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Tap Out
Main character energy meets hard-hitting swagger…
Grayson "Lights Out" Dawes has spent years at the top of the MMA world. Her focus is unwavering, her resolve hardened by years in the ring—but time is catching up, and she knows her final shot at the championship is looming. Just as she’s ready to step away, a new kind of opponent enters her life—one who fights with glamor and ambition, not fists.
Nova Priest is a rising star on the verge of her big break. Cast in the gritty role of a fighter, she's eager to prove she’s more than a Hollywood ingénue. To bring authenticity to her performance, she needs to learn from the best—and that means training with Grayson, whose cold, disciplined approach is as foreign as the spotlight is to a seasoned fighter.
As their worlds collide, so do their emotions. Sparks fly, and a mutual respect forms, though neither can ignore the simmering tension between them. Grayson’s years of experience draw Nova in, while Nova’s youthful drive awakens something Grayson thought she’d long buried.
Nova’s about to rise, but Grayson’s a battle-hardened force—and Nova’s the first to challenge the armor around her heart.
As Grayson prepares for what could be her final fight, they face their biggest challenge will they give in to their desires or tap out?
Grayson "Lights Out" Dawes has spent years at the top of the MMA world. Her focus is unwavering, her resolve hardened by years in the ring—but time is catching up, and she knows her final shot at the championship is looming. Just as she’s ready to step away, a new kind of opponent enters her life—one who fights with glamor and ambition, not fists.
Nova Priest is a rising star on the verge of her big break. Cast in the gritty role of a fighter, she's eager to prove she’s more than a Hollywood ingénue. To bring authenticity to her performance, she needs to learn from the best—and that means training with Grayson, whose cold, disciplined approach is as foreign as the spotlight is to a seasoned fighter.
As their worlds collide, so do their emotions. Sparks fly, and a mutual respect forms, though neither can ignore the simmering tension between them. Grayson’s years of experience draw Nova in, while Nova’s youthful drive awakens something Grayson thought she’d long buried.
Nova’s about to rise, but Grayson’s a battle-hardened force—and Nova’s the first to challenge the armor around her heart.
As Grayson prepares for what could be her final fight, they face their biggest challenge will they give in to their desires or tap out?
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2025
17 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 11, 2025
Nova is an up-and-coming actress, and has just got the part of a MMA fighter for a Hollywood movie. She was meant to have Rocio as her trainer, but because of neck surgery, the job has been passed to a reluctant Grayson.
Grayson is near the end of her MMA career, one of the greats of the sport. She just wants to get a final win against Delphine, to become the women’s bantamweight champion, and then possibly retire. However now she has to train this bratty Hollywood starlet.
Before reading this I didn’t know anything about Mixed Martial Arts, and I wasn’t really interested in reading about violence. However, the author has done some good research, and with her excellent writing style the story really comes to life. I liked that Grayson is this strong, stubborn woman in her career, but in her personal life she is so unsure of herself. IT shows her vulnerability as a strength. Nova’s filming went well, but we see very little of that, the focus is on the womens’ relationship while training together. Both characters are well thought out and strong.
Grayson is near the end of her MMA career, one of the greats of the sport. She just wants to get a final win against Delphine, to become the women’s bantamweight champion, and then possibly retire. However now she has to train this bratty Hollywood starlet.
Before reading this I didn’t know anything about Mixed Martial Arts, and I wasn’t really interested in reading about violence. However, the author has done some good research, and with her excellent writing style the story really comes to life. I liked that Grayson is this strong, stubborn woman in her career, but in her personal life she is so unsure of herself. IT shows her vulnerability as a strength. Nova’s filming went well, but we see very little of that, the focus is on the womens’ relationship while training together. Both characters are well thought out and strong.
October 28, 2025
This enemies-to-lovers romance, with its compelling forced proximity, is fantastic, and it's hits all the right spots. It is engaging, entertaining, and a delightful read.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Nova's rigorous training for her new film role, where she learned the ropes of MMA fighting under the demanding yet supportive guidance of her coach, Grayson.
From the start, Nova and Grayson's connection is evident, though their initial interactions are quite strained, and the sexual tension soon builds into a delightful climax.I completely adored Grayson in this book; she is such a kind soul and will always hold a special place in my heart.
The storyline is perfectly executed and flawlessly presented; I couldn't put it down. It is the third and final book in the Competing Desires series, and I highly recommend this book and its predecessors. This book also features a cameo appearance from Jagger and Sage from *Pit Stop* (book two), a fun addition.
I am eagerly anticipating LM's future writing. It has been a pleasure to read her work.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Nova's rigorous training for her new film role, where she learned the ropes of MMA fighting under the demanding yet supportive guidance of her coach, Grayson.
From the start, Nova and Grayson's connection is evident, though their initial interactions are quite strained, and the sexual tension soon builds into a delightful climax.I completely adored Grayson in this book; she is such a kind soul and will always hold a special place in my heart.
The storyline is perfectly executed and flawlessly presented; I couldn't put it down. It is the third and final book in the Competing Desires series, and I highly recommend this book and its predecessors. This book also features a cameo appearance from Jagger and Sage from *Pit Stop* (book two), a fun addition.
I am eagerly anticipating LM's future writing. It has been a pleasure to read her work.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice rating. 🔥🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 28, 2025
What a ride! I loved the grit and honesty in Grayson as well as how she opened up and took charge of her legacy even as thoughts and processes can change. Her grand gesture was heartwarming and fitting. Nova was a bit annoying to start. It was interesting to watch her develop the respect and understanding of a sport and those in it as well as in herself and the roles she plays. Their heat and connection was palpable and well paced. The story flowed well with both the MCs professions as well as their developing relationship. We also get a fun cameo of our Pit Stop MCs and the inner dialogue was quite amusing and on point! Highly recommend reading all three Competing Desires books!
dnf-2025
June 28, 2025DNF @ 10%
Was excited to see a MMA sapphic sports romance with two WOC leads!!
But alas, the writing is not working for me. This is very dramatic, and after pausing this a few weeks back I have no interest to pick it back up and see what the forced proximity rivals/enemies to lovers situation is going to be like.
One heroine is more of a 'social media doing it for views' athlete and the other is not, and that already was irritating to read about lol.
Was excited to see a MMA sapphic sports romance with two WOC leads!!
But alas, the writing is not working for me. This is very dramatic, and after pausing this a few weeks back I have no interest to pick it back up and see what the forced proximity rivals/enemies to lovers situation is going to be like.
One heroine is more of a 'social media doing it for views' athlete and the other is not, and that already was irritating to read about lol.
February 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐
you know that feeling when a book completely nails distinct character voices? that’s tap out. with dual povs, it’s easy for the characters to blend together if the writing isn’t sharp, but l.m. bennett made sure grayson and nova felt like entirely different people. grayson is disciplined, no-nonsense, and hardened by years in the mma world, while nova is ambitious, charming, and thrives in the hollywood spotlight. their personalities came through so clearly in their respective chapters that i never once felt lost or had to check whose pov i was reading. that’s a huge win for me. add in dialogue that snaps, humor that actually lands, and writing that just flows, and yeah—i was hooked.
now, let’s talk about the mma aspect. i know absolutely nothing about the sport. like, my only exposure is itaewon class, and that barely counts. but bennett weaves in the details so seamlessly that i never felt out of my depth. there was just the right amount of info to make the fights feel authentic without overwhelming the reader. and grayson’s final fight? it was so intense i could feel it. the buildup, the adrenaline, the sheer force of her will—i was completely in it, like i was watching it play out in real time.
and of course, the romance. grayson and nova’s chemistry is undeniable. they’re a total power couple—both brilliant in their own crafts, coming from completely different worlds, but drawn together by something electric. i do wish we got more of their enemies phase, and i was a little thrown by how quickly nova shifted her feelings toward mma, but honestly? the connection between them still works. and when things finally reach that point—yeah, it’s hot. really hot.
this was my first l.m. bennett book, but definitely not my last. i’m already eyeing the rest of this series. big thanks for the e-arc—this was an absolute blast to read!
you know that feeling when a book completely nails distinct character voices? that’s tap out. with dual povs, it’s easy for the characters to blend together if the writing isn’t sharp, but l.m. bennett made sure grayson and nova felt like entirely different people. grayson is disciplined, no-nonsense, and hardened by years in the mma world, while nova is ambitious, charming, and thrives in the hollywood spotlight. their personalities came through so clearly in their respective chapters that i never once felt lost or had to check whose pov i was reading. that’s a huge win for me. add in dialogue that snaps, humor that actually lands, and writing that just flows, and yeah—i was hooked.
now, let’s talk about the mma aspect. i know absolutely nothing about the sport. like, my only exposure is itaewon class, and that barely counts. but bennett weaves in the details so seamlessly that i never felt out of my depth. there was just the right amount of info to make the fights feel authentic without overwhelming the reader. and grayson’s final fight? it was so intense i could feel it. the buildup, the adrenaline, the sheer force of her will—i was completely in it, like i was watching it play out in real time.
and of course, the romance. grayson and nova’s chemistry is undeniable. they’re a total power couple—both brilliant in their own crafts, coming from completely different worlds, but drawn together by something electric. i do wish we got more of their enemies phase, and i was a little thrown by how quickly nova shifted her feelings toward mma, but honestly? the connection between them still works. and when things finally reach that point—yeah, it’s hot. really hot.
this was my first l.m. bennett book, but definitely not my last. i’m already eyeing the rest of this series. big thanks for the e-arc—this was an absolute blast to read!
