¤ ¤ ¤ A part of Ryder's past is now haunting him in cold, calculated ways. He's used to the pressure and could weather it on his own, but what about when it starts going after his love interest and sports therapist, Julie? She's still fighting for her brother's legacy, after all.
The two had never envisioned entering any kind of relationship when they first met, but here they are, in the same bed after a wild, intimate night.
And now the coach knows. And the shadow from Ryder's past begins to attack Julie, directly... and it will either break her, or bring them closer.
There can be no salvation without wreckage, although sometimes, the destruction is too great to repair what's been broken. Will Ryder's heart be able to handle the wreckage coming his way when his past takes the deepest punch they can throw? Or will Julie be the salvation that he needs? Friendly for all readers who enjoy a steamy, tension filled romance with drops of humor. Knowledge and/or interest in MMA not required.
Book 2 in the Warlord Series Duet.
C O N T E N T W A R N I N This series contains explicit scenes, characters who learn to live with grief, sibling loss, references to trauma and abuse, reactions to said trauma and abuse, & vulgar language. This is a DUET with a HEA. Reader Audience 18+
Charlotte Mallory has joined Amazon and their Kindle programs to share her love for Dark Fantasy Romance stories. What she enjoys most is taking well loved tropes and adding her own take on them. Right now, she greatly enjoys anything with Fantasy or Contemporary with an Alpha male lead, paired with a female lead that can absolutely handle her own!
In her spare time, she enjoys nature, bonsai trees, coffee, and taking random art classes.
It’s hard to find a sequel that is just as good as the first book in a series, but this one did it for me! I loved the continuation of Julie & Ryder’s story. This book was the perfect mix of sports, drama, emotional development, and romance/spice. The plot felt very realistic and the storyline was wrapped up nicely, although I hope the author writes more about these two in the future!
Note: This book is the second part of a duology and must be read after the first book as it picks up immediately from the end of book 1. It CANNOT be read as a standalone. Check the Trigger Warnings.
This book was an absolute thrill from start to finish! I devoured this book in one whole sitting and I could not put it down.
The character development and growth is wonderful, their insecurities relatable and their personalities so real. It's impossible not to love them!
This book delves into the betrayals by exes and competitors, the hurts that haunt, and the resilience that leads to an unshakeable bond.
The second half of the duology is action packed, had plenty of suspense that leaves you on the edge of your seat, banter, spice and strength displayed by characters (even the side ones) that leave you cheering them on.
This duology really digs into the heart of a sport and there's no sugarcoating harsh realities.
The storyline is gripping and the duology is definitely a must read!
The Warlord Duology - Ryder: Shadows & Desires 𝙁𝙍𝙀𝙀 𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙬! (Until 8/26/23) and Ryder: Salvation & Wreckage (𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮,) by @cmalloryauthor is absolutely my favorite sports romance of all time!
(And yes I've read the other amazing sports romances from Elle Kennedy, Emily Rathe, Hannah Grace, Claire Contreras, etc)
I just finished the conclusion to Ryder & Julie's story and 😭. This was such a beautiful book while also being spicy as heck, and full of drama and exes that deserved to rot.
One of my favorite things? The healing that both Jules and Joey got to experience AND that Charlotte never once used the miscommunication trope!
Please go read this duology! They both are quick reads and I promise you'll want to stay up all night reading them!!
Dare I say I actually missed Ryder? *swoon!!* This was an intense, hold your breath ending to such a great story and Ryder and Julie’s relationship. I am in love with Ryder, just saying. Hell Week, Warlord…Miss Mallory, great job making us feel like we were really there. The only thing I wish was that Heather would have gotten pummeled by Julie, and my heart would have been glad to see it! (Short story idea 😉)
If you haven’t read this duet yet, do it! You will love the grumpy/sunshine Ryder and the amazing woman Julie is. To watch this relationship unfold was very heartwarming. I highly recommend this series!
This book is shorter than the first but the story holds true to the original plot, and I loved every second of it. Ryder continues to be true to himself and not watered down with romance, and yet I swooned more than once here.
Julie's character really grows and I'm here for it.
You won't regret reading this series. My heart went through a lot of twists and turns, and it was really easy to read these in one sitting.
This one has more sports stuff in it, given the fights, but I didn't feel lost or anything. It just made Ryder look hot lol
This was the exciting conclusion to this duology that I have been waiting for! The spice was spicy, the fights were graphic, everything was great!
I loved seeing the balance of broody fighter Ryder with boyfriend Ryder, and Julie is just a badass who really compartmentalized so well.
I do wish it was a little longer, I'd have loved some more details to draw out the story. But that's really because I just loved the story so much and I wasn't ready for it to end.
I enjoyed the 2nd book in the Warlord Duet. We got ALOT of steam from Jules and Ryder (yay!) I felt their connection and love develope and strengthen throughout the 2 books. I would have loved just a little more drama (maybe more meddling by Heather!) But otherwise it was a solid read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for my Ryder and Jules. They were put through the ringer trying to get through Warlord, and every step was a battle. If you want a grumpy/sunshine, workplace/boss Romance, forbidden, sports romance - this duet is for you.
Ryder is a MMA romance, but you don't have to know anything about MMA to enjoy this book (I didn't know anything about the sport!!) Book two picks up where book one left off (I highly recommend reading book one first.)
Joey Ryder and Julie Stevens are both focused on the upcoming Warlord tournament...and they are also focused on each other. They weren't looking for a relationship and definitely never guessed they would start to fall for one another. As Ryder continues to progress in the tournament, the pressure continues to build. With Ryder's past being used against him, it is becoming harder to keep everything compartmentalized.
Julie is still trying to work through being a gym owner now that her brother is gone. She is fully committed to Ryder and the team as his sports therapist, but she still feels like a bit of an imposter. Being a female gym owner in a male dominated field has its own challenges, but she is surrounding herself with a solid support system. As the final weeks of the tournament approach, their competition really plays dirty. How are they going to respond? Will Ryder make it to the final fight? Can he and Julie weather this storm?
I really enjoyed this book! As a bonus, this takes place near Pittsburgh, PA. 🖤💛 Julie really comes into her own in this book. She starts to stand on her own and is slowly getting out of her brother's shadow. She is a rock for Ryder and supports him in ways he never expected. Ryder is such an interesting character. He has his very disciplined MMA side, and he has his family side. Seeing "Uncle Joey" in action was absolutely adorable. He is so dedicated to his family and loves them unconditionally. Definitely give this duet a read!!
✨BOOK TOUR✨ 📖: Ryder: Shadows & Salvation (Warlord Series Books 1 & 2) 🖋️: @cmalloryauthor ⭐️: 5 of 5 🌶️: 5 of 5 💬: “Seeing you in my corner, Jules…nothing compares to that.”
Tropes & Themes: ✨Grumpy/ Sunshine ✨Enemies-to-Lovers ✨Förced Proximity ✨Forbidden Romance ✨Slow-burn w/ Immediate Tension ✨Steamy Enough to Fog a Phone
After taking a step back from fighting, Ryder walks into Rhino’s gym in search of a team to help get him ready for a big fight tournament.
Accidentally spilling coffee on someone. Julie is shocked to discover the person she ran into is not only her crush but that he’s there to train at her gym.
Julie finds herself working closely with Ryder as his sports therapist.
While Ryder is staying with Andrew to keep up with the rigorous schedule and training.
Julie finds herself in a sticky situation with no place to go.
“Just... don’t make me regret saying this, but you can stay with me.”
Will Ryder’s past catch up with him? Can Julie work and live with her crush without catching feelings?
“Wouldn’t that be wild if Ryder won with a female gym owner behind him?”
Will Julie keep her brother’s dream alive or will the pressure and blackmail make everything fall apart?
Find out in Ryder: Shadows & Salvation
I’m a huge MMA fan so I had to read this book! Charlotte did not disappoint!🔥 The tension between Ryder and Julie was addictive. Watching Julie overcome her doubts was powerful. I loved the woman empowered especially with a woman-owned gym! It gave a different perspective since they are usually owned by men.
I loved the team Ryder and Julie made! The spice was 🔥🔥🔥. I can’t wait to read more books by this author! If you love fighting romance books then you’re going to love this one!
Thank you @rrbooktours for allowing me to join this tour! As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.
Charlotte Mallory delivers a knockout punch with Ryder, the thrilling conclusion to the Warlord duology. Picking up where the first book left off, this steamy romance dives deeper into the complexities of love, loyalty, and overcoming the shadows of the past.
As Ryder's past comes back to haunt him in chilling ways, he must navigate the pressure of the upcoming Warlord tournament while protecting his love interest and sports therapist, Julie. Their relationship takes center stage as they grapple with unexpected feelings and face external threats that could tear them apart.
The author skillfully blends steamy romance with gripping suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Julie's character development shines as she comes into her own, standing tall in a male-dominated field and proving her strength and resilience.
With its mix of MMA action, workplace romance, and enemies-to-lovers tropes, Ryder is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance. Mallory's vivid storytelling and well-developed characters make this duology a compelling and satisfying read from start to finish.
Overall, Ryder is a heart-pounding conclusion to the Warlord duology that will leave readers breathless and eager for more. Don't miss out on this captivating tale of love, redemption, and fighting for what matters most.
Thank you R&R Book Tours and the author for a copy of the arcs for both books in this duology!
I read both books to celebrate the special release of the author's omnibus, Ryder: Shadows & Salvation.
4⭐️ 1 🌶️ (book 1) 3 🌶️ (book2)
“I’d say I could show you what being choked out feels like, but not sure we’d be talking about the same thing”
This was actually my first sports romance and I loved it! I didn’t feel like I had to know about MMA to enjoy this duology. The author’s writing gives you just enough details of the sport, and if anything I was even more interested to learn more. I loved Julie and Ryder! They’re chemistry and the tension just sizzles right off the page! It’s a slow burn in the first book but a lot spicier in the second book. And phew! You’ll need a fan to cool off! 😮💨 I loved that Julie and Ryder were able to connect through their traumas. It was beautiful and heartwarming to see them form a strong bond over the commonality that they both have a strong love for their siblings. Julie is trying to uphold the gym in her brother’s honor who has recently passed away and Ryder getting back into fighting and entering a tournament in hopes of winning to help support his sister financially. Overall, I really enjoyed this duology! I read the first book in 24 hours and immediately when into book 2. I could not put it down! I highly recommend this if you love sport romances ❤️
Add this to your TBR if you enjoy: 🔥 Grumpy/Sunshine 🔥 Enemies to lovers 🔥 Forced proximity 🔥 Forbidden romance 🔥 Slow-burn w/ immediate tension 🔥 Steamy enough to fog a phone
I had been anxiously awaiting for book 2 of this duet, basically since I put book 1 down. It did not disappoint! Mallory has woven enough suspense into this story to keep you turning the pages with a need to know what was going to happen next.
We still get the same Ryder and Jules banter but also get to watch as they take their relationship public and navigate being in the limelight. Between exes looking for revenge, secrets from their past, and Warlord looming will they be able to make a go of it or crash and burn?
🚨 This is book 2 of a duet and picks up right where book 1 left off.
Blurb: A part of Ryder's past is now haunting him in cold, calculated ways. He's used to the pressure and could weather it on his own, but what about when it starts going after his love interest and sports therapist, Julie? She's still fighting for her brother's legacy, after all. The two had never envisioned entering any kind of relationship when they first met, but here they are, in the same bed after a wild, intimate night. And now the coach knows. And the shadow from Ryder's past begins to attack Julie, directly... and it will either break her, or bring them closer. There can be no salvation without wreckage, although sometimes, the destruction is too great to repair what's been broken. Will Ryder's heart be able to handle the wreckage coming his way when his past takes the deepest punch they can throw? Or will Julie be the salvation that he needs?
We are back with part two of the Warlord duology series!
Ryder and Julie are official and that is pissing some people off. Particularly a jealous ex girlfriend of Ryder's who just so happens to be the new sports therapist of his rival competitor.
Hannah is letting her jealousy get the best of her and she is out for revenge. She cannot stand that Ryder won't take her back. She has a plan to get back at him and ruin his chances of winning Warlord and along the way she starts to play games with Julie. Hoping to ruin their relationship she will stop at nothing until Ryder has lost everything.
Ryder and Julie will need to figure out how to trust one another and stay a united front against all the drama and distraction being thrown their way. Ryder needs to win this fight not just for himself but for his family and Julie is starting to open up to a life without her brother. Ryder has a plan and it's a dangerous one, but he will do whatever it takes to win and keep Julie.
The chemistry between these two is just so darn heart warming! The way they both cater to each others needs and emotions. The true love they show and have for each other..... swoon!
The ending was great, although I was hoping for a little epilogue to show where they were in the future lol.
I fell in love with a Fighter named Ryder….. again..
I can’t express how much I loved getting the “finale” to Ryder. Having their story “complete”, finally, has probably given me more joy than normal.
I’ve been anxiously waiting for this story since February? And ugh, it was WORTH THE WAIT! . Julie and Ryder together are pure magic. And having spice on the first page, after book 1’s slow burn, was everything we all wanted but we’re too afraid to ask for.
Yes, I absolute STILL hate Heather, and her fighter, Legends, has needled his way into my hate list too!
This story is a culmination of love, hard work, determination, and victory. Not only for the characters but for the author.
Charlotte truly captures the raw emotions of the characters and you can’t help but fall in love with both! Let’s not forget Sarah, Conner and Mollie too.
I will never stop recommending this series and highly suggest everyone reads it. A story that pulls at your heart strings in ways you didn’t think possible, and makes you want to punch someone at the same time!
I am at complete bliss now that I know what happened at Warlord between our two main characters Ryder and Julie.
This MMA sports romance was something I’d never read before and didn’t imagine myself thoroughly enjoying. Thank you so much to Charlotte and her PR team for allowing me to receive an ARC for both books featured in this duet. Ps if you decide on any prequels, I’d love one featuring Jeremy and how he became interested in MMA, moving towards him starting his own gym. Of course you’ll have to throw in Tiffany and add in some spice along the way 🤪😘
Ryder and Julie have been through so much together and overcame a lot of obstacles meant to tear them down. Let’s just say the fight right before Hell Week is my favorite part in the book. No spoilers though! 😇😂
Ryder and Julie's story continues along with Warlord in book 2, and it was so adorable! The first book really focused on the tension and angst of them wanting to be together, and book 2 focuses more on them as a relationship. Their love just kept building from page to page and had me melting in a pool of happiness for them 🥹
Each of these characters, Julie and Ryder and Sarah and Tiffany, have some form of trauma that has affected them, and I loved seeing them accept it, process it, and move through or passed it. The last few chapters were so melancholy and bittersweet that my heart ached for each of them.
There's definitely less spice in this book than the first one and all the spicy scenes were more loving and tender between two partners rather than raw attraction. The vibe of this book was so different, but matched the characters so well. I highly recommend the Ryder series especially since both books turned out to be a 5⭐️ read
OMG! That was one hell of an intense, adrenaline packed and deliciously spicy conclusion to this amazing duet! And I LOVED every single second of it!
The twists and turns throughout had me sitting on the edge of my seat with utter anticipation. And the emotional turmoil and angst throughout was continually pulling on my heartstrings and just hoping that Julie and Joey got their well deserved happy ending.
I devoured every single moment of Julie and Joey’s journey and I fell more and more in love with these two. Plus, I just loved all of the secondary characters that formed part of Julie and Joey’s extended family.
The spice contained in this part of the story is especially HOT, KINKY and definitely panty melting. It was delicious!
I absolutely loved this second half of their story. It was filled with action, suspense, secrets, betrayal, passion and love.
This was an amazing conclusion but I really hope that we get more of them in the future!
Review: Ryder: Salvation and Wreckage is the second and final book in the Warlord Duology.
Ryder continues to prepare for Warlord’s Hell Week by fighting inside and outside the octagon. Ryder’s ex, Heather, decides to play dirty and tries to manipulate Ryder by contacting his estranged father and attacking Julie, his girlfriend, who happens to be his sports therapist. Did I mention she owns the gym Ryder trains at, too?
This duology is perfect for readers who enjoy brooding MMA fighters, strong and successful FMCs, and a love story that makes it all three rounds.
Ryder by Charlotte Mallory is a gripping romance that combines passion, suspense, and humor. The story unfolds as Ryder, haunted by his past, faces a new threat that jeopardizes his well-being and targets Julie, his unexpected love interest and sports therapist. This is the continuation of the first book and picks up right after the cliffhanger ending.
The story expertly explores the evolving dynamic between Ryder and Julie, from an unlikely pairing to a deeply passionate romance. I enjoyed this one more than the first book, as the author skillfully balances steamy encounters with moments of humor, creating a well-rounded experience for readers. Ryder is a well-liked MMC, and I adored his compassion for Julie and his family. Julie was a strong and feisty FMC who knew her worth and fought for it. Overall, this was a very good duet; I would read more from Charlotte Mallory!
Even though Ryder and Julie started out as enemies, they are now a relationship. The coach and members of the gym know, but they are trying to keep their relationship out of the eyes of the media and public, but things are not going as planned. Ryder's past has come back to haunt him, and it's trying to take down Julie, too. Are Julie and Ryder and their relationship strong enough to make it through the storm?
I loved watching Ryder's and Julie's relationship progress throughout the second book. The second was definitely more tension filled with the Warlord competition and people from Ryder's past coming back to cause issues for him and Julie. I fell in love with Ryder's character even more in this book than in the first one. I wasn't ready for this book to be over, and I wish it was longer. I'm so glad that Ryder and Julie finally got their HEA.
Book Review: Ryder: Salvation and Wreckage by Charlotte Mallory
🔥Grumpy/ Sunshine 🔥Enemies-to-Lovers 🔥Förced Proximity 🔥Forbidden Romance 🔥Slow-burn w/ Immediate Tension 🔥Steamy Enough to Fog a Phone
Whoa what an epic end to this duet!!! It was full of suspense, romance, action, and facing hard traumas and healing! I absolutely loved it and couldn’t put it down! I am so glad that it worked out in the end and I really hope that she does come back to this couple even if it’s a bonus chapter showing them down the road. I absolutely loved how Ryder was so protective of his family and his girl and so glad that in the end it was all worth what they went through to get there!
Definitely 💯 💯 percent worth reading you will not be disappointed. Anything from Charlotte is a no brainer you’ll definitely love it!! 😍
🥵🥊 This duology really took me by surprise. I haven’t read many fighter romances, but these books had me dying for more. There was all the angst, all the grit and all the spice but, what really stood out to me the most, were all of the heavy emotions so well written throughout both books.
Joey Ryder was the perfect mixture of touch her and 💀, possessive, alpha-hole, with a fluffy soft center reserved only for the few VIP’s in his life. Not to mention, there are few things hotter than a dedicated man training and working hard to provide for his people- while throwing all that muscle around in (and out😉) of the ring. 🥵
I think the author did such a great job of really describing how hard and sudden grief and can come and go. I loved the character development and the way their relationship formed around their traumas and one another’s understanding of how important family can be and fighting for what really matters most. 🩷
Julie and Ryder have endured a lot. After the first book, I could not wait to read this second part of the duet and see them get their HEA. The sure deserved it. Although, before they do, they still have to work at it. There are some people who don't want them together.
It was nice to see Ryder be able to relax and get to enjoy the finer things in life with his relationship with Julie. They are so good together. Julie has come a long way as well. These two shared a few spicy moments.
I could not wait to see Ryder in action in the ring. In fact, there are a few battles featured in this book. Which if you like MMA books, you do want to check out this duet. It does not just take place in a gym and hint at fighting but there is actual fighting in it.
Holy cupcakes! This sequel in the Ryder duology had me holding my breath, on the edge of my seat turning each page to the very end! I’m not normally a “sports” romance reader and I knew less than nothing about MMA going into this series and let me tell you I am not disappointed. This slow burn, high tension sequel turned up the HEAT in the best way possible. If you haven't read this duet yet, do it! You will love the grumpy/sunshine personality of Ryder and the wonderful sweet and supportive woman Julie is who keeps him on his toes and in the rink. I HIGHLY recommend this duology.
I was very happy with how this Duet ended. I enjoyed finding out what happened to Ryder and Juley. I LOVED that there was no 3rd act breakup in this book. the tension was from outside sources which gave this book a very satisfying ending. Ryder and Julie grow more in this book and we get to learn a whole lot more about Ryder’s backstory and even get to meet the whole reason he’s fighting. I’m hoping we will get to see more of Julie and Ryder in maybe some other people’s stories as I feel like we could get a Tiffany story??? Hint hint!