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TKO Series #1
T.K.O.: Total Knock Out
**Mature Content Warning** Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content.
Regan Montgomery's life changed in an instant…
One minute you think you know someone, and the next minute, they’re a stranger. When Regan was forced to make a decision, she ended up alone. All. Alone.
One step inside a gym was all it took.
The ring became her escape. She was more determined than ever to move on and forget her old life. That was, until she saw those blue eyes.
Garrett Johnson wants nothing more than to spend his time training and dominating in the ring.
It's what he's good at.
It's what he does.
He has no time, or desire, to be entangled in a relationship. But after one look at Regan, his whole world shifted. He needs her, he needs to know her, only its not so easy. This may be a fight he can’t win.
Will he be able to win Regan over? Or will it end in a total knock out?
Regan Montgomery's life changed in an instant…
One minute you think you know someone, and the next minute, they’re a stranger. When Regan was forced to make a decision, she ended up alone. All. Alone.
One step inside a gym was all it took.
The ring became her escape. She was more determined than ever to move on and forget her old life. That was, until she saw those blue eyes.
Garrett Johnson wants nothing more than to spend his time training and dominating in the ring.
It's what he's good at.
It's what he does.
He has no time, or desire, to be entangled in a relationship. But after one look at Regan, his whole world shifted. He needs her, he needs to know her, only its not so easy. This may be a fight he can’t win.
Will he be able to win Regan over? Or will it end in a total knock out?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2014
26 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Ana Layne
5 books23 followersAna Layne was born and raised in south Louisiana where she still resides with her family.
She owns more books than she will probably ever read, but can't resist a good story. When she's not reading or writing she loves to relax and enjoy life.
She owns more books than she will probably ever read, but can't resist a good story. When she's not reading or writing she loves to relax and enjoy life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 27, 2014
This is honestly one of the worst books I have read this year. Everything contradicted itself in this book. There were so many loop holes in the story. I can read a book and buy into certain plot holes or oversights, but this one has so many it made for an awful read.
***SPOLIERS***
The main characters dad is a cop who beats her. She is taking a kick boxing class, but isn't strong enough to stand up to her dad. She wonders if that is why her step mom left him, but isn't quite sure if that's the reason. She constantly makes excuses for her dad "Well he used to be a good day" " I just know one day he going to say sorry and realize his mistakes"
Her boyfriend when we start the book is James. We get zero history on there relationship beyond that she is going to move in with him shortly. James knows that her dad is hitting her, but allows her to "convince" him not to report it or take her to the hospital when he see's her injuries. She reads a text on his phone from another girl, confronts him - he says it's nothing I was about to propose to you I love you yadayadayada and she leaves him (probably one of the only smart things she does this whole book).
While driving around she spots "Lou's Gym" where she learns there are four people who train to fight at this gym and asks to join. The four fighters at this gym may or may not pay membership but that is never discussed. They go out drinking all the time while training for fights - (what REAL fighter does that?) . Garrett says he is good righter and has only lost ten fights in a year? Ummm unless you are fighting 52 weeks out of the year that is NOT a good record. A person who is actually training to fight takes 4-8 weeks training for said fight. It would be crazy to have a fight, not let your body heal in anyway and then fight again week after week the way this story is written.
I love UFC and MMA fighting. The author obviously knows nothing about UFC/MMA. The girl trains with the guys (grappling and everything). They drink constantly and then go train each day (not very good way to train your body), Rea skips out on one of her fight because she is scared to fight this one girl and they aren't in the same weight class. Unless these fights are illegal (which it is NEVER mentioned either way) she wouldn't have been paired with someone not in her weight class. She only wines money if she wins a fight (while the winner obviously gets paid more, usually both fighters get paid something). The descriptions of the fights are weak and clearly written by someone who know NOTHING about fighting or MMA.
Reagan refuses to leave her dad until she can save enough money (even when offered other options, such as living with her step mom). Her dad finds her money, confronts her - she magically decides now is the time to stand up to him. She starts hitting him and is almost instantly pulled off him when the cops show up (they must have teleporting powers because they appeared out of now just in time for there fight it seems almost magical how they know to get there). The "cop" pulling her off her dad and arresting her turns out to be (Dun Dun Duuuu) her ex-boyfriend James. Yep he's a cop somehow (guess that was supposed to make the story more interesting). SO let's back track a sec - he knew her father was beating her and said/did nothing, when he was training to also become a cop. RIGHT.... So he arrest's her. They also have a talk about how he is currently dating the girl he cheated with and how it's really serious and he loves her.
Garrett who says he has never wanted to date a girl falls instantly in love with Reagan. In fact he tells her this and then when she thinks he only want friends with benefits he goes out and bangs another chick because he can. Then when he hears she was arrested he moves her in his house and they tell each other they love each other. After knowing each other for like two weeks. At one point Garrett takes Reagan to the fair where she runs into her ex on duty as a copy. I wasn't aware that REAL cops worked at fairs. There are so many details like this that make no sense. Like Reagan throws a baby shower for Garrett sister Whitney when she's like three months pregnant (who does that). Or they train at the gym pay no membership, do not pay back the gym owner for setting up the fights, they train everyday, but how does anyone make any money when NONE of them have actual jobs?
Then the step mom calls Reagan and Garrett answer the phone. She tells him that the Dad/Cop knows he has issues and is taking anger management classes and would really like to meet with them. He encourages her to do so since his parents are dead and he thinks she should give him a second chance cause he is still here. Reagan gets so mad at Garrett that she ends up leaving him and moving in with the stepmom.
Both Reagan and the step mom pretty much take the dad/cop back after he goes to like a month of anger management classes and says he's sorry.
Reagan ends up getting back with Garrett and moving in with him.
This whole book was awful, the story wasn't researched, the characters sounded like teenagers not adults in there twenties. They spent half the story avoiding each other and saying/thinking one thing and doing another. I wish I could get my money back. I have no clue what story the other reviewers read, it's must have been different then mine. There are so many things I don't like about this story, I can't even write anymore it would fill up a book and I'm over this review.
I wouldn't waster my time or money on this one
***SPOLIERS***
The main characters dad is a cop who beats her. She is taking a kick boxing class, but isn't strong enough to stand up to her dad. She wonders if that is why her step mom left him, but isn't quite sure if that's the reason. She constantly makes excuses for her dad "Well he used to be a good day" " I just know one day he going to say sorry and realize his mistakes"
Her boyfriend when we start the book is James. We get zero history on there relationship beyond that she is going to move in with him shortly. James knows that her dad is hitting her, but allows her to "convince" him not to report it or take her to the hospital when he see's her injuries. She reads a text on his phone from another girl, confronts him - he says it's nothing I was about to propose to you I love you yadayadayada and she leaves him (probably one of the only smart things she does this whole book).
While driving around she spots "Lou's Gym" where she learns there are four people who train to fight at this gym and asks to join. The four fighters at this gym may or may not pay membership but that is never discussed. They go out drinking all the time while training for fights - (what REAL fighter does that?) . Garrett says he is good righter and has only lost ten fights in a year? Ummm unless you are fighting 52 weeks out of the year that is NOT a good record. A person who is actually training to fight takes 4-8 weeks training for said fight. It would be crazy to have a fight, not let your body heal in anyway and then fight again week after week the way this story is written.
I love UFC and MMA fighting. The author obviously knows nothing about UFC/MMA. The girl trains with the guys (grappling and everything). They drink constantly and then go train each day (not very good way to train your body), Rea skips out on one of her fight because she is scared to fight this one girl and they aren't in the same weight class. Unless these fights are illegal (which it is NEVER mentioned either way) she wouldn't have been paired with someone not in her weight class. She only wines money if she wins a fight (while the winner obviously gets paid more, usually both fighters get paid something). The descriptions of the fights are weak and clearly written by someone who know NOTHING about fighting or MMA.
Reagan refuses to leave her dad until she can save enough money (even when offered other options, such as living with her step mom). Her dad finds her money, confronts her - she magically decides now is the time to stand up to him. She starts hitting him and is almost instantly pulled off him when the cops show up (they must have teleporting powers because they appeared out of now just in time for there fight it seems almost magical how they know to get there). The "cop" pulling her off her dad and arresting her turns out to be (Dun Dun Duuuu) her ex-boyfriend James. Yep he's a cop somehow (guess that was supposed to make the story more interesting). SO let's back track a sec - he knew her father was beating her and said/did nothing, when he was training to also become a cop. RIGHT.... So he arrest's her. They also have a talk about how he is currently dating the girl he cheated with and how it's really serious and he loves her.
Garrett who says he has never wanted to date a girl falls instantly in love with Reagan. In fact he tells her this and then when she thinks he only want friends with benefits he goes out and bangs another chick because he can. Then when he hears she was arrested he moves her in his house and they tell each other they love each other. After knowing each other for like two weeks. At one point Garrett takes Reagan to the fair where she runs into her ex on duty as a copy. I wasn't aware that REAL cops worked at fairs. There are so many details like this that make no sense. Like Reagan throws a baby shower for Garrett sister Whitney when she's like three months pregnant (who does that). Or they train at the gym pay no membership, do not pay back the gym owner for setting up the fights, they train everyday, but how does anyone make any money when NONE of them have actual jobs?
