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O'Harra Brothers #1
Punching and Kissing
To save my brother, I must fight in his place. A woman in a man’s world...and I’ve never thrown a punch in my life. My only chance is Irish fighter Aedan O’Harra: big, brutal and feared in and out of the ring. I’ll beg him to train me. What will he demand in return? (Standalone romance with HEA. Violent scenes. Trigger advisory inside book).
SYLVIE - They say Aedan’s a killer. A monster. So why can’t I take my eyes off of him? As we sweat and wrestle and spar, I swear I can see a better man hiding inside....
AEDAN – She’s my angel, an innocent caught up in my world of violence and pain. If I’m going to save her, I have to keep us far apart...but how can I do that when I’m falling for her?
Neither of us are ready for how dark this fight will become.
SYLVIE - They say Aedan’s a killer. A monster. So why can’t I take my eyes off of him? As we sweat and wrestle and spar, I swear I can see a better man hiding inside....
AEDAN – She’s my angel, an innocent caught up in my world of violence and pain. If I’m going to save her, I have to keep us far apart...but how can I do that when I’m falling for her?
Neither of us are ready for how dark this fight will become.
310 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2015
1316 people are currently reading
1837 people want to read
About the author
Helena Newbury
30 books1,339 followersWant to contact me? helenanewburyauthor@gmail.com
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May 30, 2024
Punching and Kissing is book one in the O’Harra Brothers series by Helena Newbury. It’s 8:00 at night right now and I just finished this book! I honestly don’t know how I’ll ever be able to go to sleep tonight! What a crazy ending! In a good way so don’t let me scare you! But wow! What a wild ride this was!!
Sylvie and her brother Alec were trying their best to survive in New York. They were barely hanging on. Her brother was fighting in the illegal underground fights in a place called The Pit and he was actually pretty good and had been winning. Until he wasn’t and ended up in the hospital. In order to save her brother, Sylvie has to volunteer to fight in his place. Only one problem with that. She’s never fought in her life. And she has the muscle tone of a wet noodle!
Aedan O’Harra is a huge Irishman that people naturally shy away from as he walks past. He’s an ex-fighter with secrets. But none of that matters to Sylvie. She’s not afraid of him. She needs him to teach her how to fight. She has one month to learn how to fight and Aedan is the only person who can help her.
Aedan tries to keep his distance but the more time they are together, the less that becomes possible. Sylvie has a way of breaking through any barriers he tried to keep in tact. He doesn’t deserve her but he just can’t stay away.
You know this story has to have an evil villain and the villain in this story is worse than evil. I don’t even know how to describe him. When everything was coming to a peak, I didn’t know if my heart was going to be able to take it. Talk about intense!
The author says these books can be read in any order but if you are reading them in the series order, book two is called Bad for me, which will be Sean O’Harra’s book. I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Sylvie and her brother Alec were trying their best to survive in New York. They were barely hanging on. Her brother was fighting in the illegal underground fights in a place called The Pit and he was actually pretty good and had been winning. Until he wasn’t and ended up in the hospital. In order to save her brother, Sylvie has to volunteer to fight in his place. Only one problem with that. She’s never fought in her life. And she has the muscle tone of a wet noodle!
Aedan O’Harra is a huge Irishman that people naturally shy away from as he walks past. He’s an ex-fighter with secrets. But none of that matters to Sylvie. She’s not afraid of him. She needs him to teach her how to fight. She has one month to learn how to fight and Aedan is the only person who can help her.
Aedan tries to keep his distance but the more time they are together, the less that becomes possible. Sylvie has a way of breaking through any barriers he tried to keep in tact. He doesn’t deserve her but he just can’t stay away.
You know this story has to have an evil villain and the villain in this story is worse than evil. I don’t even know how to describe him. When everything was coming to a peak, I didn’t know if my heart was going to be able to take it. Talk about intense!
The author says these books can be read in any order but if you are reading them in the series order, book two is called Bad for me, which will be Sean O’Harra’s book. I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 17, 2015
4.5 "fuck me, I didn't expect that" stars
my, my, my...I gotta hand it to ya, rarely a book makes my tummy twist in a knot like this one did...
and I applaud you for it...
I was expecting a tight fighters' love story and i got so much more...I got drama, I got suspence i got...oh, boy...
brooding tormented hero - checked
bold, brave yet vulnerable heroine - checked
and a suspensful story that will make you wanna re-read Shakespeare all over again, just to make sure I didn't miss anything... double checked
scorching hot scenes - triple checked
I didn't expect a twist that will put me in a state of angst and I was telling myself - this can't be, right? right?!
so again, bravo!
my, my, my...I gotta hand it to ya, rarely a book makes my tummy twist in a knot like this one did...
and I applaud you for it...
I was expecting a tight fighters' love story and i got so much more...I got drama, I got suspence i got...oh, boy...
brooding tormented hero - checked
bold, brave yet vulnerable heroine - checked
and a suspensful story that will make you wanna re-read Shakespeare all over again, just to make sure I didn't miss anything... double checked
scorching hot scenes - triple checked
I didn't expect a twist that will put me in a state of angst and I was telling myself - this can't be, right? right?!
so again, bravo!
October 6, 2017
3.5 / 5 stars
The beginning of this started off perfectly, I was addicted from page one. I knew going in it was going to be very Insta-lovish, but it started to take a unique path with the over used 'bad boy' trope.
For awhile there, bad boy anything would sell, and therefor every author under the sun has put out a book with a character who "posses dark looks". A boxer of course classifies as a bad boy, and I have paid for my fair share of crappy books along those lines, but this was definitely one of the better ones.
It still had cliche elements sprinkled through the story, but I love the dynamic this author created. The ending was where this story lost me, it went from being realistic but still exciting, to very hard to believe.
Still an enjoyable read, but a pretty anticlimactic ending.
The beginning of this started off perfectly, I was addicted from page one. I knew going in it was going to be very Insta-lovish, but it started to take a unique path with the over used 'bad boy' trope.
For awhile there, bad boy anything would sell, and therefor every author under the sun has put out a book with a character who "posses dark looks". A boxer of course classifies as a bad boy, and I have paid for my fair share of crappy books along those lines, but this was definitely one of the better ones.
It still had cliche elements sprinkled through the story, but I love the dynamic this author created. The ending was where this story lost me, it went from being realistic but still exciting, to very hard to believe.
Still an enjoyable read, but a pretty anticlimactic ending.
February 22, 2019
I bought this one 3.5 years ago. I've been meaning to read it ever since. Not sure why I didn't, other than I guess I needed a little extra push. Thanks to the TPAM 2019 challenge, I can finally check it off as read.
It was sexy, sexy, hot, hot, and steamy. whew! *fans self*
I like tough heroines in my M/F romance and this one was tough - yet vulnerable. It was a good combination. Out H is brutally alpha but with a gentle, bruised soul.
You gotta suspend belief just a littlelot, but if you do, you get a darkish, gritty romance with a nice bow on the HEA.
It was sexy, sexy, hot, hot, and steamy. whew! *fans self*
I like tough heroines in my M/F romance and this one was tough - yet vulnerable. It was a good combination. Out H is brutally alpha but with a gentle, bruised soul.
You gotta suspend belief just a littlelot, but if you do, you get a darkish, gritty romance with a nice bow on the HEA.
October 26, 2015
3 "Fighting" stars
Well that was interesting! I didn't expect such a dark read but anyway. It was intense, misterious and kind of sweet at times !
Aedan was the dark, misterious, broken hero. He felt the spark between Sylvie and him from their first meeting, but he didn't want to get involved personally with her. He wanted to her to find something better and not fill her life with his life baggage!
When the sexual tension became too much but he still didn't do anythign about it it was frustrating and painfull for both of them..
Sylvie was the vulnerable heroine who has no other choice than fight for her brother and for her life . She changed during the book, she became bolder and stonger . Her mission was to became a figher , something she wouldn'r ever thing of doing but when that's your only choice in order so survive do you it anyway!
Helena Newbury , I can safely say, can write SEXY scenes! Full of passion and lust!Where the hero knows what do to, what he wants and the heroine is bold enough to tell her feelings out loud!
The twist was absurd to me and yes I was surprised and shoked, you will never expect that to happen!
My thoughts:
I didn't connected with the characters the way I wanted to. I didn't feel their relationship somehow realistic. It was sexy and it had some sweet moments but it didn't win my attention very much. There were even pages I just scroll down because there was too much inner monologues.. I am not proud of that, but still...
But if you want a book with dark elements, rough scenes, dark and tormented hero/heroine, bloody fights and bad boys.. this book is for YOU!
Well that was interesting! I didn't expect such a dark read but anyway. It was intense, misterious and kind of sweet at times !
Aedan was the dark, misterious, broken hero. He felt the spark between Sylvie and him from their first meeting, but he didn't want to get involved personally with her. He wanted to her to find something better and not fill her life with his life baggage!
When the sexual tension became too much but he still didn't do anythign about it it was frustrating and painfull for both of them..
Sylvie was the vulnerable heroine who has no other choice than fight for her brother and for her life . She changed during the book, she became bolder and stonger . Her mission was to became a figher , something she wouldn'r ever thing of doing but when that's your only choice in order so survive do you it anyway!
Helena Newbury , I can safely say, can write SEXY scenes! Full of passion and lust!Where the hero knows what do to, what he wants and the heroine is bold enough to tell her feelings out loud!
The twist was absurd to me and yes I was surprised and shoked, you will never expect that to happen!
My thoughts:
I didn't connected with the characters the way I wanted to. I didn't feel their relationship somehow realistic. It was sexy and it had some sweet moments but it didn't win my attention very much. There were even pages I just scroll down because there was too much inner monologues.. I am not proud of that, but still...
But if you want a book with dark elements, rough scenes, dark and tormented hero/heroine, bloody fights and bad boys.. this book is for YOU!
August 29, 2015
Sylvie is the least likely person anyone can imagine finding themselves in a fight club situation. She goes from spectator to combatant in a last ditch effort to save her brother's life when his fight goes off the rails. She lucks out by catching the eye of Aedan, a former combatant in the world she is now a part of. He agrees to train her to at least survive her first fight.
At first I was not sure if I would like this. The premise was a little hard to swallow as believable. But after a few side-eyes in the beginning, the story took over, and I was able to just go with the flow. It helped that both characters were quite likable, so their romance made me overlook some of my storyline misgivings. I appreciated that Aedan was a blue collar working stiff, and not another rich guy saving a poor girl trope. The originality of the ending is what helped add the extra star.
If you are open to angst in your New Adult, this one is definitely worth a try.
*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
At first I was not sure if I would like this. The premise was a little hard to swallow as believable. But after a few side-eyes in the beginning, the story took over, and I was able to just go with the flow. It helped that both characters were quite likable, so their romance made me overlook some of my storyline misgivings. I appreciated that Aedan was a blue collar working stiff, and not another rich guy saving a poor girl trope. The originality of the ending is what helped add the extra star.
If you are open to angst in your New Adult, this one is definitely worth a try.
*I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review
May 28, 2020
Helena Newbury has become one of my go to authors! From start to finish, she has such an amazing ability to suck you into her stories and fall in love with her characters.
