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Combative #1
Combative
We all play victims to our pasts, to the choices we make and the lives we create.
They define who we are.
And sometimes if we’re lucky enough, the past stays where it belongs: in the past.
Kyler Parker is not one of the lucky ones.
He has never been.
Abused and neglected until he was sixteen, Kyler needed an out. A way to escape. And he found it in the most unlikely friendship.
But at seventeen, tragedy struck, and he made himself disappear.
Now, at twenty-four, Kyler’s past is knocking on his door, offering a deal he has no choice but to take… a deal that will help bring justice—not just for him, but for his brothers.
The problem?
He’s distracted by the girl across the hall.
Madison comes with her own past, her own secrets... and her own deal.
And those deals?
They’re ticking time bombs.
Ones they didn’t know existed.
Tick.
Tock.
They define who we are.
And sometimes if we’re lucky enough, the past stays where it belongs: in the past.
Kyler Parker is not one of the lucky ones.
He has never been.
Abused and neglected until he was sixteen, Kyler needed an out. A way to escape. And he found it in the most unlikely friendship.
But at seventeen, tragedy struck, and he made himself disappear.
Now, at twenty-four, Kyler’s past is knocking on his door, offering a deal he has no choice but to take… a deal that will help bring justice—not just for him, but for his brothers.
The problem?
He’s distracted by the girl across the hall.
Madison comes with her own past, her own secrets... and her own deal.
And those deals?
They’re ticking time bombs.
Ones they didn’t know existed.
Tick.
Tock.
206 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2015
439 people are currently reading
6503 people want to read
About the author
Jay McLean
44 books8,181 followersJay McLean is an international best-selling author and full-time reader, writer of New Adult and Young Adult romance, and skilled procrastinator. When she’s not doing any of those things, she can be found running after her three little boys, investing way too much time on True Crime Documentaries and binge-watching reality TV.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
She writes what she loves to read, which are books that can make her laugh, make her hurt and make her feel.
Jay lives in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, in her dream home where music is loud and laughter is louder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 500 reviews
May 22, 2015
4 stars!
It’s no secret I am a huge fan of Jay McLean’s. Once I read her ‘More Than’ series, I knew she would be an auto-buy author for me. Combative is different than her other books. It’s got more mystery and more suspense than I was expecting. From the cover, it looks like just another fighter book but it’s not much of a fighter book at all, so don’t let that fool you. It’s a story of remorse, getting justice, making amends, figuring things out, and just maybe… even falling in love.
Kyler Parker is a guy who has a terrible past. Going into that past was difficult to read about at times. Madison Haynes is a girl who’s past is virtually unknown. There is so much about this girl we have no idea about.
Now back to Kyler. Ky is a good person who’s made some mistakes in his life. He feels incredibly guilty about things in his past and he carries that with him. He doesn’t have many people who are close to him, but Jackson is. Ky decides to help his brother Jackson out and join a fighting ring. He needs answers. He needs to get revenge for some of the bad that’s happened in his life. And he owes it to Jackson. He’ll do whatever he asks. Jackson and Kyler aren’t blood brothers, but they are as close as it comes. I loved their relationship. It was easy. You could tell how much they cared about one another and their banter made me laugh. Things with the operation are on track. Until Ky meets his new neighbor Madison at the mailboxes.
Ky is very interested in Madison. At first, I couldn’t get much of a read on her. She is full on intrigue and has many secrets. The story is mainly written in Ky’s pov (with some of Madison’s sprinkled in) so you don’t feel like you know her as well. Ky opens up to her. For the first time in a long time, he feels that connection with someone. With her.
Both of these main characters were a little broken. Both have secrets (one more than the other). I loved how Ky was able to open up to Madison. For the first time in years, he had someone he could talk to. He was a character who was dealing with a lot and I loved the way he handled everything in his life that had gone wrong- especially things with his Ma. Madison confused me at times, but I still liked her. I really want to know… For those of you wondering, YES. It does have a cliffhanger. BUT- Jay did us a solid and gave us a sneak peak into the next book. And it’s from Madison’s pov… and it gives us more insight into HER character. It makes me that much more excited to read the next installment!
Combative was a great read for me. It’s got mystery, romance, steam and even a few laugh out loud moments. I love McLean’s writing style. It’s fun, fresh and makes it easy to get lost in the story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series and I’m hoping it’s released sooner rather than later!
It’s no secret I am a huge fan of Jay McLean’s. Once I read her ‘More Than’ series, I knew she would be an auto-buy author for me. Combative is different than her other books. It’s got more mystery and more suspense than I was expecting. From the cover, it looks like just another fighter book but it’s not much of a fighter book at all, so don’t let that fool you. It’s a story of remorse, getting justice, making amends, figuring things out, and just maybe… even falling in love.
Kyler Parker is a guy who has a terrible past. Going into that past was difficult to read about at times. Madison Haynes is a girl who’s past is virtually unknown. There is so much about this girl we have no idea about.
Now back to Kyler. Ky is a good person who’s made some mistakes in his life. He feels incredibly guilty about things in his past and he carries that with him. He doesn’t have many people who are close to him, but Jackson is. Ky decides to help his brother Jackson out and join a fighting ring. He needs answers. He needs to get revenge for some of the bad that’s happened in his life. And he owes it to Jackson. He’ll do whatever he asks. Jackson and Kyler aren’t blood brothers, but they are as close as it comes. I loved their relationship. It was easy. You could tell how much they cared about one another and their banter made me laugh. Things with the operation are on track. Until Ky meets his new neighbor Madison at the mailboxes.
Ky is very interested in Madison. At first, I couldn’t get much of a read on her. She is full on intrigue and has many secrets. The story is mainly written in Ky’s pov (with some of Madison’s sprinkled in) so you don’t feel like you know her as well. Ky opens up to her. For the first time in a long time, he feels that connection with someone. With her.
Both of these main characters were a little broken. Both have secrets (one more than the other). I loved how Ky was able to open up to Madison. For the first time in years, he had someone he could talk to. He was a character who was dealing with a lot and I loved the way he handled everything in his life that had gone wrong- especially things with his Ma. Madison confused me at times, but I still liked her. I really want to know… For those of you wondering, YES. It does have a cliffhanger. BUT- Jay did us a solid and gave us a sneak peak into the next book. And it’s from Madison’s pov… and it gives us more insight into HER character. It makes me that much more excited to read the next installment!
Combative was a great read for me. It’s got mystery, romance, steam and even a few laugh out loud moments. I love McLean’s writing style. It’s fun, fresh and makes it easy to get lost in the story. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series and I’m hoping it’s released sooner rather than later!
May 21, 2015
4.5 Stars
Jay McLean delivered a hearttugging, steamy, mystery read folks!! Now where the heck is book two? The writing was spot on as was the connection between Kyler and Madison. The story is written in alternating povs of both Kyler and later Madison the gorgeous new neighbor.
Kyler Parker is a fantastic hero who has suffered a harsh past and recently returned home from his tour in Afghanistan. Pulled in by police for a bar fight, he is offered a deal by his brother Detective Jackson. Kyler is willing to make the deal and put a drug dealer behind bars and release his anger in the ring.
Kyler meets Madison Haynes his new neighbor at the mailboxes of their complex (What is she expecting in the mail? I’m dying to know!) Madison seems a bit disconnected and off but is just as interested in Kyler as he is with her. Their relationship was well developed and butterfly inducing.
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The head of the drug/fighting organization was a very interesting character as was Kyler’s brother but I must give a special shout out to Dr. Aroma – she was a hilariously wonderful addition to the story and I’m hoping we see a lot more of her in the next book. Overall this was a great start to this new series!
Jay McLean delivered a hearttugging, steamy, mystery read folks!! Now where the heck is book two? The writing was spot on as was the connection between Kyler and Madison. The story is written in alternating povs of both Kyler and later Madison the gorgeous new neighbor.
Kyler Parker is a fantastic hero who has suffered a harsh past and recently returned home from his tour in Afghanistan. Pulled in by police for a bar fight, he is offered a deal by his brother Detective Jackson. Kyler is willing to make the deal and put a drug dealer behind bars and release his anger in the ring.
Kyler meets Madison Haynes his new neighbor at the mailboxes of their complex (What is she expecting in the mail? I’m dying to know!) Madison seems a bit disconnected and off but is just as interested in Kyler as he is with her. Their relationship was well developed and butterfly inducing.
[image error]
The head of the drug/fighting organization was a very interesting character as was Kyler’s brother but I must give a special shout out to Dr. Aroma – she was a hilariously wonderful addition to the story and I’m hoping we see a lot more of her in the next book. Overall this was a great start to this new series!
