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Tapped Out #2

Sneak Attack

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My girl thought she’d fought for the last time. She was wrong.

Not long ago, I was known as "Fox" Knox, king of the fighters in New York City’s underground MMA scene. MMA was my life, until Mia came into it with her bravado and her fists raised, ready to fight me.

Then our clothes came off, and the real fight begun. To build a life out of the ashes of our pasts, together.

We both walked away from MMA, but I know it still calls to her. And now something—or someone—else is as well, and she won’t talk to me about what’s going on. I’m ready to slay any demon she has, except the one she refuses to share.

And that might be the one who takes us down. For good.

Author’s note: Sneak Attack is a full-length MMA romantic suspense novel with a happily ever after ending and no cliffhanger, though it contains violent material that may be triggering. It was previously published by Cari Quinn in 2015 and has been lightly re-edited.

244 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2015

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About the author

Cari Quinn

124 books2,153 followers
USA Today bestselling author Cari Quinn grew up wanting to be a singer more than anything else. When she realized she probably wouldn’t be hired as the opening act for the Foo Fighters, she stopped singing and started writing. Now she happily writes about rock stars, MMA fighters, suited heroes, bodyguards and everything in between. And she blasts her music as loud as the neighbors can stand, because hey, she’ll always be a rock star in her own head.

She's also half of the duo Cari Quinn & Taryn Elliott, as well as one half of the USA Today bestselling author Taryn Quinn, who writes steamy small town romantic comedies (among other things.)

Visit Cari at www.quinnandelliott.com to sign up for her newsletter and visit the Word Wenches on Facebook, her fun, sexy reader group with Taryn Elliott! https://www.facebook.com/groups/34642...

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,297 reviews207 followers
June 15, 2021
SNEAK ATTACK is the second instalment in the contemporary adult TAPPED OUT dark, MMA, romance series co-authored by Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott. SNEAK ATTACK is the continuing story of twenty-three year old Tray ‘Fox’ Knox, and twenty-one year old Mia Anderson. I do not recommend reading SNEAK ATTACK as a stand alone as it pick up shortly after the events of book one SHADOWBOXER. SNEAK ATTACK by Cari Quinn was originally released in 2015 but has been lightly re-edited with a new cover.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

NOTE: If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fox and Mia) SNEAK ATTACK picks up shortly after the events of book one SHADOWBOXER wherein, following a devastating loss in the ring, Tray ‘Fox’ Knox retired from fighting in the underground MMA, and shortly thereafter, so did the woman he loved but snowballing, dysfunctional family events, and a slime-ball promoter, found our heroine preparing for another fight in the ring, a fight meant to push someone else up in the game. With threats against the people she loves, as well as people she doesn’t know, Mia, with the help of the man that she loves, has but a few days to get ready for the fight of her life.

SNEAK ATTACK continues to look at the questionable ethics of underground fighting, and the threats to our story line couple. While neither one completely separated themselves from the lifestyle, it was only a matter of time before one or both were pulled in, pulled under and lost to the pain. We are up close and personal with the strained relationship between Fox and Mia, a relationship predicated on a need for pain, power and control but Fox refuses to cross the line, a line Mia continues to push as her demons run too close to the surface.

The author(s) reveal a little more about the Knox family dynamic that has greatly affected the direction of Trayhorne’s life. Wanting to forge a path separate and distinct from the father he despises, Tray found himself fighting in the arenas of the underground MMA but now fight for the woman that calls to his heart.

SNEAK ATTACK is a story of power, control, obsession and pain. A tale of one woman’s need to protect the people she loves, and one man’s desperation to protect the woman who owns him body and soul. The premise is dark and gritty- SNEAK ATTACK is not a story of romance, hearts and flowers but a story of love; the romance is uncoventional and provocative; the characters remain broken but resilient and strong.

Profile Image for Kaylene Winter.
Author 25 books559 followers
February 14, 2022
This was the first non-rockstar romance I’d read by Cari Quinn, well other than the Manaconda books. I’m not a big fan of fighting or the MMA. - my husband is always watching fights which usually gives me a few hours in the writing cave.

Anyhow… I really enjoyed this series. I felt very immersed in the world, and while the romance between Trey and Mia is very unconventional, I liked them. I’m drawn to romance books where there are elements of mental health and how the couple works together to solve them, and this was handled very respectfully and honestly.