Sylvie and Aedan meet during unusual and unpleasant circumstances. Aedan helps Sylvie about of a very bad situation, and even though it’s not the right place or the right time, they both feel this unbearable urge to be with each other. However, Aedan’s past mistakes come to the forefront of his mind, and he decides to walk about from someone who could help save himself.
However, these two aren’t apart for too long, Sylvie seeks out Aedan for help to save her brother’s life. After a lot of thought, Aedan finally agrees, and this is where things start to get interesting.
When these two finally give in to their feelings for each other, boy do the pages catch on fire! But things are going to be such a smooth ride for these two. Aedan still fights with his past, and Sylvie has to fight with what could be her present.
Will these two be able to make it through the hurdles in their way? Or will the danger they have to face be what ruins them. Sometimes you can’t overcome evil, sometimes it takes over and destroys everything.
As I said before, Helena is definitely a go to author for me! I’ve never been disappointed by any of her books and I’m excited to read even more from her. If you haven’t read any of her books, DO SO NOW!
**ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
Sylvie and Aedan meet during unusual and unpleasant circumstances. Aedan helps Sylvie about of a very bad situation, and even though it’s not the right place or the right time, they both feel this unbearable urge to be with each other. However, Aedan’s past mistakes come to the forefront of his mind, and he decides to walk about from someone who could help save himself.
However, these two aren’t apart for too long, Sylvie seeks out Aedan for help to save her brother’s life. After a lot of thought, Aedan finally agrees, and this is where things start to get interesting.
When these two finally give in to their feelings for each other, boy do the pages catch on fire! But things are going to be such a smooth ride for these two. Aedan still fights with his past, and Sylvie has to fight with what could be her present.
Will these two be able to make it through the hurdles in their way? Or will the danger they have to face be what ruins them. Sometimes you can’t overcome evil, sometimes it takes over and destroys everything.
As I said before, Helena is definitely a go to author for me! I’ve never been disappointed by any of her books and I’m excited to read even more from her. If you haven’t read any of her books, DO SO NOW!
**ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review**
August 22, 2016
The ending was extremely predictable, but the love story was still enjoyable. Great book !
August 13, 2024
3 stars
I skipped quite a bit of the middle of this book, but did really want to see how it ended so I gave it 3 stars.
The FMC agrees to take her brother’s spot in an unground fight club that’s run by a pretty evil villain, and the MMC is an ex-fighter who she asks to train her.
The story was darker than I expected, and the vibe was kind of… pulpy? It reminded me of movies I don’t enjoy (casual violence, a bit gritty, a little OTT but not in the soapy drama way), so it just wasn’t the right book for me.
The parts I did read felt really well paced though, and the short chapters made it feel like a page turner. Hoping the next book will be more to my taste!
I skipped quite a bit of the middle of this book, but did really want to see how it ended so I gave it 3 stars.
The FMC agrees to take her brother’s spot in an unground fight club that’s run by a pretty evil villain, and the MMC is an ex-fighter who she asks to train her.
The story was darker than I expected, and the vibe was kind of… pulpy? It reminded me of movies I don’t enjoy (casual violence, a bit gritty, a little OTT but not in the soapy drama way), so it just wasn’t the right book for me.
The parts I did read felt really well paced though, and the short chapters made it feel like a page turner. Hoping the next book will be more to my taste!
July 2, 2017
Actual 3.75 stars. RTF
August 22, 2015
sylvie and Aedan meet during unusual and unpleasant circumstances she is about to get raped in the bathroom of an underground fighting ring when he saves her. Her brother is badly injured during a fight but nobody cares especially the boss because he lost him money. When sylvie steps in to and offers to fight to get money paid back the boss thinks its a good idea however she doesn't know how to fight. While her brother is at the hospital in a coma she sets off to find Aedan the only one who has been undefeated at fighting but she remembers her brother telling her to stay away from him. Theirs something about him that she feels connected to him but he straight out tells her NO he wont trainer her. With a little begging he finally agrees, He knows he should stay away from her and not ruin her innocence but he is to selfish to let her walk away. Weeks of training sylvie is stronger and is able take on her opponent when the time comes. When the boss decides to change the fight a bit this will leave them with no choice, it is either live or die.
March 9, 2020
I LOVED THIS!!!
Review to come.
Review to come.
December 13, 2021
2.5 stars
May 22, 2025
• 2.5 stars — Kissing and Punching would’ve been a better name •
I thought the FMC was gonna go full My Name (IYKYK), but instead she got dickmatized and lost the plot—literally (you were supposed to be fighting to save a life, girl…).
But hey, it was free on Audible and the narrators weren’t bad, so… yeah.
I thought the FMC was gonna go full My Name (IYKYK), but instead she got dickmatized and lost the plot—literally (you were supposed to be fighting to save a life, girl…).
But hey, it was free on Audible and the narrators weren’t bad, so… yeah.
February 14, 2022
outstanding
Oh man. This book was serious and intent and sexy and absolutely fantastic. And that ending— it completely blew me away.
Oh man. This book was serious and intent and sexy and absolutely fantastic. And that ending— it completely blew me away.
May 21, 2019
Ugh there were so many things wrong with this. The story had potential but there were things that just didn't add up for me. So Silvie and her brother Alec are barely making it by and he makes money by doing underground fighting. He ends up in a coma and she makes a deal with shady manager to save her brother from being killed by telling him she'll fight in the next match. She finds Aiden and asks him to train her. After some reluctance, he agrees. Things develop between them. So when a pre-fight comes up to meet her opponent, she forgets all her training and doesn't even make an effort to defend herself. Wtf! The story barely even touches on her visiting her brother in the hospital. Then Aiden makes her pick a fight with some random girl at the mall to prove she can intimidate. What?! That's fucking ridiculous. Then after that unrealistic situation, they're at a diner and some random dude is all up on her and, again, she doesn't do a thing to defend herself. Shes this weak little girl. Wtf is the point of all the training?! Then Aiden lays the guy out and proceeds to get mad that Silvie didn't hit the guy. But he wants to protect her... um how can you protect her when you're making her pick fights with people that could potentially get her hurt?! Then a curve ball us thrown when her opponent is changed to be a man. A former convict who is looking to beat and rape her. Seriously? She tells Aiden, he tracks the guy down and breaks his arm and beats the hell outta him. Another curve ball, when the slimy manager finds out he puts Silvie and Aiden up against each other to the death. If they refuse, they both die including her brother. So he wants to take the fall but she eont let him. She has her brother's doctor give her some kind of medication to inject that will slow down her pulse and breathing making it look like shes dead. The fight happens, she makes Aiden hit her, she goes down and is "dead". He takes her and goes to bury her somewhere pretty... lmao! Omg it's so ridiculous. Absolutely absurd. She wakes up, the bad guy is caught, they decide to move to a different city and they lived happily ever after... holy shit some of this was just so bad that it was ludicrous
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2016
This is a new author for me.
I cannot say that this was bad...because it wasn't.
But I can't say that I loved it either.
Since I am reading the second book without reading the first part...I'm not sure if it has to be related or not because if it isn't...then there were some unexplained points about Aedan's past that were in need of explanation.
So that was a kind of bummer.
Coming to the plot...the plot started out good and promising but somewhere down the line it became shaky.
It needed more depth and character build up.
The author tried a lot to give background to the characters but somehow she couldn't execute it properly for me.
The romance was a hit and miss. I could sometimes feel it and most times I felt utterly detached.
I mean, Sylvie gets nearly raped in the first scene and her brother is in coma, she has to fight for her life in less than a month and even then all she thinks is about having sex with Aedan.
I understand chemistry but there are priorities. At least at the first 20% of the book...sex shouldn't have been focus.
The lead characters are the same. They succeed in connecting to you at times and at times they totally veer off the plot and that might make you frustrated if you are opposed to that kinda thing.
The highlight of the book, for me, was Rick.
He wasn't the best antagonist ever written. He doesn't even have much of a role. But I think, he was the best character in the book.
The most well executed and the one who has the most influence in the book.
I don't thin I have disliked an antagonist this much apart from the IMA series by Nenia Campbell.
You develop a taste of dislike in the first scene towards Rick and it just keeps increasing till the end.
The author achieved her motive by executing this character in a way that you end up hating him.
So the author excelled here.
The rest is decent.
I might try some other works by this author.
I cannot say that this was bad...because it wasn't.
But I can't say that I loved it either.
Since I am reading the second book without reading the first part...I'm not sure if it has to be related or not because if it isn't...then there were some unexplained points about Aedan's past that were in need of explanation.
So that was a kind of bummer.
Coming to the plot...the plot started out good and promising but somewhere down the line it became shaky.
It needed more depth and character build up.
The author tried a lot to give background to the characters but somehow she couldn't execute it properly for me.
The romance was a hit and miss. I could sometimes feel it and most times I felt utterly detached.
I mean, Sylvie gets nearly raped in the first scene and her brother is in coma, she has to fight for her life in less than a month and even then all she thinks is about having sex with Aedan.
I understand chemistry but there are priorities. At least at the first 20% of the book...sex shouldn't have been focus.
The lead characters are the same. They succeed in connecting to you at times and at times they totally veer off the plot and that might make you frustrated if you are opposed to that kinda thing.
The highlight of the book, for me, was Rick.
He wasn't the best antagonist ever written. He doesn't even have much of a role. But I think, he was the best character in the book.
The most well executed and the one who has the most influence in the book.
I don't thin I have disliked an antagonist this much apart from the IMA series by Nenia Campbell.
You develop a taste of dislike in the first scene towards Rick and it just keeps increasing till the end.
The author achieved her motive by executing this character in a way that you end up hating him.
So the author excelled here.
The rest is decent.
I might try some other works by this author.
July 20, 2015
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
*Slight spoilers*
What starts out as a story line you may think you’ve read before, turns out to be far from it. We first meet Sylvie when she is at ‘The Pit’, an underground place where brutal, bare knuckle fighting takes place and the winner is the last one standing. Sylvie is there keeping an eye on her brother who is about to go into the ring in an effort to get some money to keep their heads above water. It is here that she sees Aedan, the sexy, brooding Irishman with a past filled with dark secrets. They have an instant attraction that they both try to ignore but they are thrown together when Aedan comes to her rescue.
When Sylvie’s brother is badly beaten, the only thing she can think of doing is to take his place and fight for him. Aedan knows that without his help, she will be killed and so the two train hard together and one thing leads to another. I really enjoyed the relationship as it developed between them and the story is told from both MC’s POV’s so we know what is going on in each of their heads. There was a great chemistry between them and the sex scenes were hot but a little long winded and at times a bit unrealistic, I mean, what woman has several screaming orgasms every time she has sex?!
The story does however keep you hooked, wanting to know how it will all pan out but as we get to the end, it takes a turn into crazyville when the woman that Sylvie was lined up to fight is substituted by a man who will not only beat her but will most likely rape her in front of an audience. As if this wasn’t bad enough, when this opponent is rendered unfit to fight, Sylvie is lined up to fight another man and this is a fight that will leave only one of them alive. I found it all a little disturbing and it ruined what would otherwise be a perfectly good happy ending.
*Slight spoilers*
What starts out as a story line you may think you’ve read before, turns out to be far from it. We first meet Sylvie when she is at ‘The Pit’, an underground place where brutal, bare knuckle fighting takes place and the winner is the last one standing. Sylvie is there keeping an eye on her brother who is about to go into the ring in an effort to get some money to keep their heads above water. It is here that she sees Aedan, the sexy, brooding Irishman with a past filled with dark secrets. They have an instant attraction that they both try to ignore but they are thrown together when Aedan comes to her rescue.
When Sylvie’s brother is badly beaten, the only thing she can think of doing is to take his place and fight for him. Aedan knows that without his help, she will be killed and so the two train hard together and one thing leads to another. I really enjoyed the relationship as it developed between them and the story is told from both MC’s POV’s so we know what is going on in each of their heads. There was a great chemistry between them and the sex scenes were hot but a little long winded and at times a bit unrealistic, I mean, what woman has several screaming orgasms every time she has sex?!
The story does however keep you hooked, wanting to know how it will all pan out but as we get to the end, it takes a turn into crazyville when the woman that Sylvie was lined up to fight is substituted by a man who will not only beat her but will most likely rape her in front of an audience. As if this wasn’t bad enough, when this opponent is rendered unfit to fight, Sylvie is lined up to fight another man and this is a fight that will leave only one of them alive. I found it all a little disturbing and it ruined what would otherwise be a perfectly good happy ending.
July 27, 2015
I love Helena's books, so much, that I cannot wait, until the next book comes out".
This book was really something entirely different then all the books before. I mean this in a positive way.
It was nerve-wrenching, tear-pressing, frighteningly, romantic and heartbreaking but also beautiful moving.
I know that it doesn't make sense, but that's how I would describe this book, if someone would ask me.
I really admire all the characters in this book. I would like to know more about the "happily ever after", because
I had a feeling as if the two of them were only in hell all the time.
This book was really something entirely different then all the books before. I mean this in a positive way.
It was nerve-wrenching, tear-pressing, frighteningly, romantic and heartbreaking but also beautiful moving.
I know that it doesn't make sense, but that's how I would describe this book, if someone would ask me.
I really admire all the characters in this book. I would like to know more about the "happily ever after", because
I had a feeling as if the two of them were only in hell all the time.
July 14, 2015
Author notes: Ebook out 31st July. This is a standalone romance with HEA You don't need to have read Lying and Kissing or any other book. It contains violent scenes and one scene that may be triggering for rape survivors.
June 4, 2025
Aedan & Sylvie had me melting & my head spinning. 😍♥️
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
🔖 She needs his help to coach her
🔖 Fighter newbie h
🔖 His past haunts him
🔖 Crazy Intensity & Passion
🔖 Heart-Racing Twists & Turns
🔖 Strong Emotions that'll tug at your heart strings
🅼🆈 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂: 🄰🅄🄳🄸🄾🄱🄾🄾🄺
With each book in this series, I'm falling more and more in love with Ms. Newbury's writing.
I'm seriously getting addicted to the style of Intense passion and emotions that you feel strongly.
This one features Aedan and Sylvie as our lead and I'll be honest, when I read the Blurb I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but as I have fallen head over heels in love with the first book, I thought I'd give this one a try AND MY GOODNESS... I'M so grateful that I did.
I would highly suggest listening to this audiobook because I feel it makes you feel everything more deeply as Lucy and Christian have greatly brought out the characters of Sylvie & Aedan.
I felt gripped and pulled into the storm of emotions right from the start as we see Sylvie watching her brother fight and then in a bid to save his life, takes his place to fight in the pit.
She's a sweet girl who's never even raised her voice to anyone. How can someone as soft as her fight in a place that's known for its ruthlessness.
But Sylvie is a fighter in her mind and she decides she'll get the help from the one person she's been warned to stay away from but knows he's the only one that can help her.
It's a difficult way ahead as Sylvie and Aedan team up. Teacher and Student... But it's a long road ahead and with lots of preparation both physically and mentally.
I felt so much as the brewing tension between Sylvie & Aedan grew for each other. You can feel them fighting this strong pull of both Lust and something else, something more each day and yet unable to hold onto the control.
Aedan might have demons of his past but that man... Ahhh.... Such a freaking gentleman and really a man of good heart.
He's a tough one and he does his best to prepare Sylvie with everything that he can.
The sudden twists that came out of nowhere had me literally shocked and wide-eyed when certain things took a turn.
I was so so scared, having not seen this coming and also watching Aedan and Sylvie fall hard and fast, while been trapped by life... Ahhh had me feeling oh so much.
Those last chapters... Were freaking madness and I was listening so fast to my audiobook because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next as one shocking turns were happening after another.
The spice and the chemistry once again get full marks and were so freaking dayumm sizzling that I was all but a melted mess.🔥🔥
I seriously can't have enough of this series. Ahhh... Absolutely Loved loved this one. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
🔖 She needs his help to coach her
🔖 Fighter newbie h
🔖 His past haunts him
🔖 Crazy Intensity & Passion
🔖 Heart-Racing Twists & Turns
🔖 Strong Emotions that'll tug at your heart strings
🅼🆈 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂: 🄰🅄🄳🄸🄾🄱🄾🄾🄺
With each book in this series, I'm falling more and more in love with Ms. Newbury's writing.
I'm seriously getting addicted to the style of Intense passion and emotions that you feel strongly.
This one features Aedan and Sylvie as our lead and I'll be honest, when I read the Blurb I wasn't sure if I would like it or not but as I have fallen head over heels in love with the first book, I thought I'd give this one a try AND MY GOODNESS... I'M so grateful that I did.
I would highly suggest listening to this audiobook because I feel it makes you feel everything more deeply as Lucy and Christian have greatly brought out the characters of Sylvie & Aedan.