January 21, 2016
Combative was an entertaining read. A veteran with a difficult past finds himself pulled into an uncover investigation, and falls for his neighbor, a young woman with secrets of her own.
Ky is consumed with guilt, choices he has made and people he has lost. Opportunity arises when he is reunited with an old friend, Jackson, who is now a detective. Infiltrate a fighting ring ran by a drug dealer, and maybe Ky will find forgiveness, and get a little revenge and retribution.
The man whose life I'm about to ruin. His name -Nate DeLuca-repeats in my head over and over, playing hostage in my mind.
Everything seems to be running smoothly until Ky runs into his attractive neighbor kicking his mailbox. Ky's interest is sparked and he and Madison slowly begin spending time together. Now, Madison seems a little 'sheltered', she doesn't share much, but Ky finds himself falling for her.
She exhales.While Ky is opening up to Madison, she still seems to be holding back. Madison's secrets combined with Ky trying to maintain his cover with Nate and the fighting ring, makes this a nice suspenseful read. I also have to mention Jackson and Dr. Aroma, who were great side characters. I did have one little pet peeve, but after a few deep breaths, I got over it. It was somewhat predictable, but all and all, I enjoyed this one.
I inhale.
She takes.
I give.
She pushes out a breath.
I pull one in.
So here we are-taking each other's breaths away.
BUT...That ending. WTF?!!?!?
I am so glad the next book is set to release in the next couple months.
May 27, 2015
4 Mysterious Stars.
This is one of those books you better go blind. Let’s just say that Ky and Madison meet each other and what starts with a tentative friendship soon starts into something more. But when the secrets that both of them carry start to come out, everything will definitely not be the same again.
This was a nice surprise by Jay McLean. I had some itches with the plotline, but it was without a doubt a steamy and mysterious romance book, with nice and real characters and that kept on my toes from page one and with a million questions in the end.
Give it a try!
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
This is one of those books you better go blind. Let’s just say that Ky and Madison meet each other and what starts with a tentative friendship soon starts into something more. But when the secrets that both of them carry start to come out, everything will definitely not be the same again.
This was a nice surprise by Jay McLean. I had some itches with the plotline, but it was without a doubt a steamy and mysterious romance book, with nice and real characters and that kept on my toes from page one and with a million questions in the end.
Give it a try!
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: Hot.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
February 16, 2016
4.5 S T A R S out of 5
This book is rated 'W' for Well Done
Genre: New Adult with Romance Mystery & Intrigue
You will not want to put this book down.
“Don’t live in the past, Kyler, dream about the future. You and Madison—you can have a future. You can have it all.” -Christine
Kyler Parker (Ky)
A brawl ending with a possible attempted murder charge puts Kyler Parker in the hot seat with Philly PD. However it's his thirst for revenge that will have him fighting yet again but this time in an underground fight ring. Sometimes all you need is a cause and Ky certainly has one. Detective Jackson Davis(Jax) is privy to Ky's cause. It's a common thread each man shares.
"I became a detective so I could get closer to the case. So I could find the people responsible.” -Jackson
Madison Haynes (Maddy)
Madison is Ky's neighbor. His very pretty neighbor who he takes more than a liking to. He falls for her HARD. Only, Madison is complicated. Tiny fragments make up Madison's character. She's not easy to read though intriguing none the less. Madison has this adorable quirky temperament that I like. She holds an innocence, while providing little tidbits if anything about herself. Which only raises questions for the reader...Tell us your secrets Madison. Inquiring minds want to know.
Nate DeLuca (DeLuca)
This guy is sneaky sneaky sly dog sneaky. Honestly DeLuca is pretty much a mystery to us. McLean literally only gives you bread crumbs on this guy. On top of this he is the protagonist. But...I like him. Kind of sorta... Ok, maybe it's just slight interest. Whatever the case may be, I cannot wait to know more about him. I love a good bad guy in a story, although I truly hope he's not allllll bad. His name DeLuca hints to possibly being mafia. I mean, I'm just guessing here so only the next two books will tell.
What readers should know..
This is very much Ky's story and it certainly reads that way. I have much anticipation for the next book and where it will lead each character, especially when it comes to Madison. It's like unto a puzzle, where you must fit in each piece to make the story complete. Therefore each character along with their story will complete this series.
The writing is excellent! McLean steps out of her norm and excels! This intriguingly mystery romance will have readers on edge. She essentially has parallel story lines and a double mystery plot going down with both Maddy and DeLuca. Separately yet simultaneously.. And it's odd because character wise they're contrary to one another. When you over look that you find this
-> Both characters will pique your curiosity.
-> Both characters are given in doses. Whereas Maddy is good with a sweet innocence to her. DeLuca is is the bad guy and equals DANGER. Or does he? Hmmmm... Not much is given about either yet after their introductions they hold an instant appeal to the reader.
My Sweet and Sour
My Sweet- The way Christine took Ky in as her own.
My Sour- Ky's dad :( Whom at one point Ky refers to as the devil in the flesh. Yes, he is that bad.
Oh and another thing, at one point Ky tells Madison she has no reason to be scared but I disagree. I think she may have plenty of reasons to be scared and I NEED BOOK TWO TO FIND OUT IF I'M RIGHT!
Notes share: Below is a few notes I wrote in my kindle while reading!(hidden as some may consider it to hold spoilers but it's really just questions)
HEA?
Cliffhanger?
Steam Factor: solid 7
Main Character Names:
Kyler Parker
Jackson Davis
Nate DeLuca
Madison Haynes
Stay connected and get more of my reviews by hitting the follow button!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I NEED the next book like NOW! ❤️ REVIEW TO COME!
HOLY SMOKES!!! I LOVE THIS COVER!
This book is rated 'W' for Well Done
Genre: New Adult with Romance Mystery & Intrigue
You will not want to put this book down.
“Don’t live in the past, Kyler, dream about the future. You and Madison—you can have a future. You can have it all.” -Christine
Kyler Parker (Ky)
A brawl ending with a possible attempted murder charge puts Kyler Parker in the hot seat with Philly PD. However it's his thirst for revenge that will have him fighting yet again but this time in an underground fight ring. Sometimes all you need is a cause and Ky certainly has one. Detective Jackson Davis(Jax) is privy to Ky's cause. It's a common thread each man shares.
"I became a detective so I could get closer to the case. So I could find the people responsible.” -Jackson
Madison Haynes (Maddy)
Madison is Ky's neighbor. His very pretty neighbor who he takes more than a liking to. He falls for her HARD. Only, Madison is complicated. Tiny fragments make up Madison's character. She's not easy to read though intriguing none the less. Madison has this adorable quirky temperament that I like. She holds an innocence, while providing little tidbits if anything about herself. Which only raises questions for the reader...Tell us your secrets Madison. Inquiring minds want to know.
Nate DeLuca (DeLuca)
This guy is sneaky sneaky sly dog sneaky. Honestly DeLuca is pretty much a mystery to us. McLean literally only gives you bread crumbs on this guy. On top of this he is the protagonist. But...I like him. Kind of sorta... Ok, maybe it's just slight interest. Whatever the case may be, I cannot wait to know more about him. I love a good bad guy in a story, although I truly hope he's not allllll bad. His name DeLuca hints to possibly being mafia. I mean, I'm just guessing here so only the next two books will tell.
What readers should know..
This is very much Ky's story and it certainly reads that way. I have much anticipation for the next book and where it will lead each character, especially when it comes to Madison. It's like unto a puzzle, where you must fit in each piece to make the story complete. Therefore each character along with their story will complete this series.
The writing is excellent! McLean steps out of her norm and excels! This intriguingly mystery romance will have readers on edge. She essentially has parallel story lines and a double mystery plot going down with both Maddy and DeLuca. Separately yet simultaneously.. And it's odd because character wise they're contrary to one another. When you over look that you find this
-> Both characters will pique your curiosity.
-> Both characters are given in doses. Whereas Maddy is good with a sweet innocence to her. DeLuca is is the bad guy and equals DANGER. Or does he? Hmmmm... Not much is given about either yet after their introductions they hold an instant appeal to the reader.
My Sweet and Sour
My Sweet- The way Christine took Ky in as her own.
My Sour- Ky's dad :( Whom at one point Ky refers to as the devil in the flesh. Yes, he is that bad.
Oh and another thing, at one point Ky tells Madison she has no reason to be scared but I disagree. I think she may have plenty of reasons to be scared and I NEED BOOK TWO TO FIND OUT IF I'M RIGHT!
Notes share: Below is a few notes I wrote in my kindle while reading!(hidden as some may consider it to hold spoilers but it's really just questions)
HEA?
Cliffhanger?
Steam Factor: solid 7
Main Character Names:
Kyler Parker
Jackson Davis
Nate DeLuca
Madison Haynes
Stay connected and get more of my reviews by hitting the follow button!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I NEED the next book like NOW! ❤️ REVIEW TO COME!
HOLY SMOKES!!! I LOVE THIS COVER!
October 30, 2015
4 Stars!!
This one for sure was different from any other books I have read by this author. It wasn’t better, it wasn’t worse, it was…well, just different. Even the writing seemed different in some way. Anyway…I enjoyed it and that’s all that matters. I don’t really know why I waited so long to read this. If you have this one on your TBR shelf, just read it, if not..just add it. “Combative” was the perfect blend of mystery, suspense and steam. This first installment in the series was interesting with some few moments who kept me at the edge of my seat, is written in dual POV and ends with a huge cliffhanger. Needless to say I’m anxiously waiting for the next book.
Kyler ‘Ky’ Parker recently returned home from his four tour in Afghanistan. He has a terrible past, feeling guilty for some of his actions. He tried to escape the guilt and the pain, but everything he did was in vain. He’s angry and all this anger gets him in trouble when he gets into a bar fight. He is ‘saved’ when Detective Jackson ‘Jax’ Davis offers him a deal. Ky doesn’t have any ‘real’ family, but Jax was always like a brother for him. He will do anything for the other man, so eventually he accepts the deal. He has to go undercover in a fighting ring, which Jax believes is a cover-up for drug dealing.
Madison Haynes is Ky’s new neighbor. She lives across his apartment and from the beginning she’s a mystery. Her beauty and her innocence intrigue Ky. She’s simply different. They start a tentative friendship and as the story progresses they become something more. While Ky is open about who he really is and about his past, Madison is an enigma. Despite this fact, he feels a strong connection with her and he is smitten with her.
This one for sure was an interesting read! I really don't want to give too much away, so I will not talk about the plot. Both Ky and Madison were likeable characters. Since most of the chapters are told from Ky’s POV we get to know him better than Madison. Needless to say his character was better developed. He is a little damaged, but this connection with Madison and their relationship helps him in some way. Now, he can deal easier with his past. She gives him strength, she seems to understand him and I loved her for that. Like I mentioned above, Madison was a mystery. Not only for Ky, but for me as well. Who is she? Who is Sarah? And what’s the deal with those mailboxes. (I have my theories) She was sweet, caring and even protective with Ky, a little bit naive at times, but I liked her character.
I enjoyed Ky and Madison’s friendship and how easily they interacted with each other. There wasn’t so much chemistry like I would have liked to see between them, but their romantic relationship was very sweet and well developed. Their interactions were simply adorable at times. I loved the relationship between Ky and Jax. They clearly care about each other, are protective of each other and their friendship was easy and genuine.
Overall, this was an engaging read and I’m looking forward to read the next installment in the series!
“Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering.”
– Nicole Krauss, "The History of Love"
This one for sure was different from any other books I have read by this author. It wasn’t better, it wasn’t worse, it was…well, just different. Even the writing seemed different in some way. Anyway…I enjoyed it and that’s all that matters. I don’t really know why I waited so long to read this. If you have this one on your TBR shelf, just read it, if not..just add it. “Combative” was the perfect blend of mystery, suspense and steam. This first installment in the series was interesting with some few moments who kept me at the edge of my seat, is written in dual POV and ends with a huge cliffhanger. Needless to say I’m anxiously waiting for the next book.
Kyler ‘Ky’ Parker recently returned home from his four tour in Afghanistan. He has a terrible past, feeling guilty for some of his actions. He tried to escape the guilt and the pain, but everything he did was in vain. He’s angry and all this anger gets him in trouble when he gets into a bar fight. He is ‘saved’ when Detective Jackson ‘Jax’ Davis offers him a deal. Ky doesn’t have any ‘real’ family, but Jax was always like a brother for him. He will do anything for the other man, so eventually he accepts the deal. He has to go undercover in a fighting ring, which Jax believes is a cover-up for drug dealing.
Madison Haynes is Ky’s new neighbor. She lives across his apartment and from the beginning she’s a mystery. Her beauty and her innocence intrigue Ky. She’s simply different. They start a tentative friendship and as the story progresses they become something more. While Ky is open about who he really is and about his past, Madison is an enigma. Despite this fact, he feels a strong connection with her and he is smitten with her.
This one for sure was an interesting read! I really don't want to give too much away, so I will not talk about the plot. Both Ky and Madison were likeable characters. Since most of the chapters are told from Ky’s POV we get to know him better than Madison. Needless to say his character was better developed. He is a little damaged, but this connection with Madison and their relationship helps him in some way. Now, he can deal easier with his past. She gives him strength, she seems to understand him and I loved her for that. Like I mentioned above, Madison was a mystery. Not only for Ky, but for me as well. Who is she? Who is Sarah? And what’s the deal with those mailboxes. (I have my theories) She was sweet, caring and even protective with Ky, a little bit naive at times, but I liked her character.
I enjoyed Ky and Madison’s friendship and how easily they interacted with each other. There wasn’t so much chemistry like I would have liked to see between them, but their romantic relationship was very sweet and well developed. Their interactions were simply adorable at times. I loved the relationship between Ky and Jax. They clearly care about each other, are protective of each other and their friendship was easy and genuine.
Overall, this was an engaging read and I’m looking forward to read the next installment in the series!
January 19, 2016
★★★★ 4.5 Stars ★★★★
I loved this! It was suspenseful and sweet and intense and I am dying for the next instalment. That cliffhanger was a killer!
Kyler Parker had just returned from completing 4 tours in Afghanistan, when he gets into a bar fight with a man who spoke out of turn. When Detective Jackson (Jax) Davis offers him a deal he finds it hard to resist, not only because he doesn't want to end up in jail but because Jax is family. This story goes from past to present where we learn of Ky's terrible upbringing and his close connection to Jax who is like a brother to him.
Jax needs Ky's help to bring down Nate DeLuca who is the leader of a fighting ring but is also rumoured to be involved in drug dealing. Ky agrees to infiltrate the fighting club and put his fighting skills to good use.
Madison Haynes is the new neighbour across from Ky's apartment, and she is one big mystery from the start. Ky is drawn to her innocence and even though she is keeping her past from him, he can't deny the feelings that he's developing for her, she brings out his protective streak and he loves spending time with her. Madison is naive, but she's endearing, and we don't really know much about her other than she is in text correspondence with a lady called Sara.
I won't go into any more detail relating to the plot, because the great thing about this book was all the questions that kept popping up in my head. I have so much going on in my thoughts right now because the plotline was very mysterious and I can't wait to find out what happens next and how all the characters relate to the story.
I loved the bromance between Jax & Ky, I loved that even though Ky had been hurt by girlfriends in the past, and that he felt worthless with nothing to offer, he just risked putting his heart on the line for a woman who couldn't (or wouldn't) share her whole self with him. I loved Christine, Jax's mum and how she was a badass and took Ky in.
Also, I can't frikking wait to learn more about Nate DeLuca, he's on my radar and I have a feeling there is more to him than just being a baddie.
As you may have gathered, this ended on an almighty cliffhanger, so be prepared!
This is book one, it is told in dual POV, but mainly from KY.
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
I loved this! It was suspenseful and sweet and intense and I am dying for the next instalment. That cliffhanger was a killer!
Kyler Parker had just returned from completing 4 tours in Afghanistan, when he gets into a bar fight with a man who spoke out of turn. When Detective Jackson (Jax) Davis offers him a deal he finds it hard to resist, not only because he doesn't want to end up in jail but because Jax is family. This story goes from past to present where we learn of Ky's terrible upbringing and his close connection to Jax who is like a brother to him.
Jax needs Ky's help to bring down Nate DeLuca who is the leader of a fighting ring but is also rumoured to be involved in drug dealing. Ky agrees to infiltrate the fighting club and put his fighting skills to good use.
Madison Haynes is the new neighbour across from Ky's apartment, and she is one big mystery from the start. Ky is drawn to her innocence and even though she is keeping her past from him, he can't deny the feelings that he's developing for her, she brings out his protective streak and he loves spending time with her. Madison is naive, but she's endearing, and we don't really know much about her other than she is in text correspondence with a lady called Sara.
I won't go into any more detail relating to the plot, because the great thing about this book was all the questions that kept popping up in my head. I have so much going on in my thoughts right now because the plotline was very mysterious and I can't wait to find out what happens next and how all the characters relate to the story.
I loved the bromance between Jax & Ky, I loved that even though Ky had been hurt by girlfriends in the past, and that he felt worthless with nothing to offer, he just risked putting his heart on the line for a woman who couldn't (or wouldn't) share her whole self with him. I loved Christine, Jax's mum and how she was a badass and took Ky in.
Also, I can't frikking wait to learn more about Nate DeLuca, he's on my radar and I have a feeling there is more to him than just being a baddie.
As you may have gathered, this ended on an almighty cliffhanger, so be prepared!
This is book one, it is told in dual POV, but mainly from KY.
Images featured in this review were created by me using stock images either purchased from deposit photo or from free stock sites.
March 8, 2016
I like how Jay McLean writes. This book was a bit different from what she wrote before. It is a darker one, with underground fighting, drug dealers, police investigation and a lot of mystery. But still it's the same Jay's writing that I came to like. Her stories are not put on the platter for you. No. They are slowly revealed and with every page you read, you have to put the pieces together by yourself.
We have KY, a guy with a harsh past who got himself involved with police investigation. His job is to go undercover as an underground fighter and find out as much as he can about person running it, drug dealer Nate. Now, this is the character I would like to get to know better.
We have Madison, his next door, gorgeous, new neighbour. She was a complete enigma. We don't know much about her past, she is shy and weird at times, like she doesn't know about modern world much.
When they meet, they like to spend time together, and what started as a friendly connection turns into something more. While Ky opens more and more to her, she is unwilling to share anything more than necessary with him. But will they relationship last when more and more secrets are being revealed...?
The book ends on a huge cliffhanger, I don't mind though, just a fair warning for those who are not fans.
Overall, enjoyable read, with a lot of emotions, humour, steam, mystery and suspense.
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
We have KY, a guy with a harsh past who got himself involved with police investigation. His job is to go undercover as an underground fighter and find out as much as he can about person running it, drug dealer Nate. Now, this is the character I would like to get to know better.
We have Madison, his next door, gorgeous, new neighbour. She was a complete enigma. We don't know much about her past, she is shy and weird at times, like she doesn't know about modern world much.
When they meet, they like to spend time together, and what started as a friendly connection turns into something more. While Ky opens more and more to her, she is unwilling to share anything more than necessary with him. But will they relationship last when more and more secrets are being revealed...?
The book ends on a huge cliffhanger, I don't mind though, just a fair warning for those who are not fans.
Overall, enjoyable read, with a lot of emotions, humour, steam, mystery and suspense.
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2016
Combative isn’t your typical Jay McLean book, but if you have been following her you know she isn’t a one trick pony. No, Jay is more than capable of delivering lots of different types of stories, but there are a few things that are always the same. Her books are addictive, full of heart and captivating.
When we first meet Ky it’s easy to love him. He is from a damaged home, full of abuse, but it doesn’t stop him from helping someone else. That’s how Ky and Jackson become best friends, brothers. I immediately felt for Ky, because of he is selfless. Don't get me wrong, he is in no way perfect. He always had the best of intentions, but still human.
The story is told in real time, but has moments of reflections where we get to see glimpses of the past. We can see how Ky and Jackson grew apart, but you can also see that regardless of time there is a permanent bond between them.
Madison is Ky’s beautiful, new neighbor and once he gets a look at her he wants more. I love how Jay doesn’t write insta-love, not this is more insta-lust. Ky sees a beautiful woman and just wants more. I loved how Ky and Madison relationship developed.
Since the story is told in dual POV it’s easy to see that things are off, to say the least. There is also this level of mystery and suspense. While reading you can tell somethings not right and you have the drama that you know about. But you have no idea how this is all going to tie in, you have no idea how deep everything goes, and let me tell you that guessing feeling keeps you reading as fast as you can.
Combative is unexpected, addictive, leaves you feeling anxious and wanting more. I am so excited to see what comes next. I know a lot of people don’t read series until they are all out, mainly because you don’t want to forget what the original book was about. Well, I can tell you with this ending, you won’t forget.
When we first meet Ky it’s easy to love him. He is from a damaged home, full of abuse, but it doesn’t stop him from helping someone else. That’s how Ky and Jackson become best friends, brothers. I immediately felt for Ky, because of he is selfless. Don't get me wrong, he is in no way perfect. He always had the best of intentions, but still human.
The story is told in real time, but has moments of reflections where we get to see glimpses of the past. We can see how Ky and Jackson grew apart, but you can also see that regardless of time there is a permanent bond between them.
Madison is Ky’s beautiful, new neighbor and once he gets a look at her he wants more. I love how Jay doesn’t write insta-love, not this is more insta-lust. Ky sees a beautiful woman and just wants more. I loved how Ky and Madison relationship developed.
Since the story is told in dual POV it’s easy to see that things are off, to say the least. There is also this level of mystery and suspense. While reading you can tell somethings not right and you have the drama that you know about. But you have no idea how this is all going to tie in, you have no idea how deep everything goes, and let me tell you that guessing feeling keeps you reading as fast as you can.
Combative is unexpected, addictive, leaves you feeling anxious and wanting more. I am so excited to see what comes next. I know a lot of people don’t read series until they are all out, mainly because you don’t want to forget what the original book was about. Well, I can tell you with this ending, you won’t forget.
February 6, 2016
4 "I exist." STARS
No surprise, the writing was good, it is Jay McLean after all! This story caught my attention real quick. There’s not much of a fighting story here but lots of mystery and intrigue. Ky and Madison were cute together and I loved Jax, Ky's younger brother.
Ky is sweet and so easy to love. The boy's been through a lot and his draw and intentions with Madison were sweet. I found Madison to be a bit frustrating. I felt like I had whiplash with her. The girl’s emotions and actions were all over the place and at times, it felt like two different people…perhaps that was intention? If so, brilliant job Jay. It was blatantly obvious that a lot of sh*t was still to be revealed.
“Her chest rises when mine falls.
She exhales.
I inhale.
She takes.
I give.
She pushed out a breath.
I pull one in.
So here we are – taking each other’s breaths away.”
This does end on a cliffhanger and I have a million questions. I'll be reading Redemptive!
No surprise, the writing was good, it is Jay McLean after all! This story caught my attention real quick. There’s not much of a fighting story here but lots of mystery and intrigue. Ky and Madison were cute together and I loved Jax, Ky's younger brother.
Ky is sweet and so easy to love. The boy's been through a lot and his draw and intentions with Madison were sweet. I found Madison to be a bit frustrating. I felt like I had whiplash with her. The girl’s emotions and actions were all over the place and at times, it felt like two different people…perhaps that was intention? If so, brilliant job Jay. It was blatantly obvious that a lot of sh*t was still to be revealed.
“Her chest rises when mine falls.
She exhales.
I inhale.
She takes.
I give.
She pushed out a breath.
I pull one in.
So here we are – taking each other’s breaths away.”
This does end on a cliffhanger and I have a million questions. I'll be reading Redemptive!
May 29, 2015
3.5 STARS! ★★★☆
"People do crazy things they feel like the clock is ticking too fast, or too slow, or not ticking at all."
After a few days of sitting on this read, I'm not even gonna lie that the events of this book still left me befuddled! The entire plot had me just riddled with questions and even after that huge bazooka cliffhanger, I can only say that it'll be an absolute torture to wait for the next book to know the answers we're looking for.
Combative starts off with Kyler Parker who just returned from his tour in Afghanistan and got himself into a nasty brawl at a bar. The only way out of it was through his brother, Detective Jackson who offered him a deal to go undercover in a fighting ring which he believes is a cover-up for drug dealing. The mission was supposed to be fairly simple, up until Kyler met his gorgeous new neighbour, Madison.
I don't really want to go into details on this but I can say that the book really thrives on the ambiguity of several plot details, mainly on who exactly is Madison and why does she keep peeking into her mailbox for starters. Even for the first half of the book, I actually couldn't even tell where the book was heading to and while it did keep me on my toes, at times it also left me feeling rather frustrated. The connection between Ky and Madison was pretty adorable too especially with Madison being rather endearing with her naivety.
Overall Combative is quite a surprising read coming from this author as I believe this is her first time dipping into this sub-genre but she did a fairly great job in catching everyone's attention on this one. It's not exactly a fighter read but definitely gravitating towards the mystery/suspense genre I'd say. The ending there surely hit most of us on the head with a pivotal moment that made you wish that Book 2 was within our grasp at this very moment!
Combative is the first part of the Combative series and is a suspenseful romance read.
A copy kindly gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review.
"People do crazy things they feel like the clock is ticking too fast, or too slow, or not ticking at all."
After a few days of sitting on this read, I'm not even gonna lie that the events of this book still left me befuddled! The entire plot had me just riddled with questions and even after that huge bazooka cliffhanger, I can only say that it'll be an absolute torture to wait for the next book to know the answers we're looking for.
Combative starts off with Kyler Parker who just returned from his tour in Afghanistan and got himself into a nasty brawl at a bar. The only way out of it was through his brother, Detective Jackson who offered him a deal to go undercover in a fighting ring which he believes is a cover-up for drug dealing. The mission was supposed to be fairly simple, up until Kyler met his gorgeous new neighbour, Madison.
I don't really want to go into details on this but I can say that the book really thrives on the ambiguity of several plot details, mainly on who exactly is Madison and why does she keep peeking into her mailbox for starters. Even for the first half of the book, I actually couldn't even tell where the book was heading to and while it did keep me on my toes, at times it also left me feeling rather frustrated. The connection between Ky and Madison was pretty adorable too especially with Madison being rather endearing with her naivety.
Overall Combative is quite a surprising read coming from this author as I believe this is her first time dipping into this sub-genre but she did a fairly great job in catching everyone's attention on this one. It's not exactly a fighter read but definitely gravitating towards the mystery/suspense genre I'd say. The ending there surely hit most of us on the head with a pivotal moment that made you wish that Book 2 was within our grasp at this very moment!
"I don't think it's our pasts that define us, and it's not even our life's final destination. It's everything we do in between, the actual living, that creates who we are."
Combative is the first part of the Combative series and is a suspenseful romance read.
A copy kindly gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2015
What the fuck did I just read??
I need book 2 as soon as motherfucking possible.
I need book 2 as soon as motherfucking possible.
May 25, 2015
So a Jay McLean book is like a gift...a perfect something for no special reason. It is a known happiness that you know is gonna be written well, angsty, full of deep/profound love that is all consuming.
Combative showed up on my kindle and I was jumping up and down...I fell hard for Kyler and his "brother" Jackson whose childhood friendship was made out of necessity but created a beautiful family. Then I fell harder when rough life moments broke them apart only to put them back together. So when you put them together, throw in an undercover dangerous mission, and don't forget the introduction of a mysterious gal who claims Ky's heart...Well I cant help smile...
But wait, this is book 1. This is a series, so of course Jay McLean was going to reel you in with passion, love, suspenseful wtf moments. Did I mention lots of love moments...
Well...then there is that moment where it all goes to pot! Not the writing, but the whole feeling of this is going to be sunshine and flowers...
When is the next book out????????
Combative showed up on my kindle and I was jumping up and down...I fell hard for Kyler and his "brother" Jackson whose childhood friendship was made out of necessity but created a beautiful family. Then I fell harder when rough life moments broke them apart only to put them back together. So when you put them together, throw in an undercover dangerous mission, and don't forget the introduction of a mysterious gal who claims Ky's heart...Well I cant help smile...
But wait, this is book 1. This is a series, so of course Jay McLean was going to reel you in with passion, love, suspenseful wtf moments. Did I mention lots of love moments...
Well...then there is that moment where it all goes to pot! Not the writing, but the whole feeling of this is going to be sunshine and flowers...
When is the next book out????????
Want to read
February 24, 2014NEW JAY MCLEAN BOOK!!! ADD!
So far I like the title...and the cover.... ;)
So far I like the title...and the cover.... ;)
April 9, 2016
4.5 Combative Stars!
Loved it and am now absolutely hooked!! Need the next book like now!!!
This was my first book by Jay McLean and will most definitely NOT be my last! It's extremely edgy and the story has a ton of layers. Any mafia and MMA lovers, you need to hop on this train. I am kicking myself for waiting so long to pick up this author.
Yes, there is a major STORY cliffy at the end...not with the couple, but with the story.
Full review to follow...
Loved it and am now absolutely hooked!! Need the next book like now!!!
This was my first book by Jay McLean and will most definitely NOT be my last! It's extremely edgy and the story has a ton of layers. Any mafia and MMA lovers, you need to hop on this train. I am kicking myself for waiting so long to pick up this author.
Yes, there is a major STORY cliffy at the end...not with the couple, but with the story.
Full review to follow...
January 18, 2016
Review to come ...
**A complimentary copy was generously provided by the author.**
**A complimentary copy was generously provided by the author.**
May 20, 2015
Madison ... who are you??
I need some answers!!!
Well, as you can see there is a big cliffhanger at the end of this book ... and I hate that!!! ...
This was a quick and easy read ... with some unanswered questions ...
Ky and Madison both had a shitty past ... while Ky's past is wide and open, Madison is still keeping something ...
"I don't think it's our pasts that define us, and it's not even our life's final destination. It's everything we do in between, the actual living, that creates who we are."
Impatiently waiting for the next book ...
I need some answers!!!
Well, as you can see there is a big cliffhanger at the end of this book ... and I hate that!!! ...
This was a quick and easy read ... with some unanswered questions ...
Ky and Madison both had a shitty past ... while Ky's past is wide and open, Madison is still keeping something ...
"I don't think it's our pasts that define us, and it's not even our life's final destination. It's everything we do in between, the actual living, that creates who we are."
Impatiently waiting for the next book ...
May 21, 2015
TITLE: Combative
SERIES: (Combative #1)
AUTHOR: Jay McLean
GENRE: Contemporary Romance | New Adult
RELEASED: May 16th 2015
MY RATING: ★★★★
Sneaky sneaky Jay Mclean this slipped by me like a ghost!!
Characters:
Jackson (Detective - Childhood friend)
Nate DeLuca (runs the underground fighting ring)
Madison (New tenant in Ky's building - female character)
Kyler (main male character)
Steve (Ky's half brother)
Christine (Jackson's mother, Ky's stand in mother)
Ashlee (Ky's first love)
Jeff (Jackson's dad)
Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl
Combative (Combative #1) is about childhood friendships reunited..Brothers being put through the wringer. It's about not allowing your past to define your future. It's about family, that may not even be blood related but are family none the less.. It's about love, and it's about honour.
BUT it's definitely not about:
which kind of sucks because I really really wanted to read about dinosaur sex!!
SURVIVOR GUILT
Hmmmmm not sure what to make of this book, it's sort of like it's been written by a totally different author, the writing style, Kyler reads like an open book with some depth to him, my thoughts in the beginning of the book with Madison were jumbled because there were so many elements of the unknown for her, she hadn't experienced much in life, so her coming off as a closed book was just the fact she'd not had much of a life..
ALL IS NOT WHAT IT SEEMS
We both have shitty pasts, and we're both trying to find a way to change that. Because in the end I think we're both struggling with the realization that the past doesn't create us.
I'm here to offer you a deal - one that you should take
The past comes a knocking on Kyler's door, offering deals he has no choice but to take… Deals that will help bring justice — not just for me, but for my brothers.
The problem?
The deal is a ticking time bomb.
Did I love this book, yeah na probably not when I started reading it..It just took me a while to get into not so much the story line but the actual warming towards the characters it was like we were given a puzzle piece by painstakingly piece and we had to figure out where it all fitted in the broader scheme of things..
The case: An underground fighting organisation, an undercover drug ring.
Nate DeLuca ~You need to get to know him..You need to live and breathe him..
What I liked about this book was the past (Ky from the age of fourteen) and present merging it gave me more of a grasp of his character, Madison's character let me get back to you on that!!
JUSTICE
Nate DeLuca ~ The guy's a complete mystery, wrapped in an enigma, covered in suspicion
Just when you think you have all the pieces in the puzzle fitted in all the allocated places the ending left me with that huh what did I just read feeling..I'm more confused than ever with so many questions left unanswered..so the question is "did I just fall down a cliffy" fuck yes I did!! Hopefully book #2 answers the major question of "who the hell was Madison" Does Kyler fight? Does he bring down the organisation gah soooo many questions..
Will I be stalking the author for the next release on this book? Oh hell yes I will be!! I need to find out where the story is headed..
March 11, 2016
TITLE: Combative
AUTHOR: Jay McLean
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: May 16th, 2015
MY RATING
Re - reading this so that I can jump onto the next book in the series. And the sucky thing with a re-read is you lose your original review :(
Combative is told in dual POV so you get a glimpse into each of these characters minds..
What I love about Combative is that it's told in present time, but has moments of reflections where we get to see glimpses of the past. How Ky came from a horrific abusive, broken home, how he saved a young boy from bullying and a true bond of non blood brothers forms.
Dad-the epitome of someone who's supposed to love and protect you. But he wasn't any of those things. He was the devil.
"Did you enjoy that?" I asked
He nodded enthusiastically
"You want to know why?"
"Why?"
Because it tastes like victory.
A re connection between these brothers, Jax is now a detective, a dangerous undercover job taking down an underground fighting organisation that's a cover up for a drug ring.
Nate DeLuca, he's who you need to get close to. He runs the fights. You need to get to know him. You need to live and breathe him.
Then we meet Madison Ky's new next door neighbor, things with her don't add up, she's evasive, naive, closed off from the outside world.
“Her hot and cold, her sweet innocence...and then her complete and utter lust—it fucks with my head”
My phone never leaves my hand. It's my lifeline, my security blanket, it's my past, and my future.And it's my only connection to the person who truly knows me. - Madison
They met outside apartment mailboxes, they lived across the hall from each other, they bonded over pizza's.
“My feelings for her completely outweigh my curiosity”
OMG I forgot this, I cray cray loved this the first time I read it, love it harder now.
He throws another handful.
"You shit stinking whore face!”
Madison laughs harder.
“You try it,” Jax says, dropping dirt in her palms.
“Try what?”
“Just yell whatever you’ve always wanted to, and throw it.”
Madison looks at the dirt in her hands, then back up at Jax.
“Seriously,” he encourages. “It feels so good.”
Madison nods, a slow smirk developing. Then, as loud as she can, she yells, “You child-abusing, alcoholic, dick of a c*nt!"
It's Madison, she's not who she says she is.
MY THOUGHTS
Funnily enough I initially rated this 4 stars last year but this re-reading has made me enjoy this more the second time around..
I can't really pinpoint one thing that I loved about this book above all else, I guess what sticks out the most is that there is no expiry date on love, after re-connecting after 5 or so years that true bond between these two boys/men was still as strong as the day Ky deployed..
January 3, 2020
***4,25 "Just exist!!!" stars***
“I don’t think it’s our pasts that define us, and it’s not even our life’s final destination. It’s everything we do in between, the actual living, that creates who we are.”
Wow! Wow! Wow!!!
And now, I'm questioning everything... Especially Madison and her reasons behind all of her actions!!!!
Honestly, i don't know what to think right now.. My mind is playing games with me and I'm so satisfied with myself for not reading this series earlier, cause how could i handle not to know for such a long time??? Ugh???
She whispers, “It’s just a story, Ky. It could be fake.”
I pull back slightly and rest my forehead on hers. My heart’s pounding again, way too hard, way too fast. I can barely speak.
Still, I say, “Is it, though? Fake?”
Blurb:
We all play victims to our pasts; to the choices we make and the lives we create.
They define who we are.
And sometimes if we're lucky enough, the past stays where it belongs: in the past.
I'm not one of the lucky ones.
I never have been.
Because now the past is knocking on my door, offering deals I have no choice but to take… deals that will help bring justice—not just for me, but for my brothers.
The problem?
The deal is a ticking time bomb.
One I didn't know existed.
Tick.
Tock.
Well, this blurb is drawing very good the picture, even though it is cryptic as f**k!
Honestly, i don't know what really i can say about the story...
Ky has many regrets of his past and the choices he once made... His life wasn't painted in bright colors and now, after a mistake, he is getting into something ... big, in order to help a brother...
He just have to stay focused and be prepared, but the girl next door is a big distraction for him...
What will happen after all???
"The man whose life I'm about to ruin. His name -Nate DeLuca-repeats in my head over and over, playing hostage in my mind."
Well, i loved Ky.. He was a good man that he had lost his way...
He was just needing a push in the right direction and in a way closure to his past, but I'm afraid that his past had catch up on him!!!!
And that beautiful girl across the hall could be a true life saver... Or not???
"I am a victim of my own past. A past I've spent too many years trying to escape. And now it's back... and the fucker's a ticking time bomb waiting to explode in my face."
Maddison is strange in many aspects...
She seems like a girl who had lost many things... Almost everything!!!!
She is just trying to enjoy life at the moment... Or not???
The only sure is that she is carrying too a heavy past full of secrets...
But are these secrets deadly for Ky???
“With every single kiss, he stole my breath and made it his, holding it captive. And I knew it then—that whatever we were meant to be, for however long time would allow it, it was going to be breathtakingly, heartbreakingly, beautiful.”
God, I'm losing my damn mind!!! Honestly, i don't know what to think in here...
What are they Madison's motives???
Is she true to Ky or is she playing a hurtful game to him???
And what about Nate??? I don't think that he is a bad guy, but... who knows???
What games are they playing all of them???
And i knew that something sketchy was going on between these two and yep, i have already started the next book!!! I just want to know!!!!!
"She exhales.
I inhale.
She takes.
I give.
She pushes out a breath.
I pull one in.
So here we are-taking each other's breaths away."
***I want to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book***
“I don’t think it’s our pasts that define us, and it’s not even our life’s final destination. It’s everything we do in between, the actual living, that creates who we are.”
Wow! Wow! Wow!!!
And now, I'm questioning everything... Especially Madison and her reasons behind all of her actions!!!!
Honestly, i don't know what to think right now.. My mind is playing games with me and I'm so satisfied with myself for not reading this series earlier, cause how could i handle not to know for such a long time??? Ugh???
She whispers, “It’s just a story, Ky. It could be fake.”
I pull back slightly and rest my forehead on hers. My heart’s pounding again, way too hard, way too fast. I can barely speak.
Still, I say, “Is it, though? Fake?”
Blurb:
We all play victims to our pasts; to the choices we make and the lives we create.
They define who we are.
And sometimes if we're lucky enough, the past stays where it belongs: in the past.
I'm not one of the lucky ones.
I never have been.
Because now the past is knocking on my door, offering deals I have no choice but to take… deals that will help bring justice—not just for me, but for my brothers.
The problem?
The deal is a ticking time bomb.
One I didn't know existed.
Tick.
Tock.
Well, this blurb is drawing very good the picture, even though it is cryptic as f**k!
Honestly, i don't know what really i can say about the story...
Ky has many regrets of his past and the choices he once made... His life wasn't painted in bright colors and now, after a mistake, he is getting into something ... big, in order to help a brother...
He just have to stay focused and be prepared, but the girl next door is a big distraction for him...
What will happen after all???
"The man whose life I'm about to ruin. His name -Nate DeLuca-repeats in my head over and over, playing hostage in my mind."
Well, i loved Ky.. He was a good man that he had lost his way...
He was just needing a push in the right direction and in a way closure to his past, but I'm afraid that his past had catch up on him!!!!
And that beautiful girl across the hall could be a true life saver... Or not???
"I am a victim of my own past. A past I've spent too many years trying to escape. And now it's back... and the fucker's a ticking time bomb waiting to explode in my face."
Maddison is strange in many aspects...
She seems like a girl who had lost many things... Almost everything!!!!
She is just trying to enjoy life at the moment... Or not???
The only sure is that she is carrying too a heavy past full of secrets...
But are these secrets deadly for Ky???
“With every single kiss, he stole my breath and made it his, holding it captive. And I knew it then—that whatever we were meant to be, for however long time would allow it, it was going to be breathtakingly, heartbreakingly, beautiful.”
God, I'm losing my damn mind!!! Honestly, i don't know what to think in here...
What are they Madison's motives???
Is she true to Ky or is she playing a hurtful game to him???
And what about Nate??? I don't think that he is a bad guy, but... who knows???
What games are they playing all of them???
And i knew that something sketchy was going on between these two and yep, i have already started the next book!!! I just want to know!!!!!
"She exhales.
I inhale.
She takes.
I give.
She pushes out a breath.
I pull one in.
So here we are-taking each other's breaths away."
***I want to thank the author for providing me a copy of this book***
Want to read
February 24, 2014OMG I have no idea what this book is even about but
1. It's by Jay McLean
2. HOTT AS HELL COVER
3. Obviously something to do with fighting
AND THERE DOESN'T NEED TO BE ANY MORE REASONS THAN THAT!
CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS RELEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 14, 2022
I read this entire story, enjoyed it, fell a little bit for Ky and then... I found out that this trilogy isn't even about him.
WHAT. THE. FUCK?!
So what was the purpose of this book? To get my engine revved and leave me stalled? I didn't even like Madison. I didn't care that she wasn't who she seemed to be, that she kept secrets. Funny enough, her secrets didn't matter to me.
I just didn't give ONE. SINGLE. FUCK!!
And then to find out that it's her story with DeLuca...