All in all, I’m in! I’m going to start the next book in the series now!
Profile Image for Sherry Molock.
1,070 reviews
Read
June 2, 2015
Not As Good As Shadowboxing

This book is the second in the Tapped Out series. I really liked Shadowboxing, which was funny, sensuous, romantic and intense and did a good job addressing a sensitive topic, sexual abuse and abduction.

This book focuses on the growing relationship between Tray and Mia. In some ways they've grown closer, but Mia's demons continue to haunt her, which at times puts a strain on their relationship.

This book is darker, not as funny, and seems to drag a little in the middle. As much as I love the coupling of Tray and Mia in the first book, it was harder for me to get into them in this book. There was a lot less romance in this story, which I thought was a strength of the 1st book. It felt like this book had less depth, particularly in terms of the plot. The ending was also really abrupt and with a clear "to be continued" ending.

I will go on to read the next book, which will focus on Giovanni and Carly. I hope the author takes her time with the next book. I'd rather wait longer to read the next book in the series than read a book that has poorer quality.
Profile Image for Reading Addict.
1,088 reviews21 followers
June 17, 2021
Even though Sneak Attack is listed as a stand alone story it really is a continuation of Mia and Tray's story from Shadowboxer. It is also a lead in for Carly and Gio's story in On The Ropes. As for my review, this is an interesting MMA romantic suspense. There's multiple storylines going on so I have definitely been glued to the pages. Parts of Mia's story are heartbreaking and difficult to think about. I really enjoy the strength of Mia's character and what she has overcome in her history. I have been enjoying seeing the growth in Tray and Mia's relationship as well as the challenges they both keep working on overcoming. I am looking forward to reading more about Carly, Mia's sister and her interest in MMA fighter Gio. So as you can tell, I recommend this series but I highly recommend reading it in order. As with all of the other books in the series, Sneak Attack was told from dual POV and was angsty, intriguing, a bit of fun and lots of heat.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
June 9, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

When I read Shadowboxer the first book in Cari Quinn’s Tapped Out series I amazed at the depth of emotion in that book and the hard battle the two main characters fought to make it through to the other side. Sneak Attack gives us a look at the aftermath; what happens after that initial rush of lust and newness of a relationship starts to wear. This was a very good and strong story of two people still dealing with their past lives and learning to live and love together in spite of everything the world seems to keep hitting them with. While not quite as gut wrenching as its predecessor, I loved continuing to watch these characters change, grow and learn to accept everything that comes with a relationship.

Eight months of being in a relationship and newly living together Mia Anderson and Tray Knox are still trying to figure out their relationship. Tray knows what he wants; Mia in his life for the long haul and even though her need for pain bothers him he will do anything to keep her happy and his because he loves her that much. Mia loves having Tray in her life but she’s worried that something from her past is getting ready to rear its ugly head and she doesn’t want him or her sister caught up in it. She thinks she’s playing it cool but what she’s failed to realize is Tray sometimes knows her better than she knows her own self.

I’ll admit I struggled with Mia’s character in this book which was surprising because I really loved her in the first book. I hated that she kept so much from Tray and while I understand her trust issues I thought they had moved past that; her hesitancy to share what was happening in her life and to rely on him for help bothered me a great deal. I still absolutely admired her tenacious attitude and how hard she worked to provide not only for herself but for her sister Carly as well but some trust of those people she loved would have been nice to see.

It was interesting to see a little more of Tray’s background come to light and my heart hurt for him on many occasions especially when he was struggling with his feelings towards his abusive father. I admire the fact that he sat back and gave Mia room to come to him even though it ate him alive by doing so. Watching him worry about their relationship and Mia’s reluctance to trust him was hard because Tray is one of those heroes everyone wishes for in their lives.

While both Mia and Tray were struggling with individual issues, as a couple they end up having to make some big decisions in regards to the best way to handle a problem that affects them both; one that could possibly put lives in danger and change everything. In addition Carly is obviously hiding something big from them both and Tray’s mother makes a big decision that affects not only her relationship with Tray but with him and Mia as well.

Cari Quinn has once again thrust me into her make believe world and made my heart ache for these characters, made me worry about what is to come and made me happy once again that I discovered her work.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Neal.
1,805 reviews149 followers
June 9, 2015
I can't even coherently write my review yet. I'm still suffering from a massive book hangover. I just love Tray and Mia so much. They came out together in Shadowboxer and have been happy now for months. But, they still have to fight for their happiness. Why? Does the past ever stay fully buried or does it always have a hold on you? Can you ever truly move forward if you haven't let the past go or made some kind of peace or achieved some type of closure with it? What would you do to protect the one you love above all others? Anything, right? What if that person does whatever they need to, to protect you? Will Tray and Mia finally find their HEA or will the past destroy them? Read now to find out.
Profile Image for XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy.
1,564 reviews507 followers
July 26, 2015
Mia and Tray are very complex. That is what makes them real to me. It's not your sugar coated story full of impossible dreams. Mia has a lot going on and is trying to find the best way to cope. Like many of us, she tends to do things that could push away those who love her because she is hurting. Tray is a sexy dude that is ALL in. It's interesting to watch them navigate through a very tough and dangerous situation. I love that this series is raw. It's what sets it apart from so many others.
Profile Image for lovestoread.
964 reviews12 followers
June 16, 2021
I cannot wait for more Tapped Out! Working together, growing to trust and love one another. Tray and Mia are an uneasy couple whose relationship is growing. Such an amazing story, the characters are individuals you can believe and you literally jump for joy when Mia decks the bad guy! :D
Profile Image for Deb Schwartz.
534 reviews19 followers
June 23, 2021
Sneak Attack is the conclusion of Trey and Mia’s story, and it’s one powerful punch.

Trey is still coming to terms with his families issues, as well as Mia being in his life because there is no life without Mia. I have watched Trey grow so much in Sneak Attack. He is onto Mia now. (smiles)

Mia is trying to fight her way back in quite a few ways, but in the end it will be her decisions that will help her most of all. I am so amazed by this heroine, she has a long road to go, but I hope in the end she will be able to find peace.

It’s crazy how 8 plus months can change a relationship between characters, but here we are with Mia and Trey fighting for what they believe in. Trey only wants to help Mia deal with her past and keep her in their present, Mia is coming to terms with so many things, her mental health, her relationships with people. I truly was cheering inside for this couple, the battle within themselves and for the people they love.

The supporting characters are amazing, I found it very amazing even with the supporting characters that could be shocked. Great job Taryn and Cari. There are some answers I seek, but I have a feeling they will come as I read the following books in the Tapped Out Series.

I have so much praise for Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliot the subject matter in Mia and Trey’s story is not an easy one, but they covered it tastefully. I can’t wait to read onto the next book.

Rated 5 stilettos and a Recommended Read by Deb !
Profile Image for litljen.
1,236 reviews41 followers
June 15, 2021
Sneak Attack is the continuation of Tray and Mia's story from Shadowboxer. This story *can* read as a standalone but there is SO MUCH back story for these two that it really should be read after Shadowboxer. I love these characters and in Sneak Attack, Quinn and Elliott delve deeper into Mia's past. There are dark connections revealed, secrets that come to light and danger that lurks at every turn. This book is darker than the others and the suspense and mystery certainly ramps up as the story progresses. It's an emotional story that will grip you from the start and not let go until the very last page. And even then you'll be clamoring for more so you'll want to jump right into On The Ropes which is the next book.

This story was originally published solely by Cari Quinn but it has been revamped and edited/updated by both Quinn and her writing partner Taryn Elliott. Together these two always make magic happen! 5 stars
Profile Image for Jen.
3,620 reviews
June 14, 2021
Note: An ARC was provided by the authors.

Sneak Attack is the follow-up novel to Shadowboxer, both of which are part of the Tapped Out series. Originally written and published over six years ago by Cari Quinn, this new edition has been noted as being "lightly re-edited" and now has Taryn Elliott, Quinn's writing partner, added as co-author.

This book is basically the "after" in the main characters' "happily ever after". Tray Knox and Mia Anderson are still very much in love, but they've got their issues, both as individuals and as a couple. I enjoyed seeing these two making the effort to have a firmer footing as far as their relationship was concerned. It did feel as if Mia had taken two steps back after taking some forward in the series starter, but as always, Tray was there for her every step of the way. Four stars for Sneak Attack.
Profile Image for Michelle Quintana.
1,858 reviews7 followers
June 16, 2021
Steamy and suspenseful

More of Mia and Tray, I really enjoyed reading more of their story. Mia is now trying to deal with her past the best way she knows how while trying to navigate the current situation with her sister and Tray. However, someone from her past is now stalking her. She won't tell anyone because she thinks she can handle it. Tray knows there is something wrong but thinks he just needs to give her space. He wants more from her in their relationship but knows he won't get it. Before Mia can surprise him, a plot twist occurs. Mia doesn't realize how bad the situation is until it confronts her again and threatens those she loves. I have to admit that I was not expecting the book to end the way that it did but I would like for Slater to get his own book. This book was sent to me by the authors for an honest review.
Profile Image for Pennie Morgan.
2,343 reviews10 followers
June 18, 2021
This one is basically part two of the Mia and Tray story. They are about eight months into their relationship, AKA, after the injury that took Tray out of fighting for good and cemented their bond. They are now living together and struggling their way through that and it seems they are both on eggshells all the time. Each have insecurities going on even though Tray is ALL IN, he is never sure Mia is. Mia seems to have picked up a stalker along the way but it is someone from her past or someone from the present. Will this bring danger to her doorstep and to Tray and Carly or it it only for her? Add in the dynamics of Tray's parents and all bets are off on where the next shoe is going to drop. I do recommend you read Shadowboxer first just for the background and then keep right on going as this series is great!

**Received this ARC for review**
234 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2021
Just when I thought the series couldn't get any better it did! This book would be an AWESOME movie!!!!!!
Mia and Trey's story continues. You would think things would quiet down now that they have both given up MMA fighting and are now working as trainers at Trey's old gym. Things had to get complicated again. Mia is seeing a therapist to try to talk out her demons and her horrible past.
Mia and Trey's very odd relationship is going in the right direction as Mia is finally trusting Trey and can finally say to another man that she loves them. But their love life is a little unconventional. When they have sex they like to inflict pain to each other. They get off on it, they love it, they crave it!
Lots going on in the book but I can not spoil, you will have to read it yourself and you are going to LOVE IT!!!
Profile Image for Hopelessly seeking Happily Ever Afters.
788 reviews20 followers
June 10, 2021
Tray "Fox" Knox & Amelia "Mia/Spyder" Anderson

Dual POV. Book 2 in the Tapped Out series. This is an edited re-release in this author duo's incredible body of work. It was originally written and published solely by Cari Quinn.

Here is the proper reading order of the Tapped Out series:
book 1: 'Shadowboxer' (Tray & Mia)
☆bonus 1: 'Takedown' (Liam & Abby)
☆bonus 2: 'Body Shot' (Carly & Giovanni)
book 2: 'Sneak Attack' (Tray & Mia, #2)
book 3: 'On The Ropes' (Giovanni & Carly)
book 4: 'Knockout' (Lily, Emerson & JC)

Tray "Fox" Knox & Amelia "Mia/Spyder" Anderson are the stars in this story. Both were MMA fighters, got out of the circuit, and now they're being put to the test.

Warning: This is a book about a romance within the illegal underground world of MMA fighting. JP
Profile Image for Brigid Brown.
957 reviews23 followers
June 8, 2021
Sneak Attack.....that is what this book is!! I can honestly say I have never not enjoyed a book written by the duo of Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott but I didn't know just how much I was going to LOVE Sneak Attack!!

This is a bit of a departure from their usual swoony, steamy books. It is gritty, intense, and full of raw emotion. Mia, oh spunky, sassy badass Mia. She is a bit damaged and broken by a horrible trauma but she doesn't let anyone keep her down. Tray is right there for her. Their love story isn't roses and rainbows. It's hard fought, making it even more beautiful.
819 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2021
This is the second book in the Tapped Out series and it was re-edited and re-released. This continues the Mia and Tray story. Tray is so incredibly supportive of his wonderful yet damaged girlfriend Mia. Mia's working hard to overcome her tragedy and continues to build her life and this relationship with Tray. There is so much going on in this book but it's such a great read. This is definitely different from the authors usual rock star / daddy loving books. I can't wait to read the others in this series!
Profile Image for Jenn Allen.
3,260 reviews46 followers
June 14, 2021
LOVE Mia and Tray. I love how their relationship has progressed, how Mia pulls on her strength to get through hard situations and how Tray is there every step of the way. There's a bit of suspense mixed in that kept me on my toes, some jaw dropping moments and those moments when I smile when the group is together, spending time and enjoying those little moments. Great story, great flow, and I'm ready to dig in to the next story in this series!

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Gab Mce.
365 reviews
June 19, 2021
Intense. The intensity that is Mia and Tray continue in this next book in the series. They are wildly passionate for each other and with that comes an epic story of trials and tribulations that are fought with their fists and their hearts.

I am enamored with how much they care for each other. I was scared when the bad kept coming at them over and over. Yet they overcome because they are fighters.

This story had me feeling all the angst and it kept me going because I had to know every last detail about how it was going to go.

I recommend this read because it takes us deep into the gritty world of MMA and shows us that even in the more dire of circumstances love will prevail!
Profile Image for Donna Smith.
1,274 reviews12 followers
June 8, 2021
Just when you thought Mia and Trey’s story couldn’t get any more complex, you start reading this one. Trey is his wonderful self in supporting Mia in all ways possible. He is her rock and in turn she is his heart. Her ability to handle what life has dealt her is remarkable but has left her emotionally caged. But she’s trying. I loved their interaction and the heat they create. But they also have a wonderful love between them that is unconventional to say the least.
Profile Image for Sandy Kelly.
1,253 reviews12 followers
June 11, 2021
I honestly thought their story was finished in book 1, but oh did book 2 bring more to the table! There are twists in here that I wasn't expecting but man did it keep me reading and on the edge of my seat! Tray and Mia are still working on their relationship and I loved that no matter what, they are trying. They aren't letting their own demons completely kill their chances for happiness. And honestly, that is all anyone can do at any given moment. I loved this one better than the first!
Profile Image for Cinthia.
406 reviews19 followers
June 12, 2021
This is a second part of Mia and Tray's love story... in this story they're living and working and training together.

Mia's hiding some things from Tray because she doesn't know how to relate, doesn't feel deserving of love, or feels capable of handling problems on her own.

Follow the mental fights and learning how to love and be loved is the process of this book. Together Mia and Tray fight for their love and their lives.
60 reviews
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June 15, 2021
This book is the second part to Mia and Fox, the after the initial glow and the figuring out a relationship part. This story is gritty and sexy, from their rough sex to the ring, they fight through their past and their current feelings to figure out the new lives they are in and where they want to go. Great story and you get to read indepth the why and they background that you missed in book one. This book was fulfilling and you will not be dissapointed.
580 reviews32 followers
June 10, 2021
Mia and Fox's story isn't finished. But trying to build a life together is a fight. Mia has been getting calls from an unknown person, similar to those she received in the past. Both she and Tray are dealing with the mafia MMA promoters that have an agenda all their own. The suspense builds as they work to figure out who, what and why. Tray and Mia's story continues to be emotionally charged with a darker theme. Plenty of hot sex and some violence. Again there may be triggers for some.
Once you start this journey with Fox and Mia you'll not want to stop until they figure it all out.
509 reviews2 followers
June 10, 2021
This is a continuation of Tray and Mia’s story that begin in Shadowboxer. This did surprise me with the direction it went, wasn’t expecting that. This was emotional and full of intense raw emotions and deals with some difficult dark issues. Though it is different from the norm, I truly enjoyed reading it.
Profile Image for Theresa.
687 reviews3 followers
June 11, 2021
Great read

Again another part of this series (Mia and trays second part) that I could not put down. There’s chemistry love heart and angst. What could be better. This was a wonderful book about a great couple and Cari Quinn and Taryn Elliott did not disappoint and this redone book is great even the second time around.
Profile Image for Cindy Wiste.
168 reviews
June 13, 2021
What a great story! This book is a continuation of Shadowboxer. Shadowboxer was technically a standalone, but this is a super hot, full story and just MORE of a awesome couple. The past that hunts them is something from a nightmare, I am so glad to see it all works out form them. Another great story by Quinn. I'm starting the next book now.
335 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2021
This continues Mia & Tray’s journey after book 1 (Shadow Boxer). Mia and Tray are trying to build their relationship with each other – and things from the past keep coming up when they are least expected. Mia is keeping things from Tray and it causes tension. Eventually Mia confides in Tray and they continue to grow together. This was a well written sequel to book 1.
56 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2021
Sneak Attack is the second part of Mia and Tray's story. I absolutely love these two amazing author, they never disappoint. Tray and Mia are living together and are doing better. They both gave up fighting, but one of them wants to fight again and they have the support of their other half. this is an amazing book, its a must read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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