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Wayward Fighters: Books 1 & 2
Warning: These stories contain graphic violence, strong language, and a take no prisoners hot alpha male that will leave you breathless.
Brand new boxed set includes both books from the Wayward Fighters Series.
Knockout
From the wrong side of the tracks...
Alyson Blake had learned early on that the only one she could depend on was herself. The only light in her life was a boy whom everyone agreed was destined for prison; but with his first kiss, he had set her soul on fire. Since the day the police dragged him away in handcuffs, she had managed to lead a quiet life, but when she attends an event fraught with mayhem, trouble resurfaces.
The one person she can’t forget...
Jamison Weston is the kind of guy dads load their shotguns for; endowed with a hot temper and a rap sheet as long as both tattooed arms. Known as “The Judge,” Jami’s hot temper, lethal fists, and cocky attitude have earned him respect and admiration both in and out of the ring. But just when he thinks he’s pummeled his past to death, Alyson Blake reenters his life.
Two paths collide…
After years of separation, Alyson is eager to reexplore the man who’s never left her thoughts, but for Jamison, she’s both the distraction he wants, but doesn’t need. As the two embark on a relationship that neither of them expected or bargained for, an outside threat closes in. When Alyson crosses the line of professionalism and takes her work home with her, her life is put in danger, leaving Jamison with no choice but to once again step in and become her protector.
Tapout
History brought them together. Circumstances may keep them apart.
Alyson Blake’s past left her with scars. Scars that she tried to fix the only way she knew how—by helping others. But actions have consequences, and Alyson is about to find out that being naïve is no excuse.
Fighting is Jamison Weston’s passion. Alyson is his obsession. Despite the past and a few lingering concerns, their relationship is as solid as ever. Until a shocking lie is uncovered and all of his plans begin to unravel. Now, Jami is rushing to pick up the pieces, but as relationships are put to the test, will he be strong enough to keep it together, or will it all just fall apart?
Brand new boxed set includes both books from the Wayward Fighters Series.
Knockout
From the wrong side of the tracks...
Alyson Blake had learned early on that the only one she could depend on was herself. The only light in her life was a boy whom everyone agreed was destined for prison; but with his first kiss, he had set her soul on fire. Since the day the police dragged him away in handcuffs, she had managed to lead a quiet life, but when she attends an event fraught with mayhem, trouble resurfaces.
The one person she can’t forget...
Jamison Weston is the kind of guy dads load their shotguns for; endowed with a hot temper and a rap sheet as long as both tattooed arms. Known as “The Judge,” Jami’s hot temper, lethal fists, and cocky attitude have earned him respect and admiration both in and out of the ring. But just when he thinks he’s pummeled his past to death, Alyson Blake reenters his life.
Two paths collide…
After years of separation, Alyson is eager to reexplore the man who’s never left her thoughts, but for Jamison, she’s both the distraction he wants, but doesn’t need. As the two embark on a relationship that neither of them expected or bargained for, an outside threat closes in. When Alyson crosses the line of professionalism and takes her work home with her, her life is put in danger, leaving Jamison with no choice but to once again step in and become her protector.
Tapout
History brought them together. Circumstances may keep them apart.
Alyson Blake’s past left her with scars. Scars that she tried to fix the only way she knew how—by helping others. But actions have consequences, and Alyson is about to find out that being naïve is no excuse.
Fighting is Jamison Weston’s passion. Alyson is his obsession. Despite the past and a few lingering concerns, their relationship is as solid as ever. Until a shocking lie is uncovered and all of his plans begin to unravel. Now, Jami is rushing to pick up the pieces, but as relationships are put to the test, will he be strong enough to keep it together, or will it all just fall apart?
508 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2014
6 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Valentine
77 books2,006 followersUSA Today bestselling romance author J.C. Valentine lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their amazing children and fun-loving dogs. When she's not writing stories of love, laughter, and steamy scenes, you can find her editing for fellow authors or spending time with her family. J.C. has been penning stories since childhood, though thankfully her writing has improved since then. She loves bringing heart, humor, and happiness to readers through her vivid imagination and love of words.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 6, 2014
Knockout
This is my first MMA story and I really enjoyed it. As a fan of the sport there were some things in the book that, to me, lent some authenticity. There were also one or two things that I will put down to literary license and leave it there.
Jamison Weston and Alyson Blake are the main characters in this book, to be referred to as Jami and Ally from here on out. Jami is an up and coming MMA fighter from a very dark background. Ally is a social worker working with abused women and children, from an equally dark, if not darker, background. Ally’s best friend drags her out to an MMA fight and she thinks she recognizes the fighter (winner) as someone from her past. After the fight Jami’s best friend approaches the women and invites them back to the hotel to a party.
Once at the party, Ally introduces herself to Jami. He immediately realizes who she is and they spend the evening getting reacquainted. Ally can’t believe she has found her protector again, and Jami can’t believe he has found his oldest and dearest friend.
They start hanging out together again, rebuilding their old friendship. Amidst all of this, Ally gets a new client whose husband had beaten her and then turned on his son. When the safe house they are staying in is burned down Ally takes them in.
This is the story of what happens when out friends reunite and what people will do to keep the ones they care about safe. It is also a cliffhanger. Fortunately for me, this is just the first part of the book.
Tapout
This is, of course, the continuation as well as the finale of Ally and Jami’s story. And, oh my, what a finale. A lot happens in this book. When we left off in Knockout there were a lot of loose ends that needed tying up.
As we learned in Knockout, Ally is not a fan of MMA due to numerous reasons, the strongest is due to the violence in her youth. But this is Jami’s passion and Ally is determined to support him in every way she can. In Knockout we also learned that Ally overstepped some major boundaries in her job. This comes back to bite her hard in this book. It causes some huge problems between her and Jami but eventually they get past it and things between them flourish.
This set of books was a great way to read these stories, especially with the cliffhanger at the end of Knockout. I would enjoy reading more about Jami’s and Ally’s best friends, Spencer and Olivia, as they were a major factor in both books. I highly recommend this book to everyone that wants to see that life really does come full circle and love can conquer all. And also, not all fighters are big brainless brutes.
This is my first MMA story and I really enjoyed it. As a fan of the sport there were some things in the book that, to me, lent some authenticity. There were also one or two things that I will put down to literary license and leave it there.
Jamison Weston and Alyson Blake are the main characters in this book, to be referred to as Jami and Ally from here on out. Jami is an up and coming MMA fighter from a very dark background. Ally is a social worker working with abused women and children, from an equally dark, if not darker, background. Ally’s best friend drags her out to an MMA fight and she thinks she recognizes the fighter (winner) as someone from her past. After the fight Jami’s best friend approaches the women and invites them back to the hotel to a party.
Once at the party, Ally introduces herself to Jami. He immediately realizes who she is and they spend the evening getting reacquainted. Ally can’t believe she has found her protector again, and Jami can’t believe he has found his oldest and dearest friend.
They start hanging out together again, rebuilding their old friendship. Amidst all of this, Ally gets a new client whose husband had beaten her and then turned on his son. When the safe house they are staying in is burned down Ally takes them in.
This is the story of what happens when out friends reunite and what people will do to keep the ones they care about safe. It is also a cliffhanger. Fortunately for me, this is just the first part of the book.
Tapout
This is, of course, the continuation as well as the finale of Ally and Jami’s story. And, oh my, what a finale. A lot happens in this book. When we left off in Knockout there were a lot of loose ends that needed tying up.
As we learned in Knockout, Ally is not a fan of MMA due to numerous reasons, the strongest is due to the violence in her youth. But this is Jami’s passion and Ally is determined to support him in every way she can. In Knockout we also learned that Ally overstepped some major boundaries in her job. This comes back to bite her hard in this book. It causes some huge problems between her and Jami but eventually they get past it and things between them flourish.
This set of books was a great way to read these stories, especially with the cliffhanger at the end of Knockout. I would enjoy reading more about Jami’s and Ally’s best friends, Spencer and Olivia, as they were a major factor in both books. I highly recommend this book to everyone that wants to see that life really does come full circle and love can conquer all. And also, not all fighters are big brainless brutes.
December 10, 2014
Okay, I have to explain somethings.....I read the books and apparently I liked it enough to give it a 4 rating. I know this because I am going over my notes. Why am I going over my notes instead of just writing the review like I normally do....because I waited too long to write my review and even though I re-read the synopsis and my notes to refresh my memory, it's not working. So, I don't know what that says about me or the books but here it is....
Alyson had a very abusive childhood. Jami grew up next door to her but had a difficult past also ranging from criminal actives to fighting. They lost touch with each other after a tragic incident.
Years later after an accidental meeting, Alyson tries to start a spark with Jami. There is of course some drama (***SPOILER ALERT) someone is stalking her, job related. They both are in denial about their feelings for each other. Alyson finally admits her feeling to Jami, while he still holds out. Yeah, he is one of those. Trying to maintain some kind of relationship while training for the next big fight is hard on both, because both are stubborn and outside forces get in the way.
Of course, there is a cliffhanger in Knockout, book 1 and lucky for you Tapout, book 2 is included. I forgot to mention Olivia and Spencer, the BFFs, they both had major involvement. The story continues and loose ends are tied up and we get a HEA for the hot alpha and likable do-gooder.
As I said before I liked the books enough to give it a 4 but somewhere along the line it wasn't quite enough to be memorable......or maybe I read too many books and I can't keep them all straight.
My lesson learned......don't wait too long to write the review, my memory is not what it use to be and I like to write in the moment when my feelings are fresh.
Alyson had a very abusive childhood. Jami grew up next door to her but had a difficult past also ranging from criminal actives to fighting. They lost touch with each other after a tragic incident.
Years later after an accidental meeting, Alyson tries to start a spark with Jami. There is of course some drama (***SPOILER ALERT) someone is stalking her, job related. They both are in denial about their feelings for each other. Alyson finally admits her feeling to Jami, while he still holds out. Yeah, he is one of those. Trying to maintain some kind of relationship while training for the next big fight is hard on both, because both are stubborn and outside forces get in the way.
Of course, there is a cliffhanger in Knockout, book 1 and lucky for you Tapout, book 2 is included. I forgot to mention Olivia and Spencer, the BFFs, they both had major involvement. The story continues and loose ends are tied up and we get a HEA for the hot alpha and likable do-gooder.
As I said before I liked the books enough to give it a 4 but somewhere along the line it wasn't quite enough to be memorable......or maybe I read too many books and I can't keep them all straight.
My lesson learned......don't wait too long to write the review, my memory is not what it use to be and I like to write in the moment when my feelings are fresh.
July 26, 2014
Knockout:
I think Jami likes to get a rise out of his woman, "sorry." Even slower than before, Alyson continued on her path easing the pack down the front of his shorts. She froze at the path or wiry hairs. "You're not wearing any underwear?" She hissed, her eyes widening on his." I loved the alpha-ness vibe Jami sent off it was really sexy, "he growled low in his throat and one hand slid lower, cupping between her legs. "Pretty young women who let me strip them naked in my gym and eff them in my ring." The ending gave off as there was more to the story, so on to the sequel I go.
Tapout:
Alyson that girl can be shy but she doesn't like others into her and Jami's private business if you get my meaning, and Jami he just wants the world to know Aly's his girl so of course he doesn't care who knows they're having sex, "what? that we were going to have sex?" He took a step toward her. "That I'm going to lay you down on this bed and eff you. All. Night. Long?" I loved his reactions to her texts while he's away, "Jami's response was nothing short of expected. "Are you trying to get someone killed? Because I am this close to flying home right now and kicking the a** of every guy there just for looking at you." The ending was much better in this one as it didn't leave you wanted for more, well maybe more of Olivia and Spencer.
I think Jami likes to get a rise out of his woman, "sorry." Even slower than before, Alyson continued on her path easing the pack down the front of his shorts. She froze at the path or wiry hairs. "You're not wearing any underwear?" She hissed, her eyes widening on his." I loved the alpha-ness vibe Jami sent off it was really sexy, "he growled low in his throat and one hand slid lower, cupping between her legs. "Pretty young women who let me strip them naked in my gym and eff them in my ring." The ending gave off as there was more to the story, so on to the sequel I go.
Tapout:
Alyson that girl can be shy but she doesn't like others into her and Jami's private business if you get my meaning, and Jami he just wants the world to know Aly's his girl so of course he doesn't care who knows they're having sex, "what? that we were going to have sex?" He took a step toward her. "That I'm going to lay you down on this bed and eff you. All. Night. Long?" I loved his reactions to her texts while he's away, "Jami's response was nothing short of expected. "Are you trying to get someone killed? Because I am this close to flying home right now and kicking the a** of every guy there just for looking at you." The ending was much better in this one as it didn't leave you wanted for more, well maybe more of Olivia and Spencer.
October 28, 2014
OMG this was a hot story. Jamison “The Judge” Weston is not added to my all-time favorite Hot Alpha-Male list. He was fantastic throughout the story. He was stubborn sometimes but in the end he stood by Alyson. Great story. This is by far one of my favorite MMA fighter books. I thought Alyson had a great heart and was willing to help people in need especially a woman running away from an abusive spouse, but sometimes she just didn’t understand the risk she was taking and that just made me angry with her. But in the end I just loved everything about this story.
July 27, 2014
I'm really happy this was a boxed set because I didn't want a second to pass between book 1 and book 2. I loved the relationship between Jami and Allyson, their passion, their love, and their witty banter. The supporting characters definitely added to the story line. The drama never felt forced because the problems that caused it seemed realistic for these characters. A definite recommended read.
July 29, 2014
Knockout
Two lost souls from when they were younger reconnect. Jami and Alyson were neighbors as kids and Jami always protected Alyson from her tough life at home until Jami stopped the abuse. They don't see each other for a long time and reconnect at a party that Jami has. Jami is a fighter that seems to always fight for the people he loves. Jami and Alyson go thru so much while they are together. They never give up on each other.
Two lost souls from when they were younger reconnect. Jami and Alyson were neighbors as kids and Jami always protected Alyson from her tough life at home until Jami stopped the abuse. They don't see each other for a long time and reconnect at a party that Jami has. Jami is a fighter that seems to always fight for the people he loves. Jami and Alyson go thru so much while they are together. They never give up on each other.
June 21, 2015
Mooi verhaal, geeft me 'n beetje hetzelfde gevoel als de boeken van Jamie McGuire (Maddox) en S.C. Stephens (Thoughtless).
Alyson (Ally) en Jami(son); meisje dat moeite heeft met geweld en toch valt voor een MMA fighter. Sweet!
Deel 1 en deel 2 lopen helemaal in elkaar over; wat mij betreft 1 boek.
Alyson (Ally) en Jami(son); meisje dat moeite heeft met geweld en toch valt voor een MMA fighter. Sweet!
Deel 1 en deel 2 lopen helemaal in elkaar over; wat mij betreft 1 boek.
August 7, 2014
Love!
I loved Jamison and Ally's story is just so real and quite humorous!! I've really enjoyed reading it! I can't wait to read more by this author!!
I loved Jamison and Ally's story is just so real and quite humorous!! I've really enjoyed reading it! I can't wait to read more by this author!!
April 20, 2015
~*~ Obsessed by Books copy given in exchange for am honest review ~*~
"One day she was going to get out of there, and when she did, she would never look back. This she promised herself as she sat absorbing the sounds of her world crashing down around her."
Alyson is a survivor of a childhood filled with domestic abuse, growing up to the sounds of her mother taking a beating and the broken promises that things would get better. Her only comfort is the boy next door, Jami, who would when things were at their worst climb in through her window and hold her in the dark till it was over. Now grown up, Alyson is trying to make a difference, putting her own experience that haunts her dreams to good use to help others as a qualified social worker. Going the extra mile to help vulnerable women and kids survive the system and break free from controlling relationships. Agreeing to a fun night out at a MMA cage fight with her best friend Olivia a face from her past suddenly alters everything.
Jami, now at the top of his game, is attracted to the hot package that his best friend has invited to the after fight party. Instantly recognising that she is more than an easy lay he is intrigued by the connection he feels...she quickly reminds him of who she is and their shared secrets. With a past that neither one would be proud to claim they shared something precious in the darkness, separated by his act of bravery Alyson has never moved past her longing for him. But finding out that he deals in violence for a career causes conflicted emotions and reminds her of everything that still haunts her dreams...can she see past his job to the boy that saved her from her terrors?
Jami, due to his demons of a childhood filled with neglect, struggles with relationships. He is focussed on one goal and is striving to win, to be the best, he fears losing focus and achieving his goal. His coach Don has been a surrogate Father figure and helped get him to where he is and Jami struggles to balance his professional life with his personal life as the two are so intertwined. Used to women being only interested in what he can provide for them he is cautious at letting even Alyson in. Conflicted by the depth of feeling he has for her, her own fears about the man he had become and the added drama of best friends can they really overcome their barriers to be together?
Alyson is naive and at times just too nice natured for her own good, the plot twists and turns and unfortunately her good intentions are turned against her. She is a loveable character but at times you want to sit her down and give her a good talking to as she has a saviour complex, seeing herself in the children she is working with and her mother in the abused women that crosses her path. Unable to save herself and her mum, she valiantly tried to win the battle for everyone else that has no one to stand up for them. The heat between her and Jami is smoldering, their romance a slow and steady burn. Jami is just as cautious as she when it comes to letting his guard down.
Their story is one of broken trust and empty promises, of lies and anger. Violence and pain follow for both of them but together can they weather the passing storm?
A four star fist pumping read!
"One day she was going to get out of there, and when she did, she would never look back. This she promised herself as she sat absorbing the sounds of her world crashing down around her."
Alyson is a survivor of a childhood filled with domestic abuse, growing up to the sounds of her mother taking a beating and the broken promises that things would get better. Her only comfort is the boy next door, Jami, who would when things were at their worst climb in through her window and hold her in the dark till it was over. Now grown up, Alyson is trying to make a difference, putting her own experience that haunts her dreams to good use to help others as a qualified social worker. Going the extra mile to help vulnerable women and kids survive the system and break free from controlling relationships. Agreeing to a fun night out at a MMA cage fight with her best friend Olivia a face from her past suddenly alters everything.
Jami, now at the top of his game, is attracted to the hot package that his best friend has invited to the after fight party. Instantly recognising that she is more than an easy lay he is intrigued by the connection he feels...she quickly reminds him of who she is and their shared secrets. With a past that neither one would be proud to claim they shared something precious in the darkness, separated by his act of bravery Alyson has never moved past her longing for him. But finding out that he deals in violence for a career causes conflicted emotions and reminds her of everything that still haunts her dreams...can she see past his job to the boy that saved her from her terrors?
Jami, due to his demons of a childhood filled with neglect, struggles with relationships. He is focussed on one goal and is striving to win, to be the best, he fears losing focus and achieving his goal. His coach Don has been a surrogate Father figure and helped get him to where he is and Jami struggles to balance his professional life with his personal life as the two are so intertwined. Used to women being only interested in what he can provide for them he is cautious at letting even Alyson in. Conflicted by the depth of feeling he has for her, her own fears about the man he had become and the added drama of best friends can they really overcome their barriers to be together?
Alyson is naive and at times just too nice natured for her own good, the plot twists and turns and unfortunately her good intentions are turned against her. She is a loveable character but at times you want to sit her down and give her a good talking to as she has a saviour complex, seeing herself in the children she is working with and her mother in the abused women that crosses her path. Unable to save herself and her mum, she valiantly tried to win the battle for everyone else that has no one to stand up for them. The heat between her and Jami is smoldering, their romance a slow and steady burn. Jami is just as cautious as she when it comes to letting his guard down.
Their story is one of broken trust and empty promises, of lies and anger. Violence and pain follow for both of them but together can they weather the passing storm?
A four star fist pumping read!
February 1, 2016
Review for Knockout: This book is in a series, and even though I usually try to wait till all the books are out or the next book is about to release before I start a seies, I didn't wait this time. Boy am I glad I didn't wait. There is a cliffhanger ending though so be prepaired when you read it.
For some reason I am a sucker for books where they were childhood friends, whether they split up and reunited or they stayed close the whole time. I LOVE those couples. They just seem a bit more realistic to me. I don't think this book will disappoint you so what are you waiting for? Start reading!
Review for Tapout: So after reading Knockout I was ready to read this book but I had to wait. It was well worth the wait. I just loved how the whole story and all the things that Alyson and Jami went through. It wasn't like some books where it seemed over the top. I didn't want to put the book down but for some reason my body thinks it needs to sleep.
Knockout was the first book I read by J.C. Valentine and then this one and I was very pleased. I will be checking out her other books.
Now, I just hope she writes one with Olivia and Spencer. Who knows?!?!? Only J.C. does.
ENJOY!!!!
For some reason I am a sucker for books where they were childhood friends, whether they split up and reunited or they stayed close the whole time. I LOVE those couples. They just seem a bit more realistic to me. I don't think this book will disappoint you so what are you waiting for? Start reading!
Review for Tapout: So after reading Knockout I was ready to read this book but I had to wait. It was well worth the wait. I just loved how the whole story and all the things that Alyson and Jami went through. It wasn't like some books where it seemed over the top. I didn't want to put the book down but for some reason my body thinks it needs to sleep.
Knockout was the first book I read by J.C. Valentine and then this one and I was very pleased. I will be checking out her other books.
Now, I just hope she writes one with Olivia and Spencer. Who knows?!?!? Only J.C. does.
ENJOY!!!!
November 17, 2014
I was given this book for an honest review and I just have to say I love me some mma fighters. This story was awesome. we have Jami and Alyson who knew each other as kids Jami was her saving grace they got separated and years later Alyson is invited by her friend to a fight and that's where it all begins. The chemistry is off the charts. he is alpha but he let's her be her. I loved this book just wish there had been more.
October 14, 2015
Wayward fighters
I won a copy of this boxed set during a wonderful Goodreads group event.
This two book boxed series was an entertaining mix of a childhood crush developed during family abuse and a wild romance covered in heart ache. The main characters are very heartfelt and full of past demons. The storyline is full of fighting action. Enjoyable read and a great HEA.
I won a copy of this boxed set during a wonderful Goodreads group event.
This two book boxed series was an entertaining mix of a childhood crush developed during family abuse and a wild romance covered in heart ache. The main characters are very heartfelt and full of past demons. The storyline is full of fighting action. Enjoyable read and a great HEA.
February 8, 2015
Good but not as good as the first
This was a nice installment to Wayward Fighters but didn't have the same kick as the first one. All the tension between Jamie and Toni throughout book one came down to not much in book two. There just didn't seem to be enough emotion/feelings going on with Jamie and Alysons relationship. Overall it was still nice to see what happened.
This was a nice installment to Wayward Fighters but didn't have the same kick as the first one. All the tension between Jamie and Toni throughout book one came down to not much in book two. There just didn't seem to be enough emotion/feelings going on with Jamie and Alysons relationship. Overall it was still nice to see what happened.
September 5, 2014
2.5 stars.
October 20, 2015
MMA & HEA
What's not to love? Childhood friends reunited, a little action, a little drama, a few misunderstandings, and a lot of making up.
What's not to love? Childhood friends reunited, a little action, a little drama, a few misunderstandings, and a lot of making up.
October 5, 2014
I enjoyed this but didn't love it.
April 18, 2017
Knockout is the first book I have read written by J.C. Valentine....
Jami and Alyson are childhood friends..
They meet each other by chance as adults..
Their friendship develops into more...
With ups and downs...
They develop an even stronger bond then friendship...
Loved their story...
Tap out...
.....continues the story from Knockout about Jami and Alyson ...
Jami and Alyson learn how to deal with being a couple...
Learning to trust each other should be easy...
You see them grow as a couple ...
HEA for the two...
Box set
Jami and Alyson are childhood friends..
They meet each other by chance as adults..
Their friendship develops into more...
With ups and downs...
They develop an even stronger bond then friendship...
Loved their story...
Tap out...
.....continues the story from Knockout about Jami and Alyson ...
Jami and Alyson learn how to deal with being a couple...
Learning to trust each other should be easy...
You see them grow as a couple ...
HEA for the two...
Box set
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews