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Saving Face
This book contains adult themes and illustrations intended for readers aged 18 and above.
Debuting as a professional MMA fighter should’ve been easy for Kacper Pają go to Vegas, win the fight, get the money, and go home. So why is the person knocking him off his feet not an opponent, but instead, an irresistible woman he’s hired to deal with his social media?
Desperate for a job and even more desperate to move out of her ex’s place, Mari Richards accepts the role of Kacper’s temporary social media manager for seven weeks. That’s forty-nine days of being joined at the hip, something that is increasingly difficult when she begins to find herself drawn to the stoic fighter she constantly butts heads with.
When you throw in a toxic ex, an insufferable opponent, adjoining hotel rooms, and suffocating sexual tension, Mari’s job is refined to one major Saving face.
Debuting as a professional MMA fighter should’ve been easy for Kacper Pają go to Vegas, win the fight, get the money, and go home. So why is the person knocking him off his feet not an opponent, but instead, an irresistible woman he’s hired to deal with his social media?
Desperate for a job and even more desperate to move out of her ex’s place, Mari Richards accepts the role of Kacper’s temporary social media manager for seven weeks. That’s forty-nine days of being joined at the hip, something that is increasingly difficult when she begins to find herself drawn to the stoic fighter she constantly butts heads with.
When you throw in a toxic ex, an insufferable opponent, adjoining hotel rooms, and suffocating sexual tension, Mari’s job is refined to one major Saving face.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
24 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 18, 2024
YESSSSSSSS, welcome back J. Cherry!
Following on from her novella involving a masked biker, I was excited for Kas and Mari's story.
This book has a slow start, which initially had me worried, but picked up quickly and had a pretty steady pacing throughout. This book had the YEARNING I've been craving these last few weeks. The development between the characters, both as a couple but as individuals was fabulous!
A fun plot featuring a workplace romance, a grumpy Polish MMA fighter and a sunshine social media manager. This book does have a toxic ex but I felt it was handled extremely well and felt realistic.
Overall, a fabulous book that I had a great time with!
ALSO - this book features some very fun art inside! 10/10!
Following on from her novella involving a masked biker, I was excited for Kas and Mari's story.
This book has a slow start, which initially had me worried, but picked up quickly and had a pretty steady pacing throughout. This book had the YEARNING I've been craving these last few weeks. The development between the characters, both as a couple but as individuals was fabulous!
A fun plot featuring a workplace romance, a grumpy Polish MMA fighter and a sunshine social media manager. This book does have a toxic ex but I felt it was handled extremely well and felt realistic.
Overall, a fabulous book that I had a great time with!
ALSO - this book features some very fun art inside! 10/10!
January 21, 2025
This was cute and I enjoyed reading it but it felt a bit too long. I feel like it should’ve been shorter but still worth a read. Pump two was way better but I still liked the characters in this one.
December 20, 2024
ARC PROVIDED FOR HONEST REVIEW. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ARC.
If you enjoyed pump 2, you’re in for a treat with Saving Face—especially if you were intrigued by Kas’s character! After reading about Kas in pump 2, i was so excited when the author announced his book.
Kas and Mari's story initially started very slow, the workplace setting and the balance between the events, all the character was well maintained.
The slow-burn romance between Mari, the social media manager, and Kas, the fighter, is perfectly crafted. While the pace is slow, the tension between them builds beautifully, making their eventual confession all the more rewarding. Their workplace dynamic—Kas as the fighter and Mari as his social media manager—adds a unique and engaging element to the story. Their interactions, often taking place in the gym, start out as casual conversations but evolve into something much deeper and more romantic over time.
The spice? SO FUCKING HOT. Mari is a strong, stern character, but she’s also caring, and Kas shares similar traits, making their connection feel even more natural. Their relationship is a wonderful blend of fierceness and tenderness.
And the ARTs!! omg they were amazing, i loved them.
The side characters are a major highlight as well. Dash is an absolute cutie, and Violet and Devon (pump 2 characaters). I’m also curious to see where things go with Davina and that mysterious guy.
All in all, Saving Face is a heartwarming, spicy, and swoon-worthy read that’s definitely worth the wait. The slow-burn tension, amazing characters, and a good share of romance, must read for whoever loves workplace romances.
If you enjoyed pump 2, you’re in for a treat with Saving Face—especially if you were intrigued by Kas’s character! After reading about Kas in pump 2, i was so excited when the author announced his book.
Kas and Mari's story initially started very slow, the workplace setting and the balance between the events, all the character was well maintained.
The slow-burn romance between Mari, the social media manager, and Kas, the fighter, is perfectly crafted. While the pace is slow, the tension between them builds beautifully, making their eventual confession all the more rewarding. Their workplace dynamic—Kas as the fighter and Mari as his social media manager—adds a unique and engaging element to the story. Their interactions, often taking place in the gym, start out as casual conversations but evolve into something much deeper and more romantic over time.
The spice? SO FUCKING HOT. Mari is a strong, stern character, but she’s also caring, and Kas shares similar traits, making their connection feel even more natural. Their relationship is a wonderful blend of fierceness and tenderness.
And the ARTs!! omg they were amazing, i loved them.
The side characters are a major highlight as well. Dash is an absolute cutie, and Violet and Devon (pump 2 characaters). I’m also curious to see where things go with Davina and that mysterious guy.
All in all, Saving Face is a heartwarming, spicy, and swoon-worthy read that’s definitely worth the wait. The slow-burn tension, amazing characters, and a good share of romance, must read for whoever loves workplace romances.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
This was surprisingly very cute!
January 21, 2025
The slow burn was slow burning 😫 I didn’t want this book to end!!! I love these characters so much and just like pump two the illustrations were amazing!!
February 13, 2025
Perfect, no notes! Read Pump Two, and then read this 🖤
May 26, 2025
3.75⭐️
A bit long, but fun and easy to read.
A bit long, but fun and easy to read.
December 20, 2024
🩷 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞
5⭐️
3🌶️
🇬🇧
Finally, after so much teasing, spoilers, and mystery from the author (yes, I’m talking about that Jeremy Allen White gif from The Bear)… we now have Mari and Kas’s story 🩷 Huge thanks to the author for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book!
At the beginning, the story is a bit slow because it’s introductory but it’s necessary. Once you hit about 25% of the book, you can’t stop reading, and you’ll finish it in one night 🙌🏻
Believe it or not, I’m a huge MMA fan so the fact that this book incorporates it? I absolutely loved it ✨ Kas is the Top of the Top when it comes to men 💋 He’s affectionate but only with her, loyal, and a true friend ✨ As you read, the author conveys his beauty so well! both physically (SUPER HOT) and emotionally 🫶🏼Plus he cooks, speaks another language, values others and recognizes when someone is feeling off or out of their comfort zone 💙 I can’t get Jeremy Allen White from The Bear out of my head when I think of Kas.
On the other hand, we have our lovely Mari who is just perfect 🩷 She’s simple yet unique ✨ determined to achieve her goals and find happiness. She’s an amazing friend, always there for everyone and she knows how to be family 🫂 She’s strong and a warrior in every sense! 💋 You’re going to adore her!
This book had me laughing out loud and even talking to myself 😂 whether to the characters or the book itself, it’s just amazing!
And just like in the author’s first book, the illustrated scenes are incredibly well done ✨ They’re wonderful and magnificent, adding so much to the experience because they make you feel like you’re truly inside the scene—it feels real! 👏🏼
🇲🇽
Finalmente después de tanto, spoiler y misterio por parte de la autora (y me refiero a ese gif de Jeremy Allen White en the bear)… Tenemos la historia de Mari y Kas 🩷 Muchas gracias a la autora por darme la oportunidad de leer este maravilloso libro!
Al inicio, si es un poco lenta la historia porque es introductoria pero necesaria, pero cuando llegas como al 25% del libro no paras de leer y lo terminas en una sola noche 🙌🏻
Aunque no me lo crean, yo soy mega fanática de la MMA y que este libro tenga esto lo súper. Adoro ✨ Tenemos a Kas que es Top de Top en hombre 💋 es cariñoso pero sólo con ella, es leal y un verdadero amigo ✨ cuando lo lees, la autora te transmite su belleza tanto físicamente (SUPER HOT) como emocional 🫶🏼 además cocina, habla en otro idioma, valora y reconoce cuando se sienten mal o no están dentro de una zona cómoda 💙 no puedo sacarme de la cabeza a Jeremy en the bear cuando pienso en Kas
Por otro lado, tenemos a nuestra preciosa Mary, que es una mujer tan perfecta 🩷 pero a que su vez en sencilla y única ✨ determinada a cumplir sus metas y ser feliz, es una excelente amiga que está ahí para todos, sabe ser familia. Además es fuerte y toda una guerrera en todos los sentidos! 💋 la amarán!
Este libro me ha sacado unas carcajadas y me ha hecho hablar sola 😂 hablándole a los personajes o al libro, es maravilloso!
Y como en el primer libro de la autora, los dibujos de escenas están muy bien hechas ✨ son maravillosas, magníficas que se agradece muchísimo porque te sientes aún más dentro de la escena que sientes que es real! 👏🏼
5⭐️
3🌶️
🇬🇧
Finally, after so much teasing, spoilers, and mystery from the author (yes, I’m talking about that Jeremy Allen White gif from The Bear)… we now have Mari and Kas’s story 🩷 Huge thanks to the author for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book!
At the beginning, the story is a bit slow because it’s introductory but it’s necessary. Once you hit about 25% of the book, you can’t stop reading, and you’ll finish it in one night 🙌🏻
Believe it or not, I’m a huge MMA fan so the fact that this book incorporates it? I absolutely loved it ✨ Kas is the Top of the Top when it comes to men 💋 He’s affectionate but only with her, loyal, and a true friend ✨ As you read, the author conveys his beauty so well! both physically (SUPER HOT) and emotionally 🫶🏼Plus he cooks, speaks another language, values others and recognizes when someone is feeling off or out of their comfort zone 💙 I can’t get Jeremy Allen White from The Bear out of my head when I think of Kas.
On the other hand, we have our lovely Mari who is just perfect 🩷 She’s simple yet unique ✨ determined to achieve her goals and find happiness. She’s an amazing friend, always there for everyone and she knows how to be family 🫂 She’s strong and a warrior in every sense! 💋 You’re going to adore her!
This book had me laughing out loud and even talking to myself 😂 whether to the characters or the book itself, it’s just amazing!
And just like in the author’s first book, the illustrated scenes are incredibly well done ✨ They’re wonderful and magnificent, adding so much to the experience because they make you feel like you’re truly inside the scene—it feels real! 👏🏼
🇲🇽
Finalmente después de tanto, spoiler y misterio por parte de la autora (y me refiero a ese gif de Jeremy Allen White en the bear)… Tenemos la historia de Mari y Kas 🩷 Muchas gracias a la autora por darme la oportunidad de leer este maravilloso libro!
Al inicio, si es un poco lenta la historia porque es introductoria pero necesaria, pero cuando llegas como al 25% del libro no paras de leer y lo terminas en una sola noche 🙌🏻
Aunque no me lo crean, yo soy mega fanática de la MMA y que este libro tenga esto lo súper. Adoro ✨ Tenemos a Kas que es Top de Top en hombre 💋 es cariñoso pero sólo con ella, es leal y un verdadero amigo ✨ cuando lo lees, la autora te transmite su belleza tanto físicamente (SUPER HOT) como emocional 🫶🏼 además cocina, habla en otro idioma, valora y reconoce cuando se sienten mal o no están dentro de una zona cómoda 💙 no puedo sacarme de la cabeza a Jeremy en the bear cuando pienso en Kas
Por otro lado, tenemos a nuestra preciosa Mary, que es una mujer tan perfecta 🩷 pero a que su vez en sencilla y única ✨ determinada a cumplir sus metas y ser feliz, es una excelente amiga que está ahí para todos, sabe ser familia. Además es fuerte y toda una guerrera en todos los sentidos! 💋 la amarán!
Este libro me ha sacado unas carcajadas y me ha hecho hablar sola 😂 hablándole a los personajes o al libro, es maravilloso!
Y como en el primer libro de la autora, los dibujos de escenas están muy bien hechas ✨ son maravillosas, magníficas que se agradece muchísimo porque te sientes aún más dentro de la escena que sientes que es real! 👏🏼
December 20, 2024
“𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐌𝐨𝐦, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨.”
First of all thanks you to the author for an advanced copy of this book💜
I liked this author's way of writing since Pump Two and when she announced that she was going to write Kas’s and Mari’s story I was excited because she misses these characters🩷 It was nice to see how Violet and Devon's (Pump Two) relationship progressed.
What’s to say about Mari and Kas? Impossible not to love them. My list of book boyfriends grew even longer now that Kas is added🤭
Both Amari and Kas have a beautiful growth and I liked how they complement each other and let the other see their most vulnerable part of each other.
Now I want a Kas who reads the books that Mari likes just to have something to talk about and who recreates things he reads❤️🔥
The plot at first seems slow at first since it serves as an introduction, but then it is super addictive and it catches you. Like Pump Two, this book has illustrations.
The book is published this December 20, and I highly recommend it🩷
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
—————-—————-—————-—————-
La forma de escribir de esta autora me gustó desde Pump Two y cuando anunció que iba a escribir la historia de Kas me emocioné por que extraña a estos personajes🩷
Fue lindo ver como avanzo la relación de Violet y Devon (Pump Two). Que decir de Mari y Kas? Imposible no amarlos. Si sigo así mi lista de book boyfriends va a seguir creciendo🤭 Ambos personajes tienen un crecimiento súper bonito y me gustó como se complementan y dejan que el otro vea su parte más vulnerable.
Ahora quiero a un Kas que lee los libros que le gustan a Mari solo para tener algo de qué hablar y que recrea cosas que lee❤️🔥
La trama al principio parece lenta al principio ya que sirve de introducción, pero después es súper adictiva y te atrapa. Como en Pump Two, este libro trae ilustraciones.
El libro se publica este 20 de diciembre, y se lo súper recomiendo🩷
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
First of all thanks you to the author for an advanced copy of this book💜
I liked this author's way of writing since Pump Two and when she announced that she was going to write Kas’s and Mari’s story I was excited because she misses these characters🩷 It was nice to see how Violet and Devon's (Pump Two) relationship progressed.
What’s to say about Mari and Kas? Impossible not to love them. My list of book boyfriends grew even longer now that Kas is added🤭
Both Amari and Kas have a beautiful growth and I liked how they complement each other and let the other see their most vulnerable part of each other.
Now I want a Kas who reads the books that Mari likes just to have something to talk about and who recreates things he reads❤️🔥
The plot at first seems slow at first since it serves as an introduction, but then it is super addictive and it catches you. Like Pump Two, this book has illustrations.
The book is published this December 20, and I highly recommend it🩷
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
—————-—————-—————-—————-
La forma de escribir de esta autora me gustó desde Pump Two y cuando anunció que iba a escribir la historia de Kas me emocioné por que extraña a estos personajes🩷
Fue lindo ver como avanzo la relación de Violet y Devon (Pump Two). Que decir de Mari y Kas? Imposible no amarlos. Si sigo así mi lista de book boyfriends va a seguir creciendo🤭 Ambos personajes tienen un crecimiento súper bonito y me gustó como se complementan y dejan que el otro vea su parte más vulnerable.
Ahora quiero a un Kas que lee los libros que le gustan a Mari solo para tener algo de qué hablar y que recrea cosas que lee❤️🔥
La trama al principio parece lenta al principio ya que sirve de introducción, pero después es súper adictiva y te atrapa. Como en Pump Two, este libro trae ilustraciones.
El libro se publica este 20 de diciembre, y se lo súper recomiendo🩷
5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶️
December 22, 2024
The rambliest Saving Face ARC Review you’ll ever read?
Listen guys. I RARELY give 5 stars, but Saving Face definitely deserves it! This authors first book, Pump Two is one of my all time favorite novellas, all about a mysterious biker and a gas station worker. Hot. I’ve reread it like five times, but it’s pretty short and never enoughhhh so I’m so so glad and eternally grateful that the author finally gave us a full length novel. It was EXACTLY as amazing as I expected. Her writing is so seamless and flows so well that I ate up the whole book without resurfacing until I was done lol.
I loved the MMA fighter and PR Social Media manager trope soooo much, their banter was unmatched and was making me laugh out loud and giggle to myself like a freak. My favourite aspect was actually the mix of our two characters cultures. I even messaged with the author about this exact feature of the book because I loved it so much lol. The FMC Mari is a hella confident POC, and was raised by her aunt, where food was a huge part of how she receives and shows love. Our MMC Kacper, in turn, is Polish as hell 😂He’s quiet, very blunt, doesn’t know how to show his emotions, and eats Pączki like no one’s business. This was my favourite aspect of the book because I studied abroad in Poland last year and this culture holds a very special place in my part. My family is Ukrainian and Polish so I really resonated with Kas and all his Slavic antics that drove Mari crazy 😂 but I think Mari ended up loving it as much as I did.
Overall, this book was perfection, exactly what I was hoping the author would deliver, and I will DEFINITELY be rereading Saving Face. J Cherry is an automatic read for me, and I can guarantee if you give this author a chance, you will love these books! (Start with Pump Two tho because the main couple makes several appearances in Saving Face!)
Huge thank you to the author for granting me early access to this book because I screamed and died and went to heaven when I received that arc email.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Listen guys. I RARELY give 5 stars, but Saving Face definitely deserves it! This authors first book, Pump Two is one of my all time favorite novellas, all about a mysterious biker and a gas station worker. Hot. I’ve reread it like five times, but it’s pretty short and never enoughhhh so I’m so so glad and eternally grateful that the author finally gave us a full length novel. It was EXACTLY as amazing as I expected. Her writing is so seamless and flows so well that I ate up the whole book without resurfacing until I was done lol.
I loved the MMA fighter and PR Social Media manager trope soooo much, their banter was unmatched and was making me laugh out loud and giggle to myself like a freak. My favourite aspect was actually the mix of our two characters cultures. I even messaged with the author about this exact feature of the book because I loved it so much lol. The FMC Mari is a hella confident POC, and was raised by her aunt, where food was a huge part of how she receives and shows love. Our MMC Kacper, in turn, is Polish as hell 😂He’s quiet, very blunt, doesn’t know how to show his emotions, and eats Pączki like no one’s business. This was my favourite aspect of the book because I studied abroad in Poland last year and this culture holds a very special place in my part. My family is Ukrainian and Polish so I really resonated with Kas and all his Slavic antics that drove Mari crazy 😂 but I think Mari ended up loving it as much as I did.
Overall, this book was perfection, exactly what I was hoping the author would deliver, and I will DEFINITELY be rereading Saving Face. J Cherry is an automatic read for me, and I can guarantee if you give this author a chance, you will love these books! (Start with Pump Two tho because the main couple makes several appearances in Saving Face!)
Huge thank you to the author for granting me early access to this book because I screamed and died and went to heaven when I received that arc email.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
May 26, 2025
From 'Pump Two' comes Mari, Violets friend from the racetrack, and Kacper, Devons best friend who isn't romantically breakable. Mari is still in a weird relationship with her toxic ex and its really starting to show in her mental health. The girls combine forces to create the 'GTFO' plan which includes her moving in with Devon and Kas- honestly totally get the hesitation about moving in with these guys after being trapped where shes being mentally abused. Kas is hesitant on it because these situations already don't usually go well to begin with. Everything changes when Mari goes to one of Kas's fights and almost gets trampled to death. Sadly, the death that occurs is her cameras. Dash (Kas's friend) was supposed to be looking after her, but that obviously didn't go to plan so Kas promises to fix her camera as an apology. As most MMCs, hes a little too gruff to come off as being sweet. Mari sees through it (just barely), but accepts the help. At home, Mari feels the constant weight of pressure from her ex saying that she can't even shower at home anymore and her aunts constant pressure to be better than her mother. With everything she is going through, its so easy to see where she is the strong resilient type, but also so hard on herself. Kas is under constant pressure to be the best, but he is then troubled with the thought that the gym that raised him might be closing their doors due to costs. The only way to save it is by fighting a major fighter that is known for fighting dirty in and out of the octagon. When Violet takes Mari to a 'Womenspiration' class at the gym, Kas and Mari are able to spend more time together, even if its reluctantly done on her end. Kas ends up taking the fight, but Mari is in charge of his social media compaign. This is the big break for both of them, but at what cost?
I loved this story so much. Between the story being more realistic, the slow burn love, and the spice- all around perfection. Def recommend reading Pump Two before coming over to this book, so you get the full picture, but a wonderful read!
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥.5/5
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I loved this story so much. Between the story being more realistic, the slow burn love, and the spice- all around perfection. Def recommend reading Pump Two before coming over to this book, so you get the full picture, but a wonderful read!
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥.5/5
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
December 20, 2024
4/5⭐️
I fell in love with J Cherry’s writing when I read Pump Two, so I was really excited for this book and I loved it!
Kas & Mari’s story did not disappoint!!! Both of them were the most precious beans and I loved them together. They are complete opposites personality wise, and yet they just fit together perfectly!
I loved watching Mari slowly wrap Kas around her finger!! Like Kas is a really blunt and serious person, but with Mari around you see a change in him (he might as well be grinning kicking his legs ‘la la la’ing🤣).
And just like in Pump Two, the book has ILLUSTRATIONS!!!! They honestly give me life, it makes the book that much more special and immersive.
I do think it was a bit on the longer side, there were a few filler scenes that felt unnecessary so it could’ve done with being like 100 pages shorter.
Tropes:
•MMA fighter mmc X social media manager
•forced proximity
•interracial couple
•opposites attract
I fell in love with J Cherry’s writing when I read Pump Two, so I was really excited for this book and I loved it!
Kas & Mari’s story did not disappoint!!! Both of them were the most precious beans and I loved them together. They are complete opposites personality wise, and yet they just fit together perfectly!
I loved watching Mari slowly wrap Kas around her finger!! Like Kas is a really blunt and serious person, but with Mari around you see a change in him (he might as well be grinning kicking his legs ‘la la la’ing🤣).
And just like in Pump Two, the book has ILLUSTRATIONS!!!! They honestly give me life, it makes the book that much more special and immersive.
I do think it was a bit on the longer side, there were a few filler scenes that felt unnecessary so it could’ve done with being like 100 pages shorter.
Tropes:
•MMA fighter mmc X social media manager
•forced proximity
•interracial couple
•opposites attract
December 30, 2024
Shan Kas is faced with his friends losing their gym because it's not been doing well for a while now, he accepts a fight invite to help them out. But to get more visibility he needs a social media manager. Something Mari has next to no experience with but she throws her all into her new job even if the stoic, sometimes grumpy MMA fighter is hard to handle at the best of times. Soon sparks are flying when the forced proximity hits. How long until the inevitable is going to happen?
After reading and loving Pump Two last year I was very excited for Kas's and Mari's story and it was AMAZING! The tension between the two? The banter? Top tier and when they finally can't help themselves any more? 😮💨
If you like slow burn romance with found family vibes, hilarious side characters, all the feels, MCs who go way back but never looked at each other like THAT, then you should pick up "Saving Face"!!
After reading and loving Pump Two last year I was very excited for Kas's and Mari's story and it was AMAZING! The tension between the two? The banter? Top tier and when they finally can't help themselves any more? 😮💨
If you like slow burn romance with found family vibes, hilarious side characters, all the feels, MCs who go way back but never looked at each other like THAT, then you should pick up "Saving Face"!!
August 31, 2025
Sappy, and has cute moments, but at this point, there was no reason MMA was even in it.
If you're going to write an MMA romance, don't have the main woman be squeamish. There was also quite a bit of stereotyping when it came to the sport, and it just didn't sit well with me. I can tell the author did her basic research on the sport, but didn't on the fighter's head space. This wasn't a romance with an athlete, just a romance with a guy who happens to be good at it and does it on a whim.
I wanted a sports romance with MMA but got a lot of dragged out sap instead. This easily could've been a 200-page story.
I only enjoyed the bg parts revolving around the upcoming fight, and even then, it was barely a quarter of the entire novel.
Overall, a miss from me. Gave it a 2, though, because I appreciated Kas being a huge softie.
If you're going to write an MMA romance, don't have the main woman be squeamish. There was also quite a bit of stereotyping when it came to the sport, and it just didn't sit well with me. I can tell the author did her basic research on the sport, but didn't on the fighter's head space. This wasn't a romance with an athlete, just a romance with a guy who happens to be good at it and does it on a whim.
I wanted a sports romance with MMA but got a lot of dragged out sap instead. This easily could've been a 200-page story.
I only enjoyed the bg parts revolving around the upcoming fight, and even then, it was barely a quarter of the entire novel.
Overall, a miss from me. Gave it a 2, though, because I appreciated Kas being a huge softie.
December 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
OMG I LOVED IT SO MUCH. After reading Pump Two, I was excited for more from this author, and when I found out that the next book was not only a full-length novel but also about Kas and Mari, I was so hyped, and this book definitely lived up to my expectations and more. I need to find me a Kacper Pająk in my life because, omg, I love that man, and Mari was such a breath of fresh air as well. I loved the semi-found family aspect that this book had and the banter between them all. This is one of those cute and enjoyable romance books that I love and can just turn my brain off and read with no worries. I can not wait to see what comes next from this author. (hoping for a Dash book)
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(ARC)
OMG I LOVED IT SO MUCH. After reading Pump Two, I was excited for more from this author, and when I found out that the next book was not only a full-length novel but also about Kas and Mari, I was so hyped, and this book definitely lived up to my expectations and more. I need to find me a Kacper Pająk in my life because, omg, I love that man, and Mari was such a breath of fresh air as well. I loved the semi-found family aspect that this book had and the banter between them all. This is one of those cute and enjoyable romance books that I love and can just turn my brain off and read with no worries. I can not wait to see what comes next from this author. (hoping for a Dash book)
May 2, 2025
This was a cute book ^^ I did struggle through the beginning because there isn't an instantly, even personally, acknowledged attraction...they both seem indifferent or annoyed by the other...but not annoyed enough to give enemies to lovers...so I almost dnf'd. I think I'm so used to reading dark romance now or higher conflict romance that this really being a contemporary threw me off 😅 it's, seemingly, been so long since I've read just a cozy low stakes contemporary...I kept waiting for some huge life event or altercation to happen and it didn't.
Overall a sweet story that definitely has lot of spin off potential. 💜
Overall a sweet story that definitely has lot of spin off potential. 💜
January 15, 2025
4.5 or 4.75 stars. Really enjoyed this. The co-workers to friends to more was developed really well. I like that Mari's relationship baggage didn't magically disappear when they started developing feelings. Her fears and concerns stayed with her and Kas respected them even if he wanted her to let them go. Mari had great growth, and I suppose Kas did too. It was great to see them grow individually and together. Several moments made me laugh and a couple times I cried as well. Just a great book. I'm adding this to my re-read list, along with Pump Two.
February 2, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ .5
Do I Recommend: 👍🏽
The story follows MMA Fighter Kas(Kacper) and his Social Media Manager Mari (Amari). Kas gets Mari a job working with him for his debut fight in Vegas. They have to be around each other a lot in the next couple weeks and they both have chemistry but arent trying to act on it. Well Mari isnt because she works for him but Kas and Mari cant seem to let that stop them and lines start to blur. The story has characters that interconnect with J Cherry’s Pump Two Novella but you dont have to read it before this one.
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️ .5
Do I Recommend: 👍🏽
The story follows MMA Fighter Kas(Kacper) and his Social Media Manager Mari (Amari). Kas gets Mari a job working with him for his debut fight in Vegas. They have to be around each other a lot in the next couple weeks and they both have chemistry but arent trying to act on it. Well Mari isnt because she works for him but Kas and Mari cant seem to let that stop them and lines start to blur. The story has characters that interconnect with J Cherry’s Pump Two Novella but you dont have to read it before this one.
December 21, 2024
I really loved this book! I loved Pump Two and was hoping I would love this one just as much, but I might actually love it more! Mari and Kas are such a great couple and I was so happy to get glimpses of Violet and Devon throughout the book. Also, I will forever LOVE the illustrations throughout these books!
December 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! I love a grumpy/sunshine and it’s made even better by a rough MMA fighter who only softens up for her. This had just the right amount of outside drama to bring them together without overshadowing the story. I love this friend group too; really enjoyed seeing characters from Pump Two! I can’t wait to see what’s coming next from J. Cherry.
October 17, 2025
fun and easy to read, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking. it did feel a bit too long though. i don’t mind longer books when the plot keeps moving, but this one went in circles at times. could’ve easily been 100 pages shorter.
still, not a bad start for a debut novel (not counting the novellas).
still, not a bad start for a debut novel (not counting the novellas).
February 9, 2025
i loved it so much GOD , i'm gonna eat up anything J writes fr ,
i loved the characters The sequence of events, the smoothness of the writing, the book was very enjoyable, the comedy , the LOVE!!! agh
i loved the characters The sequence of events, the smoothness of the writing, the book was very enjoyable, the comedy , the LOVE!!! agh
February 28, 2025
Pump Two was so good so I was definitely reading this! It burned S L O W - I was itching the whole time to get to the B U R N and I was not disappointed - her hand on HIS throat, chefs kiss! I wished the fight had of extended just a bit more blood but cannot wait for more from J Cherry!
December 24, 2024
this being the author first book and it’s AMAZING no notes
January 1, 2025
kas :,))) ugh i love a soft man
a workplace romance
a fighter too 😏
a workplace romance
a fighter too 😏
January 21, 2025
I loved it. Especially the art work. It was such a nice touch to the book.
March 17, 2025
fofos
March 18, 2025
kaaas?!! the man that you aree!
April 30, 2025
I thought the romance in this book was really sweet and well developed! 🩷 Overall a nice read with some exciting moments but the plot was a bit too slow moving for me.
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