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The Fight Game #4
1 Last Shot
He's running from his past.
She's searching for a new future.
Their journeys are about to collide.
When an injury overturns her ballet career, Isabella decides to move to a new city so she can start fresh and discover who she is without dance. The last person she expects to meet is the angry MMA fighter living next door.
Kane has spent his entire life putting up walls to keep people out, and he's never had any problem doing it—until Isabella. Because the second the sweet ballerina appears in his life, it becomes apparent that his short fuse and brazen rudeness are not going to be enough to keep her away. And suddenly, that doesn't seem like the worst thing in the world.
While Isabella searches for a new identity for herself, Kane has to decide if he's willing to take a chance on someone for the first time in his life.
Can Kane and Isabella help each other to find their new paths in life? Or will Kane's ugly past keep them from their happy ending?
She's searching for a new future.
Their journeys are about to collide.
When an injury overturns her ballet career, Isabella decides to move to a new city so she can start fresh and discover who she is without dance. The last person she expects to meet is the angry MMA fighter living next door.
Kane has spent his entire life putting up walls to keep people out, and he's never had any problem doing it—until Isabella. Because the second the sweet ballerina appears in his life, it becomes apparent that his short fuse and brazen rudeness are not going to be enough to keep her away. And suddenly, that doesn't seem like the worst thing in the world.
While Isabella searches for a new identity for herself, Kane has to decide if he's willing to take a chance on someone for the first time in his life.
Can Kane and Isabella help each other to find their new paths in life? Or will Kane's ugly past keep them from their happy ending?
408 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2023
458 people are currently reading
4862 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Castle
9 books1,234 followersNikki Castle is a wife and dog mom from Philadelphia who writes spicy love stories about alpha MMA fighters and the women that melt their badass, playboy hearts. She's a full-time romance author during the day and spends her evenings running a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym with her husband, who is also a retired fighter.
Nikki has been writing in one way or another since she was a teenager. She pursued an English and Philosophy degree in college, and finally decided to sit down and fulfill her longtime dream of writing a novel when quarantine began in 2020. “5 Rounds” was her first book—and it was supposed to be her only book. Now, she’s a full-time author who can’t imagine a life in which she’s not crafting love stories.
Nikki has been writing in one way or another since she was a teenager. She pursued an English and Philosophy degree in college, and finally decided to sit down and fulfill her longtime dream of writing a novel when quarantine began in 2020. “5 Rounds” was her first book—and it was supposed to be her only book. Now, she’s a full-time author who can’t imagine a life in which she’s not crafting love stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 709 reviews
February 20, 2024
This book is beautiful and sensual. The characters are very well written!
It’s worth reading.
It’s worth reading.
October 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — 4/5 💖🩰
I was instantly drawn into 1 Last Shot—a story full of tension, heart, and unexpected sparks 💖 Kane carries a complicated past, and Isabella is navigating life after a career-ending injury 🥀 Their first encounters are electric, and the chemistry only grows as their paths intertwine 🔥
What makes this story stand out is how real the characters feel. Kane’s struggles, Isabella’s resilience, and the way their bond develops through challenges kept me hooked. There are moments that made me laugh, gasp and cheer for them 🎉, all at once.
By the end, I was completely invested in their journey—every twist, every tender moment, every triumph 💔 This is a romance that lingers long after the last page, leaving you both heartbroken and hopeful 🥹
I was instantly drawn into 1 Last Shot—a story full of tension, heart, and unexpected sparks 💖 Kane carries a complicated past, and Isabella is navigating life after a career-ending injury 🥀 Their first encounters are electric, and the chemistry only grows as their paths intertwine 🔥
What makes this story stand out is how real the characters feel. Kane’s struggles, Isabella’s resilience, and the way their bond develops through challenges kept me hooked. There are moments that made me laugh, gasp and cheer for them 🎉, all at once.
By the end, I was completely invested in their journey—every twist, every tender moment, every triumph 💔 This is a romance that lingers long after the last page, leaving you both heartbroken and hopeful 🥹
August 28, 2023
1 Last Shot is the fourth book in Nikki Castle’s Fight Game series, following MMA fighters. While most of the other books in the series are a fun, smutty time, just know this one does contain heavier topics for Kane’s backstory. But omg did I love this book so much, easily my fav in the series!
✨sports romance (MMA for him, ballet for her)
✨opposites attract
✨broody, broken hero
Isabella is new to Philly, she quit the NYC Ballet after an injury kind of forced her career to end. So now she’s in Philadelphia hoping for a fresh start. She shows up at the MMA gym thinking it’s a dance studio she wanted to check out since its address is wrong online. While there she spots Kane training and realizes they are new neighbors as well. They keep running into one another and shortly after Kane ends up coming to Isabella’s rescue and the offering her self-defense classes as well.
I just loved Kane so much, he had a hard life growing up with an abusive mother and definitely had to start taking care of himself at a very young age. He doesn’t think he’s deserving of someone like Isabella and he is very much a gruff hero in the beginning. But it was so sweet seeing him take in Oscar, a pit bull he rescues, and how caring and sweet he is with Isabella too. I loved the times on his motorcycle, him calling her “Princess”, the yoga session with baby goats, the scenes at the gym with Jax, Remy, Tristan, Hailey and the rest of that crew of side characters. I just loved this book so much, the emotional depth to the characters and the romance too were just so so good!
“This isn’t your 1 last shot to get it right, this is us trying, every day. And some days will be good, and some will be bad, but I would rather live in your world, with your arms around me and your heart against my palm, than be anywhere else. I want you, Kane. No one else."
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own. 1 Last Shot has a release date of August 30, 2023.
✨sports romance (MMA for him, ballet for her)
✨opposites attract
✨broody, broken hero
Isabella is new to Philly, she quit the NYC Ballet after an injury kind of forced her career to end. So now she’s in Philadelphia hoping for a fresh start. She shows up at the MMA gym thinking it’s a dance studio she wanted to check out since its address is wrong online. While there she spots Kane training and realizes they are new neighbors as well. They keep running into one another and shortly after Kane ends up coming to Isabella’s rescue and the offering her self-defense classes as well.
I just loved Kane so much, he had a hard life growing up with an abusive mother and definitely had to start taking care of himself at a very young age. He doesn’t think he’s deserving of someone like Isabella and he is very much a gruff hero in the beginning. But it was so sweet seeing him take in Oscar, a pit bull he rescues, and how caring and sweet he is with Isabella too. I loved the times on his motorcycle, him calling her “Princess”, the yoga session with baby goats, the scenes at the gym with Jax, Remy, Tristan, Hailey and the rest of that crew of side characters. I just loved this book so much, the emotional depth to the characters and the romance too were just so so good!
“This isn’t your 1 last shot to get it right, this is us trying, every day. And some days will be good, and some will be bad, but I would rather live in your world, with your arms around me and your heart against my palm, than be anywhere else. I want you, Kane. No one else."
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC, all thoughts in this review are my own. 1 Last Shot has a release date of August 30, 2023.
August 30, 2023
OHHH YESSSSSS.
A Ballet Dancer and a MMA Fighter?!? Literally the perfect combo.
This is the 4th book in the fight game series but Nikki takes a little bit of a more emotional approach to this book and it totally paid off. I was so invested not only in our broken boy Kane but also Isabella and her journey of figuring out her life after a ballet career. They both find companionship with each other while the attraction starts to develop. Also, did I mention there is a DOG?! Kane is such a dog dad and I loved that addition. I also loved that Hailey was such an amazing friend to Isabella. I loved seeing all the characters from the previous books.
🔥 opposites attract
🔥 broken boy
🔥 tortured hero
🔥 protective hero - touch her and I'll kill you LITERALLY
🔥 ballet dancer
🔥 healing together
🔥 snarky heroine
🔥 doggy daddy
🔥 found family
One thing with the whole fight game series is this found family aspect. It's one of my favorite parts of this whole series. It has been a constant since the first book and I love how they are always there for each other.
4.5 Stars
thank you to Nikki Castle for providing me with an ARC of 1 Last Shot!
A Ballet Dancer and a MMA Fighter?!? Literally the perfect combo.
This is the 4th book in the fight game series but Nikki takes a little bit of a more emotional approach to this book and it totally paid off. I was so invested not only in our broken boy Kane but also Isabella and her journey of figuring out her life after a ballet career. They both find companionship with each other while the attraction starts to develop. Also, did I mention there is a DOG?! Kane is such a dog dad and I loved that addition. I also loved that Hailey was such an amazing friend to Isabella. I loved seeing all the characters from the previous books.
🔥 opposites attract
🔥 broken boy
🔥 tortured hero
🔥 protective hero - touch her and I'll kill you LITERALLY
🔥 ballet dancer
🔥 healing together
🔥 snarky heroine
🔥 doggy daddy
🔥 found family
One thing with the whole fight game series is this found family aspect. It's one of my favorite parts of this whole series. It has been a constant since the first book and I love how they are always there for each other.
4.5 Stars
thank you to Nikki Castle for providing me with an ARC of 1 Last Shot!
April 12, 2024
4☆ Completely sucked me in against my will with MMA cinnammon-flavored catnip
I read the 1st page to see if I'd want to add it to my tbr, and suddenly I was a third of the way through, forgetting the 3 other books I'm in the middle of!😳 The premise isn't particularly unique, but I have a soft spot for opposites-attract MMA romances, beauty and the beast dynamics, and found family themes. Oh, did I mention the incredibly hot, sensual smut?🤌🤌🤌
Kane's uncontrollable rage in the beginning was a lot to take in, yet none of his efforts to scare off the thoroughly mesmerized Isabella had any effect. As I got to know both characters better, they made more sense. She's got a steel core surrounded by a lot of softness, and Kane is sort of the opposite, so they meet each other in the middle over and over to help build each other up. Kane, oh god, that boy tugged at the heart.🥺 I LOVED how becoming a reluctant dog dad to Oscar (named after the Grouch, because he rescued him from a dumpster😭) and a reluctant friend to Isabella helped him find new patterns and ways of thinking about himself...and yoga! Even goat yoga at one point🤣 I laughed when Isabella was teaching that first class and thought Kane looked like a growly bear throwing his paws around. It was cool to watch his desperate, raging, panicked punches transform into an empowering technical sport with a team-family backing him for the first time in his life. Sometimes the dramatics with Kane's horrible mother were a bit OTT, so I kind of skimmed some of her BS.
It's impossible not to like Isabella.🩰 She's strong, kind, passionate, determined, patient, intuitive, empathetic...Sometimes she was almost too much of a saint, but whatever, I'll take that over an unlikeable h any day. For all of her privileged inexperience with basic everyday life chores (laundry, cooking, direct deposit) she quietly persevered through the embarrassment to master things for herself and took pride in building independent skills to match her independent mind and goals. She didn't wallow in self-pity about her derailed ballet career, but acknowledged how jarring it was to suddenly move to a new place to establish a very different sort of life for herself. She approached it as a challenging adventure she finally got to choose and make happen on her own terms, and Kane and Hailey were awesome when she'd start to doubt. Her journey is less dramatic than Kane's, but no less important.💜
And then halfway through, the smut knocks you on your ass. Like fan your face, open a window, giggle-kicking-good. And there's p l e n t y of it, no skimping there.🥵 It's almost shocking how hot Isabella and Kane are together. I love a skilled, generous man with a filthy mouth, and a woman not afraid to own her desire and sexuality. And it never felt like their overwhelming physical connection eclipsed the intense emotional one; somehow that was just never in question. So, if you're in the mood for a hot broken fighter, a strong injured dancer, and a soulful 3-legged pit bull rescue, maybe give this a shot.
I read the 1st page to see if I'd want to add it to my tbr, and suddenly I was a third of the way through, forgetting the 3 other books I'm in the middle of!😳 The premise isn't particularly unique, but I have a soft spot for opposites-attract MMA romances, beauty and the beast dynamics, and found family themes. Oh, did I mention the incredibly hot, sensual smut?🤌🤌🤌
Kane's uncontrollable rage in the beginning was a lot to take in, yet none of his efforts to scare off the thoroughly mesmerized Isabella had any effect. As I got to know both characters better, they made more sense. She's got a steel core surrounded by a lot of softness, and Kane is sort of the opposite, so they meet each other in the middle over and over to help build each other up. Kane, oh god, that boy tugged at the heart.🥺 I LOVED how becoming a reluctant dog dad to Oscar (named after the Grouch, because he rescued him from a dumpster😭) and a reluctant friend to Isabella helped him find new patterns and ways of thinking about himself...and yoga! Even goat yoga at one point🤣 I laughed when Isabella was teaching that first class and thought Kane looked like a growly bear throwing his paws around. It was cool to watch his desperate, raging, panicked punches transform into an empowering technical sport with a team-family backing him for the first time in his life. Sometimes the dramatics with Kane's horrible mother were a bit OTT, so I kind of skimmed some of her BS.
It's impossible not to like Isabella.🩰 She's strong, kind, passionate, determined, patient, intuitive, empathetic...Sometimes she was almost too much of a saint, but whatever, I'll take that over an unlikeable h any day. For all of her privileged inexperience with basic everyday life chores (laundry, cooking, direct deposit) she quietly persevered through the embarrassment to master things for herself and took pride in building independent skills to match her independent mind and goals. She didn't wallow in self-pity about her derailed ballet career, but acknowledged how jarring it was to suddenly move to a new place to establish a very different sort of life for herself. She approached it as a challenging adventure she finally got to choose and make happen on her own terms, and Kane and Hailey were awesome when she'd start to doubt. Her journey is less dramatic than Kane's, but no less important.💜
And then halfway through, the smut knocks you on your ass. Like fan your face, open a window, giggle-kicking-good. And there's p l e n t y of it, no skimping there.🥵 It's almost shocking how hot Isabella and Kane are together. I love a skilled, generous man with a filthy mouth, and a woman not afraid to own her desire and sexuality. And it never felt like their overwhelming physical connection eclipsed the intense emotional one; somehow that was just never in question. So, if you're in the mood for a hot broken fighter, a strong injured dancer, and a soulful 3-legged pit bull rescue, maybe give this a shot.
March 4, 2024
OH MY GODDDD!! LITERAL PERFECTION, NIKKI HAS DONE IT ONCE AGAIN!!
i rarely cry with books but in this series nikki had made me cry and go thru it.
I will say that this book does NOT disappoint. Kane is obviously the grumpy x broody mmc but throughout the story you see him open up to Isabella. He is so confused with his neighbor being interested in even having a conversation but Isabella no matter what wall Kane put up she never gave up on wanting to know him.
(I love that she admitted that she had a crush on him, idk why but I just loved seeing them get all nervous with one another)
DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED WITH ISABELLA. I LOVE HER. SHE IS OM THE TOP OF MY LIST FOR FAVORITE FMC.
her patience, love, adoration, and strength for kane was one of the purest things ever. she stayed by him no matter what and never gave up on their relationship.
ALSO THE SPICE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT (all I will say is MOTORCYCLE AND BALLET STUDIO)
I just love those two so much and I swear trust when I say those two are soulmates!!!
💜thank you nikki and the author agency for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review💜
i rarely cry with books but in this series nikki had made me cry and go thru it.
I will say that this book does NOT disappoint. Kane is obviously the grumpy x broody mmc but throughout the story you see him open up to Isabella. He is so confused with his neighbor being interested in even having a conversation but Isabella no matter what wall Kane put up she never gave up on wanting to know him.
(I love that she admitted that she had a crush on him, idk why but I just loved seeing them get all nervous with one another)
DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED WITH ISABELLA. I LOVE HER. SHE IS OM THE TOP OF MY LIST FOR FAVORITE FMC.
her patience, love, adoration, and strength for kane was one of the purest things ever. she stayed by him no matter what and never gave up on their relationship.
ALSO THE SPICE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT (all I will say is MOTORCYCLE AND BALLET STUDIO)
I just love those two so much and I swear trust when I say those two are soulmates!!!
💜thank you nikki and the author agency for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review💜
March 13, 2025
This is such a sweet heartwarming story.
The writing is not out of this world, it's pretty basic but comforting in a way that is easily perceived.
The MFC is a former Ballerina from New York who suffered an injury making her question her life choices. She opts to change cities and start anew, juggling between different hobbies to see which vocation calls her name.
The MMC is an MMA fighter with a traumatising past. The poor fellow has endured so much abuse and harassment that it breaks your heart.
There is no third act breakup and the whole book is about him opening up to the MFC and thus to trusting himself to be able to know what love is and if he can actually feel it or even deserve it.
The MFC is a perfect fit for him with her kindness and understanding and patience. She teaches him yoga to manage his anger issues. She gives him affection and forgives his inhibitions because he doesn't know any better. And she promises him a secured future filled with love.
Their story is so pure and the buildup is so genuine that makes you fall in love with the idea of both of them together.
I would have loved more time for him especially to overcome his past, his insecurities, his anger management, being in touch with his feelings. Someone who has suffered so much is not healed or anywhere near healed in a matter of a few months. I wish this case was addressed better. But that does not dampen the way this story has made me feel. Giving me all the fuzzy warm feelings.
I simply loved this book.
The writing is not out of this world, it's pretty basic but comforting in a way that is easily perceived.
The MFC is a former Ballerina from New York who suffered an injury making her question her life choices. She opts to change cities and start anew, juggling between different hobbies to see which vocation calls her name.
The MMC is an MMA fighter with a traumatising past. The poor fellow has endured so much abuse and harassment that it breaks your heart.
There is no third act breakup and the whole book is about him opening up to the MFC and thus to trusting himself to be able to know what love is and if he can actually feel it or even deserve it.
The MFC is a perfect fit for him with her kindness and understanding and patience. She teaches him yoga to manage his anger issues. She gives him affection and forgives his inhibitions because he doesn't know any better. And she promises him a secured future filled with love.
Their story is so pure and the buildup is so genuine that makes you fall in love with the idea of both of them together.
I would have loved more time for him especially to overcome his past, his insecurities, his anger management, being in touch with his feelings. Someone who has suffered so much is not healed or anywhere near healed in a matter of a few months. I wish this case was addressed better. But that does not dampen the way this story has made me feel. Giving me all the fuzzy warm feelings.
I simply loved this book.
March 24, 2024
i went to the ballet this weekend and immediately upon returning i looked around kindle for a ballerina romance!! this one was so good!!! i have previously tried to read the first book in this series but i just couldn’t get into it so i never continued and that was a mistake. kane and isabella were so hot and soft and i just had the best time.
yeah the plot with his mother was kinda boring, yeah there was one too many sex scenes, but i was just really enjoying these characters. their relationship was perfect, we love a motorcycle riding “bad” boy!!! also oscar was just the cutest addition to this story. i wish kane stayed scary throughout the book but i liked seeing him open up!! this made me want to revisit tristan and remy’s story though.. we shall see…
yeah the plot with his mother was kinda boring, yeah there was one too many sex scenes, but i was just really enjoying these characters. their relationship was perfect, we love a motorcycle riding “bad” boy!!! also oscar was just the cutest addition to this story. i wish kane stayed scary throughout the book but i liked seeing him open up!! this made me want to revisit tristan and remy’s story though.. we shall see…
August 22, 2023
Thank you to Nikki Castle and The Author Agency for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Nikki Castle has done it again! Kane has been on my radar ever since he showed up on page. I knew he was going to be a favorite for me. However, I didn’t know if it would be possible to top Jax & Hailey for me. But Kane & Isabella exceeded ALL EXPECTATIONS. This book was EVERYTHING. The love between Kane & Isabella was so pure. It was developed so well; the way it grew throughout the book just pulled me in straight away and never let me go. Isabella was the perfect foil to Kane. They fit together in every single way. I loved how Nikki didn’t use the typical evil parents tropes; instead Isabella’s parents seemed to accept Kane and encourage Isabella. The way Kane finally learned to accept love, the way the gym family extended to include him and Isabella, OSCAR THE DOG. There were so many little moments that just meant everything (him gifting her pepper spray?! I loved it. When he taught her to drive the motorcycle? Adorable. Goat yoga?! Amazing.). I could literally talk about the Fight Game series all day and never be tired of it. I love this world, I love these characters, I love this series! ALSO, I think this may be my favorite cover in the series. SO BEAUTIFUL.
Nikki Castle has done it again! Kane has been on my radar ever since he showed up on page. I knew he was going to be a favorite for me. However, I didn’t know if it would be possible to top Jax & Hailey for me. But Kane & Isabella exceeded ALL EXPECTATIONS. This book was EVERYTHING. The love between Kane & Isabella was so pure. It was developed so well; the way it grew throughout the book just pulled me in straight away and never let me go. Isabella was the perfect foil to Kane. They fit together in every single way. I loved how Nikki didn’t use the typical evil parents tropes; instead Isabella’s parents seemed to accept Kane and encourage Isabella. The way Kane finally learned to accept love, the way the gym family extended to include him and Isabella, OSCAR THE DOG. There were so many little moments that just meant everything (him gifting her pepper spray?! I loved it. When he taught her to drive the motorcycle? Adorable. Goat yoga?! Amazing.). I could literally talk about the Fight Game series all day and never be tired of it. I love this world, I love these characters, I love this series! ALSO, I think this may be my favorite cover in the series. SO BEAUTIFUL.
November 9, 2023
I LOVED Kane and Isabella so much!!
January 29, 2025
Devoured this book holy moly I loved. Review to come
April 20, 2024
Kane: angry tattooed MMA fighter who rides a motorcycle with a very sad childhood.