February 21, 2025
✔Sapphic Book Bingo Challenge 2025 🌈✨: Main Board - Strong Initial Dislike
5 stars. Love, love, LOVE a good sapphic MMA romance and this was fantastic. L.M. Bennett has been killing it. Each book has been better than the last. The writing is sharp and the dialogue feels genuine with great humor. The characters were great and felt real and I loved the romance.
Grayson is an MMA fighter and she’s a bit stand off and grumpy. Nova is an actress and she’s training with Grayson for her upcoming role in a film as an MMA fighter. The two of them got off on the wrong foot at the beginning and I really loved the banter and tension between them. Nova is a firecracker. I loved her so much. She knew how to hold her own and she kept Grayson on her toes. The training that they did together was filled to the brim with delicious sexual tension and when the two of them finally gave into those feelings? WHEW! Hot! There’s even a bit of breath play and it was damn good.
I loved this book. It’s quick paced, it’s fun, it’s sexy, and the ending was incredibly rewarding. I couldn’t get enough and I really hope that there will be more in this series.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5 stars. Love, love, LOVE a good sapphic MMA romance and this was fantastic. L.M. Bennett has been killing it. Each book has been better than the last. The writing is sharp and the dialogue feels genuine with great humor. The characters were great and felt real and I loved the romance.
Grayson is an MMA fighter and she’s a bit stand off and grumpy. Nova is an actress and she’s training with Grayson for her upcoming role in a film as an MMA fighter. The two of them got off on the wrong foot at the beginning and I really loved the banter and tension between them. Nova is a firecracker. I loved her so much. She knew how to hold her own and she kept Grayson on her toes. The training that they did together was filled to the brim with delicious sexual tension and when the two of them finally gave into those feelings? WHEW! Hot! There’s even a bit of breath play and it was damn good.
I loved this book. It’s quick paced, it’s fun, it’s sexy, and the ending was incredibly rewarding. I couldn’t get enough and I really hope that there will be more in this series.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 1, 2025
Tap out, but you’ll want to tap in for this read!
Bennett did it again, y’all! She wrote a book about women who have to prove themselves in their industry everyday, and how appearances can be deceiving.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. I felt like you could really sit down and have a conversation with Grayson about the best fighting techniques. I mean who doesn’t want to submit to a strong woman? Nova would be the one to learn how to do your job and turn around and do it better. I said, what I said. Both characters are confident and I think that’s what makes Bennett characters so alluring. The side characters were just as exciting to read, too.
I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for a read that’s angsty, well-developed and will have you smiling throughout. Check it out!
Bennett did it again, y’all! She wrote a book about women who have to prove themselves in their industry everyday, and how appearances can be deceiving.
I really enjoyed the chemistry between the characters. I felt like you could really sit down and have a conversation with Grayson about the best fighting techniques. I mean who doesn’t want to submit to a strong woman? Nova would be the one to learn how to do your job and turn around and do it better. I said, what I said. Both characters are confident and I think that’s what makes Bennett characters so alluring. The side characters were just as exciting to read, too.
I’d recommend this book if you’re looking for a read that’s angsty, well-developed and will have you smiling throughout. Check it out!
March 2, 2025
I loved this book! I’m such a sucker for opposites attract and Nova and Gray were polar opposites in pretty much everything except for their dedication to the respective crafts. They really put the enemies in enemies to lovers!
My favorite part of this book was the tension between Nova and Gray. They spent a lot of time longing for each other which was only heightened by their proximity during training. It was giving low intensity angst which I’m absolutely always here for. I also really loved the banter between them. They had such flirty chemistry all throughout the book that made them seem so real.
I really loved this book and I can’t wait to see what LM Bennett has in store for us next! I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an opposites attract, ice queen, or grumpy x sunshine romance. Thanks so much to LM Bennett for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
My favorite part of this book was the tension between Nova and Gray. They spent a lot of time longing for each other which was only heightened by their proximity during training. It was giving low intensity angst which I’m absolutely always here for. I also really loved the banter between them. They had such flirty chemistry all throughout the book that made them seem so real.
I really loved this book and I can’t wait to see what LM Bennett has in store for us next! I’d recommend it to anyone who’s looking for an opposites attract, ice queen, or grumpy x sunshine romance. Thanks so much to LM Bennett for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 15, 2025
Hollywood glam meets MMA in "Tap Out" an enemies-to-lovers romance by L.M. Bennett. Nova and Grayson are great together…they just don’t know it yet. The balance between MMA and romance is deftly handled. Through Grayson’s dialogue, I learned a lot about MMA techniques and the training involved. I love when an author really researches the topic and it’s evident L.M. Bennett took copious notes. The story is layered; the characters are vulnerable and the setting – it's easy to visualize a gritty boxing club and old gym mats.
I’ve read a number of novels by this author and her stories just keep getting better and better. L.M. Bennett has written about racing, wine and now MMA. I’m looking forward to the next sport that she tackles.
I’ve read a number of novels by this author and her stories just keep getting better and better. L.M. Bennett has written about racing, wine and now MMA. I’m looking forward to the next sport that she tackles.
March 27, 2025
L.M. Bennett knows how to write a sports romance. Every book I've read by this author has had fun, action packed scenes whenever the sport is the focal point.
For this story in particular, I think the premise of it had potential, but it just wasn't put together in a way that drew me in. The characters felt kind of flat for me, and the obstacles that kept the love interests apart just didn't come across as real obstacles. I wanted to fall in love with Grayson and Nova but they honestly didn't give me any reason to so by the end I wasn't invested at all.
For this story in particular, I think the premise of it had potential, but it just wasn't put together in a way that drew me in. The characters felt kind of flat for me, and the obstacles that kept the love interests apart just didn't come across as real obstacles. I wanted to fall in love with Grayson and Nova but they honestly didn't give me any reason to so by the end I wasn't invested at all.
April 11, 2025
Not gonna lie, it took me some time to really appreciate Tap Out.
I initially found Grayson annoying, too intense, just a bit too much especially after her first confrontation with Nova. But just like Nova, I very much enjoyed discovering what was hidden behind this determined and tough facade.
Nova, on the other hand, was everything I expected her to be, and I also loved how we got to unravel the depth of her character. Their work ethics and work determination were admirable.
The meeting of these two headstrong women was as explosive as I expected from L.M Bennett. Tap Out was a very well-balanced cocktail that served tension, competition, banter, and some sweetness.
I initially found Grayson annoying, too intense, just a bit too much especially after her first confrontation with Nova. But just like Nova, I very much enjoyed discovering what was hidden behind this determined and tough facade.
Nova, on the other hand, was everything I expected her to be, and I also loved how we got to unravel the depth of her character. Their work ethics and work determination were admirable.
The meeting of these two headstrong women was as explosive as I expected from L.M Bennett. Tap Out was a very well-balanced cocktail that served tension, competition, banter, and some sweetness.
January 27, 2025
Wow my favourite by far I loved the main characters their chemistry was hot but their difficulties brought them closer, their strength,understanding and love shined throughout I couldn't put it down definitely must read congratulations
September 3, 2025
Another one
Great story. Now, I have a new perspective on Mixed Martial Arts. She was fierce and determined. So was the actress.
The bonus epilogue was equally good. Happiness all around.
Great story. Now, I have a new perspective on Mixed Martial Arts. She was fierce and determined. So was the actress.
The bonus epilogue was equally good. Happiness all around.
October 30, 2025
Cool
I enjoyed the humorous exposition and attention to detail regarding the MMA training process. It was a teeny bit simile and metaphor-heavy at times but not enough to deter. Good tension between Nova and Grayson. Cool story.
I enjoyed the humorous exposition and attention to detail regarding the MMA training process. It was a teeny bit simile and metaphor-heavy at times but not enough to deter. Good tension between Nova and Grayson. Cool story.
January 29, 2025
Mannnnnnnn
The helpless romantic in me is happy I took my took my time reading this.
It was excellently written. The fastest slow burn. Once the heat turned up, the inferno was worth it!
The helpless romantic in me is happy I took my took my time reading this.
It was excellently written. The fastest slow burn. Once the heat turned up, the inferno was worth it!
January 16, 2026
I LOVE NOVA SO MUCHHHHHH
December 5, 2025
I really did not like this 😓😓 Zero character development, the dialogue was awkward, and I couldnt bring myself to care about either character.
The pacing was weird, the “drama” felt forced…it was just a mess for me from start to finish.
The writing just wasn’t good, and the only reason I finished it was because I refuse to DNF books!
The pacing was weird, the “drama” felt forced…it was just a mess for me from start to finish.
The writing just wasn’t good, and the only reason I finished it was because I refuse to DNF books!
February 25, 2026
The story of the MMA fighter and the movie star. The fighter has to train the movie star for an upcoming role she has to play, and she really doesn’t want to as she sees her as a prissy queen. But this sport requires a lot of touching and eventually it gets the best of the fighter. She yearns for her touch and ends up falling in love, which she vowed not to do until after her big fight because she didn’t want anything distracting her from her goal. She tried to resist the feelings and got caught up. The constant touching, pinning on the ground, throwing, all the stuff that MMA fighters do, is very intense. She knows it, and it gets under her skin. They eventually go out one night for a night cap, and well you know what the deal is. She played her protector. The actress finished her training and went on to shoot her role for the movie and was great because she had a great teacher, and the fighter went on to win her match because she put all her focus into it, after she and the actress hooked up. I could go for a book 2 of these two. See what life has dealt them and are they still together. i love a great love story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews