Laid Out

Worth the Fight #4

by Sidney Halston

Perfect for fans of Katy Evans and Sarah Castille, Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction.   As an Army brat, Violet Channing could never meet her dad’s high expectations. But in the eyes of her best friend, she could do no wrong. He even insisted that he should be her first kiss. Now Cain Sorensen is all grown up, hardened by years in special ops and always looking for a good fight. Tall, with striking blue eyes and impossibly blond hair, he’s a modern-day Viking warrior. Of course, Violet’s all grown up, too, and she’s ready to surrender to his every command.   Cain knows he’s bad for Violet. His work is dangerous, and his hobbies are downright deadly. As a private mercenary and a mixed martial arts fighter, he could never let such an innocent soul into his world. And yet his most grueling combat training is no match for Violet’s killer curves, hot touch, and suggestive glances. Now all of Cain’s most explosive fantasies are coming true—but once they cross the line between friends and lovers, there’s no turning back.  Don’t miss Sidney Halston’s Panic PULL ME CLOSE | MAKE ME STAY | KISS ME BACK | WHAT ABOUT US And look for all of her hard-hitting MMA AGAINST THE CAGE | FULL CONTACT | BELOW THE BELT | LAID OUT | FIGHTING DIRTY | STACKED UP Praise for Sidney Halston’s Against the Cage   “Against the Cage is funny, steamy, scorching—and holy hot MMA fighter, I wanted more! Five stars all the way!”—New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Toni Aleo   “A steamy and fun romance that will leave readers begging for more! Sidney Halston is an author to watch!”—New York Times bestselling author Cherry Adair   “Halston’s new series opener creates an organic and sensual dynamic between Jack and Chrissy that makes an easy buy-in for readers.”—Library Journal   Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports, Mixed Martial Arts, Friends To Lovers, Military Fiction, Contemporary

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2015

About the author

Jeanette Escudero worked as an attorney before picking up a pen at thirty years old to write something other than legal briefs. Being published fulfilled a dream and gave her an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side. Writing as Sidney Halston, she is the USA Today bestselling author of the Panic series, the Worth the Fight series, the Iron-Clad Security novels, and the Seeing Red duet. In addition to writing and reading, Jeanette has a passion for travel and adventure. She and her family have been to the Galapagos Islands and have hiked Yellowstone, the Shenandoah mountains, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents, she currently lives in South Florida with her husband and her three children, in whom she’s instilled a love of nature and an appreciation for the planet. For more information visit www.sidneyhalston.com.

Reviews

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

~FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED~

4.5 I love you better STARS!



Laid Out is a fantastic fusion of second chances, loving yourself, finding forgiveness, and giving yourself the permission to be who you are meant to be. This is my first Sidney Halston read but it certainly will not be my last.



Violet is a military brat. Cain and Jeremy are her two best friends and all three do everything together. In true military fashion, Violet's father is a bit domineering. Because Violet is a little plus size, her dad is always giving her grief about loosing weight. Violet struggles with bullying from her peers. She has always found peace with Jeremy and Cain and it is Cain who gives her her first kiss (right before he and Jeremy deploy to Iraq). Although Violet has feelings for Cain, it is Jeremy who makes the move on Violet. Violet and Jeremy get engaged. Cain is left as a bystander and now "the third wheel". Then tragedy strikes and everything is turned upside down.

Fast forward to the future....
Violet is working as a nurse and is in a bit of a dating slump. Although she has amazing friends and a stunning personality she has a gaping vacancy in the love department. I love Violet's glowing personality. She isn't someone who wallows in her grief. Instead, she knows what she wants and she isn't afraid to go after it.

"I don't want a man to fix me, I want a man that loves me just as I am. I don't need to be fixed. I'm not broken."-Violet



Cain has been in and out of Violet's life. They share a volatile relationship because of the tragedy they have both lived through. Violet and Cain are friends and yet they both have unresolved feelings for each other. I truly adored the way that Cain was so protective of her. Deep down in his soul he knows that Violet is his.

"Excuse us. She's mine."-Cain

Even though his feelings for Violet are undeniable, he just doesn't think he is good enough. Cain decides that if he helps Violet meet someone else he will be able to move forward and forget her. Cain is able to talk Violet into spending a week with him exploring everything regarding matters of sex and the heart. She agrees. Once the deal is set, things between Cain and Violet get very interesting.



Overall, Laid Out was a read that I could not put down. I had to know what was going to happen with these amazing characters. The writing is in-depth and the characters are well developed. The pacing was a bit slow at the beginning of the read but as the plot unfolds the action increases the tempo tremendously. At first, I struggled with the back and forth between Violet and Cain. However, I began to understand the depth of each character's personality and it helped me understand the gravity of tension they both are feeling.

The first half of the book is stock full of tension as these two try to establish a common ground. In addition to the endearing friendship between the two, the sexual chemistry between Cain and Violet is off the charts! The journey that Cain and Violet make both individually and as a couple is a journey that I will not forgot. I highly recommend this read to anyone who loves a friends to lovers story. I simply cannot say enough about my love for this book! I applaud this author for tackling so many serious issues (such as body image, PTSD, and a love triangle (of sorts)) all in one beautiful package. Additionally, I cannot fail to mention the boxing element that kept my heart racing! Bravo Ms. Halston! I will end my review with a quote from Violet. After reading this book:

"Wow, my cup runneth over."



RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 16TH, 2015
PRE-ORDER LINK: http://www.amazon.com/Laid-Worth-Figh...

~ARC graciously given by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!~

For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Second Chance Stars

”I don’t like those pants.”
She looked down at the adorable navy blue pants before looking back up. “Why?”
“Cause they’re in the way.”
“In the way of what?”
“Of my dick. Take ‘em off.”

I truly loved the premise of this “friends to lovers” book but Violet and Cain’s story took a while to get moving. She’d been in love with him, along with mutual best amigo Jeremy, for as long as she could remember. Cain’s always loved her but has never felt worthy. Big Exhale! The story picks up when they’re both unattached and dealing with the drama of finally being single and ready to mingle.

And to add to the cluster fuck that was his miserable life, the one thing he wanted most in the world, was the one thing he could never have. His dead best friend’s fiancé.

I have to give props where props are due and say I loved the dialogue in this book. This author does not do the awkward, no contraction bullshit I’ve unfortunately become accustomed to. Gah! I can’t tell you how many books have been ruined for me lately that consist of formal, stilted and old school banter. If the story’s not set in the Victorian age, the damn conversation better reflect that.

I guess my 3 star rating has to do with the pace of the story. It was slow and I just kept waiting for something, anything to pick up. Cain’s a badass ex-military, secret operative MMA fighter and Violet is a sarcastic bit of awesomeness with a heart of gold. If that’s not the very recipe for success, I don’t know what is! Still, the story was slow and fell flat for me in several places.

Bottom line, I loved the writing Ms. Halston brought to the table but I still wanted MORE overall goodness.


ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story involving a MMA fighter...



...and a female main character that's plus size and proud of that (almost all the time)...



...what's not to like? :D



*ARC generously provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahem, *Announcer Voice* Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you Sidney Halston, bringing us, yet another, amazing MMA romance.


Cain, Violet, and Jeremy were the best of friends growing up. But Violet couldn't help having a little crush on her buddy Cain. Before Cain and Jeremy went off to war, Cain and Violet shared a kiss that gave her hope of their friendship turning into more. But when Cain writes her and tells her the kiss was a mistake she gives up and decides to move on. Her and Jeremy start a relationship and eventually get engaged, leaving Cain on the sidelines.

After a mission goes wrong and Jeremy dies, Cain gets out of the Army and disappears, leaving Violet by herself. Years later they end up in the same town and Violet tries to reconnect with her old friend. Cain, now an MMA fighter and mercenary, feels guilty for wanting his dead friends fiance so he pushes her away and treats her like crap. He can't fight his jealousy when he see's her starting to date, though, and somehow agree's to helping her learn how to date. Violet is shy and awkward when it comes to dating so she is happy to have the help. But when the lessons get a little heated their new found friendship turns into something deeper.



Ladies, get ready to swoon! Cain is just amazingly sexy AND he rides a motorcycle AND he has his cock pierced. Okay, I'll wait a second for you to go change your panties...better yet, just don't wear 'em when you read this book ;)



But seriously, Cain was a great character. He was sweet with Violet when he wasn't trying to push her away and sexy as hell when they gave into what they both desired. He struggled with the guilt of loving his friends girl, but he really stepped up for Violet despite his guilt. He was overprotective and more than a tad possessive of Violet and it showed how much he truly cared for Violet.

Violet was shy and awkward but she put herself out there and wouldn't give up on Cain. She was hilarious and I found myself laughing like a loon so much during this book. She was insecure, especially because her father would always make her feel bad about her weight, but she wasn't ashamed of herself and I loved that about her.

Overall, this was a kick ass book and a perfect addition to the Worth the Fight series. I loved the friends to lovers story and that we still got to see the rest of the WtF gang. We got little glimpses of Enzo and JL, whose book is next, and now I'm dying to read it!



ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Dali · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the sexy angst doesn’t pull you in the sweet drama will. Laid Out is a story of letting go of the past, forgiveness, introspection and a love that’s been latent for almost thirty years.

“Her sunshine seeped into his pores, travelled through his body and wrapped around his heart like a vise. It was almost too much, her light reflecting against his darkness.”

Cain has loved Violet since he can remember, and there’s no memory he has that doesn’t include her. He, Violet and Jeremy grew up together in an army base. But Cain's loyalty and and feeling incapable of loving Violet the way she should be, courtesy of his strict military upbringing, has made him step aside and push the only woman he’s ever loved into the arms of his best friend.

Their teeth clattered again, and their nose crashed. It was awkward but as first kisses went – it was perfect. “Happy Valentine’s Day, Vi.” It was the last thing he said to her before leaving off to war. ~ Cain & Violet

But life isn’t guaranteed, especially in the Armed Forces, and an unpredictable attack on their team has left Cain hating himself with unsurmountable guilt over his friend’s death.

Twelve years after he gave Violet her first kiss, Cain still feels underserving of her. He still can’t consider being with her, but he can’t live without her. He’s overbearing and overprotective one minute and ignores her the next. The incessant mixed signals he sends has Violet more than a little confused. Can he ever find a way to be with the only woman he’s ever loved and be happy?

“Maybe if you stand your ground and little longer and he sees he can’t just squash your emotions with his cavemanish ways, he’ll actually break down and finally voice his feelings.”

Violet mourned her fiancé, but several years have passed and now she wants to move on. The problem is, her insecurities keep shadowing her and she doesn’t know how to date. Counting on her now ornery and taciturn best friend, Violet has enlisted Cain to teach her. But their deep-seated and strong emotions are bound to surface. Can she communicate with him so they can both lay their feelings bare?

“She made it clear that he hurt her, and that wasn’t something he could live with. He’d masked his emotions for years, he could do it again.”

Cain is all kinds of hot, caring and brooding and I adored how he loved Violet so absolutely. It was plain as day to see, so I had trouble with the delayed gratification I knew these two would get when they finally got their problems solved. Although it did make for incredible sexual tension between them, I felt it took forever and I wanted to slap them both silly while they were sexily dancing around each other.

“I worried about you every single god forsaken day that I was away from you.”
“What? But you nev –“
“I never told you because you weren’t mine. What the f*ck was I supposed to do? You were my best friend’s girl.”

Violet is such a sweet, forgiving person. It was very easy for me to imagine her wholesomeness. I felt terrible for the way her very strict father planted so many insecurity seeds in her due to her curvaceous figure, but I loved that she had two very wonderful friends that loved the very best parts of her and even after some hard trials and struggles she found happiness with the man that knew her best even if he wasn’t good at expressing his feelings… or so she thought.

“I’ve always been sappy,” He took her hand and placed it over his heart. “In here. I’m mush when it comes to you.” He then placed her hand on his head. “I’ve practically written poetry about you in here.”

There was a lot of angst and drama between Cain and Violet. I found it hard to believe she was so blind to how much Cain loved her. Even when one moment he was a complete bastard and then the most swoon-worthy of male specimens the next. But there was such an incredibly profound love, they had so much beautiful history together, not to mention some truly hot sexy, panty melting moments that I just couldn’t put their story down until they found their happy ever after.

“I wish for you to one day feel consumed by love. I hope that you can come to me and say without regret or hesitation, that you are owned body and soul by a man.”

There’s also laughs, excitement, smiles and tingly girly parts in this MMA book and book. I’m glad I found this series and author and look forward to her next book.

Book Facts: Laid Out is book #4 in the Worth the Fight series by Sidney Halston. It’s written from both points of view. Can be read as a standalone, although the it’s easier to understand the dynamics between the supporting and interconnecting characters if you read the books in order. The story has a happy ending and no cliffhanger.

Actual rating: 3.5 stars

* I was given an ARC of this book courtesy of the author via the author’s publicist. The excerpts are from that copy. *

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[Sidney Halston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate to pick a favorite book since they're all my babies. BUT, I really enjoyed writing this book, especially Cain's character. So...I'm not picking but....

[Gabrielle Whipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm somewhere between sobbing hysterically and leaving work early to hump my boyfriend. One of the hottest sex scenes I've ever read is the "porn" scene. O.M.G.!! But, the book was also really sad. I recommend it 100%. Ms. Halston's books just keep getting better.

Cain:



Violet:

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Cain and Violet were childhood friends. Cain has been in love with Violet forever but put his feelings aside because his best friend was also in love with her. Cain felt like his friend would make Violet happy so he stepped away. Violet and Jeremy happy together until Jeremy died in the war. Years later, Cain is back in town and he's still in love with Violet but doesn't think he should be with her - she will always be his best friends girl. To fight his feelings, he pushes Violet away but he has a really hard time staying away from the girl he loves.

I really enjoyed this story. There's something really special about this author's writing - she has this great way of adding humor to her books when you least expect it. A swearing bird - hilarious. This book is loaded with hot sexual tension - I couldn't wait for these to to finally get together. This is really steamy but it takes a little while to get there. I loved these characters and the storyline - a friends to more romance. My only complaint about this one is that Cain did annoy me with how much he pushed away. Overall, I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more in this series.

**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Linda (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
Violet and Cain have known each other their whole lives, but apart from sharing a kiss, twelve years ago just before Cain and Jeremy deployed for the first time, they have been best friends. Laid Out is a friends-to-lovers romance, and it is gritty and filled with tension. And both Violet and Cain had their own demons to live with after Jeremy had died in combat, leaving Violet without her fiancé and Cain without his best friend. Luckily, to dispel the dark aspects of the story, Bird and JL were there for some much needed comic relief.

[rj]

DNF 30%

Wow, two asshole H's back to back. My next book has to have a sweet H.

Reasons for DNFing:

1. Hot & cold/asshole hero. He kept pushing her away and seems to be doing that till the end. Man up and get what you want! He thinks it will be helpful if he sees her dating again and offers to help her seduce other men. -.-

2. Heroine with no backbone. Her character was supposed to be "too forgiving" but she let the H walk all over her and let him come back again and again.

3. OW drama. H thinks about calling his past FWB that he's been sleeping on and off with for years and later he brings a date to the bar they were all meeting at. Nothing happened so far but I honestly wouldn't put it past him to try to sleep with another woman to forget the h and I hate that uncertainty when it comes to my heros. I was seriously worried that any minute now he's gonna call some past hookup.

Or maybe he just needed to get laid. It had been far too long. Perhaps that was the reason he was so tormented. Excessive horniness could make a man crazy, right? He needed to call Paige. She was a friend—well, really just a woman he’d been sleeping with on and off for a few years. It was a no-strings-attached non-relationship, and after this morning he knew it was beyond time for him to give her a call. She had a nice smile, too; maybe she could help him get his head out of his ass.

[Three Chicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Violet and Cain have been friends forever…literally. The two of them and their friend Jeremy all grew up together on an Army base. Violet has always had a crush on Cain but it was Jeremy that she agreed to marry. Years later after Jeremy’s death Violet is having a hard time suppressing her feelings, her very hot and heavy feelings for Cain. Problem is; Cain is just a little bit vague. He’s sending more mixed signals than Violet can handle.

Cain Sorenson has been head over heels in love with Violet forever but because his best friend was also in love with her he bowed out gracefully so that Violet could have the type of man he thought would make her happy. Lately though, Cain is having a really hard time keeping Violet in the friend zone. He’s treating her like crap to keep her at a distance but it’s not working as well as he would like.

When I first read the synopsis I thought “eh, okay…I’ll give it a try...it sounds pretty good.” I figured I would like it but I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. Sidney Halston give sexual tension and foreplay a whole new meaning! They sexual tension between these two is un-freaking believable!

Growing up without her dad, Violet only had he military dad who wasn’t the most warm and fuzzy person. He constantly criticized her weight which gave her a major complex so Cain has his work cut out for him dealing with her body image issues but I love the way he handles that. Cain himself if very brooding and isn’t big on conversation so while it was a little shocking to see him be so vocal about her body it was also refreshing. Now I’m not really one for the whole “dirty talk” thing and I really don’t like that “P” word but jeez, Cain’s “flowery” language and very direct statements had me clutching my pearls and needing a cold shower!

This is book 4 in the Worth the Fight Series. Now as we all know I don’t like reading books out of order but every once in a while I come across a book from a series where I’m okay that I didn’t read the previous books. This is one of those books. There were moments when I felt like I was missing something but it wasn’t to the point where it affected the book in general. However, me being me I did google Sydney and found that there are three books before Laid Out and I enjoyed this one so much that I decided that I would read the first book “Against the Cage” before completing my review just to see if it made a difference in how I felt about the story….Nope still liked it, I got a little more background on the supporting characters but it had no bearing on Cain and Violet. I will say this though…..LOVED “AGAINST THE CAGE”! So do yourself a favor and go check it out. I also downloaded Full Contac (which I haven’t started yet) and I intend to download Below the Belt.

Now as much as I like this book the one thing keeping me from giving it four stars? There were certain times where the story dragged a bit for me and I kind of felt like it took Violet and Cain a little too long to actually “do the deed”….but in the mean time they did everything else.! So, 3 and ½ stars for Laid out…definitely worth the read. Hmmm, I thinking of trying to locate some MMA fighters…I’m just saying.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap!!!! I need a 24 hour nap after this book...I could NOT put this book down. Not to mention at one point I wasn't sure weather I wanted to keep reading or throw my tablet across the room. I knew from seeing Cain in the other books his was going to not only be the most intense but also my favorite book of the series and Sidney you did not disappoint me one bit! This book IS my favorite of this series.

As soon as I started reading this book I knew right away I was going to love Vi just as much as I already did with Cain. She was a breathe of fresh air...yes she had her insecurities, and she has her issues but she never once whined about them (as I have seen with characters in other books), and Cain...he's the mysterious bad boy who was epically broken and I am always drawn to those characters like a moth to a flame.
I also loved seeing the tension between JL and Enzo and I can't wait to read their book...it's looking to be extremely interesting.

Okay so if haven't read this series yet I HIGHLY recommend it...Sidney Halston is an amazing author, and I have loved every book I have read of hers.

Advanced copy provided by Netgalley

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received for review

First half of this book bored me and was 3 stars. I love this series and it pains me to write that. I actually put it down at 50% and went to sleep. I guess I should have pushed through because when I woke up and finished it I couldn't put it down. The last half was amazing and is totally 5 star worthy. Make sure you have a box of Kleenex nearby. Can't wait for Enzo & JL, and Travis' HEA. I think Cain's friend, Iggy, needs a book too.

[Pheonix Fanfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

0.0% Got an arc from netgalley :D so excited for Cain n violets book :D out tonight but hoping to start on the train tomorrow :)

4% “Happy Valentine’s Day, Vi.” It was the last thing he said to her before leaving for war.”
Awww Cain! :D the lead up to this book has been amazing - I can't wait to finally get their story! :D I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love it!

6% Almost immediately, he made her feel at ease. For the first time in a long time, Violet felt happy being on a date.
Aww yay! I'm happy for vi but is it just me who wants cain to come in? :P

7% Violet pushed back her chair, which fell in the process, and ran full speed to Cain, who wasn’t looking and wasn’t prepared for the full frontal attack he was about to receive. He still held the heavy duffle bag when he turned around and Violet threw herself against him. She never doubted he would catch her. He dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Awwww vi! :D I love her reaction to seeing him especially as they haven't really been getting on and I love even more that she didn't even think before doing it - it was her first instinct/natural reaction! <3

11% She said remembering his exact words.
Oh cain! Why'd you do that?!? if it's why I think it might it's gonna hurt my heart! :( I'm really loving this already! I've reread the vi/cain parts in the previous books so am sooo excited and in the mood for their story! <3 so glad I got an arc!! <3

15% Instead she looked at his sad blue eyes that looked so lost, and she just wanted to pull him into her arms and fight off anyone or anything that would make this giant of a man miserable.
Awww Cain - though I love that vi can have that kind of affect of him! <3

16% It was a secret that ate at his soul daily. And to add to the cluster fuck that was his miserable life, the one thing he wanted most in the world, was the one thing he could never have. His dead best-friend’s fiancé.
Oh Cain?! I need to know what happened! But what I do know is that whatever happened you're wrong!
I'm loving Cain - he's trying so hard to be the friend he thinks he should be to Jeremy :(

17% “I know Tony’s seen it because he didn’t seem surprised when I brought it up. He had a two minute meltdown when he thought I’d looked at Cain’s cock. For those minutes I didn’t understand half the shit he was yelling so I couldn’t defend myself. His accent went full-out and half the words were in Spanish.”
:O seriously?! Wasn't expecting that but I fucking love it!

But can I just say I LOVE TONY AND FRANCESCA! I love so much that we get to see the previous couples! <3

20% He leaned in, his voice husky, “Trust me. I have a tongue.” With his forefinger and thumb he pinched her chin and closed her mouth
:O I think my face pretty much looks like vi's! That was one hell of a response to Vi's question/teasing <3 <3

22% Cain laughed hard for the first time in a long time, even though he also had an urge to bang his fists against his chest and claim his woman to the world. But, really, she was a goofball and these moments made his chest constrict and the love he was trying so hard to bury deep inside of him to seep out.
Aww Cain!! <3 I'm loving these two so much! <3

23% In a dreamy yawn thick with her southern drawl, she asked sweetly, almost reverently, “I want to see your pierced cock.”
Haha go vi! :D <3

24% You need to stay away from her or tell her you’re in love with her. We both know that there’s no one sweeter than Violet. She’s not going to tell you what I’m telling you because she’s too worried about hurting your feelings and well...she’s just too damn nice. But you keep being an ass to her over and over again. I don’t know why she puts up with it. You’re a dick and an ass, Mr. Viking-dude. You,” she poked his chest, proudly, “are a dickass.” She laughed to herself. “Oh, shit! I just invented a word! It’s a good word. Dickass.”
Hahahah I love JL and go her for sticking up/protecting her best friend! I love her even more for that! :D <3

25% “Vi, I’ve told you a thousand times, just ’cause I don’t talk much, doesn’t mean I don’t listen. Every single crazy-ass word that has come out of that mouth—and there have been a lot of them since you talk so much—I’ve listened to. I’ve remembered.” She placed her hand over her heart. “God, my cup runneth over.” It had been years since he’d heard that saying.
Awww Cain!! <3 <3 perfect and that saying of Vi's is adorable haha <3

32% Cain: I’m sorry. Violet: Holy shit. Did you just apologize? Cain: Holy shit, did you just say shit? Violet: LOL. I’m coming over.
Hahahahah I love these two - I can't wait to see more of their story! <3

34% I need to get this out before I lose my nerve. I’m attracted to you. I think I’ve always been, actually. I mean, how can I not be, you’re really hot, Cain.” She shook her head. “Ugh! Why can’t I stop babbling? Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I’m attracted to you. Life is too short to play games, I think I learned that with Jeremy. So, I know this may be weird or whatever, but I just wanted you to know that. I feel things when I’m with you that I’ve never . . . my body gets . . . well, anyway, you get the point.”
Aww vi! I love that no matter how nervous you are you said it! Now cain just needs to realise that being with you/loving you is not betraying Jeremy - he'd want you both to be happy! <3 however I feel that may take a long time for him to get to that point meaning its going to make my heart hurt :'(

37% Tony placed his hands on Cain’s shoulders. “This isn’t an intervention. You’re my brother, you’re hurting. We just want you to know that you have people you can talk to. You’ve got friends.” The back of his eyes stung. The only true friend he’d ever had was gone. Dead. And it was his fault. He didn’t want or need any more friends. Emotions he’d withheld for so many years were rearing its ugly head.
Oh Cain! :'( I really fucking LOVE these men!! <3

40% God, the man could command a room. It was as if his mood set the mood for the rest of the people. And in his Army uniform, perfect posture, and intimidating stature, he looked almost regal. He smiled and when he got close he held his hand out to her, completely ignoring Richard’s presence. “Excuse us. She’s mine.” Cain said and her heart actually stopped.
Cain!!! So hot!! <3 <3

45% But instead, he extended his hand and shook it with a wink. She quickly scowled and huffed, “Cain! Words.”
Hahah go vi! <3

46% “I’m vulgar, Violet. I’m dirty and rough. I know what I like and how I like it and I have a cock that’s dying to get inside your tight little pussy. You wanted to know how it was like. Well, little girl, that’s how I’m like. You’ve never seen me in this context. You signed up for this. We can stop whenever you want if I’m offending you. But you wanted me to talk and this is how I talk.” He lifted his eyebrow. “Careful for what you wish for, huh?” She straightened her back.
Okay I love it when Cain talks! <3 <3

52% “You need to stop with the weight comments. Swear to god, babe, one more and I’m going to be really pissed.”
You tell her Cain! <3

55% She smiled that fucking blinding smile he loved and hated. Hated because it brought him to his knees.
Oh Cain!! I loveee the effect vi has on him! <3

59% “You haven’t had that Violet. Jeremy had that. You haven’t. I heard how he spoke about you. I know that he loved you in a way that consumed him completely. You didn’t. I don’t mean to upset you. I’m telling you that because I want you to find that.” “I don’t know how to take that. You don’t think I loved Jeremy?” “I think you loved him. I don’t think you loved him the way you want to love the person you’re destined to spend the rest of your life with, though. I don’t think you felt the same passion for him he felt for you. I don’t think he knew you. The real you. The Violet that didn’t want her bread buttered and her food ordered for her.”
I think Cain's right! And I also think he stepped back not because of violet but because Jeremy was his best friend/brother and he knew how he felt about vi and didn't want to hurt him even though he feels the same way :( oh Cain - you're the sweetest man ever! I love you sooo goddamned much! <3

63% He grabbed her ass and moved it higher, causing his ring to hit what was apparently the perfect spot because she was clenching his dick with almost unbearable amounts of pleasure. “Fuck, Vi. I’m going to come if you keep squeezing my dick like that.”
<3 this is so hot!! <3 <3 <3