Then the step mom calls Reagan and Garrett answer the phone. She tells him that the Dad/Cop knows he has issues and is taking anger management classes and would really like to meet with them. He encourages her to do so since his parents are dead and he thinks she should give him a second chance cause he is still here. Reagan gets so mad at Garrett that she ends up leaving him and moving in with the stepmom.
Both Reagan and the step mom pretty much take the dad/cop back after he goes to like a month of anger management classes and says he's sorry.
Reagan ends up getting back with Garrett and moving in with him.
This whole book was awful, the story wasn't researched, the characters sounded like teenagers not adults in there twenties. They spent half the story avoiding each other and saying/thinking one thing and doing another. I wish I could get my money back. I have no clue what story the other reviewers read, it's must have been different then mine. There are so many things I don't like about this story, I can't even write anymore it would fill up a book and I'm over this review.
I wouldn't waster my time or money on this one
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September 22, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (9/22/18)!💝
November 7, 2014
MMA meet your fierce competitor...Raegan. I love seeing a girl with confidence and trying to break free with independence from the one thing that is holding her back. I hate that Raegan keeps dealing with the "problem" but when she finally decides to do something that will help her with her confidence, she meets Garrett...who seems to be running from his own problems, or at least taking them out in the ring.
Garrett and Raegan seem to butt heads, but yet it seems they both can't stand to be away from each other. It was great to see that Raegan could finally stand up to her father, and good to see him finally come around some.
I wasn't overly gushing in love with this book, but it's always a good book when a girl searches for her independence, there's a steamy romance, & a guy trying to resist his feelings.
Garrett and Raegan seem to butt heads, but yet it seems they both can't stand to be away from each other. It was great to see that Raegan could finally stand up to her father, and good to see him finally come around some.
I wasn't overly gushing in love with this book, but it's always a good book when a girl searches for her independence, there's a steamy romance, & a guy trying to resist his feelings.
Read
September 4, 2014dropping the L word so fast when they are not even in a relationshio yet. not my type of book.
September 30, 2017
TKO: Total Knock Out by Ana Layne
As a fan of "fight stories" I was really looking forward to this book. I am not even sure if I read the same book, but the reviews were mostly good. I guess this one just wasn't for me. I love different POV's, but in this case it read more like narratives. Mostly the two characters just told us their story, very little actual action. Unfortunately I just became bored. The story line had potential, but it fell flat for me. I dropped a star for editing.
As a fan of "fight stories" I was really looking forward to this book. I am not even sure if I read the same book, but the reviews were mostly good. I guess this one just wasn't for me. I love different POV's, but in this case it read more like narratives. Mostly the two characters just told us their story, very little actual action. Unfortunately I just became bored. The story line had potential, but it fell flat for me. I dropped a star for editing.
September 25, 2018
Great story!!
Awesome!!! You will cry laugh...and you will love this story....
But it...read it!!
It will pull all the feels out of you....and make you want to throw your kindle!
Awesome!!! You will cry laugh...and you will love this story....
But it...read it!!
It will pull all the feels out of you....and make you want to throw your kindle!
October 30, 2014
This book should come with a warning. There are a lot of mention and description of physical abuse but once you get past that its a beautiful story. The one of a young woman living alone with her abusive father after her step mom left for the same reason. Raegan is in a relationship with James and he knows what happens at home and wants her to move out of their house. She wants to but just asks him for a bit more time but one text was all it took to send her world crashing down.
Forced to be on her own, she decides to join a gym and train to be a fighter, to be stronger against her father and not let him hurt her again.
Its nice to see two strong fighters and have strong characters and persobality.
You can see Raegan grow and become a strong woman but her past is still with her, haunting her and stopping her to be open and confide in her new friends and love interest. She thinks her past is too heavy for anyobe to wan t her but love concers all.
The story is really good and sucked me in instantly. You want to know what happens to the character and what happened to them to make them how and who they are today. You can't help but feel for and with them as you discover their stories.
The backstory with her father served the story well and the ending is amazing. To see how far along they all came.
(Not sure if this should be included if its an unedited copy or not)
Quite a few words were misused or used instead of others, a few typos and grammar mistakes. Also from time to time Raegan's nickname was supposed to be used but Raegan was written instead a bit weird at times.
Forced to be on her own, she decides to join a gym and train to be a fighter, to be stronger against her father and not let him hurt her again.
Its nice to see two strong fighters and have strong characters and persobality.
You can see Raegan grow and become a strong woman but her past is still with her, haunting her and stopping her to be open and confide in her new friends and love interest. She thinks her past is too heavy for anyobe to wan t her but love concers all.
The story is really good and sucked me in instantly. You want to know what happens to the character and what happened to them to make them how and who they are today. You can't help but feel for and with them as you discover their stories.
The backstory with her father served the story well and the ending is amazing. To see how far along they all came.
(Not sure if this should be included if its an unedited copy or not)
Quite a few words were misused or used instead of others, a few typos and grammar mistakes. Also from time to time Raegan's nickname was supposed to be used but Raegan was written instead a bit weird at times.
November 18, 2014
I was super excited to read TKO by Ana Layne. Female MMA fighter? Heck yea sign me up!! Probably because deep down, I secretly wish that could be me. :)
Anyways, the story follows Raegan and Garrett. Rae, is a young girl who is looking for a way to protect herself from an abusive father. Kickboxing wasn't doing the trick anymore, so she joing another gym that teaches her more and gets her into the fight scene. Garrett, is a guy who joined with his sister after their parents were killed tragically by a drunk driver. It was his outlet to release anger. Neither Rae or Garrett expect to meet or have the chemistry between them.
Rae first meets Garrett and knocks him flat on his @-- in a training session and he fell instantly. He didn't think twice that he would break through her shielded heart. Rae kept trying to keep her feelings at bay, because of her ex and feelings towards her dad. Who would feel comfortable around guys when the one who is supposed to protect you, uses you as a human punching bag?
As time goes on, Rae opens up and lets Garrett in. His sister Whitney helps with that. The girls become BFF's and that ties the two together at certain get togethers.
Now some things do happen to break Rae and Garrett apart for some time (I won't give it away....I hate complete spoilers.( But it is some deep soul searching that each must do to find one another again.
This is a stand alone, with some emotion, HEA. I liked it alot. ALOT actually. Different from my normal reads. I give it 4.5 punch worthy stars, with the content, backstory, and the ending was great. Don't pass this hidden gem up. I am glad I didn't!!!
Anyways, the story follows Raegan and Garrett. Rae, is a young girl who is looking for a way to protect herself from an abusive father. Kickboxing wasn't doing the trick anymore, so she joing another gym that teaches her more and gets her into the fight scene. Garrett, is a guy who joined with his sister after their parents were killed tragically by a drunk driver. It was his outlet to release anger. Neither Rae or Garrett expect to meet or have the chemistry between them.
Rae first meets Garrett and knocks him flat on his @-- in a training session and he fell instantly. He didn't think twice that he would break through her shielded heart. Rae kept trying to keep her feelings at bay, because of her ex and feelings towards her dad. Who would feel comfortable around guys when the one who is supposed to protect you, uses you as a human punching bag?
As time goes on, Rae opens up and lets Garrett in. His sister Whitney helps with that. The girls become BFF's and that ties the two together at certain get togethers.
Now some things do happen to break Rae and Garrett apart for some time (I won't give it away....I hate complete spoilers.( But it is some deep soul searching that each must do to find one another again.
This is a stand alone, with some emotion, HEA. I liked it alot. ALOT actually. Different from my normal reads. I give it 4.5 punch worthy stars, with the content, backstory, and the ending was great. Don't pass this hidden gem up. I am glad I didn't!!!
November 4, 2014
TKO was a really quick, enjoyable read.
Raegan Montgomery had it rough at home. Stuck in a house with her abusive father, who happens to be a cop was extremely hard for Raegan. When her stepmother moved out because she couldn't handle the abuse, that left Raegan to be her fathers new punching bag, and that's exactly what she became.
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Raegan decides she needs to learn how to protect herself from her father. What better way than joining a fighting gym?
It doesn't help that the gym she joined consists of 5 people. Oh, and the main fighter, Garrett is just to die for. GOD HE'S SO YUMMY..
Garrett is the type of guy all girls love to look at, but wouldn't want to be serious with because, well he's a player. He doesn't do relationships. Until he meets Raegan, then all of that changes. Because of Raegan, he finds himself wondering what it would be like in a real relationship.
TKO was a fast paced story. The only thing I would have loved to see was more emotion. For everything Raegan was going through, I didn't feel it. Don't get me wrong, it was a good story, I just wish it gave me more emotion.
The characters were great, I loved how close everyone was. For her first novel, Ana did a good job. TKO was a 4 star read for me.
Raegan gives Garrett a run for his money throughout the entire book. With everything she deals with at home, she doesn't want to be a burden on someone else.
Will they be able to have a relationship, or will Raegan keep pushing everyone away?
To find out, one click TKO :)
<3 JMAC
Raegan Montgomery had it rough at home. Stuck in a house with her abusive father, who happens to be a cop was extremely hard for Raegan. When her stepmother moved out because she couldn't handle the abuse, that left Raegan to be her fathers new punching bag, and that's exactly what she became.
After breaking up with her boyfriend, Raegan decides she needs to learn how to protect herself from her father. What better way than joining a fighting gym?
It doesn't help that the gym she joined consists of 5 people. Oh, and the main fighter, Garrett is just to die for. GOD HE'S SO YUMMY..
Garrett is the type of guy all girls love to look at, but wouldn't want to be serious with because, well he's a player. He doesn't do relationships. Until he meets Raegan, then all of that changes. Because of Raegan, he finds himself wondering what it would be like in a real relationship.
TKO was a fast paced story. The only thing I would have loved to see was more emotion. For everything Raegan was going through, I didn't feel it. Don't get me wrong, it was a good story, I just wish it gave me more emotion.
The characters were great, I loved how close everyone was. For her first novel, Ana did a good job. TKO was a 4 star read for me.
Raegan gives Garrett a run for his money throughout the entire book. With everything she deals with at home, she doesn't want to be a burden on someone else.
Will they be able to have a relationship, or will Raegan keep pushing everyone away?
To find out, one click TKO :)
<3 JMAC
May 29, 2015
Doesn't Take its Topics Seriously Enough
If you're looking for a shallow beach read, give this a go. If you've ever trained before or have suffered domestic abuse, skip this one.
There's a lot of "threw a punch and took him down" and "caught me off guard/caught him off guard." There's no real description of the fighting which makes it feel like the author has never watched a fight or took a class. Missed opportunity to make the main theme come alive and paint a real picture. It also takes away the real effort of female fighters by describing a girl who took some kickboxing classes and fought her first MMA fight in a week. Fighters do a hell of a lot more than hit the bag and bench press.
Another missed opportunity to deepen the story comes from not tying the parents killed by a drunk driver to the alcoholic dad who recently became more abusive; instead tying the recent rise in abuse to losing his wife nearly 20 years earlier. Nothing explained why he increased the abuse now.
My biggest disappointment is in the abuse story. Nobody around the main character made much of an effort to get her out of the situation. And anybody who has suffered through abuse will tell you, you don't forgive and reconcile after a month. The message this story sends is to let your friend deal with it herself and she'll have a happy family again in no time. It takes domestic violence too lightly.
If you're looking for a shallow beach read, give this a go. If you've ever trained before or have suffered domestic abuse, skip this one.
There's a lot of "threw a punch and took him down" and "caught me off guard/caught him off guard." There's no real description of the fighting which makes it feel like the author has never watched a fight or took a class. Missed opportunity to make the main theme come alive and paint a real picture. It also takes away the real effort of female fighters by describing a girl who took some kickboxing classes and fought her first MMA fight in a week. Fighters do a hell of a lot more than hit the bag and bench press.
Another missed opportunity to deepen the story comes from not tying the parents killed by a drunk driver to the alcoholic dad who recently became more abusive; instead tying the recent rise in abuse to losing his wife nearly 20 years earlier. Nothing explained why he increased the abuse now.
My biggest disappointment is in the abuse story. Nobody around the main character made much of an effort to get her out of the situation. And anybody who has suffered through abuse will tell you, you don't forgive and reconcile after a month. The message this story sends is to let your friend deal with it herself and she'll have a happy family again in no time. It takes domestic violence too lightly.
November 5, 2014
TKO is Ana Layne's first book and i can see many more to come.
TKO is about Reagan who lives in fear, alcoholic father, a boy friend who has cheated and Reagan knows she need to change her life for her to survive. She needs a job and money so that she can leave the situation behind.
Garrett is a MMA fighter who doesn't do relationships, likes to party and king of one nightstands, he never hooks up with the same girl twice.
When Reagan decides to join the Gym Garrett trains at and both feel the attraction both know they are meant to be together. The chemistry between these two ooze through the pages but Reagan is reluctant to start something because Garrett has a reputation and Reagan wants more. Both have secrets and both are stubborn.
This book shows us how we relationships need to be worked at, we need overcome our fears and except help from those who love us. It shows us forgiveness can heal old wounds.
It also shows us that if you are willing to take chances you can find happiness.
The secondary characters are also wonderful and you will fall in love with Lance Whitney and Howard who show nothing but support to both Garrett and Reagan.
I gave this book 4 1/2 stars. When you read it you will want to know how things turnout. It ended like a cliff hanger to me, so I hope we get a second book to see how they all have endings.
TKO is about Reagan who lives in fear, alcoholic father, a boy friend who has cheated and Reagan knows she need to change her life for her to survive. She needs a job and money so that she can leave the situation behind.
Garrett is a MMA fighter who doesn't do relationships, likes to party and king of one nightstands, he never hooks up with the same girl twice.
When Reagan decides to join the Gym Garrett trains at and both feel the attraction both know they are meant to be together. The chemistry between these two ooze through the pages but Reagan is reluctant to start something because Garrett has a reputation and Reagan wants more. Both have secrets and both are stubborn.
This book shows us how we relationships need to be worked at, we need overcome our fears and except help from those who love us. It shows us forgiveness can heal old wounds.
It also shows us that if you are willing to take chances you can find happiness.
The secondary characters are also wonderful and you will fall in love with Lance Whitney and Howard who show nothing but support to both Garrett and Reagan.
I gave this book 4 1/2 stars. When you read it you will want to know how things turnout. It ended like a cliff hanger to me, so I hope we get a second book to see how they all have endings.
June 1, 2016
There is a lot of verbal and descriptive physical abuse in this story at the beginning just to warn you for triggers but having said that it is a beautiful story. It is of a young woman living with her abusive father who is a police officer and after her step mum left for the same reason he becomes worse. Raegan is in a relationship with James,he knows what happens and wants her to move out but just needs a bit more time thinking her dad will change, after seeing a text on James's phone that was all it took to send her world crashing down around her. She decides to join a gym and train to be a fighter to be stronger against her father and not let him or anyone else hurt her again.
You can see Raegan grow and become a strong woman but her past is still haunting her and stopping her to be open and confide in her new friends and love interest, she thinks her past is too much for anyone to want her never mind love her.
The story is really good and pulled me in instantly you want to keep reading to know what happens next. You get to know the characters and what happened to them in their past to make them who they are, Your emotions will be with them as you can't help but feel for and with them as you discover their stories.The backstory with her father gave you the purpose for Reagan's drive to fight and her issues later on and this is worth reading.
You can see Raegan grow and become a strong woman but her past is still haunting her and stopping her to be open and confide in her new friends and love interest, she thinks her past is too much for anyone to want her never mind love her.
The story is really good and pulled me in instantly you want to keep reading to know what happens next. You get to know the characters and what happened to them in their past to make them who they are, Your emotions will be with them as you can't help but feel for and with them as you discover their stories.The backstory with her father gave you the purpose for Reagan's drive to fight and her issues later on and this is worth reading.
November 7, 2014
Her father is abusive, and she's in a bad place. When she walked into Lou's gym, she wanted to learn to defend herself. She wasn't looking for a man, but there was something about Garrett she just couldn't walk away from.
Garrett was a ladies man. He doesn't do relationships he never has, but there is something about Raegan that makes him want something more. With her he wants it all, but she doesn't want to open up and he knows that it is a must if they have a chance of having future.
When it all comes out things seem like they are going well. However when her ex talks to her, Garrett gets jealous and yells, scaring her. She freaks out and leaves. Will he be able to show her he would never hurt her like her father did, or will that be the end of what he thought would be forever?
This was a really good love story, with an insight of some problems we have in this world. Domestic abuse is a real problem, and the author shows it in a serious light. I recommend this book as a must read.
Book reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Garrett was a ladies man. He doesn't do relationships he never has, but there is something about Raegan that makes him want something more. With her he wants it all, but she doesn't want to open up and he knows that it is a must if they have a chance of having future.
When it all comes out things seem like they are going well. However when her ex talks to her, Garrett gets jealous and yells, scaring her. She freaks out and leaves. Will he be able to show her he would never hurt her like her father did, or will that be the end of what he thought would be forever?
This was a really good love story, with an insight of some problems we have in this world. Domestic abuse is a real problem, and the author shows it in a serious light. I recommend this book as a must read.
Book reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
November 6, 2014
Reagan Montgomery has had a rough abusive life with her alcoholic Dad, who is also a Cop and one night after he becomes extremely violent, she decides to take up kickboxing classes in an effort to be able to protect herself before his violence escalates and she is seriously injured or killed.
After taking classes at the gym, the owner and his pregnant girlfriend, who is the only female boxer in the gym, decide Reagan is good enough to take up professional boxing and fill the void left by their pregnancy.
The people at the gym become like a family to her and she finds herself falling in love hard and fast with Garrett, a male boxer at the ring who has a major playboy reputation. He also finds himself falling in love with Reagan equally hard and fast.
This story has fantastic potential and I would have liked to have seen the characters and the storyline developed further with some further research into the fighting scene.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Tanya.
After taking classes at the gym, the owner and his pregnant girlfriend, who is the only female boxer in the gym, decide Reagan is good enough to take up professional boxing and fill the void left by their pregnancy.
The people at the gym become like a family to her and she finds herself falling in love hard and fast with Garrett, a male boxer at the ring who has a major playboy reputation. He also finds himself falling in love with Reagan equally hard and fast.
This story has fantastic potential and I would have liked to have seen the characters and the storyline developed further with some further research into the fighting scene.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Tanya.
November 6, 2014
Warning: This story contains abuse to the main character by an alcoholic father.
I loved the female characters in this book. They were not the traditional damsels in distress looking for big strong men to save them. These women found ways to save themselves. Now granted the female main character, Regan, went about finding her independence in a non-traditional way she still did it on HER terms.
This is not a feel-good or sweet romance so if that is what you are looking for than you have been warned! This is a story that demonstrates the idea that you cannot truly love someone else until you can love and accept yourself.
At some points in the story it was almost heart-breaking to watch because you are not sure how it is all going to work out in the end and there is just so much turmoil going on. It was an emotional roller coaster ride that was so worth the trip.
I loved the female characters in this book. They were not the traditional damsels in distress looking for big strong men to save them. These women found ways to save themselves. Now granted the female main character, Regan, went about finding her independence in a non-traditional way she still did it on HER terms.
This is not a feel-good or sweet romance so if that is what you are looking for than you have been warned! This is a story that demonstrates the idea that you cannot truly love someone else until you can love and accept yourself.
At some points in the story it was almost heart-breaking to watch because you are not sure how it is all going to work out in the end and there is just so much turmoil going on. It was an emotional roller coaster ride that was so worth the trip.
November 7, 2014
3.75 stars
This book was off to a great start. Raegan was a tough girl. She takes a difficult situation and is determined to move past is on her and holding her head high. Of course, she didn't expect Garrett to be a factor and she tries her hardest to to keep her distance.
Raegan was an exceptional heroine. I was pleased with her strength as she worked hard to make changes in her life and help empower herself. Garrett, wasn't quite the hero I was expecting. For a tough fighter, his character wasn't as strong as I expected. He was sweet, but I was hoping for a little more alpha in him. Although, I can see the message coming across of empowerment for females in situations such as Raegan's.
This was a quick read and felt a little fast paced but the story was enjoyable.
3.75 stars for me.
This book was off to a great start. Raegan was a tough girl. She takes a difficult situation and is determined to move past is on her and holding her head high. Of course, she didn't expect Garrett to be a factor and she tries her hardest to to keep her distance.
Raegan was an exceptional heroine. I was pleased with her strength as she worked hard to make changes in her life and help empower herself. Garrett, wasn't quite the hero I was expecting. For a tough fighter, his character wasn't as strong as I expected. He was sweet, but I was hoping for a little more alpha in him. Although, I can see the message coming across of empowerment for females in situations such as Raegan's.
This was a quick read and felt a little fast paced but the story was enjoyable.
3.75 stars for me.
November 30, 2016
Over the last years I've downloaded three out of four books in this series through individual free promotions so I thought it was about time I started it.
TKO was an okay read. It started out strong, but I felt it fizzled out in the middle and lost its edge. The drama and situations that had been set up were resolved much too easily, with little effort or explanation. Similarly, the romance fizzled out. For me, the chemistry died and all that was left was unnecessary drama that was extended for too long.
Overall this was okay. For the most part it was enjoyable and I might read book 2 since I have it. I do have high standards when it comes to fighter romances, so for me this one had potential but missed the mark.
TKO was an okay read. It started out strong, but I felt it fizzled out in the middle and lost its edge. The drama and situations that had been set up were resolved much too easily, with little effort or explanation. Similarly, the romance fizzled out. For me, the chemistry died and all that was left was unnecessary drama that was extended for too long.
Overall this was okay. For the most part it was enjoyable and I might read book 2 since I have it. I do have high standards when it comes to fighter romances, so for me this one had potential but missed the mark.
May 25, 2015
I felt like I was missing something. I think I would have enjoyed this more if it wasn't so...choppy? There were lots of little details left out that may not matter in the big picture, but help a story flow well. The transition from scene to scene was nearly nonexistent.
The plot was slightly underdeveloped. You never get a firm sense of who the male character really is a and what makes him so drawn to her.
I really wanted to like this more than I ultimately did. It has great potential, but no flow.
The plot was slightly underdeveloped. You never get a firm sense of who the male character really is a and what makes him so drawn to her.
I really wanted to like this more than I ultimately did. It has great potential, but no flow.
November 3, 2014
Reagan's life is falling apart. Her only solace is the kickboxing classes she takes. After meet the owner's brother, Garrett, she has another.
I really wanted to like this book but too many things didn't work. Reagan stays in a horrible situation even though she has plenty of options. While I liked most of the characters they could have used more development. The research into the MMA was seriously lacking. The concept was really great the execution was lacking.
I really wanted to like this book but too many things didn't work. Reagan stays in a horrible situation even though she has plenty of options. While I liked most of the characters they could have used more development. The research into the MMA was seriously lacking. The concept was really great the execution was lacking.
October 16, 2015
Slow
This story was very slow for me. This might be what happens in real life but this is supposed to be a condensed so that it doesn't become redundant. The back and forth Reagan does is annoying and frustrating. She is constantly second guessing herself and there is no closure with James and I just felt like it was rushed. Overall I would have liked more of a emotional connection with Raegan
This story was very slow for me. This might be what happens in real life but this is supposed to be a condensed so that it doesn't become redundant. The back and forth Reagan does is annoying and frustrating. She is constantly second guessing herself and there is no closure with James and I just felt like it was rushed. Overall I would have liked more of a emotional connection with Raegan
October 24, 2014
Absolutely loved this book and hope to be getting more from this cast of characters. Ana Layne's debut novel is a must read. I loved the family bond at Lou's Gym and found the characters to be relatable and real. Reagan is much stronger than she realizes, but with the help of these new friends she finds hope. I read this book in a day, I had to know what was going to happen.
November 4, 2014
Didn't feel any connection with Raegan, i couldn't help but think she was too naive to stay in her situation and refuse any kind of help. Really pissed me off. As for Garett, he was like a love sick puppy but didn't really made any effort to win her over.
As the story developed, things went on too slowly and I have to say I was a bit bored.
As the story developed, things went on too slowly and I have to say I was a bit bored.
November 4, 2014
One awesome story about a girl taking up kickboxing to defend herself. This story follows Raegan's struggle with things in her life. There is hope though when she meets Garrett. This story shows how women who are down in life or struggling can find hope and away to survive.
Imaginative Dreams was given for an honest review.
Imaginative Dreams was given for an honest review.
May 16, 2015
Boring
Not what I expected. Reagan is an ok character. I understand her fear and why she doesn't want to be close to men. Garrett is not what I that he would be like. He is to lay back. I didn't really care for their love story. Would have lied it better if Garrett had be more alpha male. He isn't
Not what I expected. Reagan is an ok character. I understand her fear and why she doesn't want to be close to men. Garrett is not what I that he would be like. He is to lay back. I didn't really care for their love story. Would have lied it better if Garrett had be more alpha male. He isn't
January 11, 2016
TKO is the first book in the Total Knock Out series by Ana Layne. This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. The storyline was spot on with lot of twist and turns that it had me hooked from beginning to end. The characters were well developed and had depth, emotion and lots of smoking hot chemistry. Looking forward to the next book in this series!!!
August 27, 2016
Sweet book
This was a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I loved the characters and their story line. I liked this part when he said:
"There was only you. If I couldn’t have you, I didn’t want anyone else. No one could ever make me feel the way I feel when I’m with you."
This was a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I loved the characters and their story line. I liked this part when he said:
"There was only you. If I couldn’t have you, I didn’t want anyone else. No one could ever make me feel the way I feel when I’m with you."
May 6, 2015
awesome book, some emotional parts.. great story and characters.
May 24, 2015
Good
Such a good book. It was an enjoyable read. Sad story in the beginning, but ended just as most books do!
Such a good book. It was an enjoyable read. Sad story in the beginning, but ended just as most books do!
July 11, 2015
Rocky start for these two but I loved the buildup and the finally coming together. Hot once they got started and I'm glad she stops fighting for him.
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