It's not something I'm cool with. I won't be continuing. And both stars are for Ky and the potential of a story HE had.
WHAT. THE. FUCK?!
So what was the purpose of this book? To get my engine revved and leave me stalled? I didn't even like Madison. I didn't care that she wasn't who she seemed to be, that she kept secrets. Funny enough, her secrets didn't matter to me.
I just didn't give ONE. SINGLE. FUCK!!
And then to find out that it's her story with DeLuca...
It's not something I'm cool with. I won't be continuing. And both stars are for Ky and the potential of a story HE had.
September 19, 2021
This is an angsty and compelling first in a trilogy. Most of the book is told from Ky’s point of view, though we do get some truncated scenes from Madison’s POV. While this novel deals with angsty themes, the writing style doesn’t quite match the darker subject matter. One thing that made this book stand out was the random scenes where Ky is talking to his therapist. She’s quite hilarious and unconventional, and these snippets add some comic relief and introspective insights into Ky as a character.
May 18, 2015
This was nothing like what I've previously read from Jay McLean. It had a totally different vibe and feeling to it, one that had me glued and flying through the pages, but now I'm sat here dying to have so many questions answered. I must of jumbled so many different plot twists round in my head while reading this.
Let's pray book 2 isn't far away!!!
Let's pray book 2 isn't far away!!!
August 23, 2020
After having a dig around the unread books on my kindle, this one caught my eye and kept me turning the pages once I started!
Kyler has recently left the military, after six years of service, he joined the day he turned 18 years old. He has moved into an apartment and is trying to figure out what to do next when he gets himself into a spot of bother, bringing him face to face with his foster brother, Jackson. A local policeman.
It’s been a while since these two saw each other and there is a big back story to how they became brothers. It would be fair to say that both of them have very sad pasts but Kyler’s is on another level. When Jax makes Kyler an offer that will get him off the charges hook and also seek revenge for someone important to him, it becomes his sole focus.
However, his focus soon wavers when he meets Madison, his new neighbour. A beautiful, shy, girl who almost seems out of place in the world. Her vulnerability and naivety has Ky feeling very protective of her. She is quite skitterish and he has no idea what her story is but he wants to know more.
A friendship blossoms between them and the attraction also builds to a point that they can no longer ignore and they give in to the lust that had been simmering in the background. Ky finds himself opening up to Maddy but she seems reluctant to share much about herself with him.
Kyler’s promise to Jax is becoming increasingly dangerous by the day and then this story ends on a very big cliffhanger! A great beginning to what is sure to be a thrilling trilogy :)
Kyler has recently left the military, after six years of service, he joined the day he turned 18 years old. He has moved into an apartment and is trying to figure out what to do next when he gets himself into a spot of bother, bringing him face to face with his foster brother, Jackson. A local policeman.
It’s been a while since these two saw each other and there is a big back story to how they became brothers. It would be fair to say that both of them have very sad pasts but Kyler’s is on another level. When Jax makes Kyler an offer that will get him off the charges hook and also seek revenge for someone important to him, it becomes his sole focus.
However, his focus soon wavers when he meets Madison, his new neighbour. A beautiful, shy, girl who almost seems out of place in the world. Her vulnerability and naivety has Ky feeling very protective of her. She is quite skitterish and he has no idea what her story is but he wants to know more.
A friendship blossoms between them and the attraction also builds to a point that they can no longer ignore and they give in to the lust that had been simmering in the background. Ky finds himself opening up to Maddy but she seems reluctant to share much about herself with him.
Kyler’s promise to Jax is becoming increasingly dangerous by the day and then this story ends on a very big cliffhanger! A great beginning to what is sure to be a thrilling trilogy :)
January 17, 2021
I think I see it?
There's so much hype about this series and I honestly don't know it took me this long to start this series considering I more than adore Jay McLean's books.
Combative almost lives up to its hype. Almost. But it's got me more than intrigued to start book 2.
There's so much hype about this series and I honestly don't know it took me this long to start this series considering I more than adore Jay McLean's books.
Combative almost lives up to its hype. Almost. But it's got me more than intrigued to start book 2.
May 21, 2015
~**~ 4.5 Best-Kind-Of-Different Stars ~**~
First things first: I absolutely L-O-V-E this book! It's something different than all the other works I read by Jay McLean until now. But it's an unbelievable good different.
What I loved most about this book is the relationship between Kyler and Jaxon! These two aren't brothers by blood. They are so much more than that....
I love it that in Jays books family are a big part of the story and this one is no exception. Usually I'm not a fan of male POVs OR flashbacks but Jay McLean made me fell in love with both of them in this book. The flashbacks were amazing and full with emotions and made me fall in love with Kyler and Jaxon and their relationship. And about the male POV....I didn't even realized that it was mostly written in a male POV...it was just that GOOD!
Combative is full of mysteries and one of the biggest mystery is Maddie/Madison the female MC. I think it could be difficult for people to connect with her. Maybe some people will think of her as annoying sometimes because she is kind of weird. There is a quote in this book that describes her perfectly for me...Maddie is imperfectly perfect. She didn't annoy me one second!
I have to take away 0.5 stars because I had a hard time getting into the book at the beginning but as soon as Maddy appeared I was into it
The end will leave you breathless and speechless...and with questions. And you'll just think: „WHAT THE HELL? HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!“
First things first: I absolutely L-O-V-E this book! It's something different than all the other works I read by Jay McLean until now. But it's an unbelievable good different.
What I loved most about this book is the relationship between Kyler and Jaxon! These two aren't brothers by blood. They are so much more than that....
I love it that in Jays books family are a big part of the story and this one is no exception. Usually I'm not a fan of male POVs OR flashbacks but Jay McLean made me fell in love with both of them in this book. The flashbacks were amazing and full with emotions and made me fall in love with Kyler and Jaxon and their relationship. And about the male POV....I didn't even realized that it was mostly written in a male POV...it was just that GOOD!
Combative is full of mysteries and one of the biggest mystery is Maddie/Madison the female MC. I think it could be difficult for people to connect with her. Maybe some people will think of her as annoying sometimes because she is kind of weird. There is a quote in this book that describes her perfectly for me...Maddie is imperfectly perfect. She didn't annoy me one second!
I have to take away 0.5 stars because I had a hard time getting into the book at the beginning but as soon as Maddy appeared I was into it
The end will leave you breathless and speechless...and with questions. And you'll just think: „WHAT THE HELL? HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK?!“
„I’m not a fan of wasting time, Madison. There’s too much in the world. Too much to see. Too much to do. Too much to breathe. We miss it all if we just sit around in our apartments all day."
May 17, 2015
There are not enough words in the world to describe my love for this author! She writes it, I read it! But what had me most intrigued about this particular book, is that it is completely different to anything Jay McLean has written before.
This novel grips you, packs one helluva punch and delivers one intense story!
The crime behind this storyline is not your ordinary bad guy meets good girl followed by rainbows and unicorns....NOT AT ALL!! The characters are full of mystery, and each page keeps you gripped and needing to know more, the POV's are written in a true McLean style and even though this is different from her usual genre, she still maintained the uniqueness that only Jay writes!!
As the story progresses you find yourself trying to predict what is going to happen, but what actually happens will BLOW YOUR DAMN HEAD OFF!!!
Jay McLean has once again proven how talented, diverse and amazing she is by delivering this intense, suspenseful and heart stopping read!
The characters, plot and writing will keep you hooked from beginning to end!
That ending..... Sweet mother of God!!! You know the type I'm talking about, one that leaves you sitting with your mouth wide open, your heart beating really fast and thinking WHAT IN THE ACTUAL F**K.... It's what I live for as a reader and Jay did a stellar job with it!
This novel grips you, packs one helluva punch and delivers one intense story!
The crime behind this storyline is not your ordinary bad guy meets good girl followed by rainbows and unicorns....NOT AT ALL!! The characters are full of mystery, and each page keeps you gripped and needing to know more, the POV's are written in a true McLean style and even though this is different from her usual genre, she still maintained the uniqueness that only Jay writes!!
As the story progresses you find yourself trying to predict what is going to happen, but what actually happens will BLOW YOUR DAMN HEAD OFF!!!
Jay McLean has once again proven how talented, diverse and amazing she is by delivering this intense, suspenseful and heart stopping read!
The characters, plot and writing will keep you hooked from beginning to end!
That ending..... Sweet mother of God!!! You know the type I'm talking about, one that leaves you sitting with your mouth wide open, your heart beating really fast and thinking WHAT IN THE ACTUAL F**K.... It's what I live for as a reader and Jay did a stellar job with it!
January 6, 2020
That One Time JMAC Nailed A New Genre! (this book)
Combative. Much wanted by the fans and we were not disappointed. Jay McLean took a HUGE step out of her normal writing zone and fucking nailed it. The love, the mystery, the lies, and the web that weaves all of it together....it was consuming, beautiful, and heart-wrenching all at once. The mysteries of Madison and Ky will enrapture you and take you hostage.
***not a fighter book***
Combative. Much wanted by the fans and we were not disappointed. Jay McLean took a HUGE step out of her normal writing zone and fucking nailed it. The love, the mystery, the lies, and the web that weaves all of it together....it was consuming, beautiful, and heart-wrenching all at once. The mysteries of Madison and Ky will enrapture you and take you hostage.
***not a fighter book***
May 31, 2015
Combative (Combative, #1) by Jay McLean
4 stars!!
Well, well, well, this was a surprise from Jay McLean. I downloaded this book totally blind, I had not even read the blurb and had stayed away as usual from reviews and spoilers. I love going into a book blind, I love knowing absolutely nothing and I am glad I did with this one because it all added to the mystery that surrounds the characters in this book. Throughout reading and especially while the mystery itself was beginning to present itself I found myself reading between the lines, making up my own versions of who these characters were and I was forever questioning…who is good? Who is bad? I also did not realise that this was not a standalone so beware that this story is not complete and you will have loads of unanswered questions at the end.
Kyler was a troubled character and his outlet for his anger was fighting, but the trouble with fighting is that it often lands you in trouble and trouble is what Kyler finds himself in at the beginning of this book. After a bar fight Kyler is looking at jail time and that is one place that he doesn’t want to end up so his friend/ “brother” Jax hands him a lifeline…he has to see a shrink and he has to go undercover.
Kyler has just returned from four tours of duty and has obviously seen some bad stuff while in action. But his life has been full of bad stuff and as this book flips from past to present the extent of his past his brought to the forefront, no wonder he is struggling. Kyler was taken in by Jax’s family, hence why these two are more like brothers than best friends and also why Kyler finds himself agreeing to Jax’s demands.
Nate de Luca fronts a fighting ring, but underneath Jax is certain he is into other illegal activities, namely drugs. Drugs have been front and centre in both Jax and Kyler’s past and it is this that lures these two into capturing the men behind the dealing. The idea is for Kyler to join the fighting circuit and infiltrate Nate de Luca that way, trying to unearth the man behind the façade. This obviously has repercussions if it goes wrong, Nate de Luca is not a man to be crossed.
Kyler meets his new neighbour at the mail box where she is frantically rummaging around looking for something (I would love to know what she is waiting for, especially as she spent so much time there! This is just one of many questions I still have). From here a friendship blossoms, but does Kyler need the distraction?
I loved the slow burn with this relationship, friends first and then pushing towards blurring the lines. Both of these two have their secrets and Madison is one intriguing and secretive person. Slowly but surely Kyler opens up to Madison but Madison seems intent on keeping her cards close to her chest. While she comes across as an extremely timid and vulnerable character, there was something about her that sent warning bells ringing in my head.
This book is not the typical Jay McLean read and I know that she was hesitant to even publish it, but she needn’t have worried as she nailed this new genre. The mystery and suspense surrounding the characters draws you into the plot while your romantic side is satiated by the blossoming romance between Madison and Kyler. You have that perfect balance of intrigue and passion.
Another thing that I loved about this book was the underlying message with regards to family. Family always plays a huge part in Jay McLean’s books and this one is no different. How Jax and Kyler became brothers was beautiful despite being so tragic. Christine, Jax’s mum was a fantastic character and I loved her dearly. The whole family pulls together when needed and are always there for each other whether you feel you deserve it or not.
Overall this was one intriguing read; while I still have loads of unanswered questions I cannot help but turn this story around in my head. I have so many theories and conspiracies that my brain is truly frazzled and that is testament to Jay McLean’s writing because she has elicited this reaction. A book that you cannot stop thinking about is a book that has been written well. I cannot wait for book 2, I need to know what the hell is going on, who is good, who is bad, how are these people all connected as it seems nothing in this book is black and white, everything is grey. Well done Jay McLean, I have no idea why you were worried; you should give yourself a huge pat on the back.
www.theromancecover.com
4 stars!!
"Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering." - Nicole Krauss, The History of Love
Well, well, well, this was a surprise from Jay McLean. I downloaded this book totally blind, I had not even read the blurb and had stayed away as usual from reviews and spoilers. I love going into a book blind, I love knowing absolutely nothing and I am glad I did with this one because it all added to the mystery that surrounds the characters in this book. Throughout reading and especially while the mystery itself was beginning to present itself I found myself reading between the lines, making up my own versions of who these characters were and I was forever questioning…who is good? Who is bad? I also did not realise that this was not a standalone so beware that this story is not complete and you will have loads of unanswered questions at the end.
Kyler was a troubled character and his outlet for his anger was fighting, but the trouble with fighting is that it often lands you in trouble and trouble is what Kyler finds himself in at the beginning of this book. After a bar fight Kyler is looking at jail time and that is one place that he doesn’t want to end up so his friend/ “brother” Jax hands him a lifeline…he has to see a shrink and he has to go undercover.
“And it finally happened.
I broke.
And I cried seventeen years worth of tears.
And it didn’t fucking help.
Not even a little bit.
Not even at all.”
Kyler has just returned from four tours of duty and has obviously seen some bad stuff while in action. But his life has been full of bad stuff and as this book flips from past to present the extent of his past his brought to the forefront, no wonder he is struggling. Kyler was taken in by Jax’s family, hence why these two are more like brothers than best friends and also why Kyler finds himself agreeing to Jax’s demands.
“We spent the entire night playing Halo until the sun started to come up. In that room, in that one night, we became the most unlikely of friends. Not because he was some kid trying to save me, or because I was the kid that needed saving…or the other way around. We became friends because in between the few words spoken, the few laughs we shared, and the few times we lost control of those laughs, we saw each other for what we were; just boys that like to laugh and shoot the shit out of our enemies in an overdramatic video game. I named his character Captain Victory. He laughed and named mine Captain Combative.”
Nate de Luca fronts a fighting ring, but underneath Jax is certain he is into other illegal activities, namely drugs. Drugs have been front and centre in both Jax and Kyler’s past and it is this that lures these two into capturing the men behind the dealing. The idea is for Kyler to join the fighting circuit and infiltrate Nate de Luca that way, trying to unearth the man behind the façade. This obviously has repercussions if it goes wrong, Nate de Luca is not a man to be crossed.
Kyler meets his new neighbour at the mail box where she is frantically rummaging around looking for something (I would love to know what she is waiting for, especially as she spent so much time there! This is just one of many questions I still have). From here a friendship blossoms, but does Kyler need the distraction?
I loved the slow burn with this relationship, friends first and then pushing towards blurring the lines. Both of these two have their secrets and Madison is one intriguing and secretive person. Slowly but surely Kyler opens up to Madison but Madison seems intent on keeping her cards close to her chest. While she comes across as an extremely timid and vulnerable character, there was something about her that sent warning bells ringing in my head.
“And I’m so afraid of everything this kiss makes me feel. Because it is more than just a kiss. It’s a sense of hope, and reason, and promise.”
This book is not the typical Jay McLean read and I know that she was hesitant to even publish it, but she needn’t have worried as she nailed this new genre. The mystery and suspense surrounding the characters draws you into the plot while your romantic side is satiated by the blossoming romance between Madison and Kyler. You have that perfect balance of intrigue and passion.
“People do crazy things when they feel like the clock is ticking too fast, or too slow, or not ticking at all.”
Another thing that I loved about this book was the underlying message with regards to family. Family always plays a huge part in Jay McLean’s books and this one is no different. How Jax and Kyler became brothers was beautiful despite being so tragic. Christine, Jax’s mum was a fantastic character and I loved her dearly. The whole family pulls together when needed and are always there for each other whether you feel you deserve it or not.
“To the edge of destruction.”
Overall this was one intriguing read; while I still have loads of unanswered questions I cannot help but turn this story around in my head. I have so many theories and conspiracies that my brain is truly frazzled and that is testament to Jay McLean’s writing because she has elicited this reaction. A book that you cannot stop thinking about is a book that has been written well. I cannot wait for book 2, I need to know what the hell is going on, who is good, who is bad, how are these people all connected as it seems nothing in this book is black and white, everything is grey. Well done Jay McLean, I have no idea why you were worried; you should give yourself a huge pat on the back.
www.theromancecover.com
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