64% Twice. Twice she’d lost her heart to Cain.
Oh these two! :'( :'( oh Cain! Tell her - you're just making both of you miserable :'(

65% “Violet. You know I’m no good at talking. I panicked too. I want you in my bed again. Last night was hell. I walked down the fucking hall to your room a dozen times but I was too much of a coward to face you. I thought that maybe you regretted it.”
Awww yay! I love that these two are mostly saying what they think! I love that they've known each other for years and are comfortable with each other! <3

66% He was so turned on by her actions he almost came right then and there. “Just keep doing what you’re doing.” Was all he was able to grunt out, his fingers laced in her hair as she laved, sucked, and nipped his cock over and over while her hands pumped him relentlessly. “Oh God Violet,” He groaned. “Last chance before I come in your mouth.”
I love that violet can do affect a man like Cain like this! So hot! <3 <3

68% “You want to scream don’t you?” He whispered. Her eyes were shut and she leaned toward him, pushing against his hand, concentrating on being quiet. Not so much because she cared right now about who heard her, but because he’d threatened to stop and she really didn’t want him to stop.
Cain is so fucking hot! I love it - I can't stop highlighting! <3 <3

70% And before he could finish his sentence, Cain snapped.
Oh shit! I hate Jim -_- and something tells me when Cain snaps, he SNAPS!

73% “There you go. I’m naked. In the light. In front of you. We can move on, don’t you think? If there is any apprehension now, it certainly isn’t coming from me.”
Awww! GO VIOLET! <3 <3

76% “You were like a son to us. It felt like we lost both our boys that day.” “Honey! You just told me to shut my mouth and here you are drilling him.” “Oh, hush. It’s different.” She said pointedly to Marshall before turning her sweet gaze back to Cain. “I-I uh” He cleared his voice. “I’m sorry. I just—it was too hard.” His voice came out like a croak.
Oh Cain! :'( and poor Mrs Edwards too! :( though I love that they say it how it is and they obviously love cain a lot! <3

78% This was the end. The worse part of it was that it didn’t just feel like the end of the trip or their sexual relationship. It felt like the end of them. And she didn’t know what to do to fix it.
Oh god :'( this is going to break my heart :'(

83% “He died. My brother, he died, hating me.”
Oh Cain!! :'( :'( :'( he's hurting my heart! :'( 2 brothers in love with the same girl - I wish I could blame Jeremy but I can't - it was just a horrible situation :'( :'(

84% “But . . . it feels so different than it did with Jeremy.” Violet stood there silently with tears in her eyes. “Of course it does, honey. You were practically a kid back then. You loved Jeremy, I don’t doubt it. But it was a first love. The man he was turning into, the woman you’ve turned into—would that woman chose Jeremy or Cain? That’s the question you have to ask yourself.”
She's right vi - listen to JLs saying! She's right! <3

87% At the opposite end there were some bleachers and as they turned the corner Violet saw a group of very angry very large men, with their arms crossed, staring at the group of misfits.
Hahah I love these men! Though I don't think they're too happy with their women hahaha <3

88% “Stay up. Stay up.” Violet whispered, her hands over her mouth. “He’s a professional Jiu Jitsu fighter. He’s better on the floor.” Violet looked at Travis for a moment before turning back to the cage and whispering, “Get on the floor. Get on the floor.”
Oh violet - I know I shouldn't but that just made me laugh! <3

89% Violet tuned everything after that out since Tony was yelling in Spanish and Francesca was replying in Portuguese and Violet was 100% sure they didn’t understand each other.
Hahahahah I fucking love tony and francesca! <3 <3

90% “Was! Cain, I was Jeremy’s fiancé.” She stepped closer and held his face in her hands. “Honey, you have to let it go. I have. It’s hard. I know it is, but he’s not coming back. He wouldn’t want to see you suffering. He would’ve wanted you to be happy even if that meant being with me.” “I can’t!” He roared. “I can’t” “Why not?” She sobbed. “Because I killed Jeremy!” It was as if she was punched in the stomach. She physically took a step back. “I was supposed to have his back.
Oh Cain!!! :'( these two are breaking my heart sooo bad! :(

If Jeremy was standing right here right now and I had to pick I’d pick you.” “Don’t say that!” “You have to let me love you, Cain. You have to.
Oh vi!! I can't stop bloody highlighting! <3 <3 listen to her Cain! Please listen to her!

91% “I’m sure there’s a blonde, blue eyed, Harvard grad somewhere with a clean vocabulary that’ll make you a great wife. I’m obviously not that girl, so you can go fuck yourself you pretentious asshole.”
???? Okay now I can't wait for JL and Enzos book! <3

93% Cain didn’t hear anything. When he’d been in Iraq, there were a few FUBAR moments when an explosion nearby would literally suck out all the air from the area. Time slowed down, voices became muffled and it seemed as if time passed by around him while he stayed stagnant. This was just like that. Jack continued to move his mouth, but the words were not making it into his ear. “Cain!” Someone was shaking him. “Cain!” Then suddenly, the noise came back in a woosh. “Cain!”
Omg what the fuck?!?!?! No seriously what the actually fuck is going on!!!!! :'( :O

94% Tony’s eyes glossed over and he let go of Cain’s shoulder as Cain got out the car. He’d come back, not fixed because that would take years, but feeling better only to find himself in hell.
Oh Cain! I can't believe you did that - for her! I'm actually tearing up - what the fuck is going on?!? This can't be right! :'(

97% The sun needs the moon and vice-versa. Some days you’ll be moody and some days it’ll be me. We can be each other’s suns on those days.”
Awww PERFECT! <3

98% I’ll tell you all these things before I get down on my knees and beg you—not ask you—but beg you to marry me. I’ll follow you anywhere, Violet. You may have to be my voice, since I’m not good with words, but your voice is all that matters to me.”
Oh Cain! Violets right you don't talk much but what you do say is perfect and amazing! I love you so fucking much! <3 <3

100% “It’s already my home. You’re in it. So, it’s my home, Vi. Wherever you are, that’s where I live.”
Cain!!, <3 <3 perfect! So perfect! That ending - Jesus my heart totally shattered! But the best of the series - I loved it! So so so glad I got an arc! I literally can't say anything but perfect! I fell head over heels for Cain n vi right at the start - Everything I love in a book! <3 <3

[Liz F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.

