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New York Crime Kings #1
Broken: Round One
Emily's life sounded more like the punch line to a joke than an actual turn of events.
... a student nurse walks into an illegal, underground fighting club...
Emily Sheppard didn't have much to live for. As a foster child, her life was anything but glamorous and her daily commute through New York's underbelly reminded her of that. Nursing was her life, her only way to help others in need.
Then her pride took it from her.
Jai Stone wasn't important. The train he rode around New York never let him forget that. Jai had fights to fight and a brother to save, but one random night slipped an innocent into his grasp.
Now they're trapped together.
A fighter and a nurse.
... and it all comes down to one truth.
FIGHT OR DIE.
... a student nurse walks into an illegal, underground fighting club...
Emily Sheppard didn't have much to live for. As a foster child, her life was anything but glamorous and her daily commute through New York's underbelly reminded her of that. Nursing was her life, her only way to help others in need.
Then her pride took it from her.
Jai Stone wasn't important. The train he rode around New York never let him forget that. Jai had fights to fight and a brother to save, but one random night slipped an innocent into his grasp.
Now they're trapped together.
A fighter and a nurse.
... and it all comes down to one truth.
FIGHT OR DIE.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2015
152 people are currently reading
2186 people want to read
About the author
Skyla Madi
59 books2,066 followersSkyla Madi is a twenty-something international bestselling author of a mixed bag of hot romance!
Though signed with Hawaiian based publishing companies, Limitless Publishing & Crave publishing, Skyla lives in sunny Queensland, Australia, where she spends most her time indoors writing with one hand and raising her three children with the other.
Other hobbies and passions include:
- Drinking coffee
- Reading romance
- Eating cake
- and writing for her husband's independent comic book series.
Skyla is available and open to messages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and here on Goodreads, and you can also contact her via email @ skylamadi@outlook.com
Website: http://bit.ly/skylamadiofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkylaMadi
Join my Minxes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14612...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Skyla_Madi
Instagram: skylamadi (https://www.instagram.com/skylamadi/)
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/skyla...
Book+Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/SkylaMadi
Though signed with Hawaiian based publishing companies, Limitless Publishing & Crave publishing, Skyla lives in sunny Queensland, Australia, where she spends most her time indoors writing with one hand and raising her three children with the other.
Other hobbies and passions include:
- Drinking coffee
- Reading romance
- Eating cake
- and writing for her husband's independent comic book series.
Skyla is available and open to messages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and here on Goodreads, and you can also contact her via email @ skylamadi@outlook.com
Website: http://bit.ly/skylamadiofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkylaMadi
Join my Minxes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/14612...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Skyla_Madi
Instagram: skylamadi (https://www.instagram.com/skylamadi/)
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/skyla...
Book+Main: https://bookandmainbites.com/SkylaMadi
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
April 25, 2015
3.5 Stars!
Emily is a 25 years old girl who grew up in foster care. She works as a nurse, but she can barely afford her apartment. One night on her way home a man bumps into her broking her tablet. She is broke so she really needs her tablet fixed or replaced. Common sense tells her to forget about it, not to fallow the strange man, but she’s too broke and she really needs it.
What comes next – Emily walks into a strange, dangerous situation she can’t escape even if in some way, Jai, the strange man tries to help her. However, Jai helps her paying her a $10,000 entrance fee in some strange place, paying practically for her life.
At first she can’t comprehend what this place really is, but very soon she finds out people fight there for their lives...literally. Like everyone in this underground fight club, men and women, she has to fight as well. There are some rules:
* Don’t talk about it;
* Don’t kill anyone outside the cage;
* You fight when it’s your turn or you die.
Emily is more than scared. She’s sure she will not survive in this dangerous underground world. She doesn’t have anyone to help her, except Jai. As the story progresses they get to know each other better and soon they become more.
Everything gets complicated when Emily has to choose between staying loyal to Jai and...maybe staying alive.
This was a great book with an unusual plot for a fighter book and in my opinion it was an entertaining read. It was gripping from the first chapter, intense and will the perfect amount of suspense and steam. I enjoyed hot Emily and Jai's relationship progressed and despite the short length of the novel it didn't feel rushed.
Emily is shy and a little naïve, but she felt pretty courageous to me most of the times. She’s frightened, considering the situation she’s in, but at the same time she’s intrigued. Jai’s character was pretty good as well. His reason to being there in this underground world wasn’t too intriguing. However I understood it. He’s clearly a good fighter, he’s sexy and he’s protective, dominant and even caring with Emily. Neither of them wasn’t spectacular, but both if them were likeable.
The chemistry and sexual tension are really great and the sex scenes hot and passionate. Even if the ending isn’t a cliffy, the story left me wanting more so I will certainly continue reading the next books in the series. While I didn’t love this installment, I really enjoyed it.
Overall, a great read!
Emily is a 25 years old girl who grew up in foster care. She works as a nurse, but she can barely afford her apartment. One night on her way home a man bumps into her broking her tablet. She is broke so she really needs her tablet fixed or replaced. Common sense tells her to forget about it, not to fallow the strange man, but she’s too broke and she really needs it.
“What is that?”
“That is your biggest mistake.”
What comes next – Emily walks into a strange, dangerous situation she can’t escape even if in some way, Jai, the strange man tries to help her. However, Jai helps her paying her a $10,000 entrance fee in some strange place, paying practically for her life.
“Above us, a city sleeps, but down here, anarchy rules.”
At first she can’t comprehend what this place really is, but very soon she finds out people fight there for their lives...literally. Like everyone in this underground fight club, men and women, she has to fight as well. There are some rules:
* Don’t talk about it;
* Don’t kill anyone outside the cage;
* You fight when it’s your turn or you die.
Emily is more than scared. She’s sure she will not survive in this dangerous underground world. She doesn’t have anyone to help her, except Jai. As the story progresses they get to know each other better and soon they become more.
“I own you,” he says, his voice stoking the fire in my blood. “I owned you the second I had you pinned against the warehouse.”
Everything gets complicated when Emily has to choose between staying loyal to Jai and...maybe staying alive.
“In the midst of all this crazy, he’s the only thing that has made me feel safe.”
This was a great book with an unusual plot for a fighter book and in my opinion it was an entertaining read. It was gripping from the first chapter, intense and will the perfect amount of suspense and steam. I enjoyed hot Emily and Jai's relationship progressed and despite the short length of the novel it didn't feel rushed.
Emily is shy and a little naïve, but she felt pretty courageous to me most of the times. She’s frightened, considering the situation she’s in, but at the same time she’s intrigued. Jai’s character was pretty good as well. His reason to being there in this underground world wasn’t too intriguing. However I understood it. He’s clearly a good fighter, he’s sexy and he’s protective, dominant and even caring with Emily. Neither of them wasn’t spectacular, but both if them were likeable.
The chemistry and sexual tension are really great and the sex scenes hot and passionate. Even if the ending isn’t a cliffy, the story left me wanting more so I will certainly continue reading the next books in the series. While I didn’t love this installment, I really enjoyed it.
Overall, a great read!
February 3, 2015
This is my first book by this author and it was indeed a fast entertaining story. I did like the writing for the most part but felt like somethings were a bit too vague.
The heroine, Emily follows the mysterious inconsiderate man who bumped into her and broke her tablet on the subway, into an industrial site. To her dismay, she has walked into a crazy situation. The stranger, Jai pays her $10,000 entrance fee into a fight club underground/ apocalypse type situation. She is told she has to fight for her way out and can’t leave.
Three simple rules: 1) do NOT tell anyone; 2) don’t kill anyone OUTSIDE the cage; and 3) fight when it’s your turn, or you DIE.
Jai and his reasons for being at this underground club were very well done and I did like him as the hero. However, I just keep thinking with the cots, the bathing area, and the skeleton faced guy in charge…
Jai and Emily get hot and heavy in the dirty halls and on their cots as they wait to get into the cage. The story was interesting enough for me to read the next book in the series, but not great enough to recommend to friends.
”Win or lose, I’m getting out of her when I’m finished with round two.”
January 29, 2015
4 not so BROKEN stars
Jai and Emily
I LOVED this novella. SO different from yourtypical "FIGHTER" reads. The story is just BEGINNING to progress and I can't wait to see what else enfolds. Skyla Madi really got creative with this plot! It is quite short and time flies by effortlessly which is why I recommend. The chemistry between Jai and Emily is UNDENIABLE and I can't wait to see whats in store for them.
BrokenSkyla Madi
- Sleepless, Readmore.
Twitter
Jai and Emily
I own you.
I owned you the second I pinned you against the warehouse.
I LOVED this novella. SO different from your
BrokenSkyla Madi
- Sleepless, Readmore.
January 28, 2015
☆ I received an ARC via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
“I love the way his body covers mine, like a warm blanket of sex and alpha male. It creates a surge of electricity inside me and I can’t stop it. I need him like I need air.”
Hot damn! Skyla Madi has done it again!
I mean, where does this woman get these ideas for her stories? They’re all so different from her previous ones!
Broken was by all means, one hell of an exhilirating ride filled with suspense, heart-pounding thrill and action, as well as sexual tension! I did not know what to expect next! I was on pins and needles the entire time!!
Here, you meet an up and coming nurse who finds herself in a bad predicament. With her only chances of survival dwindling on relying on a mysterious stranger with a deadly agenda on his plate, and, fighting her way out, it’s going to be a battle of wills and manipulation to get out alive or die trying!!
“I don’t know much, but there’s one thing I know for certain. Win or lose, I’m getting out of here when I’m finished with round two.”
My thoughts?
To say I enjoyed this novel would be an understatement. I lived it, breathed it for nearly 3 hours straight without putting my kindle down once!! Jai was SO HOT!! I had to fan myself during ”those scenes” if ya get what I mean! *wink wink*
“Jai’s lips crash to mine and I moan as he plunges his tongue into my mouth. He’s so male.
Dominant
Assertive.
Certain.”
Moving on!
To me, Emily was like many of us, wanting that sense of excitement in our lives and wanting to experience the thrill of the unknown. But of course, getting thrown into a blood-chilling underground fight club was not what she had envisioned.
I could see her plight and sympathize why she was the way she was. Growing up as an orphan with no roots or any direction, she has the drive to make something of herself and create a stable environment for herself. Hence, becoming a nurse.
But... with a turn of events leading where they are now, Emily now has a new fight on her hands, packed with deadly enemies who will not hesitate to slit her throat at any given moment!
What will become of her? Will she survive her turn(s) in the ring? Is Jai really the man she thought he was? And will this unsavory establishment strengthen her or chew her back out in bits and pieces?
Either way, she’s in the fight of her life!! “FIGHT OR DIE."
Excellent, excellent job, Skyla! Way to keep a reader on their toes!! I can’t wait to see Emily become even more stronger and independent in bk2, Twisted! As well as, can’t wait to see more background and well, just MORE!, or Jai!!! Hehe
Loved, loved Broken!!♥
“I love the way his body covers mine, like a warm blanket of sex and alpha male. It creates a surge of electricity inside me and I can’t stop it. I need him like I need air.”
Hot damn! Skyla Madi has done it again!
I mean, where does this woman get these ideas for her stories? They’re all so different from her previous ones!
Broken was by all means, one hell of an exhilirating ride filled with suspense, heart-pounding thrill and action, as well as sexual tension! I did not know what to expect next! I was on pins and needles the entire time!!
Here, you meet an up and coming nurse who finds herself in a bad predicament. With her only chances of survival dwindling on relying on a mysterious stranger with a deadly agenda on his plate, and, fighting her way out, it’s going to be a battle of wills and manipulation to get out alive or die trying!!
“I don’t know much, but there’s one thing I know for certain. Win or lose, I’m getting out of here when I’m finished with round two.”
My thoughts?
To say I enjoyed this novel would be an understatement. I lived it, breathed it for nearly 3 hours straight without putting my kindle down once!! Jai was SO HOT!! I had to fan myself during ”those scenes” if ya get what I mean! *wink wink*
“Jai’s lips crash to mine and I moan as he plunges his tongue into my mouth. He’s so male.
Dominant
Assertive.
Certain.”
Moving on!
To me, Emily was like many of us, wanting that sense of excitement in our lives and wanting to experience the thrill of the unknown. But of course, getting thrown into a blood-chilling underground fight club was not what she had envisioned.
I could see her plight and sympathize why she was the way she was. Growing up as an orphan with no roots or any direction, she has the drive to make something of herself and create a stable environment for herself. Hence, becoming a nurse.
But... with a turn of events leading where they are now, Emily now has a new fight on her hands, packed with deadly enemies who will not hesitate to slit her throat at any given moment!
What will become of her? Will she survive her turn(s) in the ring? Is Jai really the man she thought he was? And will this unsavory establishment strengthen her or chew her back out in bits and pieces?
Either way, she’s in the fight of her life!! “FIGHT OR DIE."
Excellent, excellent job, Skyla! Way to keep a reader on their toes!! I can’t wait to see Emily become even more stronger and independent in bk2, Twisted! As well as, can’t wait to see more background and well, just MORE!, or Jai!!! Hehe
Loved, loved Broken!!♥
January 29, 2015
TITLE: Broken
SERIES: (Broken, #1)
AUTHOR: Skyla Madi
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: January 25th 2015
MY RATING: ★★★★
FIGHT OR DIE
Another book which was recommended to me by a friend on here..Thank you Katie!!
The first rule of FIGHT CLUB is; you do not talk about FIGHT CLUB, the second rule of FIGHT CLUB is DON'T KILL anyone outside of the cage and three; you FIGHT when it's your turn, or you DIE..
If you lose, and don't die, you leave. Those are the rules. Broke and Broken. Worse off than what you were when you came in.
A quick unique story that gripped me from the start, a nieve nurse and a hardened fighter in a normal world their worlds probably wouldn't collide, like a slasher movie where the blond meets her demise the beginning of this is no different, I was near on shouting walk away don't follow him and all because he broke her ereader!! lol
I can't study without my tablet. If I don't study, I'll fail and if I fail, I'll have nothing left.
ONCE YOU'RE IN THERE IS NO WAY OUT
You know about this place now, you can't unsee it, you can't avoid it, and you can't talk about it
Above us, a city sleeps, but down here, Anarchy Rules!!
I'm deep underground somewhere, and I witnessed the murder of an innocent man within the first ten minutes of arriving, a human being died and he was treated just like the trash
Emily ~ I have no fighting experience yet here I am, TRAPPED underground with FIGHTERS and the only way out is to WIN, LOSE OR DIE TRYING.
This was so different to anything I have read before, can not wait for the next instalment!!
December 17, 2015
F*ck me, this was good!
This time I didn't post any status reports with my entusiastic screams, cause i've been burned before lol when the book starts gooooood, flows smooothly into the uncharted teritory and that leaves you dry - well, didn't want for that to happen with this one - and, boy, oh, boy, this one's a jewel!
this is no.1 in Broken series, it has a cliffy...and I'm hungry for more!
about the story - this is a 5 Fight club worth the rating!
you have two untipical fighters - one who can pass as a real fighter but is far from it and the other who has no business what so ever in doing or being it.
him
her
you know that time when shit happens from the exact moment you find yourself at the wrong place at the wrong time and everything goes down hill and you can't do shit to change it.
well, imagine you got stuck in an Underground fighting club, from where you can walkout either extremely rich or broke and broken!
you have to choose fast who to trust, fight the urges to give in your primal carnal feelings - like lust; and you have to stay alive...
when dubious and misterious circumstances make you turn into a real fighter, then things stop, cause they continue in the second installment.
well, f*ck and damn!
This time I didn't post any status reports with my entusiastic screams, cause i've been burned before lol when the book starts gooooood, flows smooothly into the uncharted teritory and that leaves you dry - well, didn't want for that to happen with this one - and, boy, oh, boy, this one's a jewel!
this is no.1 in Broken series, it has a cliffy...and I'm hungry for more!
about the story - this is a 5 Fight club worth the rating!
you have two untipical fighters - one who can pass as a real fighter but is far from it and the other who has no business what so ever in doing or being it.
him
her
you know that time when shit happens from the exact moment you find yourself at the wrong place at the wrong time and everything goes down hill and you can't do shit to change it.
well, imagine you got stuck in an Underground fighting club, from where you can walkout either extremely rich or broke and broken!
you have to choose fast who to trust, fight the urges to give in your primal carnal feelings - like lust; and you have to stay alive...
when dubious and misterious circumstances make you turn into a real fighter, then things stop, cause they continue in the second installment.
well, f*ck and damn!
November 26, 2017
2.5*
I’ve read the reviews so I know I’m in the minority here but this book didn’t work for me at all.
It’s far-fetched and crazy now at times I like a little crazy but here it completely threw me because I just wasn’t expecting it.
Emily is a student nurse travelling home on the train after a long day she’s reading up on nursing etiquette on her tablet. As she prepares to get off at her stop a stranger also gets off and she bounces off him and drops her tablet and the screen cracks.
Now Emily is an ordinary woman struggling to get by and she can’t afford to repair or replace her tablet so she follows the large rude stranger. She follows him down a dark alley into a former industrial area full of rundown warehouses (she’s either brave or stupid). She catches up with the stranger and of course she drops her tablet yet again.
The rude stranger is Jai and he’s heading towards a large warehouse where entrance is $10,000 each. This gains you entrance to fight club where you can win big or lose everything.
So apart from Emily being unable to keep hold of a tablet she has no fighting ability at all yet her mouth works fine. Despite being told repeatedly to keep quiet or she’ll get them both killed she continues to run her month.
She annoyed me too much for me to be able to enjoy this book but having seen all the fabulous reviews it seems like it’s a case of it’s me not the book.
January 12, 2015
Oh my gosh, what is it with these gorgeous, hot underground fighters?! It's like fighting illegally underground, is the new kinky billionaire. These guys get dirty, and can literally throw you around the room!
I haven't read a great deal of books with any kind of fighting in, it's a relatively new topic for me. But as The Unfortunates was one of my favorite reads of 2014, I really wanted to give Broken a go. This is actually my 2nd fighter book in a week and I think it may be a new fave topic.
Anyway, so this book was a complete wow book for me.
Emily, a nurse. Is on her way home one night. It's late and she lives in a rather dubious area, so keeping her head down is the most important thing. She is completely broke though, and when a guy in a hurry barges past her, he knocks her tablet on the floor so it smashes. Emily can't afford to replace or fix it, so is determined to get him to compensate her.
Emily follows the guy in the opposite direction to her little apartment, to an even dodgier area. She calls out, but he doesn't hear her, so she continues to try and catch up with him.
Huge mistake! By the time he realises she is there, and what she wants, it's too late for her to turn back. They are outside the entrance, to somewhere Emily can't even comprehend, and the last place she should be. But she has already been spotted by a guard, so she has to go inside, or suffer the consequences of knowing of this place.
Jai Stone....well yum! That is all. Okay, not all. Jai is the guy in a hurry, dark and mysterious, and not expecting to have to protect a small and feisty stranger, especially one that costs him $10,000. Yet he does, and now he has to help her, or she will never leave the place they have both entered.
So from here on in, the tension just jumps up 50 notches. The whole feel of the place is crazy intense, but it's nothing compared to the chemistry between Jai and Emily. The sexual tension was unbelievably hot. Made more so by the fact that they are both trapped underground, no way out unless they fight their way out.
Considering this was a novella, every page was dripping with such heat, and the feeling of the unknown, that it made it feel so much longer. Everything about it felt really different and unique. I know I don't read fighter books, so of course it's going to be unique to me, but it felt like every aspect was totally different. The characters weren't repetitive and the same as every other character I read. Emily was shy yet at the same time had quite the forward and ballsy bite to her. She loved the excitement of it all, yet it still frightened her. She was supposed to keep quiet, yet couldn't help but keep on asking questions. I just loved how she wasn't a typical lead girl. And jai, again Yum! Did I mention he is yum? Wow that man oozes every desirable trait, you could come across. His confident and sure attitude was a major turn on, but as soon as he got in that cage, omg! I wasn't sure I even thought fighting was sexy, well Jai Stone certainly made it sexy!!
Oh one thing I will say, the guy name Skull, who runs the place. Every single time he is in a scene, I get visions of the tattooed guy 'Zombie boy' and it just freaks me out. Completely. In a good way of course! :)
So, again I am wowed by a Skyla Madi book. The Unfortunates wasn't a one off for me, she is consistent in her incredible writing and amazingly good stories, oh and of course her incredibly hot lead men. Jai Stone, uhh Yum!! Okay I'll stop now. ;)
I recommend this book huge amounts. I can't wait for part 2, unbelievably desperate for it. 5 Huge Stars!
**I was given a copy of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
I haven't read a great deal of books with any kind of fighting in, it's a relatively new topic for me. But as The Unfortunates was one of my favorite reads of 2014, I really wanted to give Broken a go. This is actually my 2nd fighter book in a week and I think it may be a new fave topic.
Anyway, so this book was a complete wow book for me.
Emily, a nurse. Is on her way home one night. It's late and she lives in a rather dubious area, so keeping her head down is the most important thing. She is completely broke though, and when a guy in a hurry barges past her, he knocks her tablet on the floor so it smashes. Emily can't afford to replace or fix it, so is determined to get him to compensate her.
Emily follows the guy in the opposite direction to her little apartment, to an even dodgier area. She calls out, but he doesn't hear her, so she continues to try and catch up with him.
Huge mistake! By the time he realises she is there, and what she wants, it's too late for her to turn back. They are outside the entrance, to somewhere Emily can't even comprehend, and the last place she should be. But she has already been spotted by a guard, so she has to go inside, or suffer the consequences of knowing of this place.
Jai Stone....well yum! That is all. Okay, not all. Jai is the guy in a hurry, dark and mysterious, and not expecting to have to protect a small and feisty stranger, especially one that costs him $10,000. Yet he does, and now he has to help her, or she will never leave the place they have both entered.
So from here on in, the tension just jumps up 50 notches. The whole feel of the place is crazy intense, but it's nothing compared to the chemistry between Jai and Emily. The sexual tension was unbelievably hot. Made more so by the fact that they are both trapped underground, no way out unless they fight their way out.
Considering this was a novella, every page was dripping with such heat, and the feeling of the unknown, that it made it feel so much longer. Everything about it felt really different and unique. I know I don't read fighter books, so of course it's going to be unique to me, but it felt like every aspect was totally different. The characters weren't repetitive and the same as every other character I read. Emily was shy yet at the same time had quite the forward and ballsy bite to her. She loved the excitement of it all, yet it still frightened her. She was supposed to keep quiet, yet couldn't help but keep on asking questions. I just loved how she wasn't a typical lead girl. And jai, again Yum! Did I mention he is yum? Wow that man oozes every desirable trait, you could come across. His confident and sure attitude was a major turn on, but as soon as he got in that cage, omg! I wasn't sure I even thought fighting was sexy, well Jai Stone certainly made it sexy!!
Oh one thing I will say, the guy name Skull, who runs the place. Every single time he is in a scene, I get visions of the tattooed guy 'Zombie boy' and it just freaks me out. Completely. In a good way of course! :)
So, again I am wowed by a Skyla Madi book. The Unfortunates wasn't a one off for me, she is consistent in her incredible writing and amazingly good stories, oh and of course her incredibly hot lead men. Jai Stone, uhh Yum!! Okay I'll stop now. ;)
I recommend this book huge amounts. I can't wait for part 2, unbelievably desperate for it. 5 Huge Stars!
**I was given a copy of this book, in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
March 30, 2015
3.5 stars
I thought the premise of this book was really interesting, and that the author did a good job with it. It could've been really easy to lose the reader with too much description of the underground area where Jai and Emily were but the author managed to give enough information to create a picture in my mind's eye with out overwhelming me.
Jai was a very likeable character. There was definitely some serious intrigue surrounding his character, and I found myself on more than one occasion yearning for a chapter from Jai's perspective so I could see into his head a bit. Alas, the story was told completely from Emily's POV.
Unfortunaetly, Emily annoyed me for most of the book. She had brief moments where I thought I could like her and then she would just turn around and be annoying again. I think a lot of my annoyance stemmed from her naivete and her dithering personality. She was supposed to be like 25 and she acted like she was 15. I can afford her a bit of leeway for the situation she found herself in but it was her own fault that she was there in the first place! I'm hoping she gets better as the series progresses.
I would suggest this to others, beware indecisive heroine, smoking hot hero, and cliffhanger.
I thought the premise of this book was really interesting, and that the author did a good job with it. It could've been really easy to lose the reader with too much description of the underground area where Jai and Emily were but the author managed to give enough information to create a picture in my mind's eye with out overwhelming me.
Jai was a very likeable character. There was definitely some serious intrigue surrounding his character, and I found myself on more than one occasion yearning for a chapter from Jai's perspective so I could see into his head a bit. Alas, the story was told completely from Emily's POV.
Unfortunaetly, Emily annoyed me for most of the book. She had brief moments where I thought I could like her and then she would just turn around and be annoying again. I think a lot of my annoyance stemmed from her naivete and her dithering personality. She was supposed to be like 25 and she acted like she was 15. I can afford her a bit of leeway for the situation she found herself in but it was her own fault that she was there in the first place! I'm hoping she gets better as the series progresses.
I would suggest this to others, beware indecisive heroine, smoking hot hero, and cliffhanger.
August 10, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was a pretty good dark read. Nursing student Emily is struggling to make ends meet and when Jai comes along and literally crashes into her, knocking her tablet to the ground this is the last straw. She follows him into the night in a shady area, trying to get his attention, to demand he repair what he broke. He has a job to do, and doesn’t need any distractions of her. When Emily puts herself in a dangerous situation he has to safe her and get her out alive when he takes her into the illegal underground fight. Emily may be a little innocent and naïve, but she has a darkness in her that Jai sees. I liked both of these character's they have great chemistry together the sex scenes are also hot. She must survive the fight to move on. To pay Jai back and to live long enough to get free but Skull has other plans. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. This book did leave off on a cliffhanger and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
April 16, 2018
The chemistry between the 2 (Jai & Emily) was off the charts. Skylar has done awesome with this book.
Emily is a sweetheart but she was somewhat annoying, but she a likable character in her own way. One night on her daily and nightly commutes home. a mysterious hooded strange man bumps into her exiting the subway and smashes her tablet screen in the process. Angry with the stranger that he won't stop and apologize, but also knowing she could not afford to pay for the tablet, she follows the stranger and walks into a world she was not even remotely ready for.
Jai didn't realise that he was being followed until it was too little too late. But if Emily thinks her tablet is her only problem she has another thing coming. She is in for one hell of a wake up call, there is no time for her to run she has to go with him no matter the cost even if it was at the sum of $10,000.
You're thrust into this underworld of the unknown and you are kept on your toes with danger lurking around every corner.
Emily is a sweetheart but she was somewhat annoying, but she a likable character in her own way. One night on her daily and nightly commutes home. a mysterious hooded strange man bumps into her exiting the subway and smashes her tablet screen in the process. Angry with the stranger that he won't stop and apologize, but also knowing she could not afford to pay for the tablet, she follows the stranger and walks into a world she was not even remotely ready for.
Jai didn't realise that he was being followed until it was too little too late. But if Emily thinks her tablet is her only problem she has another thing coming. She is in for one hell of a wake up call, there is no time for her to run she has to go with him no matter the cost even if it was at the sum of $10,000.
You're thrust into this underworld of the unknown and you are kept on your toes with danger lurking around every corner.
January 12, 2015
I received this ARC for an Honest review. All I can say is wow! Hold on to your seat ladies this is an amazing start to a new series for Miss Madi! We meet a few new delicious character's in this one!! The sexy and mysterious Jai, Emily "Kitten"(I love that nickname) and skull.... Yes this is another fighters book but it is nothing like consumed. It is definitely worth the read if you like alpha sexy bad boys, strong woman, and great storylines! As I said it is not a standalone so you will have to read the rest of the series to know what happens when it comes out. Her writings so good it makes you want to red the next book ASAP! Too bad we all have to wait for it to be written first!
June 13, 2015
I am so excited about this one. Sucks it's just a novella, cuz I was really in to it, but I understand why it is one. We have a secret underground fight club where the rules are, never tell anyone about the club, fight when you are suppose to fight, win you stay to fight another day, lose you leave broke and broken, or last you die. Who wouldn't want to read this one! Oh and let's not forget how yummy Jai is. Can't wait to read more this book just wets your appetite and leaves so much room for more while not leaving the reader feeling unfulfilled.
September 24, 2015
Wow!! Another amazing book from Skyla! This was definitely different than I was anticipating but definitely a good different! This is not your typical fighter bad boy meets good girl and changes his ways kind of deal. This is a raw emotional book that will keep you on your toes until the end! I definitely recommend this book! I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2016
I was one of the lucky ones to receive this book as an ARC and it didn't disappoint. I love everything this author writes and this book is no exception. The storyline is a different take on the underground fighting world and it will keep you guessing, nervous to find out everything unravels for the two characters. I was drawn in immediately and loved every blessed word.
July 13, 2015
I don't even know what to say. This didn't work for me AT. ALL. I've read this author before and if memory serves I think I gave a 5 star review. This tho, this was bad. So very bad. It's a short read but multiple times I considered 'dnf'. I pressed on thinking(hoping) that maybe a switch would flip but nope, not for me.
January 24, 2018
This is just the beginning of the story.
Jai and Emily are in a fight life. If you follow the three rules you just might get out alive. Jai knew what he was getting into, but Emily had no idea.
So far this story is interesting. It does end on a cliffhanger.
Jai and Emily are in a fight life. If you follow the three rules you just might get out alive. Jai knew what he was getting into, but Emily had no idea.
So far this story is interesting. It does end on a cliffhanger.
June 20, 2019
A quick & unique story
January 23, 2015
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Skyla Madi does it again! Hot Alpha Fighter!
Skyla brings a whole new idea, a whole new thought of underground fighting. This was completely different than what I was expecting. I went in thinking I was going to have another Seth Marc…boy was I wrong. Jai is much much different. She has one hell of an imagination!
Broken is full of suspense, adrenaline, thrill, chemistry, loyalty, and a scary ass Skull dude.
Let me start with Jai. Mmm…hot, sexy, gorgeous Jai! He’s mysterious, determined, quick tempered, and did I mention sexy? Sigh… He’s fighting to find his brother that has disappeared and he thinks Skull has something to do with it. Whether he does or doesn’t…I’m waiting patiently to find out.
Emily is a sweetheart but I found her to be quite annoying. I didn’t connect with her. I found her inner thoughts to contradict her actions. She’s not a weakling, but then again, if I was in her situation, I’d act like I was tough as nails too. She is soft like a Kitten, but yet follows big, broad man into a dark alley. I was quite confused at that.
Overall, I liked the book and although I didn’t connect with Emily, it doesn’t mean I don’t think Jai and her balance each other out. I think they’re perfect for each other and I’m ready to find out what happens. Great Job Skyla! I have always loved your work, your imagination, and your skills with words.
Skyla Madi does it again! Hot Alpha Fighter!
Skyla brings a whole new idea, a whole new thought of underground fighting. This was completely different than what I was expecting. I went in thinking I was going to have another Seth Marc…boy was I wrong. Jai is much much different. She has one hell of an imagination!
Broken is full of suspense, adrenaline, thrill, chemistry, loyalty, and a scary ass Skull dude.
Let me start with Jai. Mmm…hot, sexy, gorgeous Jai! He’s mysterious, determined, quick tempered, and did I mention sexy? Sigh… He’s fighting to find his brother that has disappeared and he thinks Skull has something to do with it. Whether he does or doesn’t…I’m waiting patiently to find out.
Emily is a sweetheart but I found her to be quite annoying. I didn’t connect with her. I found her inner thoughts to contradict her actions. She’s not a weakling, but then again, if I was in her situation, I’d act like I was tough as nails too. She is soft like a Kitten, but yet follows big, broad man into a dark alley. I was quite confused at that.
Overall, I liked the book and although I didn’t connect with Emily, it doesn’t mean I don’t think Jai and her balance each other out. I think they’re perfect for each other and I’m ready to find out what happens. Great Job Skyla! I have always loved your work, your imagination, and your skills with words.
January 15, 2015
I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I don't even know where to start. I was so not expecting this :))
This story is different for sure. I mean, Jai is perfect, just like I pictured him to be, and Emily is a strong character too, but the story itself is so dark. The place where it all happens and Skull and the fights in the Underground are more than I expected. I love these sexy strong fighters. They're my favorite male characters together with the possessive rich Ceo :)) and even in this situation, the fighter wins! I'm a fool for six pack abs. What can I say, I am a girlie girl:))
I'm a big fan of Remy (from Real series by Katy Evans) but even with him things weren't this dark. I have a feeling this story will be very intense. With lots of bad things going on. Emily between the two men. Each trying to end the other. What will she do? Will she betray Jai? Will she help him find his brother and kill Skull?? Questions questions... We'll see what mrs Madi has in store for us :)
Meanwhile, I will let you enjoy Jai ❤️ I sure as hell did!
I don't even know where to start. I was so not expecting this :))
This story is different for sure. I mean, Jai is perfect, just like I pictured him to be, and Emily is a strong character too, but the story itself is so dark. The place where it all happens and Skull and the fights in the Underground are more than I expected. I love these sexy strong fighters. They're my favorite male characters together with the possessive rich Ceo :)) and even in this situation, the fighter wins! I'm a fool for six pack abs. What can I say, I am a girlie girl:))
I'm a big fan of Remy (from Real series by Katy Evans) but even with him things weren't this dark. I have a feeling this story will be very intense. With lots of bad things going on. Emily between the two men. Each trying to end the other. What will she do? Will she betray Jai? Will she help him find his brother and kill Skull?? Questions questions... We'll see what mrs Madi has in store for us :)
Meanwhile, I will let you enjoy Jai ❤️ I sure as hell did!
January 26, 2015
I'm not sure if anyone has had the chance to check out this book but it is absolutely riveting. This book shows the underbelly of underground fight clubs. Emily is struggling to pay her bills and finish nursing school. Jai is an underground fighter trying to work his way in to an organization to sAve his brother. One wrong step while exiting the train has Emily inadvertently following Jai into a fight for her life. This book is not for the faint of heart. It is violent and dark. The intensity and passion however between Emily and Jai is amazingly written. Skyla Madi has me addicted to this series and I am anxiously awaiting to see how this story continues to develop.
January 17, 2015
*I received this ARC for an honest review* Skyla has done it again!! I've been a fan of hers for a while now and this book didn't disappoint! I loved the whole fight club thing she had going on. It was a quick read but it held my attention from the beginning. Jai is HOT, and I love that he says exactly what he's thinking. Emily (kitten) comes across as weak but I have a feeling she'll be a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to see what happens next! READ IT!!!
June 18, 2015
3-5 stars
Will be reading the next installment to see where this goes. A good intro into the underground world and the darkness that lies within.
Will be reading the next installment to see where this goes. A good intro into the underground world and the darkness that lies within.
Want to read
December 1, 2017💝 FREE on Amazon today (12/01/2017)! 💝
January 1, 2019
Wow this took an unexpected turn. Emily finds herself in quite a pickle. I don’t think you could find bad luck like she did in a matter of seconds. It took balls for her to confront a stranger Jai after he bumped and made her drop her iPad and breaking the screen. Welcome to underground fighting. I seriously will have crapped my pants if someone told me I had to cage fight.
January 20, 2015
I receive a copy of this book for and honest review.
This was my first read by Skyla Madi and I enjoyed this quick paced action packet read. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next or if they were going to win or lose their fights. The chemistry between Jai and Emily was HOT. The underground fighting scene that Skyla set up was phenomenal. I could hear the water, see the cage swaying, and she did a great job of pulling me into the story.
Emily a nursing student on her way home on the train one night has a run in with a stranger who bumps into her and causes her to drop and break her tablet. She decides to throw caution to the wind and follow him to get him to replace it. This was her first mistake of the night. Once Jai Stone realizes she followed him he tries to get her to leave when she doesn’t, her second mistake of the night. She is drug into an underground fighting scene where you fight or you die. Emily or kitten as Jai has nicknamed her is naive finding in a whole new world and scared but with her competitive spirit she is determined not to lose.
I am so intrigued with who Jai Stone is I want to know more about him. There is something about him to look after a stranger take them in show them the ropes all while trying to keep his own agenda on track. I need the next book I have to know where Emily stands and what her next move is from here. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Skull is one of the best villain’s I have read about in a while. He is hardcore strait up evil only out for himself doesn’t matter what he has to do to get what he wants. When does the next book come out again? How long do I have to wait?
This was my first read by Skyla Madi and I enjoyed this quick paced action packet read. I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next or if they were going to win or lose their fights. The chemistry between Jai and Emily was HOT. The underground fighting scene that Skyla set up was phenomenal. I could hear the water, see the cage swaying, and she did a great job of pulling me into the story.
Emily a nursing student on her way home on the train one night has a run in with a stranger who bumps into her and causes her to drop and break her tablet. She decides to throw caution to the wind and follow him to get him to replace it. This was her first mistake of the night. Once Jai Stone realizes she followed him he tries to get her to leave when she doesn’t, her second mistake of the night. She is drug into an underground fighting scene where you fight or you die. Emily or kitten as Jai has nicknamed her is naive finding in a whole new world and scared but with her competitive spirit she is determined not to lose.
I am so intrigued with who Jai Stone is I want to know more about him. There is something about him to look after a stranger take them in show them the ropes all while trying to keep his own agenda on track. I need the next book I have to know where Emily stands and what her next move is from here. Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place. Skull is one of the best villain’s I have read about in a while. He is hardcore strait up evil only out for himself doesn’t matter what he has to do to get what he wants. When does the next book come out again? How long do I have to wait?
November 11, 2017
Blood & Rust by Skyla Madi
Emily, is a struggling student nurse battling to pay her bills and continue her studies. Traveling home on the subway she gets bumped by a mysterious man. In the process her tablet goes flying and cracks the screen. The man is unaware of what he has done and so Emily decides to follow him to confront him. When Jai is confronted by Emily, he fears for what she has just walked in on. The only way he can protect her, is to involve her in the underground world that they are about to enter. The underground world is dirty and seedy. Is there a way for Emily to get out alive? Can Jai protect her and should he? Is the attraction that builds between the two of them a good thing or will it cause more unwanted attention? The writing flowed, and yet at times I did think the story needed a bit more description. The characters were easy to relate to. Jai is definitely mysterious but underneath his hard exterior, there seems to be a knight in shining armor. Emily is compassionate and has empathy towards people. She is not a fighter and definitely not a hardened killer. Unfortunately she has found herself in a situation of fight or die. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the 2nd book to see where these two land up now that Skull has branded them.
Hot Books & Sassy Girls Blog
Emily, is a struggling student nurse battling to pay her bills and continue her studies. Traveling home on the subway she gets bumped by a mysterious man. In the process her tablet goes flying and cracks the screen. The man is unaware of what he has done and so Emily decides to follow him to confront him. When Jai is confronted by Emily, he fears for what she has just walked in on. The only way he can protect her, is to involve her in the underground world that they are about to enter. The underground world is dirty and seedy. Is there a way for Emily to get out alive? Can Jai protect her and should he? Is the attraction that builds between the two of them a good thing or will it cause more unwanted attention? The writing flowed, and yet at times I did think the story needed a bit more description. The characters were easy to relate to. Jai is definitely mysterious but underneath his hard exterior, there seems to be a knight in shining armor. Emily is compassionate and has empathy towards people. She is not a fighter and definitely not a hardened killer. Unfortunately she has found herself in a situation of fight or die. I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the 2nd book to see where these two land up now that Skull has branded them.
Hot Books & Sassy Girls Blog
January 15, 2015
Brillant 4.5 stars!
Skyla Madi’s Broken was brilliant! For me it had the depravity of Mad Max’s Thunder dome and a whole lot of Fightclub. The plot is original, the main characters are strong and the chemistry/Hotness out of this world! AND she has the perfect villain, Skull! So much suspense waiting on the first fight, I literally couldn’t put the book down. There weren’t a lot of secondary characters but this made the story more intense for me. In my opinion this made for a good writing strategy to keep you on your toes! It’s a cliff hanger and I can hardly wait for book 2, Twisted. Bring it on Skyla!
In summary:
Sexy/Smutty Factor: 4 stars- Smokin’ Hot alpha male!
Character likability: 4 stars. Hero and Heroine strong.
Originality of Storytelling: 5 stars
Don’t hesitate 1-click this baby when it’s available!
This was an ARC by the author and I have given my honest review.
Skyla Madi’s Broken was brilliant! For me it had the depravity of Mad Max’s Thunder dome and a whole lot of Fightclub. The plot is original, the main characters are strong and the chemistry/Hotness out of this world! AND she has the perfect villain, Skull! So much suspense waiting on the first fight, I literally couldn’t put the book down. There weren’t a lot of secondary characters but this made the story more intense for me. In my opinion this made for a good writing strategy to keep you on your toes! It’s a cliff hanger and I can hardly wait for book 2, Twisted. Bring it on Skyla!
In summary:
Sexy/Smutty Factor: 4 stars- Smokin’ Hot alpha male!
Character likability: 4 stars. Hero and Heroine strong.
Originality of Storytelling: 5 stars
Don’t hesitate 1-click this baby when it’s available!
This was an ARC by the author and I have given my honest review.
May 5, 2016
All I can say is Skyla started her new series off with a BANG!!
WOW!!
It was heart stopping & had the adrenaline pumping in my veins pretty much all throughout the read. Once started I couldn't stop & it was devoured in such a short time, I'm still reeling from it & surprised I can even make sense right at this moment.
Fight Club has nothing on this story, the crazy instense feel in this story is nothing compared to the intense chemistry between Emily & Jai. With the glimpses we get into their past that slowly stitches everything together, not completely or else the pull into the story wouldn't last... Skyla keeps us waiting and wanting to find out what is happening next. I had previously read the original of 'Blood and Rust' (aka 'Broken') so it was wonderful to go back & re-read Jai & Emily's story, especially with the extra content. 'Blood and Rust' is book 1 in Skyla's new series "New York Crime Kings", I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
WOW!!
It was heart stopping & had the adrenaline pumping in my veins pretty much all throughout the read. Once started I couldn't stop & it was devoured in such a short time, I'm still reeling from it & surprised I can even make sense right at this moment.
Fight Club has nothing on this story, the crazy instense feel in this story is nothing compared to the intense chemistry between Emily & Jai. With the glimpses we get into their past that slowly stitches everything together, not completely or else the pull into the story wouldn't last... Skyla keeps us waiting and wanting to find out what is happening next. I had previously read the original of 'Blood and Rust' (aka 'Broken') so it was wonderful to go back & re-read Jai & Emily's story, especially with the extra content. 'Blood and Rust' is book 1 in Skyla's new series "New York Crime Kings", I can't wait to read the next books in the series.
January 20, 2015
I received an ARC of Broken in exchange for an honest review!
Honestly, I normally hate novellas anything less than 300 pages and I feel I'm wasting time and money. BUTTT I have come to find that nothing of Skyla's is ever a waste. She has yet to write a book that hasn't captured my attention from the first few pages. Most stories start slow and build up to excitement forcing you to keep reading until you get to that point when you're like, "FINALLY something happened". Well not this book, from the beginning you're thrust into the good stuff and it never stops. Each chapter is exciting and you're never left wondering when something is going to happen because there is never a dull moment. The main characters, Emily and Jai, are effing perfect. The fighting is brutal and raw and just right. The sex is AHHMAZEBALLS!! Skyla has once again set herself up with a brilliant storyline and what I have no doubt will be an amazing series.
Honestly, I normally hate novellas anything less than 300 pages and I feel I'm wasting time and money. BUTTT I have come to find that nothing of Skyla's is ever a waste. She has yet to write a book that hasn't captured my attention from the first few pages. Most stories start slow and build up to excitement forcing you to keep reading until you get to that point when you're like, "FINALLY something happened". Well not this book, from the beginning you're thrust into the good stuff and it never stops. Each chapter is exciting and you're never left wondering when something is going to happen because there is never a dull moment. The main characters, Emily and Jai, are effing perfect. The fighting is brutal and raw and just right. The sex is AHHMAZEBALLS!! Skyla has once again set herself up with a brilliant storyline and what I have no doubt will be an amazing series.
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