I felt gripped and pulled into the storm of emotions right from the start as we see Sylvie watching her brother fight and then in a bid to save his life, takes his place to fight in the pit.
She's a sweet girl who's never even raised her voice to anyone. How can someone as soft as her fight in a place that's known for its ruthlessness.
But Sylvie is a fighter in her mind and she decides she'll get the help from the one person she's been warned to stay away from but knows he's the only one that can help her.
It's a difficult way ahead as Sylvie and Aedan team up. Teacher and Student... But it's a long road ahead and with lots of preparation both physically and mentally.
I felt so much as the brewing tension between Sylvie & Aedan grew for each other. You can feel them fighting this strong pull of both Lust and something else, something more each day and yet unable to hold onto the control.
Aedan might have demons of his past but that man... Ahhh.... Such a freaking gentleman and really a man of good heart.
He's a tough one and he does his best to prepare Sylvie with everything that he can.
The sudden twists that came out of nowhere had me literally shocked and wide-eyed when certain things took a turn.
I was so so scared, having not seen this coming and also watching Aedan and Sylvie fall hard and fast, while been trapped by life... Ahhh had me feeling oh so much.
Those last chapters... Were freaking madness and I was listening so fast to my audiobook because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next as one shocking turns were happening after another.
The spice and the chemistry once again get full marks and were so freaking dayumm sizzling that I was all but a melted mess.🔥🔥
I seriously can't have enough of this series. Ahhh... Absolutely Loved loved this one. ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
March 21, 2020
Audiobook review of Punching and Kissing
Kissing Series #2
By: Helena Newbury
Narrated by: Christian Fox, Lucy Rivers
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
03-21-20
The story is original and the characters are okay. They don't have much depth or development, that on the downside. Although the storyline keeps me hanging on to the story, I'm never drawn in.
Be aware this is a dark story - not the relationship between the MCs, they have a sweet love story in a brutal world - but there are violence, abuse, and attempted rape. If these themes disturb you, don't listen to or read this book.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: 💖💖💖💖
Flow: 👍👍👍
Writing and Editing: 🖋🖋
Heat: 🌶🌶
Christian Fox: 🎤🎤🎤🎤
Lucy Rivers: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Disclaimer: I’m leaving a voluntary review and this is my honest opinion. I’m in no way, shape or form coerced, influenced, or paid to leave this review. I’m not related nor friends with this author and I do not have a personal interest in this book.
Kissing Series #2
By: Helena Newbury
Narrated by: Christian Fox, Lucy Rivers
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
03-21-20
The story is original and the characters are okay. They don't have much depth or development, that on the downside. Although the storyline keeps me hanging on to the story, I'm never drawn in.
Be aware this is a dark story - not the relationship between the MCs, they have a sweet love story in a brutal world - but there are violence, abuse, and attempted rape. If these themes disturb you, don't listen to or read this book.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Characters: 💖💖💖💖
Flow: 👍👍👍
Writing and Editing: 🖋🖋
Heat: 🌶🌶
Christian Fox: 🎤🎤🎤🎤
Lucy Rivers: 🎙🎙🎙🎙
Disclaimer: I’m leaving a voluntary review and this is my honest opinion. I’m in no way, shape or form coerced, influenced, or paid to leave this review. I’m not related nor friends with this author and I do not have a personal interest in this book.
September 29, 2021
Honestly, i wasn't expecting much going into this book. But now that i have read it i am like "Well that was interesting".
I always like my female character to be strong and intelligent. And Sylvie was just that and the fact that she could throw a punch was like the cherry on the top. What do i say i just like it if a girl can actually hit someone.
And now about the male character, well let's just say I have a new crush. Aedan is our Irish bad boy who was a fighter. And let's be honest who does like a brooding giant of a man who is actually a big sweetheart. And he was just that. The way he cared for her was great.
Even though i loved the book i still felt like the romance was kinda rushed. But over all the story was good.
And the plot twist, oh god the plot twist. Now, i agree that it was kinda too much. But come on dude it's fiction if this cannot have unbelievable twist than what can.
So lastly this is a great read if you like your characters strong yet vulnerable, your story cute yet dark, and if you are someone who likes fight and some bloodshed.
I always like my female character to be strong and intelligent. And Sylvie was just that and the fact that she could throw a punch was like the cherry on the top. What do i say i just like it if a girl can actually hit someone.
And now about the male character, well let's just say I have a new crush. Aedan is our Irish bad boy who was a fighter. And let's be honest who does like a brooding giant of a man who is actually a big sweetheart. And he was just that. The way he cared for her was great.
Even though i loved the book i still felt like the romance was kinda rushed. But over all the story was good.
And the plot twist, oh god the plot twist. Now, i agree that it was kinda too much. But come on dude it's fiction if this cannot have unbelievable twist than what can.
So lastly this is a great read if you like your characters strong yet vulnerable, your story cute yet dark, and if you are someone who likes fight and some bloodshed.
July 20, 2017
For me this book & Alaska Wild are fighting it out for spot 5 star reads area of rating-ness ...I love them both so so much. I am almost positive that Alaska Wild was my 1st Helena book? The 2nd. Kissing My Killer & 3rd. Losing My Balance. I love Helena's writing style ... I love the unexpected part of this book ... here is Sylvie ...not one who normally would fight in a club or any where for that matter ... but she takes it on your her shoulder to fight for her brother's life. Aedan is a real bad boy ... 'nough said, you get the picture, right??! yep. Loved this read. Check it out! If you have not read Alaska Wild please do so ... such a great read. Love Helena's style. Please keep reading girlfriend. please. ( :
June 19, 2017
Aeden and Sylvie have a lot to overcome for them to finally be together. Rick is truely evil and he manipulates people into doing things they don't want to do. Alec and Sylvie are desperate and need the money Alec gets from fighting but when he is seriously injured in a fight Sylvie puts herself in danger by taking his place. She asks Aeden for his help but he his hiding from his own demons. Together they fight to free all three of them from Rick.
April 23, 2023
Confused
So the end of the last book Carrick found him but it didn't show in this book so I was disappointed in it the book itself was good a page turner and smaller then the first but I was left disappointed
So the end of the last book Carrick found him but it didn't show in this book so I was disappointed in it the book itself was good a page turner and smaller then the first but I was left disappointed
January 21, 2022
Wow. Another amazing book by this author. Aedan carries some dark secrets. He’s an ex-fighter who’s intimidating.
Sylvia and Alec are siblings who are struggling to make ends meet. Alec starts underground fighting to make some extra money.
Sylvia finds herself in a dangerous situation as is saved by Aedan. There’s something about him that draws her in.
This was exciting and action packed and I had absolutely no idea how the author was going to fix the trouble that they found themselves in.
Sylvia and Alec are siblings who are struggling to make ends meet. Alec starts underground fighting to make some extra money.
Sylvia finds herself in a dangerous situation as is saved by Aedan. There’s something about him that draws her in.
This was exciting and action packed and I had absolutely no idea how the author was going to fix the trouble that they found themselves in.
July 28, 2015
It’s morbid, it’s bloody, it’s awesome. Punching and Kissing lived up to its name, and I can’t help but to love and savor every single page.
Because this girl? Ahh, she’s a brave girl. That or she’s pretty much crazy to get herself in that kind of situation. She may or may not have a choice, but one thing is for sure – she has to go through with it because she couldn’t bear the consequences. There is only one man who can help her…
Aeden – he was danger personified. He was done with his past, and he told himself he wasn’t coming back into it. Until she came into his life and begged for his help. He was the only one who can help her. There was no way she’d survive the situation and get out alive. He wasn’t sure at first, but how can he possibly resist this girl who had caught his attention the first time he ever laid his eyes on her? It took some time, but he agreed to helping her.
His control was tested whenever they’re together. He was trying his best to stop the attraction and the urge to be with her. But every time they’re together, she consumes him. His past always gets in the way, it was the only thing that was stopping him from wanting her.
And it didn’t take that long before they finally gave in. It was a total explosion – the feelings and attraction that they are trying to caged in is finally out, and there was no way of stopping it. Definitely sexy, steamy and can set your readers on fire!
Nevertheless, there is still that pressing situation that needs to be addressed; Aedan’s past and Sylvie’s present. Can they survive? Will their love be truly enough?
There were so many heart-stopping moments in the book, interesting and jaw-dropping twist. You can’t help but want to know how is everything is going to play out, and if this two would have their happy ending. The powerful story line Helena Newbury had with Punching and Kissing is enough to get you hooked.
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Link:AMAZON US
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
Because this girl? Ahh, she’s a brave girl. That or she’s pretty much crazy to get herself in that kind of situation. She may or may not have a choice, but one thing is for sure – she has to go through with it because she couldn’t bear the consequences. There is only one man who can help her…
Aeden – he was danger personified. He was done with his past, and he told himself he wasn’t coming back into it. Until she came into his life and begged for his help. He was the only one who can help her. There was no way she’d survive the situation and get out alive. He wasn’t sure at first, but how can he possibly resist this girl who had caught his attention the first time he ever laid his eyes on her? It took some time, but he agreed to helping her.
His control was tested whenever they’re together. He was trying his best to stop the attraction and the urge to be with her. But every time they’re together, she consumes him. His past always gets in the way, it was the only thing that was stopping him from wanting her.
And it didn’t take that long before they finally gave in. It was a total explosion – the feelings and attraction that they are trying to caged in is finally out, and there was no way of stopping it. Definitely sexy, steamy and can set your readers on fire!
Nevertheless, there is still that pressing situation that needs to be addressed; Aedan’s past and Sylvie’s present. Can they survive? Will their love be truly enough?
There were so many heart-stopping moments in the book, interesting and jaw-dropping twist. You can’t help but want to know how is everything is going to play out, and if this two would have their happy ending. The powerful story line Helena Newbury had with Punching and Kissing is enough to get you hooked.
Review originally posted on my blog
Purchase Link:AMAZON US
Follow me on: Twitter | Facebook | tsu | Instagram
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
April 26, 2025
Quick Stats:
Format: eBook & Audiobook.
Narrators: 🎙️ Christian Fox & Lucy Rivers.
Narration Style: 🎧 Dual.
Whispersync For Voice Ready? Yes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot In A Sentence:
A hardened underground fighter and a determined woman with everything to lose collide in a story of survival and unexpected love.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrator Chemistry:
Christian Fox and Lucy Rivers are an unbeatable duo. Christian’s rugged voice captures Aedan’s intensity and vulnerability, while Lucy’s expressive tone brings Sylvie’s determination and bravery to life. Together, they make every emotional and intense moment hit harder.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Feels:
Swooniness: 🫠 4/5 Aedan’s fierce protectiveness and Sylvie’s unyielding courage create a pairing you can’t help but root for. And Christian Fox with and Irish accent...need I say more?
Suspense: 🕵️♂️ 4.5/5 The high stakes of the underground fighting world and Sylvie’s dangerous gamble for her brother’s safety keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through.
Plot Twists: 🔀 3.5/5 Unexpected turns add depth to the story. Helena definitely knows how to write an amazing nail-biting story.
Tear Flow Rate: 😭 3.5/5 the last 15 or so chapters definitely had me shedding some tears with the emotional, mental, and physical battles that Aedan and Sylvie were dealing with.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
About The Main Characters:
Aedan: A brooding fighter with a tough exterior and a haunted past. Aedan’s journey to open up and let Sylvie in is emotionally raw and beautifully written.
Sylvie: A courageous heroine who’s willing to step into danger to save her brother. Sylvie’s mix of vulnerability and strength make her a character to admire and cheer for.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sizzle Scale:
Warm 🌶️ 3.5/5 The tension between Aedan and Sylvie builds beautifully, leading to moments that are as intense as they are steamy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Bite:
Underground fighter romance.
Strong, determined heroine.
Grumpy/protective hero.
High-stakes emotional journeys.
Format: eBook & Audiobook.
Narrators: 🎙️ Christian Fox & Lucy Rivers.
Narration Style: 🎧 Dual.
Whispersync For Voice Ready? Yes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot In A Sentence:
A hardened underground fighter and a determined woman with everything to lose collide in a story of survival and unexpected love.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Narrator Chemistry:
Christian Fox and Lucy Rivers are an unbeatable duo. Christian’s rugged voice captures Aedan’s intensity and vulnerability, while Lucy’s expressive tone brings Sylvie’s determination and bravery to life. Together, they make every emotional and intense moment hit harder.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Feels:
Swooniness: 🫠 4/5 Aedan’s fierce protectiveness and Sylvie’s unyielding courage create a pairing you can’t help but root for. And Christian Fox with and Irish accent...need I say more?
Suspense: 🕵️♂️ 4.5/5 The high stakes of the underground fighting world and Sylvie’s dangerous gamble for her brother’s safety keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through.
Plot Twists: 🔀 3.5/5 Unexpected turns add depth to the story. Helena definitely knows how to write an amazing nail-biting story.
Tear Flow Rate: 😭 3.5/5 the last 15 or so chapters definitely had me shedding some tears with the emotional, mental, and physical battles that Aedan and Sylvie were dealing with.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
About The Main Characters:
Aedan: A brooding fighter with a tough exterior and a haunted past. Aedan’s journey to open up and let Sylvie in is emotionally raw and beautifully written.
Sylvie: A courageous heroine who’s willing to step into danger to save her brother. Sylvie’s mix of vulnerability and strength make her a character to admire and cheer for.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sizzle Scale:
Warm 🌶️ 3.5/5 The tension between Aedan and Sylvie builds beautifully, leading to moments that are as intense as they are steamy.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Bite:
Underground fighter romance.
Strong, determined heroine.
Grumpy/protective hero.
High-stakes emotional journeys.
November 24, 2015
I'm punching the air with excitement after reading this story.
I just downloaded last night and I couldn't put it down.
A tale of love in the roughest of circumstances.
Sylvie's brother is into underground fighting, it's the only way that allows them to earn money to pay the bills, The Pit is the worst place anyone can find themselves in, normally spectators want to see blood and the stakes are high for the loosing side. Things go terribly wrong when his last fight ends not as expected and looses his handler a lot of money. In an attempt to make things right Sylvie offers herself as an alternative for his brother's next fight, it is the only viable solution to save him. But she has no idea what she's gotten herself into and this leads her to the only man who can help her, the man who once came to her rescue and who since that day has been engrained in her memory.
Aeden has only known one way of getting through life, and that's by fighting, it's the only thing which has given him a purpose. He has done terrifying things and believes to be a monster, that is until the little Sylvie crosses his path. He's terribly shocked, a girl like her shouldn't be in a place like the Pit. He is soon rescuing her from what could have been a terrible ordeal. He soon puts that behind him and only allows to think of her as an Angel, someone completely out of reach and who he can't never allow himself to have. He's not worth it. That is until she's suddenly standing in front of him asking to teach her how to fight.
The chemistry between them is explosive, neither can't deny their attraction. But soon they would not only be training hard but fighting hard to give into their deepest wants and desires.
I loved this story, it was fast, it was engaging. The plot was powerful and utterly gripping.
Helena has done it again. She proves once more why she is a Bestselling Author and why these stories have become the readers favourite choice.
5 POWerful STARS. Isalovesbooks
I just downloaded last night and I couldn't put it down.
A tale of love in the roughest of circumstances.
Sylvie's brother is into underground fighting, it's the only way that allows them to earn money to pay the bills, The Pit is the worst place anyone can find themselves in, normally spectators want to see blood and the stakes are high for the loosing side. Things go terribly wrong when his last fight ends not as expected and looses his handler a lot of money. In an attempt to make things right Sylvie offers herself as an alternative for his brother's next fight, it is the only viable solution to save him. But she has no idea what she's gotten herself into and this leads her to the only man who can help her, the man who once came to her rescue and who since that day has been engrained in her memory.
Aeden has only known one way of getting through life, and that's by fighting, it's the only thing which has given him a purpose. He has done terrifying things and believes to be a monster, that is until the little Sylvie crosses his path. He's terribly shocked, a girl like her shouldn't be in a place like the Pit. He is soon rescuing her from what could have been a terrible ordeal. He soon puts that behind him and only allows to think of her as an Angel, someone completely out of reach and who he can't never allow himself to have. He's not worth it. That is until she's suddenly standing in front of him asking to teach her how to fight.
The chemistry between them is explosive, neither can't deny their attraction. But soon they would not only be training hard but fighting hard to give into their deepest wants and desires.
I loved this story, it was fast, it was engaging. The plot was powerful and utterly gripping.
Helena has done it again. She proves once more why she is a Bestselling Author and why these stories have become the readers favourite choice.
5 POWerful STARS. Isalovesbooks
Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews