparent to his family's mafia empire, but all he wants to do is fight. He sees Jackie Marks and is instantly head over heels for the sassy and independent girl who's unlike anyone he's ever met. Trouble is, her ex is a known member of a rival gang, and he's not ready to give her up. Nicky isn't going to let someone so unimportant stop him from getting who he wants, but is he ready to pay the price for starting a war?
I liked the idea for this story. Reluctant mafia prince falls in a forbidden romance? Yes, please. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like I connected to the characters at all. I'm all for love at first sight, but with Nicky and Jackie, I didn't feel like I knew them well enough to root for them to be together. Their reactions surprise me and barely make sense. Nicky does some things that I would think Jackie would consider unforgivable for Jackie, but she just brushes them off. Likewise, things that I would have thought wouldn't have been a big deal were blown up.
There are other things I didn't like. I didn't feel like the mafia elements were very realistic, either. I don't want to be too spoilery and let you know how things went down between Nicky and Jackie's ex, but suffice it to say it surprised me. Also, Nicky and Jackie have sex without a condom. She tells him she's on the pill, but so? She's obviously been with someone else very recently, and he was a known cheater, so I don't know. Ew.
With the insta-love, lack of character and story development, and unrealistic plot devices, I say skip this one.
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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
This review also appears on Pretty Sassy Cool
Sadly, not so much.
Nicky Ragusa's the heir apparent to his family's mafia empire, but all he wants to do is fight. He sees Jackie Marks and is instantly head over heels for the sassy and independent girl who's unlike anyone he's ever met. Trouble is, her ex is a known member of a rival gang, and he's not ready to give her up. Nicky isn't going to let someone so unimportant stop him from getting who he wants, but is he ready to pay the price for starting a war?
"You started this war, Ragusa. Now it's time to own up to it."
I liked the idea for this story. Reluctant mafia prince falls in a forbidden romance? Yes, please. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like I connected to the characters at all. I'm all for love at first sight, but with Nicky and Jackie, I didn't feel like I knew them well enough to root for them to be together. Their reactions surprise me and barely make sense. Nicky does some things that I would think Jackie would consider unforgivable for Jackie, but she just brushes them off. Likewise, things that I would have thought wouldn't have been a big deal were blown up.
There are other things I didn't like. I didn't feel like the mafia elements were very realistic, either. I don't want to be too spoilery and let you know how things went down between Nicky and Jackie's ex, but suffice it to say it surprised me. Also, Nicky and Jackie have sex without a condom. She tells him she's on the pill, but so? She's obviously been with someone else very recently, and he was a known cheater, so I don't know. Ew.
With the insta-love, lack of character and story development, and unrealistic plot devices, I say skip this one.
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For more reviews and bookish talk, visit our blog at Pretty Sassy Cool
May 11, 2014
We are The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club, to know more about this book, go to the post in our website:
Fight For You by Magan Vernon
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Rate: 2 stars
Review:
I love Magan Vernon's books, so when I saw Fight For You I knew I had to read it. This book has a hot quick romance, a fighter, the mafia and a girl with character. And a lovely and promising cover!
I didn't "click" with this book. Everything happens so fast, like lightning fast, that there's no time for the reader to truly connect with the main character. In the firsts chapters the main character, Nicky, and Jackie are already kind of a couple?
Insta-love sometimes is hard to believe, but with time and a good plot you can make an enjoyable read. However, in Fight For You what didn't make me believe their relationship was that Nicky, the mafia prince, had this "obsession" with Jackie. At least, that's what I called it. He sees her, follows her (stalker mode), hits her with his car and pays for his medical bills plus a new motorcycle. And He's already in love. I couldn't connect with this couple and I think it was one of the main reasons that made me quit the reading. I thought this would be a heart-stopping romance, but to me Nicky and Jackie's relationship seemed to be more a lust-relationship than one out of love. Even insta-love.
I'm not saying that you should not read this book, simply saying the impression it gave me. And remember that we cannot always like the same books and what I like you might not and the other way around. So if you think this book could be a story you might enjoy, give it a try. You might enjoy it.
I'm sorry this book was not made for me, but thank you to the author for sharing her new story with us, readers. I'll keep an eye for more of her books.
Fight For You by Magan Vernon
If you are interested, you can visit our website:
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club
The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club's Review:
Rate: 2 stars
Review:
I love Magan Vernon's books, so when I saw Fight For You I knew I had to read it. This book has a hot quick romance, a fighter, the mafia and a girl with character. And a lovely and promising cover!
I didn't "click" with this book. Everything happens so fast, like lightning fast, that there's no time for the reader to truly connect with the main character. In the firsts chapters the main character, Nicky, and Jackie are already kind of a couple?
Insta-love sometimes is hard to believe, but with time and a good plot you can make an enjoyable read. However, in Fight For You what didn't make me believe their relationship was that Nicky, the mafia prince, had this "obsession" with Jackie. At least, that's what I called it. He sees her, follows her (stalker mode), hits her with his car and pays for his medical bills plus a new motorcycle. And He's already in love. I couldn't connect with this couple and I think it was one of the main reasons that made me quit the reading. I thought this would be a heart-stopping romance, but to me Nicky and Jackie's relationship seemed to be more a lust-relationship than one out of love. Even insta-love.
I'm not saying that you should not read this book, simply saying the impression it gave me. And remember that we cannot always like the same books and what I like you might not and the other way around. So if you think this book could be a story you might enjoy, give it a try. You might enjoy it.
I'm sorry this book was not made for me, but thank you to the author for sharing her new story with us, readers. I'll keep an eye for more of her books.
April 14, 2014
Fight For You is the story of a mafia prince falling for the girl he literally crashed into. She’s the ex-girlfriend of a gang banger, which you can imagine could start some problems.
Nicky’s father has been on him to take over the family business, both in the office and out, but he has been fighting it. He just wants to fight in the cage. I think he is ok with taking over the inside the office family business, just not the mafia family business. Now he has to decide if he is willing to do it. How far will he go, what decisions will he make, are lives going to be at stake?
This was a quick fast read for me, one sitting, one day. I enjoyed it. There was some great hot scenes between Nicky and Jackie and I loved the interaction between Nicky and his Aunts.
What I wish there was more of:
Cage fighting – from the blurb I thought there would be more.
Condoms – Jackie is fresh out of a relationship with a gang banger who she knew cheated on her (multiple times it sounded like). The first time Jackie and Nicky go at it, they don’t even discuss safety or the fact that he overheard her lambasting her ex for cheating on her (in an ally). It was just I don’t have a condom, I’m on the pill, let’s get it on.
Building of the main relationship – I know we get fast in romance books, but this was super duper fast.
Just more in general – more to each character specifically. There was a great base to each character, but I needed a little bit more to them, more emotions, more something, to make me really truly care what happened to them.
All in all it was a good rainy Sunday afternoon read for me.
Thank you so much for my copy of Fight For You that was sent to me to do this review.
Nicky’s father has been on him to take over the family business, both in the office and out, but he has been fighting it. He just wants to fight in the cage. I think he is ok with taking over the inside the office family business, just not the mafia family business. Now he has to decide if he is willing to do it. How far will he go, what decisions will he make, are lives going to be at stake?
This was a quick fast read for me, one sitting, one day. I enjoyed it. There was some great hot scenes between Nicky and Jackie and I loved the interaction between Nicky and his Aunts.
What I wish there was more of:
Cage fighting – from the blurb I thought there would be more.
Condoms – Jackie is fresh out of a relationship with a gang banger who she knew cheated on her (multiple times it sounded like). The first time Jackie and Nicky go at it, they don’t even discuss safety or the fact that he overheard her lambasting her ex for cheating on her (in an ally). It was just I don’t have a condom, I’m on the pill, let’s get it on.
Building of the main relationship – I know we get fast in romance books, but this was super duper fast.
Just more in general – more to each character specifically. There was a great base to each character, but I needed a little bit more to them, more emotions, more something, to make me really truly care what happened to them.
All in all it was a good rainy Sunday afternoon read for me.
Thank you so much for my copy of Fight For You that was sent to me to do this review.
dnf
April 22, 2014I have to say that I really wanted to like this book. Badly. I love a good mafia romance and I really have not found a great one yet. I haven't read any of Magan Vernon's book except for her novella from Christmas, Off The Market, and I enjoyed it. It was a cute read. I also plan on reading her Alien series. Fight For You, however, was not a book for me.
The blurb drew me in and I also really liked the cover. Nicky Ragusa is the son of a mafia boss and he doesn't want to except his position within the family business. He's a fighter and wants to stay there. Then he meets Jackie. The situation she's in has Nicky fighting to get her and to keep her. A fight that puts him in the last place he wants to be... right in the middle of a war and in the middle of the family business.
I had many reasons for not finishing this book. First of all the characters kind of annoyed me. They moved way too fast and the timing just didn't appear accurate or real to me. Then it felt like she did not keep true to her setting. It was set in Chicago, but yet they're at times speaking like they're in Jersey or New York. My husband and his family are Italian and are not from either place and they do not speak like that. It's not an Italian thing or a mob thing... it's a Jersey or New York thing. It just came off as too Soprano's... and when it comes to that... I hated Tony's son, he drove me nuts, and there is a secondary character that came off like him to me, so I didn't really like him. And as I said before, I really wanted to like this book. It sounded awesome, but I just couldn't keep myself in it. She had great writing and a great story, I just didn't like how it was told.
The blurb drew me in and I also really liked the cover. Nicky Ragusa is the son of a mafia boss and he doesn't want to except his position within the family business. He's a fighter and wants to stay there. Then he meets Jackie. The situation she's in has Nicky fighting to get her and to keep her. A fight that puts him in the last place he wants to be... right in the middle of a war and in the middle of the family business.
I had many reasons for not finishing this book. First of all the characters kind of annoyed me. They moved way too fast and the timing just didn't appear accurate or real to me. Then it felt like she did not keep true to her setting. It was set in Chicago, but yet they're at times speaking like they're in Jersey or New York. My husband and his family are Italian and are not from either place and they do not speak like that. It's not an Italian thing or a mob thing... it's a Jersey or New York thing. It just came off as too Soprano's... and when it comes to that... I hated Tony's son, he drove me nuts, and there is a secondary character that came off like him to me, so I didn't really like him. And as I said before, I really wanted to like this book. It sounded awesome, but I just couldn't keep myself in it. She had great writing and a great story, I just didn't like how it was told.
April 14, 2014
I received an ARC in return for an honest review. I was not sure what to expect from this book. I really enjoy MMA, and enjoy reading about the sport. However, this book is more about the son of a mafia don and his coming to terms with his family responsibilities while falling in love.
Nicky Ragusa is an up and coming MMA fighter, but he's also the son of the local mafia don. He's at constant odds with his love of the sport, the lack of respect his father gives him for his athletic endeavors, and the responsibility he feels to his 'family' obligations. He has many colorful characters surrounding him-he's Italian, so he's got a huge family! He's a noble sort, who sees a woman being accosted by a gang banger and decides to follow her just to make sure she arrives home safely. However, he accidently rear ends her motorcycle and puts her in the hospital. What follows reads like an episode of The Sopranos (of which I am a HUGE fan). This young lady is the ex of a local Hispanic gang; and her ex's brother is Nicky's next opponent.
Nicky is unused to having a girlfriend, his father is pushing him to take over the reins of the 'family business', and there is a war brewing between the gang the Ragusa family. This book has action galore, lots of sex, and some unsavory acts.
There is something for everybody in Fight For You. I'm looking forward to finding out how the story continues. Nicky's cousin, Dominic, will be getting his own story.
Nicky Ragusa is an up and coming MMA fighter, but he's also the son of the local mafia don. He's at constant odds with his love of the sport, the lack of respect his father gives him for his athletic endeavors, and the responsibility he feels to his 'family' obligations. He has many colorful characters surrounding him-he's Italian, so he's got a huge family! He's a noble sort, who sees a woman being accosted by a gang banger and decides to follow her just to make sure she arrives home safely. However, he accidently rear ends her motorcycle and puts her in the hospital. What follows reads like an episode of The Sopranos (of which I am a HUGE fan). This young lady is the ex of a local Hispanic gang; and her ex's brother is Nicky's next opponent.
Nicky is unused to having a girlfriend, his father is pushing him to take over the reins of the 'family business', and there is a war brewing between the gang the Ragusa family. This book has action galore, lots of sex, and some unsavory acts.
There is something for everybody in Fight For You. I'm looking forward to finding out how the story continues. Nicky's cousin, Dominic, will be getting his own story.
April 14, 2014
Dear Nicky,
I gotta say, you move fast. Not only in the ring, but out of it too. You know the way you took Jackie in your office against the window? Classic. I found the dialogue a little cheesy though. I mean, who says "capeesh" anymore, ya know? C'mon, I thought you and your family were modern men.
I'm not gonna lie, I thought you could have slowed your roll with your relationship with Jackie. One day you don't even know the girl, and then BAM! Suddenly you're in love. I think your romance could have been drawn out a little more. I know you're a man, but I wanted a little more intimacy out of you. Just sayin'
By the way, I appreciate the way you're so protective of your girl; but, tell your friends and family to really woo a girl. Not everyone is going to be as receptive as Jackie. Sometimes couples need time to connect and get to know each other better. You know-all that romance crap. Anyway, you know what I mean!
I wish you and Jackie the best.
MUAH,
Chrissy
February 15, 2017
I received this ARC of Fight For You by Magan Vernon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nicky was born into a dangerous and privileged life - into an Italian Mafia family. He has mixed feelings on whether to continue in his father’s footsteps or lead a different life. One night Nicky’s path collides with Jackie, who doesn’t fit into his world.
I didn’t really feel like these characters were believable. Sure, they’re young and their decisions are stupid, yet I didn’t really see a well-developed character. Nicky lacked the edge to be part of a Mafia family and had so many doubts that it didn’t fit his persona. I can’t really explain it but to me Jackie seemed fake. I also can’t see how their relationship progressed so quickly, they didn’t really get to know one another. I wanted to feel that their chemistry was sizzling.
The plot sounded catchy and like something completely different, which is why I wanted to read it. I really wanted to like it but it just didn’t come together to form a gripping story that I could lose myself in. I really struggled to finish reading it and I hate to do this but…
I give Fight For You 1 out of 5 stars.
Check out my other reviews at http://avidreads.weebly.com.
Nicky was born into a dangerous and privileged life - into an Italian Mafia family. He has mixed feelings on whether to continue in his father’s footsteps or lead a different life. One night Nicky’s path collides with Jackie, who doesn’t fit into his world.
I didn’t really feel like these characters were believable. Sure, they’re young and their decisions are stupid, yet I didn’t really see a well-developed character. Nicky lacked the edge to be part of a Mafia family and had so many doubts that it didn’t fit his persona. I can’t really explain it but to me Jackie seemed fake. I also can’t see how their relationship progressed so quickly, they didn’t really get to know one another. I wanted to feel that their chemistry was sizzling.
The plot sounded catchy and like something completely different, which is why I wanted to read it. I really wanted to like it but it just didn’t come together to form a gripping story that I could lose myself in. I really struggled to finish reading it and I hate to do this but…
I give Fight For You 1 out of 5 stars.
Check out my other reviews at http://avidreads.weebly.com.
April 18, 2014
Fight For You by Magan Vernon is a suspenseful romance about a mob-boss's heir and the woman he falls for.
It's a tragic tale filled with loss but has a happy-ish ending.
Nicky is heir to his father's crime empire but all he wants to do is fight - it's how he stays numb to all the stress of his life and the expectations he's drowning in.
Jackie comes from nothing and expects nothing from anyone. Everything she has she has earned on her own. It's hard for her to accept help or things from anyone, so when she falls for Nicky Ragusa she has some adjusting to do.
Faced with the VERY harsh realities of what comes with Nicky (i.e. his family) Jackie isn't sure she can handle a relationship with him and his baggage. Find out what happens when tragedy hits, and hits hard.
The whole crime/mob family thing was a little new to me, but the story was good and the characters were endearing.
It's a tragic tale filled with loss but has a happy-ish ending.
Nicky is heir to his father's crime empire but all he wants to do is fight - it's how he stays numb to all the stress of his life and the expectations he's drowning in.
Jackie comes from nothing and expects nothing from anyone. Everything she has she has earned on her own. It's hard for her to accept help or things from anyone, so when she falls for Nicky Ragusa she has some adjusting to do.
Faced with the VERY harsh realities of what comes with Nicky (i.e. his family) Jackie isn't sure she can handle a relationship with him and his baggage. Find out what happens when tragedy hits, and hits hard.
The whole crime/mob family thing was a little new to me, but the story was good and the characters were endearing.
May 14, 2014
2.5 stars
I loved the blurb for this book... I was interested because he was a fighter (I have loved Travis Maddox for years and am always looking for the best new book boyfriend) and I thought this could be a combination of Sempre and Real, mob meets fighter and the sparks should fly.
I liked Nicky's family...
I really wanted to love this book, but I just didn't. There was something seriously missing for me. Something about the connection between Nicky and Jackie...something about Jackie all together...something about it just never felt right or complete to me.
I would add the extra 1/2 star because I did finish it, but honestly I think this could have been a remarkable book if we had gotten a little more depth to the characters. I just needed something more. In a market that is currently saturated with stories, I need something that makes me feel, and this story just didn't do that for me.
I loved the blurb for this book... I was interested because he was a fighter (I have loved Travis Maddox for years and am always looking for the best new book boyfriend) and I thought this could be a combination of Sempre and Real, mob meets fighter and the sparks should fly.
I liked Nicky's family...
I really wanted to love this book, but I just didn't. There was something seriously missing for me. Something about the connection between Nicky and Jackie...something about Jackie all together...something about it just never felt right or complete to me.
I would add the extra 1/2 star because I did finish it, but honestly I think this could have been a remarkable book if we had gotten a little more depth to the characters. I just needed something more. In a market that is currently saturated with stories, I need something that makes me feel, and this story just didn't do that for me.
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