Yep that’ll do it, that’ll make the book a 5 star.
I loved him, that type of MMC is my happy.
I also liked ballerina Isabella.
This was rich girl x poor boy but minus the annoying spoiled brat theme.
This was a good one. My favorite of the series.
Yep that’ll do it, that’ll make the book a 5 star.
I loved him, that type of MMC is my happy.
I also liked ballerina Isabella.
This was rich girl x poor boy but minus the annoying spoiled brat theme.
This was a good one. My favorite of the series.
August 22, 2023
⭐ARC REVIEW⭐
1 Last Shot (The Fight Game, #4)
by Nikki Castle
⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.5 stars
A ballerina and an MMA fighter come together. What could go wrong? I eagerly awaited this book with open arms as I couldn't wait to meet Kane and Isabella. Nikki delivered a book that was perfect for this series, not only did she write a kick-ass book, but you can see her growth as an author too. While this book is part of a series, I feel it could be read as a standalone.
Isabella, the ballerina who has lived with a silver spoon her whole life moves to Philadelphia for a fresh start. It's her time to be independent, strong and open with her choices. Although naive and beautiful on the outside, overcomes some of her own troubles and learns a lot along the way. She also doesn't expect to be flustered when she walks into the wrong building and meets Kane with his beefy muscles, tattoos and firey stare.
Gosh, Kane! He is so misunderstood in this book, I'm glad I got to meet and love him. The MMA fighter with a beefy body, tattoos, and mysterious eyes. Walks around with a permanent scowl on his face and prefers to be hidden and alone. When he meets Isabella, she gets under his skin with their chance meetings and when he starts catching feelings, he doesn't want them and doesn't know what to do with them either. Together they form a unique friendship that leads to more and is a beautiful thing to witness.
This book was very much Kane's story. You get to know a lot about his past, his troubles and why she prefers to remain alone. He lives for 'today', never thinking about 'more' until a little ballerina opens up his world, making him feel safe and loved. This, in turn, opens his heart to the possibility of a future he never thought possible.
Dual POV, spicy scenes to make your toes curl and a double epilogue. Enjoyed it very much and should be on your tbr list.
August 19, 2023
Thank you so much to the author agency for the ARC of 1 last shot!
I’ve read the other three books of the fight game series and they’ve all been a steamy, good time. This book however, is so much more!! It is easily my favorite of the series!
Kane is a grumpy man who is mad at the world. He had a tough upbringing and uses violence as his outlet. So, he trains at the MMA gym. Isabella just moved to Philly and was a professional ballerina 🩰 After an injury, she’s starting over. Her neighbor is the gruff, broody, hot guy that she wants to get to know!
I loved Kane and Isabella so much! Kane was so rude to her at first, but once she began to crack his shell, he became her protector! I don’t want to spoil this for anyone but please pick it up on August 30th!
This story has a lot of heart and healing, but also SPICE! The motorcycle scene 🥵 Also, he calls her Princess 👑
Tropes:
🔥Sports Romance
💔Broken Boy
🥊MMA Fighter
🩰Ballet Dancer
💃🏻Life After Dance Career
😠 Grumpy hero
I’ve read the other three books of the fight game series and they’ve all been a steamy, good time. This book however, is so much more!! It is easily my favorite of the series!
Kane is a grumpy man who is mad at the world. He had a tough upbringing and uses violence as his outlet. So, he trains at the MMA gym. Isabella just moved to Philly and was a professional ballerina 🩰 After an injury, she’s starting over. Her neighbor is the gruff, broody, hot guy that she wants to get to know!
I loved Kane and Isabella so much! Kane was so rude to her at first, but once she began to crack his shell, he became her protector! I don’t want to spoil this for anyone but please pick it up on August 30th!
This story has a lot of heart and healing, but also SPICE! The motorcycle scene 🥵 Also, he calls her Princess 👑
Tropes:
🔥Sports Romance
💔Broken Boy
🥊MMA Fighter
🩰Ballet Dancer
💃🏻Life After Dance Career
😠 Grumpy hero
September 5, 2023
The wait for this book was long but we get to have one the best The Fight Game books. 🤙
The whole story was amazing. The two main characters Kane and Isabella made this book perfection. Their chimestry was real, the could not help to be drawn to each other. It was beautiful to see their love growing. ❤️
The spice was everything, they had great hot scenes, even the extra scene at the end was mindblowing hotness. 🥵😱
It was interresting to see Kane became a truly sweet guy, he had it in him beneath the hard guy look. He was a prince to Isabella. That girl was lucky. I really like to how he rescued that poor dog Oscar, he only showed how caring he was. 💓
Stunning romance book, Nikki Castle is a natural. 🌹
The whole story was amazing. The two main characters Kane and Isabella made this book perfection. Their chimestry was real, the could not help to be drawn to each other. It was beautiful to see their love growing. ❤️
The spice was everything, they had great hot scenes, even the extra scene at the end was mindblowing hotness. 🥵😱
It was interresting to see Kane became a truly sweet guy, he had it in him beneath the hard guy look. He was a prince to Isabella. That girl was lucky. I really like to how he rescued that poor dog Oscar, he only showed how caring he was. 💓
Stunning romance book, Nikki Castle is a natural. 🌹
September 10, 2025
3.5 - this was ultimately a sweet romance between opposites but it was missing substance with some of the plot points.
The troubles and resolution with Kane’s mom felt kind of anticlimactic. We have the mention of this big fight Kane kept asking for his coach to schedule and it never happens even tho the coach said he’d get it done. Nothing really happens with Isabella’s mom’s fear of her safety. Isabella felt more like a prop sometimes since her story felt one dimensional. It’s as if she was there simply to show a stark contrast of childhoods between the MCs.
I did love the connection between the two and Kane’s love for Oscar. He certainly developed thru the book. He had a lot of growth. I know Isabella did as well but hers was more focused on actually adulting - like learning how to cook, use the washer/dryer and walking home with pepper spray.
It’s fun to get little bits of the characters from the other books in the series.
The troubles and resolution with Kane’s mom felt kind of anticlimactic. We have the mention of this big fight Kane kept asking for his coach to schedule and it never happens even tho the coach said he’d get it done. Nothing really happens with Isabella’s mom’s fear of her safety. Isabella felt more like a prop sometimes since her story felt one dimensional. It’s as if she was there simply to show a stark contrast of childhoods between the MCs.
I did love the connection between the two and Kane’s love for Oscar. He certainly developed thru the book. He had a lot of growth. I know Isabella did as well but hers was more focused on actually adulting - like learning how to cook, use the washer/dryer and walking home with pepper spray.
It’s fun to get little bits of the characters from the other books in the series.
June 7, 2025
Kane & Isabella
December 31, 2023
** One of my Top 20 of 2023 Picks on www.JeevesReads.com! **
I love it when a book feels like a 5-star read from the start and then proceeds to just get better and better with every page - especially when it's by a new-to-me author. I stumbled upon this book on just the right day, diving in with little to no expectations. It took no time at all to win me over; the secretly sweet, broken boy at the heart of it grabbed my interest and didn't let go. He's the kind of guy who is all anger and intensity on the surface, heartache and vulnerability on the inside. An MMA fighter who trains simply so he has a place to let out all of his bottled-up emotions. Pairing him with a sweet, former ballet dancer makes for a classic bad boy/good girl dynamic, but this felt so much deeper than that. It's equal parts emotional and introspective, lighthearted and swoony, spicy and tense. Castle deftly navigates all of the hero's conflicting emotions, allowing his story to truly shine. I loved watching him slowly let down his walls and reveal the sweetheart inside - a guy who is loving, protective, and wholly deserving of his own HEA. It had me hooked the whole way through, and left quite the impression on me. I loved it!
The story follows Kane (26), a guy whose childhood shaped the man he is today. Years of disappointment and pain have hardened his heart and left him with some anger issues, which further isolate him from the world. So Kane is less than impressed when a pretty little rich girl moves into the apartment next door. Kane has had to fight for everything he has, and this spoiled girl has clearly been handed everything she needs. But there's more to Isabella (23) than meets the eye, and the sweet-hearted girl is stronger than she looks. It's not long before the two are seeing new sides to each other, and Kane is surprised when he starts opening up to Isabella in a way that he hasn't with anyone else. There's no way that Isabella would choose a guy like Kane for the long-run, but maybe he can bask in her sunshine for a little while.
I really didn't know what to expect going into this, but I saw so many glowing reviews that I figured I'd better dive in. And the book took no time at all to win me over; even the smaller moments have an undercurrent of depth that intrigued me. There's something so endearing about a broken hero, and I loved watching Isabella heal Kane's shattered pieces. When he finally has the strength to let some love into his life, it was incredible to watch the transformation. The book still feels young and fresh because of the characters' ages, but the emotional depth is definitely there. It's rare that a book pulls me in so deeply and that a character grows so much throughout their time on the pages, but Kane absolutely stole my heart. There are some downright SWOONY moments paired with plenty of tender ones. And I can't forget the steam; there are so many SPICY scenes that are intimate and revealing while also simply being fan-worthy. I loved the intensity of the story as well as the quieter moments, and it's the kind of book I wanted to devour with no interruptions. A definite win for me!
I love it when a book feels like a 5-star read from the start and then proceeds to just get better and better with every page - especially when it's by a new-to-me author. I stumbled upon this book on just the right day, diving in with little to no expectations. It took no time at all to win me over; the secretly sweet, broken boy at the heart of it grabbed my interest and didn't let go. He's the kind of guy who is all anger and intensity on the surface, heartache and vulnerability on the inside. An MMA fighter who trains simply so he has a place to let out all of his bottled-up emotions. Pairing him with a sweet, former ballet dancer makes for a classic bad boy/good girl dynamic, but this felt so much deeper than that. It's equal parts emotional and introspective, lighthearted and swoony, spicy and tense. Castle deftly navigates all of the hero's conflicting emotions, allowing his story to truly shine. I loved watching him slowly let down his walls and reveal the sweetheart inside - a guy who is loving, protective, and wholly deserving of his own HEA. It had me hooked the whole way through, and left quite the impression on me. I loved it!
The story follows Kane (26), a guy whose childhood shaped the man he is today. Years of disappointment and pain have hardened his heart and left him with some anger issues, which further isolate him from the world. So Kane is less than impressed when a pretty little rich girl moves into the apartment next door. Kane has had to fight for everything he has, and this spoiled girl has clearly been handed everything she needs. But there's more to Isabella (23) than meets the eye, and the sweet-hearted girl is stronger than she looks. It's not long before the two are seeing new sides to each other, and Kane is surprised when he starts opening up to Isabella in a way that he hasn't with anyone else. There's no way that Isabella would choose a guy like Kane for the long-run, but maybe he can bask in her sunshine for a little while.
I really didn't know what to expect going into this, but I saw so many glowing reviews that I figured I'd better dive in. And the book took no time at all to win me over; even the smaller moments have an undercurrent of depth that intrigued me. There's something so endearing about a broken hero, and I loved watching Isabella heal Kane's shattered pieces. When he finally has the strength to let some love into his life, it was incredible to watch the transformation. The book still feels young and fresh because of the characters' ages, but the emotional depth is definitely there. It's rare that a book pulls me in so deeply and that a character grows so much throughout their time on the pages, but Kane absolutely stole my heart. There are some downright SWOONY moments paired with plenty of tender ones. And I can't forget the steam; there are so many SPICY scenes that are intimate and revealing while also simply being fan-worthy. I loved the intensity of the story as well as the quieter moments, and it's the kind of book I wanted to devour with no interruptions. A definite win for me!
September 10, 2023
✨ opposites attract
✨ sports romance - MMA
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ damaged boy
✨ three legged pit bull
✨ no 3rd act break up
Kane & Isabella we’re one of my most anticipated releases and they did not disappoint for a second. When Isabella shows up as Kanes neighbor he can’t help but to keep away from the former ballet dancer and what she makes him feel. Isabella is trying to find more to her life than dance and when she meets the tattooed angry at the world fighter she can’t help but be drawn to him.
Kane is so protective and has such a big caring heart until his heard exterior. I love watching how slowly Kane starts to open up to all things he has shut out from his life. Kane has trauma and fighting is his outlet until Isabella shows him there’s more to life than anger and fighting. Isabella seems like a sweet innocent girl but she doesn’t let Kane push her away, she’s sassy and strong headed and knows what she wants out of life. She’s finding her own way and is okay with figuring it out. Kane and Isabella have some of my favorite tender moments in this series.
And it wouldn’t be a real Nikki Castle book with a dirty talking alpha and burning hot spice between these two. They had my jaw dropping and flying through this book. I’m so sad they’re story is over but I love the way Kane was willing to do whatever it took to be a better man, to figure out what he wanted for himself and his future. And we can’t forget Oscar one of my favorite furry friends side kick who just added a little bit extra to this story
5/5 ⭐️
✨ sports romance - MMA
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ damaged boy
✨ three legged pit bull
✨ no 3rd act break up
Kane & Isabella we’re one of my most anticipated releases and they did not disappoint for a second. When Isabella shows up as Kanes neighbor he can’t help but to keep away from the former ballet dancer and what she makes him feel. Isabella is trying to find more to her life than dance and when she meets the tattooed angry at the world fighter she can’t help but be drawn to him.
Kane is so protective and has such a big caring heart until his heard exterior. I love watching how slowly Kane starts to open up to all things he has shut out from his life. Kane has trauma and fighting is his outlet until Isabella shows him there’s more to life than anger and fighting. Isabella seems like a sweet innocent girl but she doesn’t let Kane push her away, she’s sassy and strong headed and knows what she wants out of life. She’s finding her own way and is okay with figuring it out. Kane and Isabella have some of my favorite tender moments in this series.
And it wouldn’t be a real Nikki Castle book with a dirty talking alpha and burning hot spice between these two. They had my jaw dropping and flying through this book. I’m so sad they’re story is over but I love the way Kane was willing to do whatever it took to be a better man, to figure out what he wanted for himself and his future. And we can’t forget Oscar one of my favorite furry friends side kick who just added a little bit extra to this story
5/5 ⭐️
September 5, 2023
3.5⭐️
Sadly this is tough for me and has me conflicted in my feelings. I love Nikki’s writing. And I adore 5 Rounds and 2 Fights. I thought for sure this would be my new favorite in the series. I especially wanted to love it for the cover 😍
But I couldn’t get invested in either character. And their relationship didn’t fully make sense to me. Kane was just plain mean until he suddenly wasn’t. Their first sexual encounter is somewhere in the 20% mark and the whole scene made no sense. Or why Isabella allowed it given how much of a jerk he was. I was really questioning it after and I almost dnfed.
I thought I wasn’t into it as much solely because of my mood. And that might be some of it. I skimmed most of spicy scenes and that probably was a me thing. But I could not get into it, and the random dialogue thrown in for booktok quoting purposes really was driving me crazy.
I did love the snippets of previous characters, and of course Oscar. Also despite not being crazy about this one, I will read the next book!
Sadly this is tough for me and has me conflicted in my feelings. I love Nikki’s writing. And I adore 5 Rounds and 2 Fights. I thought for sure this would be my new favorite in the series. I especially wanted to love it for the cover 😍
But I couldn’t get invested in either character. And their relationship didn’t fully make sense to me. Kane was just plain mean until he suddenly wasn’t. Their first sexual encounter is somewhere in the 20% mark and the whole scene made no sense. Or why Isabella allowed it given how much of a jerk he was. I was really questioning it after and I almost dnfed.
I thought I wasn’t into it as much solely because of my mood. And that might be some of it. I skimmed most of spicy scenes and that probably was a me thing. But I could not get into it, and the random dialogue thrown in for booktok quoting purposes really was driving me crazy.
I did love the snippets of previous characters, and of course Oscar. Also despite not being crazy about this one, I will read the next book!
January 23, 2025
4.5⭐️
i really enjoyed this book
i loved that this was little bit different then what Nikki typically writes
Kane is hot and i love how obsessed with Isabella he was & how he fell to his knees for her
seeing him have a somewhat soft side for her was so sweet
i hated that he had such a hard childhood but so glad he was able to find love and a family that would treat him right
this book was so freaking good
cannot wait for the next book
update : after the audio book
SUCH W GOOD AUDIO EXPERIENCE
i forgot how much i love Kane & Isabella
i really enjoyed this book
i loved that this was little bit different then what Nikki typically writes
Kane is hot and i love how obsessed with Isabella he was & how he fell to his knees for her
seeing him have a somewhat soft side for her was so sweet
i hated that he had such a hard childhood but so glad he was able to find love and a family that would treat him right
this book was so freaking good
cannot wait for the next book
update : after the audio book
SUCH W GOOD AUDIO EXPERIENCE
i forgot how much i love Kane & Isabella
August 30, 2023
Since the moment I read 5 Rounds by Nikki Castle, she has captivated me and entranced me with her stories about strong women and the men they fall for. I thought with a debut like that we have just barely begun to tap into what she can do as an author, and I was right. With her newest release 1 Last Shot she has taken The Fight Game world to a new level with Isabella and Kane. Their story was full of passion, love and Kane was the alpha male so many women love to hate but damn did he do the damn thing.
If there is one thing you can say about me, it is that I am a sucker for a damaged boy and Kane was pretty messed up. Doing his best to keep the world at bay and not let anyone in, but there was no stopping Isabella from getting into this mind and his heart. The way he was obsessed with her but like in the healthy was so consuming. And when he called her "Princess" and the bike scene, my lord I was a delicious puddle for that man from the very start and that love only grew the further the story went on.
Then Isabella, my word that woman owned my heart!! After all her dreams had been shattered and she started to rebuild her life in comes a man who is gruff and broody but that doesn't last long. While all of Nikki's heroines are strong and resilient there was something about Isabella that was so much more than any of the others. She wasn't afraid to admit how she felt and that just really did it for me. Too often we see the man having to be the one to confess his feelings but when she did it I was enthralled with her even more. I'd put a ring on it for sure!!
1 Last Shot was a bit different from the other books in The Fight Game series but that doesn't lessen the impact this book had on me anymore than it lessens the love I had for Kane and Isabella. I knew from the end of 3 Count that their story was going to be a bit unique and it as but my gah, the way Nikki just sucks you in is so perfect.
Grab a glass of wine, a blanket and maybe dim the lights because once you start this book you are not going to want to stop. You are going to want to keep reading until the last page is turned and when I say it will be worth it, I mean it because Isabella and Kane are his perfect push and pull that I never wanted to end.
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
If there is one thing you can say about me, it is that I am a sucker for a damaged boy and Kane was pretty messed up. Doing his best to keep the world at bay and not let anyone in, but there was no stopping Isabella from getting into this mind and his heart. The way he was obsessed with her but like in the healthy was so consuming. And when he called her "Princess" and the bike scene, my lord I was a delicious puddle for that man from the very start and that love only grew the further the story went on.
Then Isabella, my word that woman owned my heart!! After all her dreams had been shattered and she started to rebuild her life in comes a man who is gruff and broody but that doesn't last long. While all of Nikki's heroines are strong and resilient there was something about Isabella that was so much more than any of the others. She wasn't afraid to admit how she felt and that just really did it for me. Too often we see the man having to be the one to confess his feelings but when she did it I was enthralled with her even more. I'd put a ring on it for sure!!
1 Last Shot was a bit different from the other books in The Fight Game series but that doesn't lessen the impact this book had on me anymore than it lessens the love I had for Kane and Isabella. I knew from the end of 3 Count that their story was going to be a bit unique and it as but my gah, the way Nikki just sucks you in is so perfect.
Grab a glass of wine, a blanket and maybe dim the lights because once you start this book you are not going to want to stop. You are going to want to keep reading until the last page is turned and when I say it will be worth it, I mean it because Isabella and Kane are his perfect push and pull that I never wanted to end.
*ARC received from author in exchange for my honest review. *
February 4, 2025
קיין אתה הבייבי שלי ואני אלחם בכל מי שתטען אחרת😭🫶🏻
📚 Book: 1 Last Shot
📚 Author: Nikki Castle
📚 Narrators: Gideon Frost, Carly Robin/CJ Bloom
📚 Format: 🎧 ALC (DUET)
📚 Genre: Sports Romance (MMA)
📚 POV: 1st Person Dual POV (Isabella Brooks & Kane Whitaker)
חשבתי שאחרי הספר הראשון והשני אני לא אתאהב קשות בדמויות ובכלל בעלילה, אבל מיס קאסל לא השאירה לי ברירה אלא להתאהב קשות בקיין הבייבי המדהים ביותר שיצרה אי פעם!
אהבתי ברמות שגם כשלכאורה נבחר טרופ של "העני והעשירה" היא לא הפכה את הספר לקלישאה, היא הביאה פה חששות אמיתיים, סיפורי חיים אמיתיים ועם כל זה שהספר הוא רומן רומנטי הוא הרגיש לי הכי מציאותי וריאלי שיש🥹
דמויות אמינות, עלילה אמינה, הכול כתוב בקצב המושלם, יש הומור ויש רצינות, והרומנטיקה מדהימה!
איזבלה דמות מהממת ומתוקה, עדינה ועדיין יודעת לעמוד על שלה, יודעת איך לגשת ללב של קיין מההתחלה
קיין דמות שאי אפשר שלא להתאהב בה, הוא פשוט דוב רגזני עם הלב הכי רגיש ועדין שיש, שכל מה שאת רוצה זה רק לחבק אותו חזק ולפוצץ את כל מי שיתעסק עם הגבר הזה
תקראו או אפילו יותר טוב! תאזינו לספר המדהים הזה כי באמת שהספר הזה הפך להיות הכי אהוב עליי בכל הסדרה הזאת🥹🫶🏻
🩰🏍️ You should read/listen to this book if you love those tropes:
➵ Opposites Attract
➵ Next Door Neighbors
➵ Broken Hero
➵ Possessive MMC
➵ MMA Fighter MMC & Ballet Dancer FMC
➵ Grumpy × Sunshine
➵ Life After A Dance Career
➵ Dog Dad
➵ Trauma Rep
Overall rating: ∞ fucking endless stars ⭐
Would I recommend this book: Hell Yeah!!!!!!!
Would I re-read this book: abso-fucking-lutely!
Would I read future books by this author: I'll read a freaking recipe for a glass of water if she writes it!
📚 Book: 1 Last Shot
📚 Author: Nikki Castle
📚 Narrators: Gideon Frost, Carly Robin/CJ Bloom
📚 Format: 🎧 ALC (DUET)
📚 Genre: Sports Romance (MMA)
📚 POV: 1st Person Dual POV (Isabella Brooks & Kane Whitaker)
חשבתי שאחרי הספר הראשון והשני אני לא אתאהב קשות בדמויות ובכלל בעלילה, אבל מיס קאסל לא השאירה לי ברירה אלא להתאהב קשות בקיין הבייבי המדהים ביותר שיצרה אי פעם!
אהבתי ברמות שגם כשלכאורה נבחר טרופ של "העני והעשירה" היא לא הפכה את הספר לקלישאה, היא הביאה פה חששות אמיתיים, סיפורי חיים אמיתיים ועם כל זה שהספר הוא רומן רומנטי הוא הרגיש לי הכי מציאותי וריאלי שיש🥹
דמויות אמינות, עלילה אמינה, הכול כתוב בקצב המושלם, יש הומור ויש רצינות, והרומנטיקה מדהימה!
איזבלה דמות מהממת ומתוקה, עדינה ועדיין יודעת לעמוד על שלה, יודעת איך לגשת ללב של קיין מההתחלה
קיין דמות שאי אפשר שלא להתאהב בה, הוא פשוט דוב רגזני עם הלב הכי רגיש ועדין שיש, שכל מה שאת רוצה זה רק לחבק אותו חזק ולפוצץ את כל מי שיתעסק עם הגבר הזה
תקראו או אפילו יותר טוב! תאזינו לספר המדהים הזה כי באמת שהספר הזה הפך להיות הכי אהוב עליי בכל הסדרה הזאת🥹🫶🏻
🩰🏍️ You should read/listen to this book if you love those tropes:
➵ Opposites Attract
➵ Next Door Neighbors
➵ Broken Hero
➵ Possessive MMC
➵ MMA Fighter MMC & Ballet Dancer FMC
➵ Grumpy × Sunshine
➵ Life After A Dance Career
➵ Dog Dad
➵ Trauma Rep
Overall rating: ∞ fucking endless stars ⭐
Would I recommend this book: Hell Yeah!!!!!!!
Would I re-read this book: abso-fucking-lutely!
Would I read future books by this author: I'll read a freaking recipe for a glass of water if she writes it!
September 3, 2023
Nikki is back with another book in the Fight Game series 🤍 𝟏 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 is the story of Kane, the gym's angry guy we all met in previous book... and it is SO good!
As I said, Kane is the angry guy. He doesn't talk to anyone and he is rude most of the time. But no one knows that he went through a rough childhood. He learnt how to survive — but not how to enjoy life.
Then we have Isabella, famous ballerina who just lost her career. She is trying to find her place in the world. And after first meeting with Kane, she is determined to tear down his walls. Isabella sees behind his facade and she quickly gets under Kane's skin.
What I loved about 𝟏 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 was the emotions and vulnerability in this book. Kane may seem like a tough guy (and he is) but i loved that we get to see his soft side. Isabella shows him that he deserves love, affection, that someone can truly care about him — and it was beautiful to see how her love changed him.
Lastly, it is Nikki... so i am just gonna say that when it comes to spice, she delivers again! You all, the smut is smuttingggg in this one 🤌🏻
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ
* sports romance (MMA, ballet dancer)
* broken hero
* grumpy - sunshine
* neighbors
* opposites attract
* it is SPICY 🔥
As I said, Kane is the angry guy. He doesn't talk to anyone and he is rude most of the time. But no one knows that he went through a rough childhood. He learnt how to survive — but not how to enjoy life.
Then we have Isabella, famous ballerina who just lost her career. She is trying to find her place in the world. And after first meeting with Kane, she is determined to tear down his walls. Isabella sees behind his facade and she quickly gets under Kane's skin.
What I loved about 𝟏 𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭 was the emotions and vulnerability in this book. Kane may seem like a tough guy (and he is) but i loved that we get to see his soft side. Isabella shows him that he deserves love, affection, that someone can truly care about him — and it was beautiful to see how her love changed him.
Lastly, it is Nikki... so i am just gonna say that when it comes to spice, she delivers again! You all, the smut is smuttingggg in this one 🤌🏻
ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴇxᴘᴇᴄᴛ
* sports romance (MMA, ballet dancer)
* broken hero
* grumpy - sunshine
* neighbors
* opposites attract
* it is SPICY 🔥
not-finished
March 15, 2025I wanted to like this...but I couldn't.
This story just felt generic to me and I kept putting it down.
I want to come back to it later. There was nothing bad with the story but nothing great about it either.
This story just felt generic to me and I kept putting it down.
I want to come back to it later. There was nothing bad with the story but nothing great about it either.
September 2, 2023
Is “broken boy” my new favorite sub trope?!?!
Yes. Yes, it is.
Yes. Yes, it is.
August 22, 2023
I AM FERAL FOR KANE.
Our girl does it again! Full review to come 🤍
Our girl does it again! Full review to come 🤍
January 16, 2025
EDIT: ALC REVIEW!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(As if that could ever change!!)
This audiobook—recorded duet—needs to be at the top of your tbr. First read or reread, it doesn’t matter because you’re going to love it! I feel like I fall deeper in love with the couple every time I read this book (this is my third time since release btw 😉) and it hits right in the feels every single time. 🤍 Kane really needed someone like Isabella to show him what real love looked like. To show him he doesn’t need to keep running from his past. The character development is so beautiful to see from both Kane and Isabella. Forever a favorite romance story of mine. 🤍
Thank you to Nikki for allowing me a chance to listen to this ALC. 🤍
✨Spoiler free ARC review✨
1 Last Shot by Nikki Castle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release date: AUG 30th
Grumpy MMCs scare me. 😂 I want to make that clear, I have a hard time accepting mean MMCs and I was concerned from his little snap shot at the end of 3 Count… but Kane… 😩 he’s a grump and he wants nothing to do with anyone but you can immediately see he’s just gone through so much pain. 😩 All of my concerns about connecting with him immediately flew out the window and jumped into how can we protect this man and show him he deserves love. 🩶 I will accept 0 criticism of this man.
Isabella is an inspiration. I truly feel like she just wants to see the best in everyone. She’s a healing presence and exactly what Kane needed to escape the darkness. Her strength and determination is admirable— I’ve been arguing with myself for the last 24 hours trying to decide where I would rank her in my Fight Game FMC’s, but I just can’t because they’re all written too well. 😂
This story does have some tougher conversations/ topics. If you have any triggers feel free to reach out (but they’re also included in the book if you prefer to take a peek).
From beginning to end, this book held my attention and kept me coming back for more. I’m so sad that I finished it so quickly because I never wanted it to end. I just feel like this is such a special world, as are the people within it.
If none of that convinces you, read this for the small bits of Aiden she graciously threw our way. 🩶😂
Thank you @nikkicastleromance and @theauthor.agency I feel so fortunate to receive this ARC, and I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks! 🩶
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(As if that could ever change!!)
This audiobook—recorded duet—needs to be at the top of your tbr. First read or reread, it doesn’t matter because you’re going to love it! I feel like I fall deeper in love with the couple every time I read this book (this is my third time since release btw 😉) and it hits right in the feels every single time. 🤍 Kane really needed someone like Isabella to show him what real love looked like. To show him he doesn’t need to keep running from his past. The character development is so beautiful to see from both Kane and Isabella. Forever a favorite romance story of mine. 🤍
Thank you to Nikki for allowing me a chance to listen to this ALC. 🤍
✨Spoiler free ARC review✨
1 Last Shot by Nikki Castle
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Release date: AUG 30th
Grumpy MMCs scare me. 😂 I want to make that clear, I have a hard time accepting mean MMCs and I was concerned from his little snap shot at the end of 3 Count… but Kane… 😩 he’s a grump and he wants nothing to do with anyone but you can immediately see he’s just gone through so much pain. 😩 All of my concerns about connecting with him immediately flew out the window and jumped into how can we protect this man and show him he deserves love. 🩶 I will accept 0 criticism of this man.
Isabella is an inspiration. I truly feel like she just wants to see the best in everyone. She’s a healing presence and exactly what Kane needed to escape the darkness. Her strength and determination is admirable— I’ve been arguing with myself for the last 24 hours trying to decide where I would rank her in my Fight Game FMC’s, but I just can’t because they’re all written too well. 😂
This story does have some tougher conversations/ topics. If you have any triggers feel free to reach out (but they’re also included in the book if you prefer to take a peek).
From beginning to end, this book held my attention and kept me coming back for more. I’m so sad that I finished it so quickly because I never wanted it to end. I just feel like this is such a special world, as are the people within it.
If none of that convinces you, read this for the small bits of Aiden she graciously threw our way. 🩶😂
Thank you @nikkicastleromance and @theauthor.agency I feel so fortunate to receive this ARC, and I can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks! 🩶
September 7, 2023
I have to be honest, maybe it was just me, but this book was boring. I’m used to way more tension and banter and angst with Castle’s books, that’s what keeps you interested even when there isn’t a lot of action or plot because she always focuses on character development / healing / relationships.
However, I just felt disconnected from this one for some reason. Maybe it was the lack of drama or issues, I’m not sure, it was all just kind of…easy? Especially for Isabella.
Kane was definitely the best part of this book. I’d say it revolves around him more than anything, Isabella was a secondary character for me to him and Oscar 😅. The spice was okay. The motorcycle scene was without a doubt the best part. There’s no third act breakup which is always nice, although the whole issue with his mom was ridiculous. It didn’t really make any sense, nor the fact that her threats weren’t followed through which seemed to always be the case in the past.
I think us reading about these two characters in the last book gave some false expectations. I thought it would be way harder for Isabella to get through to Kane. Or for Kane to open up. But again it all just seemed to happen so quickly and effortlessly because of this instant love they had. For someone with as many struggles as Kane, I guess I would’ve just expected a bit more difficulty.
This was by no means the best book of the series, but it was a decent addition. It was different from the others and gave a new aspect, it also added in their characters for future books. Tristan and Remy still reign supreme.
However, I just felt disconnected from this one for some reason. Maybe it was the lack of drama or issues, I’m not sure, it was all just kind of…easy? Especially for Isabella.
Kane was definitely the best part of this book. I’d say it revolves around him more than anything, Isabella was a secondary character for me to him and Oscar 😅. The spice was okay. The motorcycle scene was without a doubt the best part. There’s no third act breakup which is always nice, although the whole issue with his mom was ridiculous. It didn’t really make any sense, nor the fact that her threats weren’t followed through which seemed to always be the case in the past.
I think us reading about these two characters in the last book gave some false expectations. I thought it would be way harder for Isabella to get through to Kane. Or for Kane to open up. But again it all just seemed to happen so quickly and effortlessly because of this instant love they had. For someone with as many struggles as Kane, I guess I would’ve just expected a bit more difficulty.
This was by no means the best book of the series, but it was a decent addition. It was different from the others and gave a new aspect, it also added in their characters for future books. Tristan and Remy still reign supreme.
September 1, 2023
WHY has no one told me to read this series sooner? This was my first read by Nikki & oh my goodness… I have definitely found a new auto-but author for me.
Both Kane & Isabella are new to Philly. Kane because he’s trying to escape his past & Isabella because she’s trying to find herself & a new beginning after retiring from Ballet. These two are neighbors but end up meeting at the Gym that Kane trains at. At first Kane is very stand off-ish towards Isabella & pretty much everyone else. He basically takes one look at Isabella & assumes she’s just another rich girl who gets everything handed to her. What he doesn’t expect, is to feel an almost immediate connection to her. Despite being from complete opposite worlds, they seem to just get each other. Kane definitely has some demons but the question is… will he let Isabella all the way in & allow her to fight them WITH him?
Kane & Isabella were EVERYTHING. I love me a broken hero & Kane was just absolutely perfect in my eyes. He was broody & possessive but also had this sweet, thoughtful side to him that he saved solely for Isabella. I couldn’t get enough of their connection — it was just so real & raw. These two are one of my favorite couples I’ve ever read. I missed them as soon as I finished the book.
I can’t wait to go back & read the rest of this series.
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- MMA Fighter x Ballet Dancer
- Opposites Attract
- Broken Hero
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
Both Kane & Isabella are new to Philly. Kane because he’s trying to escape his past & Isabella because she’s trying to find herself & a new beginning after retiring from Ballet. These two are neighbors but end up meeting at the Gym that Kane trains at. At first Kane is very stand off-ish towards Isabella & pretty much everyone else. He basically takes one look at Isabella & assumes she’s just another rich girl who gets everything handed to her. What he doesn’t expect, is to feel an almost immediate connection to her. Despite being from complete opposite worlds, they seem to just get each other. Kane definitely has some demons but the question is… will he let Isabella all the way in & allow her to fight them WITH him?
Kane & Isabella were EVERYTHING. I love me a broken hero & Kane was just absolutely perfect in my eyes. He was broody & possessive but also had this sweet, thoughtful side to him that he saved solely for Isabella. I couldn’t get enough of their connection — it was just so real & raw. These two are one of my favorite couples I’ve ever read. I missed them as soon as I finished the book.
I can’t wait to go back & read the rest of this series.
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- MMA Fighter x Ballet Dancer
- Opposites Attract
- Broken Hero
- Found Family
- Forced Proximity
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶️
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