This was another excellent entry in Sidney Halston's Worth the Fight series. Laid Out is a little heavier on the MMA aspect and on the angst but it was still a lot of fun. If I may though, I would recommend picturing Chris Hemsworth as the hero because that's who the author had in mind... even though the dude on the front is certainly easy on the eyes too! ;)

Violet was a pretty great heroine. She had a small role in a couple of the previous books but nothing major. I loved that Violet was nice and sort of bubbly but not irritating. She laughed a lot and was always quick to smile. I felt like she would definitely be the kind of girl I'd hang out with. She's no party animal but likes to go out with the ladies and cut loose every now and then. She seemed like a sweet, normal woman and I liked her immediately. She does have some body issues though and those are due to her father being a bit of a dick. He was never mean or abusive or anything at all like that. But he was a military man, raising a daughter by himself. He wasn't one to dole out praise and he kept on Violet about her weight but I really think he was working a little above his pay grade. He didn't do it to hurt her; I think he thought he was trying to help her. Unfortunately, it didn't help her and it messed with her self-image. It's a shame because to me, she sounded like a total knockout! She's got a pin-up girl body and she's sweet and fun too? What's not to like?!

Cain was a pretty complicated dude. He and his best pal, Jeremy, grew up as Army brats with Violet. They always had each others' backs and I thought it was really sweet. On one hand, I liked how Cain always had a thing for Violet but stepped aside to let Jeremy go out with her. On the other hand, I really don't like the "secretly in love with my best friend's girl" trope. I feel like the story can get bogged down by too much guilt and too much of the main characters needing the approval of others before going out. Luckily, this wasn't TOO much of an issue here. Well, the guilt was but there was a lot more to the guilt than just Violet being Jeremy's girl. Cain is taciturn and broody and is seriously fricking hot! This is how the author imagined Cain:


But I liked that Cain's perfect (in my opinion) hid a lot of guilt and turmoil that was inside him. It made him a lot more interesting!

The Sexy Time was decently hot and there was a sufficient amount of it. I didn't love that Violet was so quick to forgive Cain every single time he ran away from her. Of course, if she hadn't been so quick to forgive people, she wouldn't have been the same character. I'm glad she finally put her foot down and stood her ground, even if it didn't go EXACTLY as she'd hoped it would! I think Violet and Cain had awesome chemistry and I love how he lightened up a bit when he was with her.

Like all Sidney Halston books, I loved this one. Here, there was a bit more of the MMA fighting in the form of underground, unsanctioned fight clubs. It wasn't too gory but a little blood was spilled. And I loved it! I have been dying to know what was going on between Violet and Cain for a couple of books now and this was pretty satisfying. But this could still be read as a stand-alone novel. Couples from previous books make appearances here but I really don't think it will matter for readers who aren't familiar with them. There were a few laughs and a few tears. More fighting than usual but nothing over the top. I definitely enjoyed this book and will be coming back for more as soon as the author gives us another one! :)

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad we finally got Cain and Vi's story. I was so curious about them and I really enjoyed this. Cain is so yummy and his and Vi's history was sweet and heartbreaking. Cain was sort of a big idiot for most of the book, but like Vi I forgave him. Love the WtF crew and now I am ready for JL to get her story!
This was a complimentary e-copy provided by the author and the publisher in exchange for a honest review via Netgalley.

[LizBookAddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

I was perhaps in too much of a good mood when reading the predecessor to this book because here I could actually pick up quite a few faults.

I found the story sweet... perhaps a little too sweet. It didn't have all the steamy goodness of the one prior and that's what actually put me off. Having not started the series at book one, I wasn't too familiar with the characters however I did know there was some kinda tension brewing.

Me thoughts it was a good build up until their actually story was told. Now, no offense to survivor's guilt nor to any war veterans but I really did wish this guys would shut it with his inner-monologue, grab a pair, and get the girl.

He did a fair-bit of grabbing but not too high on the hot scale.

For once though, the heroine actually impressed me. But not because she was overly impressive. No, because she threw some... and I repeat some of my expectations out the window. Instead of being predictable, she was somewhat unpredictable...

What brought down the rating further though was the repetitive writing... Sometimes, authors, to fill the expected word count repeats certain scenes without any originality and poof, you have a complete book. Very off-putting!

In conclusion.. a kinda good contemp.


ARC kindly provided by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Laid Out was a good read.

Cain and Violet's story was emotional, heartbreaking, romantic with some serious sweet and swoon worthy moments.



The Worth the Fight series has been very entertaining and while each book can be read as a standalone I highly recommend them all. https://www.goodreads.com/series/1352...

Sidney Halston is a talented author and knows how to bring her characters to life and touch her readers hearts. Looking forward to reading more from her in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Lisa Filipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sidney Halston has done it again! As if her heroes couldn't get any hotter, she brings Cain into the ring...(Pun Intended). Our sexy viking, walking into Violet's life and pillaging...yum! What I love about Sidney's romances is that there is a deep emotion, real characters and humor...I always laugh with this group...and the bird had me cracking up! Oh...and even the foreplay is hot...crackling between Cain and Vi...whoa...he just needed to let go of the guilt and give in to the one woman he has always loved.

My heart broke, but I had so much fun getting there! LAID OUT is so worth the read!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Cain what am I to do with you, "I think you like porn, Violet. I think that any guy you date will be a lucky man.” He closed his eyes tightly, and said. “I also think it’s time you went home.” He ran his hand over his face and adjusted his jeans." Cain thinks it's his job to make sure Violet gets proper etiquette on things, "he wanted her. “When a man is standing with a hard c*** in front of you, the proper thing to do is acknowledge it." Violet I loved her, "it is!” She screeched. “It’s a very nice penis. What exactly am I supposed to say? I mean, it’s nice. And look, it has that pretty metal ring on it. It’s decorated." Cain obviously corrects her a lot, "and second of all, you don’t call it nice. What the eff, Vi? That’s a sure fire way to get a pretty decorated penis to shrivel off and die." I enjoyed this book this is a series I love and always can't wait to get another book in.

[Rachael Orman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply adored this book.. It was super sexy and fast paced. I loved it. There was a lot of things going on and lots of feelings that were involved. At times I wanted to smack Cain for his stubbornness, but really it all made sense in the end.

I think the only bad thing I can say about this book is that I didn't really feel that it fit into the WtF series. There were only a few very minor scenes that involved fighting, but regardless I loved the book.

The characters had been friends for a long time and it was nice to see how they managed to change it into more even with all the things they had to deal with from their past.

Ms. Halston does an excellent job of drawing you in and keeping you flipping pages becvause you get so attached to the characters and their lives, emotions and situations.

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

[Susan (susayq ~) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really must go back and read the books I've missed in this series cause Sidney Halston writes an amazing book. She infuses humor in with the right amount of angst and romance. A perfect combination for me.

I have to admit, Cain drove me a little nuts in here. He was soooo moody and really was a huge jerkwad to Violet. Admitedly, he didn't necessarily treat her bad on purpose, it was a biproduct of his guilt and love and it came out jerkish. Honestly, I think she forgave him too easily in the end. I'd have made him work harder for it. But, I'm not Violet and it's all good :)

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley

[Sheryl C. Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

*ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Random House Publishing*

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

Afrodyt and Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Afrodyt's Review 3.5 stars
Violet and Cain have shared their whole lives with one another. To say this relationship is “complicated” would be an understatement. There are ghosts lurking in the shadows between these two and as the reader I found myself wondering what it would take to resolve their impasse. We’ve seen them circling around each other in over two books now and it was definitely time to find out what was going on with them. Cain is a hardened soldier, fighter and a taciturn man. He carries a lot of regret and grief from his military service and because he keeps quiet and to himself, he’s a hard man to really know even for those closest to him. Violet is the opposite. She wears her heart on her sleeve and talks incessantly, she’s bubbly and outgoing but she’s also carrying the heartache and grief that comes with unfulfilled dreams. Cain is the only remaining link to her past. She loves him as the childhood friend he has always been but can’t deny her growing physical attraction. They both had a TON of baggage to deal with in order to be together. Sidney Halston is a wonderful writer and this is one of my favorite MMA series. Francesca and Tony’s story, book 3 of this series, was positively exquisite and the other books in this series are a solid five stars but unfortunately, Laid Out fell short for me. The angst and drama was carried on a tad too long. The hot and cold behavior by Cain just became annoying after a while. I was rooting for them the whole time and knowing they would get their HEA kept me reading, but I was exhausted emotionally by the time they got there. It’s worth reading in order to stay with the series, however I give it 3.5 stars.

Slick's Review 3 stars
This is a hard review for me to write because while I liked Laid Out by Sidney Halston I didn’t enjoy it as much as I have the other books in this series and knowing that it is the author’s favorite book in this series makes me wonder what I missed while reading it. I loved that is was a best friends to lovers story and that these characters had all kinds of crazy history, I felt great empathy for them both losing a best friend and fiancé as well as their parents but Lord save me from men who refuse to share their burdens and communicate with the person he supposedly loves. Complicated, co-dependent, and confused are the words that come to mind in regards the relationship between Violet Channing and Cain Sorenson and for the majority of this story it didn’t change which frustrated me a great deal.

Both Violet and Cain have some baggage hell let me not sugar coat it their baggage has baggage especially where Cain is concerned. Violet has self esteem issues which stems from her late father’s obsession about her weight all her life and how she sees herself. It bothered me that at times she seemed so self assured but at others she seemed meek and uncomfortable. Honestly she showed classic signs of being verbally abused and while I don’t think it was done maliciously I believe that given her upbringing it was just easier for her to agree than stand up for herself especially since she had Cain to do it for her most of her life. I liked that Violet didn’t let her fiancé, Jeremy’s death break her and admire her for changing up her life following his death. I also think had she married Jeremy she would have ended up with a man much like her father, sad but true. While I appreciated that this author wrote a heroine who was fuller figured I felt like I was bashed over the head many times with the description of her huge boobs, ample ass, and thick thighs. Once or twice fine but it was mentioned way more than that and it got redundant and ridiculous after awhile. It was implied that Cain’s household wasn’t the best; while his mother was loving his father was career military and expected his son to tow the line something Cain didn’t always do. He joined the Army not only because his dad felt it would give him direction but because his best friend Jeremy preached duty and honor to him. Jeremy’s death hit him hard especially given the events that took place prior to it and Cain’s inability to let go has caused some mental instability in him and affected his friendship with Violet.

I can’t deny the attraction between these two people, but I hated the mixed signals and the back and forth between them and it went on way to long in this story. I appreciated that they had some things to work through I felt that given the fact they were so close at one time it should have been easier for them to talk, not harder and given that they had been best friends Cain should have felt like he could tell Violet anything without ramifications. I hated that Violet repeatedly let Cain get away with his bad behavior and kept forgiving him and it took way too long for her to tell him enough was enough.
Sexually they proved to be more than compatible but I’ll be honest when I say I wanted to see more of a non physical connection between them without Cain playing raging protective a$$hole and Violet acquiescing to his whims. I wanted more for this couple; more communication, more fun moments, more lightheartedness (they’d been through so much already), more time learning each other as adults, and move time with them once their issues were worked through.

While not my favorite in this series I still liked Laid Out but it won’t be one I reach for to read again; there was just too much struggle for these two and very little time with them once they figured it all out.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

OH. MY. GOD. Cain. I received my ARC of this book a while ago and I read it right away. I have gone back to reread parts of the book multiple times because I loved it so much. This book is that good people!

Cain and Violet, along with their friend Jeremy, grew up together. On the day that Cain and Jeremy deployed, Cain gave Violet her first kiss. Cain always had feelings for Violet, but he buried those feelings once he learned that Jeremy also liked her. What he didn't know was that after their kiss, Violet quietly hoped that it would turn into something more. But it didn't, so she started a relationship with Jeremy. From that point on, Violet was off limits. Fast forward 12 years and Cain and Violet are once again living in the same town and Jeremy is gone.

To most people Cain comes off as a bit surly and is a man of few words. He kind of blends into the background and only speaks when he needs to. But when it comes to Violet, he is a big old teddy bear. Unfortunately, Cain is an extremely loyal person. And I say unfortunately, because he is so loyal to Jeremy's memory that he still considers Violet to be off limits. And he tries to prove to himself that he still feels that way by helping Violet with her dating/bedroom skills. Help her find a boyfriend. Someone that is not him. Sounds like a good idea, right?

It becomes very clear that while Cain is willing to help her, he isn't necessarily ready to let her go. And Violet, who has recently rediscovered her feelings for Cain, sees this as a way to finally get the guy she has always wanted. These two has ridiculous chemistry and some of the scenes between them were so freaking HOT. It wasn't just a friend helping another friend. It was so much more than that. They knew it and everyone around them knew it, but Cain was too guilty to let it go any further and Violet didn't deserve to be led on anymore than she already was.

At one point in the book, things are not going well. Cain and Violet aren't together. They aren't even in the same town. Then Cain returns and things go from bad to the absolute worst. I felt everything that Cain was going through and though part of me knew that things would work out and everything would be okay, the other part of me was absolutely devastated and I cried like a freaking baby. Like a ridiculous ugly cry that made me extremely happy that I live alone.

I have liked every book in this series, but this is by far my favorite. Cain went through a lot and he made himself a better man so he could be with the one person he ever really loved. And Violet, god bless her, put herself out there and didn't hold anything back with him. It doesn't get much better than that.

This series isn't over and I'm looking forward to reading the next book. Something tells me this one will be very entertaining.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

They grew up together, Army Brats, each living within the confines of the military life. Violet followed Jeremy and Cain with worshipful eyes, and soon they were inseparable, but only one could win her heart as they grew. Jeremy claimed Violet for his own, they were to be wed.

He and Cain went off to war, but only Cain returned, torn, guilt-ridden and secretly in love with Violet. When fate brings them back together in the same town, they begin the awkward dance of avoidance, as the ghost of Jeremy looms in their hearts and minds. Cain feels guilty for wanting what Jeremy will never have, a life with Violet. Violet discovers she loved Jeremy, but is in love with Cain, perfect in body, a total alpha male who makes her knees weak. Insecure with her body, she feels she can never find anyone, let alone attract her one time best friend Cain, while he devises a way to “help” her meet men, by teaching her the beauty she possesses, both outside and in. Can he let the confident and sweet Violet go?

Laid Out by Sidney Halston is a passionate, angst-filled tale of letting go of the past and learning to live for the both the present and future, because who knows what may happen. Cain is damaged, and finds his “release” in fighting, the pain makes him feel alive, a product of PTSD, that he refuses to acknowledge. Violet is an amazing woman and she has moments where she shines, even as she allows Cain’s hot and cold attitude to crush her, she learns how strong and worthy of love she is. Humor, sizzling intimate scenes and a few overbearing macho moments with Cain make for a wicked ride on the love train. If you enjoy the heat, the angst and the games people play, this one is going to catch you up and hold you tight until the end! Just keep your eyes and heart open to the cluelessness each of these characters demonstrate and remember what each has been through, it makes their journey make sense, no matter how overly difficult their relationship seems.

I received an ARC edition from Loveswept in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Worth the Fight - Book 4
Publication Date: August 18, 2015
Publisher: Loveswept
ISBN-13: 9781101886298
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 302 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cain and Violet have known each other since they were children growing up in Texas with their friend Jeremy, but it’s been years since they lived in the same state. Violet was engaged to Jeremy, Cain’s best friend, who didn’t come back from their second tour of duty. Cain’s wracked with guilt, Violet’s discovering life after Jeremy’s death. Guilt overpowers their feelings for each other, but eventually romance can’t help but happen.

The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between

The Good: Friends to lovers is a trope I enjoy, and I’ve been looking forward to this entry because Cain’s the strong and silent type, which is my favorite as well. Add in MMA fighters and it’s a recipe I’m always up for. There’s some goofy moments between them that made me smile and I thought their first kiss was a great setup for their romance. The friendships that have built over the course of this series are on display, which really were the highlights for me.

The Bad: Unfortunately, the romance itself may have started with promise, but it didn’t come together as well I would have liked. Cain’s mixed signals frustrated me as well as Violet and the story itself was a bit disjointed. Their two steps forward three steps back just pulled me out of the moment a few too many times. The sex was lacking some heat and faded to black a few too many times. I think the setups for their sexual encounters were dependent on Violet being way too naive. Even if she’s only been with one man, she’s a nurse. I can’t believe she hasn’t seen some things in her time, but she is so oblivious that it was distracting instead of endearing.

Everything In Between: Violet and Cain came off as teenagers than grown adults when it came to their feelings. Their reunion at the end had good potential and was sweet, but I guess ultimately there were times when really delving into their feelings instead of glossing over them just kept it from elevating the romance.

The Bottom Line
It was ok, though not my favorite of the series. I do like the teaser for the next book though, so I’m hopeful that things get back on track for me.

**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**

[Strider28 · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me say that “Laid Out” is part of the “Worth the Fight” series, which I loved! And although this could be read as a standalone it will make much more sense if you read the other books first so that you’ll understand the relationship between Violet Channing, Cain Sorensen and the rest of the cast of characters.

Violet Channing is a military brat who grew up with two best friends on the base, Cain Sorensen and Jeremy Edwards. They were her protectors at school where kids made fun of her. Violet grew up without a mother and her father was strict and never really gave any love to Violet and was always critical of her size. He always told her she was fat and slow. He destroyed her self-confidence which enraged her best friends who loved her curves and told her frequently that she was not fat!
Cain and Jeremy both had a crush on Violet but Cain never showed his interest because Jeremy had made a claim on her first.

But when the unthinkable happened Violet is devastated and felt so alone. She needed Cain but he wasn’t there for her.
The story focuses on how Cain and Violet deal with the death of Jeremy separately and the guilt they both feel when years later they still have feelings for each other. They have avoided each other since his death, living in different cities. Neither is ready to have a relationship because they never let Jeremy go. Cain blames himself for Jeremy’s death and Violet feels like she’ll betray Jeremy if she dates anyone else even though it’s been years since his death.

This is a tale of healing, letting go of the past and moving forward. It has angst, romance and finally a happily ever after.

I love that this book is a stand-alone and that it ends with the HEA. No cliffhanger!
I really enjoyed this book although if I’m being honest I liked the first two books in the “Worth the Fight” series better. But this book is also worth the read.

I would recommend this book to my friends for sure.

I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends to lovers…

Cain Sorensen was Violet Channing’s best friend when they were kids. He had been her first kiss. They're adults now, living in the same city again, but despite sharing a great loss, Cain had become so distant it was hard to see any remnant of their past friendship. He acted like he almost hated her.

Violet loved Cain, always had, and her feelings were still strong even though their paths had taken different directions. Even their careers couldn’t be more polar opposite, as Cain worked as a mercenary, with MMA fighting thrown in, and Violet worked at the local hospital as a nurse. They were going to have one last chance at making things right between them but it wasn’t going to be easy.

Cain and Violet are each hurting in their own way. So much is left unsaid that it is hard to find common ground and the misunderstandings keep piling up. Cain is running from feelings he believes had tragic consequences; Violet is fighting unknown ghosts in her need for Cain to open up about what the problems are between them. Throw in a high school reunion, online dating with ghosts from the past, and their road to understanding is truly bumpy.

I liked this story, I really did. I didn’t love it, though I feel I should have. A hot, alpha male lead, a strong, relatable female heroine and a story that provided plenty of opportunity for drama and emotion means it had all the “must haves” that make up a really good story for me. Perhaps too drawn out…maybe? Regardless, Laid Out is still a good, solid read and one that has me looking for others in the series. ~ Diane, 3.5 stars

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Army brats to the core, Jeremy, Cain and Violet grew up together and they were quite inseparable...until Jeremy and Cain head off to war. Jeremy sets his sights on Violet and they quickly marry but only Cain returns home.

Cain has loved Violet practically his entire life. He carries the loss of his chance with Violet well since his best friend Jeremy got the girl. Now Jeremy is gone and nothing is standing in his way but his guilt over Jeremy's death.

Now Cain has returned home and is quite an accomplished fighter who gets caught up in the illegal underground cage fighting as an outlet for his anger and guilt.

Violet is a strong and independent woman who has learned to thrive even after tradegy. Just when you think Cain's vacillations are going to bring her down she still manages to pull herself through.

PTSD, guilt and war all play a major roll in Cain's and Violet's story but Halston also manages to wheedle in some funny, a healthy dash of romance and some uber alpha male action.

I really enjoyed reading Laid Out. I found the story to be very entertaining with a wild ride on the romance roller coaster.

I received this ARC copy of Laid Out from Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication August 18, 2015.